With a Thankful Heart {two}

My mom and grandparents visited last weekend.  I was reminded of how thankful I am for how I was raised and where I came from.  It's a place where life is slow, shoes are optional, doors are unlocked, coffee is black, tea is sweet and cornbread goes with everything.  It's the land of cotton.  It's Dixie.  It's Mississippi. 

I'm thankful for the state that raised me.
I'm thankful for the people there that I'm tied to.  

An Instagram Update

Happy Election Day everyone!  I hope that you all have a chance to get out and vote today.  Here's an Instagram update to keep you occupied while you wait in that long line.

1.  My vote counted!
2.  I was summoned to jury duty and dismissed, but left proud of my Texas legislature.

3.  Dan picked these up for one of my shoots.  It was so windy that only one balloon survived in this post.
4.  We used our pop-up (which we named LeNita) for the first time.  We'll never go back to tents again!

5.  We enjoyed Halloween with friends and their adorable children.  I consumed way too many caramel apples. 
6.  Pinot's Palette with girlfriends... mine didn't turn out that great. We prominently displayed it in the closet.

7.  Before the time change I was able to see a few sunrises... I call these cotton candy clouds. 

8.  Starbucks' red holiday cups are back.  I'll be getting Christmas in a cup every Friday morning with my prayer group girls. 

With a Thankful Heart {one}

The Starbucks holiday cups have arrived.  Stores have their shelves lined with ornaments, garland, and the hottest gifts of the year.  I saw a Christmas tree up in Highland Park.  The holiday season has officially arrived, and while many may have forgotten that this is a time of thanksgiving, I wanted to commemorate the season by sharing with you just a few of the many things I'm thankful for.  I must start with my dear husband. 

We've been together for six years, married for two and a half of them, and we'll always be newlyweds.

I'm thankful for how supportive and loving he is.

I'm thankful for his sense of humor and ability to always make me laugh.

I'm thankful God caused our paths to cross that night on Beale Street. 

I'm thankful that he's willing to be my model for lighting tests.

How hot is my hubby?? I think I'll keep him. 

Little Miss Avery {North Dallas Family Photographer}

Even though we battled the wind the whole time, this session is one of my favorites.  Miss Avery is at the age where everything is hers, "Avery's mommy... Avery's daddy...Avery's punkin"... I have to admit when she said "Avery's Lindsay" I totally melted.  She could have asked for my wallet or car at that moment and I probably would have given them to her.  She's at a very dangerous age. 

This session had lots of themes going on. We were celebrating Avery turning 2 next week, and wanted to get some fall and Christmas pictures.  I think we succeeded.  What do you think?

  

Flashback Friday {eight}

This will be our last Flashback Friday... at least for now.  But fret not, I have another series planned for November and lots of exciting things to share with you!

I wanted to leave you with this sweet photo of my grandfather, mom and uncle.  It's one of those perfect unposed photos that made me want to become a photographer, to one day be able to capture my own kids, as they follow in their parents' footsteps. 

I think candid shots are the best as they often capture that special, unplanned moment.  Especially for kids... they don't generally view having their picture taken as fun, and forced smiles aren't what you're looking for.  Remember when you're taking your child's photo to make it fun, give them tasks, play simon says, tell jokes, sing, be silly, whatever it takes to capture their playful spirit you'll want to remember. 

All I Want for Christmas is You {and a few other things}

I love CHRISTMAS!  It really is the most wonderful time of the year.  I love what it represents and everything about it... watching the movie Elf and sipping hot chocolate, while the faint scent of cinnamon floats through the air are a few of my favorites.  There is also ice skating around the Galleria's Christmas tree, and let's not forget Jewel's Christmas CD!  And no matter what, everyone loves finding the perfect gift for someone on your list.

Finding that perfect gift isn't always easy, so here's a little list of the things I'm wishing for this Christmas, just in case you're shopping for a photographer.  It's never too early to start your holiday shopping!

1.  The LensPen Lens Cleaner is super handy to clean your lens properly when you're on the go.

2.  The Canon Wireless Remote allows you to be in the picture too!

3.  These Reflector Discs help create the perfect exposure, no matter the time of day. 

4.  The Manfrotto Tripod and ball head, when you need to ensure you get a steady shot. 

5.  This Kelly Moore Bag looks like a purse, but it's a camera bag with plenty of room for your gear!
6.  This Macro Lens, when you need to capture the smallest details. 

7.  This Black Rapid Camera Strap has pockets for your lens caps and cell phone and is super padded to protect your neck. 

8.  Another lens cleaner, the Giottos Rocket Air Blaster, is great for those dry windy days.
9.  Comfy shoes are a must for long shoots, the Pewter Metallic Toms can be dressed up or down, functional and so cute. 

Flashback Friday {seven}

These aren't Instagram photos, but it must have been photos like these that inspired the app's creators.  They seem to have the perfect filter applied.  I'm sure Daytona Beach has changed a lot since the 1960s. 

If my grandfather was on the beach today, he'd still be in dress shoes.  If you have ever seen him try to wear flip flops, you know what I'm talking about.  I love how my mom is holding his pinkie, so ridiculously precious.  And she's still a daddy's girl, I guess some things don't change.