SOLI DEO GLORIA!!

....if you're not sure what the title means...read over on the right...or I could just tell you too I guess ;) To God Only be the Glory!!! Above you see two beautiful people...and I am going to share with you ONE AMAZING story...it's incredible...because God is incredible!! I have waited a little bit to post about this wedding because I wanted to have just the right words to share with you about this incredible day/couple. Long story short (because you would be reading for hours the way I tell stories!!)....Ken is a wonderful, genuine, and very very kind and godly man. Bernice is perhaps one of the sweetest, most-tenderhearted, and beautiful women I know. They are both obviously "older" :0) Well, Ken was married years ago to a beautiful woman...together they had a full and wonderful life...and 8 children...all who are now married with children of their own. :) His wife went home to be with the Lord a couple of years ago and just recently Ken came into contact with Bernice again. Get this: years back when Ken was feeling led to marry, Loretta and Bernice were the two women he had an interest in at that time. After much prayer and consideration he felt more led to propose to Loretta. As you can see where this story is going....

Bernice never did marry and apparently had thought she probably never would. At 66 years old (she's not shy of her age!! :) You go Bernice!!) she received a marriage proposal (through the Apostalic Christian Church) from Ken. She prayed for direction and guidance and felt that this was the path God would have her take!!! So she accepted Ken's proposal and was a beautiful, blushing, and very giddy bride at the young age of 66!

I get teary everytime I really sit down and think of this story and am so honored that they chose me to document their wonderful celebration of marriage and love. It was absolutley amazing. Now I have hard evidence for any young woman feeling unsure or perhaps that they will NEVER marry or have the right man find them etc... Bernice waited patiently on the Lord and she is surely blessed for this!! At 66 she married the man of her dreams and at 68 God provided yet another "helpmate" for Ken...even after such sad times in his life in losing his first wife.

What a testimony to strengthen my faith in the plan that God has for each of our lives. It seems to me (and I could be wrong here!) that God had Ken choose Loretta first b/c he knew she only had so much time here on earth...and later, he would have Bernice waiting for him..I am in utter amazement, awe, and am so thankful for Ken and Bernice! In obedience to the Lord they have both been blessed again and again in Him.

One of the best parts of the whole day (okay there were lots!) was how Ken's children just loved on him, hugging him and kissing...all teary obviously sharing some very special moments with their dad. Bernice was so gracious and beautiful, standing by their sides and receiving hug and much love herself. It was mentioned that Ken and Bernice would be starting a new chapter in their lives together. But, during the ceremony Pastor Jim commented on that even though they would be beginning a new chapter...the pages of the old chapters would not be torn out...rather they would be preserved and cherished in memory. He had them repeat their vows and after Bernice's marriage vows, asked her (after saying this wasn't something he usually asked in a marriage ceremony) if she would love and cherish Ken's children to reiterate this thought and to publically make known her love for them...and she said..."I will and I do".....Yes, I was crying...a lot. It is so apparent that they both love each other and that their family as whole just loves and cares for each other. I don't think there was a dry eye in the place..at least on the women's side ;) It's a good thing I didn't have to photograph the actual ceremony it would have been a mess from me crying. It really was all just so beautiful. These two lovely people have a love for eachother that only God could have sparked...and it shows. Their eyes sparkle, their gentleness with each other..it all just sparkles. SOLI DEO GLORIA!

Well, this is possibly one of the longest posts ever for this blog...but I needed to share. Thank you Ken and Bernice. May God bless you richly as you live the rest of your days in Him and with each other in love, hope, and faith. Love, ~R.........;)





One of my all time favorite images is above...Ken and Bernice having a moment to pray and thank God for the blessing He has so graciously bestowed on them in each other...just precious.

Congratulations and God's blessings to you Bernice and Ken!!

Congratulations Mr. T...

Here you Mr. T (hehe - I used to watch that show all the time as a kid!!)...Sorry this took a little longer than I expected!! It sure was worth it though! Look at this SENIOR!! He's super busy visiting colleges and taking exams and such...it's a good thing we caught him when we did! These are just two of your studio shots T, there are plenty more! I can't wait till Spring when we can get outdoors on-location. I guess we could have done outdoor shots, but with it being dark and all...It's alright, being flexible is GOOD!! By the way, thank you for being so kind, polite, and FUN! You, your mom, and your cute little doggies truly were so much fun to photograph! Thanks again C family!! ~Rosie.........;0)

Hello!

Hi there! I know I said I'd have your sneak peek up T but my hardrive....is......being......slow....I need to defrag and clean out! Too much stuff on my harddrive! Tomorrow is a new day though so...Thank you for understanding!! Also...I finally decided to do Christmas cards but...I cannot....design....one....my computer is being...tooo...slow....and keeps freezing up and then kicking me out of my program. I think I am not supposed to do Christmas cards this year I guess. I'll just have to post our Christmas photos that I was going to use on December 23, so check back in that day ;) Consider yourselves well wished! Have a great night everyone! ~R.........;)

Snow Baby...

Happy Birthday little J!!! You were such a sport going out in the snow with Mama and I...Great job!! Love, ~R.........:) P.S. I will load the b and w one later, blogger is being wonkey. Also, T your Senior sneak peek will be up later tonight, and I also have an extra extra special post later too... ;)

31 minutes and 27 seconds old...

I just found this as I am proofing C's brand-new baby birth etc. session. I am amazed (yet again) at how we are created...even at 31 minutes and 27 seconds old (according to the time on my camera - I went back and did some investigative math! ;) this little baby boy is completely in-love with his Mama. Well duh I guess right? I know, I know...it just hit me (again) in this image. Wow. Praise God for we are fearfully and wonderfully made! Thank you again C and J for the honor of shooting your very special miracle!!

Also, I wanted to sort of write a little bit more about the whole birth photo session experience. Some people who found out I was going to shoot a birth session were like "eww!! that's so gross!" and some where like "um..okay...to each his own I guess??"...and none really were like.."that's so cool!!!" (except for C of course!!!) until now...until seeing these images. I just had one Baby Planner Mama in-waiting ;) say that she was trying to convince her hubby to do this... and after seeing these images was like "We're doing this right?!?! We have to do this!!" ;) As a mommy myself I just love these images...Unhurried, completely precious and focused on mama, daddy, and baby images...in the moment...goopy, amazing, in-motion, quiet and still...you name it. That's why I did it and and why I'll do it again and again. I am in awe of the miracle of life...that God would entrust us with these perfect and heavenly sent little babies...I was the photog mama taking pics of MY hubby over by the warmer while laid out on my delivery table no less. (HA! Now there's a visual for ya!) (But really does this surprise any of you who really know me??) What an honor to be able to be in the room with other parents experiencing the miracle of life. I actually got to cut my little B's cord b/c R was busy with the camera taking pics (and there was no one to take pics of him cutting it!)....so I guess I should say...no I don't think it's gross, I think it's amazingly beautiful. I look at the situation much like a nurse does probably...(and we know some nurses actually do take some of the photos!!) plus I've been there before - twice to be exact ;) And yes, I did get teary eyed when little N actually made his way into the world...but I couldn't sniffle for long, I had moments of miracle, beauty, and love to capture!! Until next time! Love, ~R.......;)

One more for Christmas!!

Just couldn't resist posting this cutie!!! Merry Christmas ~ 14 days to go!! Love, ~R......;)

Good morning!!

Okay, so I have 8 minutes left of morning ~ that's alright!! We had a busy weekend of photoshooting and ripping up carpet...yes you heard me right!! We are really getting our new house ready! If you have been there before and like the vintage 1970's...I am so sorry...it's ALL going!! Okay, the green fridge, stove, and kitchen sink have to stay for now...but they'll go eventually ;) Here is one year old little H from a couple of weekends ago...I am swamped and still need to upload this weekend's images...soon my friends, soon. Thank you for stopping, have a GREAT day!! It's beautiful outside!!! Love, ~R...........;)

Here's one for you Mama L....

Here's I..our little serious guy :) I mean it...when I want images of a serious little one, I just call L and I...His big blue eyes just melt my heart though!! L here's one for you today, I hope you are having a great day! Off to pack now...really, I mean it! See you all on Monday night! Love, ~R........:)

Here's one for you G and R :)

I can't say thank you enough G and R for coming over today...we are so blessed to have such friends like you...so genuine, sweet, and true. We are so thankful for our church and all the people there that we count more as family than as friends. You two are beautiful together, Praise God!! Love, ~R........:)

Another walk down memory lane..

A and E...I can't believe your little baby girl is one already...thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of her memories...she's just beautiful! Enjoy!! ~R.....:)

If you didn't notice, I skipped from 3 mths to a year b/c we have to get packed up and get to P'Ville for the wedding I am shooting this weekend. All of little 'H's' images are archived away for safe keeping right now..so these are the ones I have on my harddrive for...well...you'll see ;) I hope you all have a great weekend! If you haven't received your 2-3 images for Christmas card over e-mail, it will be coming either in the next hour, or Monday. Thanks again! ~R........:)

A year in pictures...

Happy Birthday Gavin!! It has been SUCH a pleasure watching you grow from 23 hours old until now...what a blessing you are to all who have the pleasure of knowing you. May you be blessed this 1st birthday and for many many more!! Love you little one....Love~R.....;) P.S. Congratulations to parents Amber and Seth...he's absolutely precious. Have a GREAT party!! You guys are the best!

Baby O...

How old do you think this little guy is in this image?? If you guessed 4 weeks, you're right!!! ;) He was over 10 lbs. at birth and is growing more and more everyday! Isn't he so cute?!?!? And so strong and alert! Thank you H and C for bringing your beautiful family in to see me!! I had such a great time using your awesome ideas and can't wait to post some more. Just one this time everyone until I proof your session and put some more up, I have lots to do!! Until tomorrow everyone! Love, ~R........:)

A for Adorable!

Baby A...you are so cute! Mommy - K - thank you so much for bringing your precious little sweet pea to me!! She is so full of wonder in this image!! Enjoy! More coming tonight everyone, I have a family shoot that got rescheduled for tonight...so until after that! Love, ~R.......:)

I JUST left...

the hospital where baby N and his family are resting and visiting with friends (quite comfortably I might add!! They even have a computer with Internet hook-up in their room!! Do you think they could start something like this in Peoria??!?! Sure makes it convenient to check your blog pics RIGHT AWAY if you schedule your birth session with me! :) Hi J and C ;) Well I took little N's newborn pics today and it went fabulously!! I highly rec. having me come to the hospital esp. b/c they are super sleepy etc.. He just laid there and slept the whole time!! I'll post a couple of those later tonight...like after I upload them and the boys go to bed ;) Anyway~ here are some more pics from last night right after the little guy made his entrance into the world. I can't believe how much he already changed in under 24 hours. Three words: amazing, miraculous, precious. Thank you all! Have a great day!! (Also if you are waiting for sneak peeks, they will start trickling in tomorrow :) Love, ~R.........;) Enough of my thoughts now, on to the important stuff :)

Just so you know, I just teared up as I looked at these in sequence. I know. I'm either a. a sap, b. just plain appreciative of the miracle of new life, or c. in complete awe and wonder of God's amazing power to create such perfect and beautiful little babies within a woman...down to the last detail. or all three. :)

***okay update after dinner ~ I couldn't wait! Here's just one from today C and J...tell me which you like better. I am really liking BOTH in their own way! ;) ~R

The miracle of life!!

Okay Auntie T and everyone else checking on here tonight!! Here is baby N! Born just hours ago at 10:01 P.M. Thank you J and C for allowing me the honor and blessing to be there to witness the miraculous birth of your precious baby boy!! C, you did a wonderful wonderful job...as did you J...God has surely blessed this little boy with two amazing and wonderful parents. He is blessed and my goodness, so are you!! You've got one cute and snuggly litte guy on your hands!! Praise the Lord for his safe arrival! The love that your family shares is tremendous~ thank you for allowing me to share in your most special and momentous miracle! Enjoy and wait for a couple more, blogger is being a little slow tonight :( Thank you and God bless! Love, ~R.....;)

Baby N just minutes old....

Such a sweet and calm little baby boy...

Baby N, I KNOW you'll appreciate the duck in 15 years! :) Enjoy everyone and congratulations to C and J!!

Gotta love

this cute little guy!!!! T and J your little man is soooo sweet! I just couldn't help myself, I had to post this one. T wanted images of little M "as is" and so that meant...in his mini me Carhart jacket (like his daddy's of course!!) Too cute!

And as many of you are know finding out through the grapevine!! Yes we are really moving to P-Ville!! We are buying a house (not building) and are preparing for our big day. We let our wonderful landlord (really..he and his family have been so great to us!) know that our date is....Feb 1!! Could you please pray for a smooth transition for the boys??...they seem very excited to move back and to be close to the farm...they really have developed quite a bond with their Grandma and Grandpa S :). We are, however, terribly sad to leave our church up here in St. Charles though!! We have been blessed with lifelong friends who really feel more like family. The power of the bond of Jesus Christ is just amazing! Thank you all for you support! Until next time!! And that will be soon! Give me a couple of days for those sneek peaks, there are bunch on the way! Love, ~R....;)