Quote of the Day

"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."

-Mother Teresa

Josh, Heather & Ryan Michael

Heather and I grew up going to the same church. In my brain, she is not old enough to be married, let old enough to have a new baby...but my brain is stuck in 1995, I guess!!! ;-)

Josh and Heather were very fun to hang out with and so great to bring Ryan out in the chilly weather. Ryan was a trouper...and he was just under one month old!!! Grandma Joni came along to help us out and carry extra blankets.

Ryan is just adorable, and once again...I can't wait to see how he's grown next time I get to see him!!

Seth, Lizzy & Memphis

Seth, Lizzy and Memphis were charming...a great way to end a day of photography in Keokuk, Iowa. First of all, I'd never seen an almost-3 month old SO smiley!!! Memphis was a joy. He kept making me laugh. And his eyes...oh my. The bluest eyes I've ever seen!!! I think I fell in love with that little boy in about 2 minutes.

Being die-hard Iowa Hawkeye fans, they've started Memphis in early. I can't wait to see how much Memphis has grown the next time I'm in town.

PJ, Bobbi, & Jordyn Anne

Have I mentioned that I love my job?? Being a photographer is so much fun!!! One of my favorite things is taking pics of all different kinds special moments of people's lives.

I had the privelage of taking PJ & Bobbi's wedding photos several years ago...and now, to be able to take photos of the two of them with their first child...it really was priceless for me!!! We went to this really cool creek just down River Road...not sure that I could get there again, but I sure hope so, because I loved how the pics turned out in that spot.

PJ & Bobbi...Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to be a part of special moments in your lives...I can't wait until next time!!!!

The Palmer's

Melissa and Cory Palmer are so cute!!! I met them in Keokuk, IA at Melissa's parents' house. The location was gorgeous, and the morning was perfect...if a bit chilly!! They are expecting a child...if facebook is to be believed, it's going to be a baby girl. I can't wait until next year--or the next time I'm in Keokuk--to take pics of their new addition. ;-)

We included Melissa's family in the photo op, and they were so much fun. I had such a good time laughing with all of them. I think her little brother was my favorite...I will never forget his angst at kissing his big sis on the cheek!! ;-)

The Little's

Twins!! Jenni is my twin. We've celebrated our birthdays together...well, for our whole lives!!! We met each other when we were 9, so our first combo birthday would've been our 10th. Jenni is a dear, dear friend who's been there for me for years (I won't tell you how many!! :-) )

Jenni married an AWESOME guy, Eric. He actually reminds me a bit of my dad, which is one of the biggest compliments I can give. ;-) They have been blessed with 2 boys...Logan and Kaden. I don't get to see them often enough and man have they grown up too fast already!!!! They are so much fun, and Jenni and Eric are great parents.

Enjoy their pics!!!

Heather, Steve & Fam

Best friends are interesting things. I don't have that many, but I have several best friends from different eras of my life. The best part about best friends, if they are true ones, is that it doesn't matter how long between times you see each other...that best friend part never changes.

Heather is my best friend from high school. She still lives back in good ol' Carthage, IL, and it really is fun for me to go back to my stompin' grounds. She is married to a wonderful man, Steve. I couldn't have picked a better man for her if I was given the opportunity!! ;-) They've got 4 beautiful children, Hannah, Haley, Haden, and Hettie.