A New Blog

Hi, this is an old blog.  You can find my new blog at adorabellaphotography.com/blog.

See you there!

A Frame With a Purpose

I have a cute frame.

Andrea gave it to one of my girls at their baby shower.  For some reason I haven't taken the time to put a picture in it (I know, some photographer, right?), so for two to five years it's sat empty.  I found it in a box.

I put it on my shelf to remind me to insert the perfect picture.

That was three weeks ago.  There it sits telling the world a mysterious someone is wonderfully made.

Then it hit me.  Could this frame be a metaphor for who I am as a parent?

Do I know the truth that my children are wonderfully made in the likeness of God, but for two years the message sits empty on my shelf?  Have I failed to daily convey value to God's mini trophies?

You see, if I forget to transfer this essential message, then I will raise fearful children, who become peer pleasing teens, who become insecure adults with a lack of value and purpose.

As children, little girls never doubt that they are princesses (complete with peanut butter on the chin).

And Boys?  Of course they are superheroes!

As life battles to destroy our children's value, we, as parents, must daily fight with purpose to preserve it!  They are princesses and superheroes, and they are meant for greater purpose.

Today I will fill my frame and declare to my children, "YOU are wonderfully made".

"For I know the plans for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Snack to Ten

Last night while laying in bed, I came up with this snack counting activity.  For snack time, we used a number line I typed up to practice counting to ten.  There are tons of different things you can do to adapt the activity to your child's level.  I made the sheet available if you would like to try it with your preschooler.  You can download it here.

Charis (nearly 5): We would put five on the number line and then I would ask how many she would have if she added 3 more, etc.  Then we did the same thing with subtraction.

Porter (age 3): Counted up to ten, and as he ate each number counted backwards.

Hunter (age 2): She practiced putting just one snack in each box.

Let me know how your kids like the activity! Enjoy! (And, yes, we are still in our pajamas!)

Brouck & Janie Are Married

Wedding: St. Peter's Episcopal Church

Reception: St. Louis Artist's Guild

A few months ago I had the privilege of taking Brouck and Janie's engagement session.  It is always so much fun shooting couples in love.  This past weekend I shot their intimate wedding.  I don't think I've shot a wedding yet where we've been on time let alone ahead of schedule!  Janie was so organized and laidback, so the day flowed with ease and joy.

Janie, you were an amazing bride.  I pray many joyful years of marriage for you and Brouck! 

 

 

Sometimes because I'm always focusing on new love I miss the love that has lasted through the years.  As I looked through the day's pictures I paused at this image.  It spoke volumes to me.  There is something to be said about the years of life under the belt of a married couple.  Looking into their eyes gives me a deeper respect of love.  True love runs deep and it runs long.  May we all experience the refreshing waters of a lifelong love.

I love the smiles.

Hunter Turns 2 Today

My little munchkin was our baby for nearly 2 years and she learned very quickly how to capitalize on that privilege.  Even though her title has been trumped, I have a feeling she will not release her baby charm any time soon.  

Happy Birthday, Hunter Lily.  You've been more than we could have ever dreamed or hoped for!

Hunter sporting her birthday cupcake jacket bought by her grand-nanny.

Christian Rocks His First Photoshoot

What can a mother say about an absolutely perfect baby?

I love his two little swirls on his head.

I love all 9 pounds and 1 ounce (and growing).

I love how well he sleeps.

I love his daddy's nose and mouth.

I love that God said, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart". (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV)

 
I love you.

Natalie + Sean E-session

When I sat down with Natalie to discuss her and Sean's engagement session, she told me that they loved happy pictures.  Well, I must say it may have something to do with the fact that this couple is so happy.  I never once had to ask them to smile or look like they like each other (yes, those words have come out of my mouth).

Sean and Natalie are residents at local hospitals transplanted from Kentucky, and I have a theory that once you arrive at St. Louis you can never leave.  Something along the lines of Hotel California.  So, welcome to St. Louis guys! :)

They thought it would be fun to incorporate some St. Louis landmarks into their shoot.