When I am 70 I will celebrate!

Amongst the daily dealings of 5 children, 1 dog, a husband, house and heart of my own, I have had the privilege in the last few months of planning a party for my mother in laws 70th birthday. This was truly a reason to celebrate. My soul loves to celebrate every loved one their very special day. The day that God said they were perfect in His eyes and released them in the world to make their mark, withstand their struggles and live their life in a way that He could praise. 70 years! Wow... that is a lot of life and a marker I can only hope to call my own someday. It is not only the amount of years but the life that has been lived thru them. 

Nana, as she is know in our hive, is loved and appreciated greatly although often goes without that recognition. This was a moment were we could do just that, make a memory of a great love. 

Planning this party was a major undertaking and I was touched many a time thru out its process. My understanding of her was first and a deepened relationship with a distant sis-in-law was a very near second in topping the charts of the blessing received thru this process. The list could go on and on, but we will move on for today.

There were many surprises along the way but seeing her life in detail really opened my eyes to her many layers. Not just who she is today or yesterday but more importantly why she is who she is... everyday.  Her life is one with so many nooks and crannies to explore. Women in general are more than what they appear to be but her crannies are so colorful. Since I am so visual, picturing the times of her life and the many places (Austria, England, France, LA, Arizona, Nevada) she called home along with the times in history she lived and especially her years raising a family painted a very vivid picture. Call me crazy but this sort of thing just invigorates me! The challenge of wrapping up one person's life into an event, to make a feeling that encompasses the joy that this one special person brings, to partake of foods and treats that remind you of her and to dot the day with personal accents that have touched her thru out her 70 years. I get chill's just revisiting the idea!  Oddly joy was also an emotion as all came to an end. Physical and emotionally tired a 10 year sabbatical from the birthday of all birthday party planning is needed.  Needless to say it went off spectacularly and here are a few photos to prove it! If you were a guest and would like to see the entire gallery of pics or share some of your own log on to my flickr account at................ We would love to see what you caught on film too. 

Happy Birthday Nana!

Breathe life in...

1 corinthians says, "Breathe life in". Perfect words to live by. Life is never the same day to day. Take a moment to breathe it in, every single day. Live the life He has given you. Take it all in, allow it to meld you, change you , effect you and create the newest you.

Days on the "Ranch" lately have brought another side out of my babe's. The wonder of life and God's creation. Some lesson's are best learned here. Such as...egg collecting, why are we watching the hen sit on her dozen eggs, "Pecking order", why goats have horns, who eats what, who is the messiest,  Do chickens swim...(no). Are only a few.  In the mean time I get great shots with splendid color. Who knew!

Breathe life in.

Wedded Bliss continues...

Here are few more of my favorite wedding shots. I can't wait to tell the story in an album. I have already started working on that masterpiece. What your thoughts? When you look at your albums, do you love the traditional pictures or silly candid shots? Feed me with your feedback please, comments welcome.... May the bliss carry on!

Wedded Bliss

OK, OK,  here is the sneak peak of the works that have had my attention for the past few days. These are magic to me. Photo's that make you smile and give a giggle as a gift. This is when I know that I am blessed. When I realize the moments I get to share with people last a lifetime. Congratulations Amy and Dave! Keep a look out more to come...

Here we Gooooooooo...

I am just on the verge of a new adventure, shooting a wedding. What a special task to be given. This couple is absolutely amazing. They have a spirit of love and kinship that is remarkable. I got the chance to take some pics as an engagement session. WOW, did they turn out terrific! As far an adults go, they (adults) are not always my favorite subjects. They always seem to over think what they are doing and hold tight tight to the thought that a picture lasts forever... but the problem comes down to trust. Trust that your photographer will not leak any unflattering images! :) This is what I think. I should know because rarely do I get a pic of myself that I am happy with, but it must be done and to get that great shot; the one that lifts your spirit you must TRUST your photographer. Well, these guy's did. They were the perfect subject's, willing to try everything, relaxed and enjoyed the day. I am eager to get my hands on the images about to be had....A wedding!