Lana D.

The Blog has Moved...

2010-04-25T22:31:00.000-04:00

Please visit my new blog at www.lanadenharderphotography.com/blog.

Amy Wenzel: I Heart Faces

2010-03-11T11:01:00.003-05:00

I was excited and petrified all at once. One of my favorite photographers, Amy Wenzel, is giving away a spot in an upcoming workshop she is hosting via I Heart Faces. She is asking why we believe we are an inspiration to others. I was excited about the workshop, but petrified to open up and write my story.

How do I inspire others? The honest answer, I don't really know. I didn't intend to...

As a young adult I imagined having perfect kids, watching them grow up, play sports, graduate from college, get married, have babies...a dream many women have as they look ahead to the future.

I am blessed to be the mother of a beautiful boy named Cole. Three years ago, during an ultrasound in my 32nd week of pregnancy, I heard three words that would change my life forever...Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). TSC is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form in different organs, primarily in the brain, eyes, heart, kidney, skin and lungs. The disease affects everyone differently, some severely, others are so mildly affected that it often goes undiagnosed. Cole was formally diagnosed at birth and our family life has been a roller coaster ride ever since. He started having seizures at six months and is considered globally delayed. Modern medicine didn’t stop Cole’s seizures, but changing his diet did. Cole continues to make positive strides with the help of wonderful doctors, therapists, teachers, friends and family. We are blessed to have a huge support system who have been there for us along this journey because if definitely takes a village to raise a child. We are finally at a point where life is starting to feel...normal...if there is such a thing...and now I feel it is my time to give back.

It is hard to verbalize how I believe I inspire others...it is almost embarrassing to hear people call me inspirational because I don't think I do anything special. I do the same thing that any parent in my position would do. However, being the parent of a special needs child can be mentally, physically and emotionally draining. There are many days that I feel like a failure more than an inspiration. With that said, every parent wants beautiful portraits of their children to keep special moments alive. With Cole, I understand how difficult it is to have his (or our family's) picture taken. It requires someone with incredible patience, time and understanding because he doesn’t smile on command, sit still or even look in the direction you want him to.

The geeky, posed, school pictures aren’t a true representation of who our children are and don’t always portray them in a positive light. I have recently turned my love for children and passion for photography into a new business. As part of my business I want to give back and provide a comfortable photo session for our special children and to capture precious moments for families who haven't always had an easy road. I would love to attend Amy’s workshop to sharpen the skills I have to pay it forward and help give parents beautiful lasting memories of our special children. Families of special needs children often get stared at, overlooked and ignored. Our children are just as loved and wanted as every other child and deserved to be treated that way.

Isn't She Adorable?

2010-02-01T22:18:00.002-05:00

What do I LOVE about photography?

2010-01-03T12:23:00.001-05:00

I have always liked to take pictures, but I didn't really develop a passion for photography until I had my son. I wanted time to stand still and capture every moment for it to last a lifetime.

A new photographer friend of mine, Katie DeWinter, is holding her first workshop this month and I am excited to attend. If you are interested in attending or know someone that might be here are the details.

Katie is giving away a free spot in her workshop to one person that answers this question, what do you LOVE about photography?

I love photography because its personal and in a single moment it stops time with a memory to last a lifetime.

Here is one of my favorites from a shoot with my beautiful niece this summer.

Christmas Eve Fun ...Ho Ho Ho

2009-12-28T14:02:00.005-05:00

This holiday season has been crazy busy! I am extremely grateful that I was able to spend some time with my besties on Christmas Eve. We were able to get all of our big kids together for some winter fun. All five of them braved the bitter winter temps to get out and have a few laughs as we walked around downtown...for all of 20 minutes. The kids would have lasted longer but I was a frozen popsicle. Here are some of my faves!

Inspiration for the first one...I was reading the December Shootsac newsletter and the header photo was taken by Julie Parker. The minute I saw it I knew that these were the perfect kids to try it out!

The Best Way...

2009-12-27T17:35:00.003-05:00

The best way to experience Christmas is through the eyes of a child. Traditions are instilled early on. As a child I remember baking and cooking with my Grandma. She made the best vegetable soup, banana cream pie, and macaroni and cheese (with the spiral noodles). As an adult I watch my mother in law bake cookies with my niece and nephews. It is a tradition that the kids anticipate every year.

I wanted to spend some fun, quality girl time with Morgan, my six year old niece, so I asked her if she wanted to help me make some cookies for Santa. Morgan decided we needed to make 37 cookies for Santa...and he was going to eat all of them. I asked her if she thought Santa really wanted 37 and she said "yes, he has to eat them all so he stays big...that way he will fit in his Santa suit. His belly needs to stay full because he is going to have a busy night." After we got down to business making 37 sugar cookies, Morgan said she needed to test the cookies because she didn't want Santa to get food poisoning. So, just to be safe, we tested them...and tested them.

Santa ended up with 4 cookies and Morgan took the rest home.

My Family

2009-12-10T14:20:00.003-05:00

Last year I entered a photo I took of Cole into a contest Katie DeWinter Photography was having...and won! The prize was a photo session anytime in 2009. Brian and I decided it was a great idea to have new family pictures taken after Lauren was born. We met Katie one afternoon south of town at her parents farm. What a great place! We drove down the long dirt driveway past a huge corn field and pulled up to a cool, rustic barn with horses out in the pasture. It was like a scene from a country music video! Very cool. We were prepared for the kids to be uncooperative because that is how the day had been going. They didn't disappoint us! Cole cried the entire time and Lauren had her moments too. I just wanted to get one good picture of the four of us...but if everyone was looking in the same direction smiling, it wouldn't be a true representation of our family. Someone is always unhappy. Thanks for capturing the "real" DenHarder family Katie!

All photos taken by: Katie DeWinter Photography

.:Week 13/51:.

2009-12-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

I am enjoying being home on maternity leave...I don't want it to end. I had the opportunity to chaperone Cole's class trip to the Children's Museum earlier this month.

Here is a quick snapshot Cole's teacher took.

.:Week 12/52:.

2009-11-30T22:03:00.003-05:00

These are the days I wish I could bottle up and keep forever. I remember holding Cole in my arms and rocking him for hours. Now I can't get him to sit still for a minute!

Randy & Laurie

2009-11-29T16:38:00.000-05:00

My sister and brother in law were home for the Thanksgiving holiday and I forced them into a photoshoot...not really, they were willing participants. I was excited to try out a few new locations!

Morgan: All Grown Up

2009-11-28T23:38:00.000-05:00

When did she grow up? All in the blink of an eye...

Ava: Fashionista

2009-11-28T16:38:00.000-05:00

Ava is so stylish! She has the closet that most women dream of!

Giving Thanks

2009-11-26T18:11:00.000-05:00

Another year passes and we find ourselves celebrating Thanksgiving again. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in every day life that I forget to stop and give thanks for all that I have. I have so much to be thankful for this year. I am eternally thankful for my husband, Brian, and two wonderful children, Cole and Lauren.

I don't want to jinx anything, but Cole has been very healthy this year. Thankgoodness! After three years we are starting to feel like we are adapting to living with TSC and life is taking a normal course. I am thankful for all he has accomplished (to be detailed in a later post) this year and look forward to what is to come.

I am thankful for my new, beautiful baby girl, Lauren. Although she is just six weeks old, she is a joy and brings a fresh perspective to our life. Her smile melts my heart.

I am thankful for my family and friends who have been there to support us over the past couple of years. This is definately not the road we envisioned, but we accept that God had a different plan for us. Thank you for all your support and encouragement!

And because a post isn't complete without a photo...here is what I usually see when I bring out the camera. He is always cooperative!

Collin: 1 year

2009-11-20T11:14:00.007-05:00

You can't help but fall in love when you look at Collin. His bright blue eyes and giggly laugh are intoxicating. He is adorable!

Cutie Patooties

2009-11-18T23:07:00.005-05:00

I love these kids...how could you ever say no to these faces?

TerHaar Family: Inspirational

2009-11-16T19:54:00.008-05:00

Mindy and I used to work together but lost touch after going in different directions. We reconnected earlier this year on facebook after I learned that her son was seriously ill. They were thrown a curve ball but weathered the storm as a family. Mindy is a very caring person. I admire her strength and determination. I was honored to be able to spend time with Mindy and her family last weekend.

He Melts My Heart

2009-10-26T09:39:00.002-04:00

Need I say more?

.:Week 11/52:.

2009-10-21T21:24:00.004-04:00

Yes, I am still working on it. Although it won't be done in 52 consecutive weeks...it will be done.

Our house has been busy lately. On October 6th we welcomed our second child, Lauren Kate, in to this world.

Mini Workshop: Shutter Sam Photography

2009-10-03T21:51:00.007-04:00

I particpated in a mini workshop given by Sam Vanderlist of Shutter Sam Photography the end of September. There was a full class signed up but at the last minute a few backed out and that left just two of us. It worked out well because we were able to focus on our specific needs and ask questions that pertained to our styles and skill level. We focused on shooting in manual mode and working with models. Here are some of my favorites from the day.

Sam, thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge with us! The models, Dave and Amanda, were fantastic to work with...look at them!

Ava: 6 months

2009-09-26T21:51:00.005-04:00

I can't believe how fast she grew! It feels like just yesterday I got the call that she arrived safely into this world. I love spending time with Ava and her mom, Erin. In addition to being extremely creative, Erin is also a beautiful writer. She plans out her photo sessions all the way down to the intimate details.

I just love Ava's eyes! She is going to be a heartbreaker and will have all the boys following her around. I can just see her dad meeting her first date at the door with a firearm...watch out boys!

Angel in Heaven

2009-09-26T21:39:00.005-04:00

Ava's big sister, Elise, is an angel in heaven watching down over her...teaching her all the things that big sisters do.

101 in 1001

2009-09-14T10:52:00.010-04:00

At night as I am blog stalking photographers for inspiration, I have come across a few photographers participating in the 101 in 1001 challenge. It is when you challenge yourself to complete 101 tasks in 1001 days.

I am trying to keep up with the world as it passes me by, but my pregnancy brain is having a hard time remembering things lately. So, I thought it might be a good idea to do my own version of 101 in 1001. I started to compile a list of things I want to accomplish but haven't come up with 101...I have about 40 to start with. I will keep adding to the list as it grows, but in the mean time here it goes.

Start date: September 16, 2009
End date: June 13, 2012

Gosh that end date seems so far away!

1. take, print and frame photos of Cole and Lauren for their room
2. take a Photoshop class to learn about curves and levels
3. attend 2-3 photography workshops in a year
4. design a logo, or have one designed for me - completed December 2009
5. take the kids to Disney
6. frame photos and hang in the kitchen
7. put myself out there to meet other photographers
8. take newborn photos of baby H. - completed December 2009
9. lose the baby weight
10. go golfing with my husband
11. take photos of my parents
12. take the kids sledding
13. learn to grill ribs
14. purchase a prime lens - completed October 2009
15. blog every day for a month
16. finish my 52 week project
17. find an ugly chair to use as a prop
18. learn to use my speedlite
19. be more confident in my abilities
20. take another girls only trip with my besties
21. learn to upload songs to my iPod by myself - completed December 2009
22. surprise B with a getaway weekend without kids
23. learn to quilt - completed a quilt in October 2009 and gave it as a gift for baby H.
24. make a cake from scratch
25. have my portrait taken
26. redesign my blog
27. take photos of all 4 baby girls together
28. visit Morgan and Addy in Florida
29. have a spa day
30. visit a state I have never been to
31. donate blood
32. go on a photo walk downtown to explore new places
33. donate time to a children's charity
34. run a 5k
35. do something nice for someone anonymously
36. throw a party for no reason
37. learn about wine
38. go wine tasting
39. have lunch with someone business related that I don't know very well
40. take the kids apple picking
41. go camping
42. try sushi

And because a blog post without a photo is boring...here is one of two cuties I photographed last month.

Katie and Hannah

2009-09-05T21:04:00.006-04:00

I had the pleasure of spending some time with Katie and Hannah last weekend. They are two sisters in a family of seven kids (three girls and four boys). I can't imagine how busy their house is with baseball, football, soccer, cross country and everything else they particpate in!

I have known Katie since she was two years old...she is my niece...and I have enjoyed watching her grow up over the years. I still can't believe this is the same little girl that used to call me Wana because she couldn't pronounce Lana...now she is old enough to wear my clothes! I can't wait to see the beautiful woman she grows up to be. I am so proud of her.

Katie

Hannah

Dream Big: Three Years Old

2009-09-04T10:54:00.009-04:00

Coleman,

We can't believe you are turning three today! It feels like you were just born yesterday.

You have accomplishmented so much in a short time. We are so proud of the obstacles you have overcome and the developments and positive strides you continue to make. Looking back, your first year was rough, your second was tough, but the third year has been full of hope, excitement and surprises.

Your mobility is increasing, your communication is developing and your determination is in full force! We love to watch you scoot and crawl around the room exploring every surface with your hands (and mouth). We have waited for these memories to start building for a long time. What other mom can say she loves to see your hand and mouth prints all over her windows? Da loves to walk in to your room in the morning and see you sitting there...smiling with excitement when you see him. It melts our hearts.

We couldn't imagine a day without your toothy smile! Thank you for bringing such joy and happiness to our lives.

Happy Birthday.
We love you.

Da and Mom

I thought it would be nice to take a few photos while we were making dinner, but this is what I get every time the camera comes out. The tears came out tonight.

Morgan is a Big Sister

2009-08-23T15:39:00.003-04:00

I was so excited when Morgan (and my brother Eric and sister in law Missy) decided to come for a visit the beginning of July. The last time I saw them was in March during our girls weekend in Florida. Missy was pregnant and just starting to show. When they arrived in July she was all baby belly! I was excited to spend time with them and take a few pictures. Eric wasn't very excited to have his picture taken, but we managed to get a few.

Baby Addison was born the beginning of August. I haven't had the chance to meet her yet, but am hoping to see her at Christmas...although Thanksgiving would be better (hint hint Eric!).

Here is an Oakes family photo from their July visit. I look forward to taking new family photos over the holidays!

Here are a few of Morgan and Addison courtesy of Eric.

Brothers: Cameron and Case

2009-08-16T15:58:00.007-04:00

These two boys will be welcoming their baby sister next month so we thought it would be fun to take them out and have a quick photoshoot before their sister arrives . Cameron is 6 and Case is 3. How do you get boys to smile? Cheese doesn't work...apparently it takes a little more to get giggles like these... just ask their mom!

Jen, thanks for letting me spend time with you and the boys. I can't wait to meet your baby girl soon!

Ava: 3 months

2009-08-01T14:21:00.008-04:00

I first met Ava at the hospital the day after she was born. I can't believe how much she has grown. She is now 3 months old and is changing every day. She has a smile that will melt your heart. At 3 months, she has the wardrobe that grown women envy!

Jack

2009-07-31T11:31:00.009-04:00

I had known Jack's dad for a long time and was fortunate to become good friends with his mom around the time they got married. His mom is like a sister to me and we have shared many laughs over the years...many of them being about the crazy things our kids do.

Jack is a fun loving 8 year old who loved the idea of having his picture taken. We started off on his grandpa's 1940's Ford tractor. He really wanted his grandpa to move it out into the field, but I convinced him that it was perfect right where it was...better lighting in the shade instead of the direct sunlight. We got in a few shots before the mosquitoes started to invade and Jack was ready to be done. We finished up with a few quick, serious and funny ones. This is the Jack that I know!

Collin: Heartbreaker

2009-07-31T11:30:00.010-04:00

Collin is one of the cutest little boys I know! He has the biggest blue eyes...watch out mom and dad, he is going to be a heartbreaker!

Photoshoot: Amber Nason Photography

2009-07-19T20:00:00.003-04:00

Oh to be a teenager again! I had the opportunity to spend the morning with Amber from Amber Nason Photography while she shot Clare's senior pictures. We had a great time exploring downtown with Clare, her mom and her friend...until it started pouring rain with no warning. Clare was great and was excited to have her picture taken while playing in the rain! What a trooper!

When You Ask...

2009-07-16T11:07:00.003-04:00

a two year old to smile, this is what you get. As you can see, Cole loves to have his picture taken. He sees the camera come out of the bag and he immediately tries to turn around or puts his head down. The camera goes back in the bag and he comes back to life!

.:Week 10/52:.

2009-07-12T19:56:00.000-04:00

Morgan [more]

2009-07-07T21:54:00.002-04:00

Childhood Friendship

2009-07-07T21:30:00.006-04:00

Friendship isn't always easily described. The Eskimos, they say, have a hundred different words for snow. Unfortunately, the English language isn't quite as innovative, though it has vast opportunities to differentiate meaning. Certainly, Love is one of those opportunities. And so, too, is Friendship.

Instead of different words, however, we're stuck with simple adjectives. Close friend. Best friend. Childhood friend. Intimate friend. Trusted friend. Beloved friend. But whether you use adjectives or different words, few could deny the nearly infinite meaning in such a simple word.

Friends are special people. We can't pick our family, and we're sorely limited in the number of them at any rate. But our friends can be as diverse and infinite as the adjectives we choose. Our friends, in a very real sense, reflect the choices we make in life.

Author: unknown

.:Week 9/52:.

2009-07-03T15:10:00.003-04:00

Mornings are a time when Cole and I have some quality time alone. I would like to read books and play...but this is how he prefers to spend the time waiting for the school bus to pick him up.

When Family Pictures Go Wrong... and Week 8/52

2009-07-01T23:21:00.003-04:00

No explanation needed!

A Timeless Friendship

2009-07-01T22:37:00.002-04:00

It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Morgan: Big Sister to Be

2009-07-01T22:16:00.003-04:00

Morgan is preparing for the arrival of her baby sister, Addison. Addison will be making her debut in August...so Morgan is soaking up all the attention while she can! Morgan lives in Florida but is back "home" visiting us for a few weeks. I still can't believe that her parents, my brother and sister in law, decided to move away last year. I miss them so much.

Nason Family

2009-06-26T12:00:00.001-04:00

I am have been lucky to have found someone that is willing to help mentor me as I learn more about photography. Amber of Amber Nason Photography is great! She is always willing to answer my questions and share her knowledge with me. I was excited to get out and shoot and what better way to learn than to shoot a photographer's family!

Amber's husband, Brandon, and I have known each other since grade school. We grew up together and he was like a second brother to me. I had the pleasure of meeting Amber just before they got married. We have seen each a few times over the last couple of years, but this last year we reconnected over what else...facebook!

Brandon and Amber have two adorable boys...who just wanted to play.

More Emma

2009-06-25T20:51:00.008-04:00

Emma

2009-06-14T18:25:00.003-04:00

Emma is simply adorable! She loves having her picture taken.

TSC Walk and .:Week 7/52:.

2009-06-14T11:40:00.004-04:00

Step Forward to Cure TSC

Yesterday Team Coleman participated in the annual Step Forward to Cure TSC walk in Lansing. This is our third year walking. With the support of family, friends and strangers, Team Coleman raised over $15,000! The entire walk raised over $43,000 for TS research. This is our biggest year ever.

The "wills" we take for granted

2009-05-31T13:04:00.001-04:00

There are many days over the course of a year to be thankful, but we live our lives every day without thinking of those people who do their job or gave up their lives so we could be here...members of the military, police officers, firemen...the list could go on. That makes me think about the things in life that we take for granted while rasing our children.

As parents we take for granted that our kids will do the normal things a young child does.

We assume they:
will smile
will recognize our faces and reach out
will learn to stretch their arms to the sky when they want to be held
will want attention
will learn to touch toys and want to play
will sit in a shopping cart as we do our grocery shopping
will hug and kiss

These are all skills the Cole has mastered in the last year, most of them in the last 6 months. We couldn't be more proud of him! Here are a few pictures of Cole practicing the new skills he has learned.

This is my favorite...deep down every parent waits for the day that their child notices the window and starts to lick and rub their dirty hands all over it! Those handprints are priceless.

Memorial Day

2009-05-30T16:28:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day is important for many reasons. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. My dad and father in law were both in the military. My father in law served as a young adult and my dad was in the military as a young adult and continued to serve until he retired earlier this year.

Here is a photo of my father in law and Cole at the Douglas Memorial Day parade.

My Dad was out of town visiting my siblings in Florida on Memorial Day. So in honor of him, here is a picture of him showing off some fabulous art work he received from the Organek girls while stationed in Iraq in 2005.

.:Week 6/52:.

2009-05-23T21:43:00.002-04:00

Backyard Hangout

Today was one of the better weekend days we have had in a long time. The weather was nice and all three of us were in good moods. So after a lazy morning and afternoon nap we decided to visit the Spring Parade of Homes. Rockford was our first and last destination. We stopped and saw 3 homes...all were beautiful and well out of our reach. Cole enjoyed riding on my hip in his new Peanut Shell Sling. I originally bought it for the baby, but the package said it holds up to 36 pounds so I thought we would give it a try. Perfect fit for the Coleman since he only weighs 24 pounds! We decided to head home for a quick stop and ended up changing directions and headed to the nursery to pick out some flowers. Once we returned home we sat outside on the deck dreaming of ways to update, redo and change the outside appearance of our house...and played in the grass with Cole. Perfect end to a perfect day.

Baby Ava Storyboard

2009-05-16T23:53:00.001-04:00

I had the pleasure of meeting baby Ava for the first time a few weeks ago. Her family and friends having been waiting a long time to meet her! Erin and Rob, thanks for allowing me to capture a few new memories!

Cole's First Game

2009-05-09T16:27:00.003-04:00

We took Cole to his first Whitecaps game yesterday. We were fortunate to be asked to join some family members in a suite...which was a perfect way to beat the sun for the first half of the game. Cole watched part of the game and then decided to take a nap. He woke up in time for the 7th inning stretch and watched as we cheered the Whitecaps on to victory.

.:Week 5/52:.

2009-05-08T09:50:00.005-04:00

April 18, 2009

Ok, so I am posting some things out of order, but I am still trying to catch up. 2009 will be a year of "firsts" for Cole. First time to the zoo, a professional baseball game...and who knows what else. This year we spent my birthday at the zoo. It was Cole's first time to John Ball Zoo. We had a great time, however, there weren't many large animals out and available for Cole to see. On top of that, it is mating season. The few animals that we were able to see were.... having a good time with each other if you know what I mean. Oh well. We will try visiting again later in the summer.

My First Photo Shoot

2009-05-08T00:00:00.001-04:00

I am still trying to catch up on events from the past few months.

In March I had the honor of shadowing the talented Amber of Amber Nason Photography on a photo shoot. We had lots of fun scouting out new places downtown and we had perfect weather. Amber was great to watch and work with. I am excited to work with her this summer!

On top of that, our models were great! Here is one of my favorites sooc (straight out of camera without editing).

Estrogen Weekend

2009-05-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

March 20-23, 2009

Despite a flight delay leaving Grand Rapids and having to run through the Atlanta airport while rolling our luggage we mangaed to make our flight and arrive in Ft. Lauderdale just in time.

I had a fantastic time in Florida with the girls! We spent some time lounging by the pool, went on a gator hunt (just for Christina) and did a little shopping. The best was being able to spend time with Eric, Missy and Morgan.

Morgan was proud of her graduation picture

.:Week 4/52:.

2009-05-04T11:00:00.006-04:00

Yes, I realize that I am EXTREMELY behind...I have many reasons, most too pathetic to share. February and March got away from me and before I knew it so did April. Ok, my reasoning for lack of photos in February and March have to do with not feeling well and too much morning and evening sickness...yes I am pregnant. I didn't think posting multiple photos of Cole and me lounging on the couch was worth seeing. I am not really sure what my excuse for April is other than not being inspired.

I thought about just scratching the idea and not completing my 52 week project, but I need to remember the purpose is to document the precious time I have with Cole (and soon to be baby) so I need to keep going. This weekend I looked through some pictures of Cole's first two years and couldn't find that many of the two of us together. I was always behind the camera. That is what pushes me to keep going...that and the fact that he won't be a baby for long!

So, with that said Saturday was a perfect day to get outside and do some yard work...ok a perfect day for Dad to get outside and do some yard work. Cole and I started to pull weeds, but then we got bored and had a little impromptu photo shoot.

All Time Faves

2009-02-23T14:52:00.008-05:00

I have been trying to clean up my hard drive recently and I came across some of my all time favorite pictures of Cole.

The day he got his glasses

Picking pumpkins

Taco boy...he used to sleep folded in half!

The Girls

2009-02-18T15:37:00.006-05:00

I thought I would introduce you to "the girls." Meet Jen, Christina and Missy. The four of us have been friends for over 15 years. We met in high school, although we attended four different schools, we knew each other through work and other friends. These girls have been there for me through the good times and bad. They are truly my best friends, what more could a girl ask for!

Jen, Christina and I all live in Michigan. Missy (who is also my sister in law) recently relocated to Florida. We are going to be having a girls reunion in Florida next month...can't wait! Missy and Jen are both pregnant and due about 6 weeks apart. I am excited to watch their bellies grow!

As I start to learn more about photography, you will see their kids popping up on here as I practice more.

Jen, Christina and Me

Missy and my niece, Morgan.

.:Week 3/52:.

2009-02-18T09:00:00.001-05:00

I would consider myself a blog stalker...and have noticed photos like this one before and thought I would give it a try. However, the other photographers are usually holding a smaller child who doesn't seem to be moving around as much as Cole wanted to! He thought it would be funny to laugh, throw his head backwards and then bury his head in my shoulder while I was trying to shoot a few.

Coleman

2009-02-17T22:29:00.007-05:00

I wanted to introduce you to my inspiration for taking a deeper interest in photography. His name is Cole and you will probably get tired of me talking about him all the time and seeing his picture plastered all over this blog.

Cole will be 2 1/2 next month and is the light of our life. He has had an interesting life so far. He was born with a genetic condition called, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) , that in a nut shell, causes non cancerous tumors (tubors) to grow on various organs in his body. TSC effects every child differently. We are very lucky to live in a city that has top notch pediatric specialists and are very grateful that we can get all the care he needs at Spectrum Health DeVos Children's Hospital...right out our back door. Cole attends an early childhood development preschool to help with early intervention and has physical and occupational therapy twice a week to help his muscles grow big and strong.

.:Week 2/52:.

2009-02-17T22:18:00.004-05:00

I have been taking pictures like I am supposed to, but I haven't been very good at downloading them to edit and post on here in a timely manner. This is a great example of how we spend our evenings together. Cole has a long day at school and daycare, we get home, eat dinner, take a bath and then lounge around until bedtime...that usually comes quickly during the week.

Addiction

2009-02-10T16:50:00.002-05:00

I have loving renamed my blackberry, my crackberry, because I am completely addicted. I like the idea of having my emails and facebook (another addiction) at the tip of my fingers. Well...my world came crashing down yesterday when the crackberry stopped working. No emails, no facebook. I called my cell carrier and was finally transferred to Marvin in the advanced tech support department and after a 45 minute phone call and trying everything Marvin could think of, I had to “hard” reset my phone and lost everything. Ok, I know I could have backed up the data first, but that was the last thing on my mind. However, the hard reset worked! Everything is up and working and I am back in the land of the living. Marvin is my hero!

.:Week 1/52:.

2009-02-08T20:46:00.007-05:00

So, this is harder than I thought. Coming up with ideas to take pictures of us is difficult. We had many "photoshoots" this week and I didn't like anything I took. I don't know if it is the fact that I don't like to see myself in pictures or the fact that Cole couldn't sit still. However, after looking at everything again, I chose this one because it is exactly what we do every Thursday. Thursday's are reserved for doctors appointments and therapy sessions...and Cole has a lot of them..I might fill you in one day on the background with Cole, but not ready to spill my heart out yet. Cole and I spent the majority of Thursday afternoon in and out of the car. I love looking back at him and seeing him looking out the window or swaying his head to the radio...we sing in the car all the time!

Your vote is needed!

2009-02-04T15:39:00.000-05:00

Last year I entered a photo contest to win a photoshoot with a local photographer, Kate Lorraine Photograhy, and won thanks to everyone who voted for the photo I submitted of my son, Cole! I want to help pay it forward. Katie has entered a contest for some really great prizes in the photography world and I want to help her win. Please go to http://www.scarlettlillian.net/ and vote for Kate Lorraine #9! This is a fabulous opportunity for Katie!

I am inspired

2009-02-02T15:26:00.003-05:00

I was searching for a decent picture of Cole and me and had a hard time finding any to choose from. I always take pictures of everyone else and I hardly get in front of the camera. I gave up looking and decided to blog stalk instead (as usual). I came across Amy Schuff’s Photography Blog. Her 52 week project inspired me. Her photographs show real life expressions and moments that she shares with her children...and I thought to myself, “I could do this.”

So, I am challenging myself to do a 52 week project...one photo for 52 weeks. The photo will include Cole and me (or some part of me)...the whole point is for me to be in the photo. I look back at the last 2 years with Cole and they have gone by in a flash. This project will be fun...besides what mother doesn’t want to take more pictures of their children! Look for my first photo soon!

For now, here is a picture that my husband took with his cell phone of us on our flight to Florida in January. It is very fuzzy but I love the feeling it captures!

2009 Goals

2009-02-02T14:44:00.000-05:00

Original post: Tuesday, January 13, 2009

With every new year, people tend to make resolutions. Popular ones include saving more money, losing weight, exercising more but it seems like every time I set a resolution, I never follow through. Who knows, could be lack of willpower or the fact that I forgot. In any case, I decided to make goals instead of resolutions. What is the difference? I don’t know, goals just sound better!

Personal & Family
Spend more quality time with my family. I tend to let other, non important things come between us. I try to do too much at once. I need to learn to slow down and enjoy the moments we have together. Other things can wait.

Read to Cole more often. This goes back to slowing down and putting other things on the back burner. So often at night I am in a hurry to get everything done for the next day, that I waste the small amount of time we have together doing household chores.

Listen more. Often times I find myself asking Brian about his day and then telling him how he should have handled things differently, or defending the other side of the story.

Stop procrastinating. This is self explanatory.

Personal Growth in Photography
Education. I have enrolled in a college level photography class to help learn the basic terminology of photography and how to apply it.

Learn to shoot in manual mode...no more auto!Continue to update this blog with photos I have taken and lessons I have learned.

Keep a photography journal...a place to keep my thoughts and keep track of ideas.

Take a photoshop class

Take a walking tour of downtown Grand Rapids. This will help me learn some of the unique places to take photos.

Continue to practice taking a variety of shots with different subjects.

Continue to read a variety of photography blogs for inspiration.

Soak up as much knowledge as I can from other photographer friends. I like to learn new things!Take my camera with me more often. I think I might need a different camera bag so it will be ready for me to grab, go and shoot. A Shootsac might be in my future!

Pick a Photo Project. I have chosen to challenge myself to the 52 Week Photo Project with my family. The idea is to take a photograph a week for a year of yourself and your family.

I have tried to set realistic goals because I hate having a million goals but not being able to attain any of them. I am a list maker and it feels good to cross things off my list! So, with being 2 weeks in to 2009 I need to get moving!

New Blogger

2009-02-02T14:41:00.000-05:00

Original post: December 10, 2008

Hey there!

I am new at this so bare with me. I'd like to share with you what I'm learning from photography and just keep you updated on my new hobby. If you are reading this, you found me on your own because I haven't told anyone about this blog...yet!