Anticipation...

I think maternity photos are so important. It can be hard for the mom-to-be to feel glamorous enough to have her photo taken sometimes... But, it's such a special time! The anticipation is exciting to all who are looking forward to the arrival of the little one. Here are a couple of photos from a session back in April of two very dear people.

Then, after all that waiting, planning, dreaming...and more waiting... ta da! A new little miracle.

A few more...

Continued...

At long last... more of my niece who is graduating from 8th grade! (D, I'm almost done...these will be in the mail to you by tomorrow.) Love you, flower girl.

Spring is here!

All winter, my camera has been begging me to take it out to play... But Illinois winters are not fun for outdoor photography (in my opinion). I prefer blue skies, green grass, and temperatures above 55 F. This week, my camera and I have been reunited...and it feels so good! (hahaha-I am not really old enough to know that song or who sang it, etc...but I've heard it in enough commercials to know the tune).

My niece...the one who made me an aunt for the first time... the one who, at not-quite-three years old, dropped little clumps of petals down the aisle at my wedding as the flower girl... the one who (well, for her sake I won't tell the story about what happened one night as she was bouncing around on a bed with a solid oak headboard)....the one who once screamed in horror, "You're sitting on Jesus!!!" as I climbed into the backseat of a car beside her... yes, that one...is graduating from 8th grade soon.

So, I got to take her graduation photos! Isn't she lovely? I look at her and see this person who is maturing before my eyes...and at the same time, I see her at age 7, smiling a gap-toothed grin at me when she was losing her baby teeth. She is so wonderful and special and I just can't wait to see what she does next.

FYI, this was taken at the Illinois River in Seneca, Illinois. Behind her, you can see the new bridge that is being built and the old bridge, too. I'll post more of my favorites of her as I edit them...

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23

This Psalm has been running through my mind as I think of the Haitian people today. My friends, I pray for your comfort...for God's mercy on those who are suffering...for strength and faith.

Fall Family Session 3

"The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him." Proverbs 20:7

This photo shoot started out comfortably, but as the sun continued to set, it became chilly. It made me smile to see this family snuggle up together in between shots to warm up! Everyone cooperated so well and we really picked up some of those vivid colors in the changing trees. I so enjoy every minute I spend with this family. They are so beautiful inside and out!

Fall Family Session 2

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again--rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, and with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:4-9

I've gotten to know this family much better over the last two years and the photos below reflect several of their wonderful qualities...they are so colorful, full of joy and movement. They are confident and peaceful and quick to smile and laugh. Their love for each other is so evident!