/ photographer: todd scott ballje /
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7.27.2008

Update on my dad (and my return to work plan)

Thanks everyone for you patience and understanding while I take care of my dad. Just a quick update: My Dad has been fighting prostate cancer for 14 years and for the most part, through his own extensive research and willingness to try all possible means treatment, he has kept it under control. In the last year, treatment options and attempts to stop/ slow down any spread have run out and stopped working. After a few forms of chemo treatment, he is done with those. (anyone with a loved one who has done that knows what I am talking about there). He went into the hospital (in Northern Wisconsin) a week ago today with severe pain (from cancer on his bones-neck, back, legs, skull) and last Tuesday had something happen to cause him to lose strength in his legs and severely hinder his speech. The current working theory by the doctors here is that is a result of the cancer metastasizing (spreading) to areas of his spine that control that. The good news is he is feeling a lot better over the last few days, in good spirits and is at peace with the Lord and our family about the whole thing. The hope is that he will go home mid-week and we will get the house transformed to care for him. We have no idea what the near-future holds but we trust the Lord and realize it could be anything at this point.

My sister and I (along with all other immediate family and friends) have had a great week to be able to spend time with him which is such a huge blessing. My advice to anyone is to cherish family and friends like there is no tomorrow and not only will you totally enjoy that but when life is threatened, you have a peace about it because you have no regrets.

I know this is a photo blog and actually I am not normally into creating a self-directed reality show/ diary but since I have so many friends, family and clients who all have been so supportive in every aspect of our life, I wanted to share something so significant. Plus, you are probably all wondering when I am going to get back to work :) ha ha. I am going to try to get a little time this week to get some work done but things will still be pretty busy with getting my dad home and situated. If all stays the same, I hope by mid next week, we will be back home and get back to normal.

I really do have to thank and praise God for working so many things out given the circumstances. He in no way promises to shield us from all problems and trials but it is so real and amazing to be in a relationship with him through whatever those may be.

/ todd

7.22.2008

Out of the office

I will be out of the office for at least the rest of the week due to
the critical health status of my dad. Feel free to send an email or
voicemail and I will try to get back periodically.

/ todd scott ballje
/ http://BeautifulDayImages.com

/ via the iPhone

7.18.2008

Kenneth Pool Trunk Show @ Meg Guess Couture.

The fabulous Meg Guess is having a Kenneth Pool trunk show this weekend and had a stylin' fashion show tonight to kick it off.
I was just hanging out (you know fashion shows are my thing) and saw one of the most recognizable bridal models in town walking down the runway (OK Bridal Show Ads). Heather Hilliard Beaver. Oh yeah, she also happens to be my client from last summer. It was an awesome surprise to see her workin' it down the runway. Great job Heather.

If you are shopping for an amazing gown, you absolutely owe it to yourself to make an appointment to see Meg, Visit her website or call 405-604-2727. The show lasts through the weekend.


Hair & Makeup by the oh so talented Sharon Tabb

Heather & Meg

One of Kenneth Pool's gowns and Meg's custom accessories.

7.15.2008

Megan /bridal fashion/ updated with new photos

I have been dying to post these for a couple months since we shot them. Megan and Jarad had their nuptials on Sat so I can now!!

I was a beautiful but windy day in May when we shot these. I think Megan pulled off the wind-in-the-hair-model-thing quite well! You fashion photogs in Holllywood who rent big fans for the same effect, just come here, it's always like this. :)

I'll be blogging their fairy tale wedding in the coming days.



















This last one we wrapped in a gorgeous Roma Moulding for the reception. Stylin' !

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7.08.2008

A safer California

I am so glad to hear CA passed a law requiring you have a hands free headset while talking on your cell phone. Good to know all my friends on the West Coast are much safer now.

If you are reading this on RSS, watching the embedded video is a must. :)

7.04.2008

Happy 4th of July! Updated

I updated this with some fireworks pics. (yeah baby!) Man I love fireworks. I have wanted to get some good pics for a long time but I am usually much more interested in having fun on the 4th than taking photos. I gave it 51% this time. We had a great time with our little family night!

Photo Shoot with cutest girl in the world....check!
Fried Chicken and corn...............................check! (ok instead it was the areas best rotisserie and mashed potatoes)
Cold Beverage............................................check!
Fireworks...................................................check!











Hope you all have an awesome day.

/ tsb, arb, & egb