As I sit editing yet another beautiful family session, it makes me reflect how special families and the fall season truly are! Each family member is like a leaf changing from green to a mass of bright golds, oranges and colorful reds. Every person unique in their own way, and yet "perfect" for the floral bouquet we call "family." The fall season goes quickly, the wind blows, picks and carries the leaves off to a new place and winter sets in. Our lives follow suit. Thanksgiving is approaching, Christmas soon to follow. Schedules are jammed with activities,to do lists get longer, and the little things get put to the side and forgotten. Maybe, it's that phone call to catch up with your mom, or friend. Maybe, it's taking that walk through the park with the kidlets. Maybe it's spending the time to take family photos. You may think to yourself," we'll do it next time, or let me wait for the right day, or when I lose ten more pounds". Unfortunately time doesn't stand still , children can't ungrow, hips don't lie and moments don't repeat themselves for that luxury. Today's sneak peek is of a sweet family that ran into a similar situation. It's been awhile since they were all able to get in front of the camera, but I am so glad they did. They took me to one of their favorite places to unwind, and I spent that afternoon clicking away . Sometimes the "perfect" place isn't a million dollar view, but where you hangout..sometimes the "perfect" clothes aren't right off the racks but right out of the closet. Sometimes "perfect" is just being you, loving your family without a care in the world. I hope you have a "perfect" weekend and tackle those things you left forgotten.. The "perfect" time is now. :)

This week I witnessed such a beautiful moment. The return of a Sailor to his beloved. Sometimes one can take for granted just how hard a deployment can be on the families they leave behind. It's a reminder that we should always be thankful for every moment that we get to spend with our loved ones, and not forget those who have a loved one gone. These families are made of steel and iron as they carry on without their Soldier, but within sight of their Soldier, they melt. The thought of not having to do this alone is overwhelming. The relief of having them back in your arms is overpowering. My husband has deployed once during our marriage, and may again, I know exactly how my client felt as she watched his ship pull in. I know how hard it must have been looking for his face as he was mixed with the throng of other Sailors and loved ones. I know especially how amazing it felt to hug him so tight and not want to let go. In honor of Veterans Day Monday, thank those that served and that are still serving. If you are friends with a military family, let them know you are thereif their spouse is deployed. Let us never forget the sacrifices these honorable men and women make every day and have made to ensure we live in the land of the "FREE". I have been truly blessed.