We Are Hitching Up the Sleigh!

I called mom tonight and she said it is blizzarding there. Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! - but only a little bit now and a lot when we get there. I can hardly wait to smell the wood burning, to see the snow-topped mountains, and hear peaceful slushing of the river running. But most of all I can't wait to see my family.

Have fun celebrating Christ's birth!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

(nothing to do with Christmas but i thought this was so cute today. i showed scott and he said, "any picture with her in it is cute." i guess i agree.)

Ryan - Class of 2008

This was my grande finale session of the year and my first ever senior session! I had so much fun! Ryan totally was a natural and put me right at ease. (I teased him that it was weird not to be chasing him around and being silly trying to get a good smile.) This was a surprise for his mom's Christmas present so don't tell. Thanks, Ryan! Ryan's dad is also a deacon at our church and an excellent Sunday School teacher! His mom is pretty sweet, too!

I have to do some more research about senior pictures but will definately be adding this to my sessions next year along with a lot of other great ideas. Stay tuned!!! haha!

I is for Infant...

but not just any infant. This time every year I get really emotional. Our church choir performed on Sunday and I choked up several times just thinking about the true meaning of Christmas and I wanted to write a poem or something about what I was feeling on here. Somebody else managed to do it for me (thanks matthew!) Here's a song by Matthew West and Mandisa (yes, she did it again). The first part is just them talking but enjoyable but then comes the song (skip to about 2:30):

~

Chrismas Makes Me Cry

~

http://youtube.com/watch?v=zSpjqgfhGPE

~

I think of loved ones who’ve passed away

And I pray their resting in a better place

I think of memories of years gone by

And sometimes Christmas makes me cry

~

I think of soldiers across the sea

And Sometimes I wonder why its them instead of me

For my freedom they give their lives

And sometimes Christmas makes me cry

~

Tears of thankfulness, tears of hope

I cry tears of joy at Christmas cause I know

There is peace on earth for every heart to find

And sometimes Christmas makes me cry

~

I think of families, I think of home

And say a prayer for those who spend this time alone

Cause love can reach out into a silent night

And that’s why Christmas makes me cry

~

Tears of thankfulness, tears of hope

I cry tears of joy at Christmas cause I know

There is peace on earth for every heart to find

And sometimes Christmas makes me cry

~

I think of Mary and the virgin birth

And I’m amazed at how much God thinks we’re worth

That He would send His only Son to die

And sometimes Christmas makes me cry

~

Tears of thankfulness, tears of hope

I cry tears of joy at Christmas cause I know

There is peace on earth for every heart to find

And sometimes Christmas makes me cry

It's a tough job...

but someone has to do it!

Needless to say, I've been a little overwhelmed and neglected to post any of my last three sessions. I will definately get to it when I finish up. We went and got our Christmas present yesterday. It was a surprise and we weren't expecting to get it for another year but had no choice in the matter. I'll put a picture up tonight probably. I just want to thank everyone for the support and trust in me. We would not have been able to get this gift if it wasn't for my OUTSTANDING CUSTOMERS!

You all rocked the referrals and loaded me up! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

Stay tuned for information on a New Year's Open House!

*FYI: Paula Stiller Photography will be closed from December 22-January 3rd.

Warning: Cuteness Alert!

Mr. W is 14 months old and out to conquer the world.

What a joy he was to chase around!

Daddy is a retired police officer so we tried to get some with the shirt and hat but this is all mr.w would sit still for. I think it's a neat picture, just the same.

and on to the ohio state jersey

Thanks Mr. S! He's such a sweetie!

so you had a good day!

The phone rang at 7:30 this morning . I did not want to get out of my toasty warm bed. My whole body ached as I remembered how yesterday went. I answered and a husky southern accented voice answered back, "Is this Paula Stiller the photographer?" Half asleep and trying to remember who I was I moaned, "Yes."

He apologized for waking me up and proceeded with my ok. "My name is Vaughn and I'm from North Carolina. I just stumbled across your website and wanted to tell you that I am truly inspired."

We talked for another half hour. He was trying to get his business started and I gave him all the info that I know (which isn't a lot.) He also gave me some info on a workshop that he is planning to attend.

I just wanted to post this tonight because Vaughn made my day really special. I did stuff with a bounce to my step and a smile on my face. I wanted to do something nice for somebody else and finish stuff that I had been putting off for people.

Thank you, Vaughn, for your call and if anybody else is reading this I would encourage to "pay it forward."

My quote from my calendar that I got from my mom a long time ago read today:

"Giving encouragement to others is a most welcome gift, for the results of it are lifted spirits, increased self-worth, and a hopeful future." ~Florence Littauer

(singing) so you had a bad day...

This used to be one of Jonah's favorite songs to sing. It was cute but when you really have a bad day it's not so much fun to sing. I was up in Phoenix all day getting our van worked on and new tires. After six hours in the tire place with three crazy/whiny kids, I am exhausted and ready for bed.

Thank you all for your continued patience with me! I'm working as hard as I can :) Maybe next year I'll have to hire an assistant :) Love you all! ~Paula

little mr.d ~ 9 days old

When M called to tell that mr.d was here she said, "I just keep thanking God and thanking God but I just can't thank Him enough." I can see why. He is utterly adorable! Thank you for sharing your miracle with me.

God Loves Little Boys!

God Loves Little Boys
(Randy Grayson)
God loves little boys and all that they do

Exploring and laughing and roughhousing, too.

God loves their energy, eagerness and wit.

He loves their serious side and their fanciful spirit.

He guides them and tends them while they grow,

Giving them all of the grace he can bestow.

God's plan for his boys is wondrous as well,

Because soon in their place little men will dwell.

What a great family this was! These boys were super and so much fun and energetic! They were all so gorgeous that I felt like I was taking pictures for a modeling agency.

Thanks J for letting me take your family's pictures. I can't wait to see your cards!

Raul + Mary

From the first moment we talked on the phone, I knew Mary is a special person, sweet and sincere. We met up about a month before the wedding and her family warmly welcomed me into their home. We spent a little time getting to know each other and talking about the plans. She told me that Raul and her got married in the court 10 years ago and now they were to renew their vows with a traditional wedding in the church. As I left her house that evening, we talked about a plaque that she had on her wall. "It's something my Grandma always says - With God All Things Are Possible." I knew it was going to be a great day, as it was.

Mary's warm and welcoming smile made this day special for everybody. (not to mention that she looked gorgeous!)

Here comes the bride!

Raul's priceless first look at his bride

the happily married couple!

At the reception, we were serenaded by the mariachi and everyone joined in!

and a little bling bling to finish up

It was a crisp fall day and the decorations matched perfectly. Congratulations Raul and Mary! Many blessings!

Cold, Windy, and Wonderful!

This beautiful family won a session for donating at the Kids’ Oktoberfest. MOMS Club of Maricopa-Cruz, Desert Sun Performing Arts and Desert Star Gymnastics raised $1,050.00! How great is that !?! This mom and I actually met that day and I am so glad we did. We both are members of the MOMS Club. I look forward to spending more time with you and your family, T! Thank you for your donation!

ninja hideout!

ninja kick!

The Early Bird

I got up at 5AM this morning. I have to share because I'm quite proud. I made Scott coffee (which smells delicious btw) and a sandwich for his lunch. I put in a load of wash and did some insurance paperwork. When Scott left he said, "You better go back to bed or you are going to be grumpy." It's sad, but true. I am not an early bird, except for today.

It's Raining, It's Pouring

I have to reschedule 4 sessions this weekend due to the weather. Right now, the boys are watching a movie, my girl is sleeping, and I am getting myself a mug of hot chocolate and editing me some pictures! What a great afternoon! I love the smell of rain!

H is for...

hiking! We drove up South Mountain (scary) and hiked for a bit the day after Thanksgiving. The view is fabulous from the top and the hike isn't too hard. The boys liked to watch the bikers on the trails. Simon thought they were superheroes with their wierd helmets. Here's Jonah helping Simon through the rougher parts:

I asked Scott to climb to the top of the rock first so I could take his picture. Scott came down and went back up with Jonah. Scott and Jonah came down and Scott went back up with Simon. While I was taking Scott and Simon's picture another head poked up. It was Jonah! He had climbed up this rock with no help, the little mountaingoat!

("rocky" theme playing) simon beating up the "bad guys"

"the dog" - a neat rock formation. I thought it looked like they were about to be eaten. There was actually a little cave the boys crawled though. They thought that was pretty neat.

Phoenix!

Thanksgiving 2007

This was our first Thanksgiving hosting in our house! I just kept thinking about how things have changed in a year's time. A year ago I was 9 months pregnant, we had just moved into a rental, Scott had just gotten a new job, and I knew nobody out here except his family. When it came to be my turn to say what I was thankful for, I could have talked the rest of the day but I knew nobody wanted to listen to me babble on. God continues to be faithful.

The kids waited for the company patiently.

papa's here!

Vanessa, Scott's sister, is a super-talented photographer. She uses a film Canon and does an excellent job. We went and did a little mini-shoot with the kids. I can't wait to get the photos that she shot!

papa and nana!

scott took this one!

kisses from nana!

piggy-back rides from daddy! (I am SOOO thankful for that man!)

We also made a new friend! Missy came down with Vanessa from Branson to visit. She is such a fun-loving person and I'm glad she was here. I can't wait for them to come live here in a couple months!

I did make a 22 lb turkey (haha!) and we had a full spread of food (nancy's cooking is near chef-like). I guess I was a little too busy to take pictures but it was great fun and we all stuffed ourselves silly!