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.