Brian, Erica and Sugar....

Another first for me today....a morning photo session, and there wasn't a kid in sight.  Just Sugar!



This is Erica and Brian. Sugar is their 4 year old pit bull, and I'm smitten!



Anyone who knows me, knows that I am not much of an animal person.  I really like other people's pets, but just not in my house. Nothing personal.  A family pet just hasn't been my thing.  So, to be smitten....well, Sugar had to be quite the dog.

I know, I know.....we only spent a short hour together, but sometimes, you just know these things....



Erica and Brian have had Sugar ever since they started fostering dogs about a year and a half ago.  Sugar was their first customer.  Clearly, they were smitten too, and Sugar became part of their family.

Erica and Brian continue to foster dogs, and from what I understand, Sugar makes everyone feel right at home.



For years now, Henry has been asking for a dog. Ray and I have been less (!) than enthused.  We've shrugged Henry off, telling him we'll discuss it when he is seven.

Um....guess who turns seven this year???

Seriously, if we could find a dog like Sugar, I think I'd consider it.  (did I just write that??)  I'll even admit that when I got home from this session, I googled "pit bull as a family pet." Turns out, at the beginning of the 20th century, the pit bull was the most popular family dog.  With a kind upbringing and firm hand, these dogs are as gentle and loving as a Golden Retriever.  (no, we're not getting a dog anytime soon.  I'm just saying.....)



I told Erica and Brian that Sugar has clearly set the bar very high for any future pet photo sessions I may have.  She was just so sweet and calm.  And she posed for the camera like she had her picture taken everyday.  I think Sugar even smiled once. (might have been for that treat though....)



Oh yeah, did I mention that Erica and Brian were pretty fabulous too.  :)







So, I've totally gone on and on....It was just so much fun.  Again, thank you Brian and Erica.  It was great to meet you both.  I can't wait to show you the rest of the pictures.



I'd love to hear from you. Click on "comments" below.

Glistening....

Yesterday, after two days of new snowfall, the clouds parted and the sun shined bright.  Even though a few warm days last week made us all anxious for spring, it was hard to ignore how beautiful the new snow looked.

The last of Monday's snowflakes were huge, and many of them were still hanging on to the pin oak in our front yard the next morning.  Hanging on, just like winter is trying to do.

It was really stunning...

Matt, Angie & Anthony....

My first newborn session, and I couldn't have been any luckier....Just look at this little guy!



This is Anthony's dad and mom (Matt and Angie).  I know Angie from work, and I was so glad when she emailed about a session.





Anthony is just over seven weeks, and beginning to practice his smiles.  I'd say he's pretty good at it!



And, he's mighty good at those other faces too.



LOVE those toes.....









Finally, after an hour of photos, little Anthony dozed off.....



What could be better than an afternoon nap in the sunlight.



Thank you Matt and Angie.  It was such a pleasure.

I'd love to hear from you.  Click on "comments" below.

Alison and Julian....

Yesterday, I had the great fortune to have not one, but two photo shoots.  I was SO excited!!

I met Alison years ago through work and I was thrilled to be asked to take pictures of her and her son Julian.  Julian is in kindergarten, just lost his first tooth, and believe me, he is ALL action.  If Julian would have had it his way, he would have jumped off the couch for an entire hour, and simply had me take shots of his mid-air moves. (which were pretty darn good, by the way!)  But fortunately, we were able to convince him to stop long enough for a few other poses too.  Julian is an absolute charmer, and clearly a man with a thousand faces.

And that smile....don't get me started. 

Sneak peek....

After my session with Alison and Julian, I had the privilege of meeting baby Anthony. Oh my.... He was as sweet as can be.

More pictures in the next day or so, but I couldn't resist posting at least one.





Your comments are most welcomed! Click on "comments" below.

Hope....

Yesterday afternoon it was 52 degrees and sunny. Today, we still had that bright blue sky, but it was back to 20 degrees, with a wicked wind.

Tulips give me hope!

The best ever...

Today is my sister's birthday....

"Happy Birthday Annie!!!"

As I've shared before, Annie is a Peace Corps Volunteer in Rwanda, teaching biology, English, and physical education. (She's still trying to figure out how she got that last gig...)  Check our her blog.

I spoke with Annie earlier today and she reports a fabulous day. Dinner with friends (including cake) and lots of emails and messages from home....pretty much what we'd all want for our birthday!!  I couldn't be happier!!


Aunt Annie, this is for you.... Messages directly from Henry, Anna and TJ.!  



This is the only picture I could get with the three sitting still.  Well almost sitting still. Four quick clicks, and then the Legos were calling them.  But, know that they were singing "Happy Birthday Dear Aunt Annie...." as they ran off!!



Anna wrote this one.  According to her, it says "Aunt Annie.  Happy Birthday.  I miss you in Africa. You are old. I love you ttthhhhiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiissssssssssss much."



Then Anna asked if we could send you flowers.  This picture is the next best thing.



I think this one says it all.



So my dear, we send all our love to you in Rwanda. I'm glad you had a fabulous day. You deserve the best.

Remember: love is love is love, no matter where you are!

My sweet valentines...

If all we need is love, then I've got it all baby!!


(inspired by Mortal Muses)









Even Ray posed for me.



All of them. My one & only's. My true loves. Forever and ever. I'm a lucky girl!!

Be sure to tell your sweet valentines just how much they are loved. Today. And everyday.

Happy Valentine's Day!!