Monthly Archives: December 2007

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Conspire with me…

December 19, 2007 – 11:25 pm

“Blessed is the season that engages the entire world in a conspiracy of love.”
~Hamilton Wright Mabe

I’ve always loved that quote, and it really sums up the whole spirit of the season for me. It isn’t about any specific religion or date, no perfect hallmark card or trendy toy.. the whole season is just a time for people all over to come together and spread the love, for both their family and friends and strangers on the street… just one great big hug shared across the globe!

In that spirit, I’m enlisting the help of my loyal blog readers. I’d love to share some joy to someone out there who could use and deserve a little extra sunshine. Send me an email (ann@annbeckphotography.com) or post in the comments here to nominate a child or family who you think deserves a photo session and session album, (a $900 value), just for being themselves.

It can be a hardworking teacher, a tireless volunteer, or your own mom! Whatever the reason, whatever the circumstances, nominate anyone you think deserves a shot. I’ll post my favorite stories as I get them, take votes from readers, and announce a winner on New Year’s Day, so that person can start 2008 with a special surprise!

The only requirements are that the family must live in the Dallas-Ft Worth metroplex or have the means to come here for the session and that your story should be convincing! :) You know I love to write.. but I love to read too! And I can’t think of anything I’d rather read this time of year than the kind words of friends and strangers recognizing the beauty in each other.

Happy Conspiring! :)

By Ann Beck Photography | Posted in charity, family, news and info | Comments Off

The one in the middle

December 18, 2007 – 1:46 am

Today is a very special day. Besides being exactly one week before Christmas (panic anyone?!?) it is my daughter’s birthday. Not the oldest, not the baby… the one in the middle. Yes, she is a middle child with a Christmas birthday.. an uphill battle from the start. And yet, no matter how difficult we have made things for her, she is the one to shine through it all. A hundred strangers can point out her differences (no, we don’t know where the blond hair came from but yes, we are sure she is ours!) but she takes it all with a smile. She is thrilled to have her unique little quirks, excited to stand out for whatever minute detail she can find.. and yet at the same time she’s fiercely loyal, to friends and especially family.

She is incredible passionate, almost to a fault, but it runs both hot and cold. The first to start a fight, she is also the first to cry when others are fighting, just because she hates to see anyone upset. She is the first to ask for a hug, and the last to let go… and the most amazing smile you’ve ever seen… her sweet soul sparkles brighter and stronger than you could imagine possible.

Of all the children, she was the most suited to be stuck in the middle. She is both the protected and the protector, the leader and the follower, the teacher and the student. And the least likely to blend in… no matter how hard the others might try! :)

The last thing I’ll add to this rambling post.. a quick story from the last week. I had taken a shot of my girls’ feet. It was to be the perfect finishing touch, the back side of my perfect holiday card. Unfortunately I didn’t notice until I got home and started to edit that in every single shot my middle daughter had her feet rocked back on her heels and her toes curled up to the sides. My shot was ruined! Of all the things sacred in our house, my girls KNOW to follow instructions when it comes to photographs! I was staring at them, frustrated, when she walked up behind me. Her little face lit up and she smiled..

“Oh, good, it worked!”

“Um, what worked?”

“See… I was trying to make my feet smile!”

My children are all kind hearted, bright and creative. But only one would think to make her feet smile in mommy’s picture… and even if the others thought of it, only one would have the guts to attempt it…only the one in the middle.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

By Ann Beck Photography | Posted in homefront | Comments Off

Baby Boy at One

December 14, 2007 – 2:58 pm

This little guy made a guest appearance a few months ago in his sister’s day in the life session but this last one was all about him!

Like any one year old, the day revolved a lot around food & fun, which meant both the traditional baby meals in the high chair

AND a special trip to the local donut shop for some sugar coated treats!

And of course, what fun is a baby’s day without ending it in a sink of bubbles?

One more fun little peek into one fun little family… hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! :)

By Ann Beck Photography | Posted in babies, storybook sessions | Comments Off

100% Boy

December 12, 2007 – 1:44 am

From the girly girl in the last post to this little darling.. sweet as could be but not a girly bone in his body.. probably a good thing! :)

We started the session in jammies on the floor, playing with dinosaurs and trains and all sorts of toys I have never experienced as a mom of three girls.. but his enthusiasm made it worth a try!

Then we took the party outside for some fun in the fall leaves with mom & dad.

Busy day.. but what little boy do you know who isn’t?

By Ann Beck Photography | Posted in family, kids | Comments Off

Sweet & Sassy

December 7, 2007 – 8:37 am

Not only is it a salon where this cutie is about to have her birthday party (and a week later we’ll be celebrating there ourselves!) but I think it fits her to a T. Our fourth session to date and I swear she gets cuter every year.

Happy Friday!

By Ann Beck Photography | Posted in kids | Comments Off

A girl’s best friend

December 6, 2007 – 1:05 am

Seriously… what more can I say? My favorite California girl came in town for pictures… and this time she brought her new BFF! It’s hard to say which one is cuter… and together they are so sweet I’m getting a toothache! :)

By Ann Beck Photography | Posted in kids | Comments Off

Exhale.

December 4, 2007 – 10:48 am

That’s me coming up for air from a crazy few weeks. I have been completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of compassion and love from all of you during this difficult time and really do appreciate every single call, email, card, and prayer. I am so blessed!

I am also so behind! The blog has been sorely neglected and I have so many fun faces to show off.. here are a few for today, and many more to come in days ahead. Stay tuned!

By Ann Beck Photography | Posted in homefront, kids, news and info | Comments Off