Behind the Camera...

TerryLee + Aaron 7.23.2011

2011-08-30T17:16:00.000-05:00

June 2009 my brother and sister-in-law got married. It was during their wedding that I met TerryLee. She was doing everyone's hair and boy is she talented!! A year later, July 2010 I was hired to do the photography at her cousin Sarah's wedding. Now, a year later, July 2011, I was blessed to be the photographer at her wedding in Abilene! I jokingly asked her family..."Ok guys who's in line for next year?" They all laughed and tried to pin it on a single cousin...they are incredibly hilarious! Anyway, Aaron is from California. He attended ACU and while out there met TerryLee. They are an awesome couple and I had a blast getting to hang out with their family! Here are a few of my favorite images....Enjoy!

A few of my favorite pics of my Lily Pie...

2011-07-08T14:28:00.000-05:00

Ok...so I have been a little out of pocket for about a month now...I know it has been longer since I have blogged, but I am back! For those of you who may not know I recently had a baby. Lily. She is absolutely the sweetest thing since God made honey! She was born June 5, 2011 at 3:48 pm. It was beautiful! I hope to publish my birth story soon. I have written it out, I am just needing to go back through it again. I don't think I would have thought to write it on my own, but I was asked to write it for my Midwives and their website, so I decided I would! Now that it is all written, why not publish it on my blog? So I think that might be the blog on Monday! Stay tuned to see if I get sleep Sunday night (and I blog successfully) or if I have to nap when the kiddos go down! :0) Until then, here are some of my favorite pictures from this last month...

My friend Alison...

2011-05-10T12:05:00.000-05:00

I would like to introduce you to my sweet friend Alison. She is absolutely amazing! Alison and I met at the first For the Love workshop in Tennessee. It was really a God thing because I had been feeling like I didn't know anyone in Midland/Odessa and like I didn't have any friends to just randomly hang out with. Chelsea invited me to go with her to FTL and when we were there we met Alison, who, by the way, had won the trip for FREE during a drawing that they do. She said, "I never win anything!" But I was super blessed that she did win and that she just so happened to be from Midland! What a small world...she and I had to go all the way to TN to meet her! But now she is one of my favorite friends!! We have been able to grow in our friendship over the past year and I know that I have personally been blessed by her positive, Christ-centered attitude and her crazy, spunky creativity! Thank you Alison for being such an amazing friend, encourager, and a beautiful example of a Godly woman! P.S. Check out Alison's stuff when you get a chance!! Alison Holcomb Photography

Cade recites Psalm 121...

2011-05-03T15:34:00.000-05:00

Ok...So Brant and his friend are memorizing some bible verses just to challenge each other to get better at memorizing scripture. So just to include Cade, and be able to constantly say his verses out loud, Brant decided to allow Cade to say them with him. They started when I got in the shower and when I got out this is what they showed me...(BTW I only took about a 10-12 minute shower...he is a fast learner!)

Happy Good Friday...

2011-04-22T16:32:00.000-05:00

I have been editing a lot this week and today is pretty much my day off but I couldn't help but take a few snap shots of my sweet little baby, I mean Big Boy, Cade...He is too much fun! He was following Brant out on the back deck when he decided he was going to lounge in the hammock! He didn't take to the hammock the other day, but now it seems like he is beginning to like it more and more. Crazy kid always wants momma to "Tae-ta pict-cha" :0) I love it! Here is my favorite from this morning...Hopefully we will get more fun colorful and crazy Easter pics this weekend! I can't wait! :0)

Meet Mr. Blaze: Senior 2011

2011-04-19T17:35:00.000-05:00

Blaze has been a part of our family since before I was around. His dad went to school with my father in law back when they were in grade school. They were in the same youth group at church and decided to go off to Lubbock Christian (University) for college where they both met their sweethearts! Clay and Barbie now live here in Midland and now that Brant and I live here we have been hanging out with them a whole lot more. It has been such a blessing to get to spend more time with them and learn more about Blaze. We even had a few chances to go and watch him play some football...what an ALLSTAR!! Seriously...all we kept hearing over the PA was, "He was stopped by Blaze!" When I asked him what he liked best about football he said..."When I get on the field, it's like I can see everything that is going on..." Which is exactly why Blaze is able to stop everyone and everything! Good luck Mr. Blaze as you are headed to college!! Be careful and come visit!! WE LOVE YOU!

Katie + Michael 3.26.2011

2011-04-08T14:52:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it has been almost a month since I have blogged...I really have to get better at this! I have a wedding to share with you guys though...I feel so bad for those who are actually reading this...I had these pictures done, I just totally forgot to share them with you on the blog! :0( I am hoping to get a few more pics up here tomorrow and then you will get to see what is going on with the Greathouse crew on Monday. Stay tuned to see what will be revealed on Monday! Until then...ENJOY!!!

Paige + Bryce: March 13, 2011

2011-03-17T14:35:00.000-05:00

Ok...so...This is what I have learned...Shooting a wedding at 7 months pregnant is only for the brave and strong...luckily I had Chelsea with me and she bought me some gel inserts for my high heels which then turned me into one that could be called "brave and strong!" I was seriously turning into a weenie! My feet were starting to hurt before the wedding even started and I was like "uh-oh!" Then when Chels got back after a short break she had the goods! (gel inserts) It made me want to cry to know that she remembered I wanted to get some (but of course I forgot). When I put them in my shoes they were like a WHOLE NEW PAIR of shoes! Which in turn gave me about 6 more hours of gumption! (not literally but thats what it felt like) :0) I took an extra pair of shoes (some flats) for the reception, but I really didn't want to put them on for the wedding...I just felt like I needed to be in nicer shoes than my (only kinda cute) flats. It would have been a lot different if they were cuter.

Anyway, the wedding was absolutely awesome! It was truly the most beautiful wedding I have ever shot and one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever seen! I was in hog heaven! Paige was the most precious, little petite girl! She is super stinkin' gorgeous too! And Bryce...he is so sweet! He was very caring and easy to work with. He knew how to strike a GQ pose and when needed he could hit an awesome smile that just radiates his friendly personality! So together they are a precious couple!

Here are a few images from their GORGEOUS WEDDING!!!

My Friend Be-jer...

2011-03-16T10:20:00.000-05:00

Byron Rogers was my first friend at ACU...we met during ACU's Passport Week in June 2007...which is kinda like a freshman orientation. It was awesome!! When we met I am sure he thought I was nuts...All I kept saying is that he needed to meet my boyfriend...hahaha! I kept saying that because he was so much fun and I just knew that one day he and Brant would be very good friends...and I WAS RIGHT!

As Brant, Jacob and I were moving into our dorm rooms I kept telling Brant, "You have to find Byron Rogers!" I am sure he didn't understand why. But, leave it to the Lord, He put Brant and Byron on the same hall! Go figure! God is soo cool that way! So as time went by, Brant and Byron and all of the guys on Mabee First North became the greatest of friends! I love a lot of these guys like they are my own brothers! Especially Bjer!

Brant and I have seen him through thick and thin (Brant more than me due to guy stuff, but I have still been there and I still love him the same!) :0) We pray for him constantly as he is growing in Christ and running after his passions with all of his might! I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for him (b-jer) and where he will continue to take our friendship as we desire to serve the Lord through our lives.

With all of that being said here are a few pics of B-jer in action. He is a soccer coach for Abilene High and his guys were playing here in Midland yesterday....and....THEY WON!!! 1-0! Way to go guys! I am pretty positive its because you have one super awesome coach! :0)

Finally home!

2011-02-25T11:37:00.000-06:00

WPPI was an incredible experience...A TON of information, a TON of walking and a TON of amazing sites to see (including some of the speakers for WPPI)! I will definitely be going again next year! So as some of you know Wednesday was the last day I was in Vegas and of course I had to make sure I brought home some souvenirs so...I HAD to go shopping! :0) (I am sure Brant would have agreed with me by this point in my trip...i needed some site seeing and down time after so much brain overload!)

Anyway, while Chelsea and I were out on the strip we wanted to make sure we hit a couple of super important sites. We had to go see: The Hard Rock Cafe, M&M World, The Coke Factory, and the Bellagio water fountains. Oh my, what a site to see! Each of these places I could have spent hours in...oh, and WAY TOO MUCH money :0) Which by the way is the main thing needed when going to Vegas...I almost went to Vegas with out any cash. As we were on the way to the airport I told Brant, "I am going to Vegas and I don't even have any cash." He looked at me, opened the console of the car and said, "There's your cash." Hinting to my Sonic Happy Hour change...So not cool! He said I could play the quarter, nickle, dime and penny machines :0) He makes me laugh! He knows my luck way too well! Then after all that I didn't even have a chance to play the slots :0( Chels played one, and lost a whole dollar :0) But then after that we were too brain overloaded to try to stay up late and play slots. (Definitely a good thing in my case...)

So after all of these excursions I am finally back home! I have missed my little Cade soo much! Luckily, Karitsa (my sister in law) kept me in the loop...every time something hilarious happened I got a text! That was really good sometimes and not good at others, I have a tendency to laugh out loud when something is really funny and apparently that is kind of embarrassing when you are in the middle of a serious photography workshop :0) All of this to say, I have had an incredible time and I will definitely have to go back again next year! I really hope you have enjoyed Vegas too! Here are a few more pictures and a video of the Bellagio Fountains...It's not an amazing video because I am not a videographer, but it's still pretty cool! ENJOY!!

Me and my partner in crime, Chelsea Giles!

M&M World...SOOO FUN!!

Harley Davidson Cafe...we didn't eat here, but i liked their sign!

These beads were soo beautiful! They were super photogenic!

More of the "inspirational, photogenic" beads

AND NOW... I present to you...The Bellagio Water Fountains!!!

It has been a LONG two days!

2011-02-23T02:00:00.000-06:00

So there were literally like 100 classes we could have gone to today and we actually had (between the two of us) 7 on our list to go to, but we narrowed it down to about 3...mainly because the 8 am scene didn't work very well...we were up, but were not willing to sacrifice a nice, leisurely breakfast. Then there was one that I was not allowed to attend because there was no room in the room for me...the security guard would not even open the door (which made me super sad, but at least we know he is really good at his job!) Then there was another class that we wanted to go to, but in order to attend that class we would have to sacrifice dinner (ok...not totally sacrifice dinner, but eat it on the run...literally, run! Between how far we have to go to get the food and then RUN back to classes to try not to be tooo late...). So we decided to skip that class...another reason is because it would have made us late to the other one we really wanted to attend. All that to say it has been a JAM PACKED last two days! I have a headache from BRAIN OVERLOAD, and baggage overload...All I took today was my notepad, camera, wallet and pen and still somehow that ended up too heavy to carry by noon...NO, I am not a pansy, we are just walking a super lot...and anything starts getting heavy when you walk around carrying it all day! :0) Anyway, I am totally not trying to complain (even though it may sound like I am...I'm not.) I am incredibly blessed to be here and be encouraged by all the men and women speaking! Plus, Chels and I are making super awesome new friends! Oh and another really cool thing...I just purchased the best thing in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD! Action Runner! I absolutely love it! I just got my life back from editing...I am totally in LOVE with Action Runner! I have just started playing with it and it is the best editing software I have ever seen...ABSOLUTELY GENIUS! Here are some pictures I took today...edited within 1.5 mins (literally...all 11! did I mention I LOVE ACTION RUNNER!?) ENJOY!

As we were headed to our first class this morning the lions were out hanging around...then we went to the Rainforest Cafe...LOVE IT! Then as you can see...things got a little crazy with Sponge Bob...I just had to take this picture...I wanted Cade to see that mommy met Sponge Bob :0)

VEGAS BABY!!!

2011-02-22T09:51:00.000-06:00

Ok...so as some of you have seen or heard (from facebook) I am in Vegas attending a Photography Conference (WPPI) and I am LOVING EVERY SECOND! There are some incredible speakers, super nice people and so many neat things to check out! Plus the weather is beautiful! I have been spending a ton of time with my best friend Chelsea and we have been meeting and greeting everyone we see! The only down side is that we are walking SOOO much! Everything is super spread out and every class we go to seems to be on the opposite side of the world from our current location :0( Anyway, it is definitely time for me to call it quits for the night...my hands and feet are boycotting my walking (swollen) and
it is way past my bed time! Good night guys!! I love you all a ton!!!

This is one of my most favorite chicas in the WORLD!! Ginny Corbett I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! You are incredibly encouraging and I love seeing you and being able to walk through life with you!!!

This is Jasmine Star...She is one phenomenal photographer! She is a beautiful woman of God who is totally down to earth and loves what she does with all her heart! I am so blessed to have met her and to know that she has walked the journey that I am on!! Thanks for all your words of encouragement Jasmine!!!

This is the "Castle" Chelsea and I are staying at! We have to walk to the MGM for the conference, but when its time to go back to our rooms this is the site we see as we walk! Gotta love bright lights and LOTS of color! I really liked this spot to take pics :0)

This is "New York, New York"

This is the Vegas Strip

The MGM...it is seriously way too big for its britches! I have been walking around inside of it all day and I still haven't seen the whole thing...I think (honestly) that I have only seen about 1/4 of it and we had to have walked about 2-3 MILES!

Senior Pictures...

2011-02-17T12:20:00.000-06:00

Hey all you in Alvin who need your senior pictures taken...Please contact me as soon as possible...I have to plan a weekend to head your way and I really need to see how many of you are interested in March 18-20th and how many need to do your pictures during April 15-17. Please let your friends know and call me (832-221-5220) or email me (megan@greathouseportfolio.com) soon!! Spots are filling fast! Have a great day!!!

Go, Diego, GO!

2011-02-07T10:46:00.000-06:00

As everyone knows its been a super cold last couple of days. (Hopefully, today, we can get out and about without freezing to death) Anyway, we recently got Netflix and I LOVE IT! It is sooo much cheaper than cable and so much better (NO COMMERCIALS!!!) Well, Cade and I have found "Go, Deigo, GO!" We have never seen it before and these last few days we have been dancing around the living room every time some music comes on...we are answering all the questions every time Deigo asks us something AND we are learning Spanish! (Which I DESPERATELY need) :0)

Something I noticed this morning as we watched an episode is how much Cade LOVES being encouraged to dance around the living room and shout at the TV. I was making some breakfast and I had already started "GDG" but I wasn't in the living room dancing and Cade looked into the kitchen and said "Momma, dance!" I almost told him, "you dance I will be there in a minute", but instead I decided to turn up the TV and dance with him....I don't know if you have noticed anyone around you that is like this, but sometimes all people need is someone to dance with as life plays music for us...Don't push them to the side just because you don't "feel" like you have any time, I guarantee you more tasks will always be in your way. If you don't, at some point, put time aside to "dance" with your friends and family, life will pass you by and you will miss out on precious memories you could have had while with those special people in your life! I don't know what your day is like today but I pray that the Lord open your eyes to people who need a dance partner! People who need just a few minutes of your time and just a little bit of encouragement to stay strong!! I love you and pray you have an amazing day!

Snow Day!

2011-02-01T11:24:00.000-06:00

Yesterday it was 78 here in Midland...today...its 17! I am thinking today is the day that I am going to reminisce and write down all of the things that I have failed to write down over this past few months. It is super important to write down cute, funny or first time things Cade has done and I know it's important, but I keep writing it down and losing the paper I wrote all those things on! I am really trying to get more organized...so I am thinking I am gonna Google Doc the memories. There are a ton I remember and a few I have already blogged or facebooked that will help remind me of others that I may have forgotten. I really hope that I can get it all done...I may need another snow day :0) I hope all of you have an amazing day and that you take some time to think and remember all of the small blessings in you life! I LOVE YOU!

Daddy and Cade duet

2011-01-29T10:24:00.000-06:00

This morning I woke up to Brant and Cade singing praise songs...it was so precious!! I HAD to get it on video...they decided they would do one of their favorites for me...ENJOY!!!

CALLING ALL SENIORS!!!

2011-01-27T10:52:00.000-06:00

Here is the new Senior 2011 flier! I can't wait till it comes in!!! I am only taking a total of 8 seniors this year so make sure to book your slot! I hope you have a great day!!

WOW...The last one was in SEPT...SORRY!!

2011-01-25T16:12:00.000-06:00

Ok...so ALOT has happened since September. At the beginning of October Brant and I found out that Cade is going to be a big brother in June! Meaning all of October and November I was VERY sick....like laid out on the couch (so I could be partially propped up), couldn't move and couldn't watch others move, SICK. It was NO BUENO!

I started feeling a little better Thanksgiving day and was blessed to be able to go Black Friday shopping!! Which was a TON of fun...well only sorta fun. Can you believe that I would rather go Black Friday shopping in Houston than in Midland? It's true! Think about it with me...In Houston there are multiple Kohl's, JCPenny's, Academy, and Best Buy stores...here...well...not so much. There is only one Kohl's, Best Buy we have two Academy's, and I know we don't even have a Macy's (BIG BUMMER) We have a JCP but I haven't gone. All that to say...Debbie and I stood in line at Kohl's (my fave Black Friday store) for 2.5 hours! We were done getting everything on our list within the first 30-45 mins and the rest of our 3 hrs. there we were standing in line :0/ It was nuts! After that the day was easier and our wait was not nearly as long anywhere else.

Anyway, in December we spent most of our holiday in Houston. We had a blast getting to stay with my mom at her newly renovated house! We also had a chance to go visit Granddad in Idabel. That was a much needed trip! We haven't seen granddad in a few months and he hasn't been doing very well...if you think of this blog later on in your day I would greatly appreciate it if you would say a little prayer for Brant's Granddad. He has a large tumor deep in his sinus cavity and the doc's can't operate on it because it is too risky. We also don't know if it will respond to chemo or not. The positive side of things is that Michael and Debbie live in Houston and are able to let him live with them while he undergoes more testing and some chemo.

So...back to the story...right as we got back from Idabel (to Houston) we ended up super sick with some sort of sinus junk. All three of us (which NEVER happens) were sneezing, coughing, stuck with stuffy noses and runny noses...it was pitiful! Which was, to top things off, the same few days we were trying to get back to Odessa, pack our old apartment and move to a new one! It was not the easiest few days we have ever had, but with the help of our amazing friends John and Chelsea, Blake, and the Wooten clan we made it through! John, Chelsea, and Blake all came in from out of town to help us get packed up and then all of them helped us get moved to our new apartment and get situated! WHAT A BLESSING!

Since then I have been hitting it hard trying to get senior fliers ready to pass out, a new website up and running and keep my house clean, keep up with new and old friends, keep up with Cade, keep up with Brant, take it easy for baby number 2 and try to stay sane...it's not working very well :0) Supposedly when you are pregnant you have an enhanced amount of absentmindedness....didn't I have that before? I can't remember...if I did then it has only gotten worse! :0

So now...we found out that baby #2 is sweetly nicknamed "Sister" for now...we don't quite know what we are going to name her. I really like Lily, but I am not sure Brant is sold on it. He said its growing on him, but I haven't been using it much so that he doesn't feel pressured into liking it. I don't know a good middle name yet, so that's why I haven't pushed to have the name Lily. If you think of something I would love some feedback! Well...this is a super long blog, mainly because I had to give such a HUGE update on sooo much time. I will make sure to take more time to update this thing! I love you guys and hope you have an amazing day!!!

Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken...

2010-09-29T21:40:00.000-05:00

Ok...so I totally got a wild hair tonight and decided to try something different for dinner...I normally don't like regular spaghetti sauce, but tonight I decided to do a baked parmesan chicken recipe...IT WAS AWESOME!!! I followed the recipe up until it told me I needed bread crumbs (which I thought I had until I opened my pantry, but at that point I was already committed to making this recipe for dinner and I couldn't just stop...so...) I decided to crumble up some Ritz crackers and season it with Italian seasoning and Garlic Salt...I then added the Grated Parmesan Cheese to the breading. Everything else I did as the recipe calls! IT WAS A WINNER!!! It made the house smell amazing and when Brant walked in he was on the phone with his dad and his dad had just finished saying "If you were here we could go out to dinner!" To which Brant replied..."That would be great any other night, but Megan is making something awesome tonight!" I was so excited that it turned out so good! It wasn't even dry..the chicken was so tender and juicy!! I am totally making this again!!! Check it out! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!!

Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Ashley's Sneak Peek

2010-09-28T10:07:00.000-05:00

Ashley has been married for a few months now, but we decided to play with some bridals!! She is SO much fun! She totally knows how to "Work it!" She brought her cousin Ainslee and they had a blast together! I also brought a few friends...Chelsea Giles and Alison Holcomb came with me just to play around!! WE TOTALLY HAVE TO DO THAT AGAIN!!!

cades first beatbox 9.14.10.3GP

2010-09-15T10:02:00.000-05:00

Say a little prayer for you!

2010-09-14T13:15:00.000-05:00

Last night was absolutely one of my favorite nights ever! Cade and I were watching Up...just winding down. I always set a timer to let him know things are about to change...I will tell him..."Cade when the timer goes off we are going to take a bath." So we set the timer and he knew that we were getting ready for bed. When the timer went off we gave him a bath. Our normal routine is to take a bath, recite a few bible verses, pray, give hugs and kisses and then go to bed. So...like every night we got out of the bath, recited our verses and then started praying...I thought I had prayed for everyone and everything...but...No...I had forgotten "ba-rump-ba-rump" (froggies) So I prayed that the frogs would have a good nights rest and have a fun day hopping around today. Then I forgot the "oohh-oohh-ah-ah" (Curious George). So I asked Cade to pray, he said "No, Mommy pray." I said, "Mommy just prayed for the froggies can you pray for the monkies?" So he said, "Jesus -- ba-rump-ba-rump -- oohh-oohh-ah-ah --Raylee -- Amen." Such a sweet, simple prayer, but it was a prayer none the less! I was so proud of Cade!!

If there is something on your mind, on your heart, or just bugging you pray about it! Even if you don't know how to pray God knows your heart and He can help you put your thoughts into words! Even if all you can do is say, "frogs, monkeys, and Raylee. Amen!" A simple little prayer is all you need...sometimes that's where you need to start...just Say a little prayer for you! Help God to help you! Call out to Him when you need him to take care of things you can't! I hope you have a great day and just remember "say a little prayer" when you need to!!!

Cade's First day of Preschool...

2010-09-10T12:02:00.002-05:00

This is a convo between me and my youngest bro...it fully explains Cade's first day of preschool...

Me

Cade started his first day of preschool yesterday!

he had his lunch box in hand and back pack packed!

11:29amEric

how did he do?

11:37amMe

not too bad! He LOVED it I said "Cade what did you learn?" He said "Geen one"

11:38amMe

But there was a bully! First day of school and there was a bully :0/

11:39amEric

hahaha.

bully? already?

11:40amMe

YES...I gave him some little scooby doo fruit snacks and the teacher opened them for Cade and put them in front of him and the kid next to him grabbed them (all but 2) and stuffed them in his mouth...

the teacher made him spit them in the trash and Cade got to eat his last two...he was shocked and sad

11:42amEric

wow. thats some intense bullying. what kind of a jerk steals fruit snacks???

11:44amMe

the kind who likes scooby doo and fruit...I couldn't believe it! Luckily Cade didn't hit him...I don't think Cade would have gotten in trouble, but that little boy could have gone to the hospital...I am at least grateful for that little boy's safety...

11:46amEric

hahaha. youre too funny. well i have class in a few minutes so i gotta get ready for that. bye sister, love you!

11:47amMe

love you too! Have a great day!

Christmas Cards...

2010-09-03T12:56:00.000-05:00

Today is a beautiful day in Odessa!! It is finally cool enough for me to announce our Christmas Special!! I have a few different holiday card designs you can choose from, all of which are totally customizable for your family. All colors and fonts can be changed to better fit your portrait! This offer will only last until November 14, 2010 so make sure to contact me as soon as possible to book your session!! Megan's email: megan@greathouseportfolio.com Phone: (832) 221-5220 Website: www.greathouseportfolio.com


Here are the Christmas Cards you can choose from!! (more to come later!)

A new day!

2010-09-02T10:33:00.000-05:00

This past few months have been insane! Not that they have been bad, just crazy! We have been traveling on and off since April. I think I have been home a total of about 4 weeks if you put all of the 2-3 days at a time together...INSANE! I think it is almost over...we are going to Abilene Christian University's Summit toward the end of this month and then I think we might settle down until November/December/January...AAGGHH!! I have not gone bald...I still have most of my hair. :0)

So with tons of stuff going on I have been trying to keep all my ducks in a row...trying to stay sane and not take let little things overwhelm me and ruin my day. I think I am going to try something new today....I am going to start out my day by saying, OUT LOUD...."TODAY IS A GREAT DAY!" (no, I didn't shout, just enthusiastic) If you are choosing to do this with me (which I would LOVE the encouragement and support!)...If you are doing this with me you have to say "TODAY IS A GREAT DAY!" with a SMILE on your face!! You have to be happy and excited that you are having a GREAT DAY! NO MATTER WHAT we will choose to have a great day! With the first thing that goes wrong today...say...TODAY IS A GREAT DAY! (with a genuine smile on your face) and jump each hurdle that comes your way as if there is no hurdle at all!!! WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER!! TODAY IS A GREAT DAY!! (NO MATTER WHAT COMES OUR WAY!!) I love you and hope you really do have a GREAT DAY!!!

Thumbs up to a Great Day!!

Love146.org

2010-08-21T11:31:00.001-05:00

While Brant and I were in college we learned about sex trafficking and modern day slavery...CRAZY STUFF! I don't know if you know anything about it, but the movie "Taken" is based on sex trafficking and the thought of modern day slavery. It is where women, teenage girls and children are abducted and then sold for personal use and often never see their families again. I am not sure what I can do aside from pray, but the Lord has put this on our hearts as something we want to fight against. We are still praying about how we can help and would appreciate it if you would be prayer warriors with us! But for now...I found this link on air1.com (a radio station I LOVE) and wanted to share it with you!

Love146 Overview from LOVE146 on Vimeo.

Real Estate...

2010-08-19T11:48:00.000-05:00

So...I am working on getting my real estate license. It's not too bad...I am doing it online and it seems to be going pretty quick. There are quite a few things I already know, just because Brant and I have been investing for so long that we have already had to figure some of this stuff out...but some of it is kind of confusing. It goes against stuff that I have already learned. It's things they are saying that you have to remove from the property and that you are suppose to follow these specific guidelines, but I know ways to write the contract so that you can bypass more hassle than is necessary...Is that bad? I submit that it is NOT! Just a way to help. Anyway, that's what is currently going on...I really hope I can get all of this done soon...it is A LOT of information! Here are a few pics of friends that I have meet while learning about Real Estate!

We went to the lake...

2010-08-18T21:55:00.000-05:00

Clay and Barbie have been life long friends of my popply pants (Brant's dad) and my momly (Brant's mom). Their kids are the same age as Brant and his brothers. Their entire family, (there are 7 in total...not including Nathan and Raylee...the son in law and a grandbaby) anyway, as I was saying, their entire family is such a blessing! They are so much fun, they are such a God focused family that when you are with them they are a constant encouragement to your spirit! I am telling you...THESE PEOPLE ARE AMAZING!! If you are ever in Midland, TX make sure you meet them! You will be blessed!

Ok...so on to my story...They invited us to go out to Lake Colorado City with them this last Sunday, and IT WAS A BLAST!! We went wake boarding, tubing and splashed around in the lake...Cade was not super thrilled about it...I don't think he was feeling very good, but on top of that he wasn't sure about the life jacket he had to wear while in the boat and riding the tube. YES...Cade went tubing...unfortunately I don't have pictures (Barbie does) but I will get them soon! Until then...here are a few of pictures I have!

Alvin VBS

2010-08-16T17:12:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago Alvin Church of Christ had their VBS...and it was a BLAST!! We had Steve Hemphill guest speak for our adults and we had a Survivor Theme for our kids..."Out serve, Out shine, Out live, Out love" They had super awesome worship led by Chris (the youth minister) and his beautiful wife, Stephanie. All the kids learned so much...I wish I could have gotten pictures from all week...that's ok... here are a few from Monday night!

Biscuits and Gravy...

2010-08-14T11:19:00.000-05:00

I love biscuits and gravy! My momly has the BEST biscuits and gravy recipe I have ever had! Personally I would have NEVER mixed all these ingredients together, but it's super good! (I am not a mixer of foods...nothing gets mixed unless its a casserole, biscuits and gravy or chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes and gravy - that's just a must!) Anyway...here is the recipe....

1 LG sauce pan
1lb of Jimmy Dean or Owen sausage (the kind that looks like a little tube)
1 egg per person eating plus one to grow on (4 people = 5 eggs)
1/4 c of flour
milk
salt and peppper to taste

Start off by boiling your eggs (once the water starts boiling turn your timer on for 13 mins then they will be done!) While your eggs are boiling, put your biscuits in to bake and start browning your Jimmy Dean (Owen) sausage. Once you meat is done browning lower the heat to low. Sift in flour. Make sure there are no clumps of flour.Once your grease is completely gone and your sausage is completely coated add milk. I have never measured this...sorry...I fill the pan with milk until the sausage is almost completely covered...add less milk for a thicker gravy. After I pour in the milk I turn my burner on Medium heat and let it begin to bubble. While the gravy is heating I usually drain and peel the boiled eggs. I put them on a plate and after they are peeled I mash them with a fork or potato masher. (do not demolish them, just achieve little bite sized pieces) I stir the mashed eggs in to the gravy and let it to continue to thicken. If the gravy is getting thicker than I want I add a little bit more milk...I add slowly so that I can get the consistency I want. At this point I add salt and pepper. Once everything is mixed and your biscuits are ready then you are ready to SERVE!!!

I hope you try this recipe and LOVE IT! It's a family FAVE!!

Chick-fil-a

2010-08-13T10:36:00.000-05:00

I really like Chick-fil-a, but I never think to eat there. Every time we are looking for something fast there is a HUGE line at Chick-fil-a and Sonic, or Whataburger, are usually closer anyway. I wish I thought of Chick-fil-a more often!!

Well, last night I was hanging out with my friend Flower and her little girl and she said that CFA was having some sort of little carnival. We decided to take the kids...well worth it...it was so much fun! It was totally free! They had a little train, and quite a few games where you could win a coupon for free fries, lemonade, or d.p. It was soo cute! Cade tried to play all of the games just because Sarah was playing. They were easy enough to understand the concept and play...so he did. He actually won free fries and a free small Dr. Pepper, a little stuffed cow and a ball! His ball was his favorite and his D.P. was MY favorite :0) They also gave out free popcorn, cotton candy, and small snow cones. We LOVED the popcorn and we asked them to make a little cotton candy for Cade and HE LOVED IT...he finished it and said "mommy, more!" but instead we just went to get our fries and play bingo. We stayed out late, but it sure was fun!! So my advice to you...watch out for Chick-fil-a...they might have free giveaway's in your area!! GOTTA LOVE IT!! (Sorry but I didn't take my camera...no pics...SORRY)

Quadra-lingual...

2010-08-11T16:57:00.000-05:00

"Is that even possible?" You ask...why yes it is...if you are my little boy! Cade has been going with his aunt "Too-tee" everyday for a few hours a day so that Brant and I could make necessary business calls and stuff of that nature. Anyway, they have been learning lots of new things including swimming everyday before nap time...talk about my lil mexican! Wow...he gets dark fast!! I couldn't be more proud :0) Anyway back to my real story...quadra-lingual...he already knows English, a few words in Spanish and lots of sign language, but NOW....whale! He came home today and "aunt too-tee" said, "Hey Cade...show momma you can speak whale." Without skipping a beat he looks at me and said, "OOOO - AHHHH" I was so proud! I think a little tear welled up in my eye...But it might have been because I was trying to hold back a ton of extremely loud laughter! He was soo precious and all I could do is say, "WOW lil buddy...that is soo cool!" Then I laughed a little and told "aunt too-tee", "You are suppose to be teaching him colors and numbers...not whale!" We both laughed hysterically as Cade continued to speak whale :0) Oh how I love my life!! So random! I hope this brings a smile to your face! Have a great day!

Don't give up!!

2010-08-09T13:34:00.000-05:00

So i realized that the blog I posted last night was really at like 12:04am ...stink...I really thought I made it! Darn you slow uploads...or maybe...darn you large files! :0)

Believe it or not...Brant and I are starting a new adventure...We are looking for Mobile Home Parks. We are about ready to hit our final stage of investing!! We have been doing Real Estate Investing for the past year and have been stretched farther than I knew was possible! We have, through the grace of God, started two businesses and have lived on pennies through this whole trek! I don't know how we did it, but we did and IT WAS AWESOME! I am sure if you had asked me during the year if it was awesome I would have just smiled a strained smile and said "it's something..." but now I can truly say...the time is now and it is awesome! I am so excited about what God is setting up! There are so many things that we have learned in this past few months that I can't even understand how we did our businesses without that knowledge...it was truly just the Lord bringing things through for us!

I have learned that while somethings may seem like they are better for you to do, if it is not what the Lord has in store for you to do then it is not the best thing! It may hurt to go through the desert, it may be hot and you might start to feel dehydrated (like you can't keep going) but I KNOW that what the Lord puts in your life for you to live out is exactly what you need to be doing/ going through! Did you know that Isaiah 40:28-31 says, "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."? It is true!! HE LOVES US soo much that HE GIVES US STRENGTH TO KEEP GOING!!! It may seem like things will never end, they will always be the same...but it is not true! That is satan lying to you to keep you down in the dumps! When you believe in the ways of God, He will give you the strength to overcome ANYTHING!

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you..."

Some of you are probably thinking..."I have been praying and nothing is happening....nothing is changing..." But if you are completely honest with yourself have you been seeking God with "ALL YOUR HEART"? If you are totally and completely honest...have you been thinking on things that are positive? Have you been trying to see God in your everyday life? Have you been giving Him the glory for helping you get to where you need to even though you are 30 mins. late? Through out the day keep your eye out for how and when God is working in your life...Did he stop you at a red light so that you would not be in the three car pile up you just passed? Praise Him for everything you notice and I guarantee things will begin to turn around! You will begin to overcome obstacles that you may not even notice...you may also get hit with a little more spiritual attack, but don't worry!! The Lord will continue to be with you and help you overcome!

If you don't get anything else from this blog post just know that I love you and if you need anything I will fight with you on the front lines!! I will be a prayer warrior with you!! The Lord will help you overcome! I LOVE YOU and I hope you have a great day!!

My Friend Chelsea!!

2010-08-09T00:14:00.000-05:00

I have a best friend who's name is Chelsea...She is absolutely amazing! She was suppose to come and see me this weekend while our hubbies went skydiving, but those plans were canceled :0( Anyway, I miss her a ton and so I decided I wanted to share a little bit about her with you...Chelsea is an amazing photographer! If you check out Chelsea Lynn Photography you will see that I don't lie!! She is super funny! She was kinda introverted when I first met her, but an shy girl no more! :0) I am so proud of her and her talents!! She is also super encouraging! If you are ever down and need someone to listen and then give you incredible advice...just look up Chels! Well...that is not all I have to say about her, but I do have some pics to share with you as well...so here goes....

Barely Made it...

2010-08-07T23:49:00.000-05:00

Ok...so I am just realizing I completely missed Friday's blog...I again am very sorry...I am totally thrown off by being at home that I don't know what to do with myself! I am going to try to start my morning off with quiet time, then breakfast, then blog...Let's see how that works tomorrow! Anyway...I am here to tell you that my sweet hubby was going to jump out of a plane today...but his plans were canceled :0( He and his two best friends were going to celebrate John's 25th birthday (belated...it was in May) But the poor pilot's grandma passed away. Please pray for the family of the pilot...I know this was hard for Brant and his friends...but nothing is worse than losing a loved one! I hope you have a great evening and I have some fun pics in store for tomorrow's post...stay tuned!! LOVE YOU! Good night!

Christmas?

2010-08-05T10:13:00.000-05:00

Good grief...I just had a wonderful lunch with two of my favorite ladies in Midland! They are great photogs and amazing friends!! Amanda McNeely and Alison Holcomb are wonderful ladies!! They spur me on and come up with majorly creative ideas. They are constantly thinking of super fun things to do with clients and with our powers combined we are captain planet! Ok...just kidding...but I do feel that crazy cool! Anyway...as we were talking yesterday I realized that it is time for planning Christmas cards and sessions...AAGGHH!! Already? WOW...I didn't even realize! (I guess until yesterday) Anyway I am getting pumped! I am getting excited! And I am getting ready!! Christmas HERE I COME!!

2011 SENIORS!!!

2010-08-02T13:58:00.000-05:00

Calling all 2011 SENIORS!!!

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(for a total of $150 in print credit!)

**In order to get this credit you must pay your deposit to secure your date and time of session. Your session date does not have to fall with in the September 31st deadline.**

www.greathouseportfolio.com

VBS!!!

2010-07-26T22:31:00.000-05:00

My, oh my, time flies by!! Tonight was the second night of VBS at Alvin Church of Christ and it was a blast! Cade is going to be 2 on Saturday and he has been invited to join in on all the fun during their "Survivor 2010" VBS. It was soo precious to see him praising God during their "worship" before and after their class...it was super funny to see him clapping and dancing in the pew! He LOVES singing..especially when it was the cute little kid songs! TOO SWEET! They are learning about "Out Love, Out Serve, Out Live and Out Shine" Cade was in the class about the Good Samaritan tonight and learned about how we are called to love and help people even if they are not like us! I am so blessed to know that Cade is already learning so much about the love of God and how to bless others! I am also incredibly blessed to have my madre and my momly helping me teach my lil guy so much!! I will (hopefully) post pictures of the fun tomorrow! I hope you guys have a great evening!

Kentucky Fried Chicken is not better in Kentucky...

2010-07-25T15:20:00.000-05:00

Ok...well the subject of this blog has not been tested...I just thought it would be funny and really random! I feel brain fried...I have just stuffed TONS and TONS of information into my brain and I don't even feel able to blog something that means anything. We have been learning about Mobile Home Parks...I am super excited about implimenting everything that we just learned and seeing what happens...excited, but a little nervous...I don't want to screw this up nor do I want to not do anything. I really want to make sure something happens...we will see! Anyway, I have been missing my lil Cade...his birthday is this coming Saturday!! I can't wait...for those of you who don't know it will be a Finding Nemo Pool Party...2 pm on Saturday at Granny's house! If you don't know where that is just call or text me...we would love for you to join us! I hope you guys have a great sunday!! I LOVE YOU!! (JOIN US AT CADE'S PARTY IF YOU CAN!!!)

KENTUCKY!!!

2010-07-24T07:49:00.000-05:00

I am soo sorry to have missed blogging this past three days! I have not been trying to slack! I promise! I have been traveling...AGAIN! :0/ I know I have a home...My husband and I just can't seem to find it (lol) Anyway, Brant and I woke up at 5:20 on Wednesday morning so that we could drive all day to try and make it to Houston...well we made it! Only to turn around and wake up at 3:30 Thursday morning to fly out of IAH to try and make it to Phili for a 2 hour lay over to get to Louisville, KY for a Real Estate Conference. I don't normally sleep on planes, but during our first flight I was conked! It was nice! Anyway, when we finally got to Louisville we checked into the hotel and then we went to the Louisville Slugger Muesum! It was a blast! We got a free souviner bat! Then we went to the Hard Rock Cafe on 4th Street! It was so much fun! I will post pictures as soon as I get back to a computer that I can download pictures too :0) Well, I better get going...the conference is about to start! TTYL!! I will tell you more about the conference tomorrow!! LOVE YOU!

Lil Raylee...

2010-07-20T11:32:00.000-05:00

Today I am going to share a few pictures of Raylee with you! She is a precious lil friend of Cade. She turned one in May. Her mom has been a friend of the family since before she was born! Her dad was in youth group with my father-in-law. They are such an amazing family! Raylee is actually the niece of the bride I posted the other day...Summer Wooten Booser. Anyway here are a few pics of Raylee Joy!!!

Ooops!!

2010-07-19T14:23:00.000-05:00

I totally missed out on blogging yesterday! I am so sorry! I have been super busy edited the Colorado wedding and a few other photoshoots and I have been potty training my lil guy! He is doing such an amazing job!! We have been practicing using the potty since Friday! Friday, Saturday and Sunday were kind of crazy with accidents and learning how to communicate, but we have gotten past all of that and are now on to "Mommy...peepee" Which are words that are MUSIC TO MY EARS!! I am super stoked to announce that we will be potty trained by the end of this week!!! I can tell...he is moving faster now that he understands the communication part of it!

I can't believe how much communication is such a HUGE part of life...I started being able to read his body language and helped him to figure out how to verbalize what he was feeling! Anyway, sorry to ramble on about Cade and the potty...I am just so excited that my lil guy is growing up and out of diapers! Soo FUN!!! He will be 2 in 2 weeks from Saturday!! I can't believe it!!

A beautiful bride...

2010-07-17T16:01:00.000-05:00

Today is Summer Wooten's Wedding day! She is getting married in Round Rock, TX. I seriously wish we could be there! She is a family friend that Brant (my husband) and his family have known since she was born. Unfortunately due to all the traveling I have been doing and will continue to do these next two weeks (Kentucky and Houston, TX) we decided not to go...it was going to be a quick, yet LONG drive...I am so sorry we couldn't make it Summer! WE LOVE YOU and wish you the best on the first day of your wonderful marriage!!

Fireworks...

2010-07-16T21:02:00.000-05:00

So I just recently tried my hardest to capture some super awesome pictures during 4th of July. Chelsea and I got some fun ones on the 4th, but here is one that I got during the wedding...The bride and groom had already taken off (and due to the rain we didn't get their get away) but the brother and sister of the bride decided to start up some sparkler fun!! Here is two of my favorites that we captured...We got more, but my computer is giving me grief...They will be on facebook later!!

This was actually written backwards so that we could read it on the camera! I had a super talented assistant!!!

I think Gato had Gatitos...

2010-07-15T22:04:00.000-05:00

Ok...so...There was a stray cat that has been Cade's best friend this last few months. She is sweet for the most part, only slightly cranky when Cade pulls out a hand full of hair, but who wouldn't be cranky? Anyway...when I was in Houston for about 3 weeks Brant told me..."I think Gato is pregnant" Then I was like "Uh-oh" meaning "That cat better stay outside...no kitties in the house!" Not that we don't like animals, but we are not quite ready to be in charge of 5 -8 cats! Anyway, she has been growing more and more everyday and we have been letting her in just to show that we still love her, but putting her out at night so that she wouldn't have kittens while we were sleeping! Well, while I was in Colorado Brant said that he hadn't seen Gato in a while...really I haven't seen her in a few days since then either...We have been putting food out for her, but I don't know if she has been eating it or if there is another cat around here some where. I really hope she is doing ok. We really do love her, and I would really like to see what her kittens look like. If you think about it pray for her! It's not a must because I am sure God is taking care of her, but just a thought. She was just on my mind and I just wanted to share a little bit of my love for Gato with you! Pray that her kittens are doing well too please! I love you guys!!

From Behind the Camera...

A few pics from the Colorado Wedding...

2010-07-14T21:26:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Sam and Sarah!! They are a beautiful couple that I met through my sister-in-law...They are currently in Alaska celebrating their honeymoon! I just wanted you guys to know that I had a blast celebrating your wedding day with you guys and I love your families and friends...they are so much fun and totally crazy!! (in a good way) Have fun in Alaska and I will hopefully come visit you guys in Hawaii!! LOVE YOU!!

My,Oh my the day flew by!

2010-07-13T22:39:00.000-05:00

Another day come and gone...and WAY TOO FAST!! Now I understand how I have gotten out of the habit of blogging. I was just about to go to bed and then was like...holy moly I have to blog...Well I said I would show pictures of the Colorado wedding, but I only have the scenery...I have a few more, but I am not quite done. This is so that you may have good dreams of Colorado tonight!

WHAT A DAY...

2010-07-12T22:09:00.000-05:00

Wow...I am soo sorry this is super late in the day, but I have made it before midnight!!! I am super tired! I drove 10 hours today to get back home to my family from Colorado. As I came home my most amazing hubby greeted me with homemade lasagne and green beans and sweet tea! Then as we were eating he played a recording of lil baby Cade...Cade was saying his colors...daddy would say "This is green" and Cade would say "geen" TOO PRECIOUS!!! Then after dinner daddy and Cade showed me how they play baseball (in the house) (lol). Cade "gets in his stance" and hits the ball...I can't believe how much my little boy grew in 4 days! (Tear jerker!) But I am excited too! Anyway, sorry to cut this short, but I am super sleepy and ready for a shower! Good night!!

WHAT A DAY!!!

2010-07-11T21:38:00.000-05:00

The wedding is over and the bride and groom are off to alaska (i am soo jealous...but not in a bad way). The decorations have been cleaned up and most of the guests have gone home...But, 2 of the bride's friends and Karitsa and I went to Colorado Springs. IT WAS AMAZING!!! I have TONS of pictures, but I left my card reader in my bag down at the other cabin...and if you knew these "roads" you wouldn't go back until you were done either :0) I promise I will get pictures up! Anyway, sight seeing today was so much fun...we went to Garden of the Gods and Helen Hunt Falls...SO MUCH FUN!! The Garden of the Gods was just a BUNCH of super neat rock formations that are red rock...and the Falls were waterfalls...at both places we hiked about a mile then took LOTS of pictures. I had a blast today with Karitsa, Leslie, Taylor and nature!! If you haven't heard about it you should check'em out!! I promise I will load pictures tuesday!! Now on to a 10 hour trip home with Karitsa tomorrow!! Gotta get up at 6 am (colorado time)! LOVE YOU GUYS!! Write you tomorrow!!!

WOW...

2010-07-10T20:38:00.000-05:00

It has been one CRAZY day! Lots of fun getting ready for the wedding and tons of shooting! The ceremony was beautiful, but just after, it started raining...but the reception was not ruined! Luckily we had a tent and all pushed everything under there...We had a blast eating cake, dancing and being silly...now the rain has let up and we are still partying!! I just wanted to give you all an update!! BUT NOW...BACK TO THE PARTY!! Pictures coming SOON!!!

Day 3 of Blogging but Day 2 of Colorado...

2010-07-09T11:58:00.000-05:00

Hey blog readers...I have been having a BLAST getting to know the brides family and the grooms family...everyone is soo much fun! They are all very friendly and I don't think they know a stranger! They are precious precious people...I can't wait to show you guys pictures of their wedding! Only ONE MORE DAY!! It all goes down tomorrow at 4 pm! Pray that it doesn't rain and that all goes well as Sarah and Sam make a covenant before the Lord!! Here are a few pictures of the trip up here and the view from our cabin's living room window!!!

Me acting like a BIG Sunflower...it was a beautiful (muddy) field!

Me and My Sister Karitsa...we yelled ROY everytime we saw a sign for the city...yes it was a LONG trip!

FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT ONLY:

The VIEW!!!

Day 2 of 40 Days of Blogging...

2010-07-08T17:38:00.000-05:00

Ok...so today was my traveling day for a wedding I am shooting in Colorado this Saturday. I had a blast the first 10 hours...it went by faster then I originally imagined, but then...well...once we got within 30 miles we ended up getting super lost...to make things worse the roads were dirt/mud, it was raining and hailing, and the cell phones of the bride and maid of honor were both dead and we could not get a hold of anyone! After about 45 minutes of trying by ourselves (because there was not a place we could stop and ask for directions) we flagged down a complete stranger who drove a BIG truck (this detail is vital to our story because a big truck symbolized that he was a resident of this little town and may know his way around) anyway, he pulled over and I gave him the most pitiful face I could muster up with out crying and said, "Hi...we are lost!" He said what are you looking for? Then we told him some County Roads and told him the name of the groom and he said..."Oh yeah, Sam's getting married on Saturday...I almost forgot!" I LOVE SMALL TOWNS!!! (I hated them until this man - but only because there was not a single road with a sign! - But now things are better!) Much Much Better...mainly because I was able to get to the destination and go potty!!! Life is now much better! :0) Well...Off to visit with the bride and her soon to be family! I hope you enjoyed my story of my crazy journey!

40 days of blogger...

2010-07-07T16:17:00.000-05:00

Ok...so my friend, and favorite photographer, Chelsea Lynn Giles, and I were talking this weekend and both of us had been talking about our businesses (as usual) when she said...I haven't blogged in a while. She then decided to blog about not blogging and why things were about to change. I am super proud of her! She has decided to blog once a day for the next 40 days. WAY TO COMMIT, Chels!! I have decided to take the plunge and do the same...I am going to blog once a day for 40 days! I have been so busy that my blog has suffered, and I have been thinking..."Once I have more time I will blog..." yeah right! I have been playing with Cade and editing in my time off...facebooking and not blogging...well, right now I am actually blogging while waiting on hold. This isn't so hard...just take 5-45 mins (lol) while on hold with the school loan people. I probably won't be calling them daily, but I will make sure to stick with my commitment and blog for 40 days!! I promise lil readers and sweet blog...I WILL PAY MORE ATTENTION TO YOU!! I am excited...this is going to be a challenge because the next 25 days will be go, go, go...non stop traveling back and forth...2 weddings, a conference and my lil munchkin's 2nd birthday...so we will see how this goes...might be a little rough without a laptop, but I am committing! lol...i don't know if you have noticed but i am kinda pumping myself up...I am so cheesy! Anyway...I hope you have a great day!! Keep me accountable! Check me out tomorrow to see if I keep up with my challenge!! LOVE YOU GUYS!!

A word of encouragement...

2010-06-23T13:44:00.001-05:00

For those of you who follow my blog...Once again I am sorry I haven't written in a while...One day I will blog without saying..."Sorry I haven't written in a while" :0) Anyway...

This morning I woke up and decided to read Joshua. I don't really know why, just thought it would be a good read for this mornings quiet time.

While I was reading I realized that I had never read this book of the bible for my quiet time. (I read it once in college, fast and furiously, for homework and a test) As I was reading I also noticed that I haven't read my bible in about a month (I guess since around the last time I blogged) I don't ever mean for time to pass that quickly. I never intend to neglect my spiritual life, but...well...i have no excuses...I have just been caught up in my own selfish life that I have failed to spend time with my Father...the GIVER OF ALL LIFE! Yuck...what a slap in the face! He doesn't force you to sit with him, he just enjoys your company and teaches you something new everyday! He LOVES you even when you don't sit with Him because you THINK your own management skills are better than His plans for you. (I keep writing you...but I am really typing to myself)

This morning as I sat in God's Word listening to what He tells Joshua, this spoke to my heart: "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:8)

Basically...The Lord just said, "I know you have had trouble putting me in your schedule, but if you just spend more time with me I will take care of you! I will bring peace to your chaos! I want the best for you...I want you to be successful and prosperous...Let me teach you what you need to do, and follow my instruction!"

WOW...what an amazing Father! As I teach Cade more and more everyday I realize how important it is to listen to parental advice and instruction. And to hear my heavenly Father tell me..."meditate...day AND night...so that you may be careful to do what is written in my word!"...What a blessing!! I say YES SIR!!

This calls for immediate action! Don't fret about not doing it in the past, but keep moving forward. Praise God for his grace and mercy; His love for us and for teaching us every minute with spend with Him!!

Senior of the Day: Part 3

2010-05-13T10:44:00.000-05:00

To the readers of this blog I apologize...I am out of town and don't currently have all the stats for these pictures. Hopefully when I get home I will remember to update you as to how they were taken...SORRY :0) NOW ON TO THE GOODIES.....

Today's senior of the day is Cameron. Cameron is graduating from Alvin and is headed to my alum Abilene Christian University. I could not be more excited for Cam. You are going to LOVE ACU my lil friend! Make sure you make friends with everyone you see - they will be lasting friendships!! Good luck and have a blast!

Senior of the Day: Part 2

2010-05-03T13:23:00.000-05:00

Today's Senior of the Day is Trisha...She is incredibly talented in music! She was one of the lead roles in this year's musical: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She did an amazing job! She totally fit the part and showed the crowd who's boss! Good luck with vocal tryouts!! And Good luck in school!

This picture was taken with a 50mm f 5.0 shutter 1/250 iso 200

Picture was turned bw by using Totally Rad Action (B*&^#$n BW - I call it the cussing one)

This picture was taken with 28-135mm at 41mm f 4.0 shutter 1/640 iso 125

Picture was popped by using Totally Rad Action (green with envy and big blue)

This picture was taken with 50mm f 1.8 shutter 1/2500 iso 125

Picture was popped by using Totally Rad Action (green with envy and big blue)

This Picture was taken with 28-135 at 38mm f 5.0 shutter 1/160 iso 200 (my favorite action shot!)

Picture was popped by using Totally Rad Action (green with envy and big blue)

Senior of the Day: Part I

2010-04-28T12:10:00.000-05:00

To the readers of this Blog...I am so sorry that I have been slacking. I have been in and out of town doing lots of photography and then...when I am in town, I am doing nothing but editing and trying to keep up with my husband and baby. LIFE IS NUTS! Anyway, enough with the excuses... and on with the SENIORS!
This is part one of 4 (I think) of my seniors. I am excited to share each one with you and I will try to include where I took it, with which lens and which actions I used when editing (if any). I figured since my blog is called "exposing the big picture/ behind the camera" then I better live up to expectations...So here it goes...

INTRODUCING JOSH!!

Josh is graduating from Humble. All of his senior pictures were taken at or around the "summerhill" subdivision in Humble...I don't know the area very well so that's all you get (sorry). He will be attending A&M Corpus Christi...I am super proud of him...I have known him his entire life and to see what an amazing young man he has become is such an honor. He is an accomplished Cheerleader and hilarious to hang out with! I LOVE YOU JOSH and wish you the best at A&M Corpus!! Have a blast and don't get into trouble!! :0)

This was taken with the "Nifty Fifty" (50mm 1.8) settings...f2.8, iso 100, shutter 1/500

This one was shot with...50mm, f 2.5, iso 400, shutter 1/2000

This one...50mm, f2.5, iso 100, shutter 1/50

This one...28-135 at 47mm, f 4, iso 400, shutter 1/800

This one...I used the 28-135 at 38mm, f 4.0, iso 100, shutter 1/20 - i am not sure why i used these settings, but I did, and got what I wanted...so I was happy ;0)

This one...50mm, f 2.2, iso 100, shutter 1/1600

This one.. 28-135 at 47mm, f 4.0, iso 400, shutter 1/200.

This one... 50mm, f2.5, iso 400, shutter 1/320

All of these images were opened in CS4 and popped with an s-curve...I usually do a few s-curves to pop different colors...I invert the curve and paint in which color I intended to pop...(this shoot was pre- rad actions) LOVE Totally Rad Actions!! If you don't have'em get'em!!

For the Love

2010-03-24T11:21:00.000-05:00

Tons of you guys have heard me talk about For the Love Workshop. Many of you have still been wondering what it is/was...well here is an awesome video that totally encompasses everything FTL was about...God, Friends, Fun and Photography! I love For the Love...it totally rejuvenated my soul and helped launch my business...thank you all you ftl friends for all of the encouragement!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!

For the Love Workshop 02-10 Recap from Ginny Corbett on Vimeo.

You need a Shower!!!

2010-03-23T10:07:00.000-05:00

There are a few actions that each of us do either daily or every two days...I know that sometimes there are super masculine men (like my hubby) that try to go 3 days with no shower, or super busy moms that accidentally go 3 days without a shower (like me today...sorry...but it's true) Well, since the need for a shower was DESPERATE I decided to start my day off with a nice, hot shower!! Let me tell you...That is a good feeling! But, really, while I was relaxing/ waking up from a rejuvenating sleep I was thinking..."God, please help today to be a GREAT day...Please help me to watch my words and not be quick to anger/frustration when talking to Brant...Please give me understanding when it comes to communicating with Cade, help me to see the times when he is learning new things. Help me to love my family like you do!" Then I felt as though Christ (through my shower) was washing me clean of any negativity, or stressful thought that could be easily turned into a sore spot for me today. You know...that is exactly what He does when we are baptized...washes us clean and makes us new again! That is what we need to let Him do for us everyday (or every other day) when we shower...Give our day to Him and He will wash away the "dirt" from the day before and help us to start clean today!! I pray that each of you remember this the next time you are taking a shower!! I pray that it helps you to focus more on letting God be the driver of you car throughout your day!! Lord, Please help those who read this to remember you today, help them know you are in control and that you are the one who gives us another chance to be clean!! Thank you, Lord, for your grace and mercy!! I love you! I hope you have a great day!!

Shoot Out EXTENDED!!!

2010-03-07T22:27:00.000-06:00

The Shoot Out has been extended to March 13th!! We have 3 booked for this coming Saturday and 5 time slots still available!! Don't forget to call or email (832) 221-5220 or megan@greathouseportfolio.com!! Here is the info:

Brace yourself...

Greathouse Photography

is having a Shoot Out!

We are offering a $525 package

This package will include:

30 mins of "in your face" shooting ($75 value)

a CD of 25 images (with rights to reprint) ($400 value)

and a $50 print credit ($50 value)

FOR ONLY $125!!!

The Shoot Out will be held Saturday, March 6^th in Odessa, TX. Email or call me today in order to book your time slot!

****This $125 package is only valid on Saturday, March 6th, 2010! CALL NOW...MAKE SURE YOU GET SHOT!****
(Check Facebook Fan page for Phone Number...and while you are there become a fan!)

Cade and the dentist...

2010-03-03T14:30:00.001-06:00

Today is a day to remember...Cade's first dentist appointment. It was ok...i guess. We went and it was very kid friendly, but it was not something he was comfortable with...who is? Anyway, when we went in the assistant asked me to get knee to knee with her and bind him over backward into her lap...he was then laying in both of our laps and it was at that point when his little sensors said "this is NOT COOL" and his little voice began to squeal! He was a little squirmy until he realized something was sweet tasting in his mouth. He liked the toothpaste they used and liked the foamy feeling...he started smacking his lips...It was cute. Then when she was done cleaning his teeth she let him sit up. Then he looked at her and (with sign language) asked her "Toothbrush, Please" she laughed, gave it to him and he showed her places she missed :0) He decided to continue brushing his teeth until the dentist came in to see him. Which made him happy until we had to do the laying in the lap thing again...NO BUENO! This time they checked for cavities and put fluoride on his teeth. NO CAVITIES! :0) When it was all finished he got a bright green balloon...VERY BUENO! He played with it almost all the way home (until he fell asleep in the car). He is now awake, bright eyed and bushy haired and searching everywhere for "Gato" the new found friend I blogged about the other day...That boy and his gato...great friends! They keep me busy! :0)

The Kitten pictured above is not the "Gato" from today's story and I do not know if any animals were harmed in the taking of this picture :0)

Cade on the other hand was not harmed in the taking of this picture...he had a blast!

P.S. We have been informed that we need to get rid of the pacifier...so we have done away with it...It is now in pacifier heaven (the trash...in pieces - that was to keep me and Brant from trying to go after it) PLEASE PRAY FOR US...This is going to be a new adventure!!

GOING HOME!!!

2010-03-02T17:07:00.000-06:00

Guess what!

I am going home! I am originally from Alvin, TX. I get to go home every now and then, definitely not enough!

I know there are a few seniors that need pictures so, I figured "if you want/need to book a photographer now is the time!" Since I am coming home there are no added travel expenses to your cost. AKA - I am paying all travel expenses!

Again I say.....

Greathouse Photography will be in Houston, TX April 5-9th...

Take advantage of NO ADDED TRAVEL EXPENSES!! Call, email, or comment to book a date!!

Megan Greathouse (832) 221-5220

megan@greathouseportfolio.com

Shoot Out!!

2010-03-01T19:41:00.000-06:00

Brace yourself...

Greathouse Photography

is having a Shoot Out!

We are offering a $525 package

This package will include:

30 mins of "in your face" shooting ($75 value)

a CD of 25 images (with rights to reprint) ($400 value)

and a $50 print credit ($50 value)

FOR ONLY $125!!!

The Shoot Out will be held Saturday, March 6^th in Odessa, TX. Email or call me today in order to book your time slot!

****This $125 package is only valid on Saturday, March 6th, 2010! CALL NOW...MAKE SURE YOU GET SHOT!****
(Check Facebook Fan page for Phone Number...and while you are there become a fan!)

Cade and the Lil cat!

2010-02-23T15:47:00.001-06:00

Cade has a new friend! He has played with this cat everyday we go outside. It is a stray that is house broken and incredibly sweet! She loves Cade and is gentle with him. Last night it started snowing and the cat came to our sliding door and started crying. I felt bad for it! Brant said "should we bring it in?" and of course I am a sucker for animals and I said YES! So we did. We kept it in our bathroom over night and this morning it heard us wake up so it was ready to get out of the bathroom. We decided to let it hang out with us until it had warmed up outside and the snow had cleared. But little did I know what Brant and I had done...we showed the cat to Cade and let them hang out too long! Cade and the cat watched Elmo and Word World and snuggled! (ATTACHMENT HAPPENED!) Check it out...

We have now tried to put the cat outside 3 times...we do and then someone lets it back in...I know it hasn't been me...Cade is to short to reach the door (and can't quite pull it open yet...) hmmmm..... :0)

FOR THE LOVE: Before, During and After

2010-02-21T21:06:00.000-06:00

The past year and a half has been a crazy ride for Brant and I. I guess it actually started when Cade was born. We had finished renovating our rent house and were going to re-rent it...we found renters and thought we had a great job that opened right as we needed to move on. We had all of our ducks in a row in order to make our first BIG move (from Abilene to Midland). 3 days before we were suppose to move/ get started at our new job, we received a phone call saying that the job was being cut from the budget and they were not going to be able to follow through with their offer. Meaning we were homeless and jobless after 3 days. At that point we were on our knees in prayer about what needed to happen. We found another job and ended up moving within 5 days. NUTS! We moved to Odessa to help with a ministry called Mission Messiah. It is a great place for women to over come addictions by learning about the love of Christ! I had a blast, but our time there was only for a season. We moved there in February and by July we were on the move again. We had finished the task set before us for Mission Messiah and we (including the other staff) felt as though it was our time to start up our own businesses and focus on our goals as a family.

At that point Brant and I started Real Estate investing full time...ABSOLUTELY THE HARDEST THING YOU CAN DO! Not real estate investing, but starting your own business. This has been such a spiritual battle. Since we have been doing real estate investing full time I have yet to see it truly pay off... We had been working sooo hard but there was not any money coming in...All we were living off of was savings (we have only been married 2 years...not much in savings) money from our rent house in Abilene and anything I was able to bring in through photography (which was another soft spot because I have lacked confidence) As a wife I was trying to be supportive, but as a mother I was scared that we were pushing out limits too far...I didn't want to end up with no money at all...I wanted to get a job to make sure we were secure and able to do what we wanted to do when we wanted to. Brant really didn't want me to get a job, he loves the time I am able to spend with Cade as a stay at home mom and I he needed me to stay home to watch Cade while he was working super hard on real estate. Needless to say we had to work through a lot of emotional struggles...Satan really gets in your head when you are working on your passions...your passions are God given and when you live them out to the fullest you are glorifying God so satan tries to get under your skin so that you will give up!

When it was time for the For the Love Workshop I was seriously ready to be done with real estate. I was tired of working hard and not seeing any pay off. I was sick of dealing with people who are ungrateful for the things they have, sick of being so busy with work that we couldn't make new friends in Odessa...I was just done! The first night in the cabin Chelsea and I were planning on doing a midnight kitchen raid. When we went downstairs we were greeted by Ginny Corbett. We started talking about tons of stuff that Satan had been telling me, TONS of LIES! I didn't feel creative or good enough to be a photographer, I didn't feel like I had any friends in Odesssa/Midland, I didn't think I was being a good mom or a good wife, ALL LIES! As she was listening Ginny was given a vision and spoke amazing blessings over me! She said that God was going to give me plans and direction, big ideas, there was going to be a few people that I would meet that would help me network and bring in more business, and that Satan had NO hold on me! She told me I can do GREAT things! WHAT A BLESSING!! Every word she said was directly from God! He was singing me a sweet song through her!! He knew what I need to hear and he said it!

Through out the week, through everything and everyone, God was telling me how much He loved me and how I am doing all of this because of His strength and provision. It was completely God that helped me get to For the Love in the first place...I woke up on the wrong side of the bed one morning and was staying mad because I could when I decided to check my email instead of spend time with the Lord. When I checked my email I had received an email from Chelsea asking if I would want to go to For the Love with her...I immediately started crying! God had blessed me even while I was pouting and giving in to my flesh. He is so gracious!

Being at For the Love was an incredible blessing! It renewed my faith in the Lord's perfect plan...I had lost faith in His timing all because I was too nervous about my situation. I was encouraged by every person who attended the workshop! I have also gained lasting friendships!

Since For the Love the Lord has given me a renewed mind, heart and body. I am ready to continue to fight the spiritual battle that comes with building up your business and I am ready to continue on in real estate and help my husband in every way I can!

I have also been given great ideas of how to further my business, grow my network and ways to get better equipment. I have also met an amazing young woman who is incredibly talented at networking and is helping me spread the word about my work here in Odessa.

Brant and I have also received confirmation that we have 2 buyers lined up for 2 of the houses we have been trying to sell. The contracts were signed on Friday (2-19-10)!! PRAISE GOD!!

For the Love really helped me to take time to remember Matthew 11:28...Here it is from The Message..."Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." I needed For the Love...God knew where I was going to be emotionally and physically at this point in my life and He placed me at For the Love for my sake! To rejuvenate me and to love on me as his daughter! I LOVE IT! Thank you Lord for your grace, mercy and love! And thank you to Ginny, Erik, and Lauren for teaching us photography, but more than that being real with us and teaching us about walking with God, the ups and the downs! I LOVE YOU GUYS! Thank you to Glendon Tang, Chris Luk, and Jason Mize, for being wonderful men of God that are crazy cool and so much fun to be around, plus as you can see from their sites amazing photographers!! Thanks for the tips guys! To Allison Ballinger, Allison Dameron, Allison Davis, Alison Holcomb, Andrea Crosswhite, Christina Peters, Clary Pfeiffier, Jenny Beck, Kasey Boatright, Kelly Hornberger, Kimberly Chau, Larae Russell, Leslie Harris, Maria Traut, Nicki Smith, Rebekah Hood, Sharon Chin and Chelsea Giles: I love you girls...Each of you have been a blessing to meet! I know for a fact that when I come to a town near you I will call you and see if we can meet again! I was blessed to have a chance to speak with each of you and learn from you; for your openness and honesty I thank you! You are beautiful women of God and I am excited to see what He does for you in your business!! I love all of you!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALLUM!!!

2010-02-19T10:28:00.000-06:00

It has been 5 days since I have been home from For the Love and I have been soo excited to do another photo shoot!

On Monday Brant and I went to a dinner get together with his men's bible study (which is a HUGE blessing...he loves being a part of this group! They are super awesome, totally real, men of God! - SUCH A BLESSING!) Anyway, while we were there I was able to meet all the men that have been pouring into Brant and their beautiful wives! I was also so excited about the fact that there are about 4 or 5 kids that are Cade's age! They had so much fun together! They were sharing and helping each other and communicating (I don't know that for sure, but it looked like it!)

One of the little guys that was there was Callum. He is the youngest of 2 and belongs to Brad and Deborah. He just turned 1 yesterday and I was privileged enough to be able to share it with him! He is absolutely soo precious! Here are a few of my favorite silly poses! Toddlers are soo unpredictable! I LOVE IT!

I LOVE THIS WORKSHOP!!

2010-02-10T01:04:00.002-06:00

We just finished our first full day of the FTL workshop and I am already trying to fight info overload...I have been so encouraged by God through his servants. So many of the words spoken are directly for me to hear and I am lovin it!! I hear it and I receive it directly from God to my heart, mind and soul! Everyone is totally awesome! The classes are great and the teachers are amazing! Erik is hilarious...a great BIG ball of jam packed energy...I LOVE IT! and Lauren, well, earlier tonight she developed a burning desire to throw peas at me...don't ask...just smile! I love her...she is so precious!

Earlier this afternoon we had a chance to go out on a photography adventure (.6 mi hike, up hill both ways :0) it snowed after we got back...not during, but thats ok) It was so fun! I could have, literally, spent hours practicing what Erik had just talked about in his class...but I only had about one hour...Here are a few shots of Chels and neat things I wanted you to see...(smky mtn pics coming later)

This is a neat tree that I liked...so now that means you get to look at it. Its a Mountain Tree :0)

This is my photog friend...CHELSEA GILES...she is Chelsea from Chelsea Lynn Photography

check out her blog!

As you can see...we do what we gotta do to get the shot we want!

Question: HOW MANY PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE TAKING PICTURES?

Answer: 4; Chelsea and the tree, Ginny catching Chelsea with the tree, Allison capturing Ginny capturing Chelsea with the tree, then last but not least...Me capturing Allison getting Ginny videoing Chelsea preping her camera to photograph the tree :0)

WOW...lots has happened...More tomorrow (hopefully!) I love you guys and hope you have a great day! (I KNOW I WILL..."Which kinda camp is my favorite? - Photography Camp!")

FOR THE LOVE!!!

2010-02-05T12:31:00.000-06:00

There is a really amazing workshop that I am going to next week and I can't wait so...this is what I am blogging about! It's called "For the Love" (just in case you didn't already guess it) and it is in Tennessee. Chelsea (my bestie and partner in crime for weddings) and I are flying out on Monday morning and heading that way!! We will be staying at The Preserve Resort which is absolutely GORGEOUS!! We will be learning TONS of stuff from amazing photographers...Lauren Clark - Erik Clausen - Ginny Corbett. I am so excited to meet each of them!! I CAN'T WAIT!!! I will definitely blog while I am there...well...I hope to...I don't know how busy we will be and what our schedule will be like...but I will try...If I don't then there will be LOTS to post when I get back! I hope you have a great week...be good while I am gone!

Here are a few pictures of 2 of my favorite people...My very first love and my newest love! They are amazing!! (My dad and my baby Cade)

Some neat stuff...

2010-01-25T21:23:00.001-06:00

I have been building my photography business for about a year now and there have been some new things I have been doing over these past few weeks...As some of you know I was away from home (Odessa) for about a month and a half...aka...way too long. But for good reason. I was in Houston, TX working on building my business and networking. I have realized that discontentment is necessary for success...Meaning that if I was totally content with where I am currently I would not be striving to be a better photographer. Don't get me wrong, I love my life, but God has placed me here so that I do everything to His glory...I need to strive to be better all the time to give Him 100% of the glory for the things that happen in my life! I have been abundantly blessed over these past few weeks...I was asked to do all of the photography for the musical that my younger brother was in; what a blessing!!! Then the day of the musical (which some would find stressful) I was asked to do the videography...again a huge blessing, because not only do I have all of the still shot memories, but I get to make sure the DVD is top notch for my lil bro!! SOO MUCH FUN!!! God has more than provided for Brant and me and I can't wait to see what else he has in store for us over this next year!! Thank you Lord, for the many blessings you have poured out on our family...may we turn and bless others as you call us to! Here is the cast of the musical (25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Alvin High School) The one in the suspenders is my lil bro Eric...Ok...so he's not so little but he is still the youngest of the 3 of us :0)

Old friend...

2010-01-19T12:24:00.000-06:00

I have been gone from my home town for 6 years now...Only coming home for a few days at a time and while here I have usually only been able to see family and had a hard time trying to see friends. This time I have been blessed to be able to stay longer and to enjoy some time with some old friends from high school...Actually the friend pictured is from elementry, and the 2 friends not pictured were from high school, either way I have realized how amazing all of these people really are. I mean, I knew they were amazing because they were great friends during my youth, but now...it says alot about a person when they can just pick up where you left off and not be completely awkward because you have missed out on so much! They just laugh and joke and let you in on all you have missed out on because they love you and miss being with you! It is such an amazing feeling to know that God blesses you through the love of others!! I have missed hanging out with old friends...You guys are awesome! Here are a few of my faves!!!

I love having a Vacation Home!

2010-01-04T23:33:00.001-06:00

So I just realized that Brant and I have a vacation home in the houston/ galveston area. We don't live here often, mostly during the holidays...its absolutely wonderful! Its so "homey" and lived in...ok...so his parents live here and its not really our house...but its our vacation house none-the-less :0)
Anyway, I am currently in the Houston for the next few weeks for my brother's musical...it's a huge blessing to be able to work from home and have the freedom to stay longer than expected! Plus, I have been able to learn more about how God is working in my life and through me to encourage really important people in my life! I didn't realize how much I wanted to be here and stay here...at least for a long enough time to let others make memories with the Cade Mister! It has been wonderful! I am missing Brant like crazy but because God gave humans the genius to make a webcam it makes things lots easier! Well...until January 23rd I will be here...hopefully working on photography jobs!! Here is some from the last photo shoot with Billy and Tisha...

20 years and counting!!!

2009-12-02T19:16:00.000-06:00

Vicky and Jesse are a super sweet couple that I have known my entire life. Vicky and my mom met when they worked at Alvin State Bank. They began going to church together and Vicky has been an encouragement to my mom and me ever since! Here are a few shots of her and her husband (Jesse). They recently celebrated 20 years of marriage and as you can tell from the pictures they are still madly in love!! Praise the Lord for such an amazing example! Thank you Vicky and Jesse!

To see more click on Vicky and Jesse

Send a Soldier a Card this Christmas!!!

2009-11-30T10:34:00.000-06:00

I just got an email yesterday and I love it...This is what I found out:

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL

If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.

I don't know how many of you have friends or family in the service, but as one with family in Iraq I can tell you that they need all the love and support we can give them from afar! It only takes about 2 mins max (unless you are indecisive and can't pick the card/saying you like the best - ok...I confess it took me about 5 mins, but I did finally decide!) :0) Please take a minute and bless someone who needs to feel loved...the holidays are always the hardest time to be away from family...send them a card! You guys are awesome! Have a great day!! P.S. SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH OTHERS!!!

Emily, Cupid and Hadley

2009-11-23T09:40:00.000-06:00

I don't know if you have ever tried to photograph 2 dogs at the same time, but it is a hoot! They are soo funny! I have always known that dogs have their own sense of humor and personality, but to the extent I did not know...until now! I had the pleasure of taking pictures for Emily and her puppies on Saturday. I have done pictures of one dog before, but this was a whole new experience for me...they are just like little toddlers. They have so much life and energy and they just want to show you their new toys and want you to play with them. I had so much fun! Here is a glimpse of what I see when I am behind the camera....

The Parking Lot Zoo...

2009-11-07T22:20:00.001-06:00

This afternoon Brant and I were driving around and we saw a make-shift petting zoo in the parking lot of the Odessa Mall. We decided to take Cade when he woke up from his nap. When we got there it was so neat...there was a little baby white tiger, a kangaroo, lemurs, goats, horses, a camel, llamas, monkeys, an albino python, and a Siberian tiger. We got a chance to pet the llamas, goats and horses, but the rest of the animals were not pet-able. Anyway we had a blast and these are a few shots I caught while we were playing...

Girls I miss...

2009-11-06T21:46:00.000-06:00

I recently worked with Mission Messiah and here are some super beautiful little girls that I want to share with you...

This first one is Bailee...she is 5 months in this picture.

This is Gracie and Emma. Gracie really wanted Emma to stop and smell the roses...she was so precious about the whole thing!

My sweet Cade mistro!

2009-11-04T16:16:00.000-06:00

We were playing outside and I decided to snap some pictures. He is the most photographed kid in the world. I can't help it though...i am learning alot about lighting and he is a great person to practice with (he doesn't have a job and he's not in school) :0) Anyway, ENJOY!

Inspiration...

2009-11-02T17:21:00.001-06:00

This is a picture I am inspired by for the "For the Love Workshop." If you don't know what I am talking about then you should check it out. (www.fortheloveworkshop.com) It is the first workshop that I have ever seen that encompasses 2 of my favorite passions (Jesus Christ and Photography) They have asked us to submit an inspiring photo and this is the story behind it...

I have recently volunteered with a ministry called Mission Messiah. They are based here in Odessa, TX. They help broken women restore their lives through the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Many of the women they help are overcoming addictions to drugs and alcohol; most of them are either court ordered or come on their own accord.

Pictured here is Brittany (the momma) and Bailee (the baby). Brittany is in her early 20's and has overcome her addiction to drugs and alcohol. She has been learning how to become the Godly mom Bailee needs. She is now in the final 3 months of the Mission Messiah program and has bloomed in to a beautiful woman/mother of God. Praise the Lord for His unfailing love! Lord, help us be the image of Christ to those you put in our path!!

Carl & Ashley

2009-10-27T18:06:00.002-05:00

I got a chance to meet these wonderful people about a year ago through mutual friends the Pinkerton's. They are getting married in December and I was able to tag along for their engagement photo shoot...

Thank you Carl and Ashley for letting me be a part of your photo shoot!

Oldies but goodies...

2009-10-26T22:53:00.001-05:00

I have been working on getting my blog to reflect more of what I do as a photographer today, and as I was picking out some pictures to edit I came across a few that I took about a 1 1/2 years ago. This is a snap-shot of the photo shoot I did with the Talbot Family...AMAZING people!!

This is Lydia (the current baby)

This is Micah (the 2nd oldest)

Miss Sarah (3rd in line)

and Miller with his two boys (Micah and Caleb - the oldest)

They have 4 amazing kids! You guys are awesome!! We love you and miss you lots!

Get to the goodstuff!

2009-10-09T13:43:00.002-05:00

This last Monday I had a really bad headache. I was cleaning the house and Brant noticed that I was feeling really bad. He came over to me and started rubbing some pressure points on my head, neck and shoulders. I was saying, "Ouch...OOO....Ouch.." and Cade noticed something was wrong with mommy. He walked over to where I was sitting on the floor and put his little hand on my shoulder. He started squeezing his little thumb just like daddy was doing to my shoulders...He was giving me a message! It was too precious! A few seconds later he decided to lean over and kiss me then went back to rubbing my shoulders until daddy stopped.
God has truly given Cade a heart that is constantly caring for others...no one told him to rub my shoulder....no one told him to give me a kiss, but out of the goodness of his heart he blessed me! (By the way...he was cranky until that point...meaning...Even if your day is not what you want it to be it is possible to bless others out of the goodness of your heart!) We are made in God's image and it is possible to dig deep and touch the goodness God has given us and then pass it on to someone, put in our path by God, that needs it! Bless someone out of the goodness of your heart today!

Its been a while...

2009-10-08T22:02:00.001-05:00

I haven't written in a while...I have been incredibly busy chasing a toddler around the house and picking up everything that doesn't belong on the floor :0) I have also tried to be an encouragement to my sweet husband who is trying so hard to constantly provide for us through real estate. It has been an incredible roller coaster ride! (To say the least) We have had a few things fall through, but at the same time other things have come up....God is truly doing something we can't understand, but we know He is doing something (He is in control) and for that we give Him the glory! It has been hard to be patient but I know in the end it will be worth it! We have been fighting a spiritual battle non-stop. Through all of this I am wishing that I could just punch satan in the FAT HEAD! It seems like he has a way of showing up right when we are praising God for his blessings, only to make us wonder if we were even listening to God in the first place. Lord, help us to know that we are walking with you...I know we are your children and you are looking after us! Help us believe and not doubt for your word says "he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." We want to be like Cade...we know you are there to take care of us and we aren't afraid of tomorrow or anything else because you are always there to pick us up when we have fallen. May we praise you when we feel like we aren't getting any where and when we are fully and abundantly blessed! We love you Lord and give you the glory for the blessing of security in a time of struggle!

Share with one another!

2009-09-01T21:42:00.001-05:00

I love taking Cade shopping with me! I don't know if you believe me but I will say it again in a different way...Thus far I LOVE taking my 1 yr old son shopping with me! Here is why:

Cade and I went to Wal-Mart yesterday to pick up a few things before Nana came into town. We had such a good time...he is such a patient baby and he was just looking at things and talking to me (in his little baby talk lingo) and he helped me keep track of the list. Anyway, we had gathered everything on our list and it was time to check out and go. On the way out there was a sweet lady who was saying bye to people as they were leaving and she was waving at me. She then looked at Cade and said "bye, little guy" and he looked at her and smiled the BIGGEST TOOTHY GRIN I have ever seen!! It was absolutely the funniest thing he has ever done. The lady cracked up laughing. Cade was very sincere in his smile, he was not just smiling to be silly, he genuinely shared his joy with someone else!

I cannot tell you how many times I see someone in a store who looks like they are having a bad day, they are angry or they are just in a hum-drum situation. It's sad! - Cade has an amazing nack for bringing out the smile that is buried within those kind of people. It is so awesome...He has a love for people that speaks to me everytime we go some where. I love to see the joy he brings to others when he smiles at them or reaches for their hand. It is too precious! I pray that he never looses that joy for people and I pray for each of you to share the joy the Lord has placed in your heart. Share a smile with someone, share your love and care for others! People, mean and nice alike, are God's creation and all need your love...even if all you have is a hearing ear or a sweet smile!! Enjoy your day!!

When is it time to walk?!

2009-08-18T21:09:00.001-05:00

When the Lord says "GO!" Do you go? When he says "Wait!" do you wait? I cannot tell you how many times I don't want to go and I don't want to wait!
For the past month and a half (almost 2 months) Brant and I have been working diligently on building up our own business (which might sound cool, but is very hard work!!!) We are both working on this venture full time, which also means we don't get paid until the business gets off the ground. Praise the Lord we are not in a tight spot currently, but out of my humanly nature I could worry about 2 months from now if I wanted to...or I could badger my (sweet, intelligent) husband to let me get a job so that we would be secure. But after hours of prayer I have been given a sense of peace...Brant needs my support and encouragement (and ability to multitask) in order to make this business run. I know this idea was not something that Brant came up with out of thin air. It is something the Lord has given him, especially because it incorporates all of his talents; natural, God given, abilities. The Lord has called Brant and I to go...to move on a passion He has placed within us so that we may be able to focus on our family.
If Brant and I don't go now that we have been told to go...that is deliberate disobedience! And when we move when the Lord says Wait...again deliberate disobedience! How can you expect your children to listen to you the first time (because you don't like repeating yourself) when you are not listening to the Lord the first time? Do you remember to take time to listen to the Lord when He calls? What is He telling you?
Lord, I pray for each reader, may they have the ears to hear you call and the understanding of your plans for them. Lord may they be willing to do exactly the things you want them to do, when you want them to do it! I pray against the spirit of defiance and against the spirit of impatience. Lord, I know we want to serve you and I just pray that you continue to place it on our hearts to remember to talk with you as we walk on our journey you have given us called life! We love you and thank you for your blessings! Amen!
P.S total side note...Cade is walking more and more everyday! Praise the Lord for fearlessness!!

Too cool!

2009-08-03T01:55:00.001-05:00

So I have realized that life hits you in the face hard. I have had quite a few "new" experiences this weekend...My baby turned 1, got his first hair cut, started taking more steps (BOLDLY), his 3rd bottom tooth (which is actually his 7th) started poking through and (though this is not new its important) we loved on our friends whom we haven't seen in a while! BAM! Life! It must go on in order for us to enjoy it...sometimes it just goes faster than we can imagine! I didn't think I would be this ok with it, but it has been amazing! It is so much fun to be apart of God's plan and to be raising our son with love and to Love our Lord. I could not think of anything better than to share these blessings with readers! Lord, you are obviously working in Mine and Brant's life and I am excited to see where you are taking us...may we be the parents and spouses you have designed us to be! We love you and praise you for your goodness! Amen!

Enjoy the Blessings You Have!!

2009-07-22T12:02:00.000-05:00

So my sweet hubby and I have started real estate full time now and have been having a blast! We absolutely love working together, but working this type of business is WAY different than just working together. We are figuring out more of each others strengths and more area's where we can better utilize time and energy. It has been a task learning all the ends and outs of contracts, talking to people and moving quickly (while still making an amazing decision). But it has been worth it to see how much we are learning about each other and helping the other out.

Plus, a HUGE perk, we get to spend more precious moment time with Cade! It has been such a blessing! His 1st birthday is coming up on July 31 and we can't wait...all of our closest friends are coming to town to celebrate with us! WOOHOO!! Bring it! We are so incredibly blessed to have friends who are as close as family and to understand the importance of working together as God created husbands and wives to do. Take a moment to enjoy your family, enjoy your life and express thanks for what you have!! God blesses those who praise Him!!!

Gone too long...

2009-06-24T13:44:00.000-05:00

So my last post was titled "What happened to April?" but since then I haven't written anything...shame, shame! I have been gone for 3 weeks. I have been in Houston helping with a family wedding! Yea for the happy couple who is spending their honeymoon in Costa Rica!! How awesome is that?! While we were there I had the privilage to be the photographer! I had a blast! Everyone there was incredibly photogenic! I cannot tell you how many great shots I was able to get. I also was able to rent some sweet equipment to help me get great pics with an amazing camera (Canon 40D) and a few sweet lenses. I love it! Anyway here are a few pics I have recently taken with the equipment I have till Thursday... Oh and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOMLY AND POPPLY PANTS!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!

What happened to April?

2009-05-01T13:01:00.000-05:00

Holy Moly, it is already May...I cannot believe how fast time is going. It seems like I have only been in Odessa for a few weeks and in about 9 days it will already be 3 months. Cade is growing like a dandelion. (which i think is a nice term for weed)
The other day Brant and I were working very diligently on a project and I was ready for a break (of course this includes food) so I started to cook dinner and called to my sweet hubby when it was on the table. I had Cade in his highchair feeding him when Brant came into the room. He sat for a few minutes, but like any driven person he was still thinking about our project...a few minutes eating then a thought and back to the office for something, then back to the table to inhale 2 more bites. Then he would call to me from the office and ask a question...well after a few minutes of this pattern I was getting flustered. I said, "Brant I will answer your question after you finish your food." This was said to help him see that I wanted to have some family eating time at the table, but I was definitely using a tone that told him I was frustrated. He came to the table and said, "Sorry, its dinner time." He put down his pen and totally changed his mind set to family time instead of project time. I was floored! My wall of frustration was demolished with those words and actions....it was great! Then he started to tell me about how the Lord had been teaching him to be "fully present" even in the everyday, mundane, tasks of life.
It is always a great reminder to be fully present. Don't get too caught up in what will happen later or whether or not you will catch "Swine Flu" (H1 N1) just enjoy your life and those around you. Spend time with them...Make memories you will never forget!! But for those of us that are procrastinators....Don't forget to get things done...listen to our driven counterparts God gave them to us for a reason (so we will get things done!) Love the ones around you and take joy in the time you have with them!! Be a blessing today!

I love my boys...

2009-04-23T09:59:00.000-05:00

There are times when Cade is cranky or Brant and I don't agree on something, but God's love never fails. We always come back together to understand each other because we love each other enough to care about why the crankiness or the misunderstanding. Sometimes it seems like understanding Cade is easier than Brant...but we are all learning. And if I give up in the hard times then it doesn't get any easier. I have noticed that through our growing together we have strengthened each other so much and helped each other follow after Christ more. Now it is our turn to sharpen our baby boy. He is learning so much and growing so fast that sometimes it is hard to keep up, but like I said before if we give up when it gets hard it doesn't get any easier. Last night was a "spare the rod" evening. Cade decided he was going to protest going to sleep. It was not very easy and was not over quickly...he was reprimanded for getting up and told to lay back down. We had to physically lay him down many times after his correction. But you know...It worked. This morning I thought he was cranky because he was tired only to find out he wasn't tired at all, but he did not scream when I laid him down (I think he remembered last night)...he laid there for a few minutes (about 5) and then he crawled over to his music box (that is on the side of his crib) and pushed the button (which I usually do for him to fall asleep to). He was just sitting there playing with the music box...making it start and stop and touching all of the new textures. At that point I knew he was not sleepy and knew that he just wanted to play with toys... so... I brought him out to play for another hour. After that the crankiness arose again...it was nap time. I laid him down and he is out for the count!
I write all of this to say...never give up on your spouse or your children...if you are consistent with your children they become secure in that and know you love them (even if you swat them). If you are consistent with your spouse they know you care about their feelings and want to love and respect them with all you have...in turn they will do the same for you! Love with the Love of the Lord!! Be a Blessing today!!
~Meg~

Spare the Rod...

2009-04-17T09:31:00.001-05:00

The bible tells us, "Those who spare the rod hate their children, but those who love them are careful to discipline them." (Proverbs 13:24)
I don't want to hate my baby Cade, but others think that he is to young to be disciplined (8 1/2 months) but I read the other day.."If he is old enough to throw a fit he is old enough to take a swat."(To Train Up a Child - Mike and Debbi Pearl)
SO...I have been giving him a swat every time he has thrown a fit, or even started...not hard only enough to teach him that he needs to obey mommy or else there will be counter productive consequences. Brant and I have both been talking him through why he has been getting swats (even though he is only 8.5 months). He will often stop crying a lot sooner when the second fit happens. What I have noticed is that we have a strong willed young boy. He wants things to happen when he wants them and there is no stopping his mentality. (He will literally scream at me for 45 minutes if I let him...but we are trying to practice self control). I have also noticed that he responds to my tones and attitude. It is so much harder to calm a fussy baby while you are frustrated...but talking to him and loving him with "careful" discipline helps me to stay calm and in control the entire time. He is learning to listen to me without me yelling at him and he is also learning that mommy is in control. We are also already talking to him about practicing self control...he can cry out his frustrations but we are not going to make it a LONG drawn out drama. It is not ok to struggle with self control....and I know of 3 year olds who have been practicing self control and now when mommy says ok...practice self control they dry up their tears give her a hug and go play. (of course she gives them a few minutes to express they are mad or sad or in pain, etc.)
As a Bible Major at Abilene Christian I read a lot of the Bible...I spent a lot of time in it because of my classes, homework and personal studies, but until now (that I have Baby Cade) I haven't realized how much of the Word is actually instruction for parents. (A handbook in descise if I may) A wise woman I know has always said, "the only person you can change is yourself." (Debbie Greathouse) And that is exactly what the Word of God calls you to do...work on yourself so that you can bless others. If you practice patience you can be gentle with your children, if you love them you will be careful to discipline, if you listen to your children as God listens to us you will be blessed, show your children the fruits of the spirit (teach them) and they will grow in the spirit and have abundant fruit to share with others!!! This is what we are working on....this is what we desire for our family...Be a Blessing!!

Easter Bunny Visits!!

2009-04-14T09:55:00.000-05:00

Baby Cade and I went to Houston this last Thursday to spend Easter with the grand'rents and the uncles and we had a BLAST!!! Cade went to get his picture taken with the Easter Bunny on Saturday. I showed him the Easter bunny before I made him sit with the bunny so he wouldn't be scared...then I finally took him to sit with the bunny. At that time he realized that the bunny was actually real and moving. He was so intrigued he couldn't figure things out so he decided to stare at the bunny the whole time! He looked at the camera, but his lil face looks very thought provoked. He was also able to do his first egg hunt...which there was not much "hunting" involved...we basically put him in the middle of a table full of eggs while other kids did the hunting. He was shaking all of the eggs that would make noise while his grandpa put the eggs down his shirt and up his pant leg. He had fun!
While we were away the Easter Bunny decided to visit me! Brant was such a hard worker this weekend...He tore a hole (for a door) in the wall in order for us to expand our little 1 bed 1 bath into 3 bed 1 bath with a living area!!! He had our entire room set up including my closet!! He set up an office area (with bunk bed) and he started setting up our dining area. It still needs a little help putting away canned goods and stuff, but it is awesome!!! I absolutely love it!!! He also bought me a very pretty necklace (he hid it in my jewelry box) I could not believe him! I have the greatest hubby ever!!! Thank you Brant!!! I hope you all have a great day!!

Page Overload...TOO MANY TWEETS!

2009-03-30T17:46:00.000-05:00

I had an absolutely amazing weekend...I went to a Real Estate Investors Conference in Lubbock this past weekend and learned SOOO much! It was incredible and according to my friends it was nothing like the BIG ones. I am so excited about what the opportunities we have right in front of us...I cannot wait until we are able to do what we want when we want because we have taken advantage of this opportunity. Especially because I want to be a stay at home mom for the rest of my life...I am doing it now and I love it!
The only downside to today is that I have been feeling really under-the-weather. I think I was going so fast this weekend and downloading so much information into my brain that I went into overload and my body is trying to shut down. Twitter says..."Page overload...TOO MANY TWEETS!" That's about what I feel like right now ;0) But nothing is stopping me from pressing forward and conquering fear with action!

WAY TOO LONG.....

2009-03-24T09:41:00.000-05:00

It has been about 14 days since my last post and for those of you who try to stay faithful in reading my blog I am sorry I have been slacking. I was super busy with my broken puppy and then my mom came into town for a week!! Which was super awesome because I haven't seen her in FOREVER! Well really it has only been since christmas, but that is way to long when you have a baby who is getting bigger by the second and you are doing different things since the last time you visited together.

Kinzie (the pup) is doing great...she had a doctors appointment yesterday and he was very impressed with her improvement. She is getting around on her "crutches" very well and is more and more mobile everyday. She is the most amazing puppy ever!!

Brant and I are excited about going home for Easter!! We can't wait!! I am most excited because it will be Cade's first Easter!! But anyway I have to get going, baby Cade just exploded! I hope you have a great day!!

Kinzie...

2009-03-10T11:48:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was getting lunch here at the Mission when one of my friends said "Mrs. Megan, Kinzie is on the other side of the road." So I went outside and waited for the traffic to stop and said, "KEEENZEEE!!" Her ears perked up and she darted out into the street only to be hit by a car neither of us saw coming. I turned around quietly, walked into the mess hall and someone asked me "Mrs. Megan, what's wrong?!!" I said "I think Kinzie was just hit by a car" Then I freaked out and started balling! My friends immediately ran out to her side and started fervently praying for her...in particular her healing because they were POSITIVE the Lord was not going to take her from us.(They were praying in the middle of the road not ever thinking they could be hurt then after a few minutes there was this random guy who was like "Um you guys should get out of the middle of the road! It is funny to think of that now...but it could have been bad) She has been the "best friend" to a lot of the children here including baby Cade. She is truly a keeper!
Today, Cade and I went to see her and she is doing great! She was just waking up from being sedated so that they could x-ray her and reset her two broken front legs. She was not totally out of it, she started wagging her tail when she could sense it was me and then baby Cade started dancing when he saw her! It was the cutest thing I have ever seen!! He has missed her. But the doc said that her back leg is a little out of socket, but no so much to even make a difference, mainly it will just be tender for her to walk on. But since she won't be able to walk for a good 6-8 weeks it should heal just fine in that time. We would greatly appreciate your prayers for her rapid healing and for a full recovery without needing any pins or plates put in...we don't want to put plates or pins for fear of arthritis or other pain during the cold winters. (Plus it would cost a fortune) I am looking forward to tomorrow when our pup gets to come home!!!

Scrapbooking...

2009-03-03T09:11:00.000-06:00

I love scrapbooking! I am still learning the ways of professional scrapbooking, but I absolutely love making beautiful pages of fun memories. This weekend I got a few of the girls together from here and we sat in the sheep's gate (the dining room area) and we had a create a card night...which is much like scrapbooking only not with pictures. I had a lot of fun! They were all creating cute cards and I would help them think of fun ideas for making cards a little more masculine (as apposed to cute ideas) All I can say is it was tons of fun and great bonding time with those ladies.
But while I was sitting there I was thinking about how God works. I think He is helping these ladies make a scrapbook of their own. I think God views our lives like a scrapbook. He will take some of the rough times in our lives and even though they might be trash to some one else He puts it on the page in order to make the page look better. He will accent the beautiful picture with some little things (aka some of your not so awesome, but in the works, talents) He will also take the better times of your life to remember and wash away all the piddly times we messed up or disobeyed or fell flat on our faces. How many times have you put the hard times in a scrapbook to remember the entire incident? Not very many, mostly because those times were hard and you don't want to remember them. That is the way I think God works too...He remembers the good times and lets go of the wrongs we have committed against Him and makes a wonderful masterpiece. Praise Him for His graciousness and His creativity!! Thank you God for you are always at work in my life...creating a new page everyday!!

Oh where, oh where can the pacifier be?

2009-02-26T15:43:00.000-06:00

As a baby starts out there are things he becomes accustomed to having at all times. For some babies that may be a soft woobly (blanket), a pacifier, a thumb or a bottle. Well...Today (as I write) Baby Cade is screaming his head off because I cannot, for the life of me, figure out where his paci is. He wants to take a nap, but he likes his pacifier and is having trouble...wait...and he's down for the count. That didn't take very long...I figured he would scream for about 10 mins but nope...only 3!! Anyway, my point is that we often become so dependant on something we don't even realize our dependancy until we are screaming our heads off for it. What happens to us that we become dependant on something? Are we that dependant on God? Honestly? All the time? I know that I have not been that dependant...I have ALWAYS be independant...which is good and bad. I am learning what it means to be interdependant with my husband and learning how to be dependant on God because He ALWAYS has my best interest in mind! He always wants to be apart of what I am doing...He is always there, but have I been gracious enough to remember to invite Him to take part in what I am doing or am I just doing it on my own accord? I have learned, in the short time I have been here, to depend on the Lord and His strength to get me through everything...even the little things like doing the dishes or taking Kinzie (the dog) out for a walk. Lord may I glorify you in EVERYTHING I do!!! Not just the missionary type things, but even the meesley little things like changing Cade's diaper! I want to be dependant on Him so that my family may see Him in me and devote themselves to follow Christ as He calls us too!!! May I cry my head off because I want and need HIM!!! Have a great day!!

Bailee

2009-02-24T14:45:00.000-06:00

In my blog titled "This is our house" I talked about a little baby the Lord put on my heart and I just wanted to share her picture with you...She is beautiful and her name is Bailee. She is sweet! In this picture she is 6 weeks and 6.06 lbs. Pray for her...she is doing great right now, but just pray that she will become a Beautiful Woman of God!!

Sing Song weekend

2009-02-24T08:43:00.000-06:00

My brother (technically my brother-in-law but who cares) is soo talented!!

Brant and I went to Abilene this weekend to watch Sing Song at ACU. Coy (the brother) was a host which basically means he was one of the main guys in the whole show. It was AWESOME!!! I am so proud to be the sister!! I wish I had some pictures to download on to my blog so you could see, but I don't have any of the actual show. One thing I do have is a picture of him and his fiancee and of course a picture of the baby Cade. I hope you all have a great day and enjoy the pics!!

This is our house....

2009-02-17T16:32:00.000-06:00

Something I have been thinking about today is how God speaks to people. Sometimes He comes to them in dreams, sometimes He places something on our hearts, and other times He is just very persistent (constantly putting the same thing in front of us until we listen).
Before Brant and I moved to the Mission, God placed someone on my heart...I didn't know her name or what she looked like, but I knew she needed something and felt like I would meet her here. I also knew she had a little baby. On the day we moved here I met her for the first time and as we started talking I knew she was the one God laid on my heart. We talked for a while and I found out that she had been praying for things that she was needing and I had them. I also have been able to help her with her questions about her baby and give her advice that others here had not been able to give her. It has been amazing to see God working to take care of people's needs and to see how God is cradling her in particular. He is truly revealing Himself to her and it is something she has needed. It is BEAUTIFUL!!! We serve an awesome God!!!

Now for a little treat...Here are some pictu res of our lil place...
Its not real big but who needs big when you have everything you need! It has become home...its cozy!! I also thought I would include a cute picture of Kinzie and Cade playing together!! I love you guys and Hope you have a great day!!

Not even one week yet...

2009-02-16T11:24:00.000-06:00

We have been at the mission for 6 days and I am so happy to be here! We have been getting to know the ladies more and more and have been abundantly blessed! I know for a fact that God brought our family here. I have been praying that He help me to be more disciplined and help me to study His Word more and I have failed miserably on my own! But being here I have been able to wake up at 6 am with the girls and start memorizing Colossians with them. It has only been about 3 days total of this new routine, but I love it! I am getting so many things accomplished through out the day and I am actually spending time with the Lord without being exhausted. It is AMAZING!!!

Of course we have been having fun with the ladies as well...We have taught them Nertz!!! They LOVE it! We played Saturday night and then again Sunday afternoon. We have also shared our WOW 2006 music video DVD with them and they love that as well...there is one song that truly sings their past...Healing Rain by Michael W. Smith. Many of them have been brought to tears because of what the song says and who it speaks too. It is beautiful!! Well that is all I have for now but stay tuned for updates!! I love you guys!!