The Lodge at Painted Rock: Jesse + Crystal

The day was hot; scorching hot to put it lightly! But it could not have been a more perfect day. This day was the perfect symbol for Jesse and Crystal's love for each other.

From the day they began their relationship, they have given it their all; loved deeply, passionately, unconditionally! The love between these two radiates as bright as the sun shines on the clearest bluest day you could ever imagine. They are a perfect match! His strengths are her weakness; his weaknesses are her strengths. It isn't very often you find couples that compliment each other as perfectly as Crystal and Jesse.

Crystal and Jesse's wedding turned out beautiful. They decided the best way to celebrate their future together was coming home to Crystal's roots, and I could not have been more excited. The Lodge At Painted Rock I have heard about for probably the last two years as it was built and first began hosting events. So when Crystal and Jesse chose this place for their venue I was thrilled. Let me tell you, this place was amazing! By far the most beautiful venue I have seen so far in the Kern River Valley! It is everything I love tied together in one giant classy bow.  From the moment you enter the gates everything is grand, elegant, charming, intimate, much like what you see in Jesse and Crystal relationship.  One thing I know is if Jesse and Crystal can keep their love for each other as hot as the day felt, their marriage will last a lifetime.

I want to thank both of you for allowing us to be a part of your beautiful day. As hectic as it might of felt at times for you two, you both carried yourself beautifully and with such poise! You were an absolute pleasure to be around from the moment you stepped out of the limo! I can't thank you both enough for not sweating the small things and allowing the day to unfold naturally! I wish you both all the luck as you begin your life together!

Mother's Day Special

I had the pleasure of spending Mother's Day with two kids I have fallen in love with over the last two years. I get so excited for Delainie and David Jr.'s appointments because their parents allow me to just sit back and capture natural moments. The appointments are always so much fun, not a single one has ever felt like work!

Every appointment Valerie, Delainie and David's mom, comes with new ideas on locations for our next appointment time together. This always allows us time to brainstorm and get creative together to make the next session just as fun and memorable as the previous. When I met with Valerie and David at Murray Family Farms last year Valerie suggested that she would like to do something with water for David and Delainie's birthday pictures. We decided a fountain would be perfect for some fun water pictures.

As Mother's Day approached, Valerie and I found the perfect location with a fountain that shot up straight from the ground. We thought it was perfect for David because he could run in and out as he pleased. Well, Sunday when we met up at the location, we found out they turn the fountain off on the weekends, go figure. We had to think fast and find a new fountain. Although David didn't seem to enjoy the fountain with a pool as much as we were anticipating he would, I still think our time together in whole was a success. The kids were a blast. I had almost as much fun watching and playing with Delainie and David as I would with my own kids. The entire time was full of laughter, fun, games, bubbles, water, and lollipops; what more does a kid need in life! It was a completely successful appointment; a cherished memory and a great way to spend an evening celebrating moms!

"He Is My Dad!"

Footprints

"Walk a little slower, Daddy,"

said a child so small.

"I'm following in your footsteps

and I don't want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast,

Sometimes they're hard to see;

So walk a little slower, Daddy,

For you are leading me.

Someday when I'm all grown up,

You're what I want to be;

Then I will have a little child

Who'll want to follow me.

And I would want to lead just right,

And know that I was true;

So, walk a little slower,

Daddy, For I must follow you."

~ Author Unknown

    My dad has always been this incredible man! I, along with so many I know, have spent our life looking up to and following his guidance. He has lived his life by God's Word and has shown so many, what diligence and trust in God can do for your life. He truly has spent his life trying to live a selfless, humble, faithful, dedicated, forgiving, loving life; a life God would rejoice over.

    He has always been my hero, role model, friend, mentor, but most importantly my father. I look up to him on a daily basis. He has truly taught me what trust and perseverance can bring you...a life full of success.

    Two years ago my dad felt in his heart that after 27 years as a pastor, God was calling him in a different direction. He had completed the work God needed him to as a pastor and it was now time for him to follow His lead in a different direction. Not knowing what would come from giving up a job he loved so dearly, he obediently followed God's request.

    On Saturday May 5th, 2012, after years of hard, agonizing, exhausting education, I was so proud to watch my father walk across the Point Loma Nazarene University stage to receive his Master of Arts (Special Education) diploma. It was such a proud moment. He has shown me, I will always have reasons to look up to him and goals to strive for to be half the person he is. He truly is the most amazing man I know, and I am so proud of his accomplishments, and most of all so proud to say, "he is my dad!"

My dad standing tall, heading on to stage to begin the ceremonies.

The campus was beautiful. It was breathtaking to look out over the ocean while watching my dad accomplish something so significant.

My dad was asked to do the Invocation, so he proudly sat on the stage for the entire ceremony. (He is 2nd from the far left of the stage in between two women)

What an honor it was to watch him pray over hundreds that were just about to begin their careers.

I am so proud my kids were able to watch their grandpa receive his diploma. They both look up to him and I know this moment will be a huge example for them in their life.

My dad had a big cheering squad! I have to share this because I'm a pretty proud mama. My son Evan, who just turned 6, was getting a little antsy after the first hour of the ceremonies. He asked if I would let him take pictures with my big camera, I said sure. To my amazement the boy can take photos. He took a picture of each individual person that came, and you would never know it wasn't a picture from an adult. Maybe I will have a child follow in my footsteps! This is one of his many pictures.

My dad would not be able to accomplish everything he has been able to without his biggest supporter and cheerleader, my mom!

He wouldn't be who he is today without the love and support of his mom!

My sister and I would not be as successful in life had he not been such an example to us of how we should live our lives!

Without my dad's exemplary footprints my family would probably not exist.

My dad's cheering squad:
    his mother, his wife, two daughters, son in law, grand kids, one of his sisters and her husband,
    and his good friends.

CONGRATULATIONS DAD! YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!