Photo of the Day: Tornado Destruction

As you all know, a devastating tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma on Monday. And two years ago yesterday, a horrific tornado tore through Joplin, Missouri. I have lots of friends and family in Oklahoma, brother-in-law lives in Joplin and I went to college about 30 minutes from there, so hearing about tornado destruction always strikes home. Even though I’ve lived in tornado alley my entire life and spent many occasions in basements during tornado warnings, I’ve never personally seen one. But I have seen the aftermath. I cannot pretend to understand what the people of Oklahoma are going through right now. There are tons of great organizations out there if you choose to make a donation, but two of the most reputable in my opinion are the Red Cross and UMCOR. UMCOR spends 100 percent of designated donations on the projects donors specify.

Gazing at a destroyed house during a mission trip to Joplin, Missouri in August 2011

Photo of the Day: Celebrating a 100th Birthday

100 years ago today, the American Cancer Society began the fight of a lifetime – the fight against cancer. With the help of volunteers, they’ve made a lot of progress in that time. In 1913, 1 out of 10 people survived cancer. Today, 2 out of 3 people survive. There is still more work to do, but together, we can finish the fight. Let’s make this cancer’s last century. Join the American Cancer Society at cancer.org/fight.

Celebrating more birthdays today!

Photo of the Day: Monkey Hands

Monkey bars were most definitely not my favorite piece of playground equipment growing up. In fact, I couldn’t even hold myself up to make my way across them. A couple of days ago, my husband and I took a moment on our walk to play on the monkey bars at a nearby park since there were no kids in sight. Much to my satisfaction, I can now monkey across them. (Is that the right verbiage?)

Crossing the monkey bars

Photo of the Day: Child’s Pose

For the last few weeks as I’ve been doing yoga more regularly, I’ve noticed the narrow focus your eyes have when you’re in child’s pose and look down toward your feet. Because you’re looking at something so close, very little is in focus. Depth of field in photography works much the same way, so I attempted to capture it with my camera. How did I do? Does what I’m saying even make sense? Am I weird for comparing yoga to photography?

Self-portrait of child’s pose during yoga

Photo of the Day: Newborn Sneak Peak

I couldn’t wait to post this cute photo of Ellie & Annie during Annie’s newborn portraits yesterday. Little Annie, despite making her way into the world a few weeks early and only being a couple of weeks old, was determined to stay awake through the entire photo shoot! I can’t wait to share more photos with you tomorrow.

Annie gets sweet kisses from her big sister before she’s on the move again.