Benson at Christmas

Benson LOVES all of his new toys. He got about 50 presents and more are still coming from other family members. I tell ya what, this boy is loved :) A funny thing he did on Christmas day was he brought his plush chair up to the table and put it on the dining room chair. Then he got his toy laptop, and put it up at the table. Then, he climbed up in his chair ON the dining room chair and played with his new laptop. I mean, how cute is that!

Looking for my next Star of the Month

It is time for another Star of the Month. I am looking for someone who is a client of Cristy Cross Photography and who leaves comments on the blog frequently.Those are the two main things that qualify you for Star of the Month. Check out the two other stars, Katy and Brianna.

Whose it gonna be? And this picture has nothing to do with the Star of the Month, but I wanted to post it because its pretty :)

Merry CHRISTmas

Merry Christmas everyone! I am officially off for the holidays. I will be working on orders that have come in this week and have them sent out next week, but won't be back to work until after the new year. I am going to enjoy time with my family just like I did today, which felt so nice. Benson and I woke up to a yummy breakfast cooked by Chef Ben, then played, played, and played some more. I started the decorations in Benson's "World" theme in his play room and we hung wall decor finally. I wrapped some more presents that consisted of Benson's new clothes from the GAP (shhh don't tell him) and they are so so so adorable. I was inspired with the hanging pine cones in Anthropologie when I took a trip to Albuquerque last year. And when we were in Ruidoso, NM last January my mom and I collected pine cones for this years decorations in the Cross house hold. The other lovely decorations were done by little B (or his teachers) and we cherish them so much. I just adore his little hands-tree, and pine cone tree. He is such an artist already :)

Sarah.Bridals.Texas Wedding Photographer

This weekend, Ben (my husband/very helpful assistant) went to McKinney, Tx to photograph one of Ben's childhood friends wedding. I am loading up the images right now, but I wanted to share with you the beautiful bride, Sarah. And one of Jeremiah and Sarah together as Mr. and Mrs.

Jacob.Texas Baby. New Mexico Photographer

The thing about a small town is you realize that everyone is related. Jacob is cousins with the Douma's and the other Tuls family.  So fun! And not only that, but I took pictures of all three families in the same weekend. Totally not planned either :)Here is sweet Jacob, a sweet 9 month old baby whom I might add is very stylish thanks to his beautiful mom.

My Dessy Inspiration Board

Just to let you know, I didn't really know what I was doing. I've never done an inspiration board before, but it was fun!If you are a bride and need some ideas on dresses, decor, shoes... then you should go check out the Dessy Group Website and create your own inspiration board.

Mecca.Maternity.New Mexico Photographer

Mecca makes a lovely mother-to-be. Tomorrow is the big day and her little boy, River will soon be here and in her arms. Blessings to you and your family Mecca. A new chapter in your life is about to start and it will be so wonderful and dreamy; you just might want to pinch yourself. Beautiful Mecca...

Danichka.Etsy Store

Hey etsy lovers. If you are still looking for gifts to give your kids, nieces and nephews you should check out Danichka on Etsy. She has knitted some of the cutest hats, ornaments and now leg warmers. Theres nothing like Christmas shopping on line and Danica has free shipping right now. Benson has the "Benson" hat and he looks adorable wearing it.  Go see, go see!http://www.etsy.com/shop/danichka

Corrie and Grant.Hubs and Wifey.New Mexico Wedding Photographer

Hey, look at these pretties. Beautiful couple inside and out. I've been working on their images and thought I'd post one little pretty for now.Have a lovely holiday evening.

The Kelly Moore Bag

A couple of weeks ago I won a contest to a free spot to Kelly Moores Photography Workshop. Well miss Kelly has just announced her very fun and chic bag for photographers (for the ladies that is). You should go check it out and buy one! Here is a direct link: http://kellymoorebag.com/

My Sister.Texas Photographer

*Update: Here is a little note Danica wrote on her blog: "Our dear friend and sister, Cristy Cross, took our pictures last week. We had SUCH a blast doing them too. When she put some up on her blog, I called her and we both ended up in tears! I think it was just overwhelming to see how Cristy captured all the elements of our family - quirky, fun, loving, and enamored with God's world. It was also so overwhelming to see the kids and how big they are, and especially to see our feet next to a picture of Russia. It just hit me, the verse from Romans, that talks about how beautiful the feet are of the ones who bring the good news of Jesus Christ to those around them. It is a special picture because we pray every night that God would use us to reach everyone around us, whether it be our neighbors across the street or our "neighbors" around the world. We are trying to raise our kids with a real consciousness that they are a part of a big world, with many people, who God pursues with His great and relentless love. Thanks, sis, for such a special time! These pictures mean so much to us." Okay okay! So this session was SUPER special for me. This family is my second family. Danica has been my big sister ever since I was a junior in high school. She and her sister took me in as a little sister (and I have no sisters so I loved it). She fulfilled my dream of having a sister :) Not only that, but she has been a great big sister and a wonderful role model for me. Her and her husband Greg, have been so inspiring to Ben and I and we love them so much. They were missionaries for Campus Crusade for Christ in Russia for many years and I didn't get to see her much and now she lives almost 2 hours away rather than 26 hrs (or whatever the distance was). I know she misses Russia, but I am gonna be selfish here and say I don't want them to go back :) But God does what he does and I'm cool with that. There kids call us Aunt Cristy and Uncle Ben, and sometimes Benson's mom and dad. We love there kids and we love that our kids love to play with each other. Recently we've been over and joined in on dance parties that consist of all three kids and all four adults. Max (their little boy) has got some mad skills! And little Marlys and Benson do their cute baby dances.

As I was working on these images I kept wanting to call Danica saying, 'Oh you're gonna love this one." And I'd talk myself out of it because if I just kept going then she'd get to see them sooner. But then I'd work on the next one and wanted to call her again. I started tearing up when I was looking at the close up shot of her and Greg, because it was so sweet and SO them.

Okay, well I better publish these so you can all see them! Love love love these with all of my heart.

Wedding Albums.New Mexico Photographer

I just finished Carrie and Barrett's wedding album. Once she and her family have seen it, I'll post a link here on the blog so you can see it too. It was one of my favorite weddings this year, so I'm getting a copy for myself.I have been working away on this album as well as orders, and Christmas cards, emails and phone calls. I am doing my best to get everything out in a timely manner with a long "to-do" list. Please be patient, and if you are curious as to where your order stands, just send me an email :) cristy@cristycross.com

White Christmas.The Hamiltons.New Mexico Photography

We've had this family scheduled for about a month or two in advance. The day finally came and it started snowing. I was a little nervous about the weather, but excited too because I don't get to take pictures in the snow very often in Clovis, NM. It's normally cold and windy, but no snow.When I was greeted so sweetly by their youngest girl I was excited for the fun we would have. In just seconds of talking to me, the three year old asked my name and in response to me she said, "thats a pretty name". I mean, what a sweetheart, right! The girls clothes are from the Gap (I love my comfy sweater, I love my comfy sweater. How cute are these boots, how cute are these boots) I SO think they need to do some modeling with their kiddos ;) Thanks Hamilton family for such a fun time! I can't wait to show you the rest, but Christmas card orders, and wedding albums, and phone calls and emails, and oh my family are calling my name :) More to come...

Douma Family.New Mexico Photographer

I met the Douma family my first year in Clovis three and a half years ago. They have changed so much and added on to their already adorable family.It was great to see them and hang out and play. So, here ya go. The favorites as promised to my blog readers.

Lindsey and Josh. Engagement Session. New Mexico Photographer

Josh and Lindsey, you are fabulous! I mean really!! I had a wonderful time with you both.This session was full, and I mean FULL of laughs, dancing, and sweet love. Josh and Lindsey are getting married in February in Lubbock, Tx and it is going to be one AWESOME wedding!

GQ for kids. New Mexico Photographer

Baby Cruz turned one back in October, but we finally got his one year birthday session in November. And while we were at it, did some Christmas shots with his bro Caden. Two good looking little fellas...

Osburn Family.New Mexico Photographer

There momma worked hard on their outfits and I think she did an awesome job. I would LOVE to have all of their shoes and maybe even the tights.Pretty darn cute group of girls if I do say so myself. I love this family and I loved this session. It couldn't have been a more perfect session with the gorgemous yellow leaves. Take a looksy at my picks...

Sweet Sleeper.Texas Photographer

Meet my new friend. So sweet, so lovely.

Black Friday Shopping

Black Friday Shopping Craziness 15% off your order:

When placing your order of $150 or more using the web gallery shopping cart, you will receive 15% off your order.  Just type blackfriday in the coupon box to receive your discount!

This sale will end Sunday, November 29th so jump on it.

Click here to start shopping with CCP

I promise you won't get trampled. This will be fun, safe shopping. Gauranteed.

Out of the Office.Family and Thanksgiving

I will be away from my computer starting Wednesday-Sunday (November 25-29). My plans are to hang out with my family, maybe go to a movie with Ben, relax and eat some turkey and sides. At our family gatherings on my dads side of the family Thanksgiving is like a pot luck dinner and we are bringing the green bean casserole this year, topping it with extra crunchies...delicious and totally healthy :)I hope everyone has a lovely Thanksgiving and has lots to be thankful for. I am thankful for so many things, but most of all for my salvation, my husband, and our little son. I hold these things dear to my heart.

*And I just noticed the blog has had over 100,000 visitors. I am very thankful for that too! Wowzers!!