"I can't look. Could somebody please cover my eyes? "

From when I was a small child I have loved puzzles. I could do them for hours. When I was 5 years old I remember stacking the wooden puzzles that we had and see how fast I could go through them. My husband doesn't understand why I have a framed puzzle in my daughters room from when I was a child. I think a lot of it comes when you have a puzzle out people come together and work together, all with the same goal in mind, to finish the puzzle. Now that I do what I do, i think sometimes that I am putting life size puzzles together. And when I get families together everything always comes together, outfits, background, timing... and the result we all want is the same, to have beautiful family portraits! (And these puzzles really are the best to frame and put on the wall!)





C family, Thank you! It was a wonderful evening, full of hugs, and pats, and laughs! Thank you for always putting your faith in me, and having me apart of your family! You are all wonderful, and I love being with you!

I appreciate every one's patience as we get through the holiday rush. If anyone has any questions about their session please feel free to call or email me, thank you!

The movie line for this post brings back special memories for me. When Adam and I lived with the C family, little J, (he was much smaller then) would come and watch this everyday. It was a great time in our lives. Thanks for the fond memories C family!



The answer to the last movie post was, "Watcher in the Woods."

"Something awful happened here, I can feel it. Something awful!"

I really hope someone knows this movie line. When I was a kid I thought this was so scary. I am sure knowing me I would still be scared even now, but it is the season, and I will probably make my family get freaked out with me, or laugh at me getting freaked out. Also the last movie quote came from the movie "Arachnophobia," which I will not be watching under any circumstances, no matter the holiday. Lets get some movie line guessers!



G Family, it was a complete honor to take your family picture. This is a family who I truly look up to. Each daughter knows who she is, and has a confidence that I only hope I can help instill in each my children. R and N, you are not only amazing parents, but great friends, and again I thank you for letting be there to capture these moments. Dont forget to leave your comments!

"Let's find your mom to take care of that spider. Honey, we're in the living room. We need you to kill a spider."

So as I went to post this blog I noticed that this was my 100th blog. I was so excited! I couldn't help but be a little overwhelmed thinking about the number one hundred. That is a lot of sessions, and I am grateful to all clients who have made it possible. Thanks all!!!

So the Christmas season is really right around the corner, and I just wanted to remind you to book your sessions now! Christmas Card deadline is December 1st!



S, you are so beautiful. You are amazing in all that you do, and I cant believe how much you have accomplished in your life, and the amazing woman that you are. Thanks for having me apart of your wedding expereince. Also, having B there with his gun, was a blast. You are both perfect togehter!









The answer to the last bog post "Nightmare Before Christmas" small hint for movie titles in my blog posts...they will be holiday themed!

"Jack, please, I'm only an elected official here, I can't make decisions by myself!"

Many times I find when I have never done something before, it takes me awhile to get the courage to undertake it. If I were to compare it to getting into a lake that is cold, I would say that I might stick my toes in, but the only way I am going in is if I completely jump, and that usually happens after I have thought about jumping for a long time...
This family picture has taken me a long to "jump" into, but now that I have, I couldn't be prouder. C family, I appreciate your patience, but I think it was worth the wait. You are all amazing, and thanks for taking the first jump with me!

Congrats D&A on getting way over twelve comments, and earning their mini accordi! It was awesome to read how everyone feels the same way about the both of you. It is a pleasure knowing you!

The answer to the last movie quote is, "The Bourne Identity"

"How could I forget about you? You're the only person I know."

I may have said this before, maybe a thousand times, but I LOVE BEING A PHOTOGRAPHER! Not only do I get an opportunity to take pictures of beautiful people, but I cherish the relationship that comes with it. When I first talked with A on the phone to schedule her wedding, it was like talking to a friend that I had not talk in a couple months, not a complete stranger, and meeting A & D in person was no different.

I really enjoy the theater, and one of my favorite musicals is Wicked. There is a song in the musical called "For Good," and everytime I hear it I always have a handful of people that cross my mind. The theme of the song is about people coming into our lives for a reason, and we can learn and grow from each other. I know several people who have come into my life, who have made such an impact on me, that they have changed me for "the good." A, I know we haven't known each other long, but thank you for the impact you have already made on my life. Friendships and relationship mean everything to me, so thank you to ALL of you who that I can say, "because I knew you, I have been changed for good."

D & A, every outfit change was awesome, every smile gorgeous. A, you are a complete babe, and seeing the way D looks at you was magical! When I was processing the pictures I giggled several times when I thought about Dave's pose :).

The answer to the last blog post was "Night at the Museum."

"Some men are born great, others have greatness thrust upon them."

This was such a tender sweet session for me. I got a call from S's Uncle a few days before, saying how when his nieces graduate from High School, and before they go off to college, he has their pictures taken with their moms. I was complete puddy in his hands after that. I loved that they had a whole day focused around this moment, and I am very flattered that I got to be apart of it. In the morning they both got their hair done, and later on in the evening they had a big family dinner for the graduate. S, you are stunning. You have a beautiful smile that makes me smile when I see it, and when your eyes look at the camera, it is going to leave everyone completely mesmerized. A, thanks for the phone call. It was great to see you again, and I really was so touched at the awesome gift you gave!















Remember to leave your comments. I would love to see S get a mini accordion to take with her off to college!

The answer to the last blog post is "Ever After"

"I shall go down in history as The Man Who Opened a Door!"

Oh what a night! I love going places with a goal in mind, and then having my ideas not only met, but well exceeded. This wonderful couple holds a special place in my heart. S & B, thank you for the opportunity of taking your pictures. I am super excited about the wedding day. I know it is going to be spectacular. Make sure to leave them a comment so they can get their mini accordion album!!! Also a special shout out to Ash for all your help. It was awesome to have you along!













The answer to the last blog post is "A League of Their Own"

"There's No Crying in Baseball!"

Every June we get together with Adam's family for Art City Days, which is the town's annual celebration. I hadn't always thought that my husband grew up in a small town, but then I thought about it and the only McDonald's is outside of town, and a Walmart just came into town a few years ago. The day is full of so many fun activities, I have to give everyone a glimpse of the great time we have!

The day starts with hot air balloons. Normally we go down to the park and watch them fill up, but with a late start, we watched them from the back porch. I would say this is my favorite thing, but it seemed like the day started out great and just got better.



After the hot air balloons we went down to the Fire Station for breakfast served by the fireman.



The parade is a great highlight, and every year we park our chairs out in front of the local hardware store, and watch as all the marching bands show off their stuff.



From there everyone usually goes back home, takes a nap, and then it is off to the carnival!



So far the kids seem to love the same things every year, the super slide and the fun house seem to be their first stops.



In the beginning of the ride, believe it or not, my nephew really wanted to go on the motorcycle. I think his mind changed when the motorcycle started moving.



My boy was born for speed, or reckless driving with no hands, whichever comes first.



I love face paintings, and my kids do too, but usually they cost a fortune. Not only did I really think these were the best face paintings ever, but she only charged us $3 each. That is a complete bargain!







The day couldn't have been complete without a spectacular firework show. What I have learned in the past tens years...Small towns sure know how to through a party!
Becky, I have more pics to send you, but I do want to send a small shout out your way, we miss you, and love you!



The answer to the last movie line was the "Sound of Music." Nice job Becky!

"It'll be my first party, father."

I think some things are meant to be so sweet that they just put you in puddle of your own tears by the time you are done. Usually when I pull out my camera these cute kids run the other way, but on this day, they all brought out the charm. I had such a hard time choosing my favorites, I could have posted 5 or 6 more. I love so many things about this family, but I want to throw out a special prop to their Dad, who is so protective, good, and such a nurturing father. I think of Little A, going through chemo, and everything else he has had in the past year, and I think he is a real hero to all survivors. I don't think anyone can resist any of these kids with their adorable smiles! "A" family, it is always a treat, and I look forward to many more fun times we have in store for the future!







The answer for the last movie line was "The Three Amigos." Way to go Allison!