Er...Uh...Welcome Back Me!

Long time no blog, right? I know, I know...I've been MIA for a bit. I've been so focused the past few weeks on launching my up and coming photography business that I've not had much extra time to write my thoughts and whereabouts. I apologize to those of you who check in often...hoping for a new post. I'm back. It feels nice. Like a warm fire in the fireplace on a cold winter day. *snuggling into my chair*

So much has "gone down" this past month. Low and behold...I have talent! Well, I kind of actually knew that, but I never realized how much others thought so. Specifically, when it comes to my photography. You, my readers, love it. My facebook friends love it. My family and friends love it. Perfect strangers that just happen to run across the Caught & Captured Photography website love it. SO COOL! I'm humbled by all the compliments, well wishes, and sessions booked. Thanks to all of you!

I've got some great stuff in store for blogging in the next week. Photography sneak peeks. New recipes (you DON'T want to miss these!). Sentimental family posts. It's gonna be a great week. Hang tight...won't be long! For now, enjoy some of the photos I shot during my "leave of blogging absence"...

First up, the Russell family. Love these folks. They are family...just not by blood, but by ever other thing that makes people family...

Remember my post "Meet The Jones'"? Well, that cute little bump that Mrs. Jones was sporting during that shoot turned into a bouncy baby boy! Welcome baby Caiden! (I was lucky enough to be there in the hospital when the little buggar was born!)

Ah, and here's Cole. He holds this years Missouri state high school wrestling title...heavyweight class. I so enjoyed this shoot. It was like pulling teeth to get this fella to crack, but once he did...we had a ball! All I can say about Cole and his personality is...for the first 3/4ths of the shoot, I was calling Big Man saying, "I wish we had a son! Cole is so great!" BUT, by the end of the shoot, I was so thankful I did NOT have any sons. Little turd bucket pretended like he was gonna throw a snake on me. Punk! I WILL be getting him back! Ever seen a grown boy with a state wrestling title pee his pants? Me neither, but I plan to! *winks*

See, my friends? I've been busy! I've missed you though, and it's good to be back! Lots of love!

Birthday Girl

4 years ago today, my world changed forever. I gave birth to this beautiful creature...

She has brought me more joy than I could have ever imagined. Brightened my life. Brought me thousands of smiles, laughs, tears. I am "Mommy" because of her.

Birthing her was the most life changing experience I have ever known....will know. What a miracle that was...she is.

Happy Birthday, my angel.

Click HERE to read her birth story!

Ch"AIR" Head

This image was sent to me from the director, and very good friend, of Lillie's preschool...

I gave birth to this creature. I love her very much.

She belongs to her father!

Meet The Colvin's

So, I might have to kiss these boys' Mamma's butt! (see here) They are way too cute for words! If I happened to end up with grandchildren fathered by either of these handsome devils, I would never complain. *smirks, but hopes that is a LOOONNNGGGG way away*  I have a feeling that Brant wont forget me...even if I do see him daily at the preschool he and Lillie go to...which happens to be owned and operated by his lovely mother. We shot some pictures on the railroad tracks this particular evening. While waiting on a lagging Daddy, Brant and I started blowing our train whistles. Low and behold, we got lucky and heard a train coming! The light in his baby blues was priceless (still working on those captured moments!). I shouted, "You've done it, Brant! You called in a train!" He was over the moon...or tracks...whatever. That is a moment he and I will have forever. I just wish he would always remember, because I certainly will. Here's your sneak peek Stefini and Brian...Enjoy!

Meet The Stearnes'

I couldn't have asked for better "Me Time" yesterday. I was lucky enough to get to drive the 120 mile trip to Springfield to shoot my cousin's newborn photos. The weather was gorgeous...the company was perfect (yep, myself!)...and the radio seemed to know just what I wanted to hear. I jammed. I mean it. I. JAMMED. I heard Prince's "Little Red Corvette" at least twice. Love that song. Probably because it brings back memories of when I drove a little red corvette of my own. Annette the Vette. That was her name. She was H-O-T! She and I had good times together...at least until I became pregnant with my Lillie. RIP, Annette. I pretended to be back in Annette while the song blared on the radio. I punched White Lightening's gas pedal to the soggy floorboard and soared like an eagle. At one point, I decided to make a remix of my own..."Little White Grand Am". It's a catchy little diddy. Goes something like this..."Little white Grand Am...Loser you're much to slow...Little white Grand Am...You need to understand that I don't like you any 'mooh-oohh". Nice, 'eh? You have to stretch that "Moh" to get the real emotion. *giggles* Then, Funky Town came on. Alright! Yeah! I made up a new version of that too..."Won't you take me to...Springfield Toooowwwnn!...Won't you take me to...Spring. Field. Tooowwwn!" The idiots next to me in the "loser lane" thought I was crazy. "What? What you looking at? You don't want any of White Lightening!" After the 120 mile drive (that only took this speed racer 1.5 hours...sorry "Super Trooper"...better luck catching this lady next time!), I arrived at my cousins home. At first sight and smell of this yummy little guy, my uterus ached... Enjoy your sneak peeks Jerrod & Tiff! Congratulations again...Brodee is perfection!

Here Come The Cottontail's

If you've ever seen cuter kids, I'll kiss your butt. The weather was so gorgeous this morning...an impromptu photo shoot of Audrey and her cousin Brady was crucial.

My Punk Little Brother

This is my punk little brother...

He really is a punk...I should know...I pretty much raised him...

The boy is 9 years younger than me...and today, he turns 19...



Ah crap!...guess I just spoiled keeping MY age a secret!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PUNK!!!

I LOVE YA!!!