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!!!