Thanksgiving :: Part 1

John F. Kennedy once said, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." As Americans, we set aside one day a year to give thanks... but how often are we really thankful, even on Thanksgiving Day? Traditions have overshadowed the true meaning of thanksgiving. Instead of a day to remember what's been done for us, and to appreciate the life we have, we tend to gorge on food and fall asleep in front of the tv. I'm ashamed to say, that I too am guilty of this. It's not been intentional, but I hope to strive to change this.

I am truly grateful for the life I have. I am so very thankful for my family, and the time I get to spend with them. Below are a few images from our Thanksgiving together. The first few are some shots of the food prep, and my nephew, Joah, anxiously awaiting dinner :)

I did manage to get in a few shots throughout the day... it rarely happens.

I love my parents. They are a strength, and a huge support to me!

My sister, and my best friend... I love her dearly!

My grandmother will surely kill me for the shot of her below. I snapped this one as she poked her head out of the window. You never know when I'll pop up with my camera! :)

Joah was not too happy when it was time to go in.

I will share a bit more on our Thanksgiving in a later post. I hope everyone reading this had a wonderful time with family and friends, and that you found many things to be thankful for!

What I'm Thankful For...

Since starting my business, I've had many opportunities to work with children. With today being Thanksgiving, I find I have much to be thankful for... especially for my opportunities and experiences with children. When you are with a child, it doesn't matter how much money you make, or how beautiful you are... whether you wear designer clothes, or even if you've put on a few pounds... all that matters to them, is that you love them with all that you have, and take time to just "be" with them. You don't have to dazzle them with great talent or skill... in their world, none of that matters.

We try our best to raise and teach our children, but in the end, they end up teaching us. They show us that it's the simple things in life that mean the most, and that life is a gift.... a priceless gift that is given to us in moments. The only question we are left to answer, is, how will we live out those moments?

For me, I want to live through the eyes of a child. At the grocery store the other day, I watched a young boy ride the mechanical horse. The look on his face was so innocent, and carefree. It was the look of someone who had yet to encounter struggle and stress, heartache and pain.

Yes, to live through the eyes of a child would be my desire. This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for life and it's simplicity; for the tiny miracles around me every day.... And I am thankful for children who remind us just how fun and special life can really be.

I hope everyone had a wonderful, and safe Thanksgiving... and since posts are always better with images, I thought I'd throw in a couple from my day with my family.

A stare down between my nephew and Dad :)

Empty Nesters

Earlier this week, I did a short photo shoot for a couple whose last child left for college this year. Every year, they do a Christmas card, and this is their first year by themselves. They only thought it appropriate to do a card with an empty nest :) Here are a few images from the session. I'll post the final Christmas card design later.

High Five!

One 3yr old + newborn twins = A Full House!

Over the weekend, Paul and I drove over to Salina, KS to shoot a family with newborn twins. In addition to the newborns, they also have a 3yr son. What a wonderful family! I am certain that dull moments will fail to exist in this family! :)

He's going to be such a great big brother!

The twins loved me from the beginning! :)

What a gorgeous family!

Stephanie and Mike, I am so glad I was able to do this for you! It was an honor to meet you and your family!
I also want to give a big thank you to my mother-in-law, Connie. She assisted me and helped out throughout the session... I truly appreciated it!

Holiday Homes Tour

Last week, I had the opportunity to photograph one of the homes in the Johnson County Young Matrons Home for the Holidays tour. The home was gorgeously decorated, with careful attention to even the smallest detail.

Mini Session :: Renae & Drew

She stopped by my booth at the bridal show, with her mom; I could see the excitement in her eyes as she began to dream about her wedding day. Renae and Drew are high school sweethearts, and they joined me last Sunday for a brief photo session. I liked Renae from the moment I met her at the show, and after meeting Drew, I could tell they are perfect for each other.






Renae and Drew, I am so honored to have met the both of you! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do this session!

Mini Session :: Michelle & Jason

I met Michelle at the bridal show I did a couple of weeks ago. It was a brief meeting, but I knew there was something special about her. Michelle signed up for one of my mini sessions, and she and Jason met up with me last Saturday for a quick shoot. They met online last spring, and even though they were states away, they both knew they were meant for each other. Even in my brief meeting with them, it was evident.




Michelle and Jason, thank you so much for allowing me to do this for you! It was such an honor to meet the two of you!