NOW...ON WITH LIFE

OK, so now high school years are behind Dave; the Marine Corps awaits. This, his last weekend home with friends and family was both poignant and playful. Mom was clearly holding back the tears while Dave was anxiously counting down the days. A couple of friends playfully enjoyed this last bit of time they had with him. 

This session was just little more than an hour before a huge bonfire to commemorate his leaving. Dave will certainly be missed. Thank you, Dees Family, for allowing me to be a part of this "good'bye".

Difficult for Mom to say good-bye

It's all about the boots...

Oh, happy day!!

 Great friends, great times! Now it is time to part ways for a time...each pursuing his/her own dreams. These are the times we will remember fondly.

 

I just LOVE it when people relax and have fun, get playful and show their personality for me. It makes my job so much more fun! And, oh, how I love the results!

Sean

Senior portrait time. Unbelievable. Where do the years go? Sean is excitedly in anticipation of the upcoming year. She still cannot believe she is a senior! Her photo shoot has been extensive as she has been my "model" for the 2011/12 school year. 

Sean...I hope you enjoy the preview...

Vice

A fun-filled day in Windsor...

It was hot, the kids would rather be indoors watching TV, the sun was high and we were pressed for time with Dad. All ingredients for a not-so-productive shoot. But we made the most of it anyway. We enjoyed the ride...

What an awesome family; the kids were a kick and both Mom and Dad were so very laid back. Considering that Dad was just on a quick lunch hour, he was most gracious and accommodating. Thank you, Ryan; you are a prince. And Nicole...always the gracious, gentle lady. Your lives are so busy...baseball is a constant. Keeps the family busy. Thanks for giving me your time.

Now we're havin' fun...

I'm lovin' this...

Can we be done now??

Father's Day

What a blessing my father was in my life. I miss him terribly today, as always. He left us at much too young of an age, due to cancer. I think of him today especially and wish I could wrap my arms around him and thank him for being such a terrific influence in my life. I love you, Dad!!

Happy Father's Day to all of you fathers...may you enjoy the day with your loved ones!

                                   ___________

Patricia found this old portrait, badly damaged, when she was packing to move. Her husband, Jack, loves the portrait of her and said that he would love to have it repaired, framed, and hanging in his office. (that is where I came into the picture...)

So, I repaired it for her and she had it framed as a Father's Day gift for Jack. Happy Father's Day, Jack!

Hiatus

Taking a little break here...I have not picked up a camera or thought about blogging since May 17. That evening, a medical emergency nearly took the life of my precious hubby, Al. He is well on his road to recovery at this writing; so I expect I will be getting back to work in the near future.

Interesting how a situation like this affects one's perspective. Granted, I am exhausted from the ordeal, the constant awareness that life for us (at least for this moment) has totally changed. However, appreciation for things and people previously taken for granted has taken on a totally new focus. What a gracious gift is LIFE!! We, indeed, will never be the same. Appreciate life...live it to the fullest...consider all that you wish to accomplish while on this earth and don't waste a single day...indeed, a single minute.

We are most thankful to the Lord for not only preserving Al's life, but making him stronger than he has been in years.

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to each one of you hard working, dedicated women who has been given the privilege of raising, or having raised, other human beings entrusted to your care. It is the most awesome job that a woman can take on. Today we honor all those mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers. Thank you for the sacrifices made in deference to those tender little lives.

Nora - mother of 5, grandmother of 7,
great grandmother of 9

A small, intimate family dinner to
celebrate the occasion

How she enjoys her home, the flowers...

Risch

Maddy

"Why am I here? Really??"...Nicolas

Danielle

We are Family!!

We were blessed with one of the first days this Spring that actually felt like Spring! Maybe even a hint of summer...it was beautiful as we ventured from the old downtown streets to the park and then to the creek. Nicolas really warmed up to me...even told his mother he wanted to go with her when we meet again.(She told me he doesn't warm up to very many people...I feel so honored!!) Yes, we became friends indeed.


Such a beautiful family; true friendship between a teenager and her mother! I am blessed to call them my friends and was thankful to have this day with them.

Angelic