EMS

I was reminded today that the work we do, volunteer or paid, is a difficult job. I have been a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician for 12.5 years. I have seen quite a lot. Most of the time it is a drunk college student, grandma fell down, or a minor fender bender. On occasion we are apart of someone's first day, someone's worst day, or someone's last day. Some times it is all three. Today one of my best friends was part of someone's worst and last day. I know that the images that she saw today may be etched in her mind forever. I pray that as time goes on they will fade. She has enough bad images already etched that I fear too many more will be too much to handle. We do this job, obviously not for the money, but because we love what we do. Hug your family member today because life can change so quickly. Thank your medics, fire, and police because they do this job for you.

Moving on... Sort of

When this blog was started, I was in a completely different place. This blog was centered on my online Scrapbook Store. Now, that store is no more and I have began my adventure into the world of photography. Scrapping has helped me to realize my true passion. The past 3 years I have focused more on my photography. While I didn't start photography to make it into a business, it kind of took root and grew on its own. So, I have decided to change this blog. The blog will continue under a new address... http://toyaearleyphotography.blogspot.com/ Feel free to visit me there.

G Family

I had the honor of spending time with this amazing family. They have 5 terrific boys and 1 sweet little princess. It was so much fun following this group around. I was amazed at how full of smiles everyone was including the littlest one. Here are a few.

Mini shoot with Baby D and Dad

You will remember Baby D a few weeks ago. He was super sweet. Well, he decided to come back and bring his daddy for a few more shots. Here is a small view of our time together.

 

He even brought mom along for a family shot!

Baby Ben

I was happy to see some old friends back in town. The best part is they brought this little guy with them. Meet baby Ben. We had a mini session. He was such a good boy but he had no interest in going to sleep.

The newest edition

Our family has long awaited the newest edition. Meet my new niece baby M. We spent the weekend with her. I was in photography heaven. She was the perfect model. I'm sure this poor little girl thinks my face is a Canon camera. Here are a few sneak peeks of the little miracle. I'm so proud of her, here is the flickr slide show.

Summer Time

This weekend has been quite busy. The kids have kept us moving. I haven't taken as many pictures because I tried to join in on some of the fun. Here are a couple of pictures I was able to catch. Happy 4th of July!!!!

Mama's Boys

This morning I hung out with my friend to get some shots of her boys. It was so much fun. I so love these little guys. Here are a few shots of our fun time.

Sweet baby boy

I had the pleasure of spending time with this little angel and his awesome mommy. Her birth story cracked me up. All I can say is "drugs are your friend"! Here are a few shots of sweet baby D.

My girl

I have three children who I am legally responsible for but I happen to have several more "adult children" who have joined my family over the years. I have learned that family is more than blood or adoption paperwork. Family is who ever you choose to be. On Saturday I had the honor of helping one of those adult children get in her wedding dress so she can marry her marine. If Saturday is a glimpse into what it will be like to dress Taylor or Jasmine for their big day, I'm done for. Kellie was so incredibly beautiful. Every time I saw her smile or laugh, my heart just melted. My girl was happy because on Saturday she married the marine of her dreams. I worked quietly behind the scenes to make her day perfect. I worked quietly because I didn't want to cry my eyes out.  The highlight of that day was when she turned to me and told me how she felt about our relationship. I couldn't love her more if she were my birth child. My girl was getting married and going back to California. My girl married her Marine and the tears I am crying right now are tears of joy.

Playing catch up

This has been such a busy couple of weeks. Between shoots I have been taking care of my poor broken child (sprained ankle with lots of drama), my mom had surgery, and substitute teaching. Yep, I'm tired. I shot two seniors and a little dancer.

My first of the three is Ms Keely. She was so much fun. She is so beautiful, I was hard pressed to find a shot I didn't like. She will be an awesome teacher one day.

My second is Ms D. I have photographed her before. I have known this sweetheart since she was born. I was cracking up the entire session. Ms D is hilarious. She is a dancer and was simply beautiful in each outfit.

 

Last but certainly not least is Ms Karmen. We talked so much that the time just flew by. I hope she gets back into photography. She loves nature. She gave me a hard time about not liking "nature" photography. I have a feeling she has a great eye for it. We laughed quite a lot.

Beautiful Graduate

Wow, I didn't realize how long it has been since I've been able to blog. Last week I got the opportunity to photograph a soon to be graduate from Virginia Tech. Meet Kiera! She will get her Masters in Biological Systems Engineering in a couple of weeks. I'm so proud of her. Not only is she beautiful but intelligent too. Here are a few shots of Kiera.

Baby K

Today was fun because I spent the day with baby K. She is simply a doll baby. She didn't seem to mind the tutu at all. In fact, I think she liked it.

I love toddlers when they are not mine. But THIS toddler...

 I want to steal this one. Judah is simply a doll. He came over for a second shoot and was the first to play with my new fire truck. I think he liked it. His smile just steals your heart. He is great for impromptu hugs.

Camera Necklace

For my birthday I hinted around to everyone what to get me. I wanted the Pamela Topping Camera Love Necklace. Some how my husband missed all of the obvious signs and bought the wrong one. Needless to say I smiled sweetly and said thank you because his heart was in the right place. I did get the right one the following week. Well, now Pamela Topping is giving one away. I want the pink one pretty bad. So, here is a link to her site so you can get in on the give away. The only thing you have to do if you win is give it directly to me. ; )

Hanging out with Henry

I was fortunate to spend more time with Henry today. He is so stinking cute. Here are a few more shots of cuddly baby Henry. He almost makes me want another baby, almost...