!!!!!!!!

I sold my first photo today! Okay, I actually sold my first photo a couple of months ago. But it was to family and friends. But TODAY, I sold a piece to someone I've never met. They have my work in their home. I don't know who it is, but a part of me is with them.

It's hard to let go of something so important to you. Something that you created from your innermost being. But you know what? It's so cool at the same time! Someone enjoyed my work enough to BUY it!

Wow.

Penny

Okay, my friend Penny just started a blog! *You go, girl!* So, to all my buddies, go check out her page and leave her some love!

Here's the link.

Limo Fun!

This past Thursday, the ladies went out for some shopping! Dark Star (my work!) put on a "Progressive Shopping party with Limo service"! It was such a blast! It was the first time for several of the ladies to ride in a limo, so that was extra special! We started at Dark Star, hopped in the limo, and went to about 3 other stores. There were snacks at each stop, and everything was beautiful. We spent the longest time in the bookstore... I guess you all know our weakness now! :) After we were finished shopping, we went to dinner at Common Grounds. It was really nice to relax with these ladies and spend some time together. We had good conversations and good food. What more could you ask for?! *OK, that maybe PENNY was there!*

Long awaited pictures!

So this first paying gig.... it was a wedding! The wedding was in Eureka Springs, which is about an hour from here. This was a good test for our CD release show coming up in a couple of months. (It's been pushed back a couple of times, so it's now the first weekend in Feb.) We've been working really hard on this show... and this wedding was so much fun! STRESSFUL, but FUN! So here are just a few pictures from the event! Enjoy!

You HAVE to see this!

Snuggle in, cause this video is about 9 minutes long. This is hilarious, frustrating, and very sad.

And we're back...

...and I'm EXHAUSTED!

And we're off...

to play our first paying gig!!!!

Pictures to come!

Girls that Rock!

A BIG shout out to my big sister for nominating me to be a "Rockin' Girl Blogger"! She gave me this awesome pink button for my page! :)



If you click on the button, it should take you to the original post that explains who a "Rockin' Girl Blogger" is. Here are MY nominations for awesome girls that ROCK the blogosphere...

My sis, Melinda: Sisters are meant forever. I love you!
Vanessa: Your authenticity and wit amaze me! You are a valued and cherished friend.
Candissimo: Love ya, girl! You are such a strong woman. I love singing with you, too!
Leslie: You are an amazing addition to the team! I'm excited to continue our friendship for years to come.

Up Close and Personal

So a few weeks ago, we got to go to a Chris Tomlin concert! It was very last minute, but SO worth it. We got tickets for the front section they named the "Praise Pit". The section was real close to the stage, but we were told it was standing only. No seats the whole time. Well I was okay with that! I stand all day at work, so what's a few hours at a music concert? When we got there, we were some of the first people to the pit. So we got our spots right by the stage! We were right in front of the lead guitarist, and D could reach out and touch his guitar pedals! It was an awesome night! It was like, one big worship service. Lead by Chris Tomlin himself. Awesome! Anyway, so here are a few pictures from the night. Keep in mind they are NOT zoomed in at all! We really were that close! :D Oh, and I've actually got video too, but I haven't had time to put that up yet. When I do though, I'll put it up here! :)

Here comes the Bride

We got to eat dinner with Jason and Penny on Thursday! It was GREAT to see them and to catch up on how they are doing. *Penny, I miss you!*


Last weekend, my Dad got married. He married a wonderful lady by the name of Lynn. They had the wedding in Nashville, and so we made the long journey there. D had to use some vacation days just so we could make it there in plenty of time. We left here on Thursday and stopped in Memphis for the night. It was a good break, and an added bonus to get to visit with D's Grandmother. *I got bored on the trip, so that's the reason for the odd pic of me!* **Yeah, I know... like, which one, right?!** Anyway, thought I'd post a few pics from the weekend.



I got to help put together the centerpieces for the family dinner the night before the wedding. Becca helped too by putting the candles in the right places! I think they turned out great!!















This (the chocolate one) was the best cake I've ever had!! Yummy!!!































At the wedding, Dad and Lynn had a table with the story of how they met. Their relationship is so sweet and tender. They had a rock with different words on them (such as love, hope, grace, joy) for everyone to take home.





















Walking down the aisle together to the song, "Somewhere Out There". The band was really good!




















Walking as husband and wife!





















These are two of Lynn's three boys... Mark and Jeremy. And Lynn's mother, too.













































The day after the wedding, we got to eat lunch with a friend of ours from Nashville. It was great to get to see Kyle again! He's been considering going to New Zealand with us for a while now. Keep him in your prayers as he continues to discover His path.


On the way home, we stopped in Memphis again. We got to eat lunch with D's Mom. It was a pleasant visit, even though it was short.

Pumpkin Carving Night

Delia had never carved a pumpkin before!!! So we decided to carve some this year. Here are pics from the evening. I think Delia did pretty great for a first timer!

A night of photography, with pictures

Here are a few pictures from last weekend. I need to get more from the Kemps and from Delia, but I hope these will suffice for now. :D

My sister and nieces arrived on Saturday about 9:30, so we decided to go to a local bakery for donuts! Yummy! Then we went to the Farmer's Market, and the girls got a chance to walk around and see all the plants, veggies, flowers, and dogs. There were also local musicians there, too. The girls really like them, too. :)

When we got back to the house, the Kemps were there! They brought their Wii, and everyone had fun playing with that. Before too long, it was time to go to dinner!! There were a lot of people there! I was surprised by how many showed up. Daniel's family was there, my family was there, friends from church were there, and our teammates were there too. It was so much fun!

The next day, Daniel's family and my family went to eat at Applebee's after church. Gracie would dip a tortilla chip into sour cream and eat it. Her face was HILARIOUS! And these pictures don't do it justice, but they are cute anyway. :)