*Una Familia Encantadora* Albuquerque, NM Family Photographer*

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.

~Desmond Tutu~

I always love meeting back up with people that you haven't seen in many years. I enjoy seeing where life has led them, and who they have married. I like catching up, talking about the past, and hearing of plans for their future. But the one thing I love the most about this type of interaction is meeting their children. I like to observe them and discover characteristics and mannerisms that remind me of who their parent was years ago. This family I felt especially honored to shoot. I was able to reconnect with an old friend, meet her parents, seeing a glimpse of where she had come from, and also be introduced to her husband and his mother who had traveled from Mexico. Having all of these beautiful souls in front of my lens reinforced the belief that family is life's greatest blessing... it overcomes all language barriers, distance, and time, while encompassing all those involved in an envelope of unconditional love. Gracias Harris and La familia de Martinez, mucho amor y paz siempre.

*A Lovely Afternoon* Albuquerque, NM Family Photographer*

Family is the center of life's meaning.

~Unknown~

Now, that the first, real snowfall has encompassed us, and is still melting on our driveway, I look back to this beautiful, autumn afternoon a couple of weeks ago, and embrace the mild and crisp weather that the season brought. I always love to shoot families. I love to watch their relationships unfold in front of my lens, and I enjoy the dynamics that make them a family. Shooting this family, in particular, made my heart light. While their playfulness and laughter echoed in the air, it made me happy to know that in a little way, I was a part of their dynamic as well. It made me happy to reflect on memories past, and to see a familiarity in the children that reminded me of my youth. Most importantly, it made me appreciate the certainty of family, and to cherish the closeness that my cousin's family and mine still have as adults. Love you, Cuz (& family!)

*Fall Frolic*Albuquerque, NM Children's Photographer*

Leaves in the autumn came tumbling down, Scarlet and yellow, russet and brown, Leaves in the garden were swept in a heap, Trees were undressing ready for sleep.

~Unknown~

I met this beautiful, little girly this past weekend at the photo session her mom won from my facebook/blog contest! Congrats again, N! We had a great time playing in the leaves and talking about five year old life. What a beautiful time of year for sure....take some time to enjoy these crisp, cool days, and the beauty of fall's canvas. Blessings!

*Sweet little Jelly Bean* Albuquerque, NM Baby Photographer*

Life is a wondrous gift tied with ribbons of laughter, love, and joy.

~Flavia~

When this little Jelly Bean's mom contacted me to shoot her first pictures I was so excited. But, when she told me that they would be her first Christmas pictures, I knew exactly what I wanted to do, and got even more thrilled! What could be better....babies and holidays, two of my favorite things! Blessings!

*Fall Fun*Algodones, NM* Children's Photographer*

While we try to teach our children all about life,

Our children teach us what life is all about.

~Angela Schwindt~

It's so easy to forget how fun it is to play kitties, roll in the leaves, make monster faces, go on rock hunts, climb on tractors, and be a cowboy all in an hour's time! I had so much fun playing and imagining with each of these adorable kids, that I really have to thank them for helping me feel like a child again on this beautiful, fall afternoon.

*Sweet as Sugar* Sneak Peek* Phoenix Children travel Photographer*

"A sister is our first roommate, our first playmate, and our first best friend."

~Author Unknown~

Could these two sisters be any sweeter? Recently, I went to Phoenix for a U2 concert, and was lucky to be able to shoot these adorable, curly haired, cuties as well. We had so much fun playing in fountains, with bubbles, yelling at the top of our lungs, singing songs, sharing lots of giggles, and exploring the resort I was staying at. Sweet kiddos like these two, fill my heart with such happiness, and bring abundant joy to my work. Thanks M family, for sharing your girls with me, and for introducing me to some new, little friends. Blessings!

*A Bright Little Light*Albuquerque,NM Baby Photographer*

Little girls dance their way into your heart, whirling on the tips of angel wings, scattering gold dust & kisses in our paths.

~Unknown~

I love this little sweet one...she just has such a light about her. She was a gift to shoot, and so peaceful. One of the biggest things about my work that I love is meeting new people, and I am especially grateful I was able to meet this little soul.

*Magic Moments* Albuquerque, NM Baby Photographer*

Ultimately, magic finds you, if you let it.

~Tony Wheeler~

This shoot was filled with lots of smiles, running, bubbles, and fun. While this little, sweet pea, who was about 18 months old, and her 3 year old sister, simply played in front of my camera, they allowed me to see a glimpse of their bright spirits for the few hours I was with them. As I observe and capture other peoples children, I always feel so incredibly blessed that I am able to simply be in their presence, able to see what the future holds, and grateful that these little beings become my friends, even if it is just for some brief magical moments in their lives.

*Silly Fun...P Family Sneak Peek*Albuquerque,NM Children Photographer*

My very favorite sessions are those where we simply play and have silly fun...thanks for giving me just that *P* Family!

*Little Monkey*Albuquerque,NM Children Photographer*

This little peanut was full of it! Energy, smiles, the sillies, and most importantly love. We did this shoot at one of her most favorite places...the park, where she could slide, run, sing and show of her monkey skills. What a daring girly, who is not even 2 yet! Shine on, little one...and just like they say in your favorite movie, Elmo in Grouchland..."it's all about your point of view." More to come!

*a new favorite*Albuquerque, NM Newborn Photographer*

*More of Baby T*Albuquerque, NM Newborn Photographer*

What a sweetie this little one is! Such a joy for me to capture a new little soul, and for the parents, some of the first images and moments of their new baby's life.

*Sneak Peek...Sweet Baby T*Albuquerque, NM Newborn Photographer*

"Babies are bits of stardust, blown from the hand of God."

-Barretto-

*Sweet Slumber*Albuquerque, NM Newborn Photographer*

Whenever I see a newborn sleeping, I always envy them. You can move them around, watch them intently, and have a quiet conversation without even startling them. Being a mom of three, I really don't remember what it was like to get some good, and I mean really good, sleep. For now, I can only imagine that deep, peaceful slumber. I know that someday, when my babies leave home, that I will again get good rest. But for now, I will watch babies slumber...wondering what they are sweetly dreaming and what they will soon grow to be.

*Happy Mother's Day to all the Mommies!*Albuquerque, NM Newborn Photographer*

A favorite quote of mine for the day.....

The decision to have a child is to accept that your heart will forever walk about outside your body.

~Katherine Hadley~

To all the Mommy's out there...today is your day. Your day to play. Your day to relax. Your day to take in the beauty of your children. Thank you for who you are. You are strong, beautiful, caring, giving, and self-sacrificing. For all you do, for all you give, for how much you love. Thank you & God bless.

*Hoppy Easter!*Albuquerque, NM Baby Photographer*

Wishing you and yours a very blessed Easter!

*Cousins*Albuquerque, NM Children Photographer*

Cousins are like siblings in many ways. They fight, laugh, compromise, talk, play, and love like siblings, yet, there is one difference...they don't have to share a room. Cousins can be your best friend one minute, and rival the next. However, despite it all..cousins are fun. On this day, these cousins were getting along. Best buddies ready to take a picture with each other, and for me, a memory that I will hold forever in time.

Miss *J*Albuquerque, NM Children Photographer*

There is just something about a little girl with freckles that makes you want to pinch their sweet cheeks. Lucky for me, this one just happens to be one of mine!