Grace is the perfect name for this beautiful young bride-to-be. She radiates peace, humility and security in her Father's arms. Grace and her intended (my cousin Will) look forward to being sent out together into the missionary field, where God will surely use this ambassador:

But no matter how far away from Texas she may go, Grace will always be a country girl at heart.

This portrait session also led me to cross paths with several generous people who help keep East Columbia not only a historic treasure but a marvelous place to live. Thank you Rev. Jim Gentner (Bethel Presbyterian Church), Beth Griggs (Underwood House) and Bonnie Maynard for your warm hospitality. We truly hated to leave!

Grace and Will, I wish you all the best and look forward to the countless miracles you'll be a part of throughout your marriage.

Now I commit you to God and to the word of His GRACE,

which can build you up and give you an inheritance

among all those who are sanctified.

Acts 20:32 NIV

sigh... Isn't she lovely? This is tiny Leah on Day 9 since making her appearance in this world:

Leah was wide awake when I first arrived, and she didn't particularly enjoy the infernal clicking of my shutter. After mugging for the camera and snuggling with her mom, she settled in for a good nap and the fun really began:

Leah doesn't fully realize it yet, but God has entrusted her to exceptionally nice parents....

.... and friendly furry siblings....

How fun are things about to get in this household?! I'm so glad you let me barge in and capture these portraits of your beautiful daughter, Gina and Jared. I feel privileged to have a front-row seat for the blessings that are sure to unfold.

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

for the spiritual blessings that Christ has brought us from heaven!

Ephesians 1:3 CEV

Yay! Blogger finally let me share some pics with you AND they're huge! I guess these past few days of frustration were worth it after all.

Rachel is an awesome up-and-coming vocalist (according to my son Tyler who knows about these things). We're sure to see and hear her doing great things in days to come:

Thanks for being such a good sport on that crazy afternoon in Austin, Rachel. I'm glad I finally got to meet you, and I hope these portraits will come in handy for your portfolio and countless news articles about you: The Next Big Thing!

God Most High, I will rejoice;

I will celebrate and sing because of You.

Psalm 9:2 CEV

AARGH! I have photos I'd love to post for everyone to see, but Blogger is being cantankerous. Hang in there and keep checking back!

xoL

I just returned from visiting my "home away from home" -- Seattle and Vashon Island WA, where my parents, brother and sister-in-law live. During my kids' growing up years, we spent two to three weeks there every summer, and the kids assumed everyone visited their grannies in Seattle. The beauty of the area is addicting, so don't visit once if you have no intention of making lots of return trips!

I had fun taking lots of non-portrait shots for a change, beginning with this abandoned greenhouse on Vashon that my husband Curtis and I first noticed about 23 years ago:

Snoqualmie Falls is another long-time favorite place:

Here are some shots I took from the backseat while Daddy drove down Seattle's I-5 at sunset:

The only way to reach Vashon Island is by boat. Most folks rely on the ferry system, but not this guy:

Finally, here's a glimpse of those folks I traveled so far to see:

I forgot to mention two more important family members. Meet Bear:
...and Dexter:

And last but not least, the few roses not snacked on by the deer boldly roaming Vashon:

I had a wonderful time with you, my dear Shepherds. Comfy-er couches could not be found in all the world!

Love is more important than anything else.

It is what ties everything completely together.

Colossians 3:14 CEV

I don't think I'd ever witnessed such a powerful mix of adoration, heartache and pride in a single portrait session until this one. In time, the holes in Auntie Joanna's heart will heal, but it has definitely been hard to let her two favorite Lesh Girls leave for China. Hopefully these photos will help: And she does still have her two favorite guys to keep her busy:
You have a special place in my heart,
so it is only natural for me to feel the way I do...
God Himself knows how much I want to see you.
Philippians 1:7-8 CEV

Once upon a time, in the late summer of 1978, six young women traveled from all parts of Texas to the sleepy little college town of Georgetown. There they discovered the joys of Commons food, sleeping and studying within 120 square feet of shared space, waking up just in time to throw on sweats and run across campus for an 8:00 class, and taking ballroom dance classes in the SUB. Before a month had passed, the girls had declared themselves fast friends and began making routine runs to Sonic, RamGro and Wag-a-Bag. They were the Sonic Rainbow Sorority, or SRS for short.

The stars recently aligned to reunite all of the SRS for the first time in 30 years. Seven of their 16 offspring came along to witness the sisterhood and silliness that picked up right where we left off so many years ago:
Even though we've moved far away from our LK dorm rooms (from the left: I live in Angleton TX, Kelly lives in Galveston, Jeanie lives in Sarasota FL, Cindy lives in Cuero TX, Robin lives in Saudi Arabia, and Jannae lives in Denton TX), it turns out that our hearts remain close. Our journeys have seemed different on the surface, but underneath it all we've shared very similar experiences and concerns and priorities and struggles and delights. We all were encouraged by our time together and plan to meet again before another 30 years pass!

And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care
to watching over one another,
studying how we may stir up, stimulate and incite
to love and helpful deeds and noble activities,
not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together,
as is the habit of some people,
but admonishing, urging and encouraging one another.
Hebrews 10:24-25 Amplified