VACATION...

I am officially on vacation!! Enjoying the much needed time with family and friends. If you are a Baby Planner and it is time to schedule your next appt., please shoot me an email or call. Any new clients are welcome to do the same! Just please know that I will not be returning phone calls or emails as prompt:) Have a terrific holiday! Money is tight for everyone and I know many families that have had a tough year (or 2) - just enjoy the time off. That is what I am doing:) Looking foward to 2009!!! karen

The Wave of 3/4 "Monthers"...

All my newborns are headed back towards me to show off their filled in faces and heads of hair. I met with the handsome and adorable, Andrew, today. The weather has been so hard to judge lately- we actually ended up outside almost the whole time! Crazy! Anyways, Andrew was holding back back on the smiles (sound familiar any previous 3 mo mommies??) and got very sleepy on us, but I really think we got some darling shots- here are a few-

And the big boy pose that makes him look big and tiny all at the same time:)

off to lay on the couch- I have been nonstop ALL day!!

Darling Nickolas...

My awesome friend, Danielle, brought over 5 mo old, Nickolas, for a visit and a fun photoshoot. We had a blast! N is such a good baby and has such a sweet disposition. We got some really great shots. Here are a few-

LOVE...

Love this shot i stumbled on at 1:30 in the morning! I hope mom does too:)

Coming Soon...

2009 Information!

I See the Light...

at the end of the tunnel! Orders are still trickling in, I still have sessions to edit (thankfully, not for holiday cards!) and NO christmas presents have been bought! But, it is all coming together. I am sitting here blogging while my sweet babies are cuddling in the bed, watching a movie behind me. I want to thank everybody once again for their patience. I spent 6 LONG weeks without my husband, from Oct to about a week after Thanksgiving. He was gone doing some extra work. I was juggling the household, kids, bills and my wonderfully BUSY business in it crazy season! (Oh, and add getting sick twice) I survived! (with only one true breakdown) So, I am ready for a new year and a fresh start- how about you? I want to thank not only my awesome clients, who offered many words of support, but my 2 awesome babysitters and 3 awesome teachers that forgave me for being late, dirty children, forgetting lunch and snack and not reviewing site words! And onto my friends, who listened to me complain and encouraged me to truck on:)
So, there is the reason that I am just now posting these fab family's peeks-----
First off, our friend's adorable 3 mo old, Wyatt. What a beautiful baby!


Next, one sweet, fam shot of Rebecca and Grace's amazing family. To tell the truth, I was going to post one of each girls and I think I picked 2 of Grace- gotta email mom!! So, stay tuned for those.

And, now, my new and final Baby Planner for 2008! Meet Andrew and his sis, Alyssa. I foresee many awesome shoots in this beautiful babe's future.


Off to take care of the kiddos- they are getting restless- never fall asleep during a movie:( Happy Holiday Preparation Time!!

I Could Not Help it...

I had to stay up late and get some photos ready to post. I am having "Blogging withdrawals." No, really, I miss it and I actually talk out blog posts in my head throughout the day. Another one of those weird quirks I have that go along with staring at people and photoshoping their skin and under-eye circles:) Anyways, I have been working away. Yes, I STILL have galleries to get out! Those needed for Xmas stuff will be done THIS week. Also, an announcement:

IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED YOUR GALLERY- PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR ORDER TO ME BY FRIDAY**** Yes, by friday. Please!!!! With that said, please be ready to mail a check or (only for the holiday rush) Paypal to picturelily@gmail.com

My kids have been so funny lately. I have really been enjoying them. Lily is a grown up one minute and then a temper tantrum 2 yr old the next. You never know who you will get! She is just itching to learn more and more each day. I keep finding little notes around the house that she has sounded out words and written them. Here is something that I treasure. She gave it to me today. Lily has never said "Photography" She always says, "Uh-tography" It is so cute- I have never corrected her. (IS that bad??)

Isn't it sweet? She tried to show it to me and I brushed her off bc I was SOO busy and I found it later. I got a 2 minute hug:) And Morgan, well, the boy is HILARIOUS! I will have to start writing things down bc I cannot remember them all. We wonder why I cannot get things done when they are home?? It is bc he is bored and decides to pour water all over my bathroom floor and mop. Or climb cabinets and attempt (attempt is the word here, people) to get medicine. He loves to sing and say random numbers and letters, pretending he is reading them. I have noticed more letters come into play, lately. I am trying to rework my business a little so I am not working on the computer the WHOLE time I am home with them! Photogs- any suggestions??? Anyways, I am blessed beyond belief and hope that the blessings keep on coming.

Enough rambling- I am finally posting some pics! This is sweet, darling McKenna, one of my 6 monthers. Such a doll!

PS- there is this thing that us photographers are supossed to do- it is called "sharpening for the web" um, ya, have not done that. Turning over a new leaf. You will notice the sharpness. More so that will be seen on prints, but it makes them "pop." Onto, a really cool fam with a really cool home that Gramdma lives in. Thanks for letting us use it! Amazing shoot! Mom is going to love them. Ok, it is 1:30. I am done rambling. I hope to have more peeks tomorrow night:)

A Day Off...

Bc I have to! We are traveling to Sc today. I will be set up and ready to work by Sun night. Things are going really well. (except the fact that it is 9:30 and I was sure to leave by 8:00 this morning!!) So, remember, I will not be answering emails today, but they will be there for me tomorrow:) Thanks and have a great day!

Yes, I Admit...

I am in the weeds!! But, I can tackle it:) Thank you to all my wonderful clients that are being sooo patient with me. We have had a major change in our household a little over a month ago (not anything bad, just a HUGE adjustment) I am not going to blog about it, but feel free to ask, but most of you know what I am talking about. Anyways, I am dealing the best to my ability. So, all the support and kind words have really helped me. Galleries are running 3 wks- I KNOW! Long- and the holidays are coming! Well, I have 2 shoots this week and then I am pretty much done. That leaves more time for the computer. Also, the kids and I are packing up to go to my parents house for all next week. In doing this, I will be able to concentrate more bc the kids will be occupied and a scenery change will be nice for me:)
Holiday Cards can ship straight from the lab in 2 business days to your house. Any checks I have recieved up until yesterday have been deposited and orders placed. I will be able to have those ready for pick up bf I leave or will avaible for pick up from my assistant, Rachel. I will be placing orders from Myrtle Beach, but any prints that come while I am gone will not be availible until I get back.
I KNOW MY BLOG HAS GOTTEN DULL, BUT PLEASE KEEP COMING BACK! I willbe trying to have peeks for people, but please understand that editing galleries and doing orders take major priority:) Hugs to all! karen

Hehe...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkymTHSbWe0

Another Quick Post...

Hi! I am seeing a light at the "middle" of my tunnel! I worked all day today and I am staying up to meet my goals I have set for myself. I wanted to get peeks out to my anxious parents. Really quick, if you have a gallery out or need to make a payment on an order PLEASE do so! I am out of town at the end of the month and Thanksgiving holidays always slow the whole order process down. We have less time than you think, I mean, I have less time than you think:) Here we go!!!

Back to work...

24...

24 is the magic number! I have 24 sessions to edit! I told you my clients were good to me:) So, in light of that situation, I am skipping photo commentary so I can bust a move on these galleries. Here we go:











Hope everybody likes their peeks! More to come, of course!
A little business info:
IF YOUR GALLERY HAS BEEN OUT MORE THAN 2 WEEKS- PLEASE HAVE YOUR ORDER TO ME REALLY SOON!! BELIEVE IT OR NOT, WE ARE RUNNING OUT OF TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE WANTING CARDS MADE- THANKS!

Hi...

I know I have tons of awesome families waiting for their peeks! I have had some amazing sessions. I am actually trying to get as much rest as I can bc I still am feeling worn down by my sinus/ear infection. Tomorrow morning will be my 24 hrs on antibiotics, so I am thinking I will feel like Superwoman when I wake! It will be this weekend that I will do a big post with tons of images:) And bc my friend/assistant told me last night that my Blog was getting boring bc there are no pics- here is an image!! PS- I totally agreed with her and all is in good fun!!
BABY IN A BASKET- could he be any cuter??

HUGE Problem...

My email address is TOTALLY wiped out! I just never thought that they would cancel it along with disconnecting our telephone service- silly me! So, I am the phone with bellsouth right now. I am going to create another acct for emails and will post it as soon as I get it. I am trying to be able to access it, so I can get it copies over to Outlook Express. FLIPPING OUT!!!
MY NEW EMAIL ADDRESS IS picturelily@gmail.com
I just found out there is NO way to EVER access my old emails. If we have corresponded recently and/or you have not given me all you info as a client, please email me, so we can make sure we are in touch. Fortunately, I have clients info in my database, but there are a few people that I do not have complete info for. Ok, I am going to be at peace now:)

SICK...

Can viruses not just wait until we are not busy??!! Yes, I caught Morgan's cold/throat thing! Fever, cold, huge glands.... blah, blah, blah....
HUGE thank you to my very special client that is actually squeezing ME in on Wed:) This morning I woke up and decided I was done with it. So, I moved on and met my friend, Mandy and her fam for their session. Did I keep my distance- oh yes! Did I have my energy? Well, put it this way, I popped some tylenol and had my coffee- I was ready for Maddie and Carter!
Here are a few-
Love this family shot:

I am LOVING the "infamous -hard to get" sibling shot!!

And beautiful Maddie- she was not having any part of our shenanigans to get her to smile!

I have a day of rest tomorrow and then I am off to the battle fields on Tues! I will be ready:)

Little Clara...

here are Clara's other peeks, as promised. Her mom said she was a serious baby. I had one of those! I LOVE the serous/curious faces as they stare into my camera. She was such a doll!! A little serious bw and a cute vintage-


And, now, sweet, fun Nevaeh. We got together for a little painting session. She did not really get into it, but we got some cute pics out of it!!

I stopped by my friend, Mandy's house on my way home from a shoot. I got to meet 3 mo old, Carter. We have a session this weekend, but I wanted to grab a few indoor shots since this was Carter's first shoot. Look what we got-
Isn't he awesome??
Off to feed the crazy kids! Thank goodness for my mom:)

OH MY...

I LOVE THIS SHOT!!!!

I had Clara's 1 yr shoot this morning and then did not get home for good until 5:30- busy day! I am going to bed early, but will be working at home tomorrow since it is going to be a yucky day! PS- more of Clara tomorrow:)

I Feel the Holidays...

I think it has set in! I have Christmas cards to work on and back to back shoots- IT'S THE HOLIDAY SEASON. Don't you say "whoop te doo!" bc we have deadlines, People! The workflow must keep moving:) Morgan is off to the new sitter tomorrow (yea!), I have a 9:00 shoot, have to pick up my mom from the airport (WAHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and I am helping a friend by picking up her 2 after school. Busy day! Do not be afraid to contact me if you need something, though.
Ok, quick pics- I have a 3 and 5 yr old shoot to share. These 2 siblings were lots of fun. I really enjoyed them. Ethan was a terrific, active 3 yr old boy and Belle was a sweet 5 yr old girl who totally gave me some "cheeses" and then burst into giggles- love it! I worked hard to warm her up, but the best smiles we got was when mommy was poking me with a stick! Kids love it when parents abuse me. Now, we only whip this trick out when needed, not at first shot:) Without further ado-


Now the sibling shot is not posed and perfect- we did try, but I do say that I am definitely not Olan Mills:) Love brothers expression. He knew his sis did not want him touching her!!!
I will have more to share tomorrow, including some shots of a "painting session!"

We Have an Ear Infection...

I had to cancel, yet, another shoot! I would like to take this opportunity to pat myself on the back for not booking myself back to back! I do not know what I would have done if I had no room to reschedule! You live and learn and I have learned:) So, all the embarrassment of turning away amazing, potential clients has paid off:) LOL! Morgan has basically a cold, but he has had some old congestion that has probably led to the ears. Poor guy! Have no fear, antibiotics are here! So, let's all pray that I only have to keep him home for tomorrow and that is it. I have one shoot in the late afternoon and my lovely sister is going to be able to watch him and Lily will be at a friends. So, at least my whole day did not go under:) So, tomorrow, in between working- I will be lovin' on my baby boy- good night

Will Somebody PLEASE...

tell my children that they HAVE to go to bed at night, so they might as well stop fighting it! Man, I started bedtime at 7:30 and it is 9:13 and Morgan is finally in bed and quiet. After putting him back in the bed over 10 times, I am worn out. Poor guy is congested and overtired. Life of a 2 yr old, snot and fighting parents:) Anyways, I have had to cancel one shoot and potentially one tomorrow bc of Morgan being sick. We were to start a new babysitter today and had to call in sick. He has had no fever, but I want to be careful of how he feels and if he is still contagious. We shall see... On that note- a side note- I am obviously a mom and understand when your child is sick. My clients have been amazing when I have to reschedule. I try my best to make other arrangements, but it hard to pawn off a sick child on just anybody:) So, thank you to my sweet (awesome!) clients for not making me feel more terrible than I already do. And thanks SO MUCH to my sister, mom in law and sis on law and friends for taking care of my kids this weekend! How about some pics??? I am finally using the method that I have found to make these images BIGGER! I know you will appreciate it. So, here is the new and improved PictureLily Blog!!!
First up, some good friends of ours and their fam. Here is "just turned 2" Lola playing in the creek.
And add in her aunt, Lainy. (Yes, that is right- aunt- isn't that cool?!!) They are soo cute together!

We did some terrific fam shots, but I would hate to spoil the surprise for those getting a Christmas card! I will sneak those to the family via email.
Next up, Charlie! What a sweet, laid back child. He did not even have a lip quiver- no fussing in sight. I did get quite a few smiles, but these touched me-
Some friends of Charlie's mommies met up with us and became my fabulous assistants- thanks guys!! Remember, if you ever need a job that pays nothing but pure joy- give me a call!
The next morning, I met with Carter. What a sweetie pie! big chocolate eyes to die for. He has this great serious side, but he decided to showed a little gums for us:) Don't you just love the hat?
Ok, WOW! This post is not only long, but the pics are so much bigger, it takes up a whole page!
Yes, I had all boys this weekend and they were all AMAZING! My Baby Planner, Tyler, was no exception. we met up for a Stone Mtn shoot. Daddy had scoped out a few places and we had fun walking around. We used an old suitcase that was from mom's family somehow. Cool prop:)
Check out this storyboard. I LOVE Tyler's blue eyes, but this is just classic-
Just a little extra- a smile:)
Now, if you would excuse me from this long post- I have got to edit and place an order- good night...
Yikes! I have been wanting to share this sweet pic and keep forgetting- I just love babies and mommies:)
I leave you with this-