{the blog}

what magic looks like

May 9, 2013

When I first introduced Scarlet to you in THIS POST, I mentioned leaning on her momma for insight. Scarlet is unable to communicate and I wanted learn all I could about this precious child in my short time there.

I wanted to see Scarlet through the eyes and heart of her momma.

And my heart melt a million times over when Jenny described Scarlet. She spoke of her sweet spirit and how it leaves a mark on the people around her.

Scarlet is deaf and has a number of other limitations due to Schinzel Giedion syndrome. Touch is her strongest sense and as I watched mom and dad interact with Scarlet, I witnessed a tenderness that took my breath away.

The Wagners have gone to great lengths to create an environment for their daughter that speaks of All Things Little Girl, not illness. Despite the medical equipment. Despite the extra care Scarlet requires.

What they really want is a home suitable for Scarlet. To make the most of the time they have with her.

There is a fundraiser taking place on June 2, 2013 at the Mediterranean Cruise Cafe in Burnsville, Minnesota. Donations can also be mailed to the Scarlet Amelie Wagner Benefit Fund, Wings Financial, 14985 Glazier Ave., Suite 100, Apple Valley, MN 55124 or given online by clicking HERE.

Before meeting Scarlet, Jenny told me there was something magical about her daughter.

In truth, I discovered something magical about the entire family. Here’s what magic looks like:

If you have been touched by this family’s story, please show them your love by making a donation.

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Jenny Wagner - May 13, 2013 - 10:59 pm

Magic indeed. When YOU capture life Tina, it is magic. You are a brilliant photographer. It is as if your camera is a portal through which you can glimpse the beauty of love and life. I think you got our very souls on film. It is sometimes hard to see from the inside, day to day, the joy we are surrounded with. I was even surprised by our pure happiness… It brought more than a few tears to my eye. Scarlet has never looked more beautiful in a picture. Thank you so much for everything. We are so blessed to have met you and to know you. Our photographer for LIFE.

<3 The Wagners

Tina - May 21, 2013 - 9:15 am

I was caught up in a whirlwind last week and didn’t really have a chance to respond properly to your comment on my blog. What you said was so beautiful – you put into words so eloquently what I strive to capture… which is so much more than a simple photograph. It blesses me MUCH to know how the images made you feel. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Too, I love hearing you say you were suprised by your pure happiness – sometimes it takes another perspective to help us see things that have been right in front of us the whole time. I have enjoyed getting to know your family, Jenny, and pray you will be blessed beyond measure!!!

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reverse blessings

May 8, 2013

I don’t know why this has me thinking about my grandma. Perhaps it’s partly because she was diagnosed with cancer right around the same time Lynn received her diagnosis. Perhaps it’s because my grandma didn’t know what to do with reverse blessings.

I went to high school with Lynn and years later got connected with her on FB. She hired me to photograph her high school senior, which led to me photographing her nephew and several other young men one summer. It was a huge blessing. HUGE. And then she was diagnosed with cancer in an over-the-top-can’t-believe-this-is-happening sort of way. Then I knew the real reason our paths had crossed. Every once in a while, God places a person squarely in my sights.

Actually, they are in HIS sights… He just nudges me to remind them that He is there. He sees and He cares. I do this because of all He has done for me, out of gratitude and joy. So how does one receive a blessing in return?

I remember a time when my sister and I sent my grandma a box of candy to thank her for something special she had done for us. Her ways were always extravagant and we wanted to do something to show our gratitude. Imagine our shock when we received a thank you gift for our thank you gift!!! Grandma had sent a check and told us to go treat ourselves to a burger.

If you knew and loved my grandma, you know EXACTLY what I am talking about! She had the most difficult time receiving blessings herself. The reason I bring this all up is that yesterday, I received a reverse blessing. Totally unexpected. Totally made my day.

Lynn’s note is going in my journal. And her husband’s creation will have a special little spot on our deck.

A little piece of their family now resides with ours.

What my grandma didn’t quite get was that when we allow others to bless us it blesses them, too! [Click HERE for a beautiful blog post on the topic.] Thank you SO MUCH for the sweet gift, Sollin Family!

Tags: reflections

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dirt cake

May 7, 2013

I told my niece and nephew about Dirt Cake several months ago. We had somehow gotten on the topic of GUMMY WORMS and I told them that someday we would make Dirt Cake to play a trick on Grandpa.

This was my niece’s first reaction to the gummy worm.

And her second. My nephew on the other hand, decided to bite first…

And ask questions later.

They were awesome helpers, as I am sure you can tell:

They made the dirt. And helped clean (lick) all of the spoons.

This dessert is not only a cinch to make but yummy, too! You will find the printable recipe below.

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Dirt Cake

Ingredients

16 oz. Oreo Cookies
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
3 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
12 oz. container Cool Whip
1 cup powdered sugar
2 small packages chocolate instant pudding mix
1 package gummy worms

Instructions

Crush half of the Oreo cookies and spread on bottom of 9x13 pan.
Mix together the Cool Whip, softened cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Pour this mixture over the cookies.
Mix milk, pudding, and vanilla. Pour pudding over mixture in the pan.
Crush the remaining Oreo cookies and scatter them over the top of cake.
Decorate with gummy worms.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

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Tags: cakes & bread

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scarlet’s full blog post will be up soooooooooon!

May 3, 2013

Can’t wait to share more from this sweet little family… watch for the full blog post within the next week! (Click HERE to learn more about Scarlet’s story and to see how you can help.)

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