Our Journey

Blogging gone bad

2009-06-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

I am thinking my blogging days are over. I keep making this goal to be better about posting and I will do it for a couple days and then... life.

I have kept this blog for like 4 years. We have been through a lot throughout this blog. Feel free to go way back in our lives. From Fort Worth to Haltom City to Hurst to Oklahoma and finally back home to Austin.

I'm finding that at this time in my busy life Facebook is the fast, friendly way to roll. So, for now it is Facebook. 6 months from now - who knows?!

Lots of love!!

The Melsa Family

New logo!!!

2009-04-29T10:58:00.001-07:00

and....

I am excited to introduce my new logo! A friend of ours, Larry Lewis designed it for me. He is super talented and wonderful to work with!
Hope you like it!

Sneak Peek

2009-04-25T11:59:00.001-07:00

The following two pictures are from a shoot I had on Friday. Sweet couple and very sweet baby!

2009-04-25T11:58:00.003-07:00

Sneak Peek

2009-04-25T11:58:00.001-07:00

This is a daughter of a friend of ours. She is so photogenic with beautiful eyes! I have many more pictures, but found this to be one of my faves.

Sneak Peek

2009-04-25T11:56:00.003-07:00

The following few pictures of kids are from a shoot I did with some friends that I have known since I lived in Corpus 30 years ago. They have the cutest kids and so well behaved. This first boy (which is #3 in their family) looks exactly like Lane did at this age. It will be neat to see if he looks like Lane when he gets to be older!

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I did it

2009-04-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

I got a mac!!!!!!
So far..... I am beyond clueless and definitely frustrated. It's like getting on a computer for the first time. I need my own personal geek to live with me.

Olivia turns 7

2009-04-15T17:21:00.000-07:00

Olivia's (first) party was a slumber party. We had 5 of her girlfriends come over for some giggling, nail painting, tp designing, pillow case coloring, tons of games, tons of chocolate and way too little sleep.

I am ready for another one!

I am so glad that Lane was there. He was the best party coordinator I could have asked for.... and the girls adored him! ;-)
Ryder was the little mascot of the night. I think his cheeks are still pink from the lipstick 10 days later.

Gotta love the ugly dolls!

Sneak Peek

2009-04-14T07:38:00.000-07:00

Funny

2009-04-14T07:36:00.000-07:00

On the way to school this morning we (I) were enjoying some silence (no kiss fm) and out of the blue ryder says "mom. i want all the single ladies to come and talk to me"

Summer.....HURRY!

2009-04-03T11:48:00.001-07:00

After working in the school this year I can totally relate to how teachers always long for Summer!

More of my faves

2009-04-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

Serve Austin Sunday

2009-03-31T04:09:00.000-07:00

What an awesome Sunday we had! Instead of having church in the church we had church in the community where the needs were.

Part of our church went and fed over 400 homeless people, part went to fix up a church, one group went to help landscape an organization that helps homeless and another group went to paint the Caritas building. There was so much joy on the faces of our congregation!

Sneak Peek - Baby N

2009-03-22T18:55:00.001-07:00

BEFORE (BIG) AND AFTER (TOP - LITTLE)

Found

2009-03-14T20:19:00.000-07:00

A home! Woo-hoo!!!

Moving Tuesday. Thankfully 95% of our belongings are still in boxes! Pictures to come.

Cutie Patooties

2009-03-14T20:17:00.000-07:00

wow

2009-03-14T20:12:00.000-07:00

maybe this picture will persuade my 10 year old to get a haircut!

Homework Trick

2009-03-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else have a problem with getting their child to do homework?? Lane absolutely hates homework (I have to say I was exactly the same way. paybacks...ugh!)
Well, I would ask him if he had homework and he would say no. Many days would go by and I would wonder why in the world our 6th grader never has homework. I am always hearing other moms complaining about their child having tons of homework. Well, we are really trying to get our children to learn about their choices and their consequences - kinda the whole love and logic theory (to some degree. not fond of most of it though). A trick I learned to find out if he really has homework: don't ask him if he has homework. ask him what subjects he has homework in.
It's amazing how changing your words up can make such a difference. It tricked him. I found out. Now, I need a trick to actually get him to do it!

Skate or die

2009-03-10T06:41:00.000-07:00

I should totally make him wear pads. Can you see the bruises on his legs? He looks like he has been beaten with a baseball bat. I don't think he has allowed pads since he was like 2.

house hunting

2009-03-09T16:26:00.000-07:00

it has begun....

will let you know when we find the one.

wknd deep thought

2009-03-07T13:34:00.000-08:00

"Are you sowing the seeds for the life you want five years from now??"
Me - yes. well, for the most part yes. I say this mainly because I went back to school to do what I have always wanted to do - be a school counselor. I don't see this happening in five years. Maybe more like 10. Every time I drive to school I say to myself "I'M DOING THIS!" Finally. For some reason I usually take the long, difficult road in life. I should have finished school 15 years ago. Not me. no - i go the hard road.
Another seed we are sowing for our 5 year goal is our finances. We are doing things a little wiser now a days. Trying to set aside more and more for all those *%$^ moments in life.
Eating better. Hopefully in 5 years I won't physically feel 5 years older, but 5 years younger. I am trying to eat all God-given foods. Fruits, veggies, meats. Not so much fun when I could live on Dots, pizza and popcorn.
So- deep thought for the wknd: What seeds are you sowing in your life?

Dr. Seuss

2009-03-04T07:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Bday Dr. Seuss! Olivia celebrated at school by eating green eggs and ham. She's brave.

I love Horton hears a Who. That's my fave. Love to read it to the kids and think it has a great message in it - every voice counts. Good stuff.

Sneak Peek - Tana and Josh

2009-03-03T06:33:00.001-08:00

I am photographing Tana and Josh's wedding in October. For their engagement shoot we went to their home neighborhood - Buda. It was so sweet to hear the stories they shared growing up together. I think their entire families and extended families took up the entire neighborhood. Such a different experience than I had growing up! Definitely small town country living. So sweet. So wholesome. Refreshing.

Sneak Peek - Baby Jackson

2009-03-03T06:23:00.001-08:00

I know I say it every time - but this is the cutest baby ever!

Sneak Peek - Kali and Josh

2009-03-03T06:21:00.001-08:00

This is Kali and Josh. I am going to photograph their wedding next month. Kali is a second grade teacher at my kid's school. This couple is so sweet and so in love! Can't wait to witness their wedding - sounds like it will be a lot of fun!

shout out

2009-03-02T17:34:00.000-08:00

you have to check out huebyjennyhouston. she is so talented and she is family! her jewelry is affordable, great quality and super cute. and - the packaging is cute and fun! great idea for mother's day!

Friday night on the drag

2009-03-01T08:59:00.000-08:00

On Friday we only had Cam. His request was to skate downtown. Thankfully it was before the cold front hit! Very rarely do we only have one child with us. Our desire is to spend one-on-one time with our kids as much as we can. Unfortunately that rarely happens. We try to make up for it by spending time with them talking about the day, or whatever when we tuck them in at night. Better than nothing I guess.

As we were walking back to our car we passed about 200 bikers. They weren't the Lance Armstrong type of bikers if you know what I mean (see top pic).

We're back!!

2009-02-24T07:47:00.000-08:00

Just want to start out by saying sorry to any of you that were faithful readers of this blog and thought we dropped off the planet. I am so thankful for those of you who checked in on us. We are still here and I am vowing to be a better blogger from now on.

The reason why there is such a long break from blogging was because there was just too much on my plate! My photography business got very busy over the holidays (see below) and then I decided to go back to college and finish my undergrad. So, I am taking 6 hours on campus at TSU in San Marcos. So far, I love it! I did realize that I am going to need to study to get through it. Attending class just won't cut it. Bummer. Lane told me he would share his tutor with me. phew. I don't even want to talk about how many hours I have left. My transfer hours consisted of too many aerobics classes!

We are almost a year out from our "eye-opening-church-experience" and continue to grow and heal. There have been a wave of emotions. Sometimes I think I am over it and then other times I realize i'm not...at all! Luke is much more mature about it, or at least he hides it better.

We miss all our wonderful friends in Bartlesville. We really made some cool friends there! The congregation at FBCB treated us so good and we miss them.

All in all we have learned a lot. A lot about what our idea of ministry is, what our vision is for ministry (and not to settle for someone elses), and what kind of church we want to serve at.

Thankfully God placed un in a church (ANC) that "fed" us and helped us to heal. It is truly a Christ-centered-kingdom-minded church filled with real people just like us focusing on serving those in need. Ahhhh. relief. What is even cooler is that they had an opening come up for a children's pastor and asked Luke to take it. We couldn't think of a better place to be at this time. The pastors at this church have to raise their income because it is a church plant (new church). Please be in prayer that we will raise enough money to support our family.

Luke has one more class at Seminary to get his Master's in Christian Education. He has never taken a semester off - through very stressful and busy times - he has never taken a break. 10 years of school! Can you tell I am proud? I admire his dedication and perseverance.

The kids are getting big as you can see from the pics below. Lane is 12 and at the middle school (the same one I went to). Cam is 10, Olivia 6 and Ryder 3. They are at the elementary school that I am working full time at as the art aid (which I love). The older boys are playing flag football right now and will try soccer again next. Ryder thinks he is ready to play too.

Haven't traveled lately and don't have any plans in the near future. I am looking forward to Summer already (now I know how teachers feel).

Well, that's a pretty good update on what has been going on with us. Keep checking back. I will be updating on personal life, photo sneak peeks and ministry outreaches (for all those who care and are praying for and/or supporting our ministry).

Lots of love to you!!

Thanksgiving

2009-01-27T12:55:00.001-08:00

random

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Nov. Homeless cookout

2009-01-27T12:37:00.001-08:00

FREEZING Flag football

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Hansen Family

2009-01-27T12:35:00.001-08:00

Matens Family

2009-01-27T12:34:00.001-08:00

Baby Reese

2009-01-27T12:33:00.003-08:00

Pregnancy Announcement

2009-01-27T12:33:00.001-08:00

Baby Madison

2009-01-27T12:32:00.001-08:00

Hansen Family

2009-01-27T12:31:00.001-08:00

Baby Kyle

2009-01-27T12:30:00.001-08:00

Hembree Family

2009-01-27T12:17:00.001-08:00

Girls (w/ boy on the way...actually here by now)

2009-01-27T12:13:00.001-08:00

Pleasant Cuties

2009-01-27T12:12:00.003-08:00

Moran Family

2009-01-27T12:12:00.001-08:00

Vendettti Family

2009-01-27T12:11:00.001-08:00

Sparks Family

2009-01-27T12:10:00.003-08:00

Robertson Family

2009-01-27T12:10:00.001-08:00

Scherr Cuties

2009-01-27T12:09:00.003-08:00

Baby Kenlee

2009-01-27T12:09:00.001-08:00

Hall Lovebirds

2009-01-27T12:03:00.001-08:00

Turner Wedding

2009-01-27T11:39:00.001-08:00

bloggin' break

2008-11-24T19:09:00.001-08:00

im sad to say (not really) that i think i am going to have to take a short break from my blog. i have entered the busy season of photography and started working up at my kid's school during the day. life is good. real good. just crazy busy.
after the holidays i'm sure i will have a gazillion pictures to share with you - don't give up on me! i will be back!
lots of love,
amy

Ware's Sneak Peek

2008-10-21T18:00:00.001-07:00

Fun, fun, fun! Love the Wares! They have two sweet, fun and totally opposite girls -ages 9 & 10.

The Wares are a blast to take pictures of and hang with.

Campbell Sneak Peek

2008-10-20T18:11:00.001-07:00

This weekend I took pictures of my favorite 1 and 3 year old girls ;-)- my nieces!

Toomey Sneak Peek

2008-10-17T19:31:00.001-07:00

Precious!!! These kids were not only precious on the outside, but even more so on the inside - total sweethearts! Mom, Tiffany is another one I went to highschool with.

Oldest to Youngest:

Boys:

Girls

Mom and Dad

My precious niece is getting so big

2008-10-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

Lane's 12!

2008-10-15T19:10:00.000-07:00

Lane turned 12 this past weekend. All he wanted was something to drive. Ha. Mimi got him this great scooter and filled the "trunk" w/ tons of candy.

Next time I turn around he is going to be turning 16 and I will laugh as I remember how I got so nervous when he drove this puney scooter.

Sprinkler time

2008-10-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

Ryder didn't like it too much

10 year old art

2008-10-15T18:44:00.000-07:00

Cam's creation...(Palin's hair on McCain's face).

A quick funny about Cam - yesterday he said that he "knows he definitely has salmonella" When asked if he even knew what salmonella was he said "addicted to salmon!"

Maternity Pics Sneak Peek

2008-10-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

I was excited when my cousin's neighbor in Houston asked me to take her maternity pictures. She is actually due in like a week! I usually don't like to wait until the last few weeks to take pics b/c moms are usually all swollen and miserable looking - but not Melissa. She is absolutely gorgeous!!!

Beautiful eyes!!!

Cannon (2 weeks)

2008-10-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

Some more of Cannon Cash. And lots more to come...

Birthday party

2008-10-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

We have developed a relationship with a sweet lady that we met at the homeless cookout our church does. A couple weeks ago our church threw a birthday party for her daughter at Zilker. Lots of fun. It was during the afternoon so my older kids were in school and it was just us w/ Ryder. I love getting to have one-on-one time with my kids. And I love this cooler weather!!! We rode the train at Zilker which I haven't done in like 20 years. Ryder loved it!

Family Shoot

2008-09-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

I had a blast with this family! Heather (mom) and I went to school together and hadn't seen each other in 15 years. I swear she hasn't aged a year! Her kids were so much fun to photograph and so photogenic!

Baby Cannon is here!

2008-09-23T18:32:00.000-07:00

This morning baby Cannon was born. Kim had an uneventful, smooth scheduled c-section. Her and baby are healthy - woo-hoo!

Not too long ago!

Kimbo

2008-09-13T18:24:00.001-07:00

One of my most favorite friends happens to be my cousin, Kim. I call her Kimbo.
I have a favor. If you are a prayer - please pray for her. She is mego prego - I mean like she is scheduled to deliver her third boy on the 23rd. She lives in Houston. Thankfully they are safe and didn't have too much damage to their house, but they have had lots of huge trees down in their yard and are w/out of power. I can't even imagine being w/o power (AC!) and be so pregnant.
This is obviously very stressful for her at an already stressful time in her life. Please pray for her and her husband, Kidd and boys - Max and Spence. My prayer is that all this brings their family closer together and their marriage stronger than ever.
Thanks so much and I will keep you updated!

Day trip

2008-09-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went on a day trip to Gonzales. We were pleasantly surprised at how much fun we had. We love to take road trips and explore little towns around Texas! In Gonzales was a very old prison that we were able to go into and check out. The boys were in awe at it.

The drive was beautiful

Hopefully this will be the only time Lane is ever behind bars!!

I loved this - the countdown

These prisoners doodled a lot

This was the prison door. It makes me think about how no matter what we are imprisoned by there is freedom in Christ! Thank God.

Next we went to Shiner...

We found railroad tracks. need i say more.

Me and my little ones

2008-09-06T16:57:00.001-07:00

Today I had a baby shower to go to. I decided that it would be fun to take Olivia and have a girls day. I just love having a girl!
Lane took these pictures of us right before we left. And then Olivia took the ones of Ryder and me.

New fan

2008-09-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

Palin rocks in my book.

First Day

2008-08-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

Here they are - ready for their first day. Olivia is in 1st this year, Cam - 4th and Lane is going to 6th - MIDDLE SCHOOL!!! Crazy! Ryder and I are going to do some bonding this year. He is glad that I am staying home with him, but not glad at all that his crib-mates are gone. Now that I look real good at them - they all look overdue for haircuts!

Relaxing Wknd

2008-08-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went to my Uncle's lake house in East Texas for a little relaxation before the big first day of school. The kids had such a great time jet skiing, 4-wheeling, snake & frog hunting and all the other fun stuff that come with being out in the woods.

Salutation to the Dawn

2008-08-21T05:51:00.000-07:00

Look to this day!
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course
Lie all the verities and realities of your existence:
The bliss of growth,
The glory of action,
The splendor of beauty.
For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow is only a vision,
but today well lived makes every yesterday a
dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision
of hope. Look well, therefore, to this day!
Such is the salutation to the dawn.

Quote taken from a book I read recently. Good stuff.

Hiking

2008-08-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

The other day we decided to go hiking to a creek near our house. Good times.

The creek was a little dry ;-)

The excitement of the journey was Cam's catch.

He was so proud

Ryder had a skateboarding accident the other day.

At least his lips were watered.

Capital Picnic & Imax

2008-07-30T13:32:00.000-07:00

Today (yes, I am posting the day OF!) we went w/ some others from our church to an IMAX movie and then over the the capital for a picnic. Good times. Good fellowship.

The kids loved all the squirrels, squirrels didn't love the kids.

Cuties!!!

Birds love cheetos

Terrible picture, way underexposed, but too good to pass up. This is a picture of Sydney in her IMAX glasses.

Training early

2008-07-30T13:31:00.000-07:00

Prego

2008-07-28T16:11:00.000-07:00

Kimbo and her boys came into town last weekend for a visit. She is mego prego w/ boy #3. She is all belly. I was all quadruple chins, cafeteria arms, elephant ankles, etc. It went everywhere except the belly... the fat - not the baby. Kimbo is just the cutest prego and I can't wait to hold baby? I am rooting for Cannon Coy!

Random

2008-07-28T16:02:00.000-07:00

I took this picture at Christ Chapel Church in Fort Worth. These doors are so gorgeous and huge! I just couldn't pass it up. Jason Miley - I just saw that you are a fan of doors and this is your home church!

More fun in July

2008-07-28T15:43:00.000-07:00

We went to Aquarena Springs in San Marcos the other day. I remember going to this when I was in middle school. My dad dragged me there. It was way too educational for my taste at that age. A lot has changed at Aquarena Springs since then. First off, like everything is shut down but the springs. No more diving pig. No more underwater submarine. It was a little disappointing, but we actually had a ton of fun. The glass bottom boat was so cool. Everyone loved it - Ryder (2) on up to Lane (11). We were a little sweaty since it was about 180 degrees. We were very tempted to jump in!
This picture is great~ The first one I took everyone is smiling so big and Lane looks like he is about to cry. So, I told the others to get him to smile. It worked!

Hungry Turtle

Hungry turtle fighting for his food.

My love. We just celebrated 13 years!!!

Catch up

2008-07-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

Here we go. Our month of July summed up. I have quite a lot more pics to come. But, this is about all I can do for now. A lot of these pictures are taken w/ my little point and shoot, some are taken by family and all the others are straight out of the camera. We have had a good summer. God has been SO good to us. We have been able to spend a lot of time together playing and bonding. There is so much to do in Austin and the surrounding area for kids and families. We just love being back here! The older boys and I just returned from camp at Highland Lakes with our church. We had a ton of fun. I will post some pictures from that soon. And I will try and do better at keeping my blog up more consistently!

Random

Science Museum in San Antonio

We went to this great museum in San Antonio(that is free on Tuesdays, although you have to pay like $500 in gas to drive an hour to get there!!).

Bowling at The Union

Ryder was infactuated with the glow in the dark shoes and kept doing gymnastics moves. He wanted to roll the ball all by himself every time. It took about 5 minutes for the ball to roll down to the pins (is that what they're called? I'm not too up on my bowling terminology ((sorry Joe!))

Swimming at the country club w/ Papa

The Riverwalk in San Antonio (not sure if I already posted about this trip or not)

Lots of trips to Barton Springs

Finger Painting...gone bad!

Rope Swing at Town Lake

Good times at Unka Chad and Aunt Taylor's

A weekend with our sweet friends visiting from South Africa. We lived in Seminary housing at the same time and our boys (Lane and Hannes) became best buds. They moved back to South Africa about 6 years ago. The dad, Gideon is back just for a semester to complete some more courses at Seminary.

This is one of the sweetest families I have ever met. Spending time w/ them is like spending time w/ Jesus. They are so loving and peaceful. I felt so refreshed and renewed when we left their home. Spending time fellowshipping w/ other believers, praying w/ one another, encouraging, etc. needs to happen more often. It just feels right.

Lane and Hannes

The Drag

A trip to Fort Worth to see friends

Lane and his friend, Jake. They had just returned from a 5 day camp at ACU.

Cam and one of his buddies, Nathan

Random Shot of shoveling food in his mouth. Of course the others laugh at him when he does this so it happens quite often.

More Barton Springs The first one is of our dog, Blaze. He didn't like the water so much. The second one is of me, Blaze and Cam. Luke is usually really good taking pictures, don't think he hit the focus button on this one)

Still alive

2008-07-04T05:48:00.000-07:00

I have been a bad, bad blogger. I really have no pictures right now to post - sorry. I have given my kids a break from the camera. I'll make up for it soon.
Here's a quick update on our life right now. I am calling this the "Season of Strengthening the Melsa family". otherwise known as - it sucks! ;-)
Luke was out of town for 2 weeks and then I was out of town for 1 week. I had some photo shoots in between that. My kids think that Summer means doing everything possible in the city of Austin and surrounding countries. "Why can't we go to Europe and tour? I am tired of swimming at the country club! Can't we go swimming at the beach in Hawaii?" Ugh...
Church is great. Love it!
So, anyone know the count down until school starts back? Give me hope. ;-)

Day trip to the Capitol

2008-06-13T14:45:00.000-07:00

This picture cracks me up b/c if you notice Lane ducking in the bottom left of the picture - right after I took it he squealed, jumped up and said he was eye to eye w/ a cockroach.

This looks like my kids are inquisitive and all "smart", but they are actually trying to find out who has the funniest hair-do.

This was the highlight of Cam's life - feeding a squirrel. He now thinks that he needs one as a pet.

We took a picnic and even though it was 100 degrees outside, it wasn't so bad in the shade.

Wknd in Magnolia

2008-06-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went to Kim's house to celebrate her boy's birthdays. They both have bdays in June so she always has a big party. There were lots of kiddos and lots of fun! Also - there was an amazing balloon artist there.

This is Kim's neighbors little boy. Isn't he just the cutest?!

Update

2008-06-10T15:37:00.000-07:00

PUBLISHING PARTY

Cameron had a book signing party at school. He was so sweet. All the parents got to go around and read the kid's poems, etc. and sign their books.

SCHOOL PLAY

Lane had a play at school - he was Donald Duck. I love that my parents can now come to all the kid's events. Here is a picture of my dad w/ Olivia on his lap.

GRADUATION

My baby graduated from Elementary school. Very emotional. Next year he will be in middle school - the same middle school I went to AND one of my friends I grew up with and lived down the street from me is the Vice Principal. Pretty cool!

FAMILY NIGHT AT CHURCH

I look over and see Cam. hmmm?..

They had those fun ground fountains

AFTER A LITTLE SUGAR...

CUTIES

BOY'S HAIRCUTS - I KNOW, DON'T HAVE A HEART ATTACK

The Domain

2008-05-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

I found these pics on my point and shoot card of when we took the kids out to a outdoor mall in North Austin. I loved all the artsy stuff!

Olivia's end of the year party

2008-05-19T06:20:00.000-07:00

Olivia had her end of the year party this weekend. It was at a classmate's ranch house in Johnson City. The weather was perfect and the kids had so much fun. They did paddle boats, fishing, a hayride and swimming in the natural spring creek.

This is their beautiful ranch house. It is on 200 acres. wow!

This is their backyard

Don't you love his new camera smile??!!

2008-05-14T07:10:00.001-07:00

Pool Party!

2008-05-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

Saturday night we went to a friend's awesome new pool! Chad, Taylor and the girls were there along w/ my parents and others.

Dog Park

2008-05-03T19:33:00.000-07:00

We took our little, nerdy weenie dog to the dog park this week. At first we were a little intimidated by all the big, muscular, sophisticated dogs, and there were a few times Lane acted like Blaze wasn't with us, but Blaze held his own and made us very proud.

Capitol Sneak Peek

2008-05-03T10:32:00.000-07:00

This past week I got to photograph some precious, very well behaved kids at the state capital. Most of my pictures of the 2 year old were on the run, but he was so cute you just can't take a bad picture of him! And the little princess was such an angel. She is wonderful in front of the camera. Thanks to their mom for the honor of taking their pictures!

Eeyore turns 45!

2008-04-29T04:11:00.000-07:00

On Saturday (before the homeless) we went to Eeyore's 45th birthday party. I have never been, but have heard a lot about it - so kinda knew what to expect. Eeyore's bday is not just for kids. I mean, there were a lot of kids there and a lot of adults that had kid-like behavior. I can picture Luke and I when we are 80 going out there and just sitting off in the back people-watching. It was great, there was a lot of craziness going on.

Eeyore getting a bath before his big event

Emily and Papa playing peek-a-boo

Best part - the food!

I just wonder what they do when they are ready to get off. Just fall over? hmm...

"Kids, please don't get sick here."

Saturday with the homeless

2008-04-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we went and helped feed the homeless grilled hamburgers with our church. Luke and I took the older boys and left the little ones at home. We all had such an amazing experience!! The majority of the people we served were so kind and grateful. We couldn't stop talking about how wonderful it was on the way home and how we look forward to doing it monthly!

More newborn pics

2008-04-24T07:21:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I took some pictures of this very precious, very laid back newborn. He was so much fun to photograph for many reasons, but mainly because we could put him in all sorts of positions and he would stay asleep! Thanks to baby's mom and dad for letting me take pictures of him!

2008-04-24T07:20:00.003-07:00