Genesis Costner Photography

Bringing in Wedding Season 2012!!!

2012-01-10T21:57:00.000-08:00

green apples

2011-10-07T23:37:00.000-07:00

Tonight... I came in from taking pictures.

Not unusual.

I uploaded them from my camera.

I put Jonah's pajamas on.

I grabbed a glass of water from my kitchen...

And while I was drinking it... gazing off into the wild blue yonder...

I noticed a bowl of ripe green apples... I'd bought earlier this week sitting on my stove top.

I could almost taste that apple...

I wanted one. So badly.

But with much to do... I ignored my craving.

I got Jonah into bed.

I straightened up his room.

I checked on my pictures.

Thirty or so minutes went by...

I jumped on facebook...

I ran to take the towels out of the dryer and as I passed by the kitchen.

There they were again.

green apples.

I don't even like green apples... and I wanted one so badly.

And once again... I resisted the craving.

Two hours later... While I was wiping off the kitchen counter... and turning off lights.

I walked over to the stove... and decided to indulge in a tasty apple..

I wanted one so badly.

As my hand reached for the bowl... I felt extreme heat.

My senses jumped awake.

I checked the stove...

The burner had been left on.

If I would have looked closer earlier...

I would have noticed that the second row of apples were completely cooked.

It was very... very hot.

I instantly grabbed the fruit bowl off the stove... and turned the burner down.

And then it hit me.

It really... really hit me.

God had been taking care of me.

He was watching over myself and my little family.

He was the one that had made those apples suddenly look so appetizing.

I sat down a moment.. and I just had to thank him.

The ruler of the universe.... took a moment in his busy schedule...

To watch over ...a little nothing like me.

The burner had been on for several hours... and possibly could have burned down our home... in the middle of the night.

It was a grasp of reality for me..

Not just the green apples...

The thought... how many other times... has the Lord tried to use my hearing...

or my sight..

or my touch...

....to change a situation.

To save a life.

Thank you, Lord... for those green apples and the understanding that came with them.

Help me to never doubt you have complete control over my life...

and never fear what the next moment may hold.

But to trust you...

And to be still... and listen.

...six little princesses

2011-09-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

I've realized that my entire life revolves around toy trains.. baseball bats...

cowboy hats... trucks... and slimy froggies.

...and as much as I love it, somewhere deep inside of me...

I long for tea parties.. silk ribbons.. and bouncy curls.

This day I got the opportunity to work with SIX precious little ladies.

I wanted to sit back and drink it all in.

If any of you...have ALL boys ... or only one "real" boy.

You know exactly what I'm talking about ... and you're

smiling right now... and probably nodding your head.

We love our rough little men.

But, the little girl in all of us... if we admit it... still walks past the aisle

in the toystore with the china dolls... and runs our fingers over the

pink tiny purses to go with those dressup clothes.

So I'm saving a spot in my heart... for my "someday little girl"...

I can only hope she'll be as precious...

and adorable..

and funny..

as these six.

{Kenny & Laurin}...

2011-07-22T18:19:00.000-07:00

...They got sunshine... on a cloudy day.

Laurin & Kenny... were so adorable.

Here we are in Northern Louisiana, we've been going through an extreme drought.

So it looks like this special couple got one of the best gifts of all...

...RAIN.

I have to give it to them... Instead of watching the rain fall..

We grabbed umbrellas and headed out.. to catch these priceless moments.

I LOVED it.

Guys,

You were beautiful and amazing.
May God bless you.. richly.

{Andrew & Anna}....

2011-07-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

A portion of your soul has been
entwined with mine.
A gentle kind of togetherness, while separate we stand. As two trees deeply rooted in separate plots
of ground, while their topmost branches come together,
forming a miracle of lace against the heavens.

-Janet Miles

Anna & Andrew...

You are a beautiful couple...

May God lead you... and guide you on this brand new journey.

Thank you both for letting me be a part of your special day.

With love,

Genesis

thankful...

2011-07-14T06:25:00.000-07:00

Jesus, I just want to thank you...
Thank you.. for being so good.

Lovely rain woke me up early this morning...

A prayer for rain...

2011-07-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

..And they called him Noah.

This simple.. yet Godly man.

I can almost picture him… standing back in the overwhelming heat of the afternoon … I can almost see him wipe the layer of sweat from his face… and pat his unfinished project.

..A project beginning to take shape.

I can almost hear him take a deep breath… and squint his eyes as he looked toward the heavens… to see yet another cloudless day.

He was still getting looks from neighbors… But, it wasn’t important.

“That crazy man who believes in rain…Why would he need a boat that size?”

“What kind of a God would tell him there would be a flood when the weather is perfect?”

But he had a promise…

He believed.
He was going to be taken care of.
His family was going to be spared from devastation.

He knew God would send raindrops…
When had never even seen rain.

So even without a cloud in sight…

Noah built an ark....

...and there DID come a flood.

~ ~ ~

Friends,

Our town … is in serious drought.
It’s considered a state of emergency.

..and like Noah, we should be building an ark.

We need rains to come.
Our lands are dry.
Our lakes are fading away.
It’s an extremely SERIOUS situation.

Jesus said..

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 18:19

….

Many friends are taking a moment…

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

at.. 12:00 PM

…we’re going to PRAY for rain.
We’re going to believe together.

Because just like it said in Matthew… I believe what Jesus said.
Regardless of our cloudless days.

Therefore I say unto you, What things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Mark 11:24

Please join our efforts tomorrow!

a wrinkled tshirt...

2011-07-08T13:42:00.001-07:00

...I take so many pictures.....
Sometimes.. my wrists get sore from the pressure of the heavy camera.......
You could say photography has become "my thing".

I do weddings.
families.
corporate venues.
still life.
children.
senior portraits.
you pick it.. i shoot it.

But the truth of it is this...

I sat my work aside tonight.. to tuck in the most precious gift God has given me.

He insisted on wearing a wrinkled tshirt to sleep in.....
Because sometimes when I forget to leave Mimi & Paw his jammies...

They let him sleep in a soft white tshirt too.

It's a treat to him.
........And I've found it's so funny how a little boy thinks.

..how a soft wrinkled tshirt could bring so much joy.

... he loves it.

..so do i.

When I speak to my wedding clients... I remind them how important "moments" are.. in a wedding.
They hire me .. to capture them.

Tonight, while getting him ready for bed.... the funny little comments he'd make.....
The way his eyes danced and his smile sparkled....
The way his feet would bounce up and down as he chattered..

I suddenly heard my own voice echo though my head.. as I'd spoken with a young bride earlier today...

"Those moments are important... and you'll have them to keep forever."

And it struck home with me.

I ran.. and grabbed my camera.. I took his picture as he talked.
I brought them up on my screen later.. I smiled as I remembered his sweet voice.

...So I thought I'd share.

For all those who have emailed me... and said they appreciate my work...
I would like you all to know.. this is where my camera is best used.

As simple as these pictures are......they are some of my greatest treasures.

THIS is what hangs on the walls of my home..
and my heart.

I could never make him love this floppy stuffed giraffe as much as he does.
I could never create in photoshop those tired eyes from a long day..
The backdrops aren't perfect and his clothes are wrinkled.

But to me... these are what I call ...Masterpieces.

I hope everyone will take a few minutes tonight....

Put the paperwork aside..
Turn off the computer..
And let the dishes wait..

.....and think about it.....

"These moments are important.. and you'll have them to keep forever."

Treasure the simple things....
Enjoy the tiny times....
...and love your own Masterpieces....
So very very much.

{Miller/Williams Wedding!}

2011-07-01T00:27:00.000-07:00

Dallis & Tori,

What a beautiful pair you two make... I loved being a part of your wedding! May God bless you richly... as you begin this new journey. Once in awhile, Right in the middle of an ordinary life, Love gives us a fairy tale.

Mandy Cathey Weddings & Events
http://www.mandycathey.com/

The Man.

2011-05-31T22:20:00.000-07:00

..I rarely get the second to sit down and write.
Period.
My life is TOO busy.

We get so caught up, and we're all guilty.
Our life.
Our schedule.
The days fly by...

Then... Last week, Something so simple...
yet, so beautiful happened in my life.

And for a brief moment or two... My day stood still.

I hope this simple little story... touches you... as much as it did me.

......

I was rejoicing at the fact that the day was finally over on Friday. It had been super busy.. with errands to run, people to see and my VERY energetic two year old at my heels all day. (Which is a handful, but I love it.)

Jeremy and I decided we would sneak away with the little guy... and grab some seafood alone. The ride to the restaurant was filled with conversation, laughter... and constant "talk about Jonah"... :) Moments before we arrived, I glanced back at our boy and noticed that he had fallen completely asleep after the last verse of "Praisssssssssssee ye the Lord!!!" (New cd.)

We pulled into the restaurant.. and I picked Jonah up asleep and hauled him in. We were almost starting our salads when he decided to grace us with his "awake-ness" :) Our table was facing a huge window overlooking the outside street. We grabbed Jonah a plate and all began to eat... Laughing along the way at Jonah's funny comments!

Suddenly, Our 2 year old... got a far away look in his eyes as he was looking outside the open window... and said very seriously, "Mommy, wook... der a man outside." (Translation: Mommy, look there's a man outside.) .... Jeremy and I giggled and thought he must have such a creative imagination... and totally laughed it off. Until, Nearly thirty five minutes later... He continued to wave at, blow kisses towards and stare consistently at "this man". Jeremy and I made absolute sure... and there was NO man that we could see or anywhere near outside. Finally, getting a little concerned and ending our meal... Jeremy began to question him.

"Jonah what color is the man's hair?" ... "black, daddy. longgggg black hair."

By this time, as parents ... we were getting a little uneasy.

"What about his clothes son?.. what color?" ...

Jonah took a close look.. stared for a second... and said, "red and black.... red and black.... red and black." (Because two year olds say everything at least twice.)

Then Jonah said, "Mommy, him has a hat! See!!!" And he would continue to smile and wave.

Jeremy and I were completely confused and ready to put an end to his "imaginary friend" game.. and head towards home... we grabbed him up... and the bill and left.

LATER, we asked him about "the man" and he couldn't remember any of it. He giggled and we realized the memory was gone...

....

Saturday Morning, I promised my parents we were heading to the lake spend the afternoon with them... Jonah was super excited. In the busyness of the day, I stood instructing Jonah to get his shoes on while I flipped a grilled cheese for a quick heading out lunch... I popped him in his high chair and there he was ... drinking juicy juice when suddenly he focused on our kitchen window. Eyes completely directed at a particular place in the yard.

He got SO excited and squealed with delight, "MOMMYYY! See, der's dat MAN!!!" I have to say ... it hit me with a little bit of a shock. I turned towards him and said, "What man baby?" ....

"See dat man outside??? See Mommy! By dat tree. "(He pointed at a small dogwood tree in our yard.) I instantly walked towards the bathroom where Jeremy was getting ready and told him Jonah was talking about "that man" again. It was starting to seriously concern me.

I walked back in the kitchen and very calmly tried to watch... as he waved at the man... I could see NO ONE. Just the slight movement of wind in the trees outside. But he was focused in.

..I decided to test him.

I asked him about his hair and clothes color.
He answered EXACTLY the same as the night before.

"Black hair, Mommy!"... "Him clothes red and black... red and black..."

He'd make comments like.. "See Man!! Hi Man.".... After this went on for quite a while...
I called one of my Aunts and told her what was going on.

She got very quiet for a second and said, "Gen, go show Jonah the Hoffman Head (Portrait of Jesus) in your living room."

I rolled him in there ... highchair and all.

Pointed at the picture, took a breath and said the words very slowly, "Jonah, is that the man?"

He sat there a second... really taking in the picture.

And then, he said, "MOMMY!!!! Dats the man at the WINDOW!"
"Him OUTSIDE!!.. Hi, Man."

I felt my breath stop in my chest and I couldn't help the heavy tears that had began rolling down my cheeks. I had never even took notice in my busy world...but Jesus' clothing in the picture was a dark burgundy gown with a black sash. And to a little boy... it would have been ... "red and black... red and black"..

He asked instantly to get down from the high chair... and he ran back to the window to see if he was still there. He was.

My Aunt Missy and I were a mess on the phone, but I couldn't help it. It had touched my heart... in a way that was so simple. Yet, so great.

Jonah sat by the window a lot that afternoon... "The man" according to Jonah stayed a while... At points I would watch Jonah from the other side of the room... and he would offer a wave and a smile to "the man".

Evening time came and even now... He can't remember anything about the man he saw that day. Even though he described him exactly the same twice... upon seeing him.

Jeremy and I... Both of our lives were touched. By the simplicity and honesty of all this.

Someday, I hope to remind him... about the time as a little tiny boy... He told his Dad and I about "The Man" that stood outside our window... "The Man" that made him smile... "The Man" that looked so much like Jesus.

-----------------------

Honored!

2011-05-26T00:47:00.001-07:00

...I have to say I'm quite honored to be

nominated for my first blogger award.

Thank you, Stephanie for the sweet gesture.

(Even though ... from the craziness of Mommy-hood... my blogging has been

few and far between!)

With this award... I'm supposed to share 7 facts about myself...

and then pass it on... to my choosing... 7 more bloggers.

1. Autumn is my favorite season.

I am crazy about the deep.. rich colors.

I love the fact that thanksgiving... (which is the greatest holiday to me.. ) happens then.

2. I'm left handed.

And Jeremy.

And my Mom.

My old.. old great grandparents used to try to switch

my pencil to my right hand... because left handers were "cursed"... back then. :)

Seems funny now!

3. I'm a huge reader.

From the Odyssey.. to Where's Waldo.

Books.. and literature fascinate me.

4. I was raised in church...

BUT, gave my life to God when I was 19.

I try to keep the standard of being "sold out" to HIM.

...I strive at that... daily. :)

5. My new found love is working outside.

My Mom is a born "flower-grower" coach... and I'm learning how to use

my green thumbs.

As unbelievable as it seems... It's super fun.

Love it.

6. Didn't cook ONE bit before I got married.

And still in the busyness of life, don't cook as much as I'd like.

But when I do... I love it.

I'm growing my own fresh herbs this year... and they are YUMMY.

: )

7. I took piano lessons for almost 7 years...

and STILL can't play worth a flip.

As much as I'd love to have long piano flowing fingers...

I got mouse paws.

Thank goodness there's talent around me to make up for

the bad noise I create playing. :)

And my nominations ARE:

1. Brittney Pennington...

at Bea's world.

http://https://www.blogger.com/blogin.g?blogspotURL=http%3A%2F%2Fbeasworld.blogspot.com%2F

2. Melissa Cockman Photography...

She does such an AWESOME job.

http://benmelissacockman.blogspot.com/

3. Bring the RAIN

http://angiesmithonline.com/

4. The Pioneer Woman

www.thepioneerwoman.com

5. Jeni Lancaster @...

The Agape Tree

www.theagapetree.blogspot.com

6. Of COURSE, Stephanie @

The Buckeye Calderons..

http://buckeyecalderons.blogspot.com/

7. Garrett Family Circus...

http://http://harvestready.blogspot.com/

I also love.... Bakerella & Kelly's Corner!

Blogging is so FUN!

Meet Isaiah....

2011-02-28T06:28:00.000-08:00

Some children... no matter how old they are.. boy or girl...

are completely... "beautiful" children.

This little guy... takes home the award.

Not only was he precious to work with... His personality was so cute..

It made me smile.. and only hope, that some photographer lady will

get a "kick out" of my little boy as much someday. :)

Isaiah,

I hope you like your pictures.

Thanks for being so special.

Brothers 'til the end..

2011-02-17T19:14:00.000-08:00

All for one and one for all

My brother and my friend..

What fun we have..

The time we share..

We're brothers 'til the

end.

Got to take pictures of Caleb & Gavin today..

WHAT adorable kiddos.

As much as they loved grabbing rocks and were overwhelmed by

the giant mud puddles.. I adored working with them.

Love to see those "all boy" little boys!

Alana & Ryan,

Feel happy & blessed for the two little treasures

God has given you both.

Cook/Anthony Wedding!

2011-02-17T17:38:00.000-08:00

With all my soul I've tried in vain...

How can mere words my heart explain...

This taste of heaven so deep so true...

I've found in you.

Congratulations to Derek & Lauren...

Convinced...

2011-02-11T00:30:00.000-08:00

I'm convinced....

I don't think I could ever

grow tired of being called "Mommy"...

I don't think I could ever stop loving the fact that EVERY single

time Jonah smiles... I see his Dad. It's like double vision. :)

I don't think I'll ever regret letting him play in my living room...

and the fact that I didn't stress out too bad over fingerprints on my furniture..

..and who cared when everyone gave me silly looks because I had Thomas the Train buckled into the seat next to Jonah. :)

I'm pretty sure oneday I'm going to think back and wish I could

see his precious little face smushed up with his eyes halfway closed during our prayers before bedtime. :)

I know I'm going to miss how he loves drawing "tircles" (circles).. all over

everything. How his stubby fingers grip that crayon and he goes to town.

I don't think I could ever get tired of rocking his sleepy self in the mornings. The one time all day long... He lets me hold him like "my baby".

I don't think I would ever wear out from washing his old blue blankie...

that is so worn and fuzzy.... but, so.. so... loved.

He has brought our life... such joy.

He's energetic... and most definatly "all boy".

BUT, He's worth it.

I never thought I'd get so excited about my "ABC's" ... all over again.

..And I think it's precious that his favorite animal in the world

is an "ehh-fant"... even if he can't quite pronounce it completely correctly.

He knows it has a trunk that sounds like a "twumpet".

My sweet growny .... "big boy"

I look at him so often during these happy short days of him being little...

and my prayer, as most parents is...

"Lord, please give me what it takes to

raise this little boy... to stand upright before you..

TO teach him to love you.

TO love others."

Help me to smile on the hard days.. and to enjoy every single teeny tiny little moment.
:)

...Meet Cooper!

2011-02-09T23:57:00.000-08:00

...not only was he super cute & cuddly...

He was ALSO so photogenic. :)

What a sweetheart!

...Love love loved that owl hat.

Cooper liked it too, Especially until he gets a teeny more hair

on that fuzzy little head to keep warm on these snowy days.

: )

...Family is forever.

2011-02-03T11:44:00.000-08:00

Ashley & Andy,

You're both adorable people...

Enjoyed working with you so much... and the boys are PRECIOUS!

"You don't choose your family...

They are God's gift to you.. as you are to them."

-Desmond Tutu

Robert & Laney...

2011-01-19T23:34:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful and charming wedding!

(...and so fun!)

I'm so incredibly happy for you both!

Enjoyed working with you!

May you be FOREVER blessed in your new life together.

Lillie & Zach's Wedding Day!

2011-01-11T21:02:00.000-08:00

"...And they both lived... happily ever after."

Congrats Lillie & Zach!

Excited that I got the opportunity to take a few extra shots for ya on

your very special day!

My loves goes out to both of you!

May you enjoy this wonderful new season of your life together...

Jerome & Rebekah...

2010-12-19T17:21:00.000-08:00

I want to take a second just to express to you... How MUCH I enjoyed shooting your
wedding. The genuineness of it... made me smile, cry... and remember. :)

You are both "beautiful"... inside and out.

May you take a breath and enjoy these moments... as you travel a brand new road on
this very short journey....

I picked out a few of the many pictures... a few of MY favorites. :)

(Right before the recieving line... loved it.)

May God bless you!

Love to you both,
Gen

Smiles from Audrey...

2010-12-11T00:00:00.001-08:00

Meet Audrey...

She's SUCH a cutie!

She brought bright sunshine to that cold winter evening

with her sweet smile and warm little giggle-box self!

THESE DAYS.

2010-11-30T22:55:00.000-08:00

...A friend of mine asked me yesterday. "So Gen, I check your blog all the time... and you never write any more... " At that point I gave her the list my life holds. While on a daily basis I juggle... A crazy ringing phone scheduling appointments... or a camera pointing in too many directions... and doing my ultimate best to be a good Mommy to a super active two year old little guy. :)

..Cooking, cleaning, laundry, bedtime stories, mopping, sweeping, wiping, rocking and just ...loving all get squeezed in there during the day too somehow. You ladies out there with many children, you're my new heroes. :)...

It's a good life.... Though busy, I wouldn't trade it.

I feel like I'm bottling up so many funny stories... Children do something to your heart... They make you laugh and cry.. all at the same time.

Like tonight, I grabbed my ipad plopped down on the floor and was like, "Jonah, Come sit down by Mommy!!!" ... and I patted the floor beside me. He ran over in the funny little way he does and plopped down! ...... And then, he caught sight of Jeremy... and was like... "Daddy, SIT down" and he patted the floor beside him.

And of course, It was so cute... Jeremy HAD to sit beside him.

Jonah proceeded to begin to sing "ABCD....EFG... O....EFG....ABCD" Which means, He wanted to play a certain game that he gets to draw his ABC's.

So there we were like three indians ... all rowed up... playing alphabet games on my ipad... and everytime he would draw a letter right... we'd clap like crazy.

:)... such is life now. Amazing what kids do to you.

I know these precious days of him being small are so numbered...

I feel like someone has handed me a gift and wrapped it with a huge red bow.. and each day... I find it again... wrapped just as perfectly as the day before. Each day, I get to hold my breath as I untie the ribbons, pull open the box and fold away the perfect tissue paper... and there he is again, my sweet little boy. With that big smile... Thank you Lord.. for that smile. :)

A new word.... or a little more understanding.... It's priceless to me.

He's recently learned all the Thomas the Train character's names. We talk about them constantly... and it's so funny, they're all like tiny people who have joined our family. Jonah loves the red train... "James".... but, constantly wants to sleep with the long green train named "Henry".... it's beyond cute. Seriously, cute.

This past weekend, Jonah came and got me in a panic.... "Mommy, Hand!" ... He grabbed at my hand... and pulled me into the kitchen where he plopped down on his belly and looked underneath the dishwasher... "Mommy, der.... wook! (there, look!).... there I was down on all fours looking under the machine and staring right at me was the little pink train with freckles... the beloved "Wosie" (Rosie) trapped and desperately in need of saving. I could tell a tiny hand had put her under there... because she barely made it out with mine. :)...

As I handed her to Jonah... he gave her a hug... and said, "NO Wosie!!"... as if HE was lecturing her....

...and since I'm sure Rosie comes to life the minute he leaves the room and hides under appliances... She needed it. :)

Funny thing, I grabbed Jeremy an anniversary card last week.... and yes, I've officially been married three wonderful years.... and I thought these words on his card were so touching... I decided to share them.

So, if you get a chance... copy and paste them... and read them to the one you love. I did. :)

Someday,
MANY years from now,
we'll look back on this crazy time in our life together
and wonder how we did it all...
and then, those ordinary, everyday moments that we often take for granted
will shimmer like stars as we recount them...

I'll sit close beside you, and you'll take my hand in yours.
We'll look at each other and say:
"I'd do it all again... and I wouldn't change a thing."

Isn't that beautiful...

So, dear one that took the time to remind me to write... I giggled as I wrote this post... remembering the sweetness of it.

You know who you are, Thank you for thinking of a friend.

:)...

Chad & Heather.....

2010-11-30T13:42:00.000-08:00

What an amazing couple!

May they be ever so richly blessed.

Enjoyed my time with you!

..feels like FALL.

2010-11-19T21:10:00.000-08:00

...Love this FALL feeling in the air.

Blessed.

2010-11-16T22:13:00.000-08:00

..Because some moments

are just too precious not to share.

Happy 3rd Birthday Sweet Bella.

Your little life shines as a testimony of the miracle that you are.

Ashley!

2010-11-15T11:44:00.000-08:00

Ashley-girl,
You are so beautiful and sweet!...
Congratulations on also being a GRADUATE!

MANY happy wishes to you!

Taylor...

2010-11-15T11:07:00.000-08:00

Congrats Taylor!

Class of 2011!!!

Doggies for Daddy....

2010-11-13T23:07:00.000-08:00

... Daddy brought over the babies today.
Sadie & Mollie.
Jonah is CRAZY over the new additions.

I have to admit....
they are super cute!

...One super cute little guy.

2010-10-31T14:18:00.000-07:00

..Once a year I'm given the opportunity to take one of my

favorite little boys in the world.

...Patrick!

Not only does he make my entire day brighter!~

Hands down, this kiddo is a super cute little guy.

I Thank my God...

2010-10-28T00:31:00.000-07:00

I thank my God... upon EVERY remembrance of you,

Always in every prayer of mine for you all mkaing request with joy,

For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

Being CONFIDENT of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the

day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:3-6

Averi & Rusty...

2010-10-26T23:44:00.000-07:00

Averi & Rusty...

May your life be as happy and sweet...

as your lovely wedding.

Enjoyed working with you guys.

Many you be blessed with many MANY

more smiles on your new journey.

Witney...

2010-08-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while...
A bride just captures me.

Witney, you were lovely!
Congratulations!

The Taylors...

2010-07-19T05:18:00.001-07:00

...HAVE to say! I take a lot of pictures

... and this is one of my all-time favorite
families!!! .... They're so cute and funny.
Thanks Taylors... :) Thought I would post a few of my favorites!

SHAWNA & CHRIS...

2010-07-16T23:37:00.000-07:00

May your life be as happy, fun-loving & in-love... not just that day, but always!

Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your most special event!

Averi + Rusty = Adorable!

2010-07-16T13:37:00.001-07:00

Averi & Rusty...
You guys are priceless! Enjoyed the shoot so much!
Here's a little sample for you...

Ellie Marie...

2010-07-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

It seems like only yesterday,

Lesli, Mrs. Dawn and I were sitting in my living room and

Lesli was GLOWING at the fact she had just found out

she was pregnant!!!

And.. now, magically...

She has transformed into the sweetest little Mommy,

with her precious girl... Ellie Marie.

\

Enjoyed the shoot with you guys...

:)..

...Sweet Caroline.

2010-07-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the world..

Sweet Caroline.

Had such an amazing shoot with Caroline, Mommy &

big sister Layla.

What a little darling!

Here's a few of my favorites...

"From small beginnings come great things."

-Proverb

Introducing Sari....

2010-07-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

Introducing ....

The newest look ...heirloom photography has

captured me.

I LOVE the soft lights,

the beautiful clothes,

..and the tender smiles.

This angelic little girl..

is my cousin Sari.

Not only is she beautiful on the outside..

She's precious on the inside as well.

..a sweet new blossom of humanity.

-Anonymous

{Haley & Jug} - Congrats!

2010-06-29T21:59:00.000-07:00

Congrats!!!!

May you have an amazing marriage!

Thought this next picture was SO adorable

as the big boys began to drag the little guy up the aisle!

Sweet Sisters!

This girl... loved her some camo!

Thank you both for the wonderful opportunity!

Wedding! {Lillie + Zach}

2010-06-26T12:41:00.001-07:00

No matter how hard I try...

It is SO incredibly hard to picture "Lillie" getting married.

I guess no matter how much she grows up...

How beautiful she will look in her wedding gown...

How many happy years she will spend as a grown lady..

I will always see her as a funny little girl..

With blonde curls bouncing as she would run around the house screaming my name.. "Den"

I will ALWAYS remember all of the sleepovers, hilarious moments and treasured times.

The years may have taken away our "single-hood"...

But I hope and pray... that marriage will begin a new friendship..

Not only between two girls..

But between two families.

Zach, We are honored to have you as a new part of our family...

Jeremy and I love you both.. so much.

...and we do intend to come eat at your house. A lot. :)...

JUST KIDDING.

Remember, life can be bumpy...

SO enjoy it.

Be happy together....

and love each other unendlessly.

Remember to keep the Lord Jesus

in the middle of everything..

Because HE will be what keeps you strong..

and helps you through this

winding journey called life.

I wish you the best of EVERYTHING.

May you BOTH have an amazing wedding day!

Thank you for choosing Jeremy, Jonah and myself to be a part of

such a special time in your lives.

But Remember,

When the last guest has left..

When the decorations have been taken down..

When you arrive back home from your honeymoon...

The marriage is then beginning.

I wish you both ... joy unspeakable.

Know how much I love you,

Gen

Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs

.Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

A blue moon....

2010-06-19T00:37:00.000-07:00

Jeremy & April...

Every once in a blue moon I take a wedding...

I come home, tired... I look over the pictures...

..and the couple looks so happy, so incredibly radiant...

It makes me want to relive when I fell in love...

..all over again.

Your pictures... make me smile.

May you realize how incredibly blessed

you are to have found each other.

Kaylee Graduated!! ....

2010-06-13T22:27:00.000-07:00

Kaylee GRADUATED! :)

To my friend...

Congratulations!

May you TRULY shoot for the moon!

May you be RICHLY blessed beyond measure!

Love,

Genesis

Witney & Terry....

2010-06-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

Witney & Terry!

Congratulations!

Enjoyed getting to work with you both SO much!

You were both so fun and adorable together... even in this

Louisiana heat!

I hope you enjoy the blog!

Excited about bridals...

Happily.. ever.. after!

Anna Cate & Dustin....

2010-06-06T21:32:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Anna Cate & Dustin...

SUCH a beautiful couple..

May you be richly ... richly blessed!

Anna Cate,

It's been awesome seeing you grow up...

You're funny, adorable and going to make a

breath-taking bride!

Dustin,

Treasure her.

Enjoy this amazing new season in your life!

"Love is just a word until

someone comes along and gives it meaning."

Introducing...

2010-06-04T22:26:00.000-07:00

Introducing...

Genesis Costner Photography 2010!

The new website!

GenesisSmiles.com

A day with the Shanleys... :)

2010-05-13T23:29:00.000-07:00

Michael & Elyse,

May you ALWAYS treasure the beautiful little

family that you have...

Abby is truly... a living doll!

I hope you enjoy these special moments with her...

Thank you for letting me share a few of these "captured" minutes!

Last but not least...

Truly the face of a little angel!

Victory.

2010-05-06T00:24:00.001-07:00

On May 1st 2010…
A very battled soldier reached a
goal so much greater than life itself.

At 7:00 AM that day..
The Lord Jesus Christ took him home.

Bro. Harold (Donnie) Dunnings.

Tonight I saw a body laying in his casket.
The body of a friend, a husband, a daddy and a brother.

I began to think…

When life left his body.
When he breathed his final breath.

Cancer also left.

His flesh here held no strings the moment
his feet touched those beautiful streets of gold.

I know, with everything in me, his soul rejoiced!

When the saints throughout the ages embraced him…
When shouts from near and far cried.. “OH, our PRECIOUS brother!!! Welcome home!”

I know, he felt “joy unspeakable”.

No, he’s not dead.
He’s very much alive.

He’s alive… in a land that will NEVER grow old.

I would have given anything to see that outstanding smile on his face… as the arms of angels
lifted him from his bed that early Saturday morning…

NO more pain.
NO more suffering.

Being pulled into the presence of the Lord Jesus.
Being swept away in a mighty wind of His glory.

If anyone says he lost the battle against cancer…

HE WON.

As I gazed down at our friend tonight,
My heart ached with an earthly sadness…

But what great happiness he must be feeling.
To sit at the feet of a Mighty Savior.

What joy must be flooding through him now!
Not many days before he passed away…
He asked if I would run down and sing to him..

So I packed my small cd player and there in his
room…

I sang the song you all hear playing now..

“His life for mine…”

I had no idea it would be my very last time to sing to him here…
I had no way of knowing that he would see the Jesus in my song… so soon.

I finished once… and he said,
“Sing it again, Gen! I need to hear it one more time!”

On my second time…

“How could it ever be…
That he would die.. God’s son would die…
To save a wretch like me..
One love divine…
He gave his life for mine.”

..there we all stood wiping tears.
As I felt the presence of a living Christ pass through the room...

We just couldn't help but thank an almighty God...

Weep... and thank him.
For being … SO good.

Bro. Donnie said, “Praise GOD! Gen, whoever said you need to be in church!”

...He was STILL rejoicing.

Coming from a man who hadn't been out of a bed in weeks.

Bro. Donnie touched my life that day.
And as many times, he encouraged my walk.
Someday, I’m going to thank him…

I hope, as he looks upon those beautiful gates of pearl..

As I saw him do so many times..

Bro. Donnie, Lift your arms...
Lift your arms.

Sing victory.
Sing loudly…

Because victory is surely yours…

We will love and miss you always,
until we meet you…

…meet you in the morning.

Happy kiddos. :)

2010-04-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while...

The kiddos I take.. just capture me.

The smiles.

The funny moments.

The kids.

I adore those days!

Mr. Keith & Mrs. Cathy,

Thank you for letting me share your beautiful

grandchildren..

They are treasures!

Micah Micah! :)

2010-04-19T20:14:00.000-07:00

Little Micah...

Craig & Karly,

He is PRECIOUS.

Thanks for letting me show a few pictures!

..and those sweet little feet. :)

We reminded Micah about his puppy at home..

and got this cutie patootie smile out of him!

Sweet boy!

Elyssa... :)

2010-04-09T12:17:00.000-07:00

Congrats Elyssa!!!

Had so much fun on the shoot with you guys!

May you have an AMAZING rest of this year!

GO C/O 2010!

Jacob & Haley..

2010-04-07T22:31:00.000-07:00

When the rain is blowing in your face...

And the whole world is on your case...

I could offer you a warm embrace...

To make you feel my love...

When the evening shadows and the stars appear...

And there is no one there to dry your tears...

I could hold you for a million years...

To make you feel my love..

I could make you happy, make your dreams come true...

Nothing that I wouldn’t do...

Go to the ends of the earth for you...

To make you feel my love..

Jacob & Haley,

You make a beautiful pair...

May you enjoy this new season in your lives!

I enjoyed taking your pictures so MUCH!

Haley,

Your song was BEAUTIFUL!

I loved it.

Jacob,

Thanks for being SUCH a great sport..

about SO many pictures!

"Uncle Donnie"...

2010-04-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends...

I come to each and every one of you tonight...

With an urgent and most desperate need.

But first,

A story to help you understand...

Lets take my life back to a little girl..

Back then, His name was "Uncle Donnie"...

I believe he is around 6' 6"...

And to a tiny little kid... He was truly such a gentle giant man.

Although we are different colors.

In the eyes of a great Lord Jesus, we are exactly the same.

He always was so kind.. and we could always count

on crunchy peppermints from him after service.

Uncle Donnie has quite the testimony..

As a young man, sin had taken over his life..

But because of the Almighty,

He had an experience with a LIVING God

and became one of the most amazing Christians I had ever met.

He overcame drugs, worldliness and the devil lost a TREMENDOUS battle.

He has been a part of our family for many years..

He became the son my grandfather never had..

He held me as an infant..

And he holds our little Jonah.

I'm proud to call him my brother and my friend.

He met his wife Lestine.. and had two beautiful children..

Although different in height.. He and Lestine make an awesome couple.

Bro. Donnie, as I call him now, is what I would like to call a

complete "PRAYER WARRIOR".

His existance speaks for itself.

He has always set a testimony before my life.

I sing, at church, I'm sure quite a few of you aren't aware of that..

But, I still see him.. sitting at the end of the row as I'd pass by after each song..

Hand up.. and we'd hit hands..

Almost as to say,

"Victory!"

I'll be honest, writing this... my face is streaming with tears..

not with fear and doubt..

But, with genuine faith for this dedicated soldier.

Six months ago..

He was diagnosed with colon cancer..

The doctors called it "aggressive"...

and gave him six months to live.

Today, I visited him in the hospital...

The doctors say the cancer has spread throughout his body and to his brain.

Although weak in body,

Victory is STILL in the camp.

Tonight, kneeling before the throne of a POWERFUL and ALMIGHTY God..

I know that our Lord has healing in His hands.

The doctors give no hope.

But, just as Daniel was thrown in a Lions den..

Just as Paul & Silas prayed and sang deep in a prison...

Just as Moses stood before an imparted sea..

Faith is BELIEVING.

Faith is angels holding hungry lions back..

Faith is breaking the bars of a desolate jail..

Faith is seeing the red sea parted...

...and LIVING to tell about it.

Although tonight the very thought of hope seems so incredibly dim...

I almost wanted to lift Bro. Donnie's arm,

hit hands..

and say..

"VICTORY!"

"VICTORY!"

"VICTORY!"

..I KNOW my Redeemer still lives.

So TOMORROW,

April 6th, 2010

at.. 12:00 PM

I ask you to hold him up in prayer

with us..

When prayer is all that's left...

I ask that you take a moment in your busy day..

to BELIEVE .

May you be.. so BLESSED.

Carson...

2010-03-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

..And Carson was so cute!

Spring pictures have been SO fun already!

Really enjoying getting to work with the kiddos!

Amber,

Your little man is precious... and SO funny!

Thanks for letting me share!

"Snakes, and snails, and puppy dog tails..

Thats what little boys are made of."

Lucy....

2010-03-24T08:56:00.000-07:00

Lucy,

May you have such a blessed SENIOR year!

Know that we are so excited for you...

I think your pictures are awesome!

You're so adorable!

Congratulations!

Class of 2010!

Deacon turns ONE!

2010-03-19T09:07:00.000-07:00

Got the opportunity to take little Deacon's 1st year pictures

this week! He's such a sweet, caring little red headed guy.

Thanks to Derrick & Lacey for letting me share.

Happy Birthday, Deacon!

Hugs from,

Jeremy, Gen & Jonah

Finding myself...

2010-03-16T22:56:00.000-07:00

As very strange as it may sound... I'm a "detail" person.

My eyes hit every color, every movement, every moment..

My husband tells me I "over analyze" things.

I suppose I probably do.

But, I'm amazed by the magnificent creation around us.

In a chaotic world, people are so worried about "finding themselves"...

I know this may sound silly to some,

BUT.. There are so many times I feel I "find myself"..

..in the very simplest of God's miracles.

The other morning,

I watched a sunrise.

I will admit it had been a while,

But sitting there I realized how many people must wait an entire

lifetime for God to show them how real He is.

...and yet, there He was.

...just as plain as day to me.

..streaming slowly into my living room window.

I'm amazed at how I "find myself" in my baby's laugh

..and how much of a miracle it is that he is even breathing.

Jonah's laugh is the Lord himself letting me know how blessed I am.

I "find myself" watching little flowers breaking their way

through hard earth to make a spring appearance.

One tiny seed, with a purpose. Destined to make a difference.

No matter how small.

I "find myself" in watching the Christian that

has held tight to God's unchanging hand,

through the good and bad,

with tired hands holding a worn bible,

for many years before I was even in existence.

I "find myself" through simple kindness of others.

Sacrifices made by those who love us deeply and unconditionally.

Those who have no idea how much they have awakened a young soul.

I "find myself" watching the kids join hearts together in our bible studies..

No matter how humble the setting may be around us.

I've learned that the small simple faith of a child is beyond measure

... listening to them read the Word.

Knowing that, although young, they are a generation

that will be most precious to our Lord Jesus.

That the stand of a young person could change lives.

Although simple in context..

Daniel and the lion's den could open a whole new world to someone

who doesn't know a Savior.

I must say.. "finding myself"... has taken on a whole new meaning to me.

Kindness.

Love.

Honor.

Truth.

Integrity.

I didn't "find myself" when I became a photographer.

Even though, I do love each and every one of my clients.

I do love each and every picture.

I didn't "find myself" when I discovered which road my career would take.

I found myself... when I found... others.

When I looked around,

like the sun shining bright in my window.

When I decided my life wasn't the center of the world

and began to ask, "Lord, what can I do for others?"...

For me, "finding myself"...

was truly one of those simplest of miracles.

And where there are miracles

...the tender hand of Jehovah is not far away.

Lord, Thank you for helping me find myself..

Only in you.

Robert & Laney...

2010-03-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

True love stories never have endings.

– Richard Bach

A huge congratulations to Robert & Laney..

May your life together be so happy!

Chains do not hold a marriage together.

It is threads,hundreds of tiny threads which sew people

together through the years

Simone Signoret

Worthy...

2010-03-09T22:49:00.000-08:00

I’m overwhelmed by the vast greatness of our precious Savior…

There are so many times whenever my life seems to be going good…
Whenever we stand on the mountain tops…
When we finally feel like we have control of the motions around us.

I always picture my Jesus…
The very ruler of the Universe.
With such gentle care… molding a very small piece of clay..
With giant hands smoothing out the rough edges…
And perfectly creating a shape…
In His great love molding and making..

Molding and making...
Molding and making...

A child that would serve him..
That would love him..
That would worship him..
To create a vessel of honor..

Not cut from diamonds and emeralds..
..but humbly molded out of a very small piece of clay.

Even then… He knew.
He truly knew how much I would love him … even then.

He knew every fault I would have.
He knew exactly how many trials my life would hold.
He knew with his great mercy, I WOULD overcome.

As His almighty hands created a being…

He knew.

He knew I would never be a perfect Christian.
But he had confidence that I would strive with everything I have.

He knew I would fail, often.
He also knew He would still love me.

As the very old song goes…

Over and over…
He molds me..
He makes me…
Into his image..
He fashions this clay..

Lord Jesus,

Thank you… for allowing me mountain tops.
Thank you for guiding me and having confidence in this humble piece of clay.

As a wife and a mother..
May I give you the glory in this, the holiest of callings.

For my dear readers…

Be thankful for the happy moments…
Give our Lord Jesus glory in the good times..
Sing His Praises…

For He Is Worthy.

Wedding bliss...

2010-02-22T19:32:00.000-08:00

I love thee to the depth and breadth and

height my soul can reach.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Congratulations Clint & Krystal...

May you be truly blessed!

Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.

Emily Brontë

Unconditional...

2010-02-18T08:30:00.000-08:00

"Whatever they grow up to be, they are still our children,

and the one most important of all the

things we can give to them is unconditional love.

Not a love that depends on anything

at all except that they are our children."

A special thanks to Johnny & Crystal for allowing me to share their special family on my blog. It was great working with you guys! :)..

... Marching in.

2010-02-07T19:19:00.000-08:00

The Saints won...

AND Jonah WALKED for the very first time right before halftime!

...let em' BOTH go marching in.

31-17

Rock-a-bye..

2010-02-03T22:23:00.001-08:00

Rock a bye baby...

In the tree top..

When the wind blows...

The cradle will rock..

I sat softly humming the beloved classic tonight.

After I'd already put my Jonah-boy to bed several times..

and as soon as his face touched the pillow,

he would ... pop up... hold his hands out.. give me puppy eyes...

and say.. "Mom maa"

..and like every adoring parent no matter how tired I am,

I pick him up..

and we rock a bye baby.

Tonight, with the lights dim and the moonbeams shining in through the curtains..

I sat listening to the creaking of the old chair and the rain tumbling down on the windows.

It's funny how when you're rocking your angel, the weariness from the day

suddenly seems to vanish.

..His eyelashes flutter in a tired sequence of open.. close.. open... close..

...as my baby boy makes his way on a trip to lullaby.

Tonight, sitting there..

I could picture as clear as day..

The front door swinging open in a bustle.. and hearing from the kitchen...

"MOM!! I'm home..."

..a little more noise in the kitchen

and then a young man standing in the bedroom doorway.

Hair slightly tousled from the day,

Bright smile and bold eyes..

I saw him..

..grab a pair of sneakers from his closet,

give me a curious look for sitting in his room,

then give me a quick "grown" hug,

grab a basketball from a shelf and head outside.

As fast as my daydream came, I quickly snapped back into the present..

and glanced down at my very much asleep

little guy with his feet hanging much off my lap from how much he's grown.

I felt my heart swell within me,

I wrapped him tight and held him very close.

Sitting in that creaky old chair,

I made a promise to myself tonight...

I will treasure every rock-a-bye baby song I sing...

and I will love these precious and most tender moments.

Because very much like Jonah's magical trip to lullaby land...

One day my eyes will flutter open..

and my baby will be grown.

Go to sleep now..

Your toys will keep now..

Till another day comes rolling by...

Cold hands, Warm hearts..

2010-01-18T13:39:00.000-08:00

.... And so often the greatest blessing

of them all is family.

This sweet family were total troopers...

It was a bright & cold morning..

But, we found big smiles anyway! :)

Thank you all for letting me share a few pictures

with my readers. You were great to work with...

..and I must admit, I had fun too!

:)...

The Cowboy & the Lady...

2010-01-14T23:38:00.001-08:00

Big Congrats to Jeremy & April..
You make a terrific couple!

May you be SO incredibly happy together on this

journey called life.

It was great working with you guys, thanks again!

To.. Lee & Tara....

2010-01-14T19:56:00.000-08:00

For the fairtale couple..

Who truly had a happily ever after.

:)...

Congratulations Lee & Tara..

May you be blessed.

Chef BoyarGEN?

2010-01-12T21:52:00.001-08:00

Buon giorno Cari Amici!!!!

(That's italian for "Good Morning Dear Friends"... and no, I don't really speak italiano. Looked it up at translation.com.. BUT, I DO think Amici is an adorable word for friends!)

Anyhoo, I have to tell you all..

I'm not exactly sure if it's a new phase in life...

or I've just suddenly woke up from a long sleep.

BUT, I have a brand stinkin' new love.

Cooking.

But not JUST cooking, I'm cooking everything in sight.

...everything from strange Italian noodles, to warm & wintry soups, to traditional pies.. to flipping fruit-filled flapjacks.

I think I'm acting like a kid in a candy store.

I'm not sure why... but, I find I simply adore it.

I've also discovered I love, love, love cookbooks.

You know, the real ones.

Not surfing online... but like, hardback cookbooks.

I'm obsessed ya'll.

seriously.

I've decided... after I concur all of my dreams at present.

Someday, Lord willing... When Jonah is grown.

I would completely love to take some culinary classes.

And who knows what the future may hold!

Gen?? SERIOUSLY? COOKING???!!!

I know. I know.

All thumbs in the kitchen, right?

But...... It's like a new found love.

I actually think my thumbs have learned to work a little bit!

I adore the smell of fresh basil.

I love cooking spicy meats.. and flaky fish.

The flavors..

The smells..

I have NO idea whats gotten into me.

I'm simply pouring over cookbooks...

Digging out the aprons..

Mommy/Cook has hit home..

And I'm amazed at how much fun it is!

Cooking has went from being a chore... to something I love.

I'm constantly "whipping something up"...

AHH.

:)...

...the joys.

SO... Ladies.

I would like to hear your thoughts...

Recipes, Fave Cookbook, Ingredient?...

I'm all ears.. Or.. rather eyes.

:)..

....entree pictures by moi to follow.

Good painting is like good cooking,

it can be tasted, but not explained.

Maurice de Vlamnick

...instead of sheep.

2010-01-10T23:01:00.001-08:00

Tonight, I had some quiet moments...

Possibly... because I'm sitting here with my "hurt" foot up trying to recuperate..

But mostly just had some time to think...

I had a great friend tell me once...

"Sometimes we go through life so sure of ourselves.. and then we end up in a completely different situation than we planned.. we meet different people, take different roads and we realize that it was the best thing that ever happened.

We should defiantly count our blessings instead of sheep."

I totally believe that.

So to my dear friends...

To my "kindred" spirits..

I want each and everyone of you to know..

You have each blessed my life...
and continue to bless my heart... daily.

I won't mention names..
but each one of you know who you are.

And rather it's been cracking up in my kitchen... after we'd worked half the evening preparing this "great" meal and the electricity goes out right in the middle of it..

OR.. admitting that I made you eat dirt when I was 10 and promised it was chocolate. :)...

I know that must be where the whole overwhelming chocolate obsession came from... when you tasted the real thing.. it was over.

OR.. sitting for like forever in Barnes & Noble staring at cookbooks like goobers... so intellectual.. let me tell you...

OR... laughing first thing in the morning on the telephone about our sweet kiddos... and all of the adventures of the day... I would be lost without those priceless conversations..

OR... hanging out in the evening acting just like our parents... feet kicked back... drinking sonic sweet tea... and being so happy...

OR... driving through Dairy Queen wearing fake hair on our faces.... and nearly falling out when the pitiful drive-thru guy... choked.

OR.. learning to stuff manicotti noodles and making an assembly line... grab, stuff, laugh, grab, stuff, laugh...

OR... eating Japanese... then getting bored with learning to eat with chopsticks and giving ourselves walrus teeth instead... (at least, we made that sweet old man's birthday happy.)

OR.. running over in my robe to come have pancakes and let the kiddos watch Barney.. I treasure those times.

But even other than all the funny moments.

I've been SO incredibly blessed.

God has given me ... each and everyone of you.

..and you have touched my life.

Bigger than you've realized.

And I want you to know.... I pray for you often.

No matter how near or far you may be..

I'm thankful for every conversation,

every happy day we've shared and

every tear that we've probably shed.

I'm sitting here staring at the silent piano in my living room.

My Dad told me a while back...

"Every home needs music.. it adds some life."

..Like music, friends add life to our days.

..and now the sound of the old piano echos through my house

and I'm reminded of the geniune truth in Daddy's words.

After reading this...
I hope if you have a moment in your day,
I hope let someone know just how much you love them.

Pick up the phone..

Plan a lunch date.

Or even go stuff some manicotti..

Our true God-given friends are priceless.

Treasure them.

When you ask God for a gift,

Be thankful if he sends,

Not diamonds, pearls, or riches,

but the love of real true friends.

-Helen Rice

Bringin' in 2010...

2009-12-31T09:27:00.000-08:00

...And here we are at the very eve

of a brand new decade.

As most of you probably know,

from my endless scribbles of writing,

I'm a book-lover.

This morning, I pulled out a lot of them

in a case in my living room and began to sort through years worth of books..

I happened to glance at my most hilarious son and watched him

prop up his little backside on a stack..

grin like he's king of the world..

grab a book...

and "enjoy a good read"

(Or, SO it looked like!)

I think he was actually looking at the bright colors and

plotting to tear out the worn pages.

Gotta love those boys.

But, all in all, It looked so stinkin' cute that I couldn't help but laugh OUTLOUD,

grab a camera,

capture the moment,

and decided to blog it so you all could have a smile on this New Years Eve.

:)...

Friends, dear readers and those awesome clients that have allowed me to share

their sweet families in my photography on this blog in 2009...

Thank you.

..Because of you guys, I'm getting the opportunity to follow

what I love..

Photography,

little moments,

and of course... smiles.

HAPPY NEW YEAR GUYS!

If I live to be 100...

2009-12-24T22:23:00.001-08:00

This night was filled with happy smiles...

lots of laughs..

and many thankful hearts for

so many blessings in 2009...

I simply had to capture a few of tonights memories..

If you live to be 100,

I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day,

so I never have to live a day without you.

-Winne the Pooh

Each other...

2009-12-18T20:59:00.000-08:00

Sometimes,

One of the greatest gifts that we are given..

..is each other.

Today,

I was sitting in a waiting room... and there was an elderly

black lady sitting next to me.

While I waited, I couldn't help but notice her poise and grace..

Her hands were neatly folded on her lap and soft hair tucked behind her

ears.

She must have noticed my admiration.. because she looked up, gave me a smile..

and asked if I had been waiting very long.

I told her no and we began to chat about how much the

day had warmed up.. and how glad we both were to see the sun shining again after all the rain..

Then she tilted her head a little and said..

Honey, do you have children?"

I told her I did and before I knew it... a great deal of time had passed

..and I was telling this precious lady about Jonah and just how blessed I knew we were just to have him.

I was amazed how at ease I felt talking to her.

Like a dear friend, from a long time ago...

Her eyes twinkled as she chuckled about how comical Jonah is and she gave me a big smile at my reaction to "newness" of mommy-hood.

Then she sat quietly for a minute.. and then she said.. "I have eight."

"Eight children that is."

I smiled and nodded..

She went on, "Each one of them was so different.

Each one of them touched my life in so many ways.

Children are a great blessing, you know..

they really make your house a home."

She reminisced on.. "I spent a many a night up with all those little ones.. but, I don't regret a single day.. and my husband, he sure loved those babies."

She paused a second and sighed deeply.. "Those babies, it sure makes me miss him so much now."

I glanced down at her hands again, still on her lap... worn from the years... and I realized... those hands... had probably been folded in prayer so many times.. they had held so many tired faces... they had dried so many tears..

I felt my own self swallow back the knot forming in my throat.

She went on.. "I'm 87 years old now.. and you can't even imagine the amount of
happiness my life has held."

She smiled and glanced past me...

"You know Honey, You gotta hold to His word... that's the key to this life. That's the key."

I was so touched by her honesty and wisdom.. I softly replied, "Yes, thank you... I will."

..and then her name was called.

She stood up, patted me on the shoulder and said..
"Sometimes, one of the greatest gifts we are given... is each other."
"Take care of your boy now... "

..with that she turned and walked away.

I sat silent for a few minutes after she left
and then the most profound thought hit me.

There have been many, many times this past year...
I've thanked our Lord Jesus for our precious child.
I've given Him the glory many times.
For our miracle-boy.

To my complete amazement, that sweet lady made me realize something.
Her kind words had passed something on to me.

EVERY parent...
Every praying parent...
that lives, that loves..

Is truly just as much of a great ... great miracle.

Those Mothers that sit up late nights believing for a son or daughter.
Those parents that have given everything to make a child's life better.
Those Dads that are willing to come home after hard days at work.. and spend quality time with a little ones despite tiredness just to show how much they love them.

Each and every one of you... are miracles.
She was right.. "The greatest gifts we have .. are each other."

Parents, Families, Dear friends, Hold strong.
Stay steadfast.

"You gotta hold to His word... that's the key to this life."

Miracles occur naturally as expressions of love.
The real miracle is the love that inspires them.
In this sense everything that comes from love is a true miracle.

-Marie Lloyd

B.C.

2009-12-16T22:35:00.000-08:00

Today..

...

I read this...

..and after I had laughed like crazy.

I juggled back and forth if I should share this with all of you guys.

I decided...

You all need a laugh too!

:)...

-----------

A very proper lady began planning a week's camping vacation for her

and her Baptist Church group.

She wrote to a campground for reservations.

She wanted to make sure that the campground was fully equipped and modern, but couldn't bring herself to write the word "toilet" in her letter.

So, she decided on the old-fashioned term "Bathroom Commode"...Once written down she still was not comfortable.

Finally, she decided on the abbreviation "B.C." and wrote, "does your campground have its own "B.C.?"

When the campground owner received the letter, he couldn't figure out what she meant by "B.C."He showed it to several of the campers,one of whom suggested the lady was obviously referring to a Baptist Church since there was a letterhead on the paper which referred to a Baptist Church.

So he sent this reply:

Dear Madam:

The B.C. is located nine miles from the campground in a beautiful grove of trees.I admit it is quite a distance if you are in the habit of going regularly.

No doubt you will be pleased to know that it will seat 350 people at one time, and it is open on Tuesday,Thursday, and Sunday of each week.

Some folks like to take their lunch and make a day of it.

The acoustics are very good, so everyone can hear even the quietest passages.

It may interest you to know that my daughter met her husband there.

We are also having a fund-raiser to purchase new seats, as the old ones have holes in them.

Unfortunately my wife is ill and has not been able to attend regularly.

It's been a good six months since she last went.

It pains her very much not to be able to go more often.

As we grow older, it seems to be more of an effort, especially in cold weather.

Perhaps I could accompany you the first time you go, sit with you, and introduce you to all the other folks who will be there.

------------

For my Mom, who is truly the most proper of ladies that I know!

:)...

Come rain, Come shine...

2009-12-14T19:16:00.000-08:00

Come rain, Come shine...

Three cheers to this awesome family..

The rain poured all around us..

..and they were still smiling.

Guys...

Beautiful family!

Thanks for letting me share a few!

A Whittle family..

2009-12-11T22:18:00.001-08:00

One very cute Whittle family. :)

Derrick, Lacey & Sweet Deacon!

Thank you guys so much for a beautiful time. :).. LOVED working with you all... AND Sweet Deacon was the cutiest reindeer I've ever seen!

Jonah's funnies...

2009-12-09T19:34:00.000-08:00

...Sometimes we take for granted just exactly how blessed we are.

This coming Sunday.. we will go to Jonah's ONE YEAR reunion to the NICU to visit some of the most precious people in our past... Doctors and nurses that became some of our dearest friends during a long and hard hospital stay.

I'm so happy to say that Our Lord Jesus got the glory as he led the hands of amazing doctors to take care of our tiny boy.

It seems like a blurry haze now... all the hard stuff.

Our life is surrounded by a sweet, funny, kind and most entertaining little guy.

We watched pretty snow fall in Louisiana last week.. Jonah lightly pressed his chubby fingers against the cold glass.. and looked back at me with complete amazement!

It looked like fluffy marshmallows falling from a wintry sky. I've decided we tend to take life for granted and all of the little moments that it brings. In the busyness of everyday... I am SO blessed to enjoy him.

To enjoy our boy..

Here we are one year healthy year later...

God has been SO good.

Doctors have practices to become the best physicians they can be.

I've decided that parents..

They have moments.

Moments to become the best they can be. Little moments, to give the most they can possibly offer.

Kids change SO quickly. Jonah has decided he's completely fascinated with cars and trucks.

He makes a loud "BRRRRMM!" noise ... simply anytime either of the above is anywhere in view.

I find myself amazed by just how "little boyish" he is... naturally! :)..

It's adorable.

Little boys are so peculiar...

I videoed Jonah playing with these cars as well tonight... and then showed it to him. He snorted and giggled like a silly little monkey at himself... Before I knew it.. I was laughing too!

:)...

"If only the world wouldn't get in your way...

if only people would just let you play…

they can’t understand… the magic of your wonderland..”

-The Fox and The Hound

"Best of Friends"

------------

AND.. in case you'd like a few smiles..

I decided to update you guys on what all the turkey has been doing. :)...
So do like I do.. Grab a cup of java... and enjoy..

Our little cousin Sweet Bella-girl comes to play often with him... She's so gentle and sweet with all of her "Bebe" dolls.

I smile in awe at her.. and then I watch my Jonah completely "bulldoze" through our house.

While playing the other day I handed a small stuffed doll to Jonah to see how he'd react.

He simply dropped it on the floor and sat on it.

I was TOTALLY horrified and so was Bella.

Then I realized...

as much of a boy as he is...

He thought the Bebe was a pillow.

:)..

And then there was the other day, I walked in.... and ALL of his bouncy balls had mysteriously disappeared.

Curiosity took me over and I checked around a few places...

I found this...

behind the chair in my living room.

I guess he was keeping them safe, of course!

My Daddy assures me that he will be organized. "I mean, look how meticulously he lined up those balls.!!!.."

I can only grin in sheer amusement.

Boy.. Oh boy..

And my favorite, the piggy timeout.

Jonah is IN LOVE with our coffee table and fascinated with all of it's lovely treasures... In our attempts to teach him no no...

He still seems to find someway to get to all of the decor. :)...

This particular day.... He decided to tear up Mommy's magazines and drag all over the "No No's" across the room. (At different times, of course!)...

I had just brought in the "Huggies box" and sat his chubby little rear down on it...

I was right in the middle of explaining how "good little boys didn't do that.. " and this was the face I got.

I had to hide to huge smile that covered my face.

This exact puppy look...

completely steals my heart.

I grabbed my camera and snapped a picture. I think I'll show it to him when He's grown.... and remind him that once upon a time.. He thought decorations were great. :)..

I hope everyone's days are going just as well as ours...

I hope you remember daily .. how blessed we all are.

..and that life's little moments are priceless.

So.. Treasure them.

Just as Jeremy and I treasure..

our very funny, coffeetable-loving, ball-hiding, bulldozing,

sweet, cuddly, chunky, big smiling, total miracle of a little boy.

The Evans family..

2009-12-07T20:36:00.001-08:00

Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love,
a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.

Jeff, Lesley & Hayden...

Thanks for allowing me to share some of your precious pictures with my friends..

You are truly a special & unique little family!

May you stay that way...

..and may this help you to remember

...Hayden "Cowboy" Evans..

just as he is now... during these very special little guy days.

Love you guys bunches.

A beautiful family...

2009-12-06T21:41:00.000-08:00

Scott, Candy, Mariah, Scotty & Sweet Aiden...

Thank you all for sharing some beautiful Holiday moments with me..

You're like family! I hope you will cherish these snaps. :)...

These were a few of my very favorite...

Thank you for allowing me to share!

May your Holiday Season be bright!

The very miracle..

2009-12-04T09:15:00.000-08:00

"And sometimes the very miracle God intended .... is to take his child home."

Sweet Becky, May you rest in peace...

May 19, 1988-December 3, 2009..

Please continue to hold up this family... the Sullivan family.. in the strongest of prayers..

Viewing will be held tonight from 6:00-9:00 PM..

Funeral will be held at 11:00 AM .. Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009

St. John's Catholic Church

Many, Louisiana

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

...Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

Believing for Becky..

2009-11-29T21:26:00.000-08:00

Friends and all of my dear readers...

As late as the hour may be... I'm writing with a very very serious need.

Her name is Becky Sullivan...

I've known her family for years... They are truly precious people.

Becky has a genetic blood disorder that has caused her blood to become too thick... This has caused damage to her liver to where it isn't functioning properly or filtering like it's supposed to. The fluid backs up into her stomach and this time got seriously infected. The infection has now spread to her blood and she has became septic. The have put her on a liver transplant list...

But, at this moment .. she is not stable enough for the transplant due to the clotting in her blood that's happening so incredibly fast.

PRAYERS are vital.

The family is in desperate need of a miracle.

...What we need God to do is heal the blood disorder causing blood to flow the way it was intended to flow, repair her liver to function the way it was created to function, and kidneys to function properly.

Parents, Please remember her Mom and Dad... Mike and Rosie... Because having a miracle child myself.. I ask you all to believe with everything that is in you that these parents will be given great strength to deal with this tender situation.. and that great favor will be given to the doctors in treatment and with every consultation..

"Lord, please lead the doctors hands and thoughts.. "

I ask you all... to please say a prayer for this sweet young girl.
She is 21 years old...

As well as I know my name...

I can remember my sweet little cousins.. saying in unison... that steadfast verse to my Aunt Hannah ...before a great healing that happened in her body.

"Mommy, you want us to say it again for you?"

Yes, please.

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures

... he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths

of righteousness for his name's sake..."

Becky, know that... the very same great Shepherd is with you now.
Leading you..
Holding you..
During this hard time.

Believing with the Sullivans..
Miracles still happen.

Very thankful...

2009-11-25T18:34:00.000-08:00

So tonight...

While preparations are being made for turkey day tomorrow... grins are seen and yummy smells fill the air..

Jonah had a blast with my fall decorations..

I mean.. whats the fun in them just sitting on the coffee table all season long right?...

He's rotten.
I know.
:)

If you look at these pictures.. very closely.. I'm pretty sure you will see what Jeremy and I are the most thankful for this year.

His smile...
His laugh...
His miracle.

One year very thankful...
One year very blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving my dear.. dear readers.

A friend for Jonah....

2009-11-19T22:45:00.000-08:00

*For Sis. Karen M.... Thank you for encouraging me to keep writing. :) Thank you for reading...
-----------

My dear friend Stephanie is expecting her first little boy.
Her shower was beautiful.. I had to share a few pictures!

I'm so proud for her.. She is truly one of the most precious people I know.
She'll be an amazing mother.

Steph, Other than David finding you.. this is the second most amazing journey you'll ever go on.

You don't realize yet.. how much you will love something so incredibly small. But very soon.. you will!

Enjoy every single little tender moment. You'll blink your eyes and those precious infant days will be gone. I'm so glad my Jonah will have a friend.. :)

Stay strong. Love you!

And for the record, Yes, I did cry over the shoe picture.. Little boys are too special. The tears just came...

"The decision to have a child is to accept that your heart will forever walk about outside your body."
-Katherine Hadley

"Baby's fishing for a dream, fishing near and far. His line a silver moonbeam is, his bait a silver star."

-Alice C.D. Riley

Mariah H.

2009-11-16T11:37:00.001-08:00

Sweet.
Beautiful.
Creative.

Thank you Mariah! Enjoyed working with you and your sweet family.
Congratulations on your Senior year! Follow your dreams and always shoot for the stars.

:)

Updates on Facebook!

2009-11-11T23:37:00.000-08:00

Genesis Costner Photography on Facebook

A Healing for Hannah...

2009-10-23T15:05:00.001-07:00

God picked up a sparrow that could no longer fly
He brushed off his wings and then watched it soar into the sky…

If he’s mindful of creation.. On this I can depend..
I am His child and I can place all of my trust in Him.

I will trust Jesus.
I can trust Jesus.
He never once has failed to meet my needs.
He is my strong tower.
The strength in my weakest hour
I can trust Jesus.
HE takes care of me.

I truly believe everyone has a theme song.
I know many of you have asked and e-mailed for updates on
my Aunt Hannah Jackson…

Sitting here at my desk, It’s so hard to contain the joy that would like to spill from the innermost of my heart…
I’m going to try my best write her great … great testimony.

Being admitted to Schumpert Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana… after testing we were given the news that Hannah’s condition was much more severe than we were ready to hear..

The doctors let us know that in the most four-six weeks she would more than likely be paralyzed waist down from the bone cancer eating away at her spine..

She was admitted into emergency radiation treatment…
Time was closing in on us..
Harsh facts were so incredibly hard to swallow.

But truly, The Lord Jesus is OUR strong tower.
He is most defiantly the strength in our weakest hour.
HE never once has failed to meet our needs.
Each and every need.

I’m here to say, she never once has given up on a God that is so much bigger than cancer.

Then after weeks of treatment... right in the middle bad reports.
The doctors ordered a separate MRI of the spine to get a closer look..
A couple days later the doctor came in with an entirely different prognosis.

His very attitude had completely changed.
The results were what some would call “miraculous”…

The MRI showed a completely different picture than the CT scan a few days earlier..
The tests showed NO cancer in her any of her organs.. ONLY in the bones… and is the type of cancer that stays within the bones.

According to the doctors… “This is the situation you would have prayed for.”

Completely contradicting earlier reports.

Although medically stated incurable … This situation unbelievably and suddenly became “treatable”… They say she’ll have to treat it as a long-term illness… such as diabetes.

The doctors said.. “By our opinion, you have many many years to live to raise your children.. this situation is NOTHING like we thought it was.”

They call it treatable… I call it grace.
Simply grace.

We CAN trust Jesus.
HE … alone takes care of us.

You pray until your knees are worn..
Until you are positive you could literally touch the very hem of his garment.

A couple days before Hannah was released from the hospital... The administrative team showed up unannounced on her floor to observe and verify that everything was running perfectly. An hour or so after they arrived.. a very nice gentleman walked into her room from the hospital's team and said.. "I heard your story.. and I HAD to come meet you. You know it's not very often our hospital has success stories.. and I wanted to introduce myself and tell you may God's blessings continue with you."

The doctors don’t completely understand those results.
They probably never will.
But all that I can say is.. an almighty and powerful God took over a hopeless situation…

And there became hope.

I have prayed some prayers and thought they never were heard.
But I held to God’s hand and kept right on trusting in His word.
My wants and God’s desires.. don’t always agree.
But I lean on His Word.
He always knows what’s best for me.

I can trust Jesus..
He never once has failed to meet my needs..
He is my strong tower..
The strength in my weakest hour.

I can trust Jesus.
He never once has failed to meet my needs.

Kaylee..

2009-10-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

My "photography goal" for each and every one of my clients is to capture them.
Personality.
Smile.
Self.
To capture them.

I try hard and sometimes.. I succeed.

Meet Kaylee..
As sweet as she is funny, this lovely lady was SO incredibly fun to take pictures for.
I LOVE artsy people.

Congratulations on being a SENIOR, girl!
Treasure the special last days of high school..
May your life hold MANY happy moments.. and many "adventures"! :)

A beautiful family..

2009-10-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Stephen, Julia & the little men...
You have a beautiful family..
I'm sure you can smile and know how incredibly blessed you are.

Great getting to work with you all!
I hope you enjoy and treasure these little moments.

"Blog-worthy" By Lillie...

2009-10-12T05:06:00.000-07:00

Once upon a chilly October afternoon...
My cousin Lillie grabbed a camera randomly without any preparation..
And caught a few amazing moments.
How can you help but treasure these.

I take pictures of everyone ... but us.
So, Thanks Lil..
And as a running cousin joke...
Your talent is most definalty "blog-worthy"
Love you, kiddo.

Every day we should hear at least one little song,

read one good poem,

see one exquisite picture,

and, if possible, speak a few sensible words.

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Justin & Dana...

2009-09-28T23:29:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to... Justin & Dana...
May your life together be as beautiful as your wedding.

:)

Sweet Moments...

2009-09-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

I simply can't believe it..
Cleaning house this evening it really hit me..

My baby.. is turning ONE year old on Friday.

I sat down.. folded towels in hand.. and let all the sweet sweet memories of this past year flood my mind and heart.

I've never in my life felt so blessed.

I walked into his room.. opened up his bottom dresser drawer and pulled out his "preemie diaper" that was incredibly huge on him when we brought home that perfect four pound bundle.

It amazes me how God will take a hard trial in your life..
You'll feel just like you can't make it another day... and suddenly His great mercy comes on the scene and like a hand holding you up.. you'll carry on.

But not just carry on.

You'll carry on... different.

You'll carry on... stronger.

You'll carry on... blessed.

You'll carry on.. with more character.

Sitting there today..

I was remembered of all the times... I stayed late in that NICU.. then walked out of the building for the night .. sucked in the cold air, swallowed down the hard lump in my throat and it would take every bit of strength my body could hold to walk away from my baby.

I started thinking.. If we.. as humans... love our children like that...

Our Lord Jesus..
The Creator of the Universe.. must love us so.. deeply.. and more than words can express.

I'm sure, In those nights when we feel so alone... He's keeping such a watchful eye on us.
I know it must take every bit of His majestic strength to watch His children go through hard times.

I'm sure if we only knew the amount of times His heart has ached for one of His own.
We would be amazed that a God loved us so much.
If we really knew.

As I pressed my face against a little plastic box and watched Jonah grow..
Day after day..
Ounce by ounce..
My heart ached to hold him.
I ached for him to come home.

I've come to realize..

I truly know our Precious Saviour must do the same.
Night after night He watches..
Waiting so patiently on His children.
Aching to hold them.
His heart longing for them to come home.

Isn't that beautiful?
His love for us.. is such a great.. great story.

Lord,
Thank you for this very first year.
Thank for our little boy.

For those of my dear readers who don't know Jonah's story,
When obstacles stand in my way..
I remember the words of the doctors that would deliever Jonah before he was born..

"Genesis, don't be shocked. Preemies this small are usually blue.. He'll probably be lifeless at first... so don't be upset if he doesn't cry."

But a powerful and almighty God took over a situation.

Jonah was born pink.. kicking and screaming.. and one of the most amazing miracles my doctors had ever witnessed.

Now, One year later, I think no matter how old my darling will get...
I will still think of him as that tiny and I'll never forget how much our heart rejoiced in his perfect cry.

Today, with two teeth, going everywhere and with more personality than I would have ever thought a little guy his age could have...

We are SO blessed.

Hug someone you love today.. Tell them you're thankful for them.

Make every moment count..
Because little moments matter.

:)..

Mackynsi :)

2009-09-16T19:01:00.001-07:00

Mommies and Babies.. are just special.
After having my precious miracle.. I've completely fallen in love with infant pictures.

Meet Lynsi and her little Mackynsi...
Had to post a few for you all to see.
They are bound to make you smile.

:) ...

A Prayer for Hannah...

2009-09-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

"Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. "

Matthew 18:19

For the past few weeks..

I've sat in my Aunt Hannah's office..

I've been working in her place until she gets her promised miracle.

The signs that cover her walls...

The encouraging cards that fill her windowsills..

"Expect a Miracle"

"All things are possible, Only believe."

My dear readers, I know you've all followed her story.

Once again, I come to you...

She is in need of your prayers.

She needs faith to keep believing.

She needs strength to keep fighting.

She stands as a living testimony of what God can do.

So I ask you all..

Tomorrow..

September 12, 2009

at 12:00 P.M.

...if we can join our hearts together and pray for this fighter.

I am believing that around the nation prayers will go up.

Because His word says..

"If two of you shall agree... anything they shall ask."

I ask you.. each and every reader...

Rather driving a bus..

teaching a class..

sitting in your office..

eating lunch..

as noon strikes tomorrow.

... that you lift up this young woman and her family before the throne of a powerful and mighty God.

Thank you all dear prayer warriors.

It was the very same prayers ... that allowed my precious Jonah to stand

a miracle before doctors.

Those prayers saved my very life.

Those prayers have given Hannah strength to stand by a healing God against cancer.

"God is in the prayers of His children"

Thank you all..

The best burger..

2009-09-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

It's a sensation!!!

They have..

"The best burger in town!"
Gas-A-Way Billards LLC. Family Center
8-Ball Cafe
Many, Louisiana

Clean fun.. for the whole family! :)..

Dine in OR take out!
318.256.2345

Tell them Genesis Costner Photography sent ya.

You'll be glad you dropped by.

:)..

Little Prince Patrick..

2009-09-07T07:56:00.000-07:00

May I introduce you all to...

Little Prince Patrick

Other than my Jonah-boy.. He has to be one

of the sweetest, cute and princely little boys I know.

We had MUCH fun getting smiles out of Pat by talking about Jonah spitting squash on Ms. Gen... He giggled with delight when I described being covered in stinky squash..

I LOVE his smile.

Big thanks to Jennifer & Steve for letting me post a couple

of these adorable pictures online!

"Snips and snails and puppy dog tails... thats what little boys are made of."