Barely truckin'... | Hallelujah Tuesday

I wrote this blog post not even a year ago.  It is one of my most favorite moments with God. 
I will elaborate more, within the next couple of weeks, but I've felt compelled to repost this experience.  I've been waiting for the perfect opportunity... when God said, "Its time."  I dunno, maybe someone out there would benefit from reading..

So here I am. 
I hope you enjoy.

October 9, 2009. 

The past few days, my faith tank has been barelyyy truckin' on "E".  I feel beat down, and broke down, and to be quite honest, tired would be an understatement.  I'm emotionally drained...I feel as if my strength has literally been sucked right out of me.  Being able to find the strength to stand in the midst of our current circumstances, I feel, is nearly impossible...at least at this point.

Last night, I found myself lying in bed weeping... no, scratch that... I was balling my eyes like a big ol cry baby; so much I had to apply a cold compress on my ojos this morning to simmer the swelling down.  It has been about 4 months since I've cried to this rare extreme, yet I can't seem to recall the last time I was THIS angry with God. (and even more angry at myself BECAUSE I was angry with God)  I wanted to scream and shout, "WHYYY ME??? Haven't I been faithful enough?!?!"  I was hurt, and as stupid as this may sound, I felt abandoned by His love.  And, presumptuously speaking, I felt like he left me out in the cold butt naked with nothing but the hair on my head to keep me warm.

Never in my life have I felt so tried and so tested.  Yes, there have been some occasions which would qualify as runner's up, but none of which deserve the award of a 1st Place blue ribbon.  I say this mostly because just two months ago, I was simply high as a kite on God's love with no plans of coming back down.  My faith was oozing out me like that of sweet honey...sticky enough to get even OTHERS "stuck" on God's love and sweet enough to leave you wanting more. I was hearing, seeing, and experiencing HIM like NEVER before, and I was absolutely LOVING it.  I simply could not get enough!

It wasn't until 2 nights ago, I sat down and actually thought to myself, "God isn't only testing my faith, He is also trying to teach me a very valuable lesson in the process..."  I spent the ENTIRE day, yesterday, wracking my brain, trying to figure out what that lesson may be and why the heck I hadn't managed to catch on by now (after 2 full months), but nothing came to mind.  Why? Well, because I simply couldn't BE STILL...I couldn't separate His voice from my own, and ultimately I blocked Him out...I left Him out in the cold.

After sitting in silence with tears burning my puffy eyes and boogers and all running down my nose, it finally hit me.  His purpose is higher than the need for my relief...He has something MUCH greater planned. Something I can't even begin to comprehend.  Like my sweet aunt said to me yesterday, "God has a miracle with YOUR name on it."  And like my cousin said, I too believe my steps ARE most definitely in order...its just gonna take a few more steps to get to my destination...to reach my purpose; my purpose to glorify HIM.

To make a long story short, the transition of the weather from last night to this morning was, for me, more reassuring than ever...

Last night, out here in Cypress, we had a nastaayyyyy thunderstorm...The lighting cracked so ferociously, Jr and I sprang out of bed like pop-tarts out of a toaster!  The wind was spookishly howling, and boy did God seem prettyyy angryyy.  I'm not going to lie, I was straight up scurrrred and genuinely frightened.  I even brought Aislynn into bed with us, so I could snuggle away my pre-school fears. lol  For a second there, I thought I was dead center in some kind of horrific Hurricane Ike nightmare. phew.

When I woke this morning it was a different story...a different melody was playing.  One that was soft, inviting, full of warmth, and bursting with pure joy.  I hesitantly peeked through my bedroom blinds expecting to see my pretty garden decor violently dispersed on the back lawn, but instead the sun was beaming; shining ever so brightly in a beautiful bold blue sky, the wind was gracefully dancing upon the treetops, my ears were blessed with the birds' morning song, and low and behold my garden decor was safe and sound, standing proud in the grass which just a few hours ago was being tormented and battered by the heavy rain.  Immediately, I felt a sense of relief.  Like right there in that very instant all of my worries and fears were lifted and then softly placed in God's most gracious and merciful hands.

Though I couldn't physically see Him, I knew He was very present.  He was standing right there; His hand on my shoulder, gazing out onto the beautiful horizon; the horizon of a NEW DAY.

It was like I woke up this morning, and in my ear, God lovingly whispered, "This storm too shall pass..."

 

 

 

 

Rain, sunshine, and HUGE love!

XoXo

-Casey <3

The B Twins | DreamTree Photography

Oh. my. goodness.
These two girls.
Wow.


Twins are known in our family. While I was visiting preggersville, I prayed and prayed that God blessed me with only one child. At the time, I was at the tender age of 20, and I just couldn't imagine caring for 1 child, much less 2. I mean, at that age, it took me some time to wrap my head about the fact that my belly was growing, and no, it wasn't because I was eating too much.

After my sweet angel arrived, and then begging my hubby not to go back to work, I was exhausted to the zillionth power and then some. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect this.  I value my sleep like a bear hibernating, and for me to fully function off ohhh about 2 hours a night... no words can express.  There were nights I sat in bed and balled my eyes out right along side of Aislynn, while Jr of course slept through it all (He saws some serious logs, folks).

After a couple of months, finally getting out of the house, and doing some shopping here and there, I began to notice that some moms not only wear that super mom cape, but they fly...no, sore with it! Here I am with one child, while the mom on aisle 8 at Walmart has 5. Gah.

I've never actually dreamed of having 2 (or more) children at once.Until this past weekend. Wow. I was convinced otherwise.

So now, I wonder... what would life have been like with 2 children? Pft. Well double the everything of course! The love, the smiles, the kisses, the hugs, the joy... What a wonderful feeling to be a mother of 2+!
Next time the hubbs and I pack our bags and take another trip to preggersville, I'm curious to see how many hearts will beat in this oven.  (Jr would pass out if he read this! haha)


This 9mo old session simply melted my little ol' heart.
The joy I captured in these two beauties took my breath away.

Now, typically I'm not shutter happy. Generally, I carefully orchestrate my shots, and then fire.  But not with these 2. I dared not to put that camera down...not even for a second. (I actually filled up an entire SD card, which hardly ever happens)  They were all smiles the ENTIRE session. Think about it.  Houston's heat and humidity, along with those shanasty mosquitoes, plus you've only been on this planet for 9mo's. These 2 were troopers, and literally a dream to photograph!

Thank you Monique, for giving me this opportunity to capture Ava and Chole.
I will forever treasure this session! It was nothing short of perfect!


Enjoy!
(btw. I did NO enhancements on their eyes. They really are that beautiful)

Double the smiles, happiness, and LOVE!
XoXo
-Casey <3

Madame Amour Boudoir | Momma-ville Monday's

Not much momma-ville about this post, BUT I do encourage mom's to take the time to invest in themselves.  Treating ourselves is nice and yes, even selfless every once in a while.  I mean, think about it, if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.  So, yes, ladies, invest in yourself and get yo sexy on!

This past weekend, I had my very first boudoir marathon! I booked some fabulous models, and together, we made magic in a sweet little hotel room in the heart of downtown Houston!  Although, it got a little crazy at times, I think we managed quite nicely. =]


Here's a sneak peek from the session.
I will have more up in the next 2-3 weeks.


Thanks again, ladies, for being so awesome!



www.MadameAmourBoudoir.com will launch something this week.

AS WELL as, ©DREAMTREE PHOTOGRAPHY!!!

Busy week, ahead!

PLUS, I have 2 amazing shoots this weekend! One, way out in the country, and one with THE sweetest one year old!

So, without further delay... Enjoy!

[[Clients, please feel free to tag yourselves and use these images on your profile. Please keep all images un-cropped with all watermark and copyright information intact. Thank you!]]

Huge love!
XoXo
-Casey <3

The Valleys | Holy Rollin' Sunday's

 

 

 

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It's then I have to remember
That it's in the valleys I grow.
 
If I always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God's love
And would be living in vain.
 
I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it's in the valleys I grow.
 
I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan's loss.
 
Forgive me Lord, for complaining
When I'm feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it's in the valleys I grow.
 
Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.
 
Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But it's in the valleys I grow!

-- This poem was written by Jane Eggleston

 

 

[Photograph taken by the famous Ansel Adams, 

who literally lived and breathed mountains and valleys]]

 

Mount Williamson - the Sierra Nevada,
from Manzanar, California
1945



 

Valleys, Mountains, and HUGE HUGE LOVE, AND MANY MANY BLESSINGS!
XoXo
-Casey <3

Walking with a twist. | Fat Girl Slim Friday's

Let's be honest, here.
I've never enjoyed working out.
Never.

In fact, I hate it. (yes hate)

I hate to sweat.
I have a bad knee.
The girls bounce around a little too much.
My hair never seems to stay up and out of my face.
No matter how many knots I tie in my shoes, they always come undone.
I'm a fast paced kinda gal... If I'm doing any ONE thing for too long, I get bored.
Not to mention, I don't enjoy the squishing of my rolls together.(although this is somewhat motivation)



But, the clouds opened up, and God said...
Enough!

My remedy has finally come.

A remedy so true at which, I first, didn't believe.

A 5 mile walk in just about an hour's time.
Sayyyy whatt???

Yep!  5 miles in just about an hour.
Although, I'm crazy busy during the day, I can def work in a 3-5 mile walk everyday.
I have to.
I must.
PLUS, you don't even have to walk outside and endure the oven temperatures or battle with those pesky mosquitoes!!!

Exercising is important. Yeah yeah... I know.
But really, its taken me a long while to accept the fact that I MUST exercise every single day without fail. My body depends on it.  I depend on my body.  And my family depends on me.  Even if I simply do a mile a day, its a mile more than I would have done.

So, this past Tuesday, I began my walk, and I must say, its def something I will try my very hardest to continue! I encourage all those, "I hate exercising" peeps to join me!  Join me in walking at least a mile a day!  Trust me, you'll be glad you did, and that lovely beating heart of yours will surely thank you.

Wake up early.
Walk, which in turn gets that metabolism working.
And tadaaaaaa, you're on your way to healthy living!

Promise!

Its walking, yes, but with a twist.  Its a full power walk with all sorts of goodies weaved into it. Plus, you can up the intensity by simply putting a little pep into your step.  I wanna think of it kinda like Zumba, but maybe a notch below.  (speaking of... I wish the Zumba DVD's had "actual" songs on them... not "off brand" music. lol)

So here ya go, check it out!

Walk @ Home

[[btw. I don't use any of this other mumbo jumbo. 

At least not yet, I don't. However, I do incorporate the 3lb weights during the walk. 
And I am surely thinking about adding a weights workout once I drop below the 200 line. For now, cardio is my BFF.]]

  

Shot in Manual Mode:

F1.8 1/160 ISO180

 

Shot in Manual Mode: 

F1.8 1/160 ISO180

Shot in Manual  Mode:

F18.8 1/160 ISO500

Anddddd just a few of me working out! haha!

This is a real treat for ya, I know. lol

Walking. Watching DVD. Snapping the shutter. A great combo, I tell ya!

Btw. All images were taken with my celly.

Ps. Taking these pics was def more challenging than it looks.

btw. I did a total of 6 miles, today.
3 this morning.
3 after dinner.

So, whooooooo's walkin' with me???

Sweat, miles, and HUGE Love!

XoXo

-Casey. <3

The Art Box | Check It!

If you're like me, you love to keep anything and everything.  Borderline hoarding if you will.  But I keep anything and everything for very very good reason.

You see, when I was young, I had zillions and zillions of costume jewelry accessories.  Had them in all colors of the rainbow.  I also used to sport Buick-size hair bows.  I had dainty little ruffle socks, and even had bells attached to my frilly dresses.  I rocked the latest Burger King crown, and sassafras-ed with the latest Barbie's.

I remember all of this childhood goodness...  Some of it, my mother has cherished and stored in a box especially for me.  My sisters have their own box of childhood goodies as well. I've even started one for my hubby. (He'll thank me later, I'm sure of this.)

When I was a teenager, I had a teenybopper infatuation with childhood play things.  I enjoyed continuing my costume jewelry accessorizing, purchasing Barbie dolls, and buying cute hair bows.  Some of which I bought, never used, but instead, saved.


And for good reason...
These are now my daughter's play things, hair bows, and sassy accessories.  I had even saved a spoon and fork set that I had bought a few years back, before I had even met my husband.  These, my daughter now uses during mealtime.  It brings a smile to my heart.  I know that when she grows older, I will be able continue to be able share the childhood goodness with her, and she will do the same whenever she, herself, has kiddos.

Yes, all of this is materialistic, but I figure why not enjoy it as much as we can before we leave it behind?  Why not cherish these memories, and wonder what memories that beautiful porcelain doll had, or those squeaky clean patent leather shoes had?  While dreaming of such possible memories, the imagination soars.  Especially, when you have a photograph to give it some backbone.  I remember those squeaky clean patent leather shoes... in those shoes, on my 1st Birthday, I gave the kitchen tile floor a huge hug.  (clumsiness has always been in my blood)


Aislynn is a 3yr old artist.  I say artist, because I believe in my heart you don't have to hold the professional status to claim the status.  Artistry, is creativity authored by your heart and soul.  This, I see whenever Aislynn picks up a paint brush, marker, or a pair of scissors.  I thoroughly enjoy watching her imagination come to life on paper. Soon enough, unfortunately, it became where I had no room left to display her work.  Because her creativity continues to flow like Niagara Falls, I had to think of something, and on a trip to Ikea, I found my answer...

A box.
Yes, a simple box.


I can't wait to fill these up, and buy more!
Now, I can store her work, keep it dust free, and its all in one single place.  =]


Check them out, here!
They are fairly inexpensive, and for the price, they are pretty darn sturdy!   They have them in a variety of shapes and size as well as colors and styles, too.  (I, personally, got red floral ones to compliment the theme of our bedroom.)

Shot in Manual Mode:

F1.8 1/80  ISO 160

Shot in Manual Mode:

F1.8 1/80  ISO 160

Artistry, cute storage, and HUGE love!

XoXo

-Casey <3

When God Shows Up... | Aislynn's Corner

This past week, God has shown up quite a bit in my life... or really, I should say, I've paid closer attention. You see, its not always God's job to let it be physically known that He is with us.  Its our job, as His son or daughter to recognize His very presence, and without a special relationship with Him, its becomes difficult to do so. So, what are we to do?

As you read in yesterday's blog, life has been anything but.  Crazy, frantic, stressful... I can go on.  Its been tough, I won't lie.  I wear a smile as often as I can, because when it comes down to it all, I am truly thankful, but sometimes its hard to remember the thankfulness throughout life's up's and down's.  I have a roof over my head, and a family that loves me dearly, however, I feel like, I, personally have to come to a crossroad in my life, and right now, I'm kinda stuck... sitting like a duck in the middle of the freeway with crazy Houston drivers flying passed me.  Waiting, I guess... but for what??  An invitation from God to turn that frown upside down?  For Him to fully carry me to my next destination??  Yes, God is with us ALWAYS, however we must remember that without work and effort coming from our end, God can't use us to our full ability.  We're only half as good as we should be... as we're destined to be.  So what am I waiting for?

The answer is quite simple, ya know?

I need to try... harder.



So lately, I've been thinking that its time to reconnect with the Man upstairs. I've been missing Him, and I know He's been missing me. I hate when I do this to Him...

This past Friday, I took my sweet Aislynn to McDonald's to grub on a not-so-healthy cheeseburger and fries, and then afterward, I let her wear herself out in the PlayPlace.  Just that morning, I thought to myself, "Why haven't I been listening to my praise and worship as much as I used to?"  Instead, I've made CD's of my favorite club hits... the ones that make me wanna get up and shake my tush while burning some much needed calories.  But why, lately, hadn't I made a single CD of my favorite praise and worship music?  (This I am still working on, and is apart of my to-do list this week... I'll have a super list of songs ready for you guys by the end of the week. And no worries, I have awesome taste in music! =D )

Friday morning, instead of popping in my "workout jamz", I tuned in to the local Christian station here in Houston, 89.3 KSBJ.  Occasionally, switching back and forth to one of the popular Houston stations...

We arrived at McDonalds, ordered our food, and sat at a booth.  I looked up and found the news on... talking about how Obama doesn't or does represent his Christianity beliefs.  Okay, regardless of HIS beliefs, I thought to myself, "What about my own?  How am I to represent my faith, and not to others, but more so, to myself?  How do I continue to build this relationship with the Lord?" 

For me personally, music was the first true connection God and I first made.  It was while listening to praise and worship, when I became saved.  The lyrics to the song moved me, and ultimately led me to cry out to Him... I needed Him more than ever at that point in my life, and music reconnected me to His love.  I find that God talks to me countless times, over and over again, through music... I figure He knows this is the best and most efficient way to get my attention, and who am I to argue?


So anywhooo, back to McDonald's... As I tuned out the news, I looked up and saw the Praise and Worship leader from our church walk in the door. Are you kidding me?? Of all places and times?  Here and now, there he was.  Wow.  Okay...  That's pretty cool!

After eating, Aislynn and I ventured off into to the PlayPlace.  She ran to play, as I sat down and pulled out my book.  A book that's been in my purse since, I can't even remember how long.  Whenever, I'm out and about, and some quite time sneaks its way in, I sit and read this book.  I looked at the title, and read, "When God Shows Up."
"Wow," I thought, "never more true, than now."

I opened it, and get this...  the title of the chapter I last left off was titled, "When We Miss What God is Doing in Another Person. "  Ummm... Okay... goosebumps.   If that wasn't a super sign from God, then I have lots of e'splainin' to do.  How boldly God approached me that day.  How awesome.  And how amazing.

So there ya have it...
When I least expected it, God showed up. But since I was aware, and willing to make that effort, He not only showed up, but also showed out, not once, but a total of 3 times all within a 20 minute period.

Think back...
Perhaps God has spoken to you at a particular time or was present on a particular occasion.... Were you able to recognize Him?  If not then, then maybe, perhaps now?  The time in the grocery store, that moment at the stoplight, the walk to the mailbox.

Think back, and I bet you'll remember...

Shot in Manual Mode:

F1.8 1/250 ISO 160

Shot in Manual Mode:

F1.8 1/250 ISO 160

 

McDonald's, Music, and HUGE love!
XoXo
-Casey <3

To be continued... | Hallelujah Tuesday's

I feel too often I am beginning my blog with these very words, "Its been a while..."

I guess you could say life has been...well, life.  This past month has been everything I imagined it wouldn't have been. And this is my own fault. I set the bar too high.  Instead of doing exactly what I set out to do, I have managed and accomplished the exact opposite.  I've let my self down.  I guess this is normal, but it's taken me the entire month to realize this.  That falling is okay. Scraping your knee happens. And blood is real. This is LIFE.  Without the bumps in the road, and the Jeff Gordon turns, what fun would life really be? Right?  ::nods head::

God spoke to me,the other day.  As He does everyday, but lately, I've sadly been ignoring Him.  Not completely, but def to the best of my human ability. I feel like I've let Him down in more ways than I'd like to count or take credit for. He's been slowly tugging at my heart, and while in the process, I've been slowly and subtly twisting and turning in the opposite direction. He knows this. I know this. And THIS makes me question many many things... THIS, although not exactly what I had planned or rather expected, has been a new journey of mine.

I feel like Dora the Explorer.  Of course without the talking backpack and monkey friend. But, I'd like to think that her and I are one in the same...

1. She's got herself a nifty map. Me? Well, I don't have a map per say, but I get the gist... the map of life. Okay, I've got it. 

2. She's bilingual, and this helps her to open cool (talking) doors, swing over lakes filled with hungry (talking) alligators, and fly high in the sky with primary colored balloons.  Me? I speak The Word.  This helps relate MY life to the lives of those in the Bible.  This helps me overcome the enemy, temptation, and so on and so forth.  Keep in mind, however, if you've ever seen Dora the Explorer, you'll notice that at some point along the way (to her destination), she has to work just a little harder (this is usually @ her 2nd point, for those that don't watch the show), not to mention Swiper's always buggin', so naturally, this takes up her time, and not to mention her energy.  Me? Well, like Dora, I get "stuck" at certain points, and although I am equipped with everything I need, I too have to work a little harder to get beyond that point and on to the next one.

3.  She has these cute little critter friends that put on a parade every time she does something spectacular.  Me?  These critter friends are too my close and personal friends, except they don't play pint size instruments, and well, they're not exactly critters.  (you know who you are. Thank you.)

4.  At the end of the day/episode/destination/journey, she celebrates with the entire gang! After all SHE goes through, celebrating is DEF in store! I mean, c'mon, she's only a elementary school-aged girl who travels all over the world without adult supervision... mhmm...

5. And at the end of the day/episode/destination/journey, you already know, she's gearing up for the next day/episode/destination/journey.  And although each journey is different, she's equipped with the exact same gear she was equipped with the day before. It never changes... (unless of course cousin, Diego, tags along, but in my opinion, Diego has it easy... a transforming backpack???? c'mon now. Be a man, Diego.  Dora's back pack doesn't transform, but or course, like a woman, she's prepared for anything and everything, and anything and everything is magically crammed into her fabulously pastel purple backpack)


This is my gear (yours too, ya know): the full armor of God.
The Helmet of Salvation.
The Breastplate of Righteousness.
The Girdle of Truth.
Sandals of Peace.
The Shield of Faith.
The Sword of the Spirit,
and the Word of God.


Obviously, I am equipped with much much more than Dora is and ever will be.  God has so graciously provided me with EVERYTHING I need to travel this journey of life.  So, now its up to me...  to put forth effort, to fight, and to reach my destination; wherever and whenever that may be. The key is, I have to start walking... I can't just sit still and wait for God's mighty hand to physically come down and rescue me.  I've gotta reach back, grab His hand, and hold on tight.... I have to walk beside of Him, not behind Him.  He shouldn't have to wait for me to catch up, and I shouldn't have to make Him wait... He has wonderful plans for me, and I am putting a hold on them simply because I am afraid; afraid of taking the next step.  Too tired, too weary, too scared, too hesitant, too questionable.  But just as Dora puts trust in her equipment, I too need to trust that, yes, I do have everything I need, and God will carry me through, but ONLY, and only when I take that first step.




So, I'll leave you with this, today...


"Perhaps you too are dominated by fear, when the truth is that God is with you. He's saying to you today, "Those who are with you are more than those who are with them [[ read 2Kings 6:15-17]]."  Jesus said, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matt. 28:20); "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Heb. 13:5).  You may feel that, because of your fear and because of what you see around you, there is no way forward.  The truth is, God is around you; angels by the dozens, by the thousands, are attending you."  -- "When God Shows Up" by R.T. Kendall

Talking alligators, cool backpacks, and HUGE love!
XoXo.
-Casey <3

Its just a number, anyway. | Mommy-ville Monday's

I don't claim to have patience.
I mean, if I actually DID have patience, I would totally toot my own horn. BUT, I don't.  Never have, and probably never will.  THIS I am not equipped with.  Although, I'm sure if I dig deep down inside, it is there somewhere, however it doesn't ever desire to actually be put to use.

Puzzles require patience.
[[wait for it...wait for it...]]


I enjoy puzzles.  [[you see?  told ya it was there, somewhere. =D]]
Working them oddly relaxes my mind, and like painting, its therapeutic. My mind wanders, and my thoughts drift.  This is my quiet time.  This is my "pondering life" moments.  Not to mention, this is when I get to actually make something from scratch, seeing as I don't do that when I cook.

For my daughter, its a race. Go figure, right? 
A race against time. She works puzzles together like nothing.  It simply amazes me.  My daughter, who is learning patience, enjoys puzzles.  This makes me smile.

We bought Aislynn her first puzzle when she was less than a year old.  Now, remembering how old she was when she actually played with it, is quite really, beyond me.  However, I do remember one night before bed when she was not even 2 years old, I put a 10 piece puzzle in front of her.  It was the kind where the cut out was already predetermined on an actual board.  She put the entire puzzle together with little to no trouble at all.  I praised her, and from that moment on, girlfriend works puzzles like a 3yr old genius.  I say this because the 100 pc. puzzle she put together (in less than an hour and half) last week said "7+."

It's just a number.
The "7+", anyway.
Why they put an age limit on toys, I don't completely understand. Yeah, "small parts" and whatnot, but if you're old enough to put together a 100 pc. puzzle, I would pretty much imagine that you're old enough not to use each piece as a chew toy.


Just because a certain toy says X+ years, doesn't mean your child is confined to play with his/her "age group" of toys.  Push his/her learning boundaries.  I promise, you'll be nothing short of surprised!  Kids are smarter than we think. A lot smarter, actually.


Is YOUR kid smarter than a 7+ year old?
Yep. I thought so!

Shot in Manual Mode:

F1.8 1/250 ISO 160

Shot in Manual Mode:

F1.8 1/250 ISO 160

Shot in Manual Mode:

F1.8 1/250 ISO 160

Patience, cognitive learning, and HUGE love!
XoXo.
--Casey <3

Old Pricing. | Casey Ayala Photography

I wasn't planning on filling up the remainder of the month, but I do indeed thank the good Lord I did.-- 

My new price list goes into effect as of, today. HOWEVER, I'm extending my old pricing until the end of Sept. Here's the catch (what fun would it be without a catch, right??), your session must take place before Oct. 1, 2010, and you must place your $35 deposit by 12am Monday, Sept. 23, 2010. First come, first serve! Check out my website for availability!  This applies to portrait sessions, whether you've got a bun in the oven, or yo man has put a ring on it! 

If you're interested in a session, email me: caseyayala@caseyayalaphotography.com

OR

Book your session via my website! Click HERE! 

.....

*A $35 ($100 forEvents) Deposit is Required to Reserve your appointment. *

______________________________

Basic Portrait Session:

[$200-- Due at theday and time of your session. This includes your $35 deposit.]

The time and talentof the photographer, time into travel and into the digital retouching of yourphotographs.

* ALL images areindividually hand crafted.

* DVD of 25-30 HighResolution Images.

* DVD also includesLow Resolution Images for web sharing.

* 3 Week PasswordProtected Online Viewing Gallery

* Two-three hours of continuous coverage.

* Unlimited Poses.

* Unlimited WardrobeChanges -- However please keep in mind the time frame.

[[$25 Per Extra CD]]

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Mini Portrait Session:

[$100 - Due at theday and time of your session. This includes your $35 session deposit.]

The time and talent of the photographer, time into travel and into the digital retouching of yourphotographs.

* ALL images are individually hand crafted.

* CD of 10 High Resolution Images.

* CD also includes Low Resolution Images for Web Sharing.

* 3 Week Password Protected Online Viewing Gallery

* One full hour ofcontinuous coverage.

* Unlimited Poses

* Unlimited WardrobeChanges - However please keep in mind the time frame.

[[$25 Per Extra CD]]

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Basic Event:

(Contact me for weddingpackages)

[$310 - Due at the day and time of your event. This includes your $100 session deposit.]

The time and talentof the photographer, time into travel and into the digital retouching of yourphotographs.

* ALL images areindividually hand crafted.

* Three hours ofcontinuous.

* CD of ALL EditedImages. (With Copyright Release)

* CD also includesLow Resolution Images for Web Sharing.

* 3 Week PasswordProtected Online Viewing Gallery

[[$25 Per Extra CD]]

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Location Fees:  Session fee does not include entrance fee orpermit fees if your shoot location requires either.  If either is required, you must provide for the photographer andone assistant if applicable.

* $50 Additional forPortrait Sessions with More than 5 Persons (Covers All Extra Persons)

** Additional $30 isapplicable to locations 30 miles outside of 77040 **

[[Prices subject tochange without notice, unless locked in with a paid reservation]]

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PRINTS:

A La Carte Prints:

4x6 - $3.995x7 - $4.998x10 - $9.9911x14 - 18.99

All images are printed using professional printers.  Images are printed onKodak Endura Professional paper.  Images are also coated with Lustrecoating, which not only protects, but will also give your prints a more mattelook versus an uncoated print.  These are real photographs, not inkjetprints.

Chain store printers tend to try and "fix" the colors of an imagedespite them already being "fixed".  Colors also tend to comeout muddy, and sharpness is anything but.  However, when I sendimages to my printing lab, they are printed as is with absolutely NOadjustments.  My computer screen is calibrated exactly with theirprinters, and quality is 100% guaranteed.  I cannot guarantee quality ifprinted elsewhere.

** There is a minimum$100 purchase for all print orders. **

If you have anyquestions regarding the information above, please do not hesitate to contact me!

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Thanks so much for your business, and I look forward tocapturing the joy of your heart!

Much love and huge blessings!

-Casey. <3