Shenanigans

Spending a morning with three boys seems pretty lucky to me, even better on St. Patrick’s day.  I’ve known this beautiful mama since our college days together, and I didn’t even know we settled in the same town until we randomly met in the place where all mom friendships are born: Target. It’s hilarious to me to think of how far we’ve both come from our wild youth. In fact, while we were communicating back and forth about details for their family documentary session, she apologized for not getting back to me quickly because she was at a Bible study, and I had to pause to think of the irony between who we were and who we’ve become. Because nothing will make you need Jesus more than being a parent. I can testify to that.

What I love the most about this family is how much fun they have together. In their stunningly gorgeous home, there are green paint footprints on the floor of their basement and an empty dining room that’s served as a blank canvas for box forts, taped up drawings, and red finger paint on the wall (just a little). Kids need space to be kids! But these energetic boys are also really sweet, silly, and kind. When I look at their gallery, I can see so much of their individual personalities. And I see the universal truth of parenting young kids: it’s a lot of work. Making food kids would rather not eat in favor of a snack, getting ready for the day while wiping noses, and piling up the laundry from a random, early morning puker . . . that’s parenthood. And even when the details aren’t pretty, life with three boys is a beautiful thing.