Kelly Chandler

I have never advertised my business in any print publication.  After photographing a ton of seniors this summer from the local high school, I was approached to advertise in the local Eastlake Wolves Football Program.  Having photographed many of the boys from the team and some of the cheer/dance squads….I felt like it would be a good gesture to support the program that supports my business.  Plus, my own little man is now playing tackle football so I kind of got wrapped up in the whole football spirit thing.  So here it is, my first ever print add.  I’m excited to have created it. 

A special thanks to the kids who were gracious enough to allow me to use their images for the ad.  They were all totally respectful to me (and to their mothers) during our photo shoots.  There was no sense of entitlement or an ounce of attitude from one of these kids.  I left each of their sessions hoping that my own kids will share the same gracious spirit within them as they grow to be teenagers.

 I am so excited to welcome this little beauty to my family.  Yes, Kelly Chandler had a baby……um….not this Kelly Chandler….but my sister-in-law Kelly Chandler.  Ha…got ya.  Yes, both Chandler Boys married Kellys….so there are two of us.  As much as I’d like to claim this little beauty, she is simply my perfect little niece.  Rob, the kids and I zipped over to Wenatchee as soon as I finished a wedding this weekend so we could meet little Mikenzie Riley Chandler.  She is every bit of perfection that my first two Chandler nieces were…and still are! 

Except for the times I was photographing the baby, they let me hold her the entire time.  I even got diaper duty.  They knew I only had 24 hours and I had to be back home so I got first dibs on the baby, even ahead of the Grandmas (both are local in Wenatchee).

 I thank God for blessing the Chandler Clan with another healthy baby and I thank Scott and Kelly, Maddy and Megan for sharing her with me so readily.  It was such a treat to get to hold her for hours and hours.  I often hold the babies that I photograph and get my baby fix.  But it has been almost 6 years since I’ve had a new niece to hold and it is a truly special thing.  Scott and Kelly you two make beautiful babies for sure!  Love you all. 

As I sat at my desk this morning, I noticed the house was particularly quiet.  The usual sounds of my kids buzzing about the house was not there.  My daughter was busy doing some crafts at my assistant’s desk behind me.  I looked up and what I saw on the floor across the room was the sweetest image I’d seen in a while.  My son was quietly reading to Tink our 4 year old yellow lab.  I happened to have my camera on my desk and quietly picked it up and zoomed in for this first shot.  I was afraid if I moved from my chair Tink would get excited and move.  After I took this shot, I quietly stood and moved in for a new angle. 

I asked my son what he was doing and he said “I’m reading to my girl.”  With that, he rolled over and gave her a hug, repositioned himself (see 2nd image) and continued to read.  This candid moment was so precious.  If you knew how much he loved this dog it would be all that much more amazing to share in their moment. 

I constantly am asked by clients to post some photos of my kids on my blog.  Okay, so they are beautiful subjects….I love them…..and I’d plaster them all over the blog if I thought that was really what people were visiting my site to see.  However,  occasionally I do bend to the pressure and post a few images.  This week wraps up with a baseball jamboree and a season end party at our house.   Imagine 14 boys, their siblings, parents, grandparents, lots of food, trophies, and general chaos…that will be my house on Friday.  Pray for sunshine please.  :)  

As I was burning DVD’s with photos from the season to give to the parents of my son’s teammates I couldn’t help smiling.  What an amazing group of kids.  My husband, Rob, has coached many of these boys for 4 years now.  They started out digging sand castles in the dirt watching the ball go by.  Now they are pulling double plays, hitting home runs, and are playing as a real team.  As I thought about their growth both athletically and emotionally I was really astounded.  I’d like to commend my husband, his coaching team, and the parents for their dedication to the boys.  It is a real commitment to be involved in your child’s life.  Years from now they will remember little about their youth…but they will remember that you showed up, participated, supported them, and loved them.  I encourage all parents to step up, get involved, show some interest, and see where your child takes you. 

MY, OH, MY THAT BALL HAS LEFT THE YARD!!!!

I am so blessed.  My children continually inspire me to be the best wife, mother, friend and photographer I can be.  I am forever growing in all these areas…hoping I keep making them proud.