and this, my friends, is why i love blogging.

1) did you all happen to read the comments on the "do-over"post? if not, i highly recommend it. no, really. stop and go there now. you won't regret it. i have some amazing friends, you see. (that would be you, and you, and you over there in the corner.) i am so grateful for your words of wisdom, encouragement, and love. i feel like i've learned so much about myself and about motherhood in the past month and i thank you for adding to that knowledge and opening up my mind and heart even more.
2) i had my first ever "i-know-you-from-your-blog-but-not-in-real-life" meeting experience a few weeks ago. michelle came over to take our family pictures (more about that later) and i have been thinking ever since how cool it is that i now have a friend who is not only super talented and generous, but an awesome mom of 6 and a phenomenal writer. someone i probably never would have crossed paths otherwise, but whose written words and example have impacted my life.
3) in said rendevouz, michelle said in passing that being at my house with my 2 boys reminded her of that time in her life. we quickly commented about how hard it is and she mentioned that it can be a lonely time in life and then the conversation shifted elsewhere. afterwards i reflected and realized that although this time in life isn't easy, i don't feel lonely. i certainly could. i really only have 1 friend here and a few aunts and uncles. but thanks to you, lovely internets, i feel connected to friends and family daily. 10 years ago i am sure i would have felt very lonely with no interaction outside of my kids. what a blessing.
4) ok, you want to see the pictures? michelle sent a few as a sneak peek, and i can't keep them to myself any longer...



i know. awesome huh? oh, how i love blogging.
(thanks michelle!) here's her photography website...

p.s. if you are reading this through a feed, be sure to check out the new blog design courtesy of the hubby. i know- he rocks, huh?