Blessings

I just wanted to tell you that today I took some of the best pictures I think I have ever taken. And in the middle of that, met two of the most amazing women....you know how sometimes you can be a blessing to someone and sometimes, you get the blessing....well, today I received the blessing. I think God puts us in peoples paths to help others, and today he dropped these two ladies right in my path. I had a ball taking the pictures, but enjoyed the visit I had with them so much more. When people talk from their hearts, and are honest enough you can see straight into their heart, and in the end, you feel like you've know them for years, that is what I experienced today. And when I want to sit here and feel sorry for myself (I am so far behind, I don't see the light at the end yet...I have 16 sessions and 6 weddings to edit!!) I hear their story, and it sure hits me where it hurts. My life is so easy compared to some, some even so close to me it makes me feel guilty for even feeling sorry for myself. Some women have such courage, and strength...It doesn't matter who they were, it only matters that I take what I learned from them, and count my many, many blessings and treasure every day that I'm given. I guess if some of you have to wait an extra week, it won't be the end of the world. And making myself sick isn't going to get them done any faster...so just know (any of you that are waiting, hopefully patiently) I will get them done, and they will be worth the wait. There is just one of me to go around, and even though I'm spread pretty thin right now....my cup is running over with blessings of good friends, my family, and all the things I take for granted everyday...I think my cup is running over, and its running circles around me...but I can handle it. Life is too short to worry about all the things I don't have control over, like the hours in the day...I'm in control of reading my girls a bedtime story, and eating pizza with a good friend, and taking a little time to smell the roses...just a little...I hope that all of you don't get so busy with your life, that you don't get to live it....its 1:30 in the morning, so I'm headed to bed...all of this work will be there in the morning....waiting on me :)

Couldn't wait...

Okay, I couldn't wait...I've wanted to make his cd cover for years, so this is what I was going for...I should have took more pictures of him, but WOW...did I say WOW!!

The wind can be wonderful...

I was just thinking, and that really slows me down! Ha to all of you that know me...see I know it! Anyways, I didn't want you all to think the wind can't be a wonderful thing too...Here's a few pictures from another wedding this season, and the wind helped me capture emotion in the first picture, and that's a photographer's dream...this beautiful bride doesn't need the wind's help for emotion, she is a box full of giggles, and absolutely adorable! Anyways, I've posted more tonight than I have all month...I've got to get back to work!! Good night!

Why "crazy" Missouri Fall is worth it!

Just wanted to show you why fall is my favorite time of year....some days you are blessed beyond measure with color, some days rain...and today WIND!! But its days like this one above that makes it all worth it.

Still going, and feeling old..er

Okay, not feeling OLD, but a little older...I just got done taking some senior pictures of a special someone that I used to babysit when I first got married....he was such a good little boy, when I watched him I honestly thought the Lord would bless me with little boys just like him...he had other plans for me apparently, but this young man has always been special to me just the same. His parents are wonderful, and he has the sweetest younger brother! Anyways, I thought I would post a picture of him and let all of you know "that read this", I'm still going.....seems like I'm running on empty with no end in sight right now, but hopefully all of these pictures will be worth it to the ones that get to spend some time with me during this crazy fall season!

Rained out, and Game still on!

Well, I'm rained out again....its so cold, I just have to look at it like I'm lucky today and get to work in front of this computer in my nice warm house....think positive right! Well, I looked through a few sessions, and played with a few this morning...bad habit! Anyways, I wanted to post a fun picture from my trash the dress session, I didn't want to just post "Bob"!! We're still going to have a game tonight, so again, please pray for the girl's safety and health, you can pray they win...but I'm sure the other team is praying they'll win as well, I hope they're just able to do their best! They have had a tough year, so this means alot to them. Good luck Lady Panthers!!

Bob from "Biggest Loser"!!!

How many of you watch "Biggest Loser"?? Well I wish I did, so I could have been as excited as my Bride and Groom this weekend! They live and preform in Branson, and know the meaning of "the show must go on" because it was sooo cold for their "trash the dress" session...I had long underwear on and Gina Kay had a two pairs on...and not once did our beautiful bride complain...not once, even when her adorable little chin would chatter....she was such a showmen! And our handsome groom was just as ornery as ever, tons of energy this couple....but when they saw "BOB"....it was worth all the chills!! We went to the Liberty Memorial, and they were taping a Dr. Oz show that will be coming out...a Missouri vs. Kansas fitness series...and there was Bob, taping a segment. He was so cool....( and very normal looking...so I would have totally dismissed him as a very dedicated fitness freak, workout in the COLD, crazy!!) They asked him if he'd pose in a picture with them and he hollered back "Absolutely!" How cool was that! After he was done, he ran over to us! Anyways, just thought it was awesome, so I had to share it with you! My girls already think that the groom is a "super star"we have his autographed head shots in their bedrooms, he's also been on "America's Got Talent" They both are in shows in Branson, and they can sing!!! Both of them can sing...so you can imagine how fun their wedding was, I felt like I was part of a Branson show with all the stars...anyways, enough about that, gotta get back to work...how about everyone start praying for nicer weather, senior pictures in the cold, I feel sorry for my seniors...oh, and Sammie Jo's team won districts too, so we'll be sitting at a very cold softball game Wed. night, so pray for their team, that everyone stays healthy and they have a warming from the inside out...you can also pray that their gloves and bats are hot too! lol...Talk to you soon, PEN

ANXIETY!!!!!!!

Hello everyone, taking a moment to add to this blog...I'm slacking again, sorry Bridgette! Here is just a few of the sessions I've just got done working on, and I'm working on another wedding as we speak, I'm getting behind!!!!! I can feel the anxiety!! Its caving in my chest! AHHHH!! Okay, no more drama...its not quite that bad, but almost :) Gotta run to Norborne for a senior session, looks like tomorrow is calling for rain, may get a day off to spend more time in front of the computer, which I need desperately, and my redneck senior may have to take another day off from school...I'm sure he'll be so disappointed! Just teasing Zach, not that you'll read this, but your Momma might! Okay...back to work!

Are we in trouble!!!

This is just a really fast post, I have been working on a few pictures of my girls...I didn't get the older girls school pictures, I always hate to get them and see a fake smile, and honest, they're just not that good! How could they be...you're lucky if they take two, and they turn your head all cocka ma me....I know, that's not a word, but that's a great word for what they do to you. Anyways, I took pictures of them for about 20 minutes before softball practice yesterday, and now....I'm wishing I would have gotten school pictures, no....lol, but they sure are beautiful, their poor daddy couldn't hardly look! This is the same technique I used on the hit or miss picture...Gotta run to a game, talk to you soon, PEN

Wedding day...

This crazy week! I have to start getting ready for a wedding, and it just doesn't feel like Saturday to me...I've been working all morning, and now its time to jump in the shower. We're going to start at the Elms where the wedding party has rooms and are getting ready, and then ending up at the Wynbrick in Liberty....should be lots of fun! A very adorable couple, so hopefully my shower will give me a burst of energy and creativity! I'll drink a couple more cups of coffee...that should help! I'm going to post you a picture of the wedding I'm working on now, another incredible adorable couple! One of my favs...yes, I have many favorites! lol...I'll let you know how today goes...Hope everyone has a fun, safe weekend!!

Hit or miss???

Hello Everyone!
Okay, I've been playing with one of my favorite little girls in the whole world! Her Momma likes pictures as much as me...and that's alot! I just want to hear some opinions...like it or don't, won't hurt my feelings, its a little artsy...I think beautiful, but I'm sure its not for everyone. Back to work! ~Penny

Beautiful outdoor wedding location...

If you're looking for a beautiful outdoor wedding location, look no further! I was so impressed with Mellon's community building in Lawson....they have the gazebo out by the pond and it is breath taking at sunset. I'm posting a picture from a wedding reception I had there, so you can see for yourself. It has a big building there for your reception as well....it would be great for reunions, picnics...I just wanted to let you know about it since I was so impressed.

First softball game....

Well ball season has started...Sammie Jo played her first varsity game last night at Norborne. She DH'd...and then pitched the JV game. She did a great job, her parents were more nervous for her than she was...At least she has one under her belt. I took pictures of course, didn't get a great one of my own kid, that always stinks...but here are a few I thought were pretty cool. The girls did a good job, just didn't get any breaks....got to work on our batting! Sam had a pretty good hit during the JV game that I'm sure she wishes she'd of had during the varsity game, but...we'll work on that. I've got to get to work, until we chat again~Penny

This is my favorite shot of the day, you could see the dust in our catchers glove, she did a great job!

Got her!!

SAFE...the catcher dropped the ball!!

Up easy!

Got another one!

Nice throw to second, with a backup ready to assist! I'm sure it was a long game for our pitcher, she did a great job too...the pitcher and catcher work really good together.

Too quiet...

Well I guess me being alone will hopefully get me blogging more...I don't have anyone tattling or asking for anything, or hugging me good morning, the girls would normally just be getting up...and since they got on the bus, I've been finishing up a wedding and working on this little ones pictures, so I thought I would show you one of my favorites. I took his Mommy and Daddy's wedding pictures, it was so nice to be a part of the next chapter of their love story! He was so cute, and smelled so good...missing Mary, working on baby pictures...might not be a good thing for me~ Chris may have to go back to get un-fixed!

See I can write stuff like that, because he never looks at this...lol!

Crazy couple of weeks...

Hello Everyone! Well today was the first day of school for my girls...I'm all alone, except for the dog....she keeps looking at me like "where are they??" I'm probably imagining that emotion, she's probably enjoying it being so quiet....Not me :(

I wanted to show you a few pictures from the State Fair. My girls show sheep and chickens the first week of the fair, so we were there, or running back and forth all week. We stayed in a camper for a few nights (thanks to Phil and Michelle!) The girls would have stayed at the campground the whole time. For some reason it was so much more fun to ride bikes there than at home, could have been the cute boys??

This is Shelby with one of the show lambs...

Sammie Jo out in the show ring...

Sidney with one of her market lambs...yes, that's what market means. We only brought two back home with us. The others got to ride off to lamb heaven. That's a hard "farm life" lesson.

This is Mary making her lunch last night for her first day of kindergarten!

All four girls, waiting for the bus...

Mary's first day of Kindergarten!

Impatient Nana....

Impatient Nana...I totally understand! Just make sure your daughter knows these are on here! I understand, I want my pictures as soon as I get them taken, I still haven't gotten anything printed up from our vacation! I have to go through these and pick Aunt Penny's favorites...so here are a couple of mine...now back to weddings and engagement pictures!! AND ORDERS!!

Aren't they adorable!!

Look! Aren't they adorable! I sure am getting alot of good out of my chair....Keep your eyes open for a good ol' chair for me! I looked this weekend, but no luck....We took my nephew's one year pictures today...and of course, had to take some of my niece too...don't want them to think I play favorites! Anyways, I was happy with this one, its hard to get them to sit still very long, Aunt Penny has too many distractions...dogs, cats, sheep, cows, horses....cousins to play with! I don't know to many kids that would want to sit still for pictures when they could be playing...we didn't get to play to long, so in a short visit, I think we did pretty good! Well, its after midnight, so I'm gonna head to bed. I'm thinking I'm going to try to start my day when Chris leaves, anyone want to take bets it doesn't happen?? Well, its just a plan! Good night :)

NEW LOGO!!!

Here is just a quick look at my new LOGO!! I just love it...I'm having a hard time getting it to work with my "DUMB" website, its 1:00am, and I've been trying my darndest...is that a word, I'm good at making words up, especially when I'm this tired! But I wanted everyone to see it. If anyone needs a logo designed, give me a ring and I'll set you up! Can't you just see it on a t-shirt! Good night all! Sleep tight...

Cuties....

Hello Everyone...I know, two days in a row! What's gonna happen, lol! I wanted to show you a few "cuties" that I've been working on...They're all so adorable! I had to post a few so you know I'm still here working! Went on a road trip today, we took my Sammie Jo and her best friend to church camp in Kansas today....we sure are going to miss her! They sure are out in the boonies, I know I live in the boonies, but this was way out there! At least they're together, they'll keep each other safe. And its church camp right...even with the new swimming suit that would make your jaw drop, she doesn't know just how beautiful she is...I guess that's a good thing! Anyways, here are a few pictures, until we chat again!

Birthday Girls!

This is Sidney on the right with one of her bestest friends in the whole wide world! BESTEST!! Their birthdays are just a day apart, so we had a combined "friend" birthday party! The kids all had a blast...their was music, dancing, food...and a hot tub! Sparkling grape juice in plastic champagne glasses...basketball, balloons and a whole lot of FUN! This is the picture that I liked....but I got out voted really fast! See the picture below, that's the one they picked for their invitations!

Well we just ended a night celebrating Sidney's 12th birthday. Her "family" party was tonight....lots of food, LOTS!! I think we do this every time my family gets together. They all bring to much, and it all looks soooo good! We all over eat! lol!! We had a great time tonight with family and friends. Last year I posted her picture on her birthday, so I thought, well....why not this one. Sidney acts like a 12 year old, until it comes to pictures...then she wants to look like a 20 year old Movie Star! I've caught alot of crap for taking this "hot" of a picture of my daughter...but they wanted to feel like rock stars, and that's what they got. Beautiful to start with...but add a little makeup, great hair...and a couple of sparkly dresses....mix that with an alley and this is what you get! Maybe a little too much leg for their daddies! I think they look incredible! Young & Beautiful! Happy Birthday Girls!

Home for a day....

Hello Everyone! We got home last night after 11pm, and even though we spent alot of hours in the car...I think this was one of our favorite vacations! South Dakota has alot to offer! We had a blast...perfect weather, and beautiful scenery! I took more pictures on this vacation than I ever normally do...to be honest, I usually hate taking my camera, but I knew it would be beautiful so I did, and I'm so very glad ...Here are just a few of my favorites, going to the lake this weekend...I took my laptop and got a little done before it locked up on me...think I figured it out, but not till we got home...so going to be taking it to the lake (or at least to the cabin) I'll leave you with a few pictures of my family and of me & Chris....its our 17th anniversary today, so the girls were more into taking our pictures this week....maybe because they're getting older, or maybe because they need pictures for their 4H projects, but anyways...I got a few of us together that aren't half bad if I do say so myself!! Talk to you when I get back!