Archive for November, 2008

This morning we attended my daughter’s Veteran’s day assembly. They will be out of school tomorrow, so they held it this morning. Last year she was sad that we didn’t go since they said Derrick’s name at the assembly. Knowing how disappointed she was last year, we went this time. They had a cute show with the older kids reading poems and reciting historical facts. We sang songs and they spoke kind words out those who fought for our country. They had all the veterans stand up in front and talk about when they served and what branch they served in. Derrick went up front and I watched Keely beam with pride for her daddy.

I don’t normally get emotional about these sort of things, but when they sang Battle Hymn of the Republic, I got all teary.

Thank you to all Veterans who have served our country. My husband is one of those who served. Though he did not serve in the battlefields in Iraq or Afghanistan, he did his part in the US Army for seven years.  We had a lot of adventures, and a lot of heartache. My heart goes out to those currently separated from their loved ones so that we can keep our freedom.

Here’s an old pic of us when Derrick was in the military. I wasn’t a photographer back then, so please excuse the quality.

Battle Hymn of the Republic

Traditional
Written By: Julia Ward Howe

Mine eyes have seen the glory
Of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage
Where the grapes of wrath are stor’d;
He hath loos’d the fateful lightning
Of His terrible swift sword:
His truth is marching on.
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.

I have seen Him in the watchfires
Of a hundred circling camps,
They have builded Him an altar
In the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence
By the dim and flaring lamps:
His day is marching on.
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.

I have read a fiery gospel
Writ in burnished rows of steel:
“As ye deal with My contemners,
So with you My grace shall deal:”
Let the Hero born of woman
Crush the serpent with His heel,
Since God is marching on.
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.

He has sounded forth the trumpet
That shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men
Before His judgment seat.
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him!
Be jubilant, my feet!
Our God is marching on.
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.

In the beauty of the lilies
Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom
That transfigures you and me;
As He died to make men holy
Let us die to make men free,
While God is marching on.
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
Glory, glory, hallelujah!
His truth is marching on.

This is the “D” family. They are very close friends to us and I was super excited when they asked me to do their family portraits. We met up at Lake Sacajawea here in Longview (yes, my usual spot). The leaves are so beautiful right now. It’s just perfect!!

I had a blast with you guys and I hope you enjoy your sneak peak!

This family was hilarious. I think I had as much fun as the kids did. We had fun making silly faces at each other and messing around. We met up at Lake Sacajawea here in Longview at the Asian Gardens. It was fun running around and acting like nut cases. We got a few formal pictures in there, but for the most part I got lots of laughs and fun interacting shots. Those are the best ones, you know!

This session totally fit my style. Thanks B family for letting me photograph your beautiful family!

Hope you enjoy the preview…

kids pyramid



Here’s more pics of the October 25th wedding here in Kelso Washington at the Red Lion Inn. It was a gorgeous wedding and the couple is so very much in love. I was happy to be a part of their very special day.

Congrats on your wedding!!

I hope you enjoy sneak peak #2.

To all their friends and family;

you can send them congrats wishes by writing in the comment box below!

I have to admit, this post has a few more photos than I normally show. I couldn’t help it… You take a great looking couple, perfect weather, gorgeous location, and you’re bound to get some good photos! I had a blast photographing them and I took WAY too many photos…

We met up at one of my favorite locations – Lake Sacajawea here in Longview. It’s fitting since they’re the outdoorsy type of couple. They wanted their engagement session to reflect their style. They’re totally down to earth and quite in love. It was so sweet. I can’t wait to photograph their wedding in May. I know it’s going to be just perfect.

Thanks for letting me photograph you and I hope you enjoy your sneak peak…

e session

smith Roden wedding