Butterflies and Babies

If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies. ~Author Unknown

As we prepare for the opening of our new studio this October, we've done quite a bit of soul searching concerning the future of our business.

1) Matt has come on as a more prominent addition to all the happenings at Charity Lynn.  That's not to say he hasn't been a huge part up to this point.  In fact, he's been my biggest fan and wouldn't let me throw in the towel all 11, 264 times.  So, you'll be seeing him around a lot more.  (hint, hint...we're working on brining on a couple of other people too!)

2) Babies, babies, babies!  Tis' the season for babies.  Well, at least in our family, anyway.  Until now we've focused on weddings and fresh new love, but now we're going to expand to celebrate the seasons of childhood.  (The new website is almost done!)

3) In an industry saturated with amazing photographers, it's time we set ourselves apart from the rest of the pack.  Our vision is no longer to create amazing images, but to create timeless art.  We will deliver framed work ready to hang on your wall that will not only establish stunning decor for your home, but art unique to your family.

4) We are all about you.  You are why we are doing this, so we're going to take the time to get it right, just for YOU.

We look forward to capturing a sliver of your amazing story.

xoxo

Charity & Matt

Have You Kissed Your Hero Today?

Remember when you we're dating the man of your dreams?  Remember how your face lit up when he walked into the room?  Or how just hearing his voice over the phone would send you head spinning?  Remember how he made you feel like there was no other woman alive?

Now it's been two years of marriage and the smells that emulate from him are not natural.  His dresser?  Oh, that's the pile of clothes next to the bed.  It's no secret that relationships - all relationships - are difficult to be successful, most of all a marriage relationship.  I mean, everyday you're with that person & everyday you see that person's true colors.

So what happened between the pre and post "I do"?  Did he turn into a different person?  How did our marriage turn into a verbal boxing match?  In the book, Finding the Hero in Your Husband, Julianna Slattery talks about how every man wants one thing.  To be someone's hero.  Can you believe that just about everything falls second to this desire?

Could it be that our focus changed?  No longer does he light up my room when he walks in.  No longer can he send my head spinning when he calls.  Instead I'd rather tell my girlfriends everything he does wrong.  

For the next few weeks, focus on all the wonder things that first took your breath away.  Find small things he does and sincerely voice your appreciation.  Let him know you love it when he helps with the kids or when he offers to make dinner.  Think of ways to brag to other people about him...in his ear shot.  

Try it.  You may be surprised at who walks through the door.

This post is dedicated to Matt, my true Superman.  Thanks for doing the dishes this morning.

A Life Moment

As I worked, I absentmindedly heard the prattle of Charis behind me.  After awhile I couldn't take the constant questions and chatter, so I turned to scold her when I looked into the face of innocence and quickly remembered this moment will pass too quickly & I'm sure one day I'll long to hear her 4 year old conversation again.  I quickly grabbed my camera and captured this moment to remind me of the important things in life.

Single Moms (and Dads) Rock!

A few weeks ago, as a frustrated mom, I huffed out of the house leaving my three fussing children with my amazing husband.  That's when it hit me that there are thousands of moms (and dads) who face this incredible task without the loving support of a spouse.  Daily they forge forward giving every bit of their energy to raise their beautiful children to adulthood and many times without enough time for themselves. I know how difficult just being a parent can be, so I wanted to take some time out to give honor where honor is due.

Take some time out today to thank a single mom for all her daily sacrifices.

Here's some adorable shots from our Single Mom's Photo Shoot this weekend! 

Preschool and Fruit Loop Rainbows.

I remember preschool.  I remember the day I threw up my hot dog on my teacher's arm.  Well, today I registered my Charis for preschool, so now she'll be making memories of her own.

As a huge homeschool advocate, I never dreamed that I would be taking this step, but I couldn't be more pleased with this decision that Matt and I have made.  So it seems now our school plans have taken on a more hybrid element.  

To celebrate, I bought Fruit Loops and we made rainbows.  Hunter did have two purples on her rainbow, but the temptation was too great, she ate the other one, glue and all!

JCA is Impacting Local Schools!

I'm so excited to get to photograph some amazing people who are making a difference in their world!

Jacob Charitable Alliance is making a huge impact on local schools with their character building programs.  This non-profit organization has an amazing team who goes into public schools with a voice speaking worth and significance into the lives of middle and high school students.  

Tara Bollinger-Jacob co-founded JCA, along with her husband, with the vision to impact the next generation, and that is just what they are doing!

Their website is under construction, so I'll be sure to pass it on when it's up and running, so you can see for yourself just how awesome this programs is!

Parenting Plus a Business??

Being a parent is one of the most important callings a person can accept in their life.  In fact, I've spent the past 4 1/2 years striving to learn everything I can about being a better parent.  I don't claim to know it all, but just like most mommies, I'm doing the best of my ability.

Lately, my role as a mommy has taken a new dimension.  It's a role that thousands of women juggle everyday.  How do I manage my family. plus run a successful business/ministry/job/career?  My fledgling photography business (that's been more of a hobby) is taking a much more serious capacity that will require more of my time.  It's not as if parenting isn't one of the hardest things to do anyway, but to add another outside element will only take more determination and grace of God!

If anyone's read about the Proverbs 31 woman, we all know she is a woman of many hats and still her children rise up and call her blessed.  So it can be done!

(During a break at a photo shoot, Matt snuck a few pictures of me multi-tasking during my rest time.)