At Last...

She has been a dear, dear friend to me for over 20 years...

She's the friend who, when I was an absolute mess in college, months after my little sister died, let me crash in her dorm room....no expectations, no judgment...she just opened her door and her arms to me...

I was angry and afraid and I pushed everyone away...I was not an easy friend...

however, she's not afraid of difficult...
she's not afraid to get in the trenches...
she has a HOPE and a deep, deep assurance that surpasses even common sense...

As she walked with me during that journey of grief, I watched her and I leaned on her strength...

If only we had known then what the future held...

She waited patiently for her Prince Charming...many college friends got married and she participated in many 'a "ring down"...and when those same friends started having children, she was there with words of encouragement and excitement...and still she waited...

He did come though...

I was pregnant with baby girls #3, waddling into the pew to watch them exchange vows...and I was so, so thankful to see someone cherish her so unconditionally...it's what she waited for and so deserved...

But, the waiting wasn't over...

It's been 5 long years of hopeful anticipation...and a roller coaster of emotions...I wouldn't be able to do it justice...to explain the journey they've been on...and yet, she and her husband have stayed the course...I can't imagine the depths of longing, the pain of disappointment that they've had to endure...

I don't understand God's plan...however, He DOES have a PLAN...and in HIS time...WOW...the outcomes are beyond our wildest dreams!

This little guy made his appearance in early December and just a few days later, he belonged to a forever family!

Their joy was uncontainable...(is that a word?)  it doesn't matter...you get the idea...

And OH to see them look at him, LOVE on him, hold & cuddle him...he is theirs completely and wholly!

This little guy will be L.O.V.E.D....he already is...he is their miracle...their long awaited dream come true! How appropriate that he showed up at Christmas too :)  What a sweet reminder!

I was honored to kiss those sweet little cheeks and snuggle him close...I love his sweet expressions when he is awake...his wide eyed wonder...he is just content in his Mommy's arms.

They will be amazing parents...of that I have no doubt...

Thank you friends for comin' out to introduce this little guy...thank you for sharing just a bit of that happiness with me...I love your family...and I'm just so, so happy for you!!!

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JULIA:senior

I remember my senior year of high school.  

I don't EVER remember looking as beautiful and confident as this gal, however...

She has a personality as beautiful as the sparkles you see in her eyes in these images!  I loved her poise and just overall excitement of what lies ahead.  It's always such fun to discover where these seniors are heading...their hopes and dreams of the future...

I have no doubt that Julia will bring beauty and happiness to any situation!

I loved that little sis got to tag along...so inspiring to see sisters love each other so genuinely...

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Dogs in the Blog

 Have you seen that Disney show?

It's actually quite ridiculous, but my girls seem to enjoy it from time to time...it's slapstick humor, so I get it...

okay, not really, but let's just be honest, it's better than a lot of other stuff they could be watching...and so every once in awhile I turn and see a talking dog attempting to type on a computer...very "doogie howser-esque"...and then it takes me back to the days I had a crush on the young dr....

I digress...

I can now understand, having a sweet pup of my own, how much a part of the family pets become...I love to be able to photograph EVERYONE...it's LIFE together anyway...and you don't want to leave them out!

I've enjoyed getting to know them more, as our girls attend the same school :)

Hope you'll enjoy just a few snapshots from our time this fall!

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Leaves...to SNOW!

I loved the unexpected Snow Day today (although if I am to be honest, it wasn't really warranted...the roads were pretty much okay all morning and until about 3pm)  Yet, I'm sure the walkers were very relieved...out here in the "country" we get a little spoiled by our bus rides...so I don't mind one bit, if they feel it necessary to cancel school for their sake :)

I feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel...my Christmas cards just might arrive in time for me to send them out BEFORE Christmas...

It's been fun to look over this past year...and I have a list a mile long of back logged blog posts that I need to finish up...

I can't believe how much can change in just a short amount of time...we went from rusty reds, bright yellows and crunchy browns to pure WHITE today...

Therefore, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed remembering my time with this family...At the time they were taking care of two little girls that brought such joy to their family...what an incredible example of God's love!

 

  

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Tis the season...

The Christmas season is upon us...A time where many of us spend much more quality time with family than usual...and to be honest, I wish it could be like that all year round. 

 

We typically get out the old scrapbooks of past Christmases and the old Christmas cards...and we comment about how everyone has grown...I see the faces of my baby girls and wonder where the time has gone...

 

It's family moments like these...ones that are captured for all time, that help me remember...

 

This family, with 3 boys, had much fun this fall...We spent some time while the sun was coming down, before the leaves had even changed their color...but, the boys played and laughed..even mom and dad got in on the fun!

 

They were relaxed and genuinely enjoyed their time together...

 

I was privileged to meet them...and I love the memories they created!

 

 

 

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