Motherhood | Lauren + the girls

“The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only – and that is to support the ultimate career. ”

C. S. Lewis

My friend Lauren. I don’t even know where to start.

We met nine years ago when our dog escaped our yard, as often happens when you have little children practicing responsibility with an animal. She was gracious. She was friendly. She was in a hurry.

She and her husband and their dog, Lucy, had moved in directly across the street from us just two months after we moved in to our house. We continued to run into each other here and there over the next few weeks.

About the same time I partnered with a friend to begin hosting a book club. November 2010 was our first meeting and Megan and I were trying to recruit as many people as possible. I threw the invite to Lauren and she accepted.

Our book club was discussing Sanditon, Jane Austen’s last book. About half way through the evening, my house literally caught fire. All the friends went in to high gear, hauling out my kids, pets, photographs, and computer. I hardly knew some of these women, but there they were, running through my house grabbing anything they thought might be sentimental.

The fire department showed up and went to work. After I’d run back in for a few important things- like my cowboy boots and charm bracelets- I stepped out onto the sidewalk where all my new friends waited. Instantly Lauren had her arms around me, pulling me so tight. I don’t remember much more than how much I needed that hug and how loved I felt by someone I barely knew.

That hug.

Since that night, we’ve shared countless cups of coffee and meals, trained for a 5K, I’ve seen her birth two beautiful babies, she’s loved my children like they are her family. We’ve waited at a Starbuck most of a night, running from security to get in line for a golden ticket, shared clothes and cups of sugar, and I’ve told her my secrets and wounds and joys. We can talk about anything- marriage, faith, parenting.

She never looks away when I tell her the hard things.

Lauren is one of the most beautiful women I know. She’s loyal and thoughtful. She’s the friend that shows up before a family road trip with a gift bag of favorite goodies. She bakes homemade mac and cheese for me when I have surgery and lets me use her bathroom and guest bedroom when remodeling projects get out of hand.

Her girls have no idea how lucky they are to have her as their momma. She gives so much thought to mothering them well, disciplining with love and mercy.

I’ve always thought Lauren beautiful. Stunning really. Her beauty is the kind that radiates out…

I want to be more like Lauren I grow up. I thank God for giving me a bonus sister.

This glorious portrait session happened close to sunset earlier in the Fall. I love photographing mamas with their babies, and it’s especially sweet when I know the mama well.

Thank you Lauren. I love you.