L and L

What a GREAT, GREAT time I had with 2 of my favorite kiddos!!! The weather was GORGEOUS!! We were scheduled for the day before- but it was freezing-- one day really made the difference (that is how it is in Louisiana)!

I have had a session with this family before- but a monsoon came and interrupted that session. And his new-born photos were almost exactly one year ago!! Wow-- time has really flown!!

It just occurred to me that I did not edit a single one in B/W or Vintage before posting-- they were just so colorful- I was excited about them as they are! I will have to post some of my favorites later, after playing with them.

I got to know this sweet family when I taught the little girl. She is a doll and literally hung on every word I said-- she was the sweetest thing!! She will and her family will always be near and dear to me! They are just the kind of people that I felt almost instantly like I had known forever. A sort of kindred spirit. So I am thrilled to get to capture these memories for them and be another small part in them!

Promise of Joy:
My soul finds rest in God alone.
Psalm 62:1

Where does the body find rest?? haha!!! This scripture is so comforting-- but I also wanted to get a chuckle from the mom-- you know how exhausting the 1st year is on a Mom!! Tiring- yet so rewarding- and truly fleeting. I know she cherishes the moments!! =)

Bailey

I had a WONDERFUL time with this beautiful Senior!!! We had never met before, but we had a great time-- she was willing to just trust me and do all the crazy things I asked her to! Her mom was afraid to schedule in January- but that was truly the only session I had left-- and the weather could not have been more PERFECT!! =)

I had fun doing some editing techniques to some of these that I don't use too often. And please note that the originals are kept of all the edited ones-- just in case you hate it! =) Give me some feedback though-- everyone-- let me know what works and what doesn't!!

Thanks so much for trusting me with these precious memories. There is no doubt that Bailey has a bright future!! I had a wonderful time- hope you like them all!!!

Promise of Joy:
To the one who pleases Him, God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy.
Ecclesiastes 2:26

Keep this in mind as you plan for your future- you will need all three! =) God Bless you!!

Sweet Baby Boy

Whew, this session was hard to come by!! But I am so glad I was able to do it! This is the sweet new grandbaby of my pastor. Isn't he a doll? The Mom and Dad are precious and know how blessed they!

The weather has been sooo cold- and even rainy-- and anyone that follows my work at all KNOWS I am no in-door photographer. I just can not think in-doors!! May be if I was in an actual studio it would be different- but I have to think way outside the box to be in a box! haha!! So that was a pretty big challenge for me! plus I went to their house which was not real familiar, so I was going from scratch.

Also- this little dude was not a sleeper. So trying to get a 2 month old baby comfortable and happy was a big undertaking for me. I have not photographed many babies- so it was all pretty challenging for me.

On top of that I had only slept about 2 hours the night before and my brain was asleep on me! My son had a violent virus (which also made me terrified to be around the baby or touch the baby--but they were well informed- and were blessed that no one got sick!)

This week as I was to be editing and posting, I got sick!! Not with the virus- but still sick! So... despite all of the challenges, I think I got some pretty good shots.

Thankfully he is absolutely beautiful and a very good baby- so he was no challenge! I am glad to finally get these posted. I also would like for you to remember them in your prayers, this young Dad will be leaving for his second tour to Afghanistan around March! Pray for his safety and for the family to have peace while he is gone. No doubt he is a strong man of God.

Promise of Joy:
Children are a gift from God; they are His reward.
Psalm 127:3
This is so true. It is amazing that He puts such fragile, blank slates into our hands to teach and guide. It is our responsibility to raise our children to love and serve the One true God. That is an awesome undertaking in today's world. It is so much easier with loving, supportive family that believes in God's Word-- how blessed you are!!

My nephew

This is my handsome nephew, Trey.
He is a such a cutie-- inside and out! He has always had such
a magnetic personality and vibrant spirit!! I could write a book with all of my great memories of him growing up! We are so blessed- our family is very close, and spend lots of time together. We have gone on many beach trips as a whole family-- and I have to say those are the best memories that I will cherish forever.

I can not believe Trey makes my 4th grown niece or nephew (just on my side)!! It makes me sad in a way-- but my oldest nephew, Chris and his wife are expecting a baby-- so that makes up for it I guess =)

Anyway-- these are Trey's Sr portraits. I am super proud of him!! He has had so many successes- and I am sure there are even more to come! He is Parish student of the Year- competing at the regional level next, He was honored with recognition for the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), he won the Hobie award, attended Boys State, won all- district in football and is getting an academic scholarship for LSU!!! Whew!!! That's just what I can remember-- he has been involved in so much!!

But even better- he gave his life to Christ at a very young age and has been a great Christian example in his school and community! This is truly the greatest honor!

So, all this said-- I am proud of everyone of my sweet nieces and nephews- they are a great group of kids that I enjoy every second with!

Congratulations, Trey!! I had a great time taking pictures with you guys!! I love you and will always be here for you!!!

Promise of Joy:
May the Lord give you the desires of your heart and make all of your plans succeed.
Psalm 20:4

Keep your eyes on Jesus. Stay in the His will and let His spirit guide you-- no matter what- you will be successful!! Love you!