{Beautiful} Disaster

Mikayla Sweet 16 at Carnton Plantation

2012-02-11T10:32:00.000-06:00

When the incredible Sloan family called me to schedule a sweet 16 shoot for their oldest daughter Mikayla I was elated! What a beautiful milestone to mark in the life of your daughter. They then informed me that they'd booked Carnton Plantation in Franklin for the shoot. I was one happy girl!

Mother & daughter set about making preparations, ie; dress shopping, makeovers and all those fun things that us girls get to do. During the shoot mom and dad got choked up a couple times as they saw their baby girl had suddenly become a lovely young woman right before their eyes.

Lovely indeed...

Mikayla's best friend Amber came along too

Eden Marie Three Months Session

2012-01-31T09:06:00.000-06:00

I've said it before and I'll say it again... I love what I do! It's such an honor to get to see these sweet little ones grow. Mine are all big now so I get to observe these darling parents watch with wonder as their little ones grow. It's truly an awesome thing to experience from both sides. God made these precious little people so fascinating! It's no wonder I was addicted to reproducing them in rapid succession! I simply couldn't get enough. I remember very specifically the moment I packed up that bassinet for what I presumed would be the last time. My heart ached.

It's so refreshing to see Susan with her little ones. She really does cherish each moment with her beautiful babies. I think she understands how fleeting this time is. She has made marking these milestones a priority. And that's where I come in.

Here's her stunning three month old baby girl Eden. I've been photographing this family since Eden was snuggly hidden away in her mama's tummy. She's come along way! Sweet and happy and all things lovely just like her mother....

Such a sweet relationship these two have. Complete infatuation... on both parts.

This cracks me up every time I see it! That's one scary bunny!

Perspective

2012-01-24T20:14:00.003-06:00

To love.

To be loved.

To never forget your own insignificance.

To never get used to the unspeakable violence and the vulgar disparity of life around you.

To seek joy in the saddest places.

To pursue beauty to its lair.

To never simplify what is complicated or complicate what is simple.

To respect strength, never power.

Above all, to watch ... To try and understand ... To never look away.

And never, never, to forget.

— Arundhati Roy

I ran across this while browsing one evening. I run into a lot of heavy, silly, sweet and very deep quotes. The web is chalk full of them. But for some reason that I can't explain this one was 'real' to me. It was meaningful and I couldn't just click over to the next page. I stopped and physically wrote it down so as not to forget it.

You see, as a single mother of four life can be rather daunting... Overwhelming even and quite honestly I've found myself completely terrified at times. I find myself often in need of perspective. It's so easy to get buried in all the demands of jobs, kids, homework, housework, bills, deadlines, friends, relationships, teachers and then there is the very pitiful amount of time I actually spend trying to nurture my relationship with God and myself. I've actually had the hair brained notion that perhaps I could train for and run my first half marathon... silly me.

The reason this was so poignant for me I think was because it gave me the gift of perspective. In the midst of all the shuffling and running and stressing I was forced to stop and drink in fresh perspective. I'm loved. I have dozens of people that I get to love. My worries are insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

Anyway, I wanted to share it with all of you. I hope it can do something similar for you.

Frogs + Snails + Puppy Dog Tails

2012-01-24T10:33:00.000-06:00

Turning two is a big deal for little boys I think. It's a bit of a milestone. And on a side note I disagree with the label 'terrible two's' I've had the honor of living with three, two year old boys (they weren't two at the same time thank you baby Jesus!) but I gotta tell you... few things are as funny as a two year old boy. The sense of wonder. The total disregard for gravity. The fascination with all things gross and dirty and LOUD. They are boys from the beginning. Loud, smelly, mischievous and so so sweet. And I adore them.

When my sweet Sloan family called to ask me to snap some pics of their two year old Levi I knew it was gonna be fun. When I arrived Levi was a little suspicious of the lady with the camera so I stood back and watched him do what he does. This little man has some cool toys and an even cooler daddy. Levi and his daddy have a special connection. They 'get' each other. It was a blessing to get to spy on and capture that sweet relationship.

Also, I will always ALWAYS remember shortly after I posted Levi's pics on my website the phone call I received from his mama. She was in tears. She gave me probably my MOST favorite compliment.... "You captured HIM"

Yeah he wasn't diggin me... yet

Daddy love

Don't you just LOVE this feeling?

In case you were wondering... Levi is analytical

Six Months Old

2012-01-22T10:42:00.000-06:00

As a photographer we're encouraged to pursue a direction or 'niche'. I believe my niche in this photo world is babies and kids. Wether that has something to do with the fact that I'm the mom of four little ones myself I'm not sure. But I confess that whenever I get a call from new parents that they would like for me to come photograph their newborn I'm on the other end of the line LITERALLY bouncing up and down with glee. It's really all I can do to not audibly squeal. Along with the privilege of capturing those precious first moments of life I get the distinct honor of returning every 3 months to document their progress and watch these wee ones grow.

So here's Miss Charlotte at six months of age. You may remember her from her previous three month old shoot. She's growing into such a beauty. And I'm incredibly envious of her long, sweeping eyelashes. Not to mention she's got the most adoring big sister whom is clearly hilarious as she can have Charlotte in stitches with a simple word or a little dance. Thanks sweet Abby for coaxing those grins from your sister.

Hilton Head Island, SC

2012-01-03T15:51:00.000-06:00

Last summer I was blessed to have an opportunity to visit Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. I've always heard from friends who frequent this area how beautiful it is so I was excited to see for myself. Armed with my camera I captured some of the sights and I wasn't disappointed.

Stayed at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa a beautiful beach front property. I spent my days lounging around the pool sipping tropical drinks and strolling the beach and every evening exploring some of the areas fine cuisine. John insisted I have my first taste of what appeared to be a giant sea loogie, otherwise known as the oyster. Upon planning the trip he'd threatened me with this possibility. I figured that perhaps I could distract him or perhaps charm my way out of this situation but John is nothing if not persistent and let's just say he's well suited for the job he's currently in (sales). He'd been talking these things up during the weeks prior to our trip. It took a lot of coaxing and a monumental amount of courage (and perhaps a libation or two if I'm not mistaken) to convince me to try one of the seas most unappealing creatures. I thought that since one of my favorite gems, the pearl, comes from these nasty little things, I ought to at least give em a chance. My opinion... eh... just as I suspected... snot & boogers coated with cocktail sauce. Thanks but no thanks.

John took this shot and for Christmas I had it printed on canvas and gallery wrapped for him

The view from our table at The Old Oyster Factory

Sea Loogies

Joel Gott Cabernet Sauvignon. Our 'go to' wine ever since. Delicious!

One morning I woke with the sunrise and decided to grab my camera and head for the beach. This is, after all, the east coast, the sun rises over here. Unless you're a photographer the idea of crawling out of bed in the wee hours whilst on vacation is probably a horrible idea, but all my photog buddies out there TOTALLY get this. There is nothing quite like that morning light. So off I went on my solo adventure on what must have been one of the most humid mornings I've ever experienced. It probably took my lenses a full 30 minutes to adjust the extreme conditions and stop fogging up. On one of the shots I just worked with the steam. It turned out to be one of my favorite shots. Nothing like a little fog to make a shot look mysterious and romantic, dontcha think.....?

At work

Me & a good book and I wouldn't be budging from this spot

Megan + Robert

2012-01-03T10:48:00.003-06:00

Part of my new years resolutions for 2012 is to blog more. Facebook has made me lazy. I just throw some images up on my business page and call it a day. My poor little blog and all TWO of my followers are neglected.

Now... here is the darling and sweet Megan & Robbie who's wedding I shot way back in July. That's not a typo. That's how bad I've been. Anyway they are certainly blog worthy. Thanks to the oh so talented Kristen Weigel for assisting!

I just LOVE the way he's looking at his new bride.

Such a cute comfy option for the ladies!

All this symmetry is so contrary to my usual taste but it just works in this shot

That ladies & gents is a blushing bride

A sweet, (almost) private moment I captured.

Lilly

2011-11-01T09:18:00.000-05:00

Here she is... baby number NINE. No, that's not a typo! This sweet thing was born into an amazing family that I love and adore. I myself came from a family of 9 children so I always feel right at home in a home stuffed to the brim with rowdy, noisy and giggly kids. Lynna and Steve, ya done good...

Aimee Bridal Session

2011-09-24T09:56:00.001-05:00

I love bridal sessions. It takes me back to when I was a young girl and my best friend Katy and I would dress up and curl our hair and take pictures of each other. It just goes to prove that I've never grown out of playing dress up and I hope I never do.

Here's the stunning Aimee's version of dress up. And she certainly knows how to do it doesn't she?

The wind was insane!

The beautiful Baber House

I'm a Dreamer

2011-09-14T08:59:00.001-05:00

The last year or so of my life has been an adventure. I've learned many, many lessons. Lessons about love, about loss, about myself, my strengths, my weaknesses. I'm a dreamer. A creative. My mind can spin beautiful and terrifying scenarios at 100 miles an hour.

Through it all I've fought for myself. Fought off bitterness, anger, hopelessness. Despite the pain and disappointment. Despite being mistreated, used and discarded by those who people who were hurting and selfish. I've fought for my dreams. I almost gave up on them several times but rest assured they are firmly in tact at this moment. I'm Aly and to be me means to hope and dream and love with my whole heart. It's a risky business to tear through life the way I do. My heart gets involved in everything. But God sustains it. He's always got His hands on me. So, for better or for worse I choose to LOVE recklessly, HOPE endlessly and DREAM BIG! Because I made a commitment to be true to myself ....

“One word, Ma'am," he said, coming back from the fire; limping, because of the pain. "One word. All you've been saying is quite right, I shouldn't wonder. I'm a chap who always liked to know the worst and then put the best face I can on it. So I won't deny any of what you said. But there's one more thing to be said, even so. Suppose we have only dreamed, or made up, all those things-trees and grass and sun and moon and stars and Aslan himself. Suppose we have. Then all I can say is that, in that case, the made-up things seem a good deal more important than the real ones. Suppose this black pit of a kingdom of yours is the only world. Well, it strikes me as a pretty poor one. And that's a funny thing, when you come to think of it. We're just babies making up a game, if you're right. But four babies playing a game can make a play-world which licks your real world hollow. That's why I'm going to stand by the play world. I'm on Aslan's side even if there isn't any Aslan to lead it. I'm going to live as like a Narnian as I can even if there isn't any Narnia. So, thanking you kindly for our supper, if these two gentlemen and the young lady are ready, we're leaving your court at once and setting out in the dark to spend our lives looking for Overland. Not that our lives will be very long, I should think; but that's a small loss if the world's as dull a place as you say.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Silver Chair

You Love Me Anyway

2011-08-30T09:09:00.000-05:00

It's been a tough week. Fear, doubt and Satan chasing me. Whenever that happens I flip on The Fish and this greeted me just when I needed it. Thanks for coming through again Abba...

You Love Me Anyway
~ Sidewalk Prophets

The question was raised
As my conscience fell
A silly, little lie
It didn’t mean much
But it lingers still
In the corners of my mind

Still you call me to walk
On the edge of this world
To spread my dreams and fly
But the future’s so far
My heart is so frail
I think I’d rather stay inside

But You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known
You love me anyway
Oh Lord, how You love me
How You love me

It took more than my strength
To simply be still
To seek but never find
All the reasons we change
The reasons I doubt
And why do loved ones have to die?

But You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known
You love me anyway
Oh Lord, how You love me

I am the thorn in Your crown
But You love me anyway
I am the sweat from Your brow
But You love me anyway
I am the nail in Your wrist
But You love me anyway
I am Judas’ kiss
But You love me anyway

See now, I am the man that called out from the crowd
For Your blood to be spilled on this earth shaking ground
Yes then, I turned away with this smile on my face
With this sin in my heart tried to bury Your grace
And then alone in the night, I still called out for You
So ashamed of my life, my life, my life

But You love me anyway
Oh, God… how you love me

You love me anyway
It’s like nothing in life that I’ve ever known
You love me anyway
Oh Lord, how You love me

You love me, You love me
You love me, You love me
How You love me
How You love me
How You love me

Baby Eden

2011-08-29T22:46:00.000-05:00

Well here she is... some of you may remember the maternity shoot of the very beautiful Susan. Welcome sweet Eden.

Father & Son Shenanigans

2011-06-09T17:17:00.000-05:00

WOW! Am I WAY behind on blogging or what? So.... I've been saving this shoot specifically for this week. Why you may ask? Because it's a Father's Day week silly! I was asked by these characters to capture some portraits back in March so we headed down to the tracks and goofed off for a while and let me tell you... these two could go PRO at goofing off! I'm surprised any of these were in focus because I spent most of the time giggling hysterically... thanks Chris and Garrett!

This is Chris' chosen form of discipline

We were gonna put a penny on the tracks and when Garrett bent down to place it there we found one already smooshed!

Baby C

2011-04-18T13:32:00.000-05:00

Look what I got to play with! The precious 3 month old baby C...

A Look Back

2011-04-05T22:53:00.000-05:00

I was cleaning off one of my hard drives recently and ran across these pics that I took a year ago. They had mysteriously been shoved into an obscure folder. I took this trip to California (home) almost exactly a year ago. I spent that week in tears spending some time with my sweet Daddy. But I did try and get out with my camera a bit to capture a few pics.... I tend to use my camera as a filter. Whenever things are really painful I whip it out and go on an expedition to distract myself. Also, I wanted to have some pics to show my kids of the place where Mommy grew up. I was a lucky girl.....

Sailor Bar on the American River

Many happy trips to San Francisco always ended up at Pier 39

The iconic Golden Gate from Chrissy Field

Transamerica Building... where my mom used to work

Ding Ding... y'all want some rice-a-roni now dontcha?

Went through Napa to Bodega Bay for a quick day trip.

Light

2011-03-31T14:56:00.001-05:00

Alright...
Any fool with a camera knows that you need LIGHT to take any kind of decent photograph. I've always been a fan of natural light but I'm always looking for any info on using artificial light to enhance my images. I've got strobes and softboxes etc etc.... I prefer to leave them at home if at all possible but I like to be versatile, expand my knowledge. Occasionally I'll come across an article that offers some 'helpful tips' in this area. Now to ME the term 'helpful tips' implies simplicity but any photographer out there will tell you that learning about lighting is the single most complicated aspect of this craft. So, today I ran across an article on a blog that was simply titled "Portraits with Electronic Flash", sounds like it could be helpful... I take portraits with electronic flash! What little tidbits can this article offer to help me improve my images. So I begin with the first paragraph... Light is important... etc etc... Then by the third sentence I run into this doozie...

All light behaves in accordance with the Inverse Square Rule that states that light’s intensity decreases by the square of the distance from the subject or more simply that light gradually falls off if the light source is far from the subject and rapidly if the light source is close to the subject.

You don’t have to be Stephen Hawking to figure out that this can have an impact on the quality of light too.

HUH??!! Now my brain is checked out... and who is Stephen Hawking? I may not have to BE him to understand the impact of light but who do I have to be to understand what on earth you just said dude? I'm a BIG fan of plain english. The second you start using math terminology by brain goes into the twilight zone... WARNING WARNING!

Chris 2011

2011-03-24T10:08:00.000-05:00

Back in October I met up with Chris for some senior pics. We were all over downtown Gallatin in and out of alley's and then made a trip over to the greenway. Here's a few of my favorites...

Expecting

2011-02-24T09:25:00.000-06:00

Hands down one of my favorite shoots of 2011 thus far. I met the beautiful Susan back in August when I photographed her little man's two year old pics. I've had the honor of returning a couple times since. I like being their photographer. They are truly a lovely family and I've got a crush on Noah and I cannot WAIT to meet Eden (is that not the most enchanting name!) ...

He wanted to try on baby sisters hat... This just cracked us up!

Noah has got the most beautiful eyes... he inherited them from Mama

BOY OH BOY!

2011-02-10T13:35:00.002-06:00

Just before Christmas I got together with the Borcert brood for some family pics. This was their first ever session as a family so they were super excited. Janice called me to schedule and specifically requested a barn and then she called me again to tell me she'd found one! And what a great find it was! Couldn't have found a more perfect setting for a family filled to the brim with little boys. We had fun playing around in the tall grass. I just can't resist a gaggle of boys so I was crawling through the grass with them. Here's what we came up with...

Told you we had fun!

Snowy Walk

2011-02-08T10:30:00.000-06:00

We've had one of the snowiest winters on record here in Tennessee. The day after Christmas was my birthday and I found myself at my Aunt's home in Goodlettsville. 10 acres covered in blanket of crunchy snow. Too good to resist so I grabbed my camera and off I went through the woods snapping away...

Recent Stats

2011-02-05T08:15:00.000-06:00

Here's a quick snapshot of my recent visitors.... waa-hoo Ireland! Finally made it into the number two spot. Welcome to my blog and many thanks to all of you who frequent my little corner of the world.

Dawkins

2011-02-03T13:58:00.000-06:00

I had the pleasure of second shooting with my good friend Myrick Cowart of Myrick Studios this past summer and fall. And the even bigger pleasure of shooting this lovely couple....

Stroud Family

2011-02-03T10:39:00.000-06:00

Wow am I behind on blogging or what! Here's the super fun Stroud family. We had a fabulous time goofing off at Cedars of Lebanon back in October. Here's some of my favorites....

Miss A Celebrates The Big 1

2011-02-01T17:18:00.001-06:00

I've had the honor and privilege of photographing sweet Miss A for the past six months. She's the firstborn to the sweetest most adoring parents and this past October she celebrated her first year of life. I'll miss getting to see her every three months but Mom & Dad are working on a sibling so here's to another gorgeous baby for me to watch grow through my lens....

This bunny (the pink one) is her bestest friend and we owe every giggle in her pics to this thing.

Christmas Morning

2011-01-17T20:30:00.000-06:00

I love how expressive my kids are. They are so fun to photograph. I think it's because...

1. They are GORGEOUS!

2. They are so used to mom's camera in their faces they don't even acknowledge it anymore, in fact they

may be under the assumption that it's attached to me in some way.

3. Well, I'll just let these snaps speak for themselves, enjoy...

Yeah baby! Easy Bake Oven... HOLLA!

OK... how stoked is he! LEGO'S. I was stoked too. Secretly this was a gift for me too

XBOX 360!!

We were pretty dog gone proud of our first motorbike we constructed

And this was the scene in my family room for the remainder of winter break

Christmas 2010

2011-01-17T20:19:00.000-06:00

Here's a few snaps from Christmas Eve at my Aunt's House

Baby Madison and Bailee grinnin at each other

Oooh... can't beat the Bokeh from my 50mm

Entertaining Baby Maddy... I'm not sure who was more entertained

Playing barbies with Uncle Chris

Galway

2011-01-10T12:33:00.000-06:00

As promised here is the sequel to my Ireland post. The first part of my trip was in Dingle, Co Kerry and the second leg of my adventure was Galway. How could I not stop in and scope out the little city that inspired a favorite song of many (Galway girl)....

Galway Bay

Street musicians everywhere

Here's Noel... he kept me company and flirted outrageously with me one evening at O'Connells

Music

2011-01-09T10:11:00.002-06:00

I've recently been given some opportunities to stretch my legs a bit in the music world. Thanks to Gator Michaels over at Davis Music Group here in Nashville, TN. Here's some shots I got from a little shindig the company held to honor the owners of the company. Funny story... I was being introduced to some of the people coming into the venue and chatting with the loveliest ladies, I looked down at a stack of magazines (Country Weekly) someone had just laid on the table next to me and thought... "Huh, they kinda look like these girls I'm talking to" Turns out it WAS the girls I was talking to! Nice to meet you Point of Grace! Silly me.

The ladies of Point of Grace

Safe

2010-12-09T09:29:00.000-06:00

Many of you who follow my blog are aware that my personal life is a bit of a mess. Okay, that may be understating a tad. Through all of the tough stuff my faith has been shaken. But this last week the tables were turned a bit and I was refreshed and renewed and carried. I looked behind me and saw only one set of footprints and they weren't mine because God only knows I wasn't able to walk... I was carried. {{tears}}

Here's a song that reminded me who's been looking after me....

SAFE

Phil Wickham

To the ones whos dreams have fallen all apart
and all your left with is a tired & broken heart
I can tell by your eyes that you think your'e on your own
but you're not alone

have you heard of the One who can calm the raging sea
give sight to the blind, pull the lame up to their feet
with a love so strong and never let you go
no you're not alone

You will be safe in His arms
You will be safe in His arms
because the hands that hold the world
are holding your heart
this is a promise He made
He will be with you always
when everything is falling apart
you will be safe in His arms

Did you know that the voice that brings the dead to life
is the very same voice that calls you now to rise
So hear him now, he is calling you home
You will never be alone

You will be safe in His arms

These are the hands that built the mountain, the hands that calmed the sea, these are the arms that hold the heavens, they are holding you & me, these are the hands that healed the leper, pulled the lame up to their feet, these are the arms that were nailed to a cross to break our chains & set us free!

You will be safe in His arms...(repeat above)

Safe in His arms...
Safe in His arms..

You will be safe, you will be safe, when everything is falling apart you will be safe in His arms

Thank you to all of you who were His hands and feet. Who loved on me and rushed to my side when things were scary and overwhelming. You supported me, prayed for me and encouraged me. You reminded me that I wasn't alone and that everything was going to be okay. You know who you are and I love you all and will forever be grateful for each of you.

Morris Family Antics...

2010-12-01T17:47:00.001-06:00

I've been shooting the Morris families portraits now for roughly 5 years. Joy (the sassy matriarch) is a close friend who I love and adore and has been by my side through the good, the bad and the ugly. We can happily inhale a slab of chocolate cake together at P.F. Changs then spend the next 3 weeks whining about our enormous booties and have no problem returning to commit the same crime as soon as our schedules allow. I've watched her children grow to enormous heights and she has been my number one fan and MANY of you who follow this blog are here as a result of her marketing and promoting the beast that is this business of mine today. I love her and her family as if they were my own.

Now because we are all so well aquainted you think it would be relatively easy to capture a quick portrait... HAHAHAHAA! Well let's just say that is a bit more tricky than you might think. They are TOO comfortable with me sticking a camera in their face you could say and silliness abounds. It's not really like working when I'm with this crew. We basically screw off for a couple hours then pray that something turned out alright.

Here's some examples of the nonsense that ensues when I'm with the Morris clan....

I love the look on Joy's face in this one "Please help me Aly"

Anyone who knows Austin at all can see the irony in this... and yes he stole that sign from a church.

Love me some Annabelle

Success! Aren't they GORGEOUS!

Brand New

2010-11-28T10:31:00.004-06:00

Here is the most precious baby 'P'. The first born to a pair of wonderful parents. The proud new papa called me from the hospital after finding my website on his laptop and scheduled a session for his beautiful baby boy upon their return home. I arrived camera bag in tow to a peaceful house and a wide awake baby boy who, no matter how hard we tried, would NOT go back to sleep! So we rolled with it and I think we got some beautiful images. Here are a few of my favorites....

Ireland

2010-11-18T16:45:00.006-06:00

Coumeenole Beach

I know, I know.... all TWO of you who follow my blog have been wondering where the heck I've been. Well as you can see I was out of the country for a while and upon my return all heck broke loose, personally and professionally. I'll spare you the details of my personal drama and just say that this is a busy time of year for family 'tog's... seniors and families seeking to have some stuff shot before Christmas.... PHEW!

Before I get into work stuff I'd like to share a few snaps from my amazing trip to Ireland. A few details about my trip... landed in Dublin, Ireland at 8:30 am, which is 2:30 am CST and traveled straight through to Dingle, Co Kerry and stayed in a lovely little B&B overlooking Slea Head and Coumeenole beach. After a few days there I traveled up to Galway and then back to Dublin a week later to catch my flight home. Was a whirlwind and I so wish that I'd had at least 10 days just to help recover from the jet lag and to take my time a bit more. But I'll be back!

Here's some stuff from Co. Kerry and Dingle. I'll put up my Galway stuff in a few days... Enjoy!

Turning Two...

2010-10-05T17:51:00.004-05:00

Recently did some two year old portraits for this handsome devil. He was precious and so much fun. Definitely ALL boy. He had a good time climbing all over the tracks making a mess of his new white shirt which mom handled so well with a lot of grace and patience.

Baby A - 9 months

2010-09-01T14:59:00.006-05:00

Recently met with the darling Miss A for her 9 month shoot. Some of you may recognize her from her 6 month pics. She is one of THE most expressive babies I've ever photographed as you'll see. Her mom put in a special request for specific print with all of her expressions and hair bows taking center stage. Many thanks to her mom & dad for contacting me and to Niall Fennessy for all your help with the print!

Some Recent Cuties

2010-09-01T14:43:00.005-05:00

Many of you know or may have SEEN some of the work I do for the most fabulous children's boutique in Goodlettsville called 'Lizard's & Lace' here's some images from my most recent shoot with the gorgeous kids who get to wear all the clothes from there.

Sammie 2011

2010-07-30T12:20:00.004-05:00

Had a fantastic time a few weeks ago with Miss Sammie shooting her senior portraits. She was super fun and we were lucky enough to have a semi cool evening in the middle of all this heat. We were all over Hendersonville shooting for a few hours and had some laughs. Isn't she GORGEOUS?

Independance Day

2010-07-21T10:56:00.004-05:00

I'm behind..... waaay behind on posting these. But here ya go.

Headed out on Old Hickory Lake to watch the annual show over Fairvue Plantation. I didn't remember my tri pod but we were on a houseboat so not sure how much it would've helped. It was a lovely evening....

Rocky Wisdom

2010-07-13T21:22:00.000-05:00

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!"
- from 'Rocky Balboa'

Moss Wright Mini Sessions

2010-07-10T09:31:00.006-05:00

Okay.... I know I know. Where have I been? Well the kids are on summer break so I've been a bit 'distracted' and blogging has fallen to the bottom of the priority pile. I've got loads of great photo's to share though! Yaaaah! Here some stuff I got from a recent mini session I did at Moss Wright Park last month.....

This is Drew and I have a crush on him.... so precious!

Boys

2010-05-20T09:40:00.004-05:00

Got up out of bed the other morning and began my morning ritual of starting the coffee and tidying the kitchen and beside the sink was this. It doesn't really surprise me it just made me grin. I've been a sentimental mother lately. My oldest is quickly approaching his teens and about to start middle school and scenes like this are going to be less common. So I grabbed my camera to capture this memory forever. Thanks boys.

Birthday Boy

2010-05-16T15:05:00.003-05:00

This past weekend Kolby turned the big 9! Where has the time gone buddy? He had a raging sleepover party with some of his buddies from school. A good time was had by all. Love you little man!

Kids

2010-05-16T09:32:00.005-05:00

It seems to be what I shoot more than anything. You never know what you're gonna get when you're shooting these little people. When I'm in post I find myself grinning back at these precious images. How many people can say that when they go to work they can't stop smiling? I'm a lucky girl! But how could you not? Here's some of the latest cuties who made me grin....

My First Hero

2010-05-01T09:11:00.003-05:00

I've been back from California for a couple weeks now. I had such a blessed visit with my sweet Daddy and my family. Even though he didn't always know who I was he grinned at me a couple times like he recognized me and he shared stories about his lovely daughter Alyson and his son-in-law who live in Nashville, TN. On our last day there we had to say goodbye to him and that was probably the single most painful moment of my life. Making it out there to see him was difficult to manage financially and logistically because of our kids and jobs so we knew it would probably be the last time we'd ever see him. I will miss him so but those precious days I had with him I will cherish forever.

Love you Daddy...

Harley

2010-04-25T19:39:00.003-05:00

Okay, everyone all at once....aaaaaaawwwe!

Introducing the newest member of the Burtnett crew, Harley. He is a 9 week old Yorkie-Poo. We finally caved into all the pressure from our kiddo's and got a puppy. He's a sweeetie and we love him!

Workshop

2010-03-29T21:50:00.004-05:00

Zach gave us some sa-weet tips on B & W conversions...NICE!

Yesterday, I had an amazing opportunity to spend the day with two of Nashville's most incredible photographers. Zach & Jody Gray, otherwise known as Gray Photography. I have been stalking their blog for a while now and admiring their incredible images and talent. Every year they run a series of workshop's for other tog's who want to learn a bit more about capturing beautiful images and spending less time editing and more time shooting. They brought in some models for us to shoot with too!

So we trudged out into the rain, wind, cold & mud with our cameras in tow and shot away while using the information they'd taught us that afternoon.

Expo disc's and custom white balance.....HOLLA!

Thanks SO much Zach & Jody. You two were amazingly kind, helpful and generous (especially for lending me your sweatshirt!)

Here's some images I captured and spent approximately 15 minutes total editing...

Spring Portrait Day 2010

2010-03-26T22:17:00.002-05:00

Last Saturday I did some spring portrait's for the good customers of Lizard's & Lace Children's Boutique. It was a fun day of shooting all these precious darlings for me. Here's a few of my favorites...

California....knows how to Partay!

2010-03-25T21:05:00.003-05:00

Hey all my sweet Cali followers! I'll be out there next month and am taking a limited number of bookings. If you're interested in having some pics done or know someone who might contact me! I'd LOVE to point my camera at you and create some fun memories.

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

2010-03-17T15:24:00.005-05:00

Here's to all my Irish friends and relatives...

May those that love us, love us.

And those that don't, let God turn their hearts.

And if He doesn't turn their hearts

May He turn their ankles

So we'll know them by their limping

Concert Shoot at Long Hollow

2010-03-08T09:34:00.004-06:00

Last night I had the opportunity to shoot some concert footage at my church. As an exclusively outdoor photographer this was a unique challenge for me. It was for sure some difficult shooting and admittedly I was a bit in over my head. But, I persevered and ended up with a handful of what I thought were decent shots. Nothing I'm overly proud of but I'm ..... satisfied and thankful for my 1.8 lens. It was good practice. We should all do something difficult everyday otherwise we never grow.

Vulnerability...

2010-03-03T11:44:00.006-06:00

I suck at it. I was born from good, strong, Irish stock and if you know anything about the Irish they don't embrace the notion of it. Well, I have to now. I'm going to make myself vulnerable first, because it's a good practice in humility and second because I thought you all should know what a rough time I'm having right now so you don't get your nose out of joint if I'm not Miss Aly-Sunshine as I usually am.

Two very difficult things are going on in my heart and body right now...

First, I'm sick.

I just accepted that for the first time in five months. The doctors are stumped by me. I've been to specialists and had pints of blood sucked from my body. I've been poked and prodded, scanned and x-rayed. It's more than disheartening to wake up each morning with no answers and no treatment. The worst of my symptoms is the inability to breath. I'm gasping for air most of the day and dizzy and exhausted. I've tried, unsuccessfully, to ignore these symptoms and push through, thinking that it's something I'll just get over eventually. I don't like doctors, I don't like pills and I don't want to be sick! I have a family to take care of and business to grow and friends I miss hanging out with. The walls of my house are a bit of a prison for me.

Second (and the harder problem of the two)

My Daddy is dying. I miss him. I adored him as he adored me. He has Alzheimer's, so instead of losing him all at once I lose him in pieces. He forgets who I am sometimes and I can't explain how painful it is for a self described Daddy's girl. I am bereft. I weep at strange times during the day, when a memory strikes me....the smell of his cologne that the pharmacist had on, the sound of his booming laughter, the way he would tease my mother when she would nag him, the sight of him in his beautiful business suits in the morning, his tall 6'4'' frame and how safe I felt in his arms, when he would hold me to his chest and talk to me in his deep bass voice, soothing me, encouraging me, telling me how proud he is of me. He was the first man I loved, so handsome and dignified and strong. I cling to these mind pictures now as he is reduced to a small bed in a nursing home, thin, quiet, alone. I have dreams about him almost every night. Some beautiful, us talking and walking together. Others 'warnings' he won't be on this earth for much longer. And I can't be sad about that, he needs to be released from this world. He needs to be with his Lord but, I will miss him so and be sorry that my children never got to experience the bright, joyful man that was Ray Marotte, who I was named for. I promise to continue tell my children stories of their fun, big, loud, Grandpa Ray. He loves his children and he always made sure we knew it.

Thank you Daddy,

Your Forever Princess,

Alyson Rae

Brylee & Gracin

2010-02-23T10:47:00.007-06:00

Where's my toes?

I had the honor of photographing the darling, Brylee & Gracin this past weekend. Gracin is 4 and Brylee is almost 2, she is also a model for Baby Gap so I was working with a pro! She adores her big brother and frequently peppered him with kisses and squishy hugs. He patiently and sweetly endured all this during their session. I had almost 100 images after I flipped through them and picking my favorites is next to impossible but here are some...

HFD Training

2010-02-19T16:31:00.007-06:00

Steve's Captain, Scotty Bush

Poor Steve, he was SO hot.

Captain Mike Holt, calling me over.

The boys decided to do some training on an old abandoned home. "How do they do that?" you may ask. Well, cover all the windows with tarps so it's pitch black, pump the house full of smoke, put on a ton of heavy, hot gear and go on in and play hide & seek until you're sweating profusely and miserable. They love it!

Thanks boys for putting up with me and my camera!

A Windy Meadow

2010-01-25T12:31:00.006-06:00

This past Saturday we had an all too rare, warm January day. Headed over to my Aunt's property for some portraits for my cousin's kids. He is in Iraq and hasn't seen them much lately and won't return home until June. Matthew is almost 2 years old and Austin is a teenager. Great boys. While we were there I went ahead and did some of my crew as well. It was a lot of fun running around my Aunt's 10 acres with my camera. I could've stayed out there all day.

Bailee Reese

2009-12-29T21:43:00.005-06:00

Here's our baby girl. Hard to believe that in just a few short months she'll be turning six.

Christmas Day 2009

2009-12-26T10:15:00.008-06:00

Nerf...thanks for the memories.

This Christmas morning was brought to you by the makers of Starbuck's Coffee

Christmas day in the Burtnett house was a good one. Woke up around 7am grabbed some coffee and stumbled upstairs to watch our kiddo's open up their gifts. The Kimmel family came over later that day for Christmas dinner, some Titan football and a raging game of dart tag. Ann and I got pinned down in the bathroom while Bailee and Inessa tried unsuccessfully to distract our enemies. Good times.

Christmas Eve

2009-12-26T10:08:00.004-06:00

Christmas Eve in the Burtnett house started out with a little two hand touch in the front yard a little hike around the greenway where we skipped rocks across Drakes Creek. Then home where we delivered cookies & fudge to the neighbors and in turn they delivered them to us too.

Watched the Nativity Story and then dinner and presents at Grammy & Papa's house. Good day.

I'm an Insecure Photographer...

2009-12-22T09:51:00.003-06:00

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE what I do. But, there are times when I'm on my way to a shoot that I start to FREAK out! "What if I can't get a shot they love?"... "What if I can't develop a repoire with them?" ... "What if I have technical problems?" (Ha! ...IF?) ... "What if the lighting is bad?"

I've had a camera stuck to my face since I had my first child over 10 years ago. But I still stress that I don't have enough experience, education, equipment to get THE shot. (The three E's) It never fails to amaze me when I get home, calm down and start to go through the pics and am amazed that I got some good ones. Then I chalk it up to good luck or GREAT clients.

Fellow 'togs' does this still happen to you?

Help-Portrait 2009

2009-12-06T17:34:00.005-06:00

Those of you who have spent any time around me the last few weeks know how stoked I am about Jeremy Cowart's project called Help-Portrait. This past Saturday I was blessed with an opportunity to contribute to this movement. My church hosts an event each December called "The Gift". It is for single moms. The church calls all stylists, manicurists, pedicurists, massage therapists and mechanics among it's members to volunteer to help these women out. We pamper them, feed them, play with their kids, offer counseling and all the men and teens wash their cars and change their oil. This year I was inspired by the Help-Portrait movement and my sweet friend and fellow "tog" Gay to contribute what I could. (Trust me you don't want me anywhere near your hair.) So after some planning we concocted a plan to make it happen.

Shortly after the women arrived on campus they started to filter into my section and .... they rocked my world! They shared their stories and we cried together, laughed together and every once in a while one of them would grab me and throw their arms around me and thank me profusely. I was just taking a simple headshot for their resume perhaps or maybe for a social networking sight, I don't know. But most of them shared with me that they have never had a portrait done. Couldn't afford it or like most mom's we are the ones behind the lens. I realized that that simple interaction that meant so much to them had changed me, blessed me and humbled me.

I've been asked by my friend Jenn Cady to join another group on 12/12 at the Shalom Zone in Gallatin and I cannot wait to get there. A lot of you who frequent this blog are also photographers and I'm challenging you to get involved. I promise you won't regret it.

Schlarb Family

2009-12-02T17:03:00.003-06:00

I had the honor of shooting this sweet family last weekend. They have recently added a new 'baby' to their home. His name is Riley and he is SO precious and such a good puppy. Every time I called his name he looked right at the camera with those sweet puppy dog eyes. And Morgan and those killer blue eyes! What a gorgeous crew you have, thanks for the privilege of working with you all.

Hey You...Yeah YOU!

2009-12-02T15:36:00.002-06:00

...update your blog. You know who you are. Let me give you a hint... if you look over to your right and scroll down a little you'll see your blog posted in one of two sections. I rely on you people to entertain me when my kids are monopolizing the TV. You MUST update it! I need to be all up in your business. Friends, fellow photogs a little help please.

P.S. I love you ALL!

Madison Grace

2009-11-30T09:26:00.003-06:00

Last month my dear cousin Maria added her third child to her quiver and she is just heavenly. Congratulations Chris, Maria, Cody and Asher, you are so blessed!

Morris Family

2009-11-25T09:30:00.007-06:00

Met up with the gorgeous Morris Family for some portrait's. A good time was had by all...LOTS of laughs. We narrowly escaped arrest as the cops showed up to shew all the crazy people of the railroad tracks. Well worth the risk I'd say...

It was hard to keep Annabelle out of the shot. She loves the camera (and the camera loves her)

Kimmel Family Session

2009-11-09T17:43:00.004-06:00

Last weekend I had the opportunity to photograph the Kimmel Family. They are a riot and super fun, especially the mischievious Calvin. The Kimmels are hosting an orphan from Latvia this christmas and these shots will be sent to her so she can get to know her host family a little.

Mischief Personified

Giving Back

2009-11-09T15:25:00.001-06:00

What I'll be doing December 12. Who's in?

Words...

2009-10-23T17:51:00.003-05:00

Landing somewhere in the top 10 of things you should NEVER say to a photographer...

"Wow, your camera takes really great pictures! What kind of camera is that?"

On the Farm

2009-10-16T14:37:00.009-05:00

Acre's of Pumpkin's!

Picking the perfect pumpkin

In the Corn Crib

The Sheriff's Pistol and Boots

We almost made a run for it

Remember these things?

Last week was fall break and all the kids were out of school. On Tuesday we took a trip up to Bottomview Farms in Portland, TN to pick pumpkins and let em run around. We had a great time and for only $5 you get full access to the farm, a hayride out to the pumpkin patch, a pumpkin of your choosing, a ride on the train, ice cream and a tour of the old west town by local Sheriff Upshaw (bank, prison, barber shop, saloon and blacksmith). The Sheriff, or "Papa" as we affectionately referred to him as, was wonderful! He toted a real six shooter, gator skin boots, a cowboy hat and of course his badge. Papa enchanted the boys with stories about the local outlaw's that he shared with us in one of the thickest accents I've heard since we moved down south. All our crew was completely mesmerized.

After we got our pumpkins all picked out we headed back to the farm and played on the giant corrugated slide, fed the donkey's, goats and chickens, ran through the hay bale maze, romped in the corn crib, climbed on the tractors, stuck our kids heads in the stocks, locked em up in the jail, spun around on the merry go round and had some yummy ice cream.

A good time was had by all and Ann and I decided we're DEFINITELY making this a tradition and will return next year and hopefully this summer too because they have acres of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and peaches.

Shooting the boys...Shooting

2009-10-08T22:14:00.004-05:00

Thugs?

Was a nice evening and after 2 weeks of editing pictures I was desperately needing to do some shooting. The boys were enjoying a friendly little game out front so I grabbed my camera and headed out. Yes, I was laying in the middle of the cul-de-sac to capture these and I did take a couple bonks on the head and got some sideways glances from the passers by but I think it was totally worth it.

Preview...

2009-09-27T11:20:00.004-05:00

It was a special day in the Burtnett home yesterday, here's a few images...more to come.

Wal Mart

2009-09-18T07:14:00.005-05:00

Super Wal Mart is an institution here in the south. They are on every street corner practically and there is almost nothing they don't have in stock at rock bottom prices. Best of all they are open all night. Add all these factor's together and you have a recipe for an epic freak show. A friend recommended I check out this sight and it is pretty funny. Check it out....

http://peopleofwalmart.com/

This is for the classy sophisticated NASC…..hahahahahaha! Oh gosh, I almost made it the whole way without laughing.

Bailee's First Ballet Class

2009-09-10T22:15:00.004-05:00

Watching big sister

I hope I didn't freak her Mama out but I just couldn't resist...SO cute!

Bailee just started taking ballet, tap and tumbling. Steve and I stayed to watch her first class, it may have very well been the cutest thing I have ever seen. I've never seen Bailee smile so much. She was truly in her element surrounded by mirrors, pink tutu's and twirling to her heart's content.

A Reminder...

2009-09-07T20:01:00.002-05:00

Just scoped out my brother's blog. This post moved me. Please take a second to check it out, we could all do with a little reminder every now and then.

Enjoy...

That Kind of Church

Take a Hike!

2009-08-24T09:50:00.004-05:00

It's Bambi! See his spots? SO cute!

This weekend we had the most incredible weather. Usually here in the south going outside during the month of August means you will turn right back around and head for the showers. The humidity is like a thick haze that hangs in the air. And any kind of physical activity during August is usually going to end in a trip to the ER.

Well, this summer we've had some of the best weather since I can remember and hanging out indoors was simply not going to happen. So, we headed out to Bledsoe with Ann and her gang (who I've used my influence on and watched her become a hiker) and hit some trails. We actually had to sport a light sweatshirt until around noon because their was a nippy breeze blowing through the forest. We saw about 2 dozen deer who've taken over the area because the campground is closed for renovations. It was a fantastic day and now I'm ready for the Fall!

Laundry

2009-08-24T09:12:00.002-05:00

I know, I know this is SO not politically correct, but it made me laugh so hard. I found this in my little brothers facebook pics. I should be outraged but seriously, c'mon. That's a little bit funny. I guess the first part is the funniest to me because the idea of a man even reading a laundry label is pretty absurd let alone expecting that he would attempt to follow the directions is even more ridiculous.

Our Burden

2009-08-18T18:43:00.002-05:00

The Village from Long Hollow Baptist Church on Vimeo.

So, many of you who read my blog are also members of the very same church that we are. Many of you are already aware that our church is now in the process of raising $$ to build orphan villages in Haiti. For the last couple years I have felt God preparing me to GO. I have felt a 'burden' on my heart to do something. I wasn't sure where or when he wanted me to go...until now. Also, the idea of GOing seemed a little tricky for a wife and Mother of four, especially since my husband did not feel the same calling...until now.

Steve & I are so...what's the right word? Affected? Moved? No, it's more like a feeling of urgency, we are restless, we want to be there...NOW! We want to love on these children, we want to care for them and hold them and feed them, we want them to know that they are valuable and worthy. We want to build them a shelter. We are not sure how this will all come about but we KNOW that God will handle all those details. Until then we are going to pray and continue to let God prepare us for the right time to GO! We are so excited.

The reason's why I am excited are because for the last year or so I have been...restless. I KNEW God was preparing me for something. Did I have any idea it would be this? Absolutely not! It is just overwhelming to see Him move me. To look back and go "Ooooh, now I understand"

We're not sure what our role will be in all this but we are willing, we are clay and our answer is YES!

Waddle Family

2009-08-07T19:34:00.005-05:00

I recently meet with the Waddle family for some portraits. They were kind enough to call me up and schedule a portrait session for their darling daughter and then we decided to go ahead and do the whole family. Chelsea is a delight, full of giggles and super fun. We shot in their beautiful backyard, apparently John is quite the landscaper. Here are some of my favorite shots.

First Day of Kindergarten

2009-08-07T15:05:00.003-05:00

Bailee had her first day of kindergarten on Wednesday. She LOVED it. Mommy & Daddy had a slightly less enthusiastic opinion of that day but we survived (when I say we I mean I). I held it together in front of her but the moment I pulled out of the parking lot I let loose. We are so very proud of her and know she is going to have a GREAT year!

Outer Banks, NC

2009-08-07T15:00:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to share this with y'all. I took this shot back in June while sitting on my beach towel on one of the many beautiful beaches in the Outer Banks. Got my iMac up & running and am having so much fun editing that I forget to eat. I'll be launching my photography business soon so, give me a call I LOVE to "shoot people" too.

Summer Camp

2009-07-31T16:52:00.002-05:00

Kids Camp '09 - Day Three from Long Hollow Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Wes just got back from camp. He had a great time and thanked us for sending him. Here's a video from Day 1.

Burtnett Summer Vacation 2009 (Part 1)

2009-07-23T09:31:00.007-05:00

Okay, so I know you all have been anxiously awaiting to hear about our trek across America, well the southeast...I know, I know we've been back a while but I had over 300 photos to go through and edit and it seems like we've been SO busy since the moment we arrived home. Well, I finally got to sit down and go through all the pictures this week so here's a little portion of the trip, I'm gonna break it down into a couple of days. Let me start out by warning you that this trip had a lot of ups and downs. It seems we were under attack the entire time, I learned a lot about myself that I never realized and a lot about what it means to be a "camper" in the southeast.

Shortly after we arrived at our first stop we all hopped out of the truck and began our set up process of plugging stuff in and leveling and what not. BTW, we ROCK at this, we definitely look like pros out there. After Steve hooked up the water and turned it on we ran into our first "surprise". Water filter was busted because we were lazy this year and neglected to winterize the ol trailer...bummer. Well, I'm a trooper! I sucked it up, put on my happy face, cracked a couple jokes in true Aly style and grabbed my toiletry bag and headed for the bath house. No biggie, I've been a tent camper before and this how I used to roll all the time. Well, back in my tent camping days I didn't have a 32 year old, mama of four babies, body that needs to take a nightly 3am potty break. But I soldiered on, I layed in bed until 3:30 when I gave up trying to hold it and grabbed a sweatshirt and slipped into my flip-flops and hiked to the closest bath house just a few trailers down from us, praying that no critters would greet me on the way. Not so bad really, kinda nice, had the joint to myself and saw some pretty stars on the way back. Crawled back in bed with dusty feet and woke up at 5:30 to repeat the process. Steve apologized profusely and promised to hit a local Camping World to get the stuff he needed to make the repairs so that this would not happen again..."Ok baby, thanks, you're the best!"

We stayed in Stone Mountain, GA which is just outside of Atlanta. Stone Mountain is this really, really cool "resort" (for lack of a better word) it is comprised of hotels and an enormous campground that is built around this enormous...stone mountain. There is a golf course and a lake, hiking trails and the coolest nightly laser show I have ever seen.

Day one in Georgia we were taking our Marine Biologist and shark expert son, Weslee to the Georgia Aquarium. But first we needed to find an urgent care, Steve believed he had some kind of UTI, he was having some low back pain & urgency and frankly, I was pretty worried, he had his tough face on, so I knew he was much worse than he was telling me. We found a local CVS but after waiting quite a while they informed him that they don't treat UTI for men, only women. Steve felt guilty about making the kids wait all morning so against my pleading we headed to the aquarium.

It was incredible! We petted sharks and rays, watched as an enormous Whale Shark swam inches from our faces, laughed at the otters and oohed and aahhed. Surprise #2, we took a bathroom break...again. Steve walks out of the bathroom with a smirk on his face and clutching a paper towel in his hand. He states "It's not a UTI" and opens up the paper towel and inside is the BIGGEST kidney stone I have ever seen! WOW! We were both immediately thankful, it could have been so much worse, he's had stones half that size that caused 10 times more pain.

On the way back to the campground we picked up the stuff we needed to fix the water filter and headed "home" and grilled some burgers and dogs with Uncle Jeff and took a dip in the pool, showered and headed up to watch the laser show. They blasted music over the field and we boogied while we waited with a couple hundred other folks, for the show to start, Kolby played some sweet air guitar on his light saber and entertained us all. It was a beautiful, warm, breezy evening. The show started and they played music by artists from GA (B-52's, Ray Charles, Sugarland, etc) and music about Georgia, they did a tribute to our soldiers and finished off the show with some fireworks and a little "Devil Went Down to Georgia". It was so cool!

We said goodnight to Uncle Jeff and crashed hard that night exhausted from a very busy day. Unfortunately, Steve wasn't able to get the water thingy fixed because he had the wrong size whatchamacallit so I trekked to the bathroom again around 3am and did my business, this time with a little less enthusiasm but still kept my game face on so as not to hurt my poor husbands feelings, he was not happy about this either after all so, me having a stinky attitude wasn't going to help anybody.

We all slept in the next morning and took our time over breakfast and began packing up to head to Myrtle Beach, SC, where hopefully the water filter would get repaired and we could get settled in a beautiful campsite by the beach. HA!

Steve, Gettin' it Done

2009-07-21T13:33:00.005-05:00

I was dropping something of at the firehouse for Steve last week when I overheard the guys on the radio working an apartment fire nearby. I wanted to check on Steve to see if he was okay so I drove around until I spotted the flashing lights. Once I spotted him and saw that he was operating the pump and NOT inside the fire I whipped out my camera and watched him do what he does.

We were approached by one of the police officers who was keeping everyone back from the scene, he noticed all my kiddos sitting on the grass watching it all and said "What do you guys think about all these firetrucks...pretty cool huh?" They looked at him with a blase look and said, "That's our Dad" It was pretty funny.

Pulling Hose

The kids goofin' around with Mr. Eric

Southern Summer Storm

2009-06-18T17:31:00.007-05:00

We had the most amazing storm last night. Against my poor husbands pleading and begging I had to get some shots of the breathtaking lightening. I think it was definitely worth the risk...

Around 38 seconds is where it gets cool. It was Bailee telling me repeatedly that she farted.

Life Moments

2009-06-05T13:46:00.005-05:00

Today I'm taking a moment to look back at some of my most memorable life moments. The moments that make me smile when I remember them. These are some of the things that made my life blessed...

* Rollerskating on the dance floor in the bar of my parents restaurant
* Riding on a tobagan tied to the back of my brothers snow mobile across Lake superior
* Singing praise songs in spanish with the beautiful children of Tula, Mexico
* My first day as a Medical Assistant
* Portillo's Hot Dogs
* My wedding day
* Bonfires and skinny dipping at Folsom Lake with my girlfriends
* Playing in the crunchy, fragrant fall leaves
* Black & Whites from Leatherby's after evening church
* Coke slurpees from Seven Eleven on a hot summer day
* Seeing the stick with 2 lines
* Singing the National Anthem at the top of my voice in Ghirdelli Square, San Francisco
* Holding my newborn babies in my arms
* Toasting the perfect marshmallow over a campfire
* Girls night with Ann, Ladona, Stephanie and Mary Lee...hee hee!
* Seeing my Daddy cry when he gave me away
* Watching a sting ray swim right in between Kolby and I in Destin, FL
* Climbing Half Dome
* Hume Lake
* First kisses and the tummy butterflies that accompany them
* Camping beneath the incredible redwood trees at Richardson's Grove
* Standing on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Mendocino, CA
* Watching the dolphins swim by our boat
* The first time he looked at me and called me Mommy
* Conquering the ropes course at summer camp
* Fireflies
* Watching the fireworks over Cinderella Castle

I could go on and on...take time today to remember those little moments it will change your perspective. I'd love to hear some of yours. God has been good.

2009-06-01T10:16:00.001-05:00

The Real Me
Natalie Grant

Foolish heart looks like we're here again
Same old game of plastic smile
Don't let anybody in
Hiding my heartache, will this glass house break
How much will they take before I'm empty
Do I let it show, does anybody know?

(chorus)
But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me

Painted on, life is behind a mask
Self-inflicted circus clown I'm tired of the song and dance
Living a Charade, always on parade
What a mess I've made of my existence
But you love me even now
And still I see somehow

That you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me

Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When you look at me
You're turning the tattered fabric of my life into
A perfect tapestry

I just wanna be me

Wonderful, Beautiful is what you see
When you look at me

New Music...

2009-05-20T18:41:00.006-05:00

Heard this song on country radio the other day. I rarely listen to the radio and when I do it's not typically country but sometimes I'm just in the mood or I'm sick of the CD's in my car. Either way, heard this song and it struck a cord. It's not uncommon to hear a love song and with a little tweaking in the lyrics it becomes a ballad for my Lord. I would love to hear somebody re-record this song in that context like they did with Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes". Lady Antebellum does a beautiful job too though. It also reminds me of my Steven.

I Run to You
Lady Antebellum

I run from hate
I run from prejudice
I run from pessimists
But I run too late

I run my life
Or is it running me?
Run from my past
I run too fast
Or too slow it seems

When lies become the truth
That's when I run to you

This world keeps spinning faster
To a new disaster, so I run to you I run to you
When it all starts coming undone
Baby, you're the only one I run to
I run to you

We run on fumes
Your life and mine
Like the sands of time
Slippin' right on through

Last Day of School

2009-05-20T09:08:00.005-05:00

Today is the last day of school. As the boys were headed out the door I felt the need to commemorate the moment. Here they are the last time Joshua will be a kindergartner, the last time Weslee will be a 4th grader and the last time Kolby will be a 2nd grader. I have a lot of mixed emotions about all this.

First of all and the most dominate emotion is excitement, I remember how excited I was on the last day of school when I was a kid, about the fact that a promotion and greater power lie in my near future and of course the coming summer months of sleeping in, watching cartoons and hangin' out with my friends. This is such a contagious emotion, despite the fact that we will be spending the next few months breaking up fights and anticipating the I'm bored's that we will be assaulted with, we found ourselves laughing and playing with our little men this morning as they packed their lunches.

Secondly, is a little bit of apprehension. I know full well what the coming 2009-2010 school year holds for me. Not only will my youngest, Bailee, be starting kindergarten, but even scarier my oldest, Weslee, will be starting his last year in elementary school. This time next year he'll be graduating from being a little kid to being a big kid or "tween". I remember how miserable middle school was for me, as do most of you, and I only have one year to prepare him for that. WOW! I just thought of something...next summer he'll be going off to summer camp with the Junior Highers!

God bless Station Camp Elementary they will be completely inundated with Burtnett's! It will be the first and last time all my kids are at the same school.

Despite all this I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with all my peeps this summer. We have some big plans to do a bit of traveling. (Although not as grand as we had originally planned thanks to some financial surprises. Call me if you want details.) We plan to connect with some friends and generally enjoy each other. Ultimately, I am striving to avoid boredom, fighting and losing my mind. I only have until August 3rd to accomplish this so I better get busy!

Have a great summer!

Good Morning

2009-05-20T09:01:00.004-05:00

Here's a few things I need to start my morning: Packet of raspberry flavored Emergen C's, cup of Decaf House Blend Starbucks and some sweet tunes (usually some acoustic stuff from Matt Nathanson or Ray LaMontagne or some classical). What do you need to start your day?

On a side note, check out the steam coming off my coffee maker...SO cool!

Happy Birthday Kolby!

2009-05-13T14:30:00.003-05:00

On Sunday, May 13, 2001 (Mother's Day) I was promoted from mother of one little boy to mother of two busy boys. Nothing could've prepared us for what Kolby would bring to the Burtnett home. He is almost completely the opposite of his older brother in every way. Pure energy and joy are the best words to describe him. He is rarely seen without his signature grin. He makes me laugh almost everyday and I can always count on him to greet me each morning with some kind of silly song and dance. He is my twin, not only do we look alike but we both laugh at EVERYTHING, which inevitably gets us into trouble. I love to watch him explore his creative side, music is a great love of his and he can spend hours coloring and drawing. He has a way with the ladies (old and young). It has been a joy and an adventure to parent him. We are all thankful for the color he has added to our lives.
Love you little man!

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T08:58:00.004-05:00

I had a great Mother's Day yesterday. Started out the day with breakfast in bed and some Starbuck's, then met up with some friends at the Stone's River Greenway only to discover that the trailhead had been swallowed by the swollen river thanks to the insane amount of rain we've been getting lately. Found another access point and enjoyed a beautiful walk and the incredible scent of honeysuckle and jasmine all along the way. Then onto Casa Vieja for some grub and home to open my presents. I got a super sweet waffle maker from my kiddies and an SB-900 speedlight (really cool flash for my camera) from my hubby.

It was an awesome day and I am so blessed to be a mommy to my four little rugrats.

My Boys

2009-05-06T16:08:00.003-05:00

I love these guys

Yeah...I'm Southern

2009-05-03T18:08:00.008-05:00

I moved to the south almost 8 years ago. Since arriving I've noticed a few of the quirky phrases they use down here have slowly been creeping into my vocabulary. In honor of my brother Vinnie moving to Texas (psshhh, whatever!) I thought I'd share a few with all of you to better prepare him for what he is about to encounter. In short these are some "translations" that may come in handy.

Y'all - "You guys"..."people"..."dudes"..."YO!"

This is by far the most used phrase and the one I adapted to rather quickly. People in the south, particularly women, do not respond well to dudes or you guys. They either ignore you completely or look at you like your nuts. Some of them will humor you but it is mildly offensive to your typical southern belle to be referred to as a dude or guy.

Fixin' to - (verb) "I'm going to..."

Abruptly after I arrived, my Aunt forbid me from using this one and for the most part I've successfully avoided it, my boys, Kolby in particular, will occasionally whip this one out. It makes me giggle every time.

Bless her heart - There really is no English translation for this one, it is pretty exclusively... southern. It is a phrase your typical southerner will whip out during a gossip session to make themselves not look quite so nasty. For example: "Did you see what she was wearin' in church last week? Bless her heart!"
Sometimes no explanation or gossip is even present at the time, they may just see someone in the distance who has had a found themselves in an unfortunate predicament and the "sweet" southern women will just let a "Bless their heart" fly.

Fussin' - "bugging me"..."whining"..."yelling or complaining" "Why are you fussin' at me?"

I'm guilty of this using this one a lot simply because I'm a Mom and that is part of the job description. My kids are always fussin' at me.

I'm gonna wear you out! - "I'm going to kick your butt!"..."Your about to get a spankin'"
Typically this one follows the previous statement. Again, as a mother this one flies around my house quite a bit.

I'll tell you what - "In my opinion"..."I think"
Steve uses this one more than me, it is usually used to add emphasis before a heavily opinionated statement is about to be made.

Whoop around - U-turn.
Simple enough, but still good to know. We don't make U-turns in the south we do a "whoop around". Also when getting directions from a southerner you need to know that they don't use street names or distances "You go up this here road for about 2 minutes and then yer gonna wanna make a left at the Waffle House", they use landmarks, not street names and distance is measured in minutes.

High - "expensive" "That restaurant is high."
Never heard that one until I moved here.

I've slept since then - "I forgot"..."You can't honestly expect me to remember"
This one makes me laugh because it exemplifies how transparent southerners can be.

Ink Pen - "pen"
The reason they put the 'ink' first is because they say pen like pin. They have to have a way to differentiate between the two.

Buggy - "shopping cart"
I have no idea where this came from but it is kinda cute.

I hate to pull the tick off yer dog - "I hate to disappoint you"
My good friend Deb whipped this one out. I laughed SO hard because she is the least likely person for that phrase to be heard from.

Dumber than a box of rocks - self-explanatory.
Usually followed by a "bless her heart".

Want in one hand…spit in the other…see which one fills up first - "Not likely"..."Keep wishing"
I've never used this one but I'm eager to give it a try.

Yankee Biscuit - That would be a bagel.

Wally-World - Wal-Mart
That's where you go on a Friday night when there is nothin' else ta do.

Coke - "carbonated soft drink"
Regardless of the flavor it's a coke. Southerners drink it at 8:00 in the morning!

Sweet Tea - Iced tea with a ridiculous amount of sugar added, seriously...A LOT of sugar!! It is the main beverage here in the south, it is appropriate any time of day and they start drinking it when they're about two years old.

Baby Bella

2009-04-27T17:32:00.004-05:00

This week I've been blessed with the opportunity to take care of this precious little peanut for my friend. It has been about 5 years since I've had a baby this age around and I was worried about wether or not I'd lost my touch. Before I go any further I need to take into account that 'Bella' is and exceptionally pleasant and easy baby to take care of, none the less I felt pretty good about my experience today. Some highlights...

1. I'd completely forgotten the DEEP satisfaction in getting a baby to nap. Seriously, I felt quite accomplished each time she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. I did it! Then I felt compelled to do some housework....that's the weirdest part because I rarely feel compelled to do housework.

2. Changing diapers is like riding a bike. I am happy to report that I can still change a diaper in about 9 seconds flat. Please take into account that I've had about 8 years of experience in this area so don't beat yourself up too badly.

3. There is no sweeter sound than a baby giggle, again deep sense of pride and satisfaction each time I cracked her up. Granted, had I seen a video of myself as I made goofy faces and danced around like a dork I'm sure I might feel a little bit differently about that.

4. I love to watch my sons go all gooey each time she smiled at them. Weslee could barely tear himself away from her.

5. Being spit-up on still doesn't alarm or disgust me, I'm still wearing the same stinky, spit-up sweatshirt and I have no intention of changing it anytime soon.

6. Driving with a baby in the car makes me a more cautious and defensive driver. Why is that? My kids are just as fragile but somehow I was more nervous with an infant in the vehicle.

I can't wait until Bella gets here tomorrow! I'm sure I'll have a few more revelations to share with y'all as the week progresses.

Spring Break

2009-04-12T12:09:00.004-05:00

A ridiculous excuse for a bridge!

Some of the locals

For spring break this year Grandpa Bob decided to kidnap all our kids and take them down to Gulf Shores for a little beach time leaving Steve and I to PART-AY! We were immediately overwhelmed by the possibilities. After much debating we decided to not stray too far from home. So, we headed for the Smokey Mountains for some hiking.

It snowed the first day so we hung out in the hot tub in our little chalet and headed down into the cute little town of Gatlinburg and had dinner at Bubba Gump's. Day two was sunny and gorgeous so after we discussed the possibilities we decided to hit the trails. When we were loading up in the car to head out I noticed that the passenger side door was covered in muddy paw prints. Upon closer examination we determined that they were from a bear or bears who were jonesin for some of our fig newtons on the front seat. Yikes!

Ramsey Cascades is where we headed. It is an 8 mile round trip hike that climbs over 2,000 feet...the entire hike is literally uphill...in the snow. We had to cross two teeny-weeny "bridges" (I use that term loosely because it was a tree trunk cut in half with some sticks nailed to ONE side to give you something to hold onto as you crossed...did I mention said "bridge" was also covered in ice and hovering about 12 feet over a rushing river filled with jagged rocks) as we climbed higher the snow got higher too. Needless to say we were exhausted by the time we got back to our car and made good use of the hot tub upon our return. On our way to dinner we saw a black bear walking up the neighbors driveway! Steve jumped out to take some pictures while I waited and prayed in the car that they didn't eat him.

The next day we did a 5 mile hike that lead to a beautiful waterfall that you could walk behind. We encountered 3 more bears on this hike who were foraging for some goodies in the woods. They ignored all of us as we snapped some pictures. They were very cute! It was an awesome week and so good to reconnect without our kids. Thanks Grandpa Bob!

Burtnett's Across America

2009-04-12T11:43:00.008-05:00

Yosemite

The Redwoods

Mount Rushmore

San Francisco

After talking about it for the last few years we've decided that this is the year that we will trek across the U.S. to check out this great country we live in. The kids all seem to be an appropriate age and we're not getting any younger. We'll be making our first stops in St. Louis and then onto Mt Rushmore. We plan to hit as many major National Parks as we can and them home to Sac. and down the West Coast taking the southern route back by way of Vegas and the Grand Canyon. We are all super excited! We will stop in Sacramento to visit family for a few days and we'd love it if some of you wanted to join us if we come near y'all.

My People

2009-04-01T10:16:00.004-05:00

I love these women!

They are my people. When I find myself saying "Where am I going, and why am I in this handbasket?" They are the ones I call on. When I want to laugh so hard coke comes out of my nose...they are the ones I call on. When I'm considering homicide...they are the ones I call on. When I want to behave like a 10 year old...they are the ones I call on. When I am feeling small and insignificant...thank God I can call on them!

I LOVE these women.

Happy Birthday Bailee!

2009-04-01T09:47:00.005-05:00

Our BIG 5 year old Bailee!

Opening her presents

Even baby Bella got dressed up....sooo cute, she even did the hula!

Make a wish

Bailee, Carragan and Kaylea

It happened. Despite all our best efforts...Bailee turned 5 last Thursday. It was a week of celebrating for her and a week of grieving for Steve and I. Why does 5 seem so big? It has been more difficult than we anticipated watching our youngest reach this milestone. I'm not sure if it's just because she's the youngest or because she's at the sweet, girly finale of years of testosterone or because she's simply, Bailee our sweet loving baby girl. I imagine it's a combination of the three. In a few weeks I will be registering her for kindergarten!

If you've spent anytime around us you know how besotted we are with our little Bailee. She is so loving and sweet it is almost impossible to discipline her when she misbehaves. Her big brothers cater to her every whim and her Daddy is completely and admittedly wrapped around her tiny, little, pinkie finger. It has been a huge blessing to parent her as with all my children but when Bailee joined our crew she altered us all so completely with her distinct femininity it took us all by surprise. It's impossible to imagine what this family would have been like without her influence. She's tickled us pink and we are all better because of her...God is so good.