Janace {Lifestyle Session}

It's Monday! Summer is in full swing and it's definitely a great time for fun! Part II of Janace's session was right along those lines- F-U-N! To build on our plan for her Lifestyle Session we decided why not incorporate her love of cooking...and what goes better with creating in the kitchen than a fresh bottle of wine? Yep- it was an easy win, win for everyone :)

Janace was definitely in her element in the kitchen- she was so energized, relaxed and to be honest the energy was so contagious that I thought either one of us may just break out into a happy dance at any moment. So. Much. Fun!!!
 

We followed up the lunch break with just a few more headshots in her gorgeous dining room- agh, so elegant and welcoming. I selected a spot right in front of this breathtaking huge landscape painting. Combining Janace with her cute poneytail, signature classic ribbon, soft natural light and... viola- Just perfect! Here's a couple of my favorites :)
 

Janace, thank you so very much for sharing your world with me and allowing be to capture all the beauty you have as well as all that surrounds you- your home is absolute amazing in every way. What a wonderful creative talent and heart you have! I soooo enjoyed our time together!  xoxo :)

Janace {Sneek Peek Part I}

I am so over the moon with this session!!! The morning Janace and I spent together felt like such a welcomed girls day- coffee, relaxing on the back porch, strolling through the garden, popping open a bottle of wine, preparing lunch and of course lots of girl talk :)

It was the kind of morning that we all really need to have more often. Just taking time to really catch up and connect. Simple. Relaxing. Fun!

Here's a few of my favorites so far that have come through the digital dark room- so, so in LOVE with the black and whites!

Though of course it was a beautiful day with lots of lovely light and bright colors, there is just something so timeless and classic about a stunning black and white image- and that pretty much sums up everything about Janace- stunning!

WOW, Janace you are just so darn beautiful inside and out!!!


....and I promise more fun to come soon, enjoy the weekend!
xoxo :)

One In a Million!

I am sure you have heard of it- it's one of the leading household products that "live in the basements, garages and under the sinks of America and around the world". It has over 2,000 documented uses and counting...

But, perhaps what you did not know is what an unbelievably value centered and family-oriented company that it is. Not to mention it's made up of some of the most genuinely thoughtful employees on the face of this earth! Our personal connection with WD-40 began when Hudson (our oldest) was just a newborn. It's staggering to see where this past nearly eight years has brought us! From day one we were welcomed with open arms and Adam was taken under the wing of so many great mentors.

After two children, moving out of state,  the life changing discovery of Adam's brain tumor and subsequent surgery, they are family to us! Through everything we have been through these past couple of years I can not even imagine how different it could have been without the love and support of our WD-40 family!

Over the years, Adam has enjoyed working on so many great campaigns with WD-40, especially the ones that are extremely close to his heart like the military tributes and limited edition cans. His Dad served in the US Navy and that means so very much to Adam and our family. But, little did we know that a very special group of angels were working on a campaign of their very own just for Adam!

Many of you have been with us every step of the way and lifted us up in prayers, sent cards,  encouraging words and so much more. All through Adam's diagnosis, research, surgery and recovery we have tried our best to keep everyone updated on his progress- which is still going amazingly well, by the way :)

The latest development in his physical therapy opened a door to discovering a very unique device that could completely change Adam's daily life and awaken nerves in his arm, wrist and hand that he hasn't been able to get complete communication with for nearly a year and a half of therapy. Immediately we began praying, researching further and communicating with the company (Bioness) and our insurance. The track record of the device was mind blowing (and so was the $7,000+ price tag). But, soon it became all Adam talked about.  We all thought "YES!!! Finally, a light at the end of the tunnel!!!!

But, unfortunately, there were road blocks with the insurance- it's such a new technology that it is still considered "experimental" and as such, our insurance doesn't cover it, not even partially- Now, believe me we are certainly pushing back with letters from Adam's doctors, therapists, etc. but had also ultimately came to a decision that no matter what we would get him that device, regardless on whether the insurance covered some or not a single penny of the expense. He is worth it and so much more!

At that, we both began praying about our finances- cutting out where we could, saving here and there, I print coupons like crazy and started earmarking any photography sessions and orders that came in specifically for Adam's new arm device. God is unbelievably faithful and we started making progress towards our goals. Adam, always the negotiator began negotiating terms and a purchase price for a used (refurbished) Bioness unit while we were also pushing every available option for an exception for at least partial coverage with insurance. We were covering every angle.

And then, out of the blue we receive a card in the mail from a group of Adam's co-workers at WD-40, who had taken up a collection for him to be able to purchase the Bioness unit- and not just a re-furbished one, but a brand spanking new unit all to his own!!!! And they didn't stop there- they even did their own negotiating with Bioness and got them down another $700 on the price of a new unit.

When Adam told me, I was speechless, stunned and completely humbled to see such pure generosity!!! I cried. I still sit quietly and try to wrap my mind around it, knowing that Adam will have more use of his left hand soon. I can't wait to see him doing more of the things he loves again in more of a comfortable routine- cooking, playing ball with the kids, golf...basketball, and maybe even one day soon running again!

I am still in awe of how God can work so delicately and perfectly when we just completely surrender to His will. I am so unbelievably thankful for such a precious company like WD-40 and even more so for the friends there who love us like family. I could never ever express in words just how much this wonderful blessing means to our family- and to Adam.

Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU from the very bottom of my heart. We love you all so very, very much!!! You are all one in a million and are such an example of true compassion, generosity and love! To everyone in California and beyond who contributed in each and every way- big and small. Please know that there is a family in Georgia whose lives you have completely changed forever and are soooooooooooo thankful for you!!!! WD-40 has ultimately added a few more uses to their list of unlimited uses- inspiring hope, loving like family and paying it forward.

xoxo,
The Browns

...and, I thought this verse was absolutely perfect on the heels of this wonderful blessing- thank you for lifting us up!!!

Something Special about 12-12-12

Today's date is all the rage today...12-12-12 In itself it is pretty special- it does only happen once in a millennia you know. But, there's another reason it's VERY special- one that will always be with us and worth celebrating year after year.

One year ago today I sat in a family waiting area at Duke University Hospital in Durham, as Adam was undergoing brain surgery. Clutching onto my extremely worn collection of bible verses to pray as we waited. Surrounded by family and friends that could be there with us- and definitely feeling the thoughts and prayers of many who could not, I felt at peace and knew God was in control. And to be completely honest that in itself was a miracle. I had been so full of fear, doubt and worry every since Adam made the decision to go ahead with surgery. I can not put into words what it really feels like to have God lift that burden off your shoulders- I am still in awe!

The surgery overall was much more successful than the doctors had anticipated- they removed a significant amount more of the tumor than they thought would be possible. But, that came at a cost. Adam woke without the use of his left side and from what was to originally be two days of recovery in the hospital turned into well over 10 days followed by another month + of inpatient rehabilitation therapy. We celebrated Christmas last year in the small family apartment at North Georgia Medical Center- though it was phenomenal and every bit as special for us all to be together, it was not home.

This year we are home for Christmas and the joy in my heart is overwhelming. In this past year Adam has grown stronger in every sense of the word. He came home in a wheelchair with very limited movement in his left arm, hand and fingers...and with very little strength in his legs. His left leg could barely stand for more than 5 minutes without shaking from exertion. Nearly one month to the day- Adam had his wheelchair waiting on the front porch for the rental company to pick back up.

It's that spirit of determination that he has carried every day since and his physical strength has made steady progress. He can now walk with an almost unnoticeable limp, chase the kids (thought it's not a pretty site- ha!), wrap his arms around me for a hug and every now and then dance with me when no one is watching (but, you can't tell him I told you that). He even recently beat my little sister in an arm wrestling contest! He consistently impresses his therapists with his progress and loves to show off his new tricks. I have no doubt that he will only continue to gain more control and mobility.

And even if he doesn't that's ok. Our marriage and friendship is stronger because of this and we are still in awe of the rally of support our family received from family, friends, loved ones and perfect strangers throughout this past year.  Our faith is stronger than ever and we feel so grateful to have experienced this with knowing God was and IS carrying us through- we welcome the opportunity to share what God is doing in our lives and live with a much clearer vision of the bigger picture and of what life is truly all about. Clearly, God has a plan for him no matter what (and we are just along for the journey).

We are sooooooo very happy and thankful for our love, family, health, innumerable blessings and to be able to celebrate a year of successful recovery- and especially to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus at home this year!

Thank you all for your prayers for our family over this past year, you really made a difference with each word lifted up! And thank you also to those who continue to pray for us and Adam's continued recovery- it is truly amazing to see how very far he has come!

xoxo :)

Below is our year in review via Instagram (this I have to thank my good friend Lan Bui who encouraged me to document this time for Adam- no matter how much I did not want to). He was definitely right, how awesome it is to look back and see how far he has come! Thanks Lan ;)

Oregon: Part 1

It's so easy to get caught up in our everyday routines, jobs, to-do lists and overall demands, stress and responsibility of life- what's not easy is taking the time to really step away, relax, recharge and refresh...fourtunatly for me I found a way to squeeze in a little of that a couple weeks ago when I had the wonderful pleasure of attending a Christian Photographer's Retreat for Women-
Be Thou My Vision in Bend, Oregon (ahhhhh)...

Traveling to the West Coast is always a little tricky from Florida because of the time difference, so I had a very creative travel itenary. I chose to fly into Portland and drive the nearly 3 hours to Bend...hold on, I am not crazy- let me explain :)I would have had a 3 hr. layover in Portland just to catch a 45 minute flight to Bend (the 3rd flight of the day) ...AND I also saved nearly $200 on the tickets- so I figured it I was renting a car anyway so I might as well get to see some of Oregon while I was there! The savings just about paid for the rental car. The bonus: I did not loose any time because I would have just been stuck sitting in the airport for that same 3 hours... it was a win-win- win! (not to mention one of the most beautiful drives EVER!!!)

The retreat was lead by Jane Johnson and was really just an idea that blossomed into reality. I was part of 14 women who came from all over the to accomplish the same thing...relax and refocus on what is really important in life- Keeping God first, being assured that He has a plan for us and trusting His will for our lives.

We all arrived on Sunday, checked in to the lodge and met up for an evening reception and to get to know each other. Jane had made gift bags for us with a journal, gift from Big Folio and chocolates- yum!

After dinner we informally sat in a circle and shared our testimonies and our history in photography- right away I knew we were all meant to be there and it would be such an enriching experience!Every morning after breakfast we had our quiet time and then would meet back for the morning session together. Early on in the week Heather and I discovered this great little area by the pond that (besides the bugs was) so peaceful- she had a nice spot further down by the water and I really liked this big rock. I had a great view, could hear all the sounds of nature and for the most part the mosquitos stayed away (though they would coordinate some attacks every now and then-ha!)

The morning sessions were just awesome, emotional and so simple in the ways we shared with each other what was on our hearts. We encouraged each other with our own expereinces and by sharing verses that helped us in every kind of situation.

In the afternoons after the morning sessions we had tons of free time to explore Bend...Browse, Shop and have lunch together :) The first day we had lunch at Typhoon ( a Thai bistro) and the second day we went for Mexican...yummmmy!!!
As always the time flew by and the retreat was coming to an end as the last of our 4 days together was quickly approaching! Ohhh, how much fun we had as we all grew closer together and to God! What a great group of ladies and I am so blessed to have 13 new and wonderful friends- love you girls!!!Our Awesome Group...Back Row: Beth, Erin, Krista, Memoree, Jasmine, Janine, Alicia Front Row: Jackie, Mery, Jane, Me :), Scarlett, Kylie and Heather

More to come about the workshop and also tons of pictures of my scenic drive back to Portland!

Angels Among Us

Today I just wanted to take the time to share a little bit about how sometimes I can feel a little discouraged, overwhelmed and just plain stressed...I am without a doubt a person who sees the world through rose colored glasses, but even on occasion can get a little bummed out. Though it usually does not last too long- needless to say it still happens.

Thank God He sends people along to intercept our path who help to get us back on our way. For example, this past Sunday we visited First Baptist Church Downtown because we are considering the Academy for Hudson to start Pre-K3...and wow- it's HUGE!

It was a little weird pulling into a parking garage that was about a city block wide and very intimidating walking in what felt like a college campus- against the flow of the crowd at that because we had to maneuver through to take the kids to their classes while we were in church. Well, God was definitely looking out for us. A very nice lady escorted us upstairs and showed us to the pre-school area where another wonderful lady walked us to both Hudson's and Noah's classes. After they were taken care of we headed back to the main auditorium for the service. As we started down the hall there sat a mother with a newborn baby boy. As if that was not enough to melt away the confusion and frustration of the morning, it was an old friend of ours from high school who invited us to sit with their family for the service!

That's when we knew we were definitely in the right place and that everything would be ok. Suddenly, the huge unfamiliar building didn't seem so intimidating and large anymore- it was welcoming and full of love! The service was great, full of positive energy and filled with people who have big hearts for God! I am so thankful for our little angel that day- thank you so much, Ashley! We are taking a tour of the Academy this week and are very excited about that!

...and now today has been kind of a blah day- not quite everthing is going my way but in little ways people who do not even realize what they have done are brightening up my day- so I just wanted to share and say thank you! All of us go through those days, weeks and sometimes longer periods of time that just seem like everything is against us- but there are little reminders that life is a journey that sometimes takes curves, adds bumps, an occasional redlight, flat tires and even those pesky speeding tickets- but it is our choice what song we are playing on the radio...

I know- it's not a litteral analogy for life, but we can choose for our song to be one that is positive, uplifting, encouraging and one that focuses on expereince, lessons learned, wisdom gained and over all being a stronger person. That is the song I choose to sing and hopefully someone will think it's a lovely tune and hum along :)

God Bless and hope you all have a wonderful week!

...and because a post is better with a picture- here are some that always makes me smile...