Personal: Happy Labor Day!

One of the things I love about the Army is the holidays. This year, just like every other year, we had a 4 day weekend. 4 days to do whatever we want with. With my husbands deployment looming I decided to put together a little gift for him. Him and his brothers have a special kind of bond. I've never seen anything like it. Although with us living in Texas and both his brothers going to school in New Mexico its a rarity to have them all together and David understands this. He wasn't planning to see either one of them before he left and I could tell when he talked about it, it killed him. With a tiny bit of last minute texting and planning, we had a surprise in the mix. So for one, Im terrible with hiding anything. Wether it be a huge surprise, or who ate the last brownie. I held it from my husband long enough and decided to tell him a few hours before his brothers were expected to be here. His face said it all. Complete disbelief. Complete excitement. The only thing I can compare this to is telling a 4 year old we're going to Disneyland the next day. This had to be the greatest feeling ever. Euphoria. Seeing pure happiness on someones face, and knowing you had a little something to do with that. 

What happens when you have 3 guys together. I normally don't opt for a sucker for lunch. But what the heck, right?

Personal: Sweet Caralynn

I sit here not having words on how to describe this. Last week I attended a Candle Light Service in honor of a very special little girl. Caralynn Rose Johnson was born April 21st of this year. Her struggles for life started just hours later. I became familiar with this story through nearly every army wife support group I know. Caralynns fight for life was a big topic of conversation for most of the wives stationed here at Ft Bliss. Thoughts and prayers were going all around for her. Then in May I was contacted about a fundraiser going on for her put on by a few amazing wives. I donated free photo sessions to be put into the raffle, and thats when Jeni, Caralynn's mama, contacted me. She won a free session. I couldn't be happier or think of a more deserving person.  Since then I have followed Caralynn's stories as well as many other families via Facebook. Praying for her when she needed prayer, and looking at photos of this gorgeous baby girl, in which she always had a bow on. Through the months she has had her up's and downs. Heart surgery after heart surgery. On August 14th, my heart sank. At about 2 pm I read that Caralynn was struggling and preparing for a peaceful passing. 3 short hours later, she had passed.

The next day there was a "Bows for Caralynn" drive. In honor of this precious life, families all across Ft Bliss put bows on their little girls, or bow ties on the little gents. Everyone was in encouraged to hold their little one's hands a little tighter, hug them a little longer, and always go back for that second goodnight kiss. 

A few days later I saw an open invitation to come pay your respects to this little angel. A Candle Light Service held on Ft Bliss. Even though, never really knowing her, I decided I would go. She has touched my heart in a way I couldn't describe. I never could imagine anything like this happening to my own family. I used to take advantage that I have a perfectly healthy little girl playing close by. Instead I now thank God every single day that I have her, her love and her laughter. 

This is my own Angel, wearing her Bow for Caralynn...

rest in peace baby girl

Caralynn Rose Johnson

April 21 2011 - August 14 2011

Personal: Over Already?

When youre in the middle of july with heat of 110 degrees, everyone is thinking one thing, "I cant wait for summer to be OVER". I know that was me every time I walked outside. And being in El Paso, no one wants to do a shoot in the middle of the day with the Texas sun beating down on you, and I cant blame em'! Fall in my absolute favorite season, and not just for photography reasons like the crisp leaves or yummy golden hour light. I love fall for my family. Taking walks, hiking, picnics, pumpkin patches, the list can go on. 

Now with Fall quickly approaching and Summer slipping through our fingers it almost makes me miss everything about Summer! "Dont miss it until its gone", type of ordeal. It makes me think of all things that scream Summer. Splash parks, pools, cook outs, otter pops, and yes, watermelon. This has to be national fruit of the season. So heres to enjoying every last minute of summer with my little family. 

Her newest and favorite face at the moment. The Scrunchie Face.

And could we do anything without the forth member of our family? I think not.

Family: Strother

Back in May I was contacted asking if I had anything to donate to a military family in need. Their beautiful baby girl Caralynn was born on April 21st and was having serious complications. She was soon transported hospitals where she would there fight for her life. Not having much to donate I offered free sessions to be raffled off at Caralynn's fundraiser. 

This is one of the couples who participated in the fundraiser and won their session. The Strother Family. I had a great time being able to take their family photos while still being a part of something that is bigger than myself. Heres a little something from our Saturday morning shoot..

Oh well hello gorgeous lashes!

Just like a little lady..

And I couldn't leave out the 5th member, Kate the Bear!

Personal:Apple Of My Eye

I'm sure everyone knows by now that I recently received the newest addition to my camera bag. A lens I've been drooling over for far too long. So it's within reason why I couldn't contain my excitement! Knowing there is still SO much to learn with this particular lens just makes it that much more intriguing. But enough about this baby, and on to my other one...

Since we had just gotten home the day before from our 2 week vacation, I didn't have a thing planned for the weekend. Which is FINE by me! I was able to spend quality down time with my mini me since we were always on the go in California. I couldn't wait for the chance to take a few shots of her and test my hand at this lens. If you don't know this by now, Zoe is my teeny tiny tester for just about everything from headbands to scouting/testing locations for upcoming sessions. 

Though these few pictures are a little different. This is the REAL Zoe, the Zoe I see everyday. No cutesy outfits, no combed hair, and you may even see a stain or two... pretty raw right? This is the little girl that is by my feet no matter where I am. And I mean, NO MATTER WHAT. Do you know how hard it is to put on mascara with a little one climbing up your legs? Yes, Im  proud to say Ive mastered this. She is my shadow and the absolute love of my live. Theres not a doubt in my mind, I would do anything for this little bundle of crazy.  

-those chubby little fingers have me completely wrapped around them...

Children: Laela

I'm not even sure of where to begin on this post. First and foremost, I absolutely adore this little girl. I could go on and on about how cute she is, but I think I may just be a little bias considering Im her aunt and all.

 My sister and Laela moved to Japan when Laela was just 9 months old, to be with her husband whom was already stationed and living there. Over the last few years I've watched her grow up over Facebook pictures and the occasional Skype. Not only does she have the most innocent blue eyes I've ever seen, she has the charming personality to match. But don't let all that fool you, she is still a 3 year old with a mind ALL of her own!

And of course, I couldn't resist a shot of the cousins

Personal: Pure Heaven

Even before coming back to California, I make a mental check list of places I NEED to eat at while visiting. This list can go on and on. One thing we desperately need in El Paso is a place to get complete bliss in a cupcake wrapper. Suite 106 Cupcakery knows how to do this the right way. I think this little slice of heaven is going to be added to my list for every visit to come. 

bon appétit!