Joy Marie Photography

My Boys on Halloween

I could barely keep my boys still for 2 seconds to snap these few pics before we hit the streets. Micah was supposed to be a cowboy, but was convinced he was a horse. And I can't even tell you what Elon & Jaden were, but they came fierce with it! Our night...a lot of testoterone + waaayy too much candy =

Dookie Love

Introducing the newest member of our family...Dookie!!!  We've been promising the boys a dog for two years, and secretly hoped they would forget...yeah right!!  Now we can't imagine our home without Dookie!

our next door neighbor, Cade, gets in on some Dookie love!

Fun times at the Lake on Father's Day

Nothing brings me more joy than watching my boys burst with happiness as their dad tosses them around and manhandles them.  I am so grateful for this man and his dedication to these 3 little lives.  They have in their daddy such an amazing example of what a father should be. Happy Father's Day to my incredible husband and baby's daddy!  I love you so much!!

A Shout Out to My Mom on Mother's Day!

Anyone who knows my mom, knows what an incredible woman she is.  For those that don't, here's just a taste....

My MOM:

-is the most incredible artist in the Northwest, or, for that matter, anywhere (her GINORMOUS paintings below)
-spends her Friday evenings feeding the homeless.
-grows her own food, yep even the eggs are fresh!
-raised 3 biological children, but opened our house to so many other kids who needed a home.
-was green before it was cool...no trash compactor for us, chicken food & composting baby!
-makes the meanest chocolate chip cookies on the planet
-is still married to my dad (whose pretty cool himself) 37 years strong!
-is so humble that reading this will probably make her uncomfortable.

If I can be even a smidgin of who she is, I will be so very honored. Mom, thank you for teaching me, for supporting my dreams and for challenging me to be a better person.  You are an inspirational woman, wife, mother and artist.  You are not only the best mom a girl could have, but you're also the best friend a girl could have, and I love you so very much!!  Happy Mother's Day to all of you incredible mommies out there  that make this world a better place!

Paintings below by Claudia McKinstry...my mom.

Little Cuties Full of Personality

A few fun shots from some of the "oh so adorable kids" at my son, Micah's school. You gotta love these little personalities!

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep

Late last night, I got a call from a nearby hospital to photograph a little baby boy whose life had been tragically cut short.   His parents went to the hospital yesterday thinking that this would be the night that they had been waiting for, the night they would celebrate & welcome their first born son into their lives.  This precious baby didn't survive, and I had the humble  honor of documenting his memory as a part of an organization that I belong to called, "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep." As I pray for this family's strength to heal during such a difficult time, it is a very real reminder of how precious life really is.  So tonight, hug your babies a little tighter, kiss on them just a little more and thank God for the awesome gifts he has entrusted you with, and thank God for life!  For parents or photographers who would like more information about this awesome organization, visit their website at NowILayMeDownToSleep.org. I'm honored to be a member.

Pondering The Complexities of Sponge Bob & Little Bear

Yesterday was our first TOO HOT for shirts day!  I love this moment when I snuck up on my 3 year old, Micah, pondering the complexities of life.  I wonder what was going on in his little head?....probably deliberating about who he likes better, Sponge Bob or Little Bear...

Hoop Dreams

My oldest, Elon, who is 9, just finished up his basketball season. He's quite the budding athlete! I put together a little slideshow for the team, which was fun to do. Great job, Mavericks! See you at the Espy Awards!

Who do you know born in 1905?

I had to do a tribute post to my husband's grandmother who recently passed away, but not until making it to her 102nd birthday. It's hard to even fathom someone living into the 21st century who was born in 1905. I took this picture while we were at a recent family reunion in Arkansas. We'll miss you, Grandma Mary!

Overseas Adventures - Seoul, Korea

I'm off to Seoul, Korea for a couple of weeks to get some inspiration for this coming year, and hopefully capture some amazing images from a distant land. Hopefully, lots to share when I return. Stay tuned for a brand new Blog and re-energized website in 2008! I'll miss my boys dearly while I'm gone, but they're in good hands at home with Daddy, clowning around as usual (And no, that's not my house in the background)! Happy Holidays to all of you! I'm ready to get back to some good wedding photography!