An Exciting Announcement!

 Tis the season to be busy! Christmas is right around the corner ... and I'm still searching for that perfect present for my little princess. A girlie girl and tom boy all wrapped up into one perfect package. So into fashion - and a superstar on the soccer field ... loves having her nails done - and sports her bruised up legs in a mini skirt. She needs absolutely nothing ... Grandma and Auntie do a fine job of spoiling her. What can Santa bring to light up those chocolate chip eyes of hers ... we'll have to wait and see?!?! He always seems to succeed come Christmas morning!

And speaking of Christmas... Kathy, the beautiful mama-to-be, was expecting something special this year too ... her sweet little girl was due to arrive on Christmas Eve. Well, I'm excited to say that Baby Gemma decided to show up a little early... and she's 7 pounds of sweet goodness! Mommy and baby are doing well ... and I can't wait to add to their family album!   p.s. I absolutely love the name!

Another pretty name, and very pretty little girl ... Miss Lena. Lena's mom is a good friend of Kathy - and you just know these little girls are gonna grow up to be friends, just like their mamas!

A teething one year old who missed out on a full nap could mean trouble ... but there's something about those big eyes, squishy cheeks, and pouty lips ... here, you be the judge ...

 

...proving that it doesn't take a smile to make a photograph ... but we'll throw one in to prove that she did let us steal a few ... and of course, baby toes - I just love baby toes!!

I know these three little girls are going to have a Bright and Merry Christmas ... and my wishes extend to you and your family as well. Let the Spirit of Christmas live in your heart, and may you help spread it to others this joyful season.

Stunning ...

 One of the first words that comes to mind when I think of Katherine. Very beautiful - those eyes, that complexion ... stunning. 

And then you meet her, and realize that she's a quirky, funny, cute, up-for-anything kinda of gal ... with the cutest little baby bump you'll ever see! Kathy teaches third grade in Ohio... and I bet the kids just love her ... such a spunky, happy personality. This Christmas will be extra special for her and her husband, as they are expecting their first baby on Christmas Eve. I just know that she's going to fall into motherhood like an old pro ... and look absolutely stunning while doing it.

Thank you, Kathy, for being such a fabulous model, and good luck with the exciting journey ahead. I can't wait to hear about the new arrival! You'll be amazed at how much joy she brings to the two of you. And I know she's gonna be darn pretty, just like her mama ... I'm looking forward to our next photo shoot!

                                      
                              

                                        

WEDDING PACKAGE GIVEAWAY

The wedding package giveaway is officially posted on the website. Click the link to the right to check it out ... if you, or anyone you know, is getting married next year, you'll want to know the details! You'll also be able to find entry forms at your local bridal stores. How cool would it be to know that you can cross the "pictures" off your budget?

Some Family Time...

It's been a long time since Laura and Jason had any pics with the kids, and today was the perfect day to get out and take advantage of the fall weather. Grammy Sue came along too! We were a little disappointed that we couldn't get into the Botanical Gardens like we had hoped ... but it worked out well ... beautiful pictures for a beautiful family.

Our Fall Tradition

It's that time of year again ... we load up and take a scenic drive to Coloma to visit Jollay Orchards. This is our third year, and the kids love it! Our first stop is the diner in town though ...Corey and I have our favorite liver and onions (which is why he fell in love with me) and the kiddos usually split the chicken fingers. They're awarded with a special treat - quarters to get something out of the 'junk' machines ... Isaac's prize was very amusing this year (as you'll see as you scroll down). Then it's off to the farm. Hayrides, apple picking, fishing pond, haunted house, corn maze, pumpkin patch, hot apple cider, puppet shows, petting zoo ... you name it - we do it ... twice!
This morning, I have to admit ... I wasn't feeling it. Staying home sounded like a much better idea ... what was I thinking? It's a tradition. That means every year - no matter what - we go. I'm so glad we did ... and I'm so glad we do. Just the four of us - an afternoon of laughing, smiling ... no tv, no phone ... just us. Memories for the kids, and hopefully something that they carry on some day. And when they're grown and gone ... Corey and I will still be driving up to Coloma every October ... because that's what a tradition is all about!

              

  

               

                           

      the end to another great day ... and many more to come!

Taylor Made...

Miss Taylor has style written all over her, with a capital "S"! She's so easy to photograph, we could have shot all day ... too bad the weather was chilly ... we had to come in to warm up! Her 'pics' turned out amazing - as expected - I've had the honor of photographing her before ... she can't take a bad picture if she tried ... way to go Taylor ... you rock girl!! Here's just a few ...

       

        

                 

                 

         

Celebrating Love

Corey and I celebrated our 1st Anniversary on October 11th. In one thought, it's hard to believe that it's been a year already ... and thinking twice, it seems as if we've been together forever, like an old pair of shoes - so comfortable and worn in.  As we celebrated 1 year, his youngest daughter celebrated her 1 month. Amanda and Elijah married on September 11th, a perfectly beautiful day for an intimate backyard wedding. The bride and groom were as gorgeous as the weather ... here are a few of my favorites ...

our grandson, Eli, handsome little man slept through the whole thing!! (yes, i'm a grandma ... Eli makes 5 grandkids ... who would have ever thought?!?!?)

 

this is definitely one of my favs!!

Jeffery(the oldest grandson), picking up berries ...

showing off the ring to grandma and grandpa ...

Congratulations you two. Your dad and I wish you many, many years of happiness. Always love each other, always respect each other, and always kiss each other goodnight.

Where have I been?

Well... it's been a busy few weeks. With so many things going on at once, and 'life' thrown into the middle of it, I've been spending my free time on my website instead of here ... so I figured I'd take a moment to at least update my status. The kids are almost done with soccer :(  Alexia will be starting tournament games next week ... and Isaac is the new up and coming "soccer star", as he likes me to call him when I tuck him in now! They're both little naturals on the field, and I love, love, love it!!

My husband and I have much to celebrate as well. He turned the BIG 4 - 0, and I tried to pull off a surprise birthday party for him, though I don't know how much I believe him when he says he was surprised? I think he kind of expected something like that from me!  He, on the other hand, had a wonderful surprise for our anniversary ... a living room full of new furniture! He never fails to amaze me. And to top it all off ... we were able to sneak away, alone, for a few days on our much needed vacation ... and enjoy each other, doing a whole lot of nothing! Happy Anniversary honey ... I love you ... so much.