The Stories of Mamma Goose

Praying for Madelyn

2009-10-30T11:15:00.002-05:00

her best friend, Dolly

This is Madelyn. She is the beautiful, intelligent daughter of my dear friend, Amy. And she is sick with leukemia. Just days ago she was running around outside but now in the blink of an eye, their life has changed. Amy is one of the greatest moms I know, but she needs your prayers to keep up the strength to continue to be great as she has to watch her baby go through this. Their family is very faithful and for that I am relieved and grateful. Please pray over this little girl and look back often to be reminded of how delicate our lives are and how quickly things can change. More information at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/madelyngregg1

at our photo shoot last year

Posing at Knox's birthday party in September

I win!

2009-10-19T11:29:00.002-05:00

For Cutest God-Daughter! Love you, Sofia!

Beachin'

2009-10-18T21:39:00.001-05:00

Knox and a Train

2009-10-14T08:35:00.000-05:00

Fall is in the air!

2009-09-28T19:36:00.001-05:00

Gill-more girls!

2009-09-15T16:02:00.005-05:00

The Gill family has let me photograph Addie Grace while she's grown up-

and what a model she is. Her history of photographs is my history of learning the art of photography!

Now, at 5 years old, she's getting ready to be a big sister. Christine, her mamma, battled cancer before being able to become a mommy again, and this baby is certainly going to be a testament to faith, prayer, and the medical community. I am honored to be her friend and photographer, and can't wait to hold baby Sadie in a few weeks!

I had to take advantage of this fabulous stork graffiti in downtown Franklin. I would almost accuse a fellow photographer of putting it there just to have a cool place for maternity pics! Hopefully the city won't paint over it so I can use it again!

Knox is Two

2009-09-10T13:32:00.001-05:00

It took over a week long of celebrations to get him there, but he is now officially two years of age!

A Before and After

2009-08-15T15:01:00.004-05:00

I am a big fan of "before and after" stuff. I read DesignSponge all the time just to see what new projects have been attempted by other readers. One of life's biggest before and after, though, has got to be transition from couple to parents. You might recognize Mandy and Chaz from a post a few weeks ago. Then it was about pregnancy, and now, its all about baby Cate!

Cate's beautiful nursery fit for a queen.

My Goofy Kiddos

2009-08-04T12:08:00.002-05:00

The kids seem to get a little slap happy near bedtime. This was one of about 50 runs! (I can't figure out how to rotate the video!)

First comes love...

2009-07-22T16:05:00.005-05:00

And then comes marriage...an inevitable if I want to keep photographing darlings in baby carriages. So, taking on weddings can only be good for Mamma Goose business! I have been a reluctant wedding photographer, but as time passes, I am warming to the idea. I spent Saturday with Amanda and Kevin and documented their wedding day for them. The weather was perfect and there were lots of laughs. Not a bad a way to spend an afternoon.

Best Wishes!

Cousins

2009-07-06T12:26:00.003-05:00

Meet my second cousin, Mallory, just 2 weeks old. A little chunk of cheeky sweetness! Congrats Lauren and John!

The Great Camping Caper

2009-06-29T12:13:00.007-05:00

Lucy and Hayden

For those who know me well, you would not often choose the word "outdoorsy" to describe my personality. Don't get me wrong-I love to (day)hike and (lay out at) the beach, and (rent cabins in front of)the mountains, but when bugs and snakes and being uncomfortable start coming into play, I get the hibbie jeebies. However, I think camping made a big impact on my husband's childhood memories, so I have commited to making it a part of my children's memories. We started out with a one night "roughing it" tent sleeping father's day weekend event with our good buddies the Gores. Despite our air mattress deflating, 98 degree weather, ticks, and an early morning er visit for little Dane, we still managed to have fun. I keep thinking that SURELY we can improve our conditions next time around!

Knox and Dane-partners in crime. This is probably not the last time these two will hunker over a cooler together.

Fishin'

I know what you are thinking.."whos the friendly omish guy that is helping the kids fish?" Thats just Dan in his fancy hat.

The Barbie fishing pole reels one in! Lucy's first ever catch!

Sweet little Dane...this is pre-emergency room treatment for a burn to the arm.

And my crew...still happy after 24 hours of camping and barely any sleep. I have to be grateful for that!

Deasons

2009-06-26T20:43:00.003-05:00

"Boy, I hear you in my dreams, I feel your whisper across the sea. I keep you with me in my heart, you make it easier when life gets hard."

-Jason Miraz "Lucky"

Happy Anniversary to Becky and Jay (not pictured, but in spirit, from Iraq).

Next year-same place, same time, but with all FOUR of you!

Popsicles

2009-06-14T14:44:00.003-05:00

Dialogue inside my head one afternoon while watchin my children:

"Why, look at you two! Sharing your popsicles -like little Christian disciples-, genuinely wrapped up in this perfect memory of childhood summer. Well, I obviously must be doing something right in my parenting-I even have it captured on film! I can envision a popsicle themed page to your scrapbook...I bet I could find popsicle stickers and use real popsicle sticks as borders. Oh, I have GOT to get your father-he needs to relish this moment, too. We can all bask in the glory that is our family........(mommy runs inside for 10 seconds)"

And returns swiftly to reality.....

Better believe I am still putting that in the scrapbook!

Welcome to the world, Harrison!

2009-06-12T09:06:00.002-05:00

Sam and Sarah Beth

2009-06-11T09:34:00.004-05:00

Last year it was soccer and magic wands. This year its all about baseball and rock and roll! I think Molly's (Sam and Sarah Beth's awesome mommy) idea of having their picture taken with their favorite things is a great way to remember what life was like that year. Sometimes I do wonder if I will remember all the funny things my kids liked and how they knew the words to some songs or the silly names they give stuffed animals. Makes you want to bust out the camera doesn't it?!

(note the first lost tooth!)

(Thank you! We'll be here all week!)

Larkin

2009-05-26T19:46:00.005-05:00

Larkin has been my walking buddy for some time now (well, she rides in the stroller). Her mom, Ashley, is my constant encourager to push myself and run faster, longer. Both are bright spots in my day. I am happy to have documented her being 1 year old!

There she goes, taking after her mommy!

Mammas

2009-05-14T20:22:00.008-05:00

Sunday was a lovely Mother's Day, especially when spent with the two dolls up above. We celebrated with fancy pancakes, church, a little spa-ing, and grilling hamburgers. Knox "surprised" me early in the week by finding where his dad hid my present, unwrapped it, and brought it to me with a little, "here ye go". Our next skill will be picking pockets in crowds.

Then Monday brought the unique opportunity to photograph not one, but two first time expectant moms. Both were so beautiful and made me miss (briefly) being pregnant! It was the perfect way to drive home the gift of being a mamma.

Anna and Baby Harrison

Mandy and Baby Catherine

No Place Like Home Project 2009

2009-05-02T20:18:00.019-05:00

For the past several years, I have been blessed with leading a church project nicknamed "The No Place Like Home Project". On our church's Great Day of Service, my co-chair, Tiffany, and I direct a group of awesome volunteers to completely redecorate and organize the home of a deserving single mom. Our efforts start weeks before as we meet the family, photograph their living quarters, determine needs, and then plan how to make it all work with less than $1000 and furniture donations. This year our family's situation was vastly improved before we even started, moving from a run down trailer into family housing. I was impressed with the cleanliness and functionality of the housing provided by the City of Franklin. Simple things like a shower that works and proper electrical wiring are things that we didn't have to worry about this year!

The mom has 3 boys, ages 11, 9, and 7 and they love soccer, sports, watching movies and being rambunctious boys. The mom loves the ocean and the color blue. It was really a joy on my part to have met them and to try to ease the tiniest bit of stress and woe that this family has and is experiencing.

I have often wrestled with the fact that God has labeled one of my spiritual gifts as decorating on a budget. It seems superfluous and unimportant at times, but I have become to truly believe that a clean, organized home can reset a person's perspective.

Here are the before and afters!

Signatures of Project Volunteers

Living Room

Hallway

Kitchen

Tween Boy Room

Mom's Room

Boys' Bunk Room

The Bathroom

Fun at the Zoo

2009-04-27T11:44:00.001-05:00

Lay One On Me

2009-04-06T19:31:00.005-05:00

Egg hunting is a favorite around our nest...

FUMC Preschool

Out at the site of our future church building..

(the first of many "easter balls" as Knox likes to say)

And dying eggs with our buddies, the Gores...

which, of course, is only properly done in a tutu.

Sidenote: All photos taken with a Canon PowerShot SD790 IS point and shoot. Its a recent addition to my diaper bag for moments when bulky camera gear won't do (like chasing two children through a field with 100 other kids ,trying to point out eggs in the grass, yelling at them not to throw them at people and all the while trying to document for the "easter" page of the scrapbook, oh yeah, and relish this fleeting moment of their childhood) , and so far, I am very happy with the purchase and would recommend it to anyone wanting low fuss.

Some Smiles to Start Your Weekend

2009-03-27T19:25:00.003-05:00

Some smiles from last weekend....

Whole Hearted

2009-03-25T16:55:00.008-05:00

Waiting at VCH

Our little Knox has his follow up today at Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital to determine whats been going on with that hole in his heart. First order of business was an ultrasound, which to any 18 month old is daunting-dark room, stranger, stick and gooey stuff...and stay STILL! Add to that the fact the child is Knox, who has serious stranger danger relflexes and the inability to stay still in any given spot, and you have recipe for disaster. The craziest thing is he laid still as I have ever seen him be, even sleeping! A statue. Frozen. For nearly 20 minutes. Dan and I just kept gazing at each other in amazement (afraid to speak or move for fear of jinxing it!). The cardiologist said later that the images they were able to get were amazing. Minute measurements were taken just because they could. My prayer during this whole ordeal was for God to guide the doctors and to help them do whatever they could to heal my child. I was fully prepared to allow God to work through the hands of a surgeon. It was by no accident that Knox lay there so still. That was proven when the dr. annouced (almost sheepishly) that he couldn't actually see the hole anymore. He could hear it, and could see the blood flow changes but as far as looking (even at those crystal clear images) he couldn't SEE it. The tissue surrounding it has begun to close it without intervention. Well, with out MEDICAL intervention, that is! Smaller hole equals no surgery.

Yay no surgery!

I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is simply answering the prayers laid before him over the past six months. I know his phone was ringing off the hook, thanks to an amazing network of friends. I know that just this week another boxer was added to his corner of the ring. I know there are other things that I cannot see but know are there and I am good with just knowing. Be still and know that I am God.

So for now, we get to return to life as "normal" and wait a year. And truth be told, I'm not worried a bit. (except for that whole having to raise a boy until he's 18 part :-))

The Right Stuff

2009-03-17T17:48:00.004-05:00

There are times I am simply grateful for the way God designed us humans. I was thinking about that last night as I marveled at the concept of memory and how awesome it is to get older and have memories start to mean even more. Now, you might find my SOURCE of memory hilarious, but it harkens back for me a bit of my youngster years. Lucky for the blogging world, I recently got a Canon point and shoot to supplement the big camera when one is needed that will fit in a clutch. I guess in 20 more years THIS memory will bring back as many smiles as last night's did!

This is me and the pink arrow is the New Kids on the Block! Live and in Concert! (yes, they are still living...barely.)
The white shirted one would be Jon, "my" new kid, who incidentally was 21 when I was 11 which is totally creepy. They all took quite a few breaks so not to invite heartattack, but otherwise put on the show all the crazy ladies were there to see.

And, since now you are totally jealous, here is a peek at the show. Check all the mom heads!

K-Will or Knox Vil Le or K-Willy?

2009-02-24T11:34:00.001-06:00

Charlotte

2009-02-23T18:20:00.003-06:00

Such a sweet little thing...just 4 weeks old!

I loved loved her dimples and
that awesome red hair!

Big Brother Grayson was living it up as the new head hancho in town, but I remember when he was that tiny, too!.....

2006

Mamma Goose Intern?

2009-02-16T07:59:00.006-06:00

Lucy has been going crazy with her birthday camera and its funny to see what she finds interesting. There have been lots of snapshots of the floor, the toilet and way too closeups of everyone's face or rear end! Here are a few that I actually like in a post modern art sort of way:

This was after me suggesting she go outside and find beautiful things to photograph...she chose her Barbie dress up shoes.

Some detective work going on in this one...

Mommy perched at the computer with cell phone to ear-a very realistic portrait of me!

Close up of those super cute lips.

Happy Birthday, Lucy!

2009-02-11T16:37:00.007-06:00

Birthday Bowling and Brinner

2009-02-09T13:28:00.011-06:00

Birthdays are a big deal around our house, and we ceremoniously celebrate the "birthday week." My tiny little baby is in full swing of her 4th birthday week, kicking off this past Saturday with her classmates. Since 3 of the 8 kids that make up her preschool class were born on February 10, 11, then 12th, we decided to take throw a big shindig instead of parading the preschool moms all around town for parties. Bowling was the entertainment of choice! Wizard of Oz was Lucy's theme for the day...her current obsession. My friend, Melissa of Lucky Bug Designs created this adorable "casual" Dorothy dress for the occasion. Of course, we already had the ruby slippers-any self respecting 3 year old has the target glitter shoes!

Lucy and friend, Brady

Taylor, the birthday boy and 1 day Lucy's elder, paling around with John and Joseph

Lucy and Taylor on perhaps her first car date. She pushed the pedal, he did most of the wrecking, er, steering.

Balloon kisses.

Daddy helping with the miniature bowling.

Megan, Taylor and Lucy sharing the official blowing out of the candles!

A few hours and Tylenol later, we prepared a breakfast feast for dinner. The brinner idea came about after the only food item Lucy could name that she likes us to cook was chocolate chip pancakes. What can I say, she prefers Cracker Barrel to mommy's cooking. So, Dan took charge and whipped up some pancakes, breakfast quesidillas and I made cupcakes. The fam came over to celebrate with us.

Nana, Drew, and Aunt Kellie getting some grub.

Brad, Steph, Grammy and GiGi.

The kiddie partay table.

Culinary genius...its a sculptural piece combining the symbolism of the yellow brick road of life and the turbulent nature of the tornado...just kidding, I had extra icing, that's all.

and many more...!

Of course, lets not forget the bounty of the day! Mom and Dad bestowed upon the 4 year old her first camera. Hopefully the results of some of her photography endeavors will appear on here soon. Here are some highlights:

Fancy Nancy Pants

Meet Goldie Starfish Williamson, the newest member of the family whom I will no doubt kill by next week. Thanks, Aunt Kellie, for that GREAT gift. I just ordered the ninja throwing stars and home piercing kit for your kids.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-06T07:31:00.005-06:00

Christmas Morning from my perspective

Christmas came so perfectly this year. We had a wonderful Christmas Eve at church and entered that night with the true spirit. I was so grateful for having peace that Jesus really was born so many years ago. To add to that, Lucy woke up the next morning proclaiming it was Jesus's birthday! Lucky for her, she got all the presents. We had some firsts this year:

My first soccer ball!

My first bicycle!

My first smoking jacket!

We had our immediate family christmas at home, then on to both sides of our families. Many hours and countless bows later, we crashed back at home. Two days later we ran away to the beach to stare blankly out the window and rest from all the commotion of the holidays. My camera didn't even make it out of the bag on that trip!

Lets interview Knox to get his opinion of his first memorable Christmas (he slept through last year!):

So Knox, what was your opinion of Christmas?

"ALL SMILES!"

Would you be interested in having Christmas again, say in about 352 days?

Shreds guitar as a yes.

And, lastly, how do you feel about it all being over?

Enough said.

Happy New Year everyone!

Suess 'Do

2008-12-23T18:23:00.003-06:00

The BEFORE

It is no secret that Knox's 16 month old hair has been beginning to resemble that of a certain beloved Christmas villian (see his shirt if you can't see past the mullet!). And after having been complimented on "my beautiful daughter" without having Lucy with me, I decided it was time to take the plunge and get him his first hair cut. This was tough for me. I have always wanted a little boy with long hair, but his is so stick straight it was getting way too unruly and just ended up being used as a napkin at the end of every meal.

TADAA!! The After!

I went ahead and got Lucy's trimmed, too, so everyone would look daper in their Christmas morning photos this week. This child is getting WAY into posing. This one was after she told me she wanted to take a "pretty" picture.

Lucy's BEFORE

Lucy after...way after. She was decorating a cake for Baby Jesus's birthday. She said he likes Christmas, so its a Christmas wreath. I at least talked her out of making a pink princess cake for him.

So now my little baby boy is walking-almost running-around my house looking every bit the part of a little boy. *sniffle* At lunch, I referred to him as "our baby" and Lucy said, "You mean our handsome, cool buddy." *Sniffle* *Sniffle*

And what happened then...?

Well...in Who-ville they say

That the Grinch's small heart

Grew three sizes that day!

And now we wait for Christmas....

Loving the Mall Santa.

2008-12-17T14:53:00.003-06:00

I offer no shame in the love of getting the kiddos picture made with Santa every year. I love looking back at pictures of myself as a kid and seeing what I wore, how many times I cried, the meat department Santa at Kroger that my mom used in a desperate attempt to get my sister to sit in a santa (any santa's!) lap. This year I did request Dan go with me, because I had a sneaking suspicion that Knox would freak. He has a pretty sensitive "Stranger Danger" reflex. So, we hit up the mall and waited in line, rehearsing what Lucy would ask for (making sure it matched what was actually going to be under the tree!), and distracting Knox.

The Santa was very nice He held Lucy's hands and spoke directly to her. She answered all his questions, rattled off "Cinderella Magic Wand Computer"(sigh of relief from mom) and "car" for Knox. Then all of a sudden she froze, pulled her hands away, and jerked me down to the floor. Her eyes were so wide, I thought she was having a panic attack! She whispered in my ear, "look behind Santa!". Well, sitting perched behind Santa was an Elf on The Shelf, exactly like the one that has been "watching" and moving around our house. Santa saw this reaction and totally played along with a question, "lets see, what was that elf's name that I sent to your house..." of course Lucy exclaimed, "Lapa!" (don't ask about the name, I don't know either), and Santa replied, "Ah yes, Lapa, cute little fellow. You know he reports back to me every night and lets me know if you are being good...or naughty. " Lucy was simply awe struck. True Believing twinkled in her eyes. I totally wanted to slip Santa a fifty.

I had gotten to the point lately that I was afraid she was getting a little too smart for her own good, already asking questions about which Santa was real, and how our elf was just a doll and dolls can't have magic. I think now, she got back a little of that mystique that goes with the season. I plan on keeping it that way forever. Just ask my mom, Santa still visits our house every year!

As for the picture, Lucy did great. And Knox looks like he's going to puke. But he's not crying, so I am happy. Ah, memories.

Angels Heard On High

2008-12-14T18:37:00.003-06:00

Getting instructions from Ms. Lynelle

I have learned that since being a parent, your life revolves around the silliest of things. This weekend was planned entirely around Lucy's first performance, and by performance, I mean first sentence spoken into a microphone in front of other people! Her Cherub Choir at church (made up of 3, 4, and 5 year olds)had their Christmas program. In the audience, Lucy had 10 family members for support! We waited anxiously for her to say, "and he sent them to Bethlehem and said, Go search diligently for the young child!". The greatest part was being able to see her cover one hand on the microphone and tell the mom in charge of prompting the kids their line, "I know how to say it, " as if to say, "Back off, I got it!". Her little voice coming across on the sound system was very angelic. The rest of the time she sang, waved, and fiddled with her hair and halo. Just how I would imagine a 3 year old angel would behave.

A little pre show feather fight!

Exclaiming, "Pap!" as she walked by us on the way to the stage!

There she goes! Note that every kid is looking in a different direction!

Snow Day

2008-12-12T12:22:00.005-06:00

I am officially crazy. As a photographer, when you wake up to snow, its hard not to think "PHOTOSHOOT!" Luckily, the kids were anxious to get outside, so they hardly noticed when I dressed them in cute clothes instead of the usually playing outside rough and tough wear. We only lasted maybe 15 minutes before we were all cold, wet and to the point of tears, but we still got some cute pictures. The hardest part was getting Knox to look up at me...he was fasinated by the snow and wouldn't stop starring at it!

I am feeling the pressure to send out Christmas cards this year, so we will see if and when we actually do it! Its easy to say you'll skip it, but then all the cute cards start showing up in the mail and taunt me hanging up in the foyer of my house. The best pics will have to wait to see if they are fated for Christmas card glory!

can you make out the single frozen tear?!

Lucy's first comment when it started snowing last night was "Now its Christmas." I would say I have to agree! Its almost here, folks!

Run, Mamma, Run!

2008-12-08T09:00:00.004-06:00

This past Saturday, I checked an item off my "bucket list": run a half marathon. Now, while that goal is obtainable by many people, it was a shot in the dark for me. Before August of this year, I had not run farther than 1 mile. I made fun of runners, running outfits, and found the mere thought of running for fun obsurd. But, I really began to like the idea of training and accomplishing something, so I have mentioned it to a friend, and before long, we were off and well, running! I would have never guessed I could actually do it, but I did-ran all the way, though my speed is pretty slow! Here are some pictures provided by Papa Goose and a few shout outs:

Me and Amy crossing the finish line! Amy has been my support along the journey both physically and mentally, and many days, spirtually! We stayed with each other the entire race and held hands as we finished so we would have the same time. Without her and our friend Ashley (who's time left us in the dust!), I would have never gotten the nerve to race!

My life long friend and cousin, Liz. We decided to both do this race seperately, then were surprised to find out that the other signed up! I am really proud of her for sticking to training and finishing in an impressive time, all in the same year she was diagnosed with Lupus. Take that, disease!

This is my buddy, Mike, crossing the finish after completing the FULL. Mike offered us running expertise and support during training. I still think anyone who would want to run one step past 13.1 is crazy, but this guy has now done it mulitple times.

Overall, taking 2 hours and 45 minutes to do something for myself that ended up as a feat of physical ability did wonders for my spirit. When you spend your day constantly rounding up children and rarely getting a thought completed, much less projects or tasks, getting awarded a medal for doing something means a lot. Now, little running vacation, then train for Music City. I guess I can add "runner" to my resume. Who would thought?!

Little Emmy

2008-12-01T20:09:00.005-06:00

Robin ranks pretty high up there when it comes to nicest person ever. She fell in love with Seth, who just so happens to be in that same contest for the nice award. And together, they had Emmy. Know what else is nice? When good things happen to good people, and that is just what this little blessing is! Thanks, guys, for letting me experience your new family. Pure joy.

Gotta love that hat!

Self Portrait at 30.

2008-11-25T12:48:00.002-06:00

So, November 26th of this year, I turn 30. I have yet to decide exactly how I feel about that. On one hand, I am glad. I feel accomplished at 30, having gotten the big things like marriage, college, and babies out of the way. On the other hand, there are parts I seem to have forgotten to do and now feel "too old". I was going to study in Italy, be a trapeeze artist, and have a bridal boutique. When I think about getting older, I freak, since my idea of retirement has been taking the job of a St. Thomas cab driver and sleeping on the beach. Already I have developed enough ailments to know that is probably not the best plan! And if my knees get stiff now, geez, what will 40, 50, 60 and beyond be like?! And my kids-If I get older, then they do to, and eventually my status as supreme being with the final say might be compromised as teenage years enter our household. And then they will move out and be free thinking adults who will, eventually, turn 30 themselves, leaving me, well...really, really old!

And how do you celebrate a milestone at this point? Up until now, it dictated itself: 16, get license, 18, register to vote and hit the over 18 scene, 21, buy a drink. 30, buy mom jeans? I just don't know. Many friends around me have made this the surprise party year-generally thrown by the younger in the married couple. Since Old Man Dan took the plunge at 30 a few months back, I guess I am safe there. A simple arrangement of 30 diamonds might be nice..

The kicker about turning 30 is no one asked me. It was going to happen whether I chose it to or not. God's plan has been pretty cool so far, so I okay with moving forward and checking out what lays ahead. I will take solace in knowing that with time passing also comes the time when my children sleep all night and go to school all day. Maybe then I will get on to the business of the flying trapeeze.

Portrait Blitz

2008-11-10T07:17:00.007-06:00

During the "Holiday Portrait Season", I find it easier to book a weekend full of sittings, one after another, in order to squeeze in as many folks as possible. This year it took place at the future home of Franklin First United Methodist Church. Our church bought the land mere months ago, and although it will be years before we break ground, you cannot deny thee feeling of possibility on that spot. I hired a sitter from sun up to sun down and Dan (my lovely assistant) and I spend the entire day enjoying the sunshine.

Mamma On break

One of the challenges I face being a portrait photographer is how to capture a family and still make it worthy of a Christmas card. I can be artistic all day long, but as a business owner, I still have to sell prints in the end. Lucky for me, Dan is an amazing help. He is a pied piper of sorts. Children find his humor hysterical, and by the end of the shoot, they are climbing on him and playing chase. We set up a pleasing background, interact with the kids and family, and the results (hopefully!) are portraits that feel honest.

Thanks to all the great families who came out. Part of the proceeds go to the building fund of the church-a place where all these smiling faces will grow up.

The Rice Quadruplets

2008-10-27T20:15:00.003-05:00

I specifically remember meeting Chuck Rice whenever he visited our Sunday school 3 summers ago. Just as casually as he would comment on the weather, he mentioned in conversation that his wife was pregnant and currently on bedrest. Boy or Girl? Yes, he replied. Quads. Well, they had my attention from that point on. They were born at an amazing 26 weeks (thats right, Danielle-26!) and although they had their fair share of time at Vandy, they are all vivacious 3 year olds! I have always wanted to photograph them, and Sunday I got my chance. I had a blast with each kid. Its fascinating to me that they came from the same place and are so different. Their whole journey is a visible testiment to miracles in my opinion, and I feel fortunate to know them. Ann never ceases to amaze me with her calm nature and ease at handling them. I keep a picture of them when they were little babies to remind me that I just have 2...it could be much harder!

Shep (short for Shepherd). He's the only boy and kind of the ring leader.

Laura Frances, whom I would best describe as an old soul.

Miss Elizabeth is going to give Mom and Dad a run for their money. And drive the boys crazy!
Mary Carter is just the tiniest little teacup and sweet as pie.

Thats a lot of little toes!

Pumpkinfest 2008

2008-10-26T14:32:00.003-05:00

I heart pumpkinfest. I have debated telling my kids that this Franklin event is actually Halloween, because its way better! Basically downtown Franklin shuts down all day to allow costumed children (and some adults) to fill the streets in search of candy, games, and good food. We trick or treated to the businesses, played old fashion games like fishing pond and lollipop tree, tasted and voted in the chili cookoff for lunch (then raided Lucy's bag for candy afterwards!) and just enjoyed the atmosphere. Its days like this one that truly make me appreciate my community. We were fortunate enough to be accompanied by Mickey and Minnie Mouse this year...

Leah as Sleeping Beauty

Little Bronson as a Penguin

Flower (Bella) and Lightening McQueen (Taylor)

THE scarecrow from Oz. Lucy was upset the rest of the gang wasn't also there!

Been a long time blogging.

2008-10-21T15:16:00.005-05:00

Well, I have had my hands full lately! Dan and I ran off to the Bahamas for 3 days and had a blast, but have been paying the price of being behind on EVERYTHING! And whilst distracted, my children like to reek havoc on my sanity! Why Rachel, what could your two sweet babies possibly get themselves into? Answer: Plenty!

Here is my 3 year old flirting with a fella who was suppose to be getting HIS picture made!

By the way, Thomas, you're grounded!

These cute grins from Lucy and Leah in the choir room, meant...

I am going to grin and chew on my robe instead of sing! Funny, she has a speaking part in the Christmas program. Not sure how that's going to go with a sleeve in her mouth.

And this sweet face can only mean...

I have piled Mac and Cheese on my head!

And here Lucy is, of course, milking a goat: Why?

Because she spent the day with Pap!

So, life has been streaming by, one hi jinx at a time. October will be over in a flash, but luckily the most fun comes at it's end!

Heartbreaker

2008-09-27T19:01:00.000-05:00

Ironically, this is a post I began 8 months ago. It was nearing Valentine's Day, and Knox had just gotten a "heartbreaker" outfit from Old Navy. I had trouble with the computer and uploading the pictures, so I never actually wrote anything to accompany the picture and title above. Now, this picture is so very tongue in cheek for the post I need to write today.

Let me start with this evening. FINALLY, this week our family had a productive day, relaxing afternoon, and like so many other nights, we topped it off with a trip to the local Mexican resturant. Sounds silly, but the Mexican resturant has come to represent an important place in our lives. I have, over the years, celebrated birthdays, looked at engagement rings, starred into future daddy's eyes, cried for children that might have been, made important decisions, mourned, laughed-all over chips and salsa. Dan and I even chose to watch George W's speech on September 11, 2001 through the thick glass bottoms of La Siesta's margarita glasses. FINALLY, this week, I got my long over due margarita that I had been waiting for since Wednesday afternoon.

See, Wednesday was Knox's doctor appointment at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. When he was 4 days old, the pediatrician noticed upon his "exit exam" from the hospital, a heart murmur. We were directed to our regular physician that following Tuesday, and the pediatric cardiologist by Tuesday afternoon. We were lucky enough to get the Chief of the department as our doc. Chief of anything at Vanderbilt CH equals pretty darn smart in my book. We were assured then, and 3 months after, that the murmur was a VSD, a ventricular septal defect, in lamens terms, a "hole" in the heart. Of all congential heart defects, this was the one to have if you had to pick. Most of the time these defects "often close on their own" as did mine when I was a baby. Nothing to worry about. Nothing to fear. Until Wednesday. We went through the same rigamoroll as the last time except this time, the doc said see you in 6 months, and we will most likely be scheduling open heart surgery. I'm sorry, did you just say OPEN HEART SURGERY? Surely, you must be mistaken. See, my son is just a year old and although he's small, he's fine, more than fine-great. Turns out, he did in fact say surgery, even though to be honest, what I heard between then and us walking out is patchy-mainly because I was fighting the crocodile tears that were welling in my eyes and trying to play it cool. Apparently Knox's hole isn't closing afterall. His lungs are recieving twice as much blood-one side of his heart working twice as hard as the other, because it has a leak. And unless we want him to continue down the road towards high blood pressure and enevitable heart strain, he must undergo the surgery to patch his little heart up so it can beat normally.
God is wonderful in that he gently laid me into the hands of good friends Thursday, Friday and today. He is also good in connecting me to those who will be on a similar path and have the very same fears I will have. And, I think he knows that mentally, this will be almost unbearable for me. Hence the Mexican resturant. Hence all the friends he is surrounding me with. Hence the 3 day trip next week to a sunny locale that Dan and I have been wishing for.
So, long story short, my heart will most certainly break from having to endure the discomfort of my baby, but my heart break will be in order to fix his. Being a parent is bittersweet, isn't it? For now, we have to wait 6 months before hearing anything else. Keep his little heart in mind, would you?

Hungry for Fall

2008-09-25T11:49:00.004-05:00

Fall brings out the best in foods. Caramel apples, pumpkin pie, candy corn: just to name a few of my favorites. I once had a chef friend tell me that I was unusual because I loved both chocolate and earthy flavors (pumpkin, apple, cinnamon) since most people usually prefer one or the other. I just call it hungry. This week to further emphasis the letter "a" that has been the talk at preschool and to take advantage of fall's bounty, some friends headed to Boyd Mill Farm to let the youngsters pick apples. Early Wednesday morning a line of mini vans and SUVs overran the small farm and easily overtook the apple trees! For $5 a family, the very nice owner allowed our kids to run around picking until their heart were content and because they were pesticide free, they could munch on them straight off the tree. Lucy has been spoiled with her Pap's apple tree this summer, but she still enjoyed picking and seeing her friends.

Us watching the owner pick some pears off her old old pear tree.

Ellie Spotting a Big Apple

Also with weather cooling off, its making us crank up the fire pit in the back yard and linger outdoors after dinner. The first cool evening we had, we were ready for smores. And although all I could dig out of the pantry was mini marshmallows, they were still good!

First, First

2008-09-02T14:38:00.004-05:00

"They say its your birthday...happy birthday to ya."

Monday was the much anticipated celebration of Knox completing one year of life, and his parents successfully seeing him through it without too many scars. His party was smiley face themed, because if you haven't met him, its his favorite thing to do-smile. He donned his Mr. Happy tshirt and overall enjoyed seeing a few of his baby friends and being surrounded by family.

Cake Time! Now, unlike my first child, who's first taste of sugar was her 1st birthday cake, Knox probably had ice cream at 7 months (I know there are some moms out there that just screeched). He's the SECOND child, remember? From what I understand, the third child fixes their own meals. Knox was still pretty happy to be given his own cake. He looked at and then looked at us and kinda smiled. The whole time he ate, he looked around like surely someone was going to call him out on this! The little stinker even used a fork. What a gentleman!

Knox loved all his presents! (Lucy got a few too, since it just happend to be her half birthday also!) I tried the "no presents" thing with Lucy's first party and no one listened, so I gave up this time and let his family spoil his with obnoxious noise making boy toys. Goodwill: Expect a load of old toys from the Williamsons this week!

And more firsts for this post:

First Day of Preschool!

Poor Knox-he wants to do everything she does!

Lucy began her first day of preschool. Its a little more advanced than mothers day out with a curriculm and more activities. She loves her teacher (mom does, too!) and is going to get a taste of what boys are really like since right now she is 1 of only 2 girls in the class!

Hope your first week of September is a good one!

Austin Mental Limits

2008-08-29T15:57:00.005-05:00

Dan had yet another trip to Austin last week, so we decided we would tag along and see what Austin had to offer. I really liked the city, however, if I ever go again, it will be sans children! For some unknown reason, both kids decided to pull out their devil horns for this mini vaca, leaving me frazzled and outnumbered most of the time. There were a few highlights.

Lucy loved the hotel. When we checked in, our room wasn't ready, so they upgraded us to a 2 bedroom suite. This meant Lucy had her own roomHer own queen size bed with down comforter and gazillion pillows, And her own flat screen TV!We could've just stayed there and she would have been fine! We went over to the sprawling Dell International Headquarters to meet some of Dan's cohorts that he talks about so I could but faces to the names. Lucy liked being able to see where he goes to work when he's in Texas.

Austin has some great restaurants. We liked Chuy's-sort of a tex mex red bar. I definitely liked and appreciated the "Keep Austin Weird" vibe through out the city. I never did pick up one of the tshirts, mainly because at the time, I was hoping the experience of screaming children would magically be erased from my memory. The wounds have healed a little now, so maybe I'll send Dan back there for the T.
Very Similar to Chuy's was Shady Grove, the left overs of a once motor village. This is Lucy thinking I am the worst mother in the whole world:

Thats right, just 5 cents a day could feed this poor orphaned girl

We "rode the ducks" and got to see some cool sights around Austin and then motored around Town Lake.

As close as we got to the Alamo, Pap:

Bigger in Texas:
Overall, I was glad to get home. However, I did have 2 heavenly retail experiences that although there is no photographic evidence, the shopping bags are real:

1. Whole Foods. Austin is home base for Whole Foods, and the store that houses the offices, is amazing! I walked in and never wanted to leave. They had food after food bar offering everything you could ever want. Texas laws allow you to DRINK while you SHOP (compose yourself), and there was live music (its Austin, remember!). We ate dinner there one night and probably had the best food. If I lived in Austin, I would weigh 300 pounds from eating there, but my body fat would be 100% recyclable.

2. "And on the 7th day He rested, but He obviously got up early the next morning and created IKEA." This place is the bomb. And I don't use "the bomb" very often. Its the size of like 3 costcos and divided into first a pier one like atmosphere with rooms set up like you can view how it'll look and then more of a warehouse section where you grab the big stuff you liked in the show rooms. The only sad part was I only had an hour, but don 't worry, I pretty much shoved anything I thought I could fit on the plane into the shopping cart. And the prices are so cheap. I have decided I should just drive a uhaul to Atlanta and redo the whole house. Dan isn't allowed to come home from Austin anymore without an IKEA purchase.

We did a lot of other things, more eating, the bats, the children's museum, which probably explains the cranky babies. Regardless, I am looking forward to my next adult only trip!

Happy Birthday to You

2008-08-29T06:48:00.004-05:00

Look out world, here I come!

Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday dear Knox, Happy Birthday to you!

Few Facts about the Birthday Boy:

1. At 1 year old, I can:

crawl, stand up, dance, play pat a cake, make elephant and duck sounds, say daddy, momma, grammy, pap, nana, papa, Lucy, Beau, all done, macoroni, yeh, Love you, hi, bye bye, and the occasional random word like Hayden, baby, texas.

2. My favorite foods are: green peas, mac n cheese, grapes, cheddar cheese, bread, blue berries, peantu butter (is it sad that he's already had that?!), corn, Clifford Cereal.

3. Activities include: banging on stuff, trying to stick fingers in light sockets, eating dog food, trying to climb stairs, putting small objects in my mouth, yelling for Lucy, patting Beau on the back, putting my food in my hair, crawling, crawling crawling.

4. Popular Nicknames: Knoxer, Knoxer Doxer, Knoxer Man, Knoxy, Brother Man, Brother Bear, Buddy Boy, baby, sweet muffin.

5. My favorite toys are: my loveys, the remote, balls, anything of Lucy's that makes noise.

6. I smile constantly.

And lets pay homage to the one who let you into this world, little buddy! Don't you forget it, either!

No pictures for this one...

2008-08-26T07:34:00.002-05:00

For any of you kind folks who tune into my blog occasionally, I encourgage you to read and pray for our dear friends Danielle and Blake who again struggle with the difficult journey of trying to bring a baby into the world. I want desperately to one day post pictures of a chubby round baby on here for them, but right now their child is truly in God's hands, so please ask of him to make this child a reality. They need more than ever to feel the power of people praying for them.

http://blakeanddaniellemalone.blogspot.com/

Young Men

2008-08-18T14:54:00.003-05:00

I am not used to photographing anyone who stays still and smiles on cue, but the Walton Boys were definitely no nonsense fellows and made my job pretty easy. Hunter is going into 12th grade, Chris into 8th. I look forward to capturing the whole family this fall.

But hold the phones, let's not forget who the cutest fellow around here is!

Family Photo

2008-08-15T13:10:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago Dan's Family rounded up for a group portrait...one that I didn't have to run back to get in the picture before it flashed! See the results!

http://adrianhitt.blogspot.com/2008/08/family-photographer-franklin-tn.html

Weekend of Shoots...

2008-08-14T10:56:00.005-05:00

Been Busy.

Dedmond Kids

The Wollum Family

Boomerang

http://www.boomerangtheband.com/

They'll be playing Pucketts October 25.

Thats my Aunt Gay in front, Aunt Bev 3rd back and Uncle Frank 4th back.

C'est la vie

2008-07-29T08:48:00.006-05:00

say the old folks, "It goes to show you never can tell."

10 Years and 4 days of marriage.

Then:

Now: Dan and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary last Friday. We had a great time spending the day together, eating at a resturant without crayons, and sleeping through the night and well into the morning, courtesy of grandparents keeping our kids. Overall, I think our mood was one of accomplishment. Personally, I felt like someone should have rang our doorbell and handed us a trophy. In an era where divorce seems more common than not, having 10 years under our belts feels pretty good. And its been pretty fun, too....

We've been places together and had experiences that were amazing.

Riding the tube in London.

Watching the sunrise in the Grand Canyon.

We got us a family of two pretty cool kids (with an even cooler daddy)...

Lil' Knox Davies

Little Lucy Claire

We've worked our way through 10 countries, 9 collective years of college, 8 cell phones, 7 jobs, 6 bedding changes, 5 kitchen tables, 4 cars, 3 houses, 2 apartments, 1 truck and a partridge in a pear tree.

And it all began here...

It was a teenage wedding, and the old folks wished 'em well

You could see that Pierre did truly love the mademoiselle

And now the young monsieur and madame have rung the chapel bell

"C'est la vie," say the old folks, "It goes to show you never can tell"

They furnished off an apartment with a two room Roebuck sale

The coolerator was crammed with TV dinners and ginger ale

But when Pierre found work, the little money comin' worked out well

"C'est la vie," say the old folks, "It goes to show you never can tell"

They had a hi-fi phono, boy, did they let it blast

Seven hundred little records, all blues, rock, rhythm and jazz

But when the sun went down, the volume went down as well

"C'est la vie," say the old folks, "It goes to show you never can tell"

They bought a souped up jitney, 'twas a cherry red '53

They drove it down to New Orleans to celebrate their anniversary

It was there that Pierre was wedded to the lovely mademoiselle"

C'est la vie," say the old folks, "It goes to show you never can tell

"They had a teenage wedding, and the old folks wished them well

You could see that Pierre did truly love the mademoiselle

And now the young monsieur and madame have rung the chapel bell

"C'est la vie," say the old folks, "It goes to show you never can tell"

Just Sofia

2008-07-23T08:22:00.003-05:00

Just a few more weary days and then..

2008-07-22T19:57:00.003-05:00

Summer will be over! Until then, we will just grin and bear the heat! This past weekend started with a lil' apple pickin' at Grammy and Pap's house.

The Fruits of her labors (pun intended :-)

Liz and Sofia were also in town. We got together for a lil' redneck riviera swimmin' in my mom's backyard.

This might as well be me and Liz-our kids look like us, what can I say?

I think I said the word bubbles, which to Sofia, is hilarious.

Hold Me Closer, Tiny Dancer.

2008-07-21T19:03:00.003-05:00

This weekend was chopped full of great photo opportunities, but instead of getting organized, I'd rather skip to this morning! Lucy started ballet camp. Not just any ballet camp, either, but Disney Princess Ballerina Camp! Its as if they asked a 3 year old what the greatest thing in the world would be and then created it! I signed her up back in April (the second I heard it existed!) and she has been looking forward to it ever since. It helped us learn the concept of "July" since she was having to countdown until this week arrived. She'll go everyday this week and be introduced to all types of dancing. Tomorrow is "Sleeping Beauty's Pajama Party" (they get to wear pjs over the leotard) and the last day is "Cinderella's Ball" where the girls will dance in their fanciest dress and make a build a bear with a tutu on. Seriously, its like she died and went to heaven. A very sparkly, shiny, poufy heaven. More on the rest of our latest adventures in the next post...

Big Brother to Be..and in other news...

2008-07-14T19:30:00.003-05:00

Maternity Portraiture is probably my favorite genre of photography. It hearkens back to my college painting classes when I first became interested in the way human life creates itself inside another, and the outward changes it makes on a woman's body. However, it wasn't until I became pregnant myself that I truly understood how incredible it is to have it actually happen to you. I think now that gives me a better viewpoint when I am behind the camera and have an expectant mom in front of the lens. It wasn't until I had been doing maternity pics for maybe a year that I had my first experience with a mom of one, expecting baby two. That, folks, is a whole other ballgame. The first pregnancy is all about the mom, the room, the names, the car seat brand, the expensive maternity clothes and diaper bag. The second however, is a gift. Experiencing pregnancy with your child is totally different. Not only are you watching your body change, but you are watching the your baby turn into a sibling. I have found that most kids accept this with open hearts and complete willingness to take on that challenge. Now, I am not saying they don't ask when the baby is going back to hospital months later or try to pawn the baby off on friends and neighbors! That happens, too! But, there is a special bond between a pregnant mom and the first child. That's where the pictures above come in. Caleb will be the big brother to sister Camden early next month. He talked to her via the belly all during the session and informed me that she, too, likes the Wiggles.

And in other news of the week...Knox has had his first celebrity named after him. Now, as if people don't confuse me with Angelina Jolie-Pitt enough (I mean, the resemblance is uncanny, right?!), she had to go off and use my otherwise semi-unique boy name. I figure at least people will be able to spell it correctly now. Lets hope he doesn't turn out wacko and force my Knox to have to change his name to avoid any connections.

Itty Bitty Bundle

2008-07-11T08:27:00.003-05:00

Meet Landon. He's 3 weeks old and has the most beautiful blonde hair. Landon let me hang out for a little while and snap pictures of him with very few complaints. His mom and dad are lucky I didn't pack him right up in my camera bag and take him home with me!

All the World is Their Stage!

2008-07-07T11:29:00.005-05:00

I photographed Addie Grace yesterday. It was a beautiful evening outside at the Factory, and it was funny to see I wasn't the only photographer taking advantage of the picturesque weather! If I am counting correctly, this is my 5th session with Addie Grace! (props to mom and dad for supporting the biz!) I would pay big money if a hair stylist could make my hair look like hers!

One of the awesome perks that comes with knowing your "customers" is being able to haul the kids along side while working. Nothing makes a kids smile like another kids, so Lucy and Knox are quickly becoming great assistants! Hopefully, they never ask for monetary compensation! Lucy and Addie Grace had fun winding up the session with some stage performances!

Are photographers supposed to be more stressed than the bride?

2008-06-27T13:10:00.011-05:00

Rachel wearing her grandmother's wedding dress

I have always been terrified of shooting weddings, mainly because of a few urban legends of photographers forgetting to load film into the camera or metal detectors rendering CF cards blank, therefore loosing all the precious irreplaceable memories of someone's big day (and in turn getting sued for gillions of dollars). I, myself, have less than good (okay pretty horrible) wedding pictures, which makes me worry that some bride down the road would be wondering to herself why she hired that flake of a photographer, Mamma Goose. But, its amazing what you'll do for a friend! I met red headed Rachel (aka Rachel Smith, aka Smitty, aka Pookie) during my tenure at Pier 1 in Murfreesboro. Our friendship mainly consists of giggling constantly when we are together and making up 2 of the 3 wheels in our girls day posse. I was honored to listen (or giggle along with) the news of meeting a cute guy at her work Christmas party, how he asked her out, their first trip together, and eventually, the proposal. So when she asked me to photograph her and Dane'ssmall wedding at the beach, I was more than honored, albeit scared to death of messing up royally! Overall, I loved it. It was amazing to have that "all access" pass into this important moment. Then, to sit in front of my computer and watch the pictures I had taken stream one by one, retelling the story, it was pretty cool. I think I would definately do it again, just maybe with one heck of a waiver of responsibility!

Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Peachee!

Vaca.

2008-06-19T09:04:00.013-05:00

We have been living it up on the Gulf Coast since Saturday. The kids love the beach (even though Knox would prefer to eat sand rather than play in it). We love not being home, although getting sleep has dropped off the kids inteneraries since arriving, so mamma and daddy have been seeing the sun come up every morning. Now, what you will notice about the current pics is that none of them are actually on the beach. I am still so protective of my new camera that I am quite frankly scared to carry it down there. At some point I figure I can take it down to the water's edge, snap some pics then promptly return it to the condo. Another down side of the camera is its bulk. Once you've loaded up 2 kids, a diaper bag that weighs 2o pounds, a stroller, a husband, and an assortment of the day's favorite toys, there is just not an easy way to lug the cannon, too. We solved this issue by taking an afternoon trip down to Seaside since its been a few years since we had been there last. It gave me the opportunity to follow the kids around and take pictures without worrying about sand and sunscreen and the ill effects on a camera lens.

Okay, there is a little sand in the background.

The Lucy and Knox Show performed on the Seaside stage.

Pretending they like me.

The Rojo Bar

We then drove to Grayton for dinner at the Red Bar. I like bringing my kids here because there has been in the past 10 years or so many a disscussion regarding life plans over plates of fish and shrimp and crawfish pasta that often included the intent of bringing little ones into the world. I ate there pregnant with both kids (twice with Knox), Lucy managed to sleep through her first visit at 4 months old as well as Knox did, too, 2 years later. Needless to say, this is our favorite resturant. This week Lucy has been on a kick of learning her colors in Spanish, so this time it was the Rojo Bar.

My skinny hubby.

I don't normally take the time and effort to photograph my food, but believe me, this meal deserves to be framed and hung on the wall!

Trail

2008-06-13T06:39:00.002-05:00

So apparently Lucy is working on a series."Nest" was all the rage in the last post, but for a 3 year old, that was so last week. Now we have evolved into "Trail". This one started at about 8 oclock at night. I think she is learning that if she does something of interest at bedtime, mommy will whip out the camera and stall bedtime a little longer (it totally works, too!).
Since taking these pictures, she's made several more trails, one of water droplets on her grandparents patio. I decided that one was more of a performance piece :-).

A little OCD in her madness with everything lined up just so. That's my cell phone behind the geisha girl...I was looking for that.

Little artist in contemplative pose. "Hmmm..what else can I do to avoid bedtime?"

As I post this today, its not even 7 am, and I have been up for 2 hours, which wouldn't be so horrible, if I hadn't been up 3 hours before that, and then 3 hours before that. It was a rough night. Both kids are sick-a first in our house. They have some virus that causes painful blisters on their throat. Its pretty hard to explain to a baby why he is hurting, so rocking and bottles are about the only things that stop the crying. Luckily, Lucy is just now old enough to understand an explanation of why she is sick, and she takes what the doctor says very seriously. Its nice when they can tell you whats wrong and when they need medicine!

To top it off, Dan is out of town, so I have been battling this one solo. I wouldn't recommend it. Hopefully, he will be home sometime today and I will promptly be hitting the sack.

Tomorrow we leave for a week and a half at the beach, which will include my friend Rachel's wedding. Not only is it exciting to watch her get hitched, I will be shooting my very first wedding. So, stay tuned! And in the mean time, wash your hands-this virus going around is not one to be reckoned with!

Nest

2008-05-27T21:34:00.003-05:00

There are many reasons that I love spending days with my kids, but pretty close to number one on the list would be the chance of being submersed in their imagination all day. I am pretty sure I could live smack dab in the middle of the trendiest art center of New York and still not even come close to knowing imagination like the inventive mind of my 3 year old. Now, there are times I raise an eyebrow and hope she's not going to be the kid in class that eats paste, but mostly I just bask in her ability to live with an untainted view.

Which leads me to the photographs...lately Lucy has been playing "nest". I think its inspired by the robin's nest we spotted in our front yard. All the pillows and blankets have been systematically disappearing from every room in the house as daily she constructs elaborate circular nests in order to play some version of mamma bird. On this day, she decided that Knox was to be the daddy bird and she would handle the nest building since "he's too little and doesn't know". He seemed to completely understand her madness and never once got upset as the circle of found objects began to build around him! I haven't yet submitted photos to the Whitney Museum of Art yearly competition, but give her time...that brain is bound to take her somewhere amazing.

My little chick-a-dees (as Ms Hickman would say...)

Here is the nest drawn out in case their genius surpasses your own :-).

You know you are a parent when...

2008-05-26T19:40:00.005-05:00

its 7:30pm on a holiday evening and you are in your jammies blissfully thanking the good lord for the sound of sleeping children! Dan and I are sitting enjoying much overdo computer time with our dueling laptops and drinking chardonay and eating microwaved smores. If there is a better way to spend time, I, sir, do not know what it is. The previous week passed before I could even take a full breath...lets recap....

Hadley Simpson daughter of Elizabeth and Brian...A cutie with the roundest legs I have ever seen! It was great to photograph the daughter of someone you knew going up-its a neat feeling, like a sneak peek into the cycle of life. Dropping in to see Hadley as well was Liz and my little canoli, Sofia. I keep begging them to move locally, but so far no luck! Sofi is such a doll. She is pretending the pearls in the photo are her purse and she's waving bye bye. Its really hard to believe its been over a year since she was born!

Nothing like a last minute photo shoot to round out your week! I had been bugging Sam and Sarah Beth's parents to let me photograph them and finally it paid off! I haven't edited these yet, but am excited to share some of the "hot off the press" images!

I think now I will catch up on Tivo'd episodes of the Office, microwave another smore, and kick my feet up! Ain't life grand? Happy Memorial Day!

Cheese!

2008-05-20T10:59:00.004-05:00

Please! And make mine a double! Giving Knox a bowl of cottage cheese was like handing crack over to a incarcerated drug addict. Meal time is never boring at our house.

In other news...I photographed the super hip Gore Kids on Friday...photographing 3 kids with my 2 in tow was interesting, but doubled as an entertaining playdate! These are a surprise for Father's Day, so if you know Chad, mums the word!

The Steeplechase..chasing away the stress!

2008-05-12T15:19:00.004-05:00

Our 2nd trip to the Nashville Iroquois Steeplechase was this past Saturday. This is typically NOT my type of event. Its a bit reminiscent of the frat parties I did my best to avoid throughout college, but since you get to wear a hat....well it just makes it better! Dan and I thoroughly enjoyed our time with friends. We had a full day of people watching and relaxing with Sangria and Mojitos and Friskies.

You might be thinking..Now, how could one with two children allow herself such indulgences? Why? Because of LAST weekend. Great Day of Service 2008. I am chair of an amazing project called NO PLACE LIKE HOME that essentially takes the apartment or house of a single mom and transforms it, Extreme Makeover style, into a warmer, more livable organized space. This year's one day transformation was the culmination of about 8 weeks of work on mine and my co-chair, Tiffany's, part. To see the results, visit my website:

http://www.mammagoosephotography.ifp3.com/

Click on Gallery and select No Place Like Home 2008. I think you will agree that a day of laziness was well earned!

Mother's Day followed and was a lovely production by husband and kiddies. Overall, if I couldn't have made the weekend any better! Hope everyone else had a good one as well!

Madeline

2008-05-07T14:47:00.003-05:00

Sunday was a BEAUTIFUL day and I was fortunate enough to have scheduled a shoot. The temperature was just great, the company even better, so we ended up spending at least 2 hours playing and talking and taking pictures. This job is most rewarding when it doesn't feel like a job at all. I almost felt like I should have been paying them! Madeline and her new baby brother, Hudson, had fun with Lucy and Knox, too. Madeline is a knock out of a little girl and will no doubt give her mom and dad plenty to worry about when she is a teenager....

Leah

2008-04-29T09:11:00.005-05:00

Leah has been Lucy's BFF since day 1 of mothers day out when they were just a little over a year old. Every morning of preschool, she runs up to me with the biggest smile and makes my day! Leah just turned 3 this month.

Oh, Blogger.

2008-04-24T15:45:00.003-05:00

Why can't you and my computer get along? After 4 attempts to upload photos over the past 2 weeks, these finally worked! Dan is graciously ordering Mamma a new laptop this weekend during "Tax Free" extravaganza, so hopefully my Internet woes will be a thing of the past!

The most exciting thing lately has been Lucy's swim test. She was dressed head to toe and with a hooded jacket. She had to perform all the techniques she had been working on for 5 weeks. She did great! It was freaky to see her floating in the pool with her clothes on-an image I hope I NEVER have to witness again. But, I feel confident that now I have at least armed her with skills to save herself if she ever was to find herself in a water predicament. Now, I am going to post quickly before the computer shuts itself down again!

Mule Day 2008

2008-04-07T11:41:00.003-05:00

Our Mule Day festivites kicked off with the annual open house breakfast at the Maury County Farm Bureau. Knox and Lucy rubbed elbows with likes of Senator Frist and Alexander. And getting your dose of politics with a side of homeade biscuits and gravy is definately the best way to do it.
Farm Bureau's next Young Farmer of the Year?

We headed to the parade and waved at pretty much every mule and horse that came down the road. Lucy was impressed with the "princesses" seated atop convertibles and really liked the Navy Band. When we saw a gentleman dressed as a mountain man, I said, "Lucy, look, he is like Davy Crockett!" She replied, "No mom, thats Daniel Boone." Obviously her pap has been schooling her on the importance of frontier heroes.
Our friend Peder and his boys, Owen and Grant joined us for their first Mule Day experience.

It was all just a little too much for Knox. Really its a bit much for all of us, but its just something you've got to do!

Easter come and gone.

2008-04-02T20:37:00.003-05:00

As I was reading The Night Before Christmas at bedtime tonight (Lucy's pick, not mine), I realized I had yet to get to the pictures from Easter.

Decorating Eggs.

Easter Morning, dressed for church.

Knox getting assistance opening his first Easter basket.

Too bad I had to eat the Cadbury eggs the Easter bunny had left for him. :-)

Where did that 3 weeks go?!

2008-03-20T14:57:00.007-05:00

So its been awhile since my last post-March has just been a blurry rush of events, thoroughly overloading my calendar and my memory card. Lets catch up, shall we?

About a million years ago, it snowed. Finally! Lucy saw it begin the night before and could barely sleep from excitement. Dan was home since it was a Saturday, so we all got to play outside together.

Lucy is in swim lessons now...Infant Swim Resource to be exact. Its based on the philosphy that kids need to know how to save themselves from drowning before they need to know how to backstroke. Babies as early as 6 months have gone through this process-its amazing to watch some of the younger ones. We go every day for 10 minute 1 on 1 lessons for 6-8 weeks. We are currently on week 4 and Lucy is swimming under water and rolling over to her back when she needs to take a breath. Her confidence level has skyrocketed, and although I am not quite ready to throw her into the deep end and hope for the best, I am feeling better about her being in and around water.

That's Ms. Kennette, the instructor. She lost her own son to a drowning incident several years ago and has since dedicated her life to teaching kids how to save themselves.

Easter is fast approaching and since this is Lucy's favorite holiday, we have tried our best to make it last. She met one of her idols (THE Easter Bunny) at the preschool egg hunt. Lucy has for awhile now wanted to grow up and BE the Easter Bunny. Her plan at this point is to be a pink bunny, and Knox will be a blue bunny. She will carry the big eggs, and he will handle the little ones. This might sound a little whack, but considering that before that she wanted to be an Easter EGG, we feel like she is making steps in the right direction.

We have survived one double ear infection, a brief stomach virus (that was Dan's), a full week of barely any sleep (anyone who would like to have a come to Jesus talk with Knox is more than welcomed to), and we are now embracing spring and the events it has in store for us.

Happy Easter!

Beer Making is Fun.

2008-03-03T16:05:00.005-06:00

Dan turned the big 3-0 this weekend and to celebrate, we left town! We headed to Chattanooga for a family weekend, but had an alterior motive...beer making. We had heard of a place called Chattanooga-U-Brew. Basically the concept is a build a bear for adults. Dan's sister, Melanie, offered to keep our kids so we could give it a try.

Thats Lookout Mt. in the reflection.

This place was very hard to find! We circled around in a old neighborhood in the St. Elmo district for a few minutes before spotting the door on the back basement of a warehouse. I was pretty sure we were going to need to know a secret knock to get in. Once inside, we met Greg, the owner (a granola kind of guy who had apparently been drinking since the sun came up and never set his glass down while we were there) who talked us through the process and set us up with a copper kettle and a hand scribbled recipe. Greg started this enterprise after finding the equipment for sale in Atlanta. He worked several years for Dog Fish Breweries and now makes canoes for a living (which were piled up next to the beer supplies).

Yes, it might be a meth lab, too.

Dan chose a Hefeweizin to brew up.

We had hands on with everystep, including measuring out the wheat, weighing it, cracking it. Duncan was our "guide". He rents a corner of the basement where he is co-owner of Moccasin Bend Brewery, an upstart brewery that is not yet big enough to be considered a micro brewery, but is already having success selling in serveral resturants around Chattanooga. We later at lunch at one the pizza parlors and tasted his Pumpkin Seed Ale-an orignal recipe of his. He was incredibly knowledgeable about everything, and we learned a ton.

Watching out for boil overs.

Hops! The smell was overwhelming.

Last step before fermentation is pitching the yeast.

So in a few weeks, Dan will return to can, label, and box up his brew. The name is still up the air...think of a good one and win a 6 pack! We will end up with about 13 gallons of beer-around 20 6 packs, I think. That'll keep him busy for awhile and might make us some new friends.

6 months old today

2008-02-29T10:10:00.003-06:00

Knox is 6 months old today. Time has flown by, and he is growing up at the speed of light. He is a very happy baby-smiling constantly. He does have a temper and can cry loud enough to make you cringe. He enjoys eating as long as he thinks he's feeding himself and gets excited when we let him drink out of a cup. Most days he sits in the floors and just laughs at whatever his sister is doing.

Today we also found out about the loss of a child suffered by our friends the Malones. Caroline Grace joined her sister Finley in heaven yesterday, much too soon. They are very strong Christians and determined souls, but the stress and heartache that they must be experiencing is completely out of my range of understanding. Please say a prayer today for them.

One of Knox's least favorite attributes is his fondness for eating in the middle of the night. But this morning as I dragged myself around the house in my pre-coffee fog, I realized that if my baby needs to be held and fed in the wee hours of the morning, then that is just fine with me. I know now that there are folks in this world who would give anything to be able to be in my shoes, so I am grateful for my opportunity.

Wigging Out

2008-02-25T20:14:00.004-06:00

Lucy's ZeZe (otherwise known as Liz to the rest of us) gave her a trunk full of dress up clothes for her birthday that included a set of Disney Princess Wigs. So, in case your Cinderella dress didn't quite do the trick, you could instantly have her hair do, too. Now, needless to say, these are creepy at best, but she loves them. Knox, however, enjoyed watching Lucy and I play with them, but when in was his turn, he freaked out!

Dancing as "Belle"

Pensive "Snow White"

Happy until...

I suggested he be Cinderella. Obviously, she is not his favorite Princess!

The only one not pictured is Sleeping Beauty. Its long blonde tresses became a tangled mess in a matter of seconds, making it more appropriate for dressing up as a strung out bar maid or Lindsey Lohan. But you never know when you might need that persona...

2008-02-18T20:55:00.004-06:00

Wow, 2 posts in one night! Must be the birthday cake I ate!

Lucy's first true "friends" party was crazy. Princess themed (of course) and held at the indoor playground, we outfitted about 18 sub five year olds with crowns and sugar and watched them buzz around for an hour. I should've passed out tylenol and beer as guests left instead of plastic magic wands! Thanks to everyone who came-we are blessed with such awesome friends!

Pap and Knox hang out.

Anna is unsure about that tiara.

Cousins.

Grammy, Sissy, Knox and Pap.

Prince Hayden

Princess Maddie

Cake is like crack to toddlers.

Birthday Girl!

Our house is a very very very fine house...

2008-02-18T18:41:00.004-06:00

Saturday was Lucy's birthday party day. We had saved her big present from us until that morning. When we asked her a few weeks ago what she wanted for her birthday, she simply answered, "my own house" (she's very independent and to be commended for going for the gusto!). We did what we could (and blindfolded her for full effect)...

3 Years and Still Alive!

2008-02-12T20:50:00.006-06:00

So I guess we are doing something right! Lucy turned 3 today. She has a big party for her friends on Saturday, but I hated to let the day pass without acknowledging it, so I let her pick how we would spend it. First, she decided she wanted to go to Dell. She loves visiting daddy at work because his desk is filled with "motivational tools" (aka: toys). So, we picked up daddy and went to Lucy's pick of resturants:

Thats right, folks, The International House of Pancakes (and that is what she calls it, too). Lucy talked in great length before we got there about how she was going to order a pancake with a face on it. I can't say it would've been my first pick, but hey, she's three, and to her, we were living the high life.

Knox enjoying the view of the pancakes...he was quite disappointed to get pureed carrots instead.

An American Family Tradition.

The day ended with a cupcake and 3 candles. All and all, its just how I think she imagined her day to be! (so why did I plan the princess extravaganza for this weekend?! Oh well!) Look for more birthday blitz photos to come...

Super Bowl Weekend

2008-02-09T17:20:00.000-06:00

Lucy and Ansley (aka Snow White and Fairy Godmother)

The Wilson Family hosted us for the Super Bowl, although if you asked Lucy and Ansley, it was just quality princess time. By the end of the evening, they had barricaded themselves in the bathroom and refused to come out so we could end the evening.

Knox and I watching some foosball (Photo courtesy of Joey playing with my new camera-its so fabulous that people can't help but want to use it!) I barely watched the game choosing instead to enjoy adult conversation!

On the Knox side of things, he has discovered his feet. He enjoys chewing on his toes which is giving his fingers a much needed break (they are raw from him knawing!). This is Lucy demonstrating to him how to roll around while holding his toes.

Maddie Elizabeth

2008-01-31T08:06:00.000-06:00

I had the opportunity on Wednesday to photograph Maddie again. She is Lucy's Best Friend Caleb's little sister and was born just 6 weeks prior to Knox. Her mom and I are hoping they will be as big of buddies as Lucy and Caleb are. I photographed Maddie when she was still in mom's tummy, then at 3 months, and now at 6 months. Its hard to believe her first year is half over! If she continues to get older, that means my baby Knox has to get older, too! She's a bit bigger than Knox to say the least, and one of these days I expect her to just sling him over her shoulder and carry him off!

Knox and Pap

2008-01-31T07:58:00.000-06:00

Pap's never had a little boy around, always girls, but I think he's getting the hang of it!
Knox is definately one of the Feinstein bunch...

And, no, he didn't actually drink it! I think there is a picture somewhere of me like this!

Knox's Baptism

2008-01-28T14:03:00.000-06:00

Knox was baptized on Sunday at our church, Franklin First United Methodist. It has been a huge source of influence in our lives, so we were very happy to now have made both our children members. Witnessing the event included both sets of the grandparents, Dan's sister, Melanie, Memaw (aka Aunt Gin), and our friends the Kochambas.

Knox sat patiently through the service and right before it was time to go up to the alter, he pooped. Now, normally, this wouldn't be a surprise for a baby, but this kid had not gone for about a week and being my son, he chose this opportunity!! I guess religion agrees with him...
He wore his new christening gown-yes, a dress. Its the only frou-frou item I have forced him to wear. We like the tradition of passing it down, so now he has a dress in which to embarrass his own son.

We kept it real, however, with his first pair of converse.

And so it begins.

2008-01-23T15:13:00.001-06:00

After seeing several friends' blogs (thanks Sarah!), I decided to start one myself. I hope this will be a way of satisfying friends and family with updated pictures of the kids, as well as giving me a place to share the amazing experiences I have with each family I photograph.

Life with a princess...I guess every story has a heroine, and in mine, its her royal hincess princess Lucy. We spent a very chilly morning this week documenting her wearing her over the top fancy princess dress she got from Nana for Christmas. Her 3rd birthday is just weeks away and she is preparing for her Princess themed party by thoroughly acting the part!