Monday, December 17, 2012

In memory of my mother

My mother's name was Deborah Kay Chapman.
She was born on February 7, 1954 and died December 7, 2012.
She married my dad on August 29, 1975.  They had their fights, but stuck it out to the very end.  They were never separated.  They were together for 37+ years.  Wow!
I was born on November 23, 1979.  I'm an only child.  
We moved a lot and mom hated just about everywhere we lived except Fredericksburg.  She was the Welcome Wagon representative for a while here in Fredericksburg.  She welcomed new people into the community and she was good at it.  Her public face was a little different from when she was at home, but I think that's true for everyone, right?
She complained a lot, was pretty critical of everything, and never really seemed happy with life in general until her first grandchild, Thomas was born on August 3, 2004.  He was the apple of her eye.  
Her second grandchild, Charlotte, was born on September 6, 2007.  Her third, Samara, was born on August 28, 2009.  Her fourth, Alexavier, was born on October 13, 2011.  She said she never imagined she'd have 4 grandchildren because she only had one child.  She felt blessed by them and I've never seen her so happy as she was when she was with them.

So, what kind of medical issue takes a 58 year old grandmother of 4 away?  An aneurysm.  A BIG aneurysm.  She was sitting at my kitchen table, looking at rescuing a cat online, and collapsed.  She was still breathing on her own and her heart was still beating, but that was it.  Her other brain functions had stopped.  She died about 6 hours after the aneurysm burst.  She fought hard.  She was an organ donor and we know she saved some lives.  

It's kinda hard to say goodbye to the woman who gave you life.  I'm oddly OK with it, though.  She had health problems that caused some mental issues and created a rift between us.  I wish the last 5 years had been better, but it is what it is.  We made final arrangements for my mother to be cremated yesterday.  My dad and I are talking about spreading her ashes over her favorite waterfall.  


True to form, I took a few pictures of the time she and my dad were here for Thomas's 8th birthday.  These are the last pictures of my mother and they were few and far between.  She hated having her picture taken, but she wanted to this time.  I'm glad my kids have the memories.




Goodbye mom.  We love you!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Redo of new prices

My prices will be changing effective January 1, 2013.  Any sessions scheduled from now (November 17th) through December 12th will be charged at the old rate, even if they're scheduled for after the first of the year.  All sessions scheduled after December 12th will be charged the new rate.  Starting December 12th, I'll be taking the rest of the year off.  Thanks for your understanding!


Family $125
1 hour session and 1 photo sheet (8x10, 2-5x7, or 8 wallets)

Family Deluxe $175
1 hour session and 3 photo sheets

Belly $175
1 hour session at 35-36 weeks and 3 photo sheets

Newborn $175
1 hour session prior to 4 weeks after baby's birth, 2 photo sheets, and 25 birth announcements

Belly to Baby $300
1 hour belly session, 1 hour newborn session, 3 photo sheets, and 25 birth announcements.  Substitute 30-inch photo collage for the 3 sheets for $25 more.

Milestones $750
Up to 1 hour sessions at newborn, 4 months, 8 months, 1 year, and cake smash (staged or at party), 5 photo sheets, and one 30-inch photo collage.  Add 25 birth announcements for $25.

Mini sessions $75 (choose one option)
1.  30 minute session and 1 photo sheet
2.  30 minute session and 25 cards (announcements, holiday, birthday, invitation) 
3.  30 minute session and 3 edited digital files on CD (with copyright release)

Add ons and Travel
CD with 10 edited photos and a copyright release $25
Additional photo sheets $25 each
30-inch collage $100
25 cards (announcements, holiday, birthday, invitation) $25.  $1 each additional card after minimum order
Travel time up to 30 minutes included in prices above.  Each additional 15 minutes will be charged $5, rounded up to the next 15 minutes.  Example:  A 33 minute trip (based on GPS) will be charged 45 minutes, or $5.

Please allow up to 2 weeks for delivery of prints and CDs, 4 weeks for collages.  Online albums will be available for viewing and ordering for 6 months from the day of your session for single sessions, 6 months from the day of your last session for multiple sessions.

Ask about adding a donation to Autism Speaks to your session.  Donations over $50 will be added to our walk T-shirts.

I accept cash, PayPal, and major credit cards.

Please ask if you have any questions.  
Contact me via email or by phone.  540-257-4981

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Laslie Sneak Peek

I had the pleasure of photographing this family yesterday.  Here are a few pictures from the day.










Thanks for looking!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Happy Halloween!

Here are a few pictures from our Halloween adventure.  Enjoy!

Mr. T as a Ninja


The kiddos.  Mr. T, C, S, C, A-man, and A.  :)

Not the best quality, but she had a blast!

So did she.  :)

C and A.  My kids' aunts.

A man as a giraffe


Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Our first tournament

Our oldest daughter competed in her first tournament in northern VA over the weekend (10/27).  She did very well and placed second in her division for forms.  So proud of my little ninja!  Here are some pictures from the day.  Enjoy!
Talking to her friend from class

She looks nervous



Listening to instructions for the segment

It's her turn.  Attention!
Begin!

Almost finished...


Come back!

Waiting for her score

On the podium with her trophy




Showing her trophy to her sibs.  They were pretty excited for her.













Thanks for looking!  Book Sun Angel for your next sporting event!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Happy Birthday Alex!

My youngest baby turns a year old on Saturday (Oct 13th) and I did what comes naturally...  Took tons of pictures!  

This little guy has been the best surprise in the world.  He's one of the brightest parts of every day and his smile makes me melt every time I see it.  When I was pregnant with him I got really sick.  In the hospital for a week, come home with IV antibiotics for 2 more weeks, SICK!  He could have easily been born at 25 weeks if the doctors had seen fit and if it would have been necessary to get me well again.  We both could have easily died.  I'm so thankful every day that he was able to stay put and the meds I had to take haven't seemed to effect him.  He was technically born a week early, but I think he was ready enough.  

Alexavier James was born on October 13th, 2011 at 11:50pm weighing in at 8 lbs 2 ozs, 20 inches tall.  

He's a sweetheart, a beautiful soul, and part of the reason I get up every morning.  
Enjoy his birthday pictures.  


This is the one I'm printing for our wall





I was trying something out with editing and I think it turned out pretty cool

Yes.  He can walk!

All the sibs








I found a toy!


Thank you.