I met Amber at a dear friends baby shower and then again at the hospital when baby Micah was born. It was then when she asked me to do this photo session for her. You see, next week (thursday to be exact) is the 1 year anniversary of her husbands death. I remember hearing about her husband Bryce Howard on the news last year. He was the first soldier from SW Washington to be killed in Afghanistan and he left behind a beautiful wife and two wonderful sons that melted my heart. I cannot put into words anything that would do this beautiful family justice. I am both humbled and honored that she asked me to capture this for her and I hope that my blog readers will leave her a little comment and cyber hug as this next week I am sure will be tough for her and her family.
I am of course doing my comment contest, especially for this deserving momma.....so after this post gets 25 comments, Amber will get to pick out her favorite photo to be printing in 11x14. PLEASE NO ANONYMOUS COMMENTS, simply type your name at the bottom of the message. (0:
Is this little stinker not the cutest thing. He just had me grinning ear to ear during our session. He was so stinkin sweet. I wanted to bring him home with me.
mr serious here didn't want anything to do with giving me smiles. I finally got some good ones after his silly faces. Such a sweet kiddo.
I just love how serious he looks
29 comments:
Awesome photos as always Jen! I got teary-eyed just reading this blog and seeing the pics. Stay strong Amber... you have beautiful children!
My heart goes out to you and your beautiful family.
These pictures are awesome. I'm
sure those little boys will always
treasure the pics of them wearing their Dad's army stuff. You can tell that he's close to their little hearts. My heart goes out to Amber and her boys, my prayers are with them.
Jenifer I'm so glad you posted pictures of this memorable experience.
This month has been a trial, and next Thursday is going to be a hard day for our family.
Thank you so much for being the wonderful person you are, to do such a thoughtful thing for Amber and the boys.
I know Amber loves the pictures and will treasure them!
Beautiful. The shots are amazing, as well as the story. Breaks my heart.
...that is so beautiful.
the first images--such a tribute.
Jen - This is a comment from one of Bryce's closest friends....
Please express my thanks to the photographer. She did an awesome job! I tried to post a comment but the page came up in Arabic (because I'm in Iraq I suppose) and I couldn't post what I wanted to say. But please pass on my extreme thanks for capturing the essence of perfection in those two little rascles! They are handsome young men who are living the legacy of a True Hero and an American Soldier who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country and there freedom!
Andrew G. Weist
SSG/USA
United States Army Special Operations Command
In Memory of SGT Bryce Howard
Father, Friend, Soldier, Hero
12/3/82 - 8/28/07
"You WILL NOT be forgotten"
Amber, my heart and love goes out to you and the boys. You have such a beautiful family! Thank you, Jenifer, for doing such a lovely job!
Elizabeth Morris
Such a hansome legacy! I know the boys must miss their Father very much, especially as the anniversary date approaches. I am amazed however, at the amazing positive impact he has already had on their lives, and him memory just seems to spur them on to honor him even further. I look forward to what these boys will become as young men and beyond because of the influence of as great a man as my cousin Bryce. Blessings to you Amber, Caleb, and Ryen!
"Uncle" Joshua
Beautiful photos...such a touching memorial and rememberance for their father and husband. It brings me to tears. I'm sure their daddy is smiling down on them from heaven.
Dear Amber, Caleb and Ryen and the entire Howard Family :
Your pictures are breath~taking and there are no words to capture how blessed they are only "Priceless". I love you all and continue to pray for you all everyday. You are always in our hearts and we love you all.
Many blessings:
Kimmy & Charlie
What an amazing and beautiful way to capture the true greatness of their dad. Those boys will have these pictures forever and their dad will never be forgotten. Sending thoughts of comfort during this tough time to the family.
what cute little boys! i love the glasses! kids in glasses are the cutest! that's so funny that they looked at you like that at the store about the bed! It was in the kids section at ikea, and it's just a doll bed! Maybe all the stores don't carry it! I don't know! funny though!
Wow Jen, when you told me about this shoot, I knew it would be touching, but nothing could prepare me for the breathtaking images. I cried too. What great jobs we have, as photographers, to be able to give people priceless gifts such as this. Gifts they will treasure for a lifetime, and a gift that will help heal the heart.
Amanda Heath
Beautiful pictures, and my prayers are with this family.
Many prayers to Amber and her beautiful children.
Jennifer-you have an amazing gift to capture the true beauty of life :) Very impressive work :)
May Amber, her boys, and family, all feel loved, appreciated, and deeply cared for, during this difficult time.
Love and Prayers,
~Susan Henderson
As usual amazing photography and thank you for the great idea. A sad story but all to common. Again, nice work
One of the extra blessings of being part of the extended Morris Bunch has been meeting you and your boys, Amber, and you, Jennifer.
As Bryce was a hero, you have been a heroine this past year, Amber, exihibiting grace and dignity as I've watched you at births and birthday parties, never knowing quite what to say. One of the things that has touched me the most is that you've kept a capacity for joy, smiles, and laughter in the face of great tragedy. And just as Bryce has left his sons a legacy of honor, courage and love, you are teaching them how to continue to live life. What great gifts from both of their parents! You and the boys will be in Vern's and my thoughts and prayers this week, and always.
Jennifer, you are truly an amazing photographer! Your sensitivity, compassion, and love shine through in all your art. Thank you for sharing your gifts.
Had to post - amazing pictures. My heart goes out to you and your beautiful family.
Amber, we are all with you and the boys. We love you,
Scott & Christie Morris
Amber, we are with you and the boys. We love you.
Scott & Christie Morris
Great pictures of Amber's kids. You did a great job.
Traci Ludlow
Amazing story and wonderful pictures. You really captured their thoughtful side. Those will be great to have down the road, great tools for remembrance. I'm sure they love them!
Absolutely beautiful pictures, Jen. They're stunning.
Will 50 comments give her two photos? The set with the boys in Dad's gear and the set with them in civies holding hands is a perfect contrast.
I'll mention this drive on my blog.
Beautiful pictures. God bless this family
Jennena Morgensen
What beautiful photos, as usual. After reading the comments and seeing the pictures of her adorable boys you can tell they are a very strong and loving family. I wish you all the best!!! Cherish one another and your friends and family!
What a touching story. My thoughts and prayers go out to you Amber.
Beautiful job on the pictures. Something the family will charish always.
Thanks for doing this for Amber and the boys. We all miss him. Rebekah
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