January Five

To give you an idea on just how much I love to take photos, I probably take close to 300 a month. It could be food, my cats, my children, friends, and just driving my husband crazy :) Sometimes, they do just sit on the computer for a while before I finally print them out. Every now and then I look through my Facebook albums---really fun when I come across a photo that even I forgot about. But, I think another great way to share them is posting my Top 5 favorites for each month.

My adorable niece by heart Brianna. She is at the age where she is just tired of being around boys so I thought she was missing her neighborhood gal pal. Turns out she was just seriously focused on collecting rocks.

If I get the chance to get a photo of my friend Kardo, you better believe I will take it! He is not a fan of being in the front of the camera. Kardo is just like me, and prefers to be behind the camera. The past two years he has been one of the greatest help during my photography journey. Jonathan is also just like his daddy when it comes to the camera, shaking his head or giving me a funny look.

Like most kids, both my sons love Legos. They are slowly building up a nice collection of them. While shopping for Kody's birthday present, I came across this set. I was just tickled with a little Lego fire coming out of the little Lego dumpster.

A beautiful, cool sunny day makes for a ride around the block on bikes and the 4-wheeler. Arien aka Bubba with his two kids plus my two kids. He definitely gave them a work out going around the block several times. Eventually, the kids got tired and just wanted on the 4-wheeler that I nicknamed "Jolly Green Giant".

Finally, my diva kitty Bubbles who just loves to steal my spot in bed. And she always looks at me with that innocent look, meows, and then stretches. Yes, she does know she is queen kitty of the house.

Simply Amazing

Simply amazing....describes the photo session this past Saturday. I've known J since we were in high school, and her personality is still just as sweet as it was back then. Her two boys are so adorable, fun, and active! I loved it that her parents brought their dog Buster with them. I love animal photos, and getting them with their owners is even better. J's youngest cracked me up with one photo where they are looking at him as he looks at the camera like I better put it down. When J said I just captured that moment so well, it really made my day! I can't wait to have another chance with this beautiful and fun family!

Weekly Photo Challenge-Week 4--Numbers

This week, I just kept it simple due to being very busy. I got some much needed time with my older sister doing some retail therapy :) I'm not a big shopper, but it sure was nice to just get out for the day and shop! Also, family life and a photo session so just sticking with one photo.

I can never pass up the chance to take pictures at the local fire station. A close friend is a volunteer firefighter, and working hard towards becoming a full time firefighter. I have always admired the bravery and hard work of our firefighters. When we had a break out of fires in 2011, they worked around the clock with other departments for many days. To this day, the stories of that time both scare me and make me proud of their selfless behaviors. Volunteer or paid, these men and women are equally heroic. Next time you see one, just be sure to tell them thank you. Sometimes just a simple note of thanks will make their day since they take pride in what they do.

Sunday Social: Week 2

Wow! I have so much to post in the next few days! First, will be the weekly Sunday Social, tomorrow I have the photo challenge weekly photo, and the day after that sharing photos from a very special session. I'm so excited!

Let's get going on the Sunday Social!

1. If you where stuck on an island what are the two material items you would want to have?

Besides a boat so I can rescue myself? Okay, seriously, knowing me I would definitely have a phone and my camera. After all, there are tons of amazing things to photograph on an island.

2. What are two TV shows you'd watch over and over?

Lost and Grey's Anatomy! I very much love Netflix has both because so far I have watched them over and over. I miss Lost, but at least I can get my Ian Somerhaulder (not sure how to spell his last name) on The Vampire Diaries. Lost and GA are the only shows where I actually cried when they killed off my favorite characters.

3. If your house was on fire, what two things aside from family, pets, etc would you grab?

Honestly, I may not try to grab anything else. Being that a close friend works with the fire department, I am stuck with the mindset to just focus on getting my family out safely. If I were able to grab two things, it would be my camera---it is like my own personal therapy after all. I'm not sure on what the second thing would be on getting.

4. What are your two most favorite articles of clothing?

I have shirt that is a little long and is blue and white. It is so light and cozy! Second would be my lounge around the house pants. Anything that is a little loose and light, I absolutely love.

5. What two movies that you saw in the past year would you recommend to us?

The Vow--My husband had a horrible car accident in 1993, and as a result a traumatic brain injury. While his was not as intense as the character in the movie, he still has his challenges. Mostly, with short term memory loss.

The Lorax--My boys can watch this movie a million times a day. Plus, I just love those fish! They always crack me up!

6. What are your two biggest guilty pleasures?

Dr. Pepper! Most people prefer their coffee, but I prefer my Dr. Pepper. Also, listening to Pink. Love her music and how some of her songs are just motivating and inspiring; especially her latest "Try".

Sunday Social

I am now going to start doing Sunday Social, brought to you by Ashley Lately Before I begin, hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! The cold I had seemed to have settle in my ear, but did not stop me from enjoying my son's 6th birthday party. Check out this adorable cake that a dear friend of mine made for him :)

Kody loves anything to do with firefighting! We chose to have Sabine put on it because not only does his uncle by heart work there, but Kody wants to grow up and be a part of Sabine Volunteer Fire Dept.

Now, onto the Sunday Social Q&A:

What is your ideal way to relax?

I have several ways I like to relax. Whenever my husband is at work and the boys are at school, I turn up our radio and listen to Pink. I always find her music to be fun and motivating. As the music plays, I will often edit photos that need it or just need to be redone. Sometimes, I will play around on Facebook.

Who do you consider your biggest role model?

My older sister "K", most definitely. She is a strong, independent, and focused person. K is a devoted mom and wife, who is always about putting her family first. She has endured many obstacles in her life, but she refuses to have any self-pity. When I need advice, she is my go to person because she will tell it like it is.

Where is your favorite place to be?

Galveston! We visited for the first time nearly a year ago, and I long to go back. I love the old history of the downtown area. It was great being able to browse the shops. I highly recommend the salt water taffy from La King Confectionery! And, of course the beach. If I could, I would sit and watch the waves for hours.

What does your life look like in 3 years?

Hmmm....I'm not really sure, but I don't think anyone is 100% certain. I definitely see myself still doing the photography. Hoping this house can be renovated some more at that point, and would love to be able to add on another room.

If you could go back and change one decision, what would it be?

I rather not look back and wish I made a different decision. It really don't fix anything that is in the present. Instead, I try to think a little more before I react.

What is your biggest accomplishment in life so far?

Being a mother! I am raising two little men to be respectful and to always try their hardest. Teaching them they will always have their daddy and me to come to for advice, help, and love.

Mini Session Time

Mini Sessions at Synergy Park in Kilgore on Feb. 23rd from 10 am to 4:30 pm. This park has been very popular for a majority of my photo shoots. It is also known as Elder Lake. The park is gorgeous with trees, a walking trail, wooden railings, and a stone wall. You will see photos below the ad of past sessions done here.

$35 4--5x7 Photos and 1--8x10 Photo--You will be able to select the photos you like from an online gallery. CD of edited images

Feeling Human Again...

Ever since Monday, I felt like I was a zombie...would not be surprised if I looked like one, too. I rarely ever get sick, but when I do it just hits me hard! Sunday evening was when I was going to blog about my weekly photo challenge, and Monday was going to be all about a wonderful photo session I had on Saturday. So, I am going to combine the two into this one post. As for my adventures in cooking, which I usually post on Thursdays, it will most likely be once or twice a month.

Let's begin with the weekly photo challenge! Last week was the letter "P". I was going to go on a mission to find things that formed the letter 'p' such as leaves, maybe fencing, etc. I decided it would be easier to go with things that start with 'p'. My husband had a microwavable peach pie that I tried to convince him to heat up so I can take a photo of it. As always, he smiled and shook his head at me....the pie is still in the freezer. Luckily, I was in the mood for pizza from my favorite pizza place so it all worked out perfectly.

Two adorable children ages 4 and 5, running and playing, then when asked to stop and smile for the camera equals a priceless photo of them posing.

And now we move on to the photo session I had at Synergy Park on Saturday. This family was just amazing and super sweet! We were a bit chilly, but the younger girls managed to put on a smile. They really loved it when I asked them to be "sassy". And the way they just looked up at their parents as they gazed at each other shows the great amount of love this family has for each other. Another plus to this photo session, is she is a photographer as well. I loved that she voiced her ideas! One particular photo she wanted was with her husband leaned in to kiss her with his hat covering them both. As their girls put it, it was a great "mushy gushy" moment!