Brothers! My Grandsons.

These boys are my grandsons. They (along with my granddaughter) bring much joy and happiness to our lives. They are so full of energy and curiosity and mischief! =) I love when our grandbabies visit us because our home seems to come to life every time they do. If you know Grandson #1 (the older one) then you know the look on his face is classic him. He's full of questions and has his own opinion about everything. Grandson #2 is quiet and reserved but also has an inner strength that comes out when he needs to defend himself. He can definitely hold his own. Mama loves you!

The Magnificent Mobley's

Meet the magnificent Mobley family. It was a joy watching these guys interact with each other during this shoot. We were in a mad race against time with the sun setting so much earlier in the evening but these guys are as cooperative as they are good looking. No kidding. I just wish it didn't end as soon as it did. Thanks for sticking it out in the cold guys. You were great! Love you!

Woops!

     I was in such a hurry to get Lisi and Kenese's pictures posted last month that I totally spaced it and forgot to add these in. I shot these particular ones in black and white. Hope you like 'em!

Time Flies

    

I was sitting at home having a conversation with my nine year-old son who is also the baby of our family. I couldn't help but wonder what happened. You know? It's like I turn around and he's already nine. Where did the time go? If there's one thing I've learned from losing a child, it would be to cherish every moment I have with my children, to not sweat the small stuff, and to LISTEN to them. So many things have changed about my parenting skills since losing #4. It really forced me to open my eyes and see what mistakes I was making as a parent. I have to confess I made more mistakes than I care to own up to. However, I am grateful for the realization that came in order for me to make those changes possible because it helped me a great deal. I'm a different parent than I was two years ago and hopefully my kids can tell you I'm a better parent. You'll have to ask them yourselves(smile).

     But today my nine year-old told me I was one of his best friends - that's something right? It makes me happy to know that he thinks of me that way. I'm sure once he's in jr high it's going to be a totally different story...I'm ok with that...I think.

Happy Birthday Clay!

  

Today is my husband’s birthday. We usually bake him a cake and make a special dinner for him but I got so caught up with homework that I didn’t do anything to celebrate his birthday. I feel so bad right now. I remember waking up in the middle of the night saying happy birthday to him but that was it. I’m so grateful that my husband didn’t make a big deal out of it. I know if the tables were turned and it was my birthday I’d probably make him feel guilty about not celebrating. If you know Clay you’d know that he never sweats the small stuff. He’s very content and happy with life.

     Clay is always willing to give and to help others out. I’ve seen him in action and he amazes me every time. He’s the guy that notices when people are in need of help and actually does something about it. You know the one that pulls over for that stranded family along the highway stuck in the middle of nowhere? That would be Clay. He's fearless when it comes to situations like that and is never selfish with his time or talents. I don’t know anyone else like him. There aren’t enough words to describe the love I have for Clay. I’m still in love with him after almost 18 years of marriage. Absolutely and completely! So I just want to dedicate today’s posts to my husband, Clay. My best friend, my confidante, my soul mate, my everything. I love you honey. Happy Birthday!

Loriann/Si'u - before and after

I've decided to include a few pictures I took of my niece and her husband,before they got married up until her baby shower which was yesterday. I actually have to thank Loriann for asking me to take her and Si'u's pictures for their invitations. When she asked me I still wasn't sure I was ready to get into photography. I hadn't even bought me a camera at the time and felt inadequate and nervous. So with my little kodak camera in tow we went to memory garden and I snapped away.

 Surprisingly I felt at ease and comfortable and all my worries seemed to have disappeared until I noticed a few professional photographers there.  I have to admit I was a little embarassed of my "kodak easy share" camera but I stuck it out and it was a great learning experience for me. I realized then that it was time for me to get in gear with this whole photography dream of mine. I think her pictures turned out fairly ok especially with the camera I had at the time.

It was my first time doing anything remotely close to a "photo shoot" and my best effort at the time. I'm looking forward to this learning process and growing in this field.  So anytime you want a retake as I get better just let me know Loriann. I wish you and Si'u all the best. Love you!

Halloween Fun

I hadn't seen my siblings and their kids for almost a month before Halloween. Halloween is usually a big deal for us but this year I didn't even want to get dressed up. That's how depressed I was that I hadn't seen my siblings. We usually see each other every week but school has taken a big chunk of family time out of my schedule. Now? I'm lucky if I see them twice a month. Life is crazy as it is, and for some reason when I go too long without seeing or talking to any of my siblings I feel unbalanced. I love my siblings to pieces and hope they know that without them in my life, I would have no life at all, no balance. The world always makes more sense when I'm around my family. They are an extension of who I really am. I can only be my true self when I am with them. Completely and utterly. The good, the bad, and the ugly. All three of me. Lol! Needless to say we ended up getting together for Halloween and the only one who dressed up was my sister Ofo! She was so disappointed in me. Next year sis. Here are a few shots I took of our night together. They're all of the little kids but that's ok. That's what Halloween is all about. Right?