full.

I'm trying to take advantage of the break from school and photo sessions

to connect with family and freinds.

My former teaching partner/dear friend Abby is weeks away from having her fourth little babe in 2.5 years.

Her hands (and belly) are full!

I don't get to see her as often as I'd like,

 so I love it when I have a day, like today,  

that I can hang out at her house and play with kiddos.

And take a few pictures.

Elly Grace.

Full of imagination and stories.

Silas...oh I wish everyone could see him dance!

Mercy wanted to put her face in my lens.

In it.

Really.

Sweet thing.

My heart is full.

Maybe not as full as Abby's hands

(or belly)

but full, nonetheless.

project 52/52.

{what life is all about}

Memories and Promise.

The rings are nearly twenty-nine years old (scratches and all).

The ornament is from the 1900's (when my kids were that little).
My life is full of sweet memories (and some scratches).
My kids, now beginning their adult lives, are full of promise.
Ah, sweet life.

that's a wrap.

Fire blazing.

Carols playing.

Cider warming.

Slippers comforting.

Colorful paper and bows waiting.

I parked myself by the tree to finish up the wrapping.

Before I knew it, my son joined me on the floor.

We wrapped and reminisced and plotted and laughed.

It was wonderful.

Sometimes the getting ready is as much fun as Christmas itself.

project 52/51.

{holiday cheer}

Good news.
God and sinners reconciled.

project 52/50.

{festive colors}

They tasted good too.

five acre wood.

 We met the Petersens out on their property where the deer (and the antelope?) roam.

It's a beautiful setting for family pictures...even on an overcast chilly day.

I love how this family loves each other.

I didn't need to coax the kids to "show some love."

They just did.

 peeks and giggles...

 windblown snuggles and smooches....

 so.much.fun.

Petersen Family 2011

project 52/49.

{traditions}

Don we now our gay apparel.

He reluctantly sits for me every year wearing his Christmas collar...

which used to have jingle bells on it. 

Maybe this will be the year I sew some new ones on.

i heart faces/on your feet.

This week at I Heart Faces, the theme is "on your feet."

Now, I love sweet little baby toes as much as the next photographer,

but knew I had to re-post an image from earlier in the fall involving some bigger feet..

My ever-frugal son was home from college and was so proud of his thrift store find.

Thrifted shoes: two dollars.

College education: more than two dollars.

Weekend at home: priceless.

 

Make sure to check out some amazing footography at http://www.iheartfaces.com/



catch me if you can.

 Shane is on the move...

so we played "catch me"

and peek-a-boo.

And we giggled.

Because he is sooo cute.

 I don't give toddlers lollipops because they're cute props.

I give toddlers lollipops because it gives them a reason to sit down for a moment.

I'm so glad I had a red sucker for this little Santa boy.

He really loved it...

...and wasn't too happy when it was taken away from him!

These pictures belong in the Smith family Christmas card, for sure!

Season's greetings!

baxter family.

 It has been fun to take pictures for the Baxters several times this year

 as they document the growth of their boys.

We no longer have to prop Joshua up in a basket or bucket...

He is off and running...carrying a stick, of course.

Because that's what boys do.

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

 I had to include at least one picture of Caleb's tongue.

I have several more....

The Baxters 2011

project 52/48.

{twinkle}

One Starry Night.

sweet caroline.

 Caroline is indeed sweet and sooo pretty.

She was also quite snuggly the day we met for pictures.

 Beautiful family.

This is a personal fav of mine. 

I love her little half smile...safe in mommy's arms.

Finally.

Let's put on our coats and play on the playground!

Sweet freedom.

Sweet Caroline.

project 52/47.

{water}

Water into Wine.

My picture this week is inspired by a song we're singing on Sunday by Chris Tomlin.

Water He turned into wine

Opened the eyes of the blind.

There's no one like You

None like You.

Into the darkness You shine

Out of the ashes we rise

There's no one like You.

None like You.

Our God is greater

Our God is stronger

God, You are higher than any other

Our God is healer

Awesome in power

Our God

Our God

And if  our God is for us

Then who could ever stop us?

And if our God is for us

Then what could stand against?

I'm so grateful for the many ways I've seen Him at work this year.

Taste and see...the LORD is good.

Happy Thanksgiving!

friends of friends.

 Friends of friends.

It seems we're meeting more and more of those.

The Hrabiks are friends with the Ritters (whom we've known forever).

After our summer session with the Ritters, http://susanchambersdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/06/overflowing.html

Diane contacted me to set up a fall session for her family.

Anyhow, I love meeting my friends' friends.

It feels comfortable somehow.

We had a great time (and a beautiful morning, I might add)

capturing this busy season of the Hrabik's lives.

They have one in elementary school, one in middle school, and one in high school.

And all were a delight!