Another Year Down, A New Year Awaits, and More Stories to Share

Well, it was an exciting year last year!  All of you helped make it one of the best years ever!  I truly believe they are only going to become better and better, so I am looking forward to many more wonderful years to come.  But with new years, come new triumphs and troubles, and with another year down and a new year started we were hit with some unexpected news of some very special people in our lives passing away within a week and a half of each other.

To say the least, we thank many of you for your patience while we were closed and spent the long days with our families, reminiscing on those important times in our lives.  But when death happens to someone close to you, it really makes you evaluate where you are at in your life.  It makes you think about the things that are most important to you and what really matters!...  And it's all those things that you can't seem to put a price on, at least one that truly fits when it is all gone!

It struck me hard, that at both remembrances, our family and all of the guests stopped and really enjoyed the photographs. As we were watching, sharing, laughing, crying, and telling the endless stories the photographs had behind them, I was reminded in that moment, that pictures really do say a thousand words and with tears whelming up in my eyes, I muttered, "Wow!  You can't tell me that pictures aren't worth a million bucks!" and sighed a sigh of relief of thankfulness for the family portraits we had with our family and loved ones before they left to be with our Heavenly Father.

And in that very same second, I was also gently reminded, that what we do everyday is invaluable!  I think that God gave us this gift of photography to help comfort us on earth when it is their time to go... So this year, when we take your photographs, for when someday they are left to to do the talking for your families and for years to come, we hope that they share some amazing stories of you are were as a person, spouse, relative, child, sibling, friend, and most importantly as a Christ Follower, just as ours did for us! :)

Merry Christmas!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

This sweet baby girl, Landry Kate, is a doll.  As sweet as her eyes look in these portraits so is her personality.  She is so well-natured and a joy to be around!  We received the opportunity to photograph her for her first Christmas in her Christmas outfits.  I think they are perfect to post on Christmas Eve and share with all of you... I LOVE all of her images, but these were three of my favorites! :)... May all of you have a very Merry Christmas, as it is beginning to actually look a lot like Christmas! ;)

The Long Family

These are just a few of many favorite images from this family's session.  Many of you may know or recognize this family's name from when I introduced them to you before...  They are homebuilders (Wayne Long Construction) in the area and build some of the most gorgeous homes I have ever seen!  This family is so much fun to be around and I am sure there is never a dull moment on their holidays with all of the kids...  I love big families and definitely believe the more the merrier! :)

Thank you Wayne and Barbara, Heather and Barry, and Chris and Mary for sharing your entire family with us, and all of your  kids!  We had a blast with all of you and wish each of you many blessings this Christmas Season and lots of love! :)  Thank you again for allowing us to capture these special memories for years to come! :)

Priceless!

I just LOVE this shot!  Her holding her daddy's finger and lying on her daddy's arm... PRICELESS! :)

A brand new baby girl!

This brand new baby girl was welcomed into the world about six weeks ago...  Obviously they received a wonderful Christmas present early this year!... I cannot think of a better gift myself... Congratulations on your new baby girl! :)  Thank you for sharing both of your beautiful daughters with us!

Happy Birthday!

I love birthdays and like every holiday, we, at Rachelle James, love to celebrate them more than just on the day of the actual holiday, birthday, or special occasion... kind of like a day or two before and a day or two after to make the holiday or special occasion even more exciting until next year... :)  With all of that being said, this sweet boy above is very special to us and today is his birthday!... We just wanted to take a second and tell him, "Happy Birthday, Zane!" from Thomas the Tank Engine and Rachelle James. :)....  See you later, Buddy! :)