I’m leaving today for our annual mission to Zambia, Africa.  We will be there for the next three weeks.  This is the seventh year that God has blessed us with the opportunity to serve and fellowship with his children there.  So before I left I just wanted to thank everyone who sent in titles for the contest images, and let you know that I will try to post some pics and updates to my “my space” page while I’m gone.  I can’t promise anything though, as access to internet (or electricity for that matter) is extremely limited.  But we do carry a satelite phone and occassionally we are able to get through.  I’ll give it my best.  But our mission director, KB Massingill has set up a blog spot where he will be posting updates on the team in general, so if you’re interested in keeping up with what’s happening there, the blog spot is http://www.zmm2008.blogspot.com .  

 Kathie will be checking in at the office from time to time while I’m away,  so if you need anything, just give her a call at the office and she’ll get back to you as soon as she can.

We greatly covet your prayers for safety, and mostly that we will allow God to use us to His glory, according to His plan.  May you all be blessed to truly know Him.

Leza Amuleleke ( God bless you! ),

Shelli

I want to thank all of you who showed such excitement about our “moving” plans!  But, as I had said, we left the situation in God’s hands, and this time he answered with a ‘no’.

We had a great open house that Sunday, and had several interested buyers.  But the next morning, the people we were buying the property from, called and said they had another buyer who didn’t have to sell another property in order to purchase theirs.  According to our contract, that then gave us two days to either follow through with our offer, or let it go to the other buyers.  Jay and I prayed and discussed wether to contact the people who were interested in our house, … or leave it in God’s hands …. if our buyers called in the two days, … then the move was meant to happen…. if they did not, … it wasn’t.  So that’s what we did.  Our buyers didn’t call.  SO, for now, we’re staying put, and although I am disappointed, I want to thank and praise God for knowing what is best for us, and keeping us from making mistakes.  It has taken me 41 years to figure out that what I ‘want’ isn’t always what I ‘need’ … and it is a tremendous stress reliever to be able to let God direct my plans, rather than having to worry about whether I’ve “got it right” or not.  And hey, it’s kind of exciting to see what He will have around the corner for us!  We’ll see!

May each of you experience the joy of walking in His footsteps!

Shelli

The professional lab where we have our prints developed is having a contest! I have selected some great images to submit, however, I need your help! Each image must have a title! Are you quick witted? Do you have a knack for creating a play on words? Then, this is your chance! Submit your title for any of the images posted below. Just be sure and number your entry with the same number as the respective image. Hurry! Don’t delay! Our deadline is Thursday, June 19. If we use your title in the contest you will win a $50 gift card which can be used towards any future session or given away as a gift! So, put on your thinking caps, and let me hear from you. Remember . . . . . June 19th!!

Blessings, Shelli

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As many of you know, it is pretty tight around the studio.   In fact, we seem to be bursting at the seams.  However, we may be moving soon!   We have a wonderful opportunity to purchase an awesome two story house on a beautiful acre of land.  There are a lot of trees, a barn with a loft, a flower garden and much much more.  It seems to be a perfect place to enlarge my studio!  The studio will have room to grow, and I will be able to expand my services by adding additonal staff.  The possibilities are so exciting!  However, in order for me to make this move, I must first sell my house. 

This is where you come in.  I am hoping you will help me spread the word! 

 Our house is near ACU, in a beautiful and established neighborhood with wonderful neighbors.  One reason I first fell in love with this house is because, being older, it has
a lot of characher inside and out.  The exterior is Austin stone, and it sits on a large lot.  Built in 1952, the house has approximately 2100 square feet, and it was fully rennovated about 11 years ago.  (new wiring, plumbing, sheet rock, flooring,central heat and air etc.)  There are 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 living areas and a bonus room.  It has beautiful hardwood and ceramic floors and a working, woodburning fireplace.   It is in the Taylor Elementary, Craig Middle School and Abilene High school districts, but of course, Abilene Christian Schools are just up the street, making that a convenient educational option as well. 

The purchase price is $147,000. 

So, if you’re looking for a great place, or know someone who is, … please give us a call.  We’ll be happy to show it to anyone who’s interested.  (Studio- 325-677-3733 or Shelli - 325-669-4196)

We have placed this opportunity in the Lord’s hands and know that He will continue to
bless us immeasureably with or without this move.  Please keep us in your prayers, asking God to do only what will bring Him the most glory. 

Blessings,
Shelli  

P.S.  We plan to have an open house this coming Sunday, 2-4 and would love for you
to drop by with friends and family!

Yes, it’s crazy, but it’s true!  Shelli Kay Studios is going to add a free Photo Handbag to the order of the first person who mentions this post when booking a new session!  And heck, … not to leave any of you out, … everyone who mentions this post when booking a regular May session, will receive 20% off any handbags ordered from that session.

Call now!  You could be the Lucky Winner!   325-677-3733

Happy Mother’s Day!

(free photo handbag offer applies only to new sessions and is not valid with any other discount)

So I just watched “A Baby Story” while taking my lunch break.  And though this won’t be suprising to those of you who know me, but I am in tears.  Today’s show was about the Richardson family.  Stephen Richardson, the father, was a member of our armed forces.  I say ‘was’, because he gave his life while serving our country.  He was only 22 years old when he died.  They have a two year old daughter, and were pregnant with a son when it happened.  So his wife (I won’t be able to spell her name, so I won’t try), had to give birth without him there.  Although it was obviously difficult, she still showed no anger or bitterness.  She spoke of how passionate he was about his job and how proud he was to be able to serve.  My heart goes out to this family and all those who have lost loved ones in service to our country … and also those who live with the constant knowlege that they could at any moment.

I have had the blessing to work with several military families from Dyess.  I hope I have expressed to them how very grateful I am for their selflessness. 

I want to let all of our Dyess families know that out of gratitude, I will not be charging session fees to

 any of our military families.  I consider it a blessing that through photography, I can capture precious moments for, and share them with, … those to whom I ( and all of us ) owe so much. 

So if you are a military family, I sincerely thank you.  If you know someone who is, … please share my gratitude with them.

I’m going to add a few images of some of the military families I’ve had the privilege to serve.  If you recognize them around town, … be sure to thank them.

Blessings,

Shelli

The Smiths

The Stutzman’s X-mas Card

The Coopers - ( Dad was being deployed the very next day … you could see him trying to memorize the details of his baby girl’s face. )

I had a big wedding Saturday ( I’ll post some favorites later )…. got home around 12:30 (which in actuallity was 1:30) …skipped early service Sunday morning, … went to the late one instead… was almost too tired to lift my coffee and donuts to my mouth ( but I managed ).  And THEN I had a 2:00 shoot that afternoon… someone was going to have to “shoot” ME!   

BUT, ….wait…. it’s Stephen and Emily Thomason…. one of the most precious couples I’ve ever shot a wedding for…. and they’re expecting Baby “T”!   Ok, I’ve got to tell you, this is the cutest, most fun couple in the world!  I had a blast, and completely forgot how tired I was!

Stephen and Emily are both doctors. (well, they start their residencies this summer)  They brought along one of their stethescopes (sp?) … it was too fun.   As you can see from the images below, they are adorably fun.   I wish I could adopt them!

 This little boy is SO blessed to have such wonderful and godly parents.  Thank you Stephen and Emily, for allowing me to continue being a part of these most wonderful events in your lives.  May every blessing be on all three of you.

Since deciciveness (and spelling) is not one of my greatest gifts, … we chose two winners for our Valentine give away!   They were Marie Nordman and Jennifer Beale. 

We had too much fun shooting for their Valentine cards, and we got some incredible images from their sessions.  I’m glad they were the ones who had to chose which one to use on their cards. 

 Here are their cards with the images they chose to use.   I’ll put some more of their shots onto my “facebook” page and you can certainly bet they’ll be on my website as well. 

Thanks girls, for a great time and some great images for my portfolio!  You’re both beautiful girls and your “guys” are lucky to have you. …. Hope we were able to make your Valentine’s Day special.

 Blessings …. Shelli

Want to knock your Valentine off his feet? E-mail us why! If you are chosen you will receive a complimentary photo shoot and a customized 5×7 for your beau! Our stylist will even help you accomplish the look you’re wanting to make a Valentines gift he’ll never forget

shelli@shellikaystudios.com

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Hey guys, we’ve entered the blogging world! We plan to keep you updated on all of the happenings here at Shelli Kay Studios, so check back often. Also, we will be offering blog-only limited time specials now and again, such as free session fees, buy one get one half off deals, and so forth. Stay tuned for those…