Theresa and Kyle: Engagement Shoot

             I met Theresa and Kyle through a family friend, and am so thankful to be taking their photos. A little while ago, Rikki and I took this beautiful couple out of town for a photo-shoot. These two are a photographer's dream because they are so laid-back and easy-going. They were up for anything, and their love for each other is present in all the pictures. Although it was a freezing morning, they were great sports, and we truly enjoyed hanging out with them. Now, enough said. Here are some pictures:

Aren't they so cute?!

 

Sweet... 

 Thanks again Theresa and Kyle for an awesome time. We can't wait for your wedding this summer!

Great Expectations

A season of great expectations: Well, our tree is finally up! Rikki and I decorated the house late into the night on Friday. It is looking like Christmas around here now. Last night, we even watched Chevy Chase's "National Lampoon's Vacation".
It is funny to see how Chevy's character has such high expectations for Christmas day. He has to have the best light-display, best presents, etc. Yet, that's never how things work out is it?

Have you ever noticed that this time of year causes a need for high expectations? The pressure is on as we all muddle through the murky waters of Christmas shopping, planning, cooking, and entertaining. Growing up, we always tried our best to have the most fun Christmas's. Needless to say, stuff happens. We crack under the pressure, and freak things happen. Like the time my mom spent hours making the perfect mashed potatoes and dropped them as she was carrying them out to feed our 25 Christmas guests. Or the time our tree's lights burned holes into our sofa. Or the time I tripped on the stairs and rolled down them with a pot of hot coffee spewing out around me. No Joke! This season is subject to any array of happenings, good or bad. What we've learned over the years is to keep it simple. Thus, this year, my family and I are setting low expectations. All we want is a nice time making memories with family and friends gathered around. No gifts, no
crazy recipes....just fun. Some of you might be thinking we are crazy! (I especially get a little sad about the no gifts part), but then I realize what the season is all about. The gift with the greatest
expectations has come and been given to all of us. It was a simple gift in a manger that makes all the difference. So this holiday season, when the expectations get high, when you feel the pain
of a loved one not here to celebrate, when you're ready to crack under the pressure, press into the One who is the greatest gift. Let him be your peace and joy this holiday season. Merry Christmas!!