My name is Jen Buechler. 

Wife.  Mother.  Daughter.  Sister.  Friend.  Educator.  Advocate.  Photographer.  Dreamer. 

 

I love capturing life "happen" in the form of images that preserve special moments…special relationships...special memories...

...the stuff that makes dreams come true... 

 

A little bit about me…

 

I am a mother of five (yes, FIVE!)all extraordinary (if I say so myself) children…

#1 – boyextra sporty…

#2 – boyextra athletic/energy …

#3 – boyextra “it’s a good thing you are cute”!…

#4 – girlextra princess plus…

#5 – girl – extra special …just happens to have an extra chromosome (Down syndrome)...

I love them all beyond measure!

 

I have been married to my wonderful husband for over 15 years.  We met on a blind date – we were set up by some mutual friends/family.  I think he is incredible and can’t imagine going on this journey without him!

 

I am a former teacher.  I graduated from IU with a BS in Elementary Education.  I taught first and second grades for 10 years, as well as did teacher trainings (for other teachers) on integrating technology into the curriculum.  I absolutely loved teaching – for a long time it consumed my time and passion.  Then I had my oldest, and everything changed.  I couldn’t be the teacher I wanted to be AND the mother I want to be, which is why I decided to leave teaching (in the classroom, anyway)I have kept my hands in education along the way as Co-Director of Edgewood Preschool Cooperative for 8 years and currently as the teacher for The Learning Program - Down Syndrome Indiana.  

 

I have learned that writing/journaling and photography are very therapeutic for me.  I enjoy expressing my thoughts and feelings through writing…and have found that capturing images via photography is another way I can communicate my thoughts, feelings and dreams. 

 

The Power of Prayer is amazing.  Over the last several years I have witnessed the true power of prayer and how it changes lives…even when everything doesn’t turn out exactly how you would like…

 

I am very close with my family.  I still try to “mother” my younger brothers as much as possible (even though they are all adults now!).  My dad was one of the most amazing people on the planet, and my mom is one of my best friends.  I think that family relationships, interactions and connections are what make up the best things in life…I try to capture those things in my photographs. 

 

While I worked with children with special needs when I was teaching, I never expected to have a child of my own with special needs.  It has been one of the most transforming, challenging, rewarding and amazing experiences in my life.  It's changed my family.  Lauryn has taught us so much in a few short years - things such as what really matters in life …the meaning of unconditional love…and seeing things through a different lens.  She has taught us what DreamS really matter…