Do not stand at my grave and weep.//  I am not there.  I do not sleep.//  I am a thousand winds that blow.//  I am the diamond glints on snow.//  I am the sunlight ripened grain.//  I am the gentle autumn rain.//  When you awaken in the morning’s hush// I am the swift uplifting rush// Of quiet white doves in circled flight.//  I am the soft stars that shine at night.// Do not stand at my grave and cry;// I am not there, I did not die.

People have been saying to me, “Doesn’t it feel like the first year just flies by?”  For me, the answer is no and I think the reason is because I was awake for the majority of it.  I can remember the days vividly, always watching the clock, making sure that the twins stayed on schedule because the idea of NEVER sleeping frightened me to my core.   I worried about them constantly.  Were they breathing at night, are they getting enough food, are they developing properly? All these things kept me awake quite a bit this year.  My sisters make motherhood look so easy.  I strive to be more like them, more calm and relaxed. I am getting better. Slowly (very slowly) but surely.  I am so thankful that we have such healthy babies but I am just as thankful for all the people who helped us to reach this milestone.  From the nurses and doctors in the hospital to our friends, families, and childcare givers who showered us with gifts, food, support and love.  We could not have done it without each and every one of you.   Thank you all so much!

Once again, I have had the wonderful opportunity to connect with old friends and classmates.  I went to high school with the Bowen girls and was thrilled to hear from them about photographing their family while I was back east.  In school, these girls were not just beautiful and smart but they were also tremendous athletes.  We all used to play lacrosse together and had so much fun kicking butt against Moses Brown and Wheeler.  They are still as sweet as ever and it was so great to meet all of their new additions.

On my trip back east, I had the opportunity to photograph a few families that I have grown up with.  Missy and Alicia, the moms in this shoot, I have known the longest.  We all went to elementary school together.  I was right in the middle of them, grade-wise.  To this day, they have remained close family friends.  And they haven’t changed a bit!  They are still the kindest, funniest sisters you’ll ever meet with the nicest husbands and the SWEETEST kids!  Seriously, non-stop smiley kids who were so much fun to photograph.

My little cousin Trevor is engaged to the sweetest little lady named Mary.  We are so excited to welcome her to our family! Congrats you guys!  x M

These presentation boxes are custom made using Japanese bookbinding fabrics and Swiss ribbon accents.  There are all sorts of wonderful colors to choose from.  You can choose a bow or go with a simple accent ribbon (as seen here).  You can also personalize with engraving.  The box pictured here is one that I created for my twins.  It can hold up to 800 4×6 photos.  I just love how classic and well made these boxes are.  Please contact me if you are interested in creating a presentation box collection for yourself or for someone you know.