After cruising around Portland for a bit, we headed back to the fabulous Hotel The Nines where they were staying that night and of course we had to visit the library inside for a private moment.

Yum and yum!

Some cozy cuddling on the sofa and lucky for us, we didn’t have to fight anyone off the couch

Hmmm classic car outside? Um sure we will use it for a “prop” Thanks!

We ventured outside the hotel since it was a wee bit crazy in there, and it was truly a gorgeous evening with perfect light!

I think they are going the right direction, don’t you?

XOXO

I am honored to be sharing this  inspirational story of a man and his family who have  been through a lot as an ex-Pro baseball player for the Colorado Rockies found out he had Parkinson’s Disease at a very early stage in his life and his career. I had the opportunity to hang out with Ben and his beautiful family up at Garden Vineyards to photograph them as they have a new addition to their family. We had such a great time and gorgeous weather! The bond between them is strong and beautiful and truly an inspiration.

A little about the beginning of his journey |

Ben was a peer of mine in high school and I remember his amazing athletic ability as he could pretty much play anything and everything damn well. Ben played for the Colorado Rockies when he found out he had Parkinson’s Disease and kept it a secret for as long as he could and played some great ball!  They say Ben could’ve been the best Catcher to have ever played! retired in 2004 and announced his illness to the public. Ben and his family were up for an adventure and decided to get a very risky procedure done called Deep Brain Stimulation which he nearly died from, which in fact went for a second time the following year with great results!

“As it turns out, Ben Petrick lost one gift and found another”

Steve Wulf with ESPN

Ben has had remarkable results from his surgery and has been very active again in the community, playing baseball, coaching as well as speaking around the country. His most recent accomplishment is his book called 40,000 to One that talks about his journey, you can go find this book on Ben’s website HERE as well as read another amazing article about his ESPN story HERE  What he has accomplished after he was diagnosed to me is more impressive then when he played professional baseball because of this determination to fight through the struggles of this strange disease.

One of my favorite quotes from Ben in the recent ESPN article:

“I remember a conversation I had with Michael J. Fox,” he says. “I asked him if he minded the stares in public, and he said — pardon my language — ‘F– vanity.’”

Please join me for his Launch and book signing at Glencoe High School on June 3rd (I will have an update as to more information on that soon).

Thanks Ben & Kellie, you are amazing!

I love this because little miss was utterly embarrassed that her parents kissed and I love the expression she made!

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“Mother’s Day is a celebration honouring mothers and celebrating motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of mothers in society. “

I cherish EVERY moment I have as a mother and have been blessed with the honor of being a Mother of two very beautiful little people. God sent them to me and sent me to them, its simple really.

I woke up one day having been married only 6 months to my wonderful husband feeling pains in my lower abdomen thinking oh its just the same ole stuff I have been dealing with for over 10 years. I called the Dr. just incase and she told me to take a pregnancy test, I basically laughed at the suggestion of something I was told I could not do so easily.

Well to basically entertain the minor possibility, Casey and I hoped on over and took those darn tests (I bought 6 of them HA!) and I took one… then two.. then 3 and so on and it just kept giving me that darn plus sign. I was still in denial and shock.

I was pregnant… now what?

The moment that last test came back positive, Casey and I drove around for hours looking at the scenery up in the hills and started laughing which then turned into the happiest cries in the world. I was pregnant and we are going to be parents.

Despite all odds, I was given the honor of being a Mother not once but twice.

I would like to celebrate this Mother’s Day and do something very special for just the mommies and their babies (big or small)

I am Photographing Mommies and their babies:

When: April 28, 2012

Time: begins at 1pm, last session is at 5:30pm (10 open spots)

Where: Sauvie Island-Bybee House

What: 20 minute Sessions with me photographing your bond with your children. You will each get an online gallery to view and share your portraits, as well as 4 5×7′x from your session. All other portraits/products are available for purchase.

Cost: $85

For this special session ONLY, you also have the opportunity to purchase the disk of images of all portraits taken at your session for only $150 because I want you to have all of these moments to take home and treasure!

If you are interested in booking your spot, please inquire through our contact section above

Remember this is also a great gift to give! 

You can view the SMP feature HERE

Happy Friday and happy Instagram-ing!