T&H Photography

Travis and I have our new photography website up and running!  Check it out here.  Let us know if you would like to book a holiday session.

And here is just a fun picture of Hudson...

Random Updates

Travis' parents came to California for a week to be able to go to Brandon's recital for his master's program at Cal State Fullerton.  Brandon composed and orchestrated 50 minutes worth of music which was performed by fellow students and even Travis.  Travis sang a few solos for Brandon and I will definitely post some of the music as soon as I get a copy of it.  Brandon is an absolutely amazing musician not only because of his God-given talent, but because of his diligence and hard work to develop his skills.  

Brandon's recital went amazing and it was nice to have a reason to have Todd, Debbie and Amy come to town. 

Aunt Amy and Hudson

Hudson now likes to drink out of a cup;)  He just isn't very good at it yet.

We also spent some time with the great grandmas while Trav's family was in town.

The two of us at Brandon's recital

Hudson in his tie with Grandma.  I will post more pictures of him in the entire suit... it is just sooo cute

My dad and I went to breakfast one morning down by the pier and Travis' parents ran into us.  So, we all had breakfast together.  I wish stuff like that could happen more often.

Last week Hudson and I went to his first concert.  We went and saw Shane and Shane play at CBU.  I wish Travis could have been with us, but he had to work.  As soon as the music started, Hudson was still and completely focused on the music.  I think it might be fair to say that music is in his DNA.

And here is a picture just because baby buns are the best.

Hudson's Dedication

On Saturday, October 31st, we gathered our immediate family to celebrate us dedicating our son, Hudson to the Lord.  The ceremony was held in a park that runs along the beach.  A really good friend and mentor, Jason Hartanov, led the service.  He reminded us about how we are stewards of our son.  He is not ours.  He is the Lord's.  The dedication was simply us making a commitment along side our family to raise Hudson in the ways of the Lord.

After Jason spoke, I read the life verse we picked out for Hudson and then Travis shared a little bit about why we picked the verse.  We chose Psalm 86:11-12, "Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name, I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever".

Jason gave us as parents a charge followed by a charge to both the grandparents and the aunts and uncles.  We then all joined in a time of worship as Travis' brother, Chad led us in worship with the song, "Everything" by Tim Hughes.  Then all of our family gathered around us, laid hands on us and prayed for us and for Hudson.

We purchased a Bible for Hudson to one day use to study and learn God's word.  We had his name engraved on the front and had everyone who was there write a note to him on the inside of the cover.  Then after the service we all had a wonderful time eating and just spending time together.  We really enjoyed personalizing the service and sharing it with those who will have the greatest impact on Hudson's life.

It was such a sweet day to remember our Savior and commit to Him everything He has given us.  Our prayer is through God's grace one day Hudson will trust in Christ as Savior and Lord of his life.

Our treasured son

A time of prayer during the service:

Grandpa and Grandma Collins:

Papa and Nannaw Watkins:

Pappaw and Noni Stewart:

All the Aunts and Uncles:

The Hartanov family:

Hudson and his girlfriend, Olivia

Our little family:

Thank you Jason for putting your heart and soul into making this such a special and God-focused service!  You really blessed us more than you will ever know.

Sneak Peek of Logan Christopher Hofschroer

There is nothing like a new baby to remind you of the glorious and amazing God we serve.  There is such sacredness in the presence of a new one who has just arrived from the hands of God.  I don't believe there is any greater joy in life than the blessing of children.

I don't have much time to write, but I wanted to post a picture of the newest addition to the Hofschroer family.  Mama Hofschroer pictures coming soon...

Logan Christopher Hofschroer

November 6th, 2009

11:57 am  8lbs 4oz  20" long

Changes

So, earlier I posted about having a job change.  I have been working from home doing inside sales support for a company.  My boss came down to have coffee with me two weeks ago and let me know they were going to have to lay me off.  The company just wasn't making it, so they had to restructure a few things which included a few lay offs.

This news really was bitter sweet.  Bitter because of course, it is always hard to loose a part of your income.  Sweet because I will be able to collect unemployment for a while, allowing me to focus on Hudson and photography.  Travis and I are working towards launching our photography blog and we are hoping to have it up and running in the very near future.

We are already booking family holiday shoots, so if you or someone you know is looking to get a few pictures taken give us a call.  Our calendars are already starting to fill up and we are both really excited about it! You can email me directly at hayleyacollins@yahoo.com or contact me at 714-606-2694.

Below are a few of our favorite pictures from our shoot with the Galarza Family.

Hudson and Avocados

Last week, we gave Hudson his first taste of solids.  We fed him avocados and I have to say his face was priceless.  For now I am just feeding him solids every once in a while, but we are definitely having fun with it.  I am making his baby food which has been something I have been looking forward to.  I like knowing what I am giving him is organic, healthy and without any preservatives.  Here are a few pictures from our first try at solids.

Before he knew what was coming...

haha... not too thrilled about it

It was also the first time he wore a bib... as you can see, he knew exactly what he wanted to do with it.

Captain Hook, Tiger Lily, and one of the lost boys...aka the bear

I have a lot to catch up on.  Travis' family came in town for a week, we had Hudson's baby dedication, went to Brandon's senior recital, started Hudson on solid foods and I have had a job change.  I will get to all of that later, but for now here are a few pictures from Halloween.

We went to a costume party at Brooke and Trever's house.  We decided to dress up with a theme... so Travis was Captain Hook, I was Tiger Lily and Hudson went as one of the lost boys from Peter Pan.... aka the bear.  We ate chili, handed out candy, and just enjoyed the company of family and friends.

Today we took Hudson to the park to get a few pictures of him in his costume.

My sisters... Brooke was one of the "Black Eyed Peas"...haha

Brianne was a lufa and Josh was the soap... sooo creative

Caleb was just gross... his shirt said "Vanguard Alumni"

Talyor was "Burt" and Brittany and their dog, Bailey were bees... so they were "Burt's Bees"

Hudson and I trick or treating

Bryan and Taylor with their Bernice Mountain dogs... classic shot of them;)

Cute little Hudson