Classic Gallery

Wedding Clients

2010-04-23T20:15:00.002-04:00

I was at the Craft Show in Mt. Pleasant for Creekside Grains last weekend. I was talking to a very nice woman, when she stopped talking, stared for a moment, then said, "You are a photographer!"
When I agreed with her, she said, "You photographed my wedding in Jackson, 29 years ago!"

As soon as she told me that I had photographed her wedding, I immediately remembered her. She wore a scoop neck gown, with a beautiful hat! I remembered her church, and what a beautiful bride she was.

The most fun part of this story is that we were in Mt. Pleasant. She had moved from Jackson to Mt. Pleasant a few years ago, so we met in a town that neither of us ever dreamed we would meet in.

I love reunions with a great twist!

Final Moving Day!

2010-03-25T11:37:00.001-04:00

If you do not hear from us for a few more days, it is because the phone lines and computers and internet are moving to our new office.

If all goes well, we will be back in action on Friday afternoon. If the normal glitches occur, you will hear from us on Monday.

Back to final packing and moving!

Bye!

Almost Moving Day!

2010-03-17T10:51:00.001-04:00

If you drove by the studio in the past few days,
you will notice that the Classic Gallery signs are gone.

Next Friday, we will be officially out of this office and into a temporary office.

Lots to do and little time to move it all!

We had wonderful friends who helped move most of the studio furniture
and files and shelves and lots of boxes on Saturday,
but my office is still very full.

I leave town for five days on Friday,
so poor Michael has to clean up after me.
He can do it! I know he can!

On Monday evening, I will be presenting a program in Frankenmuth for the
Mid Michigan Professional Photographers Association.
I look forward to spending time with old friends
and meeting new friends.

If the blog is empty for awhile,

I will fill it up when I return and unpack!

I'm Back!

2010-02-18T16:41:00.001-05:00

Has it been almost two months since I blogged? Guess why? I will tell you!

Michael is the Executive Director of Miss Heart of Michigan, which is a Miss Michigan, Miss America preliminary competition. I am the President.

Last Saturday, Miss Heart 2010 was crowned at the Leelanau Sands Showroom. Kaley Lynn Schroeder also took home a $10,000 scholarship! Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund was the co emcee with our Miss Heart 2009, Katie LaRoche. Kirsten and Katie did a wonderful job entertaining the crowd and helping to make the evening go smoothly.

Kaley is now preparing for Miss Michigan in June.

For the past two months, I have been planning the event, from ticket taking to Lodge room reservations, to script writing, to making sure contestants paperwork was correct, to answering over fifty emails per day, to preparing judges books, to you name it, I did it.

Whew, the pageant is done and we are starting to plan for next year.

We are also preparing for the Lansing Gift show for Creekside Grains, which starts on Sunday. Michael is busy packing mixes and preparing products and I am polishing up the brochures and order forms. We heard that over 600 people attend the show, so we are looking forward to a great weekend!

Have a great weekend! I know we will!

Christmas Eve Updates

2009-12-29T16:47:00.001-05:00

A quote from Pastor Nick...

"How did things go on Christmas Eve?

If you were not able to be with us, I'd encourage you to check out the podcast at www.bponline.org

We had over 2,800 people attend the four services and I am still receiving emails from people who were deeply moved. In fact, I spoke with two Bay Pointe families on Christmas Eve who said it was their one-year anniversary – their first service was Christmas Eve 2008.

My hope is that many who attended will come back and continue a journey that will lead them to the cross of Christ."

I cannot agree more!

Christmas Eve Services

2009-12-23T17:36:00.001-05:00

Just a reminder that you are invited to join us for Christmas Eve services at Bay Pointe Community Church. Services will be at 1:00, 3:00, 5:00 and 7:00 PM. Michael will be baking for the volunteers and we will both greet at all services. Pastor Nick has a special message planned and the music is always wonderful. Come alone, come with family, come with friends, come join us! We look forward to seeing you there.

Life with Deb, Rob and Erin

2009-11-30T12:53:00.002-05:00

I met Deb and Rob in 1985, when I photographed their engagement session. Erin was born a few years later. I have been photographing their family almost every year since then.

A few years ago, just after Christmas, Erin was home and Deb and Rob were in Texas. As Erin watched in horror, a fire ball raced through their home. Because it was electrical, the fire department could not extinguish the fire until the main power line was shut off. That time delay kept the fire burning and the home was completely destroyed. If the fire had been a few hours later, Erin would have been sleeping and could not have escaped the explosion. Deb is still so thankful that they came home to a burned out house and not for a funeral.

I was able to replace every portrait that I had taken over all those years, but it was a slow and tedious process. Deb and I met several times to look at the negatives from the burned portraits and make decisions as to which portraits would be replaced as wall portraits and which portraits would become part of a family album. After that, we chose frames for the wall portraits. Since many of the frames were no longer made, we got to choose new frames.

I delivered two portraits soon after the house was completed, to start with the "making the house a home" process. The album came next, so Deb was able to see the family change over the years.

Yesterday was an encouraging day. I met with Deb to hang the final wall portraits and to help with the "stairway wall." Deb and Rob's original stairway wall had twenty years of family portraits and candid events. Deb showed me the photograph of the original burned wall, with white blobs of melted goo that had held precious memories. Deb started from scratch and created new memory photographs, then framed each photograph or group of photographs. She was able to salvage a few charred photographs and made the best of the horrible situation. We took each group and started hanging. It started with a portrait of Rob's parents, then Deb and Rob's wedding portraits, then years of family memories. There is one spot left at the bottom of the stairs for them to create a new photograph during Christmas this year.

I was struck by the few bites of laughter that could come out of the tragedy. Deb showed me a photograph of Rob's sunglasses. They looked like a modern art exhibit. The frames stayed the same and the glasses melted into a colorful blob. Their soap dispenser in the bathroom was a melted blob of goo with melted soap dripping out of the bottom. The funniest image was of the check that they had written to their housekeeper. The check was in perfect condition, surrounded by charred everything!

This replacement order cost over $10,000. If we had replaced every wall portrait and every smaller portrait exactly as the original orders, it would have been $30,000. I left in awe of the rebuilding process and the healing that they have had to endure. I left thanking God for a friendship that I have enjoyed over the years.

Deb says it is "the same, but different." I agree.

pretty pups

2009-11-02T13:43:00.003-05:00

Mom Shelley brought her four legged girls
for their Christmas portrait.

They are best friends.
Look at the paw holding!

They are so well behaved and so regal!

Guess who had enough?
She worked hard and was all tired out!

We had a great time with the girls!

Artist Jenn

2009-10-30T18:37:00.006-04:00

Jenn is an artist! A very good artist!

Jenn ordered a folio with eight of her favorite images.

She didn't just write the pose numbers down.

She drew the poses!

She drew them very well!

If Jenn were not going to college to be a vet, she should become a caricature artist.

See if you can match the drawings to the portraits below.

These drawings are adorable, just like Jenn!

Sad for Mom

2009-10-01T13:57:00.003-04:00

Mom called last night with very sad news.

Mom and Aggie are both 81 years old and have been friends since kindergarten. Mom survived Stage 3B ovarian cancer 12 years ago and Aggie was with her, praying for Mom and giving her lots of encouragement. A few years ago, Aggie got cancer. She had been in remission, but now it is back, with a vengeance. Now it is Mom's turn, to be there for Aggie.

It is very hard to lose a friend, especially after being friends for 75 years. They have been through so many good times and hard times together.

I created a portrait of Aggie and Bob for their 50th anniversary. It was a beautiful portrait, taken on their farm. Aggie did not feel well last year for their 60th, so they did not have an anniversary portrait taken. I am so glad that they took the time to have their portrait taken on their 50th anniversary. It will be a great memory for their children and grandchildren.

About nine years ago, I photographed Aggie and Bob's daughter, who is a nun in a convent in Italy. When Sister asked me who my favorite portrait session had been, I had to tell her..it was her! Sister is such a delight to spend time with. Her sweet spirit and gentle manner is contagious. Her love of our Lord is so obvious! Sister is now back home to be with her parents. I am so glad she is here, but sad for the reason.

I told Mom that everyone thought she would be the first of the group of friends to go, with the advanced cancer that she had. Now that she has survived, it looks like she will live to be 100!

I will pray for Aggie and her family. If you are led to join me, that would be wonderful.

I am a Gram (sort of)

2009-09-28T15:52:00.003-04:00

Mark and I have been friends for over 35 years (since high school). He escorted me down the aisle when I married Michael eight years ago.

Mark has a son, Matthew. I photographed Mark and Matthew when Matthew was two years old. It is still one of my favorite portraits. Matthew was talking about a truck and Mark was listening intently. The expressions are priceless.

I photographed Mark and Matthew again, when Matthew was 13. He was almost as tall as his father.

Mark and Matthew and I had a lot of fun when Matt was a teenager. Matt was born on the same date as my niece, so we had great birthday parties. He was so much fun to feed! That boy could eat!

I got to play Mom/Friend for the two years that Matt played Varsity Football in Hartland. I did not miss a game! Matt always made a point to stop and say hi to his dad and me before he went into the locker room or headed for the bus. Since I never had children of my own, it was so nice to have a part time son.

I photographed Matthew's senior portraits. By then, he was over six feet tall.

Matt married Sarah a few years ago. I will always remember the wonderful expression that Matt had when he saw Sarah for the first time as she walked down the aisle.

Matt and Sarah had a baby boy on Thursday evening. Grandpa Mark is smiling from ear to ear. I decided that since I have known Matt since his birth, and I got to play Mom/Friend during his teenage years, then I can be a Grandma, too! So...I am a Gram (sort of)!

I cannot wait to meet my grandson!

Squirrels and Chipmunks

2009-09-24T13:06:00.002-04:00

If you have ever been to our studio, you know about the window right behind our desk. It gives us a great view of the squirrels under the bird feeder.

Last winter, when it was so cold, the squirrels would hang out under the bird feeder, waiting for a morsel or two. I felt sorry for them, so I started feeding them corn at the base of the feeder. Well...they trained me! They learned to knock on the window, so I would toss corn out to them. If you have never seen a squirrel knock at the window, know that you will be cracking up! They tilt their little heads from side to side to see if anyone is inside. We have little squirrel paw marks and nose prints on the window.

We had a mama squirrel visit us. After awhile, she brought her babies, who are now visiting us. We had a squirrel with one blind eye. I have not seen her for a week, so I hope she did not try to cross the busy road.

Now the chipmunks have decided to join the squirrels. They do not knock on the window, but their chipmunk radar is on full blast. As soon as I toss out corn to the squirrels, the chipmunks come running. They come with empty mouths and leave with as many pieces of corn that can fit in their large cheeks. They are hysterical!

The comedy routine starts when the squirrels and chipmunks start fighting for the corn. They race by each other and do backflips to get away from each other. It is quite a sight.

I never knew that something so little could entertain me so much!

Fun with Jenn

2009-09-22T20:54:00.005-04:00

I had such a great time photographing Jennifer.

I met Jennifer years ago when we photographed
her Mom and Mark's wedding.

She was a beautiful bridesmaid.

Now she is a beautiful senior.

I had fun pushing Jenn to the limit.

I think I tortured her.

This image looks like I did!

The most fun part of the session was near the end.

Jenn's mom had been fixing her hair during the session.

Jenn must have had enough.

While she was getting into position for this image,
I stepped behind her to pull her shirt down.

She let out a "Mom, leave me alone,"
with the complete eye roll going.

After I smacked her on her bottom
(after all, I was standing over her),
I reminded Jenn that her mother was in front of her
and I was the one who was fussing over her!

That set us all off! We laughed and laughed!

Thanks, Jenn, for keeping me laughing!

way behind

2009-09-16T19:50:00.002-04:00

Wow, I promised that I would update more often and I am guilty of not following up on my promise. I will try to be better about it.

Lots happening and not enough time in the day to keep up.

Back to work!

Pet Tags

2009-07-22T09:54:00.002-04:00

This is just a reminder to all pet owners to make sure that their pets have identification tags on their collars.

We came home from a wonderful family beach session on Monday night, only to find a young woman crying over a dog that she hit with her car on Three Mile, in front of the studio. It was a beautiful dog with a collar, but no tags. We had no way to find the owners. The police officer had to put the dog by the side of the road and hope that the owners found it.

Yesterday, the dog was gone. We are glad that someone found the dog, but so sad that the owners do not know what happened.

It is so sad when a pet escapes, but even more sad when something tragic happens and we do not know how to contact the owner.

Please have a tag with the pet's name, the owner's name and number and the vet's name. It will save much heartache later.

Lisa

2009-07-15T17:37:00.002-04:00

Lisa was beautiful and so easy to photograph!

Grogeous eyes and a great smile!

A natural at posing!

Brave enough to get in the chilly water of Mitchell Creek!

Thanks, Lisa. I cannot wait for you to see the rest!

Another great week

2009-07-11T19:38:00.001-04:00

What a great week! We started on Sunday morning with three services at Bay Pointe Community Church. Nick Vujicic was an absolutely fantastic, incredible speaker. He had everyone laughing and crying and reevaluating our lives all at the same time. If you are ever near a venue where Nick will be speaking, run to get tickets! He is the best motivational speaker I have ever heard. Over 3200 attended the services and over 400 guests either came to know a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, or reaffirmed their lives to Christ. We came home exhausted, but energized at the same time! Go to his web site to see some of the things that Nick has done. www.lifewithoutlimbs.org

The Farm Markets have kept us hopping this week. We go to Glen Arbor on Tuesday, Leland and Elberta on Thursday, Northport, Elk Rapids and the Village at Grand Traverse Commons on Friday and Suttons Bay and Frankfort on Saturday. That leaves Monday and Wednesday for portrait sessions, so summer appointments are filling up fast.

We celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary on Tuesday with dinner at Sparky's Diner. They were so sweet to give us a hot fudge sundae to share. We drove up the Old Mission peninsula and took a romantic walk on the beach, shared a soda at the Old Mission General Store and visited the Old Mission Congregational church where we were married. It was great to get away and enjoy time together.

Back to work! We'll talk soon!

Life Without Limbs - Nick Vujicic

2009-07-01T16:56:00.000-04:00

If your or anyone you know is coming to Traverse City this weekend, you are invited to join us at Bay Pointe Community Church for one of the most incredible services! Nick Vujicic gives an incredible story that will keep you in tears, while you laugh, too! Go to his web site for more details...lifewithoutlimbs.com

Services will be at 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM and 11:15 AM. Go to bponline.org for more details. Bay Pointe Community Church is located at 6880 Secor Road, Traverse City, MI 49684

Michael and I will be greeting at all services, so would love to shake a hand or give a hug!

We hope to see you there!

First 2010 Senior!

2009-06-29T16:18:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to Jamie, the first Classic Gallery 2010 senior to have her order completed and delivered!

Jamie is in Fort Jackson, South Carolina for nine weeks of boot camp for the Army National Guard! Since she will be gone until a few days before school starts, Jamie had her senior portraits taken in May. One less thing to check off her list in this very busy summer!

Best of luck to Jamie! Go get em girl!

Katie is First Runner Up!

2009-06-20T22:57:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to our Miss Heart of Michigan!
Katie LaRoche is First Runner Up for Miss Michigan!

We are so proud of you!

Katie is Top Five!

2009-06-20T22:31:00.003-04:00

Our Miss Heart of Michigan, Katie LaRoche,
is Top Five at Miss Michigan!
More to come!

GLIP is gone

2009-06-20T14:31:00.002-04:00

I hugged all of my photographer friends good bye yesterday and now I am ready to get back to a more "normal" routine. It was a great week of sharing and learning and working with the best models. The models are looking forward to seeing their images from the best photographers in the world!

The instructors say over and over that we have the best models of all! They teach at several schools all over the country and do not get the models like we provide them at GLIP. Our models come from all over. Michael's daughter and her boyfriend came from Ohio, Morgan and Wesley came from the Grand Rapids area and the others are our clients from Traverse City.

If you Facebook, ask to be my friend, then go to the GLIP sumo wrestling video. I laughed hysterically when I watched it live, then laughed all over again when I saw the video. The instructors are also great entertainers!

Back to work for me!

What a week!

2009-06-17T17:49:00.002-04:00

I keep thinking that I will slow down. It is not happening! I am going faster!!!

This week, Michael and I were in charge of obtaining models for Great Lakes Institute of Photography. It is a school for professional photographers, held at NMC, taught by the best photographers in the country. Each instructor needs models to teach the students, so we were able to provide over fifty models! It has been a busy week!

Michael is now in Muskegon for Miss Michigan, so I will finish out the week for GLIP, then I will be off to the Farmers Markets.

I have had a great time this week, but look forward to slowing down next week!

Miss Michigan

2009-06-14T11:58:00.006-04:00

Michael is in Muskegon, with our Miss Heart of Michigan,
Katie LaRoche.
Katie will participate in in Miss Michigan this week.
Each evening, there is a preliminary competition.
The pageant will be on Saturday, June 20.

Best of luck Katie!

Wonderful family beach portraits

2009-05-25T12:40:00.001-04:00

We photographed the most wonderful family on Saturday night!

Patty's children surprised her by coming to Traverse City for the
weekend (they live all over the country),
then scheduling a family portrait on one of her favorite beaches!

We were at Good Harbor Beach on a gorgeous evening.
The clouds were perfect, the beach was quiet and the children were so much fun!

I will post images soon.

Baths and ducks and Saskatoon berries

2009-05-20T10:53:00.002-04:00

What adventures we have had for the past three days.

On Saturday and Sunday, the studio got a bath! It looks so shiny now!

Yesterday, Michael saw a duck in the road by our driveway. He already had a broken leg, but he must have been hit by a car and he was hurt even more. He let us put him in a milk crate to rest for awhile. We thought he was beyond repair, but a few hours later, he rallied back to life. We put him in the creek and off he swam, one leg strong! It was a happy ending...

Last night, Michael picked up eight Saskatoon berry trees. If you do not know what a Saskatoon berry is, go on line and check it out! They are so interesting! Michael is so excited to become a Saskatoon berry farmer (in his spare time)!

Hello blog

2009-05-16T11:14:00.002-04:00

It's been months since I have blogged. Must be that I have been up to my eyeballs with way too many projects.

If you have driven past the studio, you will see that it is for sale. We are shopping for property, so selling the studio property will give us the down payment that is required for a larger piece of land. Once this sells, we will let everyone know where Classic Gallery (and a new venture - so exciting!) will live.

Lots of cleaning and sorting is happening here!

What, No Snow?

2009-04-06T13:01:00.002-04:00

I am shocked. No snow in Traverse City today. Downstate got slammed and we are under sunny skies. What a change from the past frigid, snowy winter. My crocuses have peeked out, so maybe they believe spring will actually come. Come spring, come!

New Kids in Town

2009-03-25T22:12:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the Richards family, the new kids in town.

They recently moved from Phoenix to chilly northern Michigan.

The children were delightful!

Big sisters were the best!

They made Henri smile a bunch!

We are glad you are here!

My favorite Spring Special portraits

2009-03-22T21:26:00.011-04:00

Contessa the bunny was wonderful with the children.

Her mother, Onica, was the best rabbit/children wrangler!

Every year, I have a few favorite portraits from our Spring Special.

This is one.

Where did Monty go?

I love the expressions on Kyle and Stella's faces!

This is another.

Ellianna shows such enthusiasm!

She shows her beautifully painted nails, too!

It was a very fun weekend!

Jacob the Adorable

2009-03-18T18:22:00.003-04:00

Six month old Jacob visited us today.

Yes, he is adorable!

He didn't mind being naked either!

He is such a happy baby, and adorable, too!

24 hours of sun and snow

2009-03-09T18:49:00.003-04:00

Last week, we were going to photograph Courtney at the State Hospital in the snow. It got really warm and muddy looking, so we were going to cancel the session. Little did we know that we would get a blizzard last night and the snow was beautiful again. The weather was warm enough (well, kind of - not summer warm, but not below zero cold!) and Courtney only turned blue near the end of the session.

We had a great time and got some great images. We took Courtney to the Silver Tree Deli to warm her up with hot chocolate and send her on her way.

Portraits with Katie - Our new Miss Heart of Michigan

2009-02-25T22:09:00.003-05:00

Today was our first official portrait session
with Miss Heart of Michigan,
Katie LaRoche.

Katie was a delight to work with.

She photographed beautifully!

We look forward to spending lots of time with Katie this year!

To see more images from the Miss Heart of Michigan scholarship pageant, go to our web site, www.missheartofmichigan.org

Congratulations to Miss Heart 2009

2009-02-15T00:03:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to Miss Katie LaRoche, our new
Miss Heart of Michigan.

She's got style, she's got class, she's got talent, she's got
a new crown.

We will show images as soon as they are completed.

We actually had Dr. Kaberle photograph the event,
so we could enjoy the show as hosts.

Happy end of Valentine's Day!

End of January

2009-01-30T17:39:00.001-05:00

It is amazing! It is the end of January and it's still snowing and very cold! This has been the coldest January in thirty years and I love it! Mom said I was insane. I am not sure if she means insane all of the time or just insane for loving winter.

As long as it stays cold, I can keep a lid on my hot flashes. I love winter! Summer is too hot for me!

Michael keeps baking wonderful things to warm up the kitchen and I get to taste test them. I love being married to a wonderful baker, who also photographs, who is also the Executive Director of Miss Heart of Michigan.

Speaking of Miss Heart, join us on February 14 for the Miss Heart of Michigan Scholarship Pageant, at the Park Place Dome. It will be great fun. We may witness the crowning of the next Miss America!

Stay warm and I will enjoy the cold.

Chris and Erica's wedding

2009-01-23T11:40:00.005-05:00

Michael and I photographed Chris and Erica's wedding in November.

I photographed Erica's senior portraits ten years ago.
Erica was a beautiful senior.
She was a stunning bride!

This is the same church where I photographed my very first wedding,
THIRTY YEARS AGO!

The children were wonderful.

We had a great time, even in the November sleeting rain, snow and cold!

The reception was so beautiful.
I was able to visit with a number of clients who were guests.
It felt like old home week.

What a wonderful couple!

Chris says this image goes in the Man Cave!

Erica cracks me up!

I feel such a great connection with Erica's family.
I photographed Erica and Michelle's senior portraits.
Michael and I photographed their family portraits on
their Lake Michigan beach,
the night before they had to leave their cottage forever.
We witnessed the most beautiful sunset ever!
God showed His glory that evening!
Their cottage and property became part of the
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park.

Her parents are incredible people.
Her grandfather (my mother's "baby" doctor) delivered me,
so long ago!
I am so honored to be a part of their family events.

We wish Chris and Erica years and years of happiness!

There's One Less Mouse in My House

2009-01-16T12:02:00.000-05:00

I am so happy to report that there is one less mouse in my house. Michael the mouse catcher caught one so far.

The problem is...he is not the mouse I saw and screamed at. I have to be patient and hope Michael finds the original mouse tonight.

At least one is gone. That is good!

I know that we have more chances for mice since I feed the birds. The feeders are just off the deck, so the mice have leftovers very close to the basement. I will tolerate a few mouses here and there to keep the birds happy and fed. We have about four different kinds of woodpeckers, lots of chickadees, cardinals, mourning doves and goldfinches. They are so pretty against the snow on the trees.

Hopefully, I will have a mouse less house tonight!

There's a Mouse in My House

2009-01-14T19:07:00.000-05:00

There really is a mouse in my house. There may even be two mouses in my house. When we went home on Monday night, a mouse ran across the dining room floor! AAAHHHHH! I screamed, scared the mouse and scared Michael.

I know he is just a little critter, but I hate mouses in my house. I grew up in a one hundred year old farmhouse, so I am used to seeing them now and then, but I was hoping that this farmhouse would not be a happy home for mouses. I was wrong.

My brave husband Michael is taking control of the mouse problem. We have mouse traps everywhere. He goes on mouse patrol at night, so I do not have to.

I am still trying to figure out which little bitty hole they are entering the house in. I know it is so cold outside that they just want to have a warm place to live, but they can pick somewhere else to go!

Hopefully tonight, there will be an end to the mouse visits and there will be no more screaming.

Laurel is so much fun!

2009-01-09T21:21:00.001-05:00

When we photographed Laurel for her Christmas portrait last year, she was happy,

then we made her mad!

When we photographed Laurel for her Christmas portrait last month,
she was kind of happy,

then we made her mad!

Sometimes, it is hard to be an 18 month old.

Last year, it was teeth.

This year, it was 18 months.

Two years is going to be so much fun!

We love seeing Laurel and baby brother Gage and their parents.

We love their family!

It's Official

2009-01-03T21:44:00.000-05:00

It is official. I am old! I am legally old!

Today I received a starter kit for AARP. That only comes when you are officially old. I thought you had to be 55 or something old like that. I will not be fifty until August, so I did not think that I would be eligible until then.

First the flu, which is still taking a toll on me after nine days, then the AARP application. I am falling apart! Oh my!

Michael is still horizontal after his back gave out. We are quite a pair! Next week, things will improve and we will be back to our "old" selves again.

What a start to 2009! It has to get better! I know it will!

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T17:45:00.000-05:00

Michael and I are getting old!

He threw out his back, so is not standing straight.

After six days, I still feel the effects of that nasty flu.
Whatever happened to the 24 hour flu?

When we were young, we got over this quickly.
Now we are old and it takes longer. Grrr!

We look forward to going home and becoming vegetables tonight and tomorrow.

We will be all better and ready to go back to work on Friday.

We look forward to many wonderful changes in 2009. We will keep you updated.

Have a safe and happy New Year's Eve celebration!

What's New

2008-12-28T18:19:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve services were wonderful at Bay Pointe Community Church. Over 2400 people braved the blizzards to attend.

Michael made me the best Christmas dinner and I spent a few hours splitting wood (my favorite exercise). We had a great day.

The past three days have been much different. I got the flu! It was awful! I have been home for three days and could easily stay home for three more. I hope NO ONE catches this. I do not know where I got it, but it was the worst flu I have ever had.

Let's hope the next update will be healthy!

Christmas Eve

2008-12-22T20:16:00.000-05:00

Michael and I just arrived from an overnight stay in Jackson.

We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with my family last night, then headed back this morning. The roads were terrible both ways and there were lots of accidents, but God protected us and we made it home safe.

Just another reminder that you are invited to join us for Christmas Eve services at Bay Pointe Community Church. Services will be at 1:00, 3:00, 5:00 and 7:00 PM. Michael will be baking for the worship team and we will both greet at all services. Pastor Nick has a special message planned and the music is always wonderful. Come alone, come with family, come with friends, come join us! We look forward to seeing you there.

Merry Christmas!

Ho, Ho, Ho, Snow, Snow, Snow

2008-12-19T18:11:00.001-05:00

Mike and Heather and Alec visited us from downstate and had a great family portrait session.

We shipped their images yesterday.

The massive amounts of snow stopped the delivery today.

They leave early Saturday morning for Florida.

The package is scheduled to arrive later on Saturday.

Since their Christmas gifts were in that package, they will not be able to deliver the gifts.

We have the next best thing.

Their families will get to see what they were supposed to get for Christmas.

Their families will see a very handsome family and a GQ little man.

Merry Christmas to the Lossing family.

Safe travels! Enjoy the Florida sun while we get another blizzard on Sunday!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-11T23:59:00.000-05:00

I am wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
I am not saying Happy Holidays.

I am saying Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Like last year, we are also inviting you, your family and your friends to join us for Christmas Eve services at Bay Pointe Community Church. This year, they are adding one more service, so there will be a total of four services available - 1:00, 3:00, 5:00 and 7:00 PM. There will be child care at all services, so please join us! Michael and I will be there for all four services. We will be greeting, so would love to give you a great big Bay Pointe welcome!

Also, Creekside Grains and Classic Gallery are having a special!

Buy any Creekside Grains mix (or mixes) or Christmas basket and the amount of your purchase will be credited toward a portrait session at Classic Gallery. The more Creekside Grains products that you purchase, the more money you will save on your session!

Please call ahead, to make sure that we are available and the mix is in stock.
Michael may also have a sample for you!

Michael will be at Sweet Asylum on Friday, to join in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons Christmas Open House. He will be sampling some of Creekside Grains most popular cookies. If you have not had a root beer cookie or a mega mint chocolate cookie, you are in for a treat!
Stop in and say hello!

So much is going on and so much snow! What a wonderful season!

Congratulations St. Francis Football Team

2008-11-30T17:18:00.000-05:00

They did it! The St. Francis football team won the state championship! Michael was there and had a great time. He was so impressed with the team.

While Michael photographed the winning game at Ford Field in Detroit, I was in Jackson, representing Creekside Grains at a craft fair that benefited the Jackson County Rose Festival. The Rose Festival is part of the Jackson County Rosequeen Scholarship pageant, which is a Miss Michigan preliminary, like our Miss Heart of Michigan Scholarship pageant. Creekside Grains were a big hit at the craft show. Lots of gifts were purchased for Christmas.

All three of Michael's businesses were represented this weekend. Classic Gallery covered a winning football team, Creekside Grains sold Christmas gifts and a Miss Heart of Michigan sister pageant raised funds for their scholarship pageant. It was a very successful weekend! Hope your weekend was full of love and family and fun!

Go Glads!!!!

2008-11-22T23:56:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to St. Francis Football team! We listened to the first ten minutes of the game as we were on our way to Grand Rapids to photograph the Army Recruiters ball. After that, we lost our radio signal and had to wait until now to find out the score!

We are so proud of the team. Great job!

We photographed the winning team on Thursday evening. They are a great group of young men. Michael will join them next Saturday at Ford Field.

Go Glads!

Happy Birthday Chris

2008-11-15T19:46:00.001-05:00

Chris recently had a birthday.
I was going to give her a happy birthday blog
and could not remember
what day her birthday occurred.

Chris has great expressions!

I love the hair and hat changes. It makes a whole new look.

Chris is one of the most positive people I have met.

What a great personality!

Her clothing choices were perfect for the State Hospital images.

I hope you had a great birthday!

Alysha's Senior Portraits

2008-11-14T21:36:00.000-05:00

Debbie and I became best friends when we lived in Jackson. Debbie and her family moved to Florida just before I moved to Traverse City. Since then, they moved to Missouri. I hardly get to see them because we live so far apart, but I was still able to photograph their oldest daughter's senior portraits. We met in Jackson, I photographed Alysha all over town and we got great images! They have not seen them yet, so this will be their preview.

I love the images and I love the Flint family!

Who's Who?

2008-10-26T14:52:00.000-04:00

This is Laurel.

She was three months old for this session.

Laurel got very sleepy during her session.

This is her brother Gage.

He was three months old for this session.

Gage got very sleepy during his session.

When we looked at both images side by side,
we could not tell who was Laurel and who was Gage.

Laurel is now a beautiful toddler.

Gage is now a chunky four month old.

Gage has Laurel beat in the weight.

He has beautiful chubby arms and legs.

Gage is our miracle baby.

We all prayed for Gage and his mother Jennifer.

Jennifer was six months pregnant for Gage when she went into a coma in Mexico.

God answered our prayers.

Gage is a healthy baby.

Jennifer is healthy.

Praise God for miracles!

Cayden's water adventures

2008-09-25T13:19:00.000-04:00

Cayden visited us to go fishing, but he had much more fun playing in the water!
Mitchell Creek is very cold, but that did not seem to bother him.
Cayden is such a fun little boy!

Ashley dances

2008-09-23T21:22:00.001-04:00

When I photographed Ashley's senior portrait session a long time ago
(a few months ago seems like a long time ago),
I told her that I had so much fun with these images, that I had to post them.
Finally...I am posting them.

These are just a few of the over 120 images that I took of Ashley.
This was her prom dress. It was so gorgeous!

Once the dress was on, I asked Ashley to dance. She was a natural.
The dress flowed so wonderfully.

The best part of Ashley's session was that I photographed her mother's senior portrait session, then her wedding, years ago. Ashley looks just like her mother and has the same wonderful personality that her mother has, too.

I love photographing second generations! Yes, I am old!

Great job Ashley! I cannot wait for you to see the rest of the images!

Where has August gone?

2008-08-23T15:53:00.001-04:00

I just realized that I have not blogged since August 1. I knew that it has been a long time, but wow, I did not know it was that long.

I was going to update you on our adventures, but there have been too many to write about. Some of them have been awesome senior sessions that I will post images next week.

I am heading to Mackinac Island tomorrow morning, to join my friends at a Professional Photographers of Michigan seminar. Until yesterday, Michael was going to join me, but he is preparing to go to the Bonneville Salt Flats next week. The preparations are taking longer than expected. He will be working with a motorcycle team that is racing for the land speed world record. Michael went last year and had such a great time. He is so excited to go again this year. If you have not seen the World's Fastest Indian, you have to rent it. It is a true story about Burt Munro and it is a good one! Anthony Hopkins plays Burt wonderfully. I am sure that Michael will have some great images when he returns.

Michael has also gone full speed into his new company, called Creekside Grains. It all started with a pancake mix and Michael's incredible baking talents. Now he offers over twenty pancake, cookie, brownie, bread and gluten free products. They taste wonderful (I get to be the taste tester for his new recipes)! He has a new web site available at www.creeksidegrains.com. You can also catch him at the local farm markets every weekend. He is at Leland, Elk Rapids, the old State Hospital and Suttons Bay. He loves meeting and visiting with everyone and the customers love the products.

I will update soon! Have a great weekend!

rainbows

2008-08-01T22:28:00.000-04:00

A light rain, then a beautiful rainbow!

God does good work!

Patrick is nine months

2008-08-01T21:38:00.000-04:00

I got to see Patrick and his parents today! He is such a handsome baby!

His beautiful blue eyes win the ladies hearts! I looked at my earlier blog posts and said the same thing about Patrick's eyes then. They sure are striking!

We blinked and Patrick grew from three months to nine months. The next blink and it will be for his one year portrait. They grow so fast.

See you soon Patrick!

We Trashed The Dress!

2008-07-26T00:36:00.000-04:00

It all started so "traditionally."

A beautiful woman in a beautiful gown on the beach.

A stroll into the water...

A little deeper into the water.

A glamorous location for a glamorous pose.

Now let's have some fun!

She emerges!

This was such a fun session! Anyone else ready to trash your dress?

Thanks Rebecca! I had a great time!

Happy Anniversary John and Lisa!

2008-07-17T12:19:00.001-04:00

John and Lisa celebrated their 25th Anniversary yesterday. Congratulations!

Last Friday, their family came to Frankfort to enjoy the area and have a new family portrait taken. It was a gorgeous beach and we had a beautiful evening to take the portrait.

Aren't they a handsome couple?

While I was photographing John and Lisa, I looked to my left and saw the brothers watching their parents. I had to take the image!
I love it!

This is my new favorite beach!
Thank you John and Lisa for helping me find my new favorite beach!

Welcome the Miracle Baby!

2008-07-04T11:44:00.000-04:00

Our miracle mother, Jennifer, called last night to tell us about the birth of Gage Jameson.

Throughout Jennifer's medical ordeal in Mexico in March, Gage was still growing strong and healthy in her womb.

He was born at 7:44 AM on Monday, June 30. He was 22" long and he weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces! He is a big, healthy baby!

Thank you to all who prayed for Jennifer's recovery and the birth of Gage. God answers prayers! He brought a new healthy baby into the world!

Congratulations to Jennifer, Brian and big sister Laurel!

Laura and Richard's wedding day

2008-06-29T15:00:00.000-04:00

It was a wonderful day, filled with happy tears and laughter.

Her little brother Tyler was such a good sport.

Sister Mollie and identical twin brother Nick were a perfect complement to Laura and Richard.

Downtown Howell had great places to photograph Laura and Richard. They stopped traffic and received lots of smiles from spectators.

The ceremony was performed by Laura's cousin.
It was beautifully written and personalized just for Laura and Richard.

Shelby was adorable!

Laura was verryyy happy! The guests cheered and cheered!

The family and friends were happy to be together. Tyler loves his sister!

Richard proposed at Disney World. She said yes and then there were fireworks, literally!!!

Auntie L and Uncle Michael actually took a moment to have our portraits taken with Laura and Richard.

We wish them years and years of love!

Laura's wedding

2008-06-25T22:59:00.000-04:00

Friday, June 27, will be a milestone for me. My favorite oldest niece will marry Richard Makouske and will begin a new life.

Laura was the most beautiful baby, who has grown into a beautiful woman.

Since I never had children, I have tried to grab as many moments with my nieces as I could. I love them as if they are my own. It has been a joy to be a part of their lives.

My favorite youngest niece, Mollie, will be Laura's maid of honor.

Laura was my maid of honor at our wedding seven years ago. There were many tears during our wedding ceremony. I am still trying to figure out how I can cry and take images at the same time. Thank God for auto focus!

I will post images once we return from the wedding. I have no idea how many images we will take, but I am sure it will be a record.

What a wonderful day it will be! I look forward to sharing it with you.

Ashlee wins Miss Michigan!

2008-06-23T22:05:00.000-04:00

On Saturday evening, Miss Heart of Michigan 2007, Ashlee Baracy, won Miss Michigan!

Michael spent two days introducing Ashlee to Traverse City during the Miss Heart of Michigan pageant in February. Everyone she met was in awe! We are very proud of her accomplishments, and look forward to cheering for her at Miss America.

Congratulations to Ashlee!

Rebecca, our current Miss Heart, received an award for the most money raised for the Children's Miracle Network. This was quite an accomplishment. Congratulations to Rebecca!

If you thought a hockey game or football game was a rowdy, loud experience, you have never attended a Miss Michigan pageant. Every contestant had a cheering section. The object of the game was to see who could cheer the loudest for their contestant. The theater was rocking! The crowd was crazy! It was the most fun, exciting experience that I have ever attended! The talent was incredible, the girls were beautiful and the crowd was unlike any other.

I invite you to join us next year and cheer for Miss Heart. You will have so much fun!

Miss Michigan

2008-06-18T17:07:00.000-04:00

Michael is off to Muskegon for his role as Executive Director of Miss Heart of Michigan. Miss Heart, Rebecca Ransom, had her interview yesterday and will play the piano tonight for her talent. Rebecca is a wonderful musician. I am sure she will do very well.

I will join Michael on Saturday for the top ten finalists and crowning of the new Miss Michigan.

Good luck Rebecca!

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T13:40:00.000-04:00

I could not show these images until today, since some of them were Father's Day gifts.

We had such a good time photographing the Biker Kids sessions. They all had great clothing to match the theme.

Check our web gallery for more images!

Whew!

2008-06-13T20:22:00.000-04:00

What a week! We just finished volunteering as model coordinators at Great Lakes Institute of Photography, or GLIP for short. GLIP is a photography school that brings professional photographers and photography instructors from all over the country to NMC for one week in June. It is only a week long class, but finding models is a year long process.

This was GLIP's 13th year and it was a success. We had ten classes available. Of those ten classes, seven of them required models. It was our job to find models to fit the instructors requests. They asked for families, seniors, dancers, babies, children, older gentlemen, Harley riders, couples, high fashion and glamour, businessmen, body builders and brides and grooms. One instructor even requested a clown (which were able to find).

The modeling sessions were all over the NMC campus, on the playground, on top of and under the bleachers at TC Central, at the State Hospital, the State Park beach and at our studio. The Tuesday evening session on the beach gave us a gorgeous bride and groom and a double rainbow. Over fifty models later, the instructors and students were thrilled. We cannot wait to see the final images.

Our days started at 7:00 AM and ended at midnight. We were able to come home at night. The students stayed in the dorms. Rumor has it that many students were still up at 3:00 AM! Too late for me!

On Wednesday evening, we photographed the Fly family at the State Park Beach. We gave this family session a twist by bringing along over twenty students and three instructors. The students and instructors were in awe of how wonderful the family handled all of them watching the session. They also loved the beach setting and the perfect weather for the session. The images are stunning!

After the beach session, one of the GLIP assistants (GLIPPIE is the official title) raced back to campus and changed into her wedding gown. We photographed her dancing and running down the beach in her wedding gown until it was too dark to see her. Carly was a gorgeous bride!

There is no time to rest for Michael or me. I am back to work preparing orders and Michael is on his way to Muskegon for Miss Michigan week. He will take Rebecca Ransom (Miss Heart of Michigan) to the pageant for official check in on Saturday, then come back to Traverse City for a few days. On Wednesday, he will go back to Muskegon and I will join him on Friday. The Miss Michigan Scholarship Pageant will be on Saturday.

After the pageant, I will go to Jackson on Sunday to photograph my niece's formal bridal session. Monday will be a Professional Photographers of Michigan board meeting, then back to Traverse City to photograph Tyler's senior session on Tuesday. He and his family are vacationing from Indianapolis. I have been friends with his parents for over 22 years. I photographed his parents' wedding and his first baby portraits. I cannot wait to see everyone again!

The next day, Michael and I will leave for Howell to photograph my niece's wedding on Friday, June 27.

Where did June go? It feels like it just started and I am already booked for the month! Let's hope it goes as well as GLIP did.

Happy Birthday Laurel!!!

2008-06-06T17:00:00.000-04:00

Laurel turned one on Wednesday!
Happy Birthday Laurel!

Laurel is a very curious child. I cannot wait to see what she will be when she grows up.
I had so much fun watching her crawl. She is so fast!
Look out Mom and Dad when she starts walking!

Laurel's very talented Aunt Jill created this mirror. Her mirrors are gorgeous!

If you kept up with our Jennifer updates, I can give you the latest. She came in the studio looking wonderful. Jennifer feels great and is anticipating the arrival of Laurel's baby brother in two weeks. I thank God for complete healing and thank all of you who prayed for Jennifer and Brian and Laurel. Jennifer truly is a miracle!

Soft and Sweet

2008-05-24T17:23:00.001-04:00

Noel came with her parents for a family session on Wednesday. She walked into the studio wearing this beautiful fur hooded vest. She just happened to wear it because she had skating lessons after the session and needed warmth. I had to photograph her in it!

I am so glad that Noel wore it. I think it is gorgeous! I think Noel is gorgeous, too!

Welcome Back Patrick

2008-05-16T19:07:00.001-04:00

Patrick and his parents joined us today for Patrick's seven month portrait. He made us smile the entire time he was here. He showed us many expressions. We all loved this naked baby pose and expression.

This was the ladies favorite. What beautiful eyes!

Trash the Dress

2008-05-16T15:29:00.001-04:00

Our proms have been photographed and the dresses are in the closet...or are they? Introducing Classic Gallery's Trash the Dress (Prom dress that is) campaign.

If you do not plan to ever wear the dress again, have some fun and make great images.

If you have heard of Trash the Wedding Dress, we just have a different version.

Here is a list of reasons.

1. You never thought you would wear it again.
2. Now you have a reason and an excuse to show your prom dress another great time.
3. You are never too old to play dress up with your friends.
4. Hang out in downtown alleys.
5. Play in the water.
6. Stomp in the mud.
7. Tired of looking at your old prom dress in the closet?
8. Clean up some closet space.
9. Make room for new clothes.
10. You will not need your prom dress in college.
11. Make this a vintage session and wear your Mom's prom dress.
12. Save your dress and buy one from the resale shop.
13. Your images will have their own gallery on our senior web site.

The first one to call will receive a free Trash the Dress session and one 5x7.

Everyone else will receive a free Trash the Dress session.

I may even have a contest to have everyone vote on the best session. I will keep you informed!

I am looking forward to having lots of creative fun!

Yeah Crystal!!!

2008-05-09T16:00:00.000-04:00

What fun we had with Crystal today! She was such a happy child.
She looks like her daddy, with her mommy's curls.

The butterfly wings matched her room and her dress.

Yeah, the session was a success! Look out mom and dad. I see a cheerleader in the future!

St. Francis Prom

2008-05-04T00:23:00.000-04:00

We spent the evening at the St. Francis Prom and had a great time seeing everyone! They looked so nice! We enjoyed the beautiful gowns and hairstyles and handsome men to accompany the ladies.

The theme was Hollywood lights. The students worked very hard today to make the Country Club look very Hollywood. They succeeded!

Brittany and Mollie (above) did a wonderful job assisting me. They helped with the Army Recruiters Ball for the past three years, so the prom was like a reunion.

Mollie and Brittany just graduated from Western Michigan University. Brittany will be leaving Michigan to take a new job in Georgia for a year. She will be missed! It has been fun to get to know Brittany in the past few years. I wish her the best in Georgia.

Mollie is my niece. I am so proud of her!

Michael was at Michigan State University this evening, to attend his daughter Onica's graduation. Four years down, four more to go.

What a busy weekend, with a great time had by all!

Weekend with Miss Michigan

2008-04-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

And the crowd went crazy!

Gina Valo, Miss Michigan, visited several radio stations, spoke to children at three Traverse City schools, bowled at Wilderness Crossing to raise money for Children's Miracle Network, played the fiddle during Sunday worship and spoke to the youth groups at
Bay Pointe Community Church.

The children gave her a warm welcome and were enthralled by her presentation, Right Decisions, Right Now. This school welcomed Gina with a mural of Michigan, even including the logo of her beloved Pistons!

Gina received a standing ovation after her fiddle performance at the 11:00 AM service. Over 800 people loved hearing her play!

We had a wonderful weekend visiting with Gina! We look forward to spending time with her at the Miss Michigan Scholarship Pageant in June.

Miss Michigan comes to Traverse City

2008-04-24T15:30:00.000-04:00

We are so excited to bring Miss Michigan to Traverse City this weekend! Gina will be speaking to three schools on Friday and the Bay Pointe youth group on Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon will be spent at the Bowl-a-Thon, which will benefit the Children's Miracle Network. Sunday morning, Gina will be performing with the Bay Pointe worship team.

Please join us!

We Saw A Miracle!

2008-04-15T13:15:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone.

Last night, a miracle walked into Classic Gallery. Jennifer came for a Miss Heart of Michigan board meeting.

We had no idea that she would be healthy enough to be out of bed. Not only is she out of bed, she looks like she was never near death.

When Jennifer awoke from her coma, she immediately starting writing notes to the hospital staff (she was still on the respirator, so she could not talk). The next day, she was walking. She went home a few days later.

Jennifer gets tired sometimes, but overall, she looks wonderful and says she feels fine. Her unborn son is doing great.

Praise God for all of the details that brought her back to us. Her father the physician, her brother in law, the interpreter, her husband who spent fourteen hours on the phone getting her back to the states, all played a part to bring her back to life. Her family took care of Laurel so her husband did not have to leave Jennifer's side. When she arrived in Grand Rapids at 4:00 AM, there were fourteen specialists ready to take care of her. By 6:00 AM, she was stable and on the road to recovery.

Her neighbors and friends cleaned her entire house to prepare for her homecoming. They have received meals every day since she has been home.

Jennifer thinks that over 10,000 people prayed for her! Praise God for prayer warriors and for answered prayer.

I saw a miracle in my mother's recovery from ovarian cancer and I saw a miracle with Jennifer. God still makes miracles!

Thank you for being a part of Jennifer's healing and recovery,

Loretta

Welcome Brady!

2008-04-15T01:30:00.000-04:00

We welcome Brady to Classic Gallery!

He is so handsome and we absolutely love his hair!

We look forward to watching him grow.

His parents joined Brady for his very first portrait at five weeks.

Sometimes, being a baby is very hard work. He let dad know that he was not happy. A few minutes later, he was sound asleep again.

He was sooo sleepy, and so precious!

Bay Pointe Easter

2008-03-28T17:00:00.000-04:00

Easter was celebrated in a glorious fashion. Abe (the most famous bass guitarist in the world) joined the Bay Pointe Choir and the church rocked!

Michael has a great voice, so he was in the choir. Can you find him?

Loretta does not have a good voice, so she photographed the services.

Over 2440 attended Easter services. Wow!

If you are looking for a great church experience, please join us! We would love to see you there!

It's a Birthday Party for Loretta's Mom!

2008-03-27T17:30:00.000-04:00

My mother turned 80 on March 13. She knew that my sister and I would give her a surprise party, so she decided to have her own party. She invited everyone she wanted and we will all be there to enjoy her party on Saturday.

I like her logic. We could guess who she would want at her party, or we could let her decide. She decided. 125 of her closest friends and family will be there.

Mom survived Stage 3B ovarian cancer ten years ago, so we are really celebrating that she is still with us. She beat all odds, since the "normal" life expectancy of Stage 3B cancer is eighteen months. Way to go Mom!

She also works at Subway five days a week.

I look just like my mother. I think I will start acting like her, too!

Loretta

Miracles Do Happen! Thank God!

2008-03-24T20:55:00.000-04:00

Thank God for miracles! Thank you for praying! God answers!
This came from Jill a few minutes ago.
Loretta

Well, we are are breathing a huge sigh of relief and thanking God for a miracle. Jenny is out of ICU, off of the ventilator and seems on the way back to her old self. She will remain in the hospital for the next few days as they continue her course of IV meds, monitor and evaluate her. The baby appears to be fine.

It is hard to fathom that someone could be so sick, so close to not making it, and come around as quickly as she has. The progress she has made since coming off of the vent and stopping sedation is baffling even for the doctors. We don't have an specific diagnosis of the cause. They are calling it bacterial meningitis, respiratory failure and seizure.

I don't think we can ever express how much it helped for us to know you were all supporting us and praying for Jenny and the family.

Jenny is is Butterworth Hospital, in the OB high Risk ward room 4431. She is able to take calls & visitors. We anticipate her being back in Traverse by the weekend if she continues on the same path.

We are truly in shock and awe.

Lots of Love,

Jim & Connie, Brian & Laurel, Jill & Louie, Kim, Brian & Brandon

Latest Jennnifer Update

2008-03-21T16:00:00.000-04:00

This came from Jill today. Let's keep her in prayer! Thank you. Loretta

Jenny is receiving excellent care are Butterworth. She is still in ICU.

She is still breathing with the respirator. She has regained consciousness but is being kept heavily sedated. She is very sick, exhausted and uncomfortable. When she is awake, she is aware we are there and can shake her head yes and no. She seems to be able to move her arms and legs but she is restrained so she does not disturb the tubes and IV's she is on.

The cause of the infection that started all of this is still unknown. It's a little like an episode of HOUSE.

She is able to receive visitors. However, the family is asking that for now, visitors wait until she is out of ICU. Because of the sedation, she does not remember much from one day to the next. We feel it is important now for her to rest as much as possible so that she can be awake for the Doctors to evaluate her.

While things are looking better, she has a long way to go, and it will be a long time until we know if their will be any lasting effects from the trauma her brain has suffered. The baby is still looking good

We are reading the words of love and support you are sending to her and she knows and feels it all. Your Prayers and love have helped so much to hold us together through this.

I will try to update again soon.

Love,
Jill

No new updates

2008-03-20T23:00:00.000-04:00

We have not heard from Jennifer's family since she arrived in Grand Rapids.
Please continue to pray.
We will update as soon as we hear anything.

Thank you!

Loretta

Letter from Jill about Jennifer

2008-03-20T00:45:00.000-04:00

I received this from Jill last night. Jennifer was flown to Grand Rapids yesterday.

Jen is in the air. She is in a Med-evac Leer 35 with Jim (her father, a doctor), Brian (Jennifer's husband), and urgent care doc and nurse. They will arrive late tonight in Grand Rapids. She will be in ICU. She is still on the ventilator. She is extremely uncomfortable but seems to be holding her own. We are praying for a safe flight and for Jenny to have the strength to endure it.

While in the ICU, Jenny will not be able to have flowers, balloons etc. We will be able to read her cards and if anyone wants to email us words of your encouragement and love for her, we will read them to her. We have been sharing your messages with her and she does know that you are praying and pulling for her. It is obvious to us she feels your support.

Your love, kindness and support has been overwhelming and a source of strength at this terrifying time. We love you and thank God for all of you.

Jill and the Frye Family

This came a few minutes after the first email. We have not heard any updates today.

Loretta,

Thank you thank you thank you for rallying all the support and the prayers. Jenny needs them.

She is still gravely ill. Dr. Jim truly feared the air transport but felt it was our only chance for her to make it. She is 100% breathing on a ventilator, with a tremendous amount of pneumonia in her lungs.

She can acknowledge our presence but cannot speak. We are still trying to confirm which bacteria she is fighting.

Please keep your prayers coming. She has a strong spirit. We know with faith she can overcome this, but she has a long way to go. All we can do tonight is pray she will endure the flight. We will be able to update again tomorrow.

Thank you for all your concern,

Jill

Please, please continue with your prayers. Thank you, Loretta

Britt's Senior Portrait Session

2008-03-20T00:30:00.000-04:00

Loretta had a wonderful time photographing Britt's senior portrait session today. Britt had many expressions that were all beautiful! It was very difficult choosing our favorites!

What gorgeous eyes!

Update on Jennifer

2008-03-18T00:45:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone,

Jennifer has had a setback today. She is totally dependent on the respirator.

Her family wants to get her out of Mexico, since the Mexican medical care is not what she should be getting. They are trying to get her on a medivac to transfer her to Traverse City if possible, or to Houston, Texas if she cannot travel for that length of time.

Please, please keep uplifting Jennifer and her family in your prayers. Please have your prayer warrior friends pray for her, too.

Thank you,

Loretta

No News

2008-03-15T18:20:00.000-04:00

I have not heard anything from Jill since last night, but I know that hundreds of our friends and their friends are praying for Jennifer and Brian, Laurel and her unborn baby brother.

Here is Laurel's image from Christmas. I am also including images of Jill and Luis and Jennifer and Brian at Luis and Jill's wedding. Sometimes it helps to put a face to your prayers.

Pray, pray, pray!

Thank you,

Loretta

Prayer update

2008-03-15T03:30:00.000-04:00

I just received an email update from Jennifer's sister. They have moved her to a modern facility, but she is still in ICU, unresponsive and on a respirator. Jill says the baby is okay right now, but the situation is critical.

The family is very comforted by our prayers. Please keep praying.

Thank you,

Loretta

pray, pray, pray

2008-03-14T18:55:00.000-04:00

It is with great sadness that I am asking for your prayers.

Our client and friend, Jennifer Walter is in a coma and on a respirator in a Mexican hospital.

Jennifer and her family were on vacation in Mexico when this happened yesterday afternoon. Her sister Jill emailed us to let us know. They think that Jennifer has a bacterial infection that caused a seizure. Jill says that the situation is very grave. Jennifer's father is a doctor, but I do not know how much he can do in a Mexican hospital.

We photographed Jennifer and Brian's wedding five years ago, and Luis and Jill's wedding last fall. Jennifer and Brian have a nine month old daughter (wearing the Santa hat in the Christmas blog) and Jennifer is six months pregnant with a son.

Please pray for Jennifer and her family.

Please let your praying friends and family know, so that they can pray for Jennifer, too.

Thank you,

Loretta

Happy Birthday Emma!

2008-03-09T20:45:00.000-04:00

Emma turns eight today! She is such a pretty eight year old!

Have a wonderful birthday!

Bunny Day #2 from Loretta

2008-03-08T23:00:00.000-05:00

Here we go!

I have to show you the most adorable identical twin boys! They were so much fun!

They are joined by their big sister, Mya.

It was a day of great interaction, wonderful expressions and gorgeous spring outfits.

Lindsay gave Buster a great big kiss for his hard work. He was a super bunny!

Buster was joined by Remus (black and white bunny) and Lunchmeat (brown bunny - we changed his name to Cocoa!). They all worked very hard to entertain the children.

Our friend Tammy and her daughter Ally were our rabbit wranglers. They were a blessing!

We sent Lindsay home to fall into a heap. She was a super Child Whisperer, who worked very hard to get great expressions. We could not have done the sessions without her.

Thanks to all of the families who joined us! We had such a good time!

The Bunnies Are Here!

2008-03-08T01:00:00.000-05:00

The bunnies arrived yesterday and we have had fun ever since. The children loved spending time with them. Our bunny supplier even brought in her very favorite Flemish Giant bunny for her daughter. You will be able to see the bunny, which is the largest bunny in one of the images.

The children all had very nice outfits to celebrate spring. Too bad it was so cold out today!

More fun coming tomorrow!

Cameron is back!

2008-03-05T21:20:00.000-05:00

Cameron entertained us today for his one year portrait. He is so smart, so active and so handsome! We had to share a few of his images with you!

Do you recognize that great expression? It is almost the same as his nine month portrait!
I love it!

Great job Cameron!

Michael and Miss America

2008-03-02T19:00:00.000-05:00

On behalf of Miss Heart of Michigan, Michael presented this poster of Miss Heart of Michigan contestants to Miss America. All of the contestants autographed the poster. Kirsten was very excited to receive the poster.

Michael had a wonderful time! He was able to meet all of the top ten Miss America finalists. Each of them performed their talents, just like they did at Miss America.

More images of the weekend will follow. Check the Miss Heart of Michigan web site for even more! www.missheartofmichigan.org

Happy Extra Day of the Year from Loretta

2008-02-29T18:00:00.000-05:00

I was so excited to see that there was an extra day this year. It will help me to catch up!

Michael is on his way to Muskegon to have dinner with Miss America! The Miss Michigan directors have planned a wonderful Homecoming for Kirsten Haglund. I know that everyone will have a great time!
Just a reminder that our children's Spring Special will be next Friday and Saturday. We will be bringing in the bunnies again. We look forward to seeing the children! If you are interested in joining us for the Spring Special, call now! The times are filling fast!

Have a great weekend!

Happy Birthday Cameron!

2008-02-20T15:50:00.000-05:00

Cameron turns one today! He was supposed to have his one year portrait taken yesterday, but the winter bug caught him. We will wait until he feels better again before we photograph him!

I love his nine month portraits so much that I decided to show them one more time before his "official" one year portrait is taken.

Have a great birthday! Hope you feel better soon!

When we put this on the blog, the weather outside was frightful. Three months later, it is still frightful! Good thing I love winter.

Miss Heart of Michigan

2008-02-18T00:15:00.000-05:00

Rebecca looks beautiful with her winning smile! Notice the gorgeous necklace that was donated by Krissie's Created Gems and Fine Accessories.

No, Rebecca did not win the motorcycle. Classic Motor Sports brought two Harleys for the display. The opening number was music to Wild Hogs, so the Harley Davidsons were a great prop.

It was great spending time with Ashlee Baracy for the past few days. Ashlee won the hearts of the Traverse City radio announcers and everyone else she came in contact with. We wish her the best as she competes for Miss Michigan.

Rebecca Wins!

2008-02-17T02:25:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the new Miss Heart of Michigan! Miss Rebecca Ransom won the title, along with a $500 scholarship, candy, flowers, a diamond necklace, sterling silver tray, the Miss America crown and the Miss Heart of Michigan sash.

The ladies were all wonderful to work with. We had a great turnout and everyone had a good time.

We look forward to working with Rebecca this year!

Hearts and Love on Valentines Day!

2008-02-14T15:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentines Day! Hope it is full of romance, love, flowers and chocolate!

Miss Heart of Michigan Scholarship Pageant is in two days! Our current Miss Heart, Ashlee Baracy, has spent the morning wowing the radio listeners of Traverse City. Her beauty and poise have stunned the announcers.

Ashlee has a busy schedule for the next few days. Today's events will include lunch at Poppycocks, another interview this afternoon and a visit with Rotary this evening.

Tomorrow will be a full day of rehearsals, dinner with the contestants at Don's Drive In, then back to the Park Place Dome for final dress rehearsal.

We are so excited to bring Miss Heart to Traverse City! We hope you can join us for the pageant. Tickets are $15 in advance (just call the studio - 947-6655) and $20 at the door. Doors open to the Dome at 6:00 PM. The pageant begins at 7:00 PM.

Hope to see you there!

Happy Valentine Birthday Anna Marie

2008-02-13T17:00:00.000-05:00

Miss Anna Marie is having a very special day tomorrow. She will celebrate her 17th birthday on Valentines Day!

Happy Birthday Anna Marie! Have a wonderful day!

And Baby Makes Three

2008-02-09T21:05:00.000-05:00

We welcome three month old Patrick to our Kid's Club! Patrick's parents helped us to create the Professional Photographers of Michigan Best of Show Wedding Album in 2004! Their wedding day was perfect, David and Natalie were gorgeous and we all had the best time! David and Natalie still hold our record for the highest scoring wedding album.

Patrick has beautiful eyes and great expressions. We loved the way he talked to us. He had very interesting stories to tell.

We are so excited to know that we will be seeing the Goran family every three months this year, then at least once a year for the next twenty years. Beautiful wedding couple, beautiful baby, beautiful family! God does good work!

Off to Professional Photographers of Michigan convention

2008-01-30T04:00:00.000-05:00

Loretta leaves today for the Professional Photographers of Michigan convention, which starts on Friday evening in Ypsilanti. Michael and I will leave tomorrow, after Michael spends today and tonight preparing all of the desserts for Loretta's Presidential Welcome party. We will return on Wednesday.

When Michael volunteered to take on this dessert venture seven years ago, he had no idea that he would be two weeks away from his first Miss Heart of Michigan scholarship pageant. He is great at multi tasking, so dessert preparation and Miss Heart final details will be a challenge that he will be able to handle.

The four day convention will bring in over fifteen speakers from all over the US and Canada. Michael and Loretta presented a program for the Northern Ontario Professional Photographers five years ago and met the nicest group of photographers. Last year, they saw their Canadian hosts present a program at the Professional Photographers of Ohio convention. Rob and James gave one of the best programs that Michael and Loretta had ever seen, so they convinced the PPM program chair to bring them to Michigan. Michael and Loretta will get to become the hosts this time.

There will be programs from 7:00 AM until 6:00 PM, then a social gathering every night. Since it is Super Bowl weekend, PPM will have a huge party for the members. The weekend will be informative, fun and exhausting!

There will be hundreds of images taken at the convention (there should be, at a professional photographer convention!), so we will be sure to post them next week. This is my second convention. I know it will be great!

Have a great Super Bowl weekend!

Miss Michigan Wins!!!!

2008-01-27T02:00:00.000-05:00

Our own Miss Michigan, Kirsten Haglund, just won the Miss America title! What wonderful news for Michigan! We are so proud of her! She will represent Michigan well!

Kirsten was scheduled as Master of Ceremony of the Miss Heart of Michigan pageant, but her new Miss America title will take her away from Traverse City. We will miss her, but we are so excited for her new venture!

Congratulations to Kirsten!

Handsome Willem

2008-01-25T20:15:00.000-05:00

We photographed Willem for his two year portrait today. His grandmother hand made this beautiful sweater.

We met Willem before he was born. His parents came into the studio for a gorgeous pregnancy portrait. They also had birth announcement portraits taken when Willem was ten days old. He was the first ten day old baby who actually looked at Loretta during the session. Most ten day babies are content to sleep.

Willem was a very happy, curious child today. He was so much fun to photograph!