My review.

Mondays are one of my favorite nights of the week. I get to babysit the three kids. Last night my 3 yr old neice, Avery & I enjoyed a "jama show night". We watched "Ramona and Beezus" the movie. After, despite the fact it was way past Avery's bedtime, we had no choice but to dance. Not sure who enjoyed the movie more, me or Avery. It took me back to the days of dress-up, cotton candy ice cream, the Berenstain Bears, late night giggles with my sister, tears over scraped knees, the kisses that followed and cured the hurt instantly, secret handshakes, the days when my worst fear was missing the bus, and travel was cheap because my imagination could take me anywhere.

My favorite line from the movie: "You're your own person. You don't care about colouring inside the lines."

"Those days" might be long gone and responsibility might knock at my door a couple times a day, but what makes childhood so wonderful is the ability to get excited about the small stuff. God gave us His creation. Stunningly beautiful and how often I miss the joy in it. A flock of geese doesn't fly overhead without Avery and Myles noticing, and while they squeal with joy, I fear bird droppings falling on my head. So what's changed? Me. Unfortunately, I've stopped believing in fairy tales, the rain has become more of a nuisance than an opportunity to dance and a yard covered in leaves no longer means a leaf fight, it simply means work. Good news: the choice is mine. Life won't always be giggles and pillow fights, but I am gonna look for the opportunities and make the most of them. What I have might not be a Disney fairy tale, but it's mine and it's beautiful in its own way. Sparkles still make me smile and I can still twirl pretty good. Sure, sometimes my heart, rather than my knees, gets scrapped, but kisses still cure. Love is for real and I've found that. When you can, sing at the top of your lungs, dance without rhythm, close your eyes and imagine, smile for no reason and love with no reserve, because God is good and if you're one of His children, you've got a lot to smile about.

Wishing you sunshine to brighten your day and a yard covered in leaves :)

A song that suits this post almost perfectly.

Miss you!

She happens to be my sister, but I'd like her this much without the sharing of genes.

We were roomates at college for one semester and last school year she lived with Justin and I. During our roomate semester, I liked to stay in my room, organize, read, not study and do crafty things. Actually writing that down makes me realize just how ridiculous a college student I was. Stacey liked to come back to the room just minutes before curfew {we did have a curfew at college, long story}. She was your typical social butterfly. That's what most people saw, admired and sometimes envied. You know those people that have it all? Yup. That's her. Not only is she socially inclined, she's soft-hearted, the type to bring me a cookie when I was having a bad day or buy me a "miss you" card when I was leaving for just 6 days. She's an incredible athlete, currently the assistant captain on the Liberty University team. I'm pretty proud of her. If she's proud of herself, you wouldn't know it. She's managed to stay humble.

Stacey knows what I'm thinking without me saying a word. She finds the same things hilarious. And when I feel like a slushie, she does too. This year, I'm in Canada while she studies in Virginia. 12 hours apart. I miss her all the time, but on certain days, or when certain things happen, I find myself missing her extra. Like last night when I felt like going to Applebees for 33cent boneless wings. Christmas is coming and I cannot wait! She encourages me with words of wisdom I didn't know she had and she makes me laugh at the dumbest things. She's gorgeous, but her physical beauty doesn't compare to her inner beauty. She loves God and she's striving to love Him more. I am so blessed to have such a sister :)

Love you kiddo!

A Great Gift!

Here's a unique gift that will be cherished forever :)

The cost is $115.00 and the certificate is good for any full session whether it be family, portrait, engagement, baby, event, trash-the-dress and anything else you can think of.

With a full session comes a CD of 50 images and all rights are yours, print and post online as much as you'd like with no additional cost.

Email me at samanthaegan9@gmail.com to purchase or for more information.

I approve

Not that it's up to me, but I totally approve of Beth's choice in a man. He's gonna treat her well and she's gonna be happy walking through life along side him.

I grew up with Beth, met her when I was four years old and really got to know her somewhere around age 12. We shared countless memories, secrets and talks. When I needed it, she gave her sound advice laced with wisdom and offered encouraging words. Often she offered laughs. Beth would do anything to make a friend smile. I have seen her grow into an amazing lady. I wished nothing but the best for her in a future mate and on August 13, 2010, I saw her get just what she (and I) were hoping for. Beth married her prince charming, Neal.

The two of them made a beautiful couple, dressed to impress. What made them stunning though, was the look of pure love they shared between one another, there was no denying it, they were absolutely crazy about each other. They'd waited patiently (and sometimes impatiently) for this day to come and it finally had!

I had the pleasure of being the assistant to an extremely talented photographer, Annalecia, {www.annalecia.com} for this wedding. My mission: catch the little moments that often pass by without recognition. Along with the bride and groom, the flowergirls made this an achievable task.

I am so thrilled for Beth & Neal. Their plans for the future include being missionaries to China. The road won't always be easy, but God gave them one another to walk through it together. And there's unspeakable joy knowing you are where you're supposed to be.

Congratulations Beth & Neal!

All-Stars

I've blogged about these guys more than once. My amazing brother, Dan, his amazing wife, Tara and their amazing, almost-angelic children...as close as they come. I might be a bit biased. Finally got them out for a shoot, all five of them :) In three phrases, they are incredibly giving, full of love, and strong in faith...oh and attractive to boot. I look up to them every day and could never quite express how thankful I am God made us family.

Thursday, the day I finally convinced them this would be a great idea, was freezing cold, way overcast and got dark much earlier than I'd hoped. With blankets to bundle up between photos and promises of hot chocolate, we took as many shots as we could, as quick as we could. They were all-stars, I expected nothing less. So glad to have just a few more photos of them all together, there never can be enough.

A shout out...this shoot wouldn't have been what is was without my handy assistant, Michelle, who warmed up my subjects, gave necessary input, fixed Tara's scarf on numerous occasions, bribed with candy and held my bag. What can I say...everyone needs one.

The {S} Family

These guys were great! I loved their natural comfort in front of the camera and the reality that is theirs created some incredible moments. Little Vanessa is a beauty with an incredible smile and her sister, Eva, is following her lead. Dan & Jenny are incredibly fun and sweet people. Every time I see Jenny, she's got a smile and a kind word. Thanks for a great shoot guys! Keep doing what you're doing, cause it's working!

Happy Birthday

Photo Credit: Michelle Peters

On November 6, 2006, I was attending school in Pensacola, Florida and my parents were down visiting. It was a Wednesday evening and we were just finding our seats before the church service began. I walked down the row and found myself walking straight for a highly attractive guy I'd seen around campus. I sat down and formed an immediate crush. We chatted before church started and my parents instantly fell in love with him the moment they learned he was an avid canoer. During the service, while paying attention of course, I wrote a note to my sister and told her about the adorable hunk sitting next to me.

That boy was Justin and that day was his birthday.

4 years later, here we are....I got to marry the adorable hunk. I feel so blessed to call him mine forever. When I was a boy crazy teen, my mom had me write a list of qualities I wanted in my future husband...and he met every qualification and more!

This year, since I'll be flying to Pensacola on November 17th, we are pretending his birthday is the 20th. But I can't ignore the actual day, just don't have it in me. So today, on your for-real birthday, Justin, I hope you have the most wonderful day and thanks for being born! Love you!

The {C} Family

I have been getting to know this family since May. And so far, they're flawless. The best part, they give all the glory to God for their two little boys and for one another. This family genuinely enjoys each moment they spend together. Dave and Chelsea are so completely in love with one another and I am so thankful to have such a couple to look up to.

For their shoot we planned on going to the local apple orchard. Sadly, however, apple picking was closed. With a bag full of apples, we headed to Chelsea's parents farm. Chelsea grew up there since she was a young girl. The farm was not only meaningful but perfect for the shoot. The boys were comfortable enough there to be themselves and Chelsea and Dave knew where all the best spots were. Besides the dramatic wind, we had a wonderful time and got some great photos!

The Newbie

This little guy was born just over a month ago. September 30th, 2010 at some time way too early in the morning. He weighed 9lbs 11oz. His name is Spencer James and he's my newest nephew. His older sister, Avery {3years} and brother, Myles {19months} are absolutely, positively crazy about him.

When I see a newborn baby, I am amazed at the creation of God. It's easy to get caught up in the mindless details of everyday life that we forget what really matters. Walking into the hospital room and seeing him there reminded me. He was beautiful and perfect and a gift from God.

If I haven't already told you, I live with my brother, Dan & his wife, Tara and their three kids while my husband is in Florida finishing his degree. Didn't want to live all on my lonesome and couldn't work/live in the states so here I am. I love every moment of the craziness these kids provide. I get to see, up close and personal, just how a young family grows. And these guys are doing an incredible job. It's a house full of laughs, love and most importantly faith in a truly amazing God.

Spencer has been blessed to be born to such a family. One that adored him and could not wait to meet him the moment they knew he was coming. No doubt you'll see more of him and his cute little face, big blue eyes and perfectly formed dimples.

Welcome to the world, Spencer!