Sixteen

I've been scrolling through Lightroom looking at photos from years past. It's hard and it's wonderful.  
I sit and try to type, but the words don't make it past my heart. Words are locked up in emotions that evade strong enough words.
There is so much beauty in you, so much that is amazing.
So much that is just.... uniquely YOU.

 Sixteen years.

Sixteen years of watching you grow into a humorous young man with a heart that desires to heal the hurts in this world.  You are strong, yet tenderhearted.  You know how to stand up for what is right, but don't trample others around you to get your point across.  You are hilarious.  You are the king of one liners and movie quotes.  There is never a dull moment when you are in the room.  You keep me laughing and the Lord knows we need your quick wit in this household.

I know that God has amazing plans for you.  He is molding you into a young man who will go out and change the world.  He is strengthening you for the days ahead when you will be called upon to stand in the gaps, to heal the wounded, to doctor the sick.  To bring the love of Jesus to hurting hearts and broken souls.

I'm praying for you my amazing, gorgeous son!  Sixteen is going to be a fabulous year.

Daniel and Leah- Sycamore Lane Photography- Jackson, Michigan Wedding Photographer

I have found the one whom my soul loves.  ~Song of Solomon 3:4

September 5-on-5: The Braces Edition

Last month Lauren's braces adventure began.  For weeks she had a mountain of questions and what if's. So when the actual day arrived there was a little anxiety due to the unknown. I could tell she was a bit nervous about the whole procedure and the resulting hardware that she would have in her mouth.

If it had just been braces I don't think she would have been so unsure, but because of some bite issues she has she ended up needing a herbst appliance along with the braces.  It was that added hardware that made her question.

Thankfully the staff is wonderful at her orthodontist's office.  They made her feel very welcome and assured her that it wasn't going to be bad.  Our time went quickly and an hour later she had the beginnings of her new smile.

Now almost a month later, she has adjusted to having a whole lot of metal in her mouth.  It wasn't as bad as she had imagined (she has an amazing pain tolerance) and she knows that even though it isn't the easiest thing to get used to, she will see the benefits of it down the road.

 For more storytelling images continue the circle by visiting my friend Melissa who is a St. Charles, MO documentary family photographer.

Kassandra- 2018 Senior Session- Hillsdale Michigan Senior Photographer

1    I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known. ~Author Unknown