memories...

I was 14 years old. It was a warm early summer day. I sat at a table in my next door neighbor's backyard. We were in our 4-H painting class. I remember our little art lesson... (well, it was kind of like Charlie Brown- that teacher... waa-wahh-wahh) I was too distracted. Laundry was hanging on the line to dry, the sound of water from an old moss-covered fountain, the old gazebo with its white paint chipping away, and the grape vines that covered the old fence that bordered my yard from my neighbor's. I remember watching my best friend start painting on her canvas. And I sat there. Wanting to paint the sunshine.

It wasnt until recently that I learned to capture what inspired me. I still cant paint,(well... come on, stick people are pretty cool right??) and I still get distracted on warm summer days. But I am finally becoming me. And being me feels pretty good. :)

Some from the summertime. Ohhh how I love summer. :)

And the winners are...

First of all, I just wanted to say- I wished that everyone could win! Really, if it wasnt nearing Christmas time, I'd probably make a bunch to send out to you all.

So {drumroll please..........} the winners are:
#11 - Haleigh
#18- Alissa!


Email me at: jenniferbertoch {at} comcast.net and I'll get those flowers out to you!

And.. if you entered on Chelsey's blog- remember to check out her winners right here!

I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! There's nothing like watching the Macey's Thanksgiving Day Parade and eating some yummy mashed potatoes and pie! (and lets not forget that nap!)

xoxo,
Jen

...a few more pictures

Hi! Here are a few of the flowers I made for the giveaway. Just to give you an idea of what they look like! Remember to enter in this post just below this one! Happy Thanksgiving week to you all!
xoxo
J

[note... the color is slightly off, the girls are screaming and fighting, so its time for this mama to go break it up! i promise, they look a lot better in person!]

...to say thanks! {a giveaway}

What a wonderful year! I think back on this year- and one of the things Im so grateful for is you! All the wonderful people I have met along the way. You have inspired me, your encouraging comments, words... things that may seem small and insignificant- really mean so much to me!

So... to kick off the holiday giving season, my friend Chelsey- of MachC Photography- and I are giving away {3} sets of two vintage hair clips and a $5 gift card to Caribou Coffee! I started to make the vintage flower clips (from this tutorial) for my daughter and I- to clip those bangs back... the ones that are too long to be considered 'bangs' and too short to tuck behind my ear. And the coffee card- some yummy hot cocoa, or coffee on a cold winter day! (Its -27 where Chelsey lives! Yikes! I cant even imagine!!)

We will be picking {four} lucky winners on Thanksgiving morning!

So... here's what you do.
Leave a comment here! And... want another chance? Leave a comment HERE on Chelsey's blog! You can even post about it on Facebook (dont forget the link!), let us know- and voila! Another chance!

Here's an example of what they look like... (More photos to come... this was taken from my iPhone... If you are looking for a fun app- try the shake it photo app! im having way too much fun!)

Wordless Wednesday | fun with onion rings

{thankful}

As Im typing this, I glance at the clock. 1:15 am, November 16. November. Where has this year gone? Glancing back- it seems like such a whirlwind. Days, weeks, months- flying by at an ever quickening pace. But even more, I remember giggles, laughter, jumping on the bed with my girls, and kissing boo-boo's better.

Quite a few of my friends on Facebook have been posting what they are thankful for each day. And today, Im grateful for the things money cant buy. True friends, family, and enthusiastic hugs from a little three year old.

What are you thankful for?

And... I just had to share more of the adorable {g} family!

[4]

Really, these 4 could be the next Gap models! And boy could they work it for the camera!! They were up for anything- and LOVED watching the neighboring chickens too! ;)

Wordless Wednesday | favorite

I think that this is really one of my favorites ever. I want to put it on canvas and hang it in my house. And she isnt even my little girl! (Syd- more coming soon!)

Oops. Its Wordless Wednesday... and here I go talking again. ;)

[j] family

Lets start with this one... I love it becuase this is totally them. Brings a smile to my face every time. :)


Loved sneaking mom and dad away for this one.


And really, what a beautiful family!

[friends]

Meet one of my best friends, Jennie and her cute family. We were laughing the whole time. I mean, rolling on the floor, gut wrenching laughing. It was a good reminder to THINK before I speak... because sometimes you just dont realize how things can come out the WRONG way!! ;)

Lately, I have been thinking about the many ways I have been blessed. The first thing that comes to mind is my wonderful family and friends. Friends here locally, and even friends I have made through photography that live all over the world. You all have influenced me, encouraged me, and touched my life in ways you may not realize. I love you all! :)

xoxo
Jen

Wordless Wednesday | precious