Last night we went with a few friends to the Atlanta United MLS Soccer match at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The stadium is gorgeous and offers an amazing fan experience.
Unfortunately, the boys in red and gold lost but we have already qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs in their inaugural season! So exciting! Next year we will have to go to more games!
Going to DWTS Live Tour seems to be a yearly event that my mom and I do. We have seen Dancing With the Stars on tour twice and Maks and Val Tour last spring. We watch on TV during the season and it is a fun event to see them live. It is a beautiful evening spent with my mom. I love her, btw!
This year it was at the Fox Theatre instead of Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. We sat near the front of the first balcony so this year I brought my professional camera instead of relying on my iPhone. I was really pleased at how this photos came out.
To see all the photos I took go to
https://laurajdake.smugmug.com/Events/DWTS-Live-Tour-We-Came-To/
Christmas brings families together. Christmas is always is about the gift of Jesus. The Son of God. Wrapped in flesh. The light of the world. Our Savior. This Christmas we wanted to celebrate family. From the seven month old infant of our great niece Emma, to my 98 year old grandmother, to all of those in between. We spent much needed time with Bernie's nieces and Emma, who is the center of attention when she is in the room.
We saw Star Wars the Force Awakens. My niece Kim is the biggest fan and she waited to see it with us. She made sure everyone was decked out in Stars Wars gear. I will remember that for a long time.
Another great moment was meeting Emma. She's is beautiful. She growing so fast, so alert. I got to give her her bottle and I rocked her to sleep and loved every moment!
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Spending time with my grandma was special. It was harder to say goodbye to her this time because she is 98 years old. Who knows when God will call her home but you have to take advantage of these moments.
This Christmas was focused on family and making memories. No one can take those away.
I can't believe that Doug has been in heaven for almost a year!
April 24th I am participating in a Relay for Life hosted by the American Cancer Society. I have mixed emotions. I want to participate and I want everyone to know what a fighter Doug was but I also know this is going to be harder than I think. Lighting a luminary with his name on it will be so emotional and at the same time I will be a very proud sister. I had never seen so much strength in such a physically weak body. Doug will always be the best brother a sister could ever have. He will always be my hero for living out his testimony in the crappiest circumstances.
I want to make a difference. I want to raise awareness for cancer in general but specifically for Esophageal Cancer. If you want to make a difference in cancer research or you and your family have been affected by this dreadful disease I urge you to click on the link and consider donating.
Thank you for my friends (who are really family to me) for you contributions already. I love you all dearly!
Being part of the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA was an awesome experience. I didn't march but have definitely added it to my bucket list. I was the photographer for The Salvation Army band. The Salvation Army is celebrating it's 150 anniversary. I believe it is one of four bands that participate every year.
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal church. It's message is based on the bible. It's ministry is motivated by the love of God. It's mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
I was very proud to be a part of The Salvation Army. To see my husband, nephew and friends march down Colorado Blvd. playing Stand up for Jesus. To see the crowd display their thanks and appreciation for the work that The Salvation Army provides in communities across this nation and beyond.
Truly grateful for the opportunities that we have to experience moments like this. They will last a lifetime!
All photography is owned by Laura Dake
I am fascinated with the movement of dance whether it is ballet, ballroom or Latin. It takes phenomenal physical and mental strength.
One of the evening programs this year at the Territorial Music Camp (TMI) was a group from Jackson, MS called Ballet Magnificat!
Magnificat is Latin for "to magnify Him". It is derived from "Mary's Song" of praise in the 1st Chapter of the the Gospel of Luke when she first learned she was to be the mother of the Messiah. Ballet Magnificat! is an arts organization dedicated to presenting the good news of Jesus Christ to the whole world.
They came to Texas the day before. They ate meals with us, they worked with the Creative Arts groups and they presented a beautiful story, Deliver Us.
I always get nervous when people are expecting great photos from me. Many times I don't have the confidence in my ability to take the poor lighting conditions for a photographer and work the camera settings in such a way to achieve something great. I was quite surprised at the results. Some shots are lucky and some take patience. Holding the camera up to your face for what feels like forever anticipating the movements of the dancers.
These people are awesome and display the story of the gospel in a beautiful moving way.
Enjoy.
