This little family was so much fun and photogenic, and what awesome kiddos they have!  Polite, smart, witty and cute! Yes, the wind was still blowing, so it always takes a bit of a longer session, but at least it wasn't raining or freezing.  So I'll count my blessings, and take a gale force ANY day!  (As long as all of my clients are bald from here on out...hehe )  ;)

Again with this wind...but thank goodness you can't even tell! Whew!  This family was just a whole lot of trooper-ness in more ways than one.  Because sometimes portrait sessions are NOT the most comfortable and ego boosting things you can experience, especially if you are of the male persuasion.  But they can be fun.  And you can make connections.  And you can generate smiles.  And memories.  And win. ;)

Thank you doesn''t seem to be enough...but I do...thank this family...for their smiles and memories.

This is the first time I had the pleasure to meet Miss Natalie...but I've known her momma for just about forever.  *OK, maybe not FOREVER...but a long time.*  And I always say, "Any daughter of Yoli's is a daughter of mine!"

What an awesomely GAW-geous and talented and witty and beautiful young lady this is!  And we won't EVEN talk about how cold and windy it was on Saturday, but let's just give a little warning to all those weatherpeeps out there...You got it wrong, and we're comin for ya! ;)

I think it's funny sometimes when people make assumptions...don't you?  About how easy your life has been and where you've come from and what an easy road you've had.  I laugh.   Oh not to their faces, but on the inside.  Because I know differently. 

I know I'm blessed.  Absolutely.  Completely.  Abundantly.  And I always have been.  But knowing you're blessed and counting those blessings every day has been a choice.  A very difficult and hard choice on many days, but a choice nonetheless.  One that doesn't depend on circumstances, finances, tangible evidence or my state of being.

After all, it really doesn't seem like so very long ago that I was a kid...struggling with all of the stupid and petty things kids do...but now throw in a long addicted and uninvolved father, a deeply hurt and emotionally pained mother, few friends that I kept distant for fear they might find out how VERY imperfect my life was and few resources to confide in.  And then...my Junior/Senior year of high school...divorcing parents, a single mom who lost her job because of a really thoughtless and uncaring corporate world,  a serious illness which left me hospitalized, and depression.  Through all of those changes, to say we 'didn't have much' might be an understatement.  People assume that because I went to a private school that I was part of a class of elite kids.  For some, that might be the case...but it wasn't for me, and for some others I knew too. And some I didn't know about until recently.

My mom worked her tail off to offer my brother and I something better.  She sacrificed so much of herself to give and provide.  I remember going on 'vacation' to my aunt's house during the summer after she lost her job so she didn't have to run the AC (in Texas, mind you) because there wasn't money to pay for electricity, and she didn't want us to suffer too - how miserable and lonely that must have been.  I remember coming home from church one day to find bags and bags of Christmas gifts on our front porch because someone, somewhere (whoever they were) knew that we wouldn't have a Christmas otherwise.  I remember 'creative dinners' because we couldn't go to the store...just yet.  I remember how relieved I was the day we found out we would have to wear uniforms to school, because now I wouldn't be subjected to 'creative fashions' anymore.

I remember never knowing how truly little we had until now, looking back.  How blessed we were to have even little bits of encouragement.  And what an incredible spirit my mom was and is.   And I probably didn't thoroughly understand the extent to which my mom hurt and sacrificed until I had my own kids and then realized just how much I'd give and do for them.

We still struggle, even now.  Finances, business, lack of business, marriage, kids, home, balance, conviction, rejection, acceptance, forgiveness, mistakes, mercy, wanting everything in the world and more for your kids, but knowing that eating might be slightly more important.   And we're BACK to the creative meals again...:) 

I laugh.  So I don't cry, or go crazy...or cry.  Because I know there are others out there who feel what I feel too.  Who experience what I've been through too.  Who struggle every day with...is God really out there?  Is He listening?  Does He remember that I'm even here?  Are there people who really care about what I'm going through?  I know. I've been there.  I'm there even now.  And I'm here to tell you that even in the midst of tears...there IS a God who cares, He listens, He knows where you are as well as the numbers of hairs on your head and there are people out there who care too.  But it seems the hurt is more frequent and more deep and less shown these days.  We're guarded and protective and quietly struggling.

I know when I was growing up, there were few if any of my friends who knew about the pain and struggles me and my family went through.  I don't know if they even know today.  But someone knew.  And they helped and encouraged.  These are the people that gave my mom a chance at a new job, and Christmas Gifts, and scholarships to school and food and prayers and hugs.  It's all part of the process.  My process.  Of maturing me. Of breaking me of my dependency on self and things. Of molding me to be like Him.  It hurts.  It's so painful.  It's overwhelming.  It still is.  But I wouldn't trade a day or an experience or creative fashion for anything.  The only thing I wish I could do would be to go back and tell those who helped how much my heart thanks them, and how much they made a difference, and how acting on the tuggings of their hearts changed MY world for the better.   My dad and our relationship is healed...my mom is one of my biggest fans and greatest heroes...and my God is still the Provider of all of my needs, the Healer of all of my hurts, and the Maker of the mountains I can't climb.

So...I don't assume anymore.  Or try not to at least.  It gets me into too much trouble...and then teaches me a lesson in humility and counting my blessings.

So this Christmas, I still can't offer gold or silver or diamonds; so I offer my talent.  As little and humble as it is, to someone who is hurting today.  A family, a HS Senior, a baby, a mom, a dad, a child...a someone.  Someone who needs a little break and a little encouragement from a hard year and harder life.  It's not much, but it's what I can give at the moment.  I so wish it could be more, but my prayer is that no matter the value it can be used.

Do you know this someone?  Tell me about them...in a little story or essay.  Tell me THEIR story...and let's pass on the blessings.

The Gift: 

A 30-45 minute session with me in Waxahachie, TX

The Requirements:

You cannot nominate yourself

The nominee must not have had a portrait session within the last year

The person nominating must submit a brief story/essay telling why the nominee(s) need encouragement and this special gift

You must provide full name(s), ages of any kiddos, contact information and the person or number of persons for the session

Stories will be accepted from November 22 through December 2.  There will be 1 recipient chosen.  The recipient will be announced on December 19th.  Send stories to tinstarphoto@yahoo.com

It was just about 2 1/2 yrs ago when I first met them, and that now famous picture of this little 18mo squeezable boy, on a bench, at the Arboretum, in a tie.  A POLKADOTTED TIE, I tell you!  Who knew baby ties would be so cool and hip and adorable today...and I STILL get comments on that image.  So when these 3 kiddos showed up Saturday, I don't think I was prepared for how grown up and chatty and completely in awe I'd be again.  But I was wrong.  I loved every minute. Again. Just as if it was 2.5 years ago... :)

What a blessing it is to be a part of families...and moments...and children...and life.  I can't explain in words how important these memories are for ME, and helping people document their own lives.  It's actually a bit overwhelming, and the pressure I feel to deliver is sometimes the greatest I've ever known.  It's stoping your life in an instant.  A time and day you will never get back.  So make the most of it now...even IF the thought of a session makes you cringe; 10 years from now, when you look back at how small they were, how young you were, how your family has changed...you won't regret it for a moment. :)

Love love love this precious little girl!  She is SO easy going, a TOTAL poser, and smiles on que!  Plus, I always like to see little ones grow and learn and develope into the miracles they were destined to be.  Here's to the next 100 years...and hoping I can still shoot little babies till then!  *I might need some help getting up off the ground though...;)*

Remember I had a little post on Facebook last week about taking my time...hanging back...moms feeling anxious...and letting magic happen?  Well, it just so happens that I put all of that to work with the Reed's Family Session...and voila...it was magic! 

Sometimes when kiddos are out of their element, they're nervous and anxious themselves, and so I've learned to adjust, slow down, be easy and quiet (and quiet is HARD for me people!)...and 99% of the time it just works.  And these two little gems were no different.  And their little smiles prove it! :)

The most PRECIOUS baby graced me with his beautiful presence yesterday!  Jaxon... big time sleeper, perfect and flawless baby skin, noisy little eater, serious cuddler and 2 week old heart throb.  I think that about covers it!

Oh!  Wait!  And two people. Totally. In. Love. *Heaven.*  :) 

Ok, first...I don't normally post this many images for previews...just not enough time, especially this time of year... BUT, they deserve it.  I think this beautiful family has had family pics 1 time in the 13 years they've been married, and that's just too long, my friends. :)

And second...they're beautiful.  Head to toe, east to west, stem to stern...beautiful.

And third...if that little miss thang ever wants a new home (yeah, right)...we call dibs on her.  Hehe! :)

Tisha ~ You are a wonderful friend, talented hair artist, precious mama, beautiful wife and awesome lady... I am honored to know you. xoxo :)

Such a beautiful family!  I had the best time with the Buchanans again, and after about 2 years, finally with the ENTIRE family and its new little star.

We spent the morning dodging WWII re-enactments...gale force winds...and really loud trains.  And DUDE!  If I could guarantee ALL of my sessions would turn out like this...I'd schedule those things EVERY day! :)

OK - I've seen these 'kids' since birth I think.  OK, maybe not BIRTH...but since engagements...and marriage...and first year...and first dog...  So if they ever leave me, I might need therapy...hehe ;)

One of my most loved sessions.  One of my most honored couples.  And one of the best little pooch hounds.  Vader now begins the launching of my 'pet portraits'!  *Although, I'm not sure how good I am...He was strategiclly placed (tied like crazy) to the back of the chair to prevent the little brown bullet from launching), but SERIOUSLY cute nonetheless! Am I right?! I'm always willing to try new things, and pet photography is definitely harder than it looks, but just as rewarding!  I think I'll keep practicing...Any takers!? :)

I'm not sure how to start...so I'll just use descriptive words as to how I feel about this session today...

Swoon.  Love.  Precious.  Sweet.  Adorable.  Squishy.  Squeezable.  Divine. Over the moon. Yummy.  Rainbows.  Puppy dogs.  And finally... Shut the front door.   *Ok, the last few weren't descriptive of the session, but they still apply.*

I love this family. Loved this session.  They were easy peesy.  And I am head over tootsies... Over. Joyed. :)

Windy...Cold...Sunny...with a side of the adorable Villarreal family!

They survived all of the above and STILL looked FABulous!  I survived all of the above, but....well, let's not even talk about my hair. Even so, I'd give their little family session kuddos!  And, now, if you'll pardon me, I need to go and restock all of my little Pez dispensers....SOMEbody ATE them. ALL of them.  In 30 seconds. Flat!  Haha! :)

What a f.u.n. family!  And with 3 kiddos, they took everything in stride....went with the flow....and knocked it outta tha park! 

Such pretty and polite little munchkins....and I guess hungry too! The second I set up the chalkboard image...took 3 steps...turned back around and found her attached like a little sucker fish to her sign. SO funny; and the epitome of 6mos...teething, drooling and wide-eyed at the world!

What a diference a year makes...

This little man was quite shy and a bit reserved when we first met, and it required all of my super powers to conjure up a smile.  BUT...THIS year, man!  What a completely different little boy he is...all smiles and giggles and curiosity...and my friend.  What a joy; to hold the hand of child you've only met once before, but now they trust you enough to allow you to document their world.  It's all about trust.  And I am honored. :)

So I always know that when the Ballards schedule their family session...it's gonna be like 30 degrees.  It's a fact, every year, so we deal...and it never fails; it's awesome anyway.

OK - and I have to explain the second image ~ these are 2 of THE most well-behaved, loving kiddos, who I would give my right arm for in a heartbeat. BUT, I absolutely HAD to post this little out-take.  It SO makes me giggle! :)

A session is always fun if it includes the Castillo Fam, but Thursday proved to be interestingly fun.  A super duper cold front....with 30mph winds.  A pretty new location....with a very territorial goose I've nicknamed "Christmas Dinner".  And 2 little kiddos...that defiinitely made me work for a smile.  But taken as a whole...we didn't lose any finges or toes to frostbite... the attack goose took my warning seriously... and I just happened to snap a smile or two.  Victory! :)

I only take a few big ginormous family groups per year, and when I do, I always start with a Red Bull...cause they're usually...all go, all the time...until I drop.

But this group was the exception!  Oh, there was still the assortment of silly songs and gross noises, but this time they didn't come from just me!  My kind of group, baby!

Pure joy, all the time...till my pink puffy heart tank was full. Thank you for such an easy and wonderfully blessed session! *Whew!* :)