Jennifer's Senior Session

The session I had with Jennifer was so much fun! She was so personable and really "worked it!" Here are some photos from our session. Hope you like what you see Jennifer!

LIFE IS ABOUT communication

This blog post is for all the teenage girls that are currently in a dating relationship or considering entering one in the future. This might be a good one for parents too.

It is no secret or surprise (to most people) that teenagers are engaging in risky behavior. They are getting younger and younger while experimenting with drugs, alcohol and sexual activity. It has almost become a social normality and socially acceptable for teens to openly engage in these risky behaviors. Talking to your child at an early age about peer pressure and sex are very important. If you aren't talking, trust me, they will learn about it from other places...like Jersey Shore (the show, not the place) or The Secret Life of the American Teenager. Parents today are way behind the curve. Studies show that more than 40% of parents aren't talking to their kids about sex. While I believe it is very critical to talk about sex, I feel it is just as important to talk about love. What love means. What it feels like and the difference between sex and love.

A teenager that has been educated by their parents about love and sex is more likely to postpone sexual activity. My sister in law McKenzie is 15 years old and a Sophomore in HIgh School. The first time I met McKenzie she was 3 years old. She was sprawled out on the living room floor playing with her fabulous Barbie collection. Who was right there with her playing? Was it a friend? Her mom? Older brother? No, it was her dad. McKenzie's dad would gladly role play as Ken (or Malibu Barbie) and go on adventures in the Barbie Jeep. Somedays it was Barbies. Other days it was tea parties with glorious hats and easy baked oven brownies, but through these interactions with her parents McKenzie learned what it was like to be treated well, with respect, and with LOVE.

Now I'm sure you can see how GORGEOUS McKenzie is based off these photos, and those of us that really know her knew it was only a matter of time before the boys would come knocking, calling, texting...you get the picture. As a matter of fact McKenzie has recently started dating someone. These two kids are having great fun together. What I love about these kids is how they committed to be respectful to each other.

Before these two love birds became a couple this is what happened (drum roll please)...They set boundaries! WOW! Teenagers, setting boundaries?? And actually respecting those boundaries and keeping them sacred?? What? Unheard of, right? WRONG! News flash! Not all teenagers have sex. Not all teenagers avoid having those "embarrassing" or "uncomfortable" conversations such as, "This is how far I am willing to go. Live with it or get the Hell away from me." Does it still take a lot of courage to have those conversations? Absolutely! But, who do you think is more likely to have that open conversation? A teenager that has been taught how to respect themselves through supportive mature relationships or a teenager that learned about sex and love from the Jersey Shore?

I am not an expert on this topic. These are just simply my opinions based off of observations I've made. And I definitely don't believe that teenagers that do choose to have sex at an early age are bad. I would never judge, so please don't send me any hate mail. I guess I was called to write this because I am so proud of McKenzie for the choices she has made regarding her recent relationship. Will I be angry if she chooses to set different boundaries later on? No (I'll just leave it at that).

I'd be interested to hear any feedback or thoughts from any of you out there. Thanks for reading and I hope I can spark some healthy conversations!!

Tiffany and Mason's Vineyard Wedding

Tiffany and Mason were married at a gorgeous vineyard called Cubanisimo, located in West Salem. There are only 8 weddings a year at this vineyard which is privately owned. The owners live at the vineyard and graciously open their home and their lives to brides and grooms throughout the summer. Every corner of the property boasts picturesque scenery. The home is amazing and the welcoming staircase is a no brainer spot for at least a few shots. Here are some photos from Tiffany and Mason's special day. I'm so honored that they allowed me to be a part of their experience. Thanks so much guys! Congratulations again!

Vacation!!!

My husband's Aunt and Uncle live in White Lake, Michigan and family came from many different corners of the country to get together for a vacation. Our days consisted of shopping at the mall, hanging out by the pool, checking out the Henry Ford Museum, catching frogs, playing with the doggies, and eating. Lots and lots of eating!! Nights consisted of - more food (of course), karaoke singing, drinking Uncle Curt's wine collection, playing insanely fun card games, and lots of laughter. Midway in to our trip Uncle Curt planned a romantic date for me and my husband. He lit all his tikki torches by their amazing pool and patio and set up his hot tub for us to have some quiet time under the stars after Benjamin fell asleep. I told Jeff as we walked down to the picturesque scene that it looked like something out of the Bachelor (or Bachelorette). We were treated like royalty the entire time. It was clear that Uncle Curt and Aunt Renee thought of everything possible to keep everyone comfortable and relaxed during our stay. Our room had a basket full of snacks and not just a little basket with peanuts and juice, but a basket packed with the good stuff. Candy, crackers, waffers, beverages, and pretzels. I thought I had died and gone to Heaven. :-)

The best part of everything was just being able to spend quality time with family. Being able to play together was what I appreciated most. The week flew by and soon it was time to head back to Oregon. I'm so thankful for this trip and we thank Uncle Curt and Aunt Renee for being such wonderful hosts.

Pool time!

Joy

Jazz

Mr. Frog goes for a swim

McKenzie posing for a photo inside Greenville Village

Uncle Curt and Aunt Renee

Having a great time at the Ford Museum




Miss Calliandra

My baby is becoming a boy...

Benjamin has this incredible of talent of making my heart melt. He is all boy. From his adorable grin to his star twinkled eyes. His tiny toes to his (sort of) curly locks. When I took this series of photos I almost couldn't believe what I was looking at. My little baby is growing up. He's becoming a little boy. I relish this time with him because it is slipping through my fingers like tiny grains of sand. This is me freezing moments with my beautiful boy as the subject.

More Mylee

I can already tell that photographing Mylee is going to be addicting. I hope my sister doesn't mind if I use Mylee as a model from time to time. Here are some photos that I got just outside their house.

Baby Mylee is HERE!

My little sister had her baby on July 13, 2011 at 6:29 p.m. She endured over 17 hours of labor in the hospital and has been going on about 3 hours of sleep since July 12th. There's no doubt she is experiencing the "natural high" of going through childbirth and meeting her daughter, Mylee Dawn.

Mylee was born on our grandpa Kitchin's 83rd birthday. Such a special treat for our family. I think it's a sign that this baby girl is going to be a force to be reckoned with. She's absolutely perfect in every way.

Congratulations Vanessa and Ryan. Call me when you need a babysitter!!

Love, Jess