I need one… well, who doesn’t? I think I will take one… soon. 
So, just to let you all know….
I am on vacation from December 20th until January 3rd. I will not be returning e-mails or phone calls so please just leave me a message and know that I will get back to you sometime soon after the 3rd. Thank you all for a wonderful 2007 and I am looking forward to 2008!
who sent me this e-mail (regarding my surprise) about three weeks ago:
"So of COURSE I have to get my guess in on your surprise before it is
revealed!!!!! As a Realtor, in the photos of your kids I am suspect of a the
studded walls, the exposed electrical outlets and unfinished floors – although
blurred through apperature (is this correct spelling?)!!! How exciting – - -
so my guess would be that you are investing in your OWN studio for a special
Christmas gift for yourself and your business!! You current one is TOTALLY
adorable, but with you and your husband’s real estate licenses, you obviously
can appreciate the value of owning on your own….and what a great deal you can
get in today’s market!!! Not to mention, the tax write off! And who else could
better understand a delayed secret,,,,,since buying property is SOOOO dragged
out of a process!!! Surely I am a correct guesser!!! ?????"
She is one of about forty calls and e-mails I have received with correct (and some incorrect) guesses! I did not want to keep ya’ll wondering anymore but I wish I had more concrete details to share. Jeff and I had no clue how long commercial real estate takes. We have made an offer on the space, negotiated a soft offer, had an architect design the space and we are now waiting to hear back on the bids for the build out. The space is about a mile from the current studio and will be BEAUTIFUL if it all works out. So, keep your fingers crossed for some happy numbers to come our way later this week!
Here is my youngest when he first saw Santa…. Since I was the photographer, I had to concentrate on photographing other children, not just my own. However, my husband was being pulled in three directions as he waited with our children to have their picture taken. Several times little Shipley slipped away and made a beeline for the big guy. I would say, "Jeff Smith… come grab Ship please." That is my sneaky little fella… making sure Santa knows he may be the youngest but he is worthy of all the same goodies.
This little girl was so darling. Her mom and I had already decided on several cute things we wanted her to wear during the session. She was very happy and let us dress and un-dress her several times. What her mom and I did not plan on was the warm, warm morning we had today. The temperature was already in the low 70′s so……. we did this…….
My morning was so much fun! I actually volunteered to photograph children with Santa this morning at our church. It was so much work (how do mall Santa’s survive???) but so much fun. We had several screaming children. I always love the criers and screamers! Is there any other time in your whole life that it is funny to scream when you see a person? This was a wonderful Santa and all the children adored him- especially my children. Here are my three kiddos with Santa.
And here is Ship with Santa… This is a big deal since he has screamed every time he has been put on Santa’s knee this season. He loved this Santa though….
I told this mommy to check the blog tonight for a sneak peek. However, I am looking at the clock right now and it is already 12:27AM and I am late, late, late. I hope she went to bed early and gets to wake up to her sneak peek in the morning. Below you will see two of the sweetest children. Seriously, the oldest child is less than three years old and he has the best manners! He not only called me "Mrs. Smith" but he also said "thank you" and "please". I am a sucker for a well-mannered child! So, here are a few images to hold mom over until Monday.
