Larkin

Larkin has been my walking buddy for some time now (well, she rides in the stroller). Her mom, Ashley, is my constant encourager to push myself and run faster, longer. Both are bright spots in my day. I am happy to have documented her being 1 year old!

There she goes, taking after her mommy!

Mammas

Sunday was a lovely Mother's Day, especially when spent with the two dolls up above. We celebrated with fancy pancakes, church, a little spa-ing, and grilling hamburgers. Knox "surprised" me early in the week by finding where his dad hid my present, unwrapped it, and brought it to me with a little, "here ye go". Our next skill will be picking pockets in crowds.

Then Monday brought the unique opportunity to photograph not one, but two first time expectant moms. Both were so beautiful and made me miss (briefly) being pregnant! It was the perfect way to drive home the gift of being a mamma.

Anna and Baby Harrison

Mandy and Baby Catherine

No Place Like Home Project 2009

For the past several years, I have been blessed with leading a church project nicknamed "The No Place Like Home Project". On our church's Great Day of Service, my co-chair, Tiffany, and I direct a group of awesome volunteers to completely redecorate and organize the home of a deserving single mom. Our efforts start weeks before as we meet the family, photograph their living quarters, determine needs, and then plan how to make it all work with less than $1000 and furniture donations. This year our family's situation was vastly improved before we even started, moving from a run down trailer into family housing. I was impressed with the cleanliness and functionality of the housing provided by the City of Franklin. Simple things like a shower that works and proper electrical wiring are things that we didn't have to worry about this year!

The mom has 3 boys, ages 11, 9, and 7 and they love soccer, sports, watching movies and being rambunctious boys. The mom loves the ocean and the color blue. It was really a joy on my part to have met them and to try to ease the tiniest bit of stress and woe that this family has and is experiencing.

I have often wrestled with the fact that God has labeled one of my spiritual gifts as decorating on a budget. It seems superfluous and unimportant at times, but I have become to truly believe that a clean, organized home can reset a person's perspective.

Here are the before and afters!

Signatures of Project Volunteers

Living Room

Hallway

Kitchen

Tween Boy Room

Mom's Room

Boys' Bunk Room

The Bathroom