OUT OF OFFICE

Due to a family emergency we will be closed for the remainder of the week. I have been on vacation with the holidays, but we had 2 deaths this week. I will not be returning emails or calls till Monday of next week. I apologize for any inconvenience and thank you all in advance for the patience as we go through this.

Bethany

{Challenge Issued}

I know posting twice in one day isn't like me at all...much less posting once in one day! HA! But this morning I got a call from a girlfriend with an interesting request. We started talking about the rough times we seem to all be going through. Whether it be the economy, family life, illness, money...whatever. We all have struggles, we all have bad days, we all have burdens that weigh heavy on our lives. So, she put a challenge on me. A challenge that is simple really, and a concept that has been around for a while but not implemented enough. We have become a society of BIGGER, BETTER, MORE. In this process we have forgotten about each other. I myself am beyond guilty of using emails, texts, twitter, IM's to communicate, over a good ole fashion face to face. It's easier, simpler. In our conversation we were talking about how people have just changed. We don't look at each other anymore, people don't hold other people in as high regard as they should. Respect for others is now just an idea and not an action. I make it an effort to still do these things that I find important, mainly because it's the way I was raised and because it's the way I raise my children. We hold doors for others, say please and thank you, yes ma'am, no sir. These are things that are incredibly important, manners and common courtesy are dwindling. So, because I believe so firmly in the idea that we can be better - I am sharing the challenge.....

Between now and Christmas: show some love anonymously. Buy someone's coffee, donate to a good cause, drop off gifts to a family in need, take coats to a shelter. There are so many possibilities, it doesn't have to cost you a load. $5 may just be that blessing in someone's day. I promise you, it won't be the person you are gifting that is rewarded the most. Give of your heart this year.

{Forever Love: Balch}

*GASP* <--- That's me gasping for air as I resurface. Again. :o) I know, I know.....LB (Lame Blogger) has returned. But in my own defense, it's that time of year. I have been slammed since September with holiday sessions, but it's over! YAY! Last weekend was my last working weekend of the year, now it's just fulfilling orders, eating holiday treats, and drinking coffee. And chasing kids. I've got a rash of emails, tweets, IM's, texts reminding me that my blog is neglected. First, thank you. I don't think I would have remembered how sad and lonely my blog must be without all of you reminding me. ;o) I do promise though, that in the coming weeks I will be sharing all that you have missed. I've had loads of sessions, so there is plenty to share. But, to start this off - I have images of an amazing event I was honored to be a part of. The Balch wedding was by FAR one of the most amazing experiences for me. The love was thick in the air. The bride was beaming and just every bit of delightful. The groom was so proud and eager to see his *BEAUTIFUL* bride. Each of them has a daughter, who are best of friends, and absolute riots. They kept me very well entertained, not to mention how absolutely stunning they both are. It was set in the backyard of their stunning downtown home. Perfectly complimented with a guitarist(is that what they are called?), righteous reception music choices, amazing BBQ, and loads of laughter. *sigh* *IT * WAS * PERFECT* So, here are just a handful of some of the images of their beautiful wedding. Balch Family, I love you. With all of my soul. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your amazing day. It still warms my heart.

Well howdy do friends! It's your long lost host, also known as the Lame Blogger. You can call me LB for short. It only seems fitting. ;o) I am alive, in case you are wondering. The old computer was sent on back to Dell, and a refund should be on its way. I got my grubby hands on a new Apple, which makes my heart soar. But seriously, talk about a learning curve. Did I mention I am 3 weeks behind and have NO TIME FOR A LEARNING CURVE??? So, I am hoping and praying to be back on track very soon. If you are waiting on an email response from me, I am spending the next 2 days catching up so look for an email from me. If you haven't heard from me by Wednesday, please resend your email just in case you got lost in the mix! I have boat loads to share, so check back soon! Wedding images are well on their way, and just beautiful!!!

XOXO,
LB

Computer Woes....again!

Just a quick FYI - as most of you know I started having computer problems about 3 weeks ago. I crashed a total of 3 times, thankfully didn't lose anything at all. (be thankful for small miracles) Well, week before last I was supposed to get a new mother board, video card, and hard drive. I got everything but the mother board. *duh* So, today they came back with the new mother board and I was SO excited that I could finally get back on track! Mother board comes, tech puts it in.....nothing. My computer is broken, again. I am sad, and we are probably going to just return it and get the mac we wanted to begin with. So, point is.....we are without a computer again. If you are waiting on images, a session, etc please bare with me while I get back on track again. I can apologize all day long, but I'd rather Dell do that for me. I'll keep this updated!

Because I save lives.

I got a frantic email from a very dear friend who I won't mention *cough hack gag Megan cough hack gag* , demanding images from my BIG weekend. So, because I am a pleaser, and a middle child, and a lover of the girl who I won't mention. Mostly because I don't want her to spontaneously combust, which is highly possible....I am posting images. If you are wondering what the heck I am talking about, I also run a photo forum. A wonderful group of photographers from all over that are friends online, we learn from each other, share with each other, and are some of the most amazing girls I know. Well, this weekend I hosted our first annual get together. It was a whirlwind of events, with an amazing wedding mixed in. Friday my wonderful friend Robin and I taught a workshop to the girls, then Friday evening we shot bridals. And yes, you will recognize ME in these photos. Don't know how I ever agreed to do that one, but the images are sooooo cool. Saturday and Sunday morning, we used our little ones as models. It was loads of fun, but man am I beat. My legs feel like they may fall off at any point. I've got a LOAD of images to process and no time. lol But, here's a few to get us by till I get through some of these wedding images from the past few weeks!

Special thanks to Sara E and Suzanne B for taking some bridal images with my camera so I had something to play with!

A new kind of tag!

Yes, I realize I've reverted to my LB ways. I get it. I suck. But in my own defense, if you read my last blog post, you will see that our brand new computer crashed. This has proved to be one of the biggest pains in my rear. Ever. I'm still irritated by it, and JUST got it to a functional work state. Super frustrating. But, I'm getting there. And on top of that chaos, I had sessions to keep up with. It is after all my Christmas season. AND....tomorrow I get to document the Balch wedding. Can I just tell you how excited I am??? They are SUCH an amazing couple, so fun and just down right fantastic. I have no doubt this will be one of the most moving weddings I'll ever be able to be at. They ooze love. *sigh* I love oozing love. Gives me warm oozy lovey dovey fuzzies.

Ok, back to business. While visiting one of my fav blogs (Miss Mud, who I've mentioned before....she's the inspiration behind appreciating my inner most random thoughts. She should be proud) I saw that I'd been tagged. This one is a book tag, here is how it works.........

Grab the nearest book.
Open the book to page 56.
Find the fifth sentence.
Post the text of the next two to five sentences in your blog along with these instructions.
Don’t dig for your favorite book, the cool book, or the intellectual one: pick the CLOSEST.
Tag five other people to do the same.

-taken from "Finding God in Autism"

"Well, God is thinking of you. You have not been forgotten. God has blessings to give to you. You have been called to His eternal glory. There is no end to eternity."

My favorite line, is a few down that says..."Today, dwell upon the fact it is God and God alone, who is restoring you, making you strong, firm and steadfast."

What a great reminder, and perfect start to my day. Mason is home sick, and when a child with autism is sick it's a whole new emotional world. Today, we are strong in faith.


I am tagging Megan, Robin, Jackie, Stefanie, Tashia

{Dead In The Water}

Although I would like to scream, cry, and find the nearest closet to hide in to suck my thumb....I can only smile. Dead in the water....my life at this moment. A few months ago, 3 to be exact, I retired my 2 year old faithful Dell laptop for an amazing new Dell system that boasted a 24" screen, more memory than I'd ever know what to do with, and it's just a pretty spiffy machine. Well, last night I went to do something on the computer and it froze. I went to restart it and it was DEAD. I am blessed beyond belief that I am able to recover all of the images from it. I am very diligent about backing up my sessions, but sadly had not prioritized backing up my own family images. I was devastated to learn that I'd have to do a complete system retore, but so thankful that I am able to rescue precious memories. I am feeling slightly robbed at the moment. Technology stinks, and things break. It's bound to happen, and nothing is perfect. I am still a loyal dell user, have a darn good laptop that's saving my rear right now....but this just stinks no matter how you look at it. SO....if you are waiting on an email from me, please know that while I do have computer access at the moment - my brain is on overload from scrambling to fix this. We JUST got resituated from being out of town, so I am a mess right now. Bear with me and I will get back to everyone as soon as I possibly can!

College Station and the girl I love.........

We are back in town! Did you know I was gone? I bet you didn't. Forgot to post it. SO, we left and now we're back. We had the amazing privilege of going to College Station for the weekend to shoot a wedding with a very dear friend of mine. Saturday was all work, 9 hours straight of wedding coverage. I was pooped! I've got so many images to edit and post it's not even funny. But for now, our little adventure today. Today, we ventured out with Stef, to downtown Bryan, TX. SO MUCH FUN! If I could have packed up this alley and brought it home with me, I would have. Amazing, beautiful, delicious light. sigh. It's good. Good. GOOOOOOD. Ok, so I could go on about how much fun I had, but I'll be back tomorrow with the things I learned while in College Station. It's interesting to say the least. LOL

XOXO

{Not so} Useful Facts

Can you handle anymore of these???? I hope so, cause I've got a lot on my mind people. Apparently my little homies have no desire to hear me complain about how my hair just won't look the same or how I need a pedicure but should really think about shaving first. So, since this IS my blog and all I am pouring more useless facts into your lives. It's really useless thoughts, which is mostly what my being is made up of. Be warned, if you aren't into me and my uselessness (is that a word??) please find another place to visit fast. I'm useless. Ness. Amen.



1. I went to fill up my truck with gas last night, and apparently so did everyone else.

2. I wasn't filling up cause I was worried, I was filling up cause my children like it when I get them from school.

3. We're in Austin, and I'm sure we're gonna have some storms but in Texas we apparently go big or go home. So everyone is preparing.

4. Except for me.

5. I did manage to go to the grocery store today.

6. Was baffled again by the amount of people there stocking up.

7. I was there not to stock up for hurricanes, but to get food for our weekly Fat Free Friday eating frenzy.

8. I am a firm believer that your body does not consume fat on Friday's.

9. This would be why I've gained 10 lbs in 3 months.

10. But momma didn't raise a quitter!

11. Speaking of quitters, I started my "Get my butt in better shape campaign" yesterday.

12. I am motivated since I don't want to buy any more jeans(i have a jean addiction and just want to continue to fit the ones i have and love).

13. I am however taking donations for the "Buy Bethany New Jeans Fund" in case I fail miserably.

14. Not really.

15. But if you really want to send me money or cute jeans I'll squeal and love you forever.

16. I actually have a weekend OFF!

17. And it's going to storm.

18. I totally appreciate when that happens to me.

19. Not really.

20. This is the calm before the storm, after this weekend our life is going to be hectic.

21. We are hosting a photographer get together here in a few weeks.


22. I am sooo not prepared.


23. Which is another awesomeness thing from me.


24. Not really.


25. I was going to have a garage sale in the morning to get rid of a bunch of crap.


26. Then Ike happened to me, someone come take my crap please.


27. Thank you.


28. It's almost nap time, and I am excited.


29. I would rather take a nap than mop my floors, guess which one I'll do.


30. NOOOO, it's not nap. Sheesh.


31. I went to Target this week, to get a "few things"....


32. 2 pairs of heels, 2 shirts for me, 3 boy shirts, pants for the man, jammies for the girl, jeans for the girl, a new rug.......


33. I got a spankin'.


34. Not really.


35. The heels were for me just to clarify. Joseph can't ever find his size. HA Ok, silly me.


36. It's nap time and I've run out of randamonium. Is it bad to end this on a mid-point number thing???


37. I think it is.


38. My kids are cwazy.


39. And now it's nap time.


40. Peace out home slices.



And because I know you don't just come here to listen to my junk, here is an image from a recent session. A favorite of mine, I just love this little guy! So does Brooklynne. lol

7 years

Seven years ago today, I was driving to work listening to the radio. I came into the morning radio station in the midst of a conversation about a plane crash. At first, I thought they were talking about a movie, or who knows what. By the time I arrived to work, I knew enough to turn on the news. There, our staff sat in disbelief. We all cried as we watched the 2nd plane go crashing into the World Trade Center. Tears streamed down my face for much of the day. Confusion, disbelief, agony. I can still see so vividly those images, just engraved in my memory. The pictures of heroic acts, pure devastation, fear. It was so thick you could feel it in your gut a million miles away. You always hear about the people who were directly affected by the loss, because they knew somebody. I can't even imagine the pain of such a loss. The truth is, our entire country hurt that day. Our entire country lost something that day. I believe America to be the most amazing place on Earth. We are so blessed, and seven years ago we were robbed of life. All walks of life, all races, all religions. Those things no longer mattered. We lost a lot of lives. We lost our sense of security for a brief moment. We did not lose hope though, we did not lose faith, and we became a closer community of Americans. My heart and prayers are with all of those today who lost a family member in this tragedy. God Bless America.

1 in 150 children are affected by AUTISM. That is a statistic that has been a reality and rocked our world since the beginning of this year. I would have never imagined that with a son at the age of 3, that I would be in the fight of a life. Fighting for a better tomorrow for a boy that holds my heart. It has been one of the hardest battles of my life, but I won't look back. I am thankful. Thankful for Mason, he is amazing, stunning, kind, gentle, and pure. Thankful for autism, it has taught me to be a better mom, have more patience and appreciate the small accomplishments. Those small accomplishments are huge feats for us. I am thankful for all of the support, it has shown me how much God really provides. I am thankful for this. Always will be. I pray every day for a cure, but today I take what I have and love it.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhScvPYXunc

HAIR!

I've been saying for the past several months that I need to cut my hair, and while I have a hair lady I love I kept forgetting to make an appointment and she books fast! My hair was so overgrown it had it's own zip code. Not really, but I wonder if I could get a tax break if it did. So, last night I decided that it had to be done this weekend, so off I was today to Toni and Guy for a cut. I'm fairly certain I lost at least 5 lbs of hair, which is fabulous cause I wanted to lose 5 lbs anyhow. HA Ok, so it didn't come off the section of me I really need it off - but its way cute. The hair lady did a fantastic and I just lurve it. Everyone who has seen it is surprised to hear that I had about 8" removed. It is just at the bottom of my bra strap (pardon the tmi, but its the best way to describe it) but it was down to the small of my back. I contemplated going with a bob, but that would have required me being unconscious. lol Anyways, all of my freaky friends wanted to see the do so here she is.

First I tried to take the picture myself, I need go-go gadget arms fo' real!

I took this one too, and while it doesn't show all of the locks, it's me. ;o)

Whew. You made it. Do I look thinner? NO??? What do you mean??? Ugh, you're so mean. Seriously. You could say I do at least. Sheesh. No love to be had here.

Interview with a cowboy.....

I had the amazing pleasure of photographing a sweet, talented, and fun cowboy recently. Sam Riggs is a name you should know, because I think one day everyone will know his name. His talent is as big as his heart, and it shows in just his kind nature. He was SUCH a joy to work with, and I can't wait to take more photos for Sam. After his session, I had the hair-brained idea of doing an interview with Sam. Being the gentleman that he is, he humored me in my silly antics to be a cool girl. Or not. I felt cool, ok?!?! So, here is my fun interview with a cowboy. Sam, I think you're pretty fabulous and I hope you get the recognition you and your talent deserve.

If you had to describe yourself, your style, your music - how would you?

-Straight foward and real. I try as hard as possible to tap into emotions we've all felt when I write, and bring that to the stage at shows. I'm a good timer who likes to draw outside the lines, but I stay away from the whole "super star" look. That's definitely not me. I'm not interested in selling my face, just my music...

I have listened to your music, and I am so amazed by the talent. Do you write your own music, and if so what inspires you when you are writing?

-Yes, I write all of my material. When I sit down to write I think about things, events, people, places and situations that have affected me, and then I proceed to come up with a way to put that into lyrics with a melody and wrap it all up into a relatable song. I like songs that I can listen to and say "hey! that just happened to me!" or "wow, that takes me back to when..." I also strive to write material that encourages people to live life out loud...cause life is like a rodeo... we only get one go-round, so make it count.

What musicians have inspired your journey?

-John Rich, Jason Aldean,Jerry Reed, Kevin Fowler, Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Hank Williams Jr. and Sr., and many others.

Favorite song of all time???

-Not a fair question.... I'll name you two of my favorites: Hick Town (Jason Aldean), and Amos Moses (Jerry Reed).

When did this journey begin for you?

-eh, at about the age of six-this was when I really knew that I wanted to be a singer/songwriter.

If you could headline for one singer or band, who would it be?

-ohhh geeeze.... probably Kevin Fowler... there's always a great crowd at his shows...


I know you are working right now on some sample music, when should we expect to hear more from you?

-The expected release date of my upcoming album will be towards the end of this year.

Will you still come sing my children to sleep? I'm tired. While you are at it, will you clean my house????

-Haha, of course! My Mom sang my brother and I to sleep till we were in the third grade- so I'm no stranger to bedtime musicals haha.
And as for the house... I'll do my ole' one-two on it! Have er shinin' like slick 50:)

Next, because I'm just a nosy kind of girl, please tell us about yourself. Your background in music, what has brought you to where you are?

-Oh boy here we go haha... As I said before, my mother had a huge role in my music, She's a dreamer, and she encouraged me since I was just a youngin' to follow my heart... it hasn't been an easy road though. I was born and raised in St. cloud FL, and it was there that the proverbial "seed" of my music career sprouted. Growing up I was emersed in southern tradition and was brought up in a family full of good hearted women, cowboys, truck drivers, mechanics, and one preacher-(my grandad). I started playing around my home town in bars and at parties when I was around 14, and from there on out I've been addicted to the music and the crowd. I was raised to work hard and play hard so that's how I roll... I moved here to Austin just over a year ago, and imediately fell into the music scene. I love this place! I play most every gig I can find, and for the ones that don't require a full band, I do solo gigs as well.

Do you think I'm the coolest photographer in the world??? (You better say yes)

-Not only are you the coolest, but also quite a talent! and so professional!

Don't you just LOVE your photos??? I do, you're gonna have to chase the girls away!

-Yes ma'am I have to say, those pictures actaully do say a thousand words...you caught a side of me few ever see... the good one! haha.... you did a fine job though really. I don't chase girls away...when I play a show and there's a lot of girls, then there's bound to be a lot of dudes too, and that makes for a good crowd! And When you're playing for the door big crowds are good...

Will you keep us posted to any gigs you will be playing here? I'd love to go and know lots of people who will want to know too once they get to know you and
your music!

-Absolutely! I normaly post all of my gigs on: http://www.myspace.com/samriggsmusic so you can check there and listen to some tunes while you're on the site!

And for the finale, I'm fairly certain I turned 56 shades of red. (Are there 56 shades of red??? If not, I made new ones tonight) Final question, cause I know someone is gonna want to know!

"I was going to include this earlier, then didn't want to be a freak. hehe Then I was informed that all the ladies are going to want to know so better ask now then after I've posted your pics. hehehhee I haven't asked a boy this in a long time and I didn't want to be the creepy old girl to ask this, but it's for the stinking interview. lol

Are you single???

I am such a tard."

-Hahahahaha *falls over laughing*.... yes, as a result of recent executive desicion making...

And so he left me, with a juicy answer. I threatened to hunt him down, pig tie him, and poke the juicy details out of him. But, I don't know where he lives, and I don't know how to pig tie, or tie a pig, or tie anything for that matter. And its dark, and I've got a house to clean cause he is hiding from me since he promised to give her the old one two. Men. Really though, this was fun. If Sam's ever playing a gig in the area, I will post it here - you have to check him out!!! He is just such a sweet, adorable guy! Thank you Sam!

{E-session: Kim & Beau}

I had the amazing pleasure of having an engagement session for a couple who's wedding we will be photographing in October. First, can I say I adore this couple. They adore each other, and I adore them because they adore each other. And I am so blessed to be able to capture such an amazing bond. We had such a great time, and many laughs - I am so looking forward to their special day, it's going to be phenominal!!! Beau and Kim, thank you for letting me help tell your story. In case you hadn't read, I adore you and am so happy to be working with you. ;o)

S.W.A.K. - Sealed With A Kiss.

XOXO,

Bethany

Playing Catch-up #1

As I mentioned, I am so far behind in my posting that this week I'll be bringing you all up to date. ;o) This is part 1 in what will probably be a 1,248 part series, and yes that's really how far behind I feel. And no, I do not exagerate much. Sheesh. Ok, so on to the goods!

Meet the M Family. They were awesome. Fun. Adventurous. And as I'm sure you can tell from the photo below, they were ummmm.....GORGEOUS. All of them. I had so much fun working with them, they just made my job even easier!

Check out this handsome man. He was just about the sweetest thing ever, and boy did he adore his daddy! I could have taken pictures of his sweet little face all day.

Then, there's the baby. Ohhhhhh, the baby. He was so sweet, so lucious. A momma's boy, which always steals my heart. The most amazing eyelashes, and locks to die for! And hello creamy skin - why don't you visit me too?!?! Is he not just the cutest thing?!?! I wanted to take him home, his mom wouldn't let me.

Thank you to the M family, for allowing me the wonderful pleasure of photographing your gorgeous family. You guys were so much fun, and what an amazing family - filled with love!

Coming up for air, with pictures!

Wowza, a girl just can't seem to catch up! LOL Good news is, we've been busy with lots of amazing new clients. It's kept me beyond busy, and we are so excited to be moving and shaking! We used to be about 95% word of mouth (thanks to you awesome people), but lately internet visitors are catching up with referrals. And as usual, the new client have been just as amazing as the existing ones! I am slowing down, hopefully will have a bit of a breather before we get into Holiday portraits next month. Can't believe that's already here. Oh, and school starts in just 14 days!!! Reagan is starting kinder, and is so excited. I am excited for him, and of course nervous. We had kinder orientation this weekend, it was so cute. He had such a great time and loved being able to see his new digs. I on the other hand wanted to hide in a corner and pretend it wasn't happenening and my baby was still a baby. However, I'm thinking he wouldn't appreciate me starting the embarrassment before school even starts. ;o) Anyways, my hope is to update with everything I am behind in all this week. I've got a ton of sessions to post, so keep checking back for more throughout the week! In the meantime, here's some vacation pictures!!!

I love her little piggies, all covered in sand is even cuter.

She just wasn't sure what to think of the sand. lol This was her concerned little face almost the whole time. lol

This little punk however adored the beach, and can't wait to go back!

And the middle punk, he loved the beach too. And his sister's sunglasses.

Yes, I know. LB has returned.

Yes, I'm alive. Yes, I survived the gritty sand, ocean water, not so awesome hotel, and Dolly. I just am being LB at the moment. That's right. Just keep calling me LB, for the Lame Blogger LIVES!!! It's been chaos I tell you, we went on vacation, had to come home early because of Dolly, came home to kids getting sick, got well, then got busy. So, I hope to post more in the next few days. I have tons of vacation pics, but I'm swamped with sessions and orders at the moment and I'm thinking that may be slightly more important. So, I am leaving you with one image. And also check out this video, it's very sweet! http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/wp-content/themes/179/aschool012008.html

XOXO,

LB

AKA - BETHANY

AKA - TIRED WOMAN

AKA - HUNGRY WOMAN (where is my husband with my lunch???)

AKA - VERY INSANELY BUSY WOMAN

AKA - TIRED WOMAN. DID I MENTION THAT???

Holy smokes!

Hi friends! Long time no talk, I need someone to blog for me these days. lol I've been so swamped with sessions that I am hardly keeping up here! But that's ok, cause I'm having a blast in the process! Meet J, she's as fabulous as it gets. I heart her. We had SUCH a good time at our session, funny thing was I can totally see Brooklynne being as spunky as this one when she's grown. She was such a beauty, but smart as a whip! I had loads of fun and was so blessed to have been able to make memories with this beautiful family. Thanks guys!!!!























Yep, she's the boss.





















This one cracked me up!




















hehe we had lots of fun




















she cracked herself (and me) up!!!