Handle With Care

Catalina

2010-01-13T00:20:00.005-06:00

Back in August (2009) my husband and I went to visit our son and his girl friend in CA for a quick four days. It was wonderful....we had such a great time. It was in the triple digits here in Texas 103, 105 gross hot Texas summer heat! When we got there it was the perfect weather in the mid 70's. Wonderful! Our first day the four of us went to Catalina Island. Beautiful place I hope to return and spend a few days there one day. Me and Jerry on a submarine ride near the island.

Jeremy and Jenette

I love this place, such a romantic place.

You can walk the entire town of Avalon, I can't wait to go and spend a few days there, just exploring the town and surrounding island of Catalina. One of my favorite Doris Day movies was filmed right there in Avalon. " The Glass Bottom Boat"

This is the boat we traveled on, we sat on the very top deck on the trip over. That night it was too chilly so we sat inside. It's about an hour trip each way. The round building in the back ground was a casino in the 40's later. A museum is in part of the building now. Below is another photo of the casino building. Isn't it such a unique looking building?

90th Birthday

2010-01-10T00:57:00.003-06:00

The Saturday after Thanksgiving (2009) we helped my mother in-law celebrate her 90th Birthday. The photo below is Alice with her four children (l - r) Bob, Larry, Jerry and Betty.

The biggest surprise for Alice was her sister from Chicago came down to help her celebrate. Aunt Babe who just turned 90 herself in January 2009. These two ladies had a great time catching up.
Below is a picture of Alice and Babe (mid 1930's)

Thanksgiving Day 2009

2010-01-09T15:30:00.003-06:00

I flew into St Louis on Thanksgiving day, my son Jeremy and his girl friend Jenette flew just a few hours after me. my daughter Kimmy and her boy friend Nick drove in from Kansas. We all met up in St Louis and even though it was cold we took some fun pictures at the Arch before continuing on to Flora, IL.........Here are just a few.

Jeremy and Jenette at the base of the Arch.

Kimmy and Nick at the top of the stairs, I love this one, it's just fun.

Kimmy at Nick at the base of the Arch.

I'm back.......

2010-01-08T18:12:00.005-06:00

I have been gone from blogging for almost a year......I'm ready to get this part of my life back. I miss my camera and I miss how making pictures makes me feel. It wasn't the best year to begin with and then it ended with the loss of my mother. I hate that I can't pick up the phone and call her, I miss her so much at times I can barely breathe...........I will miss all the little things she done for me on our visits home. Mom alway made me feel special, but she did that for all of us. I'm so thankful we had such a good visit over Thanksgiving with her, but there was so much more I wanted to share with her.

This is the last picture I took of her. My son Jeremy and Jenette was in from California for the holiday.

Jumping Pix

2009-02-20T14:09:00.004-06:00

While my daughter was home for her visit we spent some time in Fort Worth with a few of her friends. Jumping pix are fun to capture, sometimes can be a challenge. Here are just a couple of the better ones, the girls got some good air, I was impressed.

I love this one. This is a real working clock at the main entry at the Botanical Gardens. They change the flowers out for the seasons. These are shades of purple pansies.

Star Magnolias

2009-02-17T13:54:00.003-06:00

Here it is Mid Feb. and here in Texas we have blooms already...at least until the next freeze!

The Star Magnolias at the Botanical Gardens were beautiful. Small delicate blooms in shades of pink and white, gorgeous...

Long Time No Post....

2009-02-17T13:39:00.005-06:00

I've been a bad blogger as of late....

Last week my daughter was in from Kansas for a short visit. We had such a great time. These are just a few pix from one of our days in Fort Worth while she was here. On this day we visited the Botanical Gardens in Fort Worth, one of our favorite spots. We took along Sara, one of Kimmy's friends.

Even in the winter the Botanical Gardens are beautiful. I was surprised to see a few things in bloom already.

We always take some bread to feed the fish and turtles at the pond.

This little guy wanted in on some of that bread too. When I turned around he was setting about 3 feet from me on the ground just looking up at me...

So I had to share.

Sara is expecting in May, she is starting to get the belly bump. In a few months we will do a maternity shoot.

Cowboy's New Stadium

2009-01-24T09:33:00.002-06:00

The Cowboy's new stadium is nearly done. My husband and I have been watching the progress of the new one for some time now. It will be completed this summer. Here are a few pix I took a few weeks ago. I will clear up this, we may have lived in Texas now for over 20 years but we still are Chicago Bear Fans! The only time we have seen the Cowboy's play in person was several years ago when they played....you guessed it.....the Bears! That being said, this stadium really is awesome.

Sentimental Painting

2009-01-22T13:16:00.003-06:00

Here is a picture of a painting my son in California painted and sent me for Christmas. I knew what it was before I finished tearing the bubble wrap off of it. It is very sentimental to me. I had taken a picture years ago of a shed at sunset on my parents farm and this is Jeremy's take on it. I love it and will cherish it always. I miss when we go back to Illinois not being able to walk around the farm...I think I will always miss it. This is the picture I took.

I got this digital ornament from my stepkids, so neat it holds 60 images and can be directly hooked in to the computer with a USB cord or can run off batteries to hang on the tree. Really a cool gift!

2008 ....gone in a flash!

2009-01-15T11:32:00.006-06:00

As I was going through the images of this past year I thought about how important photographs are. How they represent a moment of our life. A life that is not posed and perfect, but a snapshot of who we really are...at that very moment.

I love to capture the emotions and moments that in an instant are gone....and when we look back on the images we see more than just who or what the image is of....but to really see that moment, and what it represents in our life. Not just the smiles but that little pout on a child's face, a tear of happiness on the cheek of a new bride or that soft little curl of hair on a babies neck. These and so many more are the things I don't want to forget...these images are our memories. Proof that we were here........

Miss Pebbles

2009-01-14T11:13:00.003-06:00

I read somewhere that cats sleep up to 20 hours a day. What a life! I found Pebbs sleeping on my bed the other day and I thought how cute she looked. I grabbed my camera and clicked off a few pix, she didn't make a move....not a twitch. It would be nice to sleep so soundly.

The last two images was processed with an action called "polaroid transfer"

A Late Christmas...

2009-01-13T08:03:00.002-06:00

New Years Day was also the day we opened gifts with our grand daughter Bailey. They came in for a visit and arrived New Years Eve. Here are just a few pix of that evening.

This is Megan and Chris, while in Illinois for Thanksgiving, Bailey and I went out and took some pix.....I surprised her parents with a storyboard of four of the pix we took. I loved how it turned out and have to print one for us. Now I have to work on Ethan and Grace so I can have storyboards of all the grand kids.

Peeps

2009-01-12T09:36:00.002-06:00

My Peeps!

Thanks Kimmy, they were delicious!

Can't wait for the Easter Peeps!

Radar Dog

2009-01-10T10:07:00.004-06:00

This has been a tough year for Radar. He is nearly 10 now and last summer his behavior began changing in odd ways. I asked the vet if dogs get senile. We learned in a since they do. We put Radar on a medicine the vet recommended and within two weeks many of the odd behaviors were nearly gone. Radars hips have been an issue and as of late we have been catching him on the sofa in the living room. He was never really one to get on the furniture but I know how bad his hips bother him and what a comfort he must feel on the soft sofa. I really don't have the heart to get on him for this. I think he knows I'm a softy on this issue.

Radar has really gotten gray (white) over the past few years.

He is such a sweet dog.

He looks to comfortable to make him move...
I laughed when I came upon this shot, he yawned just as I snapped the pix.
He looks like a mad dog without the foaming mouth.

Behind on Blogging......

2009-01-06T09:37:00.005-06:00

I'm behind on blogging, I since New Years Day I really haven't even taking many pix....one here and there.....I need to take care of that!
Here are a few pix from New Years Day. My daughter Kimmy tried to get a kick ball game rounded up but just couldn't find enough players whose head wouldn't explode when they kicked the ball...haha. Chris and I took Bailey out to watch the game, but ended up kicking some balls around since 6 people don't make a good match for a game. We had fun anyway and the weather was beautiful for January 1.

Happy New Years - 2009!

2009-01-02T11:05:00.006-06:00

New Years Eve 2008

Papa and Bailey playing Wii Baseball

Another New Years together

Wouldn't have it any other way (pix from Kimmy)

Kimmy & Bailey - Party Time (pix from Kimmy)

Playing Apples to Apples

Sara and Kimmy (pix from Kimmy)

Sara and Dax (first new years as a married couple)

Oh and Baby Andress will make an appearance sometime in May.

(pix from Kimmy)

Megan - She won't likely forget the next morning too soon.

May this next year bring us all a lot of happiness and peace.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-02T10:46:00.007-06:00

Wow, now that the holidays are over for 2008 I can catch up on my blogging. It was a quite Christmas morning in the Lemke house. Our youngest got here from Kansas around 3 in the morning and we opened our presents together late morning. It was wonderful, but still a quite and relaxed day "The Ham Master" YummyKimmy got a Budweiser Checkers Game - Lots of fun.

Christmas has always been a fun day for us to just relax and play games. Just enjoy each others company.

Christmas Parade

2008-12-22T08:57:00.006-06:00

While my husband and I were in Illinois recently the Saturday after Thanksgiving we went to Olney for the Christmas Parade. It was very cold but a lot of fun.

Waiting for the parade to start....Very Cold!

Lots of pretty lighted floats.

This Semi was all decorated with my husbands favorite!
His Favorite...Tools!

This is my husbands cousin and hunting bud - Lloyd

And finally coming to town the man himself...Santa!

Ornaments and Memories

2008-12-21T13:27:00.005-06:00

I thought I would post a few pix of some of my favorite ornaments. For many years we collected Hallmark Ornaments. It was a lot of fun when the kids were little to share this together, picking out the ones we would want to get each year. It was a lot of fun and it is a part of them being small and here with us I miss about the holiday's.

Our pretty tree.

This is the very first Hallmark Ornament we bought - Reindoggy 1988

I even remember going to the store with the kids and buying him, we couldn't wait to get home to put him up. He was the start of it all.

Mouse in a Nutshell Sail Boat

Fishin' Santa

Butter Cup - First in Series "Mary's Angels" 1988

This little mouse in a nutshell tub - Too Cute!

Noah's Ark w/ movement
I think this one is just fun!

A First in a Series 1991 - 1957 Vet

Coke Cola Santa - This is one of my faves.
We have a beautiful tree and each ornament on it has a special story. This year I had to decorate the tree all my self, and I thought as I handled each ornament about it's story. This year it will be the first time my husband and I won't have any kids at home on Christmas morning. It will be different for sure, but by afternoon our youngest will arrive and a few day's after that our oldest will arrive with her family. One Christmas I hope to have all four kids and their families here. It will be a house full but wouldn't that be wonderful.

Different sort of barn

2008-12-20T18:11:00.003-06:00

This barn is west of Olney, Il, it is a sort of different barn from others in the area. I finally got a chance to stop and take some pictures of it this past trip.

A few of the guests at Tiff's Party

2008-12-19T10:09:00.002-06:00

This is just a few of the guests at Tiff's party last Saturday at UNT.

This is Abraham and Veronica

This is Mary (Tiff's Mother In-Law)

her sister Becky and their mother Shirley
Tiff's cousin Dennis

Tiff's friend Charlotte and her daughter Ashley

Bob and Betty, Tiff's Grandparents (hubby's side)

Becky and her daughter Sabrina

Travis, Shelly, Katti & Stewart

2008-12-18T14:12:00.006-06:00

A few more pix from last Saturday's Graduation Party for Tiffany. This is Tiffany's Aunt Shelly and her hubby Travis. What a fun time. I had so much fun with this family. Click pictures to see enlarged

I love it when people can just let go and have some fun with a shoot.

This is Katti - Keep in mind a vintage shoot Katti, I'm thinkin' 60's or 70's.
Goofing off for the camera!

Love this one of the siblings......Katti and Stewart

I really like this shot of Stewart.

Stewart is a cut up - I always have lots of fun on a shoot when the people can relax and let their personalities show through.

More for Tiff......

2008-12-18T06:16:00.002-06:00

Few more pix from last Saturday at Tiffany's Graduation Party at UNT. Tiffany with her Grandparents
Mother and daughters.......l-r - Tiffany, Tammy & Cortany

I really like this one in black and white

Lots more to post....so check back later.

2008-12-17T10:03:00.005-06:00

Saturday at the graduation party for Tiffany, while nearly all the family was available we did some family pictures. This is Buddy and Judy I met Judy a little over a year or so. She is such a sweet person. (also Tiffany's grandparents)

I love it when I catch those sweet glances couples give each other.

Another sweet picture.

Buddy & Judy's girls - Shelly and Tammy

I kind of like the black and white one.
This is Buddy & Judy's grandkids - Stewart, Katti, Tiffany and Cortany.
I will post more later. This was a big party!

So there is lots I would like to show.

Grandkitty - Aries

2008-12-16T22:11:00.003-06:00

While in Lawrence, KS with my daughter I got to meet my grandkitty, Aries. Or as Kimmy calls him "Baby". Aries is such the snuggle bug!
I think he has a great personality.

Aries and Nana....lol.

He is very active, but when he is ready to sleep he loves to snuggle.

He is such a pretty baby!

He loves to set up on the refrigerator and look out the window.
I think he makes a great room mate for Kimmy, he is a lot of company for her, just too bad he don't pitch in on rent!

Festival of Trees - Lawrence, KS

2008-12-16T09:09:00.006-06:00

After Thanksgiving I went to Lawrence KS to visit with my daughter, Kimmy. We spent a wonderful Monday just walking and going into all the different shops and stores on Mass Street in Lawrence. Liberty Hall Theater which is a beautiful old building was hosting the Lawrence Festival of Trees. The trees are provided by businesses in the area and are auctioned off. The proceeds from the Festival of Trees goes to the Shelter, Inc., with the Kansas Dept. of Social and Rehabilitation Services.
Click any image to see larger This tree was from the Free State Fly Fishers - A fly fishing themed tree with vintage fly rod and reels with hand-tied flies made by the members. It was titled "O Fishmas Tree"

"May There Be Peace" tree was decorated with handmade origami cranes, which in the Japanese tradition symbolized Peace, Prosperity and Long Life. This tree was put together by the Pink Ladies and Red Hot Mammas #30505.

"Seasonal Spirits" this tree you literally had to be 21 years of age or older to purchase. It had nearly 60 mini bottles of libation and stemmed glassware. This tree was put together by Marx Hair Salon and Jensen Retail Liquor.

"Fun in the Sun" this tree was bright and cheery with all the swim suits, sunglasses and I loved the flamingos.

Inside the theater are these beautiful paintings on the walls and across the ceilings.

Click any image to see larger

Congratulations Tiffany!

2008-12-15T16:38:00.003-06:00

Congratulations Tiffany! Tiffany graduated from UNT in Denton this past Saturday. Way to go!

Kristen @ 16

2008-12-15T16:29:00.005-06:00

Kristen is my great niece on my hubby's side. Kristen just turned 16 in Nov. We took a few minutes to do a quick session during our visit to Illinois. She is quite the beauty. Kristen when it's time for those senior pictures...keep your Auntie Dana in mind!

3 VIPs

2008-12-12T14:14:00.006-06:00

One of my favorite parts of our trip was spending a few day's with the grand kids. They have grown so much just since Sept. It was hard to get them nailed down long enough to get some pictures of them, but I managed a few. Although the oldest has always loved a camera pointed at her, we did a mini session and got some really great shots just before we lost the light. I will before long get the other two if I have to bribe them, and I'm not above doing just that.

Ethan - This one I have to bribe! LOL

but look how cute he is...it will be worth the bribe!

Grace - or is it Cindy Lou Who? Such a cutie!
Bailey - has always been a beauty, and loves to get her picture taken.
We had a few minutes of light one evening a got some really cute shots.

Bailey and her daddy (Chris)

Ethan and his daddy (Ryan)

Just like all the visits this one went way too fast!

My Niece on Thanksgiving

2008-12-11T13:42:00.005-06:00

Shaun is my niece and I have always thought of her as one of the sweetest and beautiful people I know. When she came in Thanksgiving dressed in this cute outfit complete with a Boston terrier purse! Well I had to get her to pose for me. Shaun you have to promise one of my visits you will have to do a session with me. I'm thinking something vintage! Maybe 30's or 40's movie star glamour look, complete with hair and makeup!

Busy...Busy Thanksgiving Day!

2008-12-11T08:57:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving Day was so busy for us this year. We started out the day at my mother in-laws and ate until we could pop. By late afternoon we headed to my sisters house in Clay City to celebrate and eat once again. The food was wonderful and just being with family was the best.

A Noble Barn

2008-12-10T10:30:00.004-06:00

I love barns, the old ones from the days past. The older and more weathered the better for me. Barns like these are no longer really used by farmers, they are not big enough to house the equipment used these days to run their farms. So they leave them to decay, and let time run it's course. With each visit back to my home in Clay and Richland Counties in Illinois I look for these relics these beautiful pieces of our past that are disappearing from our landscapes. I found this beauty just north of Noble, in Richland Co. Click pics to enlarge

Homemade Noodles?

2008-12-07T11:04:00.004-06:00

Yes, homemade noodles......they have been my favorite part of the holiday meal since I was little. I remember my grandmother making them. Last year at my mothers request I made 9 batches (36 eggs) so we would have plenty to go in the freezer after the holidays for her to make afterward........I guess a favorite of hers to. This year I was making for my side of the family's Thanksgiving meal and also my husbands side of the family so I made 15 batches! (60 eggs) With my mothers help of cutting them up we were done in just under 4 hours. Many people use a pasta maker and cutter, but I prefer to roll out and cut without the use of those contraptions. One....just something else to wash, LOL and Two....I just like the look of the hand cut noodles, less like bought noodles.

The noodles need to dry before bagging them up for the freezer so we spread a clean sheet on the guess bed and let them air dry. We had lots of noodles for both Thanksgiving meals and lots for Moms freezer! Yummy! Now I will have to make some for us here at home in Texas......It's not a Holiday Meal without them!

The "Anniversary Buck"

2008-12-06T16:07:00.004-06:00

I will forever think of this as the "Anniversary Buck". My Step-son Ryan got his first buck this first deer season in Illinois, and it happened to be on he and Tabatha's 1st wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary! Tabatha and Ryan! and Congratulations Ryan on your 8 point buck!

Tabatha & Ryan - Wed on Nov.23, 2007

Our Day in Amish Country

2008-12-05T19:22:00.003-06:00

On Friday November 21 my sisters and I took off for a day in Central Illinois Amish Country. We shopped for some of the best baked goods and cheeses there is. We walked around and visited some of the shops in the towns like Arcola, Arthur and Tuscola, it was a beautiful day. I would love to spend some real time in that part of the country. I would like to go back in the spring to see the farmers in the field with their horses and plows. I'm intrigued by the simplicity of the life the Amish live, so far removed from my own.

Home Again.......

2008-12-04T17:48:00.006-06:00

I'm home from our trip to Illinois. I had a great time, and even though I was there two weeks it just didn't seem long enough to get to every thing I wanted to. I will be posting many different posts highlighting our trip.

These pix are from one of my days walking around Olney. The Midwest had a beautiful fall with lots of color and I was so happy to find just a little of it left. The orange, yellow and reds on these few trees was amazing.

Click on images to see enlarged.

Wisper............

2008-11-14T21:05:00.005-06:00

A while back I posted some pix of Wisper and commented how I would love to dress her up in a vintage dress and do some pictures with her. Well today we got to do just that. We battled the wind and cantankerous horses and chased the sun all over the back 40 but from the quick peek I took I think it was so worth it. So many of the images of this girl just took my breath away. I couldn't resist editing just a few to show off to her family. Thank you to Wisper and her family for the great time this afternoon.

Look at those eyes!

I love this dress! It was just perfect for this shoot!

More Baby Bumps.............

2008-11-14T00:52:00.005-06:00

Here are a few more pix for Melissa and Robert. I'm just about finished with all the editing and will be mailing their CD's out tomorrow! This shoot was so much fun. Melissa's sister in-law and long time friend of mine (Helen) helped with the shoot, I couldn't have done it without her. Thanks a bunch for all your help Helen!

I used a "Midnight Effect" on many of these pix I love the contrast and dream like mood this effect gives the image.

Mandi-Jason / Granbury, TX

2008-11-12T16:42:00.005-06:00

Finished up the pix from Granbury for Mandi and Jason. Here are just a few of my faves from the shoot.

Havin' some fun!

You know I have to take pix of feet!
I really like this one in B/W

Had fun with the furniture we took along in the woods.

Oh......I love this one!

I love to play with creative focus, and there is something I love about this one with the couple blurred out.

Love those hay bales

I really like this shot, it was the last of the day.

Click on pix to see larger

More Pix from FTW Nature Center

2008-11-11T18:21:00.006-06:00

Here are just a few more from the FTW Nature Center. Now I have to start on the pix from Granbury! Lots to do!

Sweet "Layla" Kisses!

I put a sepia tone to this one, I like it! Randi is a gorgeous girl!

Our shoot at the FTW Nature Center was rushed due to the time of day and the fact we didn't want to get locked in the park! LOL. We finished up the shoot with Mandi and Jason in Granbury at a friends farm. I will post some pix real soon of those. Just the quick look I done so far my guess is the best pix are yet to come!

Belly Bump!

2008-11-10T15:50:00.005-06:00

I met with Melissa and Robert in Granbury yesterday to do a maternity shoot with them. We all had a lot of fun and laughs. I love it when a shoot is so much fun it doesn't seem like work. Here is just a few that I quickly looked over for a "sneak peek".

That's right......It's a boy!

Melissa had some great ideas! I love this one!

Should be a christmas card!

I love the soft glow in this one.

I love how they are looking at each other in this one.

Thanks a bunch for letting me be a part of documenting your special arrival. Can't wait to met the little guy and do some family pics.

Photo Shoot in FTW Nature Center

2008-11-08T19:43:00.005-06:00

Today I met up with Mandi and Jason for a couple shoot at the Nature Center in Fort Worth. Mandi's sister Randi came along for some pix with her sister. It was a fast and furious session due to the center was to close and lock the gates at 5:00 pm. We made it out just in time. Here are just a few I pulled to blog for a sneak peek.

These two are just gorgeous!

Love the eyes in this one.
Jason and Mandi - I love how they are looking at each other in this one.

Very cute couple!

This one I put a rustic filter on, I love how happy they are.

Fall Color in Texas?

2008-11-05T23:04:00.007-06:00

Since we have lived in the Fort Worth area (20 plus years) we have had very few falls that have produced beautiful color. I had noticed we have had some shades of gold and a little reds and oranges here and there, so I journeyed to the Fort Worth Nature Center and was not disappointed. Here are just a few of the hundred plus pix I took.

Nascar Sunday!

2008-11-02T10:38:00.004-06:00

We are heading for the Texas Motor Speedway in just a few, hope to see a Win for the number 24! Go Jeff!

This pix is from Friday at the track, we had a great afternoon walking around and seeing all the displays. Great weather for racing! I will be posting lots of pix from the race today later in the week!

Just for the fun of it!

2008-10-28T14:01:00.004-05:00

I have for some time wanted a small point and shoot just for fun to carry with me. I in no way could give up my love for my Nikon SLR, but for just goofing off I got me a Canon SD900 Power Shot Elph. I love it, it's small and just fun to play with! Saturday my husband and I took off for our fave Chinese spicy noodles at the Panda Delite in Arlington and then off for a short drive. Here are just a few pix I took that day with my SD900.

This is the cheapest I have seen gas in a very long time! This was 20 miles or so from our place, we were 30 cents higher, Now does that even make sense? We were in Jerry's diesel truck, so this didn't help me. Yummy Spicy Noodles! Love Them!
Jerry getting ready to dig in!

Quackers!

2008-10-27T17:49:00.002-05:00

While scouting locations last week, I came across this apple orchard with a small pond next to it. I no sooner stopped and up popped these ducks. They all started quacking and came right over to me. I had just been to the store and had a loaf of bread with me. So I thought I'll give them some. There was one who had this tuft of feathers on top of its head, he stayed right at my feet. When I wasn't feeding him as fast as he wanted he would peck my toes then look up at me, like to say speed it up!

Here he is getting my toe!

Back Road

2008-10-26T22:06:00.005-05:00

One afternoon last week I took a drive to scout out a place I had seen a while back. A road where the trees meet over the road. I love places like this. It was very pretty, I miss the fall colors that you get back home in the mid west. We really don't get much of a fall here in Texas, but my hubby loves the winters here.

2008-10-24T17:26:00.003-05:00

A few misc. pix from the shoot in Springtown last weekend.

It was just beautiful up there, I miss being out in the country.

Down by the creek.

Loved the gate with the vines.
Close up of the flowers on the vine.
Very pretty and lacy.

I don't remember this kitty's name but look at those blue eyes!

I love this sepia tone pix of Copper, he looks so serious but with a half grin!

Copper

Click on any pix to see bigger

Helen & Gary 10/11/2008

2008-10-23T10:10:00.007-05:00

I didn't take as many pictures as I wanted at Helen and Gary's reception, but I managed to get a few. It was a beautiful wedding and the reception was also. I ended up with some major flash problems, I was so thankful I was not the photographer for this wedding.

Father Daughter Dance

Serving up Candy Shot Gun Shells
First Dance as Husband and Wife

Cutting the Cake

Husband and Wife........such a great couple!

Cake Table

The Grooms Cake had Shot Gun Shells made from sugar.

and a camouflage top

Jelly Bellies!

Candy Bar - I loved this idea for a wedding.

Congratulations Helen and Gary!

(click any pix to enlarge)

My best friend and her family

2008-10-22T17:33:00.003-05:00

This first pix is of the rehearsal for Kathy and Gene's daughter Helen just 12 days ago. This is Kathy and Gene.....I love the way she is looking at him in this one.
Kathy and I have been friends for over 20 years and is my family here in Texas. Here she is with her parents and her sisters. L-R - Coy, Roy, Patty, Connie and Kathy These three had a great time, even started singing a song about "sisters"
It was hilarious, nobody could remember the words!

Wisper and Copper - Buds

2008-10-21T10:50:00.004-05:00

Wisper is Tiffany and Aaron's niece and she joined us for a while on our shoot Saturday. Here are a few of my faves of her and some with her and Copper.
I found this girl stunning, I would love to do a very non traditional shoot with her, maybe something in a old building or barn with vintage clothes.

These two are buddies!

I think this one is sweet.

Tiffany & Aaron

2008-10-18T21:10:00.004-05:00

I met up with Tiffany and her hubby Aaron today in Springtown. Oh yes I can't forget Copper! Tiffany is a college senior I'm doing a shoot for on the campus of UNT. Tiffany wanted some pix of her and Aaron in the country with their sweet doggy Copper. We had a great time, I wanted to get a few posted fast cause I know Tiffany was looking forward to seeing some. Thanks for the fun shoot.

These first three....I adore! They just say LOVE to me.

I just love it when the couples I work with will try anything!

Details at DFW Movers

2008-10-17T15:51:00.007-05:00

I hung out with my hubby last weekend and of course I took my camera. While he milled around working on the 6 x 6 I roamed around taking a few pix of misc. items around the shop.

This is not a little fork lift! Those tires are nearly as tall as me!

5' something.

Tiffany and Cortany - Sisters

2008-10-16T09:49:00.004-05:00

I'm still editing pix from the UNT shoot. I think we all had a great time. Some even got to play in the water! I love to photograph people who let themselves relax and just have a great time. It makes for a much better time and lots of great images.

I love this one! What Fun!

Seeing these two together make me homesick for my sisters!

Tiffany - UNT Senior

2008-10-15T10:57:00.005-05:00

I met up with Tiffany and her sister Cortany (I did Cortany's Senior Pix not long ago) on the Campus of the University of North Texas in Denton for her senior shoot. Tiffany will be graduating with her Bachelors Degree this December. We had to cut our day short due to rain, but we will finish up soon. Too many ideas not to finish up! Here are just a few, I'm only a third way through the images, but I wanted to do a sneak peek for Tiffany! More to follow in the days to come.

We met at the Pita Pit just off campus for lunch to get us started!

I loved the shots in front of the clock tower.

Arch of Books near the fountain.
UNT has such a beautiful campus, I can't wait to head back up there to finish this shoot. We only just got started when the rain came in and we had to seek shelter, but we got some of the indoor shoot done.

Our New Toy!

2008-10-14T09:28:00.003-05:00

I said in a previous post we had a new toy for hunting in Illinois, and here it is a Polaris 6x6 "Big Boss". Jerry is so excited and can't wait to get it up in Illinois. He will have a great hunting trip this year. The bed on the 6 wheeler is just right for that 16 point buck babe! I've got a feeling he will be yours this season!

Happy Birthday Megan!

2008-10-14T09:14:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to the sweetest step daughter ever! Love you and we can't wait to see you in November!

This is Megan and Bailey (who will be having a birthday very, very soon)Bailey had caught the first fish of the day! Labor Day Weekend at Clay City.I really like this pix of Megan and Bailey. I think in November I will work hard on getting individual pix of every one. I would like to do a whole wall of our family! We are a great looking bunch!
Chris, Megan and Bailey

Birthday Weekend

2008-10-13T14:06:00.003-05:00

I had such a good weekend just hanging out with the hubby. He spent most the day Saturday and all day Sunday (my actual birthday) Saturday he had to pick up his tool box and forklift from a factory in west Fort Worth, I got to ride with him. I love riding in a big truck with him. I respect the hard work he does. I'm always amazed at how easy he makes it look.

This is "Big Red" the tool box!

Sunday after breakfast we went to the shop to work on our new toy that we are taking to Illinois. (I will post more on that later) I took my camera as usual and couldn't resist playing with these mirrors.

We took a wonderful drive south to Centerville, then to Lufkin and up to Tyler for catfish! Over all we went over 300 miles on our Sunday Drive. It was nice, seen some beautiful country. The trees aren't really changing here but it was beautiful none the less. We just enjoyed each others company, seems we are doing that more and more these days. Kind of nice, really!

Birthday Twin

2008-10-13T14:00:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was my Birthday and my niece's too! She was born on my ninth birthday. What a gift! I loved the idea of us sharing a birthday! So Happy Birthday Donya, I love and miss you. I took these pix of her back in August on our last visit to Illinois. Can't wait to head back up there in just over 4 weeks!

Nascar Coming Soon To TMS

2008-10-06T23:46:00.006-05:00

Well these pix are from the race we went to in 2006! I can't believe we didn't get to go last year but we are hoping to go this November. If all works out we will and I will have more Nascar pix to post. I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Any way I ran across these pix and remembered how much fun that day was. In case you are wondering, our driver is Jeff Gordon. No booing please, it won't change our minds so don't try it! LOL

This first pix I had some fun in Photoshop with, I kind of like it.

Before race time we got to go into the pit area. We loved it, don't know if we will get to do that this year or not, but I'm hoping.
Loved the M&M Tires!

Gluing the lug nuts on Gordon's tires.

I wish Gordon's car would have been out, but during the hour or so we were in the pit area they never brought his car out. I would have loved to get some close shots of it, but it just was not to be that day.

Texrigger

2008-10-05T11:50:00.006-05:00

I met up with Jerry a few weeks back for lunch and he took me through the plant he is working right at the moment. I have always found it interesting the work he does.

Jerry custom built this tool box. This is the first time I got to see in on a job site. It is huge and opens up on three sides with the four side having a pop up table for work space.

One side opens and has drawers inside.

Another side has storage for chains and straps.

I thought these metal shavings looked like colorful confetti.

Sunflowers in Bloom

2008-10-03T12:38:00.003-05:00

I love sunflowers! I can't say they are my favorite.............my favorite changes with my mood! But I do love them so and to see whole fields of them..........well, that is just spectacular. These fields of sunflowers in various stages are in Clay Co. Illinois. Beautiful is only one way to describe them.

University of North Texas

2008-09-30T09:32:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago I met with Tiffany, she is a Senior at UNT in Denton. She will graduate this coming December and wanted to commemorate her time at UNT with a photo shoot on campus. It was raining the day we met to walk the campus for inspiration. What a beautiful campus and "oh boy" did we come up with some great ideas for her upcoming shoot. I can not wait, we will meet up again Oct 14th for her photo session. Here are a few pix I took that day we met up to look around.

Noah

2008-09-29T14:46:00.004-05:00

Noah is our great nephew on my husbands side. He was born last Nov. too early and has had a rough go of it so far, but with all the love and prayers that has gone out to this little angel he is doing better and better. Noah has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen on a baby. Click to enlarge the images and just check out those lashes! This last visit to Illinois over Labor Day weekend was only the second time we have gotten to see him. I couldn't believe how much he had grown over the summer. See you again in November Noah!

Berryville Chowder

2008-09-28T16:43:00.005-05:00

The small community of Berryville IL does a Chowder every Labor Day Weekend to raise funds for upkeep of various items around the community. This was the first year in a while I was able to attend. I had forgot how fun it was. All four of our kids and their families were there, plus my in-laws and their families! I really think my Mother In-law had the biggest turn out of family out of all the chowder goer's, such fun and good chowder! I can't wait to head back up there in November for deer hunting! Of course I hunt with my camera, but I really hope my husband gets that big buck he has been dreaming of.

These are the kettles and the men responsible for making the chowder.

Jeremy and Jenette

Our Family!

Sweet Grace

My sweet hubby and our youngest.
More Family!

Surprise!

2008-09-28T04:54:00.004-05:00

My husband has been out of town for a few weeks. He told me he would be back Sunday the 28th late in the afternoon. So what else should I have thought? Right? Well..........I was sound asleep Saturday morning and I woke up to someone grabbing me and kissing me at 3 something in the morning!.................It scared me half to death! It only took a second before I realized it was him, and I was so happy to see him it only took a half second to forgive him for frighting me. The even better thing is the first time in a very long while he has the whole weekend off so we can just hang out together.

These are just a few pix I took not long before he went out of town. For our Anniversary we had got this awesome new infared grill. Yummy steak!

Monica

2008-09-26T09:42:00.004-05:00

Monica is the daughter of one of my very best friends. I have known Monica since she was a little girl. Before she left to head back to college in Lubbock I asked her to model for me. She was a good sport, Thanks a bunch Monica! See you soon!

Don't Forget to VOTE!

2008-09-25T11:20:00.001-05:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Mini Petunias

2008-09-25T10:38:00.005-05:00

My mother had these baskets of tiny little petunias. They were only about an inch across. So cute and colorful! I love flowers, I just don't seem to have the needed "green thumb".

I <3 Tomatoes

2008-09-24T09:45:00.003-05:00

While in Illinois recently, my husbands nephew brought over a tomato from his garden! A big tomato! I didn't get to partake in it's goodness, but I hear it was wonderful! This pix is me and my husband. It was such a good trip. He has been out of town working the past few weeks, I think we both are looking forward to his return.

Bridal Shower

2008-09-23T20:55:00.005-05:00

Sunday Sept. 14th I shot a bridal shower for a beautiful young bride to be. It was one of the nicest bridal showers I have been to. She really hit the mother load of gifts! Helen and Gary are to be married on Oct. 11th! It's getting here quick! I shot some engagement pictures of them back in April. Check out the link. http://danalemke.blogspot.com/2008/04/helen-gary.html

Helen (bride to be....very soon!)

Guest book
The table details were beautiful!
Helen and her Brides Maids
(l-r) Gayla (mother in-law to be) Helen (bride to be), and Kathy (mother of the bride)

My Sisters Girls

2008-09-23T16:39:00.003-05:00

Donya, Sara and Maddie Jane Sara and Maddie Jane, Sara's hubby couldn't be with us all this trip.

Maybe next visit.
Donya and Sean, I do believe they have a second anniversary coming up!

Congratulations, you two!

Sweet Maddie Jane

2008-09-22T13:36:00.004-05:00

Maddie Jane is the grand daughter of my sister. She is the cutest red head ever. Such a flirt! She really became attached to Jenette, the two had a great time playing.

I love this picture of Maddie, that is her mother in the background.

Just love the surprise on her face.

You can just see the love this Grandpa has for his Maddie! Jenette and Maddie

Glad Gladiolas

2008-09-21T10:24:00.004-05:00

My sister in-law grew these beautiful gladiolas in her yard. She prepared several vases for the family reunion as gifts for various winners of questions. Our son Jeremy, who resides in California "came the furthest to the reunion". Seeing as he couldn't take them on the plane home with him, he gave them to his grandmother. They made her day. The colors and textures were incredible.I love the pink one!

I always seem to be drawn to yellows and oranges too!
But the last one here reminds me of an orchid, it may have been my favorite of the bouquet.
Click on the images to enlarge.

Jeremy & Jenette

2008-09-20T09:58:00.004-05:00

Jeremy has always been a kind soul, quiet and laid back. Jenette complements him perfectly. They have been together just over 2 1/2 years, it always amazes me how she just fits right in to our family and the craziness that is us. It's like she has been a part of our family much longer than she has. Jenette is not only beautiful on the outside but on the inside as well. She has to have one of the kindest hearts I have ever met. We all love them both!

The Lemke's

2008-09-19T17:08:00.004-05:00

Our son Ryan and daughter in-law Tabatha with their sweet kiddos, Ethan and Grace.

Ethan - All boy, he loved fishing with his daddy.

Grace - I love how her blue eyes pop in this pix.

Miss you guys already ! Can't wait to see you again in November!

Click on pix to see larger

Family

2008-09-18T18:27:00.003-05:00

Here are a few pix from the cookout we had at my sisters house Labor Day Weekend. A big group of us, but still not all of us! The first pix is of my parents with the grandkids and spouses and great grandkids. If I have it counted right there is still 9 missing, maybe 11. LOL

From l - r is Gayla, Dios (Daddy), Louise (Mom), Dana (me) & Kathy. Our brother was home for a visit earlier in the summer. It has always been so hard for us to plan our visits at the same time. Gary and I are the only ones that moved so far away.

Over the years I have gotten lots of pix of Dad, but very few of Mom, she really gets on to me if she sees me point the camera at her. LOL

SNL - Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton

2008-09-16T15:34:00.001-05:00

I had to post this I think it is hilarious!

Berryville Vineyard

2008-09-16T09:14:00.007-05:00

Berryville Vineyards.....................This place has a very special past for my husband and me. It was actually (over twenty years ago now) ground where we farmed and the house that we lived in sat on this property. Now it is a Vineyard and the owner Eric Pool makes some of the very best wine. Usually when I'm back in Illinois I don't get to see the grapes on the vine..........and oh how beautiful they are. I wish I had more time to wonder around the vineyard to capture pictures. Below are a few pictures I snapped Saturday Aug 30. A group of us from the family went over to visit with Eric and taste some wine.

Eric - Owner Operator of Berryville Vineyards. I believe it was last weekend Eric hosted his annual Harvestfest. I wish we could have been there for that. I hear it is always a great time.

I would love to do a photo shoot in the vineyards someday. Engagement shoot would be so great there. Maybe even bride and groom shots. Maybe someday!

More Fishin' Pix

2008-09-15T10:48:00.004-05:00

This day was so great! I loved seeing my family enjoy their day! There were no big fish caught, but what memories we created! Jerry & Jeremy
I love this of Ryan using his son's fishing rod!
Tony & Jerome
"Sisters" Tony & Shaun
What a beautiful place.
Shaun, Kimmy & Jenette
Family Fishing Fun!

I love this one of Grace.

More Family Fishing Fun!

2008-09-14T23:16:00.003-05:00

Bailey (our sweet granddaughter) caught the first fish of the day! Way to go Bailey! Can't wait to see you again in November! Nana and Papa love you so much!

Fishing in Illinois

2008-09-14T23:02:00.003-05:00

I have so much I want to post from our trip to Illinois over Labor Day. I will be another week or more trying to get them all in, but that is Okay! I love my family!

My sister and her husband live near Clay City and have a beautiful home near water. Jenette had never been fishing before and my father was more than happy to bring his fishing gear along for the day. Here are some pix from our fishing fun.

There is just something about this picture I love.

My Dad and his catch of the day!
Jeremy & Jenette
Jenette, Jeremy & Jerry
Jenette, before we explained about chiggers!
The only down side to the fishing was Jenette didn't get her a fish.

Maybe next time!

I'll be posting more fishing pix soon!

Harley Girls

2008-09-13T19:36:00.003-05:00

While in Illinois for Labor Day we spent Sunday at my sisters. Sort of a family reunion. Jenette and Kimmy had never been on a motorcycle, my brother in-law was more than happy to ride these cute girls through Clay City on his Harley. (click on pictures to see bigger)

Happy Birthday Kimmy!

2008-09-12T06:24:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday to our "Sweet Sweet Treasure"! I'm not sure where the time has gone but I can say it has flown by. Love you with all our hearts!

(to see this image larger just click on it)

Seniors 2009

2008-09-11T17:48:00.005-05:00

Click on image to enlarge.
Now is the time for all you Seniors to book and shoot for you Senior Portraits. The Weather is cooler and the Holidays are right around the corner. Call or email for information.

Happy Anniversary - Gayla & Mark

2008-09-08T09:20:00.004-05:00

A very special "Happy Anniversary" to my big sister and her dear hubby! We love you both! Congratulations on your first year of wedded bliss and the many more to come!

The Train Man

2008-09-08T08:53:00.003-05:00

I met Charles Bel at the Art Goggle. He stood out in the room with his red hat. I asked him if I could take his picture and he obliged. We got to talking and I found out he was into photography as well, which is always something I love to talk about. LOL. Charles documents trains, not just any trains but among them BNSF. Check out his web site http://www.trainpix.com/, I think it is very interesting. All that knowledge in one place about these trains is amazing.

Anniversary Flowers

2008-09-07T17:12:00.004-05:00

I had to get around to posting pix of my flowers. The 4th was my husband and my 26th anniversary and I have always taken pix of flowers he gives me so these would be no exception. Beautiful deep red roses and a mixed grouping of fall yellows. Thank you Sweetie, I LOVE YOU! I'm looking forward to the next 26 years.

New Friend from the Art Goggle

2008-09-07T17:00:00.003-05:00

I met Carin Miller at the Art Goggle in Fort Worth. She is a friend of Vandy's and had a table of a skin care line from Australia called "Become". I have already tried my samples and loved how they made my skin feel.

Here is Carin's email carinmiller@charter.net and here is the link to the
"Become" website http://www.becomebeauty.com/

I didn't have a pix of just Carin so here is one of her hard at work Friday night.

Fort Worth Art Goggle - Sept 5, 2008

2008-09-06T14:39:00.007-05:00

The Salon Upstairs

1240 College Ave.

(located above the Police Dept.)

817-870-9993

Vandy and Lindsay of The Salon Upstairs......Crazy Fun Girls!
What would the evening be without food and drink?

This was my little corner of the salon.........I had some prints for display and about 300 images showing pix from various sessions and weddings I have done recently set to slide show on my laptop. The 16 x 24 Standout Print on the desk is one of my daughter. I love it, I can't wait to hang it in my house.

I also took names for a drawing at the end of the evening for a free photo session.

Seeing as this was my first time to participate in the Art Goggle I didn't really know what to expect............People by the bunches! The Salon Upstairs was pretty much packed all evening and night. I finally called it quits at 10:30 and people were still hanging out.

At the end of the evening my friend Lindsay drew the winner of my "Free Photo Session" . Thank you to everyone who came out and entered my first official drawing at the Fort Worth Art Goggle! A special Thank You to Vandy and the Salon Upstairs for inviting me to participate in the Art Goggle, it was a blast and I'm looking forward to the next one!

And the Winner Is (drum roll please)..................................................................

Art Goggle - Featured Artist - Chad

2008-09-06T14:28:00.003-05:00

Chad is a tattoo artist and painter. He works in various medium such as paint, markers, ink etc...

Here are some pix of Chad next to some of his work. I hope to own some pieces by Chad one day. I loved the the brilliance of the colors in his work.

Art Goggle - Featured Artist - Brice Baum

2008-09-06T14:21:00.004-05:00

Brice is a graphic designer illustrator. His work is awesome and he is such a nice guy. You can browse more of his work at www.flickr.com/photos/bricebaum

Here is some pix of his work. Enjoy!

Art Goggle - Featured Artist - Matt Hogan

2008-09-06T14:14:00.003-05:00

The South Side Fort Worth Art Goggle was fantastic! Matt Hogan was one of the featured artist at The Salon Upstairs. Here is pix of Matt posing with some of his art work Friday night. I love the creativity of his creations.

Happy Anniversary!

2008-09-04T21:49:00.004-05:00

Yesterday Sept 4 was our 26 year Anniversary! Not too shabby, right? We went out for a steak dinner and just enjoyed each other. It was a lovely evening.

We just got back this week from Illinois where for the first time in 6 years we had all four of our kids together! I was so excited! It was a quick weekend, went far too fast, but everyone had a great time and enjoyed visiting with each other. Great looking bunch!

Fort Worth Art Goggle

2008-09-04T17:04:00.004-05:00

My friend Vandy who owns the Salon Upstairs in Fort Worth invited me to participate in the Fort Worth Arts Goggle this September 5th. I can't wait, it should be a great time. I will post some pix soon.

I have been absent from blogging too much lately. I will work on posting more in the days to come. Lots to post, we just got back from a trip to Illinois to see family, lots of family! I loved it.

Cortany & Randy

2008-08-20T07:35:00.003-05:00

Cates Wedding Slideshow

2008-08-07T09:25:00.004-05:00

Short Version Slideshow of the Cates Wedding. Congratulations Robert and Melissa. Watch the Mail your full version should arrive soon! Thanks again for letting me be a part of your day!

Cortany and Randy

2008-07-27T15:04:00.006-05:00

I had the best time with these two. Randy just graduated and Cortany is going into her senior year. They are such a sweet pair. We found some tracks near by and then ended up in the Stockyards. We had a good time, but the heat nearly kicked my butt! I don't think I will ever be able to handle the Texas summer heatwaves!

Cate Wedding - III

2008-07-25T14:49:00.004-05:00

Isn't this a gorgeous couple?

Cate Wedding - II

2008-07-23T15:13:00.006-05:00

I had such a good time shooting this wedding last Saturday. I love the image of Melissa smiling at Robert as her father walks her up to meet him, and I love the image of them holding hands during the ceremony........so intimate. Being of Irish decent they incorporated an Irish Oathing Stone into the ceremony.........beautiful.

To Melissa and Robert - Congratulations and thank you for letting me be a part of your special day.