Closed for the Holiday!

Back before Miss J was born I was an aspiring photographer looking to leave my full time job in Oil & Gas and become a full time photographer. As a newbie photographer I took every job imaginable and worked overtime to maintain my client base. This overtime included working holidays not just shooting weddings and portraits but also editing and communicating with clients. I really worked myself to the bone in an effort to go above and beyond.

Well, as is the case in most service industries, you'll always have that ONE client where your best is not good enough no matter what you do.  When this happened to me - after processing all the negative feelings - I took a step back and decided that I, along with my family, deserve the TIME to be with one another. I would never take that time away from my clients and I should not give them the power to take that time away from me.

As a small business owner I have the advantage to make that choice for me and my family and I feel bad for the employees of Walmart, Target, et al who don't and have to work tomorrow.  Thanksgiving is a day out of the year where families and get together, enjoy and meal and genuinely enjoy each other's company. Hopefully, in time, the big businesses will remember that as well.

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 21, 2014: Miss J at her Thanksgiving Feast

Miss J's class reciting Psalm 100 at their Thanksgiving Feast

I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy Down In My Heart!

Under the tutelage of our friend Mrs. Debbie we have been decorating for Christmas early the past 3 or 4 years.  This year decorating the house only took a week which is AMAZING considering all the remodeling we've done the past two months.  I could not resist turning all the Christmas lights on and snapping a few pictures before I left for work this morning.

I left them on for Miss J to enjoy when she woke up and whispered in her ear to enjoy them before My Nerd turned them off. (he's a scrooge and does not want us turning on the lights until after Thanksgiving for fear we'll burn the bulbs out)

As I was walking out the door I sang, "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!" and I truly do!

Conversations with Miss J

November 25, 2014: Julianna helping my Nerd at his research lab

Miss J: OOOOOO Daddy...a crescent moon! What's that hole on the moon?

My Nerd: I don't know. You should ask Mommy.

Miss J: Yeah. . .but you're the scientist!

LOVE IT!

Our Cheerleader

October 26, 2014: Before the gym Show Off at NRG

Last Christmas, Miss J was gifted with a Minnie Mouse Cheerleader Costume complete with pom-poms. She was so adorable all year bouncing around the house pretending to be a cheerleader that I asked her if she would like to join a team. I don't know why I asked because the answer was a resounding, "YES!"

After Googling I found a cheer gym not far from our home that a show team for girls 3-5 years old. So, after paying a pretty penny for uniforms, etc. Miss J is a member of the Lil Diamonds show team.  The Lil Diamonds compete only 4 times a year and is a perfect introduction to cheerleading - they learn a routine, stunt sequence and tumbling passes.  The first few practices were a bit rough for Miss J - the coaches don't fool around - but now she's really into it and LOVES performing.

November 9, 2014: At the Houston Cheer Showcase

She's had two performances two far and it is great to see her forming a bond with her teammates in addition to having a team mentality. At her latest performance Grandpa, Grandma, Pop, Gigi, Uncle Tyler and Aunt Bonnie came and she was OVER THE MOON. (even though she didn't show it as she was speechless to see them there)

November 9, 2014: With everyone after her performance at the Houston Cheer Showcase

She has her first "competition" in a few weeks and then 3 more after that - she tells me she wants to join the next level team next season. We'll see. . . .