Christmas

It was a reminder of the ultimate gift to us. 
Jesus born long ago in a stable in Bethlehem.  "That's the reason we give each
other presents", we told the kids.  So thankful for the blessings and magic that
Christmas time brings.  Here are a few photos from our own family gift opening
we celebrated together on Christmas Eve.  One of those times when life seems so full. :) the boys tackling their stocking stuffers :)
more knights & horses for lucas
i love Nathan's expression here.
and here.
Lucas' prized present, the "hot rod" track, as he calls it. ;-)

Still here :)

Wow, it's certainly been awhile now with no update here, sorry to keep you waiting. :)  We're doing well, I had a real kick in the pants from a not-so-dear friend named "morning sickness", and finally seem to be over that.  Thankfully.  I didn't even know it was possible to be that sick with pregnancy.  Let's just say I was very blessed with the boys and did not have that side effect while pregnant with them.  Speculation says that perhaps it's a girl?  We'll have to wait and see, actually we only have to wait until next week.  :)  We have decided to find out if we need blue or pink sleepers to bring to the hospital this time.  With the boys we never found out, and that was great, but truthfully it's purely practical reasons why we're wanting to find out this time.  I'd like to get things ready before baby comes and if it is a girl, gift all my boy stuff to my sister who just recently had a boy, after having three girls.  Having had two boys, we would love to add another sweet little guy to the family, on the other hand a girl would be unique, now wouldn't it?  Not sure yet if we'll be making a public announcement, but if we do, you can be sure it will be here.  This fall has been difficult for me since I've been sick, and photography has taken a back seat due to this.  I will only be taking limited bookings until baby arrives in May, and will also be taking a maternity leave of approximately 4-6 months (maybe longer) after that.  I've already had to say no to a few weddings for next year, although it pains me to do so, but I know that this time with a new little one is precious and an overextended mother won't be any help to my family.  Thanks everyone for your phone-calls, emails and well wishes, we are super excited about this big step to "family of five".  Your prayers and support mean so much to us.

And of course since no post is complete without a few pictures, here a few of the newest member of my family, my niece Meagan Elisabeth, who was born on Nov. 18, and baptized yesterday.  Such a precious bundle, so soft and sweet.

Jenaya and Matt: The Wedding

You may remember this
couple from their Engagement session, back in June.  I had the
distinct pleasure of capturing their wedding day, on September 5.  I absolutely loooove weddings.  To me, there is nothing more beautiful than two people joining themselves in the sacred bond called marriage.  As a photographer, there is nothing more special than capturing all the little bitty details that make up one gorgeous day.  I
know Jenaya (and Jenaya's Mom) are being incredibly patient with me
while I complete the final edits to their images.  So here it is, finally!  Your sneak peek, I hope you find it was worth the wait!

Drumroll please..

What's new with me?  Well, I'm positively giddy with excitement since we found out that we will be welcoming a new member to our family, the Lord willing, in May 2010.  It's also been a wee little distracting, please bear with me as I wade through the workload and emails.. :)

Justin Peter - 09/09/09

Was born to Brad & Rebecca at 2:02 am on 09/09/09.  8lbs 12oz and measured 20 inches long.  (Rebecca is my sister, in case you didn't know that).  After three girls, they now have a handsome little boy in the family.  We are thankful that God made all things go well and that Justin could be delivered safely.  Last night Rebecca called to let us know he does have a chest infection, so they will be staying a little longer in the hospital than anticipated.  Justin will be in an incubator and on IV antibiotics until he recovers.  Please say a prayer for our precious new nephew!

circa 1983

I have been thinking lately about the importance of holding on to old photographs, I was so excited when my Mom handed this one to me last night.  I know people often come to me and say my little guy Nathan looks a lot like me... well, see for yourself:

July Wedding: Amanda & Bryan

These two have an incredible connection.  When they look at each other their eyes meet with joy, contentment, and a mutual understanding unlike anything I've seen before.  With God as the center of their lives and their marriage, they positively glowed on their wedding day. They actually met at their church, when they both joined their Praise & Worship team.  Spotting each other from across the stage, they soon developed a friendship that would eventually turn into more.  Amanda has been waiting (ever so patiently I might add), to steal a peek at the photos from her wedding.  Thanks for being such wonderful people Amanda & Bryan.  It was a complete joy and blessing to be a part of your big day.  Much love to you both.  I hope you looooove your pics, these are just a few of my favorites.  :)
Amanda rocked it out in her red pumps!The dress..

 Amanda snuck up behind Bryan to greet him for the first time that day.

We were so excited when the fountains went off while we were in Central Park, I just love how these turned out.So at ease with each other... and of course love the blue wall!Gorgeous Amanda.