Love

A couple posts down I introduced many of you to a remarkable young woman named Ashley. This morning Ashley went peacefully to be home with Jesus, surrounded by family. Please keep her family and loved ones in your prayers. Ashley's Caring Bridge

At the request of Ashley's dad, Ron, please hug your kids and tell them you love them. You can never say it enough, it's so easy to take for granted the people we love. They need to be reminded constantly of our love for them. And because I cannot post without a photo, here are a few recent ones of my three greatest loves. I just ordered a 20x30 gallery wrapped canvas of the outdoor one!

Miss Olivia

I'm still here! I have gotten several emails checking in to make sure I survived the birthday party since I haven't posted in so long ;). It went well and I have tons of pictures to share soon!

Here are some from Miss Olivia's 6 month session! She was such a sweet baby, I couldn't get enough of her! She is starting to master that tricky business of sitting up! She did great and we got so many good ones showing off her new tricks. She has such beautiful blue eyes and was a perfect angel the entire shoot. When she started to get sleepy we just stripped her down and put her on the wood floor! It woke her right up and we got some shots that are to die for! Here are a couple of my favorites!

I should be cleaning

Tomorrow Ryleigh turns 1. I would be lying if I said I was excited for her big day. She is my last baby and turning one takes a way just a bit of the "babyness". I nearly cried today watching my husband haul out a lot of her baby things that are going to a woman who is expecting. We are having a house FULL of people this weekend to celebrate Ryleigh's amazing first year. I hate having company over without everything in perfect order, it nearly sends me into a panick. So, today should have been spent cleaning. But, knowing this is Ryleigh's last day of her first year, I spent as much time as I could cuddling her. Actually, I do that everyday, but today I really should have focused my time elsewhere! And of course, I had to take a few picture of her today! I am going to order one as a huge canvas once I can pick my favorite! I tried to do one a bit old and vintage looking, but I am not sure I pulled it off.

Overcome

I would like to introduce you to the most courageous, spiritual, strong young woman I have ever met. Her name is Ashley. She is 23 years old. She is simply amazing for the lack of a better word. There are not enough positive adjectives in the English language to describe her! She is also battling Adrenal Cortical Carsinoma, which is a very rare form of cancer.

Ashley was diagnosed on July 2, 2008 and has been battling the cancer with such grace, dignity, determination and faith it is nothing short of incredible. She has recently contacted hospice to help her be more comfortable. Please keep Ashley, her family, and all of those who know and love her in your prayers.

In her own words, from her website today : I still believe that God has a purpose for my life no matter how much longer I may be here. I still find comfort in the Lord. I found this quote recently. “Life is not about us. We have nothing to fear, not even cancer. Your heavenly father will be with you no matter what”

If you would like to read more about her, you can visit her Caring Bridge site: Ashley Marie Hanson

One of my favorite posts from her site, written by Ashley:
"Hi! I’m a little more awake tonight. Yesterday afternoon after a really short nap I went to my “look good…feel better” class at the clinic. They give you make-up that is donated by companies and teach you techniques to take care of your skin and keeping your make-up sanitary. There were 4 other people there who were going through treatments as well. When we were doing introductions, one of the ladies was saying that she asks herself every day, “Why Me?” and said that she knows we probably all ask that question. While thinking about it I realized that I don’t think I ever have asked that. I’ve just kind of accepted the fact that this is what I have. Attitude is everything. You need to work with what you’re given. It is what it is and how you think effects how you feel. God has a plan for all of us. I really like the theory of the sewing canvas (I think that’s what it is.) Where when you look at the back of a stitchery piece and all you see are knots and a scrambled mess of yarn. But when you turn it over it is a beautiful picture and each string has its place in it. Just like God is working on his masterpiece using us. We will probably never know exactly what our purpose is while we’re here but we’ll be able to see it when we walk with Jesus. You have to just put your faith and trust in the lord and he’ll help you through. He won’t give you more then you can handle and even though at times it may seem that he’s left you alone, he is always there. Hopefully that makes sense…I don’t do the best at explaining all of that in words. Hehe. "

Ashley's aunt Diane contacted me and asked me if I could come to take pictures of their entire extended family. I was honored to be able to capture such precious memories for them! Ashley's grandma is married to my grandpa. Considering that we both have close knit families, I have been around Ashley's family quite a bit, and consider all of them family. It was such a great time being around all of them. Their love for one another filled the room and the laughter still rings in my ears. Here are a few of the amazing Hanson family.