Happy 1st Birthday, Carter!

It was the last of my First Year Collection photo shoots, and thus, the last of my professional gigs.  If you think I won’t get all sappy on you, think again. :)   But it’s impossible to show up for a photo shoot with a family I’ve known and loved for three years, at a location I’ve used and loved with so many families, on a day when the weather is as perfect as perfect can be, and not get WAY sad about it being the last of the last.  Had SOMETHING with the photo shoot not gone perfectly, it would have been a little easier to walk away, but EVERYTHING with the photo shoot went perfectly, so walking away was so much harder than I expected!  As I shuttle my girls to six different sports practices (and one guitar lesson) this week, I’ll have plenty of reminders of why I chose to walk away, but as I look at these last of the last photos, it’s highly likely I’ll need a tissue.  To a family who made it so easy for so long and so hard today, I miss you already! :)

{ We Jump for Ryan }

Every year, my girls’ school does a fundraiser with the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart.  This year, that jump means more to us than ever before.  This year, we jump with a purpose.  This year, we jump for Ryan.  If you haven’t met sweet Ryan yet, you simply must:  Ryan’s visit to the studio.

For the past (almost) five months of Ryan’s little life, doctors have gone back and forth about when it would be best to perform the surgery that would fix Ryan’s heart.  First, it was to happen when he hit seven pounds.  Then, it was to happen when he hit 14 pounds.  And then it was to happen when he hit his first birthday.  But last week, Ryan met some new doctors who decided the surgery could no longer wait. 

This past Saturday, a team of doctors spent several hours inside Ryan’s tiny chest, repairing his precious heart.  The little boy I fell in love with (almost) five months ago is now on his way to becoming the strong, healthy little boy he was meant to be. 

And that’s why we jump.  Please consider donating to this very important organization, and help us save some very precious lives!  We thank you.  And Ryan does, too.

Donate Today!

Happy 1st Birthday, Garrett!

The only thing more fun than having a 1-year-old eating cake in the studio is having a 1-year-old AND his older brother chowing down!  Because really, who doesn’t love the opportunity to eat loads of sugar and fingerpaint all at the same time?! :)   These sweet boys were such a delight long before the cake came out, but once we introduced a little frosting, the fun really started!  What a pleasure it’s been watching both boys grow, and while I’m sad it’s our last shoot together, I am SO thankful for all the great memories we’ve made!  Happy 1st Birthday, little Garrett!  Party hard, sweet boy! :)

Happy 1st Birthday, Sadie!

They don’t get much sweeter, or cuter, or photogenic than this!  It was great to be back in the studio for an afternoon while we finished out sweet Sadie’s First Year Collection!  Her favorite part was the cake.  My favorite part was her. :)   With her beautiful blue eyes and to-die-for eyelashes, she stole the show the moment she showed up!  And kept us entertained until the last bit of icing was washed away. :)   Happy 1st Birthday, sweet girl! 

With Love From. . .

Six weeks later, and you people are still making me smile!  Not that it should surprise me.  For the past five years, even in those moments when I knew I’d get the best out of you, you always gave me more!  Thanks for that, friends!  Have a happy week!  I know I will! 

They’re Posted!

Photoshop for Moms!

RWP Create:  Valentine’s Day!

Two classes you won’t want to miss!  Check out my website for all the details!  And e-mail me when you’re ready to register! :)

A Good Kind of Busy Day! :)

Your photos, my knowledge, their Valentine’s Day.  Does it get any better?? 

I think not, my friends. :)

Stay tuned for more info! :)

With Love From. . .

So many of the sweet e-mails and Facebook posts I’ve gotten from you people have made me smile.  Some have made me cry.  And occasionally, I even get to laugh.  A lot. :)

Some backstory on this “With Love From” letter.  Ryan’s mom happens to be a running buddy of mine.  We’ve spent MANY an early morning jogging the streets of Cedar Park discussing just about everything.  She’s heard about all the things I love about my job, and occasionally, she may have even heard about the things I haven’t loved quite so much. :)   So when I got this e-mail from her as we were scheduling a shoot for her newborn baby boy, I just had to laugh.  A lot.  :)

So without further ado, “With Love From:” Ryan’s Mom.

With Love From. . .

Feeling the love, my friends!  Thanks for that!

With Love From:”  Noah, Vivian & Lilia’s Mom.

A Little Thankful? A Little Nothing!

My mom always taught me that it’s polite to send thank you notes when somebody has given me a gift.  So for the SO MANY who have given me SO MUCH over the past few years – friendship, love, AND a job - a few thank you notes were definitely in order.  And while words could never accurately convey the warmth that fills my heart, it’s important for ME to know that YOU know how much you’re loved and appreciated!  Thanks, friends, for blessing me in more ways than I ever could have hoped for or deserved!  You are loved!  (And to the struggling U.S. Postal Service, you’re welcome. :) )