Newborn Peace

I don't know what it is, but newborn babies have a special power. Actually, let me clarify, sleeping newborn babies have a special power. It's like they bring a peace with them that is so tangible you can almost taste it. And even though I may not know what power they hold, one thing I do know is that they are blessed, and they carry with them a presence that could only come from God. Hey, wait a minute, maybe that is it... maybe because newborn babies are so new, so fresh from the Lord, that they still carry His presence and His peace with them, so that when they finally make their appearance on earth, His qualities are still lingering on them like a fragrance no person could ever deny...Sounds possible to me... God, You are so good...

Having said all that about sleepy newborns, I was more than blessed to spend a little time in my newest cousin's precious heavenly aura.

Welcome to the world little Sophia, and thank you for bringing a little bit of heaven with you.

Much love,

j

Pic of the week-Ain't she CUTE!?!?

When the sun came out to play the other day, I took out my camera and Sid happily obliged. It was a good day.

~j

To my love: Happy Valentine's Day

I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you.”

~unknown

I love you honey....Will you be my Valentine?

♥ jaime

{Natalie + Tyler}

Happy New Year everyone!!! I've decided to start this new year off with awesome photos of my awesome sister and my awesome niece. (I know, too much use of awesome. But hey, enjoy this awesome post and have a totally awesome day!.... Ha! Had to thow those in there) Anywhoo....

Natalie is the bomb older sister. To this day, I can talk to her about anything, she keeps it 100 with me and I definitely keep it 100 with her. (I am not sure if you know this Tyler, but your mom is so cool.) I don't call her as much as I should, but I know she is always just a phones reach away when ever I need her. When we went to California last November for Thanksgiving I asked Nat and Tyler if they would mind if I took their pictures while I worked on building my portfolio. They were so excited that I had asked, and couldn't wait to be my models for the day. We had so much fun together, these two were just perfect for what I was trying to do. Not only did I come away with some beautiful pictures, but I also got some much needed QT with my older sis and niece.

My fav of the day...

This is how the day really went...

Man, you guys know what you do to me. I love you so much, you make my heart sing. I simply cannot wait until me and the fam are closer, so we can make our bond that much stronger. Because honestly Nat, my kids need to know what an awesome Aunty they have in you.

Love you....

j

{Random Wednesday}

Sid: Mommy, where does the rain come from?

Mom: uhhh...

Sid: Oh wait! I know. It's when God takes a bath and the water splashes over the side.

Mom: Yeah baby, that's it....

Totally random ya'll, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

peace

~ j

8 is the magic number.

The morning began with a flourish of hushed whispers, tight hugs, and an abundance of forehead kisses. "Mom, it's my birthday". Today is my party, and it's really MY birthday". Olivia woke up before the sun and came to our bed first thing in the morning to stake claim to the day that has been hers for the last eight years. We had been talking about it all week and she knew that the phatest (is that a word? phatest? not sure, I might have just made that up. oh well...anyway...) party on earth was going to begin in a few hours, and she did not want to miss one moment of it. Once the streamers were strung, the balloons were blown, and every one had on their jammies, Olivia's pajama jammie jam was on. And if I must say so myself, the party was off the chain!!!

Everyone was instructed to wear their pajamas to this pretend sleep over, they brought their pillows, and we we even had a sleepover cake.

Yeah. I made this myself. What.

*side note: As a reminder to parents, I put a note in the invitation that said "this is NOT a sleepover", it was only pretend. I did not want parents confused and thinking they could leave their children overnight. I know some of my friend were X-CITED about the sleepover party, and planning their adult night out. Until they read the note, and realized they had to come back and get their kids. Ahem....Priscilla... : )

The girls got to decorate their little skirt purses, everybody loved this.

Then we had a pajama fashion show, where all the ladies walked down the hallway, I mean runway, and modeled their pj's in the fiercest way possible. After that we played freeze dance where all the "single ladies" busted a move to Beyonce.

Finally we had cake, painted fingernails, and everyone played until moms and dads came to pick them up. The party was so much fun. We had just enough activities, just enough food, and just enough time to make this party unforgettable. I hope Olivia had as much fun as I did.

Shout out to my mom and sister (Auntie J) for all the help with the party, you both know I couldn't have done it without you. ♥

The day ended with her riding her new healy's to her bedroom, off to sleep and dream of the perfect 8 year old birthday party.

Olivia, I can't believe that you are eight. I can't believe that my original baby girl is growing up. It seems like you are heading at the speed of light toward teenagerville. It seems like just yesterday you were fresh out the box and the doctor was laying you on my chest. I was so so happy. So joyful at the life your dad and I had created, so happy to see you for the first time, so in awe at the responsibility that God had given us in that moment. You are the one I learned how to be a good mom with, you are the one who continues to school me in new things, it's because of you that when things come up with your brother and sister I am an old pro. I love you baby girl, you are my sunshine, and don't you ever forget it. God's got His hand on you, and I know you can feel it. Love you forever....Mom

Just because...

I love you...

♥mama.

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope you are spending it with the ones you love!

♥ j

We're Back.

Hey Hey Hey! We are back from the land of eternal sunshine, and let me tell you we had a blast! We had SO much fun, I almost did not want to come home. The weather was off the chain, 80+ degrees the whole time we were there. We got a much needed dose of family love, the kids got to play with cousins they did not even know they had, and I got to see cousins I hadn't seen in almost 2 years. I have tons of pictures to go through, and as soon as I am done sifting through them I will post them up that way you can enjoy the LBC through my eyes.

For now though I will put up some pictures I took from a mini photo shoot I got to participate in for "America's Next Top mini Model**".

Look, I told this girl to work it, give me some attitude...

and that is exactly what she did...

I put these pictures up, not just becasuse they are cute, but also as an example for your own photoshoot. Your pictures will only come out good if you relax in front of the camera and let your inner personality shine through. I can't make miracles happen, but I can take what you got and help you floss it...These were done low budget, on a dime in the middle of the afternoon, with nothing but a fancy hat, fancy shoes, and definitely a fancy attitude. Now if this lil' mama can work it, I KNOW you can. (BTW. This one is my favorite)

So the next time you are in front of my camera, or any other camera for that matter, pop your colla, and show me what your workin wit!

Much love,

~j

**There is no real "America's Next Top mini Model" program. That is just something I completely made up for this blog post. ***No animals were harmed during this photoshoot.

j

My first shoot

Ok, so here are some pictures from my first newborn shoot. This is J*, and he was about 2 months old. He was so adorable and a very good baby.

I am told that one of the pictures from this shoot won J* a baby photo contest. How exciting! Thank you to his mama for letting me try out my skills on her precious newborn.