Now That's LOVE

With the Holidays fast approaching, I've been so busy!  Last weekend this adorable family did their first ever family photos....here is one that is too precious that a snagged as she was sitting with her little bro!

Boston Bound

I have always wanted to go to Boston and this weekend my bestie, Lisa, and I are finally going to celebrate her birthday there.  Can't wait to experience it.  After a crazy week of work, computer crashing, and overload of life, I really need this long weekend away.  Check back in to see what we did while there!

MIchael

Sunday, after rescheduling several times due to this crazy weather or bumps and bruises, I finally got to meet this cool kid.  Michael was full of energy and so cute in his super cape.  Here are just a few.

Mariah

Last week I stole my niece for the afternoon and got some amazing photos of her.  She was so attached to the baby stroller, she walked with it all day.  How precious is she?!?!?!

Megan and Morgan

These two had me laughing the entire time.  They picked at each other non-stop, not that I would expect anything different from twins.  Morgan and Megan are both seniors and ready to graduate!

Bella

Last weekend Bella came over to play and take some photos. She did so good we were able to grab a few in different outfits.  I can't believe how big she hasn't gotten since the last time I saw her.  Here is just a quick look at a few!

WE DID IT!

I survived 9 miles of rough ski slope terrain and 27 obstacles. I'm pretty sure I can do anything.  Here we are after we finished.  It was an amazing feeling to finish such a difficult race and be a real TOUGH MUDDER.

Map of DEATH

This is what I have to look forward to in less than 24 hours.  I can't believe I signed up for this craziness. My nerves are completely shot and I'm super excited/scared!

Christmas Photos

Now booking for all sessions including: family, child, boudoir and anything else you can think of that may be used as holiday gifts. I am very soon opening studio options for child and boudoir so please take the time to quick contact me for some fun photos!

Mandi and Curt

Saturday I set out with the hopes of beating Irene.  We made it through the whole ceremony without rain but right as we were getting ready for group pictures it started to pour.  Mandi and Curt were so great about it. After all, they do say rain on your wedding day brings the best luck (not that they will need it!) We got some really beautiful images anyway. Thanks so much for letting me be a part of your special day.  You booth looked amazing and are perfect for one another!

Boudoir Contest

Go out and get your copy of Fine Living Lancaster Magazine for your chance to win a boudoir session!!!

Life List Update

I finally crossed another thing off my list, (#67) and let me tell you, kickboxing kicked my a$$.  It was so fun but I know I am not going to be able to move my body tomorrow morning when I try and roll myself out of bed.  Body Combat was a full hour of intense, did I say intense? kicking and punching and jumping and sweating...lots of sweating.  I made it through the whole class unharmed, and came out smiling.  I liked it so much, I may subject myself to it again.  Self torture....

Flashes of Hope

Sometimes you have to take time to be thankful for everything you usually take for granted.  I marvel at how lucky I am to be working in the photo world on a daily basis, and like others, I too at times don't realize how amazing my life really is.  I haven't blogged in a while since my schedule really hasn't permitted it, but I am now trying to make an effort to doing so more regularly.  That being said, Tuesday I was able to volunteer my time with Flashes of Hope, an organization that provides portraits, free of charge, to children that have cancer.  This week Camp Can Do provides a wonderful environment where these children can forget all of their daily struggles and are able to come together and enjoy life as healthy children do every day.  I was truly blessed to be a part of something so important and I am a much better person after seeing how beautiful these young ones are and continue to be even through difficult times.  Here is a adorable 9 year old girl that couldn't get enough of the camera.  My how lucky we all are to have our health.

Out of Office

I will be out of the office from Wednesday evening thru Monday morning the 18th.  If you need to reach me, please feel free to leave a voicemail or email me.  I will have limited access to my phone. Have a great weekend!

Kaeley is 3 months!

This weekend I got to see how big this sweetheart has gotten.  She is absolutely adorable!  It's so amazing how much she has changed in three short months.  Just a quick preview of her beauty!

Mary Kind of Morning

Sometimes a great morning starts with a Bloody Mary....in my case, this week started awfully good! It isn't too often Sunday starts with one of these.

Reception Fun

I've been so busy this week that I wasn't able to post Tiff's wedding reception sooner.  The kids at the party had a great time and this guy showed everyone how much about dancing he really knew.  I think most of the people were afraid to dance in case he might show them up.  He definitely had some skills to compete with!

Chamber Picnic

Tonight Erica and I got to have fun at the Chamber Picnic.  It was great to meet new people and see old faces.  Here's a fun pic of us goofing off as always!

Moving On and Letting Go

It's true what people say.  Your past does haunt you.  I must admit that mine has been less than perfect, but I can also say that I have moved on and tried to correct my mistakes as an adult. I love when I experience moments that remind me how lucky I am to have such a wonderful life that I have helped build. My business has allowed me to accomplish many of the goals I set years ago and as I write this I am amazed at how some people continue to replay the past and not let go of their short comings to move on.  I have both fond and forgettable memories of things that have lead me to where I am in life.  And I, unlike others have used these to truly become the person I am.  I can only wish that the people that hide behind their past will one day let it all go and grow up to realize there is more to life than hatred.

Raystown Wedding

Last weekend I made the trek to Raystown Lake for more than just fishing.  An old friend from college had contacted me and asked if I would shoot an intimate ceremony with just family before the big reception the following weekend.  I couldn't wait to see how beautiful she was, since I hadn't seen her in almost four years!  She didn't disappoint.  Her dress was perfect for the small wedding and worked great for a few photos before the rain let loose.  Thanks you guys! See you next weekend for Round 2.

Swimmin' Time

The other day I was with my niece and nephew, who just love to go non stop.  Ryan Jr had to make sure I watched every single belly flop he did, on purpose, of course.  Here are two fun shots I was able to grab in between him running past me and throwing himself into the cool water.

Princess in the Park

Kate Greenawalt Photography is hosting the first ever Princess in the Park.  If you have a little princess at home that loves to play dress up and have tea and cookies, or put on her big girl make up, contact us today to ensure you don't miss out on this great photo session opportunity.  It's a sure way to get great interactive photos and not have her realize she is posing!  Slots will fill fast, so email or call today.

Karma

Just when I feel like I have the worst luck in the world, I see a glimpse of Karma coming to my aid.  It's so great to finally feel like I can catch a break.  It's also a reminder when I see people reaping the opposite effect of what happens when time and time again they are awful people, and when they least expect it they get what is coming to them.  A full circle, gentle reminder that although sometimes I feel like I am too nice and a lost cause when I continually give and do not get in return, by golly I feel like I am finally seeing the results of being such a great person and friend and I continually thank God for that.

My Badge

CHECK IT OUT! I'm finally enlisted for the Tough Mudder.  Training really hard and hoping to be ready by October

http://basno.com/i3p9t1rd

Braydon is TWO!

It seems like I just was taking Bray's baby photos.  He has become such a carbon copy of his daddy it's scary.  Sunday we went to the park and let him play and tried to keep up with him to snap a few photos.  What a task that was!  This little guy is fast and on a mission when it comes to playing. Below are two just to tease you.

Happy Rapture Day

Rapture day? I think not.  I woke up to this beautiful sight across the street this morning.  Now, does this look like the end of the world?...didn't think so.

Boudoir Parties

What's the newest rage???  Boudoir Parties!  This is a great idea for bachelorette parties, birthday bashes, or a girls' night in.  Contact me today for some fun and unique ways to celebrate that bombshell that you are!

Real Life Monopoly

Pass go and collect $200....I wish this is how the real world worked.  It would be nice to collect money as I make one more loop through life's craziness.  Unfortunately, it doesn't quite work like that in my life.  It seems like every time you have money to buy that new rental, you end up paying to get out of jail.  Funny how I never win Monopoly.  I guess in some ways, it is just like real life.

Wedding DIY Ideas

Since wedding season in upon us, I thought I'd share a couple DIY ideas for the special day that I think are cute, simple and easy.

FIne Living # 18

Make sure to get your copy of FLL today! I shot the cover and the jewelry spread.  I had a great time and awesome help from my sister in law Jenn.  Thanks everyone!!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1360986842070&set=a.1177938745982.21209.1753552555&type=1&theater

My How Time Changes Us

I guess what people say is true.  Life is just like a roller coaster ride.  I've seen my fair share of ups and downs, and I have managed to make it out relatively unscathed.  But sometimes those curves really catch you off guard.  At this point in my life I felt that people couldn't surprise me.  Curve balls make me eat my words though.  People change and grow and yet somehow we always stay the same.  Our entire life is built on our past or what we remember of it.  As I watch everyone I grew up with getting married and having kids, I still see them as teenagers running around Dauphin stirring up any type of trouble to be found, because really, what else was there to do in that town? I find myself sometimes yearning to be a kid again, only for the pure enjoyment I got out of everyday, knowing I had nothing to worry about except making sure I was at the pool when it opened at noon.  Now as summer sneaks up on us, instead of worrying about getting to the pool, I worry about fitting into a bathing suit and making time to go on a vacation.  It's so sad how ten years can make such a difference in our lives and yet nothing has really changed in my mind.  I still would be happy to only have to worry about getting to the pool on time.

Happy Mother's Day

I hope all the moms out there today have a wonderful day with their families! Enjoy your day!

Calling all cute babies!

Know anyone who just had a baby?? Buy them an awesome gift certificate for some memorable photos! Haven't done family photos in years....do it this year! Contact me today for some great photos that last a lifetime.

2011 Wedding Discount

Anyone who books for unreserved last minute wedding dates in 2011 will receive a 15%.  Make sure to let anyone you know who is getting married about this great rate discount.

Just what I needed

Sometimes there are people in your life that just had to have put there for a reason. After a long time coming I was able to have dinner with my best friend. It was just what I needed tonight. I was able to rant and rave to her as she sat there and laughed about how much she loved me. I'm so thankful to have someone like her. It's nice when someone knows exactly what I need and when, even if it's just a listening ear. I'd go completely crazy without her.

Hate you no more D.C.

Today I drove to Washington D.C. to help Leslie shoot an engagement session.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I despise this city.  I've had horrible experiences there that leave me yearning to never return so today when I left my house and saw it was supposed to be sunny skies, I at least had that to look forward to.  Well, mother nature once again had other plans for me.  Leslie and I made the best of the rain situation and had a great time shooting with Josh and Kara.  I even enjoyed the city and dare I mention, I thought to myself I could return for fun another day...so D.C. I am proud to say that you have redeemed yourself in my eyes and I do not hold such hatred for you any longer, but you definitely are no NYC or Philadelphia.

Alma Mater

Wednesday I got to revisit my old college and help them at their annual picnic.  It makes me think back to when my crew was there.  Great memories but I just can't believe how time has flown so fast.  A lot has changed at the college as well as with the students.  They all gave me some good laughs at the while I was there. Make sure to check them out on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/PCAD.EDU

Looming Laundry

My least favorite chore to do around the house is most definitely laundry. I hate it with a passion. I'm not sure if it's merely the thought of it or the looming piles of clean laundry that stare at me waiting to be folded and put away. I think I'd rather scrub floors all day long than have to deal with cleaning clothes. I'm sure this is ridiculous to most people but as I sit and relax, I catch a glimpse of a pile of laundry. I dread tomorrow and my day of clothes catch up...

Good Pain

With the return of nice weather I am more apt to start running outside again when time permits. My body tells me it's been too long since I had a really good workout. I guess sometimes it feels so good to hurt so bad. Atleast I know the running is doing some good! Tonight I may have bitten off more than I can chew. I'm not sure if this frail butt of mine will be able to roll out of bed tomorrow morning.

Buda Family

This past weekend I had a surprise session for Terry's husband for his birthday.  He was such a great sport about it.  He thought everyone had showed up just for his birthday, not for photos!  Happy Birthday! I hope you guys had as much fun as I did.  Here's a quick look at the whole gang.

Happy EASTER

Have a Happy Easter today!!!!!!

Meet Kaeley

On April 10th, Andrea and Jake introduced Kaeley into the world.  This adorable bundle of joy is such a little peanut!  She gave us a little bit of a hard time, but despite her mini outbursts, we got some amazing shots of her and her mommy and daddy. Thanks again guys for letting me document such a HUGE event in your life!

Tag...You're IT

Tonight I experienced Laser Tag.  WOW! I can't believe how much fun I had running around acting like an idiot shooting at kids.  Cheap entertainment makes me smile.  I never knew attending a 10 year birthday party could be so fun.  I recommend trying it, even big kids(adults).

Hands down best quote of the night

"You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap."
-Steven Tyler

Happy Birthday Erica

This past weekend a friend of mine's daughter turned 16 and she had a Hollywood inspired party.  Her mom asked if I could take photos on the red carpet and some quick candids.  Below is a quick shot of the kids at the party acting just like sixteen year olds do...

YMCA Biggest Loser

Please check out the photos from the weight loss fashion show hosted in honor of YMCA LS participants.

http://ymcals.blogspot.com/2011/04/fashion-show.html

Tasty Surprise

The other day someone knocked on my door to deliver a package.  When I opened it up and saw this beauty, I couldn't believe someone had gotten something so cute and different as a sympathy bouquet.  I thought it was unique and fun. Thanks so much Lisa and JJ!

Cheap Entertainment

http://thegeek531.tumblr.com/post/4470817836/bollywoodgaga-seawitchery-i-started-out

90 Countries and Back Again

As you all know, I am still working on my list of things I want to do in life.  Today I had an opportunity arise to cross an item off my list. While I was waiting to shoot, I met an older man seated alone in a back corner of the restaurant quietly enjoying his bottle of wine.  When he stood up to walk to the restroom I realized he used a walker to make his way through the walkway.  He smiled and made conversation with myself and Nicole.  What started out as a cute joke, turned into a great story of how this man had traveled around the world prior to him ending up there, retired and lonely.  Clearly, he had been to amazing places and experienced many memories I can't even dream up, but here he was alone.  The realization of how life plays itself out hit me hard in those few moments we shared discussing his youth.  Here stood a man who had obviously done so much but had no one to share this with.  He told me he travels to this restaurant three times a week to enjoy its staff and escape the Dutch food from his retirement community cafeteria and this saddened me.  At that exact moment I knew I had to surprise this gentleman the same way I had been surprised so many years previously when I went to pay my bill and my waitress told me it had been taken care of.  It was that random act of kindness that made me want to pay it forward, but it wasn't until today that I thought I had found someone that would benefit from it and be truly grateful.  So, I'm sure as he tried to pay his bill well after we were gone, he was pleasantly surprised by two young women and the generosity they shared as a thank you to his wise words about life.  

Just 'cause

Celebrate

Yesterday my wonderful grandmother passed away only an hour after I said my last goodbye.  She was an amazing woman who had already beaten cancer and other life's obstacles, but had decided she was tired of the fight she had endured for so long.  She passed away peacefully and happy with the life she had.  So instead of remaining upset, I've decided to celebrate her and everything she reminds me of.

I celebrate...

...her passion for life.
...her wisdom.
...her resiliency.
...her independence.
...her faith.
...her friendship.
...her strength.
...her happiness.

and HER.

Production on Hold

Due to an unforeseen family emergency, some sessions may take a little more time to edit and produce than normal.  My apologies to everyone that this affects.  Thank you ahead of time for your patience and understanding.

Something Found

Baby Bundle

Monday I made the trip to State College to meet this little guy.  He was amazing the whole time we shot.  Only stopping for one food break, he was so easy to photograph.  I met the whole family and we got some adorable photographs of him and the extended family. 

Sway

This cutie was so patient while her mommy did Jenn's hair the other day, I had to shoot a mini session with her.  Look how adorable she is!

Personal: Mia Testarossa Salon Promo

Sunday my sister and law met me to take some shots for her salon.  They are offering some new things and she wanted to showcase them by having some photos that weren't your run of the mill head shots.  We had a great time at the train station and ended up with some really great photos.  Here is just one to tide everyone over.

Surprise!

On Saturday I took part in a biggest loser style contest finale.  These ladies had after 10 weeks lost massive amounts of weight, so to celebrate this they hosted a fashion show.  Unknown to the people in the audience, the trainer was surprising his wife by renewing their vows.  He also was surprised, that his wife had contacted the preacher as well, and had the same exact surprise.  This is the photo I captured when he realized she was in on her own surprise.

It takes me back...

It's so comforting to get together with an old friend and not skip a beat.  I love picking up where we left off no matter how long we've been apart.  Sometimes it just takes you back to when life's daily grind didn't exist.  Today was a day full of reminiscing old memories and it was just what I needed after a long work week.

I'm Blue for Blue Skies

Rain, rain go away.
Come again another day.

Missing Puzzle Pieces

Love can be such a cynical topic.  There are people in our lives we just seem to be drawn towards.  It may defy everything logical, and yet at those moments we find ourselves being the people we most want to be, but are too scared to become.  Listening to my single friends talk about their lives make me think back to my own crossroads in life and ponder it in retrospect.  I'm at a point in my life that I have grown to be so thankful for what I have accomplished and become, that I have to wonder what allowed me these opportunities, and what has passed me by due to my choices.

Someone told me that I blog because there is a void that I fill with my words.  There are moments I write because I am thinking of the what ifs, but who hasn't thought about that one thing, that would have changed everything in your life?  I think that admitting that love is work, it's hard, it's complicated and sometimes unfair, is half of the internal battle we fight.  The other half is just finding that missing piece to your puzzle that someone carries.  So, when you find all of this, my best advice to people is to jump, take that leap, no matter how cynical it may seem, you will just know, just like they always say, and it will be in the most mundane of days, when you least expect it.

So, yes, I blog because I feel like I speak best on paper.  I miss opportunities because I am afraid of change, of making a fool of myself, I hate to make decisions, and I know I can be a tad crazy at times.  These are all things I admit, but the people who love me, love all of me, so there are no voids, just moments I relive examining the possibilities and I keep writing...

"A love that defies all logic is sometimes the most logical thing in the world." ~Anonymous

Chic Chick

Today was a great day on the road, a busy, crazy, but, still a wonderful, hilarious day.  Not many people can say that in between rocking out to Lady Gaga, and stuffing their face with food, they have time to lay in the grass and laugh while taking ridiculous photos-just for fun, but I do all of these things, and pretty frequently.  For this, I am truly thankful.  It's in these brief breaks in my hectic schedule, that I get to catch my breath, only to lose it again in a fit of laughter.  Here is Nicole, before she broke down into a giggle today while we took some time to enjoy it all.

Are YOU!?

Are you a TOUGHMUDDER ?

..........I'm gonna be!

Lately I have been drawn to quotations. I find it amazing how some people have such a great way of articulating their feelings. I purchased two books the other day that are full of famous quotes and found two about friendship that got my attention.

A soul friend is someone with whom we can share our greatest joys and deepest fears, confess our worst sins and most persistant faults, clarify our highest hopes and perhaps most unarticulated dreams. - Edward C. Sellner

Eventually, it's the silences which make the real conversations between friends. Not the saying, but the never needing to say. -Margaret Lee Runbeck

Failure to launch...

Scrolling through the tv menu tonight I found Failure To Launch was on. It reminded me of the cardinal rule, us ladies, firmly live by....a man over thirty who is still single definitely has something wrong with him. Despite what some men will tell you, there is exactly 3 categories he may fall into: 1) he's divorced with baggage 2) he's a tool 3)he still lives with his parents

Ladies, beware of all three!! Hopefully this is informative and fun to read!

This will make your heart melt...

http://www.finelivinglancaster.com/HumaneHeroes/

First Time Flowers

It's the small things in life that matter the most, at least for me it's true.  Sometimes, I take the simple things for granted, not realizing that they may not be that simple to someone else.  Today I saw how a tiny gesture meant the world to someone, so much so, that she asked me to take a photograph of the flowers she got delivered to her.  When she told me it was a first, it was hard for me to imagine, since I, just the other day, was surprised by flowers from my hubby.

Enjoy these moments.  They are few and far between, but very important in life.  It's flowers "just cuz" that strike us women the most and make us smile.

Slow and steady

Tax season is upon us again, and for the first time I have tried so hard to keep on top of things and ahead of the game.  I accomplished another list item by finding myself a great accountant.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a good return, but really, who knows what will happen.   Hopefully I luck out and get some money back for all the expenses this year.  

Slowly I am crossing things off the list, but of course, it takes time.  It wouldn't be fun unless it was an interesting journey, so I'm trying not to rush to the finish line.  In this case, I think the turtle's speed beats the hare's.

Thank You

You ever sit back and count your lucky stars for certain people in your life?  On days that I'm at my worst, my best friend never fails to get me laughing until I am crying.  I know that it wasn't a coincidence that we found each other, nor do I think it's odd that we are so similar, down to our choice in husbands.  It's her who has a way of making everything better when nothing feels right and it's her that holds all of my best kept secrets and funny stories.  Sometimes we don't even need to talk, we still know what the other is thinking and tonight was just another one of those times that I find myself blessed enough to have found such a perfect best friend.  Thanks for all that you do!

If dashboards could talk...what stories mine would share

Dashboard Confessionals had the right idea with their name. I swear my car hears it's fair share of stories, secrets, and off tune singing. Today was one such day for my dashboard. With warm wind floating in and out of the windows, music blaring, I belted out some of my old school favorites as my mind drifted to fond memories which drifted in and out with each changing song. After a long week, God definitely needed to tempt me with beautiful weather and remind me that these dull days of winter are soon over. I miss my summers driving to no place in particular with not a care in the world. Today reminded me of these favorite things and for this I am thankful for.

Lights Out

Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me.

Well, the Doc only fooled me once, but I passed out quicker than he could imagine.  Let's just say I don't do well when people tug on my ear drum -while awake....next time Doc, please, please, please sedate me.  Wow, how childish it made me feel to blackout, at my age, in the office.

2012 Seniors

It's that time of year again..already!  Senior portraits are sneaking up.  Make sure you book your session early.  For those planners out there, anyone who books by the end of April gets a 10% discount on packages.  Call today!

Chainsaw Lullaby

As I write this, I listen to Pandora, and think of all the photos I have to edit, and then from behind me, I hear a chainsaw in the backyard.  Yes, a chainsaw.  If someone would have asked me what my life was going to be like, I definitely wouldn't have described a normal day as above, but in reality, there is nothing not normal about these things, which makes me smile just thinking about it.  I'm sure the neighbors hate us, but sometimes you just can't take the country out of the girl, just like the song says.  Some days I dream of being a famous photographer and living in the big city, but seriously, where would HE play with his chainsaw and toys?  Life has taught me many things, but it's those daily oddities, I never thought I'd love, that keep me smiling.  So, I hate to guess where I'll be in another five years, since I'm sure I'll be wrong, but I'm know it will feel right.  There is never a dull day in the life of Kate Greenawalt, so that will never change.

A small prayer

It's really sad that people only realize in times of need, how very important the people in their lives are. My prayers go out to all those being inflicted pain and loss as a result of the events in Japan and it's surrounding areas. I must remind myself on a daily basis that life is never as bad as I think it may be. Unfortunately, this proves it. Take some time to remind those you love that you care. Life is never promised another day.

Starting Monday....

New offer available!  Starting Monday, I will be offering a 30 minute session, CD, and a unique 11" circular metal wall print included in your session for only $115.  This deal will NOT stick around so book this month to make sure you get this awesome product!

Big Changes

I am so excited to share that over the next couple of weeks, this blog as well as the website will be making some huge changes.  Keep checking back to see what's in store for Kate Greenawalt Photography.

Bella Bug

This was my companion this evening.  She was not happy that her daddy went to work, but I sure did catch the cutest pic ever while she was pouting!

My Movie Marathon

Instead of feeling sorry for myself today, after completing surgery #3 for my ear in 6 months, I decided to take a full day off and enjoy a marathon of horror movies.  To most, I'm sure this sounds down right ridiculous, but to me, it's so fun to scare myself with these movies.  Every once in a while, everyone needs a movie marathon day to just lay in your sweat pants and today was mine.  Let's hope that I can function on a high enough level tomorrow to deal with my clients, while still taking pain medicine....this should be fun!

The gift that keeps giving.

This year, I only asked for one thing for Christmas, a Nook.  I am an avid reader, from horror to romance, anything that keeps my attention and makes me think.  I absolutely love to enjoy a glass of wine and escape into someone else's story every once in a while.  Reading is such a relaxing and enjoyable past time, that I think many people forget with all of the hustle and bustle of every day life.  So, I'm off to enjoy a mind grasping story that just might envelope me into another world, and hopefully allow me to unwind enough to fall asleep.

Heavy Words

I got an interesting email today that I had to pass along...

Paul Harvey Writes:

We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse. For my grandchildren, I'd like better.

I'd really like for them to know about hand me down clothes and homemade ice cream and leftover meat loaf sandwiches. I really would.

I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated.

I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the lawn and wash the car.

And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.

It will be good if at least one time you can see puppies born and your old dog put to sleep.

I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in.

I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother/sister. And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room,but when he wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's scared, I hope you let him.

When you want to see a movie and your little brother/sister wants to tag along, I hope you'll let him/her.

I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your friends and that you live in a town where you can do it safely.

On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks away so you won't be seen riding with someone as uncool as your Mom.

If you want a slingshot, I hope your Dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one.

I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books.

When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head.....

I hope you get teased by your friends when you have your first crush on a boygirl, and when you talk back to your mother that you learn what ivory soap tastes like.

May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on a stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole.

I don't care if you try a beer once, but I hope you don't like it... And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend.

I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your Grandma/Grandpa and go fishing with your Uncle.

May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays.

I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through your neighbor's window and that she hugs you and kisses you at Hannukah/Christmas time when you give her a plaster mold of your hand.

These things I wish for you - tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness. To me, it's the only way to appreciate life....

Waiting on Kaeley

Saturday I went over to meet the Nelms at their home.  We laughed as they watched me hit my head a couple of times on the ceiling while climbing to shoot.  What can I say, sometimes it can be hazardous when I work!  They were such great sports, allowing me to direct them any way I wanted.  It's so enjoyable to have clients who let me use my creativity!  Here's just a few from this shoot.  I'll post some others later this week!