Meet Max!

Well, after much waiting, he's finally here. Tonight we got a chance to see this new little member of our family. He's just precious and the softest thing ever. What is it about a newborn? God is so good, isn't he! This was such a treat to have Max so new, being two days old and I actually got most of these with him awake-- now that is amazing. Enjoy! D-I played around with some of the shots and some announcements, I can do plenty more if you give me more ideas. The rest of the images will be on a new public gallery named newborns on my website-that is when I have time Sunday to upload the images.

All Things New

Aren't these first day pictures so priceless. I know everybody has them, but the fact that all things are new again-is truly priceless! I love that I will have these to look back on. It is a little strange with Bryant being the only one of mine at Mama Doris' . He'll have an adjustment just like the rest of us. Addison did just fine today, I did, too, other than-- I guess I was a little more distracted than I thought-- because I locked my keys and the spare keys in my van at Ballman at 7:50! yes, ten minutes before my bell rings at NHS and I'm in the middle of a parking lot with no cell phone and no keys! Had the camera though! can't go without that! Anyway, super husband came to pick me up and acutally didn't say a word about it to me, isn't he nice. Two hours later during my planning period I had to go back to Ballman and pay pop a lock 32.00 to get in my van --alarm sounding and all! He did mention that if I had a child inside it would have been free, well, next school year, I'll make sure Bryant's with me, then maybe I'll save 32.00. Just kidding. I thought it was bizarre that he mentioned that to me? Enough about me, Bennett and Addison are so blessed with their teachers and school. I can't say enough about these schools around here. There were several of us girls at gymnastics tonight, all with kids at different elementary schools and we all felt secure and confident in the environment--which says a lot about this community.

Bennett's qoute of the day, "It was the most funnest day I've ever had, mom." (We hope to gain some grammar skills this year!)

Addison's qoute of the day, "Well, this girl who kept cutting in line, well, she had to go to the principal's office, Dr. War (Dr. Warrick), two different times-that was what she deserved!"

"Welcome Back Carter"

For some of you, you know we have Chris Carter who is one of our A.P.'s here at NHS, but for those who don't...hence the title Welcome Back Carter. It was good to see everyone again, and get to know some of our new staff. We have over 20 new teachers/staff. Hopefully, we haven't totally overwhelmed them yet! At the end of the week, Carter and our new A.P. Kirk Freeman broke out a skit with Mr. Mahan, our new principal, about CWT's, for those non teachers out there, that means Classroom Walk Through's which just means someone in the building is observing your classroom. They had us all in tears. Just imagine the song, "Push It" by Salt-N-Pepa--yep that's what they were dancing, too. We ended the day Thursday with their little performance and ice cream sundae's. As usual I'm looking forward to a fast and successful year. I really like my job, I know I've said that before, but it is so rewarding(cliche' I know) NHS is truly the best kept secret in Fort Smith. I am anxious to see how God will use this community of teachers and students this year.

busy week ends with perfection

I know I should not say something went perfect, but okay it did. I ended the busy week this morning with Faith and Connor, what little angels. I couldn't get over lil Connor's great behavior. This family is precious and we miss seeing them more often. I'm thrilled with these shots and here's a few of my favorites. Honestly, this was a great morning and I hope J&D you like them. Visit with J if you want to see the entire session. She has the username and password for the website. Thanks again, and call anytime you guys are in town. After starting back to school and three sessions this week, I've been busy but productive!

six months old

Drew is just about to be six months old. He was so calm and peaceful, I can't really relate to that type of baby around my household. Drew is one of six boys this year at mama Doris' with Bryant leading the pack. I hope Bryant's influence is not much on the others! Anyway, I got some really great shots, thanks to R's great windows. I'm not the best at inside lighting but these turned out great and I love the ones of mom and baby, too. Check with R if you want to see all the pictures from this morning. I don't have enough room to put them in a public gallery on the website, so they have a private gallery. His newborn pics were one of my very first posts on this here blog. Crazy how time flies. These little blue eyes just don't stop. I know you guys are so proud of Drew and you should be, he's precious.

Nathan

Doug's cousin and his wife have a very happy and active four year old who adores trains, so we ventured downtown and captured a few great shots of Nathan just being himself. What a cutie! There was one picture I took that shows just how fast he really is, neither foot is touching the ground!

I'm a Big Kid Now!

Bryant turns two at the end of the month. Where has time gone? This last week, we finally made the transition to a big boy bed! It was hard for me to realize he's growing up. We decided to give Addison her own room and now the boys will share the bunk beds. I told Doug last night that there needs to be more of us, funny--no hysterical-- that he thought I meant more kids, I was implying there needs to be more adults to keep up with these three. We are far outnumbered it may only be by one literally, but it sure feels like about 6 to 2 around here most days. Other than not saying all that much, {wonder why?} Bryant has really become one of the big kids. Bring on the potty training and folks my job is done! {If only that were true} This picture is of him sleeping soundly the first night out of his crib.

Family

I was able to photograph my niece tonight. She is expecting a new baby brother in the coming weeks, so we took advantage of the opportunity to snap a few shots before their household gets a little busy with one arriving and another starting school. Addy and Molly are two peas in a pod. Since they are the only two girls out of four boys on the Hasley side of the family, they will always be close I'm sure. Luckily, we got some ring around the rosy going on to get some candid shots at the end. Their nana bought them these dresses for Christmas, they look like angels and they are most days!