I Heart Faces - Sun Flare

This is the first time I've ever entered a picture in I Heart Faces' weekly contest. But I just recently took this photo of Jack at the park and loved the sun flare, so I figured I'd enter this week's contest! Pop over to their website and check out some amazing photos!

Mr. Independent

People have told me ever since we had Jack, "Don't blink, or your baby will be a little boy."

I must have blinked.

My husband was out of town this weekend for work, and so Mr. Jack and I packed up on a beautiful Saturday afternoon and headed to the park for a date. Last time we were at this particular park, he wasn't even a year old. Now, we're almost 3 months away from turning two *deep breath*, and all I hear is, "Me do!"

When we got there, I had to keep him from sprinting away from me.


It was so crowded, but he didn't care one bit. He went straight for the swings, but once he was on, he kept looking down. Poor kid was afraid of the height.



Eventually the crowd got to him, and instead we hit the soccer fields and I let him run loose (I use the term loose loosely).


And when it got too cold and it was time to leave, I'm not going to lie - he wasn't happy about it. But eventually I forced gently coerced him back into the car, and we were homebound.

Trying hard this week not to blink.

The Pack Family

I got the chance a couple weeks ago to spend the morning with the Pack's. I love this family to death - they are so fun and easy going! We went to downtown Gastonia, where there are quite a few fun places to shoot!



Their children are way too adorable:






Thanks guys!!

I feel like Dorothy...

...Because there seriously is no place like home. Last year, Jack's first Christmas, was spent in PA with my husband's family, and while it was a lot of fun, I've been so excited this year to be home for Christmas - I can't wait to wake Jack up and tell him it's Christmas. I know he's not even 2 yet and he still doesn't quite grasp everything going on, but I know he'll sense the excitement, and you KNOW he'll be all about ripping some paper off some boxes :-)

Right now he's currently in love with Elmo (who he calls "melmo"), and we found a cute stuffed Elmo (silent as the grave since it'll be something he sleeps with) that I can't wait for him to open.

All this will be even better if I can actually finish my shopping. It's shameful how behind I am.

Anyway, my friend Amber (who I've never actually met, but feel like I have since we've been friends online for like 5 or 6 years) tagged me to share 7 random things about myself. Sure, why not.

1. I have a small obsession with Mexican food.  In particular, tacos. I am to tacos as Santa is to cookies.  The Salsarita's near my work - I think they recognize me now.

2. Taco-obsession aside, I'm one year into a weight loss journey, and before the holidays, I was 23 lbs down. I'm taking December off (much like I took 2009 off), and in January I'll start training for a 10K, and I'm sure it'll help me lose the last 15-20 lbs.

3. When I've reached my 35 lb mark, I'm going to buy a pair of Buckle jeans as a reward. I never buy $100 jeans, but I think by then I'll have deserved it.

4. I'm slowly becoming a runner. My husband has done a couple marathons, and his dream is for us to do one together one day.  Fat. Chance. BUT - I have done a couple 5Ks now, and as I said we're both doing the Cooper Bridge Run 10K in Charleston in April. Maybe if I survive, I'll train for a half marathon. Or I'll die on the side of the road. I'm not sure which.

5. I am in love with Photography. Right now it's still just a serious hobby of mine, but if I can save enough money to purchase the camera I want, perhaps one day it can be more, God willing. But only God willing.

6.  I am also in love with all things Italy. We were blessed to be able to go in 2008 before Jack, and our goal is to go again the moment we've said goodbye to our kids as they head off to college. Seriously - we'll be packed and ready to go as we pull out of the University.

7. I love home. I used to love travelling, but now, I love being home.

Thanks Amber for tagging me!

Smiling Spatula

I've gotten the opportunity twice now to shoot for Marisa at Smiling Spatula. It's the first time I've taken pictures of food, and oh my - what wonderful food it is! If you have a sweet tooth, please, try Smiling Spatula. Speaking from experience, you'll go gaga over the chocolate chip cookie dough sandwiches, brownies, and more. Seriously, go now.

The Harris Family

This weekend I had the honor of shooting Christmas pictures for my friend Amy and her beautiful family. The Hewlett's and the Harris' go back awhile, way before we were chasing around toddlers together. And with the arrival of their second son, Avery, Christmas was the perfect time to catch up on some pictures.

Final Christmas Card!

All Of Us Christmas 5x7 folded card

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