Enjoy!

My niece, Ally.  Wonder what she’s thinking??

Kylie and Jake.  I think he needs another year to adjust.  ;)

Ho-ho-ho!!

A Quote: Fun is good. – Dr. Seuss

Something personal: Well, the fall season is officially here, and I don’t just mean the weather!  It’s busy with a capital B, and I’m having so much fun enjoying the great outdoors with my clients — and my family!  This weekend we are headed up to Cagles Dairy Farm for our annual pumpkin patch outing and bonfire.  It’s our fifth year (I think) and it’s SO-MUCH-FUN!  Click HERE to see some of last year’s pictures.  Here’s a couple favorites:

Since I’m at a loss for “inspiring Monday Love content” today, I thought I would take this opportunity to remind you to MARK YOUR CALENDAR for Santa at the Shoppe of Vinings on Saturday, November 12th from 11am-2pm.  Click HERE to see a bunch of images from last year.  It’s such a wonderful event — and it’s FREE!  :)  Here’s one of my favorites:

That’s it for now…..Happy Monday!!

A quote: Weather is a great metaphor for life – sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad, and there’s nothing much you can do about it but carry an umbrella. -Terri Guillemets

Something personal: Yes, it’s true, I just can’t seem to keep up with things these days!  The beginning of school is crazy busy with orientation (for both kids), separation anxiety (just Jake), back to school parties, extra grocery shopping, and of course, preparing for the busy fall season!  So, please forgive my tardiness as of late.  In a few weeks thing should start getting back to normal.  :)

Something to think about: Fall is RIGHT around the corner!  My last day for Fall Sessions (and holiday pictures) is November 5th!  My calendar is already pretty full with only four spots left in September, and just a few for October and November.  Here are some cute pics of Kylie and her BFF Ainslee from last year.   Just to get you in the mood…….

Call soon if you are planning a Fall Session!!  Happy Tuesday!

A Quote: I don’t understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine’s Day.  When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon.  ~Author Unknown

Fun Facts: Here are some interesting tidbits about this special holiday!

* 15% of U.S. women send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day.

* 73% of people who buy flowers for Valentine’s Day are men, while only 27 percent are women.

* About 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year. That’s the largest seasonal card-sending occasion of the year, next to Christmas.

* About 3% of pet owners will give Valentine’s Day gifts to their pets.

* Teachers will receive the most Valentine’s Day cards, followed by children, mothers, wives, and then, sweethearts. Children ages 6 to 10 exchange more than 650 million Valentine’s cards with teachers, classmates, and family members.

* In the United States, 64 percent of men do not make plans in advance for a romantic Valentine’s Day with their sweethearts.

* Only the U.S., Canada, Mexico, France, Australia and the U.K. celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Something personal: It has been said by many (mostly men I presume) that Valentine’s Day is a “Hallmark Holiday.”   I can understand this sentiment since Hallmark has over 1300 different cards for this particular holiday and every store is covered with cards, mini teddy bears, and boxes of chocolate.  But is there anything wrong with having a special day to celebrate our love for one another?   My poor husband complains because there is so much pressure in the first few months of the year for him.  First Jake’s B-Day, then Valentine’s Day, followed by Kylie’s Birthday, my Birthday, and finally Mother’s Day.  That’s a lot of cards in a short four months!   He always picks out great cards though – and sometimes I even get TWO! 

A few weeks before Valentine’s Day I took Kylie and Jake to my studio to do some fun love-themed pictures.  Here are a bunch of my favorites — enjoy!!

I had some fun with the editing.  A little grain and vintage look.

Something fun to do:  I know today is already Valentine’s Day, but just in case you are looking for a cute craft, check out this link on the NAPCP website to make these adorable crayon hearts!  I saw all the holiday stuff on clearance at Michaels the other day, so stock up for next year too!

HAPPY MONDAY — AND HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TOO!

A quote:  At work, you think of the children you have left at home. At home, you think of the work you’ve left unfinished. Such a struggle is unleashed within yourself. Your heart is rent. – Golda Meir

Something personal: Without going on and on about the details of the last four days, I will say it was GREAT!  I have been so extremely busy with work the last several weeks and I decided not to do any work Thursday-Sunday and just enjoy the leisure time with my family.  What a wonderful and joyful feeling.  At first it’s really difficult to “turn it off” when I kept thinking about all the things that need to get done.  But after about 24 hours of “disconnect” from my computer, my mind slowed down, I could breathe a little easier, and it was finally peaceful (at least in my mind!).  So, like many of you, I ate WAY too much, got a little extra sleep, had lots of family time, and even got the Christmas decorations out!  Woo-hoo!

Today it was back to my long to-do list (including Monday Love).  It has taken all day, but I got everything done that was urgent (especially the Santa Pictures).  And so, in the spirit of the holidays, here are a bunch of my favorites from our Annual Santa Day at the Shoppe of Vinings.  We had lots of hugs and smiles, and a few tears (or should I say screams) as well.  It really is a wonderful time!

I love these next few pics, Mr. Mason.  From screaming to delighted…… it’s amazing what a little candy can do!

And finally, the lovely ladies at the Shoppe (and Santa), who make it all happen.  THANK YOU!!! 

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

A Quote: ‘Santa Claus has the right idea.  Visit people once a year.’ Victor Borge

Something Personal:  Santa was in town a little early — at the Shoppe of Vinings.  This has been an annual tradition at the shop for well over 10 years, and for me, three years.  It really is a wonderful time and this Santa is the genuine real-deal!  He remembers all the kids that return to see him every year, he snuggles with the babies, and he listens intently to the many lists of coveted toys and treasures.   I give him credit – it’s not an easy job to be so loved…… and so, um, what’s the word…… utterly terrifying??

Here’s how my Jake feels about Santa…….. (Don’t worry, no children were harmed during the taking of this photograph). 

And then there’s my Kylie-Bear……

Of course, just two short years ago I couldn’t even get Kylie to go near Santa so I know Jake will come around.  There were so many kids that were screaming, crying, and reaching out to their parents.  Is it bad that it’s kind of cute because we know that one day they will “get it?”   When these children get back in their parents arms the crying immediately stops and they look at the parents (and Santa) with this big pouty lip and curious face as if to say: WHY?????????   Oh to believe again……

(For those that are looking for their Santa Pics, they will be available for viewing beginning November 29th)

Cool Shopping Find:  If you’re an early bird holiday shopper then you’ll love these fun stocking stuffers from the Land of Nod. The best part is – FREE SHIPPING!!

Here are a couple of my favorites.  Remember these guys??? So classic!

And how fun are these Scribble It Postcards?  Kylie would probably use them all up in one day and want me to send them right away to Nana, Dzia-Dzia, Grandpa, and Gramma Gail! 

Images from Land of Nod website

HAPPY MONDAY!!!!!

Here’s how it works….

Tickets will be given out beginning at 10:30am.  Your ticket will have a number on it — so you don’t have to try and stand in line with your kids.  You can hang around outside or do a little shopping (15% off storewide) and your number will be called when Santa is ready for you.  Bring your camera because you are welcome to take your own pictures!   Of course, I will be taking pictures as well and my images will be available online after the event for viewing and purchase if you wish.

Shoppe of Vinings  |  3244 Cobb Parkway (in the Kroger Shopping Center)  |  Atlanta, GA  30339  |  770-818-0708

Here are a few fun pics from last year…

I don’t know if Santa is REALLY a NY fan, but he’s a good sport! 

Don’t forget to bring your list – Santa loves lists!

Okay – I had to include this one.  I was browsing through last year’s photos and recognized my friend Lisa’s family — back before I even met Lisa!  I don’t think Kate liked sitting with Santa, but there’s not much that a good lollipop can’t fix! 

See you Saturday!!

To further customize them, we can add a scallop border.  These are also beautiful as a simple flat or two-sided 5×5 card as well.

And a couple more 5×7 holiday card designs…..

NOTE: The holiday session deadline is fast approaching (November 7th) and all orders must be placed by November 13th to guarantee holiday delivery!

1 – The holidays REALLY ARE almost here!

2 – The cut-off for portrait sessions requiring holiday cards or gifts will be November 7th (yikes!) — that’s only six weeks away!

3 – I am considering mini-sessions this year if there is enough interest out there – send me a note! 

4 – MARK YOUR CALENDAR for the best Santa ever – at the Shoppe of Vinings on Saturday, November 13th.  More details to follow!

5 – Available session dates are booking up FAST, so if you really want fall portraits – contact me as soon as possible!

Here are a few holiday card samples from the many different collections available this year.

Side note:  The cards don’t actually have rounded edges – that’s just a template that I used to insert the images. 

Don’t forget to mark you calendars for the Annual Santa Day and Open House at the Shoppe of Vinings on November 14th from 11am-3pm.  This guy is the REAL DEAL!  Bring the kids and your camera, take some pictures, do some shopping – and have a great afternoon.  Of course, CCJames Photography will be on hand to capture the moment if you prefer!  Click HERE to see some great images from last year.