Meet part of my husband’s amazing extended family that I married into.  Uncle Freddy, Aunt Gale, Courtney, Olivia and McKenzie.  At the beginning of April they all piled into a less than big enough rental vehicle and traveled roughly 1900 miles to Arizona for me to capture Courtney’s senior pictures.  Honored?  I think so.  Of course, I think that my children were the real draw!! 

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this family.  We already miss them so much {tears}!!  They blessed us throughout the week with loving on our children and just being with us.  The last time I saw the girls was when Gage was eight months old and we took him to Michigan in December (Hello, I am a true Arizonan - why did we go in the winter??  I was an ice cube the entire trip!).  So, to say that they have grown up a little would be an understatement.  Although here in these images you get to see their outward beauty, make no mistake these girls are the real deal inside and out.  They too have a passion for Jesus, dance, softball, family and possibly boys!  ;)  Girls, we were so blessed by you and can’t wait to see you soon!!!  xoxoxo

Uncle Freddy & Aunt Gale, what can I say…your girls are beautiful a reflection of your love for them, each other, Jesus & life.  You both are amazing.  We enjoyed every moment we had with you and are praying for what God will have for you in the future.  Oh to have you closer to us would be incredible.  Thank you for making the trek all the way here for Courtney’s pictures it was a great excuse to spend time with you.

We love you!!

Ok, because they traveled so far…they will get some extra love…we did three separate shoots, so throughout this week you will get to see their family AND Courtney’s senior session.

First up, part 1 - The Family (& a few with us too!!)

Courtney

Olivia

McKenzie

Beautiful Sisters

The start of Courtney’s Senior Pictures…

Family…(Thanks, E for the pic!)

Hard to believe that these two girls were the flower girls in my wedding when they were just turning FOUR!!  BTW, Gracie is a dead ringer to McKenzie at this age!! 

More to come in the next few days!!  Have a great Monday!!

Blessings!

Janelle

I remember seven years ago very clearly.  Well really seven years ago yesterday, ;)  I think I remember everything SUPER clearly since I felt EVERY contraction!!  That’s right, this kid came out without any pain meds. I kept reminding myself, especially at the end of my labor that this would end and I would be holding my first born in my arms.

At 7:47pm, Gage Warren was born placed on my chest and it was everything I imagined it would be.  Relief that the pain was mostly gone, that my son was healthy and so thankful for this amazing blessing.  It’s still hard to believe it really was seven years ago because I feel like it was just the other day.

The first week was spent like this during the day, but at night baby Dracula appeared. 

But then he started to do something that I said he couldn’t, his first act of rebellion…he started to get bigger.

and Bigger…

And then little sister came…and Gage became a BIG brother.

Here are a handful more of Gage as he has grown…

One of his FAVORITE things…CAMPING with family!

And here he is as a BIG brother to three siblings…God knew he would be the perfect fit!!

We are so proud of Gage.  He has a kind spirit, loves others, makes good choices, loves his family and loves Jesus.  We love you, Gage.  Happy SEVENTH Birthday!!

(on a side note, remember mom said to stop growing, now would be a good time!) 

Jennifer makes pregnant look good.  She is absolutely glowing as her baby boy is cooking away in there.  Her smile is contagious!!  These two are so excited to welcome a baby boy in May into their lives.

I met them on a Saturday morning just after the sun was up…the light was so pretty coming through the trees.  I am not a morning gal, but this made me wish I was.  There is something amazing about the light at sunrise.

That last one is my fave!! 

I enjoyed our time together J & J!!  I pray that you have an awesome experience welcoming your little one into the world!!

Blessings!

Janelle

From our family to yours…Have a Sweet Valentine’s Day.

XOXO

1 Corinthians 13:4–8a (NIV)
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails …

Blessings,

Janelle (& family)

Another decade down…good-bye 2010, welcome 2011.  I think that all of us at some point yesterday, today, or sometime soon will take a moment to reflect on the year(s) passed and look to the future.  Some of us have a lot of excitement and change on the horizon (like my sister-in-law, Becca, who is ready to deliver twins ANYDAY - how about 1-1-11 birthday for my niece & nephew??) and some a little unsure of what this next year will hold.  My hubby had to work last night and today, which makes us do our reflections in a day or two, but my only real resolution is to live with intention…to let go of the everyday mundane and to live with purpose.  My dad always says that if you are still taking in air then God has a reason for you to be here…a purpose.  That is my mantra going in to 2011.  So, here is my family wishing you a Happy New Year!!  May God be present in your life, may you rest in the knowledge that although we don’t know what this 2011 holds, He does and He loves you more than we can understand.

Thank you, Erin for capturing this one of my family and hubby & me!!

Those of you that know my Grace know how perfect this picture is! 

Gage lost his bottom two teeth this last month!!  He looks way too grown up here, but I love his smile…it’s contagious.

My sweet Sadie-Lady who has a tender heart for others and her family.

My firecracker, Gracie, she keeps me on my toes and has a precious soft side that I love.

Little Gunnar, who just passed SIX months…I can hardly believe it, but he is a delight to all of us.

My husband and I will celebrate ELEVEN years married in a week.  We have learned to enjoy the “everyday” moments, especially when you have little ones around and to cherish the quiet times when it is just the two of us.  Although if you know me this might be hard to believe (ha!), but I am not always the best communicator when it comes to my feelings…sometimes I write it better.  I am thankful everyday for Jason, he works hard at his job and provides for our family, he protects us, he loves to be with us and he can’t wait to come home after his shift, he loves me unconditionally (even when I am a pain - which is practically never ), he loves our children without reservation, He chooses to be a man of his word, He chooses to put his relationship with Jesus first, he LEADS our family, and trust me the list could go on.  God knew just what I needed and I am thankful.  I love you, Babe.

Happy New Year, Friends!!

Blessings!

Janelle