Merry Christmas, baby!

What can I say? I love my work! What better way is there to celebrate a baby's very first Christmas than with photos?! I mean, everything else will more than likely get passed on as hand-me-downs, or end up broken, lost, or salvaged at the local Goodwill. But your baby's 1st Christmas photos will be cherished forever. I feel so honored to do this and that you all put so much trust in me ~ it can overwhelm the photographer's spirit sometimes. { For my fellow portrait photogs out there - you know what I mean, don't you?! } This is the best profession!
I photographed this sweet bundle of love's momma's pregnant belly back in November. And just in the nick of time too because this little angel began her entry into the world the very next day after our session! What a joy this newborn session was for me. You'll see what I mean .. take a look :)

Do I hear you saying, "Awwwwww!!!"(well, I am!)

Doesn't get much cuter than this one either ...Ah, sleep, baby, sleep ...

Here she is all dressed up and ready for her 1st Christmas party!

The most precious, treasured gift under the tree ...

Her mommy is so full of pride and love ...

love the bare toes ... awwww!

Thank you again "A" and "C" for this very special time with your most precious gift from God.

I am forever humbled, and grateful to you.

So much love, joy, hope, (and sense of humor too) are wished for you

as you begin your new adventure as parents.

With a heart full of love for you all,

Barb

If you are given an idea, go forth and create!

Birthday celebrations are no small matter in my family. Or shall I say, celebrations of any sort for that matter! We are party people who love to have fun together. And fun is what we had last weekend at my second daughter's 5th birthday party. The party's theme was based on the children's book by Laura Numeroff "If You Give a Moose a Muffin" (and illustrated by Felicia Bond). {www.lauranumeroff.com/books/work_in_progress.htm} This book is a favorite among many of my Alanna's. AHA ~ the perfect party theme! We could utilize our puppet theater, which my dad (structure) and stepmom (curtains) created with love for Alanna's 2nd birthday (are you seeing a running theme here?) and put on a puppet show for everyone too. Who doesn't love to see grown adults being silly with puppets after all?!! :}

I got the idea to make the cake out of cupcakes, a seemingly popular thing to do nowadays, in the spirit of creating the muffin effect derived from the book. It took some steps to create, and I'd like to share some of the images I was able to capture; because, after all, if you give a photographer a camera, she'll want to document the details of her daughter's party! Lucky for me, I had 2 of Alanna's Grandmas helping too. {Big, big THANK YOUS to Granma Deb & Grandma Kay ... xoxo}

Here is Marty the Moose, the star of the puppet show, supervising the production...

the photo below was captured by Kay Culver ~ Thank you kindly, Kay! ~

Here he is all dressed up for the party and ready to be devoured! ;}

This collage was created in the spirit of the birthday girl's love for books ...

She has quite the library, and always growing.

Lucky for her, her mommy loves children's literature!!

(you couldn't tell, could you? ;)

Thanks for viewing!

Cheerio, friends!

Barb

As the Anticipation Builds...

Someone very near and dear to me once said, “Christmas is for lovers and children.” I think what she meant was that these hearts are most eager for the big day to come! Theirs are full of love, light, and anticipation of great joy! Just think back on Christmas’ past, when you were a child and how exciting the events leading up to the momentous occasion felt. Can you remember your first Christmas with your now spouse, life partner, or otherwise long-term relationship? Can you stretch your memory even further, and think back on your heart as a child experiencing Christmas? I sure can remember what it felt like. It was pure joy – plain and simple. My very first Christmas memory was at my grandparent’s home in Paoli, Pennsylvania. I remember my shiny red tricycle sitting in plain sight with a big bow on it when I came down the stairs in my footed pajamas at the age of 3. What a great memory. I hope you have some meaningful, lasting memories that keep your hearts young, light, and full of hope.

In preparation for the nearing holidays, my friends asked me to come to their home to photograph them for their Christmas greeting cards. Sure thing! I was excited that they thought of me, and put so much trust in my chosen art form. Yay for me! We have been friends for many years now. I still recall gathering at their first home that they had just purchased. Young and full of fun – we had some terrific times together! When my husband and I were in their presence, we had a tendency to be “young” and full of fun, too!!! It’s always great to see these friendly faces – now parents of a 2 year old; proud owners of their own growing HVAC business; and soon they will be moving (closer to us :}) into their newly built home on a rather large property in Elverson. We are so excited for them, and look forward to seeing them more often!

This was the shot they chose for their Christmas card...

For all my readers - May I ask? What was your first Christmas memory?

I'd love to hear from you.

As the anticipation builds this holiday season, I wish you a renewed heart

filled with joy, peace and love eagerly awaiting the big day.

Peace to you friends,

With love,

Barb

P.s. A quick update on the tally so far that has accumulated for UNICEF - We have raised a little more than $50 ... so far!!! And counting! Thank you so much!!!

Nighttime at the Pagoda ...

From atop the city of Reading (pronounced as Redding), I positioned my camera, on tripod, to capture some images last night. One of my dearest, and best friends from my teen years accompanied me too. We both shivered in the frigid December air to get some cool night shots of this fixed symbol of peace...

All is calm from this vantage point ...

A few quick facts about the Japanese Pagoda construction:

The square shape symbolizes the earth. The center column is considered the "axle of the world" and the spire on top of the structure represents Buddha as master of the universe. Each level represents one of the five elements: wind, water, earth, fire and sky.

If you ever get the chance to visit Pennsylvania, be sure to make

Reading's Pagoda one of your stops on your journey.

www.pagodaskyline.org/pagoda/

Thanks for a fun evening, Anj! It's always a pleasure to see you.

And thanks for all the great photog tips!!! :)

I appreciate your friendship!

Peace and love,

always,

Barb

Climbing Trees: family style

“Don’t mistake predictability for peace: some of life’s most important moments are born of chaos.” (p.89 Dec. issue of Whole Living magazine)
This group family session had a hurried, clock watching feel about it. We had to hurry in order to do 3 different mini-sessions, and quick, get all the kids to smile, look at the photographer, and please cooperate! Getting everyone arranged just to meet at this beautiful location on the Brandywine River at the Brandywine River Museum http://www.brandywinemuseum.org/ was a to-do, let alone making sure our timing fit into everyone’s nap time, game time, travel time, lunch time... time, time, time: keeps on ticking – doesn’t it?!

After I reassured everyone I had some good shots, and it was okay to breathe again, we all enjoyed this family moment. I was able to step back a little and get some fun, candid shots of everyone enjoying one another and the wooded area near the river.

The kids threw rocks in the river; some even slid down the mud bank on their behinds, and explored the area a bit, getting muddy and one with nature – love it! They even climbed on a rather large tree that had fallen; allowing their senses to absorb the natural beauty they were surrounded by. This is the sort of session I rather prefer – relaxed, natural, in the moment, enjoying one another and not so rushed. {Our next session together will be less stressed, and hurried – I promise!}

Even though this was our first meeting, I felt a particular connection with these girls...

I have 3 lively girls who also like to explore
and climb ...

and are known to get dirty, on occasion.

and make cute, funny faces...

and love one another to pieces. They let their mom and dad join them too.They love their Pop ...and here's Mommom and Pop with all their grandchildren.
Such a sweet family...
This little 2 year old showed his Mommom how to cover her ears at the
sound of a distant siren passing by.
Priceless.

Boys will be boys ... Oh, just wait until they can really climb!

Thank you all for such a nice time. It was great to meet you and your family.

Wishing you all God's blessings this holiday season, and always.

All the best,

Barb

The Power of God's Grace...

This is what I have learned…
To be forgiven is a tremendous gift from God...

In a recent Sunday school class, that I co-teach, the lesson was about forgiveness. The kids were talking about how they know to say they’re sorry when they “trespass” against a friend or loved one. My co-teacher, who was running the class this particular day, also stated that if we tell God we are sorry, He will forgive us; a much larger concept for Preschoolers to grasp. The class finished up without much fuss or fanfare, and we all went about our lives, however, I felt a deep stirring in my soul. This theme of forgiveness keeps crossing my path lately, and I am drawn to express my feelings with you.

I was not raised in what some would call a traditional Christian home. Sure, I learned the Golden Rule and to avoid hurting others and to be honest, at whatever cost. But I did not know Jesus – very well. I knew of him, but I was not taught his teachings directly, only indirectly.

Other than some special nights when I stayed at my maternal grandmother’s, and slept beside her in her bed while she recited her rosary prayers, I did not recognize prayer or the gospel. My parents did not believe in forcing religion on my sister and I the way it was forced on them. I should mention that we did go through a very short period of Sunday school classes, but once my parents found out that we were skipping the class and hiding out in the backyard of the church, our classes ended abruptly.
I came to know Jesus during a rather stormy, transitional time in my life: The time leading up to the marriage of my husband, Kurt. This was a second marriage for me, and, well, let’s just say, that my 1st experience with marriage left me with huge battle wounds – emotionally, physically, financially. Albeit I had the support of my family and friends, and their love pulled me through, I still felt an emptiness inside my soul.

Knowing that I definitely, no-way, no-how wanted a repeat performance of my 1st walk down the aisle, I turned to the church. I visited many churches, searching for the right fit. I found my way at a local community non-denominational church. This church and the members therein provided me with a safe haven for self-discovery, awareness, knowledge of the scriptures, and a chance to be reborn in Christ. I was baptized, again! Yes, as an infant I was baptized, but it didn’t feel real to me. It’s the sort of feeling you might get if someone built you a shell of a house, and then said to you, “okay, now you finish it on your own without tools or know-how.”

The incredible feeling of forgiveness and love washed over me the moment I stood before the congregation and the healing waters were poured over my head. It was a peace I had never known before. It was a miraculous feeling. This power that was offered to me has changed my life forevermore. I am extremely grateful for my faith, my family and my God. Jesus Christ is one awesome teacher, healer, and builder of faith-filled homes. ;}

This Thanksgiving I am reminded of the forgiveness that has been graciously, generously, unconditionally offered to all of us. With an overwhelmingly grateful heart, I accept!

Peace be with you, my friends,
Barb

p.s. Thank you K & J for the honor of attending, witnessing and photographing your sweet baby girl's baptism. I am blessed by your friendship.

p.s.s. Here's a sweet melody that I adore; give a listen!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYgZMjW0TTE

Full Circle

Life has given me a distinct honor. I remember when this young lady was born, and now she is a mama! On occasion, I even babysat her when I was a teenager and she was just a toddler. And here she is - all grown up, Master's degree, married, and motherhood. Wow! {Not that I am getting any older, or anything ;} So, when she contacted me to photograph her pregnant belly, I was overjoyed! This little lady is one of the sweetest souls I have ever known. I count this experience a unique blessing among blessings in my life.


At the time of our session, she was 38 weeks along in her pregnancy. Now.., I hope it wasn't the amount of walking we did, the poses, the stretches, the photo shoot in general that spurred baby to come along two days later, but that's what she did! Whew! Just in time! I am grateful that newborn baby girl, A.R., at least waited for us to have the opportunity to capture her mama's beautiful belly before bounding into the world! So, thank you, A.R.!

this was the 1st shot of bare belly

a little friend who stopped by ...

I love these glowing faces...

Hey, Nanny & Poppop joined in the fun too!

Oh, my gosh you are parents now... ! It's not sinking in yet.

Give me some time for the reality of this to absorb.

I had such a wonderful time with you. Your energy shines!

All my love,

always,

Barb