NEW BLOG COMING & A Vacation Update

NEW BLOG UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

While Stephen and Alden have been busy playing with their cousins, I've been taking advantage of some free time to revamp the look of my blog.  I wanted to breathe some fresh air and new life into these pages, so I've changed up the colors a bit and reformatted the template to accommodate larger pictures.  

The pictures will be larger, but not so large that you have to scroll down the page just to see the whole image.  They'll pop out at you for sure - but without blowing up in your face.  

I've decided to keep the basic layout the same, so you should feel right at home when you visit.  My goal is that you'll feel like you've stepped into a freshly painted and newly remodeled room - a room you'll continue to visit often for inspiration, heart-felt stories, and even a photography tip or two.  

Look for the new link later this week.

I'm not the only one having fun on vacation.  Take a look at my awesome husband, Steve.  Here he is playing with Stephen Jr., Alden and a few of their cousins.  They LOVE to gang up on him!

It's hard to tell who had more fun - the Big Kid or the Little Ones.

Seriously...it's way TOO CLOSE TO CALL!

Meet My New Nephew - Jensen Duke

Jensen Duke was born Sunday afternoon weighing in at 9 pounds 1 ounce and measuring 20 inches long.  Our family was so privileged to be able to visit him in the hospital the very day he was born!  My sweet husband drove most of the 16 hours it took to get us there in time for his birth.  Though I tried to contribute, I thought it best to leave the driving to him after I started to doze off after only 2 1/2 hours at the wheel.  It was a long week!

I grew up in Indiana but moved to Texas in 1997 after college to start a new career.  Being so far from family has been very difficult at times. I knew that missing out on most of the family gatherings and special events would be part of the deal, but that hasn't made it any easier.  

I have 6 nieces and nephews (now 7) and have never been able to be there for any of their births.  So, when I found out my brother and his wife were expecting their third child, it became very important to me to plan a trip up north to experience this wonderful family event first-hand.  It was such a special time! 

What a joy to be able to welcome Jensen into the world and to hold him in my arms on his very first day.  And to give my brother and his wife a big hug right then and there - that was just icing on the cake!  Even Stephen Jr. and Alden were able to meet him.  My husband was so awesome to allow me to plan our vacation around Jensen's arrival.  It truly brought tears to my eyes to be able to experience such a special day.

Our children didn't really know what to think when they first saw baby Jensen. I should have known, though, that Alden would show the most interest.  In this next image, you can even see Jensen "looking" toward Alden as she peers through his bassinet.  Precious! (Maybe she should be a big sister.)

The beauty of my new camera.  This top image was taken indoors with no flash at ISO 1000.  Below I shot at ISO 400.  I can hardly believe how sharp both of these are.  For that feature alone, this camera was well worth all the hard work it took to earn the money to be able to pay it off.

I just love newborn feet.

Congrats, Phil & Shari and Josie & Layton.  We love you!  Welcome to our family baby Jensen!

Bree and Noah's Family (Dallas/Allen/McKinney Family Photographer}

I love this family!  It's been about a year since my last session with their children.  It was fun to photograph the whole family this time around. Noah is just slightly older than our Stephen Jr., and Bree is a few months younger than our Alden.  It's fun to watch the brother sister dynamics play out when it reminds me so much of my own children.

Sweet Bree has been doing some modeling for her mother Jennifer's friend's clothing line called Pout Baby.  You can see her strut her stuff on their website.  She's as cute and adorable as ever. (That reminds me...I need to do some shopping!)

We had great fun taking family pics and Jennifer is always so great about bringing THE best outfits for her children.  In honor of her fantastic style sense I thought I'd do a little fashion show for you.

First up, Bree in Matilda Jane:

Next, big brother Noah sports a smashing blue polo and beach chic striped linen pants.  I'm thinking modeling could be in his future too. Though something's telling me Noah's more the soccer and baseball type. (Funny story - his Daddy had me seriously convinced modeling ran in the family. Call me gullible!)

On to some Pout Baby.  When Jennifer put this dress on Bree I wanted to jump up and down.  I was so excited.  I do believe I WANT this dress for myself!  Hmmm, I could use one of mom's dresses too.  (The mall is seriously calling me!)

Jakob and Daddy share a father-son moment.

Mom and Dad are pretty stylish too.  They are so adorable together. Thanks for working with me on these shots to make them so fun, you two.

And we can't forget the best photography prop EVER invented, my very own Belle Ame pettiskirt.  Can't you just see YOUR daughter twirling away in one of these? (I could make that happen, you know...)

Finally, no session is complete without a little treat.  And there's nothing like Smarties to buy us an extra 15-20 minutes session time. Man, I LOVE the sunset lighting in this image!

Thanks, again Jennifer and Jakob for sharing your family with me. Can't wait until next time.  And, Jennifer, I'll be checking out one of your Baby Boot Camp classes with some friends of mine this Spring.

Elise, Matthew, Andrew, and Jacob

Check out these blue eyes!  If you think they sparkle you should see these guys in action.  They are so full of life.  I loved my first session with them over a year ago, so I was looking forward to seeing how they've all changed over the year.

Sweet Elise outgrew her glasses and is blossoming into such a lovely young lady.  Matthew is a super bigger brother and just an all around great boy.  And Andrew...oh, Andrew.  He has my heart, I believe. Those dimples are to die for and that smile is brighter than the sun. He's such a fun child.  Their youngest brother Jacob wasn't even sitting up when I first took their pictures.  Now he's a ball of energy always on the go exploring the next new thing.

Their parents are doing a wonderful job raising them.  Mandy is a Creative Memories consultant and loves to digital scrap book, so we arranged a digital package to suit her needs.  She hosted a photo party with her friends in exchange for a great deal on her session and digital CD.  Contact her at MandyGrahamCMC@msn.com for your own scrap booking needs.

If you are interested in how you can get your hands on your own digital CD of your session images, give me a call and we can discuss your options.  Can't you just picture these images in Mandy's new scrapbook! What a great way to record your children's growth from year to year.

Bell Tower Session

This past Saturday I had three sessions scheduled...AND it was raining. My May is completely booked and our family is going on vacation in June, so I was really hoping not to have to reschedule any of these sessions.    

With my fingers crossed, I headed out to the location to see if there were any dry areas where I could still hold the sessions.  There were, so I quickly contacted everyone to make sure they were still willing to come out.  Can you believe they were all up for it!  My clients are AWESOME!

As it turns out, my first client happened to be one of the key architechts on the building project located just south of the Croatian Village.  He offered up the very top of the Bell Tower for his family's session.  How could I say no?

108 steps later (and many regrets for not leaving my extra camera gear in the car) I found myself at the top of the loveliest structure I've seen in quite some time.  I felt very much like Rapunzel - minus the waist length hair.

Not only were we able to stay dry, but we were able to hold their session in the very work of his hands - his creation - his baby.  Though I wish the sky weren't as dismal and grey, the Bell Tower (still under construction) looks amazing!  I can't wait to see the finished product.

As for his other "creations", he and his wife should be very proud.  Their children are beautiful.

Aubrey, Parker and Piper: Cuteness x3

This first image was taken during my very first session with this family just short of 7 months ago right after Parker and Piper were born.  I love how tenderly their big sister, Aubrey, is holding each of them.  

Now look at them all.  Aubrey is a sweet as ever.  Little Piper is beautiful and simply full of giggles.  Handsome Parker is cutting his first teeth - AND already on the move.  

Mariah hoped the twins would both be sitting up in time for this session.  Who knew our little man Parker would be CRAWLING!  I think they may just have a little athlete on their hands.

This is the fourth time I've photographed this family.  One thing is certain.  They are a family full of love for one another and full of laughter.  They are definitely hands on parents.  I've recently discovered that Mariah does wonderful crafts and fun themed meals for Aubrey to teach her about the world she lives in. I'm certain I'll have to incorporate a few of her ideas with my own children.  Talk about creative!  Who knew a hotdog could double as an octopus?  That sure makes learning about the ocean much more interesting for little minds, doesn't it.  She gave me permission to share the link to her blog, so you can check it our for yourself.

Aren't they a beautiful family?  Mariah, Great job on coordinating all the outfits.  See, you didn't need me after all.  

Can't wait until next time!

First Family Photos

My family met Stacie and John through Sunday school at church a couple years back.  They had recently relocated from California and settled in as Texans due to a job change.  When we first met them, they didn't have children.  Now little Leah is 6 months old, and it is so much fun to watch Stacie and John interact with their sweet little girl.  I wanted to post some of their pictures and invite you to take a glimpse of the love and fun they all share together.

These are just a few of their very first family pictures.  I've decided to put them up on my blog so Leah's Grandparents and other relatives and friends - who live so far away - can get in on their sneak peak as well. Our own families all live out of town as well, so my husband and I know how important it is to keep the pictures coming.  I realize it's not the same as dropping in for a quick visit, but it's the next best thing!

Enjoy!

Miracles in Abundance

Five years ago, three weeks before her upcoming wedding to Jason, Jen was diagnosed with Hodgkins disease.  While most newlyweds return from their honeymoons to the joy of unpacking their china and settling into their new homes and life together, Jen and Jason began the terrifying journey of chemo treatments to fight Jen's cancer - the very day they returned from their honeymoon.  

After 10 months of chemo and then a man of radiation, the doctors did a scan which determined that Jen's lymphoma had not been cured.  It was threatening to take her life.  Jen then received a stem cell transplant, which by a gracious act of God, cured her of her Cancer. She remains cancer free to this day!

Longing to start a family together, Jen and Jason were told by her doctors that she would be unable to get pregnant.  Yet they were confident that God had other plans for them.  They applied for adoption and waited excitedly to meet the child the Lord would bring to their family.  They were accepted and welcomed their daughter, Kaelyn, shortly thereafter.  18 months after adopting Kaelyn, they received remarkable news.  God had yet another gracious gift to bestow upon them.  Jen was pregnant!  Kaelyn would be a big sister.

For more reasons than one, this maternity session was such a wonderful experience for me.  Not only was I blessed to be able to witness their miracle first hand, I was thrilled to be able to provide a fellow photographer with some images I know she and her family will treasure.  

Like me, Jen started her business, Ellyn Roberts Photography, about a year ago.  I am thrilled to know that I was able to bless someone who gives so selflessly of herself to her own clients.  If you live in Northwest Indiana and are looking for a wonderful photographer, you can contact Jen at ellynroberts@gmail.com.  Jen specializes in studio photography but loves to photograph outdoors as well. 

Though the weather was freezing during our session, my heart was overflowing with the warmth of God's love for this family - for all of us. We may not all receive miraculous healing in the way this family has, but God blesses each of us daily with one miracle or another - if only we dare look for it.

Congratulations, Jen, Jason, and Kaelyn!  I pray your life is full of many more blessings to come!

Great Expectations

In this season when many of us celebrate the birth of Jesus and look forward to the festivities that come along with all the holiday celebrations, Jason and Shannon's family is expecting a little arrival of their own.  Baby number four is due to arrive early January, but by the looks of Shannon's blossoming bump, they just may have a Christmas baby in their own family.

I wanted to let you all know that this will be my last post until after the 29th.  I'll be checking my email, so if you still want to get in on the Senior Promotion, it's not too late.

Now, seeing as this lovely family has to wait awhile until I can get their client gallery up, I decided to give them an extra special sneak peak.  It is the season of giving after all.

I had a wonderful time with you guys!  Enjoy!

I saved my favorite for last...

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

A Little Brotherly Competition

Believe it or not this family was my very first paid session last year when I just started my photography business.  It was so much fun to take their pictures again this year for their Christmas cards.  You may recognize Jacob and Grant from the B&W gallery on my website.  

It was quite cold on Saturday - and windy too!  In order to stay warm, we had to search for spots behind building walls to keep from freezing our tail ends off.  We'd take a couple pics, put the jackets back on, then take a few more.  Anything to keep warm.

Also helping to keep the boys warm were a few brotherly competitions I conjured up.  First they arm wrestled:

Then they blew bubbles:

They even showed a little team spirit:

And, then it was time to get down to business.  Mom wanted family pics for their Christmas cards, remember?

Done!  On to a little experiment of mine...

All in all, it was a great day!  Thanks guys.  Your gallery is up on my site now.  One last thing.  Did I mention it was WINDY!?!