Mr. Mason {Grand Rapids, Michigan Newborn Photographer}

A couple of weeks ago I met up with this sweet couple and their new baby boy. Lindsey and I went to high school together (though she is a few years behind me) and I heard her story through mutual friends. The have been on quite the journey and you can read all about it HERE. Lindsey also happened to be Trey's nurse when he was in ICU right after he was born and when he got diagnosed with meningitis.

Here they are celebrating and loving on their sweet little baby boy.

Here {Grand Rapids, Michigan Newborn Photographer}

This sweet little guy is here, and healthy. His parents have an amazing story and I'll link to it when I do their blog post. But for now, here's one sneak at this handsome guy. :)

Been Awhile {Grand Rapids, Michigan Photographer}

Still here! Our house that we've been working so hard on is allllllmost done. I can't wait to upload some pictures! Still a few touch-ups to do but as soon as they're done, pictures will be posted!

These are from my mini sessions that I held this past fall. Things were absolutely crazy this fall with us moving and me keeping so busy from all the sessions.

More pictures from my mini sessions will be shared later this week.

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner! {Grand Rapids Photographer}

Winners are announced for those fabulous prizes that were up for grabs if you donated to my fundraising efforts for CureSearch. You can see the post here and the winners names are next to the prize incase you don't feel like watching the video again if you forget.

I have to be 100% completely honest and I did edit out when I winked at the camera. Who doest that?? I get so nervous when I am in front of the camera or when I know people are watching me. I HATE being the center of attention and would much rather fade in the background so it must have been a nervous wink. For real, I can't believe I did that...

Thanks to those that have donated! I didn't make my personal goal but collectively as a team we well surpassed what we were supposed to raise. Team Lola ended up raising $25,412.80.

Congratulations to the winners! I'll email you (the winner) Monday with who to contact to claim your prize.

Hi {Grand Rapids Children's Photographer}

I'm still here! I've been super busy finishing up the last of my scheduled sessions for the year and continuing to paint, paint and more painting happening in my house.

I had the opportunity to photograph these beautiful girls not too long ago. SOO sweet and full of personality!

A lot has been going on in our household. As you know, Joe and I are completely updating the house we just purchased and it's starting to feel like home! The kitchen is about 95% done, all I need to do is grout the backsplash and glaze the cabinets. I can't wait to share photos! My goal is to have everything done before Christmas, so we are working 'till the wee hours to get this house completed!

Adoption news... crickets still. We've been waiting for almost 8 months now and every day I hold my breath in anticipation thinking today may be the day. We are so ready to meet our child!

Tomorrow will be the day where I announce the winners for my CureSearch donation contest!

Love! {Grand Rapids Children's Photographer}

We're still deep in the heart of redoing our house. The kitchen is about 95% complete and demolition on the basement is well underway. I can't wait to share the transformations!!

I was back in the studio after a long time this fall photographing families outside. It felt so good to get back into my cozy studio! I just love photographing these girls. More to come from their session!

CureSearch {Grand Rapids Photographer}

You've heard me talk about the DeYoung's a lot on this blog. You've also heard me talk about my hike that I was training for. We did it, it's done and I'm so thankful that it went well!

Lola DeYoung is 5 years old. She loves the color pink, bible stories and horses. On February 14, 2011 Lola was diagnosed with Leukemia. Every day, 35 children are diagnosed with pediatric cancer - 7 of those will not survive. Cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease in children. Although the cure rate is now 78%, it is not good enough. Our goal is 100%. On October 29, 2011, 8 women from Team Lola set out to the Tecumseh Trail for a 30 mile hike that is helping raise money for CureSearch, a research company helping make a difference in the lives of children with cancer.

I have a little fundraising to do yet and I thought I'd get creative and come up with a fun way to get me to my goal. Here's how it's going to work.

1.Donate $15 (or more!) to my page KERRY'S DONATION PAGE.

2. Forward me a copy of the confirmation that you donated to: kerrys@imagesofessence.com to be entered in the drawing.

Everyone who donates a minimum of $15 and emails me confirmation will be entered to win one of these fabulous prizes. A HUGE, HUGE thank you to those fabulous people who so generously donated a prize to my fundraiser. Here's what you may end up winning...

1. Custom holiday card design including 25 free printed cards and envelopes by Tina DeKam of Elah Design Group Winner: Dawn Swaney

2. 31 bag with body lotion from Bath and Body works

Need a 31 consultant? Lisa TenHarkel is your girl! Winner: Chriss Pruim

3. $25 to Sweet Pea Hats shop Winner: Jill Erffmeyer

4. $10 Starbucks gift card Winner: Tara Matthysse

5. Any 2 items from Just Josie's Etsy shop Winner: Rachel Landstra

6. $40 to Two Little Wrens Etsy shop Winner: Allison Nealon

7. $25 gift card to Target Winner: Dana Franzoi

8. Newborn hat from Knitwitwoolies Winner: Emily Ringnalda

9. A $100 Speedway gift card Winner: Mindi Freng

Deadline is November 30 to donate and be registered to win these prizes. I'll be announcing the winners on Sunday, December 4. Thank you for your support!

7 of 8 women from Team Lola. Me and Lindsey (Lola's mom).

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