trail junky

After three years of no biking I was finally able to hit the trails. I can actually say that I am not in shape and need to get my butt in gear ASAP. It was fun, hard work, and a great workout. I just love working out anyways. There is just something about being outside, however, and not in the gym. You feel free. You can actually feel the wind and you hear the sounds of nature all around you. That is, when I'm not breathing heavy or screaming as I barely hit the trees. My husband is in good shape and hits the trails about three times a week. He had to wait on me as I come panting up the hills. He says he doesn't mind but I bet he loves going by himself so that he can go at his own pace. I'd been wanting to go out there to take some photos as well and it was such a great day to do it so I decided to not let it pass me by. We had fun, I got good pics, I got a good workout and I didn't die. Yay for me!

.halloween chick.

It's late, I know, but I couldn't pass up taking some pictures of my little pumpkin. She's a ham and she does well with getting her pictures taken. I loved the outfit and had to put her in it. So happy late halloween... and now on to the turkey day.

.the kids.

I've been wanting to get pictures of all three kids together since Myla was born. It's been two months now and I have finally conquered it. Last week, I dragged the kiddos outside, sat them down and started clicking. It's amazing how much work goes into actually doing something like this. One wrong move or one little accident could send any one of them into a quick cry fest. Turns out it was Makenna's lucky day. She wanted nothing to do with the camera or me being behind it. She wanted to go play. The doors were open and she was running for freedom. I did manage to get a couple.. I'm happy. As a photographer, you learn real quickly to work with what you have. Maybe one day I'll post the images where the kids aren't so cooperative.

.mexico wedding.

Wow, that is all I can say. The wedding in Mexico for Katie and Ben was gorgeous. They had the best weather and the coolest location. I really don't think there was a place that wasn't beautiful or perfect for taking photos. All she wanted was for it to not rain on the wedding day and she got it. It rained the day before and the night of but not during the day or evening... perfect. They looked stunning and the bridal party looked great. The service was at 4 in a cute chapel right on property. The day started off though with hanging out at the pool, sipping drinks and getting sun. Totally relaxed and fun. The reception was at a really nice restaurant outdoors. They danced, drank, ate a good meal, and mingled. What a perfect way to start the honeymoon and their life of marriage. I think that destination weddings are the way to go. The brides always seem so much more relaxed and things are more low key. Kind of like a go with the flow feel. The day was perfect... heck, the weekd was perfect. I'll go back!! Congratulations Katie and Ben and thanks for allowing Chris and I to be there for your special day!

.OK.

It's been two whole months. It feels as though it were yesterday. Time, what does that even mean anymore? The concept of time.. the years, the months, the days. It comes and goes. How long will it take for us to feel like us again? The pain of missing him will never go away. He will always be there. Someone once described it as a tree being ripped out of the ground and in time other things will start to grow to fill it's space. It will never be the same tree but other good things will start to return.. flowers, grass, etc. Paul loved the outdoors and spent most of his time there. He was a unique individual. He stood out. People wanted to be around him. He was the center of attention, always. I went for a walk the other day outside and among nature. There is something about the trees and the way the wind blows through them. It reminds me of him and brings me peace in knowing that he is happy and is home. As I walked, I noticed things that stood out. Just like he would if he were here with us. He is with the Lord and with others who went before him. He is with soldiers who also made the ultimate sacrifice. He's in a place where everyone is family. There is no pain, no tears and only pure joy. It's like his way of saying that it's OK Jessica, you will get through this. I am OK.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

.obx.

This past weekend my family and I went to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. It was a much needed break to just try and get away from it all. Thanks to a friend, we were able to stay at a beach house for the week. Most of us couldn't get down there though until about Thursday, but it was nice either way. The boys enjoyed catching crabs in the morning, playing in the sand, playing a little football and swimming some. Of course, their other past time is eating. They can never get enough to eat. I just enjoyed sitting on the deck and feeling the breeze. One of my favorite things to do is to sit outside, wearing a comfy hoodie and just be. There is just something so relaxing to that. My kids enjoyed the sand and had it located in every pocket and all over their body. It got to be hard with the newest one, Myla. Being only 7 weeks old and not liking naps yet, we had to carry her all day. She does better at night but not when it's not her own bed. Then again, I like sleeping in my own bed as well. While we were there, I didn't take too many pictures but enough to capture a little of our weekend.

family of boys

These photos were taken back in the beginning of August. During the time our life was still normal. When we were laughing, smiling, joking around. When my brothers had a big crazy brother, when my kids had a nut for an uncle, when I had a brother that had a lot in common with me. I just now got around to editing the rest of the images from this shoot. Our life now is not normal. It will be a "new" normal but not the normal that we want. We just have to accept it and the only reason I can accept it is because he is with the Lord and enjoying all the happiness of heaven. Eventually, in time, we will once again be together. But for now, we will live in his memory, listen to chicken fried and laugh at his stories. My three other brothers are alot like him. Not so sure that is a good thing. If so, they too will have alot of stories that shouldn't be told. But when they are... we will laugh.

.high school seniors.

.our new daughter.

We welcomed our second daughter and third child into the world on August 28. 09. She is wonderful and a great sleeper. We couldn't have asked for a better baby. She weighed 8lbs. 10oz and we named her Myla Paul Oatman. She was born 9 days after I found out about the death of my brother. So in his honor she took his name as her middle name. I believe she will be proud. She should be, he was amazing. The photos are dear to my heart as are all my photos. They are priceless memories of cherished moments. No one can take them away. The quilted baby blanket was Paul's blanket when he was small.. it's hers now. I'm sure it will be used for quite a while. Welcome into the world little Myla.

.worth a million words.

I miss my brother. It's been three whole weeks. It feels like forever, yet at the same time it feels like yesterday when we received the news of his death in Afghanistan. Only 23 with so much life ahead of him. Our hearts will forever have a hole in them and our lives will never be quite the same. He was the comedian of the family, the one who had us rolling on the ground every time we saw him. Nothing was serious with him, ever! It's what I loved most. I just blogged about him, I just facebooked him, I just hugged him, all the justs that just happened and yet now all I have are the pictures. These pictures are worth a million words. I'll never delete any of them. It's how we remembered him and how my children will remember him, their Uncle Paul. We love you and we miss you. Not a single day will go by when we don't think of you. I look forward to the day I see you again!

From his favorite song: Chicken Fried.

And its funny how it’s the little things in life that mean the most
Not where you live, what you drive or the price tag on your clothes
There’s no dollar sign on a piece of mind this I’ve come to know
So if you agree have a drink with me
Raise you glasses for a toast
To a little bit of chicken fried

Virginia Senior

I've known this chick for a while now and can't believe she is a senior now. The time really does fly. I was thrilled to get to shoot her senior photos. She is the cutest thing... ever! I met with her the other day, walked around some different locations and then we ended up at acool beach spot. She's super photogenic and her photos turned out uber adorable. She's actually the first Virginia senior for me to shoot as well. Enjoy Lauren.

engaged and happy

My sister is engaged and let me tell you how excited she is... VERY! It's going to be non-stop wedding talk from here on out. But who can blame her. Weddings are fun, exciting and all about love. I love shooting weddings but I love shooting engagement sessions even more. It's the thrill in the beginning. Everything leading up to the BIG day. We decided on doing their pics at the beach and at colonial williamsburg, where they were engaged. I had a good time and I think they did too. So, Stef... these are finally for you. :)

.boys will be boys.

My brother came in town for two weeks for a little R&R while deployed to Afghanistan. It was great getting to see him but some things just never change. No matter how old he gets, he's always the comedian! All the younger ones think he is just hilarious. I guess they need that sometimes. We did a small photo shoot with everyone but when you consider the size of our family it's going to be a large shoot. We had a good time filled with lots of laughter.

.beach time.

It's been awhile since I've gone to the beach with the family and we're gonna head there again tomorrow morning. Outer Banks here we come. The whole clan is going, so it should be a good time. We're just hoping and praying for some good weather. Today we went to VA Beach for a bit. Nothing big, but when you go with little ones... it's BIG! Boy, does it take time to load and unload everything. No matter how easy you try to make it... it's not! Either way, we had fun. My little one, Montana, and his uncle Adam are like two peas in a pod. Only three years apart but already trouble when put together. They fight like brothers and laugh like friends. Just the way it should be. They're just too cute together and the pictures prove it. I love it. Oh and of course, Makenna is loving it too. :)

.summer wedding.

It turned out to be such a great day for Jessica and Glen as they said their vows with the sun shining through the church windows and a great reception to follow. She got ready at her moms house with tons of family helping her out. You can never have too much help on your wedding day. It was such a sweet ceremony and the reception was a hopping place. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, dancing, visiting, and laughing. Congrats Jessica and Glen. Enjoy the pics.

.the more, the merrier.

Last weekend I got together with a family from out of town who decided to have their photos done. It was one of those things where you don't get together often and when you do, you should capture it. Myself, coming from a large family knows exactly how this can be. I don't think we've had a photo of everyone in a couple of years. There just always seems to be someone missing. So, I met up with them in Colonial Williamsburg to capture their super sweet family. It's always great getting to know the people you are taking photos of. So many personalities and yet everyone is Family. I love it!

Happy first little kenna beans!

It was a day worth celebrating. She's already one. Our little "kenna beans" has grown so fast and is also moving around now... fast! She's been walking since about 10 months and hasn't stopped since. She rules the house, the boys, and the toys. Montana is going to have his hands full once she can actually start talking. She'll rat him out in a heartbeat. We just had a little family party for her in the morning where she feasted on cake, opened her presents, and smiled for the camera. She's such a ham and a joy to have with us. We love her to pieces. Happy first birthday Makenna!

fun+spunky=seniors

I love shooting seniors. They have got to be some of my favorites and Nikki was no exception. I was leaving on Tuesday morning to go back to Virginia after having shot other seniors, weddings, babies, and families. She called to see I had any time to get her in. Well we squeezed her in on early monday right before my sons doctor appointment. So glad we did. She's just awesome anyways and her pictures are too cute. We had fun walking around downtown and the park. Enjoy Nikki!

.crazy behind the wheel.

I can't believe how fast the time can go. My little one will now be 1 next week. She's mobile and all over the place. She already thinks she's the boss of the house and of all the boys. If this is any inkling what she will be like when she gets older... oh boy had I better get ready. I love her to pieces and love squishing her chunky self. She's my little girl, Montana's princess (as he says), and our "daddy's girl". Love her!

catching up

I went to Springfield, Missouri about three weeks ago now and am trying to play the game of catch up. I think I'm starting to make a dent in all the sessions. I finished a senior and am on to the second one. He's such a neat guy with many unique interests. He's also a talented swimmer and I know this cause I coached him. I'm sure that when his graduation day comes and he goes on to college he will be a very successful guy!