A European Vacation~

There are many things I will remember fondly when I remember our time here in Europe... our travels will surely be one of them~

This summer, my husband surprised me with an amazing 7 night Western Mediterranean cruise aboard the Navigator of the Sea, Royal Caribbean. It was the vacation of a lifetime, balcony suite and all!!! Ports of call included, Genoa, Italy. Barcelona, Spain. French Riviera/ Monaco, France, Rome, Italy. Sardinia, Italy.

All I will just keep repeating is how amazing this trip was... so instead, I'll just post some images.

LVMPD Metro K-9 Trials....

A dog is mans best friend... so the story goes. Pet or working dog... they are amazing, loving creatures. They will stand by your side when no one else will. They will lick the tears, grow excited over the laughter, curl up by your side to sleep.
I have two dogs, and I couldnt imagine my life without them. My female Tiffany is my baby, and my everything. She is older now, going on 12 yrs. and blind. But she still fetches a ball, follows me everywhere and adores me... even on those not so adorable days. I love her so very much!

Recently on my trip back to the states, I went back to Vegas to see very close friends. My two girlfriends and I have been through it all, and we still love and respect one another. We spent days just talking about the past, our futures, and life in general. I had a blast. During my visit I found myself down at the Orleans Hotel for the 2010 LVMPD Metro K-9 Trials, where another dear friend was competing. It was to be a surprise, we have not seen one another in over 5 years now.

He is one of Las Vegas' finest Metro K-9 officers. We met one night when he pulled me over for a ticket for driving with no headlights... the rest, as they say, is history. Its been 8 years now, and our friendship has grown into a deep respect of each others lives and the paths we have chosen. We will forever remain dear friends, and I thank my husband for allowing this to be.

It was a wonderful afternoon at the K-9 Trials. Where dogs and their handlers from all over the west coast competed for "top dog" of the event. I have never seen a K-9 work, even if it was on decoys. They are incredible!

Here's to you my friend, for all you and your dogs do to keep Las Vegas safe. You are a blessing. Please, always be safe out there. Vegas is a better place because of all you do.

Here's to Metros top dog! Pun intended!!!!!

A trip back home....

No matter what the situation, good or bad, going home can be amazing.
Our trip back to the states was a last minute one, one that we didn't quite know what to expect. My husbands father has fallen ill and it has been touch and go for some time now. While in the field, Eric received a phone call that changed everything... so off the California we went. Not knowing what awaited us.
When we arrived, it was wonderful! Every brother and sister, 9 in all, where there from across the globe. They were there to celebrate the life of a man they all loved and adored. It was good times indeed. The food, conversation, sleep overs, late night talks. It was just how a family should be, and I had a great time!
Now, Erics father seems to be doing better. One never knows what God has in store for us and our lives. The direction it can turn can change in the blink of an eye, and I have come to realize this fact the older and wiser I become. Life is precious, and should not be taken for granted... ever.

During our trip we took some time to go visit my parents in Lancaster as well. It was so great to see them after 2 long years! They looked great, and we enjoyed our short visit. The irony of it all... its October, so everyone everywhere is celebrating Octoberfest. Yes... that was surely what I came all the way to the states to do. LOL! But now I can say that I celebrated it on both sides of the world in one month.

So here are some images of our trip... a little all over the place, but I think you'll agree... we had a wonderful time with family. Precious-precious time indeed.







Me and my parents... our first picture together in over 13 years!





Erics family... every brother and sister along with his parents. What a great family portrait!









A quick trip to nearby Solvang, California is just what we needed. For my photography, this is where I held my first camera. An Argus flip-top.







Octoberfest in Lancaster, California. Definitely not Germany!



Lancaster Blvd. has changed over the years...





My friend of 17 years Cheryl.

Because sometimes I need to remind myself...

I was going through some old blog posts tonight, feeling a little nostalgic, and I came across one that I just know God put before me to make me smile (and maybe make some others out there think just a little?) Its a post from back 2009, just prior to when my husband was preparing to leave for Europe, and I wasn't feeling too happy about it. A dear friend made a statement to me that made me really think. Think about life, and just how blessed I am to have such an amazing one indeed! I felt the need to re-post this because... well, it made me smile. And tonight, with all the drama, and all the crap... I needed to smile. In fact, it made me laugh. Laugh out load at how wonderful I really have it, and how sad it is that others make their life so pathetic and complicated needlessly. Below is the original post, and once again I thank you Rosemary for making me think, and to smile! Damn... its good to be me!

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My life... my fabulous, crazy, impulsive, obsessive, blessed, lovely life.

I was speaking with a friend tonight who said something so profound to me, she said "I read your blog every day and at times I think to myself... I wish I had her life." I found this extremely flattering, since I have always looked at my life as exciting, but nothing that I would go as far as say others wanted to emulate. Ironically this statement comes at a time when I am not feeling particularly special by no means. I have a husband who leaves me until Jan. 2010 in just 72 hours, a business to take care of, two dogs to find good homes for, a house to sell, a car to sell, and a whole lot of issues to handle all one my own.
I guess god knows when we need that little pick me up!

So I went through some old pictures of times in my life. Those wonderful times that I have indeed been so very blessed to have experienced. Such as...

Champion Gymnast who toured with Kurt Thomas (What a great time in my life!)
ESPN Ms. Fitness SW Champion (Ah, to look that fit again!)
Dated country singer Lee Greenwood for 3 years (What the heck is up with that hair???)
Raced Lamborghini's down the coast of So. California with Mario Andretti (That was crazy!)
Was a Las Vegas Showgirl for 2 years (Those headpieces are so heavy!)
Learned to hunt as good as the boys (4 point on the first day of season)
Heli skied in British Columbia (What a rush!)
Performed at Dodger Stadium and was on tv for the first time with Steve Garvey! (Dad was so jealous!)
Became a surgical nurse at 38 and graduated with honors... I like this job much better!
Met the man of my dreams on Match.com and now they use us as a success story! (Featured on CNN and the front page of USA Today as well!)
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(Started my own company and developed the second Internationally)
(Bought myself my DREAM Mercedes since living in Europe)
(Had my dream wedding in the heart of Paris, France!)
(Took a sweet cruise to the Western Mediterranean)

And the story continues.....
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So... there it is. Me, just me. Crazy me. I was a lot of things before I became a photographer... and since then as well. I think all those amazing experiences have given me the chance to develop my style and attitude where my images are concerned. I thank God for all he has given me!

Thank you Rosemary for reminding me just how great I really do have it! I needed a kick in the ass!!! LOL!

In Recognition of your Services~

Being a military wife sure has it challenges, but it has it rewards as well. I have been involved with my husbands unit for about a year now, and within this time I have been asked to serve as our HHD FRG Leader (Family Readiness Group). With this comes more than the responsibility of making sure that information that is carried down the line is given to our families in regards to events, jobs, blood drives, etc...
It also holds the very deep responsibility of being there if one of our soldiers down range should be injured, or killed in the line of duty. It is our responsibility to be there when the families are notified. To be there to comfort, console, and hold their hands while they put their lives back together. It is a position I take very seriously, as it is a very serious position to be in.

The other night, along with numerous other men and women of our unit, I was recognized for my service to our families. I am honored. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else than right here, serving alongside my husband in my own little way.

Thank you Mrs. Katie P., Cpt. Dan D, and Col. Jordan for this award. And, for the awards to our other recipients. We are humbled to be a part of our glorious 212th CSH~

A Touch of Immortality~

A few weeks have past without a post, this I must apologize for. You see, being a military spouse, FRG Leader, business owner, all can become a little overwhelming at times. The obligations, the meetings, the run here and run there... whew! But in the middle of all this craziness there lies peace. Peace in the arms of the one I love. Peace in my military friends and those who I have had the chance to meet over these last 5 years. I love these people with all my heart! I am honored to be asked to take images of newborns, maternity, baptisms, and all other exciting events that happen in peoples lives. And, although I have decided to take a break these last few months to travel and spend time enjoying Europe, I miss my camera and the magic it creates!

Life happens in a blink of an eye... that's what Ive always been told. And its so true. So every moment that I spend with these amazing people I cherish.

Recently, another military spouse phoned me to capture images for a publicity shoot and book deal for her first novel. I was so excited! This is something new for me. And although I have worked with models, musicians, etc... I can now add novelist to my resume.

Her book was just released, and I was just given my own personal copy... and I cant wait to read it! Thank you to Mrs. Vivian Ditzler, for your belief and trust in such a big event in your life. It was a pleasure!!! Here's to you girl!!!

A family... full circle~

How time passes...
Before I even realized it, a year has almost past and I find myself looking towards the final stretch of our time here in Europe. Much has happened since I arrived, the best of which have been the friends I have made along the way and the memories I have helped create.
That has to be the largest thing I miss about my business as a whole, the memories that are made again and again after I first meet a couple. It starts with an engagement shoot, that turns into a wedding celebration, that develops into a maternity portrait, that begins a new life session. Its full circle, and its an amazing thing to be a part of!

When I first arrived in Germany I met a woman who has become a role model to me. She is a friend, a mentor, a mother, a wife. When we met, she was 5 months pregnant with her new son and begging me for maternity portraits. Just hours after the end of this session her water broke, and baby Anton arrived! It was a very exciting day that I still remember so vividly. Weeks later came Antons first photo shoot... and he was a trouper! With his huge, beautiful eyes. Thick head of hair and a fabulous attitude for such a little man.

Just weeks ago Kelly and 'Landos time here in Germany came to an end. And, although they are back in the states, I think about this amazing family everyday~ They touched me, and I will be forever amazed by the story that I tell again and again of how we became friends.

I miss you all so very much. And even though we spoke and saw one another so sporadically, I miss knowing that you were right there if I had a question or concern or just needed a friend.
I cant wait to come back to Texas and Im thrilled to know you are in SA!!! By the time I return I suspect I will be capturing another baby bump? :)

Before they left we all took one last stroll through the park out by the base and captured a few more memories. I cant believe how big little Anton is already. Tell him to slow down just a little, I want more memories to keep~

I miss you dear friends~