Audrey & Avery

Besides being beautiful, these two sisters were lovely to be around and so was their mom. Kelly came to me by way of a silent auction at the preschool her daughter attends. Another client had asked me if I wanted to donate a session to benefit the school and I have been wondering who had been the winner for quite a while now. I'm glad I could help out the school a little and give Kelly a good deal, but I feel like I am the winner ending up with these images of them.

It started to snow heavily as I was leaving so we scrambled everyone out into the winter wonderland. This is a favorite.

Yeddie greeted me at the door and I think I fell in love. I've always loved dogs, but I wouldn't say I'm a huge dog lover if that makes sense, but this guy was unbelievably sweet and he smelled so clean and I really really liked him.

I grabbed this one of Avery when she thought I was focusing on her sister. I caught her in the middle of something and love this sweet look on her face. To me it's thoughtful, quirky, a tad bit ornery, and graceful all at the same time.

Finley

Finley, along with his mom and dad, welcomed me into his home last weekend. As always, I was distracted by the charm and character of an older home and had to bring myself back to our session more than a few times. Chris is an artist and has left his imprint all around them. I never know what I am going to find when I walk into a client's home. It's part of the challenge and the fun.


















Looking at this one below makes me think about the old and the new. Beth and Chris's beautiful older home and this antique rocker with baby Finley looking out into the world. What is waiting for him and all of our children? Someday this will be an old photo that he may look back upon with his grandchildren and think of how so much has changed since he was a baby; and they will think of the present as the distant past.

With the inauguration this past week and all of the changes taking place, it feels like there is new life and breath in the air and we have a direction. I'm just very thankful right now to have our freedom. A renewed freedom. We do take it for granted when we are not constantly aware of the way many people in the world live everyday; what they go without and what they endure.
With all that we have been through as families, neighbors, communities, businesses, a country, a nation, and a world in the past few years, we deserve this. Hug your children, kiss your spouse, lend a hand, say a prayer, have an open mind and an open heart; it can only make things better.

Snowmen

Funny Faces............

Nice face..............

Roman woke up from his nap grumpy and got some brotherly love to make it better.

Baby put your red dress on.............

Sage never fails to give us lots of expressions; this is a favorite. I was glad Tonya had her Christmas dress hanging on the doorknob because I so often encourage the very simple clothing. I guess I like clothing either really simple or really special.

This was our third session together and we had to get creative.

Should we put her in a box?

Should we put her with a fox?

Could we put her in the sink?

Tell me please what do you think?

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It's a great feeling to walk into a client's home and see the images all around and know that what I am doing is really appreciated. I so often end up talking shop with clients because a lot of you are interested in photography as well. Tonya showed me her new equipment and I'm looking forward to seeing her work from time to time. They are very proud parents and send me photos and videos.

P Is for PETER!

Peter is a sweet little pumkin that humored us for quite a long time while we moved him around and about the house. He's about 6 weeks old and still a tiny little thing. He already knows what he likes and makes mom and dad hold him with his head hanging way down over their arm (I'll have to find one of those and get it posted as well). I'm sure they DO and WILL get lots of of "advice" from strangers on supporting his head, but Peter knows what Peter wants. ;)

I spent most of the time ooohing and awwwing over Halle & Joe's furnishings and the style of their home. I honestly could've taken everything from their home and wheeled it right into mine and would've been happy as a clam. They wouldn't though and that sort of thing is illegal, so I instead asked for the secret (not so much) antique stores she frequents. Those of you that I have spent some time with know that I am dying to move. We have so outgrown our space and I cannot bring anything home that I fall in love with. Halle could very easily be a designer. I love her mix of old and new and unique pieces. I drooled (in my mind) over them.

Ok, back to Peter. Isn't he cute?!?!

All you need is love..........Tonya and Doug

Just one from our session today. I'll have more later, mostly of their beautiful daughter, but at the end of our time today we grabbed some images of just the two of them. Makes you all warm and fuzzy - doesn't it?
Tonya, I hope this will do to replace the framed one in the entryway from years back. It just doesn't do you justice. ;)

FYI

Wow! (I love interjections) We just saw "The Curious Life of Benjamin Button" and I must say my head and my heart are swimming as are my husbands. I love love love movies that have so many layers that you find yourself uncovering them throughout the next year or so in your own life. We only get to the movies about once every month or two, so we are pretty picky with our choices and this one was well worth it. It was fun to start off the New Year with something meaningful and inspiring and having time alone with my husband. Thanks to Nine Nine and Papa for "babysitting".
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I've just discovered that there have been problems with my email again, so apologies to anyone who has tried to get in touch with me over that last couple of days. I have not received those emails. Please try again!


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Our Drew - 12

When I say "Our Drew" I mean it; there are so many of us that love him. Twelve years ago on Christmas Night, I went into labor with my first son. It was and will always be the best Christmas Gift EVER.

A pocket knife, books, video games, drawing supplies, two cakes, family, friends, fun, silly string, dinner out, nerf ball fight, new jammies, and more..............

"Did you have a good Birthday?"
"No. I had the PERFECT Birthday!"
What more could we ask for.

(Don't ya just love the outie?)

Friends

We got to spend a couple of hours with our friends Aimee and Abriella last week and with these faces, I couldn't help but bring the camera. She's such a happy baby and has the best giggle ever.

Like most little kids, Roman loves babies and talked about holding Abriella for days before we went over. Isn't it crazy to see YOUR little one as "the big kid"?

And this is what she will look like with hair. :)

Blessings

This was a really fun and easy session and I hope I get to go back again sometime. Three children, so well behaved and charming. Missy and Antonio booked back in August I believe, so it was nice to finally meet them all.
When I saw this scale, I had to put Megan on it; especially since Missy requested that we get some baby rolls images. Too many late night snacks. She'll have to make a New Years Resolution.

This was a happy - dancing baby from beginning to end. I could have eaten her up like a cookie.

This face! Can you believe this face? She is so beautiful and very sweet too.

Kellen was talking a mile a minute about anything and everything; I'm told this is normal.

A break from jumping on the big bed. Oh the things we let them do when Dad's not looking. ;)

Anna just received her first digital camera. She's going to have so much fun.

Yes, they let me put the naked baby on the dining room table; even after she peed in the leather chair. That is dedication. Doesn't she look like a little Buddha?