Adventures with The Queen

Today, I had the amazing pleasure of taking pictures of a dear friend of mine named Tess.
She is a senior in high school, and today we took her senior pictures!
Several weeks ago, she asked me to take them for her and I JUMPED at the chance! Tess is a stunning, classic beauty. What makes her even MORE lovely and charming is her humility and quiet grace.
As a photographer, I'll take pictures of anyone and everyone, but there are some people that, when you take pictures of them...it satisfies some craving in you. They have a special beauty that you're just ITCHING to capture. You think, "Can I do it? Can I really capture what it is about this person that makes them so stunning?"
It's weird.
It's this whole weird thing.

Anyway. About Tess.
Tess has the whole "quiet but strong" thing going for her. She tends to not say much, but when she does, it's well thought out and meaningful. She has a special gift for seeing people in need and a special desire to be a comfort and joy to those that need it.
What I'm saying is, not only is she physically so beautiful it hurts, but that beauty runs so, so deeply. She has fully embraced who she is in Christ and that is so evident when you spend time with this precious creature.

Most of the time when you are taking pictures of someone, they need lots of direction about how to pose and what I'm looking for as a photographer. I know that for me, if you don't tell me exactly how to pose in a picture, I look like an awkward, unwilling participant in a game show.
(uh, what, Lacy? I don't even know what that means.)
That's ok neither do I WHICH IS MY POINT.

No actually here's my point.
I fully expected to have to coach Tess through our photoshoot today. Especially as women, it takes a lot to know how our bodies will look the best, etc. etc.
But OH MY GOSH.
Tess got in front of my camera and BOOM! She blossomed. I mean, she was sassy, sexy and sweet. She was every photographer's dream. Changing poses every couple of shots, mindful of her body...she was a dream model. I fell in LOVE with her as a MODEL today! (Add that to the long list of things you're good at, Tess. MODELING.


Anyway. Enough chit-chat. You want to see this stunning creature I've been going on and on about.
Well first let me say that I spoiled her rotten and we went to like 5 different locations which is NOT typical for a Senior Pictures photoshoot, or really any photoshoot for that matter. Tess, her sweet sweet SWEET sister Emma and I went to Norfolk, another place in Norfolk, a lighthouse, the beach, and the forest.
And I'm so, so glad we did. Emma was the perfect photographers assistant. Bless her little heart we had her running to and fro like nobody's business.

Here are some of my favorite shots from today.
Bask in the beauty, people.

Also, we climbed to the top of the first lighthouse in America. Magical. (And debilitating.)

 

(PERSONAL FAVORITE. EVER.)

Behold, Her Majesty, The Queen.  ^

 "I'm a fairy princess. I hear my people calling me."

*sigh* Just drink it in, people.

Today was special for so many reasons. Just spending time with Tess and Emma was refreshing and uplifting. They are both so, so beautiful.

Best photoshoot ever!

Scary (But Not Really) But Also Yes For Real.

I'm snuggled up at my mom's house on this chilly afternoon, half-studying, half-watching a corny scary movie marathon on the Sci-fi channel. In my opinion, your mom's living room is the best possible place you could do this. I highly recommend it. 

For as long as I can remember, I have always loved to be spooked.
As a little girl, I devoured books with scary stories in them, especially around Halloween. I've read the classics, like Frankenstein and Dracula, countless times.

My mother has always been the most amazing story teller, and scary stories were her specialty. The tales of terror always varied from one story-telling to the next, but the basic plot was usually the same--
something is coming up the stairs, step...by step...by step!
A noise is coming from the upstairs in an abandoned house...better go see what is it!
And the story would usually end with her leaping toward us and shrieking "Boo!" 
The sheer thrill and delight of  being so terrified in that moment would send shivers down my spine and a huge smile to my face.
My parents have also been known to play a terrifying prank or two on us as kids. OOOOH yes, they certainly have had they're fun. And I'm sure they would be delighted to recount those moments for you with great joy. For those of you who know my mother, I'm sure you find that hard to believe.(NOT.)
One such occasion happened more recently than I would like to admit...let's just say I was no little girl. We had just watched a spooky movie...

and my sisters and I were going to bed. All three of us shared a bedroom, which was on the second floor. We were just crawling into bed, when there was a knock on the window.
THE SECOND STORY WINDOW THAT NOTHING COULD POSSIBLY REACH UNLESS IT WAS A HORRIBLY TALL CREEPY CREATURE.
Or something.
Long story short, after much hysteria from the girls, and much laughter from my mother, my dad walked in the front door carrying a looong fishing pole.
Mmmmmhhhmm. I was none too entertained.

I know that some people may have qualms about the idea of a young girl reading scary things, watching scary things, and listening to scary things. Especially in this day and age. Everything is a no-no. But I was raised with an understanding--these things are just pretend. They're imaginary. They're fun. They are not real. The reality is that we're safe, God is protecting us. Even at a young age, I was being taught about the FREEDOM we have when God is on our side. We don't have to live in fear, even of Dracula.

My grown-up version of this is going to Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens and watching dozens of creepy movies starting in September.
My grown up reality is that, while I am still not genuinely frightened of the ghosts and goblins that come out at Halloween, there are other things that scare me. More and more the older I get.
There's a lot to worry about.
There's a lot that's scary in our world.
Stuff that's not imaginary.
It's not pretend.
It's very, very real.
And the fear can be debilitating.
I've come to realize that I'm afraid of a lot.
But some things have not changed.
I'm still protected by God.
He is still on my side.
Whom (or what) then shall I fear? <=== Can I add that in there? Can I take that liberty? Sacrilege, anyone?

I have freedom in Christ. I cast down the imaginations that come streaking into my mind at breakneck speed. The dark thoughts that come in my weakest AND strongest moments. I cast them down, as well as every high thing that exalts itself against what I KNOW to be true about Christ and His will for me. I bring these fears into CAPTIVITY.
Check out this verse.

YEAH.
We've already won.

Back to my scary movies. I do believe there's a mutant cockroach in the sewers of New York City that is calling my name.


Love you.
-Lacy

It's like Thunder. Lightening.

There was a storm last night.
It woke my up from a deep sleep.
Light came streaking into my room and thunder slammed into my windows.
I had to see it.
I untangled myself from my sheets and my husband and stumbled to the window.
I yanked back the curtains.
I pressed my cheek against the glass and clung to the windowsill.

When dark clouds start to roll in, I get excited.
I get anxious.
I can't stay away from the windows.
I stare ay the sky.

I check the weather obsessively.
Ask me what the percentage of rain is on any given day, and chances are, I will know it.
Almost down the the hour.
"It's a 35% chance around 3:00, but it's 60% by 5:00..."
I wait for it. 

I love the rain. I love storms.
Because nothing else can get away with being so violent.
Nothing else can get away with being so loud. So fierce.
Everything we are is about being composed and in control and safe and dry and shhhh....

But not storms.
Not thunder and lightening.
Unplanned.
Unforeseen. 
Out of place.
Out of control.
Seemingly.

Distructive
Disruptive
Rude and ill-timed.

I like storms because they're different.
They're exciting.
They're refreshing.
In a storm, nothing is the same.
Nothing looks the same.
Nothing feels the same.
Nothing smells the same.
They change everything.


I'm in a storm.
Everything is different now.
It is disruptive.
Unplanned.
Unforeseen.

Interrupting my world. Interrupting my sleep.
Changing the way things look.

And I'm excited.
I'm waiting at the window.
I'm listening for the crash.

For there is One who calms the storms. 

No Flowers Were Harmed in the Making of This Blog (except the ones I picked and are now dead but it was worth it)

Sick today.
Naturally, I have the stomach bug and a cold at the same time.
Of course.

Lots has happened since we last had a little chit-chat, which tends to be the case when months go by between posts.
But hey.

Lots of exciting things have been happening for me as far as photography goes, which is very, VERY exciting!
My sweet, sweet husband Adonis (A-dough-niece) and I decided about a month ago that it would be a great investment for us to go ahead and upgrade my camera. About 3 years ago, I bought a Canon Rebel T2i. I loved this camera with my whole heart, and it served me well those three years--during dating, being engaged to and marrying my husband, during the first amazing years of my nephews' lives, and during dozens of birthdays, family dinners, impromptu photoshoots, dances, tragedies, and miracles. It was documented thousands of special moments for us. And I'm so thankful.

(Why I feel like I need to give a eulogy to my camera, I don't know. I feel like I need to let it know how much I appreciated it, and maybe even apologize for any hard feelings.)

The fact is, it was time for an upgrade. I have been wanting to pursue photography more, and in doing so, potentially begin charging people for my services. I really did not feel comfortable charging people for the quality that they would be getting with my little rebel. It's a GREAT camera for amatuer/aspiring fotogs. It's the perfect camera to learn on. It was just time for a big girl camera.

SO we got a 5D Mark II and I'm in love.
Now for some new lenses.

The thing about choosing to do this freelance work is that it really has to pay for itself. Because it's expensive! I mean we're talking WHOA. I have done a few shoots and events for free or for very cheap lately with the hope that, when I do an amazing job and these people are super happy with my work, they will tell all of their friends.

Spread the word, people.

Anywho, that's been exciting. I've done a bunch of pictures of my own familia just to get practice. It doesn't hurt that every last one of them is stunning/adorable.

I did a church event a couple of weeks ago, a graduation party last night, and I'm doing some senior pictures today (if it stops raining and I stop puking.)

IN OTHER NEWS...
I've got summer fever.

 

Also, I thought you'd like to know that I update my blog in my head about 3 times a week. 

So...yeah. 

That's pretty good. 

:(

Things I've learned/been reminded of lately:

God wants to hear the desires of your heart. Even if they seem silly/impossible/selfish.

Just tell him. 

Say, "God, I want _____. I really do. That's what I want. I want it because ______. That's what I feel in my heart that I need. I'm just being honest. Please let that happen.

NOW...if that's not your will, than please change the desires of my heart. Move me in a different direction. Give me something different."

That's a prayer that needs to be said more often in our hearts. God knows what you want already--he created you in that way. He knows your heart. He knows how you work. 

But he wants to hear you ask for it. Admit it. Tell him. Ask for it. 

It works. 

(that'showigotmyhusband)

*cough* 

huh?

what?

I didn't say that. 

(theproofisinthepuddingpeople)

(myhusbandisnotpudding)

If you're far from me, I miss you and I can't wait to see you. 

If you're close, I love you and I can't wait to see you. 

Love, Lace

Some Pictures and A Thousand Words (give or take)

Hello

Hi

How are ya?

It's been a while since I've been around these parts--I had pictures from Valentine's Day to show you! 

Shame, shame, shame. 

But hey. 

I'm too bust living my life to get on here and tell you about it. 

Just kidding, that sounds mean. 

Anywho, lots has happened in my little corner of the world since I posted last! 

So I thought maybe instead of TELLING you about it....

I'd SHOW YOU!

*cue music*

Just kidding. There is no music. 

Unless you want to sing some in your head, in which case your choices are:

1. Les Miserables (any song)

2. Daniela Andrade (if you don't know her, FIND HER AND LOVE HER she has the sweetest most tender voice)

3. Any song you know that has the word "sunburn" in it. 

Ok. Back to the show. 

First things first--I cut all my hair off! 

Just kidding. But I tried to trick my husband into thinking that I did. Hence, the reason for the fake-out picture's existence.

He SAYS he didn't believe me, not even for a second, but I don't buy it. 

I think he was scared for at least a second. 

I say scared, because my husband just LOVES my long hair, and has panic attacks when I talk about cutting it short. 

But let me tell you. 

I'm sick of the loooooooooonngggg hair. 

I can't do a thing with is except for pile it up on top of my head, shove a dozen bobby pins in it and hope for the best. 

Not cute. 

(actually sometimes it IS cute, but still.)

 It's got to go. 

Soon. 

(he'll survive).

I fell out of this hammock moments after this selfie was taken. That's what happens when you start thinking you're all cute and want to take a selfie.
Pride comes before the fall.
QUITE literally.

Ok let's get some GOOD pictures up in here.
Check out THESE little stud muffins! On Easter!!

I KNOW they are too much to handle! And those lollipops! I loved this impromptu photoshoot!

 

They are MUCH too much. The jewels of my eye. 

I mean, it's not just me, right? It's not that thing where, because I love them to death, I think they're cute but really they're hideous and I just don't know it?

No. 

They are adorable little baby-model-looking children. 

Adonis and I went and stayed in an adorable B&B owned by an adorable British lady in Stauton, Va!

I loved it so much. I want to go back. 

Also, is it just me or is this cat cross-eyed?

Also, the women's bible study that I lead is keeping me on my toes! I adore each and every one of these women so much and God is teaching me so much, not only about His Word, but about relationships and loving and leading others. 

Let's just say, we know how to party!

Also, there is no way that ANY of these girls would have any qualms whatsoever about my posting these pictures. 

They signed a media release form when they joined the bible study. 

(That's not true but it's a REALLY good idea.)

Spring is here. I got sunburned today. 

GLORIOUS. 

"Oh my love's like a red, red rose that's newly sprung in June

Oh my love's like a melody that's sweetly played in tune."

I miss you're far from me. 

I can't wait to see you soon if you're near. 

Love, Lacy

Better Late Than Never

Hey, Sweet Thangs!

This has been a fun week for me because I just love Valentine's Day, and teaching Preschool is a great place for people who love the holidays because every single day you get to do something fun and cute! We're working on our goodie bags today.

Anywho, I just wanted to share a couple of things on this drizzly Wednesday morning.

Let me just say that when we tell God, with an honest heart, "I want to give you my whole life--do what you will with it..."
Well let's just say that He will certainly take you up on that.
Like, whoa.

God has really convicted me in a few specific areas of my life.
Here they are:
Health, Home, and Honesty (obviously the "h" is not silent here, for the sake of continuity.)

Health: I've had a few "ok for real, girl, let's get it together" moments with myself lately, health-wise. So, because God loves me, He's helping me get it together. My sister, husband, brother-in-law and I all joined a gym this week, and I'm thinking that with THAT much accountability, I can get my happy tail to the gym at least a few times a week. (Although the thought of us all four in a row jogging is enough to get me chuckling to myself.) Also, Weight Watchers. My thinking is, I've signed up for it and it's too expensive for me to not use it.

Home: I've been reading "Making Your Home a Haven" by Cyndy Salzmann. I've really enjoyed it and it makes a lot of sense to me, so I've been motivated to do a better job of keeping my home clean and organized. I'm not one to over-spriritualize things, but I really feel that this is something that God has called me to do as a wife and someday, mother.

Honesty (with a non-silent "h"): Pretty self-explanatory. This mostly pertains to my marriage, but it easily slips over into other relationships in my life. I recently heard a message on intimacy with God, and was lovingly reminded that you cannot fully experience intimacy with God if you are not fully experiencing intimacy with your spouse--not just physically, but emotionally. Boom, baby. I want both of those things. So I added "honesty" to my list.

Ok, so I know that it's a few months late for New Year's Resolutions, but in my opinion, EVERY DAY IS NEW YEAR'S DAY WITH GOD!

....ha.

Hope you guys have a super day. I love you.

It's been a crazy week, but God is ever, ever, always and forever, faithful.

Time to go teach my babies about stuff.

You Might Be a Preschool Teacher If...

It's Wednesday.
Hump Day.
I hate it when people call it that.
It sounds completely inappropriate and I know I'm not the only one who thinks that.
Come on, people.
Let's be honest with ourselves and each other.


YOU MIGHT BE A PRESCHOOL TEACHER IF:
1. You know your exact head measurements in construction paper.
2. You know the exact proportions of a playdough snowman.
3. You haven't called it a "bathroom" or "restroom" in ages...it's a potty.
4. You inadvertently remind adults to use kinds hands, inside voices, and say "May I please".
5. You speak loudly. No matter what. It can't be stopped. Ever.
6. You turn everything into a motivating song.
7. You buys stickers habitually.
8. You're addicted to children's books.
9. You know the percentage of the chance of rain every single day.
10. You can be found in public on any given day with stickers and/or paint on your face that you forgot/didn't know about. 
And last but not least,
11. You can't decide if you love or want to murder Laurie Berkner


Did I forget any?
:)
Happy Wednesday!

Empty Chairs at Empty Tables

Had to throw a little Les Mis in the title there to catch your attention.
You're all obsessed.
Shame on you.
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
That includes Jean Valjean.
(Mom.)


HELLO again, I hope you all are enjoying January! Can you believe that it was one short month ago (4 weeks, that is) that we were all in our Christmas jammies eating our goodies from our stockings and waiting until the last possible moment to get cute for Christmas dinner?
I certainly can't.
My husband and I had this conversation today that I feel certain has been echoed all around the world right about now...
"Honey, didn't I get you a ______ for Christmas?"
"Umm....Yes! You did!"
"And where is that, exactly?"
"Umm....not sure."
"Great."

Are we the only ones?
I feel like we're not, but with us you honestly just never know.


Today in class (with my 2&3yearolds) I was mourning the passing of Christmas and lamenting how long we have to wait until it comes again.
My children were looking at me with great concern and began to attempt to comfort me.
I think they were planning an intervention during naptime.
They were whispering about me.
Mutiny.

Speaking of my class, they just kill me.
(Not literally, the mutiny thing was not for real.)
But they make me laugh nonstop.
They're just.
I mean.
Really something. 

For instance...

We were doing this great activity where I help the kids use painters tape to make a design on their paper. They place the tape down, paint on the paper with watercolors, and when the tape is lifted, it has left a blank space and makes interesting designs and, incidentally, blows the kids minds.
I work with the kids one-on-one during this learning time, so I was talking to one of my girls, and we were talking about the properties of the tape, and I was attempting to get her to use her senses to explore it.
Me: "Suzy, how does the tape feel to you?"
Suzy: "Um....sad."
Me:"...............................................................................right. Ummm.....what does the tape feeeeeeel like when you touch it?"
Suzy: "Well...uh...happy."
Me: "Sounds good. Here's the paint. Knock yourself out, kid."


Also, it snowed this week, so that was VERY exciting.

Adorable.

Also, I got CPR Certified this week.
But Adonis has forbidden me to ever do CPR on him.
What is his problem!? He doesn't trust me.
But he'll be unconscious, so it's not like he can stop me.
So I guess I shouldn't worry about it.

Today, one of my children said "Ms. Lacy! Look! I built the state of Virginia!"
I answered him a little absentmindedly at first and said "Cool, buddy! Good job!'
But then I turned around, and this is what I saw.

No lie.
I was impressed.
My kids are geniuses.
Except for the girl who thinks tape has feelings.
Just kidding.
We're all geniuses.


One last thing--it snowed a lot today (by a lot I mean 2 inches) and it was amazing!

CUTE.

Alright.
I'm done with my Kid Quotes and other such nonsense for the day.
I've got a lot of snow-playing to do tomorrow! Gotta get my rest.


Love you all.

-Lace

This and That

I like how the frost lingers
in the shadows
of the this's and thats
when the sun creeps up&up
in the morning.
 **********

I've had Les Miserables music stuck in my head for days and days.
Today I kept singing "He tells me that I have a soul, How does he know..." (from the part where Jean Valjean is trying to process this immense grace he has received from the priest...)
Anyway, my kids at school were looking at my like was crazy.
Shouldn't they be used to it by now?
DON'T THEY KNOW ME AT ALL!?

My class of two-year-olds just kill me. They're all just so rolly-polly. And smart and good and happy and chunky and squishy and smart and sweet.
And they love me.
(Except for when they give me that look right after I've burst into loud, passionate song at an inappropriate moment during our school day.)
But other than that, they love me to death.
One of my favorite moments of my day is when I first get to work, and they're all hanging out in our classroom with another teacher who gets there before I do...
And every day, without fail, they run to me screaming "MS. LACY!!!!!!!"
Except for my one little jewel of a child named Ramiah of calls me "MY LACY!!!!!"
I mean...wow.
What better way to start your day!?
I mean really. Think about it.
Can you imagine walking into your office and all of your coworkers running to you and screaming your name with looks of joy on their faces, hugging your legs while you struggle to maintain balance....

Actually, it's just occurred to me that mine is pretty much the only job in which this is appropriate.
For you, it would just be weird.

And you'd look at them all like this. 

Anywho, I love my job.

I wish I could show you pictures of all my kids at work, but that's simply not allowed.
Poo.

But I CAN show you pictures of THIS.

So anyway, you know how God does that thing where He's like,
"Let me teach you something about me and about how I want you to live your life."
And you're like "Ok, God! I totally get that! I can do a good job of that. Thank you. Yes. Amen."
And then He's like "Great! I want you to do it right now, in this really crazy situation that you did not see coming before we talked about this the first time. Do what I've ask you to do. GO."
And you're like "Ok WOW, God, aren't you going to let me at least get some practice in before you just throw me in the deep end here, God!? Come on!"
And He's like "You literally JUST told me that you were willing to do this. And to obey."
And you're like "Yeah but...I mean...uh...right. Ok. Yes."

Am I the only one this happens to?

 Surely No.



I hope all of your New Year's Resolutions are going well!
What are they?
Do share.

I've been brain storming about some things to blog about, some things that people might enjoy reading...
This one has been a work in progress for a while now.
In case you couldn't tell.
(notsomuchjustkidding)

I hope you all are snuggled up somewhere warm.
I'm about to go read some Francine Rivers in my bed.

 Love you. Really I do.
Goodnight!

Things Learned, Things Hoped For

Can you guess what one of my New Year's Resolutions is?

YOU GOT IT! Updating my blog more often. 

Things Hoped For (or "Goals for This Year")

Stay in the Word. 

I'm starting a bible study with some amazing young women whom I adore. 

We're going to study the Parables of Jesus.

We start next week, and I am so excited!

Eat Healthier. 

Pretty self-explanatory, just don't ask my why I have a picture of a giant broccoli stalk in my arsenal of picture. 

Kiss this baby more.

(This is my nephew, Copeland)

Take more great pictures.

I'm going to try to do 365 self portraits. I'll probably forget. Often. But that's ok with me if it's ok with you.

Things Learned:

ONE:

 I have a theory that when you're married, because you have someone to share all of your thoughts with, you may stop sharing them with yourself. 

Does this make sense? 

I bought myself some really cute journals, and I'm going to start doing some more journaling. It's so good. It's cleansing. 

Share your thoughts with yourself. 

TWO:

This one's a little difficult to articulate.

I think that we all have those people in our lives that we feel are somewhat responsible for us. 

Moms. Dads. Husbands. (I would say wives, but I'm fairly certain no men read this. Much less married ones.) 

Teachers. Church elders. 

These are all people that we trust or have trusted with certain aspects of ourselves. 

Our growth. 

Physically, Mentally, Spiritually. 

But sometimes, those people don't do a good job. 

Just  because they're people. 

 

Our church elders are snotty. 

Our husbands are confused by us. 

 In those moments, the Lord has lovingly reminded me that, while He has given people to help me grow, I am still responsible for my OWN growth. 

We can't always wait for help from others. 

I have to take the initiative.   

 Now, this may be a big fat "duh" for some of you guys. 

But it has just rocked my world. 

 

He has blessed me with this incredible sense of EMPOWERMENT lately. I mean wow. 

It's like..."I AM WOMAN, HEAR ME ROAR!"

It's like..."LOOK OUT WORLD, HERE I COME!"

And other such statements. 

THREE:

Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.

Goodnight, friends. 

More to come.