Natural. Candid. Real. Beautiful. { The Blog. }

{ She's just Holly }

So, I'm a gusher - and no, I'm not ashamed. :)  I am passionate and wordy and expressive and I. Get. Excited.  I get a crazy urge to repeat and repeat and repeat myself when I feel strongly about something (I like to repeat in threes - have you noticed?).  My heart and my head get all ablaze with wanting to shout it out - and that's how I feel about Holly. 

She just Holly.  Holly Spears, that is.  Puuuuulllllease for the love of goodness gracious - go right this very second - and check her out.  You can find her here or here.  Ablaze.  Can't say that I've ever used that word, but it sounded good.  Ahem.

Just a little background, and then let's get to the photos.  Holly is a musician that I stumbled upon about 1.5 years ago.  I would go to wherever she was playing - and when I would go - I would sit and stare and let her entrancing voice fill my head and it would make me so happy.  THEN....I got to know Holly a little better when we were in South Africa this past November.  And let me tell you something (and I will try not to gush) - not only is her music amazing, but SHE is amazing.  She's a Jesus-lovin', sweet-spirited, humble and graceful, broken and moldable, resillient and inspiring woman.  Okay.  I gushed a little.  I just love me a little Holly, m'kay? ;)

What, no words describing how you feel about each photo, Christi?  I know.  It's shocking.  But I think I gushed enough at the beginning, right?  Holly - it was a pleasure, my friend.  An absolute pleasure.

xoxo

Christi 

{ Oooooh the goodies - how I LOVE them }

Slowly, but surely, I'm crossing things off of my to-do list...

Have a looksie at what I've been working on - the delightful Session Albums, the fancy-pants Coffee Table books and the delectable Dream Boxes.

They're ALL new - and they're aaaaaalllll my favorites.  Really.  Can't say which is my very most favorite - because simply, my friends, they're all beeeeeeautiful! ::jumps up and down::

Okay - hop on over to the web site here (once you get there, click on EYE CANDY) - and you'll see what I mean.  Get it?  Got it?  Good.

Here's a little sneaky peek of what you'll find there....

1) Session Album (delightful)

2) Coffee Table Book (Fancy-pants)

3) Dream Box (delectable):

Can you tell I'm excited????  Run on over!!! :)

{ He's heeeere! }

Remember this beautiful Mama-to-be?  She's now beaming with pride and filled-to-the-tippy-top with love for her new little bundle of boy.  Without further ado...meet sweet baby Benjamin. 

Don't say I didn't warn you.  He's as sweeeeeet as sugar....

What a perfect little peanut - did you notice his toes sticking out of the bottom of the cocoon?  Makes me smile big.

He has the most perfect little features - teeny tiny perfect little nose, teeny tiny perfect little toes, teeny tiny perfect little ears....mmmmmmm.....I could go on and on.

What a little trooper - he slept and let me do whatever I wanted with him.  Sigh.  I'm smitten. 

You know I'm a sucker for those sweet, kissable, baby back rolls.  Check 'em out.  Don't you just want to snuggle him up?

I adore this next one - I love to incorporate special things from the baby's home that mean something to the parents.  I spied the cradle when I did the maternity shoot (I'm always sleuthing things out, you know), and I ooooohed and aaaaahed over it.  Mama-to-be told me that the cradle used to be hers when she was a tiny baby.  Ooooooh, we are SO. USING. THAT. when he's born.  And we did.

New little family of 3...

Gotta LOVE the teeny tiny baby yawns....

Lastly - Daddy and Benjamin - Mama's 2 very most favorite boys in the universe.

Enjoy, Emily and Brad!  Heartfelt congratulations from me to you.  Once again, an absolute pleasure. xxoo

{ They're all grown up....sigh }

When I was 21, my 2 beautiful sisters were born.  Alison.  Amanda.  Twins.  Both with blue eyes - one blonde, one brunette.  They are as different as night and day - but bonded like only twins can be.  My sweet Dad - he always used to say, "Ahhhhh, I've got 2 kids in college and 2 kids in diapers!"  He would say it with a wrinkled brow and a laugh.  Now, my darling sisters are 14, almost 15 (don't do the math on the age of big sis) :::sniff, sniff::: They. Are. Growing. Up.  Right before my very eyes.

Alison has been asking me for months to do a photo shoot with their posse of girls. :)  Always busy, never enough hours in day - I kept telling her I would make time.  Then, finally, I said alright girlfriends - let's DO this.  If I waited to be un-busy, they could very well be getting married. :)

So, here they are, with their girls.... (Alison in the orange shirt - Amanda in the pale pink shirt)

{ CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO VIEW THEM LARGER }

A giggly moment - I love this next one.

This photo shoot was really out of my comfort zone - out of my element.  They wanted most of the shots to be posed, and that isn't easy for me.  I'm most comfortable chasing around a toddler or capturing the love between a squishy newborn and her Mama.  Candid moments that just happen - I capture them as I see them, and it just works.  Posed shots are not my cup of tea.  But I think that these turned out great.  So fun.  Oooooh, to be 14 again. ;)

Cool, right?  I love the star images.  So coolio, girls.  I had no idea what they were doing at first, but I just went with it.

I can remember carting the girls around town in my bright red Honda Civic.  Bottles, rattle-squeaky toys, pacifiers, burp cloths, diaper bags....I was loving being big sister.  When they were 3, I taught them to dance, and we would sing our hearts out ("shake shake shake, shake shake shake, shake your booooooooty").  Fast-forward, and now they're almost high-schoolers?  SIGH..... Oh, how I love these girls.  Oh. My. Heart. ♥

Alison ♥♥♥

Amanda ♥♥♥

Enjoy sistas!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Muuuuuahhhhh!!!!  XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

{ Jacob, little man, how can you be 1 already? }

Remember this little bundle of sweet baby boy?

He's a big bruiser of a 1 year old boy now - and I could squeeze him up.  He's such a lover - so dreamy and :::sigh::: and...I adore him.  This was our 4th photo shoot together, and I am hooked.  Hooked on Jacob.  Here he is now - deep in thought, all about important one year old things {swoon ♥}.

In this next one - I think he's proud of himself.  Here I am, Mama - see me?  I'm standing.  All. By. Myself.

We wanted to get a more traditional family portrait - and that we did.  I love this next one.  It makes me smile.

His little feet - sweet as sweet can be.  What's even sweeter....he crosses his feet just like this - ever since he was a bitty baby...

Mmmmmm.  I'm in love.  XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

{ The first one - thought you might like to see}

I just finished this graduation announcement for a client - I think it turned out great!  It will be press-printed as a 5x7 flat card, printed on the front and back.

***Name and address/phone number have been changed to respect the client's privacy***

This is the front:
 

And the back:

Happy Monday, everyone! :)  XOXO

[ Goodie bag! ]

I'm super excited - yippeeeeee!  The GOODIE BAG now has some beauty-full things inside - run on over to the web site to check it out! :)  Click on PORTFOLIO, then GOODIE BAG...

GOODIE BAG - click here! :)

[ GO Cincinnati ]

The countdown is on!  It's almost time for GO Cincinnati 2009 at Crossroads.  Each year, an army of volunteers impact Cincinnati through various service projects in a one-day, citywide blitz of compassion. It's craaaaazy fun and craaaaazy great.  Working alongside other churches, we love on hundreds of community-based organizations throughout our city.

Last year, over 4,000 people from Crossroads and other partner churches went out into the city to serve the homeless, pray with the broken, paint schools, clean camps and help make a difference in our city. This spring we're tackling over 200 projects and we need your help.  That's right - this year, we need 5,000 people.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 16th from 9:00 - 1:00.  You can watch a short video here (scroll down) recapping last year's GO Cincinnati - and yes, that's Brad Johansen that you see - the radio voice for the Bengals.  He's wild.  He's crazy.  Every year he gets all hyped up and geared up and crazied up to make a difference in our city.  It's an amazing experience, to say the least.  I haven't met a single person who doesn't feel blessed to be loving on people who are less fortunate.  It grows you.  It sticks with you.

You can sign up here - I'll be there with my kiddos - along with 5,000 other people that want to GO be the CHURCH.  See you there!

You don't have to go to Crossroads.  You don't have to be handy.  You don't have to be a rock star painter.  You don't even have to love Jesus.  You just have to want to be a blessing to somebody else.  Easy peasy. :)

[ Sweet little bun in the oven ]

I knew from the second she answered the door that we were going to get along like old friends - and I was right.  We laughed and chatted and just enjoyed each others company.  Really - it was that fantastic.  Both of us had such a great time.  Emily - I can't WAIT to come back in a month and meet your sweet little baby boy!  How fortunate he is to have a Mama as sweet as you. ♥

Oh, and don't you worry about a thing - you are a natural Mommy.  It's easy to see.  You and that boy of yours will be so in love with each other very, very soon.  XOXO

Isn't she BEAUTIFUL - she {GLOWS}.  This next shot was in the nursery - sitting in a pretty window seat, looking outside at a very rainy day.  Isn't it so moody?  Lots of mood and emotion in this one.  I love it.  A lot.

One more for you, Emily (and Brad too - can't forget to mention proud Daddy-to-be):

ENJOY YOUR SNEAK PEEK!  I enjoyed creating it for you. 

Big hugs

XOXOXOXOXO

Christi

[ Ooooooh my heart ♥ ]

Oooooh my heart - Abbie + Caty - oooooh my goodness.  How I {adore} them.  How I {adore} their Mama.  I first met them when they had just turned one.  And now they're two.  Check them out.  I'm telling you - after this session - I was smiling ALL day.  Thinking of them with a full heart.  So sweet.

[CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO VIEW THEM LARGER]

You know I can never resist a foot shot - this girl love love loves some feet.

Ooooooh Caty. Be. Still. My. Heart.  I'm in love.  Sassy little pants.  Big smooches! ♥

I so love this next one - often times, I prefer the serious looks - not the smiles.  This next image evokes much emotion in me.  Abbie.  So serious.  So sweet.  So dreeeeeeamy. 

Alisa - I'll say it again: I LOVED spending time with you and the girls again - always such a pleasure.  XOXOXOXOXOXO

[ Goodbye old phone number ]

So, my Snickerdoodles cell phone just up and died. Yep. Dead. Gone. Kaput. I went to the Cincinnati Bell Wireless store today to get to the bottom of the problem, once and for all. Please fix it, Mr. Cincinnati Bell Wireless man.

No, said the man. I cannot. You must buy new phone.

What did I say?

I cannot.

Update your address books, my fine friends. Your calls need to re-route to my handy dandy Blackberry. Might as well have everything in one place, right? Right.

Got a pen? Paper? Here we go - now and forever, you can reach me at......

{ 513.919.6239 }

My new number. Please make a note of it. Give me a ring. Say hello. :-)

[ FUN FUN FUN on the way! ]

La la la la la la laaaaaa!  I'm dancing, I'm singing, I'm soooooo happy!  Here is some photo-fun-deliciousness that's on the way to meeeeeee! 

First off: the Oopsy Daisy Baby Raspberry Leopard Pettiskirt in size 2T-4T

(none of these photos were taken by me, BTW)

Next up - the Oopsy Daisy Baby Ivory Lace Ruffled Pettiskirt in size 4-6

Here's a different photo of it:

I'm dreaming of some funky, colored, capri tights and maybe some sassy girl who wants to rock it out with some hot pink cowgirl boots?  Are you seeing my vision? ;)

This came last week - can't wait until my next newborn shoot...
Last but not least - on their way!

Both bloomers fit girlie girls ages 1-2ish.  Boys, I'm working on some fun stuff for you! :)

[ Meet the new little bun - and his big/little sister ]

Meet Ethan - I recently had the pleasure of meeting this sweet, little, squishy baby boy.  I photographed his big sister Elise just 18 short months ago when she was born.  Both of them - mmmmmm.  Sweet. As. Pie. And their parents?  Dreamy.  Dreamily wonderful.  Once again, Richelle and Robert, a pleasure....thank you for welcoming me into your home.  I enjoyed every minute.  Again.

[ CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO VIEW THEM LARGER ]

Isn't he sweet?  Mmmmm.  I loved holding him and cuddling him.  Those sweet baby noises and oooooh the baby smell.  Heavenly.

Don't you just want to hold him and sing him a little goodnight tune?  I so do.

Meet Elise - now that's she's all grown up. ;) The rocking chair that she was sitting in belonged to her Mama when she was just a girl.  Oh, how I love special things like that.  Check out her pretty blues....

This next one is one of my favorites.  It was raining outside, and she was looking out the window exclaiming, "Umbrella!  Umbrella!" in the best way that an 18 month old can.  It was pretty darn good. 

Mmmmm, I {adore} this next one.  I. LOVE. IT.

And this one, too.... Robert, you're one fine Daddy. :)

Enjoy your sneak peek!  Your gallery will be up soon!  XOXO

[ Lily has just a few words to say.... ]

[ Click on the image to make it larger ]

[ NEXT SATURDAY - SPRING MINI SESSIONS! ]

You've been asking - here they are!  SPRING MINI SESSIONS INFO (click on images to see larger)....

 

[ Drumroll, please.....THE NEW WEB SITE IS LIVE! ]

Snickerdoodles Photography is in the process of experiencing some significant changes.  As I look back at the past 1.5 years of my life, I can't help but sigh... I have taken on too many projects - squeezed too many clients in - worked a craaaazy amount of hours – and have been unable to keep up with the pace.  I have recently put the brakes on and done some soul searching.  I have found my happy place. :) 

 

Clients will find that it is going to be a completely different experience.  I will be limiting photo shoots so that I am able to provide each client with a fun, flexible and ridiculously fantastic experience.  A low-volume/high-service photography experience, if you will.  It’s really just going to be a magnificent process – and I can’t wait to indulge each and every one of my clients.  Really.

 

Soooo... 2009 will be nothing short of amazing at Snickerdoodles Photography.  I JUST know it.  My first full year of business was a tremendous success thanks to all of my clients, my blog readers, my wonderfully supportive husband and family, and a little {okay…a LOT} of hard work.  With a new year brings a wind of freshness, emotional creativity, and unique offerings. 

 

My promise to all of you, my wonderful clients: impeccable customer service, timely turn around, attention to detail, meticulous retouching of images, prompt responses to phone calls and emails, and the list goes on and on.  I previously have not been able to provide all of these things, as I have wanted to.  So I'm very, very excited for what's in store.  Beyond excited.  ECSTATIC.  Ridiculously happy. 

 

As I state on my new web site: “It is my absolute pleasure to be a part of your child's history. Photographing your family is more than just my job - it is an amazing and undeserved blessing from God. Really. It’s my jump-up-and-down-goose-bumps-tears-screaming-with-excitement-PASSION.  I. Love. Every. Minute.”

 

Da da da daaaa!  And now..... Here it is: THE NEW AND IMPROVED SNICKERDOODLES PHOTOGRAPHY SITE!

 

{ She's Daddy's sugar }

We've had a round of yuck-0 sicknesses over the past couple of months - the latest is croup for Lily.  Awwwww, little Lily bug is such a trooper.  Coughing her little head off + yucky fever, but still smiling and chatting away.  This morning we were in the kitchen, and this is how our little conversation went...

Lily (who is 2): "Oooooooh goodness gwwwwwwacious!"
Mommy: "What is it, honey?"
Lily (with MUCH feeling): "I have a BAD cough."

And yesterday, we got home from the pediatrician, and she told her Daddy that she wanted a snack.  I walked in, and she was sitting at the kitchen table eating strawberries - with a heaping pile of powdered sugar for dipping. 

Mommy: "Oooooh Daddy - wow weeeeeee - what a lucky girl you are, Lily...."
Daddy: "She's sick - sugar makes it better."
Lily: "Mama, it tastes goooooooood."

{ Patience is a virtue...and patient you are ♥ }

The reason for this blog post?  It's twofold...First, I want to send you all a little loooooove ♥♥♥

AND SECOND, thank you for being patient with me.  2 weeks ago, I unexpectedly lost my child care - the 8 hours that I have every day to....

photo shoot and

call you and 

photo edit and

email you and

photo shoot and

web site build and

photo edit and

package and check and ship photos and...

....you get the picture.  So......I'm keeping the faith that all will work out - while at the same time, feeling like my head is spinning.  If it takes me a little longer to get back with you, I'm just having a bit of a time juggling my 2 little monkeys and my sanity.  So thank you for giving me patience.  May it be doubly returned to you.  XOXO

The aforementioned little monkeys:



Check out the top of the next photo - Mac taking care of Lily like a good big brother - awwwwwwww....

{ I need Africa more than Africa needs me... }

As most of you may know, I spent 10 days in Mamelodi, South Africa over this past Thanksgiving. It was so what I needed...to experience these people full of joy in the midst of pain; to realize that it's so not about the things I have or thought that I needed; to have my cup filled up when sometimes lately I just feel lost. So...this video resonated with me. Thought you might like it, too. I needed Africa waaaay more than Africa needed me. XOXO

{ Happy almost spring from Snickerdoodles! }

So I have the itch - the itch that only a looooong dreary winter can bring.... 

The itch to be outside in the sun, the itch to see my tulips blooming, the itch to take the kids to the park and let them play and play and plaaaaaay, the itch to eat popsicles (pink or blue ones especially), the itch to be photo shooting outdoors, the itch to say bye-bye Mister Winter and HEEELLLLLO Mama Spring! 

And what else does spring bring?  SPRING CLEANING!  My house is in desperate need of a deep spring clean.  And so is my hard drive....

Here's the scoop:
It absolutely KILLS me to delete photos.  I save them and save them and save them until my hard drives are about to blow up.  I've finally come to the realization that I can't just keep adding hard drives.  I HAVE to delete photos. ::sniff sniff::  Soooo.....I am going to wipe out my hard drive on Saturday, February 28th.  Makes me so sad to see those sweet faces go....but alas, I must do it.

From now until then, I am running a smokin' deal - IF YOU HAVE HAD A SESSION WITH ME FROM AUGUST 2007 UNTIL NOW, YOU CAN PURCHASE ALL OF THE IMAGES FROM YOUR GALLERY ON DISK FOR $350.

You can print them, facebook them, scrapbook them, digital frame them, post them to your blogs or email them to friends and family, digitally archive them and keep them in a safety deposit box, and the list goes on and on.  They're yours to do with them as you wish.  Does that sound great or what?

The price is per session, but if you have had more than one session with me, every disk/session will be $200 after the first one.  Just contact me if you would like to know if I still have your images.

If you want to take advantage of this special, but you don't have the funds right now, contact me.  We can work out a payment plan for you.

This year is going to be a big year for Snickerdoodles Photography.  Much is in store, and I can't WAIT to spill the beans.  Here's a few things that are coming soon....

**A brand spankin' new smokin' web site and blog! 

**New packages and a completely new pricing structure that allows you to have more freedom in your choices - AND purchase the digital images!

**Tons of fun contests and giveaways for you, my faithful blog readers [thank you, thank you!]!

**An opportunity for you to nominate a family who can't afford custom photography, but who you know deserves it, and would cherish it for a lifetime - this family will get the chance to experience complimentary custom photography - $1200 worth, to be exact.  Another sweet part of the deal?  The person who nominates the winner will receive a $300 print credit.  What better way is there to share the love, people? :)

Stay tuned for the excitement - it's a comin'! :)

And just because a blog post wouldn't be complete without photos, here are some of my little man.  He really does think he's Spiderman.  He runs [and jumps and flies] around here all day, spinning webs on all of us.  Check him out - thinking he's sooooo cool in his Spiderman socks.

 

Typically he RUNS from the camera - but not when he's Spidey.  He strikes a pose every time.

 

Spiderman not only spin webs, but he does LOTS of cool kicks.  Booooyah!

 

And Spidey climbs the wall with ease {or the living room chair - whatever}...

Spidey poses for a quick cheeeeeese....

And Spidey JUMPS! :)

 

I love you, my little Spidey man!  You are a rare find of a boy - loving you is as easy as it comes.... XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

{ Another sweet bun in the oven + big sis }

So...the new and improved BALANCED me has a few new goals for 2009.  Are you ready?  The first one is a big one for me.  I am going to attempt to blog the sneak peek photos the day after the photo shoot.  Crazy.  Unheard of.  Maybe even a little unreasonable.  However...I work well under pressure.  And pressure that will be.  I am (repeat: AM) going to be timely in 2009. 

So, without further ado - you HAVE to see this sweet Mama and her oh-so-adorable belly.  Adorable.  Just wait until you see big sis.  Lively and precocious and animated and just fun to be around...

How about that perfect round belly? :)

Okay, I'm telling you - big sis Alivia is a sight for sore eyes.  Check out her girlie drama in the below photo:

And in this next one...

More sweet girlie girl drama - she should be in photos.  Am I wrong?

You know I can never resist the feet.  Oh, how I love little kiddo feet.

Last one for now - Alivia oblivious to the fact that I was on the floor, on my belly, taking photos directly in front of her.  The BEST kind of photos - when they forget that you're there.  Love this next one.  I can so hear her reading her princess stories to herself in her soft little voice. ♥

Enjoy your sneak peek, Shana!  It was an absolute pleasure meeting you - can't wait to meet your new little bundle! :)

{ Sing it with me: Sweet Caroline - ba, ba, baaaaam }

Without further ado - the highly anticipated senior photos sneak peek for my sweet cousin Caroline....girlie, you've been waiting a long time.  Thank you for being so patient, my dear. :) Here are some of my favorites...

Because Caroline epitomizes cowgirlie-ness .... I love the next few photos.

I am not typically a lover of "sepia" toned photos - but I felt like it just fit the next one.  Caroline and all of her cowgirlie-ness - Down to her real live cowgirl boots.

Caroline and one of her horses - I think this one's name is Major.  She loves him.  He loves her.  It's really sweet to watch.  Really sweet.

Okay...next up is my favorite photo of the entire shoot.  Caroline and Major - I can totally feel the love between them in this one.

This next one was taken down near the pond at Caroline's house.  It's so pretty there.  This was taken mid-November, and the weeping willow tree was so colorful in pretty greens and yellows. 

For the last few shots of the day, we headed inside, and Caroline put her prom dress on - I love these next two. 

Caroline....it seems like it was just yesterday when you were a tiny baby.  You've grown into a beautiful young woman.  We love you honey!  XOXOXOXO

{ I'm baaaaack! }

*Sigh* Have I REALLY not posted to this blog since December 11th?  As in, the December 11th that was 6 weeks ago?  Ooooooh how has time gotten away from me? 

My dear blog readers, you must know that I love you.  That I love blogging.  That I'm thankful for you.  And that I love all of the sweet, heartfelt comments that I get from you - really, they bring a smile to my face and put a little spring in my step.  I vow in 2009 to be a better blogger - bad, bad blogger I was in 2008!  You can say it..... :) 

Sooooo, rather than neglect my blog when I get overwhelmed and have all of you asking things like: "WHEN are you going to post???  Are you on a sabbatical???  Are you still in business???"
I.
WILL.
FIND.
THE.
BALANCE.
THIS.
YEAR. :)

I owe it to myself. 
I owe it to my dream and my passion that is photography. 
I owe it to all of you. 

So here's to a new year - to change, to happiness, to finding balance, to embracing all that I am grateful for... and that means YOU! :)

And because a post would not be a post without photos....here are a few that make me smile of my 2 little monkeys.  XOXO

{ Exactly }

This says everything....

{ Africa, I miss you... }

I'm still foggy.  I'm still processing.  I'm still unsure of exactly what it is that I'm feeling.  I'm still aching for the people.  I'm still overwhelmed.  I'm still hesitant to even begin this blog post for fear that I'll begin to ramble and never be able to stop pouring my heart out trying to tell you, to plead with you to hear me, to try and understand.  I'm still paralyzed by what I saw and felt - and even more paralyzed to be back here in the US with all of the greed and disdain and chaos and disrespect and unhappiness and excessiveness - and just straight up negativity.  I'm still there - my heart, my mind, my spirit.  I'm still aching to be there now.

I've been back now for a week - and trying to return to some sort of normalcy.  But no matter what I'm doing - it's all still there.  In my head.  In my heart.  I'm so scared of forgetting.  But I wouldn't forget, would I?  How could I?  Seems as if that's impossible.  I want to keep it fresh.  And keep myself open.  What is there to learn?  What is to be gained?  Is there something that I can do for these people?  How can I just go back to my life and pretend that everything is "normal"? 

Some days I feel as if I just can't do this. 

But then....there's a little voice inside my head that says...it's OKAY.  Take your time.  Process.  Grow.  Change. 

So...I will take a deep breath and tell myself....one day at a time.....

Once again - thank you, thank you to those of you who have supported me through all of this.  I hope that you know how much it means to me - your kind words, your thoughts, your prayers - I appreciate each one of you. 

And now.....on to a few photos - more to come after the mad Christmas holiday photo rush! :)

First off - probably my favorite photo of all - just a group of kids on the side of the road that posed for me...

2 sweet girls at one of the schools that I visited...

Same school - 4 wild, crazy, fun boys hamming it up for the camera....

You know I love a jumping shot - and these boys were AAAAALLLLL over it....

The below photo - where's the teacher?  Can you find her?  She's buried under the students...

I was on the gardening team for a bit - planting spinach and cabbage gardens in the poverty-stricken towns.... here's just a glimpse of what it was like....

Below - A sweet little girl who lived in the above photographed community - I taught her how to say the word pretty.  Mmmmmm.  Missing her sweet little face as I sit here and type.  Her name was Anna.

Below is a six month old little boy that I met - my team planted a spinach and cabbage garden for his Mama.  I got to hold him and love on him for quite awhile.  How about those eyes?  Those cheeks....

Another of my favorites - the kitchen crew.  These gracious people started making our lunches at 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. every.  Single.  Day.  Not a grumble.  Not a complaint.  They were just happy to be serving us.  Craaaaaaaazy. 

We had the opportunity to go on an African safari - below is a shot that I took as we were riding along.  So beautiful and peaceful it was.

Zebra dude is like - you're soooo interrupting my lunch....

Mrs. Mama Rhino and her baaaaaaby....awwwww.....

Don't laugh - but I *adore* the below photo - and yes, it's shot from BEHIND the family of rhinos.  But I think it's soooooo great.....

More to come once the madness slows!  XOXO

{ The clock's a tickin'.... }

I can hardly believe that in less than 48 hours I will be hopping aboard a plane to travel to South Africa - Still pinching myself.... is this really happening? 

My faithful blog readers - wanna come along for the ride?  You can check out the Crossroads GO Mamelodi '08 blog here - the folks at my church will be updating the blog daily so that you can follow along with us.   A great friend of mine said this to me....girlfriend, be prepared for personal growth at light speed.  And she's right - it's slightly overwhelming to me right now; all that I will see and feel.  But I am going into this trip with absolutely no expectations.  Just an open mind and an open heart for whatever it is that's in store.  Much is in store for this girl - I just know it.  I welcome it, I receive it - I know that I am meant to take this trip.  I need this.  I am breathing it in as I type this... the possibilities...ooooh the possibilities are endless.

To my family and friends - and most of all my sweet husband - who is holding down my busier than busy fort at home, THANK YOU so much for making this possible.  To those of you who have supported me financially and emotionally - you have NO idea how thankful I am.  For your words of encouragement, for your prayers, for giving me a swift kick in the buns when I have needed it - thank you.  Words just can't begin to express.....

Soooo....the java is flowing here - if you are a client waiting on your photo gallery, I am working just as fast as this one-man show can go.  I will continue to work through the night tonight and all day tomorrow.  Then Wednesday is reserved for my sweet kiddos and pack pack packing!  I will be back to work on Wednesday, December 3rd.  Until then...XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

{ Little man in Grandpa's hat }

Ooooh how I love my little clients.  I'm back again with more of Jacob R.  He's grown so much - quite the little chunky man.  I honestly don't think I've ever seen legs as sweet and roly poly as his.  Really.  Huge fat rolls on his legs.  Check him out:

And the same image {and the same sweet chubby legs} in bw...

So serious, Jacob - this is a classic Jacob look.  Awwwww.  He's so sweet.

Call me indecisive {who me???} but I love this image in soft color, as well as in bw.  So cute you are Jacob.

Mmmmm.  This next one is my favorite.  I added a little bit of "noise" or grain to it and pumped up the contrast and glow -  just to add to the dramatic feel of this photo.  I love how it turned out.

What about little man in his big man clothes???  Is he looking handsome or what?

Okay, so I laughed out loud - by myself - in my desk chair when I spotted this next one.  Jacob's Mom and I were laughing so hard during this part of the photo shoot.  How about little man in a Grandpa hat and sweater?  Couldn't be cuter....

The same image in a dark bw - I love it both ways.

Last one - and another of my favorites.  Sweet cheeks, sweet lips, sweet baby boy eyelashes.  Mwwwwaaaahhhhh!  XOXO

{ It's my man O again }

Seriously....could he get any cuter?  This is the 5th time that I've had the pleasure of photographing Odin in his sweet, whole, big, whopping 1 year of life.  And each time I just fall in love with him more.  Really.  Is this my job???  Check him out in his big man duds....

I love this next one - added a vintage-y look to it + some texture.  So sweet - those cheeks and bright red and full, puckery lips?  You're killing me, little dude.

There's nothing cuter than a baby that has just started to walk - he was well on his way the last time I saw him - but now he runs! :)

Carie - get a load of this - is this next one true Odin or what?  Love it.

I love these next two - the fall colors....feeling the love between this little family of three.  Enjoy your sneak peek, Carie and Chris! :)  Angi + Jacob - you're up next!

{ I think I might have a cavity }

Maybe I'm a little slap-happy and feeling like I haven't left my comfy desk chair in weeks - but I do think I almost got a cavity from spending time with these sweet kiddos.  The kind of sweet that makes you say awwwwww....can I take them home?  Really.  Well-mannered and polite and giggly and fun and just plain happy.  So well-behaved and so sweet from start to finish.  Meet Kate and Peter, my new BFF kiddos.  Loved them - and their sweet Mama.  Here we go.....

I can hear Kate giggling in this one - push me again?  Push me again.  Again.  Again.  Again.

What did the silly photographer girl say to make them crack up like this?  Not a thing.  Mama was standing behind me doing a crazy dance.  Whatever it takes, right? ;)

This next one might be my favorite image of the year - oooooh Amy, how you will decide which one you like the best....I have no idea.  This photo makes me melt right. into. a. puddle.  Here it is in a dramatic and dark black and white.  With a little bit of softness added.  Love it.

And then I put a vintage finish + some texture on it....

And finally - just your regular old color + a little bit of punch....

Amy - enjoy your sneak peek!  Carie and my man Odin - you're up next! :)

{ Welcome to my tea party - would you like some sugar? }

Meet  my little friend Maddie - she's nothing but a girlie girl - complete with plenty of babies and strollers and tea parties.  I had the pleasure of photographing Maddie and her brother Drew 1 year ago.  Back then, she seemed like such a baby.  I remember I walked into their house to meet them for the first time, and she was sitting at the table in her bright turquoise pajamas with big red cherries on them.  She greeted me with her infectious smile - sitting there pleasantly eating her oatmeal.  Fast forward one year..... and now look at her.  She had a real live tea party waiting there for me.  Complete with cups and saucers and tea pot and sugar (yes - we had real "tea" - water + plenty of sugar - served up by Maddie....). 

I adore this next one - her reflection in the table.  Mmmmmm.  Sweet.

And now let's meet the infamous Drew.  This boy knows more about animals than anyone - honestly.  A year ago, he could tell you the very specific name of every single animal known to man.  Like a walking boy of an animal encyclopedia.  And dinosaurs too.  Knows them all like the back of his hand.  As a matter of fact, his Dad told me a story about Drew needing to bring something to his kindergarten classroom that started with the letter A.  He brought in a frog.  And when his teacher asked him about that frog - "Drew....what do you have here?  It looks like a frog to me.  And frog starts with the letter F.  Where is your something that starts with the letter A?"  Drew's reply?  "Teacher, it does start with an A.  It's an amphibian."  Are you kidding me??? :)

Often times I tell parents that my goal is not capture their child's say cheeeese smile - I want to capture their personalities - whether they're happy or sad or mad or maybe even crying.  That's what kids do.  So here's Maddie having one of her moments - Daddy's making it all better.

And sweet Mama Jenny {who I adore, by the way} laughing and having crazy time with her sweet kiddos.  Love it.  Captured the moment well.  So fun.

A family photo shoot would not be complete without Barney.  He's one cool dude.  Seriously.

Family portrait in b/w...

And the same photo in soft color....

Last one - couldn't leave this one out.  I love it.  Maddie in her Santa hat...she seems to be deep in thought.  Thank you Jenny and the gang for welcoming me back into your home.  It was such a pleasure, once again.  XOXO  Enjoy your sneak peek!  Amy + Pete + Kate - you're up next!