Santa is on His Way

This past week I was driving through a neighborhood and saw some of Santa's spies lurking around San Antonio. I know they are spying and trying to find out if we have been naughty or nice. I personally think that I have been nice..."Santa, did you hear that?". In San Antonio, we have white tail deer everywhere, in fact some San Antonian's hate them because they eat up all vegetation. My yard is deer free thanks to our neighborhood brick wall and gate (if deer want to get in they have to punch in a code ;)

However, I am willing to give the code...if they are working for Santa.

A Treasure

A treasure can take many forms. This past week I have found many treasures. Unexpectently, I had to go back "home" to New Mexico this past week to be with family. My dear aunt Dodie was diagnosed with Renal Cell Carcinoma and immediately left our arms for the arms of our Lord. She is a treasure.

The love my dad has for this person... his sister, his friend, and in sorts, his mother figure, compares to none. The love they shared is a treasure.

The warm welcoming and love my aunts, uncles, grandpa, cousins, and wela bestowed upon me was so genuine. It seemed as if time has stood still for the last 20 years, as if I had never left. That is a treasure.

The warmth of my grandma's hand and the smell of her beautiful jet black hair as she lay and take a nap. Her small body and big heart is such a treasure.

The pictures that had been tucked away in a box that I never knew existed, is a treasure. My dad realized that I have become a photographer/historian. I realize that time stops for nobody and all we have are those precious preserved memories. I think that is why I am such a perfectionist when it comes to my photography work, because I want my clients to embrace those memories and leave a legacy or a "treasure" for the day that one realizes that time can stop if you allow it....in a magical portrait image. The pictures shared with me this past week, are a treasure. This picture is a tribute to my aunt Dodie, who helped teach me the importance of family, love, and God. You are a treasure in my heart and I will miss you.

A picture taken, in my grandmother's writing..... "Christmas Eve, December 24, 1955". I am a better person because of you.... grandma....grandpa....dad....doy....and lando..... each of you are my treasure.

Special Heart Footprints

Great friends happen to come into our lives every now and then.  They tend to leave a special imprint on our hearts that last forever.  This year marks the 18th year of having a special person like that in my life, she is my best friend.  We have lived through final exams, mud puppy, lamprey, cat, and shark dissections in college, marriage, divorce, graduate school, childbirth, etc.  We have shared so much with one another.  We are alike, yet so different.  I love that in my friends.  They help complete who I am as a human being,  they give me that "something" that the good Lord did not provide in me.  Allison....thank you for taking time out of your life to come visit me this past week and add you dash of "life spice" to mine.  Together we are quite the recipe.  

Santa's Little Helper

Christmas photo sessions are well underway, in fact, only 2 more weekends of photoshoots left. Oh, yeah, and I guess I should fit my family and my camera self timer in to take our own Christmas card...dang...forgot all about that. Thanks for the reminder dear bloggie.

This little angel was a favorite. She is super duper cute and her sister, mommy, and daddy are just as gorgeous. This little one was so easy going and let me snap as many pictures of her as I wanted, ummmmm....I love it. Mom and dad were so easy going with their kiddos, truly an amazing family. Thanks Reifenberg family for letting me capture some images for you and your angels who could easily be Santa's little helpers, they are so dang cute in their red holiday dresses!

Bye....Bye...Birdie

Another day to give "Thanks" has passed us by. All day I talked about how many blessings I have in my life... my family, my friends, my job, my new found friends/clients, my internet friends (i.e.  momology) , the blogs I like to stalk (Jasmine Star), my MAC and even my other MAC, my health, my.... the list goes on and on. As I get older I am more aware of how thankful we should be for everything, things I always took for granted.

This Thanksgiving was wonderful because we had family and long time friends visit. I cooked up a turkey feast for my visiting queens and kings. I hope they enjoyed. For a first time this year I used one of those "turkey bags" and yum-to-the-O. Delish! The little guy even browned in the bag!

So this is what is left after the pumpkin and pecan pie is gone and all the turkey taquitos were made the following day.... bye bye mister birdie...until next year.

I hope your family had a wonderful and blessed feast!

I Met a Super Mommy

Jenny called and wanted some portraits made of her little ones. Come to find out we are almost neighbors and our kiddos go to the most awesome school district in San Antonio, NEISD. I had no clue that all four of them (and of course the parents) were so stinkin' cute! The kiddos were super fun to be around. They invited me to play with them on their swing set, trampoline, and in the grass. Each kid was so different, but yet the love they had for one another was so alike. At the end of the shoot they still had a ton of energy to go play soccer. Mom was so easy going, beautiful, and seemed so organized and "put together". Now that is a super-MOM! Jenny, thank you for letting me capture some memories of your kiddos, I loved it! And kiddos, thanks for letting me play!

Fall in South Texas

I often think about the cool breeze (sometimes freakin' freezing cold wind) that the Carolina's would bring to my skin. I loved the season wearing of a nice fluffy scarf, wool jacket and maybe even some ear muffs as I would pack my teacher bag full of graded lab reports and projects and head out the door to my wonderful "Tiger land" (our mascot was a tiger). I loved so many things about North Carolina that I was sad so many times... I missed my classroom, my friends, my house, my neighbors, my dirt that did not consist of limestone rock. Well finally this past weekend I got my fix of what was a glimpse of the color changes that I would see in NC....right here in my backyard at the Guadalupe River. I went up the road a bit to our nature river and captured this. My little North Carolina born angel playing in a fall background...it takes me back 4 years ago...ummmm....my fix.

I am a Failure, and I Love It!

One of my "favorite-est" photographers in the whole-wide-world is Jasmine. I swear she is a picture taking genius. She recently posted something so near and dear to my heart. Every single day I think about becoming better... a better wife, a better mom, a better sister, a better daughter, a better photographer. Sometimes I get so frustrated because an image I knew I had, turned out to be a Crap Shoot because my ISO was not perfect, or my Shutter speed was too low, or this or that...what Jasmine shared made me realize that the skills we do have are because of failures. We have to fail to succeed...does that make sense?

So on the spur of the moment, my friend gave me a tangerine off her tangerine tree (she spoils me every fall) and I snapped an impromptu pic...kinda crapshoot, terrible composition, but heck, practice might lead to greatness!

Where the Heck Have I Been...

Okay, the last month of my life has been a tornado. I have been so busy, in fact a couple of times I felt to busy to breathe. You see my wonderful Army hubby had to leave us for the last two months to venture off to Army land. So it has been me the not-always- super- mommy who I so wish I was. But, to say the least, I survived. Heck, we survived...the kidlet, the fish, the canaries, the dogs, and the squirrels (yes I am a nature and animal girl).

So I have been super swamped with Christmas shoots a couple of quinceaneras and October weddings. I am trying so hard to schedule everything before the second week in December, but I booked up so fast, I had some fall over and am having to now go into December week #2. I love meeting so many great people in fact I wonder where some have been my whole life. Love it and love them!

I have a ton to post, but will post this little cutie as her first birthday was about a month ago :} Her mommy got the proofs a while back, but Baby Davis is just way to cute to pass up this blog!

PS...those of you who are still wanting to book your Christmas session, I have a two more spots available this weekend at the McNay Art Museum and 3 slots available next weekend. Please call me as soon as possible, because these will go fast. What a bargain....25 Customized Holiday Cards and 1 High Resolution Image! Wow! Woohooo...bring on Santa!

Holiday...Holiday...Read all About It!

Several people have been asking me to have a Christmas card/photoshoot/extravaganza  and although I had to think long and hard about it, I aim to please and have given in.  Yea, Yea, I am excited as ever to have days scheduled to meet friends (old and new) and take some great fall/winter shots for them and their families.  I have created some really cool cards, with the help of a few friends and photoshop :) I tried to create something for everyone.  

There are a couple I really like for our own family, but have yet to decide.  Heck, who am I foolin' I can only dream to actually take a family portrait of my own family.  Pretty pathetic that the plumber has plumbing problems, the electrician has electricity problems, and the photographer has some problems of updated portraits hanging on their own walls.  

So here is to you friends....cheers!   Book your session soon, I sent out emails only today and have already received a ton of calls.  Busy November in store for me!  Sounds like super-duper fun!

Here is the Info:

Now is the perfect time to book your family's Holiday Portraits in  
San Antonio!  I am offering an annual one time super sale event

(only $125) to assist you in sharing well wishes with friends and family.

For a few select days I will offer you and yours the following:

20 minute photo-session (at a preferred location)
25 Custom Designed Holiday Cards (several designs to choose from... see below)
Online viewing gallery (3-5 images)for you to share with family and

friends
1  High resolution image for your own printing needs

*For each family/friend you refer for a session booking, you will  
receive a FREE 1/2 unit print (8 wallets or 5X7 or 2-4X6).  Therefore,  share this email and have them share you name!
  =================================================
Days and times are limited and thus encourage you to book your session  
today!

November 1:  Friedrich Wilderness Park
November 15: San Antonio Missions
November 22: McNay Art Museum (addition $10 fee applies)
December 6:  Japanese Sunken Garden
  =================================================
*At least 50% payment must be made at time of booking
*Groups larger than 6 will have additional fees

*No additional discounts apply

  210.497.2732          www.cherishphotography.org                gina@cherishphotography.org
======================

    Card samples below are numbered for your ordering ease.  The top half of the image is the front of the card and the bottom half is the back of the card.  

My Favorite Baby

And she is not even mine! This little one had a scary early start, but now at a whopping 1 year old (it is official) she is the happiest and healthiest baby. This angel belongs to one of my best friends and I feel so fortunate that Kelly and John have always let me capture images of there little angel. If you remember, Kelly inspired me to start my business many moons ago and totally believes in me. I just love her being my cheerleader. There are so many days (more often than not) that I need a little shove and/or encouragement.

The little 1 year old angel, Davis, has got to be the best baby ever. I gave Kelly one of my favorite books when she was pregant The Baby Whisperer and being a new mommy she actually read it and followed some of the tidbits, it obviously worked because Davis is a dream (or maybe it is just that Kelly is an awesome mommy). Davis goes night-night at a decent time (has slept all night for the longest time) to allow for mommy to have some downtime or cross a few things off the to-do list. I don't think I have ever heard this little munchkin cry or be grouchy. She really is the best baby ever. I loved taking her 1st Birthday portrais, Lissy and I loved her 1st Birthday party, and I love her. My favorite little munchin.

A Birthday Party for a 15 Year Old Princess

Her special birthday party is in less than a than week. It is a birthday party customized for a special girl, maybe even suitable for a princess. Her parents have adorned her with a celebration day of fun, friends, and family. Here in south Texas and my native homeland of New Mexico, we call these extravagant parties a "Quinceanera". It is like a "coming out party/debut" for a 15 year old girl that is filled with tradition. It will be exciting to capture details of such a special birthday party!

We Have Lots to Learn from Children

This is my new found friend. She is as sweet as can be and does not love attention. What wonderful traits in the adult world. Here she sat waiting for her mommy and daddy to tell her what comes next in a photo shoot. I thought her position was precious and this was one of my favorite of the day.  Special thanks to her mommy and daddy for allowing me to capture some timeless images.  

Beautiful Bride

Way to often it is easy to find really nervous brides.   There is so much excitement in the air and anticipation of what life is about to bring.  Such a magical day is the day of the nuptials, I think I may have been one of those nervous brides.  One thing I had to learn really fast is ways to make the nervous beauties feel at ease in attempts to capture there true selves.  Kaylee made my job so easy.  

To say the least, Kaylee was so relaxed and so comfortable of her life-to-be.  I could feel it radiating from her soul that she was about to be one of the happiest brides ever.  I had such a fun time taking pictures of Kaylee.  She just let me take her and pose her however I asked and was fair game for it all.  I love her personality.  She is beautiful inside and out.  So many passerby's asked if she was taking pictures for a magazine, yep, she looked and acted like a pro model.  

I had to hide these images from her significant other, because the bridal beauty was keeping the dress a secret.  Sweet Kaylee and Gabe exchanged vows for one another last week in Padre..on the beach! ....so now I am able to share.  Congratulations to you both and many happy memories to come!

Here are a few of my favorites

Happy Birthday to My Favorite Rock-Star

Sometimes she pretends she is Sharpay or Gabriella (High School Musical) and sometimes it is Hannah Montana.  I don't mind because her imagination fascinates me.  I love it when I hear her thoughts as she pretends, it takes me on a journey with her and love the details that her little mind thinks up.  She is so creative and loves the arts.  She swears that she is going to be an artist when she grows up.  We of course encourage it as long as she is also a doctor, lawyer, brain surgeon, president of the United States, etc.  :)

Alyssa had her 7th birthday party this past week and this is the picture we used for her invitations.  Her party was of course "Rock Star" and all her friends that visited on her special day, quickly became rock stars as well...costumes, nail polish, jewels, and face paint (tatoos).  They even had rock star olympics that both her dad and I took part in.  It was lots of fun and a great way to spend the day with some imaginative friends.  

Happy Birthday, Sweetie.  We love you.

High School Seniors

Such a wonderful time in the life of an 18 year old. So many dreams and ideas are swirling around in their head. The sky is the limit and they are at the starting point. Funny how they are so sure about going to college and living on their "own" but really don't know where they are going nor what they are going to college for. I think that is okay. When I was a HS Science teacher I saw so many kids go to college and declare a major that mom or dad wanted and the kid did not enjoy nor embrace their hard work. Instead they became mixed up in the wrong crowd and not to savy of grades. Poor mom's and dad's....checks to higher ed down the drain. It is a lesson to put in your back pocket, never do what someone else thinks you should do, unless your own heart is in it (it seems to work out better that way).



This young man knows he is headed to college. On the day of this shoot, it started out as a family (of eleven) photoshoot. But turned out that he thought these images could be his "senior pictures". I was glad to deliver. He is from California and was on a short visit here in San Antonio with his family. Their only agenda in Texas on this warm sun soaked day was to go to church and to spend an afternoon with me and my camera. I am so blessed to have this California and Utah and Ft. Hood family as newly found friends. Each one of them are super gorgeous inside and out. Thanks for a great time and a warming of my soul.

And for my blogging friends.... I will post more of their images soon.

Are You My Age?

I am an 80's girl who listened to Aerosmith, Chaka Chan, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson, and yes... Milli Vanilli. Geez...I am so dating myself. My internet friend Matt shared this on his blog and I have been jammin' out all day. If you are in your 30's....late 30's go here, you will have a blast! It is so great I even shared it with friends from long ago at Roswell High School, Roswell NM (my Alma Mater) and got many emails back about our 20 year reunion....OMG! Has it really been that long?

Now go click on the blue "this"...you gotta do it....the jams will make your day!

It's all Fun and Games

This little cutie patootie did not want to have her picture taken. Sometimes I think God blesses me with such great "little" clients so that I can get my exercise by chasing the little munchkins around. This little girl was so adorable. Her red hair has got to be the most beautiful ever! As we played a game of hide and seek, I was able to catch her trying to be a little sneaky ducking down to hide. Ah, the joys of being 3 again...... And the joys of images we capture when people are just being themselves and having fun.

Kaylee + Gabe

Kaylee has asked for a sneak peek of some engagement portraits I did for her and Gabe. Here you go Kaylee.



This couple was so fun and they were so easy to work with. They let me position them anywhere I wanted at their special "Fuji location". So quick were they to play my reindeer games and shoot around a ton of bees, trot through water, climb hills, lay in dirt, and sit on rocks. My clients truly are the best (and to say the least...fun)!

Kaylee and Gabe have chosen to get married in South Padre. They have probably been planning their wedding for years, since they were high school sweethearts. I'm tellin' ya...the love is strong. The love they have for each other is what it takes to build years of a journey we call marriage.



We are doing Kaylee's bridal portraits in a few days and perhaps she will want another sneak peek, which translates to... I can share with you. Stay tuned.

I am

Thanks for a great memory Maile!

Tag and I am

I AM … a control freak who definitely has OCD
I WANT… to eat a ton of chocolate and have none of it go to my thighs
I HAVE … an addiction to hobbies
I KEEP... a nightlight on because I am afraid of the dark
I WISH I COULD … wear red high heels every single day
I HATE … having to go to bed at night
I FEAR … the day when my daughter does not want to snuggle
I HEAR … children as they play
I DON’T THINK … I can paint my toes as well as my pedicure lady
I REGRET … not painting my toes fire engine red last Saturday
I LOVE … when Chad sings me dumb songs
I AM NOT … ever going to pass up a massage from hubby
I DANCE … when no one is looking and when they are
I SING … to the Beastie Boys “Brass Monkey”
I NEVER … want to give up eating popcorn and milk duds (mixed together)
I RARELY … don’t want my husband to hold my hand
I CRY WHEN I WATCH … Gray’s Anatomy (ditto with Taunya)
I AM NOT ALWAYS … great with finding stuff in my messy purse
I HATE THAT … I hate to run
I’M CONFUSED ABOUT … how to not overheat my SB800
I NEED …. my husband’s love forever
I SHOULD … be a better friend

Now it is Your Turn... who are you?

Sweetness

The smell of butter cream frosting takes me back to that special day that I shared my forever words to Chad. My wedding day. For some reason there is nothing like the smell of a fantabulous wedding cake. The smell takes me back to yester-year.

As soon as I walked into Elm's Bake Shoppe, I knew that something wonderful was going on. Indeed, Sandy and George were eagerly baking treasures for upcoming brides and grooms. The scent of butter, cream, sugar, and sweet vanilla perfumed the air. Their cakes are absolutely scrumptious and look equally as great. Simply said, an edible sculpture of art. Here are some cakes they have prepared for some very special weddings.

Go.. Way...

I have come to realize that I will never have a blonde hair blue eyed munchkin. We just can't help it, Chad and I both have dark hair and eyes...well mine are practically black and his are green. Most I can hope for is the eyeball color of green. So, since I can't have a little blondie of my own, I find it so much fun when those special mommy's like Alexis allow me to spend some time with their angels. This little guy did not care to have his picture taken. It became a game of cat and mouse. I was the cat. He is super fast and fiesty. Every couple of steps he would say,"Go...way" (I am thinking that he wanted me to "Go AWAY". hehe.




Alexis your family was so much fun and so very nice. I was a beautiful day and the joy of having your family come together in San Antonio, just for portraits, was my joy. My best to you all, and thank you for sharing some family fun with me.

Olympics

Each day we can't wait to turn on the tube and see an Olympic event. It is amazing the determination and perseverance of so many athletes from around the world. I have to admit though, that I am probably like the rest of the nation and am a cheerleader for Michael Phelps. He is amazing and our household is in awe with this kid. His sleek nature and the way he glides through the water like a dolphin has us in awe. Alyssa has even vowed to pick up swimming lessons next week so that she can be just like him.

It was perfect timing that a Churchill High School mom asked me to do a photoshoot of her son while he was swimming. This kiddo is a Charger swim team member who allowed me for a short moment, to pretend to be an Olympic photographer. Haha! Have fun this school year Ian and I hope you like your swim pictures for the sports magazine at your high school! You were super sweet and quite a swimmer!

Family Love

Okay, so I am turning into a terrible blogger. Yes, I know. However, thank you to all my internet buddies who emailed me a hello and where in the h-e-double hockey sticks are you. Yes, sometimes I need a prod or two. I have been swamped with photoshoots and editing. It has been crazy good. I'm lovin' life meeting so many great people. When I started my business I honestly felt like my life became better because of my new found friends whom most call my clients. :)
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Sometimes I think we get so wrapped up in our jobs, hobbies, and personal enjoyment that we seem to forget about our extended families. No doubt it is so easy to get busy and forget to give a hug or an "I love you, dad". When I left this photoshoot with Gwen's family, I immediately got on the phone to give my mom a call and just see what she is doing. We ended up going to dinner with her that night and I made it a point to give a hug and an I love you.

Gwen's family is growing up and soon she will have no more children at home, but one thing is for sure, they absolutely love and respect their parents and the relationships between them. Thank you Gwen for letting me capture a few memories for you as your family came together from their many adventures called life.



Brothers and Sisters Make Life Grand

Where is that Wedding Dress? Humm....

So what is it with brides? Why do they always look so dang gorgeous! It does not matter what they are doing, they just look fantabulous. It almost makes me want to pull my dress out of that preservation box and just walk around....everywhere....in it. haha. That would be funny, considering it would probably be able to go up maybe one leg. haha! Um yeah, it is that baby-fat from 6 years ago, uh huh...that's it.

My new found client and friend braced the South Texas heat in her beautiful gown. I know she must have been super hot, because I was in shorts and a T-shirt and felt like I lost a few pounds from just being in that sauna we call San Antonio. But, when I downloaded her pictures from my camera, she looks like life is good, weather is good, and yep, she looks good. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding Cindy. You are a beautiful bride and I can't wait to capture the details of your wedding day!

Here are a few favorites from the day. Happy Day to You!

Bad...bad...me (hand-slap)

So many of you have been so nice sending me an email about where have I been. I finally have my life somewhat together today. I swear it is busy crazy. I would probably be in a looney-bin if I did not constantly have my "to-do" list by my side.

Today I did accomplish a lot! Yep, paid all the monthly bills, Lissy's tuition, bought some school clothes and supplies, edited a ton of pictures (of course this still is not done....Gwen...they are coming soon :), ordered a ton of prints for clients, went to a fantabulous photography workshop in Austin on Wednesday night...woohoo for my new found friends Ashley, Steve, Thao, Huyen, David Jay, and Jasmine. The workshop night was filled with several "OMAGOSH's" I know that is not a word, but my friends know I sometimes make up weird words. hehe.

So where am I today.... um.... I got a really cool lens to try out. Once I take some shots, I will post to see what you guys think. I am in the process of trying to work on "details" templates for an upcoming wedding I am doing. I found a great tutorial for it. It is super easy and captures lots of images in one location. If you go here... make something and share what you created, I would love to see it!

This is one I did:



Have a wonderful weekend! I will post more soon!

A Soul Mate

I could tell just by the way Alex would look at Michelle, that they were true soul mates. Their guests could only say great things about the love they shared for one another... 7 years of love bliss! Finally they tied the knot at one of the most beautiful venues in San Antonio. The ceremony was at a church in LaVillita They were able to greet their family and friends for a reception to remember at La Fontana Event Center (the owners are Nancy and Cesar and they will treat you like one of their own).

Teenagers

I have had my fix of teenagers, ahhhhhh. Being a HS Science teacher for 15 years makes you fall in love with the carefree nature of teenagers. They make me feel young again and like I actually know what is hip in the world, what is the coolest song out there, and for a few minutes I don't feel so ancient. I know some of you are saying (especially those of you who have teenagers) what....she actually "likes" their quirky ways at this awkward age? Yep, I do. Teenagers only care about having fun, laughing, and for this group, who I did some school pics for, cared about academics. I did not look at their report cards, but the way they presented themselves, talked, and behaved, I could tell they are scholars and superstar athletes. You have a month left kiddos of text messaging in the middle of the night, "no homework" passes, sleeping in late, and going to the movies at 9pm. Ahhhhh, the joys of being a teenager during summer.

Free Spirit

This weekend was a busy one. I had several photoshoots (which I am always excited about). The fun of meeting new people warms my soul. People are so intriguing and I learn so much about becoming a better person from my clients. I must say that I think I have the best clients in the world :)



These kids were involved in a family photoshoot with their parents (maybe a couple against their will...haha...Chris). Finally at the end, they just wanted to goof off and have some fun. As they were doing this it was a great time to catch the wave of fun and their free spirits. Each of these young adults had a totally different personality, but a love for each other, their parents, and their family was easily expressed and contagious. I luv um !!

I will post more of the family soon, but wanted to start the week with a little joy.

Whatcha Doin'?

I was doing a photoshoot and this little guy was so interested into what I was doing. The best shots were over his momma's shoulder so that is where I stood (we always know that lighting is everything). This little guy loved my camera so I took some shots of him and later asked his mom if I could send her the images. Way to exciting cause come to find out this kiddo hates having his pictures taken (formal style). I just love the images we capture on the fly.... Happy Weekend!

What a Beautiful Family

I am so behind on posting sessions. So sorry, but it has been really busy. This is the angel family clients I had the privelege to meet a couple of weeks ago. I know I only met Jen for a couple of hours, but I can honestly say she would be a person who I would call my friend for days to come. She seems to be such a great mommy and her heart is so giving. She is my kind of person. I feel so lucky that she allowed me to capture some treasures for her, her hubby and 2 girls (who are way to cute). One thing I can share is that Jen has recently found it in her heart and a message from God to give to children (outside of the 2 angels of her own) who need special people to watch over them when their biological mommy and daddy can't. To say that I admire her and her husband is an understatement. Chad and I have been considering doing some foster care and perhaps adoption and I can only think that the Lord has sent Jen into my life at the right time for the right reasons (way beyond the picture-taking).

PS... those blue eyes on mommy and the girls are to die for!
W-to the-O to the - W...WOW!

She is so Beautiful

No, not a bride, newborn baby, or bridal flower bouquet, instead it's the ultimate beauty and her/his name is "Desire" from Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream parlor. I really tried to wait and take a picture of the entire cake but just could not resist. Instead of going upstairs to retrieve my camera, I resulted to the temptation of hubby holding a butcher knife (he would easily admit not knowing how to cut a piece of pie) asking if I wanted a piece. I could pretend that I wanted it cut for aesthetics and a nice camera shot, but the real reason is that I wanted the whole dang thing for my dinner. Who the heck cares about pork chops when you have this masterpiece sitting in the freezer?

So how did "she" get in my freezer? About 2 weeks ago, we rode our bikes to Cold Stone to get a smoothie and they were running a contest to win "Desire". All you had to do was put your business card (luckily I had one in my knapsack) in a bucket that had pinups of the tantalizing "Desire". On Saturday, they called, I have to admit when the caller ID read "Cold Stone", I did get a little scared that perhaps they realized they gave me an ounce too much of ice cream on the last visit. I have NEVER ...I mean EVER won anything and I am one of those sweepstakes junkies but low and behold, I won "Desire". She truly knows the pathway to my heart.

I Can't See You!

This little boy was so funny. He was 4 years old but acted like he was "grown". He did not like taking pictures and whenever I would get ready to take a shot he would cover his eyes and say, "you can't see me". Why is that? When kids can't see you they think that we can't see them. Sometimes I get outta bed and need to go to the grocery store, the post office, the bank and quite frankly, I don't always look my best. I think it would be so awesome if I could do some magic and maybe cover my eyes and people would not be able to see me during those times. I mean, come-on, who wants to see a girl in hair-curlers and reminants of some eye cream to take away the fine lines?

I can't believe today is Friday. Gosh, another week has gone by way to fast. Unfortunately no more rain for us in South Texas, so these next couple of weeks it is gonna be super hot. Maybe I can get some fun summer shots in.

Have a great weekend!

Love is in the Air

It is wedding season. It seems that everywhere I look, I see something that reminds me of the love people have for one another, in the image of wedding details. I had a great wedding that I try to think of often, especially when Chad leaves socks laying around the house, forgets to make the bed, looses the remotes, etc. I want to always live in that moment of novelty when the itty-bitty stuff did not matter. Somehow, 14 years later, I sometimes let those little things get the best of me, so I thank him for being so patient with me. I wish we could all live with the same thoughts, feelings, emotions, and love we had on our wedding day. If so, the world would be a better place.

This is Kelly and she is such a beautiful bride inside and out. We were able to shoot her bridal photos at a magnificent location in the Alamo City. Rustic and bridal.....yummy!



This is Kelly's dad. The expression on his face says so much. Guess what was happening when I caught this shot?

Charlie Brown

Alyssa would move her bedroom to the pool or tree house if she could. The kid loves to be outside. I don't think there has been a day this summer that she has not been swimming. She has such a vivid imagination and today was no exception. She calls this move the "Charlie Brown". I don't know why she calls it that, but, who cares, I love her imagination. Chad and I try to go swimming with her at least once a day, and the dogs go the rest of the times. About 5 dripping bathing suits are in the washroom at all times. Don't you just love the summer? One little hand behind her head and one little hand grabbing her leg. I would have to say she is a professional "Charlie Brown" stunt-girl.

July 4th: Freedom is Not Free

Today is a special day to celebrate the commitment and dedication that men and women, like my hubby, demonstrate each day to maintain our independence. The flag that is displayed on my husband's arm, almost every single day for the last 17 years, is one of adoration and admiration. Embedded in his soul are those colors of red, white, and blue. He gives of himself, sometimes at the expense of family, friends, and himself, to fulfill his promise to our country. I thank God that he is not one of the thousands of soldiers fighting for freedom in the middle east, instead he is on the frontline at home trying to find others who believe in this great nation of ours and are willing to defend the freedom that is not free. He is an US Army Recruiter and I am so proud of him. It is people like him, young and old, who have made our country what it is today. One person in a team of others. It is such a selfless job, that I know I could never do.

My brother-in-law is also part of our nations strength. He is now on his second tour in Iraq and has come home this weekend to rest and love my sister, my beauty-queen niece, and my silly nephew. Chad and I admire his courage. Our Lissy prays for him each night. It is upsetting, the thought of my brother-in-law going back into the warzone in just a couple of short weeks, but I know he will be ready to carry on with his duties. How brave these men and women are and I thank you for giving me freedom.

Happy 4th of July to you and to all!

21 Hours Later

I saw him on Oprah and was inspired, read his book, and renewed. It has been almost 22 hours since I picked up this little book and I just finished it. Have you ever felt for a minute that you just needed to rest, that you hated to wash those dished with crusted PB & J on it, felt like you needed just one more pair of shoes or a new handbag? That is me, and now I feel so guilty to have those feelings rather than embracing every single minute in my speck of life that the Lord has given me. This little book is so powerful and will allow you accept and love the brick walls in your life as well as those graces of God that seem to just come to you. It will manifest the love you have for your experiences and humankind.

Such a simple but powerful read that only took hours for me with in between a bedtime story,
PB & J sanwiches, a backyard picnic with my 6 year old, and painted toe-nails. Pick it up... it is on-sale and everyone is embracing the Last Lecture.

My Office

Welcome to my office. Not really...it is my living room. I do have an office, but it is not as comfy as the little couch by the big window and bird feeders. I love to sit there when I am editing a ton of pictures, reading a great book (which I found and will share with you later), or just taking five minutes to myself. Sometimes I get a grumpy look from my family when I am editing pictures, because each shoot literally takes hours to edit. That is one thing that some may not realize...if you have great pictures, your photographer probably spent a ton of hours making it just perfect for you. Photography is so much more than just a "click".

So on Monday, I was busy editing and Lissy asked if she could take a pictures with my camera (something she is not allowed to touch). Feeling like a guilty momma, I let her..... this is one that she got. Me, with my computer, trying to think how I was going to create a storyboard for a family who is expecting their first baby. Such a special time for them and wanting to create a special treasure.

Cutie

Such a cute kiddo!