Autumn and Daniel

These images were taken last August but somehow never got on the blog. They are just too much fun not to post them up now! I had fun looking at these images again not just because of the fun we had in the junk yard while shooting these, but also because it gives me hope that warmer temperatures will someday return to this 1 degree fahrenheit, snowing, blowing icebox I call home!

One of the really neat things about this couple is that I took senior pictures for both of them, and now I get to photograph their wedding on June 27! They will be getting married in an outdoor ceremony, which I am looking forward to!

Also, years ago I used to teach a Jr. High summer class on photography at Dordt College. Daniel was in one of those classes one summer. I can't believe how time flies. Yes, I feel OLD!!!

A Happy Valentine's Day!

A popsicle stick puzzle...


What a day! I got home from bringing the kids to school only to find my driveway blocked by a 4 foot snow bank created by the snow plow! I had to park on the road, and headed to the house in search of boots, mittens, scarf and snow shovel...

Shortly after clearing somewhat of a path (good thing for four wheel drive) and getting inside, onto the yard comes our friend Jay who owns http://www.scgroundeffects.com with a beautiful flower arrangement from my dear Husband! Way to melt my heart!! As I was standing there in the kitchen no makeup, still unshowered, hair matted down from the stocking cap, nose red and running from the cold with this beautiful arrangement of flowers in front of me I was reminded of God's amazing and undeserved love for me. SO far from being good enough to earn it, but yet a recipient of His amazing love in Christ...

The kids got out of school at 11am because of the weather, so it's been a fun day at home with them. I think we'll watch a movie all together after supper.

I wish you a great Valentine's day too. Hope it's filled with hugs, love notes, and/or CHOCOLATE!!!!


A valentine made out of two construction paper hands...

Thatcher....

Thatcher is just four weeks old. His Daddy picked out this first outfit...what a little mini prepster!

Look at those eyes...

I love taking baby pictures with silver rattles! Such a classic look!

At the end of the session Thatcher drifted off to sleep and cracked this adorable little half smile....precious.

More Boys!

Here are a few quick favorites from today's session! I asked these boys what their Mom's best supper was and they said "Stromboli!!" It's been a while since I've had that-maybe I can talk Natasha into sharing her recipe with me!

Lately for family sessions, I have been taking each child one at a time to get their individual picture taken while parents and siblings wait in the living room. This has seemed to work really well, as they are looking only at me. I also love that I can get to know my little subjects and make them comfortable in front of the lens through one-on-one conversation with me. Here's another one of the two brothers together.

And one of the whole family....

Two boys!!

My two sessions today were both families with two boys, and my next appointment is also a family with two boys! I want to show you a couple images from one of the families from today. I photographed these boys two and a half years ago and have not seen them since, so it was lots of fun to see how they have grown and changed!

I could hardly contain myself when these two started showing off their muscles!!! Could they be any more adorable?


Here's a fun one with the whole family!

I thought Tiffany picked out such great colors for her family to wear! With the white backdrop I think these images have a crisp and fresh look to them. Thanks Tiffany, John and boys for letting me photograph your family!

Happy New Year!

I wish you a healthy and blessed 2008!

This year all my siblings and their spouses came home for Christmas! It had been two years since we had all been together, and the older we all get, the more I think we all realize how rare and precious time all together is. I am the oldest of six, and have four sisters and one brother. All are married with at least one child, and all have scattered to the four corners of the States and one is moving to Germany next week.

All this to say that I don't get to photograph my siblings and their kids very often! So we had a few photo shoots to make up for lost time!

I want to introduce you to a few of my sibs and will start with Abby. She's my youngest sibling. I remember playing four square during recess outside in jr. high when someone, maybe my Dad, came to school to tell me I had a new baby sister! I still cannot believe she is all grown up! Bust as you can plainly see, she is!! Isn't she beautiful?



In the coming days I will introduce you to a few more of my family members. Also coming soon on the blog, a wedding I got to shoot last weekend! A very fun couple who braved the elements for some great outside shots!

Bethany and Tim

We started our session at the Northwestern College Chapel, which also happens to be where this couple will be tying the knot next June 28! Bethany's Dad is a pastor. I forgot to ask the couple if her Dad will be marrying them. I have never photographed or been at a wedding where that is done-it would take a strong man to get through walking his daughter down the aisle and then performing the wedding ceremony!!

Bethany is in her last year of school and just finished her last exams today. No wonder she looks so relaxed! She will complete her student teaching in downtown Chicago next semester.

Next, we went to the Puddle Jumper Trail for a few more outside images. It was probably the mildest day we have had in a while-in the lower 30s I think!


Thanks for an enjoyable engagement session, Bethany and Tim! I enjoyed meeting you and look forward to your upcoming wedding!