I very rarely have pictures of myself – I don’t think I have hardly any of me and little *M*.

I had *J* take a few at our photo shoot.

Thanks again *J* for the shots.

We live in Jared’s grandparents house right next to Jared’s parents. His g-parents spend a large portion of the year in Florida – when they do come north – they stay with Jared’s parents. Even though we live next door – it seems like we struggle to make time to see each other. For Christmas this year I wanted to try and get a family picture – my trusty second shooter – PM – was not available – so I tried the self-timer on my camera. After having to get out the manual – I finally figured it out. This was the second shot we tried.

Not bad at all – considering that I had to keep counting to myself while I jogged down the hill and tried to position myself in 10 seconds.

Gram and Grampa Clark – such sweet AWESOME people.

My awesome in-laws and g-parent in-laws.

Sunday afternoon I grabbed *K*, *K*, and *L* between church and my appointment to catch a few shots of the three of them before *L* left for college again.

We LOVE these kids – they go to our church and our very dear to our hearts.

Thanks *E* family – WE LOVE YOU GUYS !!

As most of you know – Jared and I work with the PowerKidz on Wednesday nights at church. PM works with the youth group, RAY. Last night her message was on mentors. I heard a few of the kids coming up to compliment her after the message and when we grabbed ice cream at McD’s I asked her about it. She said that she told the kids about the importance of mentors and had expressed her gratitude to her mentors, past and present. I didn’t even hear the message and I’ve been thinking about it.

I have a mentor. I’ll bet you can guess who she is. My dear Aunt L. My mom always used to joke that I must have been Aunt Lori’s kid and not hers. I credit a lot of my self confidence to Aunt L. I was a goofy kid – looks – personality – you name it – I was goofy. Aunt L always helped me to be proud of who I was. One of the most important things I remember her telling me was – Danielle – you can have a boyfriend any day of the week – all you have to do is lower your standards. I used to get bummed out about all my friends dating these cute guys that I wanted to date. L would always tell me that little snippet. She helped me have the self-confidence that is very rare at that age.

L used to be our youth group leader at church – when I was in 8th grade we signed True Love Waits cards. I remember that moment like it was yesterday – L talked about what signing those cards really mean – about the promise you are making to yourself, your future spouse, and to God. I wish I still had that card – but I had that reminder written on my heart. L took time to talk about the tough stuff with us – the things that might make you uncomfortable to talk about.

L is one of the biggest supporters of me and my journey to being a photographer. She has a God given gift with words. She wrote all the blurbs on my webpage – she even “helped” me write my editor-in-chief spot when I was in high school – and by “helped” I mean wrote. She researches for me – encourages me – pushes me – promotes me – supports me.

She started the TMJ Relief Fund – she sent out prayers and prayers for me. She wrote me encouraging notes – she believed with me that God would heal me.

She is a strong woman of God and a woman I can turn to when times are tough. She prays. She is outspoken. She is bold. She is a mother. A new grandmother. A wife. A daughter. A sister. An aunt. A friend. A teacher. She asks for help. She cries out to God.

She is one of the reasons that I am who I am today.

I encourage you to take a minute to think about your mentor – thank them – and remember that your mentor is preparing you for that day when someone turns to you and looks for advice – encouragement – love.

Thank you Aunt L.

My dad and I have gone to the PA Renaissance Faire for the last 8 years – we think. I know for sure that we went in 2002 or was it 2003 – but dad thinks we might have started in 2001. The University used to have a bus trip down to the Ren Faire and I saw an ad for it and thought me dad would love to go – was I right or what. We started just the two of us – then Jared and my cousin Mateo joined us. Last year we brought a few more people along with us and added a few new ones again this year. The last two years haven’t been on the bus with MU – since they don’t offer the bus trips to non-students anymore – at least not at the discounted price. We head out early in the AM since it opens at 11 – we get dad into his armor – he has made a different set the last 3 years – then we grab lunch – usually one of those GIANT turkey legs. Then we walk around – make sure to hit the glass blowing and hit all the best shops. Then we watch the human chess game and make sure to get to the pirate auction. Last year we bought 2 LOTR swords at the auction to go with the 2 we already have from our wedding. My dad got us 2 LOTR swords for our wedding gifts. Then we hit the soup-in-a-bread-bowl station and head home for the day.

2003 – just me and dad –

I didn’t take a camera in 2004 or 2005  – and the fact that the first year I have pictures from is 2003 – it makes me think that is when we started going.

In 2006 dad decided to try a hand at making his own armor to wear at the Faire. Jared, Mateo, dad, and I went along –

So last year we brought Mateo, Jared, dad, and I as usual but we also suckered in KT and Samm.

This year dad made another set and we picked up some more travelers. KT couldn’t make it – but Samm and her boyfriend Xavier came along with PM and her brother and his girlfriend. Nate – a friend of the family – also came along – dressed up in ninja garb.

Last night I went up to PM’s to photograph her family. It’s PM and her brother and parents, her aunt and uncle, and her gram and gramps. Oh – and I can’t forget Molly – the pup. As soon as I pulled in the drive – the thunder started – then the rain rain rain came down down down – luckily only in little drops. We managed to get them under the trees and get some great  shots.

Thanks *W* family for the pictures. You guys were awesome to work with and put up with the rain so well.

This past weekend was spent at my parents house. Connie – the cousin I mentioned earlier – brought her kids to the house for a few hours so we could have a photography date. We took a walk out back and *N* and his little friend *G* were fascinated by the tarp covering the bailer.

*G* found a milkweed pod when we looked for caterpillars.

*N* reminds me so much of my brother Derek. He was ALWAYS playing in the dirt.

My second cousin *C* is in 7th grade – spending time with her takes me back to when I was in 7th grade – I wish I had a picture to post.

This past weekend I took *C* out in my parents back “yard” to take some shots.

Thanks *C* – I cannot believe how fast you are growing up. I can’t wait to see how God molds you.

This was my backyard growing up …

How I miss that …

If you enjoy good music, a good message and the chance to partner with God to make good things happen, you won’t want to miss the Strings of Joy: Threads of Inspiration concert taking place at Mt. Pisgah Wesleyan Church Saturday, October 18 at 7:30pm.  This concert, which features the musical talents of local favorites Chuck Stringham and Joy Cooke, also highlights the blessings brought into many lives through adoption.

On Saturday, October 18th, Chuck and Joy will take the stage at Mt. Pisgah Wesleyan Church to share an inspirational message of God’s love and work in their lives.  Standing with them will be the Moody Family: Steve, Heather, Grace, Maya, and Eli, the Moody’s son through adoption.  Steve and Heather experienced both highs and lows throughout their adoption journey, and on October 18th they’ll relay some of the inspiration they received from God on their way to find Eli.

In addition to the inspiring music that will be shared that night, Meagan Nowacoski will present a moving monologue of adoption from a child’s perspective.  If you’ve ever thought of adopting, or would like the chance to make a difference either through your own adoption or by supporting others who feel called to adopt, please attend this concert.  A love offering will be taken, with all proceeds benefiting Michael and Leslie Roche as they prepare to adopt in the summer of 2009.

For more information about the Strings of Joy: Thread of Inspiration concert, contact the event organizer at 570-882-9716, or check the church’s website at www.mpwesleyan.org.  This concert is a combined effort of the Bentley Creek Wesleyan Church and the Mt. Pisgah Wesleyan Church.  Mt. Pisgah Wesleyan Church is located ½ mile south of Springfield Road on the Berwick Turnpike, East Smithfield, PA.

That was written by my Aunt L. Mike and Leslie are my cousins – her niece and nephew – and we are so excited about the adoption.

Aunt L asked me to shoot the promotional photos for the concert.

Chuck – Joy – L – thanks so much – I had a GREAT time with you guys- Let’s pray that God brings great things through this concert – both for the body of Christ and for Mike and Leslie.