Childhood and Change - The 'C' Kids!

I remember her as if it were yesterday. 

We were BFF's when big hair, and wearing different colored, double scrunched socks was cool. 

On second thought...I'm not sure if we really did that...that parts kinda fuzzy. ; )

We would make mixed tapes back when you could record off the radio,
and I remember lip syncing with her to Whitney Houston.
Hands down she had the best sense of humor.
You knew where she was before you even saw her, because of her hearty laugh.
She was always laughing.
She made you feel as if you were the funniest person on the planet. 

***

Life has a way of changing things. School changes us. Friends change us.
Just like the times we had together...forever changed who we are today. 

I believe each person we meet along the way helps shape us whether we know it or not. 

High school comes with new friends, and new classes...and before you know it,
your once intertwined paths now lead you in separate directions. 

I'm not sure really how it happens or why, but I'm grateful for the moments I remember.
I'm pretty sure my childhood wouldn't have been quite the same without her...
or our shared affection for Hostess Cupcakes. 

***

Facebook made us acquaintance again, and when her third babe was born
I was invited to be a part of her life once again to capture the new addition to her family.

I wanted to sit down with them all and tell them everything that we did together as kids.
How much fun we had, and about all of the adventures.

I wanted to re-live it all once again...but life was moving quicker then I wanted.
Christine had a newborn to tend to,
and I had a daughter to get off the bus and kids to pick up at the sitter.
I left that day with things un-said...but not un-felt. 

Perhaps the only gift that lasts a lifetime are memories.
I'm so very thankful for a gift that keeps on giving.

Meet Bernie...and Olivia.

Meet the best eyelashes I have ever seen...and Jack!

My favorite part of photographing children is when they are in their element.
Their expression and body language show such contentment.



Sighhhhh....

 Slightly soft in focus, but the content is certainly there so I had to include it!

and sometimes kids might surprise you with an impromptu hug...



The gorgeous Mama, and the newest addition, Chloe.

6 days young...

Change happens everyday. It's inevitable, whether we decide to greet it or not.

So much has changed...but the memories still remain...the same.

Thanks Christine, for a trip down memory lane...
and a peek into your happy life.

p.s

Before you go, leave your thoughts below...

p.p.s.

20 comments = complimentary gift for the family

Sisters

There is something a bit magical about siblings. There is this undeniable bond. 

At times it's a love/hate relationship. 

The same person you want to hug with all your might, you want to strangle in the next breath.

Oh yes. There is arguing...there is stealing borrowing clothes. 

There is sibling rivalry and there is this connection that no one can ever really duplicate 

unless you shared a home...and a childhood together.

There is this shared life between you. 

A memory that is made all the better because you had a best friend to share it with then...

and even more so...now.

In the words of Marion Garretty, 

"A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost."

Have a look at these beautiful sisters...

What is it about dandelions that make you feel like a kid again?

What a face!

The expression of a teenager! : )

I can't wait for the day that I can get all of my own kids to look at the camera at the same time. 

These girls sure made it hard for their Mama to pick out her favorites. 

I can just picture this image tucked into the side of a vanity mirror when they girls are older, out in the big old world (away at college), or living on their own. 

Some moments in between...

This was actually the last frame of the day, as we were heading back to our cars. 

While the picture is less than perfect, I love the individuality of a profile. 

It something as a Mother we know by heart.

There was a park at the far corner of where we had our session. Sooo we ran over for a few shots. 

One of my faves...

I love seeing kids holding hands...

Thank you 'F' family for spending the afternoon with me. 

You were all a dream to work with!

p.s

Before you go, please leave your thoughts below.

20 comments = a complimentary gift for the family!

Gianna's Communion Session

I have been super short on words lately so I can keep up with my workflow. 

Just wanted to share this precious little lady's communion session!

I looove everything about a communion session. I love the age, I love the dresses, I love the veils...

I just love, love, love!

Isn't she a doll?

Come on. Look. At. That. Face. 

Beautiful!

Love the expression and sideways glance...

Sometimes a 'Mona Lisa' smile is just as perfect too.

Here's hoping all your wishes come true!

Check back later on in the week when you can see Ms. G with her gorgeous sisters!

It was one of my favorite sessions.

Can't wait to share it.

p.s

Thanks 'F' family for the fabulous and fun session!

Double Trouble - One Year Old Session

Ohhh dear blog, how I have been neglecting you! 

It's been a little crazy dealing with the busy spring season, the two blogs and 

everything that goes on behind the scenes. Transitions are always a little nutty. 

But for now, everything is finally starting to fall into place. 

Just wanted to share what I have been up to. 

Check out these two adorable one year old babes....

Such as life. It's all in the way you look at it...

; )

The balloons were more work than the kids! : )

Love the newsboy caps. They're my favorite accessory on boys!

Love the eye contact and his body language. 

Sighhh...

motherhood

fatherhood...

parenthood...

Thank you sooo much "S" family for being so super fabulous!

I loved working with you all, and I loved seeing how big the boys have gotten in just a few short months. 

p.s.

Special thanks to Andi and JoAnn for the fabulous referral

p.p.s

Before you go, leave your thoughts below...

20 comments = a complimentary gift for the client

The DEBUT!!

I'm soooo very thrilled to announce a project that I have been working on for a little over a year now. 

You know those ideas that have you sit straight up in bed at 4am? 

It started out as a little seed, and it's wonderful to finally see it come to fruition.  

I love blogging. I love the conversations that I have with my clients because of it. 

I think it's a place for you to see what goes on behind closed doors. 

It's a place where I can share news, sneak-peeks, and a bit about my life.

I hope it also gives you a peek into the lives of my clients, and maybe the importance of a photograph. 

I decided I wanted a place for mom's to go to read about kid 

stuff and I wanted a place for brides to go to read about wedding stuff. 

So what's a girl to do?

Simple. 

Create a place for each. 

Show and Tell will now be only for my portrait clients (newborns, toddlers, kids and family) 

and 'Dear Stacey' will now be it's sister company, specializing in weddings.

What does this mean for all of my Show and Tell couples?

Everything is the same, only the name and the website have changed. 

That's about it!

It's been a year in the making. 

There was a ton of sleepless nights and a bunch of time spent with fabulous blog, 

web, and graphic designers to bring the vision all together. 

I would love for you to take a look at what I have been up to!

Check out the new website: dearstacey.com

Become a fan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dear-Stacey/275674139166653

Visit my new blog to see all of my latest engagement and wedding sessions that I will be posting soon, 

as well as what's new in the world of weddings: dearstaceyblog.com

Can't wait to hear what you think!

Thank you to everyone who has helped me make Dear Stacey a reality. 

I'm so grateful for your ideas, help, friendship and fabulous talent.  

I know I can be a PITA, so I owe ya one for putting up with me!

Thank you to all of my readers, and all of my clients who support and encourage me. 

There are no words to express all the gratitude I feel.

xo