The last two days have yielded a little less sleep than I have been getting.  A couple of sick kiddos, one being a congested baby, meant the sleeping situation was a little different.  So, I have to say that although this has been my friend for quite some time…the last few mornings, even more so.

It is kind of a love-hate relationship.  Love the pick me up I get in the morning after a hot cup of coffee and yes, hot even though it is still hot outside (however, that is changing…yeah!)!  But hate because after the 9am hour I have now depleted the caffeine that once ran through my veins and I can barely keep my eyelids open with toothpicks.  Why Starbucks hasn’t come up with some type of “patch” yet…you know, you put it on and it time releases the caffeine when necessary!  In all seriousness though, this morning was amazing…I got to sit outside with my coffee (only for approximately 8 minutes, but none the less) with my hubby and there was the most amazing breeze.  We chatted briefly about our day and then realized our son would be late for school if we were out there a minute more, but I savored the moment.  Amazing.

I just got the most amazing cross from a friend, she makes them (click HERE to see her stuff) and they are beautiful.  I had her pick colors that would match my kitchen.  I have it resting on the back of my counter and this morning as I was getting everything ready for Gage to head to school and pouring my cup of coffee there it was staring at me.  Seriously, it was staring because the beads pick up beautiful light that reflect right back at you.  It made me think for a moment about the light.  Jesus is the light of the world.  Those of us who believe in Him should be reflecting that light.  Yes, my kitchen was the perfect place for this cross.  A reminder every morning that I can choose to reflect the light of Jesus in every facet of my life.  Starting with my family, my friends, my business…and extending to all I will come in contact with throughout the day…Thank you, Lois, it’s beautiful.

I am preparing my newsletter to head into email boxes this week.  It has all the holiday session info, as well as when my mini shoots will be this year.  I am debating a few other items before I finish it up, but if you are one of my clients…look for it this week!

The little guy despite a little congestion is still sweet as ever!!  His hair is continuing to grow and lighten up and I had to sneak a picture this morning of it and of him in his AC/DC onesie before he is way too big for it, which will be next week I am sure!!

I hope that you are having an amazing Monday.  If you live here…I hope that you were able to spend a moment outside with the cool breeze!

Blessings!

Janelle

I LOVE LOVE LOVE that my kids have cousins their same ages.  Gunnar was born just a month before Belle.  Here he is giving her the sweetest kiss…or maybe the “you might be food, so I am going to try and eat you” kind of kiss…

And this is big brother Greer and my sweet Gracie…they are four months apart!!  This photo pretty much sums up the personalities here!

Hope you are having a fabulous Thursday!!

Blessings!

Janelle

This has been a year for babies in my family.  In February my older brother, Jason welcomed twin girls into their family, we welcomed Gunnar at the end of June, my brother, Jeremy welcomed his little girl at the end of July and my youngest brother, Josh will welcome twins (we find out their sexes tomorrow!!) at the end of the year!!  Six babies in one year…wow!!  Get togethers on my side of the family will number 21 just with my parents, brothers’ families and my family!!  Yeah!!  I wonder if my parents really thought about this when they had four kids!!  What a tremendous blessing!  Can you imagine Christmas in two years??  Oh my!!  So, fun!!  The even bigger blessing for all of us is that we all live in the same state!!  Most of us live in the same neighborhood!!

Well, my brother, Jeremy had to move his family out to Gilbert for work…I really hope that this is the farthest away any of us siblings ever move from each other.  We are all really close and even the 50 minute drive seems way too far!  They have a spunky 2 year old, Greer and they just welcomed Miss Belle to their family at the end of July!  We had to wait a whole week to see her because we were up camping when she arrived, but she is just the cutest little newborn ever.  She looks very much like her older brother, but even more so looks just like her gorgeous Mama, my sis-in-law, Lorie.

There were way too many images to choose from, so I put way too many in this post (should have done a part 1, 2, & 3…but I didn’t want you to have to wait!)!!

Here she is…Miss Belle Anna

She got her Mama’s lips {sigh}

Can you believe that hair?

You are gorgeous, sis, love you

Love seeing my brother as a dad…he is awesome, love you friend

Favorite

Sweet family of four

Big brother feet…little sister feet

I love Greer’s look here…it says, “I’m doing what you told me Auntie!”  Love you, buddy

oh sweet little niece of mine…you are beautiful…love you Belle

{Hugs & Kisses}

Blessings!

Janelle

I can’t believe that two months have already flown by!  Seriously, where is the time going?  Master G is growing more and more everyday.  He has already gained 5lbs 4oz since his birth…this boy loves to eat!!  You remember that sweet log bed that my friend, Doni had for Gunnar’s newborn pictures?  Well, here he is on the same bed at 6.5 weeks.  Quite a little chunky monkey and I LOVE it!!

On another note, although I am still technically on my own maternity leave…I am taking a few clients the month of September.  I will only be taking family sessions October and November for the holidays.  The month of December will be reserved for my family along with a couple of sweet newborns…(two of them being my youngest brother’s twins!!)

Stay tuned for all the info for the upcoming holiday sessions!  Have a wonderful Monday!

Blessings!

Janelle

I am so blessed to meet and work with the most amazing families.  This one is no exception…I have known the Toren’s for quite some time now, if you have ever seen or read North Valley Magazine, that is Adam’s brainchild.  A fabulous publication that is all over the valley now!!  Can I also say that when I had Gunnar, Crystal made me the most fabulous diaper cake ever!!!  I already told her that she has to sell them…it was absolutely fantastic and it was such a sweet surprise.  Well, I am so thrilled that they will be welcoming baby #3 in a couple of days!!  He truly is a miracle baby because A & C didn’t plan on more than two, however God had another plan for their family and they couldn’t be more excited themselves.  What a blessing and I am so glad that we captured him in the belly…no pressure, but I think this little ones is going to be a mover and a shaker!!  I can’t wait to meet Baby Cash!!  (AND I LOVE his name…just perfect!!)

C really wanted to do some cool silhouette shots, but we had a little time before the sun was just right, so we snapped some with lots of bright sun and I love them!!

Seriously…the cutest kids!!

Seriously, C…you are beautiful inside and out!

Favorite!

Thanks, again T family!!  Can’t wait to hear the wonderful news!!

Blessings!

Janelle