giving thanks...

Since I plan on doing a looking back, thoughtful, lengthy New Year's post, I'll keep this holiday post short... ;-)

Hope everyone had a chance to get together with family, loved ones and friends and give thanks for all the blessings and obstacles in their lives. Without hardship how are we ever to know true success and give thanks for the road, perhaps less traveled, that got us there in the first place.

This holiday I give great thanks to my Mr. Nick, my family, friends and clients who have helped make this year phenomical (yep, I just made that up) for me this year. I also thank the Buns for not chewing on my computer cord this morning when I left it in reach and I give some serious props to Mr. Beaumont for consistently coming through for me, even after being in two accidents and multiple (minor!) traffic stops. Which brings me to my next thought: I am thankful for my Nana and all her thoughts, letters and über sweet knitting goods she passes my way. And for my lead foot that I obviously inherited from her. And much thanks to the roommates for more than I possibly have the time and room to list here. 

Since letters and words are boring, I'll close with a session from a few weeks ago-yeah, weeks. I know, I'm getting things in order, be patient! :-)

Also, be sure to check back tomorrow for details on the holiday giveaway sweepstakes...

Ooooo...it's a sweepstakes now. How couth of me! (That word is real. Sort of.)

These guys were so super awesome! Like most of the days in October, this one was cold, cloudy and somewhat ish...but the sublime cloud cover made for excellent light so I just couldn't resist!! It was so bloody cold out (ooo, I sound British!), but they all did what they could to think warm thoughts and smile through the bitter breeze to get some truly fun shots.

holiday surprises...

Hello dear friends, family, clients (whom I consider friends!) and fellow blog stalkers!

Attention, attention!!

:-)

This is a little bitty mini reminder that any and all orders that you would like in time for Christmas (as that framed photo of you and your family would make the bestest gift for Aunt Suzie in Tuscaloosa) need to be placed by DECEMBER 5.

Also...in light of the holidays and how much helping people warms my heart, I have a little contest that I'm going to be offering this year. 

Curious? 

I THOUGHT SO!!! 

This contest will start, go figure, on Black Friday and run through Christmas Eve. I'm going to need all the help and responses and feedback as possible so please, please, PLEASE spread the word!! Stay posted for more news, but I promise, it'll be super.

Because all posts are better with a photo... :-)

beautiful family

Once there was a tree..... and she loved a little boy. 

And every day the boy would come and he would gather her leaves and make them into crowns and play king of the forest. 

He would climb up her trunk and swing from her branches and eat apples.

And they would play hide-and-go-seek. 

And when he was tired, he would sleep in her shade.

And the boy loved the tree.......very much. 

And the tree was happy.

together

Looking back, you can't tell at all how cold it was that day. Okay, it wasn't freezing, but we did have several breaks to run inside and warm up!

Thanks to the Born family for all your smiles and great ideas!!!

precious addition

boy meets girl

girl falls in love with boy

boy asks girl to marry him

two become one

then a few years later...

one becomes three

Farmer George

For those who know him, George is a spitting image of his father. To the point that it's almost scary. Just kidding, Joey! ;-)

George got a new Case trailer and International tractor for his 2nd birthday and he couldn't be more pumped about it! Finally...a way to haul all his goods...

little miss

As soon as I got there, Emily was all about it. She totally brought her A game. Ella wished she was anywhere else. I could tell. While Emily sat chit chatting about this and that, Ella clung to her mother, hiding from me and keeping that precious little smile to herself. Eventually, though, she opened up (especially when she saw her pumpkin!). They were such awesome sports about the cold weather, thanks little ladies!!!