Nicole

It is a privilege to feature Nicole of Portraits by Nicole!

Nicole's photography is breathtaking! 

I have been following Nicole's blog and Facebook page and my heart was so touched by her mother daughter story that I wanted to share it with you.

Sweet picture of Nicole and Adley

Tell me a little about you and your daughter.
I am a wife and mother to three little boys and one precious little girl. We didn't find out the sex of the baby, so we were completely shocked when it was a girl (not a dry eye in the room). She will be four months old tomorrow. She is simply the best baby ever..she smiles all the time, only cries when she's overtired, and her little ears that stick out are the cutest thing (although, I'm sure she won't like them when she gets older). 

What is the most special moment that you share?
The most special time that we share right now is when I nurse her. I get sad thinking this will be the last time I will be nursing, so I really cherish it. We play on the floor together and I make faces at her. Because she is my only daughter, we will have many moments together of shopping, going to movies, painting nails (at least I hope, anyway!). 

What do you want your daughter to remember?
I want my daughter to remember how much I love her and how I hold her in my arms..I always want my arms to be a place of refuge for her.

Any words for your daughter?
My words for my daughter are: You are wonderfully and fearfully made! Every part about you is a precious gift from God. Always believe in yourself and know that I will love you forever know matter what mistakes you may make or where life takes you...you will always be my little girl. 

Read more of the story on her BLOG

Have you always been interested in photography?
I became interested in photography after college and then purchased a camera after my first son was born. I had no idea what I was doing at the beginning. I didn't know anything technical about the camera or how to pose..I studied and practiced and studied and practiced...

What are some challenges that you face?
Having kids is a challenge in of itself, let alone trying to run a business from home. I really struggle with managing my time and not overbooking myself. 

What inspires you?
I get inspired by many things...lately, I've been wanting to do more creative shoots, just to challenge myself and get out of the same routine. I also feel that I've been given a talent to use for God's purpose and when I feel Him tell me to do something for someone, I do...whether it be a free session, or helping tell someones story through photography. 

See more of her photography and stories on her BLOG. 


I met Nicole at a Sara Hall's wedding. Sara wore jewelry made by me at Christine's Jewelry.  Nicole was so sweet to allow me the use her beautiful photograph in my shop.

Bridal Jewelry by Christine

It is such a blessing knowing you Nicole, your photography is outstanding! Thank you so much for sharing your mother daughter story with me!  

Blessings,

XOXO

Christine

Today's Feature: Hannah Zhang

Today I am interviewing Hannah Zhang about her mother

 daughter relationship. I had the pleasure 

 to meet Hannah at my niece

 

Alyssa's marriage to Jimmy. (Hannah is the one standing 

next to Alyssa, the bride.)

(Actually, I take that back. I met Hannah when we heard their college choir sing and she and Alyssa played the violin together. It was such a privilege to hear such amazing music! It was like a foretaste of heaven. And I cried like crazy when Hannah played her violin at the wedding.) 

Anyway! I asked Hannah if I could ask her some questions about her mother daughter relationship when she posted such an interesting and well written response to one of my requests for mother daughter stories on my facebook page for Christine's Jewelry.  So here it is!

How does your mom inspire you?

I think her independence and resilient really influenced me to 

be likewise.

What do you love and admire about her?

A rare trait of my mom as an Asian parent is her willingness

 to accept my maturity and allow me the space to really 

explore what I like to do, versus the norm where parents—

especially from the Chinese culture—tend to over-exert their

 influence on what their children decide to pursue. Having

her respect and support for my decisions in my professional 

career as well as my personal interests is a tremendous

proponent in my growth and finding my passions.

What is the most special moment you share?

I can’t say there’s a single most special moment, but I

 remember being younger where she and I followed along a

 craft-making TV program for kids and made all sorts of

 trinkets…and a lot of mess. She’s not a huge fan of craft-

making or tinkering with trinkets—and even less of messes--

so in retrospect I appreciate her humoring me with what I

 liked to do.

What are your favorite things to do together?

Cooking. We have a pact where whoever is not cooking is

 cleaning up afterwards. Every time she comes to visit I 

have about a week’s worth of meals ready-made after she

leaves.

What are some funny moments you remember?

Trying to give the cat a bath. The first few attempts using 

the sink did not work out very well.

What is so special about your mother daughter bond?

We grew up together, really. My dad was overseas studying

 for his PhD degree, so my mom and I really supported each 

other for most of my childhood.

Please check out her BLOG Hannah's Thoughts in Translation

Thank you so very much for sharing Hannah! It was 

delightful to

learn more about you and your life with your mom. 

May God continue to bless you in the next phase of your 

life!!!

XOXO

Christine