The plans for him

As I held this precious blond hair, blue eye gift of a boy I kept thinking what will he become? Will he be this amazing mix of sassy, sweet and smart like his big sister? Will he be loyal, thoughtful and giving person like his mommy? Will he dream big dreams that turn into entrepreneurship like his daddy?  I pray he loves and protects his sister fiercely.  I pray he loves his mommy tenderly. I pray he seeks to love and honor God like his daddy. Mostly I pray he becomes the man God has already ordained him to be and discovers all the gifts God wrapped in just him. I know God has big plans for this baby boy can’t wait to see how they unfold.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

 

 

 

Another Photographer

When another photographer, who happens to be very talented, asks you to photograph her family, you feel honored and scared at the same moment. A million questions flood my head; style, technique, locations, creativity, etc. However, my very wise husband reminded me “do me”. So that is what I did.  I was able to fully enjoy photographing this family.  They are goofy, full of energy and love each other.  It’s a great combo! I am so privileged to create photographs of their family. DSCF8079

 

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Long time

Jen and I meet when we were both single.  Fast forward 12 – 15 years and we are both married and have 5 children between us. It had been a long while since we have a chance to see each other and catch up.  I enjoy that even though we do not see each other often when we do we just pick up where we left off. I am also happy that she used a photograph session as an excuse to see me. Jen has a great family and we had the chance to do some extended family photographs. I am so glad it all worked out for when everyone was back and they have some family photos to cherish.

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Pure Joy

This little boy is a delight to his family. His big smile can light up a room.  It is fun to watch his mind figuring things out.  It was so much fun to take some time and capture Josiah at 6 months.  It seems like those 6 months have flown by, I know they have for his mommy and daddy.  My favorite part of this session was watching his mommy and daddy though.  They love this boy fiercely and it’s easy to tell he brings them pure joy.

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Fall

When Lindsay approached me about doing family photographs she was sure of one thing, she wanted fall leaves.  We tentatively planned a date that we thought the leaves would be in their prime.  Well as that date approached it was evident the leaves just weren’t ready.  We pushed the date back a couple of weeks.  I am not sure if I have ever analyzed the leaves as much as I have in the last few weeks.  I wanted the leaves to look beautiful but also didn’t want to miss the window for them either.  As our session approached the leaves began to cooperate which I was relieved.  However, the session happen to be on the coldest day we had this fall so far.  The family was awesome and endured the cold to get some beautiful family photos.  It was worth the wait to have the colors of fall gracing the family in the background.

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Just 5 minutes

I wish everyone in my life could just spend 5 minutes with this incredible family. Here is what I know that 5 minutes would do for you; it would uplift you, inspire you and simply make you smile.  Yes, this family is that powerful.  You will see people that love each other, serve each other, and strive to honor God in their actions.  The weather the day of the session was less then ideal as it decide it was fall instead of summer that day.  However, I never heard a single complaint from any of them. I am telling you simply remarkable family, just remarkable!  Once we completed the family session we focused on the tiniest of the family as she just turn one year old.  She is a delight! She is full of giggles and one of the best smiles that make her eyes disappear.  She is also very loved.

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Safe and Sound

Some babies I get really anxious to get my hands on and love on.  Caden was one of those babies. I have been excited for his arrival just about from the day I heard he was growing in his mama’s tummy.  I was anticipating the chance  to see Haley, his big sister interact with him.  I was looking forward to seeing his mama hold him in her arms and seeing the peace on her face knowing he truly was here safe and sound.  He was worth the anticipation and excitement.  He is simply precious and a sweet gift, one that I got the honor of capturing.

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A Family to Be Proud Of

I finally made it back up to Iowa to photograph one of my favorite families. They happen to be my brother’s family but they are still one of my favorites!  I had not had the chance to do a family session with them in over two years.  My nieces and nephews have changed SO much in that time.  They also added to their family in December bringing home two more beautiful kids from Africa.  I am very proud of the family Chad and Heidi have.  They could have chosen to live the “American Dream” but they felt a higher calling for their family.  They knew they wanted to impact 3 little lives from Africa that would have had a very different life there.  Even though I know they feel like they are being pulled apart in a thousand directions, they know their family is their ministry and they are honoring God in raising these magnificent seven children.  Yet again my big brother is teaching me so much.  I am blessed to be apart of it.

Summer Fashion

I had the opportunity once again to work with Laura Duncan of Wee Fashion.  She has an adorable Summer Line she is putting on her Etsy page.  She allowed me to work with some gorgeous little ones as well.  I highly recommend getting your cutie an outfit ordered to wear this summer, you won’t be disappointed!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/weefashion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Busy but Blessed Life

I photographed Jenny’s wedding almost 4 years ago.  It’s amazing how quickly ones life is filled with marriage and children.  Jenny moved to Arkansas but I have kept in touch with her via her mom.  It was great that we could work out a session when she was back in town for a visit.  She has two sweet little ones that are close in age, they keep her very busy but just as richly blessed!