The Show Must Go On... AND THANK YOU FED EX!!

This post is a HUGE shout out to some AMAZING workers at FED EX. There are good… no, GREAT people in this world so I’ve got to post about it.

Let me go back a bit… Hart to Hart Digital is Headed to "The Wedding Affair" Bridal Show, January 31st at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center. I have been excited ALL month!! This will be a much larger event than my last one and I have pumped up the volume w/ my layout. So, up until about 1pm yesterday I was pumped. Here's what has happened since then:

I designed 3 new albums this month that are HUGE seller pieces. Great display albums are what attract brides and keep them at your table looking and talking. You then have the chance to sell yourself and your personality, which helps them decide to call you back. Anyway, these albums were stunning, show stoppers and were supposed to be arriving sometime during the week. By Wed. I panicked and called my supplier? With promises of returned phone calls, I never heard back. By Thursday I was super nervous about not receiving them in time so I called and requested overnight shipping. I was promised they would be shipped and received by Friday....phew...crisis averted... hundreds of customers no longer lost (hehehe, one can dream right!!!).

So, Friday, when Fed EX arrived, you can image my horror when the albums did NOT arrive in the package. Instead I received a frame order. Long story SHORT, they overnighted the wrong order. Okay… don’t panic, it’s not the end of the world, EXCEPT I really needed those albums and they said they would be here!!!!! When I called my supplier back I got a lame “I’m sorry”… they’ll be there Monday. MONDAY DOES NOT HELP ME!! I HAVE NOT SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS ON ALBUMS AND TRADE SHOW ENTRANCE FEES TO HAVE ALBUMS BY MONDAY!!

Calmly I called FED EX b/c something needed to be done!! I was transferred to a call center in India (or somewhere overseas) where I was told there was nothing that could be done. The order shipped “ground” and was in IL as of that morning. I said, “But can’t I upgrade and have it re-shipped overnight… I will pay ANYTHING” ??? Sorry Mam, there is NOTHING we can do, 10 times over.

I have a REALLY hard time taking no for an answer when I need a solution!! I asked to speak to a manager and here’s where my LOVE for FED EX was born.

I was transferred to Dan in Illinois… the nicest most accommodating person I had talked to all day. He heard me out, though my package had just left IL, he agreed to track the package, call the Charlotte hub and make sure someone “trapped” the package so I could pick it up on Sat. Of course with the glooming inclement weather, I shouldn’t get my hopes up, but there was still a good possibility I could pick it up myself on Sat. He told me to call the Charlotte Hub around midnight to see if it the package had been trapped. I WAS SO GRATEFULL that this guy took a few minutes to make some calls and work this out. He even called me back to confirm. WOW! I was impressed.

Around midnight (right when I was about to make my call) I received a call from the Charlotte HUB. They had my package!!! The man was worried about the snow that had started to fall and possible ice on Sat. He was worried about me driving all the way up to North Charlotte so he said he was going to personally deliver the package at 2am during his break!! WHAT… these guys were going ABOVE and BEYOND. I could NOT even express my gratitude. After getting my directions, he realized he had a colleague that lived around my area. They settled on this man personally dropping it on my door stop after his shift at 6am. Again, I was blown away by the customer service.

I woke up this morning to my 3 beautiful albums delivered (sitting in a pile of snow, might I add) on my doorstep. My appreciation is insurmountable. That will make a HUGE difference for me this weekend and despite the snow, the show will go on!! I am so grateful these people took time out of their schedules to go way above and beyond the norm. 3 HUGE CHEERS FOR FED EX and answers to prayers and not taking NO for an answer!!!

Have a great weekend! Mine is looking a lot brighter!!

SNOW DAY!!!

Well, we went to sleep last night to chilly weather with no signs of snow (at least here in Fort Mill, south of Charlotte). Would the weatherman deliver?!?!

HE DID! We woke up to a winter wonderland... at least for this area. The kids have been playing and faux sledding all morning. I am happy for them... not so happy for me. I have a Bridal Fair in Concord tomorrow and am not too thrilled about driving in all this... but drive I will, because be there I must (I've invested hundreds of non-returnable dollars!!!!)

We were going to drop the kids of with my Sister-in-law's family in Marion!! Since they are snowed in, that is a big NO GO!! Plan B: church is cancelled, so Blake will be watching the kids while I'm gone all day. Okay, so everything is working out! Not ideal, but we'll take it!

Former U.S. Marine crossed into Haiti with team to save lives

This one is from Blake:

I have been thinking of ways to help the rescue effort in Haiti. I came across this blog that I used to follow while this guy, Jake Wood was chronicling his tours of duty as a Marine sniper in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is out of the marines now and the day the earthquake happened he pulled together a crew of ex marines, firemen, doctors and nurses to go on their own into the backcountry of Haiti to help.

I have made a donation and I think that if you spend two minutes reading his blog account, you might want to as well. Send this on, as you can be sure that every penny sent will be put to good effort. Other than a donation to the church’s humanitarian aid fund, this is the best bang for your buck as far as charitable giving is concerned.

http://blog.teamrubiconhaiti.org/index.html

Just wanted to share!! Thanks -- Blake

HAPPY HEW YEAR

Okay, so I'm a few weeks late, but I truly hope everyone has a wonderful new year!! I am a very happy camper this week thanks to this:

and many more exciting changes coming to Hart to Hart Digital!! My goal for this year is QUALITY VS. QUANTITY. I am updating everything... will keep you posted on the new website and such! Until then, here's to keeping our resolutions going until at least Feb!!

Our 2009 Christmas Adventure Begins!!!

I am so excited to finally be together enough to get all these fun pictures posted. It has literally taken me over a week to recuperate from our amazing Christmas vacation. I am still no where near caught up, but I wanted to get these up before January flies by!!

This year was our "Christmas w/ the Clarks" year (my family) -- a special year b/c EVERYONE was there. It seems like every year for the past several years, someone has been on a mission (5 of us has served, little bro will go in a year), plus Tiff and Dan were coming in from Dubia... it promised to be a year to remember... and it did not disappoint!

I love that my parent's mantra is "making memories"!! They filled our calendar chock full of everyday excitement. The next few posts are a few of my favorite pics:

Dec. 23rd: Big's B's B-DAY!! We celebrated Dad's day w/ a party and friends. And lot's of horsey rides from Uncle Sam!

Christmas Eve!!

Christmas eve would not be complete without a) matching jammies - for ALL. b) the Nativity re-enactment... usually it's a fight to be Mary, but since Tiff is expecting a babe of her own, we all politely stepped down!! c) a few tears!! The little ones were not too thrilled about posing for pics. We would have offered popcorn a little earlier if only we would've known :)

Christmas Caroling!! Another fun tradition.

And to end the night: A SPECIAL VISIT FROM SANTA (hmmm... he looks so much like Uncle Sam). B&G could not have been happier (I know they look tired, but they were happy!!!) You'll notice the jar full of pom poms in Braden's hand. We worked all month doing good things to fill that jar, with that promise that once full, Santa would come!! Santa delivered. It was so cute. Benton was not too thrilled... he'll come around!!

CHRISTMAS DAY... AT LONG LAST!

Wow, Christmas came so fast this year! I wanted to soak it up and enjoy it b/c 2 & 4 are such fun ages. We had lot's of fun gifts... and even had a few surprises for the boys. Benton and Gav got matching scooters and Bray got a bike that looks like "Papa's Dirt Bike!!!"

Love those matching jammies. Braden & Gavin both have cowboy boots... I can only laugh!!

I am a lucky lady and the proud owner of a bump-it. If you can't see it or haven't heard of it, just google it. It's a little running joke :) Can't wait to bust mine out and use it.

Braden is obsessed w/ Wolverine. Lucky for him he's now got a shirt w/ Wolverine's face and lucky for us he's now got a matching claw. As Tiff said, "you might not want to let him take that in the car anymore... with people..."!! He's a little armed and dangerous these days, but what's a four year-old super hero to do!!

Only second to the bumpit hair booster was a fabulous little "treat" from the hubby. I got to pick it out from a certain store. I love it :)

Cruisin' to the Bahamas!!

December 26th involved events such as: waking up, driving to Miami, boarding a cruise ship, setting sail to the Bahamas. Just your average every day fair!! Kidding, kidding!! We were all so excited -- my parent's gift to the whole fam this year was a 3 day cruise... nothing too crazy (we had the little ones), but enough time to enjoy ourselves and make a few memories!

The beautiful Atlantis... I love Braden being bombarded by fish!!

The waves were INSANE on the beach we went to. All the boys had a blast, though Blake did have a close encounter with death. He said he was flipped twice under water and disoriented... I kept my bootie on land!!

Pirate night!! Before the show, one of the nights, they marched in all of the sea scurvy and had them perform a little act!! It was soooo funny. Braden is definitely considering growing a mustache/goatee combo... I think it really fits his face :)

Which takes us now to the BEST part of a cruise: the FOOD!! Each night we ate together in the main dinning area and literally ordered one of everything on the menu!! I'm talking 3 appetizers, 4 main dishes, 5 desserts etc... Then pizza at midnight. We also enjoyed the "piano man" bar. Blake sang along w/ every song. And Ash and I had to take a pic w/ our favorite SYTYCD couple: Ashleigh & Ryan. They danced on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships before doing the show! We're fans.

All in all a FANTASTIC time!! Thanks Mom & Dad... You're the best :)

If Seaworld gets too crowded, go to Gatorland!!

So, post cruise we had a few more fun plans brewing. We had planned a day at Seaworld until we heard from some friends that it was a crazy, crowded nightmare. NO THANKS!! After a series of votes and ratings (a technical system employed by Mr. Blake Hart) we were finally all able to agree on a quick trip to Gatorland... a Florida Favorite!! We had a blast and were in and out before the crowds hit.

Please note - Blake could not be more excited about rodeo riding that gator!

THE "BROLYMPICS"

Get it... the BRO - LYMPICS!!! Hehehe. We were pretty pumped up for this day of sheer competitive sportsmanship. Dad concocted an obstacle course to end all obstacle courses, which ended w/ a one man canoe trip to the end of the dock and back. Ohhhh, it was funny! If only I could post the video :)

After the obstacle course... took it's course, we continued on to the golf course (so many courses!!). Sam is training to become a golf pro (not a pro-golfer) and gave us some helpful hints. The competition continued...

Of course the girls had to get in on the action... That Ashlee... what a competer! She's so athletic she took it by a landslide :)

And on into the night, with the skeet shooting (are those pistols?!?!) round. We were all a little sore the next day. But hey, we had a LOT to work off after the cruise!

Fishing Fun...

Last but not least, we can't forget about the fishies!! We fished a little off our neighbor's dock, but had a hard time catching anything (still fun nonetheless)

We went back home to our own dock and guess what Dan caught!! Oh my gosh, that thing was HUGE!! And when we weren't fishing, the little boys were always feeding the fish. My favorite thing was watching Benton run (and he is FAST) down the dock... sometimes in clothes... sometimes not :)

What an amazing trip. It was HARD to leave and hard to come back to reality. Like I said, it's taken me a week to really feel back into the swing of the things! I am, however, very excited for 2010. Lot's of BIG things to look forward to! It's going to be a good year.

2009 Christmas Card

Gearing up for the Holidays

Well, if I wasn't in Holiday mode the 1st half of the month, by week three I came around!! business slowed up a bit and the Holiday activities came on full swing. We had a great Spanish Branch Christmas Party w/ dinner, dancing and a few presentations. I loved Gavin's stage debut during jingle bells... he on the other hand, was not so sure!

We went on a fun neighborhood field trip. Rode the train uptown and visited the Christmas Bears in founders Hall

Christmas came early w/ Nana & Papa! The spent the night w/ us the day before we left. We ate, made a ginger bread house and open lot's of fun presents!

Susan helped me work on the Snuggies for the boys. Don't laugh, but Braden has been obsessing over getting a snuggie. "Mom, it's the Blanket w/ sleeves... I swear he could be the poster child!! Anyway, I thought about buying one until someone told me they were low quality and said I should just make one (thanks for the idea Tammy!!!). I know they are a JOKE, but I thought hey, if Braden wants a snuggie, then a snuggie I will make!! He picked out the fabric and VOILA, I made a few snuggies *photos to come.

As a family, we had a great time selecting and wrapping these SECRET SANTA gifts for a wonderful deserving family!!

Changing my tune!!

Earlier today I wrote somewhat of a vent about my anxiety towards the Holidays and lack of Christmas spirit, due to my crazy photography schedule. Ug - it was a downer... plus Blake said posts like that are probably better reserved for my own personal journal and not the whole world!!! So, I'm changing my tune and changing part of my post... sorry if you had to read that! I will still be up until 3am editing, but it's all good, I can do it!

Okay... on to a few other things. I posted this exact same post on my HART TO HART DIGITAL BLOG, but I thought it was cool enough to post here too!! (Sorry for the repeat if you've already seen it!)

IT'S OFFICIAL... Hart to Hart Digital has made headlines!!

And the front page no less, of the elusive Waxhaw Enquirer Journal!! It's a funny story: We were in down town Waxhaw Saturday having my sister take a few family pics. I would set the shot, then run to be in it etc... (sort of a last minute option). The staff photographer from the journal took an interest and before we knew it he was snapping away as well!! This is what ran the next day. Have we made it big or what...

And while I'm here going on and on, may as well mention a photo of mine got picked up by an Australian weekly publication. They asked to use this photo in an ad. Hey, exposure is exposure even if it is on another continent!! Now I can claim international fame as well!!

Last of all, I just have to give one quick shout out to Waxhaw Art & Chocolate. It is the most adorable Artsy little boutique in downtown Waxhaw. Someone had recommended taking pics in front of their rustic turquoise door. I have to admit I have been a little apprehensive to shoot in different places as of late, b/c I keep getting kicked out of my hot spots... ughhh!! But the owner of the shop was SO cool about letting us use them as a background. Therefore, shout out I must - I love cool people with cool businesses!! Check them out if you can

NEW MOON AT MIDNIGHT!!!

I'm excited to finally post these!! We hit up the midnight showing of New Moon and it was a blast. A few of us met at firebirds before for a delicious meal... then we hung out in the Theatre from 9:30 - 12. It actually went by so fast and before we new it we staring straight at the sculpted Abs of a certain seventeen year-old :)

My take on the movie: I loved it!! There were certain parts there were cheesy/laughable, I mean we're talking about vampires and werewolves here. But all in all, it was made much better/bigger than the first and yes, the abs did not hurt!!

Thanks for letting me borrow your shirt Brandi!!!

more supa fans

Quil-hoat-lay, Candace!!!

THANKSGIVING with the Fam in Charlotte

Our thanksgiving holiday started out with a bang... (and a super early one at that) My Mom, Dad, 2 Bros. & Sister drove through the night to be here by Wed. morning!! They called Tues. night and said, "who needs sleep - we've got 5 drivers, we'll be there in the morning"!! Okay, now you see where I get it :) Anyway, we had a blast. Ashlee flew in from Texas on Tues. and we did all the shopping! Wed. we hit on the Border (Mexican is a MUST when our family gathers!!) Thursday we all ate ourselves into a food coma, played games and relaxed.

gotta get the guitars out...

Doing the "bock bock" dance the night before. Invented by Sheri!!

Friday was project day... but somehow Blake talked a few of us into getting up at 4am for Black Friday. I must admit I have NEVER done this before but it was actually fun. We hit some GREAT deals at the mall and even got $10 gift cards for every $100 that we spent! That was awesome... So, back to the project. It's sort of a tradition that we knock something big out whenever my Dad is here... sorry Dad, but you're just too good! This year we decided to do crown molding downstairs. We had some good helpers!!

Of course we had to get the tree up and decorated!! I love seeing little chubby fingers helping out so carefully!! Everything looks Christmas-ie around here!!

A HUGE THANKS to the fam, for making this Thanksgiving so memorable!!! Next time we're together (3 WEEKS) we'll be cruisin' to the BAHAMAS!!! CAN'T WAIT :)

Duhnuh, nuhnuh, nuhnuh, nuhnuh BATMAN!!!

That fact that these boys are even in costumes, is a feat unto its own!! October, was hands down one of the busiest months to date. Starting in Cherokee, then Tahoe & Phoenix, pulling off both Blake and Braden's Parties, then Ashlee's visit, finishing with our 10 day trip to Florida, plus photo shoots galore in between... like I said, it's a wonder we even made it to Halloween!! Saturday, I was scrambling to get candy & costumes pulled together and this is what we came up with!! Aunt Ash had bought the Optimus mask for Braden (that's what he picked out) but then a good friend let us borrow the Batman costume, so last minute, Braden changed his mind to Batman and Gavin became Optimus Prime. It was such a fun night!! I barely made it home from a photo shoot, so despite that and a little rain, we had a blast collecting candy. Around 8 Blake & G went to a Quincinera (someone from the branch). Braden and I were just too worn out. Whew.... I think I am just about caught up now :)

Disney WORLD!!!

I am FINALLY catching up on the rest of my Florida trip postings (thanks to Cami). At this rate, I'll have my Halloween pics up by Christmas :) I can't even begin to say how much fun Disney was this time around w/ the boys. It was just us + Grandpa... such a great, low key day. The weather was GORGEOUS and we literally walked on any ride that we wanted to. We also got to eat at Rainforest Cafe, which was a huge wish for Bray. We had been seeing commercials on the Disney channel for months, so it was fun for him to actually be there (pricey but worth going at least once for the experience... and yes, dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets really do taste better!!)

No, I am not pregnant, even though I look like it!!! Note to self... never where that shirt again!

The BUZZ Light year ride + meeting the actual "Buzz" was a highlight for sure :)

The parks closed a little early to reopen for all the Halloween Spectacular... looked like fun!!

Gimme S'more of that Camp Fire Fun

One of our all time favorite Florida things is to build a campfire on the beach/sand part of the lake, roast marshmallows, sing songs, and watch the kiddies run around. It's even more fun when our neighbors, the Borchardts stop by!! The boys love Josh... he's a great friend.

Fishing at the Neighbor's Pond

This was definitely a highlight!! We caught fish after fish (catch and release) and by the end, Braden was worming his own poll

(if that's a real term!!)

Picking out their polls was part of the boys B-day gift from G-ma & G-pa

Even Gavy's touching worms...

Just a little shout out...

Alright guys, it's midnight and I just walked in the door from the most amazing Wedding Photographers Seminar. I am on a motivational high amidst a crazy, chaotic couple of days that are only going to get busier, but that will be for another post!! Amidst the chaos though, I have let certain wifely duties *cleaning, laundry, unpacking from a trip I got home from on FRIDAY ETC...* fall WAY WAY by the way side. "I swear I'll do it tomorrow" is not really working for me!! So, the point of this random and quick entree tonight is to give a HUGE heartfelt shout out to the Man who keeps me together. He is the most supportive tag-teamer (if that's a word) a gal could ask for. AND.... on top of all that, when I walked in the door tonight, the house was SPOTLESS... PLUS he had unpacked me and the kids AND done FOUR LOADS OF LAUNDRY - washed and folded. Oh Blake!! You rock my world. Seriously, this guys is busy, but he finds time to be the best dad and "domestified" husband around. THANK YOU!!!! I'm so lucky and I couldn't do it without you :)

Lake Tahoe - Phoenix Trip 10/09

I know this is a little out of order in the context of this month (which has been a little busy, if you've already read below!!!). But anyway, I wanted to finally post just a tidbit of one of the most amazing trips/weddings I've been apart of. This was a special one, b/c it happened to be a good friend from high school. I love a destination wedding... combine that with some great friends and familiar faces and it makes for some pretty amazing shots.

Lake Tahoe (my first time... which is crazy b/c we would vacation in Northern Cal at a lake EVERY summer - somehow we never made it to Tahoe??) Anyway, this place is AMAZING!!! The pictures w/ the guys by the rocks... not even color-enhanced... the water is seriously THAT BLUE!!! The day was perfect. Not really any other word to describe it. A LOT of hard work, but a TON of fun!! Carrie one of my dearest friends and bestest friends and Hot Mama of 6, joined me for the weekend and kept me going! She learned all the equipment fast, drove, handed me mints, shades, lenses etc... It was so nice to have such a great *assistant*!! After our weekend in Tahoe, we flew together to her home in Phoenix and I stayed for a few days to play. That was a rare opportunity as well, since I'm not sure when I'll ever be out there again.

Anyway, here are just a few pics (other than the two thousand wedding ones I took!!!) First a few of my favorite shots from the wedding day. For the complete SNEAK PEEK, CLICK HERE

Carrie got a few of me in action!!!

The Mt. Carmel High School Crew!! All the guys were STILL dancin' up a storm!

Our rockin' room with a view!! We stayed at Harrah's Lake Tahoe... my old stompin' ground... well Harrah's at least. Not sure how many people know this, but when Blake and I first got married (while he was working on his Masters) I worked at Harrah's Cherokee as a Casino Host and in Events/Promotions. It was crazy being in the Casino scene again... even if it was just for the weekend. How did I do two years! I guess it was fun at the time :)

A few random shots from Phoenix. Gotta pose for old time's sakes!! Oh the model shoots we would compose back in the day... we'll pretty much up until we were seniors!!! I guess I was always destined to be behind the camera (definitely not in front lol)

Shoo Be Doo Be Doo Be DANCE!!!!

This is going to be a mega post so be prepared!! (and these are actually a little different than the ones I posted on facebook... thanks Audra!!!) The live SYTYCD show ROCKED MY WORLD this year! This is the fourth year I have been lucky enough to go... Ash and I have been to the last three together. So, in true tradition, Ash flew in and we had a fantastic time. Here are a bunch of pics from the show... of course we had to go all stalkerazzi and wait to get pics with the cast after the show! They are always so nice and fun to meet in person. We didn't stay till the bitter end this year, but I did get to meet my favs: Kayla, Brandon, Kupono & Ade... so it ended up being perfect. We had a fun group and gorged on Cheesecake factory before the show. It was SUCH A GREAT NIGHT!!!

Starting in reverse order, here we go!!!

MOST AMAZING DANCE EVER!!! THE END.

The Fun Continues... Carving Pumpkins

After our whirlwind 5 days with Ashlee, The next day I turned around and drove to Florida with the boys. Now, a lot of people (on facebook, blogs) etc... joke a lot that I am always traveling and/or never staying home. Yes, it's somewhat true... but I also seem to only post when I'm on the move which makes it seem even more so. But the truth is, I LOVE to be doing things: playing w/ my kids, working, taking trips, visiting my family... I like having a full schedule (with a little down time here and there) but that's what makes me function: fun things to look forward to!! Having said that, this trip down was a bit last minute. Without going into to many details, my Mom was diagnosed with a Kidney Disorder the end of August and has been going through a lot physically in the past few months. Blake and I agreed that as soon as she was feeling up to it, I would take the kiddies down for a little visit. We intended for it to be full of relaxation (and it has). But my Mom has been feeling a lot better and even got some incredible news that things are healing quickly, so we have definitely fit in some fun things in. It has been one of my absolute favorite trips to FLORIDA!!!! Here are a ton of pics:

Tea Party... A Tradition with Ahma!!

Serpentarium

A local Reptile Aquarium... complete with regular snake "milkings" (venom removal) and more!!!

Green Meadows Farm

This place is an absolute Gem! We had such a great day with all the animals, complete with train ride, hay ride, cow milking, horse riding and everything else!!!

We Made it To Florida!!!

Our first few days... having a blast just being home!!

Braden's Birthday Party at the Fire Station

We had the BEST time with Braden's Birthday this year!! I must however, give the credit to my neighbor Kelly who gave me the idea. We had his party at our local firestation and it was a BLAST! All we had to do was show up and bring a few goodies... they did the rest. We got a tour, some fire safety tips, the chance to sit in the Engine, and the chance to see a fireman in full gear. The kids loved it and it was beyond wonderful for me to have no set up, clean up etc...

Here's the whole group!!

They even gave out hats, stickers and coloring books as party favors!

the kiddies were enthralled...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRADEN!! My Big 4 year-old, who is finally as old as he looks!!

Fall is Officially Here

I am posting these pics about a month late, but this year, by September 26th, Braden and I had all our fall stuff (including a few Halloween things) out and set up!! I don't usually go too overboard with decorations but we did some fun things - and I must admit, I was inspired by many of YOUR blogs and ideas!!

We had a great *read MESSY* time glittering pumpkins... they sure look good though

Fall pumpkin chandelier - I got this idea off of a decor website... I love how it turned out and I want it up year round!!!

Martha Stewart spooky cutouts!!

Fall touches... I love the colors

Which is probably why I painted my dinning room this color two years ago!!!

It's perfect for this time of year.

THE BIRTHDAYS!!!

September 19th to October 20th is a busy, exciting span of 30 days at the Harts!! All four of us celebrate our birthdays so it seems like we are partying ALL month!! For my B-day, Blake and I went latin dancing. We had a lesson first and then stayed and danced until we were too tired and sweaty to keep up (which gets progressively earlier each year!!)

For Blake's Birthday we did a small dinner party. I always make him Country Style Steak (his absolute favorite Southern Meal) for special occasions and he wanted to have a few people over this year. I litterally felt like I was cooking all day... but it was a fun evening.

For conference weekend we went down to Cherokee where we kept celebrating birthdays, watched conference and fit in a fun trip to Santa's Land! We had a great time w/ cousins and Blake's family.

My favorite picture... just hangin' with little Millie

Gearing Up For Another Week!!

Just a quick note before I hit the hay tonight!! I am SO TIRED!! Sundays are/have been the BUSIEST day for me lately. So much for a "day of rest"!!! This week I just had two photo shoots, but it seemed busy as I felt like I was booking something every day. It's a huge blessing to get such great business! I'm so grateful for the referrals! I have the best clients who open their mouths and SHARE, which is in turn, the best advertising for me AND the best compliment to me. Had to share one gorgeous shot from my Couture Shoot w/ the little miss D. Click here for more. PEACE OUT!!!

September is Just FLYING!!

Whew... I can't keep up!! I did, however, find a little time tonight for a gigantic post on all of our happenings over the past few weeks! I hate being behind in my journaling/blogging... this makes me feel better!! Lot's of cute posts coming up. These pics are from a recent shoot the boys happened to be tagging along on. Gavin wanted nothing to do with anything but throwing rocks, while Braden kept saying, "Take more pictures of me Mommy"!! He's come a long way... I love it!!

The last little video on here is a Tribute to Big B (Grandpa). It is a poem I memorized when I was five as part of a program I was on... well, it's along story!! Anyway, I thought I would try and teach it to Braden and guess what... he totally learned in about a week! It's so cute. It's a little hard to understand him in the video, but I love that he has it memorized and he LOVES to say it... over and over again!!

STICK TO YOUR TASK

Ava's B-day at Monkey Joes!!

While I'm up blogging, I may as well add these cute pics from Miss Ava's B-day Party a few weeks ago at Monkey Joes! The boys had a blast.

I did some two year-old shots for miss Ava last week... she is a DOLL!! And such a great poser. She literally did anything/everything I asked!! Here are two of my favs. For more of her and recent Hart to Hart Stuff... click here

Annual Spanish Branch Camp-Out - Sept. 2009

I must admit, I was very nervous to camp out with the whole family... in the tent... all night!! At Gavin's age, Braden had to be picked up at 2am b/c it just didn't work. Well, we decided to brave it anyway and guess what - it was awesome!! We slept from about midnight to 8am... no crying, no screaming... just a fun night under the stars (by way of a tent!)

Of course it wouldn't be a latin camp out with the carne asada feast Friday night!!

Gotta get that pico just right!

Gavin's BFF Jennifer... she's good for piggy back rides all night!

Buenas Noches!!