So fun to get to these photos just after Mother’s Day.  I just love this family and the fact that I’ve been documenting their story from the start! I loved seeing the sweet faces of their little ones (could they look more like their Daddy?) and how great they’re all doing.

When I work with young kids like this, I love the things that get their attention…sticks, animals, water, little critter bugs that creep by.  Could you move at a slower pace when you have to go or be somewhere, knowing that there is bound to be something that you’re going to want to stop and look at or do you just keep your eyes focused, never straying from the task at hand? My life is fast paced, I rush from here to there all day every day, but the minute I get to anything dealing with young children my inner switch flips and suddenly we are shifted into a slow  mode….What a blessing this truly is to me to even realize.   It’s a chance to breathe, walk slowly, look around, explore a little.  I wonder how much of life we would miss if there were no children to force us to walk slower to keep up with their tiny steps, or the added weight of them on our hips, or for us to follow them because their demands or curiosity lead us to something we loved once as a child….the ripple of water when we throw a stone, walking off the path, chasing a firefly to keep in a jar on your nightstand, a fist full of lilacs, a double scoop of ice cream….

Have you enjoyed even a moment of  your life today?

Pick one or two pieces you love & build from there. You don’t need to “match,” but you do need to coordinate. So, pick a color or two and play with them. Mix patterns and style so that they complement your family’s style and personalities! Family sessions are priceless art,  kids grow so fast and time goes so fast. Be sure and capture the moments that have each personality in your family shining through!

I’ve know Sarah’s family for several years and have done all sorts of photography for them.  I hosted a backyard bible study 2 summer’s ago and Sarah joined us so it offered me a chance to get to know her just a tiny bit better. When she called me and said “I told you if I ever got engaged I’d be calling you to shoot the wedding!”…  WOOT!!  She might as well have asked me to be her maid of honor!! (No lie, I was that excited! ).

It was such a great celebration, everything was so nice. There were so many little moments that occur at every wedding that I never tire of.

Every time I see a mother dress her daughter for the wedding it chokes me up.  I think of how many times I’ve buttoned my daughter into a little outfit or fastened her little buckles on her shoes; I can only imagine that mother is reliving all of those moments herself.

Then there’s the Mother & Son dance….I think of the hours I spent rocking or pacing the floor with a boy in my arms, swaying him to sleep (please go to sleep little boy!)….is this dance their last dance?  He won’t really understand his mother’s love for him until he paces the floor with his own child.

And finally a moment for Mark and Sarah standing during their ceremony, the pastor couldn’t have put it better when he said “There will be days when he doesn’t seem like the fine prospect he is today” ; it’s so true.  But with the tough days come plenty (plenty!!) of wonderful days….enjoy each other; celebrate not this day but all the days…being together is what makes the ride worthwhile.  A kiss for luck and you’re on your way.

Thank you, thank you, thank you ….for including me in your celebration!!! Blessings to you!!

So I love black Friday and cyber Monday as much as all of you, who doesn’t want a great deal?  I’ve had a fantastic year this year and to show my appreciation I’m doing something I have never done and that’s offer a gift certificate special. I’m offering 4 gift certificate options for 2012 sessions from now until 11:59pm on 11/28/11.  Each certificate is discounted $50!

Click here to purchase!

If you’ve been neglecting getting your family photo done or you know someone who is having a baby, this is a gift you or your loved one will absolutely love, long after your iPad2 has passed.  I recently read a post on why people put off getting their family photo done, 2 reasons….1.) the same old excuse….I don’t like how I look, I hate my hair, I need to lose weight….2.) $$$.   Let me address both of those…I love every photo I have of my parents as well as my husband’s family.  I’ve asked a few people recently…”Do you ever look at your family photos and say…I would love this photo if only my mom was a little thinner or her hair styled differently?”…Isn’t that ridiculous? of course not!!  ….Secondly, my clients who have said to me….”when we first getting our kids photographed it seemed expensive and we weren’t sure we wanted to do it, as our kids have grown we look back and are so happy we made this investment, they grew up so fast, we can’t imagine not having our photos.  They’re memories we can’t afford to live without”. A to the MEN!

It’s time people!! Commit to having fabulous photos in 2012! Gift certificate are available for purchase until 12/17/11 but only on sale until 11:59pm on 11/28/11.

Certificates will be mailed directly to you but can be mailed elsewhere if you indicate that in your order.  Sessions must take place before 10/1/12 and expire on 11/1/12 (because its just not pretty outside after that).

Can’t wait to see your beautiful smiles in 2012!

I can hardly believe it’s been 10yrs. and that my baby is now 10yrs. old. This morning at the Healing Fields she walked all the way to the top of the Face with her Dad while I just walked around through the flags.  When I saw them coming back down she got to a point where she saw me and my waive put her into a straight sprint towards me which happens often. But for a brief instant I thought  ”Stop! Don’t run, be more reverent for where we are!”  but I didn’t stop her, I picked up my camera and started snapping. Because she’s 10.  Because she lives in America she does not live in fear. She doesn’t understand terrorism or war and she only knows what it’s like to be free. She is kind and courteous and respectful and is interested in the flags and the names and the stories, she will remember the victims through the news, stories and our recollections.  I don’t believe any of the victims of 9/11 would want those terrorists to steal another moment of joy from anyone, especially a 10yr old child.

My oldest son, now in his senior year of high school about to embark on the world and has arrived at the  the reality that freedom is not free. His eyes have been opened to world events…His generation is going to have a lot on their plate.   He is quiet, he take it all in, he is reflective….He remembers.

- – - – - – -

I’m proud to be an American,

where at least I know I’m free.

And I wont forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,

next to you and defend her still today.

‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,

God bless the USA.

“There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart….pursue those”.  - Michael Nolan

Mary K. Hoodhood is an absolute inspiration to me and my new hero.  Looking past her personal limitations she founded the Kids Food Basket and recently received a Presidential Citizens Medal, the highest honor a civilian can receive, for her endeavors in West Michigan and the fight agains childhood hunger.  The Kids Food Basket puts together sack suppers for children (delivered to their school) who go home at night to a home where dinner will not be on the table.  Currently the KFB is packing 2500 sack suppers EVERY WEEK and they have schools on a waiting list.

Want to get involved?  At the event last week, seeing the 500+ people that showed up to participate I realized that most of us have either time or money and some  have both.  With that being said I would like to  encourage you to find out how you can get involved.  Volunteer opportunities are not limited to but include: driving to deliver the sacks, packing the sacks, decorating sacks (what and AWESOME idea for a youth group, small group, classroom project, neighborhood project), volunteering in the office, or best of all organizing a food drive for them.  They are in need of 100% juice boxes, granola bars, peanut butter, fruit snacks, fruit cups, chips…..So here it is…. I’m going to BEG every single client that comes in front of my camera this fall to bring something to donate to my personal food drive for the KFB and I promise to make it worth your while.

As far as the celebration anyone would have been impressed by the generosity of the donations, the venue, and who was there but I personally just felt privileged  to just be in the same room as Mary K. Hoodhood.  I appreciated the opportunity to photograph her and the people that support her, to see her warm gracious smile and witness her humble spirit.  Having my photo taken with her (Thank You Dave Johnson!!) was an honor.  Thank you to my sweet friend Jennifer Wilson of Grand Development Associates for asking me to participate!

If you are participating with the Kids Food Basket or are doing a food drive or anything else, please comment on my blog. Together we can spread the word and get as much support as possible for this wonderful organization!!

AND for those of you that have inquired about all the pictures we took keep an eye out for them on the Kids Food Basket facebook page.  The images are being passed on to them for posting and you can tag away!

Lastly, just as we were beginning the day I saw a little cart driving by with non other than Fred and Lena Meijer.  I turned around and caught the attention of the driver and BEGGED for a photo opportunity for my couple. Mr. & Mrs. Meijer were very gracious and obliged.  It was fun to see them swap “how we met” stories, see them laughing together and Mr. & Mrs. Meijer offer their best wishes to this couple.  We thanked them for their generous contribution of the Meijer Gardens to the community.  How cool to meet Fred & Lena Meijer on the day that you’ll be married at the Meijer Gardens ( AND I HAD A CAMERA IN HAND!! WOO!! HOO!!!!).  Lovin’ it!