A Moment of Silence

I don't think there are any of us untouched by Friday's tragedy. And now the names and faces of the victims are circulating and I realize just how precious and innocent and beautiful these little ones were. I lie sleeplessly in bed at night aching for the parents, the families, the loved ones, the police, firefighters and other rescue workers, knowing this tragedy is nothing short of impossible for them to accept. My own precious child sleeping safely in his bed just down the hall, tousled curls burrowed against his favorite puppy with not a care in the world makes me feel like the richest woman in the world. My attempts at formulating all the thoughts and emotions I feel as a mom regarding this senseless tragedy have failed. I just can't get beyond all the empty little beds in Connecticut. Oh Jesus, be near.

With that said, the plans for all the adorable posts I had planned for the coming weeks have been post-poned. Anything short of a moment of silence to honor the victims, their families, their loved ones, and their communities feels trite. 

I pray that somehow, in all the horror of it all, that comfort and peace would surround all those touched by 12-14-2012. May the God of all Comfort comfort their hearts and someday, somehow, bring joy back to their lives.

Because Normal Doesn't Come in the Family-Size Package

It is the goal of every mom who sets up family portraits for the Christmas card to get some nice shots of mom, dad, and kids... looking normal. Normal, as in happy and focused family. A painted picture of the family bond in all of its mild and loving glory. The cooperative children, obliging husband, a contented mom, and the American dream of living the perfect life. All one thousand words typed into the shutter of the camera pixel-y representing the elusive normal family.

I try not to infringe on the rights of people to their presentation of normalcy. 

However, in an attempt to prove the fact that real-life normal is actually a whole lot more interesting than put-on normal, I gathered up an excerpt (note that word: excerpt--just an excerpt!) of the evidence from a recent family shoot featuring my sister's not-afraid-to-be-the-Nelson-normal family. 

So, from the files of Not-to-be-Framed-and-Hung-in-the-Staircase, please enjoy the craziness of what makes a family normal.

[please note: while the production of these images feature only the most realistic normalcy of this family, we did succeed in capturing a few more dull-normal frame-able shots (which were indeed the whole purpose of the photo shoot) that are not included in this post]

What's your normal? Celebrate it.

Joel & Savannah: Husband & Wife

And then they tied the knot. 

(Belated) Congratulations to the lovely Joel & Savannah on their marriage. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of capturing your special day!

They wrote love letters to each other to read together right before their ceremony. That special moment was shared without breaking tradition and seeing each other.