Life is Good

I’m so happy this evening and I have so much to be thankful for this week.

First I met with a wonderful couple at my very favorite restaurant El Toro & they hired me for their December wedding at the Dayton Art Institute…I’m sooo excited!!! Afterwards Lee and the kids came and we had dinner and let me just say that it was “ Muy Buena “ !!

Tomorrow I’m going to a PS workshop with my good friend/photographer Tina Hoffman http://www.tmphotography.net/ . Tina is by far one of the coolest people I know and I’m so thankful for her friendship! On Thursday she is taking our family pictures downtown Cincinnati and I have to admit that it is strange for me to be on the other side of the camera but man I am sooo excited... I love the feeling I get when I create pictures that make people truly happy and Thursday is my turn so I have to say this “Dear Tina please make me look thin”, hehe.

Friday is a very special day for me. Some of you may remember me talking about my friend Shell & Bryan…they have been in the process of adopting a baby girl from China and its taken almost 2 years. Finally it’s time to bring their daughter Milia home to meet her new family and I feel so blessed to be there capturing every moment as they step off the airplane. I’ll be posting pictures soon and if your interested in reading this beautiful adoption story see Shell’ blog: http://www.michellemckibben.blogspot.com/ (start at the end of the October posting).

Last but defiantly not least we had a parent teacher conference on Monday and Payton’s teacher told us that she was at the top of her 3rd grade class…Not only is she at the top but her teacher said “ Payton is reading at a 4th grade level & the best way to describe her was that Payton Layne is a Dream Student”. “”WOW”” I can’t even put in to words how proud I was at that very moment.. (Go Baby Girl.. Daddy and I are so proud of you)

Thanks for listening,

Here is a picture Shell posted on her blog of Milia. She looks so content & happy.

The Best Teachers

Teachers open up young minds, showing them the wonders of the intellect and the miracle of being able to think for themselves. A teacher exercises the mental muscles of students, stretching and strengthening, so they can make challenging decisions, find their way in the world, and become independent. The best teachers care enough To gently push and prod students to do their best and fulfill their potential. You are one of those. Thank you.
By Joanna Fuchs

My daughter Payton has been lucky enough to have the greatest teachers. Last year she had one that will always be remembered. This teacher made Payton feel special, made learning fun, made her want to do her best. So Kim this post is for you...thank you so much:) {{HUGS- FROM THE ABSTONS}}

This shot of the boys peeking under the fence- is an example of some of my favorite kinds of photos to take. The ones that aren't posed, that just paint a real picture of children exploring. The boys are crazy about cats! This shot is so cute because they ran over to play with the cat but I don't think they had any idea there was one laying right above them;)

Michelle + Clint
October 28th 2006

Michelle and Clint created an elegant wedding with a 40s style and rich colors. It was a beautiful blend of detail and simplicity.

Cake: A Taste of Elegance

937-384-CAKE

Scrumptious butter-cream frosting:)

DJ: www.stagemonster.com

Click here to view slideshow... www.picturesbytracy.com/mich