Christmas = Relaxation + Love.

This Christmas was all about resting and relaxing, with a little bit of running around thrown in the mix. From the moment school let out, Mom, Han and I set out to do some serious shopping. Funny thing is that we all shopped for ourselves! I was in desperate need of some pants that fit and new shoes. I hate shopping, hate spending money and just can't be successful at it without someone else's assistance and approval. Saturday, we met in Navasota and set off for Austin to see Allison get hitched. The reception was GORGEOUS. I wish I'd taken my camera. The food was so yummy that I stuffed myself (LOVED the mac n cheese bar) and the band kept us entertained all night long! Over the course of the next several days, Daniel and I became vegetables. Each day we slept until we woke up and then set about starting and finishing our Christmas shopping  all just a few days before Christmas came. The 23rd we went to Van Vleck to visit the Shalleys. It was wonderful to see Chuck, Deeds, Aaron and Chris! Barbara spoiled us with home made spaghetti and meat balls. Can't say anymore. The 24th we met up with the Shalleys in Cypress, walked the outlet mall, ate lunch, hit the grocery store and got to cooking for Christmas Eve dinner with my grandfather. I'm so sad we didn't take pictures, but he didn't feel well and hustled home to rest after we ate. Christmas day, Daniel and I drove to Nav in our pj's to have breakfast with the Wilson's, open gifts and have dinner. We had the best intentions to get dressed and take a family photo, but most of us didn't put on makeup or real clothes until the 26th. My kind of Christmas! We couldn't have enjoyed the relaxation more. Daniel left Sunday for a few days of hunting with his Daddy.  My parents, Bek and Berto came to take me to a movie. Since being pregnant, I haven't love being alone all that much. Once Daniel got home Tuesday, we spent more hours in our jammies, eating out, playing with our puppy girls and registering for sweet Parker's showers. I think knowing that this was our last Christmas - just us and the puppies - made for a super sweet time together. Never before have Daniel and I spent so many consecutive days and nights together and not been on vacation. I can't wait to see my students, but I know I'll miss my little family when I have to go back to work.

Sam Houston High School. Lady Tiger Basketball. Houston, TX.

Coach Karlie Free is a sweet friend of mine. When she asked me to photograph her girl's basketball team, I was super excited to meet the young women she invests so much in. I understand her heart as we are both teachers and care a great deal about teenagers. SHHS Tigers, you all are beautiful girls. You need not go to school in the ritziest part of Houston in order to become successful young women. Know that your teachers and coaches love you and want to see you become who you were created to be. I wish you a successful season. THANKS for a great afternoon.

Rilee Roo. Houston, TX - Children's Photographer.

I think I finally have all my Christmas sessions posted. I always get so excited about them and then forget that I can't post until after the cards are all sent out. Rilee and I have had a yearly Christmas session for the past 4 years. It's a ton of fun to get to watch this cousin grow up and develop her own uniqueness. I love how her personality changes from year to year. At 10, she's getting tall, becoming a little more quiet with some bursts of attitude, listening to everything the grownups say, and making me laugh as "Wilson girl" come out in her. Love you Roo and can't wait till next year!

Jim + Liz = Lily. Houston, TX Family Photographer.

Anyone who knows us well can tell that we are 100% in love with Lily. Before Lily, we loved her parents, but from the moment she arrived - our hearts were stolen. Jim and Liz are our best friends...God knew what he was doing when he married both couples within 24 hours, moved us all to Houston and we accidentally happened to meet at church. I haven't looked back. I can't remember what my days were like without talking to Liz. Summer time is my favorite because we get to spend as much time as we want together...I'm really looking forward to a Lily and Parker filled 2011! Jim and Liz have been our friends through some of the hardest parts of our lives. We are more than thankful for the love, laughter, prayer and fun memories we share. No matter where on Earth we live, we know that we'll forever be friends.
Over the past year, I've taken various pictures of sweet Lily...until now we've never had an official photos session . I've waited so long for her to walk and all of a sudden she's running! I love this sweet girl to pieces and can't wait until the next time I get her in front of the camera.

Jen + Grant. Houston, TX Family Photographer.

These people are two of my FAVORITE beings on Earth. I don't even remember if they were in our original Sunday school class, and it doesn't matter. They're stuck with us now. We met at church, and I'd say that we each were closer with a few other couples for a year or so. Then somehow, we ended up in the same big social group. It must have been fate, or God. I vote God. I thought they were cool so I asked them on a date. We shared Carino's and ice cream and laughter. Now we share hopes, dreams, prayers, weekend girl trips, baby names, recipes, golf carts, vacation plans, texts and day to day chit chat. Jen has become one of my soul sisters...I can't imagine not having her in my life. Grant is sweet and cute and funny too. He and Daniel are buds  (and I don't know what they talk about). It was super special to me to be able to photograph you two! Moxie behaved perfectly...so I can't wait to someday add a few kiddos to the mix. THANK YOU for being meaningful to us. You have no idea how much we treasure your friendship. I won't let this be the last Christmas card - ya'll are just too adorable.

2010 Family Photo. Houston, TX Photographer

People have been asking for more blog updates. I have about 25 posts that are OLD! These images are from today...Daniel went with me on a shoot. I wanted to try and get something good of the two of us before my belly grows much bigger. I think this is even our very first photo since we've learned I'm pregnant. I'm pretty pleased with how well this turned out considering it was just us and the tripod.

Amber + Justin. Bryan, TX Wedding Photographer.

Amber and Justin exuded happiness on their wedding day. It was such a joy to watch them be so sweet to one another. I'm so happy to finally share a few favorites from their wedding day. A+J, I wish you a lifetime of love!