The Cook Family 3.0

The amazing Cook family asked me to photograph their beautiful little addition! His name is Emmitt, and believe me... he is THAT BEAUTIFUL! On my way home from the shoot, nothing seemed more perfect than to have this kind of miracle complete a family...or in some cases keep completing it.  I have tremendous love and admiration for this family.  The faith and sacrifices that have fueled the search for their children is something that has moved me time and time again.  Thank you Chip, Lyndsey, Emi, Eli, and Emmitt.  I hope to see you grow in love and spirit year after year!

Samoan Cultural Celebration 2011

We spent Saturday at the Samoan Cultural Celebration with our family.  Haven and all my fabulous nieces performed a song...(very beautifully).....and in Samoan to top it off.  I'm not a performer.  It's just not in my blood.  (Ask my mama, or my papa... their parents or their grandparents.)  Please, I can talk your ear off, and dance party in any crowd all night long. BUT say one word about Karaoke and I'm GAME OVER.  Even writing the word has got my vocal chords all squeaky.. or is it squawky? cough..cough.  More like BOTH.  If there was one thing I could just "poof" give my kids it would be the source to their daddy's never ending confidence.  I mean...it's one of the reasons I decided to marry the man right?  Talent genes baby!  He can dance and sing, act like a fool, and could care less if you have an opinion on it.  I've only actually seen him nervous once in our whole marriage.  He's taught me how to let go and for that I'm endlessly grateful.  You gotta respect that kind of freedom.  I've come light years from where I was....but I'm still ME.  My daughter has more of "that" me,  in her than I'd like.   I mean in a  "I don't want her to miss out on things in life because she's too shy, afraid or self conscious" way.  She cried and had a case of sever butterflies that landed us in the bathroom..... but she STILL got up there and sang her heart out.  Already got me beat at 8!  THANK GOODNESS.  None of this would have happened if it weren't for two of my amazing sister in laws, Irene and Timena!  I can't give my kids the gift they are giving them and that is why it is priceless to me.  LOVE YOU BOTH!

The SUPER talented and Beautiful Haylee Roderick...

When I say it's a privilege to work with Haylee, I'm not just trying to sound fancy.  She is as talented as she is beautiful.  She is breathtaking to watch dance and move.  I love my images to be full of life, and movement.  She's a perfect muse for me.  I am honored to call her friend.  LOVE  YOU HAYLEE!

Welcome home from the GLEE WORLD TOUR!  OW OW!

I just found this.  Watch her move.  It's so unreal!  Her commitment to what she is doing is so remarkable...at times she had to jump over and over again... with no shoes... in the middle of branches!
GREATNESS!
  She is seriously something else.