And they're off!

Leaving tomorrow for a road trip. Hopefully, it'll produce some cute pictures that I can share on my picture lacking blog.

I'll be back July 9th. I may or may not be responding to emails during that time. I will have my cell phone, so if you have that number, and are desperate to reach me... give me a ring.

I'll leave you with something new and fun business-wise.
My newly designed welcome packets. I'm loving them! This is your packet of information you will receive once you book a session with me. Design inspired by Jen Thompson.

Poll, anyone?

Finally it's happened!

Anna's hair... long enough for pigtails.

Ok. They're very small pigtails.

And Ok. They didn't stay in very long. But at least I have this picture!

July Special

Coming soon!

Objects in the rearview mirror...

Priceless. Especially the sleepy nose-picking.
P.S. Yes, I'm aware that Anna's chest buckle isn't quite high enough.

Things that make you cry big, wet tears...

Alternative title: Happy Father's Day!

My dad. Someone I've spoken of before. There aren't many things in my life that bring me to instant tears. Okay, who am I kidding!? I just sobbed my way through a book and movie! I'm a big baby, especially lately... no good reason, I just enjoy a good cry.

Anyway... my dad makes me cry like nobody's business. Good tears, usually. Awhile ago, my dad wrote this:

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DESCRIBE YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF OUR FAMILY

My family is so large that there is a gulf of sorts that somewhat separates them. This is mostly in the area of age. For example: The oldest only lived in the same house for the first 6 months of the youngest's life. This has not kept them from becoming close but has greatly limited the number of experiences they have had together. This of course is true even when the difference in age is not quite as extreme. As a consequence, notable memories of the entire family as a group are also rare. Individual memories or memories of smaller groups are easier to recall.....

I remember a spontaneous game of soccer in the back yard that left my poor, out-of-shape body flat on my back, heaving to catch my breath and trying to laugh at the same time.

I remember being gathered 'round the table to play a board game that lasted way too long and how exhausted we all were when it was finally over.

I remember an older brother with a gift for helping, teaching and playing with his younger brothers and sisters.

I remember tearing down and rebuilding a porch and putting a roof on the house and the tremendous help a couple of the boys were doing this.

I remember a loving child with true gifts in both reasoning and art, who had difficulty making friends and the pain it caused him.

I remember awards for gymnastics all over the house.

I remember a little girl who worked with me for 12 hours cutting and hauling firewood, hours after her older brothers and sisters had all quit.

I remember beautiful piano music, vocal harmonies and made up dance routines that shook the living room floor.

I remember fantastic report cards; many, many fantastic report cards.

I remember at least a half dozen kids taking over my waterbed on Christmas eve.

I remember when nine children and two adults took up an entire pew in Church and the pride I felt, looking down that row at some of the best behaved children there.

I remember being present when nine of God's children came into the world. Thanks for the memories.

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This is one of those things that makes me all kinds of teary. My dad's memories. I have quite a few of my own.

I remember a dad who spent many hours laboring in the yard alongside us.

I remember bonfires and burnpiles. And many Toasted Marshmallows and Hot Dogs.

I remember making my own girly version of a Pinewood Derby car, with his help of course.

I remember (pardon the political incorrectness) Indian braids that my dad would weave into my unruly hair, so that I could go to gymnastics.

I remember cuddling on Sunday mornings. That very same waterbed.

I remember Father's Blessings. Even the one right before I got married.

I remember Woodsman's Specials! Time to introduce these to my own herd.

I remember a father who lovingly spanked. Really. With love.

I remember a man who could fix anything! Even if he didn't enjoy it.

I remember his smell (Old Spice).

I remember a father who was smarter than I was (and still is.)

I remember a dad who leads by example.

I remember hands that looked a bit weathered and arthritic... and that I still love to hold.

And now. I have a husband who is a father. And I wonder what our children will remember.

For you, Dad. (Who is lost in the abyss that is Canada.)
And For you, Matt. (Snoring on my couch.)

I'm a rule-breaker.

Or, I'm trying to be.

In photography, there are some "rules." The key to being a good photographer, is knowing those rules inside out and upside down... and then BREAKING THEM.

For example, you know how sometimes, if you're shooting outside in the sun, you get spots on your pictures (called sunflare). Most people think it's a totally wasted/ruined picture. Guess what? I've been trying so hard to get that!

Today? Success!

Summertime Special!

I just love it when my favorite stores have sales! So, if you're anything like me, you're gonna love this deal!

$50 off your session fee for any sessions booked by June 15th (one month from now!) The session can take place any time until September 1st but must be booked by June 15th.

Now, don't all jump at once!

P.S. Keeping this post at the top until June 15th. See below for new posts!

Ack!

I just realized that I never sneak-peaked for one of my recent clients! Bad me!

Here ya go, Laura!
Lots more to come! And soon!

Especially now that I've gotten rid of the headache which has plagued me off and on for the last 3 days.

Pictures from our mini vay-cay

We had so stinking much fun. Seriously.

Minus the part where we lost Anna for a bit. Honestly, there's no better way to make you sob than to think your child is either drowning or stolen. Fortunately, she was neither and instead, just lost a couple yards farther up the beach. Thank goodness for the kindness of strangers. I was seriously freaking out. I still get a little nauseated when I think about it, and she was only "missing" for about 3 minutes.

Oh right. Pictures:

An agonizing wait.

I can explain. You see, my sweet husband went out of town, leaving me to fend for myself. And frankly, I'm outnumbered. I can either take care of my children or I can work. Both are suffering. Good thing he's back tomorrow. I hope he's prepared (he's not) for my jubilation in his return. Yeah, I guess I'm excited to see him, but now maybe I can finally catch up!

What do I have for you?

A black and white... your favorite:

You say it's your birthday!!!

Not mine. My friend, Melinda's.

A couple of weeks ago, she asked me to watch her children for her while she did something truly important (I can't remember what). Since I owe her approximately 1000 hours of babysitting due to a certain Utah Photography trip... I can't refuse. Also, her kids are great.

I took that opportunity to grab a couple of pictures of the boys for a surprise birthday gift.

Alot of people ask me what exactly a storyboard is. Basically, it's a collage that I put together for you. The pictures are printed all on one sheet, in this case a 10x20 and mounted on a piece of either Styrene or Foam Board. I can't get enough of them. And my clients who have ordered them, are just thrilled.

So, anyway, Melinda's storyboard/birthday gift.
It pays to be my friend, eh?

Back with a vengeance.

Lots of pictures to eventually share, but for right now, just one.

For the new mommy.
He was so tiny!

Gone for a tiny bit.

I'm out of town tonight and tomorrow. I'll be unavailable to answer emails, etc.

I'm off to photograph a tiny new baby. I'm so stinking excited!

And because I can't post without a picture, right? Another picture of the kids at the beach...

All of those kids were in our group. Plus about 7 more. That's alot of kids under 6.

Sewing again.

Made this fabulous skirt courtesy of Erin.

Anna loves skirts. Wears one EVERY SINGLE DAY. Stalks the washing machine for her "favorite skirt." And, you know, I love a good quick project. So last night, I sat down and sewed my heart out!
And yes! It is a Twirling skirt!

I'll probably be making a couple more as Abbie is totally jealous. Miles is jealous too, but you just have to draw the line somewhere!