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Today I am thankful for this beautiful weather. It is perfect. 72 degrees and sunny. Then it gets cold enough at night that the house gets a little bit of a chill in the morning. Love it! I had a session today and I could run wild with the kids and not break into a full sweat.

We leave for Nashville first thing in the morning. I am so excited to see some of my best friends that I have made through adoption while we are there. Lucy's roommates from Que Son, Grace and Petunia, and their lovely mommas will be there. I might just smother those babies when I see them because it has been WAY too long. I seriously can't begin to describe how excited I am to see them all. I also get to meet a few families that I have never met in person and take pictures of their precious little ones. I am very excited about that as well. And then of course, my entire family will be together, which is alway a blast. We have a lot to look forward to.

Everyone is feeling a tad under the weather with colds. I am hoping nothing too bad comes of it. We all need to stay healthy.

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Today I am thankful for 30 wonderful years of life!!!! It is weird to me that I am 30. I don't feel thirty. I have to admit, it kind of seems old to me, but I don't feel old. I know that is ridiculous because it isn't old at all. It is just bizarre because I remember turning 20 like it was just yesterday. I have been so incredibly blessed so far and I am really excited to see all of the amazing things that come in the next thirty. We didn't do much simply because I am so worn out it isn't even funny. I have travelled so much in the past few days that I can barely function any more. I think we are going to do something tomorrow, but I really didn't care about doing anything because I was so tired. It was more than enough to be back with my family.

I was beyond excited to see the girls this morning. I tried to wake Lucy up last night, but she was just too tired. My mom threatened my life if I woke up Annie when I went to peek on her, so I let her sleep. They have been very happy to have me home. I think it was better that I got home in the middle of the night because it was kind of like they just woke up and didn't even really remember that I had been gone. I was just so happy to be able to hug on them all day once we got to LR.

Remember when I mentioned my life being a complete and total whirl wind for the next little while. Yeah, that started with my trip to Grand Rapids. I got home last night at 11:15 pm. I was up with the girls by 7 and in a rush to be out of the down with my parents, the girls, and Justin by 8:30 am. We drove to Little Rock today. I had a session this afternoon. If we didn't get it done this afternoon, we were going to miss the newborn stage and we didn't want that, so we got it done and I am so thankful we did. The pictures are going to be very precious. I have another session tomorrow and then we head to Nashville where the real craziness begins. From now through the next week, I have 11 sessions and my nephew's birthday party. My brain hurts just thinking about it, but I am really excited. It is just going to be a lot of work. I started this afternoon with a dear friend's newborn and will try and get it on the La La Blog before too long. I haven't even really looked at the pictures yet, so it will be a while. More of my work from the workshop got posted last night though, so you can see that.

I apologize if this post makes no sense. I am way too tired to even proof read it.

I need to go back and update the past posts with pictures. I should get that done some time tomorrow. For now, I am off to relax just a bit for the rest of my birthday........

271/365

Today I am thankful for getting to do the most awesome photo shoot with gorgeous girls and getting to learn SOOOOOOO much about Senior girls photography and posing. I am not kidding, I loved every second of this day. We were in the classroom all morning talking about the ins and outs of photographing Seniors and then we finished the day with a photo shoot at an incredible location. It was raining and cold today, so the session was moved to the lobby of the hotel I was staying in. The room we were in is lit with floor to ceiling windows for 23 floors! Even though it was so dark and dreary outside, the lighting was simply incredible. I learned about doing more editorial type shoots where you really focus on the styling and posing. Love this!! I am about to board my plane to come home and will post lots more from this on the La La blog when I have the time. But I couldn't resist giving you all a little sneak peek!!!

For those of you wondering, I have been at the amazing Amy Wenzel's workshop. I have been so inspired and amazed by her work and the life that she lives. She is simply super woman. Love her. Love what she has taught me.

PS - I couldn't get this finished before having to board my plane and I am online in the air. Pretty cool, huh?? You could use it for your first time free. Love it. I could only get 2 pics uploaded while in the air and I do love them, but they are far from my favorites, so get excited!!

270/365

Today I am thankful for getting to see the girls on the computer tonight. I am really missing them now. I am here all day tomorrow as well and get home late tomorrow night. I just want to squeeze them so badly! They were so cute on the computer and seemed really happy to see me. Lucy said the funniest thing tonight while we were on the computer. Her and Annie were jumping on the blow up mattress and Lucy's Bible was on the bed. All of the sudden, we heard Lucy scream, "EWWWWW!! Annie is drooling on the Bible!!" It was just so random and so funny. Lucy does not like the drool to touch her or her things.

I learned SO much today. I hope that I can really remember it all with my notes because it was awesome!! We worked on Photoshop all day today and then finished the day discussing the business side of things. I could have sat in the classroom and learned about this stuff for so much longer. It was just fascinating and reiterates how there is always so much to learn.

Tomorrow was an optional day if you wanted to attend and it is focusing on the Seniors market, which is something that I definitely hope to get into. I am very excited about it as well.

I will probably just have to wake my babies up when I get home because I don't think I will be able to stop myself. One more night!

I am adding a few shots that I got the chance to edit tonight from our shoot with models yesterday. They aren't professional models, they are clients, but you would have thought that they were professionals. And are their clothes not amazing??? Clothes make such a huge difference and the styling done here is just spectacular. So inspiring to me. Thoughts on the editing?? I used all new techniques and I am loving it.



There were 21 photographers shooting these kids. They were SUCH good sports. This precious little one seriously giggled the entire time. So sweet.

269/365

Today I am thankful for learning new ideas and being inspired by amazing photographers. I am loving my workshop. Love it! I have already learned so much and really can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. I am easily bored, but I could have sat in this room and listened for hours on end. I am taking it all in and loving every second.

I miss my babies and I have loved talking with Lucy on the phone and listening to Annie goo goo into the phone. Mom said Annie actually kissed the phone when she heard my voice, which made my eyes well up with tears. I am so proud of them for doing such a great job in a situation that they are not at all used to. Thanks more than you will ever understand to Lee Lee, Papa, Nana, and Grandy for keeping my babies so happy when we are away. Love to you all and can't wait to see the pictures that Papa took today.

268/365

Today I am thankful that I made it safely to my workshop. I am currently sitting in a beautiful hotel room with a giant bath tub that I am going to soak in before I go to the "Meet and Greet" tonight. I am excited to meet the other photographers here. Back to the hotel, it is quiet and peaceful and relaxing. I already miss the girls terribly, but this is a nice break, I must admit. Every report from home has been great. The girls took long naps and have been happy little campers all day. Sweet babies!

Remember how I mentioned that Lucy and I had a rough afternoon yesterday. Well, she made up for all of that in the middle of the night. I slept in her room with her last night. Of course I didn't sleep at all with my mind racing about the trip. Lucy woke up around 3:30. I could hear her rustling around so I looked over at her. Her big brown eyes looked right at me and she just smiled. I asked if we could snuggle (she is not a snuggler) and she agreed. She cuddled right in my nook and I just rubbed her hair and watched my sweet baby. She actually stayed awake for quite a while but never made a peep. Oh how my heart sang as I got to enjoy that time with her.

When my mom picked up Lucy from school this afternoon, she announced that she needed to show me her artwork when she got home. Justin and I both make a huge deal out of the art she brings home from school. Mom reminded her that I was on my trip and she said, "Okay, I will show her in just a little while then." Annie is doing fine so far. Let's pray that continues.

Okay, I am off to enjoy every moment that I have here. These pictures are from this morning. I will be posting everyday and mom will be snapping pictures everyday, but I will have to go back and add the pictures. My mom and dad can't quite figure out how to email me pictures....... :)

Lots of love to my family who I already miss.

Just guess how easy packing is with this little helper!




Blowing me kisses.

267/365

Today I am thankful that I know my girls will be so well taken care of when I leave them. I am going to miss them like crazy. I don't really even worry about Lucy, but I still worry about Annie. She is just in such a momma's girl stage and I HATE it when you can't explain to them when you aren't going to be there but will be back. I know she will be fine, but it is still really hard. On all of us. Even though I know Lucy gets it, it doesn't make how much I miss her any easier. Lucy and I had a rough afternoon for a while because she woke up in one of those crazy after naps moods. and then she only wanted Lee Lee to put her to bed, so I am going to miss her a little extra.

I am watching Grey's. I am pissed off about George being gone. I loved George. We already knew he was done, but I am still sad about it. Can't wait to see what the next hour holds. Quick question. Who is your favorite character on Grey's now? I would say mine is now Dr. Bailey. I also like Christina but my favorite would have been George.

Next time you hear from me I will be in another state. I am really excited about this weekend. I will tell you more about it tomorrow.

One last thing about the pictures from today of Annie. I didn't think it was possible for a child to love their blankees more than Lucy does. But Annie is quite possibly going to love hers even more. They are big blankets but she tries to carry both of them around all over the house now. They are constantly falling and she is always tripping on them. But she insists that they go everywhere now. These pictures are from first thing this morning when I wrap her up in them so she can bring them down to my room.



Her hair is so awesome in the mornings.

266/365

Today I am thankful for my new acupuncturist. He is awesome. My dear Mandy suggested him and after she went on and on about how awesome he was, I was worried he was not going to live up to her hype. However, he does. I went to see him twice this week and I can feel a difference with my sleeping. I think after a few more visits, I will be able to really tell a big difference. I just feel so much more relaxed and less stressed. If you have ever thought about getting acupuncture, I highly recommend it if you can find the right person. It just makes your body feel so good.

Thanks for all of the sweet comments that poured in yesterday and today. That was awesome. Seriously, thank you. It is so nice to hear from so many of you. I still haven't decided for sure what I am going to do next year regarding how I will post. I am just so happy that I am going to have this that I just might have to do it again! No guarantees though. I am getting this up early so that those of you that wait up for it can't blame me for lack of sleep anymore!! :) That was so funny Liz.

I am off to get some stuff done tonight because I leave Friday. I have a lot to do so that I feel prepared to leave the girls for a few days. They are going to be spoiled rotten when I get back because both sets of grandparents will be here this weekend. They probably won't even notice that I am gone.

Her absolute favorite toy. She pushes that stroller everywhere.

265/365

Today I am thankful for only having 100 days left to my project! Woooo hoooooo! In the beginning, I wasn't sure I would ever make it to 100, but now 100 seems like nothing. And lets face it, the rest of the year is going to fly by. What I am actually most excited about is being under 100 days to Christmas. Seashy, that is pretty exciting, huh?!?! I would love to hear from you guys for a little encouragement and motivation to finish this out!! It is a lot easier to do this when you guys come out of the woodwork and say hello!! I truly love to hear from you and it is boring to me when I don't. And thanks so much to those of you who regularly comment. There are a handful of you that I know I will always hear from and I love you all!

We had a great time at a delicious dinner last night. The girls never made a peep for the babysitters, which is perfect! A huge storm blew threw while we were at dinner and I was a little worried the thunder would wake up Lucy, but she slept right through it all. Yeah.

The temperature today was so awesome. I am not sure we ever got into the 70s. It actually felt like fall. It was really cloudy all day, but the temperature was just amazing.

I am off to watch The Biggest Loser. Love that show. Counting down until the Grey's premier!!! So excited about that.

264/365

Today I am thankful for dinner out with Justin and my neighbors!! It is going to be so much fun and we are trying out a new restaurant. I turn 30 next Tuesday. Seriously? How did this happen? I can remember turning 20 so clearly. How can 10 years fly by so quickly???? So much has happened. I can only imagine what the next 10 will hold. Anyway, I am really excited about a night out. Mandy is coming to meet us, too. This was the only night we could all go to dinner until way into October because of crazy schedules, so we are celebrating a little early.

This is it for me tonight. Lots to do before we head out.

263/365

My poor babies pictures are always pitiful when I am busy with work stuff.




Today I am thankful for the weather totally cooperating for my sessions this weekend. I was going to photograph a friend's baby in Austin, but since we didn't go, that one didn't happen. But I got the other three done. You can see the cuteness on the La La Blog. The sun has been so welcome in my world. I missed it when it was gone for so long.

I have a lot to get done this week. I leave late in the week for my photography workshop. I am super excited about it, but also get really nervous and worked up about leaving my babies. The peaceful sleep will be welcome, but I know I am going to miss them like crazy. I am trying not to let myself get worked up about it yet. I just need to focus on getting everything ready for the time I will be gone. I am not at all kidding when I say that my world turns into the biggest whirlwind you can ever imagine when I get back. I mean very, very crazy schedules.

I am going back to an acupuncturist tomorrow. I am hoping to get some help with the insomnia and just to relax a tad. I think I have needed a tune up for quite some time and now I am getting around to doing that.

Finally, I am going to be spending a couple of days in the Northwest Arkansas area in early November. I will book a very limited number of sessions while I am there. If you are interested or know someone who would be, email me at info@lala-photography.com. Again, I am only taking a few spots because I am going to need to have a little fun while I am there as well!

Hope everyone had a great weekend and Go Cowboys!!

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Today I am thankful for Razorback football!! Wooooo pig sooooieeee! I love college football. My Razorbacks are looking really good even though we have lost the lead. They are kind of unraveling, but I am staying positive and I just know we are going to beat Georgia!!

They got the pumpkins out at the Arboretum today! That is one of my favorite things ever. I love the pumpkins!! I had a session this afternoon and the girls went with me and played with Christy and Ava while I worked for a bit. Then we took the girls over to see the pumpkins. It is really humid here because of all of the rain and Annie looked like she had been in the shower her head was so wet from sweating. This was her first time at the Arboretum since she can walk and let me tell you, she did some major walking and it wore her out!

I am off to work on some pics for a sneak peek.



A little glimpse of how much this girl sweats! Yikes. That is not going to be pretty when she gets older! :)

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Today I am thankful for Lucy feeling great. She woke up this morning singing! I asked her how she felt and she told me, "Great!" I asked if she wanted to go to school and she shouted, "Yes!!!!!" I told her teacher to keep an eye on her because I was a little worried she might be coming down with something. When I went to pick her up she said that other than a few sneezes, she was her normal, happy self.

For a few moments today the sun actually managed to come out. I swear it is depressing when it is gray and cloudy all of the time. I think it is contributing to my severe desire to want to stay in bed! I did get back on top of things. I slacked off of my Fly Lady schedule for just 2 days and I could already tell an enormous difference. It felt good to get back on track.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

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Today I am thankful for days when we are all healthy. I think sickness is upon us. Lucy has just been really sluggish today and her nose is starting to get yucky. She kind of dragged all morning and then she took a 3 hour nap. She has only done that about 5 times in her life, so that was way out of the ordinary. Then she was ready for bed at 7:30 even after that nap. She has been in good spirits and has no fever, but you can just see it in her eyes that she doesn't feel 100%. I am really hoping it is just a cold and nothing more.

I want to make sure that something is perfectly clear. No one is allowed to use my pictures without my permission. It has now happened on multiple occasions when either I or a friend of mine has found pictures of my children that I took on other people's blogs. They have never been used in a negative or bad way when they have been found, but the fact of the matter is they were stolen off of my website and used without my permission. There was no reference to me or my blog, just my pictures posted on other people's blogs. I really don't appreciate this and feel certain that the others that this is happening to don't either.

The girls and I were going to go to Austin with Justin tomorrow for the night, but we have decided to just stay home. We have too much going on for us all to get worn down and exhausted. I am sad we aren't going, but kind of relieved at the same time. It was going to be a lot of traveling for me and the girls for a really quick trip.

Aren't these t-shirts that the girls are wearing the cutest? A friend made them for them. They have their names on the back and the front of Lucy's says Big Sis and Annie's says Little Sis. So cute.

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Today I am thankful for hiring an accountant and getting my business stuff in order. This has been something I have stressing over and it is something that can be crossed off the big TO DO list in my ever racing mind. The accounting side of the business is something that I know nothing about and I needed help. So glad to have it done before I get even further behind as things pick way up this fall.

It has been raining and completely overcast here for almost a week. I am really ready to see the sun again. I miss it. I have 4 sessions this weekend and would really like to fit them all in - with no rain or total clouds. Work with me here weather.













Fabulous new 24x24 canvas of the girls. I wish everyone would believe me when I say that bigger is better!!