2010 Holiday Mini Sessions

It's that time of year again... get the family cleaned up and into their holiday best 

for that special holiday photo.  This year I am offering a bundle that is 

such a good deal, you won't be able to pass it up!

click above to see image larger

Mini sessions will include 15-20 minutes of shooting time, 

with one clothing option and up to 5 people. 

The end result will be 5 digital negative images on CD

with full printing rights and 25 custom Christmas Cards.

A $60 deposit will be required to hold your session time.

For more details or to book your session contact Miranda at: miranda@luckystardesigns.net

See examples of photography at www.luckystardesigns.net

Little Sisters Grow Up

A few weeks ago I blogged over on my photography blog about doing my sister's engagement pictures. It was such a fun day to spend with my sister and her fiance. Well, the big wedding weekend finally came and I realized how bitter sweet seeing your baby sister get married is.

First, I will admit, I was an emotional mess. I won't blame it on Fed Ex (who mis-delivered the engagement picture canvas I did for the reception hall) or on the fact that my fiance and son ended up being late to the wedding because they were tracking down the aforementioned package.

There was just something about seeing my little sis all dolled up and ready to walk down the aisle. It just squeezed my heart and made me so proud of her, and the role I have been able to take in her life.

Megan is 11 years younger than me. I always felt more like her second mom than her sister. I remember getting up early when she started going to school, so that I could help her find something cute to wear and curl her hair (which ironically, she still asks me to do when I happen to be around, ha). Back then I was "Mandy" and I can still hear her squeaky little voice asking me to do one thing or another. Yes, I hear it right now in my head and I am smiling BIG.

I headed off the college when she was only 7 years old (younger than my own daughter is right now) and it was hard on BOTH of us. I missed her sweet smile and cuddles. She missed having someone to get her fixed up every morning. I left her with a teddy bear that she nicknamed "Mandy" and would confuse my mom at bedtime when she would cry "But I need MANDY to go to sleep!" (meaning the bear, not me, but boy did my mom feel frustrated, ha).

We made it through those years and Megan never seemed to go too far from home. She chose a college about 10 minutes away and a boy she had known nearly her whole life. Even now, it doesn't feel like we are losing Megan, just gaining Joe as the brother he's always unofficially been.

The rehearsal was more like a family reunion than anything. Both sides of the family have known each other for years and we all gathered at first the country club to go through the ceremony steps and then off of Campania's in Southlake for some yummy pizza and lots of love and laughter.

jenna & nate (who wasn't real impressed)


my sister misty & jenna before the rehearsal

my parents and megan laughing over something (love this)

nate, me and jenna (a rare picture together)





my mom with the kids (I adore this pic!)


a sweet pic of my girl jenna


one of my faves
they had only been apart for about 30 minutes
but for soon-to-be married, it's eternity


this one makes me giggle
chase is playing with forks
nate looks like he's in trouble
and jenna is giving me a "another pic?!" smile

most handsome nephew EVAH!

Thanks for looking at the pictures. I will share more about the wedding later... off to get some other work done.

Have a blessed day!

Six years of Embracing Life

My dearest Monkey,

About this time six years ago, (I was finally getting a good dose of an epidural) after laboring most of the night, I was about to meet my little boy and was giddy with excitement. When you entered this world, it was to a mommy that was giggling and laughing with glee. They laid you on my chest and I've been completely and utterly in love ever since.

You had a rough few months there in the beginning... diagnosed with a kidney issue called hydronephrosis in the womb. And then diagnosed with reflux a few weeks after being born. Amazingly we found out what a tough little guy you were! You were sweet and loving and full of smiles all the time. Granted, those smiles sometimes meant you were about to upchuck on whoever was holding you, but we all rolled with it and loved you none-the-less. (I just did a LOT of laundry back then... some things don't change however).

Over the years, your climbing and crazy wild ways earned you the nickname Monkey... and it has stuck. You don't even seem to mind it. I love that you go with the flow like that and just want to see everyone around you happy. Your sister is your hero, and you follow her around like she was born just to show you what life is all about (and she acts as if she was born to boss you around... sorry buddy). But your love for her is so pure and awesome, it's a treat to watch it blossom and grow as you get older.

This has been a big year for you. Your transition from five years old to six has brought a lot of new adventures. Riding a bike, reading, swimming (even diving and doing flips off the diving board) and a new ability to have self-control, even when you haven't had your ADHD meds on days we forget to take it. You make your mama so proud.

I was a little worried when the doctor said I was going to have a boy. I mean, I am the oldest of three girls. We don't have any boys in our family. What was I suppose to do with a BOY? The thought definitely intimidated me. Now you are turning six and I can't imagine my life without you. Someone said that there is nothing like a boy's love for his mama. Well I am living breathing proof it's true. No one has ever loved me the way that you and your sister do, and makes my life worth living everyday.

Right now you are embracing life and all the wonderful things it has to offer. You are excited about starting some sports soon and starting first grade in the fall. My favorite is watching the concentration on your face as you are building something or working on a craft. You are so intense and focused and then suddenly you are DONE and your face lights up as you look for me to share whatever it is you have created. My heart rejoices at that pure happiness on your face with you receive praise and accolade.

Nate, you have such a sweet and accepting spirit. You love your family and friends and go out of your way to make them smile and laugh. Don't ever lose that. But also remember that your happiness is important too. Continue to be my adventurous monkey. I will always be here ready with a smile and encouragement.

I love you my little man. My monkey. My Nate.
Happy Birthday!

Love you bunches,
Mommy

Nate's Kindergarten Grad, a late mother's day gift and my sweet nephew

It was a good couple of weeks around here.

Nate graduated from kindergarten, my sister and her little boy came for a visit and I finally got my custom made necklace from the vintage pearl. For yays. Fun!

This is Nate with Melody... his crush he's had all year.



Problem is, his best buddy Joseph ALSO has a crush on her. Ha. Kindergarten love triangle at it's finest.



Ms. Harbster is a first year teacher, and just super adorable. We loved her so much. She was so patient with Nate and helped him overcome ADHD challenges and go from barely recognizing half of his letters at the beginning of the year, to full on reading and writing by the end. So proud of him and just LOVED her!



This is the "lip"... his new maveauver to get me to do his bidding. Here he was wanting me to go sit on the floor next to him.



Walking across "the stage" ha



I love this little guy



So proud



Nate & Mommy (TERRIBLE pic of me BTW)



with some of his classmates





Again with the lip:



And now for my sweet nephew Chase eating mash taters at my mom's house. Garsh I lurv him soooo much!

Last night's convo with Nate ---->

Nate: Mommy, can you live if you cut your foot off?

Me: Um, yeah, why?
Nate: What about your arm or your leg?
Me: Yep, there are people who are alive with NO arms OR legs.
Nate : But you can't live without your head right?
Me: Nope, I think you would probably have to go live with Jesus if you lost your head.
Nate: Yeah, cause how would you eat?