Finding Kelly....

Hi, its me, Kelly!!

Seems like lately I'm apologizing for my absence from the blog but I have to admit that I'm totally enjoying these lazy days of summer with my kids. In the next few weeks, my evening time slots start to fill with sessions and editing so I've made sure to take time doing what I love without regret this year.

Since before Branden was born, I've always been dedicated to work. I quit my job at the law firm to become a cosmetologist (don't laugh at me like they did)...a career I was confident I could do from home so that I wouldn't have to leave our future baby with a sitter. I knew I wanted at least two kids, hopefully three. I figured if I could produce two good ones I might be able to convince Jean that a third was a good idea! I believe ten months was the commitment I made to that school to get the license to beautify others...and then I set out to work on my little family! It took a year for us to get pregnant and in that time I permed, colored and cut for friends and those they chose to share me with. I also decided that I was a pretty good typist from my days at the law firm so I should try to take on some extra typing to help with the bills. Gosh, staying home as a mom is such a guilt-ridden job - its the most important thing any woman or man can do, deciding to raise their children full time - but the guilt you feel when you don't bring in an actual paycheck can cause such a private burden on ones heart. I always felt I needed to do more...and more.

My office at the small house was located on the main floor and soon the typing took over as a more lucrative business. It allowed me to work and listen to my babies playing, sleeping, eating, etc. all at an arms length away. It was perfect for me - typing with one hand and rocking a bouncer with the other (actually, I typed with both and bounced with one foot).

The move to the new house puts my office in the basement living space...removed from the rest of the family. It's good...the kids are older and don't require my constant monitoring. It's bad...because I miss being in the hub of all the things that happen here. It's good...I'm NOT working nearly as much at the pc as I used to! It's bad....I'm not ABLE to work as much as I used to! I have taken some time off from promoting myself as I try to find the right fit with the work/family life. The timing with school ending and the summer beginning has helped put my priorities back into perspective. I once made a photo frame for Jean for his desk at work with a picture of the kids in it that said: "The people you work for are waiting for you at home". I was feeling tied to the pc and this new found (forced) freedom has awarded me with treasures of new memories, trips and things I would never have allowed myself to experienced in the small house.

Last week we shared our home with this sweet young lady from the big city! Alexus came to us from New York through a program called the Fresh Air Fund. She's only 6 but has never seen the countryside (we have LOTS of bugs!). Alexus stayed at our home for a week...and we enjoyed the little bit of city she did bring with her (her fear of the dark and super cute accent). At first she was shy...but soon enough, she was chatty and fit right in here! She shrieked at the sight of bugs or crabs on the beach and for the first three days, she thought Jack was out to get her. She'd squeal and jump on the furniture and he'd follow thinking a new playmate was the BEST!! We took her to local places that we take for granted and even my kids were thrilled with the way we spent the week.

See...serenity, I'm squeezing in as much as I can!

Our own pond here at the house offers its own bit of serenity...if you're not afraid of bugs, or sharing it with the locals (turtles, loons, bass and sunfish). My boys are thrilled to have a fishing hole of their own and Jean bought us all a tractor tube for lounging on these 90+ degree days. Its like my past is mixing with my future here and creating the best little bit of heaven one could ask for.

Here's my nephew jumping from the rocks to the right of our beach area....(the turtles lounge on a log along the cove just behind there to the right).

Here's a prize fish that Branden caught and cooked the same evening....it started his addiction!

So, I must admit that I'm curious if my posts are missed much...besides my family and friends who continually tell me to UPDATE! I'd love to hear from readers...I'm thinking of bringing back my daily writings to a blog not associated with my business....maybe I'll make it like a secret club and the only way you can get the link is to request the address!! :)~ If you think you want in....write me at: jkroy(AT)roadrunner.com

I'm off to tend to Jack, who lost his manhood today...poor thing is just lounging on his doggy bed...needing a little love.

Choose happy!

Enjoy!

~kel~

I took these for you!!

For those who still check in with me here, in order of their birth, I wanted to introduce you once again to my growing family.

We're wrapping up the end of the school year and my twice-a-day trips to the old school to deliver them to classes. I've completely enjoyed my time in the car as we drive to school and back each day...I'm even considering doing it again this fall, even though the school is much closer now! The coming change is bitter sweet as we all adore the new digs but mourn the daily interactions with our friends in Kennebunk. I'm excited about sleeping in, spending time at the waterfront and watching the kids explore their new surroundings. My stomach still turns when I think of the fall and anticipate how much a new school environment will change the dynamics around here for those first few weeks. We'll be okay and I'm not one for sitting back and watching things just roll along, I'll jump in with both feet if I see something going awry but I'm looking forward to spending more time in the classroom with Cam and Kenna as Marleigh will attend a literacy program each afternoon!!



Here's Branden. He'll be in 8th grade this September. He just shared with me tonight that he's made high honors again this fourth quarter and his father owes him a big reward for his hard work! He's the best kid a mom could ask for, responsible and kind! His voice is changing and his face shows signs of a boy becoming a man. My eyes water when I think back to the day I brought him home.....it really does go too fast!


Cam, my gentle giant. He's struggled with this move the most. He's got some of the best friends a mom could ever ask her child to bring home. His choices are always made with his heart...God gave him the biggest one I've ever had the pleasure of knowing! We've made great efforts to keep his friends close by having them over regularly - its bringing us closer to their parents and we've found special places in our hearts for them too! I don't know if we'd have gotten the time with them if it weren't for this move. He's got amazing grades and a work ethic that is much like his very driven father.....again, I couldn't be more proud!

Makenna is just getting her two front teeth back. She's lovely...a second mother in our family, she's always watching after everyones best interest. She's ready for change and the move is a positive thing for her. I think she holds on to what I told her: "I met my best friend in Lyman and that could be where yours is waiting for you!" I'm sure she's eager to see what lies ahead....she's not one for looking back and holding on to things in the past....I love that about her! I love this shot.....her shining, smiling eyes!

Here she is....Ms. Marleigh is not looking so much like a four year old anymore! She begged me for weeks to cut her hair so that she wouldn't be the only one in the house with long hair! The day following her final day of school, I granted her wish to "have a haircut just like Kenna's". She tells me every day that she loves her short hair cut and I'm enjoying the ease of caring for it! I'm posting two of her because she's very into posing right now but this next one stopped my heart for a second. She just looks so much older.....like ten years from now....I can't take it!

As for Jean and I.....we're basking in "blessed" right now! I'm still working regularly (even though I don't post the spoilers) but with all the extra time on the road, I'm spending my time at home to work and/or get the house in order. I hope to start posting regularly again when the kids are home (even typing that, it doesn't sound doable) but I have so many new locations to try and, look at my kids, they are changing so much I have to document these days!!

Enjoy!

~kel~

Brenna & Nick: Happy Wedding!!

June 1: It's a Tuesday wedding! Nick said it was an easy date to remember and that's why he wanted to get married on it, makes sense to me!! Brenna, she's just the sweetest thing and accommodated that guy totally! It rained a little so the ceremony took place inside but it really didn't matter, everyone there was thrilled to be part of their special day! I met John Sargent who took care of the guests by playing just the right mix of music. He was great to hang with and I hope to see him again! The wedding took place at Spring Hill and was lovely both inside and out!

Their ring bearers were soo soo cute.....

This one smiled every time our eyes met.....

One of my favorite shots of the day.....I think getting it was half the fun, the two little ones were adorable to work with!

Thumbs up!!!!

I'm off for a session but hope to be back here soon. I have several sessions I have not posted as time is not on my side these days! I hope it will all slow down some after June 18 (last day of school).

Thanks for looking!
Enjoy!
~kel~

Noelle.....so lovely!

This great family drove a LONG way to see ME!! They come from a state away so I knew I had to treat them right. I kept them at the studio until I felt they had enough images to make it worth the trip. I'm so honored!
So girly..her mom made her the headband with the big pink flower, I had to add more to make it look like she was in a flower bed. They want to have four children, they are fantastic parents, relaxed and involved!

The blanket in this photo is a scarf made by one of my clients, Shana Aldrich. She came to me for some head shots and we got to talking about her career in fashion and one of her own creations are these beautiful scarves! I was thrilled when she offered to share her talents with me to use for some of the babies I photograph. Ms. Noelle was my first model and I think she did a fab job!

Daddy's in the Air Force and when I saw his tattoo, I knew I had to match them up! Noelle gave me a bit of everything from smiling, to yawning to sleeping...I love it when a plan comes together!

Thank you Vania and Rob! It was wonderful meeting you and your beautiful daughter!!

ON THE HOME FRONT:

Well, things are changing! My house is slowly emptying as things get boxed up. I'm trying so hard not to be sentimental about moving out of the first home I've ever owned and brought all four of my babies home to....it only hurts when I really sit and think about it. It seems the nights are harder. Sometimes I wake from sleep in the middle of the night and my mind goes right to the move and how much change I'm causing for my kids. Are they are my first concern? I find myself wondering, am I moving for me? for Jean? certainly laying there in the dark, it doesn't feel one bit like I'm doing this for the kids because I know how hard it will be for them to change schools and friends. For me this is easy, I am moving "home". Back to my old tromping ground, my closest friends, my family and my mom! Pulling my kids away from their friends seems so unfair. BUT, then morning comes and I look at them all and know that their characters will grow from this experience. They will learn that they can survive a change so big. They are good people and will attract good friends no matter where they land. Their worlds will expand from these changes and when the next big change comes along, they will be that much more prepared. We're doing this for all of us!

I will post photos when we own the property! I'm not superstitious, just respectful of the folks that own it now. Our closing date is Friday....my stomach did a flip when I typed that...we are beyond excited!

Enjoy!
~kel~

Oliver......

Isn't he the SWEETEST!!!! I'm telling you, we only grow them CUTE in Maine!!!

I stepped out of the box a bit and mom and dad were so great about letting me try something different. He's newly born but a good sized boy for my new bowl....still cute enough to eat!


Lately this once tough pose has become a standard for my newborn sessions....until the parents start to complain they don't like it, I think I'll continue making it a standard!
Mom and Dad, thanks so much for choosing me on just the few photos you saw in the hospital brochure and the kind words of the ladies that work there! I hope you are pleased with the results of our session!


I spent last night photographing the wedding of Maria & Craig...I'll post you a few of those in the coming days..unless your a fan on facebook, I've already posted a few highlights there. They love to dance and I got some great ones of the groom gettin' his groove on out on the dance floor. He didn't stop the whole night! It was so fun to watch him!

I have to close as these days I'm temporarily sharing my office space with Cam (whose trying to sleep here beside me now). The move has shaken up some of the normalcy around here but I know soon enough we'll be back in to a routine.

Enjoy!
~kel~

Workshop Images!!

Image overload but you're gonna like these!

I went to a workshop yesterday with a photographer, David Beckstead, from Washington State. There were thirty photographers and five models to brave the rainy day and push our knowledge to get some creative images of brides and grooms. It was too rainy to get outside so we stayed inside an old mill and followed the light. Here are some of my images....taken of some of my model friends. They were so awesome!! Thanks Jaime, Emily and Chris! In most cases, David set the models up to show us how he uses the available light.....with thirty photographers shooting, we had to be creative with our angles!

It was a great time.....here are Emily and Chris...who are getting married this summer!!

.....and this is Jaime...whose already got herself a man but boy does she rock the wedding dress!! First two are my faves!

These images are not typically something I'd take at a wedding unless the bride allowed enough extra time for the creative shots. If any of my upcoming brides are interested in shots like this....we should talk!

I had so much fun hanging with my gal, Melissa, and seeing familiar faces from other workshops I've attended. It was an exhausting good time!

Today I meet with another bride and photograph couples for a marriage retreat! It's gonna be a great day!

Enjoy!
~kel~

We're off again!

We're coming and going so much these days that my time at the pc is limited. Hockey season has ended but Lacrosse starts up and both boys are on different teams/leagues so is crazy again!

I had to show you this session.....loved how they all came out and finding just a few to show here was tough so I borrowed them from my facebook page. This family comes from a group of friends whose babies I've been fortunate enough to photograph!! They are sharing my name and I appreciate that so much - it brings a level of comfort for us all upon first meeting and I'm sure the kids sense it too!

Jenna, thank you so much for coming in to see me and your kind words upon review of your session were so lovely.....they made my day!!

Loved this little diva part of the session....she loved being all dolled up in pink and pearls...maybe I'll share some more from the rest of the session later in the week...so many cute ones!

When you're looking for decor change, craigs list is such a great escape! I've been finding the missing pieces to fill the voids going into my new home....did I mention its BIGGER? Last night I scored a lovely headboard for my king bed for only $100!! Getting high on bargains is the way to go! I'm on a mission now to find a dining room table that seats us all comfortably! I'm planning on having holiday parties....wanna be on my guest list, send me a note!!!

Also...I am going to venture to the beach for some mini sessions with the bed as a prop. I will keep you posted on the date as I really want an overcast day. The catch with this is....you MUST let me know if you want to be on this email list specifically!! I am NOT sending it to all of my clients, only those who have expressed interest! I will not have time for everyone and this is a very short window that I can work in so sessions will be very limited! That means....when you get an email from me....don't wait!!! Also...notice for this will be very short as I need to watch the weather and plan accordingly! send me a note at jkroy(AT)roadrunner.com as I am making my special email list!

Enjoy!
~kel~