Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays (Tarrant County}

This is the card I sent last year...my husband played Santa and this is Gigi...how she's grown in a year. I didn't send cards this year so wanted to have an encore presentation and use this card which is so special to me. I hope you all have a joyful, happy holiday in whatever way you celebrate and hope for a great 2009 for everyone!

Proud Momma Moment

Yay! My son has worked extremely hard the last several years--working full time, being a husband and father and putting himself through college. He never dropped the ball, never gave up even though at times that probably seemed easier. I am proud to announce he got his final grades yesterday and he made all A's and B's. Not only did he graduate, he did it with a high grade point average. I'm not sure where he got his brains, so not from me!

We had a celebration luncheon with him last week and it was awesome...I just wish my husband could have been there because he was so proud of him and bragged on him a lot. He came into my son's life about the time my son entered college so he was there for all but the final part of the journey.

Congratulations son, you did your Momma proud (as always)! And my son plans to enter school to get his Master's next year...I think he just enjoys being in school! Seriously he has goals and I know he will attain them because that's how he's made. But somewhere along the line I still want that grandson so fit that into your schedule!

A Little Christmas Cheer {DFW Childrens Photography}

Well, since my husband's death this year, as you can probably imagine...I am not feeling it this holiday season for myself. I haven't decorated, wrapped gifts, sent out cards or done any baking. I kind of just want it to come and go quickly. Well, my son asked me to not let Christmas die. That touched my heart a lot. Tonite was my grandchild's daycare Christmas program and the entire extended family was there for her big "broadway" debut. She kept telling us she wasn't going to do it (2 year olds...) but I asked her over french fries at McDonald's if she would do it for Pops, my husband. Now who knows if she even understood what I was saying but she agreed to do it and ...please GaGa, give me more fries haha.

I am so glad I went...I have never seen anything cuter in my life! They started with the little one year old class all dressed up as sheep and cows and other cute animals and they were adorable. I have taken photos of some of the classes other than Gigi's to share. Gigi's class wore little Christmas tree shirts and sang Away in a Manger and Rock Around the Christmas Tree. Gigi spotted me up front taking the photos and started saying "Grandma!". There were just some adorable little stars tonite I tell you. The last class of 5 year olds were so funny I took almost as many photos of them as I did my own grandkid. The little boy playing Joseph...I think we have a budding comedian in our midst. He would turn the wrong way during the number and throw up his arms or make a funny expression...a bit of Chris Farley in him I think. And the two little cowboys on one end decided they would fight over the mic even though there were no solos during that number...they just took a little bit of that spotlight for themselves anyway.

So for all you fellow Grinches out there...enjoy the photos and feel the joy come into your heart like it did mine!

Extreme Home Makeover - Update

Well, its finally done! They did the "Move that Bus!" on Monday and my sister and I were in with the family at the front so we got a great view of everything going on. I won't give any details away but you can see "official" photos in the link I gave in the earlier post. My sister is a HUGE Ty Pennington fan (btw...I'm the "pro" photographer but she took all these photos with her point and shoot ha ha). She is in the leopard coat posing with the assistant director (he told us what to do and when and was really funny), me trying to thaw out for a minute in the Texas Ranger's Tent in the fur/denim jacket, and the design team in front of the house waiting for the bus and of course, Ty. Paul, the older designer on the show is a real doll! He took two of the little kids out of the friends box and took them in the house to use the restroom...how sweet! The photos as follows are: me in tent trying to defrost after the 1st hour, my sister with the assistant director she's now in "love" with ha ha, the designers in front of the home and finally, Ty getting ready for the limo to arrive.

Let me just say...if I didn't love Peter and Amber SO much I would not have been there...for 4 hours..in 14 degree weather. My feet might have been hurting, but luckily they were so frozen I couldn't feel them anyway. I am still trying to warm up. But the big payoff for me was seeing the family arrive and see their new home...we were all in tears. I can't wait to see the episode when it airs and will keep you all updated on when that is!

My sister and I went to the "event" (not sure if I'm supposed to say what it was yet...) on Sunday evening and I did get to give Amber and Peter big hugs and talk to them...they simply look dazed by it all. But huge Kudos to Amber...she is great in front of a camera!

Extreme Home Makeover and my friend

I have been sitting on this information for months and couldn't tell anyone....I can't believe I kept my lips zipped! Well, the great news is that I found out yesterday that my dear friend of 8 years, Amber Augustin and her husband have been selected for Extreme Home Makeover! Their home was flooded a year and a half ago when Fort Worth had that terrible flood on Father's Day. They have been living in a condo, all the while making house payments in a home that was just sitting there, ruined. Amber is a fellow photographer and she and her husband had just built her a great studio in their converted garage so she was unable to use any of her photography studio...it has been a real mess all in all.

Amber and Peter are two of the best people you would be blessed to know. When my husband fell ill Amber is who I called to do an event for me when I realized how serious my husband's condition was. She did an awesome job - for free - and took that worry from me. And they are such good Christian people, they really walk the walk, not just talk the talk...when they came to Steven's bedside and prayed over him I felt such a relief. That is just one small example of things they have done for me, they have done so much for so many others. They couldn't have picked a more deserving family. Here is a link that will let you follow along on this story...so excited to see the episode when it airs early in 2009!

Just found an article in Star Telegram on them here.

Beautiful Family on a Beautiful Fall Day

Mom did a perfect, perfect job coordinating outfits for her group and their family photo session in Keller. The clothing colors went really well together and with their coloring (beautiful redheads!) and the fall foliage. I couldn't have asked for a better wardrobe! I was thrilled to see the little redhead, middle child...he was a doll with huge eyes. His older brother informed me that he had big eyes too...he was so cute with his little braces on. The baby was just sweetnatured and went along with all the photography poses and ideas but when we did the family tickle fight was the only time she wasn't so sure about what was going on. I guess her family doesn't usually break out in tickle fights at home! So, as usual, I'm showing one in black and white but decided to grace y'all with a color image too...I do them, I just have a natural preference for black and white portraits...what can I say?

Unique Unique Design - Wow!

My sister has come across some great people and finds in her antiquing trips...and I was commissioned to photograph a home show (like Roundtop in a home...). I loved everything Marcie had (she's in my links list...please go check her blog out as well). She has such an awesome eye and finds the most wonderful stuff. She does a couple of home shows a year and its a madhouse! I'll let the images speak for themselves...but if you want to have early dibs then you need to get signed up for her newsletter and visit her blog! http://blog.uniqueuniquedesign.com/

Baby, It's Cold Outside! {Denton photographers}

She's too young to know that song, but it sure was going thru my head last Saturday during our photography session in Denton. Miss J was such a trooper and didn't complain about the cold...but her little pink nose gave it away. We had this portrait session in downtown Denton around the courthouse...it was so nice having a change of scenery. The only downside is the cool ice cream shop wasn't open yet, and well, it might have been a tad cold (44 degrees) for that to sound appealing!

We're Back! {Keller family Photographers}

I loved photographing this Keller Texas family last year, they were so fun; I was glad to hear back from them again this year, needing another portrait session. The kids are just too cute for words. Little miss there can give me a run for my money in the talking department! She is full of stories and just sharing her view on life in general. Regular readers of this blog might remember, brother had just lost his two front teeth last year - too cute! He has his new teeth in this year....kids are so cute when they first come in, they're so grown up looking. It's wonderful that these parents are documenting all the fun stages of growing up for their children to look back on. They're a beautiful family and I absolutely love photographing them. Don't you love this family tickle picture...I like to do those at the end and get the kids all wound up and then they go home with mom and dad! I'm sure they're thanking me all the way home....ha ha.

Little Man M

He is 3 and he is a delight. He had me laughing throughout the session with his cute expressions and just being a boy. You can tell he is the apple of Mom and Dad's eyes...I love doing family sessions where the love is so obvious. He did enjoy my toot machine, I haven't met a boy of any age yet that doesn't!

Last Call for Sessions!!!

I am going to open up a few more slots for 3:30/4:00ish during the week so if you have been trying to get an appt and I just haven't had any....jump on 'em! As you know the weekends go really fast and I have 1 afternoon weekend slot left and that's it! That would be the Friday, Saturday or Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend so let me know if you want that one....what with my family and my customer's families all being in town for the holidays that's all that's available...don't miss out!

Call 817.975.5387 to book one of the remaining slots, thanks and happy holidays!

Meet the "M" Family

This great Trophy Club family was referred by my friend Amy from Southlake...she used to babysit the kids when they were little bitty kids. We did this session in Grapevine on a beautiful fall day. Mom and Dad had the two olders girls then the boy/girl twins were a surprise 14 years ago....all in all a very fun, easygoing family. I love this casual action shot of the kids pushing mom and dad on the swing. We got the more posed ones too, but these real moments shots always seem to make the blog cut don't they ha ha.

I give the family a big thank you for being patient on their gallery...fall is always so busy and there are just not enough hours in the day!

I Need An Artist!

I have a very special request for something dear to my heart. The last time my husband and I kept our grandbaby (2 days before he went into the hospital), she was sick with a cold so she stayed with us all day instead of daycare. My husband sat on the couch holding her in his lap reading to her from her favorite Elmo book. Why I didn't snap a picture of it I don't know and am kicking myself now. I can still see the picture so clearly in my head. I would love to find an artist who does charcoal or pastel drawings to put that memory on paper for me. I have an awesome older brother who is an artist but unfortunately he is one busy, busy man so I don't want to bother him with this request, he's got more plates in the air than anyone I know!

So if you are an artist or know of someone who is, I would love to talk to you/them about hiring them for this project! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Christmas Cards / Fun with Friends {Keller Christmas family portraits photographers}

Here's a recent portrait of my friend Amy and her family from Keller...they came out to the park a few weeks back for some quick images for their 2008 Christmas cards. This isn't the picture she chose but its my favorite so just did one up for the blog. That'll teach her next time to pick my favorite ha ha! If you want to see the holiday card choices available this year you can see them here and the code to view is 2008cards.

Time is running out for Christmas photo sessions and holiday card orders so don't miss out!

The lovely "S" Family

Here's one of my wonderful, repeat families from Southlake. She recently celebrated a birthday (see birthday blog below). And the week following that party we met up at the park to do their holiday portraits. I've been photographing this family for the last four years or so. Couldn't ask for nicer people! And doesn't dad look like Matt Damon...not a bad thing at all! He did admit he hears that quite often. I get a chuckle out of how little M (with darker hair/older girl) looks so much like Dad and C with white blonde hair is her mother all over again. They really redistributed their dna evenly!

The P Family {Keller family photographers}

Creative sessions ideas are at the forefront of this Keller photographers work; loved photographing this family and their pictures are great!

I can't even pronounce their last name (and I'm sure they feel that way about MY last name...) so just know them as the "P" family. The mom's extended family was in town to celebrate her birthday...and can I just say I want some of what's she's got...she is so young looking and in the 4 or 5 years I've known them hasn't aged at all! So not fair...

They always come up with some cute ideas and this particular family portrait was no exception. This year was all about the cowboy hats, don't they make great props or accessories for photos? What better backdrop to put them against than this western looking location.

Let me help you plan your family pictures and know that Keller family photography is our niche.

The Glass Cactus Surprise Party

Well, I won't say "who" and I won't say "how old" but one of my regular, great customers booked me way back in July for his wife's birthday (it was yesterday...happy birthday)! The party was about two weeks or so ago (I'm so behind right now...) at the Glass Cactus on the Gaylord Hotel property in Grapevine. I had heard about this place and it was great! L, the birthday girl, has a favorite band, the M80's, a faux British 80's tribute band and they were scheduled to play that night, so that's why her great husband picked that night. I am not a dancer - at all - but even I was shaking my groove thing a little bit while I was photographing on the dance floor. The mark of a good band is when you can actually get people on the dance floor and it was full!

So here's a shot of the M80's...got some great shots of the birthday girl up there singing with them but she may not appreciate me sharing them....so I'll be good and just show the band!

Little Man C {Southlake baby photographers}

I got to meet and photograph this cute little toddler last weekend...his mom is an awesome interior designer in Southlake that I have photographed homes for, but this was the first time I photographed her family. Mom's gorgeous and her son inherited her looks obviously! He was so observant throughout the whole photo session it made me chuckle; very much observing and analyzing what was going on. It was wonderful that he was a very good sport about it all, I think he approved of it his portrait being taken. Grandma came with him and mom and got him to smile for me...but she informed me later that when they were in the car on the way home he was grinning from ear to ear...isn't that always the way? lol

I referred to him as a toddler above but he's actually only 7 months old, a baby really...already crawling, climbing and standing up...I suspect he will be walking by 9 months. I think he's got places to go and people to see and is ready to get on with it!

Same time last year - see how they've grown!

I have photographed these adorable twins with their mom and dad since they turned one and its so fun every year to see how they've grown! It was a really fun portrait session this year and couldn't have gone any easier. Three year olds are delightful, sometimes the terrible two's extend into this age, ha ha, but not with these two.

They were just very excited to explore the park and they got to have some fun in the playground area during the session. I love the looks on their faces when they're trying out all the equipment, makes for great photos of the kids in action. Anyone who knows me and my style knows "posed" is not my specialty! The picture above is a great example of lifestyle photography.

March of Dimes Celebrity Chefs 2008

I was 2nd shooting last weekend with a fellow photographer friend at the March of Dimes 2008 event. An awesome cause for a fund raiser and a great way to do it...awesome food and drinks, wonderful donations for the silent and live auction. I got to taste the food and it sure makes going back to Whataburger


difficult! I adore doing food photography so this was an especially fun event for me...here some of the dishes they served up. The cakes were very tempting and so beautiful!

Girl Road Trip

Let me tell you a bit about Amy...we met 4 years ago when I was booked for a newborn session at her home. It could have gone a bit easier...she later told her mom (I found out) "well, that was a waste of money!" But when I posted her images...she was blown away she said and turned in to one of my very best customers ever! Over the years she is now my friend first, customer second. So besides this being a job, a calling for me...it has brought me some wonderful people who I am proud to call friends. Amy was by my side when my husband was ill and passed and just a rock for me. Okay, so there's the back story.

Amy was "Jonesing" as she calls it for a photo session...Miss P, her 4 year old, had a beautiful new dress to be photographed in. So I suggested Mineral Wells' Baker Hotel. I fell in love with it last year when I photographed it...gorgeous old hotel that is sadly, falling into disrepair and I fear will not be around for many more years. So off we go on Saturday at 8:30. We did the session (and met a few scary homeless people around the hotel..yikes!), and even hit a great pumpkin stand in Weatherford...a really fun, relaxing road trip. I'm thinking about hitting the road this weekend to check out some spots out Decatur way so you never know what I'll find!

Meet the "M" Family!

This Frisco Texas family won my donated photography gift card from 2007 Holton's Drive for SIDS (see story below)...I'm so glad I finally got to meet and work with them, they were so sweet and drove in from Frisco for their portrait session. Mom's parents came in from Oklahoma for a visit so they came along and were great at helping to get the little ones smiling for the camera (and granddad brought his video camera...I asked him to please not get a shot of Miss Cathy's tush!...or at least Photoshop it smaller!)

These kids were just adorable and so very easy to photograph. You wouldn't have know big sis was in her two's because she was so cooperative - maybe she didn't get the memo on how two years olds normally act?

A hard decision

I have had to decide something today and I'm still not 100% convinced its the right thing to do but suspect that is just me not wanting to make the call. My 12 yo Scottie, Duffy, or Miss Duff as my late husband always called her...she's not doing well in her old age.

Steven was dreading the day we lost her and I think that time is near. She is having quite a bit of blood in her urine and Scotties are prone to bladder cancer and all types of cancer but that one in particular is one they get. The vet said I need to bring her back in for more tests but as I was sitting here looking at her after the call I just realized how sad and old she is looking. Her life is basically eat and then sleep. She doesn't want to go outside except to potty then wants right back in so she can sleep some more. She can't hear and is losing her sight as well. Unfortunately I am not financially able to keep her health where I'd like it to be...she's more "patch, patch, patch"...I call her the million dollar dog because healthwise she's always been a challenge.

So I think this weekend I will take her to the dogpark for one last visit - she likes to sit by my feet and watch the other dogs play, feed her whatever she wants, like a good steak and just spend a lot of time loving on her and say my goodbyes. This will be very hard for me since it hasn't been that long since we had to take my husband off life support and losing her will be like losing another piece of him. I'm sure he'll be there to greet her in Heaven. I think she has missed him quite a bit.

So everyone, please say a prayer I can do the right thing by Miss Duffy.

Thank You

Wanted to take a moment and give a big "thank you" to my great customers, both old and new that have been SO patient with me this summer. I truly have had a lot of "widow fog" moments...and everyone has been so patient and kind as I reinvent my life and find my way after my husband's passing in June. I normally have sessions up within 48 hours of a session and orders done and in the mail very quickly....not so much this summer. It has been a bit like having ADD all of a sudden. So I wanted to let everyone know that I am sorry I've not been myself and that I am coming out of the fog. Just in time for the busy fall season!

Doing Hard Time

Well, say hello to the terrible two's! Miss Gigi aka Miss Demeanor/Misdemeanor is doing hard time in room 53 at daycare because she bit someone two times last week! Sadly she is a repeat offender...she bit someone today and Mom and Dad are NOT happy. Anyone got any great ideas on how to break this bad habit - email me! So, here is her mug shot. She did get bit herself so maybe this was just tough playground payback time...

Brother Love {Southlake childrens photography}

Well, maybe brother cooties...big sis here isn't too sure of having to kiss her little brother. But turnabout was fair play so he got to do it right back to her. Siblings are so funny...don't want to sit too close, or have to touch each other or sometimes breathe the same air. Brings back memories for sure! These two are really close and love each other but it was a hot day and I can't blame them for not wanting to be too touchy/feely.

They came in all the way from New Jersey to see me. Okay, well they were in town seeing family and did a session with me while they were here. But saying it the first way sounded better didn't it? This is one of my long time customers and they moved about three years ago but we still fit a session in every August when the weather is just so beautiful and pleasant ha ha!

Sweet Babe in Arms {Keller newborn Photographers}

This is my cousin's daughter and her new grandson. He is my youngest newborn yet, I believe 6 days old when we did the session. He was such a cooperative little one and slept most of the time enabling me to get this sweet capture and several others. Mom is a smart girl, her older child is 9.5 so she's got a ready made babysitter. I got some really beautiful images of her kissing her new baby brother which is sometimes a difficult shot to get when the older sib is only 2 or 3.

Delicious Baby Alert {Fort Worth and Dallas Baby Photography}

Truly, this little girl is so delish I could eat her up with a spoon. And she's so good natured too! Don't you love her expression in the picture? Mom bought her this red petti and hat and I just think it looks so adorable on her! She just turned one so wetoo some pictures of her in a cute, cute little tank with a birthday cupcake on it and shorts, this red petti and hat and a little blue outfit. I will say she is one styling baby girl and she now has the baby pictures to prove it! Baby photography is a gift that parents give themselves AND their children. There isn't much thats more special than handing down beautiful baby pictures to your children so they can see themselves as you saw them when they were tiny and they can then share them with their children. Baby pictures reveal family resemblances and bring back wonderful memories of those sweet baby years.

Sweet Brother and Big Sister

I photographed this little 18 month old with his big sister last week and he was fast! But a great smiler and very sweet little boy. I enjoyed watching the two of them, they were very sweet together...just enough age difference between them so that she was his "little mother" or at least I didn't get any "little brothers - yuck" vibe from her. We lucked out that it was before the rain and not as hot as it had been, so a great day for a session. How great is my job that I get to go play with kids, and take photographs, for a living!

Tiger Woods better worry! {DFW Childrens Photography}

This little one has a daddy that plans to give Tiger Woods a run for the money! Daddy was a pro golfer a few years back and plans for his little girl to get a golf scholarship when she's a bit bigger. I had a blast driving the golf course over at Iron Horse - they were awesome to let us do this on the first hole! And I so didn't know what I was doing in that cart. I got so many cute ones of her "golfing"...it will be hard to narrow down Mom!

August Profile - Cari

I have so many great customers that I thought from time to time I would interview them and get to know them a little better. Some own businesses of their own and I will include that in their spotlight of course.

My first customer being spotlighted is Cari and she has been with me for three years. I have had the privilege of photographing both of her beautiful children since they were born and I love that I have gotten to watch them grow. On a personal note here...Cari was so great when I was spending time at the hospital with my husband. I had spent a night there and also would be spending the following evening there. She brought me toothpaste, blanket, socks, pillow and all the personal necessities I didn't have with me. That was such a kind gesture in a difficult time and I really was so moved by that! Just wanted to let you know what a thoughtful person she is too!

So, without further ado....meet Cari!

First name & city: Cari North Richland Hills

How many children, first names and ages: 2, Lauren (3) and Grant (1)

Favorite places to go with your children in the summer months: Zoo, Pool, Bike Rides

What was the last book you read to your children? Children’s Bible

What’s on your nightstand? Bible, baby monitor and alarm clock

What are your favorite websites or blogs to visit? Craig's List

What are your 3 favorite local restaurants: Italianni’s, Chili’s and Panara Bread

What is your favorite Salon: Moutons

Who's the one person you'd like to meet (alive or dead): Jesus and my Mom

Do you have any secret "guilty" pleasures (like reality tv shows for instance?): choc chip cookies

Why made you choose to go with a custom photographer instead of a chain type photographer? (I had to ask!):
Much more laid back and not rushed. I love not being limited to 5 or 10 pictures within a 15 minute window. You know that my kids don’t even warm up until the end of a session.

Blessed Baby

I love when I get to share in a couple's blessed event...and what's better than a new baby? This couple is attractive, so in love and excited to meet their little one...what more could you ask for? The only downside to doing maternity sessions is when the mom shows up with a tummy smaller than mine! The mom-to-be here used to work with my husband so I was very happy to meet her as he used to speak so highly of her and it was great to reminisce about him among other things we talked about!

Enjoy your sneak peek here!

Mr. Cutie Pie

Love, love, love 6 month olds! They are usually so happy at this age and this little guy came in smiling and never let up! I got to photograph his big sister (the shoeaholic I posted about) and now I got to meet him. He was truly precious and just so agreeable. He only peed on the backdrop once but hey, what's a guy to do when you take all his clothes off for cute bootie pictures? That air is awfully cold you know...

So mom, here's your sneak peek which was awfully long in coming I know!

Let's Go Fishing!

One of my baby planners....its his last session on the plan, can't believe it's already that time. They do grow up fast! His mom and dad have also been great to refer lots of their friends, always appreciated!

Little Mr. E here loved being at the park and by the water. So we gave him a fishing pole and bait bucket and he was in to that immediately! He knew just what to do...he was casting and I do believe if he'd had a real minnow on there (and a hook!) he would have caught something! We lucked out that the weather wasn't too horrible for August in Texas, love this Keller park for the variety it offers. The little ones like it for all the different things there are to explore there.

Care Bear Where Are You?

Little Miss A here looooves her Care Bear...pink so obviously a girl even though I kept saying "he"...bad photographer! So we have quite a few with her favorite lovey in them. I however, did get this sweet image, she is thinking about something and has such a serious look on her face.

Mom warned me she was not a big smiler but in the end we got quite a lot with her smiling...if you want to know what got her I'll confess...she took her shoes off and I sniffed them and said she had stinky feet! She really cracked up over that (bathroom humor never goes out of style I guess)...of course I warned Mom that she would probably be doing that to everyone's feet now. Hey it works on my grandchild so figured it would work on her!

This is the sweet redheaded baby laying down on the black drop on my website in case you think she looks a little familiar, that's why! Keller

Holton's Drive for SIDS

Some of you may remember that last year one of my families lost their 5 month old son Holton to SIDS. They touched my heart, and so many others, with their story. There is a saying, after a loss, you can become bitter or better. They are letting their lives go on and be "better." I so admire them for how they have handled losing their son and how they have turned that loss into benefitting a great cause. And on a personal note, they have really reached out to me during my recent loss. I so appreciate and admire them.

They held a golf tournament benefitting research for SIDS and did a great job, so many people participated and were generous in their donations, it was a great success for them and will benefit so many people. I am adding the link here so you can check it out. If your heart is touched and you feel moved to participate or donate, please do so...it will be most appreciated! I donated a gift card last year and am doing so again this year for the silent auction. Meanwhile, here are a few images of the one and only session I got to do with Holton before he passed. I feel so blessed to have been able to capture those precious moments in his too short life.