The prize

This is Lily.  Not the newest addition to the Hernandez clan, but certainly one of the most beautiful additions in recent time.  This picture is from Thanksgiving.  I am posting it now because it reminds of something important during the hectic holiday season.  

Keep my eyes on the prize.

This is an over simplified way of saying that it is all about Christ.  About the gift of eternal life given to us by God.  I'm certainly not a poet and can't quote scripture quickly (or even accurately),  but you get the drift.  My wish for all of you this season is that you do not get 

distracted by Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel (this is tough), stamps and cards, holiday madness and rushing about- but that you remember to keep your eyes on the prize.

And if not, this will just be a good reminder for me.  

My best wishes to all!!

Put on your party dress!!

                         It's time to play!!  At least that was the mood yesterday.  

These girls are just adorable. It was a privilege to hang out with them  and "play" for a little while.  I was thrilled to see Maura up and running around.  You'd never know she just spent weeks in the hospital recovering from a serious infection.

She did a great job as a big sister reining in Megan long enough for us to get some very nice pictures.  She seems to love the camera and is an excellent model.  She does like to "work it" a bit.  Here are a few...






And Megan really just wanted to play.  I was lucky to get some nice pictures of her.  This was my view half of the time.  She is quick and loved running in circles.  I could hardly blame her.

It looked like fun.

Another great pose...



Giving Mom some love...

Simply beautiful.

And with this face, we knew we were just about done.

Thanks ladies for a great time.  I think you'll love your pictures.  I do.  And a big thanks to 

Sandra for hiring me for this shoot.  You're a wonderful friend.  This was such a good idea!!

If you are checking the blog and need some Christmas pictures or know someone that does, 

send me an email or give me a call.  I have only a  little bit of time free before Christmas.

 

Gearing up for Christmas!

So after a few days/nights of unsteady, poor lighting, "can't get the shot I want" photography...I am ready to stop being so hard on myself.  Man.  I am my own worst enemy sometimes.  

Anyway,  on to a better subject and some faces that ALWAYS make me smile. Two of the best little neighbors that anyone could ask for--Chance and Ashlynn. They came out last night to get some last minute Christmas shots.  I changed it up a little bit for this post because I'm in the mood for black and white. It seems to fit their classic style.   What do you think?

Happy Birthday lil' K!

Twenty-two.  Wow!!  Where does the time go?

Kendall is my favorite niece and today is her birthday!!  

We spent a magical, fun-filled weekend at Disneyland and the Grand Californian Hotel.

Thanks to Danielle, Kendall, Kim, and Dani for such wonderful memories.

It was truly a KICK WISE HARD BIG birthday!! (he he)

PS We miss you Brandon.  Good job with the surprise.  

What girl doesn't love a little one of these....

and I mean the letter.  :)

Still waiting to see what's in the box!

Thanksgiving

Each year for the past three years, our family ( and it's a big one) has adopted Marines for Thanksgiving from Camp Pendleton
Marine Base. We always look forward to who we will meet each year. It's a wonderful tradition. I am so grateful for their service to the country...and grateful for the opportunity to tell them in person. A special thanks to Danielle and the Leopold's for hosting this year's Thanksgiving. Everything was beautiful!!





More pictures of this grand event to follow...I'm off to work.
Have a wonderful Friday!

As promised...

The city of bridges became peaceful and more beautiful at night. During the day, it was full of black and gold fans. This city is all about the Steelers. I don't think I saw anyone on game day that wasn't wearing something black or gold. Witnessing that many people coming together for the love of a team, for the love of the game...well, let's just say it's an awesome sight.








The Steeler's most passionate fan...

PITTSBURGH!!

The Steelers win! Just back from a fabulous trip to Pittsburgh. This was my second trip there, and I love the city more each time we go. Special thanks to the Brennans for hosting a great pre-game warm up at the Renaissance Hotel the night before the game. Everything about this trip was perfect. The Steelers win was certainly the icing on the cake.
More pictures to follow...

Game Day!

Did you update your blog?

No. I haven't . I will.




Ok Ok....it's pretty easy to get behind here. So, the photos I post today will be what I have been up to this week. Days can get so busy. So many events have passed. Forty plus hours of work, a really fun charity golf tournament , Halloween, and sadly, a co-worker and friend of mine has died. When something as tragic and unexpected as that happens, it's necessary to just have a day or more to exhale and reflect. You need that sometimes. At least, I do. I had a chance to do that today. I'm very grateful for so many things in my life-for the kind, caring people I work with, for really wonderful neighbors, a great husband and family--I could go on... I'm really fortunate and blessed. Anyway, here are a few of my favorites from the week. Enjoy your weekend and celebrate your life!

Renee and Sam

Just last Saturday, I was in San Diego to take photos for a wonderful couple, Renee and Sam. Weather being what it was, we almost rescheduled for a different day. It just wasn't the "blue sky" day they had hoped for in their pictures. Luckily, we went ahead because in the days to follow the skies became filled with smoke and ash and lives have been changed forever. I was relieved to learn their neighborhood was spared. My heart and prayers go out to everyone who has been impacted by these fires.
Thank you Sam and Renee for a great time behind the lens. I think the day we chose turned out to be the perfect one.

Women for Women International

(photo provided by Women for Women International)


This is Marie Louise Mukangarambe. She lives in Rwanda. And I am her sponsor. I received her picture and application form yesterday. Every year, through Women For Women International, I sponsor one woman for one year through their program. They provide educational assistance, vocational training, education regarding civil rights, etc. It is a fabulous program and they concentrate their efforts in war torn countries, such as Rwanda and Iraq ( sadly, there is a long list of countries.) You can choose the country you want to participate in. I chose Africa because they have been so tortured and in desperate need of help for so long. Plus Jessica is there, so it has become nearer to my heart. The program does not cost very much and is easy to join. Also tax deductable-win win! I hope to be able to sponsor more women, but until then I'll help get the word out and maybe you'll join in. It's rewarding to know that I am helping to make a positive change in someone's life.
Because it's all about giving back-right?

Five star family

I had the pleasure of meeting my friend Suzee and her family down at Huntington Beach pier Thursday night. After weeks of adjusting schedules, we finally found the perfect day. Although, initially I don't think the guys were particularly thrilled to show up for Christmas pictures, they seemed to warm right up to the idea and we got some great shots. Here are a few of my favorites from the night.
Thanks to all of you. I had a great time.






















Aiden is such a little character. Really, I could just follow him with my camera all day long.