"The Last Lecture"

Ok, so I'm killing time before the Holiday rush of sessions begin next week (YAY, I'm so excited to see you all :>) and have been finding a lot of enjoyment lately reading. I just started the book "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch (God rest his soul) and I just have to say.........................It's absolutely WONDERFUL and utterly AMAZING!!!!!! At the time he wrote this book, he only had a few short months to live (he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer for those of you who don't know of him or haven't seen his "last lecture").............Here this man is in his mid 40's with a terminal illness and he has to face the fact that he will soon leave behind his beautiful wife and 3 very young children, YET, his outlook on life and "living" are just amazing and so admirable. One phrase he wrote that really struck me and that I keep going back to is this one:
"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand".
That's definitely one I will be adding to my book of inspirational quotes and poems. So, anyway, for those of you who haven't had the chance to see this amazing man's last lecture, take the time to do so (the short version is 11 min. long) and for those of you who want a good book to read~~one that will give you a different outlook on life~~definitely make this one your next purchase.

Wishing all of you beautiful blessings and God's comforting wings in whatever challenges you might be facing yourself. :)

Being on the Other side of the Camera:>

Oh my goodness, this was SO much fun. My family and I were priveledged to have had the HUGE honor of being photographed by another VERY WONDERFUL and talented photographer a few weeks ago in Ann Arbor (By the way, this is my new obsession for all of you in the Spring........................Urban shots on the streets of Ann Arbor. Can't get any better than that. Especially for all of you U of M fans. :>) I would have thought being on the other side of the camera for me would have been rather intimidating, however, Mr. D was not only incredibly talented, he's just an all around fun/nice guy who made us feel SO comfortable right from "Hello". Kind of neat to actually have a glimpse into what y'all go through in planning for a photo session with me (not to mention, I experienced first hand, my own little (almost 3 yr. old) stinker giving Mr. D a hard time, so I can truly relate. LOL) I'm also blessed and honored to have a new friend and colleague to "introduce" you all to........
To see my very own sneak peek, log onto
http://www.davidsrosen.net/blog/

Touching Quote

When my Mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer on Halloween of last year, my whole life and world was turned upside down. How could it be possible that MY MOM had cancer? I can't even begin to describe the many emotions I began to experience from that moment on. The ONLY good that came from her illness was that I became (and continue to become) closer to God. The next several months of her illness were what I thought to be the worst roller coaster ride of my life (I can't imagine what it was like for her), but that 'ride' was nothing in comparison to the day she lost her battle with this terrible disease! Throughout my mother's illness, I'd come across beautiful quotes or poems that touched me so deeply. I'd in turn share these uplifting and comforting quotes with my Mom in the hopes that they would bring her the same peace and comfort I found in them. A couple months before my Mother passed, she told me about a book of poems and quotes she had been collecting and writing since 1996. She went on to say that her book was almost complete and she'd like to share it with me some day. Unfortunately, she never had the opportunity to finish her book. My dream is to someday finish it for her. :) Here's a quote I plan to add to her book, as well as, the one I've now started myself. May it comfort and bring each and every one of you the peace and comfort it's brought to me. Feel free to e-mail me or share some of your own favorites with me so I can post them here or add them to our book. Have a blessed day.

"The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you!"

The Most Beautiful Rainbow

I cannot take credit for this picture or the words that follow, but I had to share this because this e-mail touched me so deeply!! Enjoy :)

The Most Beautiful Rainbow

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that
wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You
will have your heart broken probably more than once and
it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so
remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight
with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things
an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast,
and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too
many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never
been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset
is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. Don't be
afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never
begin.

Our Newest Addition :)

Well, after a long debate with my own family (:>), I lost the battle of naming our sweet new pooch, Ryker, and I was won over by the name "Maverick". He's about 7 months old now and is such a wonderful addition to our family. However, ask me to repeat that same statement during the day when he's NON-STOP barking, chewing our comforter to shreds or not being able to contain his excitement each and every time we walk in the door. LOL All in all though, he's a wonderful addition to our family and we love him to pieces:>, Kopper is now entertained with a new little buddy too and their wrestle manias bring back so many great memories of Kevlar and Kopper together. I never in a million years thought I'd say this, but................Maverick makes Kopper look mellow! LOL

Lil' Miss "Red"

Oh my goodness, this little Angel is just beyond BEAUTIFUL. She could steal my heart with her huge, gorgeous eyes alone, but...............once I saw her beautiful red hair, I was mesmerized by her beauty. Meet Lil' Miss "J", 9 months old in all her "firery" glory. Once again, I have had the honor of photographing her since she was a newborn (Oh, I just LOVE my job :>) and I can't believe how much she's changed since the first time we met. Miss "J" is just too cute for words and has the most easy going temperment ever. (You'd never know she was cutting new teeth either). She is truly a joy to photograph and I cannot wait to see her again at her one year portrait debut.
Mr. & Mrs. "R", it's such a wonderful honor that you have entrusted me to capture these wonderful moments and milestones in your precious little angel's first year of life. Happy 9 months old, Lil' Miss "J". :)

Oh my goodness, I think I'm in Love :)

This little guy stole my heart at his newborn session almost 6 months ago so I didn't think it was even possible for him to melt my heart any more---Boy was I ever wrong...........Mr. "D" had me at "hello", or should I say "hi", which he DID indeed say as he drooled a huge smile at me when they came in the door (by the way, his Mama and Daddy said he does not smile at people he doesn't know well, nor when they get their camera out---Thank goodness he proved them wrong today and was full of huge smiles our entire session). Then, oh my goodness, when I saw his chubby arms and thighs, I knew I was in Heaven. It also helps that his Daddy is a die hard Michigan Fan too. :> Go Blue!!!! Meet Lil' Mr. "D" in all his glory. Mr. & Mrs. "P", it is a huge honor to watch your little angel grow and change throughout his first year of life. He is such a handsome little man with such a fun and exciting personality. Enjoy your sneak peek. I can't wait to show you the rest. :>