Bartering is the best.

In case you are reading this and own your own practice, business, or service--let's barter! I have bartered for the following services in the past

interior design
cosmetic dentistry
legal work
children's clothes
office help
professional organization
advertisement
graphic design
computer and technical services
hair services

Not only can we trade services, but we can advertise to each other's clientele-definetly a win-win.

Also, if you own a children's service and are interested in advertising on my blog, please email me and let's discuss details!

MOMMY project: I have had an overwhelming response to the mention of my mommy project. I am still currently seeking applications so please let us know if you would like more details.

EMAIL: I have also been experiencing great difficulty with emails. Many clients are reporting that they sent me emails and I never got them. I always answer all emails within 48 hrs, so if you don't hear back from me, I did not receive--please either re-send or call the office. If you emailed me about the Mommy project and did not hear back, please call or re-send.

Thanks!
D

I heart families

I absolutely LOVE it when a family calls and wants pictures together...this is definetly my forte. I love the challenge of capturing a family being, well, a family...snuggling, laughing, playing, teasing; all the fun that makes being together so special and cherished.

After multiple attempts to get together and make this family session happen, we finally had THE perfect morning, and all the stars aligned for this:

***Announcement: I am currently searching for Mommies of all shapes and sizes for a big project I am starting work on. More details later but if you are interested please send me an email at deanna@devine-memories.com . DFW area is preferable but not mandatory.

Now Booking

Spring Mini Sessions!

Saturday, March 29th

1-4pm

$150 Session Fee

Packages start at $500

30 minute sessions with up to 2 subjects

Perfect for Mother's Day and Father's Day gifts

Spots go FAST so call 972-596-5500 or email deanna@devine-memories.com to book

The Unseen One

This is my son--the one you never see. That is not because of me, BELIEVE ME! The only reason I even got him to pose for this one is I had to promise he could leave on his play clothes.

He's 9 going on 19... (and refuses to cut his hair)

Request

Is anyone out there in the publishing or writing industry who could give advice about putting together a book???

Little Blue Eyes

I would like to find out where the Blue Eyed store is so I can get me some. Because c'mon, this just isn't fair (and I sware that these were not enhanced!!!)

Sweet Miss K is another baby planner and is growing faster than her mommy can believe! Hey, that's what I'm here for, right??

Life is more interesting when you are 2.

That's what I have determined anyways after spending the morning with Miss D, an old pal of mine since she has grown up so far in front of my lens. We talked, and we talked, and oh, we talked some more. We also tried on lots of outfits, so many that I can't fit them all in this tiny sneak peek, but here are the highlights!

What's up, D? part 2!

Thank you so much for the AMAZING response I had to my last blog. Tears were shed :) It's so encouraging to know that you guys are behind me and are so understanding! I have to admit to almost deleting my entry a few times just because I hate wearing my heart on my sleeve, but I was so glad I didn't once I received emails from so many moms who are in the same situation career-wise.

Anyways, here's the rest of what I've been up to. These aren't really sneak peeks per say, just a little sampling of who I've been hanging out with the last few weeks.

What's up, D?

You all may be wondering what the heck has been going on with me lately. And I don't blame you.

"You never call, you never write, you never blog!"

I know. I'm sorry!

So here's the gist of it, if I may be so honest, and I think I can, since I'm speaking mostly to mommies, daddies, and photographers...

Last year was sort of an "experiment". Can this mommy of now three work from home and keep her sanity?? I actually didn't realize it was an experiment until recently. In my mind, what was one more child? Get back to work and stop whining already!

So what happened? Well, my baby hit age one, and developed her personality. If any of you have had the "experience" of meeting my 1 yr old, she is what we like to call a "Toddler Tornado" or "Tasmanian Toddler". She has no fear of ANYTHING, and leaves a path of destruction everywhere she goes.

What else happened? Well, it became very, very clear to me that my family needed me. Several home events, including Maddy's severe illnesses, had profound effects on my life. Over the last few months with some much needed wisdom from others, I have had to take a very honest inventory of my life and have discovered that I really stink at being a work-at-home mom of three. It's funny, because the number one thing people say to me is "How in the world do you do it?" And my answer is "I'm not doing it." And I know you all thought I was kidding, but it's the truth. I was failing miserably. And I don't want to do that anymore!

So what does this mean? No, I'm NOT quitting anything, if that's what you're thinking. I LOVE my job and I need my job. I have to work.

But what I have done is begun to streamline my workflow a bit and rearrange a few things to accomodate my family. This means less computer and phone time during the day, slightly longer turnaround times on your orders and proofs, fewer nighttime ordering appointments, seasonal increases, fewer "specialty items" that take too much time, and less Saturday sessions. I am the queen of people-pleasing, and so this transition is going to be a hard one for me. But for me to be able to continue on, it's necessary.

This is so hard for me, to be really honest. When I started my business, my career took the fast track and I had the world at my door. Magazine covers, commercial clients, local celebrities, endless phone calls and emails...The thing about following your passion is that once you decide to take that first step, everything kind of falls into place and the universe is yours if you want it. But something I've had to focus on over the 8 years I've been doing this--the reason I started this in the first place was so I could be there for my children--and as soon as I lose sight of that and get caught up in the money or the competition, my home life suffers. 4 years from now when my baby starts Kindergarten, things will change and I can chase all that is out there...but until then, I need to refocus every now and then and make sure I am being the best Mommy I can be!

I'm probably saying too much, but I know that you parents out there can likely relate to the whole struggle of career vs. family. Just to be clear, I know lots of moms and dads out there that are excellent at doing both--I am just NOT one of them. I don't multi-task well! In fact, one of my close friends is a photographer doing the same type of work as I am, takes more clients than I do, and still volunteers for her children's schools and spends tons of time with them. She is an excellent working mommy. I feel relieved to finally admit to myself that me=not so much!!

So I guess all I'm really saying is, if you notice some changes around here, just know that I have only the best intentions-the same intentions as every other mom out there trying to do her best and balance it all.

Love to you all,
Deanna

Prayer request

I like to use this blog for many purposes but when I have the opportunity to spread a prayer request for someone I jump on it, so here I am with another request for one of my families.

Jett is 2 years old and we had our photo session with his gorgeous family back in December before the holidays. After I got back from my break I got an email from his aunt saying that Jett had been admitted to the hospital, and they were unsure what was going on with him, but they would contact me soon. I just got off the phone with Jett's mom and she gave me an update-Jett has had fever for 28 days straight now. They have really no idea what is causing the fever and have performed every test imaginable and have only been able to rule things out with these tests. The big ones, like leukemia, have been ruled out, with junior rheumatoid arthritis now being the theory, which seems out of whack to them because he has no joint pain, and Kawasaki Disease being the next likely cause.

Jett's mom is a wreck, losing weight and having a tough time so if everyone could please say a prayer for the family and for Jett that something be found so it can be treated, I would appreciate it!!

Deanna