Sweet Moments

{CW} 1 year old!!

2012-02-02T12:20:00.000-08:00

This little guy is one! He is on the go...a mover and a shaker...and definitely know what he wants! I can't imagine how tired his Mama is...I got a great workout, just keeping up with him for a few pictures!!

What a sweet boy you are...it has been so fun to watch you grow and change over the past year! Your Mom and Dad have so much to look forward to!

{Grandmothers}

2011-12-30T21:43:00.000-08:00

This little guy has some amazing women in his life...two of which traveled a very long way to come and meet him!

It was a privelege to not only meet these proud Grandmothers, but to have a very brief photo op with them!

{S&S} Sneak Peek!

2011-12-30T21:37:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous winter day in the South + super cute kids (and parents) = great pictures!! That about sums up today's session with this sweet family!!

Newborn {VHM}

2011-12-21T13:45:00.000-08:00

Today this little guy had his "official" newborn photo session. If he had known what that had really meant for him, he might have tried to convince Mom and Dad to cancel! Being swaddled, unswaddled, stripped down, and pacifier given and taken away isn't really a great time for a newborn. This sweetie did great with minimal complaining! There wasn't much actual sleeping happening, but we still managed to get some great shots!

I loved this quote that is up on their wall...."this day" certainly holds a "miracle" in the form of this precious baby!

There is something so special about a father's love, maybe because it shows us a small glimpse of our heavenly Father's love for us...

He is completely oblivious to the hustle and bustle of the season...if only we all could be this relaxed just a few days before Christmas!

Thanks to Mom and Dad for letting me catch some sweet moments of this little guy! Enjoy a special Christmas with the most amazing gift of all...a true miracle!!

Babysitting...{V}

2011-12-18T18:32:00.001-08:00

I had the honor of babysitting this little 3 day old today while his tired Mommy and Daddy grabbed a nap! I couldn't resist myself...

Welcome to the world, Little One. What a special season to arrive! I am looking forward to our official photo shoot next week!!

{H} Sneak Peak

2011-12-18T17:59:00.000-08:00

What a handsome young man this guy is....not to mention a gentleman!

He was very excited to show his LSU Tigers pride...sporting his new shirt!

He is sure to make his Mama very proud someday!!

D&A {preview}

2011-12-08T19:33:00.000-08:00

It was chilly (Louisiana chilly)...but this brother and sister sure handled the cold with flying colors!

Thanks you two for being such troopers!!

J&J Family {Sneak Peek} plus Grandparents

2011-11-21T10:34:00.000-08:00

It's not very often that Grandma and Grandpa get to come visit...just in time for family pictures. When you live far away from family these times are such a blessing. I am thankful I was able to be a part of it.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! I hope your time together is blessed!!

M&B{Sneak Peek}

2011-11-13T20:55:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful day here today...another perfect day for pictures of a beautiful family (inside and out)!

Thanks M&B!! I loved taking pictures of you all today! Thanks for being willing to face the wind, and for giving up some valuable Sunday football time!!

Baby J

2011-11-13T20:06:00.001-08:00

Thanks to a lost camera, I didn't have the opportunity to sneak any pictures of this little guy until now! What a sweetie...full of rolls, big blue eyes, and happy as can be!

{Sneak Peek} R family...x2

2011-11-07T05:54:00.001-08:00

This is the second time this family has trusted me with their holiday photos. It's amazing how kids change in just one year...more or less teeth, taller, and even different personalities.

Despite the dozen other photographers in a very small area it was a great session! Thanks R family...enjoy your sneak peek...more photos to come!

The "D" Family...

2011-11-05T20:34:00.000-07:00

I had amazing November weather, beautiful scenery, and a very easy going family to photograph today! Not only is this a beautiful family...but it includes our favorite babysitter!!

They've been married 20 years! May God bless you with many more!

She's babysat Paige since she was a newborn, now Paige runs for her when she walks in the door! I LOVE it!

A little Daddy time is never a bad thing!!

Thanks for allowing me to capture some family moments...and thanks for your sweet friendship!

"C" family {Sneak Peek}

2011-11-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful photo session this morning with a great family. An amazing location like this isn't quite amazing without a beautiful family to go with it! Thanks so much "C" family for the opportunity to catch some family moments with you!

My Babies...

2011-10-22T18:07:00.001-07:00

It's not every day that a large dump truck and bulldozer get dropped practically in your back yard! Unfortunately for the kiddos it meant and impromptu photo session!

My babies are growing up!! It is almost impossible to get a shot with all of them looking at the camera...but I suppose really these types of results are my favorite, because they are real!!

She loved this truck as much as her brothers did!

She was playing with me!!

I love all of my kiddos...but my baby boy is just so sweet right now! Man I love him!!

Blue Eyes...

2011-10-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

Seems like just yesterday I was taking newborn pictures of this little guy....look at him now!

And Yes...those blue eyes are REAL!! Amazing!!

Making his soccer Momma proud...

I'm so glad that I can be close and watch this little guy grow!

A Favorite Wyoming Family...

2011-07-30T18:33:00.001-07:00

I have a soft spot in my heart for Wyoming! Maybe it's because it was our first "official" move, maybe it's because two of my children were born there, maybe it's beautiful scenery, or maybe (likely) it's because of our lifetime friends that are there!

Once a year I get the chance to photograph these growing kids, and every year I am amazed at how much more beautiful they become...inside and out!!

Thanks for another wonderful and refreshing visit!! We can't wait to see you again!

Best Friends...

2011-06-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

So we have been best friends since 9th grade study hall. I would have laughed if you would have told me then that some 20 odd years later I would be taking pictures of her beautiful family. But here we are...and I'm so thankful I had an opportunity to take these pictures!

Here's to another 20+ years of friendship...

Boys will be Boys...

2011-06-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

Remember the beautiful mother I posted pics of last week? I spent a bit of time with her 5 boys...hoping to capture some of that "boy"ness. I experience a lot of this on a day to day basis in my home...but these boys take busy to another level!!

I hope I get to photograph boy #6...

C Family....maternity

2011-05-30T17:35:00.000-07:00

With each move, the Lord places special families in our lives - which is what this family is! What a blessing it has been to get to know them and their 5 boys...with boy number 6 on the way!!

We can't wait to meet this new little blessing!!

3 Months...

2011-05-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

Just a few short months ago this little blue eyed boy entered the world. There's not a photographer in this world that wouldn't want to work with his huge blue eyes; and I'm not sure I did them justice!

It's hard to believe that our families met 7 1/2 years and 3 kids ago (4 for us)...it is just a blessing to live close and be able to watch our babies grow up together!

My Sweet Niece...

2011-03-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

This little sweetie is one of my nieces! The last time I had seen her, she was just a baby, so it took us a little while to be on speaking terms; but she did dress up and let me take a few pictures!!

Can't wait to see you again this summer sweetie!!

Hats...

2011-03-01T08:03:00.000-08:00

I found these really cute little crocheted hats on Etsy! This was one of my favorites...and especially cute on this little guy!!

My Girl!

2011-02-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

I have been eying the sunlight in my front room for a while now, thinking that it would be great for pictures...today my sweet baby was my target today!

This hat was just too cute for me to resist! She's not too sure about it, after about 5 minutes she starts tugging on the flower! If she knew how cute she was, she would understand!

Sisters...

2011-02-25T20:30:00.000-08:00

Recently I was able to visit my younger sister...and meet her new little one! Time for us to be together is few and far between, so I was so excited to have some time to do just that...be together.

Thanks Erin for a wonderful visit. I really enjoyed getting re-acquainted with the girls...and cuddling Carson! Can't wait to see you all again soon!!

Pure Sweetness...

2011-02-05T12:34:00.000-08:00

I was hoping to get some shots of this little guy when he was just a couple of days old, but thanks to the nasty Flu bug, he is now eleven days old!! He couldn't be more precious; and I don't think I have ever seen so much hair...except when his brother was a baby!

Maternity peek

2011-01-10T05:44:00.000-08:00

It is always fun to have a chance to do something new...especially when it involves friends...and the anticipation of new life!!

What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon...Amanda you are beautiful! Thanks for being good sports...and letting me practice with you! What a blessing to share this time in your life with you!! Can't wait to meet this little one!!

The R Family {sneak peek}

2010-11-21T19:31:00.000-08:00

I had such a fun time playing photographer this weekend. It's been a while since I taken family pictures of anyone...since September to be exact. So I was especially excited to take these pictures for some new friends of ours! There couldn't be a pretty spot then this...small waterfalls...trees...ponds...bridges... and just a little bit of sun. It also helps to have a very photogenic family!!

W and G

2010-11-18T19:27:00.000-08:00

I had the chance to take some pictures of some long time friends...hard to believe I have known these kiddos since they were born...and very thankful to be stationed in the same place - at least for a couple of years?

I will be so excited to take more pictures of these two...especially when their new baby brother or sister arrive!!

A few minutes with the M Family

2010-03-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

It's easy in the midst of our busy lives to forget that we have soldiers in harm's way! Spending a few minutes with this family just a couple days prior to deployment brought this back to the forefront of my mind. Let's remember families like this all over the country who are daily sacrificing for our country, and keep them in our prayers!

Thanks M family for your sacrifice...May God truly bless you with peace and comfort until you are back together again!!

First Time Newborn Session...Baby T

2009-11-24T19:15:00.000-08:00

Just a few days ago, I had the honor of taking some newborn photos for a friend. I had a great plan in mind, had thoroughly envisioned how the morning would go - it was nothing like I had pictured. As delightful as it was, I now have a new found respect for Newborn Photographers. Getting the perfect cuddly poses is definitely a talent and a learned art!

(On a side note, if the color of these pictures is way off, I am on the road and editing on a lap top - I may have to make some changes when I get home).

This little guy was so sweet, cuddly, and handsome especially with his full head of hair!

And just for fun Big Brother T decided to let me take some picutres of him too. He wouldn't change into his blue jeans and nice shirt, nor would he pose with Baby T, but he had no problems posing for me!

I couldn't resist trying to get a shot of his beautiful long lashes!!

Thanks Barbara for giving me this opportunity! I hope your husband can enjoy these photos too...please tell him thanks for his service and sacrifice!! I can imagine he can hardly wait to hold his boys again soon!!

A Quick Look for you...

2009-10-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to take pictures of this beautiful family. The kids were great - being willing to try everything I was asking! A warm day, the leaves, a tire swing, an old bench, and a big back yard made for a perfect combination. I had a great time experimenting, and they seemed to enjoy it as well!

I hope you enjoyed this quick peek!

Let's Remember...

2009-09-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

Certainly this is a day to remember...

...especially those men and women who have given their lives for our country!

Three Handsome Boys...

2009-09-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a while since I have purposely set out to take pictures of my boys...here are a couple of my most recent shots. Z is especially difficult because the minute he sees the camera he puts on his cheesiest grin...

Is it just me or are these guys the cutest little boys you've ever seen!!

Wyoming kids...

2009-08-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

There is definitely something to be said about an open field, an old farm truck, and some CUTE kids! These kiddos put up with me and my "just for fun" hobby for a couple of days in a row...poor kids!! The sun was really bright, and I didn't not until afterward that I didn't pay any attention to the shadows their glasses were making...oops...a good lesson for me!

The Lord's Beauty...

2009-08-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

There are so many things around us that are beautiful...the Wyoming sunset is one of those. We spent the weekend on the Wyoming prairie with some friends...I spent a lot of time playing with my camera!

Trying to catch a little sun glare...

"Men are nuever duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their insignificance, until they have contrasted themselves with the majest of God." - R.C. Sproul

Baby of the Family...

2009-08-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

My youngest sister has this sweet little baby...

Nieces...

2009-08-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

On my recent trip out to Oregon to visit my family, I was able to get a few photos of one of my sisters and her children...

My little sister and her husband

They are such little sweeties...I wish that my boys could grow up next to them, but for now we will have to settle for once a year visits!!

Sneak Peak...

2009-05-30T16:09:00.000-07:00

Today I was able to take a few pictures of these cuties. The cute little southern bell, is Zach's preschool sweetheart (you can see why!)

Enjoy your sneak peek Katie, I certainly enjoyed chasing after your kiddos!

While the Cat is Away...

2009-05-27T16:05:00.000-07:00

While the Cat's away, the mice will play right?? I'm the mouse this weekend with Justin gone and the boys in bed, I have nothing to do (except housework) besides play with my blog, my camera, and my 30 day trial of Photoshop Elements. I will apologize in advance for you having to endure this with me.

1. Blog: Notice the bigger pictures. I have been wondering for quite some time how to load bigger pictures on our site. I suppose that I assumed I would be smart enough to figure this out on my own, however after attempting on my own, I resorted to google, and found this link very helpful! Thank you Blue Orchid Blog for your help!

2. Camera: My $25 garage sale lens just came back from the shop. I guess I didn't really get duped, but it did need some work. So I called up a willing friend of mine to see if I could try it out on her kiddos - the weather was perfect...so I couldn't resist! The results were so so, the pictures weren't as crisp and clear as I would have liked - so I will blame it on the lens, not on the picture taker!! The fun part was some of the old historic down town scenery (I'll show you those later)Here are a couple basic shots.

3. Photoshop Elements...wow! It is certainly addicting and I am only using the 30 day trial (26 days now to be exact). Paired up with this great tutorial blog with free actions to use, I played into the late night hours adding some action to my photos. Here is some Honey Retro Action...check these fun one's out!

If you have made it all the way to the end of this post, I appreciate your dedication! "The Cat" will only be gone for a couple more days, so I plan on getting absolutely nothing done in the house...having lots of fun with the kids...and continuing to play with my blog, camera, and PSE!! I suppose I do need to at least feed the children...

Thanks Griffin kiddos for being willing to put up with me and my crazy antics - I hope your mom rewarded you with some icecream or something!!

The G Family...

2009-05-14T16:02:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts about Justin coming here to school is that we have met up with many old friends and have made wonderful new friends. Justin's friendship with this special family goes back to the AF Academy days...and I was blessed to get to join in the friendship this year! Our kiddos have become playmates; and despite the fact that in just a few short weeks we will be on to new homes and new adventures, I know we will be friends for life!

This passed week I was honored to be able to take a few pictures for them.

Thanks for a wonderful friendship...and as you walk into this next crazy and difficult adventure you will be in our thoughts and prayers often! We look forward to a time when we are close again!

First time...

2009-05-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

This past week a friend of mine asked me to take some pictures of her children. I love taking pictures, but I have never entertained the thought of taking pictures of anyone except my own children. I said yes, but was a bit nervous about the whole deal - "No pressure" she said, she just didn't want to take them all in to the photography studio and she wanted something simple. What surprised me about this whole experience is how much fun I had (despite the fact that Eli clung to my leg and cried for most of it!) I wanted to share a few of my favorites. To my photography friends out there, I would LOVE some feedback and tips as well!

Thanks S family for letting me use your family to learn from!