{ Friday's Favorite Things - Back-To-School Organization } || Martinez, GA Family Photographer

Back-To-School time is truly one of my most favorite times of the year...  I L-O-V-E the organization that the school year brings to me and my family.  I am a planner at heart and having school in session means a routine.  Don't get me wrong, I relish lazy mornings and days with my children during the summer, but a routine keeps our lives moving forward. 

To get ready for school this year, we did our back-to-school shopping during the sale days a few weeks ago and I organized all that we purchased into bins and designated spaces for our children.  

 The spaces are our launching stations for the kids' school supplies, including school bags, coats and shoes. It makes getting ready for school a snap! Organization is key to get 3 kids off to school each day!  

We even created a fun and great way too keep our daily events organized with a fancy chalkboard in a central location in our home.  

To make it even more fun, I bought color chalk markers.  Each Sunday night, we figure out what is happening for our week and get ready - sometimes mentally and physically (any of you other Moms have to stretch before the week starts, too??).  I have had a fabulous summer and look forward to a fabulous new school year starting next week.

Find out more about how I am “Capturing Life’s Beautiful Moments” in my All Natural Light Studio and On Location for newborns and families in Augusta, GA; Evans, GA and Martinez, GA; Aiken, SC; Edgefield, SC and North Augusta, SC by visiting my website www.MaryBethsPhotography.com

{ Friday's Favorite Things - Cousins } || Evans GA Newborn and Family Photographer

I recently saw a quote about cousins that went something like this, "A Cousin is a Ready-Made Friend for Life".  Oh boy is that true!!!  

Mary Beth, Melissa and Claudine - circa 1984

When I was debating about attending the Heidi Hope Photography Workshop, my cousin, Claudine (she also manages a few facets of my photography business), said, "Drive through NJ, drop off your children and go to the workshop!!!"  How could I pass up an offer like that, right?!?  

Melissa, Claudine and Mary Beth - 2014

So, in the middle of June, we arrived at her house and to my surprise, she had invited two of her siblings, who also live in NJ, to visit with us, too.  

So, there I was in NJ with 3 of my cousins, swimming, BBQing lots of goodies and feeling like I was a kid again (minus all the Barbie-playing and dress-up).  My cousins and I spent summers and winter vacations traveling to each other's homes to spend time together.

  

Oh the stories we could tell, but... isn't that the beauty of cousins, right?!?  You each keep a part of the other's childhood so close to your heart - memories only you can share.  

So, this summer was a fabulous one for me for sure!  And you want to know the best part, watching our children play together, watching them develop relationships and memories that will last their whole lives, too!

Find out more about how I am "Capturing Life's Beautiful Moments" in Augusta, GA; Evans, GA and Martinez, GA; Aiken, SC; Edgefield, SC and North Augusta, SC by visiting my website www.MaryBethsPhotography.com

{ Friday's Favorite Things - Heidi Hope } || Edgefield, SC Newborn Photographer

I have to admit that this has been one of the best summers in my professional career because of one person - the fabulous Heidi Hope.  

For those of you who don't know her (check out her website and blog NOW), she is one incredible photographer who lives in Rhode Island. 

I have been a huge fan for quite a while!  I would see all the wonderful portrait sessions she was doing, would be inspired and in awe of her creativity. 

And then the most magical thing happened...  All the stars aligned and I was able to attend her INCREDIBLE Photographers Workshop in June.

I can not believe I met Heidi and her incredible team, but I also had the privilege of working with them, being inspired by them and feeling as though I have grown as a photographer and business woman in one month's time.

Life has a funny way of putting people in your life just when you need them!  Thank you Heidi and your team for your generosity and for sharing your genius!

Find out more about how I am "Capturing Life's Beautiful Moments" in Augusta, GA; Evans, GA and Martinez, GA; Aiken, SC; Edgefield, SC and North Augusta, SC by visiting my website www.MaryBethsPhotography.com

{ Friday's Favorite Things - God Bless America } || Evans, GA Newborn Photography

On this Friday, July 4th, I thought it was appropriate to tell you about one of my most favorite things... being an American; being born in this incredible country of ours - The United States of America; having a passport that confirms I am an American; believing that I could not do what I am doing in many other countries around this world; knowing that there is no other place I could possibly live than right here on American soil.  

And I am really, really cheesy about it, too - my heart swells when our national anthem plays and I have tears in my eyes; I dress in red, white and blue on any national holiday and until they say I should do otherwise, I dress my children in red, white and blue, too.

I love a good, old hometown American parade and fireworks show.  I WILL join in with any U-S-A chant that is happening.

I have traveled to other countries and when the plane touches down back in the U.S.A, I beam with pride, because I know that being an American is a privilege; having our freedoms and living in this incredible country has come with a heavy price.  Many of my relatives have been or are still in active military duty, including my own father.

  

My Father, Anthony Jackson, a member of the United States Army.

I thank every military person in uniform that I see for their service, too.  Some of the most treasured portraits I have taken are of military spouses and their children, but while I am taking them, I know that in a few weeks or days, one of the spouses is headed out for deployment, protecting and serving this incredible country.  

So, on this 4th of July, I say, "Thank you" to everyone who has served or is currently serving our country.  I also say, "God Bless the USA!"

Find out more about how I am "Caputring Life's Beautiful Moments" in Augusta, GA; Evans, GA and Martinez, GA; Aiken, SC; Edgefield, SC and North Augusta, SC by visiting my website www.MaryBethsPhotography.com