This morning I am supposed to be finishing up a presentation for my networking group. A group of people that I have known for over a year now. They aren't my closest friends, but a wonderful group of people that I know pretty well. And they all know me. They are kind and open, and I have presented my photography to them in the past several times. I realize I am terrified to present my new project to them. The one that I am so excited to be creating. 

The goal is to help tweens look and feel beautiful and have unshakable confidence in themselves when they hit junior high. We want to capture the the personality of these girls and record the last stage of their childhood. Imagine the impact a single beautiful image like the one here can do for your tweens self image.

Even though I posed for these photos as a surprise for my husband, these photos are a message to mothers everywhere that your bodies are strong, beautiful, maternal vessels that deserved to be treasured and revered. Mothers should feel proud to feed their children publicly, for this is beautiful process. Thank you, Jen, for helping capture and unify the inner and outer beauty of motherhood through these stunning photographs.

I wonder why I feel compelled to write down what happened today. Then I think about the girls. And the one amazing little boy. I think about the details that maybe they will never know. Unless we grown ups remember and share. So I thought if I could write down a few moments from today they won’t be forgotten. I hope that will be the case. 

It's really wonderful to show someone how beautiful they are. To help them connect the person that they are on the inside with the person they are on the outside. She is lovely in both ways.

I feel so strongly about girls having a real sense of who they are and feeling confident in that person. I know so many women I talk to want the same things for their daughters too. I think it's important to love and be connected to the body you live in. You get it for your whole life. If you can get and stay comfortable in your own skin you have a real advantage in life. Being comfortable and confident gives you the power to face the tough parts of life knowing that you trust yourself. I believe that trusting yourself comes from being at peace with all the pieces of who you are both inside and out. These tween and teen years are when big changes happen. Keeping yourself connected is huge.  

This is what life is all about. The good times. The moments that we can look back on with fondness and realize that the most important thing we can do in life is enjoy it. May these images take you back to something wonderful from your childhood. Or maybe they inspire you to call your friends and do something fabulous. 

These two girls became new best friends instantly. There were several moments as I was shooting that took my breath away. I see my little girl as all these things, silly, sarcastic, witty, funny, serious, and intense. But when I am taking portraits of her she is this other thing entirely. A thing that I can't really describe or grab onto. This magical creature who I have been gifted to hang out with. An old soul looking out at me.