Lost and found... not.

* Sorry folks, but I think I am going to take a blog break... I'll be back Monday with a new post.




Well, it's still Saturday, so I haven't missed today's post yet... only by less than 30 minutes though!

Today was super busy, and rough. really rough.

You know how when you forget your purse somewhere, or you lose money, like twenty dollars or so? And you get that awful lump in your throat, and your heart goes to pounding, and you start sweating and worrying?

Well, I, no we lost, $17.19 ... and his name was 'teddy'.



Remember this pic from a few nights ago?

Now, it's not completely my fault, even though I'm the mother. She's the one that cried for him before going into Wal-mart. I'm the one who should have known better. Lauren did real good most of the shopping trip. Then towards the end, she started throwing him out of the cart. And I of course threatened to take him away if she didn't quit. I'm sure she understood me real well. She thought it was funny. As I sit here and type, I'm trying real hard to think back to the last time I remember him being in the buggy. I can't. All I know is, I checked out. Got my extra ten dollars to grab some McDonald's and went to the car.

Got her all buckled in, gave her a nugget, and unloaded the stuff into the trunk.

Put the diaper bag in the car.

Got my purse.

Bear... bear... where's the bear? Where's teddy!?!?

So I quickly unloaded her and headed back in. To spare you all of the boring details of going to customer service and what not, I'll get to the point. We didn't find him. I figure he's found a new home either in Wal-mart or with some other kid.

All I can say is that I am thankful that I realized it while there, because had I not, we would have had a terrible nights sleep without him. I trekked all over that store trying to find him. So I grabbed another off the shelf and headed back to customer service. I showed the lady the bear and paid for it.



I doubt it will ever turn up. And I am really regretting not buying the extra I found a few weeks ago at a garage sale. If I find another, we are definitely getting a double to keep on hand.

But the ordeal doesn't end yet... You see, the bear she originally had was bought last year, and given to us as a baby gift. The bear style has since changed, or something. The new bear isn't quite like her old one.

And she knows it.

The first picture is an example of the new bear bought tonight... the second is a picture of what her old one looked like..

Levi told me how lucky we were that she accepted it and went on to bed. Because it isn't the same. She even brought it to me, and I swear if she could have talked, it would have been her letting me know it. They eyes and the texture are not the same at all.

*sighs* Such is the life of a mommy to a very spoiled and sensitive princess. She's so much like me! And I feel awful about it. Like I'm a terrible mother, how could I let this happen. But I'm sure there will be more days like these to come.


Ok, last I'm sharing a picture of me today with my 'curly' hair. All of my life, I have had straight hair. My daddy used to comb a very straight part in my hair every night. I always wanted beautiful curly hair, like Julia Roberts. Several perm attempts and fried hair, I'm just not made to have curly hair. However, since my last perm, this is what I can achieve.



Just a bit of gel, a few runs through the curling iron, and voila! I have to say I like it much better than straight, and so does Levi. It gives my hair some body.

Well, I'm terribly tired. Lauren is having some 'issues' right now, and we were up every hour last night starting at 2 am until 8. I'm just plum exhausted. I have a baby shower tomorrow and pictures. So it will be a late night post again I'm sure.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!

TGIF! and cheap diapers

Morning everyone! Today is a big day, so I don't have much time here. After two days of awful wind, rain, and cold, it turned off B-E-A-U-tiful today (<--- sorry, just think Jim Carey, 'Bruce Almighty'). So I'm scrambling to get stuff done at the house. Then it's off to town to clean out and wash my car, pick up some picture prop stuff, and take lots and lots and lots of pictures today! If you aren't a parent but soon to be, or you are and just haven't braved the thought of buying cheap diapers, my recommendation is that you DON'T! From the time I got pregnant with Lauren, I heard the debate, Huggies vs Pampers. I was lucky enough to receive some smaples in the mail, and decided I liked the way Pampers looked and felt. So we started out with Pampers Swaddlers, then when she got to movin, we switched to the Baby Dry. The other day while perusing K-Mart, I saw an opened package of *their brand diapers. So I sneaked a peek. Whoever opened them and left them, must have known better. I, however did not. I thought 'hmmm', we can try it for about 6 dollars cheaper and even 4 extra diapers than I normally get... why not?! So I did, and I have regretted it since. We are finally through with that package and back into Pampers baby dry, which I swear can hold 5 gallons of pee and not be wet on the outside. The cheap diapers? We lost about 6 of them to faulty tabs, and I changed bed sheets a million times.

Thank you Pampers!

This is a picture of one of Lauren's newborn diapers. Yes, I kept one! I actually kept two, and I have the two huggies samplers I got in the mail. Don't laugh, one day she will need them for her baby dolls. I just can't believe that my baby was once so tiny! I miss that.



So she may not look like me much, but she definitely is my child... Lauren has a thing for baby dolls and stuffed animals. just like her mommy did as a child.


Here I just missed her trying to make it cuddle with mr teddy who is under the covers. So I think I know what the princess is getting for Christmas. "Another one"? you say! Well, unfortunately this doll does not belong to her. She smuggled it out of the church nursery Wednesday night, and I didn't realize it until I was putting her in the car. I didn't have to heart, nor the gumption to get her back out and take it back in. So she's borrowing it until Sunday. Grandma has two little dolls at her house, and Lauren plays with them there. So it's good to know that I can get her something she will play with. I'm thinking one of those dolls that cry and giggles she will just adore.

Well, I truly better get up and get going. I will have pictures for you later! So make sure you check back!

Our love to all!

Weekly Dose of Lauren Pictures!

Yay!!! I won my first ever blog giveaway! I won the cutest necklace from Melli B. If you haven't seen her stuff, click here. I had a hard time choosing, but I finally decided on the white one. Thanks Melissa!!!






Don't those big 'ol eyes just make your heart melt?

So today was a great day! We went to grandma's this morning, and we had fun taking pictures. She was such a ham today! I have learned something about my daughter. She's a stinker, a joker. Already. Yesterday at grandma's house, I asked for some kisses. She started towards me like she was going to give me some, then switched gears and headed straight for grandma. She gave my grandma my kisses and ran from me! Then while watching the 'I love you too' video from yesterday, there was a part where she acted like she was going to give me kisses, then smacked me and thought it was funny. It makes me believe now, more than ever, that our babies personalities are already set... we can only help them grow along, better or worse. She's definitely going to be a ham, I can tell.

Anyways, while we were there today, she played in the glass door with me:







This last pic was posted not for it's quality, but because of the item she holds in her hand. It is one of her daddy's toys he played with, waaaaay back in 1980 or so. She loves those things!!! I also feel the need to drive back over to grandmas house, as I now see that Lauren left behind beautiful hand prints that really should be cleaned up by mommy.

After me being outside, she wanted to go. So we went!














The last picture is posted in black and white so you can't see just how terrible I look without makeup on! ha!

And last but most certainly not least, I'm a mother now... and no matter how odd it seems to post this, I feel this deep need to. I was folding clothes and listening to Dr. Phil show today. He was talking about people texting and driving... "guilty" right here... and a mother made her plea with people, at the expense of her daughter's death. Now whether this pulled on my heart strings because her name was Lauren, or her mother's desperation, or just mothering mode kicking in, if you have a minute, please see their website here.




I hope everyone has a great day!!! We shall return tomorrow!

I Love you too!!!

I completely forgot to post this video from about a month and a half ago!



I swear she says "I love you too" when I say I love you... even grandma has heard it.

So I think everyone is liking seeing some of my shoots on here. I can't believe the blog is changing so much. It used to be ALL about Lauren, but now I find it's my outlet as well. I enjoy sharing with people. I really do! And I enjoy looking at other's blogs. It's like getting a glimpse into their lives. So as I am working on Amanda's pictures, I thought I would share another one with you... only it's got a lesson behind it.

My friend Monica is the QUEEN of Photoshop, I only thought I was. And she showed me an amazing way to make my photos even better! Here is an example.



The first is originally how my photos would have been processed. Then the second is how Monica showed me. See the difference. The second is even more vibrant! That's part of photography. Always learning. And I am definitely a person who strives to learn more.

So today, Monica gets the kuddos!!! She is an amazing person! I'm so glad I met her 4 years ago, because our relationship has blossomed. We send each other Christmas cards, baby gifts, we share digital scrapbook stuff, music, and more. I could only imagine how much sweeter life would be if she was closer in distance.

Today's shoot is canceled. A storm came in this morning, and it turned off cold and EXTREMELY windy! So we are re-set for Friday afternoon at 4. I'm really excited, because it's a little boy who is turning 1. And I never got Lauren's 1 year pictures officially done. Then I ran across an awesome prop idea the other, and now I am chomping at the bit to do them both! So be expecting some awesome pictures of miss Lauren coming soon!

Well, I suppose that's it for today. My house smells like beans, yum. Lauren is napping, and I am curled up in my big pink robe. I have church tonight, so I gotta get a shower in a bit. I hope everyone is doing great! See you all tomorrow, another video in tow and some more shoot pictures.

okay, I'll share one more:



(in case you can't tell, I'm a huge fan of the dark vignette style that is popular right now)

This is what I get....

... for installing a doggy door!!!






Ever since we installed it, she stands in the door, holding it open. And while I don't mind right now while the weather is cool, it wasn't so *cool* when she did it in the dead heat of Summer.


I know I posted a few weeks ago about Lauren had found her belly. She still will suddenly realize it's there, and play with it. She lifts her shirt up and pats it. Then puts her shirt back down. It's incredibly cute and so innocent like. Just the feeling of finding something new.





I have another photo shoot tomorrow. It's a one year old boy. And I plan to get Lauren's pictures taken too. I received permission to post a picture from my shoot the other night. This was the large family I did Saturday evening. This little boy is 4 I believe, and full of personality:


Well, I'm off to bed. Two benedryls and I'm down for the count. Have a great night everyone!

Happy 13 months Lauren!!!

GASP! I almost forgot today's post! Can you believe that? I didn't forget it so much as I forgot to post it! So here you go... Today was Lauren's 13 months, and it was a crazy day! She got 5 shots at the dr. office today. Her 12 month check up had to be postponed because of her RSV. So we had to do it today. While in the Dr. office I took a few pictures before the fun started:

Well, this is it for today. I shall return later with more posts. Have a great night!

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Marie-Therese Gown GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

So blessed! So blessed! So very blessed!

I am just ecstatic from the past three days! I feel so blessed! I had three very wonderful photo shoots. It's just awesome! AWESOME! I'm taking a moment to give thanks...

First and foremost, my friend Monica who was the first one to encourage me to "go take pictures!". And along the way she helped me figure out Photoshop, can you say arrrrggghhh! She has been a blessed online friend for four years now. We've never seen eachother face to face, but we share many pictures. Her blog is 'Our Family Journal'... go check her out!

Then, to my friend John, my computer guy, who sold me my first 'good' camera and built my new computer for me (He won't see this). He also handed down to me all of his stacks of photo magazines.

And finally to my cousin, who I am proud of and she is an inspiration to me, April. She has her own photography business in South Texas. She's a wonderful photographer. We didn't know that the other was into photography until November 2006. She has since shared a few tips with me, and helped me to prove that no matter your life circumstances, NO ONE can hold you back! She gave me permission to share this photo from one of her recent shoots:

Isn't that beautiful???



Well, I just got done with one of my best girlfriends, Amanda, and her son who is a senior this year. He was so awesome to shoot. He loved the poses and the backgrounds and we all had fun together. Since she is my best friend, she gave me permission to post a few here. I think she was just was as anxious as I was to see them. I haven't even begun to process them all, there are officially 404 pictures to look at and narrow down! But here are two that I really wanted to see... here is Nathan:

He liked the idea of doing a shot on the yellow line. Amanda wasn't so sure, but I am really excited about it. I have always wanted to do one, not sure why though. And last but not least...

I'm also sharing some cute pictures of Lauren and her daddy reading at grandma's house a couple of weeks ago. She took the book to him and wanted up so he could read all about Bambi and Thumper!

Well, I was up several times (actually 5 times) last night with Lauren. I still have tons to do before I can go to bed. So I'm signing off for the night. I know it's not much of a post, but I just don't have much to share.

I hope everyone is doing great!

Shannon

PICTURE THIS:

Updated 11:17 am: Oh my gosh! I just realized this might be the first post ever without at least one 'Lauren' picture... can you believe that?

I can't have that! So I'm sharing a picture of her crying from a few days ago. I was sitting on the couch watching her play, when she suddenly realized that I wasn't 'holding her'. Yes, my spoiled brat does this. She's contently playing, and suddenly realizes that I could be holding her, or paying some sort of attention to her and she comes crying to me. Literally. So I caught this picture, and then I picked her up and cuddled her. So I'm not completely mean! And hey! if you can take the good, you can stand a little of the bad! hahaha!

...............................................................................................................

So I reported that I had several shoots coming up. And last night's, particularly, I was excited about... I will say that as far as I am concerned, it was my best shoot yet, that I can tell, and I cannot wait to show the customer's their pictures.

But picture this:

The evening is almost over, sun has fallen, and we are taking one last family picture. I'm setting the family up... worried about the brother's shirt... I'm backing up... and boom!

Yes, folks, the photographer fell!!!

Not only was I mortified, embarrassed, and humiliated... but in the mean time I managed to chip a tooth and screw up my shin. I'm adding a picture of my very swollen spot. I'm pretty sure this is the spot that the camera hit because I fell on my hip, trying to keep the camera from hitting the ground.

But to make it all better. It wasn't my clumsiness or lack of balance and grace... it was three very cute puppies of whom I'm pretty sure one will never walk the same! Poor thing yelped and ran. So at least it's not all my fault. I just didn't know they were behind me!

See my shin? Purdy huh?


Like I said, the shoot went quite well... I'm so pleased, as soon as I get a release signed, I'll share one or two here.

On my way home, I stopped by three rigs, and took some night shots. I just think they are so neat. kind of like a little world of their own. Here is one of the best pictures:



BLOG CHALLENGE: I told you the other day that I was going to post some pictures of my town. I want to make this a blog challenge. Post a picture of your town for me (us) to see. It doesn't have to be like mine, it just happens my town is small enough to fit into the frame of the camera. You can post your downtown or your favorite park or even your neighborhood. I'd like to see where you live.





And of course, no western Oklahoma rural town is complete without a picture of a John Deere! Tractors are our town out here:



Well, today is another shoot! So I'm gonna go play and learn with the princess and get ready for this afternoon. I hope everyone has a great day!!!

Shannon

Ask, and you shall receive...

Okay, so this is a sorta-corny post:



Just when I think things can't get any worse... they get better. Not what you thought I was going to say huh? I am a 'talker' to my Father almighty. I know it's sounds stupid, but there are literally times that I turn the radio off in the car, especially when Lauren is asleep, and I talk to God. It's my "God Time". Ok, you can quit laughing. I know it sounds corny. And here lately, I find I'm doing it a lot. Right now, in our life, finances are tight. Very tight. And I was really beginning to worry. I hate living this way. We aren't really poor or anything, we have a small savings, so we aren't 'without'. I just don't like to be this tight, as I'm sure most other people don't. And with me not working, I feel like I am not bringing anything to the table.

So in the middle of a more silent God time yesterday, my cell phone rings.

"Hi, is this Shannon Fry?"

"Yes it is."

"Hi, I was wondering about some pictures for my son..."

I was just amazed and flabbergasted, because I was just asking for business to pick up more a couple of days ago. Since then, I have received two phone calls needing pictures.

I have a shoot tonight, tomorrow, Sunday, Wednesday, possibly next Friday, and two on next Sunday.

How's that for receiving?

I have such an awesome Lord. I'm glad he knows what's best for me. Because it definitely makes me appreciate things a little more.

So, on our way home yesterday, I was so overcome with joy, we stopped and I took some pictures. I have this place that just makes me happy, and some days on my way home, I take the back road just to drive through it. So here are some for your viewing pleasure.










We originally went to Weatherford yesterday morning to have my car looked at by the dealership. Gotta get that speedometer fixed before I get a ticket. While there, we just happened to hear about the new scrapbook store grand opening, so we went there. We found ourselves in the middle of their ribbon cutting ceremony and we should be in the paper. I'll post a picture as soon as I get one. After we visited there, I found a cute pocket park on the north side of the store and I took some pictures of Lauren there. THIS is my favorite!




On our way home, we found this rig burning off some gas. I love drilling rigs. I'm not sure why really. But I found my fascination with them when my husband worked on one. So, I turned around to take some pictures. I was a little worried; one because the fire was closer to the road than I thought, and hot. And two, because somebody, I assume the driller, was on the floor yelling at the hands and I was scared that I would get in trouble for taking some pictures. Silly I know, and hubby reassured me that I wouldn't be in trouble. So here are two that I got:





Well, I suppose that's it for today... I have pictures of my town to post tomorrow, and a blog challenge. I'm off to take some pictures for other people today. I'm so excited!

I hope everyone has a fantastic Friday!!!

Shannon