He's the reason

I found myself getting all worked up as many of us do going into the holidays. Then I remembered I had just taken pictures of my nativity and reminded myself that it isn't about me. It isn't even about gifts. It's about celebrating the birth of Christ. I hope you take time to enjoy the holidays and the precious time with your families. Merry Christmas!

Hugs

I am so glad my friend has sent out her Christmas cards. I snapped this one and think it is hilarious. I mean we have all felt this way getting a hug from someone, but I love her son's expression. So cute!

I'm not a fan of cancer

We were stunned this year when my aunt learned that she had breast cancer. Cancer is such a scary word and something no one wants to imagine in their family. The worst part was that her family had moved to another state and none of our family was close. We just came back from a visit, which was so good for all of us.

For all women, listen to your doctors. Perform self exams and also, be sure to get your mammograms.



If you look closely you will see the outline of their hair makes the shape of a heart. I love it. It wasn't intentional, but I noticed it when I was editing the picture.

They grow up too fast

I went to visit my aunt in Washington and got to see my two cousins. They have grown so much in the two years since I last saw them. They are gorgeous teenagers now. I love these girls dearly and hope they move closer soon, or at least somewhere warmer. It was seriously 30 degrees before the wind chill when I took these pictures!

Reece (5 days old)

I love getting my newborn fix! This little guy wanted to stay awake. It almost got to be a stare down with my camera. I joked with my friend that if you saw my blog and my website that you would think this is easy. Newborn photography is definitely work, but the rewards are awesome!

My brother's family

This is my brother's family. My gorgeous little nephew, like my brother, has amazingly long and thick eyelashes. I like to joke that I got the brains and my brother got the dimples. The truth is, I love my brother dearly and was so glad to capture a great image of him and his family.

Thanksgiving

I have to say it is very interesting to have a blog and not know who is reading it. I have zero comments on my blog and two followers, so I really have no idea who reads my posts! For those people who know me aside from my photography, it is a huge leap for me to get much out there. I am a pretty private person. I am going to share a little more than I am used to, but it is important to give thanks.

One year ago I would have laughed at anyone who told me that I would be taking pictures. It was a hobby that was supposed to save me money. I just can't say no to pictures of my children.

I took a chance on a workshop that inspired me. Thank you to my family and friends who have supported my dream. I have a friend who gave me a buddy pass to fly to the workshop. I have a friend who let me experiment on her child, before and after the workshop. I have numerous friends who have encouraged me, and continue to do so. My clients have all been referrals as I have done no advertising. I have parents who have always encouraged me and who might be my biggest fans. I have a loving husband who has tolerated all my hours of editing and watched both kids during my shoots. That is a lot of love, people! I also have an amazing God who has given me this ability. I said a quiet prayer once about what gifts I wasn't using. Did you know he hears those prayers, too?

My work will be slowing down. I am not taking new appointments for the rest of the year. I have a few stragglers that I will be doing, but my volume is slowing down. It is the holidays and my time with my family cannot be replaced. Of course, I cannot do a post without pictures. Here are two pictures of my children. I tried to get one of them together, but my children are my most difficult clients. I love them dearly but at this age I shouldn't even try!

The C Family

Another gorgeous family at my favorite new spot. The kids switched roles-the normally photo-ready daughter played shy while brother took her place playing it up for the camera. It's okay--she redeemed herself with this cute smile at the end!

The strongest baby ever!

You might remember my urban/country maternity session. This is the fiesty little guy that was in mommy's belly. He is seriously my strongest baby to date, but that little smile made it all worth it!

Party of Five

I snapped some individual pictures of the kids on my family shoot this weekend. I let each of them pick their pose. They were sweet kids and definitely had their own personalities!

The large "D" Family

I'm not going to lie. I got the e-mail inquiry and the nice woman asked if I could do family portraits with five kids and I almost acted like I didn't get it. Seriously, five kids looking in the same direction and hopefully smiling is a lot to ask. It's a Christmas miracle! It got on camera!

The "F" Family

I had two family sessions today at a gorgeous preserve. This family was so laid back and we had a great session. The son was so great and who is not going to fall in love with those blue eyes. He was playing coy, but I think I like it!

basket full of cute, Camilla (3 months)

I love starting out my morning with a basket full of cute. This baby has the best cheeks! I sure miss having a chubby baby!

The M Girls

I have been a bad friend and am just now getting these pictures ready for my friends. Little sister is almost the spitting image of her older sister at that age. I just love how she is smiling with her eyes.

Restful weekend

This weekend I enjoyed a nice break and spent some quality time with my kids. I love the fall in Dallas. We took a wagon ride and the kids played in the neighbor's leaves.

Beautiful girl alert!

This beautiful girl is a friend's baby. She wins a mega post because we had no biological incidents, plus I couldn't stop editing her pictures. I am love with this girl! My friend is already thinking Christmas, so we broke out the wreath to get us in the spirit!

The L family

Can you relate to being a mom and not being in any pictures with your kids? This session was all about mom and the kids. It was so awesome because the parents came with their own candy to bribe the kids. Love it!

The H Family

I changed things up and took some family pictures this weekend. I love the canals in Las Colinas. It is a beautiful backdrop for a beautiful family