"I'd do anything, for you dear, anything..."

So says the Artful Dodger in the musical Oliver. And that's how I feel about my kids. And I'm blessed beyond imagination to fly with my three sons to rendezvous with my daughter in Budapest this week! Laine is studying theatre in Uzbekistan (next to Afghanistan) for the whole school year. It's a tough place to live - see the link to her blog on the right-hand column and you will understand a bit. And I do miss her so! We will stay in a youth hostel near the Danube River. You will see post-trip photos, but for now, here is Laine on San Juan Island last summer, ready to conquer the world.

Why I Photograph High School Seniors

Just look at these young people, shining like stars in the galaxy. They have come so far and will grow so much in the next few years. They are at the edge of an adventure that, God willing, will take them through their retirement RV touring years. I love their fresh spirit, their soul-searching, and their breaking free of childhood fears.
God put a love in my heart a long time ago for teenagers. I worked with Young Life during college and later a youth group at church before my own kids multiplied and called me home. I am blessed to spend time with high schoolers while I photograph them. Looking into their eyes and cajoling them to turn this way and that, their character and light pours out and colors the digital media that becomes a portrait.

Madalen's Many Faces

Madie, age 3, is the proud big sister of Adrienne, born Oct. 28. Madie posed for me with her mom shortly before the big event. Madalen's mom was my teenage next-door-neighbor years ago. Today she is a wonderful woman with a loving husband and two dear daughters. You will meet Adrie soon!

Growing up Fast

Babies come through here three or four times a year and I have the joy and privilege of watching them grow. Bennett is pictured here at six weeks and again at one year. He's been a jolly guy since day one and Leo and I always look forward to seeing him.
Speaking of growing up fast, Leo is in kindergarten now and is pictured here as a pirate dog for halloween!

Twins Double the Joy

These twins bring such joy to me - their fabulous personalities, their loving family, and their family story of loss and love. Their aunt died of cancer before they were born. These girls have brought incredible hope and happiness to their extended family. Thank you God for the gift of new life.
Our own family's gift is little Leo. He was born 6 months after his dad died. Here he is at our final StoneyRidge Farm day - 5 years old and full of love and spunk.

Senior Mania!

As yearbook deadlines come and go, seniors are piling through here to choose their best portraits. Here is a crazy review of this week's senior choices. What a great looking bunch of kids! And they are pretty awesome on the inside as well.

Indian Summer

The rain has returned, but oh what a wonderful Indian summer we've had.
This week more clients became friends... we really have a good time together! I love the beautiful people I have the great privilege of photographing.

Here are a few who chose their favorites this week - Ashley, in the sunset at Semiahmoo, Casie with Lex in the grass, and my my dear friend's grandkids, David and Megan, at StoneyRidge Farm.

Another happy mom :)

Cody and his mom came over last night to choose their favorites. Here are three:

Above all, joy.

I see that my last post came out way too depressing! Please be assured that joy reigns in my life 99% of the time! I consider myself the luckiest woman alive - I have four incredible kids, a beautiful home, amazing friends and family and the best career imaginable!
So come rejoice with me - God is so good - He fills all the gaps.
love,
Karen

A crazy, difficult, joyful week

Welcome my friends to blog #1!

It's a crazy week to begin this, but I am filled with emotion and may as well let it spill a bit.
This week marks six years since my husband, Leo, died suddenly of a heart attack at age 41. This time of year is always tough, but I was determined not to go into a tailspin. Then a friend of mine died in a motorcycle accident. Toby was 46 and one of the dearest, most earnest Christians I knew. Working through his death, spending time with caring, mutual friends and his widow really helped me process my own grief a step further. Grieving really never seems to stop; it goes away for a season, and then washes over you like an unexpected wave. Then I also spent two days with my folks and my youngest son, Leo, at Roche Harbor. I needed nurturing, and I received it. I'm usually a pretty tough cookie, so I think it was a shock for my parents to see how much I needed them.

Back to reality on Saturday! I photographed at StoneyRidge Farm for the first time ever - I love this family! Debbie and Derrick Gavette took this farm from a dilapidated potato farm to a thriving tourist business in Everson, Washington. They have pumpkins, scarecrows, hay rides, farm animals, caramel apple pie, and on and on... all worth a visit at least once every October. I'll be photographing every Saturday there from noon to 2 p.m.

Later I met with two of my favorite client families for slide shows. Geneva will be interning with me this year for her graduation project! I've known her family since we were in a 4H club together about 10 years ago. They always make me feel like I am somebody special. Brittany comes from one of the funniest families I've ever worked with - their mirth and mutual love are obvious and overflowing.

Finally, I ended the night at the 6th annual KAFE Leisure Suit Convention - a crazy 70's dance. I went with two widow buddies. It was amusing, but quite a stretch for me. It would be more fun with somebody to dance with...

Until next week!
Karen