One of the many joys in my life is the creation of Facebook. I know, I’m lame. I’m addicted though and it has brought me in contact with so many of my “lost” friends from my past that I would have never reconnected with otherwise. I LOVE facebook. (ok, I admitted it) One of the people I found was a friend from my nursing school days, Cindy. Cindy contacted me about taking photos of her son Quang. He is from Vietnam and his story his amazing and he is one of the kindest, nicest young men I’ve met in a long time. He was willing to try anything for this shoot and I had so many good shots to chose from. Cindy, great job raising such an amazing kid and Quang best of luck to you. I hope we keep in touch my new friend.

Enjoy.

I was so lucky to stumble upon the website for Flashes of Hope while searching for a way to take something I love and also give back. I highly recommend you check out their website and consider volunteering or donating to such a wonderful charity. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to creating powerful , uplifting portraits of children fighting cancer and other life threatening illnesses. I got inspired…and I donated my time to take photos at Gretna Glen Camp and Retreat Center outside Hershey, PA. I was greeted by Jeannie from Flashes of Hope and 3 other photographers including Jen Baltgalvis  from Camp Hill, PA. We split up the 50 children who wanted their photos taken and we starting shooting! The grounds at Mt. Gretna are absolutely stunning so it wasn’t hard to find great locations to take photos of some very inspiring, motivating and heartwarming children suffering from some serious illnesses including cancer. It made me so proud to be a part of capturing a moment in time for the parents of these children. I am honored to post these photos. I am humbled by the experience and I will be volunteering again next year hoping to photograph some of the same children again. Thanks Flashes of Hope for what you do and for allowing me to be a part of it.

There is something about a baby. Their expressions, their smell, their tiny hands and feet that just make my heart melt. This little one was no exception. Michelle is a dear friend of mine and she now has 3 kids under the age of 4. I was exhausted just watching her! Her little one was so sweet and so laid back, the perfect baby. I had a great time photographing her. Oh and Michelle, I forgot to tell you that her belly button fell off during the session. I put it back in her diaper. Best of luck to you my friend and thanks for sharing your wonderful blessing with me.

I read another photographer’s blog and was inspired by her “grateful” post.  Rachel Clare is another photographer who’s work I have admired for so long but I have never actually met her in person. Her work inspires me, her blog is so stinkin’ cute and her personality makes me feel like we’ve been friends forever. I am thankful that in the world of photography there are grateful, wonderful people who are willing to share their wisdom and passion. I am THANKFUL for my children. My health. The people in my life who love me unconditionally (even through my love of country music and addiction to coffee) and inspire me to constantly reach for my dreams. To those I love, I thank you. I will forever be, GRATEFUL. XOXO

Now my attempt at a garden. My snow peas.

and a shot I took while on a recent family vacation camping in Virginia. Boys and water……they are just drawn to each other. It’s the simple things. Till next time………..

I was asked by Jen from work to do her wedding photos. I have to admit I was honored but also very scared! I think wedding photographers are some of the hardest working people out there and the pressure of having to capture that special day and getting the “right” shot really scares me. On that note……I agreed to do it. (I love a challenge) She looked beautiful and I was so happy to be a part of her day. I wish them the happiest of times, lots of laughs and cherished times together. Thank you for letting me share in your special day.

speical note: 25 comments gets Jen a free 8×10 of her choice.

and the cutest ring bearer…..

I am a nurse when I’m not photographing and I was lucky enough to meet Danie while working in the ICU. I have gotten to know her better over the years and even more since she asked me to takes photos at her wedding in September. I don’t claim to be a wedding photographer nor ever envisioned myself as one but I couldn’t turn down this opportunity since I love Danie so much. I hope I make her proud. We met and did some engagement photos of her and her husband to be and their cute kiddos. Here are just a few of the awesome shots we got that day. Thanks my friend for letting me photograph you and I can’t wait till your wedding. I’m so happy for you. XOXOXO

I hope you enjoyed the day with your loved ones. I hope you were pampered and loved. I think being a Mom is life’s great blessing. I am honored to be a Mom to 3 wonderfully funny, happy little people. I was showered with a handmade bird house, cards, candy and dinner prepared by my awesome hubby. Yes, I’m blessed. I leave with a photo of my oldest I took on the baseball field the other night. I love how awesome his eyes are. I love this boy.

I have been lucky enough to meet Kerry. She is from Georgia and moved here a few years ago knowing no one. She has since gone on to have 2 beautiful children and they live close to me. She became friends with my sister and through that we also have become friends. I love her accent. I love her style and I love her artwork. I was lucky enough to trade her photos I took of her children for her artwork. (I think I got the best deal) Don’t tell her. She sells her painting locally and I’m blessed to have them hanging above my bed now. I am thankful for her and I’m so glad our paths crossed. Please let me know if you’d like more information on her work.  Her artwork is a beautiful as her and her family.

I hope your Easter was filled with colored eggs, lots of candy and good times with friends and family. We had a great holiday here and I always enjoy spending time with my parents and siblings. We had the egg hunt at my parents and the kids got way to much candy. (I’ve helped them east some for the chocolate though) It’s the one time of year that Reese’s peanut butter cups can be for breakfast. I {heart} peanut butter eggs. (sigh)……..on that note, we jump for joy at the Easter season. We hope you did too!!

I was honored to be a part of an event in Media, PA through ARF. Animal Rescue. If you remember we adopted our dog Zoe from there and I thought this was a great way to “give back” for the gift of Zoe. I went and took photos of pets and the Easter Bunny at Four Paws Pet Store in downtown Media. It was a great event. I wanted to post some of the cats up for adoption and if you have any questions check out ARF on facebook for details. Their pets can also be found on petfinder.com. Thanks to my friend Jen for asking me to be a part of such a fun event!! They raised $400 that day to help with veterinary care for the animals they rescue.