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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Been Working.... A Lot. {Grand Rapids Photographer}

As you all know we've moved into the "new" (to us) house recently. I am desperate to have this house completed with my vision by Christmas. I want to be able to relax and enjoy the holiday's with my kids not looking around at all the things that need to be done. The first week we moved in, I started on the teeny, tiny master bathroom and pained the cupboards. I mentioned my new passion back at the end of this post. Don't they look great? I am addicted to refinishing furniture, including cupboards. It was done with spray paint and I went over it with a glaze. The room still isn't complete but I definitely can live with it for now until I get some other major rooms completed. I've now completed the living room and I'm almost done with the kitchen. Next up is the basement. I'll definitely share pictures soon. I've also done a ton of sessions this fall so it's been a crazy few weeks!

We're In! {Grand Rapids Photographer}

The move is OVER! Boxes are still everywhere and the house is total chaos but we're in, we have food in the fridge, and life is good! I'm anxious to get this house to feel like mine so I've been painting away. One room and a door painted already and I've also refinished the bathroom cabinets. I can't wait to show you my painting skills!! With fall being my busiest time of year regarding photography (this year no exception!), and moving this month, I'm exhausted!

I'm still not 100% sure I'm receiving all my emails. If you emailed me and I haven't responded yet. Please feel free to call me at 616.5three1.7nine52.

Here's a sweet brother/sister session that I did recently. You may remember them from last year.

Boxes, boxes, boxes {Grand Rapids Photographer}

We've moved! I'm expecting an interruption in email service as we've switched providers so please contact me by Facebook or by calling me at 616.531.seven9five2.

Video

Didn't realize that it didn't load correctly when I posted earlier. It's there now!! :)

Trey - The Latest

It's been a LONG time since I last updated you on how Trey has been doing. My last post on him was here. Since then his vocabulary has EXPLODED! This is a huge thing for us as now our communication back and forth is not so frustrating, resulting in less temper tantrums from both of us. ;) It is a wonderful thing to hear his sweet little voice and to know his wants and what he's thinking; something we've waited for so long to hear.

Last year he went to Ken-o-sha for 5 half days and learned so many new things. He now knows all his colors, and most letters. Absolutely unbelievable for a pretty non-verbal kid at the beginning of the year. His sensory limitations have come a long way too. Trey is a SUPER sensory sensitive kid when it comes to touch. He doesn't mind being touched, it's when he is challenged to touch something is when it becomes a problem. When he's in a baby swing at the park, he doesn't hold onto the handles for fear of how they feel. He won't hold a toothbrush, or an unfamiliar item. This has become a huge challenge for Joe and I as we can't cater to his every need by feeding him or brushing his teeth for him forever (especially with child #4 coming soon).

Last night we had a huge breakthrough and we are SOOO excited about his progress!! Look here, not only is he holding the spoon, he's feeding himself too! We've waited for this for 4 years!!!

Sigh {Grand Rapids, Michigan Newborn Photographer}

I had the pleasure of photographing this sweet little buddy not too long ago. Sigh.... he was SO sweet!

Ok so things have been CRAZY over here in the Siereveld household. Remember how I moved into our new house back in July?!? Well it just so happens that we are moving again in 2 weeks as that house has now sold. Such is the life of a builders wife...

Our house technically wasn't for sale but as my husband would say, anything is for sale. So sure enough, boxes are being packed up again (I didn't even really decorate this house or completely unpack!), and we are on the move again. This time though, instead of renting, we've purchased an old, adorable house that the kids and the dog can live in for a bit. We're so excited and I can't wait to transform this beauty into something beautiful! It's got so much character and potential!

Speaking of transformations, I've got something up my sleeve. A new project that really doesn't have anything do to with photography but it's something I've discovered I love doing.... stay tuned.

A couple.... {Grand Rapids Photographer}

A few of weeks ago I held mini sessions and this is one of the families that participated. Aren't they all cute??? I love me some color (lots of it!), but I really liked these in black and white.

Just a note for the rest of the year. I'm 110% completely booked through October. However, if you have a newborn, I do have some mornings open that I can fit you in. If you're expecting and are wanting to schedule something with me, let me know ASAP so I can fit you in my day schedule. I don't have any more family sessions open until November and I'm only offering a limited amount in November and December as I want to appreciate the holidays with my family as much as I can.

Many more blog posts to come, I've been a busy girl lately! I've been posting a few here and there on my Facebook page so if you're not a fan yet, become one so you can see what I've been up to!

Little Sugar {Grand Rapids, Michigan Newborn Photographer}

Isn't this little peanut just so sweet?? Exactly 7 days old and soooo sleepy! She was such a little model and let me pose her in all kinds of ways!

Mine {Grand Rapids, Michigan Children's Photographer}

2 of my 3 (soon to be 4). Sigh.... I absolutely 100% adore this picture.

Alex + Stephanie {Grand Rapids, Michigan Photographer}

A couple of weeks ago I shot the most beautiful wedding up near Traverse City, Michigan. STUNNING weather we had and even though it was a little bit hot, it wasn't raining and we were able to utilize this amazing property at the Crooked Creek Ranch. When I say amazing, I mean absolutely amazing. The grounds at the ranch offered so much for photography backdrops, it was a little overwhelming on where to start as I wanted to do so much with this wedding party!

Here's a peek of what their wedding day looked like:

The bridal dressing area

Woop for a vintage bike find!!

The brooch was lent from a grandmother that couldn't attend. A perfect addition to the flowers.

Another special meaning to this family. Chris was definitely a part of this big event.

I just absolutely adore this beautiful family. Thank you so much for letting me capture your special day!