Well, it's that time again.  School is about to start.  Kids are getting excited to see their friends again, parents are busy buying backpacks and school supplies and teachers are excited about a new year, but sad that the summer has ended. (Am i right or what, my teacher friends!?!?)  

However, this year is different.  My baby, my first born, my sweet Maddie is one of those that will be going to school.  It's almost surreal to me.  It seems like it was just yesterday that I brought her home from the hospital and looked at Kyle and said, "I can't believe they let us leave! We don't know what we're doing!!!"  And boy was I right!  We had NO IDEA what we were doing.  But, slowly, we figured it out.  And I do mean slowly.  

Having this job as a photographer has afforded me the honor of staying home with my kids.  Now let me just say that staying home is not an easy task, nor is it for everyone.  But for me, this was the best decision I've ever made, next to marrying Kyle, that is.  I have enjoyed being with them so much.  

If you've followed me for any time, then you know that there are just times that I need to say what is on my mind.  This is just one of those times.  Maddie, I am so proud of the little girl you've become.  I love that you are sweet (most of the time) and easy going like your daddy.  I love how you try not to smile when you are proud of something good you've done.  I love how you still want to hold my hand.   I love it when you make Bennett laugh.  I love it when you stand up to other kids when they try to take Bennett's toys.  (That's MY girl!)  But most of all, I just love you for being you.  I love that you are my daughter and I feel so blessed that I am your mommy. 

So, even though you are starting big school, you will ALWAYS be my little girl.  You'll always make me feel like the best mommy in the world when you smile at me.  Thank you God, for this amazing (and difficult) privlege. You make me want to be the best I can possibly be.  I love you, Maddie Lou, Maddie red toe, Lu Lu, Maddie Luya, and Mamie. 

Some new pictures I took of her this summer.  

When she was 4.

When she was 3.  This was taken on our last outing before Bennett came on the scene.

And the little man. (Couldn't leave him out!)

Being the author of this fabulous blog, I could choose to post images of my gorgeous, perfect children, on a daily basis.  However, I live in the real world and even though my children are completely adorable, I don't get the opportunity to photograph them often.  Yes, I take snapshots around the house when they play in boxes and when they dress up, but to be completely honest, I haven't photographed them in a year!  I know, I'm such a bad mom/photographer.  I do have a reason though.  The little man doesn't exactly enjoy having his picture taken.  Now Maddie on the other hand, does great and can be bribed!  Bennett is not quite at the age where bribing works.  So, all that to say, here are my yearly pictures of my precious ones.  Being a mommy is the best job I've ever had!  I love you both to pieces!!!  Thank you for bearing with me!

 Maddie, who is 5 now!!!

Bennett who is now 2!!!

He was saying "cheeeeeese" in this one!

And them together.  Not perfect, but they aren't hitting each other either!

Maddie's K-4 class (Mrs. Keener) went on their very first field trip to Fischer's Orchard.  I LOVE Fischer's Orchard.  It is an apple orchard about 25 minutes from our house.  We had Maddie's 2nd birthday party there and it was just as enjoyable this time around.  

All of the kids had a blast petting the animals and learning about different things on the farm.  They went through a maze and got to pick one pumpkin and some apples.  I think Maddie's favorite part was riding on the big church bus to the orchard!  They probably could've taken them on a ride and that would have been enough!  Ha! :)

I'm so glad I got to go on your first field trip.  I love you sweet Maddie.  You are the sunshine in my life!  

Mrs. Keener's class

Maddie and some of her friends.

Maddie and Nathan  (This looks like a future prom picture!)

Gardner Anne, Maddie and the other Madi.

My sweet girl!  (I can't help it but I think she is gorgeous!)

So, I rarely blog about random things, but for some reason, I felt the need to today.  

There are so many things that I love and feel like you need to know about these things too.  So, here is my list of my favorite things:

• An Arnold Palmer   (Half sweet tea and half lemonade)  The BEST drink, ever.  Period.
• My new 17" Mac Book Pro.  Because once you go Mac, you NEVER go back.  For other reasons too, but mainly because it totally ROCKS!  If you are looking for a new computer, don't be afraid, just get a Mac.  You will thank me for it.  And no, it is not hard to transition to a Mac.  Trust me.  I am not a computer geek and if I can get, you can too.
• Ikea  The best store on the planet.  They have home goods.  Check them out!
• Facebook  I know, so does everyone else!  Isn't it the greatest way to see people from high school and college and not have to talk to them!!?!? (If I went to high school or college with you and you are reading this, I am NOT talking about you.) 
• Watching my kids play together.  They have the BEST time.  I could listen to that laughter ALL day!
• Taking pictures! Now there's a surprise!  The kicker is that I would still be taking pictures even if I didn't get paid!  
• Living in Greenville, South Carolina.  I've lived so many different places, but this is now my favorite.  People from South Carolina are so proud of their state.  I love the loyalty they feel!  
• My Skagen watch.  They are awesome.  Very lightweight and cute.
• Orla Kiely This is a designer who makes clothing, homegoods, stationary and bags.  I have never been a fan of designer things until I saw one of her purses.  Now, I'm hopelessly addicted.  She also sells homegoods at Target.  (MUCH less expensive!)  Which brings me to my next thing.....
• Target.  Love it!  I could go there everyday and find something new that I "need"!  
• Big Star jeans from Buckle.  They make you look skinny!  It's true!!!
• Being friends with local photographers.  I have learned so much from my sweet friends.  It's so great to have someone to call if you are in a pinch or if you just need some advice!  
• The beach.  Florida beaches, to be exact.  But I will got to South Carolina beaches if I must.  I just like the ones in Florida better!  Better sand, better water.  
• Going on date night with my husband!  We try to go out every Friday night.  We started this when we couldn't afford it and it has really made a difference in our marriage.  Spend time with the one you love!  Even if you just go out to a cheap dinner and Walmart.  
• My screened in porch.  I love sitting out there watching the kiddos play.
• College Football!!!  I am orignally from Alabama so I will ALWAYS pull for the Tide, but I do love those Clemson Tigers.  I just wish they would get it together and win for a change.  Being an Alabama fan, I'm not used to this "falling apart" thing.  I'm definitely for Dabo Sweeney too!  After all, he's an Alabama boy!  Go Tigers!!!
• My pink Kata Camera Backpack.  So easy to take around when I have a local shoot!
• Having great neighbors that are like family.
• Hanging out with my girlfriends.  It's so important to have great women in your life!  
• Eating at Wade's in Spartanburg.  The BEST meat & three EVER.  
• Reality TV.  The Bachelor was my favorite until Jason dumped Melissa for Molly.  JERK!  I am loving Celebrity Apprentice right now though.  LOVE all the drama!  
• The Mentalist, best new show on TV!!!  
• Lost!!  My favorite tv show ever.  Team Sawyer!!!
• Hobby Lobby.  Such a fun store with so many great things in it.  
• Fox News
• The Druge Report
• My awesome husband, Kyle.  He is such a great guy.  Fun to be with and steady as a rock.  Quite handsome too!
• My clients and friends.  Most of my clients become my friends.  It's so fun to get to know people and see them during the most wonderful times of their lives!
• When people leave comments on my blog!  Yes, that is a hint.  Tell me what you think.  I love reading your comments!
• My job!  I am so blessed to get to take pictures for a living.  Every time I go to a shoot, I am so thankful that someone thinks that I am talented enough to record history for them.  It is an honor!  

"When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad. I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad".  

Now, tell me some of yours!!!  I love hearing about the things that people love!

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.  I feel honored that so many people come to my site to check things out and see all of the new pictures.  Speaking of pictures, I couldn't resist posting some new ones of my little man.  He has a wide variety of toys to play with, but he always ends up with the broom and vacuum cleaner.  It cracks me up that these are his favorite toys!

Enjoy!

On Friday, I got to go to Columbia to see Kyle's sister, Kelli, and her 2 kids, Marley and Candler.  They currently live in Oklahoma but are moving to Virginia, much closer to us, this summer.  I love being able to see them and hang out.  We always have so much fun.  Marley and Maddie are a little over a year apart and Bennett and Candler are 6 months apart.  

I am so grateful for Kyle's family.  I am so blessed to have such great in-laws!  

Here are some photos from our little photo shoot.  No slideshow, didn't want to bore everyone to tears!

Enjoy!

Cousins!

Bennett 17 months, Maddie 4 1/2 years, Candler 11 months and Marley 5 years old.

 The boys!  (The only way we could get them to smile was to dangle food in front of them!  Just like grown men, already!)

Sweet girls!

Candler

Marley

Bennett   (LOVE this little man!)

Maddie Lou (My sweet girl)