Now, you all know how much “I do not do weddings”, but when it’s your best friend’s daughter, it’s just not the same. Although weddings are very hard work and very long days and I’d not like to do them on a regular basis, it ended up being a very pretty wedding and a nice time. I love spending time with my friend Lisa (who is not pictured but will be soon). I am up to my knees in paperwork preparing for my BIG TAX appointment tomorrow, but while eating lunch, I wanted to upload a few to share with you all. I am NO WHERE near even to begin proofing. This isn’t even the TOP of the iceberg. I have another friend’s birthday party that is priority after tomorrow’s appointment, but for now , I’ll share a few from the wedding (last year – yikes!). And…I have another of her daughter’s weddings to proof that was due ALMOST a year ago. It seems really bad of me, but my clients come first AND I don’t think Samantha will mind as I did it as a friend and again, hard work. I don’t hear from her much, but she’ll be getting her beautiful images soon, too! And, I’ll share her on the blog just as much.

So on to Georjean, and I KNOW I spelled your name wrong. I always do, and I’m so sorry!

It was downtown and very close to sunset which was really pretty and very fun for me to “play with the sunflare” and backlighting!

Here is one of her getting ready and being helped by her sister, Angel (right) and Marilyn (long time family friend, on left)

The groom and groomsmen. Can you tell who is related? Oh my goodness, I never saw two brothers look so much alike and not be twins! They are the groom’s cousins I believe. I could very wrong very easily as it was my first time meeting them all!

The beautiful location. She walked right up that beautiful, long path on the right.

Her Dad (my best friend’s husband and, of course, my close friend as well) giving her away. SNIFF SNIFF!!

Some serious flare! I can do that with a friend’s wedding. Besides, I have too many other “traditional” ones, too.

I love this shot of them!

Her three little ones- now there children together. Sweet!!!

OH this is one of my favorites! The backlighting & the love they are giving it each with only their eyes and smiles! One of my favorites. And, this is practically straight out of camera. I don’t think it needs any enhancements at all!

And the last one… for now, that is.

My friend’s girls (minus the “baby” who is now 9 years old)

Sisters Forever (whether you like it or not!)Â =)

Now back to much dreaded papework!

This was taken this past April when we were all together to hold each other up for our Grams’ (also best known for being our “other” mother) funeral. Most of you know the story, so we aren’t going down that hard road again, but…

I had to share my lovely family with you all!

Sheila (sister), Sherri (umm..me), Mama (Vicky), and Bubba (brother and also named Mike). April 2008

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 hope you all had a safe but fun-filled Halloween night! I’m sorry I’m late, but it’s been busy around here. I’ve chosen to take less clients this month to get on top of proofing my current sessions, especially with Christmas deadlines coming up.

Last year, I didn’t take one picture. I rushed and forgot. I regretted it, so this year – DID NOT forget. Yeah!

Wolf Ninja (Seth) and Clone Trooper (Matthew)…and ME. I guess I’m a sweet witch because my boys picked it out and wouldn’t allow me to show legs! LOL Good thing because it was cold. I wore sweat pants underneath. The boys got a lot of candy (that they never finish and we throw away MONTHS later).

Looking at my boys here again makes it hard to believe they are three years apart. They don’t look it (to me).

That’s it until next time.