Love, Me Blog

You may remember this POST before Christmas.  Well, I got so busy during the holidays and we took some much need time off and I forgot to make the announcment about the winner!  We got several nominations so thank you so much for those that took the time to think of someone else.  It was a true blessing reading all the stories and we wish we could photograph them all.  Keep reading our blog as we plan to do many more giveaways and feature various opportunities for you to give to help make a difference in the lives of others.

Here is the nomination that stole our heart.  We actually received two additional nominations for this amazing family after we had already chosen them.  We just decided to give all three of the nominees a $250 print credit if they choose to hire us to for portraits in the future.  I wanted to share a little about THE JONES FAMILY so that you may be as blessed by their strength and perseverence as I have.  I asked Ashley’s  permission to share her entry as it was so heartfelt and beautiful.

I didn’t even have to think about this one– the perfect person came to my mind immediately!
My sweet friend Sheree Jones exudes the joy of the Lord everywhere she goes.  She is always smiling, always cheerful.  She has volunteered with AWANA for many years (kids Christian bible-study club) at our church in Denton, and has also volunteered with Friends of the Family, a Denton non-profit that aids battered women and their children.
But if I had experienced the last few years in Sheree’s shoes, I don’t know how cheerful I would be.
Sheree experienced a back injury that causes her debilitating pain and left her unable to work for a long time.  One day I was walking through the church with her on our way to our MOMs group meeting, and she confided that once in a while her nerves would just get cranky and she would end up on the floor without warning.  “It’s kind of embarrassing!” she laughed.
During this time, her husband Watt also experienced an injury that required him to quit working for an extended period of time.  Through it all, she never lost her faith or her joy.
Then, a few weeks ago, another setback:  the Jones’ home burned down.  They lost everything, including family photos.  Our homeschool community was quick to come along side them and provide for them, but I can’t imagine how devastating this must be for them, especially in light of the fact that they are still not back on their feet financially.
Sheree is a homeschooling mother of four, and I know it would be a wonderful blessing to this family to be able have these photographs during this bittersweet time of their lives– a time when out of hardship they were strengthened, when out of tragedy they learned how much they are loved by their friends.  As you say so beautifully on your blog, photographs tell our stories, and though they have lost many treasured photos,  to begin to chronicle their story again starting now would be a beautiful new beginning.

Thank you for considering the Jones family.

After we chose the Jones Family, we also learned that Watt (the dad) was hositalized because of a heart attack!  More than their tragedies though, what I want you to know about the Jones family is how full of LIFE they are.  They certainly didn’t act like a family who had just lost everything.  They were fun and joyful and such a delight to be around.  It truly was such a blessing to photograph them and while I cannot replace all the photographic memories they lost, I sure hope that these pictures bring some joy knowing that they can start chronicalling their memories once again.  That is why we have also decided to give the digital negatives to the Jones family so they can have peace of mind that their memories are always safe. Plus, they are getting a DVD slideshow of all the images, a beautiful Coffee Table book and $350 additional print credit to fill their new home with pictures!

Thank you Sheree, Watt, Zachary, Elijah, Alyssa, and Ayden for a fun filled session!  It was a pleasure meeting all of you

Many Blessings.

OK, Here are several favorites from the session.

Zachary

Elijah

AND, I had to post this one.  He was showing me his missing tooth he had JUST lost

Sweet Alyssa

Spunky Ayden

We had some fun on this steep hill!  A favorite memory from a session for sure!

These next two are current favorites!

this next my favorite favorite.  i dont know exactly what it is, but its very “me”.  natural.  its images like this one that inspired me to become a photographer in the first place.

After our crazy fun! (bet you never had your kids rolling down a hill for a session we decided to head over the their new home they had closed on THAT DAY.  I was thrilled to make the drive.  I was so excited for them and could just smell the joy that surrounded them as we pulled up.  I can’t imagine what it feels like to lose EVERYTHING and then to sign papers on a new place to turn into home.  Bittersweet I am sure.  Sheree said the house needed lots of work and that they would be moving in 30 or more days later.  I think it was just beautiful and perfect.  Here is how they feel about it!

and my favorite part about their new home … the driveway!  i love it!

Kelsie and Matt are getting married in 6 weeks!  Kels is my cousin (the one I said you’d meet later) and best friend.  She was my maid of honor and I can’t wait to return the favor  as her matron (man that sounds old) of honor.  I couldn’t be more happy for her and of course Matt.  It’s crazy because Matt and Mike went to school together and Mike and I tired to set them up years ago.  It will always be a joke between us that they should have listened to us years ago  It really is such a blessing to get to witness two amazing people unite as one.  Other than my own wedding, I think this will be the most special for me.  I used to always tell Kelsie she had to marry someone that would be great friends with Mike so we could always spend time together and go on vacation.  I couldn’t have hand picked (oh, wait I DID) a better match.  So while I could go on and on and on about how perfect these two are together, selfishly I’m just looking forward to all the awesome weekends, road trips, camping extravaganzas, and mission work we will get to experience together.  It makes my heart sing just thinking about it.

AND, I sort of have some issues about this session.  We just took a few pictures after their family session with my aunt and it was SO dark!  Literally the sun set.  AND it was soooo humid. Kels and I look a lot alike but Kelsie has the curliest hair ever!  Seriously, you cant even imagine how curly. My aunt straightened it, of course, when it was super humid outside.  I just think we at least need some more with curly hair (that’s my current marketing pitch!) NOW, I’m not sure we will be able to get a full session in by March and well, like I said … I have issues.  How can my own cousin not have a FULL rockin session.  Maybe I will get over it, maybe not.  lol.

Here are my favorites.

I couldn’t decide BW or Color on this last one.

Love you both SO much!  I can’t wait until March 14th!!!!!!

I am so excited to share the wonderful news I just received.  Woodbine House chose my photo of Sayer Riley (and his sisters … sort of ) for the COVER of Gifts II, the second edition to the popular Gifts : a book about how children with Down Syndrome enrich lives.  I am so honored and humbled once again.  Wow!

Before I share the cover photo, I want to share a few things.  First of all, I have had the wonderful privilege of photographing several children and families with children with Down Syndrome over the last year. Haven’t ever known or really been around people with Down Syndrome, I must say, the first few sessions were nerve wracking for me.  “What if I’m not good with these kids?” “What if they hate me and my camera?” were some of the thoughts in my head.  After session number #1 (Sayer’s session oddly enough) was a success, then my second session (Cute little Gabby, which is still one of my very favorite sessions to date), then three, then four, then five … and so on, I realized just how much these little angels had affected me and opened my eyes to a world of Gifts I had been missing out on.   So much so, in fact, that I get so giddy when I book another family with a child with Down Syndrome AND I am in the process of getting my full SKPA (Special Kids Photography Association) accreditation. So, thank you.  Thank you to all the families that have trusted your little ones with me and giving me the opportunity to capture the essence that truly makes them all Gifts … to all of us!

AND, one more special note before the picture, although I am sure you already stole a peek!  I was beside myself when Fran called me and told me that they chose Sayer’s picture and not necessarily for the reason’s you may think.  Of course I am proud that it is my photo, but more than that, I just knew how very much this would bless this family.  You see, Lisa, Sayer’s mom, was diagnosed with ALS (commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) the DAY after our session.  I don’t have to go into all the details about what this means for her and her family for you to realize how heart wrenching this is.  My wonderful Aunt, who is a friend of Lisa’s, set up this SITE in honor of Lisa and her family and to help raise awareness and support for their family.  Please check out her story and the many ways you can help!

The other AMAZING news is that when I told Fran about Sayer’s mom, Lisa, she spoke with the awesome folks over at Woodbine House, and I just received confirmation that they are also awarding Lisa’s family with a matching $250 award (which I will also receive for submitting the winning photo). How stinkin cool is that?  I haven’t decided exactly what my $250 award will be used for, but I do know that it will be going toward our upcoming calendar project with The World Should Know, which we hope will become a staple for Love, Me every single year as our way of giving back.  Let 2009 be the year you give back in anyway you can!!!  Stay tuned for more ways to give to the orphans in Sierra Leone as well.

So, here it is (for those that played by the rules )

Kourtney met me a while back with Chloe for a mini session.  I could have taken pictures of these two all day!  Isn’t Kourtney absolutely gorgeous?!  Not only is she beautiful, she is oozing with sweetness.  At one point I had both of them together and I kept trying to think of different expressions, so I’d say … OK, be silly, be cute … when I ran out of things to say, I said, ok, be sexy … which was followed by an eruption of giggles and Kourtney saying, “hooooow?”.  I just laughed and thought to myself how I really hope Mia Grace doesn’t know how to be sexy at 17.  Don’t worry moms, that is usually not something I ask of your girls.  It just slipped out.  Those of you out there that know me at all, know I was probably way more embarrassed than Kourtney.  I get hot and turn red when the conversation turns to anything like “that”.  lol!

Anyway, here are a few of my favorites. Thank you, sweet lady, for letting me take your pictures

And, you guessed it … my favorite

I love this next one too!

I told you she was insanely beautiful … now do you believe me?

God of Justice by Tim Hughes

God of Justice, Saviour to all
Came to rescue the weak and the poor
Chose to serve and not be served

Jesus, You have called us
Freely we’ve received
Now freely we will give

We must go live to feed the hungry
Stand beside the broken
We must go
Stepping forward keep us from just singing
Move us into action
We must go

To act justly everyday
Loving mercy in everyway
Walking humbly before You God

You have shown us, what You require
Freely we’ve received
Now freely we will give

Fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out Lord

Yesterday at church I truly heard this song for the first time.  It had a whole new meaning to me and I thought this was the perfect way for Rachel and I to make our big announcement!  Love, Me is headed to Sierra Leone, Africa!!!!  Yes, you read that correctly … Rachel and I both have the amazing privilege to travel to the poorest country in the world and use the gifts we have so freely received to give back to 84 remarkable orphans at the Wellington Orphanage.  We couldn’t be more humbled.

Along with our hearts to love and serve these children in any way needed, we will also be carrying out a project I dreamed up months ago with little faith that it could ever be accomplished.  I’m a dreamer … I am used to imagining things that I know may never come to fruition.  How easily I forget I serve the God of the impossible!

So, it is with so much joy that Rachel and I proudly announce the beginning of our Photographic Art Calendar Project for The World Should Know to ultimately support the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of 84 beautiful boys and girls at the Wellington Orphanage in Sierra Leone, Africa.  We invite you to join in on the journey with Love, Me as we witness what the God of the Universe can accomplish with a big idea, a little faith, and two best friends willing to say yes … WE MUST GO!

Please stay tuned for more information about our trip and the project and all the ways you can help save lives across the globe!

I sure hope you all are blessed with a friend like Sarah.  You know … the completely selfless, call in the middle of the night, laugh until you cry, say anything no matter how absurd kind.  I know, I know, she’s a rare gem!  Um … I found her, so go find your own.

Honestly, though, I just wish I could find the words to truly describe her, but I would fail miserably. And if she lived here, I’d actually hope you would get the opportunity to meet her because you sure would be blessed!  Sarah and I used to be roomies before she got married and I went to play in the woods [I meant that literally ... I used to guide backpacking trips in Colorado].  Anyway, we became fast friends and I can shamefully say she is the only friend I’ve ever kept up with long distance.  I am such a here and now kind of girl.  I think the thing I like about her most is that I can completely be myself around her and she totally draws out this side of myself that I thought I lost at like 12.  Seriously, imagine crazy polka dancing for hours without one ounce of alcohol OR covering yourself with Peanut Butter and Jelly just to get High School kids to listen about Jesus.  Again, I’m being totally literal.

Anyway, now I’m weepy … 

On another note, her family totally ROCKS.  So, Meet the Ballmers (sweet last name I know!).  Benji, Sarah, Dance, and Acie.  I took some family pics while they were in Texas over the holidays.  They currently reign from Findlay, Ohio!  Here are my favorites [read: a ridiculous amount.  i have a serious over sharing problem with friends and family].

I know there are SO many of Dance.  Isn’t she just precious??  AND she is as cool as her name.  If a three year old was ever way cool, its Dance.  I remember when Sarah told me her name right after her birth and I was like “Dance … like the verb?”  Then I remember thinking, only Sarah and Benji could get away with naming their baby Dance and I knew she would totally live up to the name.  She is WAY cool  

This next one makes me laugh SO hard.  If you only knew Sarah you would know why this is funny.  As I was editing these pictures I almost choked bc this is the EXACT terribly ugly face that Sarah makes.  Sorry guys, I had to post it.

And this next one is a new personal favorite.  I couldn’t decide if I like bw or color.  I can’t tell you exactly why … I just love it so much.  It’s just real. genuine. soulful.  i dont know but it makes my heart happy.

Dance modeled for me while Benj and Sarah took care of Acie the stud. While they were home they ALL got SO SO SO sick.  Sarah comes from a family of six kids who are ALL married and all but one couple has kids.  Actually she is Rachel’s sister in law!  Anyway, the WHOLE family was really sick over Christmas and Acie had a major blow out at the shoot.  So, I took Miss Dance off by myself and this is what she gave me.  I love you Dance. Isn’t she just gorgeous?

Her modeling pose … hysterical!

and then little man came back as happy as ever!  Seriously, he. never. cries.  S.T.U.D. (oh and he weighed 11 pounds at birth!) Maybe I should say Sarah is the stud, lol.  Yes, my beautiful friend gave birth to an 11 pound baby boy just 5 months ago.  Oh, and with ZERO pain meds.  I know right … she deserves an academy award.

Farewell my dear dear friends.  I love you guys so much!

Meet Uncle Ricky, Aunt Julie, Jena and Josh  I just love my family.  I’ve been editing a bunch of pictures I took before the holidays for my family and everyday it just makes me smile.  I have been reminded lately how incredibly blessed I am with great people to call family.  I grew up taking it for granted just thinking that everyone else had such awesome folks to hang out with on holidays and the occasional Sunday morning for Grandpa’s waffles (which we haven’t done in quite a while, uh hmmm.  hint )  I don’t think it started to sink in until I got into high school and when I would talk about my cousins and I got the impression that other just “didn’t get it”.  My cousins, Jena and Kelsie (you’ll meet her later) especially, were much like siblings to me growing up.  We spent so much time together.  We even had our own radio station … Kaaaaaayyyyy Ceeeeee Jayyyyyyyyy.  yeah you guessed it. Kelsie. Crystal. Jena. We were highly creative, lol! Uncle Ricky made several guest appearances on our show, singing such hits as “Under the Boardwalk”.  Oh what memories.  I am a little sad that Mia Grace may not have the same experiences … um, Jena, if you could go ahead and get married and have a baby already, that would be great  just kidding.

PS. Guys, no emails or comments please begging for Jena’s number … she is single though!

Anyway, I love you all so very much and even though as time passes it seems we dont get to see each other as often, you all hold a very special place in my heart!  Love you.  Oh, and Josh can you please stop growing … its just wrong how tall and grown up you are!!

You just have to watch this.  I laughed out loud for a good 5 minutes after this.  Why do we have to wait until we are 80 to be as genuine and transparent as Ms. Gladys.  Man o man, how I’d love to just hang out with her for an afternoon.

If Chloe looks familiar to you its because she was one of the cute cheerleaders I photographed last summer!  She is just so photogenic I was so excited to get to take her pictures again.  We had a blast (or at least I did!) at what was supposed to be a little mini session.  Here are my favorites of Chloe.  There are more to come of Kourtney who joined us for the shoot!  

These next two are my favorite.  I love this whole 1970 look so much … and I’m sure you all know who I am a sucker for some sun flare.

Thanks again, Chloe, for an awesome shoot!

Meet NaNa and Grandpa … my grandparents!  It was so special to me to get the opportunity to photograph them just before the holidays and even more special to finally open these up after the new year and edit them.  Several times today I laughed out loud or teared up a little.  These are the sessions that truly fill me me up and make me proud to do what I do.  

There was no specific reason behind our little shoot.  No milestone anniversary or picture needed for the newspaper … it was well, just because!  hence the title.  I think everyone deserves a “just because” session. It’s like saying my life and my relationships with those around me are important enough to be documented just because …  I love it.  I think its empowering and freeing and the images show.  

I just love my grandparents so much!  My NaNa is the hippest great-grandmother around and Grandpa Fred is one of those guys that’s just easy to be around (well, easy to everyone except my Nana, lol).  The whole session, he was being his normal self, acting like a goofball and cracking joke after joke.  I loved every minute of it.  I know my NaNa was a nervous wreck that he was going to look like a fool and more importantly, make her look like a fool  but I think they turned out wonderful.  Grandpa, all your craziness finally paid off I think  I guess he is good for something NaNa!  He made you laugh and your smiles are so genuine and beautiful!  I guess we’ll have to keep him around after all.

and my favorite!

well, i dont know, maybe this next one is my favorite!

And of course, I just had to get a few of my beautiful NaNa by herself.  Don’t you think she is just gorgeous? 

I love you both so much.  Thank you for loving me like you do and for being so proud of me all the time.  Even when I don’t deserve it.  Hope you enjoy your pictures.  XOXOXO.