Moments

Its been entirely way to long since I have blogged. Talk about feeling guilty! Im sure many of you have been very busy with this awesome weather we have been having, not to mention holidays as well. So many days I have wanted to just sit down and post something...even if it was just a few sentences, but of course never did! Sorry!!! Im trying to get back on track and stick to this. After all its part of the commitment I made to myself so I cant completely quit haha. The pool is calling though =)

Let me think...

Ok so my last post included Katelyn's senior shots and since then lots has happened. I cant say that I have had lots of photo shoots, but of course I have some really amazing friends whose kids im blessed to click away at all the time! They are all so cute and provide a million laughs a million times a day. Never a dull moment around all of them! I never did post any pictures of my best friends daughter, but im finally getting to now. I did her 1 Month shots a few weeks ago...cant believe she is already approaching two months. Time sure does fly. I tell them all the time that if babies stayed babies I would definately want one haha. Kids are amazing, but I think im still trying to gain patience before ever having some of my own. =P

J.M.S

Its funny how they change in a months time, not to mention how much more they move! I cant wait to get to do the "official" pictures with the two boys, Jaicee's big brothers. And yes I will stick to my guns once that shoot happens and post asap. Im so excited for those pictures since we will get to play outside with them and I know the boys will have a blast!

Im thinking she will look just as innocent at fifteen!

My thought with babies is "what exactly are they thinking???" Dont you wish you could know! Or like everytime they give a lil smirk, what its about. I think it would be hilarious! Im much more comfortable now with her than I was at first. Guess I just feel like im going to hurt them or like their so fragile. Then I remember how the nurses are so "gentle" with them in the nursery! Guess they are pretty tough lil things, huh?! I know this lil girl wont have any other choice than to be tough though lol.

But not to tough this first month!

So many ideas and plans are in the works. Yep, its just a matter of time. It may seem like im not doing anything and have quit with all the excitement of the photography, but I promise you thats not the case! Stuff just takes LOTS of time and alot of hard work. Even more work when your already working a full-time job!

I really hope everyone is having a greatly blessed and safe summer! Its just beginning!!!

“Dedication is not what others expect of you, it is what you can give to others.”

2010 Senior Photo Shoot

My Favorite One!

What a great client! Cant wait to do more work with her and her family.

Clients like this make my job a real blast!

I really am blessed to be doing what I love =)

Thankful Thursday

I am very thankful for many things today. We finally got to meet lil miss Jaicee, Cacee & Jakes beautiful baby girl, she was born Wednesday morning! I made the comment that I feel like an aunt all over again. Its so exciting! I will also be starting a with a wonderful company on Monday that is opening up endless opportunities for me, such a blessing. Lastly, is my own business...the more experience I get the better things go and im so blessed to have such wonderful clients to work with! Without them I wouldnt be where im at today. A huge thanks to all of them!

Just like everyone I have my days of feeling completely lazy or like throwing in the towel of all the hard work that goes into this. Yet, im so glad I dont because its just so amazing seeing that you alone CAN accomplish your goals and turn the dreams into reality as long as you keep trying. Such a wonderful feeling! Im not perfect and no one is, but that doesnt mean I cant be proud of myself and continue doing what im doing!

WHAT DOESNT KILL ME WILL ONLY MAKE ME STRONGER!

One thing that has given me a real good laugh is this new song called "I Pray For You" by Jaron and The Long Road to Love. Sounds kinda odd saying a song about praying is funny huh? Yea, well listen to it!! I promise you will love it and be laughing!

So who are you praying for?!

What is right for one soul may not be right for another.

It may mean having to stand on your own

and do something strange in the eyes of others.

But do not be daunted,

do whatever it is because you know within it is right for you.

PS. Stay posted for Miss Katelyn's Senior pictures that I did a few days ago!

Family & Engagement Session

Here are some of my favorite shots from my Easter (family & engagement) session with Charita...

Family

Engagement shot

Brothers!

Congrats to the both you!

What a wonderful group to work with!!!

BEAUTIFUL!

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

Your Guess??

Surprise suprise! Im back! Okay, so in my last post I asked what everyone thought we got over my mia spree...

Drum roll please...

Meet Ellie!

 This was the night we got her back from the "beauty parlor" haha.

Notice her Easter bandana?!

Mom got all these great shots!

Kisses =)

Those ears haha.

We really have been blessed with this dog. She has such a personality, its really amazing & hilarious. She has made a friend since being with us...none of us particularly care for that "doggy friend" either. Its a pain! However, if you saw how she acts when we try to run that other dog off you would understand. She gets SO upset at us and avoids us...then takes off with that friend. So typical. I swear she isnt really a dog most days! We LOVE her so much though. She has a great home now and is starting to plump up. Its nice to see her gaining weight so quickly!

Thanks Mama for the pictures!

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving."

Abandoned post...

To anyone who may read this blog or no Miss Winters, we would greatly appreciate your assistance. It appears that this post has been abandoned and needs some real attention... If you have any information or the whereabouts of this individual and blog please comment below.

Well....

Someone's got jokes tonight!

Okay, okay, so im not missing, but I do feel like it quite often. What can I say its been an interesting few weeks! At least I can definately say that its not all bad. There have been many things that have required most of my attention here lately. Now I know you all see my multi-task frequently, but im not the best anymore especially here recently. Lots of things have fallen in my hands along with MANY fine lines tagging along. Talk about walking on egg shells. So, yea, I tried not stress about all the little stuff and things I do for "entertainment" and just focus on whats right in front of me-aka-work, finances, relationships. I know it sounds like the everyday stuff, yet for some reason things have been very different with those three areas! Im not complaining at all because its all really challenged me, a challenge I have not had before and its interesting to see that im actually in charge of my attitude and choices for once instead of letting others try to make decisions for me. I feel like im rambling. Oh well. Anyways, long story short...I have just been consumed with important issues that needed more of my attention than this did for the time. Im sorry!!!

Of course I didnt completely abdonded my post with pictures and all. They just havent been posted yet! I did a shoot on Easter with Miss Charita, her fiance, and three boys. What an awesome group!!! SO please do keep posted for those pictures. Im pretty excited if ya cant tell =) As for other shoots...I will be doing a prom shoot this weekend for a family with Prairie Grove High. Keep your fingers crossed for great weather. So far so good!

OH....

Guess what my family and I got while I was mia...?

I will save it for the next post so leave a comment with your guess!

I want to leave you guys with a song that I have probably listended to 1000 times recently. If I had to ever right a song I dont think I could have changed one single line of this song. It reminds me of everything I think, feel, have said, and done! LISTEN TO IT! Oh and of course its perfect because im 20 yrs old now days =)

"Free To Be Me" by Francesca Battistelli

At twenty years of age I'm still looking for a dream

A war's already waged for my destiny

But You've already won the battle

And You've got great plans for me
Though I can’t always see

(Chorus)

‘Cause I got a couple dents in my fender

Got a couple rips in my jeans

Try to fit the pieces together

But perfection is my enemy

On my own I'm so clumsy

But on Your shoulders I can see

I'm free to be me

When I was just a girl I thought I had it figured out

My life would turn out right, and I'd make it here somehow

But things don't always come that easy

And sometimes I would doubt

(Chorus)

And you’re free to be you

Sometimes I believe that I can do anything

Yet other times I think I've got nothing good to bring

But You look at my heart and You tell me

That I've got all You seek

And it’s easy to believe

Even though

(Chorus)

"I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious Ambiguity."

Im back.

Arkansas weather

Here's the weather for you at the end of March in Arkansas!

Um. Yea!

You thought I was kidding??

We ended up with a foot. Couldnt believe it!

You can see how much was coming down, against the red.

So what did we do inside?!

Ate artichokes! YUM!!!

Now lets get rid of that snow out there and add some flowers and sunshine!

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”

(I should take my own advice, but shhh!)

Cant.Believe.This

I cant believe this snow... 

Yesterday was the first day of Spring...

So we thought...

This was not supposed to happen! Here, the whole week, its been nice and sunny with temps in the upper sixites. Then I wake up this morning to four inches of snow. Who would have thought. Surely not this girl. So my Dad got called into work early early this morning and after making to work, informe my Mom that he has not had that much trouble getting up the hills in a long time. Apparently the roads are pretty bad. By the way, he works for the road dept. so thats why he got the joy of going in this morning. As for me...I got the call too. To go into work either today or help cover tonight.. I told the nurse that I would be more than happy to, but that the only way my butt is coming in is if someone will come and get me, but of course no one wants to drive all the way out to Madison Co. to get me! So she said im off the hook. I wouldnt have minded to pick up the hours really, but there is just no way im going to be able to get out. Anyways, there will be pictures to follow more than likely this afternoon so just stay tuned in haha. I guess I could also say...TRY to enjoy the snow!

Oops!

So my recorded Idol episode just ended....and im SHOCKED! Here I just posted about Lacey Brown and how I liked her best out of the girls, yet she gets voted off! Gosh I feel like an idiot. Ha. Not sure what happened America, but ok! Have it your way. Im sure she will go on and do just fine though!

Weekday Warrior

I PROMISE im not trying to abandone my blog!

Working nights is slowly, but surely taking its toll on me right now though, so I get kinda of behind on posting. I promise it will get better though. Ha! Its been a rather hectic week though mainly due to being short-handed on our night shifts. We usually have a prn staff directly with ERC to cover, but even that and the other company we use have been, eh, not the best this week. It happens! But gosh when it does happen it can sure throw everything off real quick. Im making up for missed to-do's at the moment... Which, of course, include American Idol and blogging! Yes, I know...what a huge to-do list and oh so important HA! I promise I really do have a life outside of those things =P

On some other random notes...

Miss Lacey Brown from American Idol this season sent me a friend request on myspace earlier this week...makes a person feel important ha. I wasnt really crazy about the girls (if you remember me mentioning that in a previous post), but I will say, as time has went on, she is honestly my favorite out of the girls right now. Her personality really makes her shine and I love that she seems very true to herself as well as her uniqueness! I still havent decided who I think will make it to the top four, but im getting there as I write and watch idol right now. So no one spoil who went home last night!! Im anxious to see... Of course im still in love with Lee & Big Mike though. I think Lee and I could be pretty happy years from now LOL! I know, quit dreaming Amber. I have a friend who im sure will read this and fall out of her chair laughing, all the while thinking "Amber...your crazy girl! Lee is mine!" Love you Jen =) HA.

Ok im off my idol kick!

The month of March has really shined for new releases. If you havent watched Hachi...please DO! It was such a great movie. If you dont cry though at some point, there is something wrong with you! No, but honestly it really is one worth watching no matter who you are and the fact that its based on a true story makes it even better. I also rented Precious, after driving to four different places trying to find it. Definately recommend it as well. Its one of those movies that really gets you to thinking along with making you feel VERY guilty for ever complaining that your life is so bad. Dont deny it, we all have said it at some point.."my life is so bad!" Yep. Im guilty! Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe was amazing in that movie. Anways, just watch it! Oh one of the other movies that was just released, 2012, was pretty good. Still not sure if its one that I "love" necessarily and the only reason I say that is because it scared me! Im not big on the whole subject of the world coming to an end in 2012 or what not. I dont like hearing all that stuff in "real life," but as a movie it was pretty good. Just depends on the person I suppose an wether or not you like suspence movies because I promise you will be on the edge of your seat the entire time! I think that wraps it up for new movies i've seen!

Last bit of randomness and excitement...

What has me so excited right now?!?

My wonderful Father bought Silver Dollar City season passes for us both! Im beyond excited, partly because it means im not to old for these kind of things & I really LOVE amusement parks and Branson, as well getting to do this stuff with my Dad still! Of course my Mother and Sister will join in at least one of the trips to Branson this year, whether they know it yet or not. Ha. Its just so much fun all around. Cant wait =)

"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But, it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that!"

Hope everyone has had a great week!

I know, right!

So I went m.i.a. since Thursday with my blog. I know, right! How could I? Its funny how guilty that has made me feel, yet...I dont feel as guilty about all the cheesecake I ate over the weekend. HA! I have actually spent much of that m.i.a. time with family and friends. It was a great way to spend my 20th birthday! Is it odd that im so freaked out about being twenty?! I will be the first to say that it feels VERY wierd finally being twenty and not having that "teen" at the end. Never thought I would see that day! Thank you God for letting me =)

Everything I know about photography comes from him!

Look at those EYES =)

PrO

Twenty years ago at that very moment I was born!

No more teens, crazy!

Yummmmmm.

“All of life is a journey which paths we take, what we look back on, and what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we get there.”

I hope everyone had a great weeknd!

Prayer

Just a short post for tonight....

I wanted to make a special prayer request for someone I know who is going through quite a bit right now and things that no one should have to experience. No details, but just pray that this individual can get through this and find the good in everything along with keeping God in their life.

Thanks!

Wild Wednesday

Wow what a week already. So much has been going on lately and its been a bit overwhelming, but I think I hit a breaking point! This post is probably going to be lots of rambling so bear with me!!

If your remember a few weeks ago I was pretty sick and ended up back and forth between doctors...hundreds of dollars later, im still having to deal with after effects! I went back to the doc yesterday and when the nurse laid out five big tubes (lab work) my jaw dropped. I said "Um, those arent all for me right?" Her response, needless to say, was NOT what I wanted to her. "Well your not going to fill them all the way up, right?" FAIL. And of course as im trying to get myself side tracked from what was being shoved into my arm, she proceeds to ask about my job and what a typical night is like. All I could think of at this point was what I have had to do the past few nights....seeing the phlebotomist poke and prod clients over and over. Yea, not what I wanted to think of at that moment! The nurse seemed real interested though and the conversation took off. I was trying not to get sick! Dont you just hate that whole thought process thing. Your trying to keep your mind off something that is really sickening, disturbing, ect...yet that seems to be the only thing you CAN think of! Sheeshhhh! So yea, as she is still filling those darn things up five minutes later all I can think of is that... over and over and over. Of course I cant even think of the fact that each of those viles along with the paper in front me that has check marks all over it is ultimately equivalent to hundreds of dollars. That is until I reach the front desk to check out. Then the vicious cycle starts all over again and its another sickening and disturbing thought! I suppose that its still a small price to pay for having a healthy and happy life and being able to have that care even available! Ha!

Im saving the best for last in case your wondering how much of this rambling you have to read and whether its even worth it! HA.

Okay, so I LOVE my job...I really do! How great is that? Everyone continues to ask how long I will stay due to the schedule. My reply... "for as long as they will let me!" Working the night shift definately has its pros and cons. The only thing that really is hard for me is getting in enough sleep and adjusting that schedule. Today was the first time in two weeks that I was able to sleep more than four solid hours. It was awesome! I enjoy knowing that if there is something going on in the middle of the day and I want to participate, I can. It comes at a price, but nonetheless I still have the option to do things during the day and not have to worry about taking time off. Plus, I cant think of a more rewarding job! Its very humbling and the clients are absolutely wonderful. Its like having a second family for sure.

I have to throw the fact that my 20th birthday is coming up this weekend!! Im pretty excited to see twenty along with being VERY thankful as well. Thank God for giving me another year and a new "number" to see! Im blessed...I really am.

Im learning so much about my camera and its really paying off. Im pretty pleased with it and cant wait to learn more. There has been ALOT going on related to this subject as well (photography). I have been filling up the calender pretty quick here lately, whoo hoo! It hasnt been all fine and dandy though. Thankfully...becasue it keeps me on my toes =P I got some rather shocking news yesterday... News that I really could have done without and pretty much rocked my world, not in the good way though. You know, just like any human being, I love encouragement, praise, and feedback... However, there is something I love even more. Are you thinking im conceded yet?! Ha. What I love even more though is having someone be so disrepspectful and rude as to tell you that you know nothing about your own work, are not original, nor are you even good at what you do. Someone who is supposed to be your friend at that. Why do I love that? Because it makes me work ten times harder at what I do and appreciate it even more so. Envy and jealousy are nasty things and unfortuantely it can really take hold of a person in a bad kind of way. Never in my life did I think the people I called my friends would also be the people to hurt me the most and hate that I have pursued my dreams. Yet, there is power in genuine forgiveness and this I understand. I will tell you that this photography business of mine has really showed me who my friends are. I have some really amazing friends and family and they have been so encouraging through everything. Despite having some issues this week...im incredibly blessed and happy to be where im at with my business and things will continue to look up as long as I keep God, family, and my friends by myside. Oh and of course I cant forget to mention that after those "issues" I got a call discussing a business proposal and partner!!! So stay posted for that news soon =) God sure works in mysterious ways and for that im beyond thankful. I cant stress enough the saying im sure many of us have heard- "IF GOD BROUGHT ME TO IT, HE WILL TAKE ME THROUGH IT." Amen!!!

I owe all of you who have been there for me, through good & bad, a huge thank you! May God bless each and every single one of you through every single waking day to come. Its you all and God who keep me going each & every day and without that I wouldnt be half the person I have become nor would I have accomplishing what I have. Because of you I have faith. I love you all!

Now the photo's for tonights post are irrelavent to my ramblings, but they are from this weekend! Ha.

Enjoy!

If you only knew who my Dad was talking to on MY phone! HA!

I loved seeing this Sunday!! Mom starting the garden-Cant wait!

Love my Mama!

VTX 1800

Time to ride.

What a beautiful day and wonderful Dad!

"We have to make our own mistakes. We have to learn our own lesson. We have to swift today’s possibility under tomorrow’s rug until we can’t anymore. Until we finally understand for ourselves what Benjamin Franklin meant. That knowing is better than wondering, that waking is better than sleeping and that even the biggest failure even the worst mistake beat the heck out of never trying."

Road Trip

Yesterday afternoon a friend and I took a mini road trip to Lake Ft. Smith. I was so incredibly anxious to get out and enjoy the weather this weekend (even without having any sleep from working nights ha.). I believe we had temperatures in the lower sixties yesterday and todays high was seventy-two!!! I even broke out the flip-flops this weekend. Lets just hope the weather is going to stay nice like this!

Up above the lake.

B & W Love.

Spiders were everywhere.

Visitor Center

Hope everyone enjoyed these!

“It is always the simple things that change our lives. And these things never happen when you are looking for them to happen. Life will reveal answers at the pace life wishes to do so. You feel like running, but life is on a stroll. This is how God does things.”

Sunshine

Seeing the sunshine today made me a happy girl. Aside from the sun though.... I did recieve one, of the two, anticipated phone calls I was expecting today. Along with, spending a nice & pleasant day out riding the backroads with my Daddy! Im thankful for those days with my Dad. Funny how me and him can fight all week long, but the second its just me & him and were out doing something...we get along great! So with the wonderful weather we had today we were bound to get out and do something....and riding we went. I would say all in all it was a great day! And you know me...of course "a" camera had to come with me while riding.

Close to the top

It was so clear today!

Thompson Cut-its still really high for this time of year.

At least its clear though!

I was disappointed with this purchase at first, but its proved its worthiness!

It was moving pretty good.

The tree grew right around the wire!!!

A great end to the day!

For everything there is a season,
And a time for every matter under heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die;

A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal;

A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to seek, and a time to lose;

A time to keep, and a time to throw away;

A time to tear, and a time to sew;

A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate,

A time for war, and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Have a great and sunny weekend!!!