Forever Friends

Friendships come and go.  There are those few that you know are super special and have that ability to be lifelong friendships. Gaige came into our lives several years ago and has been nothing but a perfect pal for Carter every since.  Carter thinks the world of Gaige and always brings up his name when we talk about planning a party, or a trip to Disney or a water park.


When Eric called and said he would have him for a few days I was tickled to have the opportunity to surprise Carter with a visit from his very best pal!  A surprise is just what we did!!  I met Gaige and Ms. Debbie at CVS before I picked Carter up for school.  I think I was excited as the kids would be.  When Gaiged got in the truck, I told him to climb over the back seat and lay down so Carter could not see him.  When Carter got in the truck I asked him how his day was and what he would think if he could see his best friend, Gaige.  His response was something along the lines of that would be awesome.  About that time Gaige popped his head up and said, "well here I am!"


The look on Carter's face was beyond priceless. He didn't have a clue what to say, that was a rare moment!  I do remember him saying, "are you kidding me?" They played, they laughed, wrestled, chased each other and had the best time ever!  They even talked T-rav into playing duck, duck, goose.  That was the best part of the day if I do say so myself!



I can't help but wonder how many great memories they will share together as they grow up. We thoroughly enjoyed having Gaige over, and look forward to more visits with him this summer.  The pictures from the day show that it was a energy packed, fun filled day!!!

Gaige, we love you buddy!  Can't wait to see you again soon!

Dennis, Lindsey, and Wyatt

When you take a little boy and tell him you want to take pictures, that's one thing. When you have a little boy, taking pictures in a big field with horses, cows, and countless little flowers to pick, you have something else.

I met with Dennis, Lindsey, and Wyatt this weekend to update their family photos. Wyatt is your typical 5 year old little boy. He and Carter are six months apart in age. I know what it's like to get a picture of Carter, so I was ready to go, I had a game plan. See, Wyatt LOVES cars. So I made as if my camera could talk to me and tell me what car, or plane, or frog would pop up through the lens if he looked directly at me. This never works for Carter probably because he knows I'm just after a picture. Wyatt however has not been in front of my camera now in about two years. Low and behold, it worked!

This little fella gave me great "cheese" smiles, lots of laughter, and then while we were in the process I asked him who he loved the most. He replied with the sweetest answer, "my momma". I asked him why she was the sweetest and he says, "cause she is nice to me, she plays with me, and she let's me do fun things".

Lindsey stood quietly behind me but I'm sure her heart was going pitter patter. Little boys can be so rough and tough that when they have that sweet moment, it melts us. While asking him these questions he was looking at his momma with the sweetest face.

I really enjoy spending time with kids and getting to know them when I'm taking pictures. Lindsey, Wyatt's mom, is another life long friend of mine. I don't get to see them as often as I'd like so spending time just chatting with Wyatt was fun. To see his own personality and capture that personality for Lindsey was lots of fun for me.

Lindsey, I hope you enjoy the pictures. Our little ones grow up way too fast, don't they? As I told you just a few months back with each new stage, starts a new chapter in their little books!  May these pictures be ones you can put in this chapter and cherish forever!  Thanks for asking me to photograph your family!!  I love you guys!

A sister, a friend...

Last week I called Jessica on one of my off days and she just giggled at my whirlwind of a life, and then said she would be coming home for a visit soon.  Although she would never admit it, I think her thoughts were, "sis is losing it, I better go home for a few days to see if I can help her!"  Any mother can say they no where I was at that time, just one of those days of pure chaos and you just have to sit back and laugh at your own self.  Come on, I know I'm not the only one that has those days... fess up gals!

On Tuesday, I received a text from her that her e.t.a would be 4:25.  I was thrilled to know she was coming in town.  Granted she's only in Graceville a couple hours away, to know she'll be home with us is always a heart warming time.  I packed up the boys and we headed out to my moms to greet her and beg mom for some good 'ole southern cooking!  As always, mom cooked our favorite meal, tomatoes & rice, fried potatoes (home fries), bacon and pork chops!!  There is absolutely nothing like going home to momma's cooking!  Jessica & I both filled our tummies, would you expect anything less from the two of us?  :)

After dinner we visited with Big Granny & Big Papa and then packed up to come home.  Jessica came home with us, and Carter was beyond thrilled that he was having a guest!  Jessica was just excited to sleep in the most comfortable bed in our house, Carter's!  Carter on the other hand was going to sleep with her until he caught word that I had mentioned a pallet on the floor beside our bed.  He was all about sleeping in our room, even if it meant sleeping on the floor!

The next morning, we let Jess sleep and then bless her soul, she got a good taste of motherhood.  Not sure if I encouraged her or made her run in the complete opposite direction of the thought! :)  Just kidding, she'll be a wonderful mother one day.  Much more calm then her sister, and patience, well let's just say she has more then I do! 

When I think back to my days as a child, I think of the many arguments I had with my 'little' sister and how most days (as I'm sure all siblings did at some point), wished her away.  Luckily God didn't grant those requests of mine!!  My sister is one of my best friends.  I can confide in her, laugh with her, cry with her, and always know that she is praying for me and my family. There is nothing like having a sister, it's a relationship like none other.  She has such a sweet, humble, spirit about her.  She is an inspiration to me!  I enjoy each time that I spend time with her and our many laughs that only we would understand.    We enjoyed our visit with you Aunt Jessica!  We hope to see you again really soon!!  Your company was greatly appreciated and you were more help then you probably know.  Come back soon, you are always welcome on Cow Bird Lane!!! We, I LOVE YOU!!! 

Jen