This is the time of year that I have a chance to slow down, plan for the coming year, take in a workshop, bake cookies…chocolate chip of course, and take sibling’s school photos.

Little brothers.

This is Brandon. Brandon is my youngest sibling. He has a heart of gold and will do almost anything for you.

Mischievous…of course. Stubborn…uh, huh.

This is Jordan. Jordan is 14 and likes to think he is 18. We have all been there…it passes, right? Okay. He is an excellent babysitter and does so quite often for me. In fact, my kiddos have learned all kinds of useful info from him…like how to jump ramps with skateboards, to hang on tightly when you go for Gator rides, where to hunt for crows, how to build and then jump pillow towers in the living room, and Play Station strategies.

No really, they are growing up so fast and I love having my boys play with their big uncles.

This is Brandon’s “picture” smile and seriously, it was almost impossible to break it. It’s like a mixture of “I am kinda bored and I really don’t want to smile too big and look cheesy” smile.

I really do love my little brothers. Happy Monday.

Happy birthday to my little “big boy”! Six today. Somebody tell me how that happened, please.

A green crocodile cake has been his requested “next birthday cake” ever since his last birthday. So I will be serving a green crocodile cake, complete with marshmallow eyes and malted milk ball nostrils….to little boy friends. Happy Friday to you to. Smile!

I think her coat is quite perfect.

It was a gift from Grandma, I believe. It was not a planned part of the outfits, but turned out to be some of the fave shots.

Allie and Sophie are best sisters.

The whole family and one of their selected “bestest” shots.

Just because I have been thinking…

So what is happiness? It can come in many forms…right? Dark chocolate cake, for sure. A “just for you” smile from your man. An chatty phone call from an old friend. But ya know, we can laugh and smile and enjoy our cake too, but not be happy, right? Does happiness lie in accomplishing? How about the “good life”? Or everybody liking me?

Could it be true, honest to goodness happiness lies in peace? Peace with who I am. Peace with where I am in life. Peace with waiting and resting. Understanding that life will never be perfect. There will always be somebody better. Something that should be done…most likely fingerprints on the front door and a closet that needs organized. There will always be somebody that doesn’t approve. The overwhelming “problem”. The unknown in the future. The what if’s.

January is the month of goals, plans and dreams. And I love this and I will…’cause I love planning and dreaming and goals. But for right now, I am learning that the most important goal I can have is to trust. Complete trust. A soft, gentle and yielding trust. And I am only learning, but I am thinking this is real peace and long term happiness.

Okay, and because their pretty smiles make me happy, meet my nieces…Megan and Taryn.

Happy weekend to you. Smile!

Just because they are too handsome to not show off….

Charming the camera, Dylan is six and Raine is three.

It is Saturday and it is suppose to snow and I think I might start my Christmas shopping. Smile.

Okay, happy weekend!

Mischievous little squirt…

He is all mine and I love him so!

Happy Monday!

So what exactly defines the modern bride?

Hey, you can go many ways with this….but I am thinking Chucks fall in there. For sure.

More to come…

A few more from the Kiddo Day!

First of all, let me acknowledge a few folks that helped pull this day off…

My dear friend, Ann for simply being there and organizing snacks, goodie bags, and all those important details.

Kelsi and Janae for taking care of the paperwork, balloons, and of course… making faces at the kids and helping get the shots!

And Tawanda for shooting along side of me and getting lots of super close ups.

This is  Olivia. Olivia is three and is so pretty…

Meet Mason. Mason is five.

Melt me heart! This is Karson.

And Karson’s brother, Kyler.

All three!

Eyes that laugh…Lily and her big sister, Mya.

Lauren is wee little at only five months!

Meet Anika….so pleasant and all grins.

Tanner and Gordan. Two of a kind with the biggest grins of the day!

And another of Damien and Stephen.

Kiddos it is!
After fretting and growling at the unsettled forecast and then waking up to rain, I admitted the rainy weather had won. So we shuffled details and emailed and emailed. Everybody involved was so easy and willing to rearrange days and times and we got the day rescheduled!
Such fine and handsome little people showed up. Some delighted to be dressed up all pretty. A few glared at the camera! Some wanted to run and play in the fields and others would sit quietly and smile. Unique. Charming. Lively and perky.
It was a privilege!
Let me share a few from the day. More to come!

Meet Stephen.

And his big brother Damien. Damien handled the camera with ease…

This is Myla. Myla is one and has gorgeous eyes!

And Myla’s big sister, Ella…

Meet this darling, Emerson…

And all her brothers…

Next is Cole…

And Cole’s dapper little brother, Tyler…

And also sweet Kyleigh. Kyleigh makes me feel like a million bucks because this is the third time she has allowed me to photograph her.

Thanks to each one of you. More kiddo faces to come!

Little but mighty.

Innocent and so mischievous.

Exasperating and way to adorable.

Little people…gotta love them!

This will be a day all about and just for little people. Do kids like getting their pictures taken? Nope, usually not! But do kids like a good time? Of course, so we will do our best to combine both!

I have been looking forward to this….

And I am thinking some super fun props will be just the thing!

Instead of scheduling child sessions all throughout the summer, I have decided to have a day tailored just for them! By the way, the Alexander Schaeffer Farm is located in Schaefferstown!

Email me for additional info and to reserve your spot!