It’s that time of year again!  I’m off to Las Vegas to attend WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International).  While most of the thousands of photographers will be attending classes, I will be working the tradeshow booth for my super fabulous photo lab American Color Imaging!   The Vegas tradeshow is a whirlwind of meeting great new people and networking with some of the best photographers from all over the world.  Not to mention, getting to network with all the other awesome vendors and entrepreneurs at the event.  So even though I don’t get to attend the classes I always seem to meet someone who ends up changing my world for the better!  So “Sin City” here I come!  I’m ready to meet great people, have some fantastic meals, and work for the best lab in the country!  While I’m gone though don’t worrry, the girls will be here keeping the studio running smoothly.  So if you need to place an order or book a session or just want someone to answer your questions, Cassie and Janice will be here to take care of you!  Don’ t forget we’re booking now for Chicks and Bunnies too!  Much Love…

First of all I want to thank everyone who sent photos for the Black Friday Birthday contest!  They were all so much fun!  Here are just a few!  The winning image is at the bottom!!

How cute is this sweet baby!  Love how you did the 3 and the 6!!

Too sweet!  Thanks for the birthday wishes!

Love it Chandler!  You’re the best!

That face will melt your heart!  Thanks miss Ella!

Thanks handsome Ty!

All entrants will receive a complimentary session and $50.00 portrait credit!  How awesome is that!

And the GRAND PRIZE WINNER IS…..

Miss Amy Sparks!  Very cool idea using the bag from your order!  You have won a $200 gift card to the studio! 

Thanks so much everyone!  I’m so blessed to have fun clients who will enter my crazy contests!  Lovin life!

We took a family trip to Chicago recently and I took a few fun images of my guys!  Here are my little men! 

This is Ave, my ten year old!  I can’t believe I have a ten year old! 

And this is my Alec, he’s 7 and he still kindof likes to have his photo taken.  I love you boys!

My oldest turns 10 today!  I can’t believe how fast the time has gone!  Avery, you are simply the sweetest, kindest, most caring person I know.  I’m so thankful God gave me you.  Have the best birthday ever little man.  Mama loves you!

Last week Rachel, my amazing studio assistant/organizer/receptionist/everything awesome girl told me she was moving to Melbourne, Florida.  I thought she was joking and told her she couldn’t leave me.  Upon finding out that she’s following her dreams and really moving, in two weeks no less, tears came to my eyes.  What will I do without Rachel to keep me sane?  I’m so sad to see this girl leave but I’m beyond thrilled for the wonderful future that lies ahead of her.  There is so much world out there to see and Rachel is walking to the edge and making the leap.  I couldn’t be happier for her and yet at the same time I fear letting her go.  Where will I find another Rachel???  With classic style and grace Rachel is saying goodbye to us on July 15th and she will be sorely missed!!  So now I must start my search for the next studio assistant to take Rachel’s seat at the front of the studio.  Her shoes will be tough to fill, but I must try.  Rachel does so much that it’s impossible for me to put it all into this post but a few of her duties are as follows:  answering the phone, placing client orders, client ordering appointments, organizing everything, keeping the schedule up to date, accepting payments, sorting orders, etc. etc. etc.  Her list is basically never ending.  The job entails approximately 25-30 hours per week.  If you know/are someone who is dependable, organized, well spoken, and consistent please come by the studio to drop off a resume as soon as possible.  Please call me if you have someone perfect for this demanding job.   Rachel, you’re the best and I couldn’t be more pleased with everything you’ve done here over the last two years!   Enjoy sunny beautiful Florida for us!!

Wow, things have been absolutely crazy in the studio!  And in the midst of all the work and all the sessions, I realized I haven’t taken photos of my kids since Christmas.  It was time so here are a few of my guys.  They’re 9 and 7 now and ALL boy!  Yes, it took some persuading to get them to put on the “nice” shirts. 

Avery is 9 now and just such an amazing boy.  He’s so smart and just really has it all together.  I love this kid’s smile and his absolutely generous spirit.  I can’t believe he’s already 9!  Time really does fly. 

His serious model look.  Love it too!

AJ is 7 now and a comletely fierce soccer player!  He’s also so full of love and fun!  I can’t get mad at his mischievous ways because he’s just too cute! 

Alec’s model pose. 

One last one of them together!   They really are wonderful brothers.  They love each other and they’re always keeping secrets from Mom.  I secretly love that because it shows me that they really do trust one another and rely on one another.  I hope they’ll always stay this close.  They’re great kids and I’m so lucky to be their mom!

So today is my little guy’s 7th birthday!  He’s not so little anymore I guess but he’ll always be my baby!  Happy Happy Birthday AJ!!  I love you!  And since I know he doesn’t read my blog yet, here’s a photo of AJ at 3 days old.  Yeah, he might not like me sharing his sweet bunny suit image so I should do it now, while I’m still bigger than he is. 

Well, it’s that day again.  That day that we’re all supposed to tell that special someone how much we love them, shower them with roses and chocolate and inundate one another with mushy verbage.  So I must tell my readers which are mostly my amazing clients and fabulous friends, how very much I love you!  Wow, I’ve been in business now for 6 crazy years.  Those kind of years that have gone by like a speeding train.  Really where has the time gone?  But honestly, I’ve adored every second.  Every stunning bride, every one year old with cake on his face, every couple in love, every little girl twirling in a tutu–has brought magic and beauty to my world.  I’ll never forget how “in love” I am with all of you!  Thanks for making each day of my life, a day filled with passion and love.  What a day to celebrate some of my favorite images.  Here’s just a few to help me say “I love you.”

Just wanted to share our newest hospital display at St. Francis level III NICU floor.  I’m so excited to now have displays there on the pediatric floor, OB floor and now the NICU!  Thanks St. Francis for sharing my work with all your tiny ones and their families. 

I took a group of friends downtown yesterday to just have fun and enjoy each others company.  I realize how very lucky I am to have some of the most amazing girls in the world in my life.  I wanted to document their beauty and just how we all are at this moment.  I wanted to be able to look back and remember how much each one of you means to me.  I also made some new friends last night–for which I am so thankful.  You are all so stunning.  Thanks for spending last night with me.  It means the world to have you all in my life.  For those friends that missed it, we will have to do it again soon.  Here’s your sneak peek girls.