T.R. Armstrong Photography

Holiday Mini Session

2011-10-10T16:18:00.003-04:00

Thank You 2010 Clients

2011-01-12T11:26:00.000-05:00

To All 2010 clients...thank you for a wonderful year...and to thank you I am offering 20% off session prints from your 2010 session (2010 only!). Please email or message me for the coupon code!

To the Blog World...

2010-11-24T16:49:00.003-05:00

I know...I am a terrible blogger. Yes, for real, I do know this. It has been a busy year, to say the least! We purchased a home, sold a home, moved into said home, are expecting BABY #4 (due in March) and with that brought some restrictions and some crummy feeling days, my mom had an unexpected life threatening surgery (now on the mend!), and on top of that...3 busy kids with busy activities, and some much needed downtime and family time. So blogging always comes last...or never! And, do know, I am thankful beyond measure for all that has kept me busy this year...kids, new home, healthy growing baby, and my mom is still here with us. I have a pretty good life...and God is good...all the time...in the busy, scary, fun, and sad times!

I also am so thankful for my clients who have kept me busy. There really wasn't a down time since March. I try to make sure that I am putting my clients first, and not my blogging first! I bust booty to get sessions finished on time, or close to on time! ;) And if I stop to blog much, then I lose work time, or family time...all a negative here! So, I hope to blog more really...but if I don't...feel free to just check in now and then!

I hope you all have a beautifully blessed Thanksgiving with those that you love! I am hosting Thanksgiving this year...around 25 or so fun loving family members that I can't wait to hang out with, stuff my face with and play some games with.
Blessed and thankful beyond measure! Thank you God for all that you have given to my undeserving self...

Fall Mini-Sessions!

2010-10-08T13:28:00.000-04:00

2:00 mini-session available tomorrow! Just opened up...let me know if you are interested! Shoot me an email or give me a call! :)

No Words...Just Images...(Part 1)

2010-08-31T21:10:00.008-04:00

Catching up on some long lost never posted sessions...okay they were never lost, just never posted!!!

Fall Mini-Sessions!

2010-08-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

Saturday, October 9th

Where: My parents place in Bedford

Spots Available: 8...starting at 9:30...lasting a half hour

Session Fee: $25

If you are interested, email/message me to let me know so I can get you details and reserve your spot!

First come first serve basis! Thanks, and I am looking forward to them!!!!

Hello Blog World!!!!

2010-07-05T09:11:00.003-04:00

Ummm, yes, it has been over a month since I have last posted! I have TONS and TONS to post to the blog here. I may just get caught up today...maybe! We have had a busy month in the Armstrong household. School ended, and with that came all those fun end of the school year events, and happenings. We have been to birthday parties, vacationed (and there are still more vacations to come!!!!), ran several races, and have put our house on the market...it is officially for sale! :) We weren't looking to move, but Tom is always looking at houses. He found one that looked to be a perfect fit for our family. After a couple of weeks pondering over the house, we decided to look through it. It proved to be a great fit for our family!!! So, we have an accepted offer, contingent on our house selling of course, and we are very excited at the possibility of this "new" house being our new home. We decided if it is meant to be, then our house will sell. If not, then we will stay here, and be content and happy...because we really are content and happy here in this house. Tom has said several times, that no matter where our family is, as long as we are together it will be a happy home. He is right. Togetherness is what makes a house a home. :)

So, that is our life in a tiny nutshell from the past month! I will delay no further and post a few shots of a super cutie little 3 month old!!!!

Thanks P for allowing me to capture your little princess! It was fun to meet you and your mom...enjoy the peeks!!!! Gallery will be ready by the end of the week!

LOVE this little bonnet!!!!

Thankful...

2010-05-31T08:27:00.006-04:00

I am feeling especially thankful today. Thankful that I was able to go out this morning for a nice quiet run without worrying for my safety. Thankful that I got to sleep in my comfortable bed, with the air conditioning on and ceiling fan running. Thankful to be entertaining my little boy by placing dabs of lotion on him as he rubs them into his little chubby body while I sit right now, here on my computer with the freedom to post what I want and when I want. And, even more thankful for the men and women who have sacrificed their time and their lives to give me all these freedoms that I take for granted most days. So, I guess I just want to remind you to be thankful also. Thank those men and women you know that have given so much for you and me, thank their husbands and wives and children, because they have sacrificed also. Pray for our troops, and pray for our country.

Thank you Molinski family. It was my absolute pleasure to be able to give something back to you and your family, for you have given so much for mine.

Have a wonderful day.

Sweet Sweet Baby...

2010-05-29T22:49:00.004-04:00

...waiting to arrive! I was delighted to be able to squeeze these maternity pictures in for this beautiful momma! Baby is due in July, and I can't wait to meet the little Mr.! Thanks K and T for having me to your home, and capturing this exciting time in your life!

I am in love with this next one...so sweet and so pretty...

Happy 4th Birthday Cakies!

2010-05-26T08:37:00.002-04:00

Four, for real. Today is just as beautiful outside as it was when she was born. 80 some degrees and the beautiful sun is shining. The only difference is that I was trapped in the hospital! :)

7 lbs. 11 oz., 8:09 a.m., c-section, and she was perfect. She seemed so tiny, and it was hard to believe that we were doing it all over again! Her addition added so much love to our family. More than I thought or imagined another little one could. We instantly fell in love, and now today, she continues to bring so much joy.

She is our spitfire.
Spitfire: a quick-tempered or highly excitable person...check!

She is vivacious.
Vivacious: full of high spirits and animation...check!

(Are you seeing a pattern here?)

She is generous.
Generous: liberal in giving or sharing...check!
You are the first to share with friends, siblings or anyone else in need.

She is our biggest snuggler.
Snuggle: to draw close or hold closely, as for comfort or in affection; hug...check!
Your tight "nuggles" make my day complete, and it will be a sad day when you stop asking for them!

Cakies, I am so thankful to God that you are ours. You have brought us so much laughter, so much love, and continuous joy. You are an amazing little girl that is growing up before my eyes. I love you much, my sweet baby girl!

We love you, Cakes!

I am still here...

2010-05-24T22:06:00.009-04:00

So, my sincerest apologies for the lack of blogging. And, tonight, I had really, really wanted to post about my Cakies who will be turning 4 in a couple days, but I figured I should use my time to catch up (well, catch most of the way up!). Some gorgeous sessions took place the past several weeks, and many of you have seen these on FB...but I am throwing in some others too! If you aren't a fan on FB yet, head on over to here and click on the "Like" button, and you too will see the sneak peeks a tad sooner! :)

On with the pictures...and this is a picture heavy post!

Beautiful Miss D - Senior Pictures
D was a winner of one of the giveaway sessions from earlier in the year. She is a hard working Senior who is involved with her youth group and has grown closer to the Lord. What a sweet girl she was too...thanks for coming all the way here for your session!

Mr. P - 3 years old
Okay, seriously, this little guy wows the camera every session. I love this little guy and I can't wait to meet his little brother this summer! Such a sweet family, and I am so lucky to have them as clients!

The M Family - Giveaway Session Winner

We tried a couple of times to hold this session outdoors, but the weather was frightful...cold, rainy, WINDY! Not fun! So we ended up here (because they were moving and we had to get the session in), and it still just seemed like things were working against us. It isn't outdoors, but the images are still beautiful! They are such a beautiful family. Here is a little snippet from the nomination letter...

"M (the dad) is one of our proud members of the military. He is in the Army getting ready to get deployed for the THIRD time to fight for our freedom. I can not imagine leaving my family to fight for my country but to gear up to get ready to go over there for the third time is just unthinkable to me. To put your life on the line to protect our freedom is the ultimate sacrifice! Then to have to leave your new baby boy & 2 year old who is going to miss her father like crazy is going to be extremely hard for him. Having the beautiful pictures you take for Matt to take with him and for Molly and Aiden to look at everyday to remember there father would be the ultimate gift for them. Not to mention for Christine on those hard nights when she is laying in bed alone to give her something she can cherish and hold onto."

Thanks M for your dedication and love for our country...I was COMPLETELY honored to do this session for your family!

Baby R - Newborn
Sweet, sweet baby. Oh boy, oh boy...how I love the newborns! This little guy was a dream...and his big sister was adorable. She was full of compliments, and my favorite one, "I really like your voice." HA! What a cutie!

Okay...that is it for tonight. Sorry I was short on words...so much has happened in the past month...fun stuff, busy stuff, and it doesn't appear to be stopping any time soon! Cakies pictures will be next to be posted!!!! :)

Another Six Monther...

2010-04-23T21:55:00.003-04:00

Another family that I have had the privilege of capturing the past couple years. I love this family, and the little boys are so darn sweet. K is a super cutie, that loves being with his momma, has sparkly blue eyes, and has a smile to warm anyones heart. Don't you love to watch them grow?

Okay...so I still have one more session yet to blog...but I am tired tonight! Lots has been going on around here! I have a new little nephew...that I CAN'T WAIT to capture within the next week or so (oooo...and I got a few at the hospital this evening also!!!!). And, the past several months I have been training for a 1/2 marathon. My sisters and my mom are all doing it too...well the big race day is finally here...almost. The training has really cut into my editing hours at night. We wake up most mornings by 5:30 to start our run at 6:00. That makes for a very tired and cranky Tara come 9:00. It is really hard to edit with toothpicks holding the eyelids open! LOL!

Well, the race is Sunday morning, and lucky us, we will be showered on, and most likely thundered on too! LOL! Oh well...rain or shine I am running this thing. Any last minute advice is welcome...so share away! I will let you know how it goes, if I survive! ;) Have a great weekend! Off to bed now!

Sweet Newbie...

2010-04-23T21:30:00.002-04:00

This family are not strangers to this blog! I have been capturing their family for the past 2 years. I have seen Miss E grow from the littlest one in the family to a big sister! Sweet baby girl A arrived! Her momma was seen just a bit ago on here...remember the sweet belly with the green bow wrapped around her belly...well, the same green bow is below now wrapped around sweet baby A. It seems like newborn season has hit! Several more newbies are scheduled and coming up! On with the images...

Another Little Miss E...

2010-04-23T21:18:00.003-04:00

This Little Miss E is a sweet little 6 monther! Another favorite age that I love to capture. They too are enamored by the camera, but are also way more amused by a little bit of peek-a-boo from behind the camera. They love their toes (and so do I!), and they are just getting the hang of sitting up. They are probably the easiest age to photograph because they sit, but they don't move! LOL!

Miss E is a gorgeous little baby, with a doting mother who has a contagious laugh. S, I know you have seen all of these, but again, I had so much fun with you and E. Thanks for coming over!

Miss E is One...

2010-04-23T21:07:00.003-04:00

Miss E has graced these pages a couple times before...and I can't believe that she is already one. How fast a year goes by! I love little one year olds, and not just because I have one! I love how they toddle and almost lose their balance, and catch themselves. I love how they don't really want to give smiles, but their little stares are just as adorable. They are just fast enough to think they are escaping you, but I can still run past them and get them in about every direction. Fun, fun, fun!

Here is Miss E...with her stylish dress and super cute styled hair-do!

Way Behind...

2010-04-23T20:36:00.005-04:00

I am WAY WAY WAY behind in blogging! It is that whole FB thing...I post some quick sneak peeks, and then continue on my way with editing. I tell myself, "I will do that next..." and next never happens, until WAY WAY WAY later! Oh well...it will be catch up night I suppose.

First to catch up on is the beautiful "B" Family. These sweet kids were so well behaved, played with my kids and did an all around fabulous job! B works with my husband, and L teaches in our school district...such a great couple raising such a wonderful family. Here they are...

Two Week Newbie...

2010-04-08T10:29:00.004-04:00

Miss G was oh so precious during this session. Sweet, sleepy and oh so tiny. I seriously don't think my kids were ever close to being that itty bitty...well, at least I don't remember it lasting very long! :) Loving all the baby sessions lately. There seems to have been a major baby boom, well, at least for T.R. Armstrong business. Thanks S and N for welcoming me into your home and allowing me to arrange furniture and stand on chairs! :)

Welcome to the world sweet baby G...

3 Month Beauty

2010-04-08T10:16:00.003-04:00

This little sweetheart was content being held by her momma or her daddy for the session. We got some cute ones of them all together, and a few of her on her own. This was another session that took place in a home...and on an incredibly gloomy rainy day...gloomier than today! LOL!

Happy 6th Birthday Bean!

2010-03-30T09:13:00.002-04:00

To my sweet Bean,

Six years! Seriously, SIX YEARS?!?!?!!? The time has gone by all too fast. You have grown into a beautiful young girl, with a heart that is tender and loving. You love structure and consistency, and struggle with change in anything. I love your independence and your will to do things your way and solve your own problems...but I also LOVE your dependence on me still. Dependence to calm your fears, and quiet your heart. Dependence to give you snuggles and make sure everything in your world spins around smoothly. God gifted you to us as our oldest, and I love your leadership for your siblings. You truly are a gift to us, that we don't take for granted. We thank God for you and all the laughs you have brought to our family, and all of the silliness that we are able to have with you. Thank you for being such a good "guinea pig" for your dad and I as we continue to learn how to parent you and your siblings, and how to raise you up to be a God loving young girl.

I love you more than you know...
Love,
Mom

I Love...

2010-03-26T16:07:00.003-04:00

...that Bean LOVES having her own room. She picked out the colors, loves her bedding, keeps it organized, enjoys her reading corner and spends time dancing in front of her mirror. She loves it so much, that she wanted her birthday photo session in her room.

The sign above her bed was saved from the fire. It was "cleaned" but it has remnants of soot and smoke stain if you look closely. She didn't want to get a new one!

But, even with loving her room this much, it isn't enough love to make her sleep in her own bed at night. You see, since the fire last August, the girls started sharing a bed (Queen) in the condo. We moved back home at the end of October, and I think she spent one night in her room. She told us, "Cakies really needs me to snuggle her at night."

So, since then, they have shared Cakies' (full) bed. Every night. Every night before I go to bed, I find the two of them smashed and smooshed together. Sometimes in the middle of the bed, sometimes way out on the edge. And sometimes the snuggling gets so snuggled that Cakies falls out of bed. Hmmmmm...I am wondering who really needs the snuggles. I love it, and I don't care if they share a bed until they are 25! :) Happy Friday!

Bean and Facebook

2010-03-25T09:22:00.006-04:00

Are you a fan? Follow along on facebook to see sneak peeks sooner and catch up on any happenings!

And, because I am WAY behind in posting pics of my sweet soon to be six year old...I will put a couple here today! She makes my heart melt...

...and her heart melts easily. One of the things I love is her sensitivity. She feels others "feelings" and is so caring. When she knows she has done something wrong or has hurt someone's feelings (like her sister's), she is so utterly sad. Her eyes well up, and is instantly ready to apologize. She hates to disappoint anyone, and is friends with everyone. My sweet girl...getting so big.

Hope you are having a good day!
***Sneak peeks from two sessions coming soon***

I Heart Faces - Angle Challenge

2010-03-22T08:53:00.004-04:00

So this one I get to "kill two birds with one stone"! :) Bean will be turning 6 a week from tomorrow (I know, seriously, where have the last 6 years gone?!?!?!?!), so in honoring her birthday, I am going to post an image a day here of my sweet Bean. And, I am entering it into the "I Heart Faces - Focusing on Angles" challenge.

I would like to also post one thing that I also "love" about her with the image each day. Today, as I am typing this, she is in the family room sharing and playing with her sister Cakies. I LOVE that Bean is an incredible big sister. She is patient with her siblings, includes them in everything and is a best friend to them. I love watching the sibling relationship develop, grow and deepen more and more each day. I pray it continues for their lifetime, because I personally know that a strong relationship with a sibling (siblings in my case) is one of the best things here on earth.

So here is the shot...taken on an angle...of my little Bean in her bedroom. She asked if we could do her "6 year old session" in her room. She picked the outfits, and of course, and hairdo too! Love her independence and confidence...but I will probably write about that another day! ;)

For more cool angle shots, click on the link above!

A Picture Perfect Precious Newborn...

2010-03-21T21:21:00.003-04:00

This newborn session was unbelievable. Baby "O" was absolutely perfect. He is beautiful, with precious little lips and soft, wrinkly skin! On top of that, he snoozed the whole time! I got a few peeks of his eyes, but only when we were moving him, and then he would settle right back into his comfy zone and zonk out! It was so much fun! I got to use a few new props, and then on top of that, he has a super cool room. I am including one from his room in the peaks! Andrea and Chris, it was wonderful meeting you and spending time with your precious newborn! Enjoy the peaks!

Love this shot...

So precious...

Sweet little piggy toes...

The new newborn hat... :)

This one is so sweet. He is laying over his daddy's shoulder, and his hand looks like it is signing, "I love you." Love little hands!

Love that you can see the mirror reflection in the background of this one...

Perhaps my favorite from the session so far...and that is another one of the newest newbie props!

He just dangled there so innocently...

That is all for now! Have a great night!

Baby S...

2010-03-17T09:57:00.002-04:00

Three months old, and oh so beautiful! I love, love, love sessions that take place in client homes. Some of these shots are of Miss S in her cute bedroom and her parents room. Home sessions put the mom's and dad's at ease, allow for a quick feed if needed, and just work out great for little ones! The pictures in her room are unique to them because it is HER room...can't say enough about home sessions! I will say, it was a very, very, very dreary day that day, but the lighting still worked out in their home...which made me happy!

Here are some peaks at this precious little lady...

So far, my favorite picture from this session. You all know I love feet, so that is one reason I am in LOVE with this shot. But I also love that you can see her cute little face looking up at her bear and smiling and talking to him...so sweet!

My Butter's Best Bud...

2010-03-14T22:06:00.004-04:00

How is that for an alliteration? :) Short on time tonight, so I am going to be short on words...but, I LOVE this little guy! His smile melts my heart!

Here is big boy, one year old, Mr. E.!

Facebook...

2010-03-14T16:35:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I finally brought T.R. Armstrong up to speed in the Facebook world...click here to become a fan and follow along...I must say though, my blog will probably be updated more often than my FB page...maybe!

Senior Session - Lincoln

2010-03-03T22:45:00.006-05:00

This was a little bit different senior session. It was done mostly indoors. Typically, we get a few headshots inside and then head out. It was opposite of that for sure. I am very pleased with the shots that we got indoors. It stretched me a bit more to think of different posing, different props (you know, not little kid ones!), and I am excited about the results. We did get to outdoors for a brief bit. It was very cold, and had snowed 6 inches the day before...on top of about 10 inches that was still on the ground. The snow shots are pretty sweet too!

Now, this senior girl, Miss J, is a beauty. She has a gorgeous smile, and is as sweet as can be! It was so fun to have a session with you J! I hope you enjoy the peeks...I will let you know when the gallery is ready!

One of my faves from the session...love it in black and white!

Snow...and lots of it! :) In fact the park we were going to go to hadn't been plowed, so driving in it would have been a pain...thankfully K had a back up idea!

An abundance of editing is on my plate right now...but I am going to bed none the less! I am all tuckered out! Have a great one!

Mr. L - Big Two Year Old

2010-02-28T22:03:00.004-05:00

It was a total treat to be able to capture Mr. L this past week. He recently turned two, and is soon going to be a big brother (and he may already be one...mom is due today!). I loved his sweet little personality. Loved how he warmed up to the camera pretty quickly, and loved that it was snowing outside and we were able to get a few shots outdoors too!

N, it was so fun to meet you and your son! Here are a few peeks...

...I love these shots taken in his own room...love the orange...and bright colors...

...and I hope that N is not killing me yet...I asked if he could jump on the bed...and he did...and he didn't want to stop...Sorry!!!!...

...making fishy kiss faces in the mirror...

...hugging baby...side bar...N looked phenomenal for being 2 days from her due date...I was barely able to walk at that point, and she was all over with us, playing ball, on the floor and out in the snow...

...my favorite so far...

...okay, you can add this to one of my favorites also! ;) ...

It was a fun session! I love sessions at client homes, especially with little ones...they open up so much more and are way more willing to give you their genuine laugh and smile when they are comfy in their own home!

That is all for today folks! I do have a session yet to post from this past week, but it will not be posted tonight!

The "G" Family...

2010-02-28T21:13:00.004-05:00

I had the pleasure of capturing one of the sweetest families ever this past week. We started at their home, and then headed down to the public library downtown. I was thrilled with the great light that it provided, and I am excited to be able to add another venue for indoor options...especially since it doesn't look like the snow is leaving too soon. (Although, it may melt away this week...maybe!)

Here are a few sneak peeks...

...the "kids"...

...the whole family...

...I love hands and feet...and I love how this one turned out...

...my favorite so far from this session...Mom and Dad weren't aware that they were still in the shot, and I caught them chatting with each other...love it!...

Session Giveaway Winners...

2010-02-28T15:05:00.004-05:00

First of all, thank you all so much for the beautiful nominations. Each nomination touched my heart in some way, shape or form. I read stories that brought tears to my eyes, that made my heart fill up with joy, and that were very inspirational. So thank you.

All of that said, I knew I couldn't choose the winners on my own. I had a panel of judges, okay, my husband, and two sisters...but they are the best judges around...read through all of the nominations. Names were completely omitted to keep it as anonymous as possible for them, and they read them each privately.

Amazingly, they all came back to me with the same three nominations. Yes, I told them to pick TWO, but each of them said, all on separate occasions and all on their own, that they couldn't narrow it any further. I agreed. I couldn't narrow it any further either. So with that, I decided to give away THREE sessions and print credits.

Now, if your nomination did not win, I am sorry. Please know that as much as I love to do giveaways, I hate that not everyone wins. So, if you did nominate a family, I would like to give that family a session at HALF price, and then also a $15 print credit good for this year only. So please, if the family is interested, have them contact me, and we can coordinate a session time that will work best for them.

NOW...ON TO THE WINNERS...

I had thought about sharing the stories that are behind the winners, but some are lengthy and very personal, and so I decided that the stories will be saved until the session is held, and I have full permission from the actual winner to post their story. Does that make sense?

Are you itching to find out if your nomination won? I will delay no longer... :)

The winners are:

The Molinski Family - Nominated by Marcy Williams

Dru - Nominated by Janet Stone

The Doneley Family - Nominated by Katy Destatte

Winner, winner, chicken dinner! :) Please contact me or have your nominee contact me to set up their free session!

Thank you again to everyone for nominations. Please also remember that everyone was a little bit of a winner, so don't forget to have your nominee give me a buzz! :)

I Heart Faces - Hands On

2010-02-23T09:02:00.005-05:00

So, as most of you know, I have been trying to challenge myself a bit, and enter in the I Heart Faces photo challenge the past couple of weeks. It is fun. But it is most difficult to decide which picture to use! We can only pick one...ONLY ONE...seriously? LOL! But seriously, it is hard to choose. Like this week for example. It is Hands On, and is all about emotion with hands. I have too many to choose from. I LOVE hands and feet...anyone that follows knows that. Ugh! I was maybe not even going to enter because it was causing me turmoil! LOL!

So, do I enter my sweet Butter's curious chubby hands from his one year old session? Hands from the kids playing cards with grandpa? Hands of a family hugging/holding their momma's pregnant belly? Newbie hands that are so delicate that curl so tight and are so tiny those first few weeks of life?

It then hit me as to the picture I wanted to enter. It is the most emotionally filled picture that I have ever taken...at least to me. It is of my sister back in December holding my sweet niece Lillian Christine. My sister was 21 weeks pregnant and found out the day before that Lillian had passed away and had already gone to be with Jesus. I cry as I type this remembering the emotions and the feelings from that day. It is still a fresh wound that is healing. My sister is an amazing mom, and one day she will be able to hold Lillian again, and Lillian will be full of life. This picture shows her tininess. Her body fitting head to toe in my sister's hands. You can see the IV in my sister's hand, and the blood pressure cuff on the other arm, showing the signs of just laboring and delivering her sweet baby girl. My sister is an amazing person, and those of you who know her are lucky to have her in your life. She is my best friend. We have shared incredible highs and desperately low times together. I couldn't do this life without her.

...here is sweet Lily in her tiny little gown...

So there it is. That is the best picture to me to enter. No feelings of "did I choose the right one?". That is the best. The sweetest. My winner.

For more 'Hands On' shots head on over to I Heart Faces by clicking on the link above or image below!

More of Maternity Momma...

2010-02-23T08:53:00.002-05:00

I love how this shot turned out so much that I had to put it up here today...I love prego momma's!

Fun family session today...in a "new to me" venue...hoping it works out well so I can add it to the list of location suggestions for all of you out there who always want me to pick! ;) Have a great day!

Beautiful Maternity Momma

2010-02-21T21:46:00.004-05:00

This beautiful momma is pregnant with her 4th little one. Her other precious cuties have graced these pages several times before, and I truly can't wait to get my hands on, well at least my camera on, the little babe inside! Thanks E for having the heart to do a maternity session. You look beautiful, and I am having fun going through the images! Enjoy your sneak peak...

I love the bow on this one...like it is a present waiting to be opened!

And, I love the symbolism of this one...

...everyone hugging and loving the baby...

E, you are a hot prego momma! :) Can't wait to meet the newest babe!

Sorry...

2010-02-20T14:21:00.002-05:00

...to anyone who visited today and my blog was looking a bit in shambles! I started working on the layout and what not, and then had to head to a maternity session. I just finished up the new look, for the moment at least! I don't like change in my life, but I like to change around visual things around me...like rearranging furniture, changing pictures, and changing my blog up! Keeps things interesting! LOL! Anyways, I am geeked, because I FINALLY figured out how to get larger images on blogger...so you can look forward to that in the future! I also figured out how to make a 3 column layout, it has bugged me for a long time now that I couldn't figure it out. AND, when I say "I figured it out...," please read, "I googled it and followed instructions that someone else figured out, but I DID IT, and I TOOK TIME to do it!" :)

We have one more basketball game of the season left...Bean's last one today. I am going to take my new lens with me (did I mention I got a new one? The girls named her "Belle". Yes, the lens has a name. She is the newest baby to the Armstrong family afterall!) So, I am excited to use it today to see how it works.

Toodles, for now!

Fix-It Friday

2010-02-19T08:46:00.006-05:00

Over at I Heart Faces it is Fix-It-Friday. They upload a picture for us and you if you would like, to fix up and link up to their blog. I thought I would do it real quick today...not because I have nothing else to do...but I think I did it because I have SO many other things to do and this was a quick "break" for me! :) Here are a few quick fixes that I did...Please feel free to hop over to I Heart Faces and check out others "fixes"!

Here is the original image...

My fixes...what a cutie, huh?

Happy Friday! :)

Keep the nominations coming...

2010-02-16T23:00:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder to keep the nominations coming! I have received so many beautiful nominations. Fortunately, I am not choosing myself. I will let you know how the picking will happen, but knowing so many of you personally and the stories of families that are being nominated, would seriously kill me to pick myself! Thank you to all of you who have already nominated a family/person...you are all so very sweet! February 22nd is the cut-off...

Now to all of you readers and all of my sweet clients...SESSION GIVEAWAY!

This will be a little different than my previous giveaways! My life has continued to be blessed and I am so grateful to Him in so many ways, and I am hoping to give a little back to a family or someone else in need. So, if you know of someone, whether it is an individual or a family (no larger than 10 total), that is in need of a fun photography session, please either send me an email or leave a comment right here on my blog. I will be taking nominations (you can't nominate yourself!) for two weeks, so February 22nd will be the cutoff date. You must tell me WHY you are nominating this family/person...WHY you think they NEED or DESERVE this session, and also if you could let me know how many people the session will be for, that woudl be great! (Please also try to make sure that the family/person you are nominating would be interested in a session also!!!!)

The session will come with a $50 print credit to help cover the cost of any prints wanting to be ordered. I will be giving away a total of 2 sessions, and announcing the winners on teh blog sometime that last week of February.

I hope you are all well, and I also hope to see as many of you as I can again this year!

And I will leave you with a couple of sweet pictures from our visit with Grandma and Grandpa in Florida...

Playing cards with Grandpa...I love all the hands in the shot...and the hands holding down cards so Butter doesn't steal them!

Butter Boy playing with Grandma...

...beach pictures are still yet to come!!!!

Mr. D is Two!

2010-02-15T21:14:00.004-05:00

I truly love this little guy. I love his little persistent personality, and how he really made me work for smiles. His gorgeous blue eyes are so twinkly, and it won't be too long until he is a BIG brother!!!! Enjoy the sneak peeks...back to watching some Olympics! :)

Love this expression...

So far, this is one of my favorites from the session...

Some hard earned smiles...

This is a sweet one too...

Have a great night!

I heart faces...

2010-02-15T09:03:00.004-05:00

This is a picture from last April of my sweet Cakies dancing her little heart out at Uncle J and Aunt K's wedding. I thought it would be fun to enter this week's contest at I Heart Faces Photography. It would be fun to win, but I had more fun revisiting this picture and adding to it...the texture, the quote and making it black and white. I can't believe how much older Cakies looks now...sigh. Hope you are having a great week!

Ft. Myers Beach, FL...Continued

2010-02-13T23:55:00.003-05:00

They were there...the quick glances that I got from my beauties! Still more coming. :)

Alright, alright already...I will post another picture of my sweet little boy! ;) This picture is quite misleading. It might seem that he slept quite well, but much like his oldest sister when she was his age, he is a fan of his own bed. Sleep was little, but he sure looked precious when he did snooze! And, in case you were wanting to know...he stood up on his own twice now, is walking holding on to our fingers only, chugs milk from his sippy like a pro, and still cracks all of us up daily! :) More soon...

Ft. Myers Beach, FL

2010-02-11T11:04:00.008-05:00

It was Butter's first visit to FL, and first visit to the beach. He loved it. Totally content. Even in the freezing cold water, for a short bit at least. I also think Old Navy should pay me some money for advertising with such a cute baby, don't you? LOL!

He watched the waves roll in...

...watched his sisters play (might I add that the sisters were not into pictures here at the beach, they were way too interested in playing. I did get a few that I will add though!)...

...pointing at his daddy, and anyone else that came by...

...digging...and eating sand...

...and bird chasing...

My goodness he is the cutest! More to come...sometime soon!

Miss A...9 months old

2010-02-08T10:30:00.006-05:00

Such a cutie, and such a little beauty! Miss A's sweet content personality, little smile, leg rolls, blue eyes and sweet smile ALWAYS make me smile! She is a little gem, and is getting so big! I love seeing little ones grow throughout their first year...and I look forward to seeing this little princess in a few months again when she is ONE!!!!

Enjoy the sneak peeks...and sorry about the blog slacking lately!

I am getting ready to post a special for all to enter, and also need to post pics from our trip to sunny (well, sunny for a few days while we were there!) Florida!

Love this shot...fingers and toes!

...see that sweet little smile...

...this expression makes me giggle...

...and this shot makes my heart melt...

...also liked it in black and white with major contrast...

Off to Bean's school for Monday volunteer time! I love it!!!!!

Texture Photo Challenge - I {heart} Faces Photography

2010-01-25T21:03:00.003-05:00

So I was just talking about messing around with textures in my previous post, and stumbled upon this fun website:

And, there is a contest going on with textures. Since I had just done the previous two, I thought I would enter one of them. And, although I adore the one of Bean, I thought it would be a super cool surprise for my sister if this picture made the top ten...since she is the one that snapped it...I edited...but she did the hard work! AND, I love my little babe so much, that this picture is still one that I treasure! So, I am posting that picture again except I converted to black and white, and like it this way too! So, here it is...and here is hoping that it is picked as a winner!

Procrastinating...

2010-01-24T22:36:00.004-05:00

That is my name right now. I have many other things to be doing, and one being packing for our trip on Tuesday. I have the kids clothes packed...but that is it. Instead of packing, or picking up toys, or folding the rest of the laundry, or doing dishes, or getting some much needed sleep...I worked on editing. Not anyone's session because I am all caught up, which is a very rare occasion. At least I didn't procrastinate finishing sessions until after our trip! :) I am intrigued lately with adding textures to images, and I have found a bunch of super cool ones that I have downloaded but haven't had a chance to play with. So, tonight, I did that. I took two older pictures, ones that have been posted here before, and tweeked and played with them a bit.

Here is the first one...a favorite shot of Butter and I at our girls' only weekend trip.

The original: saturation on this was already lowered...

Texture effect: Stained Paper Towel I also changed the original picture to have a slight sepia effect... I am loving this!
Session with the kids back in October. This was one of my favorite shots of Bean. She was so serious about posing and she is so darn beautiful that it kills me. It was like I was seeing her 10 years from now...sigh.

The Original:

The effect: Stone Overlay. The saturation of the original was also lowered, and I also erased the texture from her sweet little face. My only complaint about this one would be that you can't see the beautiful blue eyes that she has...I could fix it, but like I said, I am procrastinating as it is!

So that is it. That is what I did for the past half hour or so...played. I love the editing and playing part of my job...almost as much as I love being with my clients and their cute kids! Now off to pack...at least a little bit!

I also am working on a few things that you won't want to miss out on! The end of this month marks the TWO YEAR anniversary for T.R. Armstrong Photography. I am blessed by its growth, and am thankful to all of you sweet clients that have made this a success. More on that later though...seriously off to pack...or... sleep!

Birthday Shots...

2010-01-19T23:18:00.007-05:00

Thanks to my baby sister, Kiersten for taking pictures for me, while I attended to Butter and the party. She did a fabo job!

Also a major thanks to my friend for making the cookies that you will see in the pictures! They were delicious, looked super cool...and I think she needs to do it as a business...she disagrees...at least for right now! :)

It was a laid back party which was blessed with family. Gbers had just started coming down with a cold (which by the way, led to an ear infection...his first...that we discovered on Monday at his "well" check). He was still in good spirit's and you can tell, he still enjoyed himself some cake!

Speaking of well check...he is doing quite well! He is measuring at the 25th percentile all around, so he is well balanced. He is the shortest of the three so far at this age...it will be interesting to see his growth over the next year. Cakies totally tapered off...even now she is just a peanut barely weighing in at 30 pounds...that is with clothes and shoes! I tell her that she will be in a 5 point harness until she is 16 at this rate! My older sister was a peanut like this! Beanie continued to grow and grow and she still hovers around that 90th percentile. She is solid and strong...very much the build I had growing up...peanut would not be the nickname described for me!

What do all of you out there do for birthdays? Big bashes, small intimate ones?!?!? I always love to hear what others do with events such as these. Tom reminded me as I was feeling like I needed to be doing more for his birthday party, that Butter won't remember a bit of this party...and really, it was more of a party for me. Indeed. It was a celebration of an amazing year that we were blessed with. I am always amazed that the love that I have for my little ones when they are born is intense, and that the intensity of that love can still grow. It grew. And it continues to grow.

I have some sledding shots from this same day/weekend, but didn't get to them tonight. You have that to look forward to though! Have a great week!

The cookies...mmmmmmm....

Welcoming guests as they came...well, just hanging in the hallway because the door kept opening!

"Opening" presents...love this expression...

...the bag was a big hit...

...so big...

...playing peek a boo...

Cake time...

The rainbow cake...

...before digging in...

...after seeing him dive in, we knew for sure he was an Armstrong...we love our sweets!!!!

Mr. K...3 months old

2010-01-17T22:10:00.003-05:00

I love this family! They are sweet, kind, great parents and always so welcoming to have me in their home for a session! (If you remember this story, you will remember their kindness too!) They have welcomed me for sessions since their oldest was 9 months old, and he is already a Big Boy Two...with a handsome little brother in tow!

And, I always say I love repeat clients! And this is another case that rings so true to that! I feel like each session I have with them, we become better and better friends. Yes, if you have had a session with me, I do call you my friend...sorry if you don't want that label! :)

I love sessions at client's own houses (especially with itty bitties when it is cold and wintery out)...kids are usually more relaxed in their own environment, and for sure are less "worn out" when the session starts because they are at their house, with their toys, belongings and what not. AND, when they start to get cranky, I can usually squeak a few more shots in because they are able to be calmed down a little before the real sleepies or crankies hit!

Mr. K didn't last super long, but I was able to get some great ones of him (and big brother too...but this session was mainly focused on K).

So, here are a few quick peaks that jumped out at me tonight while fishing through the session! Thanks J and D! You both are fabulous, and I always leave you guys with such a happy heart!

Love this expression...

...and this little stare too...

This shot was taken while Daddy was holding him...he was getting tired (K that is, not Daddy) but he kept giving so many great smiles!

:) :) :) :)

I love hands (and feet... ;)) I have a shot of just my girls holding hands hanging in my house, and I love it! I love this of the two sweet brothers holding hands together. B is such a great big brother!!

Well, I need to go to bed. We had a fabulously fun and busy weekend! The girls stayed the night at Mimi and Papa's house on Friday. That meant Gbers in bed at 8:00 here, take out for Tom and I in front of the "big screen" for a movie without interruptions from the girls climbing down the steps because...they couldn't fall asleep...they need more snuggles...they have to potty or other items. They are GREAT procrastinators!

Last night Cakies came down at 11:00, after being in bed for over an hour (don't judge the bedtime...it was way later than norm!), while I was working on the computer. Tom had just gone to bed, and I needed to finish a few things. Cakies couldn't sleep because she needed someone awake to snuggle her. Mind you, since we moved back in after the fire, the girls have been sharing a bed together, and loving it. Bean was out like a light, but Cakies just couldn't fall asleep! So, she snuggled next to me on the couch and within minutes she was snoring louder than Tom does! It was a sweet moment for the two of us. She just need some "snugs". :)

To top off a rather fun weekend, Tom and I went to the UM vs. UConn game, and UM won! It was a great game, a great atmosphere and a great date with my best friend. :)

Now seriously, I need to go to bed! Hope you had a great weekend!

A Runner...

2010-01-07T12:08:00.005-05:00

Little C here was what I like to call a "runner". He ran everywhere, and did it quickly. Fortunately, he was confined to his own house, so he couldn't run too far! I love two year olds, their expressions, their quickness, their talk...they are so fun! I loved this session also because I love doing sessions in client's own settings...his family room, bedroom, playroom...kids are more relaxed and more themselves, and those are the types of pictures I love getting...especially when it is freezing cold out and a park or outdoors would be craziness for a little one for any length of time!

Fun it was and here are a few peeks...

...my favorite so far...

And...Happy Birthday again to my sweet little boy! Check out his pictures below! Have a great week!

The Big Day

2010-01-07T08:59:00.003-05:00

Well, the countdown is over. Butter is ONE! My sweet little round, loving, adorable, temper throwing, food tossing, lip pouting boy is one. As cliche as it sounds, I remember his birth like yesterday. His c-section was rather unpleasant. For some reason, I felt more than normal. I couldn't wait for it to be over. When he was pulled out and I heard his cry, I felt much relief. I was the first to kiss him (okay, I was the first with all of them, but doesn't the momma deserve that first kiss?). Although he was a good 8 lbs, he was so tiny. I adored every little part of him, and was sad that I could see changes so quickly within the first few days.

Driving home from the hospital took quite some time. We had a 10" dump of snow two days after he was born. It also kept visitors at bay, and I was able to spend so much time with just my boy...and sleeping...and recovering. I missed seeing people, but looking back, I am glad I had that time with just him.

He also came home with a bili-blanket that he had to stay wrapped in for a week. He looked like a glo-worm when he was all snuggled in it, but he definitely needed it because his skin tone looked quite lemony! :)

He fit right into our family, and was loved by the girls instantly. We watched the video the other night of the first time the girls made it to the hospital, and both Tom and I teared up. They were so excited to find out if it was a boy or girl, and so excited to meet him.

The time flies. People aren't joking when they say that. Although many days seem like "Ground Hog's Day", all of those days fly by.

Last night we made Gbers his cake. The girls helped...and helped eat the extra parts that were cut off!!!! They are just as excited about his birthday as I am...which makes it all the more fun!

I love seeing how much Gbers loves his sisters too. If they are playing in the basement, he lays on the floor with his head plastered to the floor and the crack of the door, calling for them (not by name of course, just yells). They usually will come and stick their hands through the crack to play with him, and he screams with delight. He follows them everywhere, and they are pretty darn good at letting him "tag" along. I think that has been my favorite part over the past year. I love all the ittty baby stages, and wearing my baby boy everywhere, and developing that bond with him, but seeing him develop that bond with the girls is amazing. The love they have for each other makes the crazy haired days completely worth every bit.

They are the loves of my life. And to my Little Man, Butter, Gbers...you are loved more than you will ever know. You came and blessed our lives more than we would have ever known. You helpd to soften the wounds in my heart, helped heal some of the hurt and have brought happiness to all of us. We love your little tempers, your neediness of momma, your fast army crawling, your climbing all over the place, your constant need to put EVERYTHING in your mouth (seriously, the girls never did this as much as he does), your sweet personality, your "Darth Vader" breathing, and your ability to put us all in stitches.

Happy 1st Birthday my sweet boy! Your joy is immeasurable!
We love you...

He was totally loving this chair...

...got him totally naked for a few shots...could his heiny be any cuter?

...were there too many "buns" shots? Tom was not approving some of the shots...I didn't post those!

Oldies but Goodies...

2010-01-06T09:43:00.003-05:00

Butter was almost 3 months old in these pictures...you can see where the name "Butterball" started. Isn't he the cutest little boy? Love these naked bath pictures...

Tomorrow is the BIG day!!!! :)

We need...

2010-01-05T09:20:00.002-05:00

...a little more snow before we can quite do this. We were hoping to have enough over break, but there was no such luck. Plenty cold enough, just not the snow. We did get a little yesterday, so we are hoping to go out after school today and build us a great snow person. Two days till Butter is one...I remember a year ago very vividly, but will reflect on that soon. :)

Have a great day!

My Kind of Session...

2010-01-04T09:08:00.005-05:00

This session was totally my kind of session. It was fun; I laughed...hard...several times. The kids were adorable, and weren't totally wanting to cooperate how the parents had wanted, but I loved it and they were awesome! They ran around their Grandparent's house, jumped on their bed, talked on cell phones, played with remotes, and even got a little teeth brushing in! This is a great family, and if I would have been quick enough, I would have shot pictures of the adults trying to get the kids to smile and look at the camera. At one point there was yelling of, "Touchdown!" "WHOOOO-HOOOOO!!!" and just general applaud and praise (LOUDLY I have to add) to the kids to make them laugh. It was fun! It also was fun because if you remember this little guy, I played softball with his momma, so I knew the family also. That always brings a fun element to sessions for sure! :) So, here are a few sneak peeks of the kiddos...you will love the curls on the only girl!!!!!

"Hey, did you get a text?"...they totally loved the phones...it was a smashing hit of an idea!!!!

Brush, brush, brush...three times a day!

Imagine the loud screaming right at this moment! LOL!!!

Super cuties...

Cousin Love...love this shot...

Back to the kiddos...have a great day!

Bean Goes Back...

2010-01-04T07:35:00.003-05:00

Sad, sad, sad. Bean goes back to school today. It was SO much fun having her home for break! She is so excited. She misses her friends, and misses her teacher and misses the bus ride! LOL! She truly is a sweet little girl. I love her so. I love watching her grow. I love listening to her read. I love knowing that I will get to experience all of these fun things with my other two that follow her. She is an excellent leader for our family, and she makes me a proud mom daily (not saying here that she is perfect ALL day EVERY day...but I am honestly proud of her daily). Her tender heart gets me always, and although she wants to be such a grown up, she still yearns to be snuggled by her momma. Life is good. God is good. He continues to fill me up daily.

So, in continuing to put pics up of Gbers, and still counting down to his big day...here are a few...

My husband thinks Butter needs a haircut...I am not quite ready...so please be honest, am I being one of those moms clinging to the babyness of the curls? Seriously, what are your thoughts? Of course if you decide to comment with a comment that I don't want to hear, I will choose not to publish it! ;)

I think he is gorgeous even when he makes goofy faces!

My biggest sweetie with my littlest (the one in between was refusing pictures!!!!)...

Movin' and a Groovin'...

2010-01-03T08:13:00.003-05:00

Butter is all over the place recently. He isn't quite walking, and actually doesn't show any interest in "learning" to, but he is cruising all over furniture, climbing on tables and chairs, and scaling the steps with ease. These pictures were from a fun family day we just had on New Year's Eve day. We visited the Imagination Station (former COSI) downtown, and the kids had a blast. We spent several hours discovering and could have spent more. Great winter activity to anyone who is local! :) Here are just a couple of my Mr. in the itty bitty area, and then watching the magic ball float...

Until tomorrow...

One of his favorites...

2010-01-02T08:00:00.005-05:00

...and also one of my favorite things he does. Butter loves to suck on the strings of sweatshirts. For the past several months, I have purposely picked out "outfits" (okay, not every day, but darn near) for myself that have strings. He loves to grab and chew on the ends of them. This particular sweatshirt, which I was wearing while taking this picture, has beads on the end. This one makes me a bit nervous, but I watch him closely and since he is normally on my lap while chewing away at the strings, he is well within reach! My sweatshirt strings have come in handy...they keep him occupied while diaper changing, entertained while grocery shopping, and quiet him when he is upset and just wants to be held. Yep, I do realize that it is pretty gross, but I love my little guy so much, and fortunately it doesn't gross me out! I apologize though to anyone who has held him and he has grabbed your strings...he truly loves them!

Getting closer to the big day...

6 days...

2010-01-01T08:37:00.004-05:00

Oh how I love these chubby little hands and feet...completely smoochable!

Mr. B....6 months old...

2009-12-31T16:40:00.006-05:00

This little guy was the smiliest (is that a word??), happiest little 6 month old. His blue eyes are beautiful and I couldn't have asked for a better session! His momma and I went to high school together, and they were in town for Christmas, so I got the opportunity to capture Mr. B's sweetness.

I love this first one...

...and the cheeks here might be my favorite from the session so far...

...this one is my Bean's favorite...

Have a Happy New Year...and check back tomorrow for another shot of Butter! :)

The Countdown To ONE...

2009-12-31T08:59:00.004-05:00

...My little Butterball, Snugglebug, Momma's boy, G-bers...will be turning ONE in ONE week...so the countdown is on! Check back daily to see a shot of him. Here is to my...

...window pounding...

...mouth licking...

...Daddy loving...

...always giggling...

...curly headed...

...sister adoring...

...sparkly blue eyed boy...

You have blessed our lives beyond measure My Sweet! We love you more than ever imagined...

Two Itty Ones...

2009-12-26T23:58:00.004-05:00

Remember this post? The two Perfectly Pregnant Sisters? Well, they now have their perfectly beautiful babies...a boy, A, and a girl, P. Beautiful I tell you! It was fun to have them here together for the session. H and her husband were in town, and so a session was to be had. Christmas Eve morning they came on over and I got to shoot away at their cuteness. Here are just a few...

Mr. A...

...lovin' him in this hat...

The two sweeties together...stuffed in the washtub...
NOTHING beats baby feet...except when there are TWO SETS TOGETHER!!!! ;)

...snackin' on some ear...

Miss P...so sleepy...she was out hardcore...we put a hat on her and she didn't budge!

...she did wake up and was bright eyed...

That is all for the night...had a great session this morning, that I can't wait to dig into and get some peeks up her for all to see.

Christmas...

2009-12-26T19:56:00.005-05:00

...2009 - a few shots from this past week or so of my loves...

My two favorite men...

Our visit to Santa at the Erie Street Market - Children's Wonderland (If you are reading this and you were a person that volunteered to help keep Children's Wonderland going this Christmas...THANK YOU!!!! My kids had a blast this year!!!!)

Our Christmas tree has seen better days...the bottom foot of the tree now has NO decorations at all...this I will thank Butter for...

...he loves even the ribbon and the beads...whatever he can get his grubs on!

All dressed up to head to the big ole Christmas party...

...My WHOLE family...(if you are an FB friend, you can check out the tags to see who is who...I am NOT labeling here! LOL!)

We tried to make Rice Krispie houses vs. Gingerbread houses, and they started out great...but ended up collapsing...I think I need my husband to engineer a better design for next years...they still taste great!!!!!

Butter watched from his chair and snacked on graham crackers...

Cakes snacked on sprinkles almost the entire time...

Bean worked diligently...frosting, sprinkling, making a sidewalk, windows, doors...

...and then snacked...

There are still more pictures to come! Bean lost both her front teeth about a week before Christmas...so of course you know what everyone sang to her. Unfortunately Butter came down with an awful virus two days before Christmas and it is still going strong. I have never seen so much snot come from one little baby ever! Not exactly what I had hoped for his first Christmas. Cakes is now starting to come down with the fun too...BUT, all in all...we have had a wonderful Christmas season celebrating the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. No better gift have I received, than the gift of salvation.

Hope your Christmas was delightful and filled with love.

Fun Family of Five

2009-12-26T17:26:00.004-05:00

This session took place at the beginning of December...remember the weekend that the arctic air blew in and it was FREEZING?!?!?!?! Yes...this session was that weekend. It started outdoors, and then after seriously freezing and wondering if child protective services were going to be called for having children out in such arctic temps, we moved the session indoors! The L family was super fun, and instead of me going on about them, I will just show some of the shots!

Love this shot of R and Brutus!

Their littlest man...such a ham!

Brotherly love...

This next one...I love!!!! It was their idea to do a goofy face picture...AND...they decided to use this as their Christmas card picture!!!! Love it! What a fun family with a fabulous sense of humor!

There are more sneak peeks to come, but I am hoping to post a few of my own here soon... AND, Butter (called this by his sisters often, and still called Gbers...but Butter is sticking more!), will be one in two weeks. Took a few shots of him today...and hope to get a few more for his big day!

Hope you had a Merry Christmas!

Two Weeks...

2009-12-17T23:58:00.003-05:00

I have been a bit absent from blogging, this I know. I have been a bit absent in general it feels. Two weeks ago today, my brother in law and my beautiful sister at just 21 weeks pregnant, said goodbye to their precious baby girl, Lillian Christine. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that my sister would have to feel and share the pain of losing a little baby. The similarities of our situations are unreal, and I could go into great detail, but I just can't tonight. She birthed her sweet baby, and all who were there got to hold her in our arms. Yes, she was already with Jesus, but I feel blessed in holding her. I know I have many, many, many prayer warriors out there, so if you will continue to pray for her and her family it would mean the world to me.

My sister asked for me to bring my camera that day, and of course I did. I got several beautiful images of love...but I don't feel I can share them...at least not yet. I do want to remind you of the beautiful organization NILMDTS and ask that if you feel so compelled, send a donation. There are so many families that face such terrible loss and so many that benefit from this organization. I am not a "photographer" for them, but I am a supporter. I am on the edge as to whether I can really do this as a photographer...because it rips my heart to shreds...but I am hoping to apply and hoping to be accepted by them sometime in the near future.

I do have a beautiful family session to post. I have been doing it a little backwards compared to normal. I have been so adamant about getting sessions to clients quickly for Christmas cards and other reasons, that the blogging part has been coming after galleries are completed.

That is all for tonight. Hugs to all of you readers out there!

I haven't shared...

2009-12-06T15:56:00.003-05:00

...this adorable family with you quite yet. Their electric blue eyes are captivating, and I had a fabulous session with them...

...my favorite one from the session...

Have a great week...

Blog Catch Up

2009-11-30T15:39:00.004-05:00

I have been busy bustin' booty getting mini-sessions completed, regular sessions completed so clients can get pictures and cards, and then add in the three kids, Thanksgiving festivities, decorating for Christmas inside and out, and a few other things in life...and...well...it adds up to a lack in blogging.

So, I want to catch up two sessions that missed out on sneak peeks because I wanted to get the session completed as fast as I could.

Here they are...

Miss A and Mr. A...two super sweet little ones, with brilliant blue eyes...

Mr. J...one year old...last seen on here when he was just a wee one...

Also, please stay tuned...we will be doing the "cans for comments" again this year, and very soon, I will be posting my Christmas Card...loving it completely right now...just have to send it in for the prints!!! :)

Now, back to a little bit of rapid editing...or playing with my kiddos...hmmmmm...

The last of the mini-sessions....

2009-11-16T17:02:00.005-05:00

So, here are the rest of the mini-session sneak peeks...thanks for being so patient Z and A family!

This little one is adorable, and as sweet as can be! He searched for bugs and birds and ran around exactly like a 2 year old is supposed to in a session! His momma is expecting bambino #2 and she is adorable also! And then J, what can I say...he is flat out the kindest gentleman ever. It was so good to see all of you and catch up, and I am excited for your new arrival, to well, arrive! :)

Aren't they such a cute couple?

"Where is the baby?"

Looking at bugs...

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I love this family! I grew up with the mom's little brother's and sister's (was coached by a sister, took pictures of her nephew...yea, there are tons of connections between us!), taught at the same school as the dad, and together they have created this beautiful family...7 gorgeous kids! Thanks "A" family for coming out and putting up with the crowd! It was great to see all of you, and hang out for just a bit! Enjoy your peeks...

The youngest of Snow White's little friends! ;)

So much to do...but at least I am caught up on mini-session sneaks!

Two from Sunday Mini-Sessions...

2009-11-15T22:22:00.006-05:00

Two more super cute families came to the park last Sunday for mini-sessions. The park was PACKED to say the least. It reminded me of college days driving around searching for a parking spot...thanks to the families who made it and for making it a great day!

There are TWO more families to come yet, but this is it for the night for me! :) Mini-sessions were so much fun...I had a wonderful time catching up with all of you and meeting a few new! Thanks for your patience! :)

(For some reason, these are not coming out as clear on blogger right now...hmmmm...any smarties out there that have any suggestions?!?!?!)

The Rest of Saturday Mini-sessions...

2009-11-15T17:11:00.007-05:00

Here are the rest of last Saturday's mini-sessions...I am short on time, so the peeks will have to be enough for now...the rest of the sneek peaks from mini-sessions on last Sunday will be up soon!

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A couple of cuties...

2009-11-13T12:39:00.004-05:00

...that met me at the park last weekend for mini-sessions! Aren't these two kids just beautiful? It was fun to see them, and most fun to see them jumping in the leaves at the end of their time! Thanks L for bringing your cuties out! Hope you enjoy your sneak peek...

...lovin' this hat and jacket!

...many, many, many more session sneak peeks to come... :)

Check out...

2009-11-10T23:27:00.002-05:00

...this modern day miracle of God's awesomeness...

I follow this blog daily, and several times a day when they are in "crisis" mode. God is absolutely awe inspiring...I think you will enjoy!

MckMama

Newbie #2

2009-11-04T13:04:00.002-05:00

I have been loving the little newbie sessions recently! This little princess, P, was a snoozey little one, once she fell asleep. So precious. So tiny. So wanted to keep her and send her momma on her way! ;) Congrats, M and B...we are so happy for you, and thanks for letting me capture her littleness for you!

Hanging out in Momma's arms...

love this one...

love these little piggies...

...precious...

...so tiny...

Caught up on sneak peeks...now back to editing like a crazy lady! October is a busy, busy, busy month...and also November...but I love it!

Newbie #1

2009-11-04T12:00:00.003-05:00

Mr. B, you have seen him on here before, is a BIG BROTHER! (I will say again...love repeat clients!)
Baby K was born just a few weeks ago, and is a super cutie. Oh, I love newborns, and capturing their littleness while they are still so sleepy and still so little! B is such a sweet big brother, and I loved the couple that I was able to get of the two boys together. D and J, thanks for having me, and I was so happy that the weather men were COMPLETELY wrong about the weather for the day! Turned out beautiful! Here are a few peeks...

Still more sessions to come...

The "B" Family...

2009-11-04T00:08:00.004-05:00

Can't say how much I love this family and how lucky I am to be a part of them! They are Tom's Aunt and Uncle and cousins. They are a fun group, with lots of laughs. My cheeks usually hurt from laughing whenever we are at a family gathering. There is always a good time to be had when the "B" family is around!

And, they were complete troopers for this session...well, all but one of you, but I will not name any names! ;)

It was cold and nasty out, with bouts of rain. With a group this large, indoors would not work well. Rescheduling wouldn't work either, because one of the sweet couples drove in from Chicago...I was going to MAKE IT WORK!!! And we did!

Here are the two that started it all...Tom's Aunt K and Uncle R...

I am laughing right now that I didn't pick a shot of their six "kids" to post...just the grandkids...sorry! And then here are the by products of their by product...nine grandkids!

J and B...you guys made the cut!!! Don't tell, but J, you are my favorite cousin! LOL! :)

Fun group, fun afternoon...thanks "C" for setting it all up! I had a great time with all of you as usual! :)

More sneak peeks from sessions to come...but I need to go to bed now...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Learned Something New...

2009-11-03T23:17:00.006-05:00

This beautiful session was a re-do session. Well, I am not sure I can call it a re-do, if the first time I didn't get one single picture taken. Two weekends ago, on the freezing cold, gloomy, drizzly Saturday morning, we were off for a fun family session. There were only a few sprinkles, and being outdoors, the light would work out just fine! So, we drove to the most beautiful location. Gorgeous yellow leaved trees (please don't ask what kind of trees...not my strong suit...I only take pictures!), with a winding path. The trees made a canopy of yellow.

Fast forward.

Position family under beautiful canopy of trees, squat down and aim, fire...no fire. Nothing. I looked at my camera, like what in the world??? So, I jumped to the assumption that it was my battery. It showed that it was still half full, and I hadn't charged the night before, because we had just moved in the that night and I had NO CLUE where the charger was. I was confident that the battery would be good. Well, at that point, my stomach sank and my confidence fell even further. Two kids, 5 and almost 3, all ready to go in the cold, and the camera lady's camera wasn't working.

Seriously?

Almost in tears, and on the verge of puking, I ask "A" if there is a local store that we could go find a battery. Hopping into "the" car, I then had another sinking feeling. I couldn't buy a battery, my wallet was in the van...I took the car to the session because Tom needed the van with the car seats.

"Ummmmmm, "A", I don't have my wallet. Do you want to buy the battery, and I will pay you back?" Have I mentioned that "A" is THANKFULLY a dear friend that I used to teach with. Yea. I can't imagine feeling any worse, and thankfully she was so gracious.

We drove to the local mall. Store, to store, to store...no such luck. Not a battery for my sweet camera (at this point, I didn't realize it wasn't my battery, so I am thankful now that we didn't purchase one!) We drive back to the location to let the little ones and her husband know that we had no such luck.

We set up a time for the next day. Yes, if you are wanting to know, she got a free session! So if you want a free session, pray that I screw something up! LOL! Anyways, I pull out of there and call Tom...and the tears started flowing. Ugh...it was an awful feeling. And, I knew that I needed to get home to charge the battery to make sure it would last for the afternoon session.

Home. Charged battery. Pepped myself back up. Unpacked a couple of the gazillion boxes piled high in my house to distract me from wallowing in my guilt, and sadness. Packed back up to head to the next session. Before pulling out of the neighborhood, I had a weird feeling that I needed to just check my camera. Pull it out of the bag, and it is displaying the same thing "CHA" and not taking a picture. Stomach instantly sick. So, I pull over, call a friend to borrow her camera, and while doing that, I look in my own manual to see what in the world is going on. Well, I found out...the memory card wasn't being read correctly. All I had to do was pop it out and pop it back in and I was good to go.

Seriously?

I ruined my morning session because I assumed it was the battery, and all that time I just needed to pop the card out and back in again? For real? I have to say, I was a bit relieved in knowing it wasn't my battery, but totally irritated that I didn't think to check my manual first.

Lesson learned. Check my manual. And, I guess I didn't know everything about my camera like I had thought!

So, anyways, Sunday we squeezed the session in...same location...but the weather was beautiful. You will see from the pictures that the sun was glowing through the beautiful yellow leaves, giving the pictures a warm beautiful color. Love it. It worked out.

And, all things do work out...just not always as we plan. His plan is always better, even when we may not see why. In this case, I could see why...other times, not so much...but that is okay, because I know it is all what He has planned. And, when I remember to surrender my control and let Him take the wheel...all is well!

Thanks for taking the time to read, and for always checking in! I don't know who always is reading, but I feel like here and there, I get to share a bit of myself and my fun, crazy, never dull life!

To the "E" family...THANK YOU!!!! Thanks for coming back out the next day...getting all ready again, and making it a fun time!

I love this one...

...and I am a sucker for these shots too...almost as much as I am for feet!

Miss A...almost 3! (Look how old she is getting....)

Mr. N...the big brother...and big Kindergartener!

Love these expressions!

Two Years...

2009-11-03T09:06:00.003-05:00

...and still missing him...

Forever Loving You...

Overdue Sneak Peeks...

2009-10-26T15:23:00.006-04:00

How come the saying "my plate is full" is more of a negative thing, and yet a "cup that overfloweth's" is a great thing? And, is it possible to have both at the same time? My plate right now can't fit another morsel on it, and yet I am over filled with love and joy. We are back in our OWN home, but it is a disaster with many things to be done...boxes to be unpacked, things to be put away and sorted. It is fabulous though to be in our house. It looks great, all except the laundry room, which is yet to be finished, and which leads me to have to outsource my laundry...well, at least take it somewhere else to do it myself! :) My plate is full with house items, with my beautiful children, with sessions coming out of my ears, with editing coming out of my ears, eyes and nose, and with all of those full things on my plate...life is good. God is good. And we just keep plugging along each day! So, all of that to ask for some forgiveness in the delay of this sneak peek. And also to warn that I may be just a tad late on getting sessions completed and out to you. Forgive me now please! Also, if I am a bit forgetful, please don't hesitate to gently remind me...I take no offense in the kind reminders of phone calls or emails! :) Alright, with out further ado, here are the sneak peeks from a week ago!

Miss B...smiley, sweet and such kissable cheeks....

...love this expression...

...so much so that I had to turn it to black and white!

Bedford Senior...Mr. J.
He was a delight to spend the afternoon with last week. It was perfect weather, perfect lighting, and it was so fun to get to know him a bit! I have watched him from afar, well sort of afar. I have watched him from the seats in Bedford's auditorium, and I was entertained by his talent a couple years back in the musical Grease. He is a great kid, with great aspirations, and I have no doubt he will be a success. J, here are a few for you to look at now! :)

Now, back to my kids...who are awake, home from school and needing my attention! More session sneak peeks to come...had a busy weekend!

The "P" Family...

2009-10-19T23:45:00.006-04:00

This beautiful family graced these pages about a year ago. They are gorgeous. All of them. Gorgeous. Not only that, but they are so sweet too! M is a great friend of mine, with kids all around the same ages...and I don't get to see her nearly enough! C, the 5 year old, made me a super cool picture and gave it to me as soon as we met. How cool is that? It is now hanging on my fridge, well, I shouldn't say my fridge...it is on my in-law's fridge, but hoping that it will be transferred and be on MY fridge sometime this coming weekend!!!!!!

Back to this fabo fam! They are sweet, cooperative, laid back and I had a ton of fun following them around, and capturing them in action. A, the middle little lady, reminds me of my Cakies SO SO SO much! Did I mention that at all, M? Only like 100 times! LOL! She is so stinkin' cute! And, baby R, who no longer is a baby, has beautiful baby blue eyes and chomped away at his apple a good portion of the session. He was so darn content when he got his apple..."Um, "M", can you come teach my kids to like apples...skin and all...mine only want candy!"

Some other funnies from the day...tons of goose poop, which we called "Doose Poop" because that is how A pronounced it! :) And, then, at our last "stop" a dead mouse was found. "A" took a picture of it...she wanted to take a picture, so I said "sure, what do you want to take a picture of?"..."the dead mouse!"...so we did! I will spare you on here...but I will send it to you M! LOL!

Alright, it is getting late, and I needn't continue babbling...so here are the last sneak peeks for the night...

Warning...there might be quite a few... ;)

Baby R, joining in the fun with the frog...

She has unbelievable eyelashes...such a pretty little thing...

Getting so big, so handsome...

Loving the soft light in this one...

Have you ever laughed so hard...

...that it knocked you right over??? hehehehe!

I love his laugh in this one...awwww...just remembering how I got to hold him when he was just days old, still in the hospital...where did the years go????

This may be ranking in as a top favorite EVER! I told you she reminded me of my Cakies... Miss A, here, is in a time out. Head in her hand, covering her face from the camera because I was too mean and couldn't just leave the little one alone, sitting in the beautiful pile of leaves...love this one!

The adorable family...

Two Little Sweeties...

2009-10-19T23:29:00.005-04:00

So, you have seen one of these cutie pies on here before! It is my little niece, K. She is almost two...which is unbelievable to me! This session was of her and her cousin H. My sister-in-law had purchased a session for her mom for her birthday...and she cashed in on Saturday! :) It was chilly, chilly, chilly...but at least it wasn't rainy, rainy, rainy like it had been all last week, right? This was a session on the move, and I had to be fast....but so far, I am quite pleased with the results! Little ones are fun to chase, fun to try to get to smile (poor H was not up to par...bad night of sleep and not feeling his best), and challenging to try to get a little eye contact...they make you work for sure! Thanks for putting up with the chilly air and breeze...you were all troopers, and I think it totally paid off!

Here are a few...

...Miss K...

Meet Mr. H...

...walking with Grammy...

...love this one...

...K was being a little turkey in this one, and H wasn't too thrilled...but I loved the result!

One more to go for the night...and I still won't be caught up with sneak peeks! :)

Perrysburg Senior

2009-10-19T23:01:00.006-04:00

This session Saturday morning was COLD, was BEAUTIFUL and was FUN! I don't think I have laughed so much in a session ever! Miss E, a Senior at Perrysburg, and her wonderful parents were a blast. My dad works with "M" (the dad) and he was a hoot! He hunted down the perfect spots, full of color and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. How often does a dad 1. attend a senior session with his child and 2. help to find the best spots in the park?!?!?!? He also did a great job providing some artificial shade when needed! "T", the momma, was an absolute delight also, traipsing around the park with us and also helping with whatever was needed (carrying my camera bag, and my dreaded box!) The laughter from all three still brings a smile to my face! Thank you so much "N" family for all of the fun on that beautiful sunny morning!

Now, enjoy a few sneak peeks...

...awesome light, incredible color, fabulous girl...

...I love the smile on this one...

...big ND fans, can you believe I still like them?!?!?!? ;)

...this is one of my faves for sure...

More to come in moments...lots of posting tonight!

November 7th Mini-Sessions...

2009-10-12T10:50:00.012-04:00

Update: All spots are filled...I may open another spot if there is demand for it! :)

Fall Mini-Sessions are back...and going quickly...only 4 0 spots left!

When: November 7th
Where: Location TBD...can't quite decide where I want them this time...so many good spots!
What: $25 session fee, 20 minute session, 10-15 proofs in an online gallery to order prints from
Who: Up to (and no more than please) 7 kids/people/animals (total) per session! :)
Times Slots Remaining: ~~10:00~~ , ~~10:30~~ , ~~11:00~~ , ~~1:00~~

***Please be on time so we can keep the day moving and so we don't have to shorten your session time!***

My beautiful family...

2009-10-11T16:11:00.006-04:00

Yep, I said it. I think my little family is beautiful! My kids are so darn cute...biased, I know! ;)

I was determined to get a fall session in with my own kiddos this year. I missed out last year, so I made sure to actually "schedule" a session time with my own little ones! LOL! We went to the park not far from here and just hung out. The light was beautiful and got better as the night went on. We played soccer, laughed, snuggled and I took pictures! We found a beautiful spot in the woods that had the most perfect lighting...and made my little girls eyes just twinkle!

Here are a few...there are tons, so to pick was difficult!

This was toward's the end of our time there...this was the perfect light I was referring too...just well...perfect!

In the woods, with just the perfect amount of light shining through...

Did I mention how cooperative my kids actually were?!?!?!? I got several pictures with everyone at least looking...I didn't even care if there were smiles! :)

These were also in the woods...

Well, I am headed out to take a run on the glorious fall Sunday. It is the first run in two weeks, so I am expecting it to be a little tough...but none the less, it will feel great! Hope you are staying warm and enjoying the colors and fall where ever you are!