[Senior] Jessica | Caruthersville Missouri Senior Photography

Ca-ca.

That's what Jessica's baby sister used to call her when she was younger. Younger as in, tall and lanky, rounder face, incredibly shy, soon-to-be wearing braces. All the awkardness that those beginning teenage years bring.

Ca-ca grew up to be one beautiful young lady, known as Jessica.

I work with Jessica's mom, and last summer Jess came to work with us. I didn't see her very often, but wow. The girl grew up. Like, you know, lookin' like a model, grew up.

She's got these desirably long legs(and Jess, you need to be P-R-O-U-D of those limbs, sista!), long wavy hair, and off-setting blue eyes to complement her natural beauty. I was so incredibly thrilled as I kept looking through the images when I pulled them up on the computer. I knew I couldn't wait to dive into the process of narrowing down, even though it would be tough.

Anyways, I found some new locations to shoot and even found some spots that surprised me. Like shooting at the "trailer" school. (Brief synopsis: A tornado came through almost 4 years ago and destroyed the high school. Jessica's class is the first class that has spent their entire high school career going to school in trailers. So of course, we totally had to shoot there.)

I also managed to use one location in mind with an old car. I'm incredibly blessed to be able to call this my career, albeit a second one, because I get so thrilled with what I can create with the help superbly fabulous clients.

Jessica, I'm so very proud of you. For being the awesome girl that you are, for staying strong in your beliefs, and for being tough enough just when you need to be. And for being my babysitter on occasion.

I know Mom and Dad are very proud of you, their first-born child who is about to graduate. And you must know that you have one of the coolest sets of parents any teen could ask for. (Make sure you Mom gets the bribe money to me as soon as possible.)

Best wishes to you on these final months at Trailer High and for your bright future beyond those walls!

Dinosaur King Turns 6 Today | Hayti Missouri Photographer

My dear sweet Dinosaur King,

Today is your 6th birthday, and I find it almost impossible to type that without an ocean of tears in my eyes. It really seems like yesterday when I discovered I was pregnant with you. Oh, shocked couldn't even begin to scratch the surface.

And neither does my love for you.

The other day, I came across a picture of you when you were about two and a half, sitting next to your baby sister. What I noticed was the striking blonde hair and blue eyes, but what grabbed my attention more was your round little face. And I teared up, as I tried to remember the little toddler who couldn’t speak as intelligently as you do now, even with your Elmer Fudd pronunciations. (It's one of the many endearing qualities you possess.)





Now that you are getting taller by the week, your little face is also getting slimmer and more boyish. Your dad and I talk it about all the time. And time. Oh time. How it goes by all too fast, but I’m glad I do realize that your boyhood is short-lived.

And so, I live to soak it up. I live to hear your stories at school, how you didn’t get any check-marks, and your increasing knowledge of dinosaurs and what kind of eaters they are and where they lived and what time period in which they lived. It astounds me. But even more, I live to hear you tell me that you’re never moving out of our house. Ever. That you are going to live with me and Daddy forever.

This will always be your home. And you'll forever have a place in our hearts.

And let me say, you’re quite the young man. Even if you weren’t my son, I would know that. You’re sensitive and caring, and if you were never anything more than that, I would be beyond proud of you. You take things to heart, wearing it on your sleeve, much like me. We can’t help it. Just know that when you heart hurts, at least you gave something meaningful to feel that way. And for that, there are no apologies.

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You know, I watch you, even when you think I’m not paying attention. I listen to you, even when you think I’m not hearing you. And I hold you, even when your sound asleep and you have no idea. I’m happy that you still give me kisses and you aren’t embarrassed to do so, even at school in front of your friends, but I know the days are numbered when that will no longer be the case. I just hope that even when I’m an old lady, and you're a retired man, that you’ll still kiss me and tell me how much love me. And maybe you’ll read to me when my poor old eyes can’t see very well.

Earlier tonight, I read to you my favorite, most heartstring-tugging book, "Let Me Hold You Longer" by Karen Kingsbury. I bought this for you when you were about two years old, and there's never been a time when I've read it that I didn't shed a few tears.

Tonight was no exception.

Except tonight, you recognized my sadness when you looked up from the final page. And with your sweet smile, you wrapped your skinny little arms around my neck, while your poor little Clone Wars pajamas soaked up my tears. I said, "I love you, son."

And you replied, "I love you, too, Momma."

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Although I miss you being a baby, I really enjoy you at this age too, because you are so fun to talk to. So interesting. So insightful. So serious.

So inquisitive.

From the "did-you-know's" to the "why-do's" to the "how-come's", your wonderment never ceases. Why you even asked me during our mommy and me cry-fest, "Did you know that you can fish in Heaven?" That mind of yours never stops. It's always thinking.

Getting you back on track, I told you that I'm happy that you're growing up, that we're raising such a smart and caring little man. Some very lucky young lady is going to hit the jackpot when she snags you, my son. Mark my words.

But, I know.

"I'm nev-uhr getting mel-weed, Momma. I'm livin' wif you and Daddy fuh-evah."

I don't care if you never get mel-weed, or if you get mel-weed a thousand times. You can live with us for as long as you want. But...

Forever isn't long enough, my son.

But for now, for this very day, I want to wish you, my first-born son, a very happy 6th birthday. There may be another little man in my life, but you’ll always be my baby.

I love you very much, Thomas Brennan Greenwell.

Happy Birthday,

love, your Momma.

[Sneak Peek] Senior | Caruthersville Missouri Senior Photographer

I've got one for this beautiful girl. I've got some really great images from her session so stay tuned for more to come!

{Senior} Cassaundra | Kennett Holcomb Missouri Senior Photography

You can tell it's about spring time when you have to wait to the last minute to know for sure if your session has to be cancelled.

Such was the case on this past weekend's senior session. We got slammed with rain(again), high winds(again), and tornado watches(again). And then of course, the weather went from pleasant 60 degree temps to downright coolness in a matter of days.

Fortunately, our session went off without a hitch, not even a single rain drop, although the skies looked like they could wreak havoc. At any moment.

I met Cassaundra and although she was quite shy, I believe I got her to come out of her shell. I tend to use my mad self-depricating humor to break the ice. Like standing on my step ladder, only to see it sink in the ground.

"Aw, this soft ground. It has nothing to do with this extra weight."

See what I mean?

Well, we had a great time, so much so that I lost track of time and we kept shooting at different locations. Her senior images totally rocked and she brought so many cool outfits. One of which was my fave, because it is something I could never pull off at my age: gold cowgirl boots and a cool blue dress. Like I said, she made the location I chose for that outfit come to life!

Cassaundra, it was a pleasure to meet you and I had a great time getting to know you and your mom. I loved shooting your session and you certainly made my job easy. Best wishes on your graduation and your future!

{Sneak Peek} Senior | Kennett Holcomb Missouri Senior Photographer

What a sweet and fabulous senior girl! I can't wait to post her sessionn later on this week!

{Senior} Casey | Portageville Missouri Senior Photographer

When I called Casey to discuss our session, I asked her if she was excited. She replied, "Not really", with a nervous laugh. I asked her if it what because she was nervous, "Yes, ma'am", she said. I love a kid with manners!

Of course, I informed her that I'm cool and laid-back and that I certainly don't bite! I think the last one made her feel so much more comfortable with me.

When she showed up, I noticed her awesome dimples. However, during our shoot she made the comment while her mom was making her laugh that her dimples would show! I had to let her know right then and there that her dimples were beautiful and after going through her images, they only brought out more of her beauty.

And speaking of beauty, I couldn't shake the feeling that she looked like someone. I couldn't pinpoint it at the shoot, but it drove me crazy. Then when I started editing, it hit me. She reminded me so much of Katherine McPhee from American Idol Season Five. Something about her face and her smile, just beautiful.

Casey, I had a great time at our shoot. You totally rocked out our session and I hope you enjoy your images. Have a great rest of the senior year and best wishes on your future!