Hey everyone,

I wanted to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I hope that you’re enjoying your holiday surrounded by friends and family. I’ll be spending the day off with my dearest friend Lisa Thayer and her family here in town while my husband works a full 12 hour day (sigh).

I wanted to take the time to mention a few things I’m truly thankful for:

1. I’m thankful for being a Believer and for loving the Lord (and He loving me!) as I don’t know how I’d get through life without Him sometimes.

2. For my best friend Daniel whom I have loved since the first day I met him and has been my friend throughout our 15 years of marriage despite my many faults, for loving to spend time with me and play games (Yahtzee and Rummy all the way, baby!) and never growing tired of hanging out with me, and for one thing that is my true addiction – rubbing me to sleep every single night! Yes, you all heard THAT one right. I have a hard time falling asleep (ADHD, remember) and if in bed together, at the same time, he will rub my head and hair for ten minutes so I can go to sleep. HE’s been doing this for all the years we’ve been married, and he gets nothing in return. I told him he could never stop b/c it’s in our marriage contract. ha ha ha. Now, that is love!

3. For my two boys. They may have me feeling like I’m not always the best parent or always have the right answers, but they have truly taught me SO MUCH about myself, about others and just about how we should love one another depsite our differences, have mercy for those that aren’t perfect (because who is, really) and have empathy and compassion and forgiveness when we or others have done wrong or been hurt. For these reasons, I believe I was blessed with my boys to teach me to be less judgemental of others and to grow without fearing what “others think” or “what others think of me”. My favorite saying always goes “Because in the grand scheme of life, those things don’t matter”.

4. For my husband’s family. They are always there for us, and they never forget my birthday. Ever! They always send me a card and most times, a gift! I mean, what a treasure they are to me. My father-in-law, especially, for treating me like his first daughter – “Papa” is a big person in this household. For Granny being such a wonderful Mom to Daniel and being a perfect Granny for our boys. She loves them unconditionally and has even watched them for us before! Thank you Lord!

5. For my own Mama, sister and brother. I Love them dearly and wish I could see more of them. I was so thankful that my sister actually came to my house this year. I usually go to my family and not the other way around, so it was a huge blessing if only for a short visit. I love them dearly. They are the ones who have helped mold me into the woman I am today. I just pray that we can always stay close, remember each other and keep in touch as the years pass by.

6. For my FRIENDS..and that includes my “online friends”, too! I am a girl that needs girlfriends in her life. I’m not one to “be alone” (unless working of course). I love talking, dancing, talking, hanging out, talking…and well, you get the picture. I adore my friends. I look up to my friends and learn from them. I am extremely loyal and caring of my friends. They are always there for me when I need them, and I thank them for that.

7. For Dr. Pepper and sweet tea, although they are wrecking havoc on my waist line. Those 15 months of Weight watchers….for what? LOL Gotta get back to drinking more water.

8. For my gym membership, even though it’s been forever since I went. I want to go, I WILL go back this new year and WILL figure out how to fit it back into my schedule. I was happiest when more fit and working on myself.

9. For crime shows (Criminal Minds and CSI). I love them, love them, love them…call it an addiction, I don’t care. I only watch tv late at night when I’m trying to unwind from proofing or the day itself. I watch my taped show(s) and then go to bed a happy camper to have that quiet time alone..to myself..to veg out in front of the tv with my..umm…Dr. Pepper. Late at night drinks is NOT a good thing. That midsection I was talking about earlier..yeah…all my fault. Gotta control the craving!

10. And last but not least, I am thankful for my clients – all of them! I love people. I love meeting children and families. It is just a wonderful thing for me. I love it. I love that I get to do what I’ve always wanted to do – this includes the “business part” of it, too. I am so thankful that I was given this passion that also enables me to be there for my boys. You are all amazing! I will always be grateful for meeting you, your orders and entrusting me to capture your memories (your treasures) forever!!

I was tagged by my friend and wonderful Photographer, Pam Biasotti. She tagged me a few weeks back, and I’m just now making time to do it. I really wanted too; it’s fun and cute and a great way to get to know me (and those I tag) a little better. So here goes =)

The Rules

1. Post the rules on your blog.

2. Write 7 random things about yourself.

3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post.

4. Pass on the tag.

Okay, so 7 random things about myself that most wouldn’t know about, especially my wonderful clients. Here goes:

1. I had to get hearing aides at the age of 30 (yes, you heard that right, THIRTY). Crazy huh? Well, I never passed a hearing test in schools growing up, but being raised by a single mom with very little money to spare (won’t go into my childhood here), I only remember getting my “ears checked” twice. I went to get them cleaned to which I was amazed at the huge junk that came out. I remembere hearing wel for a few days <grin>. Then I remember in 4th grade going to a specialist. All *I* remember is how scary it was when I heard him mention surgery. That is ALL I remember, other than my Mom doesn’t have insurance or the money for that, so who cares. I lived it with it this long. I just sit at the front of the class. Little did I know that I also learned to read lips fairly well, and I’m not “deaf”. I can hear; I Just can’t hear “conversation level” well at all without watching the person’s lips or being close. Pretty bad huh? Well at 30, I couldn’t take it any longer and had a hearing test. They were shocked and so was I! I didn’t pass at all, not even close. So, I was given the beautiful hearing aides. Mine aren’t pretty. They aren’t the large-over-your-ear kind, but they aren’t the smallest either. My ears are toooooo tiny to fit the smallest in (i.e. the ones you CAN’T see), but I love them anyway. I Love love love them! Do I wear them often? No? Why? Because they are $6000 and not covered by insurance, that’s why. AND I work with children. I can hear MANY sounds well, and the hearing aides only amplify those. I’d rather get close to my clients or explain that I typically wear hearing aides, but rarely at sessions. I wear them when watching tv, to the countless doctor and specialist appts (any doctor appt because they are always looking down at my file when speaking. Ugh) and….when I feel that I can handle the “other noises”. I can hear birds now, and I hate that I can actually hear the road when driving my van. So, I don’t wear them in the van! LOL

Oh and my mom said my Father was deaf in one ear. Oh, so NOW you tell me. ha ha ha

2. I’m a VERY picky eater. IT’s terrible; I hate it. I have always hated it. When younger (pre-teens), I remember putting Lays potato chips in my sandwiches and pretending that it was lettuce. That’s bad, huh? It cracks me up now though. It tasted good though, so hey, why not? I’ve tried foods – I really have. I just don’t like them. This includes anything raw (fruit – well I like bananas, vegetables and much more). I was raised on can veggies, so all I like are can green beans, corn, black eye peas, and peas. Embarassing when you are invited over for dinner, and if you’re not really close friends, you have to find a way to “ask” and then either 1) turn down the invitation or 2) be honest! LOL So embarrassing. I order hamburgers with mustard and ketchup only AND order tacos with MEAT only. I CANNOT eat cheese or dairy – not a good thing. When I crave it, I eat it at home when I know I won’t be going anywhere. I do it in small doses (i.e. Shells and Cheese, I LOVE but can’t eat it much).

3. My first time flying on a plane was at age 24. I never flew before, but boy do I remember my Mom chugging us along to many different homes/states looking for a better life (she really was trying) in the car with no air conditioning only to come back to Grandma’s again. Grams was my 2nd Mom – literally.

4. I have ADHD (a girl at that!) and talk a lot and really fast; I honestly cannot help it. I try to slow down and then it becomes very noticeable and quite ridiculous if you ask me. I read fast too. This is great for children and sessions, but it has made some adults not really like me for it.

5. I bit my nails for 30 years! I stopped and then they were weak, of course, and broke all the time while working. So, I have to keep gel overlays on them to keep them pretty and STRONG during equipment setups, etc. I hate it. I liked my real ones.

6. I always wanted to be a wife – always. I love my marriage and husband more than LIFE itself. He and I are just perfect together and have been married for 15 1/2 years. We are both 35. Do the math…early early..young young. AND, I always thought I wanted to be a working woman and not have children. Boy did that change after being married a few years. The Lord really changed my heart b/c I REALLY wanted to be a Mom. I loved it. I love love love being pregnant (not many do). But, I had no idea God would give me the challenges I face each day with my children. One reason I think Daniel and I were meant to be together – we are one strong and loving team!

7. You ask me something and look how much I type. I’m honest. What you see is what you get? I treat everyone the same as I’d like to be treated regardless of economic status, race or all the likes. I’m loving but too honest at times, so don’t ask if you don’t want the honest truth or the “long story”.

Thanks again. I know this was a long read, but I actually enjoyed taking a few minutes before getting back to proofing to do this. THanks Pammy!

Now who to send it back to (some may have already been tagged. Sorry if you have, and I’m sure you don’t have to do it twice). Go check out my friends!

Captured by Carrie – my favorite newborn photographer, ever!

Patti Schmidt - love her, love her, love her!

Season Moore – some friends up north a bit. She’s the sweetest woman! (beautiful, too)

Gretchen Mathison – if you want all black and white lifestyle portraiture, she’s your woman! (another friend up north)

Grace Photography – love this gal’s work, classic, and she’s pretty sweet herself!

Lacey Gadwill - my personal friend and also a local wedding Photographer (travels everywhere though)

Marci Ralph – the best Senior Photographer there is. Personal friend too. Love her Love her Love her!

That’s it! I did it! You read it. That’s the thing you should be most proud of! And, if she hadn’t tagged me herself, I definitely would have chosen Pammy as one of the above. She is a gem, a personal friend, a wonderful Photographer, and we’ve met. She’s the most genuine person and doesn’t judge – only loves you – no matter what. She looks over faults or idiosyncrasies because no one is perfect, right?

Until next time..

a sneak peek of what’s coming next. A sweet, sweet 11 month old “little man”. The great location was none other than Grandma’s house.

This particular image looks so classic to me in black and white, but I like the color version, too!

I have yet ANOTHER sneak peek to share. YEAH! I’m on a roll proofing this week! It has me very excited. I am also packaging and delivering client orders this week as wel inbetween sessions now that my schedule is back and going smoothly.

First of all, Mom wasn’t really sure how well her little girl would do during our session. Perhaps this was her first professional portrait session? But Mom and Dad were excited all the same and Miss Dagny (great name, don’t you think?) was WONDERFUL! She is so beautiful; I couldn’t get over how tiny and beautiful she was. I have two boys, so when I get girls at sessions – especially the little ones – I just get warm and fuzzy inside and want to take them home! I get giddy when I’m around them and probably talk TOO much about how cute they are, look at her, she’s hilarious, etc, etc, etc. I can’t help myself; I truly “eat them up”.

And by the way Dad, you better WATCH OUT when your little girl grows into a teen! Wow, she’s got the curls, the full pouty lips (you all already know how much I love full lips – most likely because my husband boys have them and …well I digress), and BIG blue eyes with eyelashes galore. Typically, my boy clients have eyelashes (of course!) but this time, Dagny surpassed them all. Wow.

Although I am proofing sessions that are due before yours, these were so easy to pick off the camera and share for you Mom (and Dad)! Enjoy your little girl for now.

HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY!

Look at her baby teeth, so you really know she’s still a baby in my book. I bet her parents too!

And last but not least…. “don’t look back”..  Until next time.

When a client requests a session for their three month old, I typically advise them to wait until at least four months old when they can interact more, pull their feet up while on their back, and so on and so forth. Miss E did just that, and I’m so glad she did. Look at her little man! Does he not have the prettiest blue eyes and pouty lip? OHhh..I could eat him up. I think he has Dad’s eyes for SURE (and he looks just like his Daddy, let me just tell you), but he has Mama’s full “kissable lips”. Mom…I know what you’re thinking “crazy lady..she likes MY lips”, but I ‘m pretty sure you know exactly what I mean – those FULL lips.

Here is the little man himself..such a happy boy!

I even love him when he had his pacifier. It matched, too! Did Mom do that on purpose? Was she that prepared? I bet she was. =)

Can’t wait for you to see your full gallery VERY, VERY soon!

Yes yes yes. I turned 35 yesterday, born November 15, 1973. It was a pretty good day, too! I had a great day with my husband and boys. It was an all around good day for me!

My sister came through Fayetteville for a NIGHT visit only. I have seen her within the years, but she has not seen my boys for 5 1/2 years! It’s extremely hard to imagine that as I have seen hers. But here is my pretty, pretty sister. She’s three years older than I am. We are extremely close, although that wasn’t always the case of course (you know – those teenage years). =)

Here we are laughing too hard to keep our eyes open! LOL

I also have to end the post with a Senior Showcase of a lovely (and yet another tall one) Senior ga

l I had the pleasure to meet and photograph. Her mom made me laugh. She was excited for her daughter. Miss A was extremely sweet, laid back and just calm to be around. We had fun. I hope you love them Miss A! Oh, and she is an avid reader – pretty great thing if you ask me!

Last but not least – a little close up.

They already received their gallery, but I had to show more from their session..after a break and clothing change. Aren’t they the cutest children. They have a really great backyard with a new trampoline and a wonderful I-always-wanted-as-a-kid-fort-swing. Mom is so tiny for having twins and an older son. Looking good, Mom!

First, I must show this hilarious outtake. I love it; I can’t help myself. I look at it, and regardless of the kind of mood I’m in or that I’m exhausted from proofing all week until 2 am, I laugh. I smile. I love this.

If this isn’t SWEETNESS, I don’t know what is.

And last but not least……large family showcase, I know!