Priscilla Joy Photography

IM STILL HEEEEEEEEEERE!!!!

2011-07-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I have been gone for two months.

I'm back. I'm back. And I'll update you in the next post.

I have a photo shoot coming up soon and I can't wait to post pics, thanks for sticking around...haha if you are still here :)

I'll see you soooooon!!

............WELCOME BACK SUMMER {RANDOM}

2011-05-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

This week it hit 96 degrees. On May 10th. In Iowa. THAT'S CRAZY. I sure am not complaining tho.
Because the previous week it was 46 degrees. I love the heat. I love the sun. I love sunburns that turn into tans.

Life is good. God is even BETTER.
Summer is approaching. Life is getting busier now that the weather is nice. But I don't mind. I have been in awe watching as God works in me and in my life. I have been thankful that He is showing me what needs work and starts there.
Somedays it feels like just too much. But God reminds me then that, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus".

(something i read the other day that is a good reminder for me, thought i'd share).
Is it the custom of your life to draw aside daily to a quiet place for fellowship with your Heavenly Father? He wants you to enjoy Him - alone. He waits for you to come. He promised if you will draw near to Him then He will draw near to you. Do other things rob you of this blessed privilege? You can began again to set necessary time alone just for Him.

MONDAY MONDAY MONDAY {PERSONAL}

2011-05-02T10:20:00.000-07:00

"Unforgiveness sounds like this: "You owe me! I'm going to make you pay by hating you, by slandering you, by returning in kind, by recruiting other people to my bitterness. I'm holding this over you!" -James McDonald
{I read this, this morning. Being constantly reminded to forgive just as Christ forgave me. When forgiveness is put in the above words...wow...forgiveness is the only choice I have}.
"Don't get stuck looking at your circumstances....focus on CHRIST". -Robert Baltodano
{It's amazing how when I stop looking at that which is bothering me/overtaking my thoughts and mind how when I give it to God and start praying about it - a peace surprasses it all}.
"Religion = man trying to reach God. Christianity = God reaching man". -Chuck Smith
{God reaches for me and for you, oh happy day}!

CHI-TOWN {PERSONAL}

2011-04-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

There are some cities that you go once and that's enough. Yeah it was nice but you aren't too keen on going there again and again.
THAT IS NOT THE CASE WITH CHICAGO.
I.LOVE.CHICAGO.
I can spend the whole weekend there and leave and can't wait to return and shop again. Or eat at the Cheesecake Factory. Or eat Gumbo Soup. Or walk around and see such a lively city. Or just enjoy Chicago. The buildings. The sights. The people. Or hear how my sister attempted to go backwards an elevator and fell in front of a guy. We are related.

A Forever 21 that has 3 floors?!?! BEST.STORE.EVER.

I had Cheesecake Factory with my family for Easter dinner Sunday. My first time eating there. WOW.WOW.WOW. I was missing out biiiig time. Their Red Velvet Cheesecake is superb. Their Tiramisu was nothing short of amazing. The food is SO.GOOD. A new discovery in my life! Thank you Pops.

Hello little brother in Under Armour sweatshirt. Are you cold yet? Because I sure was. Hello Father and Mother next to little brother!
Hello random girl in turqoise jacket walking with your mother. You are in a hurry. Must be to eat at the Cheesecake Factory.

I don't think saying I love Chicago sums up how much I love that city.

MITCH & ANNA, FULL BLOG POST {ENGAGEMENT & PORTRAIT SESSION}

2011-04-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

Mitch & Anna's photos edited. Check. Boom boom pow!
You are probably wondering why I have their photos under an engagement session & a portrait session? Well, let me esplain (you must say that in a Mexican accent).
Mitch & Anna have been married for 2 years (but don't quote me on that). The only professional photos they have had taken of themselves together as a couple were their wedding pictures. So when they knew Mitch was leaving for boot camp shortly they decided to do get some pictures taken of them together. So they contacted Caitlyn {hiiii} and she then contacted me and a couple of her other friends and wanted to know if we wanted to shoot them all together.
Um, yes. Yes I do. So that's why these are like 2yearengagementphotos/aportrait session. Saaavy? Savy! {In case you can't tell I am highly looking forward to Pirates of the Carribean 4 coming out NEXT MONTH}.

There really is nothing like spring colors. The bright green grass. The bright blue shirt. The pretty white dress. They all make me think {springgg}.

The picture above this text I am writing and the picture below are my two favorites in this post. I loooooooove happy-in-love-smiley couples!

I had a wonderful time with you two, thanks for the fun afternoon! Many many blessings especially as you start a new adventure in your life together.
p.s. I get off work early today, {woooooo} and Good Friday Service tonight. Tomorrow and Sunday? CHICAGO. Cubs Game. Yes, this shall be a good Easter weekend!
Happy Easter!

It's Wednesday! {RANDOM}

2011-04-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

I know. I know. I haven't blogged my brother's second part of his Senior pictures {it's because I still need to edit them...shhhh} and I need to blog about the couple I second shot Sunday {yeah, those need to be edited too}. But lets call this post a random post {as in the heading, I'm so smart}.
And it's Wednesday. There is no better day to do a random post! {Not really, I just made that up}.
p.s. Olivia, I had fun doing our super duper mini photo shoot with the sun blinding us! :)

Mitch & Anna, Sneak Peek {ENGAGEMENT & PORTRAIT SESSION}

2011-04-19T10:37:00.000-07:00

All at once everything looks different...now that I see you....
-i see the light, tangled {yes, i just used disney lyrics}.
Wow. This had to be one of my favorite sessions. My friend asked me if I wanted to be one of four photographers that were going to be shooting this couple. Mitch was heading off to boot camp and they wanted some pictures before he took off. Um, yes I want to come shoot this couple {Caitlyn, hi!}. And they were so fun. So crazy. So energetic. I'll post the rest once I finish editing them but I wanted to get these up!

Thank you Mitch & Anna for the opportunity to capture your lives together for a little bit, many blessings!

STEVEN STEPANIAN {SENIOR SESSION, PART 1}

2011-04-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

Um since when did my little brother become a Senior? And did I really graduate 2 years ago myself? TIME FLIES. Anyway, this is my little brother Steven. Let me introduce you to this stud muffin.
Steven is 18. Guitar, skateboarding, snowboarding and baseball is what he likes to occupy himself with. Switchfoot is his favorite band. He tans better than any girl I've ever seen. He barely steps outside for an hour or two and comes back with a beautiful tan. I must spend hours and hours outside to come in with a tan. Actually I just prefer to go to an amusement or water park for the whole day and get tanned that way. Haha!

We went out to Kent Park and it was a perfeeeect day. There wasn't too much sun so the boy wasn't overexposed with sunlight, which has happened to me before in previous shoots and it's hard editing those pictures. #1 rule of photography for me in the summer: "do not shoot at mid-afternoon". Wow boy, is the sun bright!
You are making that shirt look good brother.

Work it, work it WORK IT James Bond.

A lot of the grass fields were recently burned at Kent Park so in the next couple months it will grow back better then it was before. Burned grass+stud muffin=N-I-C-E.

Wait wait waaaaaait! A full smile?! With your eyes open?! Our Mother will be so pleased! Maybe after I show Mother this picture, I'll ask: "umm so can you buy me those TOMS now pleease"? Haha...I kid I kid.

Yes you are cute and you know it.
Part 2 will be up tomorrow. These pictures haven taken FOREVER for me to edit, I need to snap to it. I know.

Coffee Lover's Coffee Cake {RANDOM}

2011-04-16T22:15:00.000-07:00

I loooooove coffee cakes. Especially ones with streusel topping. Those have to be my favorite. In fact sometimes I'll pick the streusel off and just eat that and leave the bread behind. YUM.

I found this recipe off Taste of Home...Taste of Home taught me to cook! I kid. My Mother is who taught me how to cook but I will say Taste of Home magazine's with all those pictures of all that delicious looking food made me want to cook all the TIME. I still remember a couple years ago my sisters and I would each have turns opening the new Taste of Home that came once a month...it was the highlight of our day. Good memories.

My whole family really liked this except my little sister and I. Neither one of us like coffee at all. At all. It has definite coffee taste/flavor to it. So for us it was a bit much of coffee in the cake. But if you are a coffee person (like one of my brothers and my Dad!) this is for you.

"Coffee Lover's Coffee Cake"
Ingredients:1/3 cup sugar4-1/2 tsp. instant coffee granules1-1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon3 tbsp. butter, softened1/2 cup sugar1 egg1 tsp. vanilla extract1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 tsp. baking powder1/2 tsp. baking soda1/8 tsp. salt1 cup plain yogurtDirections:
In a small bowl, combine the sugar, coffee granules and cinnamon; set aside. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until crumbly, about 2 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to butter mixture alternately with yogurt, beating just until combined. Spread half of the batter evenly into a 9-in. square baking pan coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with half of the reserved sugar mixture. Repeat layers. Cut through batter with knife to swirl. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes on a wire rack, serve warm.

My sisters and I went out for the evening, grabbed dinner and saw HOP. I have been watching the trailer for the past couple weeks just waiting to see it.....it is worth that $9 ticket. Very funny and who doesn't love a Easter movie with Easter right around the corner?! I sureee do.

William William Novak VI & Adalyn Novak {NEWBORN & KID SESSION}

2011-04-14T10:16:00.000-07:00

....."children are a {blessing} from the Lord".

_______________

I remember when the Novak's said they were expecting back in August of 2010. And I remember thinking, the baby will be here in April so that means winter will have come and gone and spring will be here. I also remember thinking, THAT IS SOOOO FAR AWAY.

Um, yeah. Baby William was born March 25th. 3 weeks ago. So much for it being so far away. And he is A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E.

Seeing these pictures of Baby W is like looking at his older sister Addy when she was a baby. They look so much alike, except for the fact she had dark hair and he has reddish blondish hair. But seriously, look at those EYES. They are {beautiful}.

I remember back in November before they had found out whether they were going to have a baby boy or baby girl. I remember November 12th when they said so proudly they were having a baby BOY. And they were so excited because this was going to be William William Novak VI. His dad is the fifth, his grandpa is the fourth, etc. How cool?

I think this has to be my favorite picture of Baby W. Looking so intently at his Mama. Hello beautiful baby!

Yes, his older sister does adore him. The entire time I was taking pictures she was right there next to me....and when it came time to take some pictures with her little brother she was quite happy. Especially giving him all those kisses. And gently snuggling with the little guy.

Adalyn. She is one of my favorite people to take pictures of. I love it when she says my name....it sounds something like: "psswwhalla". And then she smiles like yay I said her name! Yes Addy, good job. Good job my little friend. The way you say my name is the cutest thing ever.

She LOVES LOVES her Dad's ATV. She loves going for rides with him on it. I love her mischievous look on her face. I love her hair blowing in the wind. I love that her white blouse she is wearing that my Mom bought her for her 2nd birthday. I love the background of where they live. But most of all I LOVE ADDY.

I love you Novaks. I am so glad you are part of our lives and family. Many many blessings!!

April Already?! {RANDOM}

2011-04-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is April already. Halfway thru April already might I add. Iowa has been having gorgeous weather, it hit the 80's here already and I think I forgot how hot it can really get. But I am not complaning, I love the warm weather. Love it. Loooove it.

Some family friends of ours had a brand new spankin' baby a couple weeks ago! William Leonard Novak III. I finally got to meet the little man last Saturday and do a mini-photo shoot. I will blog the rest later. Oh yeah, and blog my brother's Senior Pictures....this week it will happen!

The big sister Addy who loooooves her Dad's ATV. She is only 2 and knows how to start it. Smart kid.
_________________

Find rest my soul, in God {alone}......

PROMISES {PERSONAL}

2011-03-31T10:29:00.000-07:00

I love how one week or mutliple days in a row God shows me something new about Him. Over and over again until I grasp it. Or semi-grasp it. Because in all honesty, I will never "fully" grasp all that God is. Never.

This week I am learning about God's Promises. They are {TRUE}. They are not {SLACK}. He will do what he has {SAID}. And they are {GOOD}. Oh happy day!

The call still comes to us: "Take up your cross and come with Me. With You, Lord? Yes, with Me. Will you give me strength and show me the way? That was My promise - is it My custom to break promises?"

(Part of a devotional from Elisabeth Elliot).

SPRING SPRING SPRING {PERSONAL}

2011-03-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

I'm still here. I'm still alive. And spring spring spring is HERE. I AM SO PUMPED. So very excited. Heavy jackets are being put away, flats are being pulled out as well as sandals and I'm wearing shorts again. Mmmm yeah.
First wedding of the year (thank you to the photographer Nathan Bluedorn for the amazing pictures) and there is my baby brother dressed in his nice suit with that stunning blue shirt. He's such a stud muffin.

I'm SO SO excited to take my brothers high school senior pictures this weekend. I told him we were going out to dinner after and I was treating him, and he said: "oh good, nice". Haha.
________________________

"If you only knew how much God treasured you. I have never thought much of that. I have thought a lot about my treasures in God. But God treasures ME?" -Pastor Chuck Smith

............ {PERSONAL}

2011-03-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday. And I'll leave you with this: "God doesn't choose losers". I heard this last night. I'm not a loser. No matter how I feel. No matter what. Because God's children are not losers. Oh happy day!

Hello Life {PERSONAL}

2011-03-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

It seems like the past few weeks God has given me such a bigger glimspe of just how good and how much of a gift, LIFE, really is. It doesn't matter if something exciting isn't happening every single second, plain fact: it's exciting to be alive! And there are so many small things in a day that are like little gifts, waiting to be unwrapped. A lot of the times I don't see them because I'm looking for that "one" big thing I think is going to bless me. Plain fact: the small things often bring so much more joy than that "one" big thing.
God gave me life and I want to be someone who loves His gift. I'm learning to enjoy the small things in life.

A LIFE OF PRAYER {PERSONAL}

2011-02-23T10:58:00.000-08:00

"The epitome of pride is prayerlessness. If I don't pray, I'm saying, 'I control my destiny myself'. A person who doesn't pray is proud". -Jon Courson
(Oh how I need to pray more!)

I love my friend Steph.

SOME FAVORITE QUOTES {PERSONAL}

2011-02-18T08:29:00.000-08:00

"Let not our longings slay the appetite of our livings". -Jim Elliot

I think this is one of my favorite quotes because it reminds me to live in the present. Not in the past. And not in the future. Sometimes the future seems to hold so much and I can't wait to get to it. But I can always hear my Dad saying: "you don't want to look back and have regrets". I sure do not want to live these years in the future, missing out on what God has placed in my hands now.

"Our love for anyone can be measured by how much we pray for that person". -Mike MacIntosh
Yeah. The first time I read this quote it was a slap in the face. I realized that I don't pray near as often as I should for all the people I love. And I don't pray enough for everyone I meet and for all my Brothers and Sisters in Christ. It also made me realize that I do love little at times. But I see God giving me new measures of love in my life for everyone, and it's a good thing.

"Has your relationship with God changed the way you live your life?"

I forget where I found this quote but it has been one of my favorites for a while. To me it's a good reminder that my behavior and the way I live my life needs to be a reflection of God and show that He has changed me, from the inside OUT.

"The God who created names and numbers the stars in the heavens also numbers the stars of my head. He pays attention to very big things and to very small ones. What matters to me matters to Him, and that changes my Life." -Elisabeth Elliot
It is truly amazing to me that God, the God who created and holds this whole universe in His Hands cares about my life. Not only my life, but He cares about the small tiny weenie things that I care about. I've thought before, nope can't pray about that....it's too small a thing! But I'm learning that I can pray about that small eenie weenie thing! God cares about that small little thing! Wow. That does change my life.

"I know I'm weak; I know I'm unworthy
To call upon Your Name;
But beacuse of Grace; because of your Mercy; I stand here Unashamed". -Unashamed, Starfield

I know this isn't technically a quote but these are some lyrics to a song I LOVE. I'm so unworthy to call upon God but yet because of His Mercy and Grace I come freely! Oh His Grace and Mercy is such a marvelous thing!

We are having some of the best weather here ever in February! It was 66 degrees yesterday and the sun was out. Hello spring.

I am looking forward to enjoying more of that weather this weekend.

I'm so exited for our college group's womens retreat this weekend, I get to get off work early, pack, grab Pancheros with my sister, pick some friends up and head to the camp.

Happyyyy Friddaaayyyy everyone!

Tuesday Thoughts.....{PERSONAL}

2011-02-15T10:29:00.000-08:00

"If we prayed more we could stand the tide, we could be strong and insecurity wouldn't be part of our lives. But because we lean on our flesh we don't see the power of prayer and when we are tested we fall apart". -Steve Mays

"I like to begin my day in a commitment of myself and the day to the Lord. I love to do that before I get out of bed. I just lie there for a moment, communing with the Lord, thanking Him for another day to serve Him and presenting myself afresh to Him. 'I'm available Lord, to use as you desire. Guide my steps today, in Your ways". -Chuck Smith

"Living the Christian Life God's way. People, including myself, tend to forget the last two words of that." -J. Vernon McGee

"God works on both ends. He'll work in your heart, and then that work will be confirmed by someone coming and sharing with you." -Chuck Smith

(just some pictures from a recent photo shoot, i love cloudy days for photos).

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T10:58:00.000-08:00

I shall celebrate by going swimming (training for the triathlon) and making heart shaped cookies with my little sister. Happy Valentines Day!!

(photo from google images)

.......

2011-02-04T09:02:00.000-08:00

"I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light." - John Falconer

Thoughts on a Thursday {Personal}

2011-02-03T14:02:00.000-08:00

I haven't taken pictures for SO.LONG. I don't know why. But I think one of the reasons I love summer so much is because I take TONS of pictures. We did get all that snow the weather forecaster man was predicting. And boy, it's a LOT! We haven't had this much since when we first moved here back in 1998!! Someone told my brother this happens every 50 years, so we all decided next time it happens, my brother will be 71 and I'll be 69. Hahaha.

My little brother graduates this summer. CRAZY. There are only going to be the two youngest left in school now. My Mom must think that is so different. I remember all those crazy days when there were all 6 of us still in school and we were constantly getting told to "stop talking". Those are such good memories. I'm not saying I'd like to go back to high school tho. :)

My older brother & sister and I are training for a Triathlon in June. I started swimming twice a week at our local pool. The first time we went swimming my brother and I were sick and I couldn't stand up without getting dizzy. Just completely worn OUT. It's a lot better now and I don't feel like my lungs are going to collapse on me! Swimming is good exercise. I think the best thing yet was I did a 30minute workout with Jillian Michaels (30 day shred) right before we were going snowboarding. Yes. BAD IDEA. For the next couple days I couldn't walk properly or sit down well and moving was painful in EVERY way. I'm glad that that is over with and I can do the workout now without feeling those effects. Haha.

I'm learning new things EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. I'm a sinner in need of God's grace every DAY. It's mind boggling to think that God would send His perfect and Holy Son down to take my place! It's hard to comprehend that God would work in me, and not give up on me! And that he fights my battles! Because I am not the perfect person. In fact I'm a big sinner. And to think that the God who made the whole universe cares about "my" life is so hard to grasp! But I don't think I need to grasp or understand any of it, I just need to say "Thank You" and be amazed at what an AWESOME GOD we serve!

Life isn't perfect and life isn't always easy. But oh Life is SWEET!

S-N-O-W?!

2011-02-02T10:50:00.000-08:00

Yes and TONS of it!

I'm still here, some new posts coming up this week. My baby sister turns 14 Friday, since when did the baby of the family be old enough to drive?!

Everybody

2011-01-25T11:34:00.000-08:00

We have recently been watching "Ramona & Beezus" and let me say that they have some of the BEST music ever on there. I was not aware of this song by Ingrid Michaelson before watching the movie and now I LOVE this song!! Makes me feel like I'm on a beachtown in California. Mmm, summer is "almost" here.

It's Tuesday and I'm grateful for yet another day to live. :)

BOYCE AVENUE....You-tubers who can Sing

2011-01-17T11:27:00.000-08:00

You know how you find all those people on Youtube who sing all the popular songs? Some of them you wonder why in the world they don't have a record deal and some of them you are wondering why they put that video up. But I guess it's a free country, right? :)

After seeing all these youtubers who make music videos, I KNOW there is no lack of talent in this world! I found these guys last year and they have gotten much better over the months....my favorite thing about their songs is that they take the original songs and change the lyrics. Because sometimes the lyrics are not great from the original artists ;)

Hope you enjoyed some Boyce Avenue on your Monday. It's a snowy Monday here.

B & W, M-o-n-d-a-y.

2011-01-10T11:05:00.000-08:00

It's true.

Guys make snowboard helmets & goggles look better than any girl.

It's true.

Guys that snowboard always have the coolest outfits.

Now us girls? Well lets just say we don't come close to being as cool or as good. We may try the jumps and if we don't fall on our backsides and only get 2inches of air, we are doing pretty good. Or maybe I should speak for myself? :)

It's true. Guys are {COOL}.

(espcially this brother of mine)

......ITS FRIDAY.

2011-01-07T14:59:00.000-08:00

And I'm being random!

And I haven't posted since BEFORE Christmas time....LAME!

Christmas was good. New Years was good. I am very thankful for a New Year.

I will be doing a looking back post and reflections soon. My blog is currently being re-done, the changes coming are going to be exciting!! I decided it was time to do a face lift to this ol' blog of mine. Thanks so much to Katie Jo for helping me out!

(Some friends, my little sister and I went and saw Tangled. It was my 2nd time seeing it and I LOVE LOVE that movie. One of Disney's BEST. If you haven't seen it, you really should.)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2010-12-23T07:09:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe it is only 2 days until Christmas!!
I do not even have all my shopping done yet and my Christmas baking hasn't even started. I'm procrastinating so bad this year! Nothing like waiting until last minute. I'm looking forward to getting off work at noon and heading home to bake and then spending the evening with my Mom and little sister for Christmas shopping. I'm so excited for a long weekend and I hope you and yours have a blessed Christmas!!

(p.s. My Dad took us to Chicago this past weekend....all I can say was it was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. with all the lights making Chicago shine).

(My brothers and my Mom, the stores were all decorated so pretty).

(My brother and I - I'm kinda realizing that me and my brothers and sisters do resemble each other. I thought for the longest time we didn't).

Bree Struckman {BABY PHOTO SESSION}

2010-12-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the world Miss Bree!! There is really no day better to be born on than December 2nd. I am exactly 19 years older than her....yes we share the same birthday!

Bree was my very first baby photo session - and it could not have gone better. Thank you Katie for contacting me to take your family's pictures again, it's my pleasure.

I hope you have a smooth transition from one to two babies and from having just Emma to having Emma AND Bree now.

Congratulations again Struckmans!!

11 Days Until Christmas....Already?!?!

2010-12-14T09:01:00.000-08:00

I haven't even started my shopping yet for my 5 brothers and sisters, my Dad & Mom and friends. This year I procrastinated big time. But nothing like having 11 days to do a TON of shopping....makes it feel more like Christmas to me.
My brothers and sisters and I saw Tangled in 3D with some friends a couple weeks ago....the glasses go a long way at our house. :)

Austin Tomash {SENIOR SESSION+Iowa City, Iowa}

2010-12-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

This session was soo cold! The wind was blowing crazy and it was just flat out cold. Thanks Austin for working with me and for not having your sweatshirt on the whole time!The pickup was so cool to shoot with - those older cars/trucks are so great for pictures.
Congratulations and God bless you as as you start a new adventure in life!

Sneek Peeks

2010-12-07T11:01:00.000-08:00

I'm working on getting my last session edited but here is a sneak peek of it and a Senior Session I recently did. The full blog posts will be up this week!

Sisters....sisters... {SNEAK PEEK}

2010-12-06T17:29:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peek of a recent photo shoot I did. Nothing like having sisters....

NEW THINGS HAPPENING!!

2010-11-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of updates, I have been super busy. My blog is getting a bit of a makeover and some changes are being made, I'll be back soon!!!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

MY MOM {PERSONAL}

2010-11-09T19:20:00.000-08:00

Thank you Mom for being MY Mom.Thank you Mom for all the meals you make for us. Thank you Mom for all the Spanish Lessons you give us even when we sometimes don't want to learn it.Thank you Mom for buying me things when I ask.Thank you Mom for homeschooling me for 12 years.Thank you Mom for taking me all over before I was able to drive myself.
I love {you}.

OH HOW HE LOVES! {PERSONAL}

2010-11-03T06:20:00.000-07:00

We all have those days. Where things don't seem to go our way, everything that could go wrong does and sometimes you sit there and think....what is there to look forward to in life? Why am I even here? I know I have to remind myself: "You are here for GOD's GLORY. You are here for HIS PURPOSES".

What can make me eternally thankful and make me treasure Life is when I think that God LOVES me, me - a sinful being....He LOVES me with infinite and unchanging love. The Creator who holds this world in HIS Hands - who can change things in an instant....HE put his LOVE on me and His love NEVER ceases or waivers towards me. It's always constant. Even when He knows EVERTHING about me. Never am I out of His Mind. I am engraven on His Hands. And what matters to me, matters to HIM.

Oh what a glorious awesome God I serve! And I can call Him MINE!

Do I Trust You? {PERSONAL}

2010-10-27T19:27:00.000-07:00

Trust: something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary).

Trust: certainty based on past experience.

I remember reading an article online about trusting God. It was saying that we have no choice but TO trust Him...because of who He is.

They gave the illustration of a young child on the edge of a pool. Not wanting to jump in. His father is in the water coaching the child and saying, "jump, I will catch you....I won't let you go under". The child is still standing on the edge of the pool...afraid. If the child doesn't jump he makes the father look bad. His own fear is bigger than the trust in his father. The article was comparing that to the trust of our Heavenly Father. We have to trust Him. He is worthy of our trust. If we don't trust Him, we are saying we don't believe His promises. We are saying He isn't worthy to be trusted. But He IS. Jesus is worthy of all my trust. No matter how scary it seems.

When life is going smoothly, sure it's easy to trust God. But when things start getting rough it's then that really counts. Because anyone can trust in the easisest circumstances. I've come to realize that how we react to hard circumstances says a lot about us. Says a lot about me. Do I willingly submit to the circumstances or the orchestration God is doing in my life in ALL things? Or do I complain and try to find another way? I'm finding that in submission there is Freedom. I'm learning that insisting on my own way isn't freeing, it's miserable.

My little sister getting ready to climb a artificial rock on a camping trip last fall. They put you in a harnass with ropes attached so in case you fall off the ropes will catch you while the person on the ground holds onto those ropes. At first it's hard to think that those ropes will hold you, but in order to climb you don't have a choice.

So you climb. Trusting that the ropes are going to catch you. It's hard work and it seems like every muscle in your body is on fire. But you keep climbing until you get to the top.

I think trusting God at times stretches us in so many ways spiritually it seems like we are being stretched past our limit. But oh no we aren't. So we continue on and cling to the fact that God knows what He is doing. We climb until we reach to the top. Trusting in God every step of the way.

"It is a glorious thing to know that your Father God makes no mistakes in directing or permitting that which crosses the path of your life. It is the glory of God to conceal a matter. It is our glory to trust Him, no matter what." -Joni Eareckson Tada

"While the Lord calls me to be wise and discerning, he reminds me often that his discernment cannot dwell in a cynical distrustful heart. With Him, there is no hidden agenda and no ulterior motive. His gifts are free for the taking but I cannot take these gifts if my hands are already full of my own weapons of self- protection. Therefore, He asks me to lay down the shields that I have forged for protection and to pick up the shield of faith in their place. He asks me to take Him at His Word". -Katherine Walden

His promises never fail. He is worthy of my trust. He will keep me.

Something To Remember...{PERSONAL}

2010-10-20T13:22:00.000-07:00

My friend sent me the below quotes this morning....it was a good reminder for me to see and be grateful for how much God blesses me with. Thanks Joss. And yes, that little guy is quite the man. Mr. Jack.

"Life is a Gift"

Today

before you say one unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.

Before

you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's cyring out to God for a companion.

Today

before you complain about life - Think of all you have, who says we are to have as much as we do?

Before

whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when

you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wish they had your job.

And when

depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and think : you're alive and still around.

Always foster an attitude of gratification...it will change your life.

Bill+Kirsten+Adalyn {Family Session, Kent Park}

2010-10-19T10:11:00.000-07:00

Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayerSticking little white flowers all up in her hairWalk beside the pony daddy its my first rideI know the cake looks funny daddy but I sure triedWith all that I've done wrong I must have done something rightTo deserve her hug every morning and butterfly kisses at night-Butterfly Kisses, Bob Carlisle
She's Adalyn. She's two. And she is Bill & Kirsten's little girl.
Her faces are priceless and she has the cutest toothy smile. She loves her dogs and reading books. Green is prounced "Geeeen"! She calls my sister Anna...."Nana". And she's pretty adorable.

This is my absolute favorite picture. I love the Novaks.

Thanks for the fun afternoon, taking me back to the park so I could get the keys out of my trunk when the car was LOCKED......and Kirsten you make the BEST. DINNERS. EVER.

Another Day

2010-10-12T11:15:00.001-07:00

I was reading the book: "Keep a Quiet Heart" and ran across this quote spoken by God to E. Elliot:
"My precious daughter, I care about every detail of your life".

It's been too long...{This I Know}

2010-10-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

Wait, the last time I wrote here was in July?! Time flies! July feels like forever ago and yet it feels like it was yesterday. Church softball and all those fun late summer nights are over but now it's time for leaves, cool weather and hoodies. I love fall.

I know I've pretty much abanded this blog but no more! I've decided I don't want to post just about my photo shoots but about life and my awesome God. So if your still here, thanks for sticking around....I'll be updating much more often. :)

My brothers and I at one of their softball games. About that Hawkeye shirt....I just want to say it was part of a "Beat Cancer" cause. I haven't reformed.

Summer Nights...

2010-07-21T11:09:00.000-07:00

We spend lots and lots of hours at the softball fields every summer.

Yesterday was no exception.

And I don't mind spending so much time there because it is with people whom I love a whole lot.

p.s. Yes, that's sweat. I'm not jealous.

Happy Friday {FACES}

2010-07-16T06:32:00.000-07:00

I love seeing all the different kinds of faces God made.

And it's Friday.

And the weekends almost here.

Annnd it's sunny.

I have the cutest baby brother everrrr.

I adore my buds-since-birth friend. And her craaazy faces.

My sister snapped this....and I must say one of the best pictures {EVER} of Addy.

Weddings make you blissful.

I am loving the bokeh and the wisps of hair flying around Katie Lynn.{HAPPY FRIDAY}!

Family Session {Struckmans}

2010-07-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

{SNEAK PEEK}....full session to be blogged SOON!

On the blog again......{ADALYN NOVAK}

2010-06-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

I think this picture would be best described with:

I LOVE ADDY.

She can't pronounce her B's...so everything that starts with a B is replaced with a "D".
She had her toe nails painted hot pink for the first time when I babysat her..she wouldn't stop sqealing and showing them to herself & my sister.
My brother nicknamed her the "Lil Dipper" because she dips EVERTHING. For example: she dipped a grape in ketchup and ate it. Yuck!
She can make amazing Monkey sounds.
Miss Adalyn is our favorite almost 2 year old.

And I LOVE her eyes.

Ramblings In The Month of March

2010-03-08T09:58:00.000-08:00

Crazy Love. I finally read the book. And after the Bible this is my favorite book. One of the biggest things God used thru this book was realizing, "these choices and decisions I make, are they for MY glory....or for GOD's"?? I love how Francis Chan isn't afraid to speak the truth and convict people. He doesn't dress what needs to told up so people can still feel comfortable where they are in life. Or complacent. We should always be changing and becoming more and more like Christ.

I've known about Hillsong for a while (thanks to my brother's iPod) but never really liked them. I started listening to them a LOT more recently and I LOVE IT!!!!Snowboarding season is coming to an end. Sadly. But on the other hand it means spring is coming. Until next year my friend Katie Jones.

Some people can blow bubbles with gum and some can't. She can. Lisa lecturing the boys, about what I'm not sure. What a beautiful background.

Hellooooooooooo Hoffy ladies. Your expressions are priceless.

The countdown is on. SPRING IS COMING SOON.

Pursuing a humble heart

2010-01-21T16:04:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wonder why exactly do I want one? This whole "having a humble heart thing" is hard! So why again do I want one? Because God loves and favors the humble in spirit. And He is against the proud and haughty. If I'm not humble, I'm prideful. There isn't an inbetween.I ran across some comparisions recently comparing the proud/those who are humble. Here are a couple that stuck with me:

Self conscious/Not concerned with self at all
Feel confident in how much they know/Humbled by how much they have yet to learn
Defensive when criticizied/Receives criticism with an open, humble heart
Compare themselves with others & feel deserving of honor/Compare themselves to the Holiness of God and feel a desperate need for mercy

I have so far to go. But I'm so thankful God gives oppertunities so I can put into practice being humble and see what a blessing it really is. Because when I am proudful, afterwards I feel pretty rotten.

Pride is truly our greatest enemy.

Family Session {The Millers}

2009-12-31T08:07:00.000-08:00

....When it snows, ain't it thrilling,
Though your nose gets a chilling
We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland...

Helloooo Millers.

I think we picked the coldest day of the week to take pictures. Chilling wind and maybe 20 degrees. It's days like these you dream of relaxing on a chair next to the beach with palm trees and the sun out....most definitely.

Call me crazy but candid shots are really the best.
People aren't posing...trying to look like something they aren't...candid shots say who you are.
And I love them.
Miss Ruthie. The youngest at the great big age of 8. Who looks like a mini-Anna.
I once was telling Anna how much Ruthie looked like her and how they make the same faces....to which Anna responded..."I have seen Ruthie's faces,
and we don't make similar faces".
Hmmmm. Debatable.

Because I feel like something different...R to L: Tim, Ruthie, David, Anna, Stephen, Rachel, and Jon.

Jon and the ladies. Ruthie is showing how very cold it was.

Stephen and the girlyssss.

David and his sisters.

Yay for a brother Tim and his three sisters!

I hope you don't mind if I have more pictures that I loved that I couldn't not post....you don't mind..??
Good. Well even if you did - I fully enjoy the rights to my blog of posting how many pictures I'd like. =PI'll use Anna Banana's words to describe this:"Everyone's looking at the camera and smiling"! It's my favorite!Yay for lots of coloring, blue skies, pretty scarves, hats, and no one is hiding anyone!

Pre-jump mode. Wow if you guys looked like this in real life; that would be interesting. Very interesting indeed.

Ahhh! Much better. Thank you Miller Family for doing a great job in the freezing cold for pictures. You guys listen very well to orders. Especially Anna's orders.

December hasn't swallowed me yet!

2009-12-05T20:48:00.000-08:00

Nope. I'm still swimming above crazy December. I will be updating the blog soon; as soon as things settle down a bit. Ha, probably won't happen anytime soon but oh well. I really think the older you get, the more busy life is.

(Me & my friend AM)

I seriously cannot believe Christmas is in what, 20 days!! Wow!

Are we running hard??

2009-11-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

Ahh frisbee. I remember when my brothers, sisters and I first heard of Ultimate Frisbee we were like - "ok, what kind of weirdo's play frisbee?".

Ha, little did we know we would soon be those weirdos who play frisbee. And pretty much can't get enough of it.
Why it has captured us, I don't know. Something about running, running, and catching it. And being able to throw it. And then run some more. And watch as hopefully (your team) scores a point.
For one thing, it gives you a good workout. And I need those.

I was scrolling thru my frisbee pictures in Lightroom and ran across the ones of everyone running. Running hard. To be the one to catch the frisbee.

And I started thinking. I want to be found running like that. Running hard in life. When God calls, I am found answering Him in that way.Especially on the days where it seems like everything couldn't go more wrong. And on the days where it feels like the whole world is trying to pull us down. I still want to be able to run full forward ahead. Without looking back.
Trusting that God knows exactly what is going on. And that this is going to be for our very best.

Oh yeah, it won't be always easy. I actually think most days it will be hard. Because it means putting aside what we want to do.
But in the end, I'm always glad I decided to run after God instead of myself. God sees the bigger picture. I don't. God knows what's best for us and our future. I don't. And there is an amazing peace once you put your life in His Hands and decide to follow.I'd have to say the one thing in life I would desire above all else, would be found running, running hard when He calls. Because once I am in His will and following where He leads, my life falls into place.

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. -Isaiah 40:31

Kid Session {Jack Butler}

2009-11-05T06:27:00.000-08:00

Can Jack really be 3 already? I remember 3 years ago, my little sister and I had just started taking piano lessons with his mom and he was a brand new baby.

Anna and I have been able to see him go from being able to sit up on his own, to crawling, to walking, and now running all over and talking!He has the cutest dimples when he smiles and some beautiful blue eyes. Two things I love.

Blue eyes....God made them something beautiful.

When I saw his Converse Shoes....and that they were brown...yay! Double score. This 3 year old really makes those shoes look pretty slick.

Green grass, denim jeans, and brown Converse Shoes....mmm hmmm.

He got down on the grass himself and did this....pretty impressive.

Thank you Jack for being a trooper while I snapped your pictures, especially since it wasn't exactly warm outside!

Engagement Session {Andrew+Mikala, Part 2}

2009-11-02T10:11:00.000-08:00

Andrew & Mikala's Engagment Session part 2. I'm going to step back and not rattle my mouth off about them, but have Andrew tell you why he loves this brown-eyed girl Mikala.

"When I first met Mikala I did think she was young (I was 19, she was 16), however I could see she was cute and I was very impressed by her desire for God, her wisdom, her ability to play sports and be athletic, and by her contagious joyful personality.

We got to know each other better during that summer and were drawn to each other more.

Mikala and I had both gone to camp that summer not to find a boyfriend/girlfriend but to focus on God and grow in Him, and that is something that definitely happened, but neither of us really expected God to use the other person as part of his plan to draw us closer to Him.
I left that summer knowing I'd miss her but thinking we would both go to our separate states and continue on life. That was apparently not in God's amazing plans for us. We never stopped talking, sharing, and learning about each other.
So then we started writing letters to deepen our relationship and learn even more about each other, and as the story follows, we went to her prom, worked at camp again, started dating, and now are engaged with our wedding coming up in just over 200 days.
Looking at our time together and at how we are now, I don't really know how to express what I feel. God has been shaping me greatly in these past 2 years and 5months, and it has been a very interesting road. This path has been filled with laughter, joy, happiness, fun, excitement, and smiling so much my face hurts! There are also moments of peace, times of prayer, learning about God and each other, quiet times of exhaustion, and times of stillness, as well as times of pain, frustration, anger, miscommunication, harsh discussion, and tears.Yet now, I look into the deep brown eyes of this young woman who will soon be wife, and I feel happy tears because I know that God has used her to bring me closer to Him. What I see in those eyes, is all the love, joy, trust, respect, that has resulted from the experiences we have gone through together.I know that this woman whose hands I hold is the one I want to commit to loving for the rest of my life, because she has poured her love out to me, and she has entranced me with her actions and kindness despite all of my failings and hurtful things I have done.I realize now, how blessed I am to call this gorgeous woman of God my best friend, lover, sister-in-Christ, future wife, and future mother of our children. I love you Mikala Diane ...(would say Tomash, but it won't be Tomash for long!)"

Thanks so much Andrew & Mikala for letting me do your engagment photos. I pray that God blesses you together as a married couple!

Engagement Session {Andrew+Mikala, Part 1}

2009-11-01T13:16:00.000-08:00

My first engagement session ever. I was pretty nervous. To boot it had been raining that entire week. But that Sunday God held back the rain and we had beautiful weather for almost November. And the trees couldn't have been prettier. I could sit here and type away about Andrew and Mikala....like how he won't let her get out of the car on her own.....he opens the door for her every time. Or how he asked me to do their engagement pictures as a birthday present for her because it would make her happy.
But I'm going to let Mikala tell you whey she loves Andrew.

"My first impression of Andrew was that he was pretty quiet, very mature, and had a desire for God that I had never seen in any other young man before.

I had made a list of the qualities I thought I needed and wanted in my future husband, and he matched up with them pretty much perfectly! Even his physical appearance had qualities that I hoped to see in my future man. (And these lists were from when I was like 13.)

And to this day he has strongly held up to my first impression, with quite a bit added on to that impression!

I was first attracted to his smile and his skill at ultimate frisbee. He is good at all sports; has done football, track, soccer, and basketball; and is willing to try anything pretty much. So of course I loooove that quality! Especially since I like being outdoors a lot, and he does too.

Of course at camp I had the opportunity to see Andrew as a counselor to kids, and one of my requirements is that my husband is great with kids! And with 20 nieces and nephews I should hope he's good with kids, and will make an excellent father!

I absolutely love his smile and laugh, and when he makes me laugh, I just can't stop and I'm extremely happy for weeks afterward! He is a very kind person, sensitive to how people around him are feeling. I also look up to him because of his strong beliefs coming from God's Word, which makes him the godly leader I desire.

I chose to love Andrew because of those qualities, and because he helps me every day. I'm marrying my best friend! He encourages me, keeps me accountable, and I know he will provide for and protect me.

He does as God commands in Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

I hope to “submit to my husband as to the Lord”as God commands me to. (Ephesians 5:22)

I love you Andrew Wayne Coltrane!"

Part 2 coming soon....

BABY SESSION {ADALYN NOVAK}

2009-10-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

This past summer I had the oppertunity to do a photo shoot with my softball coach's little girl. Ohhh Miss Adalyn. Quite the poser.

I love to watch her butt scoot all over. She doesn't walk quite yet, and doesn't exactly crawl. She butt scoots. And seriously, could pig tails be any cuter on a little girl??

And being her dad is a softball coach/player, she is already throwing things. She is going to be the beauty queen of whatever softball team she plays on.

Yesss, they are a good looooookin' family.

Family Session {Evans Family}

2009-10-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

The Evans Family. A beautiful family with twins. I love twins. They aren't identical, but I still get them mixed up nonetheless. Ha.

The oldest, Little Floyd. It is pretty obvious how much he adores all his younger sisters.

Angelina. One of the twins. Look at those big brown eyes.

Abbigail. Or Abby. How I love that "missing teeth" smile.

Little Mitzi. So very adorable. And looks just like her Mama.

Tabitha. The baby out of the family. Or the little Caboose.

Floyd's face makes me laugh, you can only imagine what he was thinking. Ha.

They sure do have a good lookin' family.

Senior Session {Katie}

2009-10-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

Katie. My very first Senior Photo Shoot. And it couldn't have gone better.

I remember we had barely met and knowing she was graduating I offered to do her Senior pictures. She responded with a big "YES"! Months later, she told me...."I didn't really know you...and I was pretty nervous about how these pictures were going to turn out". But GOODNESS I love them!

I had a blast with you doing these photos Katie Lynn and I know you are going to make a fantastic nurse!

About Me

2009-01-19T18:58:00.000-08:00

Hello! I am so glad you stopped by. My name is Priscilla. And I'm a photographer. I started shooting with my first camera when I was 16 and have kept it up since.

There's not a whole lot to know about me - I'm one of six kids smashed right in the middle. I graduated from High School in 2009. I think that Jack Sparrow should be President and Will Turner his Vice President. I think one of the best ways to enjoy life is to be grateful for all that you have and all that hasn't happened to you.

My family is the {greatest} but my God is the {GREATEST}. He came to die that I might {live} and He gave me {life}.

Pricing

2009-01-02T18:03:00.000-08:00

You will receive between 45-60 pictures on a CD with copyright rights issued to you.

::Family Sessions:: Starting at $95.00.
::Seniors:: Starting at $100.00.
::Engagement Sessions:: Starting at $100.00.
::Newborns:: Starting at $75.00.
::Children:: Starting at $75.00.
::2nd Shooter for Weddings::
To Book a Session or for more information, please contact me.
CONTACT PRISCILLA:
Priscilla Joy PhotographySoutheast Iowa
Tel: 563-272-8691.
priscilla91@iowatelecom.net

Contact

2009-01-02T09:26:00.000-08:00

Contact Info:

Email priscilla91@iowatelecom.net
Phone 563.272.8691
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