28 November 2013

Thanksgiving Show of Support 2013

My man and I had the great privilege of attending the Show of Support Dinner this past Thursday evening with his sister and brother-in-law.  Show of Support is an incredible ministry to, "Honor those who honor us with our freedoms."  (More information can be found by clicking here).  


Terry Johnson and his wife started this ministry ten years ago.  Their passion and vision to honor the Heroes who serve our country is both admirable and contagious.

Walking in to the venue, my eyes already began to flood with tears at the very sight of Old Glory, tables beautifully decorated in red, white, and blue, and countless service men and women already seated around the tables.


How often do you have the great blessing of being in the presence of heroes and brave men and women who bravely and willingly fought for your freedom and for mine?  There are no words to adequately express our gratitude.

Major Rusty Bradley was the Keynote Speaker,  and what a speaker he was!!!  Several times during his speech, the crowd erupted in applause and we all leapt to our feet.  To say the least, our country is aptly protected under his care!  What an honor to hear him speak.  He is the author of, Lions of Kandahar.


We were seated right behind Sheriff Gary Painter who must have had his granddaughter at the banquet with him.  I thought this was a tender moment captured.  She was worried about her grandpa when he would cry listening to the stories Major Bradley shared.  So sweet!



And then they introduced the Heroes that were honored that evening.  Each Hero received a custom cowboy hat, a rifle, a deer hunt, the wives were given jewelry.


We were in the company of many Purple Heart recipients and highly decorated men and women.


They seemed very humbled and appreciative of the much deserved recognition.





Clayton Williams was one of the sponsors.








And Susie Hitchcock Hall and her husband were as well.  Have you tried her delicious goodies? You can find them here....it's a West Texas tradition.



It was an unforgettable night!  My mind is still reeling with stories and faces of brave men and women who willingly fought for our freedoms.  How often do we take their sacrifice and love of God, family, and country for granted?  I'm thankful we had the opportunity to be there, to stand and applaud them....but there are so many more who deserve our gratitude.  This Thanksgiving, and every one after this, we remember and we are forever grateful!



26 November 2013

The "H" Family {A Sneak Peek}

I loved meeting this sweet family and their adorable little cowboy.  We couldn't have been blessed with a more beautiful afternoon for pictures!  Delight!







Photo of the Morning


Could this family be any more beautiful?  Seriously, they could easily be on the cover of a magazine.  Not only are they beautiful on the outside, but beautiful on the inside and their love for each other spills over to anyone that meets them.  What a joy to take pictures of them in their new home!  


(More Sneak Peeks to follow soon!)

25 November 2013

My Brother'sWedding

My brother was married the first weekend in November. I was to be the photographer of the wedding and I had carefully circled the date on my calendar, bought a cute new dress to go with my favorite boots, and planned several pictures that I wanted to make sure we captured.

Two days before the wedding I was ordered to complete bed rest in hopes of avoiding being hospitalized for the pneumonia that hard turned into a scary state. And my heart, while already working too hard with my lack of oxygen, was broken. No wedding and no traveling....doctors orders. {sigh!}

I couldn't even call my brother or my parents to tell them without sobbing. The sobbing made me start choking, turn red, and gasp for air. So Mr. Incredible had to make the call for me. Their wedding was two weeks ago and I'm still not over it.  Yes, I know God had a plan but this one broke my heart.

My brother and sister-in-law were very gracious and thankfully God had already provided a photographer to take photos in my place....but still! 

A week after the wedding I was allowed to go back to work and slowly resume normal life.  We had plans to attend the Baylor vs. Texas Tech (sic 'em bears) and God gave me an idea to invite my brother and sister-in-law.  They graciously agreed to stay at the Gaylord Texan, our treat, and take some wedding pictures.  While it wouldn't make up for missing photographing the wedding, it would make me feel somewhat better.  It was just what this heart of mine needed and it was so fun!

And honestly, I couldn't think of a more beautiful place to take them: 
Love the twinkling Christmas lights in the background:

And seeing how happy-in-love these two are:

See what I mean?


We had to show off her cute wedding boots:

They got to sit in Santa's chair too.  So fun!


And then I set my camera and handed it to my first Sister-in-law, Mr. Incredible's sister, and she took our new family photo. 


It certainly doesn't make up for missing the wedding but it makes this heart of mine feel a little better.

22 November 2013

A Photo Session With Raindrops and Rainbows

What joy to meet BP from Raindrops and Rainbows and her family!And what a perfect fall afternoon for family photos!



I love the colors that she chose for the session against the beautiful fall colors of our setting.


BP and I have followed each other's blogs for years.  I felt like I knew her but it was so nice to meet her in person. 

This image shows where her baby boy was baptized.  Love this!



How do I know when a photo session is finished?  When I get images like this.  Mr. C totally cracked me up!

BP, thank you for the joy of taking your family photos and getting to spend time with your family!

21 November 2013

The "N" Children {A Sneak Peek}

I'm so glad these two stopped by for a session.  They make Studly, the Studebaker, look good!




I'm glad Gucci came too!


20 November 2013

The "W" Children {A Sneak Peek}

I was so happy to see these two!  They came in their Christmas pjs and ready for their session.  



Mr. R is smiling at his mommy.  So sweet!

And big sister rocked my reindeer hat. Adorable!!


I cannot wait for their family session!

19 November 2013

Mr E Turns 9 Months Old {A Sneak Peek}

Sweet Baby E is already 9 months old. I honestly can't believe it.  He is such a cutie and the happiest little guy.  And from the looks of it, he is ready to go fishing!


Look at how he holds his toes!!


Again with the toes, love it!  And love seeing his first tooth shining through!


My new hat was a bit too big for him, but I love it anyway!


Big brother got in a few pictures too.  Christmas pjs....so sweet!


Oh these brothers are going to have such a fun Christmas!