For the first time ever, I opened my home in TN for mini sessions. I wasn’t sure how it would go since I came up with the idea in the carpool line. I just texted my friends with littles and before I knew it, I had a full Saturday and Sunday. Here are a few of my favorites!
So Much To Be Thankful For…
I’ve been so busy with fall shoots that I’ve truly not taken the time to log into WordPress to do a recent blog post. I have had so many wonderful clients to work with (new and repeat faces) and I still have a handful of last minute shoots planned before the holidays arrive. It’s just a busy time.
However, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect.
I got to spend time with my 87 year old grandma yesterday. I remember so many Thanksgivings with her. I fondly remember the kids table and seeing cousins. Her mashed potatoes are still, to this day, the best I’ve ever had. The house was always too hot, everyone always ate too much and someone always fell asleep on the couch. She has Alzheimers now and wouldn’t remember those details, but hearing her laugh yesterday makes me feel like a kid again. She sang “Jesus Loves Me” with my 5 year old daughter and brought tears to my eyes. I’m so thankful for her.
My mom, who has been preparing for a feast since we arrived, is a machine. She’s been baking pies, cakes, and casseroles, as well as, hugging, napping, and playing world’s best Nana. The house is neat and clean, the smells are comforting and her voice is like a security blanket to my soul. Just being here, in my childhood home, is one of the best feelings ever. When my brother arrives tomorrow, all will be complete and Thanksgiving can really begin. My dad has a full beard and always gets the kids excited before bedtime, but, I love him for it. I’m so thankful for home and a great family.
I get to spend time with my Godson on Friday. He’s turning four. I will never forget being in the delivery room when he was born. I still rate it as one of the coolest events, besides the birth of my own children, that I’ve ever witnessed. I wish I saw him more. But, for now, I’ll be thankful for the time I do have with him.
My kids. Wow. One is, at the moment, typing on a laptop. The other is cuddled up on the world’s most comfy couch playing on the iPad. To their defense, and mine, it’s freezing cold and pouring rain outside. It’s been a lazy day for sure. But, they are so happy and growing so fast. Faster than I can believe or keep up with. it’s amazing and scary at the same time. Seems like yesterday they were wearing their “First Thanksgiving” bibs. I am beyond thankful that I was chosen to be their mom. it’s truly the BEST gift I’ve ever been blessed with.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you…near and far.
Fall Newsletter, 2013
I have the best of intentions. Truly. It’s mid-September and I’m gearing up for a BUSY couple of months, which in years past has left me scrambling and squeezing in last minute appointments and making sure everyone gets in. This year is no different. I’ve just spent (I won’t disclose how long) A LOT of time figuring out a new software that will let me create newsletters (hurrah!), but now I am having a hard time finding a place to print said newsletters in the correct size/format. SO, until that takes place, I wanted to share with you what I’ve created and what I’m trying to print! Upcoming NC dates will be shared on Facebook soon as well as here. I can’t wait to capture all the smiles and love again this fall and make sure you have plenty of holiday gifts and cards to send! I truly love what I do and I owe all of my wonderful clients a heartfelt THANK YOU~
Twelfth Year, Aubri, Class of 2014
I remember when she was tiny. I remember her running naked through the house quoting Madea. Now she’s beyond beautiful, both inside and out. She’s destined for greatness in whatever she decides to do. We had a great time exploring old buildings, grassy fields and her communities clubhouse. Here are just a few of my favorites.
First Day
My daughter, Class of 2026. Seems surreal on so many levels. I am beyond lucky that she’s so fiercely independent and ready for this new chapter. I question where the time has gone and yet I know it’s time. I am so happy for her and yet when she stepped onto the bus this morning, I felt like crumbling on the sidewalk. We had planned that I would take her to school and then stay for the “Tissues and tears” breakfast. However, when she woke up this morning full of eagerness and excitement to ride the bus, I didn’t want to tell her no. She’s ready.
So many conflicting emotions and fleeting moments. I want to hold her tight and encourage her to fly at the same time. I pray she’s safe. I pray she’s kind and helpful. I pray she’s surrounded by kind and helpful examples.
I’m so proud of this little girl. I know there are so many great things to come, but I don’t want to rush the journey.
2026, please come slowly.
Gorgeous doesn’t begin to describe this family. Loved reuniting with Amy. We went to Appalachian together many moons ago and it’s so great to see how wonderful she is doing now!
One of the best gifts you can give a photographer is a referral! Especially when they are as sweet and kind as this family. Loved meeting Hope and her best friend, Angel. Loved this family! Thank you McCue’s for the recommendation!
One of my FAVORITE families to photograph…can you blame me?
UTC Bound
Yesterday, the first true spring day of the year, I got to spend time with Alex and his awesome mom. Alex is a senior at Page High School and will be attending UT Chattanooga next year. His passion is football so we made sure we captured that in the photos.
Alex was such a gentleman and didn’t hesitate to do whatever was asked of him. I even heard him say, “whatever you want mom, ” when we asked for another pose. Made this mom hope for that one day with my little man.
I just got a text from Alex’s mom. Here’s one HUGE reason I love what I do:
“Beth, As I wipe my tears, I LOVE the photos. Girl, you have given us an awesome gift capturing our sweet boy as you did in each and every photo.”
The last 18 hours
I love being a mom. I do. More than anything really. There are days that you want to last forever and memories you want permanently tattooed in your memory bank. Then, there are days like yesterday that you’d be fine forgetting.
Yesterday started with an amazing fun-filled brunch. It was perfect. Laughter, kids playing, etc. A relaxing morning for sure. Things were perfect yesterday until bath time rolled around.
My little man decided it would be fun to climb up on the windowsill above our bathtub and jump in. According to his sister, who probably encouraged this, he was almost successful. Little man busted his nose on the side of the tub. Blood was EVERYWHERE and water was too. Once we got both of them calmed down, dressed, and fed, it was bedtime.
Bedtime always brings its own struggles. Last night was no different. Addison was up and down about 4 times. For no reason. So, when she appeared at my bedside at 12:30 complaining about her belly hurting, I was a little skeptical. At 1:15 when she was back, covered in the supper she’d eaten only hours before, I felt horrible. I had doubted her. (Tomato soup probably wasn’t the best supper choice either). Throwing up continued every 30 minutes for the rest of the night. Sawyer joined in the family gathering around 2:30, but went back to sleep. Then my husband’s alarm went off at 4:15. Needless to report, there has been very little sleep at our house.
I so wish we had family closer. Times like these I feel really alone. Thank goodness for our adopted family who came and took my little man to preschool today.
My precious little girl is feeling better, albeit exhausted, demanding and extra whiney. Today is for snuggling and loving and all the Disney movies this mom can handle.
Beth Tilley Green Photography 