BellaLu Photography: Bay Area Engagement Photography | Zanne + Andrew

BellaLu Photography: Bay Area Engagement Photography Zanne + Andrew: "Zanne and Andrew aren't technically from the Bay Area but made the trip down to us after absolutely rocking the Valentine's Cuties contest w..."

My oh my

My Oh My... it has been a while since I've written anything here. Mostly because my family hasn't really been interested but I am doing this for me and for my Grama- cause she ask me to! She wanted me to write things about our family to share with each other.. things to remember when she was gone and now she is, so hear I am...Writing!! Miss ya Grama. Love you!!! XOXO, Renea

Family

So, since finding out that Robby is my Bio Father I have gotten to email with a few other in the family. They are really sweet people and have opened their arms to me and my girls. It's way more that I even thought to ask for and I am so grateful we are being given this chance to get to know each other. I am actually planing a trip to visit for a few days after Christmas and I am hoping for an overnight trip the day after Thanksgiving... I'll keep you posted. But let me show you some of the family:

This is Robby and my little sister Rosa

Rosa is a super sweet girl and I'm really excited to get the chance to be in her life before she is totally grown up! She and Mary are about the same age.. ..

This is Robby's Mom and Dad, my Grandparents

And this is Robyn and her husband. Robyn is Awesome, once I found her and told her who I was and that I might be her sister, she called me that say day! !!! She is so sweet and we have some things in common. She is already planning to take her vacation time to come out here and visit me, hopefully in Jan. 2011. Its so nice to have someone feel the same for you as you do for them and not be scared in anyway. We are sister and that's that, no if ands or buts about it!! Oh and we both want the same tattoo! LOL And this is my Aunt Michelle, her husband and their kids. Hope I get these right.... Madision is the oldest, then Casey, then Bailey and the little guy is Dalton. Michelle emails me and she is a Great Lady and a Wonderful mother. You can tell how giving and loving she is just through they way she talks about her family. I am so happy to have her reaching out to me! And We have More Cousins!!!! Love it! Mickenzie is sooooo happy to have more cousins to play with and grow up knowing, plus I think some of them are into Cheer so she is in heaven.

- Another cousin contacted my , her name is Erica and she has a beautiful little girl named Rylin? I am excited to have Mickenna meet Rylin, they look around the same age.

Needless to say Robby's family has reached out and told me that me and the girls are their family too! I am so impressed and excited about the outcome so far and I am just so Thankful to God for always bringing you what you truly need and always at the time you really need it. I feel so blessed to have more people to love me and the girls, so lucky to have so much!

XOXO,

Renea

The Results are In!!

Wow! What an emotional roller coaster.... Crazy it's time for me to get off! Our test results are in. But before I share them with you... Let me share how I feel.... Excited... I have little butterflies in my tummy. I can't believe I finally know. No more question or feeling bad. I know and that is all I ever really wanted. To be able to tell people, yeah my dad's name is____________. Well guess what... now I can! My Father's name is Robert Luellen. Hausa! With a probability of Paternity at 99.99% I guess it is safe to say he is my Father. Crazy!!! I'm so happy and I really hope he is okay with it all. Haven't got the chance to talk to him yet and not sure where we go from here if anywhere but I am glad to move past this Huge stone in my path. Be rid of any questioning and be happy! Thank you all for the Love and Support you have always given me, Thank your for helping raise me!! And Mom, Thanks for telling me the truth even when you lied to everyone else!! ha ha WoooHooo! XOXO, Renea

The Big Day!

So the Big Day is suppose to be tomorrow!!?? The DNA Test result should be in for Robby and myself. It's kinda strange to be here, at this point in my live. I'm Excited and Nervous...Scared and Thrilled!! And whichever way the results go, I am glad to have found him and his family. The seem to be a wonderful loving group of people. Both is daughters, Robyn and Rosa are Amazing! and this journey has helped my heal wounds I hadn't let myself feel in a long time. I appreciate Robby helping with that.. I still have a ways to go but it has started therefore I'll see it thru! Now the big question is if the result are negative... Were will that leave me and my Mother? I am struggling with that one most of all. But before I just ..."FREAK OUT!!!" I am waiting on the results, I'll go from there! If anyone has advice, feel free to chime in! Thanks for all the support and Love! XOXO, Renea

Thank You Mattel~ You Rockl!!

So I just read my Sister Sarah's Blog, A post about Mattel making some ridiculous outfits for Barbies now a days...And I have to agree that there are some crazy outfits out there for little girls to be playing with... But I must also point out that Not All little girls want this, either~

Miss Perfect USA- "I don't Really Exists" Barbie!

So I'm Givin' A Big Shout Out to Mattel For Finally Making Crazy Cool,

Dolls With a Great Message~

-Frankie Stein-

-Some of the Ghouls & Gals from Monster High-

They are saying ...be yourself, be different and be proud of it. That not everyone looks the same, dresses the same but that its okay. Be a Cheerleader, Be a Goth, Be a Book worm

or Be them all!! Be what and who you are!

My daughter just had this "Monster High" themed Birthday and ALL the kids Loved it!

This is the New Rage and I think it's Freaky Fab!!

I am so thankful my daughter and my little sister have the strength, and confidence in themselves to dress in, any way they like, no matter if others approve or like it. That they have the beliefs to not care what a person looks like on the outside but know that its all about the inside that counts. I am blessed, for their faith in God and their Love in family that gives them the ability to be what and who they are, Not having to be the same as every other girl out there.

Thank you Mattel for showing little girls that beauty comes in many forms ~ You Rock!

XOXO,

Renea

My baby is turning 8 years old!

Is doesn't seem that long ago, I was 18... living in my car and finding out I was pregnant. ...Scared and Alone with a Really tough choice on my hands. I prayed and cried a lot but the Lord told me we would be okay and of course he was right. Mickenzie saved my life... changed the course I was on for the better and helped me to grow as a person, a women and become a Mother. She is the light of my life...My heart and for a long time the only thing I could clam as good and right.

My baby is turning 8 yrs old this September 10th and I am shocked and Amazed. She is truly becoming her own person, creating friendships and working out issues. She can stand up for herself ( even though I'm always there for backup) She is learning to understand the big things in life, and ask the hard questions. 3 years ad she will be in Middle School?? Huh? I can't even think of it yet.

I am soooo proud of her. She is bright and sweet, with a heart the size of Texas. Kenzie is Beautiful from the inside out and I am so blessed to have her as a daughter.

Happy Birthday My Short Cake. Momma Loves you!!

XOXO,

Mom

I Miss U!

Hello..

I miss you! I don't know what else to say...I wish you where here. You're missing sooo much each and everyday. I think you'd be proud! I know I need your advise! I want to give you a hug and have you sing me to sleep at night! I want to tell you all about the new books I've read and talk about Anita, while we drink Chocolate Milk in bed! I want you to take the girls fishing, show them how its done... I want to hear your old stories of how the west was REALLY won! I want you to call me...I need to here your voice. I want to know your ALL , all right and that I'll see you again. I miss you I miss you I miss you!

XOXO,

Renea

Sister Happy!

So... Some of you may know I contacted Robby Luellen ( my Father) and found I had 2 more Sisters from his side of the Family. Robyn Luellen Wyatt , age 26 ( just married in 08) and Rosa Luellen, age 11. I am sooooooooooooo excited to be talking to both of them now.....

I just spoke with Robyn on the phone and she is sooo cute & sweet...totally down to earth. She seems just as excited about meeting me as I am about meeting her! She already mentioned vacation time for a visit!! Yeah :-)

She is pictured above~ isn't this the greatest pic? She is totally gorgeous! Love it!

and we also share a half sister Rosa:

She is a Sweet heart and so beautiful in and out. She reminds me lots of my baby Sister Mary! I think they would get along Great! I chat with Rosa and Robyn on line and am truly ecstatic about the future with my sister!

XOXO,

Renea

R.I.P Mary Jane 7/31/10

Mary Jane~

Our Dog Mary had to be put to sleep today... She has had continues hip and leg issues and in the past 3 months lost total control over one of her legs and feet. Short version she began trying to rid herself of the foot and needed to pass on because of the mind set.

Rick has had Mary for 12, almost 13 yrs and is in real and total shock at the loss of his best friend. Mickenzie understands and is glad she isn't hurting now, Mickenna asks "we're Mary?" and my dog Lilly is confused on where her friend is :-(

Mary Is a GREAT Dog...Sweet and Gentle, Loving and Loyal. She was part of our family and always will be. We will all miss you bundles, Mary.

XOXO

10 yrs....

" I Love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life."

So, Rick and I meet about 5 days after my 17th Birthday. My friend Kristen knew is friend and she asked if I wanted to go to a party in San Francisco with some cute dudes.... Of course I said yes.... and off we went. I walked into the condo on the beach and there was Rick...on the couch in his white hoodie lookin' good and being mean! Yes, mean... he was acting WAY to cool and being a kinda jerk until we drove down to the beach later that night. It had gotten cold and I didn't want to get my shoes wet " he he he" so he offered to carry me back to the car ( on his bad knee he hurt during basketball a week before) and that was that, we where attached!

"Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight". ~Phyllis Dill

Only 2 yrs into it, we finally had the chance to become boyfriend/girlfriend and a month later I was Pregers with Mickenzie. Since then we have been on again off again, really 1 yrs on 3 months off, 2 yrs on 2 months off for the last 7 yrs. We have talked a lot about that time and the growing up we had to do together and apart... I have loved him since that first night, and anyone who knows my family knows that cant be true? It can't last? He'll leave? He'll cheat? I have to wait ..... So not the case. He has loved me since that same night and no matter how long we where apart, how bad the argument we always ended up back together....

" I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."

The 3 years ago we finally came together for good.... having done the growing we need to get to that point...they understanding that WE are what WE needed, Each other, and we got engaged ( again) The next year we had Mickenna and a few months after that we Married!

Now we have a beautiful, happy and healthy family. After 10 yrs together, 2 yrs married and 2 children we are still learning, and we are still growing but we are doing it together!

"A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' come together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences." -Dave Meurer

We are finding that threw our love in each other, our children, our families and our Lord we are destine' for much Happiness and are truly excited to see what the next 10 yrs has to bring!

Happy Birthday Baby!

Happy Birthday Baby...You're 2!

With Sponge Bob Decor...

Stick the Jelly Fish game...

Presents...

Friends...

And Family...

We had a really fun day with friends and family..BBQ and playing in the backyard!

Wish you could have ALL been here with us..We thought of you!

XOXO,

Renea

Apache Blessing

May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night , may the rain wash away your worries, may the breeze blow new strength into your being. May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.

This is an Apache Blessing... my Dad's Favorite. I love it. Love, Heather XO Renea

Grandmothers are mothers who are grand,Restoring the sense that our most precious thingsAre those that do not change much over time.No love of childhood is more sublime,Demanding little, giving on demand,More inclined than most to grant the wings On which we fly off to enchanted lands.Though grandmothers must serve as second mothers,Helping out with young and restless hearts,Each has all the patience wisdom brings,Remembering our passions more than others,Soothing us with old and well-honed arts.

~Rachel found & eamiled me this...

XO

Renea

Im so proud of you !! It overwhelms me how hard you have worked to bring our family together no matter the miles we have between us. You know better than most the true meaning of family and i'm so glad to be a part of it. I love you

We Love You Always & Forever

Psalm 23:1-6 ~The Lord is my shepherd;I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows;he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.He guides me along right paths,bringing honor to his name.Even when I walk through the darkest valley,I will not be afraid,for you are close beside me.Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.You honor me by anointing my head with oil.My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.~

My Grandmother Mary E. Gale past away today June 22nd 2010 about 7 a.m. I am truly heart broken that I wasn't there to say goodbye in person, to hold her hand and kiss her cheek But I was fortunate enough to have been able to speak with her on the phone, her telling me she was fine and not to worry, that she was ready to go. I am trying to take comfort in the fact that she has gone home to Heaven to be with our Lord. She is reunited with my Grampa, her Husband Jim, my Aunt, her Daughter Olivia, my great great great Aunt Ukie and her Daddy. She wont hurt anymore, she is safe and she is happy. Today is also My daughter Mickennas' 2nd Birthday... So I am trying to be Thankful for the joy in our lives and be Happy and strong for my girls. My Grama wouldn't want it any other way...The Babies come first...She loves them, she loves us all soooo much! My Grandmother is a Strong, Beautiful and Intelligent women, Ruthless in her love for her family. I am honestly Honored to have know her and been apart of her life, her journey and her family. She taught us to be strong, to hold our heads high, to go after what we want, to never quit until we had it. She taught us it wasn't about money but about love. It wasn't how big your house but how many you could house, to never turning your back on the family or friends in need. That Desert could come before Dinner or Breakfast for that matter. And that she would give the clothes off her back, the shoes off her feet if you needed them. That she would do what ever it took to make sure we where all taken care of. She was a leader, A Women, A wife, A Mother, A Grandmother, A Great Grandmother-And so , so much more...

~If Ukie was the Glue and Grampa the Anchor the Grama

was the Center our family revolves around~

Grama~ I am thinking of you, in my heart, my thoughts and my prayers. I love you Grama, I love you sooo much! Thank you for fighting for so long, Thank you for holding on for us for all the time you did. You have really shaped us into better people and a better family. We will miss you but we will see you again. XOXO, Renea

A Time for Everything

Ecclesiastes 3:1- A Time for Everything

For everything there is a reason, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace. A time to rejoice and a time to weep.

There is a reason for everything-Even Death

You are in our Prayers, Thoughts and Hearts. We Love You!

XOXO,

Renea

Camping~

My Grandpa instilled in me, in us all the love of the Great Out Doors & The Open Road. He took me every where with him, I was always road tripping and camping with him. He would even drive all the way here to California (UN announced, he liked the surprise) Honk his horn and tell me “Grab your pole, The weathers changing…perfect time to catch some fish!” and just like that all other plans be it friends or work where out the window as I was out the door to spend a few hours on the river with him. Most of my favorite memories are of my Grama and Grampa out camping. I have tons and tons of stories.. I am going to focus on those this summer, sharing them with all of you. Some of you may even have been there. But as of right now … Rick and I took the kids Camping this weekend to East Park Res. As you can see It's Beautiful! Rick's Family EVERY year on the same Date JUNE 5Th goes camping together for the : " COUSIN CAMP OUT" I swear that there must have been 150- 200 people this year, kids, dogs, boats, jet skies, fishing, games, raffle, Lots of Food and most important Memories! The girls had a Blast! Kenzie got to ride on one of the jet skies, Loved it! ( I think that's going to be my next big purchase)

We set up the Tent: Did some Swimming : Sat on the Fishing boat -and I do mean Sat...Rick couldn't get it started so we sat in it for a good 20 min out in the water before he had to swim us back in!! LOL, Memories!

We roasted Mellows!

And then we enjoyed the true beauty that is our world, the sun setting and the starry sky!

Camping is something I love, I don't mean RVs and Cabins..I mean Tents and the back of the pick up. Grampa taught me: Fishing and tyin' my own line and hooking my own bait, How to start a fire and make it last 3 days, how to watch and hear snakes, and how to swim with the current and not against it. I am so Thankful to him and you Grama for giving me these wonderful memories and the life knowledge so that I can pass them on to my kids! Thank you.

I Love You!

XOXO, Renea

I recall when we moved to Tx I was seven.....It was Martha , me and aunt Ukie at the house mom ,dad and the other kids still on the way. The local church stopped by to welcome us , I told them we cant invite you in we dont have furniture" not our furniture is not here yet needless to say by the time mom and dad made it with the uhaul the church had come back with beds ,a table and chairs etc.. mom almost killed me !! what do you want I was seven.

State Line

So, I was remembering my friend Kelley. I meet her in Palm Springs and she was a part of one of the most BEAUTIFUL Black Families I have EVER seen. I mean Really, they were all HOT!! They had a home in the Bahamas and use to tell me they we royalty there... maybe, they looked like it! Anyway- she went with my for summer break to visit Grampa and Grama in Vegas...We went to Wet & Wild and had lots of fun. When it was time to go home Grampa was driving us back to California. As we drove along he bet us $5 he could have us home in 2 yrs....? We were 9 yrs old and pretty smart ,so we took that bet knowing it would at least take us 9 hrs. Until we came across the state line...? Thinking nothing of it Grampa told us to say good by to Vegas, We did Waving out the back window and looking at the last of the casino's. Then he said " say hello to California!" Shocked we searched for what he was finding...A sign welcoming us to Cal-I-Forn-I-A!! We passed the State Line!! Tricky, Tricky Grampa.... I still owe him the $5 :-) XOXO, Renea

Becca

HELLLLO ALL! This is Renea, But I created my Mothers account for her, so she is all set up and will be posting shortly!! WOOHOO P.S. Leave Comments and Share your stories... XOXO, Renea

What was the Family View?

Hello Family! I am really excited you guys like the Blog idea! I can't wait to see your post!! So I attended a new church this Sunday AM. It was nice, a little like Central on a much smaller scale. I started wondering what our Family view was on church as you'll grew up? Did you attend? Did you pray? If So Please Share ... If not, I know we all have our own "faith" now... how and why is it important to you and for your kids..? For me, I love the fellowship, the unity and the support of a community. I also think it's extremely important for kids to grow up with a since of the Lord, to be aware of our blessings as Americans' and as children of God. To grow up with morals and kindness. Let's discuss... XOXO, Renea

Listen to Songs to Live By

Hey Family

Hey Family~ I just approved the following to author with me on this Family Blog: Becca, Heather, Scarlett and Mary. If anyone else would like to, please email me their email addresses and I'll add them! Martha? Beth? Lyman? Fatman? welcome to all :-) Thanks, Renea

We always had a Christmas Tree!

I remember having only top Roman to eat, I remember knowing not to ask for a toy while at the story because we didn't have the money. ...I don't remember going to a dentist thru out my childhood. But I do remember we always had a Christmas Tree. Rain or Shine ,Broke or Not My Auntie Martha did whatever it took to make Christmas happen..Jail time be at stake ~ she would back the car up, Load the Best tree she could find and drive it home to us. We may have not had a lot be a Christmas tree we always got,LOL. That one of my memories, One both funny and sad and cherished non the less. Thank you Martha for all you did for me growing up! I love you. Love, Renea