Coom By Ya

Today was one of those days. I started the day peppy and cheerful but by 10:00 I wanted to pull my hair out. You know those days when you know that everything going wrong is not the end of the world or even that important in the grand scheme of things and you keep telling yourself that, but inside you want to scream and run away to Cabo? Yeah...it was one of those days.

I found out this morning that my computer was malfunctioning. When I burned client's photos on to a disc for them it could only be read on MY computer...not. any. other. computer. This is bad because well...thats kind of what I do and its kind of my busiest time of year.

I did manage to make it through the day without totally losing it. Perhaps because there were little reminders along the way that helped keep my perspective in check. I was messing around with my computer trying to figure out what the heck was going on while Marlie colored next to me at my desk...

me: Huge sigh

Monkey Pants: What's wrong mom mom?

me: Oh sweetie, mom is just having a hard time. My computer is kind of broken and I'm trying to fix it.

Monkey Pants: I help you mom. My turn help you mom mom.

So cute. It made me tear up a bit

What is a 30 year old girl to do when she is on the edge of a melt down? Call my mom of course. She ran interference and then talked me down off the edge.

When I told her about Marlie offering to help me she reminded me of something I did at about the same age. My mom had gotten hopelessly lost and was really late for a soft-ball game. She had been driving around for a long time and started to cry. From my car seat I started singing "Coom By Ya"..."Someone's crying Lord. Coom By Ya." I had forgotten about that story. It was a full circle moment.

So at the end of a very long day as I was cooking dinner, confirming that I am in fact the worst pancake maker that ever lived, I started singing a little Coom By Ya. It made me smile and helped me refocus. And you know what? The day got better. I enjoyed our burnt pancake dinner, we went to Target together, and went and got our Christmas tree. Also, I think I fixed the computer problem. Not too shabby.

I'll tell you more about my mom tomorrow. She's great.

little J

Little J came over a few weeks back for a shoot. At first he just kind of stared at me. He was probably wondering what in the world I was doing...

But pretty soon he was all smiles...

LOVE this one....


Too cute!

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Thanksgiving was wonderful. It was really relaxing and laid back and that is my kind of holiday. And now...on to Christmas!

This week is pretty busy with work, but I am determined to squeeze in lots of decorating and crafting and drinking hot cocoa and just general merriment. I love breaking out the spruce scented candles, decorating the tree while listening to Christmas music and wrapping up gifts with crisp wrapping paper. What is your favorite part of getting ready for Christmas?

black Friday sale!

I thought I'd hop on the black Friday band wagon and offer a great deal on name collages. Looking for a fun, personalized gift for someone this year? Name collages make great gifts. Check it out (go to the shop page). Spell out a last name or just a fun word that makes you think of that special person.

Now for the deal! If you buy a collage today and enter SHIP as the coupon code you will get free shipping. That means you get $10 off of your order. Pretty sweet deal. Its just for today so click here to get your order in!

I'll be out of town today and not around to answer name collage questions so here are a few common questions and answers...

1) How long does it take to get a collage?
We ask that you give us about 2 weeks

2) Can I pick out my own letters?
We haven't figured out a great way to do that yet. Just let us pick them out. Trust me, we'll make it look good.

3) Does the collage come matted and framed?
Yep. Clean white mat and simple black wooden frame.

4) Where are the letters from?
The letters are from signs, old and new, all over the state of Missouri.

5) Do you gift wrap?
No, but we can include a card with a message from you.

Have a great weekend!

thankfulness + a black Friday hint

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and we have grand plans to be a little lazy, watch Shane play some football, eat some Turkey of course and spend time with a lot of people we love. I'm thankful for a ton of things this year. I'm very blessed, my heart feels full.

I'm taking some time off the next few days. I'll be away from my computer and phone until Monday. Except for Friday morning that is, when I post a little black Friday deal for you so check back for that!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kevin + Lauren + McKinley

Last weekend my friends Kevin and Lauren and their little girl, McKinley, met up with me for a shoot. It was their first time back to the studio since her newborn photos and oh my gosh has she gotten pleasantly plump and seriously adorable. People...get ready...she is really stinking cute.


I mean seriously! It took all my strength not to put her in my pocket and take her out later for a cheek nibble. I LOVE baby chubs.

Then we headed outside on this amazing fall day. And took some luggage with us...


And my favorite chair...

Kevin and Lauren have the greatest smiles...


My new favorite spot...found this place randomly a few weeks ago..

Oh my word. Such a cute baby! Thanks friends!

twinkle twinkle

Marlie's new song...

A B C ...next time won't you sing with me?
Up bove da world so high.
Like a dybin in da sky.

Twinkle, twinkle little star.
How I wonder what you are.
Down came the rain and washed the spider out.

I love that kid.

Feeling warm and fuzzy from your sweet comments yesterday. Thank you!

my bride Amy + her cute fam

You may remember this post from a while back where my friend Amy graciously let me dress her up like a bride and traipse her all over downtown St. Louis in search of creative shots.

Well, a week or so ago I did another shoot with Amy, only this time she brought the whole fam along. We headed back to my favorite door because I thought it would be cool to get some shots of her family in the same spot and because well....I just can't help it, I love that door.

In real life Amy isn't a newlywed, but a beautiful mom of two. Just look at these cute girls...

S0 adorable! Love this one of them in action...


We found some new fun spots near the famous green door that I love...

I'm a big fan of converse so I was pretty excited that they brought some along..

This one might be my favorite...

Or this one...

I can't decide.

Thanks guys! It was so fun!