She's Gradeated!

Friday we headed to Lubbock for Ashley's graduation.  We wouldn't have missed it for the world.  We also got to see the Funk's and catch up on some serious family bonding:c)

Saturday night we headed to one of my least favorite places.  The Texas Tech campus.  Only for Ashley.  And Tyler two years before.  I wondered how they got all three high schools through when I noticed this on the overhead screen.

They do all three on the same day!  Wow.  I don't think I've ever been to a 10 a.m. graduation.  Luckily we were attending the 6 p.m. one.

Shawn had bought me a doubler for my telephoto lens earlier that day so that I could get some good shots of Ashley getting her diploma.  I really wish I'd had a few days to play with it.  That much weight and distance is an adjustment!  I didn't want to keep changing lenses so I couldn't get the whole class in one...unless I took it from an image from the overhead screen. 

My class of 72 looks incredibly small.

Tiny.

I can't even imagine a class this size.  I think there were over 500. 

Ashley had told us that the girls were 'supposed' to wear heels.  It was interesting to see all the interpretations of heels.  And it was interesting to see all the different heels!  These kept catching my eye.  Probably because they were sparkly:)

I have a friend named Tammy that grew up in the same small school that I did.  She didn't finish there though.  We lost contact and it wasn't until she popped up on myspace years ago that I found out she'd moved to Lubbock.  Two years ago when we were there visiting the girls and I met her, her son Stormy, and her twin daughters at a park and caught up.  Because of that I got an invitation to Stormy's graduation and party.  Tammy had no idea that I was going to be in town.  And I decided to surprise her!  As we walked into her house I realized I didn't know a single person.  So I had to explain who I was to everyone who was staring at me.  Finally Tammy came around the corner and got a pretty big surprise!  I loved it.  I got to spend some time with her family, we swapped some stories, and left with a big smile on my face.

Later that night I posted this picture on her Facebook wall. 

We both love how the school board member is....scratching his nose.

And then it was time.  Our Ashley!

And then it was time.  The turning of the tassel.  Unless you're Ashley.

Yep.  She pulled it right off.  And spent a few seconds just staring at it.

Only Ashley.

And for the final picture I finally got the doubler, the telephoto lens, and the shaky arms to align.  So...one good shot from the whole night.

And the pre-graduation shot.....

Isn't she beautiful?

Aren't I fat?

Don't answer that second one.

I beg of you.

Crazy Beautiful

I did it.

I bought my business name.

I've started the paperwork to get my tax ID number.

I found a printing company.

I've been practicing.

I've had some great people to shoot.

Yep, I've finally decided what I want to be when I grow up.

A sharp shooter/sniper.

Kidding!!

I'm going to be a photographer!

I've been interested for quite a while. You can see that here.

So I found some willing victims friends that wanted their pictures taken.

And here's what I got:o)

The beautiful Ashleigh. I grew up with her mom Angie. In 5th grade we had to write a report on all the presidents. Angie and I teamed up and used my encyclopedias until we got to where mine were outdated. We then started going to Angie's house and walking over to the neighbors house that had the most current set of encyclopedias. Life before the internet! Does anyone else remember it? That is also the moment when I fell in love with all things presidential.

Ashleigh was up to anything. She did kid with me a few times, like when I told her to climb up into the window or change clothes in the elevator, but she was willing. And her pictures show her inner and outer beauty.I then had the pleasure of a 12 hour round trip car ride to and from Lubbock to take Ashley's pictures. She's our beautiful bonus daughter. Taking pictures in an unfamiliar town was challenging, but we found some wonderful places.And since we were staying with my uncle and aunt, I got to take some pictures of their daughter Amelia. McKinley usually helps me pose but she was too busy using Carrie's camera to take pictures of Amelia:o)And of course, I got a picture or two of McKinley. That girl. Never a normal smile.I promise I'm not going to make this a photography blog. Where would I whine, or tell stories about my children, or share funny pictures? I plan on starting a different website in the future.

But now that I feel like I've found my passion, my calling...expect it to creep in from time to time:o)

Secrets and Surprise!

I've been keeping a secret for 2 months.

I've been hiding my cell phone and erasing texts.

The Funk's always spend the 4th of July with us. Each year Ashley is disappointed that she can't join them. This year she caught her grandpa at a good time and got permission to come! She wanted so badly to surprise the girls. I was willing to keep the secret. It was hard, but as these pictures show, it was so worth it.

I'm having a baby!

Well, that's a title that will get some attention now isn't it?

Actually I'm not having a baby...I had a 16 year old.

I've written before about Ashley. I truly believe that God brought her into my life for a reason. I can't share everything, but she is dealing with some really horrible struggles that no one of that age should have to handle. She is a Christ follower but feels all alone. If it weren't for texts and free calling after 9 p.m., I don't know where she'd be.

On our last visit there we didn't get to spend much time alone together talking but we did have some fun group times.

She is a joy.She is the big sister McKinley has always wanted.The soccer challenge that Shawn has been looking for.A helpful neighbor.A sure laugh.And travel sized for my convenience. Sadly I couldn't kidnap her and bring her to Oklahoma with us. But we are talking to her about Oklahoma colleges!