Alright- so I really am a terrible blogger.  I admit it.  I start off on a really good foot– with the best of intentions… and suddenly POOOOOFFFF!!!!  There is no time in my life for updating a BLOG.  Since October- our studio has participated in nearly 20 events.  Yes.  Twenty.  Gosh… I get tired just thinking about it.  This blog really had to take the back seat.  When it comes to sitting down writing something thoughtful, and processing and the DETAILS- and posting– I was already wrapped up in another event.  So, here I am.  Playing catch up.  But that’s ok.  The last two months have been quite a whirlwind and we are so thankful to be busy.  The last 8 weeks have been filled with so many wonderful memories and AWESOME moments.  Sometimes I cannot believe all the wonderful people who have come into our life.  Many stories to tell…

But before I start posting all of these events- I’m going to share a bit about our family.  We FINALLY took some time to get the kids together for the annual Christmas card photo.  We were some happy to utilize our beautiful studio space to take these pictures.  The kids were, for once, mostly cooperative.  Aiden was partially interested– but for the first time EVER- we didn’t lose our voices getting our girls to cooperate.  They LOVED having there pictures taken– and were great little models.  Here are a few of our favorites and the card– I’m so happy to get this checked off my VERY LONG list!!

The Final Product of our efforts!!  Enjoy!  And oh yes, Merry Christmas!!

Love, Corrine & Greg

I’ve never been to Washington, D.C.  I’ve never gazed upon the steps of the Lincoln Memorial or walked through the Smithsonian.  And as much as I loved the idea of visiting good ‘ol 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue– the closest I’ve ever been to the capital city is the one time I walked through the terminal– of the airport– on a layover– to NYC.  I’ve thought about taking a trip there for years– but an opportunity has never come and I’ve never made that trek.   I’ve never had a reason to go.   Until now.

Well, it just so happens that I can now read the future.  I’ve gazed into my crystal ball– and Hooray!  I’m going to D.C!   And although I haven’t booked ticket or made serious arrangements- I know that in the very near future– I’m heading north.  I’m gonna have to go and visit her.  She’ll be lonely.  And with only Lucy– she’s going to need a friend to visit pretty soon.   See, she started her job this week.  So that’s what friends do– they go on a trip– and do girl things.  I think I might have to make some pit stops on the way~ Charlotte, too!  ‘Cause that’s what friends do– plus,  I need a martini and a good laugh.

Pics from Julie’s going away party… and some family shots mixed in… Enjoy!

Ten years ago today, I woke up in Apopka with a room full of the best girlfriends in the world, my mom & my brother.  It was a really special day of course– and they were all there to celebrate with me.  I was getting married to Mr. Gregory Heck… holy cow.  I can’t ever really remember being nervous… at all.   Since the moment I met you- I knew you.  Instantly.  In the moment that we were introduced– there was nothing but you.  It’s amazing how it happens- because in an instant– my life went from missing a big chunk–to in the blink of an eye– FULL.  I’d found you.  And a soon as I met you– I knew I couldn’t let you go.  I’d wondered for years just when you would make your appearance.   Who would have guessed that the parking lot at a Denny’s restaurant would be so significant.  But wow… it was THE place.

Our wedding day was so special.  I can remember walking down the aisle and seeing all the people who’d traveled near and far to be there.  Ten years ago today they were all there… for you and me babe… Amazing!  When my brother lifted the veil from my face and you took my hand– everything was so unbelievably real- for the first time.  Colors seemed more colorful.  Everything seemed richer.  Like the contrast level had been adjusted.  It was truly the most beautiful moment… in the middle of  a garden… complete with waterfalls, coy ponds full of fish & lily pads… and a mystical cloudy, overcast sky.  I can still remember every last detail–the sounds of the garden– the smells of the flowers.  It’s like those moments have been permenantly painted in my memory.  And I remember you– I remember how beautiful you looked.  If it’s odd to say you looked beautiful, well, let it be odd.  Because it was a beautiful day in so many ways and you were beautiful.  And the best part- I knew how much you loved me… and how much we adored each other and that today was here.  We had no idea what the next 10 years would bring– but look at us.  We’re still here. Together.  As good as ever.  No- Better… with a few gray hairs sprinkled in for the experience of 10 years of living real life.  SPRINKLED ONLY!

Ten years later– I know it’s not always easy being married to me for so many reasons.  I’m competitive and disagreeable.  I hog the pillows.  I sleep with the TV on.  It rains at every sporting event I go to.  I’m not great at camping and find it hard not to complain.  I refuse to lose at the game of chess.  And thumb war.  I’m terrible at buying birthday presents/christmas presents.  I constantly tell people they look like someone else.  I don’t understand Fantasy Football.  Or the fantasy draft.  I love romantic movies.  And Girly Comedies.  And Titanic (at least once a year).  I hate taking out the trash.  Ditto on mowing the lawn.  I only like to cook in spurts.  I never lose an argument.   I love New York and big cities.  I don’t know how to order off a menu.  Or order a drink.   I’m sassy.  Sarcastic.  Dramatic.  And a wee bit selfish.  Just a wee.  But that’s me.  And although I’m all these things and more… you forgive me for all my faults.  You continue to love me even when I’m at my worst.   And I’m so glad that you do.  You are my perfect match.  You compliment me in all the right ways.  And although I’m not always easy– I love you Gregory Heck.  I love you because of your thoughtfulness.  I love you because you are a great father who really knows how to love.  I love you because you toss the kids around in the most gentle way.  I love you because you know when I need a hug and you give really good ones.  I love you because you make me laugh.  I love you because of the beautiful pictures you take to document the story that is our life.  I love you because you don’t give up on me and that if we do anything– we’re going to do it together.  I love you because you are a good man.  A good man especially for me.

Thank you for 10 years of laughs, 3 beautiful babies & countless moments in between.  I love you so much… Here is a picture of us.. at the same moment… 10 years ago today.

With our weekends typically taken up by wedding adventures– it’s not always easy to get together with family.  But when Justine sent out an evite to all the cousins to orchestrate a date night– I marked my calendar and didn’t let anything disrupt it.  Family is so important– and with everyone’s busy schedules– this was a date that everyone was ready for.  Yay!!  This adventure of cousins and spouses took place this past Saturday– and it kicked off with a delicious dinner at Girabaldi’s Mexican Restaurant in our hometown of Apopka, Florida.  Well, let’s just say the quesadillas were delicious & our version of Man vs. Food was histarical– thank you for that Brent.  All I can write is O-M-G.  The video may follow- maybe.

Well, lots of hot sauce and a couple of margarita’s later– we all descended over to the Wekiva Lanes to go “Cosmic Bowling”.  Now, I should mention, my cousins and I grew up with a great spirit of sporting events, card games, gambling & competition.  Perhaps it was because our fathers, uncles & aunts enjoyed a good rivalry– but I think it’s because of Gramma & Grandpa.  They loved a trip to Vegas more than anything– and a chance to win a few nickels & dimes amongst the cousins made any get together all the more fun.  Some of my favorite childhood memories were playing with these 6 kids– Chris (my brother), Renee, Steven, Sarah, Justine & Aaron.  We spent hours & hours playing darts, acey-duecy & poker around Gramma’s dining room table.  And now, this would be the first time, since Gramma’s been gone, that all the cousins would be together for just a fun night out (other than a holiday).  And each of us have a teammate to share in the fun– I know Gramma & Grandpa were smiling upon us.

As competitions would go, I figured my older brother Chris would be the champion bowler– but he was quickly demolished by cousin Steven & Renee’s husband John!  I discovered that Steve, Rachel, John & Renee regularily play on bowling leagues– so it’s really not fair (HA!!), but oh well.  By game two, Aaron had his groove on and was the big winner.  Greg–my lovely husband– always competes well in baseball & football– but Wow!  He’s really a terrible bowler.   He did manage to FINALLY beat Steven in the last game- but by the end of the night– everyone was goofing off.  Being silly.  Throwing the ball between your legs, backwards– or with the wrong hand.  It was great.  I only got one strike the whole night… yeah, I’m awful and I hate to lose at games!  But Amy was much worse than me… much!!  She threw the bowl the wrong direction on more than one occasion– so funny.   I’m sure we’re gonna give it another go– hopefully not too far in the future from now.  Thanks to my wonderful family– I love each of you SO much.  We had a great night.  Thanks for the memories…

Here are the cousins and their partners in crime.

A picture of all the girls- Justine, Renee, Rachel, me, Amy, Sarah & Heather

Niccas Sarah & Justine

Justine (the photog & orchestrater of the night) & her wonderful husband Russell

Greg & I– celebrating 10 years of marrige this week!!  And they said it wouldn’t last!!!

I couldn’t resist sharing this picture of my youngest cousin (and Newlywed) Sarah– Isn’t she adorable?  Love you girl!

Steve & Rachel taking a break from the twins!!

Justine, Renee & Me- without the help of a photographer!