It’s hot, hot, with continued heat coming our way, and in case you hadn’t gotten the memo, we’re in Texas y’all – which means it’s going to keep being HOT for quite awhile now.  Sit back, buckle up and enjoy the summer ride (or not – it’s up to you, but really, there’s not any way to control Mother Nature).  I’ve been a terrible blogger, and I would love to say I’m going to improve upon that immediately, but again, let’s keep it real – it might not happen quite that way.  I can tell you, I’ve been incredibly busy…and that’s a pretty wonderful thing.  There are a bunch of new babies that have already made their 2011 debuts and there are many more on the way!  I just love getting to see those fresh, brand new little faces, and in the case where I’ve already gotten to photograph big brother or big sister, it’s even more fun to see how much they are changing, and how the big ones are adapting to the new little ones in their lives.

I had it pointed out to me by a friend the other day, and I know this, but it’s good to have someone remind you every now and again:  I get to do what I love and call it my job.  Taking pictures is a part of me, an extension of who I am, and the very best possible way I know to share the joy I see with others.  I love capturing those special smiles (you know, the ones that every parent wants to see), but I also couldn’t be complete without the devilish grins, the smirks, the sneers, the peek-a-boos and the pouts – even, occasionally the tears (although, I really am not a fan of tears since they make my own heart hurt).  Children are, in my eyes, the luckiest and the most wonderful people on the planet.  They are genuine.  They offer up unconditional love.  And, if you treat them well, most often, that favor gets returned to you.  The thing is to make the picture taking process FUN and not a chore.  Make it a game, play, and let the fun flow!

Baby Mia turned one back in January – and she’s about to become a big sister!  We had some fun today taking pics of little Miss Mia in her adorable outfits.  She’s full of spunk, personality and wow is she ever smart!!!  Plus, she has one of my favorite features – giant brown eyes!  Who can resist?  Not me!!!

Baby Zoey is due any day now (and definitely by next weekend).  I can’t wait to meet the new little one and to see what Mia thinks of her new baby sibling.

So, we are still iced in, and now Kate is sick like her little brother.  We’re spreading the love and spreading the joy in our house!  The lesson today was to focus on our loved ones as they were and as they are now.  Since both of my kids spent much of their day napping, this was Kate at her best today.  And, I went through my old files and found a picture of her napping that’s from 2002 – approximately 9 years ago.  She still has that same adorable little button nose!  I wish I could steal that nose – I sure do love it!  And, I love my Katiebug!!

I hope everyone out there is keeping warm, and staying well!  And, I sure hope it thaws out soon and that my babies both recover quickly!

Taking a free “Joy of Love” course with some friends during the month of February.  Today was Day 1, and the topic was, “What they do…”  We had an ice storm here in Texas, and since my kids are both sick and didn’t bother getting out of their pjs, I used my kitty cat.  Butterscotch always looks her best.

First, my day started off with a great session with the sweet little Sharp kids – all of whom are getting so big I can’t stand it!  I’ve been watching these babies grow up since they were 6 months old, and it’s amazing to see how much they’ve changed and what incredible little people they are becoming!  I’m blessed!

Then, not only did I get four new finalists at BetterPhoto today, My September 2010 BetterPhoto Finalists!

Also, had fun shopping with my hubby and son.  And, got to see my sweet Katiebug perform with her choir!  She was AWESOME FYI!

And, got to have lunch and dinner with friends!  Lucky, lucky me!

But, then, my icing on the cake of life today!  I’ve mentioned before that Jeff Wignall’s NEW Revised Edition of The Joy of Digital Photography will be hitting the bookshelves soon, and that I’m lucky enough to be included!  Well, I got two fabulous emails from Jeff today!  The first was letting me know that a rather well known blog is excerpting from his book this week, and today they did his section on baby photography which featured one of my images of Baby Cooper as a “Pea in the Pod” during his newborn session.  To look at this blog and see an excerpt of Jeff’s upcoming book (really – you all need it and I don’t say that just because I’m in it!) go to http://rising.blackstar.com/the-joy-of-photographing-people-babies.html   I loved getting this sneak peek into Jeff’s new book.  And, if you are at all like me, you will love his engaging style of writing.

So, if my head wasn’t already swelling and I wasn’t already about to bust with happiness, then I get another email from Jeff letting me know that he wrote about me on his own personal blog today too.  And, let me tell you all – the compliment he paid me means more to me than I can begin to describe!  As I’ve said before, Jeff was my first online teacher, and he’s an incredible mentor.  More than that though, I’ve been lucky enough to have developed a great friendship with him.  I am so fortunate that his other copy (the older version) of Joy of Digital Photography led me to him.  I can’t imagine that I’d be where I am today if it hadn’t been for the things he helped to teach me, and the incredible encouragement he has given me along the way.  Here’s a link to Jeff’s blog… http://www.phototipoftheday.blogspot.com/

What a great day!  And, tomorrow, two more sessions!  I can’t wait!  Sneak peeks coming soon of the recent sessions.  Also, I’m working on a new website and it comes with a new blog as well.  So much to learn, so little time!

Happy Fall everyone!  I hope your Friday was as beautiful as mine turned out to be!