molly + steven (the rehearsal)

Last night was so much fun!  I was so glad to be "back in the game" and enjoying my craft.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE girl's basketball, but I absolutely adore weddings and everything that goes along with them.

After having lunch with friends, (see previous post), I got a quick hug from Brooks

and then checked into my way cool hotel, the aloft, and then, drove to the church.  It was a bit chilly and they sky was grey, but the mood inside?  Just wonderful.  

After spending the evening with Molly and Steven's family and friends, you get a feeling this couple is well loved, well celebrated and just plain good folk.  :)

Stay tuned for more on Monday!  I'm flying out early tomorrow and have plans most of Sunday, so the wedding sneak peek will be a day delayed.

Highland Park First United Methodist Church

YO Steakhouse

old friends

I'm in Dallas this weekend photographing Molly and Stephen's BIG DAY, and my flight was early.  I hate EARLY, but when you get the chance to have lunch with old friends you find on Facebook, it's so worth it!

This is Tami and Krystal.  They used to be "Geralds" and I lived with their family every weekend my freshman year in college.  And then some!  They graciously opened their homes and rooms when my mom moved to California my Senior Year in high school.  

It was so much fun seeing them again and getting caught up!  Next time girls?  MORE TIME!

Love you!!!

Ida Lee's 94!

And we celebrated at Rodney and Barbara's house.  It was great to get together and see Dalton and Kate and spend some time with IdaLee.  We all chipped in, and brought some grub, even though Barbara did most of the work.  :)

Happy Birthday, Ida Lee!  We LOVE you!

Her and the boys.  Devin's dad is on the right.  

Kalyn and IdaLee.

Summer and Ida Lee.

And she blows!

Lady Pirates AREA CHAMPS!

Can I hear an Amen?  You'll giggle when you read that if you follow me on facebook or twitter.  I'm excited.  Very.  WAY TO GO GIRLS!  They beat Andrews last night to advance to regionals.  Woo Hoo!

I love photographing the Lady Pirates (or anything for that matter) but especially close to my heart is this group of girls.   Several I've watched grow up for years, (Taylor and Katie) others I've watched for the last 4 years we've been at Cooper.    Yet I'm bittersweet in that my child in not on that court.  I understand, I really do.  She needs to grow and learn and gain expierence.  I get that.  And boy did she ever get it this year!  She played almost every second of every game on the Freshman team.  Had an awesome year with Coach Wrenn.  So, understand that I'm very gracious and understanding and can see His plan at work in BOTH our lives.  I get the pride thing, Lord.  I do.  LOL

But I know her heart Lord, almost as well as you do.  And I know how ready she really is.  How she would LOVE to be part of the game.  The competition.  The victory.  How she's so happy for this group too, but somehow can't help but feel like she's missing out.

She'll get there.  I'll get there.  I just keep repeating

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. 

We drove over to Brownfield last night to watch the game.  They played Andrews.  We arrived with 6 minutes left to warm up and after a few minutes of being on the court, I could feel the tension.  The girl's were nervous!!!  Excited!!!  Scared of what the next hour would hold.  Would this be it?  Could our season end tonight?  Is Andrews any good?   Can they beat us?

Oh, heck no!  After throwing bricks for baskets, and basically not playing their usual speed the first half, they came back the 2nd to take the lead, keep it and WIN AREA!  It was awesome!!

What was NOT awesome is on of my camera's going on the blink.  Geez...we are building a house and I really don't want to spend money on camera gear right now.  So, she's going off to Canon and I'm renting a body from Lens Pro to Go.  I have a wedding in Dallas this weekend, and I'm so ready for some OTHER girl in white.  

Here's some of my favs from the action and as always, the REST are up at www.hookapirate.com.