Chloe Blake, a good name sake...

This sweet baby is actually my 2nd cousin...Blake, her daddy, has helped me so much during the process of me getting started in the photography biz. My blog and website were both started by him. He taught me how to upload my photos to my client album page and then linked it to my new website that he created. He showed me how to resize and rename my photos in batches which if you are a photog you know that is HUGE. I was clueless until he helped me. Although, he knows nothing about the ins and outs of a DSLR camera, (no offense, Blake, ha ha) he knows his way around a computer better than anyone I know. He has gotten 2 viruses off my computer, one of which he walked me through over the phone! Can you believe that?? Crazy mad technical skills, I tell ya!!! He set up my wireless router for me, I know, that sounds easy, right? Ummm, not so much for me! When he told me I needed one, I was like, what's a wireless router?? Ha ha!! Then, there was the words, "external hard drive". I know you are probably cracking up right now, but I didn't know what that was and he insisted that it was crucial for me to get, and I did because he says and I do. And now, I have a smartphone. That was kind of a tag team effort, he and my sister insisted it would be good for my business. I was once again clueless. A smartphone?? What's that and why do I need that? And of course, I have one and now I can't live without it.
Terry Blake Maberry, I am glad I know you and not only do I know you but I am related to you. You have married a fabulous woman and are now raising Miss Chloe and dude, you are rockin' the fatherhood thing! Which I knew you would! I can't believe I used to babysit you and drill Bible Bowl questions into your head and make you mac n' cheese from the box because that was the only thing I knew how to cook. You have grown up and still I will always remember you as my little cute, yet annoying cousin that had 'THE BIGGEST PRESENT'! Blahahaha! Love to you and Crystal!

{Natasha} Senior 2012

This is Natasha, she is my husband's cousin and she was in from California during Thanksgiving and guess who she asked to do her Senior Portraits?!? Yep, yours truly!
I was very excited! She loves to read, likes wearing American Eagle clothing and says that she is just Natasha! LOL Which is just fine with me. She is GREAT with kids, all my kids as well as Luke's brothers kids love when she and her family visit. She caters to their every whim. Super sweet, a little quiet, but knows that the good LORD is our Savior and that is best quality one can possess. Thank you for choosing me to take your pics, Natasha! It meant so much to me! Have a great rest of your Senior year! I know God has great plans for you!

Just a few newborn shots that I wanted to share! Newborn sessions are becoming my new fave! Ideally, you want your newborns fast asleep, BUT this little one wasn't having any of it! So this is what you get when the eyes are wide open. Of course, newborn babies are precious whether they are asleep or awake, but it just makes it a little more..what's the word I am looking for...trying, to get the poses that are super sweet. But, it is still fun, nonetheless.

my thoughts in action

It's been too long since I blogged...I know, I know. I am a big slacker, but at least I will admit it!
This has nothing to do with my photography, though. Although, that is coming up soon as well, I have lots that is overdue in that department. BUT, like so many, I LOVE pinterest. I have lots of ideas that swirl around in my head and it usually occurs while I should be sleeping.
Sooo, we had a birthday party to go to. This girl LOVES money...not because she likes spending it, no, no! She is a SAVER! BUT, my problem is, I just don't think it is very fun to give money in a card. So, my brain wouldn't let me sleep until I came up with an idea to present her money in a fun, unique and memorable way. So this is what I came up with, now, I have to say, I was kinda skeptical, because she was turning 8, so I was concerned she would think it was silly and just want to get it out and add it to her collection of bills. She LOVED it! She hugged it and said, I am NOT taking this out! I was very happy that she was happy! I hope she keeps it for a very long time, but even if she doesn't my mission was accomplished. The thing of it is, it only took me 10 minutes to put together and the supplies can be found at your local Dollar Store! Who knew?? I am a scrapbooker so I already had some papers, and the options are endless on what you could do...I even thought it would be cute to actually spell part of her name with dimes...or pennies, whatever your budget may be. You can add ribbon, stickers, brads, die-cuts and if you have a cricut (which I got for Christmas, FINALLY, just haven't gotten it out to play with yet) BOy,oh Boy, you could have some REAL fun!!
You just need a picture frame, I used an 11x14, scrapbook paper, dollar bills, quarters, and stickers. I folded the bills to fit in the frame and the best way to make the letters. I used some cheap gift wrapping tape that would come off very easily if she decided to spend it. Because the pressure of the frame held it well in place so it didn't have to be very heavy duty tape, which might also cause ripping when tried to remove. Put the tape on the back of the quarters as well. Easy, peasy! It was fun, give it try the next time you know the recipient wants money but you want it to be given in a special way. Happy Birthday, Anna Grace! You are a special little girl and I am so glad to know you!!