Birthday Girl

My little princess turned 4 this month.  She's all girl - pink, Barbies, princesses, babies, tutus - sweet and feminine, but with a rough and tumble side too.

Daughters are unique.  She's my only girl, sandwiched between 3 brothers.  Like all women, she's a complicated puzzle and is hard to figure out sometimes.  (ie. Three photos, three emotions.)

I look forward to watching her grow.  She's seems like such a big girl already.  *sigh*

Here are a few shots of her birthday celebration.

Jubilee 2011

Last Saturday I volunteered my time as a photographer to help out with Jubilee.  What is this Jubilee, you ask?  "Jubilee is a one-day celebration honoring members in our community who are in need with a day filled with fun, hope and encouragement. Through donations from churches, individuals, corporations and other organizations, Jubilee offers the blessings of food, merchandise and services all in a fun, festive atmosphere. It's all done in the name of Jesus and it's all FREE!"  Check it out at www.jubileemn.org.


I met and photographed about 33 families and worked with some fantastic volunteers.  It was a long day and a great learning experience - I worked with sets and props and I had to be creative with a limited amount of time and space.  I walked away with over 700 shots, and a tremendous appreciation for all the people who regularly volunteer their time and energy to help others in need, not just one day of the year, but throughout their lives.  I also had the honor of meeting lots of people from all walks of life who came to be blessed at this event.
Thank you Jubilee, and thank you Jesus, for a wonderful day!
Here is a collage of some of my favorite shots from the day.

Good Ol' Days Up North

Back at the beginning of August we spent a long weekend in Wisconsin, where both my husband and I are from.  We spent a few days visiting family, celebrating my grandma's 91st birthday, playing in Door County and Green Bay, and really having fun together.


One of our stops was my "up north" - at Chaudoirs Dock in Door County - where I spent many summers with my parents when I was in grade school.  It was crazy to see the ol' place after so many years.  I have so many wonderful memories - skipping rocks, collecting rocks, fishing with my dad, spending time with my aunt and uncle, cards, dominoes, games, friends, Ron and Kay, fires, fish frys, deep fried cheese curds and darts up at the bar (yep, even at age 9, that's how we roll in Wisconsin.)  Good Times.


I was inspired by a website called www.Dear Photograph.com.  The idea is that you take a picture of a picture from the past in the present.  Make sense?  If you have not yet seen it, please check it out.  So, I had my own Dear Photograph moment.

Dad, You were such a proud fisherman.
This photo looks like it was taken just yesterday.  I wish it had been.
Oh how I miss the good ol' days up north.

At the end of the day, Dad probably caught 45, and I probably caught 5,
but no matter what he always let me catch the big one.