GHS Senior Girls...sneak peek!

five...fabulous & fun, gorgeous, graduating girls of Gilbert High.

stay tuned for more... ...

Jordyn...Senior

This high school senior holds a very special place in my heart. She is pretty much the only babysitter we've EVER paid to watch our boys. She and her family became our next door neighbors 7 years ago and the blessings have flowed ever since. Their kindness often makes me feel like we are living in black & white sitcom. Sweet, simple kindness. We could all use more of that right? I was so excited when she asked me about Senior Pix. She is a 'Senior Rep' so you'll be seeing her b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l. smile and a.m.a.z.i.n.g. eyes a few more times over the next few months.

thank you Jordyn! I am looking forward to our next PIX adventure.

Jordyn....sneak peek!

Here is a -sneak peek- of Jordyn, my unofficial Sr. Pix Rep. B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. She won't be paying a penny for her pix. contact me at designedbyemily@cox.net to find out how.

i {heart} faces challenge... VrOOm vRooM!

This week's challenge at i {heart} faces is all about cars. I could not resist entering this photo. Such effort and time into stacking these 3 cars and then just sit back and dream about them. I wish I could have heard his thoughts!

Okay, here we go. Focus. Speed. I am speed. One winner, forty-two losers. I eat losers for breakfast. Breakfast? Maybe I should have had breakfast? Brekkie could be good for me. No, no, no, focus. Speed. Faster than fast, quicker than quick. I am Lightning.

checkered flag here I come!

feel the need? the need for speed? then check out the other entries at i {heart} faces.

i {heart} faces challenge... B E A C H

this week's challenge from i{heart}faces is beach.

B E A C H. sand in my toes. sun on my skin. salt in the air. wind in my hair.

'EMBRACE the ocean with OPEN arms and SANDY feet.'

C'mon, take a mental & visual vacation with the amazing photographers at

i {heart} faces challenge...sunglasses

i {heart} faces challenge of the week? sunglasses.... you would think living in Arizona would provide a pluthera of photos with faces adorned in sunglasses, and while I did have a few to choose from, most of the time you ask people to remove them before taking the shot.

I myself have a love hate relationship with sunglasses. I love that they protect us from the harmful rays of the sun. But I have struggled since a little girl when it comes to finding a pair that 'fit' me. Don't be surprised if you see me in the kids section. Not kidding! But I do love the many different styles of sunglasses...something for every personality...for every season (maybe only in Arizona) ...or every mood. Sunglasses can turn you into a rockstar, a pro athlete. They can transform you into a diva or just give you class. Go get some and express yourself today!

I chose this shot because even though you can't see behind the sunglasses at this little man's eyes you can still feel what he is thinking.

Check out more amazing pix at

Summer Vacation

Just a little collage to share some of the things I've been hunting & gathering over my summer break. We have been in our house for just over 2 years now and it is reeeeeally beginning to feel like ours. I am inspired by the contrast of shiney & new married with vintage & used. Blank walls and cabinet tops are slowly being filled, creating a story of things renewed and things yet to be used. I crave raw, organic textures. Metal, wood, paint, linens....things that once served a family....things that are fresh from the store in need of a family to serve. And I am often inspired to make something myself.... and find great joy & satisfaction when I can step back and L O V E what I see, knowing that God blessed me with hands to do such work.