Studio Barbie Photography | Central Illinois Lifestyle Photographer

Day 32:365

2012-02-01T17:12:00.000-08:00

Day 31:365

2012-01-31T15:06:00.000-08:00

Day 30:365

2012-01-30T19:16:00.000-08:00

Day 29:365

2012-01-29T19:03:00.000-08:00

Jack went to bed about an hour and a half early tonight. He's got the cold that is going around...He didn't eat all day except 2 orange push pops!
I love that he still goes to sleep each night holding his blanket that he has had since he wss a baby. Such sweet innocense...

Every night after we put Ava to bed to slowly creeps down the stairs and sits there til we say she can come down...

Day 28:365

2012-01-28T17:30:00.000-08:00

Day 27:365

2012-01-28T13:25:00.000-08:00

Day 26:365

2012-01-26T18:03:00.000-08:00

Day 25:365

2012-01-25T18:50:00.000-08:00

Day 24:365

2012-01-24T10:40:00.000-08:00

Day 23:365

2012-01-23T18:16:00.000-08:00

Day 22:365

2012-01-22T16:39:00.001-08:00

Day 21:365

2012-01-21T18:15:00.000-08:00

Day 20:365

2012-01-20T15:01:00.000-08:00

Day 19:365

2012-01-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

Day 18:365

2012-01-18T14:20:00.000-08:00

Day 17:365

2012-01-17T10:48:00.001-08:00

Day 16:365

2012-01-16T17:10:00.000-08:00

Day 15:365

2012-01-15T17:04:00.001-08:00

Day 14:365

2012-01-14T13:18:00.001-08:00

Day 13:365

2012-01-13T15:09:00.000-08:00

Day 12:365

2012-01-12T11:01:00.000-08:00

Day 11:365

2012-01-11T14:08:00.001-08:00

Day 10:365

2012-01-10T15:36:00.000-08:00

{Abby Joy}| Illinois Newborn Photographer

2012-01-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

The Goodman family welcomed a new little girl into the family this past weekend.
Abby is the cutest little baby girl...she is snuggly and soft and so laid back. Everything you want in a new born!
Just look through these images and you will see what I mean!!

Day 9:365

2012-01-10T08:45:00.000-08:00

Day 8:365

2012-01-08T15:24:00.001-08:00

Day 7:365

2012-01-07T12:45:00.001-08:00

Day 6:365

2012-01-06T20:56:00.000-08:00

Day 5:365

2012-01-05T07:14:00.001-08:00

Day 4:365

2012-01-04T08:33:00.000-08:00

Day 3:365

2012-01-03T10:39:00.000-08:00

Day 2:365

2012-01-02T14:46:00.000-08:00

365 project | day 1

2012-01-01T12:16:00.000-08:00

I have wanted to do this for a few years and decided that I would do it this year. I plan to take at least one image of each child each day for the whole year. I think it will be fun to look back and see how they change in the year and also to show everyday happenings of them.
I kinda already do it but this gives me a way to really be intentional about doing it and a way for me to organize a bit better.
So...day1:365...

{Brotherhood Tree}

2011-12-17T18:13:00.000-08:00

We helped deliver Christmas gifts to children that otherwise wouldn't have gifts today with the WJBC Brotherhood Tree.
Jack and Ava were really excited to 'give to the kids"(Jack) and to "give my friends presents" (Ava).
I was so proud of both of them! Jack wanted to go up to every house. And was beaming as he gave each family their bag of gifts.
We decided we are going to make this a tradition each and every year.
Thank you to Aunt Becky too for going with us. You were a huge help!!! Especially when I almost had a heart attack after being chased by a pitbull!! (And for not making fun of me while I cried when I got back to the van!!!)
Memories!!!

{A visit with S.A.N.T.A.}

2011-12-14T21:30:00.000-08:00

Santa came for a visit again this year. The kids were so excited! And then of course when he got here they got all nervous. Jack did eventually sit on his lap and was comfortable and playful with him. Emma sat on his lap with her daddy and talked to him a little bit. Ava danced for him and talked to him from a distance but she did not want to sit on his lap or go near him at all! LOL.

{t.h.r.e.e.}

2011-12-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

My little tiny baby turns 3 today! My life just would not be the same without her in it! I am in awe of this little spirited person every single day.
So glad we were chosen to be her parents!

{A Fairy Sweet Party}|Central Illinois Proud Mommy Photographer

2011-12-04T20:57:00.000-08:00

{Picky Duss Punkins}

2011-11-29T10:23:00.000-08:00

We made sparkly "picky duss punkins" this morning for aVa's birthday party coming up this Saturday. We had a little too much fun with the glitter! lol
I love her innocence right now. We believe in the magic of fairies! I hope we always do! So sweet!

{Jennifer |senior portraits}|Central Illinois High School Senior portrait Photographer

2011-11-23T12:38:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of meeting up with Jennifer for her Senior portraits and we had a great time.
Dad brought the dogs for a bit and then Jennifer and her best friend had some fun when we were all done.

{Cannon|Smash Cake Session}|Central Illinois Child Photographer

2011-11-17T21:17:00.001-08:00

{Baxmeyer|Family Christmas Portraits}

2011-11-16T18:47:00.000-08:00

{Pool|Family Christmas Portraits}|Central Illinois Christmas Portrait Photographer

2011-11-14T20:44:00.001-08:00

{VanHemert|Family Christmas Portraits}|Central Illinois Christmas Portrait Photographer

2011-11-14T06:49:00.000-08:00

{Bramley|Family Christmas Portraits}|Central Illinois Christmas Portrait Photographer

2011-11-13T15:13:00.000-08:00

{Dehner family}|Central Illinois Family Photographer

2011-11-07T07:06:00.000-08:00

I love this family!!! They are such a sweet and kind family. The kids are such a delight!!! Caiden was so funny this time around wanting to pose and be silly for me!! Loved it!!

{o.u.c.h.}

2011-11-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

There was an accident at school today and Jax face paid the price! We got a call from the school nurse telling us Jack fell at recess. She bandaged him up and said he was very brave.
I have to admit when I saw him it looked worse than what she told me on the phone...I was only expecting a scrape on his forehead...my poor little man!!! But he is a strong boy and is handling it with a great attitude!

{Trik.or.Treat}

2011-11-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

{School Halloween party}

2011-10-31T14:41:00.000-07:00

I had fun at Jax school Halloween party today. Mrs Barke mixed up a witches pot of chex mix :) and they played pin the stem on the pumpkin and even danced to Michael Jackson's Thriller!! So fun!!!

{Captain America}

2011-10-30T20:34:00.000-07:00

Jack decided that he wanted to be Captain America this year. He loves his costume and thinks he is so cool when wearing it! And he gets so many people tell him how cool he looks in it when he is wearing it too!! Even strangers!

{Woodland Fairy}

2011-10-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!!
I made this beautiful woodland fairy costume for Ava this year...shoes and all! We put it on and had a photo shoot last week and she hated it!!! Ha!! She was just really uncomfortable.
But at least we got some pictures of her in it.
Then a few days ago she saw Dora wearing a bumblebee costume and kept telling me she was going to be a bumblebee... so she is trick or treating in a little bumble bee costume. :) We went to Trunk or Treat at church tonight and she was buzzing at everyone...she loves her costume!
Nonetheless...here she is as a woodland fairy...

{Tyler♥Cari}|Illinois Engagement photographer

2011-10-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

{anthony.three.months}|Illinois Baby & Child Photographer

2011-10-27T09:22:00.001-07:00

{Balonis}|Illinois Family Photographer

2011-10-27T09:00:00.001-07:00

{brynn.nine.months}|Illinois Child Photographer

2011-10-27T08:37:00.001-07:00

{Halloween Mini Sessions} |Illinois Holiday Photographer

2011-10-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

{Fall Fun}

2011-10-26T08:14:00.000-07:00

{Sweet Boy}|Proud Mommy Photographer

2011-10-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

My boy is such a kind hearted sweet boy. He is loving and cuddly and compassionate. Just today I hurt myself and he ran to me to see if I was ok. Then about 10 minutes later when most kids would have forgotten about it he popped his head in the bathroom door as I was in the shower and sweetly asked, "You doin' ok Mom?" Yep, he is one great kid!!!
When we were in Chicago a few weeks ago he was really concerned about all the homeless people on the streets. We couldn't walk past any of them with him giving them money. His heart is still pure and innocent...he doesn't judge them nor is he wondering as I was if they really were homeless or just trying to get some extra cash. He just wanted to show each and every one kindness...

He kept saying I love Chicago! He just loved seeing all the buildings and having a great time as we explored early Sunday morning. He even let me take a few images of him! And he took one really nice one of us too!

{shelby.senior.portraits}|Illinois High School Senior Photographer

2011-10-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun with Shelby the other night. She is so beautiful on the inside and out.
Good luck and have fun this year Shelby!!!
You can see all of the images here.

{Green family}|Illinois Family Photographer

2011-10-19T10:01:00.001-07:00

{Kodi & Brad}|Illinois Family Photographer

2011-10-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

{Avan.six.months}|Illinois Child Photographer

2011-10-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

{A visit with the Green family}

2011-10-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

11 years ago Vicky picked me up at the London airport. I hadn't met her the first time I went to England...she was actually in Chicago at the time!
She offered to drive to the airport with one of my other friends to pick me up and we hit it off immediately. We formed a really special friendship when I was there for 6 months.We had so much fun and made some really great memories. We like to call each other 'kindred spirits".
We have managed to see each other about every 3 years this last 11 years. We have vacationed together in Florida a few times and this year they came to spend 2 weeks with us!!!
We were so excited anticipating their arrival!!
On October 1st we drove to the airport to pick up our Brittish friends.

Yay!!!! They are finally here!!!!

The kids really hit it off immediately. The boys were 2 & 3 last time we saw them so it was like meeting again for the first time. This was the first time they were meeting Ava and she just loved them!!!

They came bearing lovely English gifts...Jack recieved an English soccer shirt and necklace and Ava scored a cute little tea set and a shirt and necklace. So cute!!!

There were lots of snuggles during our 2 weeks together.

And of course lots of play and silliness...

We had a fun girls night at Beck & Heather's...

We took them to Rader farm and had a blast. They don't have anything like this over there and they have never carved pumpkins before!

Thanks to Becky for babysitting we got out a few times for date night...just the adults!! We took them to Alexander's for awesome steaks one night and to Biaggi's for amazing pasta another night.

James even got to spend a day at school with Jack! A day in the life of an American boy. He even got to ride the school bus which they don't really do in England until about Junior high age.

We carved pumpkins...

Had a fire and ate S'MORES!!!

And spent the weekend in Chicago. Andy ran in the Chicago Marathon while we were there...

We also made a trip to Krispy Kreme while they were here...it had to be done!! :)

We really had such a wonderful time with the Green family. It was so nice to see Vicky and reminisce a bit but it was also really nice watching our children play together and our husbands really get to know each other better and have some fun guy time.
I met Vicky when I was 22. I was very different then. Single, young and carefree! Its awesome that we have remained friends throughout the many changes in our lives and through the many many miles in between.
Not only are we great friends but our families are really great friends! We can't wait til the next time we get to be together! It's our turn to go to England!!! YAY!!!

Good bye for now...See you soon!! ♥

{Noah}|Illinois Newborn Photographer

2011-09-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

You can see all of the images from Noah's session here.

{tinley.nine.months}|Illinois Child Photography

2011-09-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

Loved seeing Tinley this morning. She was so fun to play with!! I love how she smiles with her whole face!!! Love her!!

Go ahead and check out all of the images of Tinley.

{Rader farms 2011}

2011-09-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

We have been going to Rader farms for the last 3 years. We love it!!! It is so much fun for the kids!!!! This year is even better than the last few years!!!!
We had so much fun Ava had a little melt down when it was time to go!!

Take a look down memory lane at our last visit out to Rader farms.
And also from 2009...Ava was just a baby!!!!!!

{Happy Birthday Sweet Celia}|Illinois Portrait Photographer

2011-09-19T21:22:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to see Celia for her 1 year shoot!! I have been lucky enough to photograph her at 6 and 9 months and I couldn't wait to see how much she had grown. And to see the cute clothes mom had picked out for her to wear!!
She could have cared less about having her picture taken! LOL She just wanted to play with everything...I don't blame her!! But we got some cute images of her anyway!! ♥
Happy Birthday sweet baby girl!!!!

You can see all of Celia's images here.

{Mahaffey}|Bloomington Illinois Family Photoraphy

2011-09-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

If you would like to see all of the images from the Mahaffey session just go here.

{Back to School Carnival & Book Fair} |Irving Elementary

2011-09-08T19:46:00.000-07:00

Irving Elementary had there back to school carnival and book fair.. Unfortunately it rained but we got some fun in before it really started to pick up.
They had bounce houses & slides, hot dogs & sno-cones and a book fair.
So much fun!!!!

{Fall Portrait Event}|Central Illinois Lifestyle Photographer

2011-09-08T18:37:00.000-07:00

Contact me today to get your Family fall portraits taken! Email: barbie@studiobarbie.com

{Crafting lately}

2011-09-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

I've been sewing lately...
I made a cute little fall dress and matching headband for Ava...
A pillow for the new basement...
New pillows for our living room couches...
And a few curtains for open door ways in the new basement...
We have recently remodeled our basement...it now has a kids play area, family room and bedroom area. I will post pics when it is all complete. We've been having fun decorating it the last few days. We have tried not to buy much. Instead we are repurposing things throughout the house and using some things that we have just had lying around for years.

{Claire} |Bloomington, Illinois Senior Portrait Photographer

2011-08-29T22:04:00.000-07:00

Absolutely one of the most beautiful girls I have EVER photographed!!! Loved her!!! And we had so much fun. Thanks for playing Claire!!! ♥

{Clara} |Bloomington, Illinois Newborn Photographer

2011-08-29T20:21:00.001-07:00

{Alex} |Bloomington, Illinois Senior Portrait Photographer

2011-08-29T14:31:00.000-07:00

I spent the evening with Alex and his Mom out at Funk's Grove last Monday. Really nice young man and so very polite and sweet! And his Mom was great too!!! After the session we stood at the car's just talking and before we knew it, it was dark out!!
Alex, good luck this next year! And have fun!!!

{Birthday festivities}

2011-08-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

We took Jack to Steak n Shake for breakfast for his bday and then we had lunch with him and school and took birthday treats for his classmates.
Jack was so proud handing out the cookies...so cute!! And Ava absolutely loved being in Jax class and even got to sit at one of the empty desks.

{Happy Birthday little Man!!!}|Central Illinois Child Photographer

2011-08-25T00:06:00.000-07:00

My baby is 6 today!! So proud of this little guy! Not a day goes by that he doesn't make me laugh. And his sweet cuddles each evening are the fuel that keeps me going each day.
He is silly and insightful. Sweet and passionate. Determined and faithful. Loving and fun. He is my buddy and my helper and I could not ask for more in a son.
Skateboarding, bike riding, riding his razor scooter, going out for ice cream, reading books, writing and drawing, and saving money are a few of the things that Jack really enjoys right now.
For the 3rd year in a row he has chose Hyashi for his birthday dinner. Sushi is still one of his favorite meals.
Jack is one unique and very special boy. He is definitely his own person. He knows what he likes and what he doesn't and he is afraid to tell ya! I think this is a great quality to have! He is a leader...he sets his own pace and likes to create his own little style.
So proud of who you are Jack and can't wait to see what the future holds for you!
♥ Mom

{Jax Carnival Party (six)}

2011-08-22T21:02:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun at Jax 6th birthday party on Saturday. We had so many friends and family here to celebrate and everyone had a blast!!
Jack had so much fun handing out tickets which was the whole reason he wanted the carnival themed party! :)
Thanks to everyone that came to celebrate our little man!!
*WARNING* There are a ton of pictures in this post!!!

{Decked out in new Duds}

2011-08-22T06:51:00.000-07:00

Jack was all decked out in some new birthday gifts today for school. He got a Batman back pack and necklace with his name in chinese from Grandma and Grandpa and the cool watch and shirt from aunt Becky and aunt Heather.
He really felt cool today!

{My 1st grader}| Bloomington, Illinois Child Photographer

2011-08-17T22:10:00.000-07:00

Jack starts 1st grade today!! I am so excited to see what this year has in store! Jack loved Kindergarten and just really loves to learn. I know he will have a great next year!!
So proud of my little man!!!

{ice cream truck}

2011-08-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

I asked Jack what he wanted to do today since it was the last day of summer vacation. He said, "well, it would be nice to get ice cream from the ice cream truck!"
Thankfully the ice cream truck come strollin by this evening so we went out and flagged him down and the kids were able to enjoy a yummy ice cream!! We are going to miss these summer nights...

And we are really going to miss being able to run around barefoot!

{1st grade}|Central Illinois Child Photographer

2011-08-16T22:16:00.000-07:00

Amare is excited to start 1st grade in just a few days!!! He will have Mrs. McGowan. Him and Jack are really looking forward to a great year!! We are so proud of these boys!

{Happy Birthday Amare}

2011-08-16T13:10:00.000-07:00

We had a fun little celebration for Amare since he turned 6 today!!! We baked orange cupcakes with cream cheese frosting which we all couldn't get enough of!!! And he loves Cars so he got 2 new cars that him and Jack played with for quite awhile this morning.
Happy Birthday buddy!!

{Teacher gift}

2011-08-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

I was making the chalkboard frame for my back2school sessions and had the idea to make this for Jax 1st grade teacher as a first day of school gift. We found out yesterday that Jack is going to have Mrs. Barke!!! He is so excited. This is who he wanted. He really likes her.

{ava.six.months}|Central Illinois Child Photographer

2011-08-11T21:35:00.000-07:00

{trains}

2011-08-10T11:28:00.001-07:00

{Baby Bump}|Central Illinois Maternity Photographer

2011-08-09T20:52:00.000-07:00

I was so excited when Kellee emailed me to set up a Maternity shoot. A few years ago I had the pleasure of taking their engagement photos and photographing their wedding.
Can't wait to meet their little guy next month!!!
Kellee you are absolutely beautiful and I know you are going to be a terrific mom!

{e.i.g.h.t.}

2011-08-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Mark and I are celebrating 8 years of marriage! This past year of our marriage to be honest has been the hardest we've had. We have been through some trying testing moments in this past year. I am so thankful for God's healing power and for the patience, faithfulness and unconditional love of my husband. I have fallen in love with my husband all over again this year and I hope ineach year ahead that our love continues to get stronger and deeper!
We've come a long way in the past 8 years...
On August 8, 2003 it was just us...

...but we had hopes and dreams of beginning a family and today we look more like this...

I can honestly say I am even more in love with my husband today than I have ever been!

{drake}|Bloomington,Illinois Child Photographer

2011-08-07T22:28:00.000-07:00

{Megan}|Central Illinois Senior Portrait Photographer

2011-07-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

I met with Megan and her Mom this morning out at Funk's Grove. I had such a fun time with them. I found out they are from Minier which is where I lived for about 5 years! Small world!!
As you can see Megan is a BEAUTIFUL young girl!! And just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Just so so sweet!!
Her boyfriend joined us about half way through our session and we got some gorgeous images of this new young love...
Megan...I hope this last year of high school is a blast for you!! Good luck in your future!!

{Pretty Little Lady}|Central Illinois Proud Mommy Photographer

2011-07-29T21:34:00.000-07:00

I got this little romper a few weeks ago on Etsy for $9.99!!! I've seen them for awhile but never for less than $30 usually. I think aVa looks adorable in it!! After out photo shoot she wore it around the house with her pink cowboy boots...I might have to get some images of that too!!! So so cute!!!

{DeHaan family}|Central Illinois Family Photographer

2011-07-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

{Holden}|Central Illinois Child Photographer

2011-07-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

You can see all of Holden's images here.

{Summertime}

2011-07-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

I just love summer and everything that represents summer. Going to the pool, cook outs, lemonade stands :)! Some of my favorite things to eat in the summer are pork chop sandwiches, watermelon and CORN ON THE COB!!!! We boiled up some delicious sweet corn yesterday and headed out to Funk's Grove for a little corn picnic. The kids loved it and I got some darling pictures of my little beauties...

Hope you are all enjoying your summer! It's going by so fast!! We are making the most of every summer moment here at the Plankenhorn home! ♥

{Bike rider} |Proud Mommy Photographer!

2011-07-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of Jack!!! He has been asking daddy to teach him to ride his bike with no training wheels for a little while and last night Mark went out with him for about an hour to help him start learning to ride.
Then this morning Jack asked if he could go out and practice by himself. I said sure. I look out the window and he is doing really good!!!
Of course he fell a handful of times and struggled to try and not brake. But he is so determined and just kept trying. I heard him a couple times say, "I think I can do it, I think I can do it!!" He is one determined little guy. And I knew if he really wanted this he would get it!
So Ava and I went out and cheered him on in his efforts. About 10 minutes later he rode almost the whole way down the sidewalk!! By the time Daddy got home Jack was ready to ride around the block!
He was doing so well with his little bike that he decided to try his big bike and mastered that one in about 5 seconds!!
So So proud of him! But can someone tell me how he got so big!!
I so vividly remember the doctor telling me I was having a boy, how emotional and happy I was the instant they laid him on my chest, how proud I was when a woman stopped me in Halmark to tell me what a happy baby he was, how frustrated I was when I thought he would never get potty trained, how excited we were to go buy school supplies when he started Kindergarten last year!! And now he is almost 6 years old, getting ready to start 1st grade and learning how to ride a bike with no help!!
Slow down Jack! Please slow down!!! I'm so going to miss you when you are gone!! And these milestones just remind me that I won't get to keep him forever. He is growing so fast and one day will be on his own.
I strive everyday to raise and teach him everything he needs to know to be the man he will be. And I love creating fun memories that he will look back on and know how much I love him and just how much I really enjoyed being his Mommy.
Wow!! I am balling!! Who knew watching your son learn to ride a bike could be so emotional and thought provoking!! Geesh!!
I love you Jacaroni!!!

{Expectation}|Central Illinois Maternity Photographer

2011-07-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

You can see the rest of the images here.

{lemonade stand fun}|Central Illinois Lifestyle Photographer

2011-07-14T15:32:00.000-07:00

{My Helper}|Central Illinois Mommy Photographer

2011-07-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

I hate vacuuming the stairs!! Jack, however loves to do it!
He did it for me today and did a fantastic job! He was rewarded with a dollar and was so happy and pleased with himself!

{random happenings from the last few days}

2011-07-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

We were sitting in the living room the other night and Mark says, "hey babe look in your studio." I turned to see this...

Aunt Becky brought us lunch yesterday. And then got a big group hug and kiss from the kids and dog...

The kids are addicted to these pop ice things. They ask for them constantly!

Ava also enjoys running around naked lately. I let her because potty training is so much easier.
And she does have one of the cutest little white tooshes!

She also enjoys pretending to be a dog which involves licking random things and fetching balls...

Ava also loves taking baths now and would take multiple baths a day if we let her...

Today she decided to grab my razor when I walked out of the room and cut her thumb up pretty good!

Charlie sat here the whole time Ava was taking her bath...

The kids are really enjoying playing in their rooms more...we have dance parties in Jax room now(which I will have to get pics of one day) and Ava likes playing house and jammin to her music in her room...

Its been a bit warm outside and so we have been watching movies that we get from the library a lot which is nice for me too so I can have a few minutes to shut my brain off! Although lately I used this time to edit clients images as well...

Hope you enjoyed a little glimpse into our life...

{Back 2 School minisessions}|Central Illinois Child Photographer

2011-07-11T07:11:00.000-07:00

{brynn.six.months}|Central Illinois Child Photographer

2011-07-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

You can see all of Brynn's images here.

{LaKamp}|Central Illinois Family Photographer

2011-07-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

You can see all of the LaKamp family photos here.