No terrible two's in sight!

I have never seen little Ava throw a fit. She just doesn't throw temper tantrums. And she even eats veggies and meat! She will be 3 in February and will become a big sister in March. Perhaps she is waiting for her own rendition....the terrifying three's! In the meantime, here are a few pics of Ava this past weekend! She is definitely becoming more comfy with the camera! I love it and can't wait to capture her with her new baby brother/sister!

PurnaMaya

We will never be able to repay Purna for her dedication to our family. Purna came to work for us when Lily was only 6 months old (now 21 months today!!). I traveled more for my production work then, and needed the same person who would be with the girls during my absence. Since Purna has been here, I have taken the opportunity to make my dream of photography a reality! She is the reason I am able to shoot according to your schedule, not mine!

Purna has given us so much! I know the girls are in good hands while I might spend time with just one of them, or the older two, have mommy and me things planned for Lily, or a date with George. Oh, and not to forget my own time...yoga!!

The girls love you, Purna! Just look and see...


Purna, we are so thankful for you and your constant care of our family! Merry Christmas!

Refuge House

Refuge House is an organization that brings foster care and adoption to children that are in need of parents to love them. The staff threw a modest party for the families and I was hired to shoot santa and family pictures.

How fortunate I felt to have met the parents in that room! They are truly walking saints. Some were individual couples with a few children, some were small 'homes' where handfuls of children live together. Some children were adopted and some were in a foster situation. Whatever the circumstances were, these children laughed and bounced VERY high in the bounce houses without a care in the world! The happiness in the room was because of the individuals who put the needs of the children first. And it all started with Refuge House.

I wish I could show you every one of the families I met, but there isn't enough blog space. So here is just a small glimpse of my afternoon until I am able to edit and upload all of the pictures.

I love the innocence in these eyes! They were more than willing to stop jumping to take a picture...but only for a second!

And the staff of Refuge House! Go to http://www.refugehouse.org to learn more about this great organization.

Timeless

I have a gallery over at the website labeled 'timeless'. They are the black and white photos that I look at and immediately have the 'artist connection'. These type of pictures tell a story that usually have nothing to do with the actual subject. For instance, I had a handful of mini sessions this past weekend and am loving the black and white photos.

Little Paul here takes me to a simpler time. Where a plaid shirt was the norm for all little boys (and they probably whistled walking home from school). Where a Christmas tree had a few presents under it on Christmas Day instead of the productions we tend to do now.
Mother and Child. The timeless feeling here isn't about an era. It is one where any mom (new or experienced) can relate to that exact moment. The moment where you catch your breath from the thought of this amazing miracle in your arms. Timeless.

Still here!

I have been busy editing, ordering prints and Christmas cards for all of my wonderful clients! Oh, and I went to Portland late last week for a production gig on top of trying to get in the Holiday spirit at home.

I did tell you a few posts ago that more family pictures were coming. LOL...well, I almost stressed after my last attempt (that you will not see). We went in the backyard and ventured onto the golf course where we live. We got caught in the fastest wind change ever! The temp dropped so fast. We laughed after we realized what a lost cause it was. No reason to stress...nothing we could do.

Those of you getting Christmas cards from me this year, take note...they will be Holiday/Happy 09 cards! LOL Those of you that are new to me, well...let me just assure you this is WAY off course for me. After the turkey is served on Thanksgiving, Christmas comes out and the pictures are taken. Turning my love for photography into a reality has taught me that everyone needs to schedule their Holiday sessions EARLY.....including me! :)

I really just wanted to say hi and say yes, I am still here. I have some fun sessions coming up this weekend as well as a special shooting on Sunday! You really need to check in next week and see for yourself what an amazing opportunity I have been given!

In the meantime...don't peek in those packages yet!

Thanksgiving wknd....wind or shine!!

This family booked me months ago for Thanksgiving weekend. They said it was the weekend they would all be together and were ready to face whatever mother nature presented us! Well, let me remind you of Sunday mornings winds!!! Not one negative comment came out of their mouths! They were up for anything and smiled big when it wasn't there turn...so they could bask in the sun.

First grandchild and boy were they proud! I loved in a lot of the pictures, I captured a grand or a great grandparent sneaking a look over at little Liam!

Isn't this a fun one to view! Go ahead, chuckle out loud.

FOUR generations of this little guy! What a gift for everyone involved.

Did I mention they were Sooners fans and Liam already knows the yell!

Family Time!

It was time for annual pictures with my family this past Thanksgiving weekend. My parents are the proud 'nana and papaw' of 5 grandgirls under the age of 4! Yes, three of them are mine!
Matt and his wife are expecting their second child in March. Any bets on a boy this time?

My other little brother, Danny, and his girls!


Yes, I think this is the first picture I have posted of my own family. Having a picture taken isn't hard, it is being the photographer and wanting to be on both sides of the camera! I have more of my family coming later this week...stay tuned!

And our parents! My brothers and I are blessed to have such young, active and involved grandparents! We love you Mom and Dad!

P to the 3rd power!

Yes, the 3 P's were quite the trio! I had to work at keeping my camera still a few times, they got me laughing so hard. You will be able to witness some of it in my 'take two' gallery in a few weeks! They made the cut, easy! In the meantime, here are some relaxed and focused shots that their mom will surely appreciate! You might even be looking at the calm before the storm in a few of these.




These kiddos hold a special place in my heart so it was such an honor photographing them. Thanks for sharing your afternoon with me!

Patience is a virtue!

I remind myself all the time (It's one of the things I retained from Catholic school). And this mom has it! She is a fabulous mother and a wonderful friend! I learned a lot from her with my first newborn! She is not only patient with her girls (ages 5,4 and 2), but has been oh so patient with me waiting on this blog! Rachael, enjoy a peek at your babies!

What I always wanted!

Yes, a big family. I always thought I would have 5 little ones of my own with a great story someday. Well, this weekend, I was fortunate to witness a couple with 5 of their own and each one had their own story.I had so much fun with the 'A' family! We stayed pretty traditional, getting the most important shots and then at times...we got a little goofy!




What a great group you are! And what a time I am having narrowing down your photos from this weekend! On that note, I couldn't put up all of my fav's from every family...I hope you love the small glimpse I have given you here until we talk again! Thank you for allowing me to share a bit of your weekend!

A full house!

Meet a queen and 4 of a kind! I know this isn't a true full house in the poker world, but trust me...this house is full! I apologize for so many pictures on the blog, but you can't deny a mom individual pics of each of them while she is waiting so patiently!