Thursday, February 10, 2011

Precious Brady - Snow 2011


 We did a quick little pic taking today-- Brady is growing too fast and too darn cute!!!!!!!!!!




Sunday, January 30, 2011

Lions and Tigers and Bears - Oh My!! Memphis Zoo Jan 2011

The Memphis Zoo has come a long way since 1906 when the Memphis Park Commission allocated $1,200 to establish the Memphis Zoo.  It all started with 23 simple cages and a row of concrete bear dens.  Today the zoo has flourished into a crown jewel for Memphis and is ranked the top zoo in the country.  
Not sure if the original concrete bear dens are the ones that were there in the late 70's - but as I walked past them (no longer in use since they built The Northwest Passage and Teton Trek) the other day I remembered them like I was there yesterday - the memories of being a little girl at the zoo came back to me so easily!!  The starting path to the zoo is now closed off (revamped with a new one) but with the old starting path the first thing you would walk past was the beautiful polar bears and grizzlies- as Austin and I walked past the old concrete bear dens it looked so much smaller then when I was there at probably  5 or 6 years old.  I remember the ride to the zoo in the ole Grand Prix as much as I remember my mother putting my hair up in pigtails and begging my dad to carry me at the zoo!!!!!  Not to mention along with my little brother crying the whole time we were there - yes he was famous for crying alot - such a mommies boy!!!  Amazing how when we were small children,  places looked so  huge compared to how they really look to us as adults.  As we we wandered by each exhibit-the memories kept flashing back in my mind to when I was 5 or 6 years old as much as the memories of when Austin was 3 and we took him to the zoo.  I had to say a little prayer right then and there and ask God to help slow down the years because they are flying by way to fast and it will be no time and Austin will be my age.
It was a beautiful day to enjoy the blessings that God granted us that day!  I thank God each day that he has allowed me the grace, unselfishness and love that I have for my child.  In this world our children need our time and love - it is an essential need for all children!! 
As Austin continues to get older - I find myself wanting to spend more time with him than ever - although I have always spent alot of time with him, here lately I just cannot believe he is 15 and wonder where did the years go-but at the same time I can remember every milestone he has had!  I was thankful as well that my 15 year old wanted to spend the day with me-knowing there would not be a lot of days left that he would want to hang out with me for the day - little on at the zoo!!!!  I treasured every minute!!!!!
So just as the zoo started so many years ago with a few simple cages and a few concrete bear dens and has now flourished to a childrens wonderland of animals, many people can look back at their childhood memories they had there with a smile............as my prayer is for Austin, I hope he can look back one day, smile and remember our times together at the Memphis Zoo.














Monday, January 24, 2011

Special Poem on My Mind Today

This poem reminds me of a very special person who has unselfishly, lovingly and graciously shown just these words!!  I love you more than you will ever know.......


May each and everyone of us find a special place in our heart to show the elderly just these words......


Beatitudes for Friends of the Aged

Blessed are they who understand my faltering step and palsied hand.
Blessed are they who know that my ears today must strain to catch the things they say.
Blessed are they who seem to know that my eyes are dim and my wits are slow.
Blessed are they who looked away  when coffee spilled at table today.
Blessed are they with a cheery smile who stopped to chat for a little while.
Blessed are they who never say, “You’ve told that story twice today.”
Blessed are they who know the ways  to bring back memories of yesterdays.
Blessed are they who make it known  that I’m loved, respected, and not alone.
Blessed are they who know I’m at a loss to find the strength to carry the Cross.
Blessed are they who ease the days on my journey home in loving ways.


--Esther Mary Walker


Monday, January 10, 2011

A family of Love

I was beaming with delight to get to shoot baby Mason!!  His mom is adorable and his dad is a fine example of a loving husband and father!!!  I can't wait to shoot more photos of them!!!







Sunday, January 9, 2011

Getting my Shoot on!!!!

I am so anxious for Spring to get here so I can start shooting outdoors again!!!  I had a great time today getting to do an indoor shoot with Mr. Mason.  As I sit here waiting for the pics to download to start the post processing I am thinking about how precious Mason is and the blessing from God that has been given to Tony & April.  Our children grow up too fast and today was a day that made me reflect back on when Austin was just the size of Mason.  Austin -now a teenager will let me steal a kiss or two every once in awhile, well really he will let me whenever I want as long as no one is looking!!!!  What a special day it was for me to be able to capture another one of God's blessings. Mom went with me to help - really to see Mason and to love on him, then we had lunch together.  I am more than thankful for my mother and I cherish the times we spend together!!!  Sitting here all cozy on the couch, with my coffee, looking out the window at the birds eating the fresh nuts and berries I have put out for them and anxiously awaiting on the snow, I just can't help but know I am one blessed girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God's Blessing


What a special gift God can bless us with!!!!