Smart cookie!

I absolutely adore this beautiful little girl!! She is so smart! She would do just about anything I asked!! She listens far better than my 9 year old! =)

Her baby pictures were the first I ever did as a real "session"! It was too funny! The weather wasn't so great,so we used an old shop light with waxed paper draped over it for lighting (do not try this- big fire hazard)! She was just as stunning then as she is now! What is ironic is that she is the first session I took with my new camera!! -They were so patient while I tried to figure out all the new buttons-- for it is NOTHING like my old camera!

I did this session during my weekend in Jackson-- with a broken foot! I did my best to keep up with her! =) My sweet husband did a lot of the running around- and I must admit- some of these great shots are his! He had the old camera- and has an excellent eye for portraits!! So we teamed up on this one!!

I have MANY more shots that I adore-- I think I could have taken her pictures ALL day! She is precious!

Thanks, "J" for trusting me with these sweet memories!! You let me know when we can do it again!! By the way-- for your little project you talked to me about-- I looooove the umbrella shots- that was a cute idea!! =)

Promise of Joy:
I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalm 34:1
He is an awesome God- and has blessed us tremendously!!

Sneak Peek

Ok all you "junkies" out there hounding me about more pics-- here is a TINY sneak peek. =) I really would have done more- but with this new camera, the files are gigantic and has really s-l-o-w-e-d me down!! It has been frustrating- when you have a beautiful little model- I just can't wait to see them all myself!!

My new camera finally came in. I got the Canon 5D Mark II-- Wow!! It is pretty fantabulous! It even video records!! It is 21.1(can you believe??) megapixels and has an ISO of a monstrous 6400!!! Full HD! It is amazing!! I just have a lot of learning to do- AGAIN!!! But it is so much fun to see the great quality. With my 2.8L series lens- it is untouchable!

I want to give God the Glory for his wonderful work! I really question myself all the time about my direction in life. I want to stay in His will- and just keep moving forward- but I get that self-doubt that makes me second guess Him AND me. Well-- I had been really talking to Him seriously about whether He really wanted me in photography. I looove it, but I wanted to make sure. So I talked to Him and told him that I just can't afford all the stuff I know I am ready to upgrade t0 (that new camera, an external flash, the list goes on and on... Well-- He really poured his blessings on us and left me no doubt that I am doing what He wants me to do. So- He bought this camera for me --- we even literally got a big check from our insurance compnay that we have NEVER gotten before- it was just all strange-- more than this- but you get the picture~

He is such a REAL and awesome God- I really feel like we had a one on one conversation. He validates me and gives me Purpose. I give Him ALL the Glory- and am very thankful that He speaks to me.

So, I am up at midnight- AGAIN- bleary eyed- posting my one little picture-- to try to give Him my best-- you just get to benefit from it too!! HA! =)

That is just a tiny piece of my heart. I will tell you all about this little beauty when I get more of her pics ready!! I just love her!!

More to come...

C.I.A.- Children In Action

Here are a few snapshots of our children's group on Wednesday night. This is only part of the group- but I had camera with me and it was gorgeous outside, so I just could not resist! They are all so adorable and so much fun! They are all so different, and love each other! It is such a privilege to work with children in church!

Our Childrens Director 'FiFi' (who isn't pictured here) does such a fantastic job with them! They were swinging and quoting their scriptures. You can tell they really KNOW them- not just for the moment. I love that! I lover HER!

I love to hear my children talk about Jesus- and love it even more when they talk to Him! There is nothing sweeter to me! I am so thankful that God loves our children more than we even do! They pray for others for more than for themselves! I have seen many times when I know that their prayers truly made a difference!

And by the way--- that Yoga posed is not exactly taught at our church!! HA! Silly boys!!

Promise of Joy:
Raise your children in the discipline and counsel of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4

At Last... My Love Has Come Along ....

You know I have to post black and white shots with a wedding!! They just convey so much emotion to me!
I love these photographs. The top 2 are probably my favorite shots of the entire night!! This adoration is what I was writing about in the last post. You can just see it on their faces. Even in a room full of people, they seemed like they were all alone-- I bet they didn't feel all alone with me stalking them the way that I did!! =) HA!!

I will be posting these on the other site in a day or 2- so if you want to see the entire gallery then click on the NielsensFlash link over on the right and scroll down to the gallery that will say "H wedding". You can do this when any of the public galleries listed!

God Bless you in your marriage!!

Promise of Joy:
A wife of noble character is her husband's crown.
Proverbs 12:4

At Last... My Love Has Come Along...

This was one of the sweetest weddings ever. They played the song "At Last" for their first dance-- and it just seemed to fit them perfectly! They looked at each other so sweetly- and just seemed to radiate happiness!!
Thanks you so much, 'D' for trusting me to capture these very special memories! I wish you both many years of the kind of happiness you had this night!

Promise of Joy:
There are three things that remain--faith, hope, and love-- and the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13

Louisiana Delta Ballet Fund Raiser-- On the Bayou

I am thrilled to announce the fund raiser that I feel so honored to be participating in for The Louisiana Delta Ballet Company. I can not say thank you enough to MH and LM for referring me and to LP for always being a joy to be around!

This ballet company is truly extraordinary- and I have enjoyed watching their performances for the past few years since they have formed. I am in awe to how they can express in dance what others express in their music! So many songs have been truly "brought to life" for me through their performances! The one playing on my blog now- "Shackles" is one of those songs! I think of them everytime I hear this song!

Because I want to see them around for years to come-- I want everyone to put forth an effort to give them our support! I have taught several girls that I feel have been molded and greatly influenced by this company, and I want more girls to have these wonderful opportunities!

Saturday, May 2nd I will be taking pictures on the bayou in "mini sessions" that LA Delta Ballet company will be selling. All of the money collected for these sessions will be donated to the ballet company. I will have some specially priced packages that you can purchase AFTER you proof them on your free, password protected, online gallery!

I don't have all of the information yet-- but I wanted to let you mark your calendars for this time! This is a great offer for a quick, fun way to capture your memories, and support a great organization!

Stay posted here for more information about this!!! =) I can't wait!!

Promise of Joy:
To everything there is a season, and a time to every person under heaven:
A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.
Ecclesiastes 3:1&4

Nerf War!!!

M's birthday party was a huge Nerf war in the freezing weather!!Lots of boys and girls came out to shoot each other up! They had a great time! I am surprised they weren't all sick after this- it was so, so, soooooo cold!!

Then they all went to our house afterward for pizza and to spend the night! Yes, I said all and spend the night!! It was wild- and yes I am crazy!

Actually, they were all very, very good and it was a lot of fun! I think we wore them out at the park, because at 10:00 they were more than willing to lay down and watch a movie!

I am still in shock that he is 9!! But we had fun- we must do this again sometime- I may need to get my OWN gun!!! =)

Oh-- and if you are wondering about the AC/DC music: it was his choice for his blog- thanks to guitar hero!!

Promise of Joy:
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17

I am so thankful that HB has a big brother like M. They have their moments, but for the most part they play so well together, and giggle until their sides hurt! They always make me smile!! =)

Has it really been 15 YEARS??!!!??

They say time flies when you're having fun! Well, we are, and it does!!! =)

I really can not believe that we have been married 15 years!! That means, counting our dating years, we have been together for 21 years!! (I was only 5 when we started dating-- ha ha!!) Actually, I was 14! We were WAY back high school sweethearts!! It was sort of off and on in the beginning- being that I wasn't really allowed to talk to boys on the phone and most were deathly afraid to come to my house (thanks, Dad!)- and going out was out of the question- I use the term "dating" VERY loosely!! =)

Recently B was asked to speak on a Sunday at church (those of you that know him KNOW how difficult that is for him). Anyway, somewhere in there he so sweetly said that I am his "backbone". (Yes, I was wiping my eyes)-- but I want to tell you that he is my right arm-- and ladies, you know that to a woman, that is an even more important body part!! HA! =) His help is invaluable to me. He is the absolute best father that I have ever even heard of- hands down. If I had to go away for a month- he could so easily step in and take care of them and they really wouldn't miss a beat (as long as they didn't have dr appointments or birthday parties!!- that is a running joke around here =)

I won't go on and on... although I could. I will suffice it to say that God created him as a perfect match for me. I still know that he is the kindest, most generous and helpful man I know-- and MANY could give witness to this-- he REALLY has spent an extra 30 minutes in the mall parking lot (Belk to be precise) just so he could walk elderly women to their cars under his umbrella when it began to rain unexpectedly!! I sat and sat in the car and just admired his warm spirit-- and cried a little then too. We have been together that long, and I honestly have not seen a negative side to him! I thank God for the heart that He created in him and the spirit only He can give.

** By the way--- the song playing now is fom our wedding!! Awww! =)

So- Happy anniversary (on the 5th) and Happy Birthday (on the 8th) to Gods most precious gift to me and our children. We love you "more than the stars!!"

** If you see him, be sure to ask him if he's looked at my blog- I am not telling him it's on here! =)

Promise of Joy:
Let marriage be held in honor (esteemed worthy, precious, of great price and especially dear) in all things.
Hebrews 13:4

Something new...

New edit

Old edit

I am trying a new photo program (well, actually one I was always afraid to use- it's so complicated-- but I have had it a while)... so please be patient with me and whatever pictures end up here. I made some adjustments on one of 'M's skateboard pictures-- let me know how ya like it...

The top picture is with the "new" program- the bottom is the editing I have been doing. Can you tell the difference?? Is it better to you? Is it worth the effort that it takes- it takes about 3 times longer at this point- because I am still learning the buttons! And I know I still have some playing to do to smooth it out some-- Let me know!!

I know it has been a week since I have posted- so sorry to you "stalkers" out there!=) But I have been taking a crash course in this software-- reading like for hours and experimenting half the night-- just for you! I am hoping to get a few more editing tools under my belt! That is a really fun part for- me sooo time consuming!!

Keep on the look out- I have a wedding this weekend and LOTS of appointments coming up-- so this site will be pretty busy!

Comment for me and let me know what you like- and nicely let me know what you don't like=) Just sign in as anonymous, then sign your name after your comment- and it is actually quite easy!

*** If you know anyone that wants a spring appointment-- tell them to please contact me now-- I am booked pretty far in advance right now. Email or call =)

Guess who is turning 9!!!

I can not believe that my little man is turning 9!!! Time really does fly by!!! We were married 6 years before he came along-- I have no idea what we did with all that free time! =) Now we are "kid chasers"-- like the rest of you parents out there!

I am so proud of this little guy!! He is so smart and sweet- and just hilarious! He has the quirkiest little personality ever!! He has no self esteem issues- he doesn't care what everyone else is doing- he is doing what HE wants to do! He cracks me up!!

He has a strong faith in God and was actually saved and baptized at just 6 years old. He says the sweetest, most heartfelt prayers and is really learning to trust in God to help him with his decisions and how to live his life. It is an awesome process to witness. I thank God for this wonderful privilege and for helping me with this responsibility.

For his birthday he wanted a rip stick. When we got to the store to buy it, he couldn't even get up on it. In these pictures a whole 10 minutes later, he is really riding it! Wow!! He picks things up FAST!! Today (that was yesterday) he is riding and even turning on it. I won't even touch that thing- I value all of my body parts-- and you KNOW I'd be the 1st with another broken bone!!

Happy Birthday, M--- thanks for being you and making me the proudest Mom in the world!!!