Handmade gifts

I have some incredibly talented friends and wanted to share a couple of awesome gifts I've received this season.

An origami crane mobile... it is said to bring peace wherever it is hung:
A wonderful photo album that I can't wait to fill with photos:
Thanks friends!

Holiday Wish List

I have been doing these for awhile now and just think it's fun! My list is pretty short this year and really only has one photography related item.

The Canon 5D Mark II. I drool over this camera! It just came out and there are waiting lists everywhere... unless you want to pay $1,000 extra on eBay.

We got a Wii this summer and I haven't used it much. I wouldn't mind Guitar Hero either!
Britney is back! I'm not sure why I want this, but I heard it's good and I'm curious I guess.
I've trashed my Swiffer vacuum and need a replacement. I actually asked Andy for a broom vac for Christmas and he said, "I'm not getting you a vacuum for Christmas, that's no fun!" Hey- I'm a practical girl, what can I say?


I *heart* Felicity and Keri Russell!

I saw this book at Target yesterday and couldn't put it down!

To display all of my baked goods!

I've always wanted a nice set of measuring cups...
I'm a pretty simple gal, although my husband claims I am the hardest person to shop for!

I hope that everyone gets what they wish for this holiday season!

Maren

Drew, Dana, and their beautiful daughter Maren were this year's winners of my free Thanksgiving session and were nominated by their best friend (and OWP client) Nicole.

Nicole nominated her best friend Dana on the eve of Thanksgiving. I remember it so clearly. It was late, I was sitting in bed on my laptop, waiting for my bread dough to rise. It was quiet at my house as everyone was asleep. I was feeling the rush and stress of the holidays and I was tired and maybe feeling a little whiny. I read Nicole's nomination for her best friend Dana and I literally sat in my bed SOBBING (I'm tearing up typing this!). I was so touched by their story and Nicole's loving words. At that moment, I felt so completely *THANKFUL*. It just really made me think about life, how precious it is, and God's wonderful miracles. It taught me to *BELIEVE* against all odds that amazing things can happen!

Dana was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma at the young age of 24. She fought through chemo and radiation, lost her hair, and eventually was given a clean bill of health. Drew and Dana were very excited and wanted nothing more than to start a family. Unfortunately, Dana's Hodgkins came back and she had to battle another stronger round of chemo and radiation. After also undergoing a stem cell transplant and a long recovery, her dreams of starting a family were shattered. She was basically told that she had no chances of ever becoming pregnant. They were devastated and started looking into adoption. Against all odds, they found out that Dana was pregnant and soon delivered a beautiful healthy girl!

(this is an excerpt from Nicole's nomination)
"... Maren Elizabeth was born on April 6 after a beautiful, healthy pregnancy and a drug-free water birth. She is a gorgeous baby and a true miracle. After Dana got pregnant, I couldn't help but jump on the band wagon and be preggo with my best friend. Bridget is 6 weeks 5 days younger than Maren. They'll be best friends...they have no choice.

Long story not so short. I'm nominating my friends Dana, Drew & their beautiful baby girl for photos because they could never afford to do so on their own. Because they have been through more than any young couple should. Because they love each other like crazy. Because Dana is an amazing mother to Maren and loves her daughter to beat the bandits. And because I love them dearly. I hope they win."

Thank you Nicole! Drew and Dana... it was such a pleasure working with you! Your story has truly touched my life and it will never be the same. :)

Gwyneth and Hope

Gwyn and I now have a lifelong connection! I fell in love with these two, their mom is just the best, and it turns out their dad was friends with my husband in high school! We had such a great session and afterward I was told that Gwyn thought very highly of me and wanted her mom to put little braids in her hair everyday "just like Olivia's." Ohhhh, my heart just melts!

Caiden

I'm slowly (and I mean slowly) getting back to my sessions I shot earlier this fall and never blogged. These were too cute not to share...

It's not too late!

For those of you that have your Christmas cards ordered and even sent out... I applaud you! I wasn't quite on the ball this year. It's quite horrible actually, we don't have our tree up yet, no cards sent out, and definitely no shopping accomplished either! I think I am in denial that Christmas is 2 weeks away!

For those of you that are like me... it's not too late to order Christmas cards! I've gotten a few recent inquiries so I thought I would post this. Just follow the instructions in this link. The turnaround time is roughly 3-4 days upon receipt of payment, so there's still time! I actually just shot the photos for my card yesterday and stayed up late designing them.

I always get tempted to post them here early, but you'll have to wait until I get my cards sent out to see them! Here was our card from last year. I loved it and it was hard to top it but I think it turned out cute!


Happy Holidays!

Cousins

My cousin Myra came down to the studio for photos a couple of weeks ago. Her boys are my boys ages and they recently had a baby girl earlier this May. It was great to see them, we'll see them again soon at our Christmas Eve celebration!

Smiley Girl

This girl was all smiles! Although I featured some serious looks, I just thought these were such classic portraits and couldn't resist letting her beautiful eyes speak for themselves. Makayla is going to be a big sister next year! I couldn't think of a more wonderful family deserving of another child!

This is love...



This dress is on its way to becoming a family heirloom...


Go Vikes!

Kasey

Since I am going through blog withdrawal, I just HAD to post some photos...

I am so far behind with blogging my sessions but wanted to post this one because I thought it was so cute and fun! Brianne contacted me for some family photos with her husband and their dog Kasey. What could be better? A fun couples shoot and a beautiful well-behaved dog! Brianne's only request... the green couch!