Little Bites of Heaven

just one thing

noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 02:09:00 +0000

i was snuggled in bed this afternoon with cameron + we were chatting about life. i asked her if she could pick only one thing to do every day for the rest of her life what it would be. i adored her answer, so i posed the question to the rest of the family + just had to document the answers.

lydia: 'play volleyball'

james: 'drive a monster truck with giant wheels + a giant engine. and lots of lights. and three blowers on the front, two blowers on the side and two blowers on the side.'

ella: 'play volleyball like lydia when i get bigger. and sing on a stage when i get bigger.'

cameron: 'jump on a pogo stick. when i learn how to do it, because i don't know how to do it by myself yet.'

john: 'i guess draw.'

rachael: 'photograph.'

reading over the answers + reflecting on my own moved me to share this post... http://blog.rachaelmariephotography.com/?p=1880

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For Japan, with love.

noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 02:22:00 +0000

For Japan With Love has a direct link on the website to a fundraising page for ShelterBox. ShelterBox was one of THE first organizations asked by Japan to help and were on hand on the Saturday after the quake. Each large, green ShelterBox is tailored to a disaster but typically contains a disaster relief tent for an extended family, blankets, water storage and purification equipment, cooking utensils, a stove, a basic tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items.

Please check it out and whatever you can contribute will be so appreciated.

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noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 20:09:00 +0000

i rediscovered this via becky earl's blog today. i just love it too much not to share it...

If I had my child to raise all over again,
I’d build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I’d finger-paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I’d take more hikes and fly more kites.
I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I’d do more hugging and less tugging.
~Diane Loomans

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dedication...

noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:39:00 +0000

I posted this on my photography blog...but I also wanted to share it here.

after the regular season…

a seven month long off-season season, four hour practices two days a week, lessons once a week, tournaments out of town nearly every single weekend. repetition, strength training, team building. balancing it all with the upcoming school track season, maintaining the honor roll, very little time for a social life.

at fifteen years old my daughter inspires me in a way i am not sure she will properly understand until she is much older. but as i watch her pursue her volleyball dreams, i am awe struck. she and her teammates (really, the entire program) exhibit a level of dedication that i have only recently learned to apply in my own life.

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when i grow up

noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 22:38:00 +0000

me: james, what do you want to be when you grow up?

james: a race car driver! with an orange race car!

cameron: oh...but james, we will miss you when you are gone in your race car.

me: yes, we probably will...but he will come back. cameron, what do you want to be when you grow up?

cameron: i want to learn how to jump rope when i grow up and then i will just jump rope when i grow up. but, i will jump rope at home with you, mommy and daddy, so you don't have to be alone.

me: aww, cameron that is so sweet of you. ella, what about you?

ella: i want to be a volleyball player just like lydia and then i can play with lydia. and a singer. on a stage!

me: what will you sing?

ella: umm...twinkle, twinkle little star and just...everything!

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noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:44:00 +0000

We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. Procrastination is still the thief of time. Life often leaves us standing bare, naked, and dejected with a lost opportunity. The tide in the affairs of men does not remain at flood — it ebbs. We may cry out desperately for time to pause in her passage, but time is adamant to every plea and rushes on. Over the bleached bones and jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words, ‘Too late.’ – MLK jr.

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Best Friends...

noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:57:00 +0000

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Ella Bean

noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 02:07:00 +0000

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Love...

noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 08:57:00 +0000

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noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 22:01:00 +0000

The triplets are crazy excited about the Christmas season this year: the lights, the tree, the ornaments, the presents, Santa...really, the entire season itself and everything that it brings. They love (and I cannot stress this enough) LOVE the snow. In fact, they are outside with Lydia right now freezing their little tushes off and loving every second of it.

When we went to Nana's house last week and they discovered her tree was up, they quickly became concerned because (in their words) 'something is missing! this tree doesn't have ornaments on it or presents under it!'

They have been looking through a magazine we received in the mail from Target long before Thanksgiving, and have known exactly what they want from Santa since the first week it was in our house. The poor thing is tattered and worn now, but they know exactly where to find what they want and still enjoy looking through it for other things that make the maybe list.

James wants a Thomas Lego Misty Island Playset, Ella wants a pink Disney Princess Scooter and Cameron wants a Princess Magic Dough Kitchen. Those items are already being referred to as my...(fill in the blank). We have tried to explain that just because it is on their list, doesn't mean that they already own it. Which seems to be sinking in a little bit. Stress on the word little; because trying to explain that something isn't guaranteed is a pretty foreign concept to three year olds.

Last night I wrapped several presents and put them under the tree while the triplets were asleep. I feel asleep on the couch and woke to James loudly talking about rectangles and long squares, searching everywhere for the magazine. Like a little detective, he flipped the pages until he found what he was looking for and then shouted excitedly that the shape of the Thomas playset in the picture is the same exact shape and size as one of the boxes under the tree. And he knew, with all the certainty in the world, that the box held exactly what he has his heart set on.

Both Ella + Cameron woke uttering gibberish about presents, sleepy eyed and full of wonder. But after a quick search, both were a little distraught that the shape and size of the boxes did not match up with their wish list.

I had to explain that Santa has yet to pay us a visit this year + usually when he does visit he comes bearing gifts; that there is a good chance that nothing on their list is under our tree. Which is, in fact, the truth.

Nothing on their wish list is under our Christmas tree.

But, like I said, Santa hasn't come yet. And I cannot wait to see their little faces on Christmas morning.

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What a wonderful life...

noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 03:40:00 +0000

It is snowing tonight. The soft, beautiful, stick to the ground kind of snow. Perfect for the first real snow of the year.

We took the little ones to a toybox auction tonight and as we were sitting at a table nibbling on our snacks, we looked up to see Santa and Mrs. Claus walk by the window. They were outside, we were inside, and they were clearly headed elsewhere; but Santa and Mrs. Claus' mere presence instantly brightened up their faces. And their eyes twinkled with the hope that he might be coming to talk to them.

As Ella realized Santa and Mrs. Claus were not actually coming to see her, I watched her face droop in disappointment. And she looked up at me with a sad pout whispering, 'But I didn't even get to tell Santa what I want for Christmas.'

Promises of a visit to see him soon were all it took to make her happy again.

And as we left and walked out into streets of our downtown, with the snow falling and lights all around, I couldn't help but be filled with the same sense of wonder as my little ones. They were giddy with excitement as they danced and skipped to the car, shrieking, "I love you snow" and giggling with delight. I taught them how to catch snowflakes on their tongues, we filled our shoes with snow as we stepped in the 'snow puddles'...

It was so incredibly sweet to watch their reaction, to witness their feelings of awe as they took it all in. I have been so wrapped up in work lately, so busy that I have forgotten to stop and enjoy the beauty of life.

And what a wonderful life it is...

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noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:34:00 +0000

More here...rachael marie photography

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Thankful...

noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 00:16:00 +0000

I know I am a day late, but since I happen to think anytime is appropriate for giving thanks, I am okay with that :)

Yesterday, at Thanksgiving dinner, my sister-in-law handed out paper leaves she had cut out and colored with crayon. On them was printed the phrase, 'I give thanks for __________'

I spent a long time trying to figure out how to word what I wanted to say, because truthfully the leaf was too small to say it all. What I wrote, was, I give thanks for...

'family + love + the fullness of life; the ability to dream + the chance to make those dreams come true.'

But, I also give thanks...

for my family and friends.
for my clients and colleagues.
to have been able to watch my kids grow and change over the course of another year.
to have sent my daughter off to high school and my little ones off to preschool, excited as they embarked on new adventures.
to have been given the chance to not only launch my photography business, but to watch it grow into more than I ever dreamed it would become.
to have had my husband at home with us, to help out with all of the home and children to do's so that I can work on my business to do's.
to have the unwavering support and unconditional love of family and friends.

for so, so much more.

This past year has been an amazing one. We have certainly had our share of trials and tribulations, but I cannot help but feel that I have been blessed. So blessed.

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I love...

noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:20:00 +0000

the sound of the three little ones as they chase each other around the house screaming and giggling.

the way if one of the three are hurt, the other two rush over to make sure that the injured party is okay.

the squeeze of three small hands grabbing for mine as we get ready to cross a street.

the feeling of three little bodies as they cuddle up to me in the middle of the night.

the incredible scenarios created with vast imaginations.

the amazing stories they tell.

the rapidly increasing vocabulary of three three year olds.

the sometimes inaccurate uses of the words they have learned.

the palpable excitement when getting ready to see people they love.

the unwavering sense of right.

the intuitive knowledge of how correct a wrong.

the boundless and playful energy that fills our home.

the constant music of preschoolers singing and humming.

the twirling and dancing around each room.

the forgetfulness of what constitutes a 'no'.

the amusing perspectives on events that actually happened.

the three unique senses of humor.

the mimicking of adults.

the pretend play.

the love they give..

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Halloween 2010

noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 21:08:00 +0000

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Peaches' Pumpkins

noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:59:00 +0000

We have yet to get our pumpkins for carving this year, but the Peaches' did create some pumpkin masterpieces at preschool...

{In order of appearance...James, Ella, + Cameron}

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Conversations.

noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 14:17:00 +0000

I made a decision the other day to write down more of the conversations between + comments from the peaches. Some are cute, some are sweet...but most are hysterically funny. It saddens me to think of how many I have already forgotten. But, hopefully there are still many more to come :)

One from this morning...

Ella (with concern in her voice): Daddy, the air porch is not gone.

John (a bit confused): Ella, honey...what is an air porch?

James (piping in excitedly from out of nowhere): It's where the airplanes are, silly!

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Homecoming 2010

noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 06:11:00 +0000

Cannot believe I have a daughter in high school...

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Email from a three year old (or three three year olds)

noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 20:33:00 +0000

The little ones have been asking to see their grandparents (John's parents) repeatedly over the past couple of weeks, telling me often that they miss them and want to see them soon, so when they found out today that Gram and Grandpa Lou would be visiting us this week, they could hardly contain their excitement. Then, this afternoon after a brief phone conversation with their Grandpa Lou, they asked if I would send Gram and Grandpa Lou a message. We settled on the form of an email.

And, no lie, this is what they came up with:

Dear Gram and Grandpa Lou,

Do you want to play with me? Can you eat with us? I would like to see you. I like to hula hoop with you. Can you come tomorrow? Please? I want you to come today. And play outside with me at my house with me?

Love,

Ella

Dear Gram and Grandpa Lou,

I went to their house and I had so much fun. We went there earlier. We went there yesterday. Can we see you today? Can I play with you and hula hoop with you too? I want you to come play with me. And hula hoop with me.

Love,

Cameron

Dear Gram and Grandpa Lou,

Red is Gram's and black is Grandpa Lou's. Turn the bottom red. And then turn the 'unner' one black. Yay. Now turn that one. And today we are going to draw their colors. J...A...M...E...S... That's me. So I want to love Gram and Grandpa Lou. I love you Gram and Grandpa Lou.

Love,

James

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noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:41:00 +0000

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.

Theodore Roosevelt

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today...

noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 14:30:00 +0000

i will be remembering those who lost their lives, praying for those who miss them, reflecting on all that it means and thanking those who serve and protect us all.

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Reflections on Motherhood

noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:11:00 +0000

found here

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noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:55:00 +0000

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My baby girl.

noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:30:00 +0000

I posted this on my photography blog, http://blog.rachaelmariephotography.com , but I also wanted to share it here. I keep looking at the photographs from our session in awe, wondering when she suddenly grew up. And how it feels like I missed so much of the past fourteen years, even though I know that both in reality and in my heart I was actually there.

This, is my baby girl. I know, I know, she looks nothing of the baby she once was. At fourteen, I wouldn't expect her to. And yet my mind still sees her as that chubby little baby at least half of the times I look at he. And even if she looks all grown up now, even when she is all grown up...I will always think of her as my baby girl.

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Lilith Fair | 2010

noreply@blogger.com (rachael (rachael marie photography)) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:30:00 +0000

About a month ago, thank you to BlogHer, I had the opportunity to attend Lilith Fair. I was super excited about going, but even better was that when I picked up my tickets at will call, I found tucked inside the envelope a beautiful, shiny press pass. The pass allowed me to attend the press conference and it also gave me the permission to walk right up to the stage at the beginning of each act to photograph the artists up close + personal.

Among other artists, featured at the Chicago venue were Meaghan Smith, Kate Nash, Courtyard Hounds, Heart, Mary J. Blige and Sarah McLachlan. The concert, the music, the artists, the entire experience was incredible, powerful, moving.

But for me, being able to photograph it all was the most amazing part....I loved every second of it and hope to do more work like this in the very near future.

You can find the photographs on my photography blog...http://blog.rachaelmariephotography.com + on Flickr.

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