Beautiful Mom Project

A couple of years ago, I had this grand idea.  I was struck by how hard it can be for mothers to feel beautiful with the media's portrayal of beauty.  It can be difficult to feel pretty while scrubbing toilets and mopping, especially when you don't have designer clothes, a personal trainer and perfectly coiffed hair.  More times than not, you find yourself wearing the most comfortable shirt/jeans combo you own and then realize halfway through the day, that you have crusted goobers on your shoulder and smeared PB&J on your jeans.  As I thought, watched and talked with other moms however, I realized two things.  First, mothers don't always feel as beautiful as they are and second, I wanted to change that perception.  

I started thinking about taking photographs of mothers in their homes and I talked about it with a few friends and my sisters.  I was very busy at the time and kept putting off my little project until I was less busy.  Well since then, my life has just gotten progressively more busy. Ha!  So I finally decided to just make it happen.  I have been gathering friends and coaxing them into their own, personal photo sessions whenever we can both fit it in.  I go to their homes, we find little spots of great light and I take photographs.  They giggle, we talk about flattering poses and we dig through closets for the perfect outfit.  And I am blown away every time by their beauty.  By the light that shines from their eyes and the crinkles when they laugh.  By the freckles and the curls and the beautiful skin and the love they have for their children.  By their humility and selflessness and humor and wisdom.  They are beautiful, wonderful, busy, responsible, capable, everyday, extraordinary women who inspire me and make me want to be a better person.  

Throughout the month of May, and in honor of Mother's Day, I will be showcasing photos from my Beautiful Mom Project.  This project means a great deal to me.  I believe in it wholeheartedly.  In fact I get a little choked up every time I think about it.  Mothers are beautiful...and I just wanted to remind them. 

Candi
Mother of Three
Paralegal
School Volunteer
Calming Influence
PB&J Chef
Listener
Friend 

What is your favorite motherhood moment? 

One of my very favorite moments as a mom, is hearing my children pray on their own. It's sometimes hilarious but always so sweet to hear in their own words what is important to them.

What is your favorite time spent with your kids?

I love campfires with my kids because they love it so much. I also love that they all still love to snuggle up to watch a movie, or before bedtime.  I know they'll probably grow out of it soon, so I love it now. 

What is your least favorite chore?

My least favorite chores are cleaning my floors (because I hate my tile), and deciding what to cook! Not always the cooking, but the choosing.

What is your go-to dinner?

My kids favorite dinner at the moment is spaghetti and homemade meatballs.  My girls are expert meatball rollers! 

What inspires you?

I don't know what inspires me.  I do love traveling with my husband (even though its been a while).  It rejuvenates me, maybe that's the same thing!   

Do you have any cleaning/organizational/motherhood tips?

I have no cleaning tips.  I need some though!!  My only tip for keeping myself together is to know that I'm not ever going to get it all done. I have to prioritize what is important today, right now and learn to let the rest go. It's too easy for me to get overwhelmed if I try to do it all!

To see more beautiful mothers, follow these links...
Dana
Nicki
Tammi
Brooke
Jessie
Emily
Abby
Melissa
Amy
Alicia