I'm being nostalgic.....you've been warned!!

I know not many check here much anymore...but going into 2011 I'd like to get back in the habit of regular blogging...lets see if that's a resolution I can keep. I made this video of my blessings...I havent had time in years to scrapbook so Im trying to make myself a small slideshow of each year to help me keep up. the photos get all distorted from upload....but you get the idea, I think!

Looking back over this year, I cannot believe the changes we have gone through...some challenges and some life-changing events. I moved home! What was I thinking? Well, actually, that's what I thought for the few weeks leading up to the move and I'll admit, as we transitioned over to our new/old town, I had many sleepless nights about this move! 1. Wondering if I'd like being "close" in proximity to my family - everyone knows that can go either way! 2. The people ARE different - only 15 minutes away but the mindset is different - just not sure if its me or them! 3. Did I truly make a choice that was in the BEST interest of my children?

I find myself talking to God more than ever lately and just hoping He helps me along. It sounds funny typing that...I haven't been to church in over a year! I don't believe you find God in church. He's in MY heart and that's the only place I need for him to be. I didn't start feeling that way a year ago....It started 21 years ago when my dad died. I mourned for months...nah, more like I hated God....for months! Seriously, we were five children (I was the oldest at 19) and my mom already worked so hard for our family...how could He burden her by taking my dad away too? It was so unfair...that's when I learned it really CAN happen to you....and life is what you make of it....each and every day! That is the most negative thing I will say about my dad's passing - I miss him very much - but I promised myself all those years ago that I would maintain a bettter outlook on all things that affected who I am today and I refuse to dwell.....

I have bad days like everyone else....but I sure do try to stop myself in those hard moments and think about the choices I have......life's too short to spend any time stressing about things I can't change!! Its a GIFT to feel that way - a gift God gave ME when he chose to take my dad too soon.

I'm moving on now - getting through the growing pains of the move. Cameron isn't settled yet. He still is in the misfit stage and I think it might be next year when he's in a bigger pool of kids for him to find he's home. Im not sure if I mentioned it before here or not.....but I love my new home!! Its cozy and feels just right for us. My heart is definately happy here!

G'night friends!

~kel~

A mommy post.......

I'm putting my heart on my sleeve with this post....

You see this face........what is a mom to do when this sweet, innocent face asks for a family meeting so that he can present his case as to why he hates his new school and the kids that attend there and how badly he wants to go back to his old school (a 15 minute drive from home).

He's made a few friends but mostly he keeps his distance from the rest. They offend him. They swear and fight and treat adults with disrespect. He cannot comprehend any of it. He's been in the school for three months....I know we've got to give it more time. I miss my friends too. The town I grew up in has changed. I keep thinking, I'm an outsider now and maybe becoming part of it again will take some time too. I feel selfish....I thought I was doing a good thing for them providing them with more room to roam but when his heart aches so much, it makes mine ache 100 times more.

I love the new house....but I love my son more. Im not sure what I'll do....for now I'll think.

I'll take all the encouraging words you'd like to share!

~kel~

My day has just begun.....

The clock says 10:30 PM. Strange to blog on this end of the day! I have so many sessions to get edited and uploaded for my clients to see...I'm having to work the latter part of the day as my family consumes a good part of the first half. I'm not complaining....not one bit!

I did this beautiful girl's senior photos and her mom called me for a family session. Since my schedule is pretty full, I had to put them in on a saturday morning at 11AM. Because of the bright sun, its the hardest time of the day to shoot, let alone a family of four. We chased the shade at Fort Williams State Park and got some really great shots.

Her beautiful sister.......

Robyn, thank you for calling on me again to capture your family! I had a great time working with you and hope you see a few you like!

Today we had our first parent/teacher conference at Branden's new school. He's doing well...very well! I'm so proud to be his mom and find it hard to hold back my emotions when they are talking about him. He's got a fantastic head on his shoulders and as much as I'd like to take credit for it, its all Jean's doing. When they talk about how he's social (but controlled) I know I can take credit for all that part of him! He sat between us, shoulder height with me, I saw the pride on his face and had to look away. When I'm in a moment like that, I remember straight back to the day I watched him playing action figures on the windowcill as a very content 3 year old. I remember imagining him older....I'm learning not to do it with the rest...it goes by too fast when you try to imagine....I just want to live it.

I'm off to get some work done.

Enjoy!

~kel~

Hump day....

Even the kids are starting to notice how quickly time flies. Makenna was commenting the other day that the weekends just aren't long enough.

Lately I've been in a million directions. Cameron's health has kept me on my toes. Last April he was diagnosed with Lyme disease...we noticed it when his knee blew up for no reason at all. It was warm to the touch and we just couldn't recall an injury that would make it look so bad. Walked into the docs office and she knew right away what was going on. At the same time, we were getting ready for our move into the new home, emotions were pretty high for all of us but mostly for Cam. The summer was great and pretty much event free. We enjoyed getting used to a new place and Cam admitted he was really happy here. I only hoped that starting a new school would be a good move for him too. He misses his pals....terribly! He chooses fantastic friends and we've done our best to keep them in touch. At the end of summer he started football and my nephew, Chase, was on his team. Soon a bit more than halfway through the season, his back started to bother him, after two weeks of heat and ice and no improvement, we opted for an orthopedic specialist. Funny how moms and dads just know....family physician wasn't looking at it as more than just a strained muscle but we knew there was more to his complaints. He had bumped his pelvis and twisted it causing the bones to rub against each other. We opted to try chiropractic treatment and it worked amazingly well for him. I still take him once a week to get an adjustment. Lately he's had a bothersome toothache and our dentist referred Cam to a pediatric dentist to have the tooth removed. I took him yesterday and it was funny to watch him giggle as a side effect of the diazepam they gave him to help him relax. The dog barked at him because he knew something was up. The anesthesia wearing off was not so fun. Needless to say....the kids been up against the odds for months now....I need a break from the worrying.

This weekend I took photos for my annual Holiday Special. Hands down, I have the CUTEST clients!! I will post some of them later as proof! I wasnt able to get my email off to my regular clients this year as the list has been lost somehow :( I am using facebook more than ever now to keep my clients updated and to post my recent sessions as its easier to upload and I don't have to write anything. I do miss blogging! I decided this year I would only have one day of specials instead of two. Its exhausting and a lot of work and since I already have so many sessions that still await edit and upload, I'll be busy enough. I posted a simple "save the date" comment on my facebook page one evening at 10PM and though I wasn't really ready for booking, I had so many people email me asking for a spot, it booked up in an hour! I'm so happy that people like my work.....just feel so bad for those who missed it. I will be having another for Valentines or Easter so I hope to have my email list regenerated by then.

This sweet face is my cousin Lorri's first grandbaby.....her name is Ryleigh.. Is she sweet or what? She was all smiles and gave me the best of both worlds with a nice little slumber at the end of the session. Usually I like them before ten days old but with a good sleeper like Ryleigh, ten weeks works too!

Do you love this? I was so happy to get this pose!! Thank you for making the time to come visit me on your visit home new mom, Melody! I loved squishing your sweet baby girl!!!

I'm off to fulfill my momma duties and get the kiddos off to school! I changed Marleigh to a school with a morning program and its worked so well for my schedule! Today I will dance through the raindrops to get my errands done but my new lawn and its buds of green grass welcome the rain!

Enjoy!
~kel~

Amy & Andy & My family!

It's 6:30 AM and the house is quiet. Kids are playing legos on the living room floor, not Branden, he sits with a handheld device that's making all kinds of strange noises....he's a teenager now! I'm struggling with it! I hear "but I'm 14 now" and find myself replying "yah, 14, not 18". I'm doing my best to keep a tight reign allowing a little slack so he can feel his new found "oats". They say the teenage years are hardest, I know God planned it that way so that mom's could let go a little...they become people that...well, sometimes you just don't like!! Its funny how I think back to when I was a teen - and in the very next thought I think, this is my chance to do a better job than I thought my parents did (I remember swearing I was going to be a cool mom)! Then my thoughts go to how much things have changed for kids today....I'll do my best to get them to adulthood safely, that's really all I can do!

I grabbed these images from one of the two weddings I shot a few weekends ago...Amy & Andy. It was Amy's mom who called me a year ago and said "Save the date, Amy's getting married and we want you to photograph it". I'd never met Amy and thought how brave her mom was to make that decision for her...I met Amy about six weeks before her wedding and we clicked right away! She was sweet and when I asked if she was comfortable with her moms (who was also her maid-of-honor) decision to hire me, she assured me she'd done her homework and seen some of my work! The wedding was lovely! The church was amazing! I had my friend Melissa (we share studio space) second shoot with me and we had a great time capturing images for them!

On the home front, my big girl turned 8 since my last post. She's awesome! She helps me more than anyone else in the house. Her room is generally neat and she's self motivated to keep it that way! Admittedly, as much as there are times I can't stand her attitude, I see myself in her so much! There, I admitted it! Happy belated Birthday to my Kenna girl....I love you so much!

Thanks to my friend Peg, she's always looking out for me....she found this amazing place for photos. I took some of her son, Carlos there! It's got all my business colors - brown and green - so I had my friend Deb Harmon take my family photos there - I'll share them all here after my Christmas cards are out...but there were enough to show you one or two... Here's super cute Carlos with his dog Lola...........a winning pair!! Thanks for sharing this cool spot with me Peg!!! :)
Im off to deliver the children to their schools! Time flies when you're having fun and its taken me 1.5 hours to create this post!! (well, in between hair, makeup and the usual chaos of a family of 6).

Enjoy!
~kel~

Gift: the act of giving. Something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion.

I have always felt my photography is a gift. A gift I have always felt the need to share. If I was a millionaire and could pay my bills every month without worries of needing to use my gift to generate an income my family needs to survive, I'd take photos for everyone and just give them away! I'll continue to pray for millionaire status but until then, there are a few sessions that qualify for my services free of charge.

I met this AMAZING family last night at the beach (sort of a chilly evening but you'd never know by the smiles on their faces). This was no ordinary family session....Stacy's sister, Meagan contacted me almost a month ago through my link on NILMDTS. Meg tearfully shared the story of how Stacy and Matt were expecting a baby girl with a diagnosis of anencephaly. My heart ached for them and the journey they were just beginning as they wait for her arrival (due date Christmas Day) constantly knowing her little life would be very short. Meg asked if this was the type of service NILMDTS volunteer photographers could help them with. I assured her I'd do whatever they needed of me....maternity, labor & delivery or portraits in the hospital after her arrival. We decided that a maternity session on the beach at sunset would be appropriate to begin with...here are some of the memories we created in baby Rachel's honor.

Beautiful Stacy is draped in a blanket given to her by a friend...she thinks she wants to wrap Rachel in this for her burial...but can't decide if it would be better served in a place where she can see and touch it for remembrance....

Matt....he's so outgoing and supportive.....and a patient husband and father! I was comfortable with them the minute we met.....

Rachel grows and kicks in Stacy's tummy.....Stacy talks of her personality here.

They have three beautiful children....but desire more....I don't blame them one bit!

She's so loved..........

They wrote her name in the sand.... I was a little surprised at how interested Sam, the youngest, was in the project....he was so intrigued by the ocean but was drawn to the writing in the sand for this photo....Desirae's hearts were perfect!

Stacy's blog is here: http://thegiftofrachelslife.blogspot.com/

I'm sure our journey together has only just begun.....they are my kind of people. I am happy to share my gift with theirs.

Enjoy!

~kel~

I survived 5!!

The night before her 5th birthday, I tucked Marleigh in and she asked "Will there be balloons in my room in the morning?" (I'd been shopping that day, but the balloons slipped my mind! How that could have happened, I don't know, its been a tradition here since Branden was a babe!) When I sarcastically asked her "why" she wanted balloons, her sleepy voice said "Mom, didn't you know that waking up to a room full of balloons is what makes a birthday "special"?!" Confirmation that my own obsession with balloons on a birthday is what makes it special! I was thrilled and when I called Jean (still at football practice) to tell him how sweet she sounded, without hesitation, he said he'd go to Walmart for the goods. I love those little packs they sell with the helium tank and balloons included! My balloon obsession started years ago, before Jean and I were dating. On my 20th Birthday morning I woke up to go to work and he and another friend had snuck into the yard and filled my entire car to the top with balloons!! I opened the door and they spilled in to the yard...it was awesome!! The thought that they had made the effort to come to the house, in the middle of the night, gone through the challenges of filling the car with all those balloons....it made me feel loved and "special".

I got the job done......

Birthday morning, she crawled into my bed and said in a whisper, "In the night I woke up and looked up, I saw balloons up there (pointing to the ceiling) and then I looked down..and saw balloons down there...and then I just knew....it was my Birthday day!!

My niece was there the entire day. We went for out for breakfast and then a stop at an indoor fun park. We returned home and Cam helped Marleigh put her new toys together. Meem bought some Polly pockets and they played on the deck for quite some time!
She wore her party hat and posed with her new doll....

Uncle Bud stopped by with some gifts for her...a fairy dress and red sparkly shoes (which are the total BOMB and have hardly left her feet since).

.......she loves them.....

We had fashion shows....

....and her birthday dress was perfect for "twirling"

This year she chose a Strawberry Shortcake to top her cake....

And she blew out the candles around 8PM....exhausted and happy she asked to go to bed soon after.

It was a beautiful day....she said it was the best birthday ever....but she says that at every occasion so I only hope we can keep things magical for her!

Took this shot of my eldest beauty....love it....love her!!!

Today is a family day (I have a shoot later). I want to spend as much quality time with the kids as I can before they return to school Tuesday.

Enjoy!
~kel~

Milestones: a significant event or stage in the life, progress, development.

When I think of business milestones, this little girl and her family are the first to come to mind....she was one of my very first "clients"....that was about five years ago! I've been photographing for longer than that but thinking beyond family and friends, Ms. Adrienne is the first!! Isn't she just beautiful? Her family is very dear to me now, we connect once a year to take the annual Christmas card photos and updates of her changes. I am always thrilled to get that phone call!

They live a few states away but always make it back here for vacation with Adrienne's grandparents. Dear, sweet people....I've said it before, I'll say it again...I'm blessed with the best clients!!

The kids will start school in less than a week....you know, I'm preparing myself for this change. Marleigh turns 5 the end of the week....you know, I'm bracing myself for the emotions that will bring. As of next week, I'll have more time to get my editing work done.....you know, I'm jumping for joy and my clients will all be so happy at a faster turn-around time!!!

So yes, Ms. Marleigh turns 5 in a few short days. I can only imagine how its going to feel that day! My heart ached a few weeks ago when her "blankie broke" (its officially loved into three separate pieces now). She cried, I cried, and I have to admit that I'm always shocked at the emotion she brings out in me. When I tell people she was a "surprise" baby, I can honestly admit that I know why....there's a little heart string inside me that only she hangs from and it its attached to emotions and thoughts that nobody else can touch. Not sure if it's because she's the last one so I hang onto more or maybe its because I was a little bit older when I had her (I think I appreciate motherhood SO much more now and thank God for giving me the chance to mother four great kids a little later than some of my peers...I embrace the little things I might have over looked if I were younger). Friday I will celebrate her little life and I promise to share!!

With the return of school, I hope to return to my blog regularly again. It was a part of my routine and since I must start dragging myself out of bed earlier again, I will do my best to sit and chat!

Enjoy!

~kel~

Hey Locals!! Watch the Papers!!!!

I'm so excited!!

Sara and Cort's wedding was in today's York County Coast Star!! Link here

This weekends Portland Press Herald will have more photos I did for a local company, Hussey Seating, at their 175th celebration!! Its so neat to see my work used in other places!

I just had to share!!!! Im off to take care of gram's hair, then a doctor appointment for Ms. Marleigh (shots, she doesnt know about them yet) and a session with a baby!! I'll keep ya posted!

Enjoy!
~kel~

Sara & Cort: Kennebunkport Wedding

You can't go wrong when the couple is as lovely as this...put in the most beautiful environment....paired with wonderful people who would travel far and wide to share their day!! I felt they were truly blessed...and if you ask them, they will agree!!

Sara and Cort were married in Kennebunkport yesterday afternoon. The skies threatened storms a bit earlier in the day but when it came time for the vows (read to each other) the heavens shined on their nuptials and it was GORGEOUS! The entire wedding (guests and attendants) all sang "True Colors" from the words Cort printed on papers that he slid into the programs for everyone to join in. There were no instruments, only the voices of the people they loved, singing with them and to them...."so don't be afraid to let them show, your true colors are beautiful like a rainbow"....


They served their guests lobsters, chowder and steamers and their wedding cake was this amazing whoopie pie (I forgot to smuggle one of the mini ones out!) I dragged my dear friend Melissa with me as a second shooter....she was a big girl, no kicking and screaming....she shot from angles opposite mine and was as excited about being there as I was!

It was awesome all around!

I tried posting this two days ago but the pc didn't cooperate and I didn't have time to fuss with it until now (because my mom is waiting to see them....here you go mom, your sneak peek!)

I'm off to tuck in the kids!

Enjoy!
~kel~

I feel it.....THANK YOU!!

the bloggy love....I feel it!! I've heard from a few willing to take the time to tell me that I'm missed (along with a few other beautiful compliments and I intend to write each of you back, thank you!)


It's back to business for me today....well, after I got some control over my migraine (came on early this morning) and then tackled the grocery store for some much needed "snacks". I'm at the pc listening to the storm warnings on the TV and waiting for Jean to arrive with the boys...they've been playing with friends all day! Just the girls and I...we did what we do best...shopped!!


I had to share this sweet baby with you....she's tiny!! She was born earlier than her "estimated ready" date and was still sleepy and "new" when I got to meet her on her 14th day of life! I usually like them before ten days old but the preemies are an exception to that rule. Isn't her mom lovely too? I've been so blessed to have clients who refer me to their dearest friends, I feel we already know each other and conversation is so easy! More than that, they trust me to wiggle and jiggle their babies so that I can get the shots I need. Thank you Danielle (and her friends who gave her a gift certificate for her newborn session!)

YUMMY baby toes!

Every little girls nursery should have one of these...

Tomorrow my #2 child turns 11!! I can't believe it! I remember when he was little and I thought his head was oddly large for his body...but he's grown into it and got the most amazing head of hair I've ever had the pleasure of managing! I could talk a blue streak about how awesome he is and how lucky I am to be his mom....for now I'll just get to ordering that ice cream cake he's requested and helping the girls wrap the carpet skates they got him today! COOL!

Enjoy!

~kel~