Kelsey. QND. Senior. 2012.

Isn't she gorgeous! Kelsey was awesomely (yes it's a word;) patient for me. I wanted to try a few new things and she let me do whatever I needed. Such a sweet girl! I am looking forward to her full shoot outdoors! Thanks Kelsey! See you soon. =)

Flachs Kids.

The Flachs kids were so awesome to have in the studio. I really loved their sweet little personalities! I was lucky enough to photograph this family because of a fortunate Facebook win via contests on our Photography page. Mom (Nikki) won a beautiful 16x24 portrait of her children. Can't wait to see it on her wall! Thanks Nikki for allowing me to capture your little beauties. They are truly wonderful! =)

My beautifully wonderful friend, Crissy.

There are people in this world that show you the way, everyday. We meet so many friends in our lifetime that there is no chance we could ever remember all of them. Some of them are more memorable than others and then there are the elite members...the ones that will always be close to your heart no matter which direction you take in life. That elite class of individuals have certain characteristics that are unwavering. One thing about them is there uncanny ability to love life. Crissy is one of those people.

I met Crissy in grad school. We were just trying to get through the mundane tasks of homework and projects for 3 long years. We went to class together, studied together, and even completed a couple of projects. I may have taken for granted the time that I got to spend with her because at that time in my life, I thought 3 years was an eternity. Now that I have realized that it's a blink of an eye, I regret not living in our moment. There are so many times that I wish I could back to. A night out with the girls after class should have happened more often. A study group for statistics should have turned into a "little bit longer than necessary gab session." We had the moment, and it just slipped right by. It seems like a lifetime ago. Now, we have graduated, married, had some kids, bought a house, etc. Our lives have changed quite a bit over the past few years, and like many other relationships it has become less and less important to have that gab session. I miss her. I miss that moment, but I am not afraid of what will happen to our relationship. I am not afraid at all, because that elite group of people also have the ability to follow you wherever you go, no matter how bad you are about calling back or missing birthdays, or sending cards, that elite friend is one that just sticks around for everything, always. I am truly grateful for that friend that loves life, smiles always, and stays close even after 5 long years. I am truly grateful for her. I love you, Crissy. Thanks for your friendship. I will cherish it always.

**Just a side note--Crissy is welcoming her second little bundle in March. We are SO excited for her , Andy (dad), and (big sister) Callie. That little guy is the luckiest man alive. I CAN'T wait to snuggle him! =) Congrats!!!

Charlie and big brother Wilson

Oh Charlie. Such a beautiful little boy with a wonderful family. I am so glad that they chose me to capture their family during such a special time in their lives. I do believe that our paths were destined to cross! Elisha (mom) was actually from the area that my husband grew up in. They now live in Quincy! They know many of the same people. It really is crazy that our world is such a small place. I am grateful for that...makes me feel warm and cozy. =) I know, I know, I am dork. Don't hold it against me.

Enjoy the post-view! Can't wait for the summer family session with the magnolia trees, the pram, and the SUN!! Going to be breathtaking. Thanks for the wonderful idea, Elisha. Looking forward to it.

Christmas Magic.

There is such a thing as Christmas Magic. You may not call it by that name, but it's obvious to all of us. You've felt it, you've seen it, and you've even come to count on it. It's at this time of year that we get to see smiles on faces. We get to see good being done all over the world; New toys to children who don't have any, new homes to families who are struggling, even hospital visits for those who don't normally get visitors. There is something about this time of year that just makes the world a better place. I personally look forward to this time every year because I get to see the family that I love so much. I am reminded of the love that surrounds me everyday of the year and I am grateful, so grateful. I can only hope that everyone gets to feel that kind of love at least once in their lives.

This year, and for the past 7 years, my husband and I have put up our Charlie Brown Christmas tree. I will never get rid of it. I bought this tree the year we got married, and I was SO proud of it! Every year that I pull it out of the plastic bag that it lives in, I say to myself, "we could really use a new tree." After we turn on the christmas music, get out the tinsel, and laugh at Claire for putting 5 ornaments on the same branch, I am quickly reminded of the reason that I want to keep the little, broken down tree. This tree has logged a lot of hours with us. We have had 3 babies, bought a house, built an amazing business, and had SO many other changes throughout the life of this simple tree.

It's really refreshing to know that no matter how many things change in our lives, or how many countless hours we work from January to November, we can count on that Christmas Magic every year in December. We can look around us and physically see it. It's the most wonderful time of year.

There is good in everything and everyone. We only have to look through those Christmas Magic glasses to find the goodness that exists, all year round. Merry Christmas Everyone!
~Wishing you lots of love this Christmas Season.

Mosley Family. Alexa is 3!

Love this family! The Mosley's are very near and dear to my heart. It doesn't get any better than good friends. Happy Birthday "Baby Wexa".

Elise.

Beautiful Baby Elise has stolen my heart. She was SO wonderful during her shoot! Her sleepiness made my job so easy. She is gorgeous, and I enjoyed every minute with her sweet little squishiness. The only part that Elise wasn't too keen on, was the santa hat. I just had to through that one in there because it makes me laugh every time I see it! She wasn't having it. It was literally the only time she cried! Poor baby...no santa hats for her, I guess. Even though she didn't like the hat, she will surely be the focus of the holiday. Christmas presents don't get any better than this! Congrats to the lucky parents, and thank you for bringing her by to see me. =)