On a Personal Note...

It's rare that I make personal blog posts. Usually they are talking about recent shoots, or work I'm doing. Today I just wanted to take a little time out to appreciate my family. Yesterday I took the day off to just enjoy some family time with my 3 boys. Paul is so rarely off work, that when he is, he's usually too tired to get out and do much. Especially lately- he's been tied up with helping his family with doctors appointments, etc. So, it was really nice to just have a day for US. We took a little drive down to Mineral Wells, a one horse town not far from Fort Worth, just to see what we could see. First, we went to Clark Gardens. It was such a gorgeous little find! I'm absolutely dying to shoot some bridals there now...lol. For the time being, though, we just caught a few family shots.

My handsome husband. So grateful for this man. 15 years married... 17 years together. There's been a lot of joy, a lot of pain, and a lot of just LIVING. We've managed to find our way through all of it, and end up still hand in hand. I'm more in love with him than I ever have been, and so glad for our life together every day.

Nicholas. 12 years old, and on his first year into middle school. This little boy is growing up faster than I ever could have imagined. Holding hands with his mom in public is NOT cool. But, snuggling up on Saturday mornings is just fine. I still think he's the most handsome kid I've ever laid eyes on (well... aside from my other little boy), and hilarious all the time. I never want to know what life is like without him. I love watching him change and grow every day.

I don't know if he's one of the "cool kids" at school... but he certainly is to me.

I SO love that smile. I hope it doesn't go into hiding when he hits the teen years.

Ben. 9 years old. My absolute little angel. He is smart and sharp as a whip, and has a HUGE heart. The glass is always half full, if not bubbling over. He's struggled a lot in his 9 years with speech. His big brother is his hero. He is mine.

When I'm shooting weddings, and it's time for the mother/son dance, I often think of this little guy and me. One day we'll be sharing that dance. And no... whoever he marries will most certainly NOT be good enough for him. (sorry Ladies)

Now for me. Obviously, had I known pictures were going to be taken, I would have made a little more effort with my hair, and probably would have taken a bit more time to apply a bit more make-up. As is, I look a bit disheveled. As any of you who know me know, though... this is pretty normal. So, that's why it's here. It's totally me. Hopefully in a few months, there will be LESS of me to see. We'll keep our fingers crossed.

These are the things that make my life complete. The only thing missing is my husband. But, someone had to take the picture. (sorry Honey)

A canon set up in Clark Gardens. The kids couldn't resist a little war-time re-inaction.

And of course, they lost the battle. lol

Then, of course, there was a random abandoned gas station off the highway. So I HAD to stop. Nothing like old rusty things and cute kids.

We found the Vietnam Memorial in Mineral Wells. It was such a pretty day. Of course, I had to bust out the camera. Not that I ever really put it away in the first place.

Oh.. and the "Crazy" water thing in Mineral Wells. Now... I have TWO very close friends from Mineral Wells (Matt and Jessica, you know who you are). And without revealing too much, let me just say that the whole "Crazy" thing sure does explain a lot. :)