portraits.

I got the chance the do some portrait photography with some family this weekend and it was so much fun. I took a few portraits of my sister and brother-in-law for a Christmas card and then photographed my cousin Katy. Then I did a family portrait of the Sigmen family-they are practically family :) so much fun.

thanksgivin' shipley style.

I love a good ol' shipley thanksgiving. yumm. we headed up to my grandparents house up in Reno and it was so much fun. I got the chance to hang out with my beloved granma and we got to help her prepare the thanksgiving feast. It was such a treat. You see, when I was a wee lad and in my homeschoolin' years, I had home-ec with my granma...and she taught me the ins and outs of cookin'. so it was like old times in the kitchen together. I even put on an apron for old times sake.

she taught me how to make the legendary ROLLS, which are most delectable treat in ze world! I have to carry on the Shipley tradition of having hot rolls at every important family gathering.

give thanks.

As my lungs fill with the crisp and cool autumn air, I am reminded of years and memories gone past here in my hometown of Crowley Lake. The countless strolls around the Juniper Loop with my walking-enthusiast of a mother, the hour-long conversations and prayers with my dear friend, mentor and second-mother, Lisa, the uncontrollable, ab-tightening laughter around our dinner table, and my dad’s random impersonations and dance moves in the living room are all such fond moments and memories ever seeded in my heart and mind—memories for which I am deeply grateful.

As we near the day of thanksgiving when we gather ‘round the china and crystal laden table that is adorned with the most delectable Thanksgiving treats one could ever imagine, I thought it proper and fitting to think through and perhaps write about a few of the someones and somethings for which I am grateful. So alas, here I am with a cup of hot apple cider snuggled up in my mom’s cushy, green chair where I am warmed by the heat of the orange-flamed fire.

I am thankful for the small moments in the life—laughing at a stupid joke, playing in the fallen piles of leaves, tasting winter’s first snowfall, wedging grains of sand in between my toes, paddling out at dawn to catch the first wave of the day with my dad.

I am thankful for the people in my life…
Arielle – I appreciate the grace, love and warmth you bring to my life.
Larissa – I am grateful for the joy and laughter and fun you bring to my life.
Liane – I am so thankful for the constant support and encouragement you have been to me.
Josh – I am grateful for the way you get me excited about life and about photography.
Granma – I am so grateful for all you have taught me and for the moments I get to spend with you.
Michele – I am grateful for the way you have poured so much time, love and energy into my life and have been committed to my growth and development.
Sister – I love how we can just be together doing nothing and still manage to laugh and have a good time.
Dad – I am thankful for your sense of humor and for the ways in which you have rubbed off on me ☺
Mama – I am so grateful for your constant presence. You have always been present in so many ways and I have always known you were there.
Lisa – I am so grateful for the ways you remind me who I am and how you are so strong and faithful and other-centered in the midst of pain and exhaustion. You encourage my faith!
Hannah – I am thankful for the memories we have shared and for how constant and growing our friendship is.
Eric – I love how you love everyone around you in such an honest way and you let nothing hinder you. You see beyond the exterior and into the heart. I love that.

This is just the cliff notes version of all the things for which and the people for whom I am thankful. I am so blessed. I am tearin’ up here thinking about it. Thank you for being such an integral part of my life and for loving me, encouraging me, supporting me and for making me a better friend, a better man, and a better follower of Christ. Thank you!

rebecca + andrew

wow! what an incredible wedding. the setting was simply beautiful and bride and groom were a ton of fun. my friend (and roommate) Chris Johnson came and photographed with me. we had a blast. it was such a blessing to be part of Rebecca and Andy's day and I so enjoyed it. here are just a few of my favorites.