Maya turns FIVE!

In life there are those life alternating moments that you never forget. Five years ago a doctor placed a six pound 10 ounce new baby girl in my arms and my life changed forever. It's one of those surreal moments. You know it's happening to you but feels like you are watching someone else. Did I really just do that? Did another human really just come from me? It makes you feel mortal and at the same time so close to God. In my daily life, I get stressed, flustered and sometimes overwhelmed but when I look at my beautiful baby girl Maya, (Callie too) I am struck with that same overwhelming feeling of love and joy, that rushed through my body, on the day the the doctor placed the six pound ten ounce baby girl in my arms. Today our baby turns five. She is amazing and shines brighter than any lighthouse.

Copen Family

The weather Saturday morning was horrible. Cold and rainy! I lucked out because the Copen family has a beautiful home with many options. Also, mom shares my addiction to a certain website and had this wonderful pink owl hat. There are so many to chose from but looks like I'll be going back for a few more...since they live right beside a beautiful field and an awesome red barn. Can't wait!

Fun with Pugs!

I was so lucky to have a wonderful lady named Chris call me to come to her home and photograph some of her award winning pugs. We are only half way done, as I

will making a second trip out because she has so many wonderful little guys and girls. This was my first animal only session and after it, I would LOVE to do more. We had a great time. Here are some sneak peeks!

Molly's Miracles Event

Molly is an amazing 2 year old in the middle of a battle to save her life. This is her story in her mother's words.

"Molly was born a very healthy 8 pound 9 ounce girl on March 29, 2009. In august of 2010, Molly started to have difficulties with ears, breathing and allergies. We just figured she had asthma like her older brother Matthew. But with Matthew, with the breathing treatments he got much better... she didn't and she was on a lot of medication. In January of 2011 she got pneumonia. Our wonderful pediatrician (who we credit saving her life)... gave her antibiotics and told us to come back in four weeks because she wanted to make sure it was gone. Well...all the pneumonia cleared up but a spot remained...turns out it was a tumor in her chest causing all of the breathing issues. She was diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroblastoma on February 28, 2011 at 23 months old. She was diagnosed with stage 4 because she had unfavorable histology and a small percentage in her bone. She has undergone 6 cycles of chemo and OU in Oklahoma and surgery in NYC. She will finish up the remainder of her treatment at OU which includes tandem (two) stem cell transplants, radiation to the site where the tumor was, retonic acid (accutane) and antibody therapy. The remainder of the treatment she has left is at least six months."

Here's how you can help. In the month of October I will be partnering with Heidi Whitestine, 31 bags and Gifts consultant, to raise money for Molly. Go to www.mythirtyone.com/hwhitestine, click "place an order" then click on "Molly's Miracles Fundraiser". These bags are mutifunctional and make great gifts for teachers, birthdays and holidays. Molly will receive 20% of all sales.

Also, I will be donating 50% of sales of all gift certificates ordered in October. So, if you want to plan ahead for the holidays or have a baby shower gift you need to get, email me at mclifeportaits@hotmail.com.

Please join me to make this even a success. Every little bit helps.

Mr. and Mrs. Deaver

I worried all week about rain for this couple who were having their wedding and reception outside. We had a back up plan but I knew how important it was for the two of them to have pictures at the farm. They saw each other for the first time at the country club. Even my heart was pounding! The day worked out perfectly. Chris and Katie are obviously madly in love and I had a great time capturing it! The best part of the night was the surprise fireworks show. Fun! Congratulations Katie and Chris!!! Best Wishes!!!

Mr. and Mrs. Adair

When I delivered the engagement portraits to Michelle, she burst into tears. I did too. Bob was deployed and she was missing him like crazy. I hoped Michelle would have the magical day she always dreamed of and when the weather looked rainy, I prayed. Friday, Spetember 9, 2001, went as planned, perfectly. The church was beautiful and there was a background everywhere I turned. We could have spent hours there! Michelle look stunning in her dress. Everything was as I had hoped it would be for her. Perfect! I wish nothing but a lifetime of happiness...oh and maybe some babies...so I can take their pictures!!!! Congrats Bob and Michelle!!!!

Sam and Katie

What a beautiful wedding! I LOVE photographing weddings where I have already photographed another family member. I feel like a "friend". Heck, everyone made me feel like a part of the family! I even sat with the brides family for dinner. You should have seen the food! The O'Neil House was beautiful and had excellent service. The atmosphere was heightened by the Mosaic Band. Sam and Katie are in love and it showed. They are a perfect match for each other. I am thankful that they asked me to be a part of their special day. Best wishes for a lifetime of happiness!!!!

Joey~ cuteness overload!

I can't believe how much Joey has grown. He is one of the happiest babies I have ever met. He made my job very easy. From his adorable blue eyes to his blond hair and those chubby rolls, he is cuteness overload. I mean....who wouldn't want to squeeze those cheeks?!?

Molly and Clint

Molly and I worked together years ago when she was in her single and looking in all the wrong places days. I was settled down and married then so I hoped Molly would find the one also. Last year I met Clint at a birthday party. He seemed nice! Then I heard their story...high school sweethearts, separated down different paths and then reunited to fall in love all over again. How romantic! I must admit it melted my heart to see Molly so in love with the man of her dreams. It's evident they are made for each other. I wasn't there to see their beach wedding in Florida a couple weeks ago but I was lucky to photograph their "sunset" portrait that they were unable to get. Best of luck to a wonderful couple! May each day only get better. Congrats!

Baby Olive

First, how adorable is that name?!? Seriously. She is a gorgeous baby and I didn't hear her cry ONCE. The whole family is so sweet. Their house was very charming and had a lot of nice locations for portraits. I can tell by their home, this family is creative. Mom had a ton of wonderful knit items and headbands for me to choose from. I had to bring my A game! Hope you enjoy the sneak peeks!

Cahalane Family

Every family has a Mira. The stubborn one. Add that together with the age and it makes for a great picture. I am fully aware that I have this type of child myself, (if you remember my Christmas card) and it's funny to me that I find it so adorable on other children and so frustrating with mine. I guess that's how it works. Anyway, they are the most adorable family. The dogs were awesome and everyone looked great. I wish I could pull off the pixie cut like this mother daughter duo. Beware, the cuteness level is overwhelming!