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~

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~