Mama’s Diaries

I wanted to title this post “Mike+Leanne = Baby Name” because baby boy has a darling name but I wasn’t sure if the happy couple are keeping his name a secret so I’ll have to leave you guessing.  The Rolling Stones shirt is a hint though. 

This was such a fun shoot!  Gorgeous couple - great personalities - beautiful day - fun fun fun.

Yep - had to have a shoe picture. 

This is Ella.  Beauty runs deep in these genes.  :)  Ella is Leanne’s niece.  I am excited to have the opportunity to shoot Ella’s six month pictures in a couple of months.  You’ll be seeing more of this little darling.

I came across an advertisement to a short film this week (on Wayne Jacobsen’s site) and I invested the 20 minutes to watch it.  I WAS SO GLAD I DID.  This mini movie really pacts a punch for making a point in short time span.  Very moving.  I think you should go watch it.  Right now. 

The Butterfly Circus

Plot Summary:  “At the height of the Great Depression, the showman of a renowned circus leads his troupe through the devastated American landscape, lifting the spirits of audiences along the way. During their travels they discover a man without limbs at a carnival sideshow, but after an intriguing encounter with the showman he becomes driven to hope against everything he has ever believed. Starring Eduardo Verástegui (Bella), Doug Jones (Pan’s Labyrinth, Fantastic Four) and featuring the debut performance of Nick Vujicic.” - http://www.thedougjonesexperience.com/butterfly.htm

As I have said many times before, it is often the unexpected shots that turn out to be my favorites.  Who expected a sibling dispute in the background?  Classic huh?  They need a storyboard out of this for sure hee hee! 

Ray, Amanda, Raeanne, and Isabel along with Graham’s pony, Gunny.

Oooohhhh do I LOVE red heads!

My first vivid memory of Raeanne was when she was about 4 months old.  We were having an Easter play at church and somehow I managed to get my hands on Raeanne during the play (I was in it and was on stage as a random peasant woman).  I held her during the performance and she was all nestled in a purple blanket that brought out her red hair and enormous eyes.  I think she was AMAZING to look at.  I still do.  :)  Amanda later made me a couple of BEAUTIFUL baby blankets in girl colors with intricate cross stitching.  I had them in my girl box for YEARS before I got to use them.

My first vivid memory of Isabel was one of disappointment when Ray wouldn’t let us call her Bella.  I am still a little annoyed at that frankly (hee hee).  She was just a few months old and was swinging in a baby swing while on a camping trip up north.  Another red head and her hair was so darling and curly.   Isabel is a beauty in her own right.  I figure if Tanner should marry one of these two someday, we can pretty well ensure red headed grand children.  Wouldn’t that be something?  :)  It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark you know.  One must plan in advance. 

Several years ago, when Raeanne and Tanner were babies, Amanda and I (for reasons I have long since forgotten), found ourselves driving up north together to meet our husbands on a large family camping trip.  We stopped along the way in Camp Verde to get some food.   As we walked in, I noted that we were likely to get inquisitive looks from people.  Amanda and I with our black hair and Tanner and Raeanne both striking red heads.  I have never forgotten Amanda’s comment to that.  She told me that more than likely everyone would simply assume we were the nannies.  LOL.  Over the years, people have actually asked her that.  FOR.  REAL.

The first time I met Amanda she was about 17 years old and was dating a friend of mine (Ray).  That was quite a long time ago…..:)

I love getting to shoot for family and friends that have been near and dear for so many years.  So many shared memories and experiences.   These pictures were taken out at Daniel and Brooke’s little ranch.  In fact, Daniel was helping me with these pictures of Amanda (I needed a farm boy who would just say “as you wish” hee hee).

If you don’t know Amanda you are missing out.  She is one of the most selfless people I have ever met.  She is gentle, loving, compassionate, and lives out. in a beautifully illustrated way, what it means to be a servant.  I can’t even tell you how many precious stories have reached my ears over the years about her quiet and generous spirit.  She shows up when someone needs her and ministers by helping in every way that she can think up.   You may recall that I wrote about her after Tori’s sickness early this month because she came over and gave me a massage when I got home from the hospital.  :)    Every person I know, who has the privilege of counting her as one of their friends, is so thankful to have her in their life.  I love her to pieces.  She is truly beautiful inside and out.

By the way, the silhouette of the woman with the horse posted a couple of weeks ago was of Amanda during this session.  I have been very off track lately (did I say VERY?).  I have two more posts this week that include more of Amanda and her sweet family.