lovers locks

I captured this photo crossing one of the large bridges over the River Seine in Paris. Tradition is that lovers will put a lock on the bridge and throw the key into the water below, symbolizing their commitment to one another. I could have stayed for hours, reading the names and dates, the inscriptions to one another. I love this...I only wish we'd had a lock along with us.

"It is only when you understand your true value that you can begin to have and do all that God has for you...because sometimes all it takes is realizing that you're worth it." ~ Christine Caine

As a mother, I can usually take care of what ails my children. An ice pack for a bump on the head. Band-aid for a bleeding knee. Motrin and snuggles for a fever. Chicken and noodles for the sniffles. This is what we do as mothers, right? We make it better.

My girl has always been predictable. Steady. Constant. But right now? She's throwin' us for a loop. And I'm at a loss for how to make it better. So I'm doing all I know to do and keeping this verse close ~ "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12

I adore this photo of my sweet Caroline.

paris {versailles}

We took a day trip to the Chateau de Versailles. Built for Louis XIV, this palace set the standard of culture for all of Europe. The paintings, carvings and beauty of this palace are breathtaking. Many of my indoor photos simply cannot capture the enormity or grandeur of it all. We were able to tour the King's and Queen's bedchambers (birthplace of 19 French princes), the Royal Chapel where mass was held every morning at 10am, and the Hall of Mirrors.

The Gardens at Versailles are incredible. It is said that Louis XIV himself presided over their care until his death. This is also where he threw his biggest parties.

As with most of my Paris photos, they just aren't enough. I look at them and, as beautiful as these places are in the photos, they are more beautiful and grand in person.

paris {notre dame}

It's hard to know where to start with my photos from our trip and I realize that my first post was a bit random. I have so many beautiful photos I want to share and I'm going to try to organize them a bit by post.

These photos are from the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The photos simply cannot do this church justice. It was built in 1163 and is situated right along the River Seine. It was breath-taking and I get chills just remembering our time there. I have tons and tons of images but these are some of my favorites. Enjoy.

paris

Matt was invited to a Mayo Clinic conference in Paris. So, naturally, I invited myself along. Well, actually, that's not entirely true. I needed a bit of convincing to make the trans-Atlantic trip but I can say now that I'm so happy I did. It was incredible. I have lots and lots of photos to share so I'll be doing several posts. Enjoy!

my isaboo

Today was Isabel's first day of preschool for the year. She was thrilled that today was "her day." It was tough staying home yesterday, watching the neighbor kids and her sister/best friend get on the school bus and drive away. We kept ourselves busy - both for her sake and mine - and we were happy to have C home at 3:30. Today Isabel asked me to pack her the same lunch Caroline took on her first day (even though she doesn't eat lunch at school but I packed it for her and we ate it together on the deck). She wanted her first day photos taken in the same places as Caroline had and even tried to smile like Caroline. Just melted my heart, this girl. :)

first day, first grade

Sent my girl off early this morning for her first day of first grade. How did this happen? Where has the time gone?

Do you think she was excited??