Shane, Kim, Aspen, Buckley and Riley
December 23, 2011
December 16, 2011
November Photo Recap
I got the opportunity to take some pictures for a couple of friends this past November. I had a few other shoots scheduled, but the weather did not want to cooperate with us. We decided to try again in the spring. Here are two of the sessions.
The Watson's
I have known the Watson family for about 6 years. Amanda and I worked together for about a year and her husband, Chris, is also in the field of Parks & Recreation. They are so much fun to be around! Samantha loved the camera and made taking her picture way too easy! Max waited until the last few shots to finally give us a smile. Better late than never!
Kayden
This was a last minute shoot of my friend's nephew. Her future mother-in-law and sister-in-law wanted to surprise Kayden's mom with some photos for Christmas. They arranged to "babysit" him for a couple of hours so we had to move quickly. Despite not wanting to smile or cooperate too much, he was super sweet and let me follow him around for about an hour.
(What photographer isn't complete without a logo?) :)
December 8, 2011
Serenity, now
For those of you Seinfeld fanatics, this is not a prelude to one of the greatest episodes in the Seinfeld series. This is my prayer right now. Although I have never been part of a 12 step program, I have found myself constantly reciting the Serenity Prayer over the last few weeks:
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
- Reinhold Niebuhr
Maybe I have been reciting it for the last few years. Never did I think I would find myself in such a low state since I always saw myself as a pretty strong person. I guess month after month of being faced with disappointment, one might finally break down and succumb to the sadness that fills their soul.
I know there are many people out there that have been where I'm at right now. But knowing things MIGHT get better, does not always make it easier. It's trying to find happiness in the current moment that makes it possible to move forward. Plus knowing how far you have come, makes it harder to turn back and give up now. I'm not giving up, atleast I can't at this point. I saw a quote the other day that said, "It's hard to wait around for something you know might never happen; but it's even harder to give up when you know it's everything you want." That's why I can't quit.
For 4 years we have been trying to pregnant. One month we were successful, only to have it taken from us just a few short weeks later. It was devastating, but sort of made us hopeful. More months passed. Each filled with endless doctor's appointments, medications, ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, procedures and tears. Tomorrow we take the next step that I sort of knew would come one day. I'm going back into surgery to see if the endometriosis they discovered 6 years ago has returned, thus causing my struggle with fertility. The doctor will actually be doing two procedures so he can get an idea of what is going on from different perspectives. One is the laparoscopy (which I had done in 2005), the other is a hysteroscopy. Both are very routine so I'm not too concerned about the procedures or the 2-3 days of recovery. We are anxious to see what he finds and praying it's positive news.
I told myself I would never use this blog to post any negative experiences, but I also created this blog to share with our friends and family what was going on our lives. This 4+ year struggle is part of our life so it seemed right to put it out there, in writing, for all to see. And in a way, it almost feels therapeutic.
Amen.
- Reinhold Niebuhr
Maybe I have been reciting it for the last few years. Never did I think I would find myself in such a low state since I always saw myself as a pretty strong person. I guess month after month of being faced with disappointment, one might finally break down and succumb to the sadness that fills their soul.
I know there are many people out there that have been where I'm at right now. But knowing things MIGHT get better, does not always make it easier. It's trying to find happiness in the current moment that makes it possible to move forward. Plus knowing how far you have come, makes it harder to turn back and give up now. I'm not giving up, atleast I can't at this point. I saw a quote the other day that said, "It's hard to wait around for something you know might never happen; but it's even harder to give up when you know it's everything you want." That's why I can't quit.
For 4 years we have been trying to pregnant. One month we were successful, only to have it taken from us just a few short weeks later. It was devastating, but sort of made us hopeful. More months passed. Each filled with endless doctor's appointments, medications, ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, procedures and tears. Tomorrow we take the next step that I sort of knew would come one day. I'm going back into surgery to see if the endometriosis they discovered 6 years ago has returned, thus causing my struggle with fertility. The doctor will actually be doing two procedures so he can get an idea of what is going on from different perspectives. One is the laparoscopy (which I had done in 2005), the other is a hysteroscopy. Both are very routine so I'm not too concerned about the procedures or the 2-3 days of recovery. We are anxious to see what he finds and praying it's positive news.
I told myself I would never use this blog to post any negative experiences, but I also created this blog to share with our friends and family what was going on our lives. This 4+ year struggle is part of our life so it seemed right to put it out there, in writing, for all to see. And in a way, it almost feels therapeutic.
November 26, 2011
30 days and counting...
Did you see that? There are only 30 days until Christmas. I can't believe December is almost upon us and 2012 is staring us in the face. Normally I won't decorate for Christmas until December. I have issues with putting up Christmas decorations when we aren't even within the holiday month. After moving into our new home last year, I had to change the way I decorated since we had so much more livable space that needed to look festive. Due to my OCD, I limit what I put up because I am not one for clutter. Not to mention I have to get it all up in one day and be able to take it all down in one day as well or I get overwhelming anxiety. It truly is a curse.
When I bought my house in 2004, I went to Garden Ridge on Thanksgiving day and bought me a cute little, prelit 6 foot tall tree. Last year we learned that our cute little tree looked rather pathetic in our new home. After a failed attempt to purchase a new tree last year, we decided to go out when the first sale was announced this fall and get a prelit 9 foot tree. When I started putting the tree together yesterday, I realized our eyes may have been bigger than our front room. Once I got it up and decorated, I fell in love with it.
When I bought my house in 2004, I went to Garden Ridge on Thanksgiving day and bought me a cute little, prelit 6 foot tall tree. Last year we learned that our cute little tree looked rather pathetic in our new home. After a failed attempt to purchase a new tree last year, we decided to go out when the first sale was announced this fall and get a prelit 9 foot tree. When I started putting the tree together yesterday, I realized our eyes may have been bigger than our front room. Once I got it up and decorated, I fell in love with it.
Last year I bought some wreaths to hang in our back living room windows and a few new things for the mantle. This year I found Texas A&M and Texas Tech mini trees that I couldn't pass up (plus they were half price at Hobby Lobby).
Gig'em Aggies! Go Raiders!
The outside of our house is very sad. With the tall roof and limited amount of bushes, we have not figured out a way to add lights to the outside. We did buy two small outdoor lighted trees to place on either side of our walkway but determined they look very sad all by themselves when we were driving by our house last night. It is a work in progress so I'm sure we'll figure something out and hit up the stores after Christmas to get more decor on sale.
Only 31 days until all of this stuff comes down! :)
Gobble, Gobble
This Thanksgiving was great! Despite a few rough times this past year, we have so much to be thankful for and enjoyed spending the day with our families. For the second year in a row, we played host to Shane's parents, his grandmother, my parents, my brother's family, my grandparents and great aunt. It was a full house but we wouldn't have it any other way.
Shane fried a couple of turkeys that morning and the rest of us contributed plenty of dishes to the rest of the feast. Dessert was well represented as well with over 6 different options. All in all, it was a great day (despite a loss by my Aggies in the last showdown between T.U. and Texas A&M).
Shane fried a couple of turkeys that morning and the rest of us contributed plenty of dishes to the rest of the feast. Dessert was well represented as well with over 6 different options. All in all, it was a great day (despite a loss by my Aggies in the last showdown between T.U. and Texas A&M).
Dad doing what he does best
(ignore his poor choice in apron attire)
The kid's table is still the coolest table
The man I am most thankful to have in my life!
My German Twins
(my great aunt and grandmother)
My 95 year old grandfather
One of the most amazing men I know
Classic James Family photo
November 7, 2011
Southbound 45
The last 5 days I spent some quality time with some of the greatest people in my life. Here's a recap of my journey:
Wednesday
I left work early and headed down to Casa de Bruce to see precious baby Emma on her 1st birthday! I can't believe this sweet girl is already a year old! Time goes by way too fast! Court and I had lunch together and spent some time playing with Emma and catching up on life. After I left Court's house, I headed southeast to my parent's lake house for a couple of days.
Wednesday
I left work early and headed down to Casa de Bruce to see precious baby Emma on her 1st birthday! I can't believe this sweet girl is already a year old! Time goes by way too fast! Court and I had lunch together and spent some time playing with Emma and catching up on life. After I left Court's house, I headed southeast to my parent's lake house for a couple of days.
Baby Emma is 1!
Thursday
My mom and I drove over to Canton and did some shopping. If you have never experienced Canton, then you need to make plans to go sometime. It is the first Monday weekend of every month and you can buy just about anything (gifts, food, home decor, etc). It does entail alot of walking as there are acres and acres of booths and vendors. We try to go atleast once a year if not more. It was alittle chilly that morning but wasn't too bad by lunchtime. Later that afternoon/evening we hung out at the house and worked on my t-shirt quilt. After dinner we went out on the golf cart to search for deer around sunset. We were able to catch one on the side of the road.
Friday
I made the trek south to Houston Friday morning so I could meet Nikki and Robert for lunch. Once I got into town, this malfunction indicator light came on in my car so I had to call VW to see what was wrong. Luckily there was a VW dealership just across the street from the restaurant where we were eating so I left my car with them for a couple of hours while they made the repair (just alittle unexpected expense on my trip). I finally got to meet baby Rylee for the first time and she is so sweet! After spending some time with them (and getting my car back) I headed back north to Spring to stay with Ellen and Ty.
Saturday
Ellen, Ty and I went down to Nikki's mother's house and we spent the afternoon watching the Aggies fall to OU. Despite the loss, we had a great time hanging out with one another and passing little Rylee around.
They call me the baby whisperer
Rylee and her Auntie Ellen
I love these girls!
I finally made it home on Sunday after a stop in Corsicana for lunch with my parents. The last few days were probably some of the best days ever. I got to see 3 women that mean more to me than anything and spend some precious time with each of them as well as quality time with my parents. I am so blessed!
October 22, 2011
October 22, 2000
Words cannot describe how much I love you, how much I miss you, and how much I would sacrifice just to see you again. You will be in my heart, forever and always!
October 17, 2011
Atlanta & J'ville
This weekend Shane and I took a quick trip to Atlanta, Georgia and Jacksonville, Alabama. Friday night we flew into ATL and spent the night. Saturday morning we headed over to the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca Cola. I love aquariums. There's something about fish that are so relaxing, even if they are big fish or sharks. We really enjoyed taking the time to walk around and look at everything. It is the largest aquarium in the world so we saw plenty of fish.
We grabbed a bite at this cafe outside in the gorgeous Georgia weather and then walked over to the World of Coca Cola. It was a self guided tour where you could see how Coke originated, how it's made and all of the marketing and promotions over the years. Then you go into the tasting room where you can try 65 different varieties of Coke products from all over the world (some were pretty nasty) and make your own concoction of Coke (170 different variations).
After we left there, we made the 2 hour drive to Jacksonville to see Kelsey. Saturday night we took her to dinner and watched the Rangers win the ALCS. Sunday we went to the Jacksonville State vs Murray State soccer game to see Kelsey and Erin play each other. It was a really good game that went into two overtimes and ended in a 0-0 tie. The weather was pretty nice but alittle hot. Shane and I both got some sun and I got some looks at the airport because of my sunglasses tan. After the game was over we had to hightail it back to Atlanta to catch our flight.
We felt like we were barely gone but we really enjoyed getting away for a couple of days and seeing the girls.
Georgia Aquarium
Little Jelly
Large Aquarium Wall
Octopus
We grabbed a bite at this cafe outside in the gorgeous Georgia weather and then walked over to the World of Coca Cola. It was a self guided tour where you could see how Coke originated, how it's made and all of the marketing and promotions over the years. Then you go into the tasting room where you can try 65 different varieties of Coke products from all over the world (some were pretty nasty) and make your own concoction of Coke (170 different variations).
World of Coca Cola
Coca Cola advertisements
Coca Cola art
Different Coca Cola bottles
After we left there, we made the 2 hour drive to Jacksonville to see Kelsey. Saturday night we took her to dinner and watched the Rangers win the ALCS. Sunday we went to the Jacksonville State vs Murray State soccer game to see Kelsey and Erin play each other. It was a really good game that went into two overtimes and ended in a 0-0 tie. The weather was pretty nice but alittle hot. Shane and I both got some sun and I got some looks at the airport because of my sunglasses tan. After the game was over we had to hightail it back to Atlanta to catch our flight.
Shane with Erin & Kelsey
Me with Erin and Kelsey
We felt like we were barely gone but we really enjoyed getting away for a couple of days and seeing the girls.
October 13, 2011
State Fair 2011
Shane and I try to make an annual trip to the state fair every October. We typically take a day off work and go on Senior Citizen day. It is usually less crowded aside from the few rascals you have to dodge every now and then. This year we thought we would be attending the fair solo, but were lucky enough to be joined by my parents and our friends Jackie, her daughter Olivia, Kristie and her husband Chad. Jackie, Shane and I rode the DART train down from Carrollton which was really nice. It took us straight to fair park.
Once inside, our quest for the fried foods began. We walked around for alittle bit and checked out the new cars and a few exhibits but quickly made our way to the food. Here's a list of the items our group ate at some point:
Needless to say, we were pretty miserable by the end of the day and may not eat for awhile so our bodies can adjust to the caloric overload it just experienced.
We also had the opportunity to see our caricature artist that draws our Christmas card for us every year. We met him at the fair about 4-5 years ago which is where we got the idea. The design for this year's card was discussed so be on the lookout for it this December. :)
At the end of the day we caught one of the Killdares shows before we headed back home. They are a really great, local band that plays Celtic Rock. We try to catch them every year. They are even playing at the Carrollton Festival on November 5.
Once inside, our quest for the fried foods began. We walked around for alittle bit and checked out the new cars and a few exhibits but quickly made our way to the food. Here's a list of the items our group ate at some point:
Fletcher's Corny Dog (a must at the state fair)
Twisted Tater
Sausage on a Stick
Tamales
Pizza
Chicken Tenders
Fried Banana Pudding
Fried Oreos
Fried Moonpie
Fried Snickers
Fried Cookie Dough
Fried Peaches and Cream
Needless to say, we were pretty miserable by the end of the day and may not eat for awhile so our bodies can adjust to the caloric overload it just experienced.
We also had the opportunity to see our caricature artist that draws our Christmas card for us every year. We met him at the fair about 4-5 years ago which is where we got the idea. The design for this year's card was discussed so be on the lookout for it this December. :)
At the end of the day we caught one of the Killdares shows before we headed back home. They are a really great, local band that plays Celtic Rock. We try to catch them every year. They are even playing at the Carrollton Festival on November 5.
Big Tex
(sporting his new digs)
Kristie, me, Jackie and baby Olive
The iconic ferris wheel
(that I have yet to ride...maybe next year)
The weather was nice and the company was excellent today! Tomorrow Shane and I are off to Atlanta and Jacksonville, AL for a quick vacay and to watch our little Princess (Kelsey) and Erin play against one another in college soccer (Jacksonville State vs Murray State). Shane coached both of them when they were 13 and now they're all grown up and playing in college! We're so excited to get away for a few days and see these girls do what they do best!
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