Meet Isabella!!!

Isabella joined our family on Friday at only 9 weeks old. She was a little unsure of us at first but has warmed up considerably! Clint said no dogs in the bed, but this one sleeps on the pillow right between us! As soon as we picked her up we had to take a shopping trip to Petco. Do you love this little sweater we found???
Maggie was a little jealous. We are getting used to her in the middle of our bed as well...
Maggie held her all by herself!
Gracie loves having a puppy in the house!
Andrew is just so silly! Poor Bella!!!
Look how happy Carter is!
Stay tuned for more pics of this little one. She's like a 5th child! Welcome, Isabella, we love you!! (And I promised Clint no pics of him holding the Yorkie on the blog!!! Come on over and I'll show you those in person. ;-)

Where's Detra???

I'm still here! I had a great time at the conference and am happy to be home. You would *think* that letting four children go to the beach and play in February would be a good idea, right? I think my sister thought it was a good idea, until it happened. I haven't downloaded the pictures from that trip yet but will as soon as I have a chance to breathe!
On another note, my Grandmother has had a heart attack and is not doing well. She's in ICU and my other sister is on her way home from out of state. If you could say a little prayer for us as we go through this we would greatly appreciate it. I have lost one grandmother when I was twelve - and that's it. I am blessed to have my grandparents with me, but my Grandmother in particular has been such a presence in my life that I can't even begin to imagine what life will be like without her.
On a happier note we have a little addition to our family! I'll show you a picture of her soon as well, promise! Hint: She's around 2 lbs and we are wrapped!!! Anyone care to guess?

Going to Conference!

My husband says I have it made, and to hear him tell it I would agree! His last comment came because of my upcoming convention to Myrtle Beach. On Monday I will be headed to the beach for a very quick seminar with exciting photographers I have been dying to meet! I had originally planned on coming home Tuesday afternoon, but I have the room until Wednesday so why not stay??? I will be taking along my sister and my four children, and if I have a spare moment I will of COURSE take some pics of them and post them on this blog next week. Remember that it is February when you start asking yourself why I dressed my children in long sleeves at the beach! ;-) I will have my phone with me and my computer so if you need anything just call and leave a voice mail or email me and I'll be in touch as soon as I can!
I didn't want to leave you without a couple of pictures. Here are two Brides who did Bridal Portraits at the beach in August.

This one was taken in the morning and the water was a little chilly!

Another Bride, another day, but later in the evening. It was much warmer by then!

Can you see the difference in the clarity of the photos? I love to do early morning portraits in the summer to avoid all of the humidity. August is very humid! Plus, if we start in the morning we don't lose our light.

We take a family -- meaning my entire family, Mom and all! -- trip usually in late summer to the beach each year. This year I will be taking appointments for sessions on the beach! I haven't decided on the dates yet, so if you have a favorite leave it in the comment section and maybe we will plan around it! I am trying to work around my summer weddings, so this could be an earlier trip this year. Who knows???
I look forward to blogging again next week. Until then, I am only a phone call away!

Keith and Jennifer!

Keith and Jennifer are two of the sweetest people you will ever meet, and together they make the cutest couple! They stopped by Thursday evening to have formal pictures made for the newspaper. We are going to do an informal e-session at a secret place so stay tuned. (Just don't hold your breath too long -- it has to warm up around here first!)

I always wonder which one the couple will choose. Three of my favorites:



I can't wait to post more e-pics from these two, but I am really excited about their wedding April 5! Jennifer is going to be a beautiful Bride!!!