OPERATION: GET KIERAN ON A BILLBOARD!

On a whim I entered my sweet little Kieran into a local radio station's cute baby contest. (I know, I know- *insert eye roll here*) I could care less about the prize money but- the secondary prize is HIS FACE ON A FREAKIN' BILLBOARD! What mom doesn't want to see that happen!? So, I am enlisting the help of all of you! The best part? You could win prizes too! See, win win ;)

You can vote almost endlessly on the stations website (Y98 Baby Contest). If you have 5 minutes to kill, skip checking Instagram for the millionth time and click on "BABY #2 Kieran" as many times as you can. To enter on the Rafflecopter Widget, you technically only need to put one vote in- but, it would be AMAZING if you stayed around for an extra couple of seconds and did more than one! Help make this silly Mom's dreams come true!

Alright, now for the part you've been waiting for: THE PRIZES!

* A pair of TOMS of your choice. *

Who doesn't love this ultra comfy shoe, and the buy one give one message? And how cool are these new tie dye TOMS!? (Winner receives their choice of TOMS up to $55)

 * A Halo from Em and Cait ! *

A gorgeous rhinestone head piece of your choice.

* Custom Necklace from Em and Cait ! *

Any cute, custom, handstamped necklace in the shop.

* Mini Session from Oh Penelope Photography! *

(oh, hey- that's me!)

Win a 20 minute session that includes 10+ digital images. For your family or just your littles! 

(Unfortunately this would be valid for those in the St. Louis, MO area)

You can enter here DAILY, and vote for Kieran as much as humanly possible. Contest will run until Saturday the 11th. The radio contest ends on Mother's Day. I am just crossing my fingers that this will be enough to entice the voting out of people! lol

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rock The Shot : January Photo Challenge

www.rocktheshotforum.com

January's Rock The Shot photo challenge was simply to choose your favorite photo of 2012. This would be mine. It's not the fanciest photo- but is the most meaningful thing I got to shoot all year.

Description from the original post on FaceBook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=478464785508213&set=pb.124467724241256.-2207520000.1357580976&type=3&theater): 

"Cpl. Jake Hill, 21, USMC. 

We had the absolute pleasure of hanging out with Jake the last couple of days. (I, of course, suckered him into some portraits.) He was in my husbands squad, on his first deployment, where he suffered injuries to his leg from an IED. He has since been awarded a Purple Heart and a Silver Star. He even ran the Marine Corps Marathon! Missing a leg didn't seem to phase him.

In a crazy turn of events a few months ago he was brutally assaulted at a gas station, where the assailant attacked him with a car club. It cracked his skull, and caused paralysis on his right side.

And yet... here he is. Here is Jake Hill, the most effervescent, resilient human being you will ever meet. He's goofy, charismatic, and an amazing example of triumph. ♥ (We are so lucky to know you Jake, and thank you for posing for me!)

 "

Something Orange {Rock The Shot Submission}

www.rocktheshotforum.com

My first official contest submission! This is my sweet daughter, Eden- at a park near our home. We had an unusually warm day, so I coaxed her into pictures. Sitting quietly and not pulling a face during pictures is seriously non-existent around here- so this image is a rarity, and seriously melts my heart.  This shot was created with a Nikon D700 and a Sigma 50mm 1.4 lens! Nothing super crazy :) 

Another Em & Cait Giveaway!

I am giving away all 3 of Em and Cait's super awesome camera necklaces! Enter here for a chance to win :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Em and Cait Grand Opening Giveaway!

Introducing Em and Cait! A small collaboration with my bestest friend and all around partner in crime, Miss Emma. We wanted to find a way to work together, on something that catered to our sensibilities. Simple, classic, custom jewelry struck a chord and we have been mulling over all the deets for the last couple months. So, here it is. The very beginning, of our very small, but well loved brainchild. We hope the pieces make you smile and inspire a bit of whimsy in your life! Enter here to win a custom necklace for absolutely free. We have 3 spots to give away, and are eager to get to creating unique items for new clients. (... ya know, besides our friends and family that may or may not be receiving a bucket load of hand stamped jewelry for Christmas...) 

All of our disc are made from stainless steel, an affordable alternative to silver. I personally have an allergy to some other metals, so this was a must for me! We will be adding much more over the next few months, and are open to YOUR ideas. Let us know what you like and what you'd like to see more of. (SEE, it's all about you guys ;) 

Anyway, get to entering! Contest ends Monday afternoon and winners will be announced Monday night!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sister Maternity, Once in a lifetime!

I had the immense pleasure of shooting two gorgeous sisters, who happen to be pregnant at the same time! What a great moment in time to capture :) Nikki and her sister Kristin, had due dates about a month apart... and miss Nikki has already given birth to her baby girl! We took this pictures JUST in time.

{You'll still be the one I want...}

"Wise men say only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you
Shall I stay
Would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you

Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
Some things are meant to be
So take my hand, and take my whole life too
Cause I can't help falling in love with you

Like a river flows so surely to the sea
Oh my darling so it goes
Some things are meant to be
So won't you please take my hand, and take my whole life too
Cause I can't help falling in love, in love with you
Cause I can't help falling in love, falling in love,
I keep falling in love with you"

These images are from two years ago, at the beginning of my photography journey. This blog post is also belated, as my grandparents have just celebrated their 52nd anniversary. This shoot was to commemorate their 50th.

They were High school sweethearts.

My grandmother will be the first to tell you, that it wasn't always easy, but it was always worth it. They've had as many ups and downs as anybody. 

Right before their 50th class reunion, my grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer. She has always been known for her fiery red hair, it's practically her trademark. Cancer treatment took it from her for awhile- in these pictures she has a fabulous wig on ;) (Sorry for spilling the beans Grammy!) Despite all the trial and tribulations that cancer brought, I think it solidified the absolute joy in a 50 year marriage. My grandfather was  by her side through everything. Doing things he never thought he'd do. Loving her and taking care of her, no matter what. After all, isn't that what it's all about?   

Sometimes love stories aren't magical, or whimsical. Sometimes they're hard, and messy and imperfect. I think we forget that sometimes. A lot of us will never make it to a 50th, because things get in the way- change our views of what marriage should be. We forget the strength that comes from sacrifice. We forget the commitment that comes from time. We forget this part- in these pictures. The grow old with you part.

Happy 52nd Anniversary Grammy and Pop-pop!