It's Monday.  It's December.  I can't believe it.  The Christmas rush is winding down this week and I'll soon be able to relax and work on making my home our own Christmas oasis.  Wow. Wow. Wow.

 P.S.  I think I'm a little wierd.

  I was asking myself in the car, "why are you so wierd?"  This is the honest truth.  Every time I leave a photo session I feel as though I've made some sort of connection with the people I photograph whether I know them or not.  I think, "Gosh, they were so nice.  We could be friends."  Every session (with the exception of one or two in the past 3 years) I feel this way.  So it got me thinking....What makes me feel this way?  Am I too sensitive?  Am I being wierd?  

I had a soft revelation in the car.

 Since I began doing photography as a business, I've often  prayed that the Lord would send me clients that were good and  that could see my pictures the way I see them.  I pray en route to my sessions that my eyes would be "open" (no pun) and that God might lend me just a stroke of His creativity.  I've prayed this prayer almost mechanically.  And you know what was laid on my heart while driving in my car?  He's been faithful to send me those clients - those people - that are good, that are kind, that are creative, that appreciate my vision, that are honest, hard-working folks.  So many times I've participated in a photo shoot and taken away something pertinent and valuable. 

I am so thankful that God has done this for me.  I am so grateful for the gift. 

Take the Doskocil family.  Two loving parents.  Two precious daughters.  As the mother of a daughter I am extra observant when I see others parent their own daughters.  I want to learn.  I want to be a good role model for my daughter.  I want to raise her with the same love and fervor that my mother raised me with.  So, I watch and I take cues.  And judging by the sweet demeanor of their girls, the Doskocils do a great job. 

I played around with a different kind of post processing for some of their pictures and I rather like the muted colors.

No rest for the weary!

I am actually very excited to be so busy with my photography business.  It has been so much fun getting to meet new people and getting to share my art with you!  It's been a wonderful month with all of the Christmas appts.  Thank you for your business!

The Baca Family from Mont Belvieu

I actually taught with Roberta last year and she is the go-to momma for anything cutesy for girls.  She knows where to get the outfits and all of the accessories!  I always love hearing from her where she goes to keep her children in style and coordinated.  Her kids crack me up.  They are full of energy and despite the fact that Wyatt is into boy stuff and Maggie is into baby dolls they love each other and it is so sweet watching them interact. Here's a vintage play:

The whole family

They are so cute together.

And I know you're wondering where Maggie's adorable dress is from.  I've already asked.  It's from the Apple Dumpling Boutique in Mont Belvieu.  Natalie had an outfit from there that was a gift from a sweet friend and her mother.  In fact, she is wearing it in these pictures and it is one of my favorites of all of her outfits.  I once went searching for this boutique and never found it, so I may have to try it again after seeing Maggie's adorable dress.

The reality of this next picture, makes it one my favorites:

A pleasant surprise.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I was a little nervous to be photographing a toddler indoors.  They're not the easiest to keep confined to one small space.  But, I have to tell you that this dear girl was a pleasant surprise.  As soon as I brought out my camera, she began to smile and pose as though she'd been doing it all of her life.  What a relief!  Could it really be this easy?

And the reason we decided indoors would be best:

I wish I could remember what in the world I said to incite such a cute laugh.

 Back off, Sister! LOL

Sammie and Jennifer, it was a pleasure meeting you and your delightful girls.

On the brink of insanity

When I scheduled these sessions for Christmas, I somehow overlooked the fact that I have an 8 month old daughter that does not go to school and depends on me for care. hmmmmmmmmm  Can I still claim pregnancy brain?  Anyhow, the Mimi, Abuela, and some very kind friends have kindly taken over my mommy duties when my photographer duties call.  THANK YOU!  Tomorrow, I have a morning shoot and my mother is taking both kids for the day so I can run a few errands and park it in front of my computer for the remainder of the day to finish lots of client work.  So, if you've had a session recently chances are you'll see your CD in the  near future.  With that said, Thursday, December 4th is the very last day to order Christmas cards.  Typically, the turn around for the cards is one week.  If you care to pay extra for special shipping, be my guest.  So, please let me know if you'll be wanting cards from me.  I must receive payment for these before placing the order.  I can send you a paypal invoice or you can mail me your payment. 

Moving on.

You'll recognize this family as they've graced the pages of my blog a few times.

 

It was a very chilly morning!  So, we wrapped it up in about 40 minutes when Mason's lips turned a light shade of blue and began to quiver involuntarily.  HA!  Regardless, he was a good sport and we still managed to eek out some smiles and some cuddles..

I know I've said it before, but aside from being very photogenic Matt and Rhonda are high fun factor folks.  They are always predictably happy and ready to have fun. 

Thank you, Hechler Family, for hanging with me on a very cold morning.

Little Wrangler

First, let me preface by apologizing to those that have emailed.  I should tell you that I don't often answer emails during the day as I usually have a baby in my arms and it's a little tricky to type a proper response.  So, if you email me I usually respond to my emails at night when the babies are in bed.  IF you have emailed me and for whatever reason I have not responded within 24 hours, kindly resend your email.  It's always possible that I have missed it in my inbox.

I went to a new location for this photo shoot and boy was I pleased.  It's exactly the kind of location I've been searching for locally.  The catch.... it's private property and we were granted permission for this one shoot.  If only I could scheme a way to come here more often.  I loved the textures and colors and it made for the perfect rustic location.  Andi, you're the hero with this great find!  Here's her little wrangler. 

This little guy is busy exploring the world, so I found it much easier to follow him around and let him be.  Every now and then, he'd pause to acknowledge my presence before he was off again.

And I love the look of mischief in this next shot.  Can't you see the wheels turning in his sweet head.  I love it.  I love kids.  I love 'em full of personality and spunk.

And the momma:

And two favorites from our shoot:

Deck the halls

It was a feast for the eyes back at the Wiggins house.  And I scored a ticket to take the Christmas tour at the Wiggins' own Winter Wonderland!  My eyes were wide open and my jaw draggin' the floor.

Tree numero uno:

Tree numero dos:

The gorgeous mantle:

and the perfectly decorated dining table:

The decorator (who has an open invite to give my home style):

and her precious girl that still believes in the magic of Christmas