All In a Day's Work

We went to a neat event last weekend: Cy-Fest Community Festival. The Cy-Fair VFD was there to put on demonstrations and let me tell you, they were AWESOME. It was our favorite part of the day. To watch these people in action is just breathtaking.

The men did a demonstration of how they get people out of the car when there's been a serious accident. It was amazing. The tools in the above photo were used to take this door off. We're talking p-o-w-e-r here.

I know. Can you get more stealthy fireman looking than this?

I can't decide which I like better.

Intense.

This is Denise and her k-9 partner, Aid'N. This was our favoritest, favoritest part of the demonstrations. Aid'N has a long list of accomplishments that include working at 9/11 and also during the Katrina aftermath. He's on his way to find "victims" nestled in the pallets. He found them both. And when he did, he just stood there and barked until Denise came over to him.

They don't use food for rewards. It's playtime that is given to them for correctly responding to the situation. Think he likes it? Yah, me too!

Such a good listener.

Here, Aid'N is looking for people trapped inside the building. Again, he is taught to bark relentlessly until someone comes and releases him...by telling him good boy and lovin' on 'eem. His ears are the cutest! Love this.

A little affirmation for her helper. A little adoration for his owner.

He's gorgeous!

Ewwww Weeeeeeee! I love my job! Hey, It's all in a day's work. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.

She Turned 9 In Style

All of the preparations were made over the last year. The accessories, clothes, shoes, bags, mini chandeliers, were precisely chosen for this momentous occasion: her little girl was turning 9! Shavaria knows how to put a party together honey! Just look below and see her fingerprints all over the details! Talent. Talent.

At 4:30pm, 12 little girls arrived with big smiles and excitement on hand and began to get ready. It was glitz n glam all the way! There were 6 designers who chose the girls' outfits and fixed their hair for them. After they had gotten all glammed up, I met them at a secret location (an automotive center) in Humble and had a photo session there. It was SO much fun! They all looked beautiful and had a fantastic shoot! After the shoot, we went to Cedar Landing in Huffman for a fabulous shrimp and catfish dinner! Thank you Shavaria! The little "Top Models" finished their meal and rode off in style in a barbie pink stretch limo!

The Birthday Girl's living room was transformed into a huge dressing room for her and her friends.

Two of the designers peeking from all of the girls' clothes that were awaiting their arrival.

Details. Details.

Can you tell this is the birthday girl? Naaaaaaaaah. Didn't think you could.

All the girls had envelopes that said who their designer would be and also what their theme of clothing would be.

And the envelope please.

Some shots of them getting all glammed out!

A little sun bling for ya. Love this.

And of course the birthday girl getting ready.

What a doll!

And here is the final result of those fabulous designers! You look ma-velous girlies!

Are you kidding me with the school bus? Go girls!

These two looked awesome! Their theme was: "Rock Meets Runway"

"Uptown Girl"

"International Flare"

Happy Birthday!

Uncle Mark

Mom and Daughter. Very warm.

Look out! Here we come!!!

In Hot Pursuit & The Coolest Socks EvEr

Slow and steady always wins. It's been that way since Ike hit us. At least for the computer part of my life. OH IT'S SO GOOD TO BE BACK! We just got internet last week! I'm grateful to have my home and electricity. We went camping for a few days during recovery and it was wonderful. I'll not mention how many delicious S'mores I ate while on the wild frontier. Or how scared I was at night that a bear would come and attack our tent (that all five of us happened to sleep in. For it was made for three but somehow we squished in five!)

We've been in revival now for 6 weeks with Jerome Bourn (who is truly a man of God and who has blessed us with his ministry) . God is just about to get us to believe that He can do ANYTHING. I say that sarcastically but you know He really can do anything. More than what you think or pray. I'm not putting Him in a box any more! Only He knows how cramped it is in there. Yes, I've made my decision to believe Him and trust for whatever my need and want. I don't say that in a cocky way but as His child and as someone who is in hot pursuit of His presence and ways. Anyway, if you want to come and have your faith, thinking, and life totally changed we'll be at 8819 Will Clayton PKWY on Friday Oct 10th at 7:30pm and Sunday Oct 12 at 10:30am & 6:00pm. Hey, for those of you who are sick of the way things are going in your life just give God a chance and see what He does. Seriously. And please, I'm not a religious nut who believes that you can put your quarter in God's vending machine and get what you want. But I do believe that when you put Him first, He sees to it that you are well taken care of. It's a principle. Oh I know some of you don't believe that it's right to mix business (this blog, my photography) with "religion" but it's who I am. And now to quote the ever popular spinach eating, strength gaining Popeye,: "I yam what I yam."

And on a very um different note...I bought the coolest pair of socks this week and want to show you! I put them on and walked into the room where my family was and instantly their eyes lit up and they smiled! "Where'd you get those?" I said, "you like 'em dontcha?!"

I think I'm in love. The colors are awesome!

Lookin' all cool.

I'll be posting a really creative birthday party that I shot on Sept 27th soon! Here's a super sneek peek!

***UUUUUHHHHH! As soon as I am able, I am going to purchase a custom blog so that my photos don't look all Willy-Wonkified when I post them! I don't know why the sock photos look so pixelated but if anyone knows, please let me in on the info.

I Heart Electricity

Hello! Just a quick update to let you know we got our power back on yesterday! Yeah! Me love electricity! I have no access to internet at home yet. BOO. So if you'd like to book a session, the best way to reach me at this moment is to call me...832-527-6777. As soon as I can, I'll post some photos. See you soon! -Jamie

Ike

We stayed at our house for Hurricane Ike. We watched the news as he bore down on us. They predicted his arrival on Galveston Island at 2:00am. He arrived at 2:10am. He was powerful. He was harsh. Our neighborhood looks like a jungle. Our fence was blown down. Our 20 some odd trees in the back and front lost multiple branches and limbs. Our power has been off since shortly after he hit. Our neighbors have been very kind and have allowed us to get some power from them for our fridge and a fan. We've built a stronger relationship with our neighbors because of it.
I am literally sitting in my sister-in-laws front yard (yes, the one that keeps me in stitches) and am using their laptop to type this. People are just returning home and are filled with joy as their power came on not even 10 minutes ago. Allen, Cynthia, and MyRick jetted out of the driveway at break-neck speed to get to the gas station to fill up our tanks. One of the other neighbors drove by and told the good news! We've been to about 15 stations today and the lines were about an hour and a half long. Just as they were last night when MyRick waited to get gas for the generator that we've been using. Oh Ike! You've set us back. But you've not broken us. We're already on the road to recovery. My in-laws are sitting to my left and I love it. My girls are riding bikes and having fun missing school and visiting with their cousins. I've got a sweater and a blanket on me because I'm freezing! God has given us beautiful weather! It is so cool watching all of these moments. Oh! and last night Diba and Bella got to sleep with me on our pallet on the floor in our living room. As soon as I laid down, Diba was laid along my back and Bella was snuggled along my front side. I loved it! Especially my Diba. She's my baby.
I've had such calming and overwhelming emotions about all of us pulling together and helping each other out during this disaster. It's been wonderful for me and my family to see such an outpouring of kindness. My prayers, thoughts, and help go out to those who lost everything.

-Jamie

FREE Engagement Session!

I'm all inspired to do an engagement session...for FREE! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Wayne and Margaret have inspired me and I'm itching to do this. So here are the details for the contest...

Rules.

1. Engagement Session only! Includes CD w/ best photos from your session! WOW-WEE!
2. Must be willing to shoot in Houston area
3. Send in your picture, the date of your wedding and tell me why you think you deserve a FREE Engagement Session from mua. email these details to: JamieLJohnson@aol.com
4. Gotta be willing to have your story published on my blog
5. Haveta receive story by Monday, September 15th 2008 BEFORE 5:00pm

Finalists will be announced on Friday, September 19th. A panel of judges including myself will decide the finalists. Don't worry, we're all well qualified...we're in love too!

After finalists are chosen, YOU will be voting for the top 3 finalists! I'll put a poll together for you to get your vote on. Voting will begin Monday September 22nd at 6:00am and end on Wednesday, September 24th @ 11:00pm
The winner will be announced on Thursday, September 25th! YAH!


Now, email this link out, nominate a friend, a family member or EVEN YOURSELF. Just spread the word so I can help the lovebirds!!

I'm a texture NUT! Love, Love, Love this.

Up, up, and away! weeeeeeeeee!

I wish you could see this better. This is my favorite image from the day. There is SO MUCH going on in this photo. The lady looking on truly makes it. But I adore the relationship between Margaret and her grand daughter. And that's Margaret's daughter and friend in the background looking at their shots! And who is that hunk holding that black portfolio? Yep, MyRick. This may be my favorite photo of all times!

Looking good guys! Guys? Hey. Yoo-hoooooo??? What has everyone so interested over there?

Like a diver in the tank at the Aquarium in Kemah! He dove in just for them! Verrrryyyyyyyy COOL!

I shot a wedding? What?

Yes, I shot a wedding last Saturday evening and MyRick performed the ceremony. No, I don't shoot weddings. This was a once-in-a-lifetime deal. My specialty is natural light and families/children/engagements. MMMMMMMM. AAAAAAAHHHHHHH. I'm comfortable there. Speaking of engagements, I am thinking about giving away A FREE ENGAGEMENT SESSION. A contest if you will. So if you are interested, keep checking back this week for more info and juicy details!


I've got some bad news. My camera (my new baby) totally freaked out on me. For the past 3 weeks I've had nothing but problems with it. It's a factory problem/defect and I had to turn it in. I wanted it no more. I tried everything to fix the problem and all to no avail. So with original packaging and bag, I slid it across the counter at the place of purchase and said: "I'm done with this camera." I'll be picking up my new new one today. I'm excited and can't wait to get my hands on it.


We are in the best revival ever with Bro Jerome Bourn. He is sent from God. My faith is on high and I feel as if I could run through a troop and leap over a wall. Come if you can/dare! See what God will do for you.


Gotta run. Just wanted to fill you in on what's been going on.

Congratulations Margaret & Wayne!