Although I hadn’t planned on a formal birthday party, I decided to throw together a last-minute little McBirthday celebration with a few of Bailey’s favorite buddies.  The meals were Happy, the cake sprouted from the waist of a Barbie, and I think a good time was had by all.

Chocolate milk cheers to you, my little sweetness.

What a crew!

Derek the Ladies’ Man

What’s up, ladies?

The candle stabbed through Barbie’s hip region was Bailey’s doing.  I voted for sticking it in her ponytail.  Birthday girl wins.

]]> http://janicabolesphotography.com/blog/party-girl/feed/ 5 http://janicabolesphotography.com/blog/california-brians-place-in-venice/ http://janicabolesphotography.com/blog/california-brians-place-in-venice/#comments Wed, 29 Sep 2010 21:37:32 +0000 jbo http://janicabolesphotography.com/blog/?p=3965

My Brianne has been in my life for almost 25 years now…25 years!  We have been blessed with the kind of friendship that simply ENDURES.  She is a precious part of so many of my childhood memories, and I was thrilled that we finally bit the bullet and made arrangements to get our little families together for a few days.

The kiddos were quite the crew.

Are these girls beautiful, or what?

Addison is spunky, smart, and so much fun to be around.  (she had Parker and Bailey fighting for her attention!)

And sweet Temperance is truly the most laid-back baby that I’ve ever witnessed.  She gives out grins and giggles like it is going out of style.

Bailey was in princess HEAVEN.  She was overwhelmed by Addie’s impressive collection of pink paraphernalia, and wasted no time in making herself at home.  (don’t be fooled by Parker’s furrowed brow…the kid loves the ladies!)

Oh Bri, it’s almost too much.

Hot ride.  Hot date.

Angel, the wonder pup.  (seriously, if you only knew what all this dog has been through!)

And since nothing screams “BFFs!” quite like an out-of-focus, under-exposed shot from an iPhone…

I love you so much, my friend.  Thank you (and your fantastic Ed) for hosting us for a few days.  Nothing says heaven like wine on a back porch with four little ones sleeping soundly inside.  (followed by donuts the next morning – score!)

Can’t wait until next time.

Stephanie is all three.

Back in July, I had the distinct privilege of helping Stephanie create some images to be used as artwork for her upcoming debut album, Overcomers.

Stephanie truly has a gift for creating music.  The lyrics emerge from her heart of hearts, and she molds them with such powerful music – the result is nothing short of inspired.

Those who get to see Stephanie in action as the music director of the contemporary worship service at Cypress Creek Christian Church know that this album is long overdue!

I encourage you all to visit her just-launched website, Stephanie Sharp Songs, and learn more about her story and passions.

Word on the street is that the CD will be available on iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon by the end of the month!

Stephanie’s family owned a home on Crystal Beach that was completely devastated by Hurricane Ike last September.  We ventured out on a wind-whipped, overcast day and held our photo session among the vacant lots and random remaining debris.

Despite the destruction, many homes have since been repaired, rebuilt, and resurrected – Stephanie felt that this atmosphere was more than appropriate to represent the spirit of the Overcomers album.

As we walked along the coast, Stephanie found this tiny chunk of wood.

The seafoam green color was a telltale sign…this was a piece of her destroyed home.

Stephanie and Leannah, THANK YOU for inviting me to be a part in this amazing process.  I am thrilled that I was able to contribute to your musical journey.  Remember me when…!

xoxo

]]> http://janicabolesphotography.com/blog/stephanie-sharp/feed/ 7 http://janicabolesphotography.com/blog/alyssa/ http://janicabolesphotography.com/blog/alyssa/#comments Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:22:28 +0000 jbo http://janicabolesphotography.com/blog/?p=2441 This is my  friend, Alyssa.

She’s a photographer.

And she’s beautiful!

I was fortunate enough to cross paths with Alyssa at a Professional Photographers Guild of Houston meeting.  She’s an interior designer-turned pin up photographer with crazy-fun style.  As awesome girls do, we hit it off immediately!

Alyssa was in need of some quick head shots for her work with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo committee.  She was even willing to trek up to my neck of the ‘burbs, so how could I say no?

This girl does amazing things behind her camera, and apparently does just as well in front of mine.

You MUST check out her pinup work.  It is fun, flirty, and fabulous!

Mileslove Studio Eye Candy

Not gonna lie, I’d love for her to give me the full pinup treatment one of these days.

I’ll even trek down to her neck of the big city.

Not to worry.  That’s how Chrystal and I roll.

THIS is the way to do it.

My BFF is a badass.

After 17 months of a healthy, vibrant, normal life, Layla was suddenly diagnosed with a Stage 4 Neuroblastoma tumor in her abdomen.

You can read more about her story on her blog. This precious girl and her special family need all of the support, prayer, and positive vibes that they can get. There is no such think as too much love! There is a blood drive from 10-4 today at the Coles Crossing Community Center (here is a map.) Maybe I’ll see you there!

You can follow Layla on Twitter, or check her blog for the most recent information, or to offer your support.

Marsh family, you are in my thoughts and prayers daily.

]]> http://janicabolesphotography.com/blog/layla-grace/feed/ 3 http://janicabolesphotography.com/blog/the-weddings-weekend/ http://janicabolesphotography.com/blog/the-weddings-weekend/#comments Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:51:02 +0000 jbo http://janicabolesphotography.com/blog/?p=1789 Head spinning.

After my whirlwind trip to NYC to visit Matt, the kids and I went up to my mom’s place in Fredericksburg.  The five hour drive with two kids, two dogs, and no parental back-up was daunting, but we made it.  Even got to experience the world’s most gorgeous carwash along the way.

Matt’s trial in NYC wrapped up and he flew into Austin to join us for some (long overdue!) family time in the good ol’ Texas Hill Country.  Gosh, I love it there.

We came home after a few days feeling refreshed…and then promptly began to frantically pack for our next excursion – the Weddings Weekend.

We were so excited when we found out that our dear friend, Sam, was getting married in Milwaukee this month.

We were equally excited when we found out that Matt’s college roommate, John, was getting married in New Jersey this month.

Our excitement briefly faltered when we realized that these weddings were to both take place in the same weekend.  Being the ambitious over-achievers that we are, Matt and I were determined to make it to to both!  Matt’s company had given him a generous little travel boner, er…bonus, that would cover our airfare, so we started making plans.  We decided to try and vacation-ize the trip a little bit, and tacked on a couple of “fun” days before and after the weddings.  We flew into Chicago and stayed a night before taking the train over to Milwaukee.  After a couple nights in Milwaukee, we caught a 6 a.m. flight to NYC and taxi-ed over to Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey for two more nights.  And so it went.

The trip started out well.  We basically ate our way through Chicago and I was able to flex some mad photography skills.  You jealous?

*please note that this gave us an opportunity to eat our SECOND Throwdown with Bobby Flay food item in less than two weeks!  First, the bread pudding from the Dessert Truck in NYC, and now the deep dish pizza fromGiordano’s in Chicago!  We’re on a rollllll!

What happened when we arrived in Milwaukee is best told via Twitter feed.  Following is the play-by-play…