The Power of Innocence

My husband and I have been fretting this entire winter......about anything from the economic slow-down to a burnt out oven.  There was a small time that it seemed that we were a bit of a pin cushion......every time we turned around it was something else.  January and February are our slow seasons and sick seasons.  Needless to say we have all needed a little "fresh air" in our lungs in more ways than one.  

Our youngest child has the ability to find the good in anything.  He's always the voice in the back of the car saying, "Well at least it's not......"  He's the one who comes up to me while I'm paying bills and wanting to barf and gives a kiss with a dance and a song called "I Love My Mama, She's So Cool" and how can you not smile through that?  My husband turned to me during a heavy conversation the other day after receiving one of those oh-so-timely kisses from the little guy and said, "He can keep me going."

The power of the innocence of youth.  They know NOTHING of this economic schism....they know NOTHING about the rising price of gas.....and they know NOTHING about social conflict.  My goal is to bring myself down to their level more often.  Why not hop a fence, climb a tree, catch a frog or play in a sprinkler once in a while?

I am also striving to find the blessing in everything.  There is one, big or small.  And if it's hard to find them sometimes.....I believe the cure is to do something for someone else.  Instant shot in the arm....BE GRATEFUL, BE HUMBLE and BE HAPPY.

Lego League State Competition - Buist Academy Knowbots

You have not lived until you spend a weekend in Clemson, South Carolina at a Lego League State Competition......for your 11 year old son....with two younger siblings in tow.  We were up and at the Littlejohn Coliseum by 8:30 a.m. and left no sooner than 6:30 p.m. ......with not one coloring book, video game, song to sing, or pillow to sleep on for the younger ones.  Although there were some Star Wars characters walking around that they found entertaining....for a minute.  Mother-of-the-Year here learned something very basic this weekend.  Be prepared.  Although, I must say I didn't know what to expect but apparently the team members did because they all had their heads in a Nintendo DS or PSP during their down time.....to sum it up - Hurry up and wait.....and wait.....and wait.

I was delighted to catch a rare moment of affectionate support in a three-way hug between my children....interesting how supportive they get when you get them out of their element.

The Buist Academy Knights - a/k/a KNOWBOTS - did GREAT.....they were one of the youngest teams out of 82.  Each team ran 3 missions throughout the day (that's right, 3x82.......) and they ranked 17th out of 246 which I think is FANTASTIC.  The basic idea is that they have built and programmed their robot to run certain tasks on the table shown....each team runs on the same exact table - each just brings a different idea to the mission in hopes that they earn more points with their different robots running different tasks.

In addition to their missions, they also had to take part in a team interview and perform a skit.  I was very proud of each one of them by the end of the day.  The enthusiasm was constant and I think they all learned a lot about hard work and team effort.  Congratulations Knowbots!  (Again, check out the crossed fingers.....love em.)

Blush...Girls' Night Out

I went out last night to support my friend Martha who owns this cute little clothing store called Blush in Houston Northcutt Plaza on Coleman Blvd. in Mount Pleasant....for Valentine's, Martha solicited lots of husbands to purchase a package for their wives including this Girls' Night Out party.  Much fun was had after-hours shopping, sipping and gum-gabbin' with a bunch of women who Lord knows were happy to be out of the house.  I think we were all pleasantly surprised that Blush carried so many things for adults...the range is from pre-teens on up...and I came home sporting a super cute new dress for me and a great little tee shirt for my daughter....I'm eye-ballin' the little grey dress...and the mirror....and the Liv's....and the peasant shirt....

It's a good week.....more national exposure!

A feature went up today on www.theboot.com at 1:00 p.m. showing some of my photos of Darius Rucker and his family.  Theboot is AOL's online coverage of country entertainment news.  Click here to check it out.

I'm in People Magazine....Country Special !!

Last week I was a bit of a stalker going around to Waldenbooks and all of the grocery stores trying to get a peak at the new People Magazine - Country Special.....one of my shots from a family photo shoot made it in the March, 2009 issue!  Here is the article....

Sweet Baby K not quite 2 weeks old

I got over to see Lauren and Joe today to take some more pictures of Baby K.  She is a sweet little angel and quite the trooper as we moved her all over the house.  When you've got children that are my children's ages....you definitely forget what it was like...well, quite frankly, before they stink.

Give a little time....

Last night I had the opportunity to help prepare and serve dinner at the Crisis Ministries Homeless Shelter with other women from our church.  The shelter is separated into two parts with women and children in their own building.  We were in the back building with the women and children while the somewhat rougher crowd was in front.  

During a time when it's easy to have self pity in this whirlwind of change and uncertainty....plop yourself into the real life of desperation for an hour or two....and it will change your prayers from pleas to thanks.

Sneak Peak at Little G

Took some pictures of this cute little guy yesterday - we met out at Sunshine Park on James Island.  I had never been there but it is a great spot on the water with interesting views of the bridge and downtown.  G is 6 months old and is sporting an old soul...mixed with a little drool.  I'll post the rest tonight B.   

Charleston, South Carolina

Not a bad city to live in.....

It Won't Be Like this For Long!!

Today a music video was released for Darius Rucker's 2nd single "It Won't Be Like This for Long" and my photography made the video!!  Check it out at www.cmt.com - also, we'd love for the video to climb to #1 so click here and then "Top Twenty Countdown" to vote by clicking the radio dial button next to Darius Rucker and then "vote" - you can vote several times a day.

Scheduling Spring Sessions

I'm in the process of scheduling Spring Sessions and am setting up sessions for out-of-towners.  Several people have asked about details so....if you get four (4) friends to sign up for a shoot, I'll come to your city and comp your sitting fee.  Shoot me an e-mail or give me a call if you are interested....Spring is right around the corner.....I hope....brrrrrrrr

Buist Academy Knowbots

I have to brag on my oldest son.....this weekend he competed with others from his school in a Regional Tournament for Lego League.  The team has been working for months building, programming and practicing missions with a computerized robot that they built.  They ranked 2nd out of 108 missions and are headed to a state competition at the end of the month!  (Notice the crossed fingers - love it.)