Gone Home

Tonight, after a long struggle...Grampa Bill went home. He is now hanging out with Jesus in his new, perfect, heavenly body! What an amazing thought. I recently read the book "Heaven is For Real" by Todd Burpo....and it really gave me a new and exciting perspective on heaven. Not only did it reaffirm to me that it is a real place, but that it is our ultimate home, perfect in every way. I could say so much more about this book and what it revealed to me...but instead, I highly recommend you read it! Of course we are sad, because we will greatly miss having Grampa here with us.....but I am comforted by knowing I will hug him again one day. What an amazing man he was. His contagious smile, great sense of humor, funny songs, blueberry animal pancakes, and love for the Lord are just a few of the many memories I cherish. I feel so blessed to have had the privilege of being his granddaughter!

GW Picnic :: Arbor Trails Nature Preserve

I had the privilege of photographing the GriefWorks Picnic last Saturday. GriefWorks is an organization that helps children grieve the loss of a loved one by providing Christian grief counseling and support groups. I loved meeting and hanging out with all these sweet families!

Bittersweet

Last weekend, I made in impromptu trip to Tulsa to spend some time with my Grampa. He is now under Hospice Care and will probably pass fairly soon. I am so glad that I decided to go up there when I did. Amazingly, he was pretty alert and awake on Friday, so he knew I was there and got some great time with the family. Bennett even sat on the bed with him for a good 10-15 minutes...a miracle in itself for an active toddler! My time there was bittersweet as I knew it could be the last time I would see Grampa before he passes, but sweet in that I got special time with him. More than the sadness I feel, I am excited for him to soon see Jesus face to face....his body fully restored....able to walk, talk, dance again in heaven. Keep my grandparents in your prayers as they both undergo this difficult transition!

Council for Life Event :: Katy Trail Ice House

I had a great time shooting the Council for Life event last week with Claire! It's such an awesome organization. Here's a little sample of the event! :-)

Here We Go....

Meet my new baby....the Canon 5d Mark II! After much research, debate, and thought.....I took the plunge and bought a full frame professional grade camera. My sub-frame Nikon is an awesome camera and has been so great....but as I dive more into my photography venture, my needs for a full frame pro-grade camera are increasing. Claire has been so great to counsel me and refer me to the right camera shop(s) that could help me with buying my new equipment. I am so excited....although I will say it was still a little hard to hand that credit card over when it was time to buy! Not only because pro-grade equipment is so expensive, but also because this means that this IS happening. I am diving more into photography.... hoping it goes somewhere and all makes it worth investing in this oh so expensive equipment!! All so exciting and scary at the same time. But, then I remind myself that God has a plan....I am not in control....and am just along for the ride. Not to mention, I am so lucky to have a wonderful husband who has been so supportive and encouraging as I go forward with this. I look forward to working more with Claire and learning as much as I can....since I still have far to go. I also pray that with this new endeavor, that I can find out how it can also be used as a ministry outlet. How can I use opportunity this ultimately glorify God and bring others closer to him? Your prayers are appreciated as I step into this new, exciting, and a little scary adventure! :-)

Bryant Wedding

Here is a small glimpse of the wedding that I shot with Claire recently. I had such a fun time working with Claire and being a part of Josh and Laynie's special day. They are such a fun couple!

To see a few more pics from the wedding you can go to Claire's blog : http://clairemccormack.wordpress.com/2011/05/10/sneak-peek-laynie-josh/

P.S. Thanks to my friend Jonathan for letting me borrow his canon for this wedding! Since I was planning on getting a new camera and possibly switching brands, I wanted to work with a canon for this wedding. Thanks again J!

Birthday Girl

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY TO JULIA MARIE!!! I am so very blessed and lucky to be Aunt ("KK") to this sweet little girl! I so enjoy her fun-loving, kind, and playful spirit. Three years has sure flown by, but I have loved every moment of watching her grow whether it is through skype (while her family is in China) or during her long visits to the States! Jules, we wish we could be with you on this special day....but KK and Uncle Ry are sending you lots of hugs and kisses from afar!!!  Wo Ai Ni, Julia Marie! ("I love you" in Mandarin)