Heat wave . . . we're havin' a heat wave!!!

Ok, so I'm going to try to be better about writing at least every week, sooo . . . get ready to learn more than you ever wanted to know about . . . well, me!!!! 

Lately, I have been told repeatedly that I need to learn to relax -- obviously from people who do not consider creating spreadsheets of financial data while editing photos while burning dvds while playing on facebook while watching "Bones" to be relaxing . . . and I ALWAYS throw in some chocolate chip cookies, which TOTALLY counts as R&R.  Seriously, I LOVE doing that!!!  However, today I decided to take their advice. 

After catching up on some filing and paperwork (hey, I can't be a total bum), I headed off to SHOP (one of my favorite non-productive activities, although I can argue its productive merits to my husband)!!!  I went to an outdoor center, so I could still enjoy the 60 degree temperatures, and I bought a few articles of clothing at this fabulous new place I just discovered!!!  I also finally broke down and bought the red purse / file box (yes, it is a file box that masquerades as a patent leather purse) I'd been stalking for 2 months!!!  It was such a gorgeous day!!!  I took the long way home and drove with my windows down, the warm sun and the cool breeze were absolutely perfect!!! 

I picked up Coco & Oscar (my 2 little fur-babies) and headed to the park for the first time this year!!!  They were sooo excited that Oscar practically ran the first mile!!! 

Coco, on the other hand was not quite so enthusiastic.  She would have rather gone shopping!!!  Sooo . . . after about 2/3 of a mile, I picked her up and carried her, and then we were both exhausted, so we crashed on a nearby stump and watched Oscar run around in circles.

I had sooo much fun enjoying this gorgeous day!!!  But I have to tell you, I am tired!!!  Who knew relaxing could be so exhausting!?!?

**Disclaimer -- since Nicole was "relaxing," she didn't think to bring her 3rd baby (the camera), so all photos are cell phone captured, and she is not responsible for her lack of cell phone using abilities. 

Sweet Home Tennessee!!!

After the unique whirlwind year I've had, I decided to take a much needed break from . . . well, most things - hahaha!!!  I am a super antsy person and can't sit still . . . ever.  The one thing you will NOT find me doing is cleaning!!!  Soooo . . . since I have refused to work on too much, I've had more time on my hands . . . and since I can't sit still . . . well, let's just say I've done more loads of laundry and dishes and cleaned my floors more times in the past 3 weeks than I have in the last 43 weeks.  My mother would be proud.  I have soooo enjoyed the time I've had with my husband and my family, not to mention I LOVE all this SNOW!!!!

I also took some time to go visit my great-grandparents in Virginia!!!  I hiked up to my grandfather's old school house (it was a bit of a hike . . . I can see where the stories of walking to school in the snow uphill both ways comes from - hahaha!!!)

We drove by the church in which my grandmother was baptised . . . 

And I have to tell you, I saw a TON of COWS!!!  I LOVE Belted Galloway Cows . . . better known in my world as Oreo Cows!!!!  It is like God created these cows just for my own personal entertainment and as a reminder to eat more oreo cookies!!!  My lovely veternarian friend introduced them to me, but I was a little baffled because on this road trip, I saw a vanilla oreo cow!!!  Is that normal!?!?  Oh . . . and check out the super-duper adorable MINI OREO calf!!!  Sooo cute!!!   

Also, in the past 3 weeks, there have been several changes in my life . . . none of which I can take credit for!!!  We have a new couch and loveseat!!!  My amazing husband cleaned out the office, and moved the old leather couch in there (now, whether I'll actually work in there is another story - hahaha!)!!!!  AND . . . my wonderful web-designer Andrew created my official website!!!  WHOO HOO!!!  Break out the chocolate!!!  I am soooo super excited, and I hope you will be too!!! 

http://www.levertonphoto.com/ -- much easier than having to type out "photography" don't you think???  Check it out!!!  It is soooo much cleaner, simpler, and organized than my Facebook page (which of course I will continue to use to keep everyone updated)!!! 

Also, I have had several clients in the past request business cards.  I will get those made up asap, and if you were wanting some, please send me an e-mail at levertonphoto@yahoo.com, I will make sure to get you some!!! 

THANK YOU ALL for making all of this possible and for making it to the end of my rather long and random story!!!!

Brandon, Shanna, & Bentley!!!

Soooo excited about this session!!!  Shanna, Brandon, & I got together at the end of last summer for a maternity session as they prepared for the arrival of their first little bundle of joy . . . and now . . . he's here!!!!!  They had driven up from Florida, so we got together around Christmas for a super fun reunion and photo shoot!!!!  I was sooo excited to meet Mr. Bentley . . . he is just darling, and you will have to LOVE him!!!  He was sooo happy and relaxed the whole time, and we walked him all over the place!!!  Then, at the very end, he informed us (well, he informed his mom & dad) that it was time to eat!!!  I never begrudge anyone food (I prefer to eat every 3 hours, so I fully understand - hahaha!).  Such a sweet family, and I was sooo excited to see them again!!!!  I would also like to point out that I LOVE the couch at this place!!!  Do you think they'll donate to me??  Hahaha!!! 

Bob, Vickie, & Family Christmas Mini!!!!!

What an amazing family!!!!  I met Heidi & Carrie through my Ladies Pokeno group, and they have become fabulous friends!!!!  I love spending time with them and their husbands and kids!!!  I was sooo excited to meet their parents and brothers, and they were all simply wonderful!!!  Plus, it should come as no surprise that the moment I met their mother Vickie, I fell in love with her!!!!  She made me feel right at home and even invited me to stay for dinner!!!!  I had a fabulous time with this family photo session!!!  And if you've ever done a photo shoot with more than four people, you know it can get a little crazy, but all eleven of them were such professionals!!!!  They were perfect!!!

Bouncing Through The Snow!!!!

What is better than you having to get all dressed up for family Christmas pictures??  Getting to go out in the SNOW (well, at least at the beginning of what turned out to be a crazy snow storm)!!!  And what is more fun than that!?!?  Getting to bounce on the trampoline with a dusting of snow in fabulous sparkly dresses!!!!  That is exactly what Sydney & Tiffany got to do in our photo session!!!!  I have to be honest, I was soooo super excited that this is going on my list of things to do in 2011!!! 

After some juggling plans due to the weather, I got to meet up with Jessica, her darling daughter Sydney, her amazing fiance, and his beautiful goddaughter Tiffany!!!  I even got to meet Sydney's dad for a few father-daughter shots!!!  And Jessica was a woman after my own heart . . . she had everything organized!!!  She had lists of everything she wanted!!!  Yes . . . LISTS!!!!  If you know me or have ever had to do anything with me, you know I LOVE lists!!!  Especially if I can make them into an Excel spreadsheet =)  It was a pleasure to meet such an inviting and loving family!!!  I had a blast!!!  Sooo . . . here are some SNEAK PEAKS of our session together!!!