"Giving Back" - Doesn't seem to be enough...

I don't even know where to start this post. My thoughts race from one place to another so quickly that I can't even manage to complete a thought. As some of you know last month I started a "Giving Back" program as a way to say "Thank you" for the way God has used each of you to bless my business in such an incredible way. It always amazes me how God takes everything and multiples it in a thousand mind blowing ways. I had no idea the personal effect this venture would have on me, as the stories have come in the Lord has filled my thoughts with these families and their precious stories. I have spent time thinking about what it must feel like to be walking these difficult and scary paths and time praying for their comfort, healing and a sense of Jesus' presence all along the way.

 I met Mike about a year ago when he scheduled a session with me to have some pictures taken for his wife.  He had just found out he had cancer and wanted to get some pictures before the effects of his treatment started to manifest themselves in his appearance.  I remember him saying "I want some pictures for my wife... just in case."

 Mike has 3 boys, Jack (6) and Irish twins Henry (4) & Vincent (3).

 Several months ago, I sent an email to Shanna, Mike's wife,to see how Mike was doing, and was so happy when she said that he was "doing very well".

 So when I received an email a week or so ago from Mike wanting to schedule a family shoot I was certain that it was in celebration of his full recovery. 

 While trying to find the perfect location for this shoot Shanna mentioned that if at all possible they would like to try and move the date up,  Mike was starting chemo again...

 This picture of Shanna and Mike is my favorite from our time together.  Mike was not feeling well and for the most part you would have never known it.  He always managed to smile and connect with his sweet boys; but in this moment he sought the comfort and support of his beautiful bride.  It makes me cry just thinking about it. 

Sometimes living in this fallen world of ours really sucks.  Cancer sucks. 

But when we choose to believe that Jesus Christ died for us

 we receive the Gift of Salvation and an Everlasting Savior... Jesus is the way, the truth and the life

(John 14:6).

But now, this is what the Lord says - he who created you, he who formed you, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel; your Savior.  You are precious and honored in my sight and I love you. Do not be afraid for I am with  you...  Isaiah 43: 1-5a.

Please join me in praying for Mike, for Shanna and for their little boys, Jack, Henry and Vince.

Baby Photographer in Castle Rock, CO

 This handsome little fellow is Tyler.  Yesterday afternoon, I got come over to his house and play for a while!  Unfortunately, big brother, Tristan was not feeling well so he wasn't able to play with us, as originally planned but Tyler seemed to handle the spotlight just fine all by himself.

 Can I just tell you how stinkin' much I love the piggies!!!  I think I could do a whole shoot of just piggies!  But I don't think mom and dad would go for that.

 Oh man... I remember these days, I miss these days, holding my babies, breathing in the sweet yumminess of their skin.  Babies are such a precious gift from God, it just doesn't get any better than this.

 Tyler gets The Best Yawn Award!  So sweet!!

 Here's another one of those award winning yawns!  Seriously?! Seriously.

Oh man... I LOVE that picture!

Well, I promised to get this sneak peek up today and I am going to slide in right under the wire.  Two more sneak peaks to come tomorrow!!  Thanks to all you wonderful, special, picture loving people that make my job the best ever!!!  I feel so blessed to be part of your special moments! Cija

http://www.3wishesphotography.com/

Baby Photographer in Lone Tree, Co

Oh Stella... what a perfectly happy baby.  I am convinced that newborn and six months are the most perfect times to photograph your baby!  Newborn for the obvious squishable reasons and six months because they are just so darn delightful!!  They can sit up so cute, their piggies are just precious and the expressions are ENDLESS!!  This was the perfect shoot because first of all Stella rocked it!  And second of all Stella's mommy was up for dinner afterwards at the White Chocolate Grill!  A nice surprise indeed!  Well, I today I must run, I should be somewhere in 13 minutes and I still need to get ready!!  Thanks to my days in TACT I am still pretty quick in the getting ready department!  Enjoy is beautiful day!! Cija

http://www.3wishesphotography.com/

365, 52 or Simply Random???

So I am completely intrigued by the idea of doing a 365 project, but clearly do not have what it takes.  For those of you who don't know what a 365 project is, let me enlighten you.  It's where you take a photo, one for every day of the year.  I could probably do that but I could never narrow it down to just one so it would end up being more like a 1825 project, which sort of defeats the the point of the cute little title.  So then, the next big thing was the 52 project, one per week, perfect for the slightly busier person... but still I wondered if my weirdness what allow me to pull something like this off.  The answer was a responding, No.  Then I read a book... "Crazy Love"  I loved it like crazy!!  At the beginning of the book he takes some time to marvel at creation and by default the glorious and mightily awesome Creator!  (I may have misused that adverb but I am willing to over look it)  So then, I thought a 1825 project all about the crazy coolness you discover about God in His fabulously fantastic creation.  But that is a tad overwhelming, especially for a girl that is trying desperately to step outside of my perfection box, breathe, relax and let God do whatever He wants to do with me.  So there will be no organized and planned projects just moments when I took the time to let God blow me away with His creative talents in creation, moments that included my camera and moments where I shared them with you.  I hope you enjoy looking at the beauty of my God. 

Job 38 - 41

http://www.3wishesphotography.com/
PS. Did you know that you can double click on any image to see it more clearly?

Photographer in Castle Rock, Co

Can I just say that I am missing my little family...  my hubby is restoring a 1971 VW Beetle and he spent all of Friday evening tinkering, yesterday I spent the whole day scrapbooking at a friend's house (he and all my cherubs were asleep by the time I got home), this morning I worked a double shift at the Welcome Desk at church and then Rod was off to play his trombone in a concert and the girls spent the day playing with the neighbor girls.  Ah... but there is always the dinner hour to bring us all back together. 

Speaking of families, this is the Cromwell family, Jim Sr., Judy, Jim, Dawn, Alex & Michael.  Living in 3 different states they want to take advantage of their time together to get a family photo done.  I was a little nervous when I read the forecast, a storm was due to hit, so we moved our start time up by an hour to try and beat the rain.  As it turned out we were just fine, no rain... just lots an lots of wind!  I enjoyed my time with this family so much!

Well, tomorrow I am scheduled to be with Stella for her 6 month milestone session, I always look forward to those babies!!  Until then... Cija

http://www.3wishesphotography.com/