Check out this "Snow Much Fun" Limited Edition Session sneak peek for Amy and her family. I'm so happy we were able to work out our schedules to get this in under such short notice. And I'm even happier that we were graced with a beautiful blue sky that day. I hope the rest of your winter break is lots of fun!
Just a few pictures from my tree. As a newly wed (11 Christmases ago) We struggled to fill a tree with ornaments. As a new parent a few years later, I never liked what I considered "cheesy" ornaments and in fact, worked hard to make my tree look "uniform" and "perfect" with only bows and balls all in coordinating colors. As my kids grew and we acquired new ornaments each year, some bought, some made, the uniform look get's thrown out the window, but what is left is all "us". A one of a kind collection of ornaments that is a unique only to our family and in my eyes, couldn't be more "perfect".
I look at my tree often and think about how each ornament, big or small, hand made or expensive, really becomes part of our family history. I could tell a story about each one, but instead, I'll just tell a few.
The picture ornaments are of course some of my most cherished. I love seeing my smiling babies from year to year. Oh how I forget how little they were.
The white stars represent my "perfect tree" phase. I don't hang them all anymore - there isn't room! But I always hang some.
The "Mother Tree" was given to me the year Jack was born, holding the birth stones of each of my children, with my family now complete.
Rodney and Rhonda Reindeer are near and "deer" to my heart. These were my prized possesions in 2nd grade, coming from a Burger King kids meal during the holidays! My hasn't the quality of kids meal toys changed! Way back in the 80's you had to pay extra for your kids meal toys, I believe $1.99. These toys have sat upon the branches of my Christmas trees for the past 26 years and will sit there for hopefully at least 26 more.
That bottom middle picture... that's a special one. That ornament was purchased only a few years ago. I thought it was quite beautiful. It was a red beaded tassle. One evening during the holiday season of 2005, Tom and I were out with friends and the kids were with a babysitter. I came home to see this ornament, complete with cardboard hearts, scotch tape and "I "heart" U" in it's place. The girls had taken my new ornament and were swinging it around, feeling the beads between their fingers when, poof... every bead, every strand was on the floor, broken. Knowing, how much I loved that ornament, they gave their best attempt at fixing it. I won't lie... I was mad. And when I went to take down the tree, almost... almost... threw it away. But I'm glad I didn't. I get quite a giggle out of it now, thinking about their poor little faces the moment it broke and their whole hearted attempt to "fix it" in hopes that they wouldn't get in trouble.
We bought a new ornament this year, actually a full set. It's the numbers 1 - 12 representing the song the 12 days of Christmas. A song that the girls and I sing together, loudly and off key, each season... repeatedly.
And of course, our family wouldn't be complete without a homage to "the team". The one and only ornament Tom brought with him when we got married, that normally lives happily on the back of the tree. But now that we have 4 Hawkeye fans in this house, it keeps creeping out to the front. ;)
So here's to all the "Perfect Trees", may they all be decorated with love and memories.
Merry Christmas!
Bring your sweaters, scarves and your adventurous spirit and come play in the snow with me!
Mother Nature has blessed us with some beautiful snow this year, so why not bundle up your babies (big or small) and catch some fleeting memories. We all remember how much fun winter vacation was as a kid and now you can capture those memories with your family!
$225 includes
20-30 minutes outdoor session in Yutan, Nebraska
1 – 5x15 framed storyboard (example below)
2 – Gift Portraits (8x10 or smaller)
Additional purchases at the “with collections” pricing
Purchase an additional $225 in portraits and receive a beach tote for only $100!
Purchase an additional $325 in portraits and receive a mini album filled with 10 images from your session.
Of course this is a limited time offer – sessions must take place before the snow melts!
If you know the man in these ladies' lives, don't tell him about this. It's a Christmas surprise.
Now.... with that business out of the way, let me exclaim how I LOVE these sweet sisters! I do! They were the best! Sweet, cooperative, fun, loving, energetic, adventurous - did I mention sweet? Oh they were sweet as candy. And that is actually kind of what their cool sweaters reminded me of. And check out that freshly fallen snow. I couldn't have made a better day for this session.
Effective January 1st, 2008 our prices will be changing a bit (some items more than others.) :)
If you would like to book a 2008 session and be "grandfathered" into the 2007 prices, please be sure to call before January 1st. Only bookings for Jan 1 - March 31st will be grandfathered.
This will be strictly enforced so any calls after January 1st, will fall under 2008 pricing.
All I know after photographing this extended family, is this little guy is one of the most adored babies on the planet. He was the center of attention and a mighty cute one at that! Everyone took a turn cooing at him, but the thing that would make him smile.... cereal puffs. I don't blame him one bit! It was a pure joy to work with this family as they celebrated together.
Check out how much fun our mini sessions can be! This little guy will be celebrating his 1st birthday soon and this mini session was a great way to commemorate that special moment! He is quite the little charmer! I always enjoy having baby "J" in my studio.
To learn more about our mini sessions, check out the "mini session" post below or just send me an email and ask for details!
This crazy holiday season has kept me burning the candle at both ends and without any real time to post to my blog. But I'll make up for it today!
Sometimes I think my life is beyond crazy. I used to be an organized neat freak and now my house looks like a tornado came through, leaving a trail of Christmas, wet melted snow puddles and dirty dishes. My office looks like Santa's workshop, only not nearly as festive, with a mix of presents for my family still in their shopping bags and holiday orders that have yet to be delivered or picked up.
Yet in the midst of all this chaos, I would like to stop and be thankful and share my blessings.
1) This morning, on my way home from dropping the kids at school and daycare, I noticed that there was that beautiful and peaceful heavy white frost on all the trees and grass. Of couse, I didn't have my camera, and the sun has melted most of it away, but I am so happy that I took that moment to look up from the snowy roads and look across the country and saw the most beautiful site. White trees and glistening peaceful snow as far as the eye could see. It was one of those story book moments, that if captured perfectly win awards and get hung in galleries. But, alas, I will just have to cherish the memory and thank God for his gift of beauty this morning. I hope you got to see it too.
2) If you read down a few posts and see the pictures of the "M" family, you will see a family filled with love, hope and faith during some of the hardest times of their lives. I read their carepages all the time and I pray for Baby Nate and I pray for their family. They have touched my life and I am so grateful. I have been blessed to witness true strength, grace and faith through their family. I am humbled to have been asked to be a part of their life, if only for one short moment. Because of them, I hug my children a little longer and cherish their laughter a little more and for that I am truly blessed.
3) I was looking through Kelsey's school work from last week and came across this assignment. I had to keep it and share it. I'm so happy that my kids (or at least one of them) enjoys the place photography takes in our lives. If you can't read it, is says:
"My Favorite Christmas Memory"
My favorite Christmas memory is shooting my Christmas card. I love doing that. This year we did a cool Christmas card. We where looking for presents and my little brother was making a surprised face. I was very funny. I can't wate 'till we send it out! I was on my sisters back! I love it when we do the Christmas card.
By: Kelsey E.
And if you want to see the card... well I guess you'll just have to wait for the mail. :)
Jill at 4 months (above)
Black Friday Sale - Digital Files for $35 each - two days only!
Are you still looking for that perfect image for that perfect holiday card to send to all your friends and family this season? Look no further!
Purchase one digital file per session from 2007 for $35 only! What do you get with that? You get a print ready, full size digital file of your choosing and a limited use release for printing your holiday cards. That is a SCREAMING deal and you know it! Digital files are currently only sold for an addtional $450 for the whole set with the Jill Collection.
You must call or email on Friday November 23rd or Saturday November 24th and pay via credit card over the phone. You will be emailed your file by Tuesday November 27th along with the limited use release form.Files will be cropped to a 5x7 ratio for maximum user-friendliness.
Purchase $200 in Gift Certificates and receive an extra $50 Free!
Do you want to give the gift of Custom Portraiture to someone special on your list? Purchase $200 in Gift Certificates and receive an extra gift certificate valued at $50 for free! Limit of 3 free Gift Certificates per purchase. Gift Certificates must be purchased in $50 increments.
Valid through December 15, 2007
Receive $35 off 16x20 Canvas Wall Art through December 8th!
What a wonderful gift for the grandparents! Give the gift of Fine Art Canvas and take $35.00 off the purchase of 16x20 Canvas Wall Art. An image from your 2007 session must be used and they must be purchased before December 8, 2007 in order to receive it by December 23rd.
50% off all handbags until December 5th!
Purchase any handbag with an image from your 2007 session and take 50% off the Regular Price! Wow! What an awesome gift for mom, grandma or that special person in your child's life!
All handbags must be ordered by December 5th in order to receive them by December 23rd.
Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!
Becky
These are my nephews Big C, Middle C and Little C. They came to see Aunt Becky today and we LOVED having them. Little C makes the cutest snow baby I've ever seen. I want to eat him up! Oh and in the 3rd picture, I realized he looks just like Jill. I have to find the picture of her in her fuzzy hat like that when she was a bitty baby and when I do, I'll scan it in and prove it. ;)
I know there are many, many people waiting to see these from across the country, so I thought I had better not disappoint and keep you all waiting! I would like to post a little shout-out to Nurse Collette for being so nice and accomodating this morning when I'm sure she had much more important things to attend to. And to Jamie C. for bringing me and the "M" family together. Have a great weekend!
Baby "H" came to visit me this morning. How sweet and little she was.. so tiny. I have a very warm place in my heart for new babies, they are so terribly precious. Baby "H" was here for over an hour and I still have no idea what her voice sounds like. Not a peep. I think we kept her too toasty warm and comfy in our blankey's and hats.
Welcome to the world Baby H!
Our new mini sessions are perfect for capturing those special moments as your family grows. Schedule a mini session for that perfect holiday card shot, your child’s birthday, that special occasion outfit or even all of your baby’s “firsts”.
Only a limited number of mini sessions will be scheduled each week. Mini Sessions may be scheduled Mon – Thurs, 9am – 1pm and Monday and Wednesday evenings.
$175.00
Includes:
*6 – gift portraits (8x10 and smaller)
*No session fee
*15-20 minutes in studio only
*1 backdrop
*1 outfit
*3 subjects – add $15 per each additional subject
*8-10 online proofs to choose from
*Online ordering only
No substitutions
Add on additional products at “with collection” pricing.
It was a crazy close contest, but #4 is the clear winner! Congratulations to the Misbach family. You will be receiving your $50 gift certificate in the mail next week!
Just a sneak peek for a great family! I really enjoyed every minute of our session together and I know the "H" family will enjoy the results even more. What a beautiful group and a gorgeous evening!
Here is a sneak peek for the "L" family! What a gorgeous night for family portraits! The fall colors were out in full force and they complimented this family wonderfully.
Ohhh, how I love the sweet autumn light. I love capturing the beauty of childhood. I love the ease of their smiles and how they show true emotion without abandon. And I love when it all happens in one session. I hope you are all enjoying this sweet and fleeting time of autumn.
