It was such a wonderful treat to have Marec back to visit.  Jilliann and Marec had the best of time playing - from all their giggles - to many jumps on the bed - and the adorable little snuggling on Jilliann’s little tot couch - …..it was quite the “kodak moment”!! :)  The mommy’s of course sat back and enjoyed all their giggles and smiles, it couldn’t have been a better way to tire them out for a good nights rest.

Marec is such a busy little boy but this time I was stopping at nothing to catch him for some nice shots - I’m sure his Mommy will be thrilled. 

Thanks again Marac and Mistee - we had sooo much fun!!  We look forward to doing it again soon!! 

Yes, it’s true ~ Jilliann is full of Sugar and Spice.  She definately has more sugar moments than spice - which I’m grateful for!!  She keeps impressing both her mommy and daddy day by day with her total sweetness, that all around “sass” but mostly it’s that imagination that you never want to miss.  She has become such a young lady - with adultlike manners to her little “merry-maid” touch.  She never seems to amaze me!!  Were are truly soooo blessed!!

** These pics contain one of my fabulous new actions ~ “Old Skool” - and I just love it because it’s different!!

** This picture shows off her little flare of “SPICE”!!!

** And this one of course is expressing the love of SUGAR she has - you can even tell with that chocolate ring around her mouth !!!!

I most definately have a love for black and white pictures. I’ve recently purchased some great new actions for Photoshop at TotallyRadActions, so for all you “Photoshop Nuts” - these actions are FABULOUS!! Now if I just new how to work them…. j/k.  It will take me sometime to get into a routine with them but I can’t wait to see the final results once I have them all down pat.

And of course my one and only “favorite” model of mine - JILLIANN!!  I was snapping some shots during her morning cartoons, the look on her face “you’ve got to be kidding mom, Dora’s on”!!

They met in Arizona to soon find themselves planning their second date in the city of all cities……”SIN CITY”. Life at times has a way of pulling people apart, but destiny always finds a way for them to retouch.

Although Galt is a native to Phoenix, AZ and Lyne a native to Canada , they both obtain careers here in the Tri-Cities of Washington .  Lyne dedicates herself as a Registered Nurse for Kadlec Medical Center in the critical care and Galt dedicates himself to the Richland School District as their “in house” Attorney.

Galt and Lyne immediately put me at ease with their humor and wit and their smiles are nothing short but genuine.  Just by the way Galt touches Lyne — with his hand on the small of her back – it’s evident he’s head-over-heels for her. J

Galt, Lyne and their adorable dog Kokanee, made the best of the beautiful chilly mid-morning.  Much like the adjacent trees, their love is deeply rooted in fertile soil of the soul, and watered with love, and cared for with doting affection.

Their wedding will take place at the beautiful Montelago Resort in Las Vagas on the crispy Las Vegas Lake .

It was truly a joy to have had the opportunity to capture Lyne and Galt’s engagement pictures.  I wish you both the best and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.

Here are just a few favorites from their engagement session…….

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and stuffed their belly’s with turkey, stuffing and my all time favorite…..PUMPKIN PIE!!! :)  Great family, good friends and wonderful food is most definately a very pleasant and joyous treat.

Jilliann being her silly little self at the park!!

Another GREAT game for the Green Bay Packers!!  It’s so exciting to watch the packers having such a stellar season and only hope that they keep it!!

I was so fired up to have the opportunity to shoot these captivating young ladies once again. In my eyes, they are everything but ordinary and that’s what I absolutely love about these girls.  As some of you may know, these girls were my very first ”models” for my very first shoot ~ so to me they hold a very special place in my ”photographing career”. 

As twin sisters, they are very much different in their own way but what’s so amazing as you spend more and more time with them, you can just see that special little “twin sister” bond they delicately expose. That’s something so very rare and so special.

 

They met in law school and to one day be joined together in holy matrimony. Now as attorneys, they both obtain careers here in the Tri-Cities.  With their son Marec and a blessing on the way J, I had the opportunity to capture some beautiful moments of their family.

Little Marec was such a “busy” little boy who most definitely knew how to keep his photographer on her toes and I enjoyed every minute of it. J  The little ones are always such a challenge (since I know from experience) but the outcome is always worth it in the end. With his sparkly brown eyes and that irresistible smile, Marec definitely knew how to warm my heart.

I would like to thank the Verhulp’s for  such a wonderful opportunity and allowing me to document these family moments.  MUCH APPRECIATED! J

Winter is my favorite apparel time!  I love winter hats, scarfs, sweaters and my favorite (or obession as Leo would say) POINTY TOE BOOTS!! :)  So after quite the struggle in locating some great knit hats for Jilliann, we only found this one.  It wasn’t even a day to wear a winter hat, but I loved how Jilliann thought it was necessary to strut around the back yard with it on.  She’s too cute for words!!

I’m excited to have purchased these great new templates and I have so many more to try out. Can’t wait.

Some of you may know, Leo and I love to cook!! :)  From my “small town home cooking” to Leo’s “Italian Gourmet’s” - we have been very blessed to bring both together and create many wonderful meals.  We are two that have never put a “budget” on cooking since we love all “finer” things - from our seafood, great wines, pastas, steaks and of course Leo’s gourmet potatoes.

I really just wanted to share with everyone this fabulous recipe a girlfriend of mine had turned onto me and now I am wanting to turn it on to all my “bloggers”.  This recipe is FABULOUS! It has everything wonderful in it - from your Italian Sausage, Tortellini’s (whoever has a Costco - you must buy them there) and of course my favorite ~ wine and tasty produce!!

Leo thought I was crazy taking pictures of this FABULOUS soup as I was cooking ~ but I knew I wanted to share it with all of you.  So if you do decide to make it, I would love to hear your comments.

* I added in fresh mushrooms even though it wasn’t on the list*

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (3.5 ounce) link sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 cups beef stock
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 4 tomatoes - peeled, seeded and chopped
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 8 ounces cheese tortellini
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese for topping

DIRECTIONS

1. Place the sausage in a large pot over medium high heat and saute for 10 minutes, or until well browned. Drain the fat except for about 1 tablespoon, add the onions and garlic and saute for 5 more minutes.
2. Next add the beef stock, water, wine, tomatoes, carrots, basil, oregano and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, skimming any fat that may surface.
3. Add the zucchini, tortellini, green bell pepper and parsley to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until tortellini is fully cooked. Pour into individual bowls and garnish with the cheese.