Father & Daughter Dance

Thursday, May 31, 2012


Yes, The First dance by the newly married couple is an emotional part of any wedding reception, but nothing brings on the tears as much as the Father Daughter Dance. He laughed with her in her joy and smile fondly at his new son. He twirled her around fondly, without inhibition as if no one was looking on. It was simply he and she together and alone on that dance floor, just like when she was little playing in our living room and she was the princess and he was her father, the king. I love the range of emotions captured in these photos. They showcase the infinite love that is displayed between father and daughter. The tradition of the dance amongst them is one of my favorite moments of the wedding. I don’t know about you but it brings a tear to my eye each and every time. The symbol and transfer of stages of life brings inspiration to me. It gives you the opportunity to reflect on the relationships you were brought up with and the new ones you have made and will continue to grow upon. The joy, jubilation, contemplation, contentment and love are a reminder of those things which are truly important in our lives.  For the Father & Daughter Dance pictures go here...  and for 2 more bonus posts you know what to do, click & click: the Reception and the Cake cutting.


Kite Flying

Saturday, May 26, 2012


Today the boys were over spending time with MiMi while mom and dad were working... Trey brought over his new kite and we went out to see if we could make it FLYYYYY!  Success, YES, considering I haven't flown a kite since I was kid, not to shabby if I must say so myself.  The wind was about medium so we were able to do more than just hold on, we were able to make the kite dance across the sky by pulling in and letting out the line.  Thank you Lord, for the nice breeze that made me look all the better in the eyes of my grandsons, hehe!  Besides flying he kite, the boys had me running up and down the street in my 2 1/2 inch sandals... I must remember to put on tennis shoes next time.  It is absolutely gorgeous weather outside, kind of reminds me of Cali.  I even have a couple of short videos to share...

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The First Dance


The first dance. It's often the only time during the wedding day that a couple just gets to be together with full permission to completely ignore everyone else in the room - no direction from the photographer, no guests to converse with, just the couple. A private moment for them to enjoy their weding bliss. Despite 200 pairs of eyes on them, it seemed the universe for a brief moment existed entirely for them. A chance for them to rest, to talk, and to become reacquainted. They danced, talked, and conversed with youthful exuberance and reckless abandon, it became a well-earned moment of intimacy where they could reconnect and celebrate. For all the First Dance pictures go here...

2 bonus posts on Tying the Knot: The Toast and the Blessing & Dinner

Shamara's 1st Mother's Day

Thursday, May 24, 2012


A girl's First Mother's Day evokes mixed feelings of joy and pride. The first mother's day is the time for a new mother to celebrate the fact that she is a mother and is most deserving of her very own Mother's Day post.  Happy 1st Mother's Day Shamara, you fill this role with such class!


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Mother's Day 2012

Whether we're moms, daughters, grandmothers, or all of the above, Mother's Day holds a special place in our hearts. Sure, birthdays are a chance to show our appreciation, but Mother's Day is something different altogether. It's about loving mom for mothering us. It's about loving mom for disciplining us, pushing us, and loving us. It's about loving our children because they are ours. It's about celebrating the very idea of motherhood...

This time spent together is more valuable than any monetary reward and it will always be the perfect gift for me. My family gifted me with their love and time and I feel truly blessed that this Mother's Day supplied that for all of us.

CHURCH: Christ Life Church in Tempe

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LUNCH: Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles in Scottsdale



POOL TIME: Splashing, wading and paddling... equals a great day in the water. Playing in the pool was a real treat on this hot day. I think Trey could stay in FOREVER!



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Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

What better way to end the day... a bath for Baby Girl MALAYSIA!




The "Bridal Party" Introduction

Thursday, May 17, 2012


It is said that every single aspect of a wedding can contribute significantly to the remembrance of those fond memories in the future. This is true even for bridal party introduction songs... the bridal party was formally introduced by the DJ to the guests at the beginning of the reception. They each entered to a song especially selected for them by none other than the bride & groom, this created individuality and characterization for each of them as they took their walk.  It was professinal FUN & INSANE, unique & entertaining but definitely a memorable moment... see the rest of the Bridal Party intro pics HERE!

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Reinaldo Sheffield

Wednesday, May 16, 2012


Celebrating love and a new life together! Congratulations to you both. Cheers to life long happiness and good health!  This is the FB post I wrote for them on the morning of their wedding.  To see the rest of the pictures of Mr. & Mrs. Sheffield go here...

TODAY AS WE CELEBRATE YOUR MARRIAGE REMEMBER... Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In the Art of Marriage, the little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon; it should continue through all the years. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo or the wife to have the wings of an angel. It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is finding rooms for things of the spirit. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner. 1 Cor 13:4-7

Happy Mother's Day

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Today I celebrate and honor the mothers in my life:  Happy Mother's Day! For all the moms out there today, I wish you a very warm and thoughtful day full of the love and appreciation from your daughters and sons.


My reflection on motherhood: there are moments as a mother that are so intensely awe-inspiring so jaw-droppingly gorgeous, so heavenly... there are moments that don't make being a mom worthwhile, they make living worthwhile... they give each breath vitality and value... they make me believe in all that is good and worthwhile in this world and the next... so stir it together and that is what motherhood means to me.

I'm eternally thankful for my mom... She has given me love, affection, and wisdom throughout the years.  She is the truest friend... when trials heavy and sudden fall upon me; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with me in our sunshine desert me; when trouble thickens around me, still will she cling to me, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to my heart.  I love you Mom, Happy Mother's Day!


Shannon, sometimes the busy lives we lead leave little time to share the thoughts that often come to mind while rushing here and there... and though at times it goes unsaid, it doesn't change the way you're wished a world of happiness today and every day.  Relax and enjoy this wonderful Mother's Day, declare yourself "Queen for the Day" (I'll let you borrow my title, Haha!) be silly, wear a crown and make a game of it.  Ask the boys to do things for you and if they ask you to do anything remind them that queens don't so such tasks, their subjects do (Mark2 will need to assist here :).  Reassure them that their usual mom will be back tomorrow but for today you're going to put your feet up and ask them to wait on you instead.  It's Mothers Day.  It's your day, ENJOY!  Love you!


Shamara, your 1st Mother's Day... now you know just how true when you give out your love it comes back tenfold to you.  Caress that soft baby skin, share warm cuddles and hugs and know that this is real love more intense than all other, these moments so precious now that you are a mother.  Relish the joys of holding your baby and take pride in the fact that you are the "mother" of that adorable little girl.  Remember this: a mother understands what a child does not say; her arms are always open when her child needs a hug; her strength and love will guide and give the wings to fly...  Make sure this day is your day, and rule with pure enjoyment and pure love!  Happy 1st Mother's Day, I am so proud of the mother you already are.  Love U!


Shamesha, my prayer for you as you prepare to join the ranks of motherhood.  Dear Father, watch over this new mother-to-be who is with child, strengthen her faith in Your fatherly care and love for her and for her unborn baby.  Give her courage in times of fear or pain, understanding in times of uncertainty and doubt, and hope in times of trouble.  Grant her joy in the birth of her child.  I look forward to sharing this most honored holiday with you for many years to come. This picture gives me a glimpse into your future as a mommy, I love you!

Exchanging of the VOWS

Saturday, May 12, 2012


I take you... to be my...  to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.  The moment has not only been captured and preserved through these photos, but looking through them jogs the emotions. They don't just help us to remember the moments but to RE-feel them.  To see more photos of Shamesha & Reggie's ceremony go here...



The Sweetest Moment

Tuesday, May 8, 2012


Reggie’s eyes were locked on the entryway… from the moment that Shamesha entered the courtyard, there was a sense that something magical awaited.  Her bridal entrance (the processional march) was one of the most meaningful and memorable moments of the day.  For the first time, the groom and all of the invited guests got to see her all made up in her beautiful wedding dress being escorted down the aisle by her dad.  Not only was this a very important moment but it was also very emotional for many of us who were present.  It was serene, an almost out-of-body experience.  Looking back now there is one decision that she made which I am very glad about…  to wear a veil but not the blusher (that short piece of fabric worn over the face and pulled back at the end of the aisle).  Had she worn the blusher we would have missed out on some great moments, not to mention some great photos… her smiling, crying, the emotions as she look around at all the family and friends who were there to share her very special moment.  We are so happy to have been a part of this once in a lifetime experience, to share this moment go here...

I love this picture of Mark & Shamesha, it is so filled with emotion and brings the moment back in vivid detail.  But there is something else in this picture that makes it just a little more special, both of Shamesha's grandmothers looking on... 

Arriving Soon...

Sunday, May 6, 2012


Arriving soon, Baby Smith & Baby Sheffield, so delighted to see our family grow with each new birth, each and everyone is prized and celebrated and adored.  With an incredible combination of excitement and panic all mixed into one... we can't wait to meet them!  Baby Watch!

BABY Smith/Loomer due to arrive in September 2012


BABY Smith/Sheffield due to arrive in November 2012


DDH

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Remember our Orthopedic Doctor visit just last week for Sabriya, that sent us to have an MRI of her hip? Well, the results came in, so we went back today to the doctor for him to give us the outcome. No fractures or specific soft tissue abnormalities, thank God! She has what is referred to as DDH, bilateral developmental hip dysplasia with the right hip being worse than the left. This is my understanding of the issue: the ball of the hip is not properly fitting in the socket which is what protects it and so its starting to wear, causing degeneration on the right hip = PAIN! Basically this is something found in much older adults, very rare for kids her age. We now have to see a pediatric orthopedic specialist ASAP, who the doctor felt would more than likely recommend some serious therapy. The doctor did say that he believes it can be strengthened with therapy and didn't believe they would recommend surgery at her age. For now his instructions are for her to REST, now that's the hard part because she had 3 basketball tournaments lined up, the first one was last weekend and she had to sit out and guess what she's doing again this weekend... not to mention her dance recital next month, OUCH!

Smith/Sheffield 1st Ultrasound


We have a few pictures of Shamesha & Reggie's 1st Ultrasound, to see them go here...

Coming November 2012

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

We interrupt our regularly scheduled program to bring you this breaking new...  There is a BIG SURPRISE behind this family photo, for the unveiling go here...
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