365: Week 41

Super-sized photo shoot with the Archers

This past Sunday, I did a family photo shoot for my dear friend Nicole - a super-sized photo shoot as a matter of fact.  Grace was a true professional and rocked her Christmas Dress, Halloween costume, a Fall casual look, a pink Tutu, and a fabulously all that is pink outfit!  Thanks to Mama Nicole & Daddy Dave for keeping Grace happy and smiling all afternoon.  It put a smile on my face every time I heard Nicole say, "Oh big girl, it's ok."  Grace has become such a smiley baby that fits into clothes her right size with no problem.  She has come a long way since my first photo shoot with her in the NICU of Northwestern at just over 4 lbs.  Grace came 7 weeks early and redefined what friendship meant to me, Nicole, and Sarah. Grace will always have a special place in my heart just like her Mama!  I look forward to many years of photo shoots!  Here are a few favorites...

365: Week 40

We've moved to the country!

This past weekend, I did a family photo shoot for the Vedra Family.  They recently moved out to the "country" in Bloomington to a gorgeous home with more land.  Their new backyard was the perfect backdrop for our photo shoot.  

"We've moved to the country"

Jodi & Doug are dear friends of ours as they are the ones who set me and Brad up.  Jodi refers to her two beautiful boys as her Angel Babies and they are just that.  Vincent & Landon are an absolute delight to be around and kept me laughing all weekend.  I don't know what was more entertaining, Vincent telling me stories about his new adventures in Kindergarten or Landon sporting his Green Bay Packer helmet and playing catch with himself.  At the end of the day, you pray for kids just like the Vedra boys and parenting skills just like Jodi & Doug.    

365: Week 39

Garden of Angels

In the Catholic Church, October 2nd, 2011 is recognized as the Feast of the Guardian Angels.  I believe that it was more than coincidence that had this celebration fall on the same day that our family dedicated part of the new garden memorial at Misericordia to my brother, Robbie.  After my brother died, my parents always told me & my sister Laura that Robbie was our personal guardian angel.  When the priest mentioned what today was during the Mass, a smile appeared on all of our faces because of the special role that our guardian angel has played in all of our lives from time to time.  Today was another reminder of how lucky we are to have had Robbie in our lives for 9 years and in our hears forever.   

"All I ask of you is forever to remember me as loving you..."

Everything about having a brother like Robbie has made me 

the person I am today, the person I will be tomorrow, and the person that I want to be.  

Robbie taught our family and friends what unconditional love is.  

To read more about Robbie's story go to www.volleyballforcharity.org - History & Philosophy