I'm not sure you've ever really had fun until you've experienced the fun generated by Tom's Fun Band. I'll do my best to do them justice here, but trust me, you will want to see these guys in person.



For the last few years they've been entertaining crowds of all ages in the greater Houston area.

Tom's Fun Band consists of Chris on drums, Will on tuba, and Tom on guitar and lead shenanigans. They perform original music written especially for kids (and kids at heart).

They are not only fine musicians but also skilled sillymen.

Tom excels in getting the crowd involved, even small, somewhat reserved crowds like the one he engaged at the grand opening of Friendly Grounds Coffee Shop in Oyster Creek a few weeks ago. First he recruited several lovely princesses and a couple of swarthy pirates to help him sing a song ...

... then he hollered, "Who wants to be in a parade?!!" Lots of enthusiastic takers on that one.

Even a few of the older kids felt inspired to get involved, dancing along Happy Street and signing I Love You.

I think it was mostly because Tom is nearly impossible to resist. I mean, if you're determined not to play along, I suppose you can hold out for awhile but don't fool yourself: you will get sucked into the fun.

Take Ella, for example. She tried her hardest to remain stoic and succeeded for at least half the show. But then Tom captivated her with the FREEZE! dance, which led naturally into the JUMP! dance, followed smoothly by the HOW LOW CAN YOU GO! dance. Gotcha, didn't he, Ella?

Take a bow, Mr. Tom. You guys deserve it!

A glad heart makes a happy face ...

for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

Proverbs 15:13, 15 NLT

Yes, it's only mid-October. Yes, I'm one of those people who hate seeing Christmas decorations mixed with Halloween decorations and Thanksgiving decorations. And yes, it still feels mostly like summer outside.

HOWEVER.

It's now or never if you're hoping to have new portraits made in time for creating Christmas cards and gifts. In only 4 weeks I will be wrapping up ALL in-time-for-Christmas sessions!

I have a handful of full session times available, so call immediately to schedule yours.

OR.

Take advantage of THIS on November 12:

Did you read all of that? Did you see how much you get for only $275?!

- 15-minute mini-session producing 8 images to choose from

- 50 custom-designed Christmas cards

- $100 print credit to apply toward Christmas gift prints

- an excellent excuse to visit Sunny Hearts for shopping while enjoying a latte

That's one-stop shopping at its finest!

Mini-session slots are available between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Which slot will you claim?

Call 979.849.4536 or click here to email me.

Operators are standing by.

One day you're just sitting around being your usual adorable self, and the next day BAM! there's a brand new baby brother in your lap.


Oh my! Just look at him! How did THAT happen??! (I'll bet Melissa has a hunch)

And how did he get to be so perfect? So manly? (that was for you, Mark) With the expressive, graceful, commanding hands of an orchestra conductor?

These ladies, Dean's Grammy and Nonnie, don't need any answers. They're just thrilled he's here!

I think big sisters Mia and Micah are pretty excited about him too.

They will have no problem teaching him how to be even more adorable than he already is.

Here's my biggest question:

How did one family get so many strikingly and uniquely gorgeous (sorry, Mark) kids?

I mean really.

Feast your eyes upon your newest gift, mom and dad. He has been entrusted to two of the greatest parents I know.

Life just doesn't get any better than this, does it?

Welcome to the world, Mr. Dean. Your wonderfully madeness is heart-meltingly plain to see.

Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex!

Your workmanship is marvelous - how well I know it.

Psalm 139:14 NLT

I am so encouraged by this Mama.


You've met Teri on the pages of my blog before: here and here.

She and her kids are healing beautifully, and they're keeping Terry with them as they move forward.

Together.

Amber, Nathan, Rachel and Payson are growing up right before my camera! I love seeing them together and watching their unique personalities unfold.

As part of their healing and growing process, the family has moved to a house out in the country. The house came complete with this cool clubhouse (aka shed) ...

... outdoor card/domino/shoot the breeze table ...

... tire swing ...

... and terrific climbing tree (especially when Teri and Payson are there to lend helping hands to smaller climbers).

It's a great place for resting, breathing in sweet country air, and taking a fresh look at the world as it is now.

When I see the five of them together, taking turns being the helper and helpee, drawing strength from one another ...

... I feel certain they will be just fine.

Thank You, God.

Because of the Lord's great love

we are not consumed,

for His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

I can't describe the joy of Cassie and Andrew's wedding day in 25 words or less, but I can do it with 25 images:

What a privilege it was to be your photographer AND guest, Andrew and Cassie! I loved seeing how excited and emotional you both were to have finally reached your big day, and your family and friends' loving support for you was absolutely palpable. We're all looking forward to the good things coming your way throughout the years of your marriage. Blessings all around!

As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,

so will your God rejoice over you.

Isaiah 62:5

P.S. Now that the knot has officially been tied, I can finally share some of my favorite shots from Cassie's bridal session too! Isn't she gorgeous?

(Had to share the one with the random horse that showed up for part of our shoot!)