“Your hands sure are full!”
One of my favorite things about Alyson is that she will answer this with: “Yes, but so is my heart.”
Sometimes you meet someone who is just so good at putting words to things you have struggled to express for so long. Alyson is one of those women with the gift of whit and words. I love her view on life, and more than anything, her outlook on being a mom. Every time I see a post of hers on Facebook, I am reminded to take a deep breath and just laugh it off. Or as she said to me, “If it can be fixed with soap and water, then it is not worth freaking out about. So many things can be fixed with just a little bit of soap and water. Just say to yourself, SOAP AND WATER.”
She reminds me that being a good mom isn’t about the “perfect”…but about embracing and enjoying the imperfect. Being a good mom is laughing at the days when you walk out of the house with mismatched shoes. Being a good mom is realizing, even on the hardest of days when you want to lock yourself in the bathroom and cry….that being a mother is still a blessing and a gift of God.

I wish you wanted to read a novel instead of reading (or skimming) this blog post, cause I could write so much more about this family. There is Alyson, but there is also an incredibly brave man (who can grow the best mustaches I have ever seen). There is the remarkably smart Jack who will amaze you with his power to out-whit you, even though he is only 5. There is the silly, funny, ham-it-up-make-you-laugh-until-the-cows-come-home Finley. And last but not least, the toughest AND sweetest little girl I have ever seen, Claire.

And of course, by now you have may have noticed that this family’s attire is not your usual photo shoot wear. I haven’t introduced you to the other member of the family, the member that although it has caused a lot of heartache, is the reason behind this photo shoot: THE HOUSE. This family has a phenomenal house with character and charm beyond belief. (Although I am pretty sure the family would say as of right now it is a thorn in their side, and anyone who has remodeled knows what I am talking about) Any visionary can see that it WAS a stunning home from 1909 and WILL BE again spectacular and the envy of the neighborhood when it is finished being remodeled. And I have to say, I love that Alyson wanted to capture the house even though it is still in the midst of change (and with 1900′s attire!!)
Under construction. A reminder that nothing is perfect. Just like life as a mom, life as a family, life as a Christian; we really are all just under construction. So just sit back, laugh, and remember the good moments along the way while you wait for the final product to come to fruition (and don’t be afraid to take a picture of it all before it is where you want it).
With so much love and excitement….I can’t wait to introduce you. The “P” family:

(serious for the vintage look of course, but don’t worry, there are plenty of smiles to go around…)

Alyson brought some of the coolest props for the kids to play with. On of my favorites was this beautiful vintage book that brought on family reading time.


Sometimes one image steals my heart and this next one is it. It was a candid moment where Alyson was fixing her hair….and two of her little ones admiring their mama from afar. Alyson couldn’t be more beautiful and the moment was so sweet….

Then we headed inside to frost some cupcakes……


…and to give everyone a little sugar boost….

…and cupcakes of COURSE….have to be washed off in the pool….

But not before we got a couple last portraits…

And because I have said so much already….I will just end with a THANK YOU “P”family…it was just as epic…just like you! ;)