ToMorrow's Memories Photography Blog

Thankful Thursday | personal

2012-01-26T23:59:00.000-06:00

Today I'm thankful for...

Jesus
and how He puts up with my lack of faith
I believe that's called...
GRACE
:)
answered prayers
HUGE HUGE answered prayers
a beautiful, tear jerking text that took my breath away!
"B"
bear hugs from matt
and his patience with my emotional roller coaster
and the single dip brownie fudge sundae that he bought me, just because!
and his constant trust that God's in Control!
lots of praying friends
encouraging emails, comments & texts
strong knees for lots of prayin'
David Livingstone
Kisses From Katie
Faith Like Potatoes
unPlanned
my amazing girls
their constant helpfulness
and their sweet laughter
our boy
and the awesome future the Lord has for him!
an awesome nap after 3 sleepless nights
a warmish Winter Season
recalled highchair voucher - ha! #thelittlethings!
friend visits
smiley little sleepover for my young one :)
God's faithfulness

Psalm 117
Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol Him, all you peoples. For great is His love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.

Canvas Sale Jan 26-Feb 6

2012-01-25T15:46:00.001-06:00

20% Off Canvas Sale
January 26 - February 6
Email me @ tomorrows_memories@sbcglobal.net if interested.
Payment MUST be turned in by February 6.
Sorry,no rain checks.

Wordless Wednesday | personal

2012-01-25T10:55:00.000-06:00

My Trip From Texas | personal

2012-01-20T21:41:00.004-06:00

My mom dropped me off at the airport at 7:30 a.m. because she had to be at work at 8.
My flight didn't leave till 9 something, but I didn't mind... I'm a people watcher :).
She walked me into the airport, gave me a big hug "goodbye", kissed my cheek and tried to choke back the tears. I hate goodbyes!

After my luggage was checked in (which seemed to take an eternity), I grabbed a Starbucks coffee and burned my mouth! Oops! I texted a few friends. Read my bible. Burned my mouth again. Good grief! A brilliant person told me to take the lid off the cup. Thanks brilliant person! People watched. Drank my coffee quickly, which by this point had become a necessity since it was 30 minutes till my flight was going to leave & I needed to head upstairs to get in line!

There were a total of 4 women aside from myself and about 175 men. I kid you not! And it sorta spazzed me out in a not good way. Remember a few weeks ago, I shared that one of my quirks is looking at men in the eyes? Yeah, you can imagine the hyperventilation that just about overtook me at that small airport! I had prayer back-up though, so I survived! :)

After I boarded the plane and sat next to one of the 4 women in the entire flight, we took off.

Within 15 minutes there was quite a bit of turbulence. So much so, that the flight attendants weren't allowed to bring us our drink & peanuts, they had to stay buckled up. Boo!!! Then the Pilot announced that there were pretty severe storms in Houston (my mid-stop airport) so we were going to have to fly above the area until the storms stopped.

{This was taken while we were circling above the Houston area.

You can see Galveston Beach on this shot.}

{This was what it looked like when we rose above the storm.

Simply breathtaking!

The Lord spoke very clearly to me through this scenery...

And this week, His words have helped me get through some

hard days!}

Forty-five minutes later, we were told we would just head back to the airport we came from and wait for the storms to stop. Have you ever heard of such a thing? ~~WEIRDOS!~~ Thanks for keeping us safe sweet people!

{The gorgeous storm underneath us.

I LOVE storms... especially when they're underneath me!} :)

My mother-in-law later told me that they were looking at us online and there were lots little red dots symbolizing all the different flights hovering all over the Houston area, exactly where I was stuck!

So we flew back to the airport near my mom's home.
And Father hushed my nervous spirit.
And the turbulence finally quieted.
We landed an hour later.
And we waited in the airplane.
And then we were told we could get a red pass, go grab lunch inside the airport and then come back on the airplane.
And many people (most) ended up going on different flights or rescheduling their trip.
I ate my fancy sandwich & sunchips, sat there quietly with the entire back end of the airplane all to myself and read my bible. I might've smiled to myself...
45 minutes later, we were off again. I should've already been home, watching Little House on the Prairie with my girls and anticipating seeing my Matt, but instead, I was back at the first airport.
But I was safe.
And my spirit was calm.

When we landed at the Houston Airport, it looked like mass chaos. And it smelled like a High School Gym Locker Room. Remember that odor? Blech!

Those poor Houston people had been waiting for their flights to arrive or take off for 5 hours. There were screaming babies, cranky children, tired mommies and ticked off daddies. It was NOT a pretty sight!

But they were safe.

Some of them didn't seem like they appreciated that...

I navigated my way around there and figured out that my flight would be taking off in about 45 minutes. I found a place to sit... on the FLOOR, ~~because that's the only room there was~~ because God was gracious to give me a place to plop my photography gear, and resumed my people watching. I played peek-a-boo w/ a 4 yr old. Her mom was appreciative. I was too. :)

After 20 minutes or so a line of people starting forming in front of me. Then Matt called & chatted with me and clarified that I was supposed to be getting on that flight. I told him the sign said it was heading somewhere else, but I decided to ask the kind ticket lady anyway ~~to prove my husband wrong~~... and sure enough, they hadn't updated the boarding sign. HA! I almost missed my flight. Thank You Jesus for cell phones and husbands who keep their silly wives in check!

I boarded the flight.

Sat next to some kind people.

Wished I was drinking my neighbor's bloody mary. HA!

Read my bible instead & drank my root beer. :)

And before I knew it, I was finally home! And instead of my girls & MIL picking me up from the airport, I was welcomed into the warm, strong, amazing embrace of my precious husband who I missed more than coffee!!!

The End!

Thankful Thursday | A letter to Birth Moms | Adoption

2012-01-19T12:50:00.000-06:00

Dear Birth Moms all over the world,
Thank you for choosing "life". Thank you for choosing the hard road when others around you suggested otherwise. Thank you for carrying a sweet baby in your womb and loving it enough to give it a safer future.
Thank you that even when your feelings betrayed you, you trudged on & did what you knew was right, even if it was not necessarily what you "felt" at the moment. We must not trust anything about our hearts unless they are fully surrendered to God. 'Our hearts are deceitful above all things and beyond cure. We will never be able to understand it. The Lord searches the heart & examines our minds.' (paraphrased - Jeramiah 17:9-10)
Thank you for the selfless love you possess that helped you reach for the phone to make that phone call to ask for help. Thank you that you have tried your best to be the best mom possible by eating healthy and breaking bad habits during your pregnancy. I know it hasn't been easy!
For the moms in 3rd world countries who had no choice due to extreme poverty or death, we want you to know that your baby is being loved and well taken care of. We can't imagine what your life was like before your baby was taken to the orphanage, and we know it is something we will NEVER fully comprehend. And we're sorry you had to endure such hardship. We are so very, very sorry!
Life was NOT supposed to be this way. God intended for us to have perfect, sinless lives. But sin entered the world and ruined everything. Sort of. God sent His Son to redeem us. His Name is Jesus.
So even though life may absolutely suck right now, we have a Redeemer in Jesus. He was sent here to redeem us from the bondages of our own flesh. He came to give us hope. I know this firsthand.
I used to feel so hopeless. I made many, many mistakes as a young woman. But God forgave me. "He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud & mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in God." Psalm 40:2-3
"He will rescue the poor when they cry to Him; He will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and He will rescue them. He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious to Him." Psalm 72:12-14
So thank you Birth Moms. Thank you for the selflessness you have practiced, no matter how hard it was. Thank you for putting your baby's needs ahead of your own. Thank you for waking up every day and doing what you have to do to get through another day. We don't judge you. We are compassionate towards your situation. We hurt for you. There are nights we fall asleep crying for the way life is right now. We long for the perfection found in heaven, just like you do. We pray for you. We ask the Lord to draw you to Him. And most of all, we thank Him for you, beautiful, selfless birth mom!

Wordless Wednesday | personal

2012-01-18T15:48:00.000-06:00

The No Story Update

2012-01-13T23:56:00.001-06:00

Today is Friday.
I was supposed to tell you all about my flight home.
I said I'd do it today.
But... I just sat down for the first time.
And I'm EXHAUSTED.
And my muscles ache.
And I might be a tad grouchy.
And I don't feel creative.
At all...
I'm going to read the Kindle book my friend let me borrow instead.
And once I go to bed, I will dream of being high in the sky and carefree...

Thankful Thursday | personal

2012-01-12T13:07:00.001-06:00

Today I'm thankful for...

a fantastical trip to visit my family in The Valley
the creation of wonderful memories
my beloved Matt, and his amazing persistence that I go, even when he wasn't feeling well and had an MRI scheduled
MRI coming back looking beautifully perfect with nothing out of whack!
my Jesus and His breathtaking love for His children
my precious Bonnie and her sweet care of my girls while I was gone
adoption blogs that help me with this issue of "patience" I'm struggling with
friends that stopped everything to pray for me when I was at my wits end earlier this week
Biggest Loser's new season...spurs me onward on my healthy lifestyle!
a quick, little ice cream sonic date with a precious birthday girl friend
smiley snow
crazy, wild wind
texting, because I love communicating with my girlfriends & hubby!
movie night with our girls this Friday!
Gabi getting her braces off!!!!!!
New Year's Resolutions for our family
planning 5 fun things to do this year as a family
de-cluttering our house for 7 days
repurposing old things & giving them new life
house shopping...

Life & Snow

2012-01-11T21:27:00.003-06:00

We started back to school today.
It was a GREAT morning!
Day 1 of De-cluttering - We tackled the girls rooms! :)
I gathered all the mileage info from 2011 for Matt, for tax purposes, all afternoon.
I traveled a total of 3,096.53 miles to capture beautiful clients last year!
I LOVE my job!
I am blessed by this acknowledgement! :)
We had left overs for dinner tonight.
Then I went and had an ice cream @ Sonic with the magnificent Melissa Hall.
It's snowing outside.
My girls & I went to capture it! ;)
I have proof:

Matt & I have a Biggest Loser Date Night w/ his handy dandy Macbook tonight!
I have an 8 year old on my lap right now :).
I will choose to be joyful, even when there isn't a baby boy piled on my lap as well!

Sweet dreams!

Wordless Wednesday | personal

2012-01-11T09:33:00.002-06:00

Winter Discounts | Specials!

2012-01-10T20:09:00.000-06:00

*click to enlarge*

I'm home!

2012-01-10T14:55:00.000-06:00

(blurry blackberry picture w/ mom)

(flying over Houston)

I'm home from South Texas. *insert ridiculous applause*

Highlights from my trip...

visited with my mom
cooked with my mom
shopped with my mom
laughed with my mom
drove my mom around town
asked mom "what's the speed limit?", she said "65, so I go 70!" HA!
watched movies with my mom & dad
visited aunts & uncles who I've missed very much with my mom
may have learned how to knit...haven't practiced it yet
coffee date with my cousin Arman
photo shoot with my cousin Marco
photo shoot with my baby bubba
photo shoot with my Uncle Ricardo
learning that my other grandma used to live on a horse ranch when she was a child/teenager as well and she so enjoyed "breaking them"... so that means BOTH of my grandmas had a love for horses, just like I do and just like my daughters do!
being reminded by my dad what a terrible teenager I was. :( He's great at keeping me humble!
great visit with my Aunt Narce, my cousins & their newly adopted daughter :).

The trip home was neurotic. It's a blog post on all it's own... coming up this Friday for sure!

Missed you guys!

-me

my life, today...

2012-01-06T14:45:00.001-06:00

I'm in The Valley. In an old little house that is filled with old books and pictures.

My parents are at work right now.

I'm enjoying the quiet :). Just the birdies chirping, the wind chimes chiming and every once in awhile, a stray dog will bark or a car will drive by playing spanish music. I love the sounds around here. :)

I have perused google and found some GREAT adoption blogs.
I've read those for the last 2 hours.
I've purposely NOT checked my email.
I've also found junk food in the pantry.
My favorite are some chips called "Garden Veggie Straws".
Dad tried getting me to eat some last night, but I was stuffed from the Chinese place they took
me to straight from the airport. It was good and I felt spoiled!
Anyways, I like these chips. ~~But they aren't very healthy so don't let their name fool you!~~
I texted him and told him so.
He said "good, enjoy!"
HA!
It's been a relaxing afternoon even though I am missing my family dearly!

Tonight my parents have invited me to "Dinner & a Movie".
We will be eating Steak for my iron depleted body and watching Courageous in the comfort of their home.
I'm looking forward to it!

Tomorrow I have a fun Photo Shoot with one of my cousins and his girlfriend.
It will involve vintage bicycles...
I am squealy happy! :)

Thankful Thursday | one day late | personal

2012-01-06T12:12:00.001-06:00

Today I'm thankful for...
sweet heavenly blessings
grace
time w/ my family
selfless husband (executing childcare w/out me all weekend even tho he feels like poopoo!)
helpful mother-in-law (helping w/ our kids yesterday, today & monday!)
pretty self-sufficient kiddos (and they didn't cry when I announced I was disappearing for 5 days!)
safe flights
happy reunion with my parents!!!
chinese food (it's been over a year folks!)
upcoming FUN & DIFFERENT photoshoot!
God's sovereignty
trustworthy doctor
matt's mri
patience as we wait for his results
prayer
birds chirping
clocks ticking
early bed time
sleeping in
a day filled w/ absolutely NOTHING at all :)

Wordless Wednesday | Personal

2012-01-04T11:29:00.002-06:00

Randomness | personal

2011-12-31T13:40:00.000-06:00

I'm exhausted.
Physically & emotionally.
I have several friends who are severely ill, or who's dad's are.
One friend's daddy passed away yesterday.
Another one's daddy has been in ICU for a week.
Another friend's daddy's cancer is in his bones now.
I don't handle this stuff well.
My heart breaks for my friends.
I become almost physically ill due to the sadness.
I forgot my momma's birthday on Wednesday.
I beat myself up about it for hours Thursday morning.
I even cried like a baby.
A friend text-whipped me into shape.
Thanks friend!
We still don't have our boy.
That makes me sad...
BUT!!!!!
My brother came to visit me! :)
I have proof:

20. I hadn't seen them in a year.

21. It was a GREAT visit! :)

22. And I'm flying out next week to see my mom.

23. By MYSELF!

24. So there is HAPPINESS all around me!

25. I've just had a hard time seeing it lately.

26. And God has known this.

27. So He gave me a breathtaking gift last night.

28. I have proof:

29. It was plopped right outside my back yard.

30. Thanks God! :)

The P-D Family | Sneak Peek

2011-12-29T21:53:00.000-06:00

The P-D Family

Winter Wilderness

Sneak Peek

When this precious Momma contacted me about doing a Session for her boys,

I knew EXACTLY the location I wanted to use with them.

It's known as "Narnia" in our little family.

This family ROCKED their session!

It was exactly what I envisioned for them!

Thank you P-D Family!

Here's your Sneak Peek:

I'll have your session edited within the next few days!

Xoxo,

me :)

The D's | Just because...

2011-12-27T21:16:00.000-06:00

The D's

Just because...

Barn Session

Sneak Peek

I met the D's at the Barn today.

I loved every second of our session time! They were extremely friendly

and excited about shooting at my special location! Mrs. D brought along

some fantastic props which made me super excited!

This won't be the last you see of them, after I get their session edited,

I'll have to share more!

For now, here's a little Sneak Peek:

Thanks D's!

It was a pleasure to hang out w/ ya'll this afternoon!

Blessings,

Mary

Weird! | Personal

2011-12-26T19:02:00.000-06:00

I got this idea from Jen Hatmaker's blog.

Everyone has quirks. Even those of us who think we're just "normal" and everyone else around us is weird! Haha!

So here are my top 5 Quirks and I hope you'll join in! If you end up blogging about it, link back to me in the comments section so we can go read yours as well!

1. I don't like being in the same room with a "complainer". Negative speech irritates me. I realize sometimes I'm the complainer and at such times, I wish I could get away from myself! I love being around positive people. Surrounding myself with humans who are able to see the cup half-full totally makes me feel all sunshiny inside!

2. I twirl my hair when I'm tired. A lot. If I'm on less than 5 hours of sleep, I've been known to "double twirl", using both hands. I know it's weird. I agree 110%. And yet I can't stop myself. I will even sit on my hands when I'm around people just so I won't freak them out, but somehow, my hands develop great strength and have a mind of their own...they find a way to come out from under my legs and they start twirling my hair!

3. I have a hard time making eye-contact with men my age. I don't want them to get the wrong idea about me. I know that sounds retarded. I'm the ONLY person I know who struggles with this. I'll glance over at friends' husbands from time to time during a conversation, just so they don't think I'm weird. But I'm the first to admit it, I'm weird! :)

4. I get extremely frustrated when I'm writing a blog post, or sending an email and my entire family all of a sudden needs me to open a can of green beans or tell them how long the chicken nuggets have to cook in the oven. I mean, SERIOUSLY, can't you see I'm "talking" on my blog or "talking" on this email? Quit being so rude & interrupting me!
HA! I know...I know! I'm so weird!

5. I'm drawn to needy/broken people. I want to mend their booboos or take them to the One who can mend their broken lives. If you're a female who has totally screwed up, I WANT to be your friend! Along these same lines, I love to be around homeless people. I love smiling at them to let them know not all of humanity thinks they are worthless. Sadly, this shouldn't make me "weird", but I know it does!

Okay, those are my top 5.
Your turn! :)

Winner of the "YOU" Christmas Giveaway

2011-12-25T14:29:00.001-06:00

"Mrs. Beth, you're the winner!"

Merry Christmas!!! | personal

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000-06:00

From our family to yours,

Merry Christmas!!!

Behold my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my Spirit upon Him;
He will bring forth justice to the nations.

Isaiah 42:1

Christmas Giveaway | Family & Friends | Winners!

2011-12-24T22:31:00.000-06:00

Hi bloggie friends & followers!
My girls have made their decisions on the "Family & Friends" Winners for the Christmas Giveaway!

Gabi chose Melissa Hall's entry - Andrea. A single mom of 2 boys.

Sara chose Denisa Reynold's entry - Shawna. A mom with 3 beautiful children, one of which has special needs.

They have won a Mini Session with ToMorrow's Memories Photography and The Emma Package. Session may take place anytime between January 2, 2012 - November 30, 2012.

Congratulations Mommies and Merry Christmas!!!

Emma will announce the winner for the "You" Giveaway tomorrow after our Christmas Dinner, via webcam. She is VERY excited about this! :)

A + K = :) | Sneak Peek

2011-12-23T18:23:00.002-06:00

A & K

Barn Session

Sneak Peek

I met A & K this afternoon at one of my favorite "trespassing" spots!

They brought their awesome dog with them.

I was instantly in love... :)

We had such a wonderful time! I loved their personalities and their

easy-going attitude!

Thanks guys, this was one of my FAVE sessions, EVER!

I'm gonna go hop on the couch for Family Movie Night, I'll begin editing your session later!

Thanks for telling me "Family First" tonight, that meant a lot!

Love ya'll,

Mary

Thankful Thursday | personal

2011-12-22T20:01:00.001-06:00

Today I'm thankful for...

Jesus' birth
freedom to celebrate His birthday
freedom to tell others about Him
His grace & mercy
His bottomless love

Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

my girls
their tenacious love of life, laughter, animals and people

my baby boy
the Lord's promise of bringing him to us

my hottie
his love for our Creator
his love & protection for our family
his enjoyment in hanging out with me :)

samaritan's purse

Samaritan's Purse

Christmas Break
sleeping in
lounging in pajamas
Little House on the Prairie on Netflix
Baking
babysitting for friends
lovin' on babies
smiles & laughter and feelin' the love
reading my bible & prayin' in my closet :)
snow tubing
looking at lights
amazon.com
UPS
Cosmic Christmas by Max Lucado
upcoming LONG weekend for our family!!!
going to church on Christmas morning
spending Christmas Day with Matt's parents
anticipating a special phone call
movie nights
being mesmerized by the hawk that crashed into our patio window
giggling at the fact that he wouldn't let me take his picture
upcoming Winter Sessions
seeing the "bigger picture", years down the road and being able to say "thank you" to my heavenly Father for the pain, all over again!
friends who give of their time, to just fellowship and let you into their lives because they love you
being blessed by a momma friend
texting, I've got my daddy doing it now too :)
0 Saturated Fat Whole Wheat Tortillas & 0 Sat. Fat Shredded Cheese which means hottie can now have Quesadillas with us! We totally scooby danced to this just like the Hot Chocolate discovery earlier this week! :)
little things, like bear hugs and smiles across the room, finding the dishes already done, receiving a sweet phone call, visiting with clients who are picking up orders and being thankful for how awesome they are, momma babysitting for me so I can finish christmas shopping, the warmth of my hubby sitting next to me in bed reading before we go to sleep, seeing my little one enjoy the look of her "breath" outdoors on cold nights, goodnight hugs & kisses

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-21T16:04:00.002-06:00

Help this family?

2011-12-20T09:48:00.002-06:00

If your family loves to bless others, please pray about helping this family out for Christmas:

http://newhornerfamily.blogspot.com/2011/12/9-days-till-christmas.html

Christmas Giveaway | Family & Friends | OKC Metro

2011-12-19T09:49:00.003-06:00

**Clients will have to come to SW OKC area for session.

**Session can take place anytime between Jan. 2, 2012 - Nov. 30, 2012

Christmas Giveaway| You | OKC Metro Area

2011-12-19T09:47:00.001-06:00

**Client will have to come to SW OKC area for session.

**Session can take place anytime between Jan. 2, 2012 - Nov. 30, 2012

**Emma is 8 so use easy words when commenting. :)

Randomness | personal

2011-12-18T22:43:00.001-06:00

We still haven't purchased ANYTHING for our kids to open on Christmas morning.
I just finished addressing Christmas Cards.
I haven't even been super busy.
So apparently I've become a professional procrastinator.
I give all thanks to Matt Morrow for that!
We had "Family Weekend" this weekend.
I think EVERY family should have a Family Weekend soon! :)
You can tell your husband that Mary Morrow said so!
Matt's feeling a little better this weekend! YAY!
We have a few fun plans this coming week.
I'm happy about this.
We are not traveling this Christmas.
I'm happy about this too.
My van is filthy.
My girls agree.
LOL.
But no one cares enough to do anything about it!
I hope we DO get rain tomorrow.
But I hope it stops by 4pm.
And then if it can turn to snow after 10pm, that would make me happy.
Did you know that there's Fat Free Hot Chocolate?
My household did a little scooby dance when we found out!
Okay, maybe just Matt & I celebrated, but still.
I have ink on my fingers from addressing Christmas Card envelopes.
I'm sure ya'll are thinking this post is really weird.
I am too.
It's all good!
Church was awesome this morning!
My clothes is all fitting me really baggy.
But I think I'll fill it back in the next 2 weeks. HA!
I dared to ask Jesus for a Christmas present.
I'll let you know if I get it.
I get to see my mom in a few weeks.
Can you see my huge smile?

This was fun, let's do it again sometime!

Xoxo,

Mr. B & his beautiful Momma | Sneak Peek

2011-12-15T19:29:00.002-06:00

Mr. B

And his beautiful Momma

Sneak Peek

Your session will be fully edited by Saturday evening!

Thanks lovies!

Thankful Thursday | personal

2011-12-15T12:54:00.001-06:00

Today I'm thankful for...

God's sufficient grace
my bible
my precious kiddos
my brave Superman
his perseverance even when he feels like poo
his strong countenance
his willingness to forego all things yummy, just so he doesn't hurt :(
his faith in God
trust
love
bear hugs
laughter
smiles
Christmas Break
baking with my girls
and trying to hide it from daddy :)
time
trustworthy friends
incredible clients
and their kind words
family nights
"Little House on the Prairie" on netflix
Scene It "Pirates of the Caribbean"
hot tea
dreaming of brown babies :)
Christmas music that makes my heart a little happier
growing patience and the God who loves me enough to help me with that
the Christmas present a friend gave me for our little man :) *happy sigh*
Ding! deals :)
receiving Christmas Cards in the mail (why do they make me so happy?)
Family Weekend
and the fun plans included in that
breathtaking sunsets

Wordless Wednesday | personal

2011-12-14T10:38:00.000-06:00

Thankful Thursday | Personal

2011-12-08T21:51:00.001-06:00

Today I'm thankful for...

Jesus' love
and His upcoming birthday celebration!
my family
health insurance
good medical care
Matt's incredibly understanding boss
getting to be home to take care of my sick girls
and my hurting husband (please pray for him)
prayer
praying friends
hope
Superman hugs
encouraging texts
and funny texts
love notes from Superman
playing w/ ~~obnoxious~~ musical christmas toys @ Walgreens with some funny kids
Ms. Tamma Foster
and her awesome tutoring skillz!
"shopping" through the World Vision Gift Catalog
Girls Night Out
laughter
spicy food that makes your mouth ~~tingle~~ burn and your eyes ~~water~~ spew forth tears and your nose runny
Breaking Dawn *happy sigh* (keep judgmental thoughts to yourself!)
being okay after falling down this morning and doing a full-on FACE PLANT! (still sore, but thankful that it wasn't worse)
Christmas Break!!!!! *cartwheels & jumping jacks & scooby doo dances!!!*
my precious baby boy-to-be
upcoming Date Night
and the friends & family that are keeping our girls to make it possible!
family night

Wordless Wednesday | Personal

2011-12-07T11:26:00.001-06:00

cranky

2011-12-05T16:30:00.001-06:00

I am so cranky right now!!!
And since I'm on a FB Sabbatical, I have to vent on here...

I am SO cranky right now!!!

GRRRRRR....

See how cranky I am?

Why? Because of this repeated message with my disk burner:

I'm on disk 10...and I'm CRANKY!!!

**Update**
Right after I posted this, my sweet, patient, compassionate, Super Man called and told me he would save the day when he gets home from bible study.
This damsel in distress is so blessed! :)
Matt Morrow ROCKS!!!

me. | personal

2011-12-04T23:45:00.000-06:00

it's late.
it's been rough.
sick kids.
sore throats.
fevers.
runny noses.
sicker husband.
ibuprofen.
benadryl.
humidifier.
middle child had an allergic reaction to honey.
honey?
weird.
bumps all over her face!
ALL over.
canceled dinner date with friends.
boo hoo.
so needed.
so tired.
and weary.
but the lights glimmer on my tree.
and sparkle.
and give me a smile.
and Jesus sings to me, thru Bebo on my iPod.
and all is not well.
but all IS well.
yorkie and kitty both snuggle on my lap.
and i'm sure they know.
one licks my hand.
the other purrs.
pets know these things.
the secrets of the heart.
at least they seem to...
i yearn for the beach.
for my mom's presence.
for being carefree again.
for playing outside.
for warmth.
for rest.
selfish?
yep!
life's been kinda exhausting lately...
you can't tell from looking at me.
i wear a smile.
always.
me.

i think i need more of Jesus...

"Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

Bible Verses that stood out to me during my quiet time:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

^"13 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
¹⁴He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
and burst their bonds apart." Psalm 107:13-14

^"17 When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
¹⁸The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:17-18

^"31but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Thankful Thursday | Personal

2011-12-01T11:54:00.000-06:00

Today I'm thankful for...

Jesus
my precious husband
Kimber Morrow, man have I missed her!!!
Matt's parents, who totally let us crash their day and their house 2 straight days!
family time
silly things kids say
laughter
yummy potato soup
second helpings
answered prayers
the anticipation of my sweet boy's arrival
completed Home Study *thankful sigh*
finding something I was needing
laughing in fitting rooms
making memories
Christmas music
Christmas "pretties" and joy!
repeat clients
new clients
kind words that feed my "words" love language
feeling appreciated

*taken with point & shoot camera*

Wordless Wednesday | Personal

2011-11-30T11:33:00.000-06:00

Homeschool | Personal

2011-11-29T12:20:00.000-06:00

I woke up at the crack of dawn. Smiled. Thank YOU Jesus for another day of life! Peeled potatoes. Bebo Norman sang to me. Flooded my soul with praise. I threw all the ingredients into the crock pot. Thank YOU Father for crock pot recipes that taste out-of-this-world-amazing!

Sat with my Savior on the corner chair, bundled up with a quilt. Allowed THE WORD to wash over me. Thank YOU Precious One for Your Word!

The girls woke up. They climbed into their favorites spots, covered themselves with blankets and soaked in The Word as well. Thank YOU my Redeemer that You are drawing them to You! Thank You, that they are YOURS, set apart for Your glory!

We read more of The Word together, our First Breakfast. Chewed a large chunk of Matthew 11. Went over our memory verses. Thank YOU Lord that your Word is a lamp unto our feet!

Ate second breakfast. Reminisced on last night's dreams. Giggled & enjoyed each other's company.
Thank You my amazing Provider, for spiritual nourishment and physical nourishment!

We read about Martin Luther. Amazing man! Thank You Lord for the Reformation. Thank You that You love us too much to allow us to stay stuck in ruts that minimize your Might!

We did school. Right now they're doing Math.
They'll read the afternoon away once they're done with Math. And I will smile a prayer of thankfulness.

God is good. His blessings overwhelm me. I am a homeschool mom. I never, ever thought I would love homeschooling this much. But I do. My Father's World is a big reason for this. Thank You Lord for sending women my way who shared this curriculum with me. Thank YOU for reviving my homeschooling want-not!

Get your kiddos involved, click on this picture and look for...

- the little black & white stuffed doggie

- the tall OU cup

- the little wooden brush

- the real live miniature Yorkie

- the Bob & Larry puzzle that has been put together

- the big eraser

- the smiling girl

- the pretty angel figure

How many did you find? Email me if your kids found them all, I'll have a prize for them :). tomorrows_memories@sbcglobal.net

B | Sneak Peek

2011-11-28T20:27:00.001-06:00

At Cherry Berry Yogurt

Sneak Peek

She makes me happy!

Eleanor | Newborn | Sneak Peek

2011-11-28T19:32:00.001-06:00

Eleanor

Newborn Session

Sneak Peek

*happy sigh*

Thankful Thursday... Thanksgiving Edition | a little late

2011-11-28T09:06:00.001-06:00

This Thanksgiving, I was thankful for...

unexplainable grace by a Father who knows me fully and chose to die for me regardless.
my husband, who has seen me at my worst and has still managed to stay married to me and love me in spite of myself!
my daughters, true, unexplainable blessings from heaven above...can not imagine my life without them!
my son. Cannot put into words how much I love that little man, and I don't even know him yet. Wow!
my momma. A big portion of the woman I've become is because of her quiet example through my younger years. Love you Mom!!!
my extended family. I only get to see them once a year, twice if I'm super, duper blessed, but we always pick up right where we left off and have ourselves a grand 'ol time!
changes. God is doing some changes in my family... I am excited to see how the Lord pans it all out!
my business' health. In a time of slow economy, portraits aren't always a priority on people's lists. But Father has blessed ToMorrow's Memories Photography this Fall Season and I am so humbly grateful! (need.to.update.website.badly!)
life lessons that help me learn from my mistakes and solidify who I do and don't want to be.
the bible, I learn something new from it EVERY single day! If you're not much of a bible reader, may I kindly suggest you read a Proverb every day? It will revolutionize the way you start your day!
Berry Road Baptist Church. It is fresh water to my soul! A much needed circle of friendship & accountability that I didn't realize was missing in my life.
being a homeschool momma...there's not enough room in this entire blog to say how much this in itself has changed me, grown me, taught me about myself and my selfishness and my need for grace. My daughters are wonderful teachers. Grace is always showered on this tired homeschool momma!
One Thousand Gifts has completely changed the way I see my need to be more thankful in ALL things. I've read it 4x this year & workin' on my 5th read! If you have a reader on your list between the ages of 15-115 and they already own a bible, buy them THIS book for Christmas!
our financial drought in previous months. It helped me to truly cling to my sweet Provider and trust that He would provide our needs. It helped me to focus on WHAT is really important in life... not things, but eternity, health and loved ones. It increased my faith in ways I can't even describe and no one would understand, unless they've been there. But God is truly faithful and financially hard times give Him a beautiful slate upon which to paint a glorious masterpiece!
friendship. I don't know where I'd be today without the girlfriends who have prayed me through some very difficult times the past few years. I don't get to hang out w/ them very often because well, we're all busy, tired & often over-whelmed mommies... But we keep each other grounded through texts and sometimes when our houses are quiet, we even call each other! *shy smile*
true forgiveness, tears, make up hugs, painful smiles, loving even when it hurts & knowing that in time the pain will heal...

This is my 2011 Thanksgiving Thankful List to share with you.

I left some things off. Those are in my journal for safe keeping.

Thanks for allowing me to share this portion with you.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

*taken by my 13 yr old w/ a point & shoot camera*

The Ds | Family Session | Sneak Peek

2011-11-23T18:16:00.001-06:00

The Ds

Family Session

Totally awesome new place!

Sneak Peek

D Family,

Thank you for the MUCH needed exhilarating time outdoors!

You guys were awesome!

I have baking to do w/ my girls, but I will begin

editing your session tonight! Just not sure if I'll get it done...

I'm off tomorrow & Friday, so if I don't finish it tonight,

I will def get it done Saturday! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wordless Wednesday | Personal

2011-11-23T00:53:00.001-06:00

Marshmallow Pilgrim Hats

Baby K | 1st Birthday | Sneak Peek

2011-11-22T16:59:00.001-06:00

Baby K

1st Birthday

Sneak Peek

I had such a sweet time with Baby K today!

Thanks for the laughter sweet cupcake! :)

Thankful Thursday, Friday Edition | Personal

2011-11-18T08:09:00.001-06:00

Today I'm thankful for...

My precious Bonnie. She's Matt's momma. Which makes her my "mother-in-law". Which makes her sound creepy, but she's not! :)

I met Bonnie 17 years ago. She wasn't sure what to think of this little hispanic girl standing in her living room, but she sure smiled a lot.

1 year later, she became my mother-in-law. 3 years later, she became my first born's grandma. 4 years later, she almost shared a birthday with my middle child. But Sara was sweet enough to let "mamaw" have her own birthday! :)

Through the years, I've grown to not only love Bonnie deeply, but to appreciate her and to be thankful for the many ways she's become MY stand-in momma. I've gone to her for advice. Cried with her over family issues. Confessed personal struggles. She has ALWAYS been there for me when I've reached out to her. I can't say that about my own mom, because my mom lives 13 hours away.

She is always available to help out w/ her grandkids in a pinch! She joins us for home school excursions as well as "treat trips". She encourages my girls. She always wears a smile on her face. She gives up an evening of celebrating HER birthday, so that she can celebrate Sara's birthday instead. Isn't that THE SWEETEST thing EVER?

She had a health scare a few years ago. It was then that I learned to pray for her in a new, intimate way. Not the prayers of a daughter-in-law praying for a mother-in-law, but the prayers of a daughter, begging Father to heal her momma. I am thankful for the hard times that help us see people through new lenses!

She taught me how to pluck my eyebrows when I was 18. And how to peel potatoes when I was 19. And how to bake some killer desserts that helped plump myself and my husband up. HA! She let me take over "thanksgiving" a few years ago and I was so gosh darn exhausted by the end of it that I decided she could have it back! LOL!!! She seriously is MY MOMMA too and I love her to pieces!

Happy Birthday Momma Bonnie!
I love YOU!!!

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30

Wordless Wednesday | 1 day late | personal

2011-11-17T12:16:00.001-06:00

Thankful Thursday | personal

2011-11-17T09:17:00.001-06:00

Today I'm thankful for...

Sara. She's 12 today. She's sugar. And spice. And EVERYTHING nice. She's the sweetest kid. EVER. When they placed her in my arms, I cried. I had a 16 month old at home. My family all lived in Texas. I didn't know HOW I was going to survive. 6 months later, I realized I WAS surviving. Just had to take it one hour at a time. Some days it was 1 minute at a time. But we did it! What seemed like an insurmountable mountain of exhaustion ended up being the most beautiful blessing EVER. I can't even fathom what my life would be like without her. She reminds me of my mom. Not much messes with Sara. She's super, duper calm. Her favorite past time is reading. She climbs into her huge butterfly wing chair and just reads the afternoon away. PRECIOUS!!! She truly is, my little princess!
Coffee. I don't know where I'd be this month without it.
I am NOT even kidding.
Matt. And his ever loving patience with my insanely busy schedule.
Grace. And my Savior that lavishly offers it to me.
Grace. And my family so sweetly giving it to me.
Grace. And my clients who so kindly impart it to me.
Grace. And the friends who patiently wait for "crazy season" to end.
my clients. Because they are the BEST clients in the entire universe!
my business. It's not just a hobby. It's my livelihood. And this has been a wonderful season for my business. Thank YOU Father!
Summer. I know I said some rude things about Summer, during the Summer. But I take it all back! Winter is for the bears! Dear Summer, please forgive me for being so hateful. I miss you. Please come back!
This post: http://denisar20.blogspot.com/2011_11_01_archive.html#2638394606442519610

Krispy Kreme. And the smiles it puts on my girls' faces.

The H's | Sneak Peek

2011-11-15T22:36:00.001-06:00

The H's

Family Session

Sneak Peek

Guess who I got to hang out with tonight!?!?

...only one of the most precious families in the

entire universe!

You guys ROCK!

Love you!

Fall Mini Sessions | Sneak Peek

2011-11-12T22:42:00.001-06:00

Fall Mini Sessions

at The Barn

Sneak Peek

The C's

I met the C's at "The Barn" today for a Fall Mini Session.

I didn't think I "knew" them aside from emails, but then I realized

that momma and myself had been involved in some homeschool stuff

a couple of years ago.

Small world.

Speaking of small... their littlest one reminded me of my

girls when they were her age, sweetly shy and reserved.

Just precious!

C Family, thank you for the awesome honor of capturing

some sweet moments for you!

The M's

The M's met up w/ me immediately after the C's.

Momma was so excited about the barn, which made me more

excited that we were shooting there!

I'm telling ya'll, Matt needs to just buy me that barn so I can

quit trespassing! LOL

Back to the M's... mom brought a sweet little bench

and we had a wonderful time incorporating it into some of the images!

Thank you M's. It was an honor to get to

capture your kiddos!

Thank you sweet families!

Your proofs should be ready by Thursday at the latest.

*side note* These are all cropped in a non-traditional square crop,

but the full sized images will be the ones included in your proofs.

D & N | Mommy and Me | Sneak Peek

2011-11-11T19:18:00.001-06:00

D & N

Mommy and Me Session

Sneak Peek

Thanks for coming to play at the park D & N!

Emma and I had a wonderful time with the both of you :).

Here's your Sneak Peek:

I will have your session fully edited by Monday!

Princess S and Princess T | Sneak Peek

2011-11-10T18:45:00.001-06:00

Princess S and Princess T

Children's Photography

Sneak Peek

I had such an amazing time capturing these precious girls today!

Lindsey & Robert, you guys are blessed beyond measure!

Here's your Sneak Peek :)

Proofs should be ready within 2 days.

Xoxo,

Thankful Thursday | Personal

2011-11-10T13:58:00.001-06:00

Today I'm thankful for...

for having such a full & blessed home school, business, God-full life that I don't have time to sit here & blog today.

Xoxo!!!

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20

Wordless Wednesday | Personal

2011-11-09T11:35:00.002-06:00

The J's | Sneak Peek

2011-11-03T20:12:00.001-05:00

The J's

Family Session

Sneak Peek

Simply breathtaking!

Thankful Thursday | Personal

2011-11-03T11:00:00.001-05:00

Today I'm thankful for...

my precious Savior & Redeemer
regeneration
hope
prayer needs that draw me close to Jesus
anticipation of what He's doing "behind the scenes"
cool breezes through open windows
beautiful starlit nights
the cry of coyotes
Phil Wickam beckoning me to worship my Creator while cleaning the house
the smell of bread baking in the oven
sharing it w/ a friend
blessing others
being blessed in return by my Father, in HUGE ways
Sonic Taste Test
Sonic Gift Card
walking down Bricktown w/ a friend and it wasn't a photo shoot!
being invited to a Girls Night Out and getting to go AND having a BLAST
new beginnings
baggy clothing & weight loss, not necessarily in that order
knowing without a doubt that "everything is going to be okay" with our adoption
amazing daughters who are selfless, compassionate, giving, tender hearted, and loving
getting to homeschool them and seeing the "ah-ha!" moments in their eyes
studying Europe
reading Kingdom Tales
enjoying a "lazy" afternoon & evening w/ them yesterday
my Super Man and his hard work ethic, his ability to leave "work" at work, his tenderness with our girls, his biblical leadership in our home, watching him grow in his walk with our Lord, seeing him learn to trust, the way he leads me in prayer, at night, on our knees; the way he holds me tight when he comes home from work, his broad shoulders, his smile,... that man gets HOTTER every year!
God's mercy on my life...because I realize I do NOT deserve to have it this good!

Yet He, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; He restrained His anger often and did not stir up all His wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and comes not again. Psalm 78:38-39 ESV

Wordless Wednesday | personal

2011-11-02T20:27:00.002-05:00

The B's Extended Family Session | Sneak Peek

2011-10-29T19:44:00.000-05:00

The B's Extended Family Session

Itty, bitty Sneak Peek

Bricktown

This precious family is so dear to my heart!

I was honored to do their Extended Family Session.

Love you guys!

Your session should be fully edited by Tuesday!

Thankful Thursday | personal

2011-10-27T12:55:00.001-05:00

Today I'm thankful for...

edited to add:
Starbucks Gift Card
Impromptu Family Night complete w/ Pizza, movie & ice cream for the kids!
sweet text from Melly
....
wonderful sessions
happy clients!
portrait orders
crimped hair on a certain 8 year old
beautiful daisies on my kitchen counter (thanks babe!)
sunsets
moon smiles
rain
late night prayers, on our knees, seeking the Throne Room, together
Beautiful Things | Gungor
obedience
making my Redeemer smile
rough nights, which bless me with afternoon naps!
sweats, socks & hoodies
this amazingly cool weather
2nd & 3rd hugs "goodbye" before momma heads off to a session
whatever the Lord is orchestrating in the heavenlies for the Morrows!
peace in the unknown
my journal & my favorite pen
quiet times turned quiet hours turned quiet days...

"The whole earth is at rest & quiet; they break forth into singing." Isaiah 14:7

Wordless Wednesday | personal

2011-10-26T11:57:00.000-05:00

Extended Family Session | Sneak Peek

2011-10-25T22:18:00.001-05:00

Extended Family Session

Sneak Peek

See that pretty girl on the bottom right-hand corner...

I love HER to pieces!!!

I love her family too, they are precious.

I got to hang out w/ them tonight in Norman.

We had a great time!!!

*click to enlarge*

Thanks lovely peeps!

Your session should be fully edited by Saturday.

Ps. I'm in a black & white mood tonight, hope that's ok.

Xoxo!!!

The M's | Sneak Peek

2011-10-22T21:38:00.000-05:00

The M's

Christmas Session

Sneak Peek

This pretty girl is our "hair girl". She does an outstanding job & she does it for a fair price!

(And her head massages will make you moan! HA!)

Let me know if you need her #, I send everyone I know to her!

Okay, so a little about our session...

It rained on us... like immediately after we started.

But the M's were TROOPERS!!! And thanks to photoshop, you can't even see the rain drops on their clothes! Ha!

And yes, this was a Christmas Session, and we took some adorably creative Christmas shots, but I don't wanna show those just yet... so for now, here's a non-Christmasy Sneak Peek.

Thanks P & M, I had a wonderful time w/ ya'll!

Your session should be fully edited by Wednesday @ the latest.

The R's | Sneak Peek

2011-10-20T22:17:00.001-05:00

The R's

Family Session

South Lakes Park

Sneak Peek

Oh to have the energy of these boys...

They were an ABSOLUTE blast to hang out w/ this evening!

R's thanks for a wonderful session! Your proofs should be

ready by this weekend! ☺

Thankful Thursday | personal

2011-10-20T14:49:00.000-05:00

Today I'm thankful for...

heartache, because it puts my focus back on Jesus
loneliness, because even in that, I see my need for a Savior
the unknown, because it leads me to cling to the One who is already there and knows the end of the story
grace
the warmth of my precious family
3 yellow pansies
cardinals
fall colors
picking out "the" perfect pumpkins
cold mornings...because they cause me to stay bundled under covers a little longer in the mornings. :D
the smell of coffee first thing in the morning
the smell of cupcakes baking in the oven, made by my big 13 yr old
baby laughter
big daughter laughter
happy faces all around my living room
reading about Nate Saint every morning this month during school time
His provisions
a full pantry
my Matt
his big bear hugs
his concern for others
his selflessness at taking time to read LONG books w/ my girls, whenever they ask
a little date night
coming home from an evening session & finding out that my girls have tackled the kitchen without being asked... oh happiness!
a wonderful Home Study Agent!
things to come...because He has promised that my family's future is full of HOPE!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

- Jeramiah 29:11

Mr. Z | Real Life | Sneak Peek

2011-10-19T20:35:00.000-05:00

Mr. Z

Hangin' Out at The Barn!

Sneak Peek

I got to play with this little guy tonight.

It was chilly & windy, but he's a boy, therefore he's TOUGH!

Thanks Mr. Z!

Ms. Mary loves you!

Wordless Wednesday | personal

2011-10-19T13:47:00.002-05:00

Baby A | Sneak Peek

2011-10-16T21:52:00.002-05:00

Baby A

Newborn Session

Sneak Peek

I got to snuggle, cuddle, coo & baby talk to this precious little cherub today.

And it did my soul good!

F Family, here's your Sneak Peek!

Love you guys!

The K's | Sneak Peek

2011-10-15T20:15:00.000-05:00

The K's

Family Session

Sneak Peek

This is one of my bf's.

We rarely see each other these days, so when she asked to book

a session with me, I was ecstatic... not because of the pictures, but

because I was gonna get to visit with her! LOL!!! A girl will take

whatever kind of time she can get w/ a friend these days! :)

K Family, here's your Sneak Peek!

Thanks for hanging out w/ me tonight.

Your session should be fully edited within 4 days!

Xoxo,

The S Family | Sneak Peek

2011-10-13T20:42:00.001-05:00

The S Family

Bricktown

Sneak Peek

These are wonderful family friends of ours.

This momma inspires me in more ways than she will ever realize!

She's single, works full time AND homeschools her children using a curriculum that

our family considers "too hard"... LOL!!!

K, you're a rock star, I hope you know that!

Here's your Sneak Peek:

Love you guys!

Thankful Thursday | personal

2011-10-13T20:31:00.000-05:00

Today I'm thankful for...

JESUS!!!
Family
bartering
lunch w/ client-friend :)
Teds
exhaustingly busy days
nice Home Study agent
extremely helpful friends who squeeze us into early morning dr. appts!!!
power of prayer
healthy knees
peace, sweet, beautiful peace!

Golf Tournament!!! | Adoption Fundraiser

2011-10-11T21:01:00.001-05:00

Do you like to golf?
Our friends have a Golf Tournament coming up soon.
It's for an awesome, awesome cause! Click on the link to find out more!
Tell them Mary sent ya :).

http://jleinen.blogspot.com/2011/09/birdies-for-babies-golf-tourney.html

The A's | Sneak Peek

2011-10-11T20:17:00.002-05:00

The A's

Sneak Peek

Matt & I had the privilege of getting to know the A's at our previous church.

They are some of the most genuine people we know! We sure miss them!

Thank you for guys for an awesome session this evening, here's your Sneak Peek! :)

Your session should be fully edited w/in 48 hours.

Love ya'll!

J Beauties' Tea Party | Sneak Peek

2011-10-10T22:21:00.001-05:00

J Beauties' Tea Party

Sneak Peek

These precious girls are daughters to one of my BF's.

I had the beautiful privilege of capturing their Tea Party

last Thursday.

Their momma gave me permission to hold off on the

Sneak Peek...

Thanks Momma J!

Love you guys!

Your proofs are ready - check your email!

*muah!*

Strength Will Rise | personal

2011-10-10T16:46:00.001-05:00

We've had a trying 7 days.

We need prayer.

It has to do with our Adoption.

Saturday morning, after crying out to the LORD for an hour. Begging Him for a miracle. For a sign, for ANYTHING to give me hope, I looked out my living room

window and this is what I saw. Dark, dark, dark skies, a beautiful, lush green tree

and a crazy amount of sunflowers radiating their yellow color so that it almost looked

like they were glowing.

I ran & grabbed my camera.

Do I believe in "signs"?, not necessarily for answers, but it gave me a permanent picture

that even when my skies are grey and dreary, there's always something beautiful just

below, if I will look hard enough.

"Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord"

Thank you to those that have reached out to me via texts & emails.

Those of you that believe in prayer, can you help us out?

Can you please pray that the LORD will give us the miracle we're asking Him for?

Xoxo,

Thankful Thursday | personal

2011-10-06T14:57:00.001-05:00

Today I'm thankful for...

renewed hope
the power of prayer
being the daughter of the King
friends that carry me when the going gets tough
"J"
baby giggles & smiles
spit up
sweet moments forever ingrained in my memory
a wonderful family vacation
getting to see my mom *happy sigh*
getting to see other family
South Padre Island
beach sounds (aren't they the best?)
travel safety
joy in my children's eyes
getting to work from home - I have it really, really good!
My bible
and my mug of coffee
upcoming Date Night (it's been over a month, can you believe it?!?!?)
wonderful, beautiful October Family Sessions
being caught up with work... cause that NEVER happens!
sweet dreams
quiet mornings
cool morning breezes
looking through a dog book w/ my kiddos
realizing there are a LOT more dog species than I ever realized!
Field Trip w/ friends
and finding out that we used to have Dinosaurs in Oklahoma... say WHAT?!?!?
my Creator...He takes my breath away!!!

The B's | Extended Family Session | Sneak Peek

2011-10-04T20:39:00.002-05:00

The B's

Extended Family Session

Sneak Peek

Thanks guys :).

Proofs will be ready within 4 days!

Baby K | 4 Month Session | Sneak Peek

2011-10-03T18:17:00.002-05:00

Baby K

4 Month Session

Sneak Peek

I visited Heaven today... it came in the form of a precious baby girl.

One of my bestfriends' baby girl's to be exact.

She was incredibly squeeza-kissa-precioua-beauta-loveable!!!

Thank You Jesus for babies! ☺

Kari, your session will be fully edited by tomorrow.

Love u!

home | personal | update

2011-10-02T22:42:00.002-05:00

We're home! :)
We had a wonderful, low stress vacation in South Texas. We were blessed w/ sweet memories, thank You Jesus!

Here's 2 point & shoot pictures from our trip

Thanks for allowing me to escape! I've already started responding to emails. If you ordered portraits BEFORE we went "hasta la vista, baby", those have arrived & I will be packaging them up this week & mailing them out asap! If you ordered portraits while I was on vacation, I am going to begin processing those orders tomorrow & they should be here within 2 weeks.

(Why is coming home from Vaca so exhausting?)

October is filled to the brim with Christmas Sessions! Unless you are told otherwise, your session will be edited within 4 days from your session date & you will receive an email with "online proofing instructions" as soon as they're ready.

We also have some "life" happening around us, so prayers are GREATLY appreciated! I'll fill ya in later! ☺

xoxo,

Out of Office

2011-09-23T20:31:00.001-05:00

I will be out of the office until Monday, Oct. 3rd. *standing ovation & delirious applause!!!*
- Emails will be responded to then.
- Orders placed this week, will be mailed out then.
- Orders placed while I'm out of the office, will be ordered sometime that week.
- Looking forward to all the October sessions!!! :)

Cowboy A | 18 Month Session | Sneak Peek

2011-09-22T20:29:00.002-05:00

Cowboy A

18 Month Session

The Barn

Sneak Peek

Thank you for playing w/ me Cowboy A,

Mrs. Mary had fun! ☺

Christmas Cards - 2011

2011-09-22T09:50:00.000-05:00

Christmas Cards pricing is as follows:

25 5x7 - Flat Cards (front & back) - $55.00
25 5x7 - Flat Portrait Print (front only) - $40.00
Envelopes are included
2nd set of 25 cards (front & back) - $45.00
2nd set of 25 cards (front only) - $35.00
Any addt sets of 25 (front & back) - $40.00
any addt sets of 25 (front only) - $30.00

Info

Cards can be personalized w/ names
Sentiment can be changed to your own wording
Cards using pictures from a previous session or even a personal picture are great w/ me, just email me the images you'd like as a 4x5 or 4x6 @ 300 resolution.

Here's our 2011 Card Collection:

#1 - Front

#1 - Back

#2 - Front

#2 - Back

#3 - Front

#3 - Back

#4 - Front

#4 - Back

#5 - Front

#5 - Back

Last year's cards are also available here:

2010 Christmas Cards

Enter your email address

and the password is: Cards

Happy Shopping!

Thankful Thursday | Personal

2011-09-22T08:23:00.000-05:00

Today I'm thankful for...

quiet mornings
time w/ Jesus
warm oatmeal
the sweet sound of rainfall
the low rumble of thunder
hot soy coffee
an upcoming trip to see my momma (happy squeal & scooby dance!!!)
a huge box full of little boy clothes in size 3
dreaming of my boy, 2 nights this week!
encouraging phone call from Adoption Case Worker
catching up w/ a bestie
belting songs out loud w/ my girls
being ahead in home school
taking the week off to do some "Fall Cleaning"
kick butt - awesome daughters that happily help!
an amazing husband who leads us in Family Worship
and who seeks after God's own heart
mini porch dates
the coolness in the breeze
sunflowers in "my field"
monarch butterflies, everywhere
answered prayers
His sweet provisions, always
getting to watch The Help, with girlfriends I hadn't seen in months
blessing momma - friends
upcoming sessions
His ever leading guidance & gentle nudges
His Word

'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'

Matthew 4:4

Wordless Wednesday | personal

2011-09-21T14:19:00.002-05:00

Sunset | 09.16.11

2011-09-16T19:28:00.002-05:00

Fall Mini Sessions

2011-09-16T16:02:00.000-05:00

*click image to enlarge*

Thankful Thursday | personal

2011-09-15T22:23:00.004-05:00

Today I'm thankful for...

grace
assurance
smiles
laughter
hugs
my hubby
my babies
raindrops on my windows
cool breezes
billowing curtains
kitty meows
doggie wags
sweats :)
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
late night reading
strong coffee :)
homeschool, STILL going super duper swell!
texting
upcoming trip!
Jesus' hugs :)
and our sweet mornings together...
He makes my life so special!
successful meal plan eating
http://bobayfitness.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=9:sample-meal-plan-for-weight-loss&Itemid=104

There is much to be thankful for! But there's also a few needs in my life right now. Could you please pray for my family?

Love you guys :)

Wordless Wednesday | World Vision

2011-09-14T09:44:00.000-05:00

Harvest Moon | 09.12.11

2011-09-12T21:29:00.003-05:00

Thankful Thursday

2011-09-08T21:23:00.003-05:00

Today I'm thankful for...

¹ Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
²Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
Psalm 32: 1-2

Roundin' up cattle

2011-09-07T15:26:00.000-05:00

Emma & I had quite the pioneer experience today!

After homeschool, we went "out back" and rounded up some

cattle w/ the farmer. Emma was quite ~~terrifying~~ impressive w/ her lasso!

She kept yelling at them w/ her most proper ~~hick~~ country voice.

And then she filled the water trough and felt quite proud w/ herself!

Or maybe she just imagined it all...

Maybe she really just used the dog leash and rounded up absolutely

nuthin' at all? And maybe the birds are quite thankful that the bird

bath is now partially filled w/ water?

I love being a mom! :)

Adoption Fundraiser

2011-09-03T19:33:00.000-05:00

Meet our friends The Leinens.

They're adopting their son from the Congo.

We are wanting to help them raise money but we need YOUR help!

They are selling T-Shirts for $20. All the proceeds go to bring Baby J home from the Congo.

Aren't the shirts AWESOME?!?!?

They rolled them up w/ pretty twine and a sweet little note.

They're available in all sizes.

The men's shirts have a powerful message, in my opinion.

Men's Front

Men's Back

The ladies' shirts are super pretty w/ beautiful truth on the back!

Ladies Front

Ladies Back

Will you do us a favor & help our friends?

If each family group that reads this blog would purchase just 1 shirt,

all their shirts would be sold this holiday weekend.

Please help us?

All you have to do is email them @ jleinen @ gmail.com

(written w/ spaces so automated spammers can't grab their email off my blog)

And let them know that you're interested in helping them by purchasing an Adoption Shirt!

Thanks bloggy readers!

XOXO!!!

Feel free to click the little "f" underneath this post on the left &
share this opportunity w/ your facebook friends too!

Running w/ no results

2011-09-02T08:05:00.000-05:00

I ran 3x this week.
3x people.
And I hopped on the scale this morning, excited about what it would show.
And it showed that I still had the weight gain from this Summer.

Somebody hand me a Snickers bar...

***update***
I ran 2 miles after we finished homeschool today. And I followed my meal plan to a T!
Here's to my future weight loss kids! :)

Thankful Thursday

2011-09-01T14:41:00.001-05:00

Today I'm thankful for...

Mia's 6th birthday!!!

The Ps | Family Session

2011-08-30T22:33:00.001-05:00

The Ps

Family Session

Moore, OK

You know those kinds of portraits that give you "happy sighs"?

Well, you're about to get some "happy sighs".

Thanks Ps!

Love you guys OODLES!

*click images to enlarge*

Your session should be fully edited in 3-4 wks.

Xoxo,

Feelings of failure...

2011-08-30T16:44:00.001-05:00

I've been a momma for 13 years.

I've been a homeschool momma for 9 years.

I've been a full time Stay At Home Mom, a part-time workin' mom, a full time SAHM again, and then I started this photography business around the time I stopped changing diapers.

I began a marriage encouragement email ministry around the time my marriage was failing...as a means of encouraging myself more than anyone else.

Somewhere along the road, I ran out of time...

Time to truly sit down and mother.

Time to truly sit down and engage in parenting.

Time to truly sit down and play for uninterrupted HOURS, not minutes.

Time to truly sit down and teach a certain child how to share.

And today, during a play date, my eyes were opened.

I have done a terrible job of mothering, parenting, teaching my 8 year old.

It all hit me as I sat here editing a session, instead of engaging in my child's life and helping her share and playing w/ her and her friends.

Where did I lose myself?

I was created to be her momma.

I, no one else, am responsible for training her.

And I'm failing...

*feeling defeated and could use prayers as I sit here editing*

The B's Newborn Family Session | Sneak Peek

2011-08-29T22:18:00.000-05:00

The B's {Newborn} Family Session

Yale, OK

Sneak Peek

Not gonna lie, this was an amazing session!

There was spunk, laughter, tears, Thomas the Train, squealing, smiles, pouts, pretty dress twirlin' and plenty of baby holdin' and gold fish eatin'!

Newborn sessions are hard WORK... but worth EVERY single second of it!

Thank you B's!

I thoroughly enjoyed making the trip out to hang out w/ your family!

And momma B - you are simply stunning!

Here's your Sneak Peek :)

*click pic to enlarge*

7 spots left for Christmas Sessions

2011-08-27T22:22:00.001-05:00

Just a heads up that I only have 7 spots left for guaranteed prints by Christmas.
If your session doesn't take place prior to October 29th, your prints may not be ready by Christmas.

Thanks for being such awesome clients!

Xoxo

Thankful Thursday | Personal

2011-08-25T13:40:00.003-05:00

Today I'm thankful for...

redemption
amazing husband
precious daughters
our soon-to-be son ツ
family time
working from home
God's sweet provisions
never being without necessities
healthy family
electricity
air conditioning
clean laundry
comfortable bed
food
fresh, cold water
freedom
safety
our backyard view
God's grace
laughter
deep emotional healing from one sweet phone call
Adoption Workshops
blessings

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-24T22:56:00.001-05:00

Mommy & Me | Sneak Peek

2011-08-19T23:13:00.000-05:00

Mommy & Me

Newcastle, OK

Sneak Peek

This sweet little family and I had a blast tonight!

We saw cows, hay bales, a very old house, donkeys and fire ants! (ouch!)

But most of all, we had FUN!!!

T, here's your Sneak Peek.

Hugs! :)

*click to enlarge*