Martin wins the senior portrait shoot Good Sportsmanship award hands down! First he gave me a glimpse of his razzle-dazzle on the basketball court, where he's a volunteer Upward coach:


While we were at the church we prowled around and borrowed some inspiring spots, including one that I used with his big sis a few years ago:

Next we moved out into the super-bright sunlight that nearly blinded us after our mostly dreary winter. Now this future Aggie knows where to find some awesome steps for sunbathing and soaring!

Speaking of harsh sunlight -- what's the best way to put it to use? Why playing with your own shadow, of course. "Just do some crazy stuff, Martin. Great! Now do it again. And again. And now one more time!" Here are just a few examples of what a good sport he was:

All in all this was one of the most refreshing afternoons I've enjoyed outdoors in months, especially our time with the crashing waves on our local sparkling tropical beach.

Martin's planning to study civil engineering since, as he says, "People will always need roads." See, he's not just a good sport, he's a smart guy as well. Keep sharing all of your gifts, Martin. Not that I need to tell you that -- you're a natural!

Be generous with the different things God gave you,

passing them around so all get in on it:

if words, let it be God's words;

if help, let it be God's hearty help.

(If it's a basketball, let it be God's basketball;

if it's suspenders, let them be God's suspenders!)

That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus,

and He'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything.

1 Peter 4:10-11 MESSAGE

Hey, Class of 2010:

It's time to schedule your senior portrait session! You have three session choices:
- regular portrait session $125 ($100 on weekdays)
- mini-session $75 (available 2/27, 3/6 and 3/17 only)
- buddy session $75 (when 2 or more buddies schedule sessions back-to-back)

KEEP THESE DEADLINES IN MIND:
- Ordering custom announcements? Your session must be completed by April 3.
- Ordering wallet prints to include in school announcements? Your session must be completed by April 17.
- Ordering gift prints for graduation weekend or later? Your session must be completed by April 30.

For detailed pricing information and to reserve your session time, contact me at 979.849.4536 or 979.215.6924 or laurieheath@sbcglobal.net.

Custom graduation announcements, party invitations and collages are a great way to share your favorite images with family and friends. Here are just a few samples from last year's crop of Wonderfully Made seniors!

How will YOU let the world see the real you? Give me a call and let's get to work creating something you'll be excited to share!

My parents have graciously provided me with all sorts of marvelous sightseeing opportunities over the years, seeing as how they've chosen to live in interesting places and involve themselves in interesting activities. I just got back from a few days' visit with them in LA and have photos to share from our adventures.

The first night I went to Daddy's rehearsal with the LA Winds, a terrific symphonic band he began playing bass clarinet with earlier this year. I crept around with my camera trying not to be too much of a distraction as I snapped a few shots.


Can you spot him amidst the sea of musicians?

The next day ... ummm ... what did we do? Not much except relax, decide to see a late afternoon arthouse movie, race into Beverly Hills with nearly-accurate directions at pretty much the busiest time of day, miss the showing we'd planned to see, wander around a shopping center, then finally settle in for A Town Called Panic. We all recommend this quirky, silly movie but suggest that you brush up on your French. Here's a quick vocabulary lesson for you: CHEVAL! That's horse, for all of you Texans out there.

My last full day there, we headed out early for a big outing. Our first stop was Union Station, featuring the sort of grand architecture that location photographers dream about having nearby. Now I really want to ride a train!

These 30+ ticketing booths are no longer used because everything is now handled online. Instead this room stays roped off and can be rented for weddings, private parties, and films. Would one of you please rent this room and invite me to your event so that I can get inside and take more photos?

I caught this ingenue smiling as she dreamed of her own starring role in a film set in this very train station. I don't doubt that it could happen!

Just a block or two from the station was Olvera Street and El Puebla de Los Angeles Historical Monument, where the city was originally founded. We wandered around the market area and experienced a bit of the flavor of this part of the city.

A couple of film students withstood pressure from a security guard in order to set up their camera in the market. We tried to talk Mom into volunteering her acting services but she would have none of that.

I had no problem finding unique works of art to photograph, from a Madonna displayed on a wall ...

... to a statue of an early ruler of the city ...

... to an Aztec dancer and drummer ...

... to a truly unique couple of folks I'm blessed to call Mom and Dad!

I'm glad I gave you two an excuse to get out and see parts of the city you hadn't visited before, but it really doesn't matter what we do when we're together. I just like being with YOU!

My dear, dear friends!

I love you so much.

I do want the very best for you.

You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride.

Don't waver.

Stay on track, steady in God.

Philippians 4:1 MESSAGE

Sometimes it's good to go along with what your mama wants you to do. Especially if you're Adam and your mama wants you to have senior portraits made.


Because it would have been a shame not to have a record of this time in this young man's life.

No fanfare. No props. No dramatic poses. Just Adam in all his everyday glory, hanging out at one of his favorite places.

Adam is an easygoing Angleton boy through and through, but he's ready for a bit of adventure...

... in Kansas, of all places!

My hunch (and hope) is that he will have a great time at school, learn wonderful things, and eventually come back to help make the Angleton area an even better place to live.

Because there really is no place like home!

That's right, Adam. You can rest in knowing that you've made your mama happy with these photos, just as you've made her happy in so many other ways over the years. Now fly away, young Jayhawk. Fly away but come home soon and often!

Live under the protection of God Most High

and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful.

He will spread His wings over you and keep you secure.

Psalm 91:1, 4 CEV

How do you celebrate 80 years of wonderfulness? With a party, of course! Dixie's family and friends gathered in her honor recently, and the Birthday Girl had an absolutely terrific time. Considering the cast of characters involved, I really don't see that she had much of a choice.


Dixie seized the opportunity to cut up with her siblings ...

... cuddle several of her favorite babies ...

... and get up close and personal with her youngest fans. She is simply too adorable for words.

Although not every single family member could be there, we still had quite a crowd when we herded everyone to one side of the room for a big group shot. Next, 10 of Dixie's 15 grandchildren joined her for a photo, then we attempted to corral the great-grandkids as well. Can you tell that a few of them were less than thrilled?

The rowdiest bunch were these overgrown kids. They didn't hesitate (much) when I told them to give Dixie a kiss, but then they nearly fell on the floor laughing at how silly they must have looked. Call me crazy -- I just don't think we moms can ever get enough kisses from our kids, now matter how ridiculous we make them feel. I don't even make moms pay extra for this service I gladly provide!

Dixie, I knew it before but saw visible proof of this fact at your shindig: you are the life of the party, and you've imparted this gift to each of your children and their own kids. Joy, warmth and love flow unhindered from you to everyone blessed to be in your presence. Your influence is rightly and widely felt throughout our community. I'm so honored to know you and call you my friend!

Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other,

in step with each other.

None of this going off and doing your own thing.

And cultivate thankfulness.

Let the Word of Christ -- the Message -- have the run of the house.

Give it plenty of room in your lives.

Instruct and direct one another using good common sense.

And sing, sing your hearts out to God!

Let every detail in your lives,

words, actions, whatever,

be done in the name of the Master, Jesus,

thanking God the Father every step of the way.

Colossians 3:15-17 MESSAGE