Patience and Chickens.

My sister is everything that I am not. She can grow anything... Seriously anything. At this point I wouldn't be shocked to see her grow something out of thin air. She has animals. Pigs and chickens to be exact. Sometimes I truly believe that there is no way we can be related. I'm thinking this and then after our big dinner and we're both searching desperately for dessert and I suddenly remember that we truly are. Of course dessert isn't our only similarity but we won't get into to all of that. Maybe the real difference is that she has patience. Don't get me wrong- I can be patient- but, having patience... Yeah, I'm working on it. Anyways, while I was visiting her one of her chicken's eggs hatched. We all rushed outside to see this new little chick. It was so sweet! Here are a few pictures.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you know me then you know I love desserts and I love to bake. I have made many cookie recipes but this one is always my go-to recipe. It is perfectly perfect every single time.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1-3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 teaspoons instant espresso coffee powder
• 1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1.	Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cream the butter with the sugars using an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy (approximately 30 seconds)
2.	Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract for another 30 seconds.
3.	In a mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients and beat into the butter mixture at low speed for about 15 seconds. Stir in the espresso coffee powder and chocolate chips.
4.	Using a 1 ounce scoop or a 2 tablespoon measure, drop cookie dough onto a greased cookie sheet about 3 inches apart. Gently press down on the dough with the back of a spoon to spread out into a 2 inch circle. Bake for about 20 minutes or until nicely browned around the edges. Bake a little longer for a crispier cookie.
Yield:	2 dozen cookies

Inspired

The most important thing is to be inspired and to stay inspired.

3 Years

3 years of love put into this little boy.

{Inspiration} White

Some think plain white is boring but I disagree. White is oh-so elegant if you ask me. Especially when it's the theme for an outdoor wedding. Dress by Vera Wang and Shoes by Kate Spade.

Rain

Into each life some rain must fall.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

{Wedding} Andy and Ashley

It's difficult, for some, to imagine being away from our love for an extended period of time. There are some who simply just couldn't or wouldn't do it. It takes a strong and willing heart. A bravery and adaptability. That is exactly what this couple is facing. They are willing and brave. Andy found out he would be deployed much sooner than they both imagined. Despite the short notice this couple didn't let it stand in their way of having the wedding they wanted- even if they had to fit months of decisions and planning into just three weeks. After what I'm sure was a blur of a month it was finally the big day. Time to relax, to have fun and simply just enjoy each other. What a beautiful thing- to simply just enjoy each other.

Thank you Ashley and Andy for allowing us to document and be a part of your wedding day. May you have nothing but happiness and unwavering love for one another each day.

Here are a few favorites:

I thought this was so cute!

One of the cutest flower girls- only to be matched with one of the cutest ring bearers.

I love this wide shot taken but my second shooter!

The next two are very close to being my favorites.

Ashley- you looked absolutely gorgeous!

These were adorable!