Minnie Laura Chapman

I received news on Monday morning that my grandmother had gone on to be with the Lord after 94 years.  It wasn't a shock, we had been expecting this news any day but I still found myself very emotional.  She was a mother to me and my brother and sister.  My dad had called me a couple weeks ago just to inform me that she may not be with us much longer and if I wanted to see her one last time, I should probably make that happen.  So I did.  I drove down and spent about 30 minutes with her, hugged her and told her I loved her for the last time.  It's a heck of a thing to tell someone that has meant the world to you that you love them for, what you know is, the last time.

My dad was a single father, raising 3 kids, and working a job that required him to be out of town 3-4 nights a week.  And at an age where every other grand parent was spoiling their grandkids and relaxing with other 70-somethings, she spent those years watching after us bratty kids.  She was every bit as influential and important to me as my mom and dad were.  She led us to the Lord and she taught us how to live for Him.  My mom and dad did a great job, I think, but there's no way I'd be who I am today without my Grandma.

Dad asked if I would say something at her service.  Assuming I'm just one of the many speaking, I agreed.  The night before I find, much to my surprise, that other than the pastor, I'm the only one speaking.  Now, she's lived 94 years.  5 kids, 13 grandkids, 21 great grandkids, 7 US wars, 17 presidents, the Great Depression... She's seen all of her brothers and sisters go, friends and other loved ones as well... She's lived in the same town all her life... She knew every single person in Colquitt, GA (at least I'm convinced she did.)  Now, that's not even beginning to scratch the surface of the lives she touched, or the character she displayed.  Minnie Laura Chapman was amazing.  So let me ask you, would you like to take on the responsibility to speak at her funeral service?  I didn't think so.  Needless to say, I was a nervous wreck.  There's no need to go into all that I said.  After all, if you're reading this, you probably didn't know her.  But other than crying like a baby in front of a packed house at First Baptist, Colquitt, GA, I think I made her proud.

I'm thankful to God that he allowed me to have her in my life for 30 years.  I'm sure He couldn't wait to have her home.

Joy and Todd

I had met Joy while shooting our first wedding years ago.  I guess she didn't pick up that we were scared out of our minds, being our first time and all, because when it was her time to get married, she called me up.   Joy and Todd were the most relaxed couple I think we've ever worked with.  It's very difficult with all that's going on during your wedding day to sit back and take it all in.  But they didn't seem to have that problem at all.  Fun was had by all, even the bride and groom.

 The wedding took place at First United Methodist Church in Auburn, AL.  The Reception was at The Fountainview Mansion.

 

First Birthday

Yesterday I put up a swing set for my son's first birthday.  And once I was over cursing the swing set company for their lack of useful instructions, I was able to stand back and wonder how on earth is it possible that I already have a one year old?  I look in my backyard now and see a small (and unfinished) garden, the dogs playing, and my wife swinging our child on his new swing set.  I just don't understand how all this happened so fast.  Did I mention I'm turning 30 this week?  30!!  I guess if you'd have told me I'd have a one year old with a swing set when I was 30, I wouldn't have thought you were crazy.  What's crazy is it's actually here.  I think I can deal with getting old if this is what it's like.  Happy First Birthday Reid!

I love my family and our friends more than anything.  Thanks to everyone that came out to celebrate with us.

As you can tell, he is EXTREMELY excited about his swing.

Perkins Engagement Photo Shoot

Last summer, at a wedding, I witnessed a strangely over-the-top reaction to the "winners" of the garter and bouquet toss.  Apparently these two were the "favorites" to "win", if I can even say that.  I find out months later that those two, Pat and Haley, were engaged 2 weeks following that wedding.  It could be the first time in history that's actually happened.  (Other than in the movies.)  Anyways, I'm super excited about shooting Pat and Haley's wedding.  Here's some shots from the engagement shoot.

Compassion International - Kenya

This post is about a week overdue.  Better late than never right?

Last week we got back from Kenya.  It was my second trip there with Compassion International in as many years.  I won't go on and on like I usually do.  Compassion is something I'm very passionate about but I'm going to let someone else do the talking this time.  One of my favorite things on these trips is to see people witness Compassion for the first time.  Andy Blanks came along this time and he's much better at communicating the experience than I am.  Here's the link.  Read it and enjoy.

It also wouldn't be a photo blog without some of my favorite pics from the trip:















Last year I had the amazing experience of meeting one of our sponsored kids with Compassion.  His name is Brian and he lives in the Mathare Valley slum, one of the most dangerous in all of Africa.  It was by far one of the coolest experiences of my life.  So when they told me we were going to have the opportunity to spend a half day with our sponsored kids, I was pumped.

Brian is so awesome.  He remembered me from last year and ran straight to me.  We took pictures, looked at crocodiles, played on some rinky-dink fair rides, I almost threw up because of them, he jumped around in an inflatable castle (I wasn't allowed in), we kicked the ball around.... it was a great time had by all.  Brian and his family are doing great, and it was amazing to spend this kind of time with him.  I realize its very rare to meet a sponsored child and I don't take it for granted.

Here's Brian:



Here are a couple portraits I did while we were with a Masai tribe:





And we finished off with a trip to the Masai Mara: