my precious mother in law

MY MOTHER IN LAW IS HOME!!!!!!!!!!!  We couldn't be more excited to say this.  Daisy literally screamed when we got the call.  She needs much rest and time, but she is on her way back.  God is so good to us.  We are still believing for her complete healing.  I want to thank everyone for their prayers for her over the past week and a half.  The prayers and visits have meant so much to Brenda, and I know it was that, in part, which has made her stronger.  She knows how many people love her and are fighting right along side of her.  It's been quite a journey for all of us, but I have to say that my father in law is one of the greatest men I have ever met.  So, please continue to pray that she moves forward still in this road to recovery.  Once again, thank you everyone, your prayers are priceless!

~Melissa

SCHOOL SCHOOL SCHOOL!!!!

With first grade right around the corner, we had to do some shopping!!!!  We are just about done with all of our shopping now and I just thought I'd post some of our top picks for clothes, yes I realize my daughter is an absolute ham in front of the camera, but can she help it?  She is so adorable.

aaahhh, the IPOD, remind me why we got her that?

she said this is the face aunt Lauren told her to make.

Relying on God

My mother in law is so much more than just a mother in law to me, she has not only accepted me into her family, but has really loved me as a daughter. She has listened to me, prayed with me and loved me through some pretty low times in my life. When I found out she was in the hospital my heart sank. Sadness came over me like never before. While putting my feelings aside, I had to be strong for my husband this time. Seeing him in a way I've never seen him before, I wasn't sure what was going to happen to him. When you can't say "everything's going to be fine", or "don't worry, she'll come out of this and be okay", you don't really know what to say. Those are the words of comfort we usually tell ourselves when tragedy strikes. I'm a "fixer" by nature, so when something happens, I want to "fix" it. When my kids get hurt, I fix it as fast as I can (it's probably a coping mechanism). Well, for the first time in our marriage, instead of trying to "fix" this situation, I just listened to my husband and let him talk, and that was it. I just heard what was on his heart and I didn't have a solution. I just relied on God to heal his hurt. I am relying on God to heal his mother. She is in the hospital for the third day in a row in ICU, and I found out a little bit ago that she is doing much better, and will only need a minor surgery to clear her lungs. I am still believing God for a complete healing of her body. For that, I will never give up, I will continue to pray for a complete restoration. I know that God is still a healer today, and nothing is too small for Him. I truly believe He can do it, and I will watch and see what He will do.

I was on the phone with a friend of mine this morning and started talking about all the people who have taught me along the way about photography, and it prompted me to want to give a very big thank you to the greatest supporters in my life who've really encouraged me down the road of photography.  I'm not sure who I've really thanked in the past, so here goes...

  To anyone who I know that has a child whom I've stuck in front of the lens, all the brides I've had the gracious opportunity to capture on or before your big day, thank you.  The hours that my friends (I believe you know who you are) have spent with me teaching me the ins and outs of photoshop.  Those of you who endured my awful first shoots (not sure if I should say sorry or thank you to you guys).  To the many who've bared those bellies for me, which also held your tiny miracles, thank you.  Everyone I've bugged for opinions and made you look through all my prints, proofs, webpages and all else, thank you.

     To my precious children who have remained patient with me(some, more than others - and I believe you know who you are) :)  But my sweet girls are extremely tolerant of my hobby.  They are diamonds in the rough, and I have really enjoyed capturing them over all these years (as most the pics on the website are of them).  They are truly my favorite subjects, and I believe the cutest children in the universe.  Sorry all other parents ~ yours do come in a close second.  :)  With the exception of my nieces and nephews who come in a really, really close second.

But my biggest supporter and #1 fan is my husband, whom without I would not be here today.  You have lovingly guided and offered support when needed.  You have encouraged me to reach higher goals, then create new ones all the way.   Being married to you has been the single greatest highlight of my life.  And without you by my side, everything else would mean nothing.  Thank you, for all the many ways you've supported me throughout this journey.  For making me laugh so hard, especially when I'm down.  Nobody makes me laugh like you.  And for all the fun and not so fun times over the past nine years.  Happy anniversary, baby!  I love you and appreciate you.

To God, I am forever yours for giving me the gift of salvation.  I ask that You would help me to use photography as a way to lead people to you.  You have blessed me beyond measure and I do not have the words to say thank you.  Through the years I have learned many lessons and have seen many things, and each time I have been prompted to look for You in everything.  Thank you for always being right beside me and never, ever, ever giving up on me.  My heart belongs to You.

~Melissa