surrounded by love.

 The last time I took pictures for the Smiths, they were hoping to adopt another little babe.

Sam has since joined their family.

He was born very premature, weighing just over one pound.

He's now four months old and weighs seven pounds.

 And surrounded by lots of love.

Perfect itty bitty parts...

Sam's mommy provided the adorable owl hat.

What a hoot!

What a miracle little Sam is....

and how blessed to be a part of this wonderful family...

Big brother Shane is getting ready to turn two.

This is what happens when you add cake to his cuteness...

Happy birthday, Shane!

project 52/17 {big}

I've been at camp with my fifth graders this week...unplugged.

We touched all sorts of creatures large and small.



charlie.

Nine month old Charlie is at such a fun age.

He's crawling and standing and clapping and smiling.

I just followed him around while his mommy and daddy made him smile.

Here's a little peek at our session...

owen family.

The Owens recently brought Jack into their family,

and he surely has taken modeling classes somewhere...what a natural...and so handsome!

But equally as fun to photograph are his siblings Victoria, Carter, and Addie...

I love these (and several other) images taken in Uptown Normal.

The bright colors just pop and make me smile.

I can't wait for the family to see more!

It's clear this family enjoys being together.

I didn't have to coach or pose the kids into linking arms.

They just did.

They are just that cute.

Seriously.

When we finished taking pictures of the Owen family,

my assistant/husband turned to me and said,

"That was fun!"

It was indeed.

project 52/16 {it's good for you}

We celebrated John's grandma's 100th birthday this past weekend.

Nothing better for you than a little birthday cake, right?

(This little guy is one of her 124 grandchildren, great grandchildren,  and great-great grandchildren)

Happy Birthday, Nana!

asha.

 oh.my.goodness.

She is stunning.

Asha is new to the Bloomington/Normal area.

I'm so glad she contacted me to take her senior pictures.

She is not only beautiful, but a delight to be with.

Her mom and brother came along to make this session ever so much fun.

They'll have lots of images to choose from, but here's a little peek...

Asha.

University High School

Class of 2012

kyle.

"Oh, you look just like (your brother) Noah right now,"

I said for the umpteenth time as I looked through my viewfinder. 

"I did come first, you know," Kyle reminded me.

Of course.

It's just that I taught both of Kyle's younger brothers and am quite familiar with their faces.

Anyhow, I had a great time taking Kyle's senior pictures and getting to know him a bit better.

Here's a small peek into his session...

Kyle

Cornerstone Christian Academy

Class of 2012

project 54/15 {stackable}

I may have cheated and used a tiny bit of tape.

zeke.

 The name Ezekiel means "God is strong" or "God makes strong."

And believe me, this sweet little baby lives up to his name!

He has strong legs and a good set of lungs (just sayin').

And he already has a strong hold on my heart.

 Little Zeke is packed and ready for the family's next adventure...

a move to Las Vegas as they serve in a church there.

They are dearly loved by many and will be missed.
We are hoping to meet for family pictures before then.
So I'll save my tears.

project 52/14 {variety}

Button box full of variety (and memories). 

Some of these buttons are from the 1900's.