Those of you who know me as a photographer know I live for the moments in-between.. the ones when you're looking at each other- your family - the people who matter most. Kids make that part of my job easier and for these sisters, it was no exception. They played, giggled, danced, jumped and loved on Lincoln, just the way big sisters do.  

I hope this slideshow always reminds them of how precious their first days at home were. xox

Song: JJ Heller "Boat Song"

Jamie wrote me and said she couldn’t miss the opportunity for some messy fun with her favorite boys and thats exactly what happened. 

They painted and then they painted some more. First the canvas  then themselves and then each other.  The smiles and giggles.. I didn’t have to work for them.. I mean I gladly would have but I didn’t have to. I rarely do when paint is involved.

I know thats part of why I love these sessions so much. I know its part of why I keep holding them. The “Love for Lucas,” Crayola donations were born out of a moment Lucas’ mom wondered what his favorite color might have been. Every time one of these kids shouts out that they want blue or green or purple, I think of Lucas. I think of the thousands of Crayola boxes that have been donated in his name and I think of the hundreds of kids that have been able to shout out their favorite colors while being treat at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

So thank you to The Simon Family for bringing your favorite boys to meet me for some messy fun. I hope our time together reminds you that while your hands were so full of paint your hearts are so full of love <3 

Slideshow Songs:

JJ Heller : I Get To Be The One

JJ Heller: Sunshine 

The S Family lives right down the street from us... and currently we (for the next few days anyhow!!) have six daughters between us, pretty close in ages - grey hair anyone, haha. In the very near future they'll be welcoming a sweet little boy to their home and we couldn't be more excited for them. <3

I know how it can be to round up the kids and husband for a photoshoot so I thought what a perfect way to capture the miracle of pregnancy  and let your kiddos run wild than a paint session. This is win win. It's full of fun and paint and you're supporting one of my most favorite "campaigns."

For six years now - each new school year I've helped one of my dear friends collect brand new crayons items for the heart warriors at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in honor of her son Lucas. Lucas was only 17 days old when passed away from complications due to a congenital heart defect (CHD). 

The "Love for Lucas" Crayola donations benefit the CHOP Child Life team who are helping kids and their families fighting CHD issues. In a recent conversation between a Child Life Specialist and Lucas' Mom, she was told, "... the donations were used at Halloween for patients allowed to trick-or-treat on the Cardiac floor. I was told the color wonder books were used as Christmas presents for the heart kids spending Christmas in their hospital rooms. The paint and paper was used at this years CHOP Summer Camp because there were so many packs to spread around! The modeling clay has now turned into a full family activity to enjoy when visiting their Heart Heroes. But, what hit me the hardest was what was said at the end of the email: " ...your Lucas is everywhere in this hospital, and we all know his name."

A few years ago I held a paint session for Gina, Ben and their rainbow baby. At the end of the session.. a breeze came out of no where knocking their canvas over.. and in that moment Gina told me it was the first time she felt like her whole family.. both her babies were together. Since that day I knew I had to keep the paint fight sessions going. 

If you aren't in Northern Virginia but still want to donate a crayola item in honor of Lucas please use the link below. They'll be hand delivered by Gina and her family the weekend of Lucas' 8th Birthday in October <3

Crayola Donation - Love for Lucas

... To the S family.. thank you for being such great sports and supporting "Love for Lucas!" - Slide Show below. 

Song : My Little Girl - Tim McGraw 

Happy Birthday Grandma Joanne!

 I am so excited that we were finally able to hold a #CrayolaLoveForLucas paint session for the Shifflett/ Walker families. In the past 3 years that Ive been holding the sessions between South Florida and Northern Virginia we haven't been able to make the dates work.. BUT.. 2016 was the year.

I absolutely loved the idea to gift this session to the kids grandma - like most grandmas I know - she loves these little ones with all her heart. A keepsake canvas, a slideshow and a handful of happy moments of the gigglest bunch, that sounds like a good day to me.

The best part of these paint sessions, besides letting the kids run wild, is that almost the entire session fee goes towards buying a Crayola donation in honor of baby Lucas and the 17 days he blessed all who knew him. Lucas should be turning 6 this month..he should have started Kindergarten, and he should be telling everyone he knows his favorite color. Thats how #CrayolaLoveForLucas came about you know.. out of the curiosity of who Lucas would be today, what his favorite color would be. Nearly 1 in 100 babies are born with a congenital heart defect.  These crayola products go to making the hospital environment feel a little more colorful for little heart warriors at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

With this session alone I was able to send over 30 sets of window markers and stamps to be delivered later this month.

I know everyday my friend Gina wakes up and puts her feet on the ground it's to take care and love on her precious rainbows Ella AND Benjamin and to honor her boy Lucas. If you'd like to be a part of donating new Crayola products towards #LoveforLucas - click the link below and Let's get this Amazon wish list filled:: items purchased ship directly to Gina, who will hand deliver the entire donation to the child life team at the children's hospital of Philadelphia mid October.

AMAZON DONATION - LOVE FOR LUCAS

Once again thank you so much to the Shifflett / Walker families - for supporting the 2016 Crayola Drive.

Music: Instrumental // Happy Upbeat by Sophonic Media

Want to donate to #crayolaLOVEforLucas but can't make it to the store.. click this WISH LIST below and your crayola purchase will ship directly to Gina for their Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia delivery.

AMAZON DONATION - LOVE FOR LUCAS

The paint sessions were a blast... now, here's the story. 

I starting writing this draft blog - by explaining about how Gina and I knew each other, that we'd met nearly a decade ago, how we fell out of touch and how I reached out to her after having K when she was pregnant with Lucas, about how she shared with me that he had a heart defect, how excited I was to see pictures of her and Ben in the hospital with Lucas, then I deleted it all. Nothing I could write would ever be able to express what my heart wants Gina to know- which is I will ALWAYS be here for your family...  to remember Lucas, to listen to you, for a hug, to capture precious moments as the years go by, to say nothing at all.  xo Jamie 

"Thank you Jamie, thank you for giving me this, all of it. The whole day, the whole day of being with my whole family. Just thank you"

...so fill your heart with what's important && be done with all the rest... <3

This was my 3rd session with the Medwid Family in the last year. Each time they show up in front of my lens.. the twins laugh and giggle, play shy and more than anything light up when they are with their parents. 

As I write this blog post, it was a rough day in my house. Lots of bickering, emotional women running around. I cried. I sent out a few S.O.S texts to my best girls and as soon as my hubs walked in I took a much needed time out.

Now... replaying this slideshow... watching these little in between moments. Moments that fill up our days. The ones that make us wish there was a pause button. I'm gonna hit publish.. and Im going go hug them. Hope y'all have the best night. 

 Music by: Sister Hazel - This Kind of Love 

A week ago, April 25, 2016, was the first birthday (and wedding anniversary) in 33 years that my parents did not spend side by side. That’s right- they shared a birthday, born a year a part. This year we celebrated my moms 55th Birthday, and the 55 years my dad spent on this earth. 

Decemeber 2014, Jackie's family was visiting. With the forewarning that they can be a little loud a crazy. We booked their session in downtown West Palm Beach, and they did not disappoint! So many laughs... except for Jules.. because you know all the best ladies take time to warm up, haha.

.... and here we are two and a half years later. Over the summer The Arthur Family found out they'd be adding another little lady to their family. Sweet Jessica, born December 28th, a few days short of a month old for our session and Juliana (who promptly let me know that she no longer goes by Jules) were rock stars. The most amazing thing about at home sessions is.. hello- they are at your home. I was able to take some time with big sister, we made cupcakes in her kitchen, we talked princesses, her little personality totally shined. And as most tiny babies do.. Jessica was perfectly content to be held the entire session.. which I love- because that means more of everything I want to capture.  Everything I remembered from each time I've photographed their family- it's all right here. Full of love and giggles, full of silly faces and embraces. Jessica is the most lovely addition to this family. I'm so glad to have been there for so many of the memories that cover their walls. Ahhhh ... so here it is.. The Arthur Family's slide show!

xox

Music: Daugther by Loudon Wainwright III

And to be honest, as odd as it may sound, I feel like I'm a little bit of a memory keeper for your families too. When I send off those images, when I create the canvas', the prints, the slideshows. I relive our sessions, the laughs, and sometimes the cries, the invitations to breakfast... or not too long ago, the cutest little guy asked me out for drinks! Ha. I love it all.

The Tanner Family in home session was full of all of my favorite memory making moments:

giggles, jumping on the bed, reading, squeezes, story telling, gorgeous window light, lots of asking to see the back of my camera, pups, bedroom tours, an outfit change, pumpkins, crowns and a 6 day young baby that let me bounce her to sleep— and then kept sleeping (total score!)

After 2 hours, I walked away feeling such warmth and love... and a little bit tired, because you know a 3 year old and newborn are hard work.. haha. I've watched this slide show a dozen times.. and each time I think- ahhhh how lucky I am to be a part of these moments. To witness to the lives that these parents created.  Hope you enjoy <3

Song: Pearl Jam "Future Days" - Requested by my clients... and it.is.perfect.

This morning went off better than I could have planned... I sat on the edge of K's bed at 7am, rubbed her back and told her I was ready for my first day of school, to which she laughed and told me is was HER first day and that, "that was a really short night of sleep." Which of course I already knew because I went to bed at midnight replaying the moments from the last 5 years in my head (ugh, I'm tearing up right.this.moment). The moment we first set eyes on her, the 13 days we visited her in the NICU, the exact moment I held that tiny folded flag up to her and took the photo, and the first time my mom got to hold her at 7 days old. Then I remember the first time she fell asleep on my dad, when she was a month old and how he said it was the greatest day.  There have been a thousand firsts in our lives since those days, all of them passing, without knowing if my dad would be around for the next one... and yet here we are. Her first day of kindergarten. 

Below are excerpts from my dads Caringbridge account... started on April 16, 2009. 

 May 28, 2009,

“….yes, I am tired, and have side effects, but see them as a small impediment to my quality of life and believe that pain is worth developing an even more positive outlook i have on life than i already do. all of my conversations are richer and my day to day experiences are generally fantastic.  I have met great people which i would have never known.  when told by medical professionals you will die within 20 months, even with radical treatment,  it will alter your outlook.  I would ask that all of you think this way too...let's say you had 20 months to live....really, how would you act towards others....what would you do.....what if you knew you would live longer and beat the odds, as I will…”

August 1, 2009

"…Jane is my guiding light.  My girls are well, and they  know they must take care of their side of life so that I dont need to worry about them.  As you know, kimberly finished her graduate work at George Mason, and  will enter the workforce soon - after she chills for a couple months.  Jamie  and her Beau  are doing well in Palm Beach and making a go at working, living, and enjoying the Florida shores.  Jamie is our brilliant wild flower looking for the perfect job ( sleep all day for 100k  a year) and loves her dog and her man.  Kimberly enjoys embalming bodies at the local funeral home when she's not working out  ( man are we crazy hermanoids or what!)  for know I think she will drive a beer cart at the local country club.....all that edumakation coming to fruition! …

..the conditions couldn't be much better for my survival, and it is simply up to the grace of god as to whether I fully recover. this must be the truth, but also I/we must do everything we can to prepare.  I am ready, but this is major surgery and it does not come without risk.  so  thanks all and dont worry 'bout me, so let's pray for the 18 yr old sons and daughters oversea's who really haven't lived a full , robust life and get them home safely....”

Nov 4, 2009

"Hi there- its Jamie.. 

Mom called 15 mins ago with GREAT news.. the surgery was SUCCESSFUL and dad is currently in ICU….
….We all want to say thank you for your thoughts and prayers. 
As soon as I hear more I'll update again.
Xoxo- J”

Nov 5, 2009

"….Well, it's been six months since my surgery and four months since I stopped my chemo - 636 hours, I believe, in total.  Since then, I fell out of a plane at 11,000 feet on a military tandem parachute jump, spent 30 days runnin and gunnin in B-dad, flew in several different helocopters and planes and ran 3-5 miles per day last month in 100-105 degree temps in Iraq.  so, I am getting back to my way of livin' thank god and feeling pretty good...."

Jun 26, 2010

"….It's Official!   I am a grandaddy!   Kenley Jane Hinkle, born 3+ weeks early - on Father's day - just for me. We've held back a bit, as she was in intensive care on a ventilator for 3-4 days, but seems to be gradually improving each day. jane is there now, and jamie is doing well. 6.3 lbs, 20 inches, a head of hair, hair on back, lol, long wirey arms and an attitude. ( some may have called her a spider monkey, sshhhh). really she is absolutely gorgeous straight out of the womb.

i hope to be around for a while, statistically ( but you know how stats are) we're looking at no more than 5 yrs ( for a normal person) and perhaps 7-8 for a superman. I'd like to think I am the exception and with you all by my side, with jane, New grandbaby, and Kimberly beginning her career teaching 3rd grade ( go aunt bo!) , there is much to live for..."

(When garebear did his first tour in 2004 he gave his girls these flags with a little note before he left.. these last 6 years have been one hell of a ride... and its not over yet. i know kenley gets her fight from you.. we love you so much.  this ones for you grumpa! xox JJ)

July 12, 2010

"….I am leaving  tomorrow to see my first grandchild. the last year and a half has been a struggle for sure, but being able to hold a grandbaby is a feeling that has kept me going. I hope it will continue to give me strength.

aint out of the woods yet, but have a map compass, and now a guiding light, albeit a small one - namely Keney Jane..."

September 5, 2010

My initial prognosis was confirmed as stage iv colon cancer metastatic to the liver and I was given 18 months, even with treatment. 18 Months ended last Tuesday night.

First mission accomplished! 

 Regret the posting delay, but I guess I was a bit superstitious.  As mentioned earlier, now my new prognosis is a 50% survival rate @ 48 months.

Septemeber 10, 2010

"....good night gbaby Kenley. I am praying every night to take you to kindergarten, as i bought you a camouflaged back pack with a red/white/blue bear I got in iraq before i was medi-vac'd...." 

Novemeber 11, 2010

"...like defeating the japanese in ww2, my cancer struck like pearl harbor, and we lost part of colon and liver, but we didnt give up.
we then pressed hard making sacrifices - like side effects- and landed on many unknown islands in the south pacific losing good men and women. but in the end we won those battles, made airstrips and ultimately won the war of attrition. i think me and all of you are winning tis godforsaken cancer war one prayer at a time.  when we fly close together in a tight formation, we use the wind beneath each others' wings to stay aloft. this is the case. thanks all! I wont let you down. thanks god for my wife and girls, they make me want to live.

sincerely, GRANDPA GARY hahahahahahahaha.
stay tough baby kenley, kindergarten is one day closer for us!"

December 28, 2010

Anyway, I reflected on what is important and after holding Kenley and watching both my daughters being successful at work and family, it reminded me that I simply cant give in to this cancer.  I have to take granbaby to school and also ensure a safe terror-free world (or neighborhood at least). To this end, we'll keep plugging along - as the side effects are now second nature and that's life.  Thanks all for keeping me pumped up.  I am certain most of you reading this are making resolutions as well.

We can only do so much, but positive mental attitude, continued spiritual growth and conviction is/has/will continue to fuel my/our survival.  I feel as though I will be around a while.  Initial prognosis of 18 months surpassed. My last prognosis stated 50% survival rate of 48 months - that was 7 months ago. So while stats are simply stats, I think i'll beat the odds.

June 7, 2011

 "...it may not be the best decision to travel from a purely chemo standpoint, but for psychological reasons and to continue to maintain high standards of personal and professional goals, I must stay focused on something larger than myself and not dwell on the negative.  I think that is why I am still here - and appreciate again, all the support to date.  

...and of course, everyone.  thanks folks, so i will keep in touch, but for now - nothing for a while, as i am foregoing chemo for now and will get scanned in a few months."

July 18, 2012

MY lifespan is still uncertain, but doctors initially said 18 months in March of 09.  now, they say, I could be that 6% that make it, and with faith, support and a positive mental attitude going for me, as well as good responses to the marvels of modern medicine, I could slip through the crack to death...as I have yet another grandbaby to walk to kindergarten in 5 more years.

October 27, 2012

I am still considered a Stage IVb Colorectal Cancer "survivor".   The cancer was in colon, liver and lungs. Colon pretty much ok, two pea-sized tumors back in my lungs ( not overly worried -all things given) and of course those four tumors in my liver - all about the size of a quarter. 

January 8, 2015

Docter said they drained all fluid and freed up approx 85% of liver space. They were able to place a stint which is great news, so no external bag/ drain needed. He is in recovery now and I will update again when I can. 

January 16, 2015

WE will get back in the Chemo Chair on Tuesday, to start the 5 hour, bi-monthly infusions, and 45 hour take home drip pack, and begin the almighty, life changing FOLFIRI chemo mix, with a chaser of Vectivix -the stuff that makes you look like you have measles over your body and gave me foot pain, 
But, we can reduce dosages as needed, adjust accordingly, and at least have a 6 month plan in place that is agreeable to all. SO, back to 100 hours per month to try and shrink these tumors - esp the ones compromising my bile duct area. WE have to do this, Feb 25 is our 6 year mark! and place only < 1% have gone.

Folks, this is where we are. You have all patiently and bravely stood by us, and we have not failed you. Climbing this "mountain" has been easier with this team. We have seen much together along the way and will continue to see even more views and beauty as we begin to climb steeper,  harder and faster again. There is no rest for the weary, and you know our group here doesnt quit. 
Soon we may begin to see the summit that you all helped me climb to. NO matter what, the journey has been amazing with you all and we hope we will continue on a better trail, a longer, prettier trail that allows us to see even more beauty and do more amazing things before the summit confronts us. I will be ready for the climb. Will you be? 
WE will post something in a week or to and let you know how the trail is…

May 18, 2015

Hi All; it's been a while since my last post, but what a wild ride it has been! On the health front, I am hanging in there, grinding away with my 100 hours of monthly chemo and side effects, but doc's say I am stable for now - so, I took a 30 day break from chemo to recover and get some energy back and will resume again tomorrow. 

July 30, 2015

Posted by Jamie: I headed to the hospital around 730pm Wednesday night. Mom had been there most of the day. Around 8, severe chills started to take over his body and by 9pm he had a temperature of 101. Antibiotics  and pain meds given, but with little relief for the next hour or two. His fever rose to 102.5 by 11pm, and his leg cramps and spasms were causing severe pain and increased uncomfortability, this is of course a gross understatement.  Mom and I did what we could, massaging calves and thighs (yes, as his daughter - it has come to this). He was in and out, talking to himself, to us, but really doesn't remember any of it. His next dose of pain meds came at midnight, and finally he was lucid and showing some signs of relief. I headed home around 1:30am, leaving my mom, the absolute patience and love of a saint, with him over night.  

As of this morning, his fever was down to 100,  but he is still not able to eat as the doctor has not been in to see him yet. They have cancelled the scope for today. I will update when I can, and when there is news. 

When I first arrived at the hospital last night, we were talking about a few current events, and dad stopped and said, "I am trained to survive, I look at these situations from a professional standpoint. I see the events with a different knowledge and understanding of what is required to make it out."  We are 7 years further, we are 7 years together. 
Thank you all for your continued love and support to our family. Sharing our laughs, smiles, as well as our sadness and grief.  

After walking K to school, dad promptly came back to the house to hook up for his antibiotics after his recent hospital stay. One hour after that he headed out to the hospital where he started chemo round 144 or 145 (whose counting).  I asked him to write a little paragraph about the day for me to include... and he sent me a version of what I shared with y'all yesterday. So I prompted him again, "I'm looking for the emotion you felt today, the event of actually walking her to school," and he told me...

"Mixed emotions as I wasn't sure If I would "fallout" given 6 years of waiting and holding on. But Kenley looked up and said Grumpa I just want you to love me everyday, and now I am focusing on G-man. Yes, it was a good day, simply put."

Update- On December 18, 2015, my dad passed away. He is missed deeply. To read more about him and his memorial fund please visit. https://www.youcaring.com/the-sere-association-491134

Six months later, in December,  they contacted me to update their family photos for the holidays. Seriously, the cutest family. 

...and then back in May, I received an email that they were expecting baby #3, and asking If I could photograph their new family of 5, come July. I have to tell you, I am always so very honored when clients come back to me through the years asking me to capture their most special moments.  With two boys, the Frasser Family waited until July 10th to find out the gender of their newest addition. A sweet little girl, Rosalie, was warmly welcomed into this world. 

I spent nearly two hours with them and well... there was so much love, so much REALness, that I adore everything about this sweet at home newborn session. Rosalie was a dream.. loved being cuddled, held, looked at and as long as I was rocking that cradle with my foot, snoozed away. Biggest brother Brody was on hand to hold and help with baby and while I'm not sure Jack was ready to give up his "baby of the family" status, he came around. Casey, still as calm as ever, lights up a room with that smile. Motherhood was made for her. As for Daddy, I really love the images of them together, looking at each other. I know she'd already stolen his heart by the time I'd showed up haha. 

Wishing the Frasser Family.. so much love and joy.. thank you for letting me be a part of your family <3 

Music: Forever Like That by Ben Rector

I hadn't planned to take any video, but after spending a few minutes with their family I knew I had to.. my heart strings were being tugged at. You see, Grayson, at 12 years old, has been a best friend and side kick to Mrs. M since he was a pup. Before her husband, before kids. I have a guy like that, Benson, adopted from the SPCA in North Carolina, when he was 3 months old.. nearly 8 years ago. We've seen some days together.  

 I really loved that we took some time out for them to get a few photos of their bond. The dogs ended up staying with us for all of the session... and happened to be really well behaved despite warnings that it could get "harry," haha. 

Of course, the rest of the session was as cute as can be, and as you guessed ... those 3 year olds were full of giggles and lots of love for their parents and pups!

Song: Jason Mraz - Best Friend 

The first win of the morning was the sweet sunshine... after raining all evening, I woke up to blue skies and golden sun. Yay!! We actually live in the same neighborhood, so we decided on a park near our homes and it couldn't have worked out better. The T Family was able to bring their dog, Bailey, which I loved. Although she was a little bit of a priss (who likes laying in wet grass anyway) and not thrilled to "sit and stare", she really completed the family picture. 

The birthday girl- lit up whenever her momma and daddy were talking and the moments when she was taking it all in, and quietly looking at the camera are some of my favorites. She was a doll. When it came to cake smash time, she's a gal after my own heart.. diving right in! 

I hope y'all can feel the joy and love this family shared in front of my camera.

...and a big thanks to Jack Johnson for always having the perfect music.  Music: jack Johnson "Better together"

It was hard to believe it had been nearly a year to the day since I had met these families. They are all so warm and welcoming and I absolutely love their enthusiasm and excitement for their session. I have been talking with Mrs. R since the fall. Decided on a date, a rain date, ideas on what to wear, props, locations around the property. Everything came together so well.

Part of my passion for photography is being able to capture the moments in between- The quiet or fun candidness between the smiles. These video projects really are fulfilling so much of what I want to bring to my clients. The story, the memories and those moments in between.

Anyhow.. thanks so much for letting me be apart of your Spring Break and your memories <3 Enjoy!

Songs: Hope Now and This Little Light of Mine by Addison Road

Ps... A huge thank you to my friend Bridgette, from Bridgette E. Photography, in Northern Virginia, for the inspiration.

(Heartbeats - Jose Gonzales is the song) 

Brooke and Farzin - 2015

The paint sessions were a blast... now, here's the story. 

I starting writing this draft blog - by explaining about how Gina and I knew each other, that we'd met nearly a decade ago, how we fell out of touch and how I reached out to her after having K when she was pregnant with Lucas, about how she shared with me that he had a heart defect, how excited I was to see pictures of her and Ben in the hospital with Lucas, then I deleted it all. Nothing I could write would ever be able to express what my heart wants Gina to know- which is I will ALWAYS be here for your family...  to remember Lucas, to listen to you, for a hug, to capture precious moments as the years go by, to say nothing at all.  xo Jamie 

"Thank you Jamie, thank you for giving me this, all of it. The whole day, the whole day of being with my whole family. Just thank you"

...so fill your heart with what's important && be done with all the rest... <3

I can't wait to see where this journey takes me... all I know is, I can't wait... and I can't do it with out all of you!

Be on the look out for my next post, a "behind the scenes" look at the the mini sessions!

Xo, J