running in honor

I've picked up running again. I used to run more in college and then have since quit. I'm a swimmer. It comes so naturally. I can swim for an hour and never feel like it was a true workout. The pool is my home and the chlorine is my smell. It all began when I was 7 and didn't stop til I was finished competing in college. Right now though, my Y membership is done and I don't have a pool to swim in and come summer I most likely won't be going as much anyways... So, I'm not swimming at the moment. Until then.. I will run. It's harder for me and after 20 minutes I feel as though I have run for hours. It is not natural and a much harder workout. I do my runs for him. When the going gets tough I think of my brother and the other fallen heroes. I think of what they have given and what they would give to be able to run. It gets me through and I've actually become to start liking it. It is now "my" time and I find I push myself further each time. My competitive nature is coming out. :) At the last EXPO I met this sweet girl who was selling charms that benefited causes or where in memory of someone. My mom bought me the photo charm and I love it. He is with me every step of the way. If you are looking for a charm go HERE! She has a lot more at the EXPO though.

Hampton, Virginia Newborn Photographer

Meet baby Abby. She was born very early and by early I mean about 4 months early. This little thing right here is a miracle along with that big brother of hers. The Bensten family is nothing but walking miracles. Her older brother battled neuroblastoma when he was about 12 months old and that is how I came to know this family. What a kind, sweet, caring and genuine family they all are. If you met them, you would totally fall in love with each and every one of them. So, needless to say, I was thrilled when she asked me to capture this little girl and show others what God has done for them and how little Abby, weighing in at only 1 lb. has fought and made this world her own already. I'll let you what, she has a great example to look up to!!

I did it.

Throughout my entire college career I never got a tattoo. Loved many of my friends tattoos but nothing ever stood out to me. I just never felt the need to get one and if I ever got one, I wanted it to be something so meaningful that I never regretted it for anything. I mean.. it is kind of permanent. :) Well, last year on my birthday I had the one on my forearm done. It's my brother's name with the date he was killed and a gold star. I also had faith written on my wrist. The one on my wrist was created using his art work to form the word. I love them today as much as I did when I got them. Two weeks ago, I had another one done. This is my last. If I've learned anything over the course of the past 5 years it's this verse... "Set your mind on the things above, and not on earthly possessions." Col. 3:2. Nothing materialistic in this world matters. Nothing. When the time comes and we are gone, NOTHING goes with you. All that matters is the friendships, family, memories and the love you have for others. It's all about spreading the love of the Lord and showing others what that means. When my son was diagnosed with cancer, we didn't worry about his toys, the clothes, the vacation, etc. We worried about only him. When my brother was killed, he left behind brand new clothes, sunglasses, and shoes. Nothing went with him. What we cared about most were the memories with him... The laughter that filled the room, the jokes that came out of his mouth and the smiles he still brings to my face. I didn't care if he had the coolest car, the newest electronics or any of that stuff. I set my mind of what I think God has planned for my life and for the life of those around me. I try to not be consumed by the what magazines think I should buy or what the newest thing on the market it. This is also the lesson I am trying to teach my children. This verse means a great deal to me and I try to live it to the fullest. So..... I had the first portion tattooed on my shoulder with a heart that my brother had drawn. It means the world to me and I don't think I will ever regret it. :)

A Fundraiser for a HERO!

In February, some of the guys my dad works with and knows down in Ft. Bragg held an ice hockey fundraiser in memory of my brother, Sgt Paul Dumont Jr. I am amazed by the amount of people who feel compelled and lead to help. My brother left a wonderful lasting impression on so many people that even strangers want to do something. It brings me so much joy to know someone and have been related to a guy who is loved and missed by many. I love the fact that others don't want to forget and that they will do anything they can to help him be remembered for many years and hopefully forever. To us, it's been 924 days since we received the devastating news that would forever alter our lives. Nothing will ever be the same. I can't change that part of my life. I wish we could go back in time to stop it. To go back to his two week R&R when we went to the beach, went bowling, had BBQ's, he made jokes, when we all laughed. None of that will EVER happen again. It's sad. This is my mission right now. My mission is to make sure we honor him, we never forget and that we thank all of our soldiers and our fallen for everything they have done and will do. This is important. He is missed, he is loved and he will NEVER be FORGOTTEN!! To help us reach our goal and get a playground built in his honor, go HERE!

Willilamsburg, Virginia Portrait Photography

This past weekend I got the pleasure of working with these lovely women. They are the sweetest and kindest women. They were here on a girls weekend, which sounds so awesome at the moment. Maybe I should try to take one of those. :) They have a blog called 11 Magnolia Lane. You should hop over there and check it out. They write about design, food and life. You know, all the things that interest women. :) Well, they were wanting new profile pics to put on the blog and these are just some of the images that came from their photo shoot. It was a fun time filled with laughter and many chills... it was cold, but they sucked it up like true models.

Luka. Williamsburg, Virginia Newborn Photographer.

Meet Luka. He is everything adorable a newborn should be. He totally rocked this session and did such an amazing job. We moved him multiple times, he had two feedings, was changed on several occasions and he still gave us these awesome images. There were too many pics to choose from and I had a hard time choosing which ones to show. Makes me miss the newborn stage. :) Congrats to Luka and his family on his birth into this world.