Magic in a Cup

On my regular trip for my morning "wake me up" I went to the Starbucks right by Tommy's apartment. As I am waiting in line, I was thinking about what I wanted. First choice would be a brewed coffe that I like, and if they didn't have that, I would go to my second option a Carmel Machiatto.

So as I wait in line I gander around the store. Thinking my eyes are deceiving me, I gaze upon the chalkboard up above. I look away and back again and realize it is true! The Pumpkin Spice latte is back. I am sure by now, you might think I am ridiculous...hahahaha.

The Pumpkin Spice latte is not just another fun drink thought up by the Starbucks geniuses... it is the mark of Fall.

The very thing that makes me think of family. It makes me think of when I met and starting dating Tommy. I think of Maya. I think of holding that cup in my cool fingerless gloves I picked up in Amsterdam. Sipping slowly and with purpose. I concentrate on every moment like it could be my last latte.

When I take my first sip, other memories come to me...like my dad and I going every year at 3am to go wait in line the day after Thanksgiving. I loved that my dad would do this with me. The Starbucks was never open at 3am so unfortunately with our thermos of coffee from home we would wait until 5am and then promptly get our warm Pumpkin Spice before continuing on with our shopping fun.

Last year I drug Tommy with me and I realized as he was freezing and in line with all the other crazy ladies that I loved him so much for putting up with me and that he must really love me.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte, to me, is like the smell of leaves for some. Or the joy of decorating your house or yard for others. It may be baking or sweaters. For me those things are nice but Pumpkin Spices...those are the best.
People have said maybe they should have it all year around since it is so fabulous and people really love them.

I think although my love for the Pumpkin Spice latte is deep it would not be so if it were available all the time. Just as absence makes the heart grow fonder...well such is the same for me and the Pumpkin Spice.

Try it...you won't be sorry...

- Jennifer

P.S.

Just a little disclaimer...I am in no way affiliated with Starbucks, nor did I get money or free drinks for writing this...but...free drinks sounds good...Starbucks?

Shellee celebrates pregnancy #3!

I had such a great time at this photoshoot. Shellee makes for a beautiful pregnant mother and her kids are so adorable!

I met Shellee and her family last week. She has two beautiful daughters, Kennedi and Brooklyn. Since they were there for their moms maternity session, I wondered if I would have to entice them to get their photographs done as well....I should have known better...these two little ladies wanted to be in all the photographs! They were so good and cooperative and loved being right next to their parents for all the pics.

Her girls are going to make such excellent big sisters. They were so sweet and fun for the photo session. You can tell by the way they interact with one another and with their pregnant mom.

All for of them were just wonderful to work with...and so polite!

Here is a sneak peak into some photographs from this shoot...

Enjoy!

- Jennifer

Oh Canada! Oh Canada!

Back in high school, I had a real close-knit group of friends. We affectionately referred to ourselves as "the GP." We were from all different races and backgrounds. Our personalities as diverse as our appearances and personalities. That is what made it such wonderful and interesting friendship in my eyes.

Something I probably never imagined would happened, happened just this past week. We had a "GP" reunion...with the exception of our dear friend Hannah who couldn't make it...and she was so very missed.

We all met in Chicago. Kristi traveled days to get here...literally!! She lives in Canada and it is a 24 hour road trip...but with kids and sleep needs...its a 3-day travel fest. Alecia traveled quite a distance as well...all the way from Fargo, ND!. The remainder of us had a short trek from Indy.

But Kristi and her family who traveled the furthest, gave me the pleasure of letting me take their photographs. I was so honored when she asked me to do a photo shoot with their cute family of four. We had Mya, who is smarter then most, completely aware of the camera and quickly on to all of my antics to entice any smiles. Then Grady who I hear can be slightly fussy, was actually quite smiley, happy, and just a doll.

Andrew and Kristi are the most amazing parents, truly they are. They are compassionate and patient. They are good friends and amazing partners to one another. I did some photographs of just the two of them alone as well. I did not need to pose them...they naturally want to be close. The love is so big between them...it's contagious. I love how sweetly they fit into one another's arms for these photo's.

Enjoy all the photographs. I can't wait to come to Moncton sometime soon to see you!

- Jennifer