SheilaNielsenPhotography

speed engagement

2009-08-21T14:46:00.001-07:00

Well, the poor guy DID NOT want his photo taken, but we coaxed a few smiles out of him. ;) We tortured him for 20min & let him be free...I hope that he has forgiven me. :)I can't believe that this bride is going to be a bride! I remember her in her young teenage years. It's crazy that it's now her turn to get married!

Elijah & Kolly

2009-08-21T14:34:00.001-07:00

I LOVE these two! This was THE most fun engagement session EVER! So in love & so fun! Not inhibited...TOTALLY goofy! Seriously, almost make you pee in your pants FUNNY! lol. I posted some on myfacebook, but wanted to share a few here too.....

bittersweet

2009-08-18T13:49:00.001-07:00

Is what our summer has been! Between trips, swim lessons, horse lessons & sessions, the summer has flown by! I will start with two things that have been dear to my heart lately...both at opposite ends of the spectrum. One is a venture that I've been wanting to start for a couple of years & just never found the time to pursue it. Through some doors "randomly" opening, I have been able to fulfill a portion of my vision for boudoir photography. Tasteful, classy, elegant, beautiful....sessions for women. In the pricing for each session, I am including a
5x5 keepsake album. Email me if you are interested in seeing the rest of the photos from this session. I am being very selective, due to the nature of the photos. There is no nudity, just implied. I am accepting appointments for the fall/winter season. The albums would make great gifts for the man in your life. Portrait Parties are also available for up to 4 women...a discount will be given for a group of 3 or 4.
My friend, Shae & I were able to share in a bittersweet day. This couple has been together for years, upon receiving the news that Sid has a few weeks, to a few months to live, she & Jim decided to symbolize their commitment to each other. It was a very quaint ceremony. It was the most beautiful ceremony that I have ever been asked to document. There was none of the usual wedding chaos. Every one in attendance was acutely aware of the importance of this event. To celebrate Sids life. Her heritage. Her love for her companion. Her love for her friends & family. It was a blessing to see that beauty is in love & relationships....

Sweet Princess

2009-06-03T23:05:00.000-07:00

My most favorite thing about babies...that they truly are their own person...even at 5wks. This little lady arrived on the exact day that the Kempton Baby arrived on. It was neat to see two little people born on the same day & even so little, they have their own little personalities....

Inspiring

2009-05-22T23:21:00.000-07:00

That is what this family is.... I have known Steph since we were 19? 20? I crack up at photos of us back then...pre-kids....Experiencing my first (& only) falling down drunk, dancing & Erik practically carrying my out of the restaurant at Stephs 21st bday. Wow...that was a proud moment...or not. I paid for it that same night & the next day...We get a good laugh out of it now...both of us would probably be too embarrassed to say what we got drunk on that night. We went through our first pregnancies together. I remember getting the phone call that Steph was pregnant...then I found out that I was pregnant...then I got ANOTHER phone call...they were expecting triplets! Our due dates were within a week or two of each other. We were living in Portland at the time.... Then the day came that Steph was put on bed rest, then admitted to the hospital...at 24wks? I remember the updates coming, day by day. Her hubby would call...I dreaded those calls, for purely selfish reasons. I felt so guilty for being relieved that my baby was healthy. She was blessed with three little boys growing in her & she would likely lose them.... My heart ached for her. For him. For them. Then the call came...her Eric called & told my Erik that they had lost the boys...I can remember standing in my bathrobe, sobbing, holding my growing belly...I knew why he had asked to talk to Erik & wouldn't talk to me. I hated myself for feeling relief that my baby was ok, yet worried that something would happen to my girl & horrible pain for our friends. I felt so guilty for being so far away when my friend was going through this horrible, horrible thing. Yet, I was glad that she didn't have to see me pregnant. It wasn't fair. The thing is...I don't think that Steph ever said that it isn't fair...that's not her, or Eric. I wish that my heart could be as selfless as theirs. Gosh, It seems like just yesterday, now their family has 3 more beautiful children. Two girls & now a baby boy. I look at him & wonder what his brothers would look like now, at 7. Crazy, it's been 7 yrs. 7 yrs & Eric & Steph have grown so much together. I remember worrying that they would break during that time. They are an inspiring couple. Their love for each other & their love for other families going through similar trials. I have learned so much from them.... Their girls are so much like their mama...little spitfires...tough as nails & just as stubborn as their dad. ;) There are so many photos from their session that make me sob, but I don't want to share them...I want to save a few for a surprise! :)

Outdoor Maternity

2009-05-20T14:36:00.000-07:00

Just a few pics from a great couple! Erik & I went to highschool with dad. It was great to meet his family & to do some catching up! They were all so great. It was miserably hot & I felt so, so sorry for mama...she was a trooper, as well as Miss A. My favorite shots are the photos of Miss A, following in her daddy's footsteps & doing some "excavating". ;)

This & That

2009-05-13T12:58:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite memories of my dad is his love for gardening. He had a fabulous garden at our first home. He was overjoyed when our next home had not one, but two greenhouses. He just had a knack for growing & nurturing plants. I have started becoming interested in growing our own herbs & veggies...we've had a small garden for years. This year, E bought me a small greenhouse. I have been enjoying puttering & playing in there. We have pumpkins, bush beans, bush peas, edamame, cilantro, lavender, a sunflower, tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, black beans, spinach & I'm sure that I'm forgetting something.... I have been feeling an extra twinge of longing for my dad lately. J putters with me in the greenhouse. I remember puttering with my dad. I didn't realize it back then, but those were special days. Anyhow, just a couple of pics of the bush beans & an edamame pushing through the dirt. Oh, I had to add a pic of the frog that we saw at the Safari on Mothers day & a tattered little butterfly. I'll add MD pics at another time...I have a 1yo that's not wanting to nap & crying in his bed...it's been a long day......

Farm Fresh

2009-05-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

At two different farms! This senior girl was a first for me...first in the sense that she didn't bring any changes of clothes! She did choose fabulous colors for her session tho. Her eyes, as you can see, are so striking. I don't think that she realized her beauty, or her natural-ness in front of the camera. What a great subject to work with! Her grandparents farm was fabulous too! It was great to have a change of scenery & to visit with such a nice family!

I had a great time with this family! The little guy is at such a fun age...I love the age where they aren't inhibited by the camera...they just do their thing. Little Sis is THE happiest little thing! I thought that K was an easy going baby...she has him beat! I loved their choice of colors too...mom did a great job. She is, a pro tho! She is the awesome owner of Blend & has quite a knack for clothing & fashion. Here is the link to her online site, if you aren't local & can't make it into the store. http://www.blendboutique.com/home If you are local, and you've been in, you know how fabulous her clothes are. I love shopping in there...I love the one on one experience & feeling like it's all about me. Oh, & check dads shirt...LOVE IT! Yes, you can also find that in Blend! I have bought E clothes from there & love how the shirts fit him...they are sort of tapered in a little bit, so they have some style & don't just hang....

A bit disapoointed

2009-04-20T20:15:00.000-07:00

I don't usually touch on current events or gossip, but I couldn't stay away from this one....I didn't watch the Miss USA pageant...could care less about pageants in general...parading around in a bathing suit and/or evening wear is just silly to me. Anyhow, I was interested to see this
all over the news. It's amazing that heterosexuals are often told that they are "narrow minded". This is the Miss USA pageant, for starters...isn't it a little bigoted of a homosexual to not allow a contestant to her own opinion? It was sad that it was obvious why he asked her the question. It's too bad that Perez Hilton is so narrowminded & shallow, (well, duh! what would I expect from a trashy gossip columnist), that he wouldn't respect somebody elses personal/moral beliefs, (we're supposed to respect his). It's also surprising, to me, that the pageant wouldn't want to try to protect itself a litte more. For years, there have been groups trying to get the pageant "shut down". Why trash it up even more by allowing a skeezy gossip columnist on as a judge. I was impressed that Miss California didn't give a "canned pageant response", she was courageous enough to be honest about her feelings. It's too bad that people have to bully others into not being comfortable enough to have, let alone share their opinions.

Practicing for the big egg hunt

2009-04-07T12:24:00.001-07:00

K plopped down in the middle of the floor with a basket full of treasures...getting a head start on the egg hunt? At least he won't be too shy to buy feminine articles for his wife someday...or maybe he'll gain that inhibition down the road. ;)

A taste of summer

2009-04-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

I am so anxious for summer to be here! Yesterday, the big kids & I planted starts for the garden while E mowed & K napped. We planted cilantro, (for the heck of it...we're also going to get a plant because we have terrible luck with cilantro), green onions, radishes, bush peas, bush beans & spinach. We will be planting more next week, sweet potatos for sure...I haven't decided what else...swiss chard, maybe. We drank lemonade & munched on strawberries as a reward for our "hard work". We had gone to church, so the boys were still wearing their polos & they just happened to match...I got the grand idea to make an attempt at getting a photo with the threesome.... So, it started out with all three of them showing me their bummies, (why does K have to do EVERYTHING they say?)...then I resorted to paying them a dollar (the big kids). J still wouldn't fully cooperate, but oh well...the photo is him...little cheesehead that he is.
We found out that our greenhouse is arriving two weeks early...TODAY! So, E & I will take down our shed, relocate it & then assemble the greenhouse. Yay! The last time he took the shed down, he did it by himself & it toppled on him...he didn't get hurt, so I found it humorous...him...not so much.
oh, I have to add...I adore the photo of K realizing that he can see his cute self in my lens. & the photo of M swinging...it's not often that I can capture her just being carefree...cuz she's a poser. plus, who doesn't love a little hair static. lol :) the photo of J & the shovel is my fav of him...he was whacking a rock & i was screaming "oooooowwww!". He's like E...it takes a lot for a belly laugh from him...he just gets a big grin that I love!

A photo update.....

2009-03-31T13:23:00.000-07:00

Just a few photos from the past few weeks.....

St. Pauls carnival

2009-03-16T00:07:00.001-07:00

was a luau theme.... Here are a few from the night, including Miss M & her prize. :)

Miss M & St. Paddys Day

2009-03-16T00:03:00.000-07:00

Well, here is Miss M's leprachaun trap. She worked so hard on it! The kleenex box in the back is filled with enticing treats that a leprachaun could NOT pass up, (along with the shiny ornament - they can't resist shiny)! it has a trip wire along the bottom & the cup falls when the wire is tripped. She caught a penguin instead of a leprachaun...oh, well.... the little suckers are sneaky!

Pacifying

2009-03-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I've joined the land of the irresponsible bloggers! Who has a blog & doesn't blog! Taking up cyberspace with an unused page! Wasteful!
No photos today...I just feel like journaling....
So, K reminds me, on a daily basis that he is more active than the other two ever were, (he can't be pacified). I was sitting at the computer, (it's what I do when I need a time out), I had a handful of m&m's. Mr. K was playing in the living room until he noticed that I had FOOD. Even better, I had CANDY! He runs over in his weeble, wobbly way & puts his hand out. I don't turn away from the computer, I just reach over & drop an m&m into his hand, without missing a beat, I reach back up to my own mouth to give myself an m&m. I think, "hmm...that's not an m&m...it's squishy". I reach up & pull the squishy "thing" out of my mouth. "OMG! K JUST TRADED ME A BOOGER FOR AN m&m AND I PUT IT IN MY MOUTH!". The big kids were rolling with laughter. K is looking back & forth like, "heh? what's so funny?". Keep in mind that I have a pretty weak stomach...I can hardly handle my own kids bodily fluids, let alone eat their boogers! Luckily, none of my own bodily fluids came up. That will teach me to not give him my full attention! It always amazes me to watch his thought process. He'll drag me to the kitchen & point up to a food item on the counter (usually E's cookies). I will tell him no. He goes into the living room & drags the papasan ottoman into the kitchen & climbs up & tries to get what he wants. He is amost 19mo. Why is he big already? He is such a stinker, but melts my heart with his ornery little smile. I still can't believe that we have a 3rd...he wasn't in our plan, but he is so what we needed! I love him so!
We have a speech eval scheduled for J. I am so anxious. Not in an "omg...is something wrong with him" kind of way. Because, I know that he's just fine. We understand him, for the most part. We're around him all the time...so, we know what he's saying. He says words, he is lazy about enunciating. He's a finger sucker & he has had chronic ear infections. They may or may not be factors. There are two things that happen when J says something. First, the person says, "what did you say?". J repeats, (we try really hard not to translate), the person then says, "oh, ya...i think so, (or something totally different than what he said, but they pretend they do know....). Jase looks at them with a look that says, "you have no idea what i said, but you're pretending like you do so you don't have to make me say it again". I really think that he's thinking, "hey idiot, LISTEN". It's so frustrating for him & I am looking forward to somebody helping him, so he can be less frustrated. He'll have fun...it's play/learn time.... He will be five in April. Waaah! He is (& soon won't be) my pocket sized little guy. I hate that his pants are getting short & he doesn't want to snuggle as much. I love my little Buggie.
M has been sick almost non-stop for the last couple of months. It's so frustrating. We think that she's getting better & she gets sick all over again. I am happy that she's doing well in school & is ahead in everything, but I hate that she's missing so much. She & E have been working on her leprachaun trap. She is very mechanical, like E. She had everything planned out. Then she drew a diagram of what she wanted, (OMG. she is her fathers daughter. We have diagrams of EVERY project E has ever worked on around the house. You have to have at least 10 diagrams of the same project because you have to have every scenario/option. I curse graph paper (only because I find it everywhere). I looked at it & knew what she wanted, but didn't have a clue how to make it work. E looked at it & said, "what materials do you think you need". She made a list. They went shopping for supplies & started working on the trap. I'll get some photos when they're finished. It's getting crazy. She's rounded up "bait", (glitter, a Christmas ornament - cuz they like shiny things, fruit, candy & granola, (she wanted water in case he got thirsty). She has been obsessing about this project since she heard about it. She just wants it to be the best. I will have a 7yo in a few short months. How can that be? I remember finding out that I was pregnant with our first & then bringing her home from the hospital. (They let us bring her home & we didn't even have a degree in parenting! We thought they were nuts.) Now she is my big girl. I love the person that she is & is becoming.
Otherwise, I've been staying busy with school carnivals & other events...with some sessions thrown in. Tomorrow, I have basketball photos. Next week is playschool, then a wedding, (I cannot wait for this wedding! it's going to be so much fun! I love this couple!).

Grosgrain: Puss Ann Guest GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-05T12:33:00.000-08:00

Grosgrain: Puss Ann Guest GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain: Anthropoli-fication Boyer Cream Cardi GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-05T12:31:00.000-08:00

Grosgrain: Anthropoli-fication Boyer Cream Cardi GIVEAWAY!!!!

The Conservatory Overcoat GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-05T12:29:00.000-08:00

The Conservatory Overcoat GIVEAWAY!!!!

Sunday Laundry Shirt Dress GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-05T00:03:00.000-08:00

Sunday Laundry Shirt Dress GIVEAWAY!!!!

Miss D!!!

2009-02-27T23:39:00.001-08:00

Ok, ok...I've been getting in trouble because I'm a blog slacker.
I was asked to take photos at the Winchester Mother/Son night. My good friend, Sarah, was my assistant for the night. We had a great time. The moms & sons had a great time too! I would post pics...but I was too shy to get signed releases from anyone. The Melrose Mother/Son night is coming up, so I will post some pics from that event.... Next week is St. Pauls school carnival. I am so excited to be taking photos there! It is a Luau theme & we will have a fun set up.
My sis & the fam came over today. We got some pics of the kiddos & little sis. It had been too long since I have seen them! They were so great! They even helped me change backdrops...I think that I have some assistants in my future! Check out Big D posing! Miss D was so great through all of the outfit changes. She loves being naked & her favorite thing was nibbling on her toes. She is so sweet! If somebody walks in the room, she reaches for them, as if she's saying, "hello! hold me!". She is so charming & beautiful! I haven't finished proofing the pics yet, so I haven't gotten to big sis' pics. I am going to get the big kids outside next time...so much more fun!

Our Babies

2009-02-10T09:20:00.000-08:00

Just some snaps of the kids...for those of you that haven't seen them on my facebook account. Great Grandma gave the kids some stuffed animals that play Elvis songs. Kale LOVES them & has claimed them all. He hasn't parted with them since receiving them a few days ago. It's so cute to see him so taken with something. He usually isn't entertained by any toy for more than a few minutes.

Update on Miss D

2009-02-06T22:47:00.000-08:00

No...I'm a loser & don't have an updated photo of her. Our family has, once again, passed ear infec, bronchitis & pneumonia around, so we were holed up most of last week. We're all better now. But, life has been so crazy that my sister had to schedule a session. I'm a bad Aunt! So, we're on for next week.
Well, I think that my sister has reached her limit of frustration with the docs at OHSU. They don't know anything, so each visit is a "wait & see" visit. They are learning from Miss D. Why can't they give her a list of doctors/specialists? Why do we have to hunt for all of the information online? Each visit is a complete waste of time & $...insurance doesn't pay for it. Her affected leg is quite a bit shorter than her other leg. My sister has joined an online support group & has met another mom (also named Jill) that has a baby with the same issues as D. She has been a great resource & has shown my sister that there are surgical options for treatment & given her names of specialists & doctors in the midwest & east coast. What a blessing! Just a little bit of knowledge offers hope & comfort. I'm trying to get Jill to set up a caringbridge site to start journaling...maybe it could help other families in the future, give her something to look back on or just give her a place to journal her thoughts.

The doctors at OHSU should at least educate on basic things like this list (most of which are common sense, but come on):

Things to do:

1) Swim 3 times per week. Swimming promotes a gentle stimulation of blood to circulate properly throughout the body.
2) For varicosities involving the leg, keep the leg elevated at regular intervals(15 minutes every 2-3 hours) or every hour if possible, so that the affected leg is higher than the heart. This allows the blood to flow away from the affected leg.
3) Wear a compression stocking on the affected limb throughout the day. This will help keep blood from pooling in the extremity. It will also protect the extremity from subtle trauma.
4) For KTS varicosities involving the arms you can get a custom compression stocking to wear. It has the same effect as for the leg by keeping blood from pooling in the affected limb as well as protecting the skin from direct trauma.
5) A cool bath in a tub with a small bath spa or water circulator will have a similar effect to swimming in that it will promote good circulation.
6) Cold compresses to the affected area can often provide temporary relief.
7) Pay close attention to your skin and seek medical care at the slightest sign of cellulitis (skin infection).
8) Wear comfortable shoes while walking even at home if you have varicosities of lower extremities or you have diabetic neuropathy (poor sensory function of feet in diabetics will not allow detection of pain induced by trauma).
9) Use creams or lotions to keep the skin soft and moist.
10) Use gentle soap for bathing or showering.
11) Dry skin may cause itching which after scratching can lead to small abrasions and increase the possibility of skin infection.
Simple things you can do to manage KTS Page 2
Things NOT to do:

12) Although still controversial estrogen has been attributed to venous and arterial thrombosis (clot formation). It is therefore advised that estrogen is best avoided in women affected by KTS. Women in their child bearing age or perimenopausal state should consult with their primary care or OBGYN physicians regarding estrogen use.
13) Do not sit in a hot tub or Jacuzzi as heat can cause vasodialation (Dilates the blood vessels). There is also potential for minor burn injury with hot bath that may lead to skin infection.
14) Avoid overexertion.
15) If varicosities involve your leg, avoid being on your feet for a prolonged period of time. Keep you feet elevated during the day as much as possible.
16) Avoid excessive lifting if you have KTS involvement of the upper extremity. Regular exercise is however encouraged.
17) Do not use an electric blanket or apply any heated device to the affected area.
18) Avoid tanning salons as it may cause skin injury.
19) Use an electric shaver for your legs. Avoid razors since they can result in small cuts of the skin which may lead to infection.
20) Exercise caution when cutting your fingernails or toenails of the extremities in which there is varicosities. Importance of this in patients who also have diabetes can not be overstated.

As for the regular, every day adventures of Miss D. She is letting it be known that she WANTS REAL FOOD. My sis is getting ready to start her on veggies. She also voices her opinions when she wants attention from her older siblings & eats up the attention from them. She likes to sit in her stationary toy & play with the toys, but her leg turns a dark purple when she's there for more than just a few minutes. Jill massages her leg with each diaper changing & when her leg does turn purple or gets "lumpy". D loves it. It's so cute to watch her relax...she just stares at mommy & you can see that she's in heaven!

Happy Birthday Mr. L!

2009-02-03T19:26:00.000-08:00

OOOH! I love to watch little babies grow! (as my littlest is sitting here discovering that he gets attention when he makes burp noises...). I love babies at all stages, but the cusp of baby to toddler makes me wistful. Discovering independence, but still needing his mama. He even took a few steps at this session...I did get pics, but I want to save something for a surprise for his mom & dad. This is how the session went with Mr. L...happy to climb & play, but he let us know when he was done...with a yell, then a snuggle with his mama. I could have squeezed him! So precious! I have been blessed to be a part of several milestones in this families lives. Dylan James Clark is his grandpa (I still can't get over that Dylan is a gpa...and then he is a gpa several times!). I was able to be a part of Dylans album. His daughters marriage & I have been able to photograph this babe...twice! I love this family. So full of love for each other & they have enough room for everybody else too!

Happy Valentines!

2009-01-24T00:31:00.000-08:00

Oooh! What a happy girl! This happy little girl comes from a family of creative genius'. Her grandma made this sweet little cape, (she made some for my kiddos & some aprons for M...I need to get pics of M with her apron in use!). You can find more capes & creations on her etsy site. Her mom is also a seamstress. She made the cute little shirt with the "A" on it. I think that I'll order one for each of my kiddos. I love them! J is in the same class as her son & he wore a shirt that his mom made, (it was an airplane design). J thought that it was pretty cool. Her mom is a scrapper who also sells her designs on etsy. Check out the pic of her pinching her cheeks. She's saying, "i'm so cute, I pinch my own cheeks!". Shoot me an email, or give me a call to schedule your Valentines Session! I have some fun Valetines bookmark templates that are great for the kids to hand out to friends!

Fourth Folder, Fourth Photo

2009-01-23T19:18:00.000-08:00

"Rules" are as follows: Post the fourth picture on the fourth folder of your pictures and explain! Oh yeah, and tag 4 more people.
After being tagged by Heather, here is my fourth folder, fourth picture. This photo was from a senior session.

Hmm...I tag Summer , Shae , Beth , Michelle

Ages & Stages (a TMI post)

2009-01-22T22:58:00.000-08:00

No pics for this post... ;)
We have started a tentative potty training program w/ K. He keeps his diaper dry through the night, so I've started putting him on the potty before his bath. He protested the first time. Then I started letting him play with bath toys while on the potty. M was so easy. She was trained by 22mo. Shortly after J was born. She loved to read & sing. So, we spent lots of time in the bathroom. J was another story. He didn't have time to sit. So, he was potty trained by 3. We learned a few things, the obvious (not the physical) boys & girls are different & each child is different. We're not pushing anything, by any means, with K...we're subtly encouraging, but not pushing. I am a firm believer of "it will happen when it happens". I don't have the energy to push it anyhow. So, tonight, K was showing signs of going potty & I asked him if he wanted to go potty on the toilet. Typically, any sentence with the word "go" in it has him racing to the gate. I was sure that's where he would head. Nope! He ran to the bathroom & started tugging at his diaper! I was ecstatic & E was looking at me like I was nuts! (I am so ready to be done with diapers!). I put him on the potty & he started to protest...stopped & went potty! We throw HUGE parties in our house during potty training, (we have a song & a dance). Yes, they are "potty parties". So, E came in...high fived K. We got him off of the toilet & the big kids were high fiving him. Yes, this is the novelty part of potty training, (for both of us). It hasn't hit the frustrating part...I am dreading that & the, "we have to go potty in every public restroom" stage. (I ended up making M like me, germaphobe, during that stage...I'm ok w/ that). K ended up running to the bathroom by himself later in the evening. It took me a minute to figure out why he would be standing in the hallway. I opened the door & put him on...gave him a few toys & he went again! We had a HUGE potty party! J was running around screaming, "K went potty He (sissy)! I love that the kids celebrate each others successes. I am praying that K wants to be a big boy & will potty train early. I'm not holding my breath, but wouldn't that be so nice! So, I had to journal this, so that I can look back, when I am frustrated (& beyond) & remember how excited I was. Ha! K really is getting so big. No longer a baby.... I don't give him enough credit. I'll tell him to go find something & he'll bring it back to me. He likes to pick up paper napkins that the big kids have dropped & put them into the garbage. I don't realize how much he picks up on just by watching. He knows how to turn the TV off & on & knows how to work the Wii. I was on the phone the other day. I was doing laundry & he was "helping". I was half paying attention while he was picking up socks. Then, I realized that he was heading toward the bathroom...he got in there & tossed something into the toilet before I could catch him. I look in & realize that he threw M's sock in. I start cracking up, (I have 3 kids...it doesn't really make me happy, but what else can you do?). It's also ironic cuz M is the child that is always missing socks. E didn't think that it was as funny as I did. J went through a stage of throwing EVERYTHING in the bathroom into the toilet. Nothing could be left on the counter, or in the bathtub, or it would end up in the toilet. I don't know how many matchbox cars I fished out of there. I don't want to go back to that stage! Did I mention that I am a germaphobe? Okey doke...I'm headed to play M's DS in bed! I might have to pry it away from E!

Holiday snaps

2009-01-21T23:55:00.000-08:00

Every once & awhile, K runs to his drawer & grabs an article of clothing that he wants put on him. He tries to do it himself, but gives up & has me do it. I love his little sense of style. I want to know what determines what he wants to wear. He had his bottle in his hand & threw it to come running to me when he saw the camera at my face. He has since been weaned from the bottle & is on to big boy cups & milk. Where has my baby gone?

K thinks vacuuming is the coolest thing ever. I wish that his vacuum really worked! :) He runs for his, (hand me down toy from sis) vacuum every time I get mine out...

Here are the big kids making their after Christmas Graham cracker houses. We waited until K went to bed...he thinks that he needs to eat all food, I didn't want have the "no candy" battle.

A good reminder for me!

2009-01-21T10:07:00.000-08:00

We were listening to XM kids & this song came on. It was featured on the 2004 season of American Idol. I often get to wrapped up in "my" stuff, or "me time" & need to refocus & make sure that I don't forget that the kids are only little once. So, my goal for today is to not answer the phone & cut back the computer time!

This song is by Song Writer Sara Hickman & her daughter, Lily, sings it.

put down the paper
hang up the phone
please see me as more than a dog
you throw a bone

yea, let's go outside
no I don't want to hop in the car
and go for a ride

I need a genuine encounter
of the first degree
I need you to stop what you're doing
and look at me...look at me

look at me look at me look at me look at me
look at me look at me look at me look at me now!

you're awfully busy
got things to do
just give me a moment of time
with you

I've got all these ideas I want you to see
there's a person who's growing up
inside of me

I need your full attention
and I deserve it, too
I'm somebody important
I'm a part of you
a part of you

look at me look at me look at me look at me
look at me look at me look at me look at me now!

Please don't be angry
I'm just a kid
I'm only doing the things
that you once did

An addition to my Etsy site!

2009-01-20T13:22:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to add Stationary to my etsy shop for awhile now.... You can check out my stationary sets here

I am running several specials on my stock photography. Thanks for looking!

A pic of Blu

2009-01-20T12:51:00.001-08:00

For my non facebook friends. Here is the sweet little doggie that can irritate me beyond belief. He is so sweet, but a bit on the stupid side. He follows directions well, until he is distracted by a human (or animal) that he thinks might be his friend. Then his brain turns to mush.

A time for everything....

2009-01-17T23:42:00.000-08:00

As most everyone knows, our house is on the market. We found "the perfect" house & were so excited to, hopefully, sell ours & move out to the country on a couple of acres. Well, somebody beat us to the punch. I was seriously deflated for a few days. My prayer was that the doors will open if it was meant to be. Obviously, it was not...but I didn't want to hear that from everybody else. I heard it about 50x too many. I began to fall in a deeper funk. Then, the lightbulb went on. We have been so, so blessed in our lives. It is so easy to look back on our lives & see where doors were opened & closed & how He brought us through seasons in His perfect plan. When we were newly married, (like married for 3mo) E & I both lost our jobs, within weeks of each other. I remember sitting on the couch in our trailer, (yes, it had a hitch), & I was so depressed...E walked in about an hour after he had left for work...I knew when he walked in that he had also lost his job, (this was the Y2K freakout period). I found a local job, that I loved, but E was unemployed for awhile & I had to be the bread winner. I hated it...he hated it more. We decided that I would quit my job & we sold our few, bigger, belongings & moved to Hillsboro. We were there for a couple of weeks & both found jobs. We stayed in Hillsboro for a couple of years. We both wanted a baby, but were told that I would probably never get pregnant. We were devastated. Shortly before we were supposed to see a fertility specialist... We found out that I was pregnant with M. I look back on that & can see so clearly why God didn't want us to have a baby sooner. We had a lot of growing to do in our marriage. I really feel like the Lord wanted us to focus on each other for a time. Well, E's contract w/ Intel ended & he had just finished school. He ended up getting a job w/ the county, so we moved back home for that position. He was there for 5yrs & another door opened, where he is currently working. I have been so blessed with being able to be home with the kids & having a creative outlet. We have a beautiful home, (it's a giant step from that tiny trailer where I couldn't escape when I was irritated with E...I can't even imagine raising kids in a place that tiny. Gosh, I remember venting to my friend, Anj...all I wanted was a bigger place w/ my own space so that I could escape E when he was on my last nerve). We are all healthy. We are happy. I have wonderful children. I have a husband that I am able to say that I honestly do love him more each day. I would love, love to find our "dream home", but really...I can't complain. It's not even fair for me to be depressed about it. So, I feel a perfect peace about it now. We are here for a reason. The doors will open when the time is right. We bought new living room furniture last week. It opens up our living room beautifully. My new favorite thing is sitting in our new, oversized chair & seeing our beautiful view. It's the same view that I've looked at for the past 6yrs, but a different angle. It's amazing how a different perspective changes things. I am so happy that I can look back on my life & see it from different perspectives & see that we have been blessed, even in the times that seemed pretty bleak, He got us through them. I am so thankful!

Canvas Sale!

2009-01-07T12:41:00.000-08:00

I am offering a sale on gallery wrapped canvas as a Thank You to 2008 customers. If you had a session in 2008, you qualify for a 16x20 gallery wrapped canvas,(from your 2008 session), for $150. That is $50 off of regular price.

I am also offering a cd of your session from 2008 for $75. The cd is cased in a leather keepsake case.

Have a Wonderful New Year!

Will selling used clothes be outlawed?

2009-01-07T09:28:00.000-08:00

This law would affect sellers on etsy, CL, ebay, garage sales & craft fairs. Let's pray that this law is modified before this happens! You can bet that my congressman will be getting a letter from me!

http://babyclothes.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=babyclothes&cdn=style&tm=382&f=00&su=p284.9.336.ip_&tt=2&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.handmadetoyalliance.org/

Some favorites from the season

2009-01-03T17:52:00.001-08:00

Now that Christmas is over & all of the photo gifts have been given...Here are some of my favorites....... I had such a crazy, fun holiday season. This month will be full of new projects to kick off the new year...I am so excited about my upcoming sessions! I'll share when I can!

New pricing & policies for 2009

2008-12-23T15:43:00.001-08:00

Hey! At the end of each year, I step back & evaluate what works best for my clients. Each year is a year of learning & growth. I am so thankful for that growth, but with growth means change. After speaking with several clients, getting feedback, & evaluating my lab fees. I have decided to implement the following;

Regular Session Fee (newborn, family, childhood, etc) $75. This includes;
Session lasting up to 2hrs. In the studio or at the location of your choice, (with-in the Roseburg area).
Online Gallery to view your images & make selections. Images will be in color, black & white & select images will be in urban or vintage filters.

Unlimited wardrobe changes.

Artists time to retouch & enhance images.

Up to 6 subjects. $25 per person for each additional person.

Elite Session $300
Everything included in the regular session, plus;
One Hi Resolution CD including 50 (or more) retouched images in color & b/w. Various images in vintage or urban filters, (artist’s selections). Your CD is packaged in an elegant, leather keepsake case.

Copyright release allowing you to have your images printed at the lab of your choice.

Online Gallery to view your images & make selections if you choose to have them printed via Sheila Nielsen Photography. Direct shipping if you utilize this option.

Maternity Session: $75

Session lasting up to 1hr. In the studio or at the location of your choice, (with-in the Roseburg area).

One Hi Resolution CD including 50 or more retouched images in color & b/w. Various images in vintage or urban filters, (artist’s selections). Your CD is packaged in an elegant, leather keepsake case.

Copyright release allowing you to have your images printed at the lab of your choice.

Online Gallery to view your images & make selections if you choose to have them printed via Sheila Nielsen Photography. Direct shipping if you utilize this option.

Unlimited wardrobe changes.

Artists time to retouch & enhance images.

High School Seniors:

Session fee: $250

Unlimited session time. In the studio or at the location of your choice, (with-in the Roseburg area).

One Hi Resolution CD including at least 100 retouched images in color & b/w. Various images in vintage or urban filters, (artist’s selections). Your CD is packaged in an elegant, leather keepsake case.

Copyright release allowing you to have your images printed at the lab of your choice.

Online Gallery to view your images & make selections if you choose to have them printed via Sheila Nielsen Photography. Direct shipping if you utilize this option.

Unlimited wardrobe changes.

Artists time to retouch & enhance images.

Corporate Sessions:

$50 session fee. This includes a cd of up to 10 images. OR 1 8x10.

Policies:

*If you pay your session fee 2 weeks prior to your session, you will receive a free
8x10.

All print orders over $50 can be direct shipped.

$30 fee on rush orders.

Session fees are due at the time of the session.

Orders WILL NOT be placed until payment is made.

Thank you all for a fabulous year! I'm looking forward to 2009!

School Programs, tree hunting...tis the season!

2008-12-22T22:36:00.000-08:00

Just a hodgepodge of photos from the last few weeks. We went tree hunting...ok...we're losers & went to a tree farm this year. I was busy with photo sessions, so we missed out on our annual tree hunting up the North Umpqua with the gang. We went after E got off work one day...so, the kids were grouchy & didn't want me near them with the camera. They all have carseat hair. Oh, well...these are snapshots of our life...I'm the only one that probably cares that the kids look like they live on the streets. The little brown clump in J's hand...no, it's not feces...it's a volcanoe. I thought that it was a hershey kiss...but I was wrong! It's actually a piece of mud fashioned into a vocanoe.
We waited until after K went to bed to decorate. He has actually done a lot better than I had anticipated. He only un-decorates a few ornaments about 3x/day. For some reason, he waits until E comes home to show dad that he can take ornaments off of the tree. The ornament of the chair & books belonged to my mother in law...Christmas it the time of year that I really miss my dad & mother in law. I never got to meet her, but at Christmas I am saddened that they aren't a part of the kids lives. Our tree is filled with her old ornaments & the ornaments that the kids have made at school.
J's school program...he was nervous & he picks his nose when he's nervous, (look for the kid with his finger up his nose). He was digging away backstage & I kept telling him not to pick on stage. Ya right. He picked...did a few motions to the song & dug some more. Oh, well...he's 4. That's part of being 4. We were so proud of him for actually singing & doing the motions...he DOES NOT like to sing. He doesn't like anybody else to sing either. It makes my happy boy very unhappy. M & I like to rock out in the car. She is my rocker buddy. K is starting to join our little rock band. J sits in his seat with his blanket & growls at us. hehe.
I had to throw in a couple of pics of K in the tub...he beelines for the tub as soon as he gets naked. He is so excited to play with all of the toys that the big kids leave in there. They line the animals up on the side & he knocks them in one by one. :)
Oh! My sis & the kids came over today...mmm...I got to snuggle Miss D while the big kids played. K was so cute w/ her too! I think that he was trying to figure out if she was real or not. He would pet her hair & squeal when she would move or coo. I didn't take any photos...per M's request. "we want to play mom...don't get out the camera". So, they played & I snuggled. It was nice. D's leg is smaller than the other for sure. It's really noticeable now. Definate atrophy on that leg. Her foot is also about half the size as her unaffected foot, (her toes are smaller too). My sister showed me how she massages her leg during each diaper changing. The circulation improvement is obvious right away. Her birthmark turns from bright purple to light pink & the lumpiness seems to improve a bit. One of the hemangiomas that has burst recently is actually larger since it ruptured. Miss D is progressing nicely. She showed off a bit by rolling over for me. :) She has also discovered two favorite fingers. I was dying to get the camera out when she started sucking her fingers. She looked so happy & content. I made my sister promise to bring all of the kids over next week for a photo session. I have an adorable pair of angel wings that I've been dying to get on Miss D. Anyhow, I'm off to bed!

Giddy

2008-12-14T23:07:00.000-08:00

Is what I see when I see these two...giddy in love. They make me smile. They are fun, real & so, so in love with each other. The weather didn't cooperate for me...I had visions of snow for their session...instead...we just got really, really cold. Granville lived in Alaska for a time & so I was surprised that he was shivering the most. He tells me that it's a different kind of cold.... ;) Even tho my hopes of snow were dashed. I love the images that we created. I think that I'm almost as excited as they are about their wedding day!

Labor Day 08

2008-12-06T10:27:00.000-08:00

Totally out of order...but I want to get photos of the kids up for grandma & others who have been asking for more photos of the kids.... We went camping with some friends over Labor Day. We sort of horned in on their annual Labor Day camping trip. We had such a great time! We were able to spend some time with our friends, Paul & Karen & their family. We hadn't seen their little girl since she was a baby. It was nice to see their princess & their two boys. They are such sweet kids! They let us play on their Green Machine...I want one! I asked E to hold my camera & he thought that he was pretty funny taking a photo of me. It was K's first time of being allowed to play in the sand...E made fun of me because I kept trying to brush him off & it was a futile effort. E was laughing when we got back to the truck, "I am so proud of you! You let him get dirty! You were twitching a bit tho". Yes, he's the third & I've finally learned that it's a ok to let them get dirty...they do wash. J spent a lot of time just hanging out in the trailer & playing his Leapster.

Hood River

2008-12-06T10:17:00.000-08:00

I'm catching up on the last few months of our lives. We went to Hood River to see The Polar Express with a group of friends. We went a day early & stayed with our good friends Shawn & Amy & kids, who we see entirely too little of! The kids actually wanted to skip Bonneville & go back to their house. I need to get the photos of the train ride off of a disk that our friend Sarah gave me. I didn't take my camera on the train. The stop at Bonneville was relaxing. It was a nice break to let the kids out & run. We're always in awe of the sturgeon. The kids weren't impressed. They just wanted to run & feed the trout.

Light Check

2008-12-06T10:11:00.001-08:00

I had K help me set up my lights before a session last night...he's such a ham! He bounced on my chair for a bit, then I put him on the floor w/ a couple of hats. He loves hats!

The Nutcracker

2008-11-30T23:50:00.001-08:00

Miss M was in the Nutcracker. She was SOOOO cute! I didn't manage to get a photo of her on stage...I was juggling K & the camera & didn't pass K off to Uncle Al in time to get the camera. Oh, well. I got some shots backstage. I love the photos of M & her best friend. I love the way they love each other...so sweet!
We had anticipated leaving at intermission, but the boys were doing great, so we stayed through the entire production. Both boys were so mesmerized by the ballet.

Cinnamon Sticks Boutique

2008-11-28T23:53:00.001-08:00

My friend, Canela, is up to it again! She's giving things away! Well, she's having a contest any way. Click on the link in my side bar to check it out!

Miss D

2008-11-25T20:40:00.000-08:00

Well, I have gotten several emails asking about Miss D...I've just been feeling frustrated, discouraged & helpless & not feeling like talking about it. Really, she's great. She's just fine. She could be so much worse. She's beautiful & perfect. She had her appt at OHSU. To me, the appt was silly, pointless. They don't have any answers. We have lots of questions. There lies my frustration. They want to wait until D is a yr old for the MRI. Her ped down here would like an MRI down sooner. My sis & I have connected with a Yahoo group for KTS & SWS. Jill has been able to connect with another mom who has a 7yo w/ KTS. Through connecting with another mom...Jill is getting more questions answered. The other mom is recommending that Jill have the MRI done sooner. The MRI will tell whether she has an arteriovenous connection. I am SO GLAD that she has found somebody that has been down the same road. D also had massage therapy this past week. She responded well to treatment & they seemed to be able to get the excess blood out of her ankle/leg. Jill is a massage therapist & the therapist that treated D showed Jill some techniques that Jill will perform as needed. Anyhow, sorry for keeping ya hanging...I'm just depressed & frustrated about it & the lack of help we're getting.....

Sharing another senior....

2008-11-23T20:24:00.001-08:00

Kim was so fun! The first two times we tried to get together, we got rained out! We got through all of the obstacles & produced some great images!

OMG!

2008-11-20T16:45:00.000-08:00

I feel like a Superstar! So, I was visiting all of my usual blogs today & almost wet my pants!!! MY photos were on there! You have to see here! My all time favorite blogger EVER, posted about ME! I love the frankness of her posts. She is so real when it comes to celebrity info (ok...gossip, but I'm obsessed!) I visit, daily, for updates on the Caylee Anthony case. She has the most up to date information all in one spot. Then, I can decompress by reading celebrity gossip, or seeing some of her great kids/baby finds. Ok...so, I'll come down from my little cloud & go make dinner! Thank you for making my week Maman et bebe! I feel like such a dork about how she found my blog!

Etsy Treasury

2008-11-19T07:43:00.000-08:00

I very sweet Etsian included me in their treasury. It may not mean anything to you, if you're not familiar with Etsy, so...go get familiar! :) I was quite flattered!
Etsy link

My print is the "Golden" 20x40 fine art print.

Old Red Barn Give Aways

2008-11-11T12:52:00.000-08:00

Oh! I would LOVE to win one of the beautiful quilts that Dana, from

Old Red Barn is giving away!

Prayers Please

2008-11-10T22:31:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who are keeping Miss D in your prayers! She is headed to OHSU tomorrow to be reviewed by a team of docs. She has had swelling in the affected ankle since she was about 4 days old. My sis has started to notice muscle atrophy in the affected leg & buttocks. These are both typical signs for Klippel Trenaunay, but it's unsettling to see everything progress in real life. She is also progressing in the normal, cute ways. Babbling, cooing & interacting more. I talked to my sis tonight & she said that when she (Miss D) feels like she's not gettng enough attention she makes a noise that sounds like she is saying, "baby". I told Jill that I'm sure she is...she is probably the smartest baby ever...ok...maybe not as smart as mine were/are. hehe. I'll have Miss D's big brother over tomorrow when Jill takes Miss D up to OHSU. M & J have been asking (for days) if it's THE day that Big D comes over. J is excited to have his cousin over to play Wii.
Well, I came home from a senior session & fell asleep in my papasan chair. I'm not sure how that happened! I woke up about 9pm & E had the all of the kids, (I make it sound like I have 12 & not just 3), in their pj's & was getting them ready for bed! I felt like a horrible mom! I was, pleasantly, surprised that he took care of everything. I just felt like I had missed an entire day with M. She's been at school all day & I left the boys with Bobo this afternoon & didn't get home until 5pm. At least she doesn't have school tomorrow. We're going to have to stick together too! We'll be out numbered! ;)

Writings by Miss M & Fall Frolics

2008-11-07T23:43:00.000-08:00

My first trip to the North Poll
By M
I licke going to the North poll
said pony
I just licke it so much.
do you understand me?
yes said the little pony.

Frends are the best ever
By M
I see a big black bear with sharp claws
but here comes a bear cub.
a cheetu is on a tree looking at the bear cub
saying can you be my frend?
the bear cub siad, yes i can be your frend
but i haft to tell my mom.

Miss M is so excited that we will soon be headed to the North Pole (I think that I am just as excited as the kids) to see Santa, drink hot cocoa all whilst wearing our pj's! (note to self...by cute, modest pj's...ratty sweats that I've owned since high school won't do - side note...those ratty pj's got me out of a speeding ticket in my newly married/college days. That's another story tho). The bear story...we're headed to Yellowstone, (I'm so excited! It looks like several of our local friends/kids will be going & we'll meet our Utah friends their! yay!), this summer & we've had several bear discussions. I bought the kids some books on Yellowstone...they won't get them until Christmas. I am blanking on the title of M's book, but it has questions that kids ask park rangers. It discusses geysers, wildlife, etc. It also has age appropriate activities. J's is SO J! He is 4...so, potty talk is something that we try to curb around here, but I couldn't resist the book "Who pooped in the park". Yes, it's about identifying scat. He'll love it.

I love that M is starting to use punctuation in her stories. J & I worked on reading today, while M was at school. He is so into the school thing right now. It makes me happy because a year ago, he only let M teach him things. He loves to play school while M is at school. K is starting to climb. I am very happy that he put off that little task...until this week. J was climbing EVERYTHING at 9mo. He didn't start walking until 14mo...but he sure could climb! A month ago, K's greatest joy in life was walking everywhere, (he started walking at 12mo 2days). Our living room/kitchen/dining room is very open, so he would just walk the circle...beaming with pride that he was a big boy that could walk. Now he climbs on to my papasan & stands up....beaming. Then goes into his bedroom & climbs on J's bed & then on to their little work bench...and stands. I am so afraid to leave the room, for fear that he is going to fall off. So, I am back to showering only when he is sleeping. So, that's either waking up really early (7:30 is early in this house...my kids are sleepers), or waiting until nap time...which I can't handle. I like to be clean before starting my day. Have I blogged about K's obsession with underwear?? UGH! He always manages to find a dirty pair & just walks around with it. Usually J's. He happened to find a CLEAN pair while helping me fold laundry. He was packing it around, so I put it on his head...he went about playing with chonies on his head. He was SO PROUD of his "hat". This boy is going to have some freaky habits.
I added some photos of the big kids in the leaves. It started out w/ M being silly...then she started putting leaves in the umbrella (not what Aunt Vicky had in mind for the umbrellas, i'm sure). So, J joins in...he tends to get a bit out of control...he starts dumping the leaves on his sis...no biggie. She retaliates & he starts crying. Well, if ya can't take it...don't dish it.... Yes, I have sort of a twisted sense of humor & caught it all on my little memory card. Of course, photographing him didn't make him any happier. Oops. They make up pretty quickly...no worries. Oh! Notice Blu's favorite passtime. He LOVES the slide.
Well, my m&m/green tea habit is back...so is the insomnia...correlation ya think? hmmm... ;) Well, I'm off to do something not so stimulating...like read a book...& try to get some sleep.

Vintage Christmas

2008-11-06T14:09:00.000-08:00

I'm just finishing up mini sessions. I saw this image & thought of a card that I designed a few weeks ago.... You've all seen photos of the little girl...she was one of the little princesses from the princess contest. She is a week older than K. Her brother is J's age...I wish that we would get them together more! Maybe when the holidays are over....

Canela has the best jewelry

2008-11-06T13:44:00.000-08:00

& is always posting the best blog giveaways! :) I have actually been meaning to post photos of my jewelry by Canela. It's on my "to do" list...I promise! Here is a giveaway that I found while perusing her site. Love it! I have just the spot for it!

Princess D

2008-11-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

Here are a few photos from my visit to see my sis & the kidlets last week.... She was so smiley & alert when I got there. We stayed for a couple of hours...until she wore out. :) You can see one of the hemangiomas on her birthmark leg...a couple ruptured last week. Luckily, they weren't connected to an artery, so they only bled a little. Anyhow...I'm off to take pics of my kiddos in the leaves....

KTS

2008-10-29T23:56:00.000-07:00

Or Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome. I've been researching my eyeballs out, but my friend, Michelle, came across this site & it's been the most informative, so far. http://www.sturge-weber.org/AboutKT.aspx Check it out to learn more about the syndrome. Thank you Michelle!
I had a good visit with Jill & Miss D today. Little Miss D was very happy & snuggly today. I got my snuggles in while the boys played with her big brother. Actually, the big boys spent the entire time trying to keep K out of their things.... :) It's hard to be the little brother/cousin. I told him that he just needs to wait for Miss D to get big & help him annoy the big kids. I'll post some photos within the next week...my poor computer is being rebuilt this weekend & I can't add photos at this time. I must be patient. ;)

This crazy life

2008-10-28T22:23:00.000-07:00

I am finally finding the time to blog again...it's been insane! It's been an mad house of school photos, senior photos, Melrose carnival, holiday mini sessions & a fun maternity session....& battling strep & pneumonia in the midst...all better now!
We're also learning a bit more about my niece & Klippel Trenaunay syndrome. It's been a bit of an emotional day...she's had some things come up that can be a bit scary...I don't feel like blogging about it until we know more...just keep her & my sis' family in your prayers. I am amazed by my sisters strength. I will forever be her big sis & want to make everything in life as easy as it should be for her. Life really & truly isn't fair. I know that everything happens for a reason, it's just especially hard when an innocent little creature has to suffer. It certainly puts life into perspective.... The boys & I are going to go visit her & my nephew tomorrow. I can't wait to cuddle her!
Well, J rearranged his front teeth tonight. I'm not a big fan of blood...so no photos. He was being silly in the tub & slipped & fell. M started screaming, so I expected the worse. I think that she was more upset than he was. I think he gets why we tell him to stay on his bum.... I still feel ill when I think about it. I hate it when the kids get hurt. I wish that I could take the pain for them. I snuggled him for a bit. He fell asleep & continued to whimper in his sleep. :(
Anyhow, on a lighter note...here are WAY too many photos from 2 senior sessions...I can't decide which are my favs! I went way overboard & these girls ended up w/ about 400 proofs from each of their sessions. I am a spaz! "oh! I love that...let's go over there! Oh! we need a photo there too! Ah! Your eyes look gorgeous w/ that color....wait! the goat is hilarious! let's get him (which turned out to be a her) in some shots". Poor girls!

Miss M

2008-09-30T21:20:00.000-07:00

asked if I could take her photos tonight!! She put on her "fancy" dress & asked me to put her hair in a pony & put a bit of make up on her. I let her do her own posing. Of course, it ended up with her doing her favorite thing. Reading. She thought that the "Frosty" book went well with her dress...so, she started reading it. :) I am so proud of her. She is in the highest reading group in her class. She is in Unit 30 in the Read Well program.
Then, I turned the camera on my little Imp. He was relaxing on the floor w/ his B. I took a snap of him & he starts giggling & saying, "mama, I'll let you take my picture if you give me an m&m". I said, "ok...just one". So, he gave me a cute little grin. I could photograph those eyes all day!

Sex in the City

2008-09-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

Or Country.... :)
Alex & Jessica's wedding was so unique & beautiful! Jessica took great care with the details & it showed! Her "matron" of honor described Jessica's dress as totally Sex in the City. I'd have to agree! Sassy & elegant. Alex & Jessica have been together off & on since Jr. High. It is so evident that they are best friends, as well as totally & completely smitten with each other. My only regret is that I had a few shots in mind...of Jessica, in her dress in the doorway of the bridal cottage at Romantic River Gardens. Time didn't allow tho...that's how things go sometimes. Note to future brides: if you are planning to have your makeup done at Macy's...make sure that they don't have anything else going on...such as; homecoming. Weddings seem to be low priority for Macy's. If you are getting your makeup done & a customer walks up...they wait on the customer & then come back to do the makeup. I had several customers walk in between myself & the bride while she was getting her makeup done. I don't think that the big 'ol camera in my hand was an indicator that I might be taking photos of someone getting ready for their wedding. Macy's was running at LEAST an hour behind which put us WAAAY behind schedule...we had about 10minutes after the ceremony to take the formal photos. I have to add...Erik & I got married at Romantic River Gardens...9yrs ago. It was beautiful then & it's even more gorgeous now. Chuck & Sandy Hester have made several additions since we were married there. They have the bridal cottage, the (Erik & Sheila Nielsen), inspired pavillion for those rainy weddings. Apparently, we've gone down in history because our wedding was referred to several times on Saturday. :)

Cute models in lovely jammies

2008-09-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

Tanya, from BugN'Belle made these great jammie sets for the kids to model, (click on the link below to check out my kiddos & more of Tanya's great childrens wear). They are so soft & beautifully made. The kids were so excited that they got to keep their soft jammies! They didn't even care that their boxes were empty because their pj's were their gift. :) Check out the kids at BugN'Belles etsy shop & Tanya's beautiful products. I can't even tell you how thrilled the kids & I are with the quality of these pj's!

Adorable totes!

2008-09-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

Check out these totes!

What a fabulous treat tote! M would love it!

Christmas Cards, Holiday Mini Sessions....

2008-09-24T22:05:00.000-07:00

I have 3 openings left on October 25th for Holiday mini sessions at Lehne Farms. I have 9am, 11:30 & 2pm. Email me if you would like to book a spot. I am contemplating doing another day of mini sessions. There have been several families that are interested, but can't make it on the 25th. I'll keep you posted.
So, with the holiday sessions in mind...I have been playing using my friend, Kathy's family photos.... Here are a few cards that I have put together....a couple are still a work in progress. :) I love vintage & retro...so, I did a bit of both. They look pixelated because they have been resized for web.

Lehne Farms & CSA

2008-09-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

Has been so beneficial for our family! Here are just a few reasons.

1. It's convenient. We pick up our box (every Saturday) at our local Farmers Market. Just 5 minutes from our house.

2. We love to try new recipes. With every box comes a newsletter with recipes. Or, I go online & find a recipe.... We've tried several recipes (new to our family) & they have been a hit with the entire family.

3. We believe in the importance of not only buying locally, but supporting our farmers.

4. It is so important to buy in season produce. Eating food how God intended them & when God intended them is so beneficial to our bodies.

I picked up our box yesterday & noticed that there was cheddar cauliflower. I've never eaten cooked cauliflower, so I thought that I would give the newsletter recipe a try. Roasted Curry Cauliflower. OH. YUM! Erik was working outside & came in to get a drink & asked what smelled so good. I told him & he looked at me like, "I hope that it tastes as good as it smells". It was finished roasting, so I took it out of the over &, after waiting for it to cool, we each tried a bite. SO GOOD!

1 Head Cauliflower. Florets cut.
1 large onion, peeled, quartered
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
3 1/2 tsps curry powder
1 tbspn Hungarian hot paprika
1 3/4 tsp salt (I always use sea salt)
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro (I'm a nerd & put the cilantro in before I roasted everything).

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place cauliflower florets in large roasting pan. Pull apart onion quarters into separate layers; add to cauliflower & any optional items like summer squash or peppers. Stir coriander seeds & cumin seeds in small skillet over medium heat until slightly darkened, about 5 min. Crush coarsely in mortar with pestle. Place seeds in medium bowl. Whisk in oil, vinegar, curry powder, paprika & salt. Pour dressing over veggies; toss to coat. Spread veggies in single layer. Sprinkle with pepper
Roast veggies until tender. sturring occasionally, about 35 min. (can be made 2 hrs ahead. Let stand at room temp. Re-warm in 450 degree oven 10min, if desired) Mound veggies in large bowl. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve warm or at room temp.

Here is a link to the Lehne website....

http://www.normlehnefarm.com/csa/

Family

2008-09-19T22:33:00.000-07:00

This family belongs to my good friend, Kathy. We had a fun session at one of my favorite spots, (on the river, of course). All of my river sessions end with some fun in the water...which typically means the river...this time it ended with their daddy showering them in the drinking fountain. :) Kathy is also our realtor. So, if you're looking to buy or sell...let me know & I'll hook ya up with her number! :) More importantly...if you're looking to buy OUR house...I'll hook ya up! :)

Sick Day

2008-09-16T23:49:00.000-07:00

Well, we've been sick & cooped up for a few days. We were all feeling a touch of cabin fever this evening...so we played in the backyard. K was so excited to be out getting dirty. M & J were being "creative" & making the best of J's Jeep with the dead battery. Check the photo of K. M likes it when we use our "chumba" voice with K. We usually say things like, "me Chumba & me like fooood". In our best caveman voice. The drunken walking photo totally calls for that voice. :) He has been walking for about a month now & has it down pretty well. He loves to just walk all over...he doesn't need toys. Just space to walk. :) That outfit is getting a smidge small. It's a little Zutano outfit that I found at Cellar Doors. I had to run down today to drop off some prints at a new shop downtown, (Renee @ Occasionally Yours asked if I could hang some work in there - I am so excited!), She is on Jackson & she is fabulous! Look her up if you need any party planning needs!)so I stopped in Cellar Doors & saw that she was having a sale. I needed an excuse to buy some See Kai Run shoes, (I am a See Kai Run & Pediped junkie) & a new Zutano outfit for K. I also picked up a couple of Christmas gifts for the big kids. Look at Blu & his "lovey". He drags that nasty thing everywhere. Silly puppy! The kids love to play with him & the shot of he & M was a quick snap that I caught when I turned from taking photos of K.

My Etsy

2008-09-16T23:32:00.000-07:00

I don't know if any of you have checked out my Etsy shop . I have just added a couple of new series to my shop. I am currently having a sale that if someone buys 2 prints, they get a third free. My new favorite series is the Vintage hydrangea series. It has a bit of emotional value. :) I lurve my purple hydrangea. My sweet hubby bought it for me a few years ago. The best thing about hydrangeas is that they flowers change colors as they go through their cycle. I love the variety!

Here is a sneak peek!

Brothers

2008-09-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

I didn't have brothers, so the dynamics of brothers is new to me. J has been sort of apathetic to K until about two months ago.... Sort of, "ya, I like him, but I don't want to get too close cuz he might urp on me or do something equally gross". Then, all of a sudden J became K's biggest fan. Holding his hands and helping him walk around the house. Cheering him on in his attempts to walk, cheering him through his first steps. "LOOK MAMA! K walking! How many steps did he take that time?". So, he started counting K's steps. J is only in school 2 days a week, so on the days that he is home, (M is full time, of course), he is excited to teach K new things. I love that they are becoming buddies. If K is fussy at night, J gets out of bed & goes to K's bed & starts acting silly until K laughs. This would be great, if K would actually settle down & go to sleep. It ends up with me putting J in M's room to get the boys to quit playing together. Here is a photo of J pushing K in a box. :)

Tyler & LaRelle

2008-09-12T16:29:00.000-07:00

I LOVE THIS FAMILY! Seriously, I do. I want them to adopt me. I took wedding photos for one of Tylers sisters earlier in the season. Their family is so warm & welcoming. The ceremony took place at the grooms grandparents ranch. I am trying to convince them to make their ranch the areas newest wedding venue. The location is beautiful & the family has the whole "wedding" thing down. The whole family (cousins, grandparents, aunts, uncles, sisters) is involved in every part of the day & they are so loving & helpful with eachother. So, here are a few photos from the day...including the delish turkeys being cooked! :) Wow...these posted all crazy & out of order.....

Beautiful Girl

2008-09-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

My newest niece! After much worry, patience & prayers...she is finally here & healthy! Thank you all that remembered my sis & her family in your prayers. I felt so blessed to be a part of her birth. My brother in law even let me cut her cord. I hesitated because I wanted a photo of him cutting it...but felt honored that he let me do it. I loved watching him with my sister during labor.... She is my baby sis & always will be, so I often forget that she doesn't need me to take care of her. I did like seeing that her husband has assumed that role. As he should. They are so great together & have created not just one, but two beautiful lives together. I love the photo of my BIL in the bed...Jill was sitting on the ball, so he was being silly & sitting in the bed. :)

Congrats!

2008-09-08T20:02:00.001-07:00

To Princess #6! She is the winner of a photo session & an 8x10 mounted on standout!
Thank you to all the princess, friends & families that participated in the voting! Here are a few more photos from Princess #6's session......
Check out how little she is in comparison to her daddy's helmet!

Pick Your Princess

2008-09-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

#17

#16

#15

#14

#13

#12

#11

#10

#9

#8

#7

#6

#5

#4

#3

#2

#1

#18
SO SORRY! I want to set this up a little bit differently. I will add in the previous votes! I made the last poll "private", but didn't feel totally secure in it, so I removed it & have found a much better way! So, you can view the Princesses below & vote to the right of the page. I will be adding the original votes back in. Thanks! Don't forget The winning Princess will receive a gift certificate for a session, (to be used at a later date), & a free 8x10 standout print of the winning image.

Family in Need

2008-08-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

Please visit http://cinnamonsticksboutique.blogspot.com/ for details. Canela is opening up her jewelry for bid. Beautiful jewelry for a good cause. Please keep this family in your prayers too!

Click here for more ways to help & more details.

Quandary

2008-08-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

I am having a dilemma & need some advice from fellow mommies...or daddies.... I try to let the kids choose their own clothes. After all...they're just clothes. M has chosen her "first day of first grade", (am I the only one that keeps hearing 'Billy Joe McGuffery I listen to entirely too much XM Kids), outfit. Chocolate brown, white & pink striped polo shirt with a gray, black & white animal print skirt, white tights & brown cowgirl boots with flowers sewn on. I am having a really hard time with this outfit. It's crazy that I am stressing about it. Part of my brain is saying, "it's her special outfit that she has chosen for her first day of first grade". The other part is saying, "uh, you're not leaving the house in that crazy outfit". I have tried showing her what the outfit looks like with the nice blouse that I bought to go with the skirt. She is not having it. Any suggestions?

I miss them already

2008-08-22T22:56:00.000-07:00

My friend, Summer, & her family came to visit! All the way from Utah. They had one heck of a trip. Her version will be much more entertaining than mine. I'm sure that she will post it on her blog in the next few days. http://www.neissfamily.blogspot.com/ I was able to take a few photos while they were here. We were planning on going to the river for their session...but as the curse would have it, (the trip was doomed from the beginning), we ended up in the studio. Most of you know, I try to stay outdoors as much as the weather permits, so I've had the studio packed up for the summer. I got everything out. Put fresh batteries in the strobes. The Neiss' arrive. The strobes won't fire with my camera. They brought "the curse" to me! After tugging at some wires & bashing my battery pack...the strobes start working! The curse has been broken! hehe. Ok, maybe they weren't cursed, but it was looking that way. They started their trip with the flu, it started raining, (we hadn't seen rain in a long while).... Anyhow, here are a couple of favorite photos of the kids. I love the photo of S. She is Little Miss Personality & she rocked the photo session! I have some great photos of her sporting a black pettiskirt with some rockin converse, but those won't be seen until I put up the princess photos. She was a Diva! It won't be moms favorite, but it cracks me up. I should have posted one of C roaring like a lion. It was rather comical.

I love my online friend!

2008-08-22T12:38:00.001-07:00

Canela

She really is the coolest person ever. So thoughtful, generous, caring, inspiring.... Go read her latest blog & then grab a cup of coffee & read her entire blog. I came across her blog by visting my favorite photogs blog awhile back, (Amanda Keeys).

OOOH! While I was typing this K took 7 steps! I called E in hysterics & made him to promise to help me video & photograph tonight!

Family Time!

2008-08-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago...
we were able to escape to one of our favorite vacation spots. The Seventh Mountain Resort in Bend. It was a weekend filled with horses, sunshine, water, beautiful wildflowers & FOOD! I really could have used some fill flash in the photos, but I refuse to add the weight of the external flash when I'm taking personal photos...& my carpal tunnel was on a big time flare up during that trip.
The pools are perfect...a kiddie pool w/ the fountain & then two "deep" pools. Mo has graduated to the "deep" pool, so E spent a lot of time with her over there, but the boys & I hung out at the little pool. As you can see, K spent most of his time trying to explore. I love the photo of him peek out the screen. The big kids & I were watching the chipmunk & K wanted to come out too.
The photo of the kids & the "riding instructor". She's kneeling beside them...I was walking behind them taking photos & that horse was ticked that he wasn't getting more attentin & he dumped his water bucket all over me. It was sort of funny that he threw a hissy fit, (E thought so anyway). The lighting down at the stables was awful. I should have been on the other side, but couldn't go over there because I was waiting with K. Oh well. We had fun hanging out together. He was able to crawl all over the lawn while I snapped some photos of the big kids.
We can't wait to go back when there is snow on the ground!

I love feet!

2008-08-19T22:22:00.000-07:00

Just a quick photo from a recent session. This little girl was great. She braved the heat (& a really bad heat rash) for this session. She had a great time with dads football gear, (his helmet was as big as her). You will see more of her later when I post all of the entries for the princess/diva contest. :)

K is 1

2008-08-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that 1 year ago this little man came into our lives. I spent 9 months trying to get used to the idea that we would have another baby. Now, I can't believe that we thought that our family was complete before him. We were so wrong. God truly knew that we needed this little boy in our lives. All three of my babies are amazing little creatures & I love watching them grow & learn. They teach me new things every day. They make my heart swell. I have attached some photos from his little birthday party. We bought him a pedal car while I was pregnant with him. All three of the kiddos love it. They had fun helping dad put it together too. J seems to have a touch of road rage. I love the little tongue thing that K does. Isn't it cute! :)Some of these photos crack me up! He's a poser! M has "didn't get her hair brushed after her bath hair". Check out the cake that my friend, Stephanie, made for K. It is so cute! She did a fabulous job! K loved it! I didn't getting any "good" shots of him playing in the cake...I took video of that & when I got out my camera...he started posing! I've ruined him already! :) K has started saying "mama" & I SWEAR he says, "i love you". He probably doesn't, but it sounds like it. He loves to give "big mouth bird" kisses.

A preview for the Redis'

2008-08-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

This couple was SO MUCH FUN! I was a little irked tho...I bugged them all day about going in the river w/ their bridal attire...it was a no go...UNTIL I LEFT! I was bummed when I found out that I missed the entire bridal party jumping in! Jenny was such an awesome bride! Laid back, silly & fun. Jason was a perfect "Captain Morgan". I couldn't resist the sun flare in the photo of Jenny by herself. It seemed 'so her'. "Sunshine & Sass". I have some hysterical photos of the groomsmen, but I don't want to post without their permission. Let me tell ya...they can bust a move! Thank you guys for such a fun day!

Faith

2008-08-13T00:22:00.000-07:00

Wow! I think that I might be setting some sort of blog record...how many posts can I post in one day? I am actually working, (waiting for photos to upload to PS), thinking & blogging.... My little sis doesn't realize this, but she has been teaching me a lot about faith & patience. She is 35wks pregnant. She had her genetic testing done awhile back, (whenever it's routine...I can't remember)...the baby tested 1 in 83 chance of having Trisomy 18. Google it if ya haven't heard of it...it's scary. She chose not to have an amnio because of the risk involved & of course, she wouldn't make the choice to abort. I agree with her decision, whole heartedly. I cannot imagine being pregnant & wondering if something is wrong with my baby, something potentially fatal. It would have to be the most helpless feeling ever. There are SO MANY women that get this same diagnosis & the outcome is that the baby is perfectly fine. I still can't imagine having the thought in the back of your mind tho. Her doctors (local & out of town specialist) are optimistic that the baby is ok & healthy because her organs look great. My sis has been going in twice/wk for NST's (non stress test) & has seen a specialist several times & will probably see him once more. Baby D is falling behind in growth & will have to come out early. I admire my baby sis for her faith & knowing that no matter how her baby girl comes out, the Lord has a plan for her little life. The Lord created her perfectly & beautifully. I was able to go to an ultrasound with the specialist last week. It was so amazing to see the hair wisping in the amniotic fluid. Seeing her wiggle on the inside & out (almost) made me miss being pregnant. Feeling that little life growing inside of you is the most precious, liberating feeling ever. God made women to grow these little creatures in their bodies. It's amazing & miraculous. Anyhow, I just wanted to get those thoughts out. Life is so precious. Cherish it!

It's just hair, right?

2008-08-12T23:45:00.000-07:00

Well, that was sort of my theory, until today. I have been letting J's hair grow. He liked that it was growing out. I took him to "the boy haircut place" today. I told the guy, "DO NOT BUZZ IT! I just want it cleaned up into a 'big boy' haircut". So, he gets out the clippers & I'm thinking, "am I missing something cuz he's going to cut it all off!". As the first chunk hits the floor, M looks at me, gasps & says, "um, mom...I don't like it". I said, "I don't either, but I can't do anything about it now". M kept saying, "you told him not to cut it all off". We were standing right next to the guy & he didn't seem to care. Poor J doesn't care for it either. It is cute, but it's not what I wanted. We stopped by E's office to show him. I didn't have a chance to say anything & E said, "uh oh". He knew that I was not happy. It's the same shop that E always takes J to, but he failed to tell me that they only know of one hair cut. Anyhow, here is a before of the 'no hairstyle' & the after 'Spiky Mikey' is what the Jackass barber called it, (can you tell that I am bitter?). J kept looking at him like, "hey dumb guy, my name isn't Mikey". hehe.

Christmas Photos!

2008-08-12T23:06:00.000-07:00

I know! You're thinking, "already?!". Yep! Already! The holiday season is always crazy, so I have come up with a fabulous plan! I am going to incorporate one of my favorite places with my favorite season! The Norm Lehne Garden & Orchards! The farm is beautiful year round, but it is spectacular in the fall! I can't seem to find some family images on my hard drive...they must be buried in the archives...but, if you haven't seen the Lehne farms, mark your calendars for October 25. I am going to have a day of mini sessions at the farm. A 30 min session for $30. There are still several spots available, so email me if you would like to book a spot! We'll be out in the orchard. Beautiful fall colors, apple cider & hot cocoa. I will treat this 30min session as a regular session. You will get a web gallery with all of your images in color, black & white, & some in vintage. We'll get some family photos, some of just the kids, some individuals & any combination that you would like. I will be at the orchards from 8am-4pm. I am so excited about this! We're going to have so much FUN!

New addition

2008-08-12T10:49:00.000-07:00

to my packaging! I saw these charms created by the talented Canela, of Cinnamon Sticks Boutique (see my sidebar for link...blogger is not letting me link) & instantly fell in love. They are EXACTLY what I have been wishing for! I want my photography to capture the essence of childhood. Childhood is to be whimsical & carefree. "wishes" are a part of childhood. Each one of these charms has a unique dandelion wish created on it. The word "wish" is at the top of each charm. I will be including a wish charm with each photo order. I included two in this order because they have two little girls. These wishes are wrapped around my cd box. When you place an order for a cd/dvd, you are not only receiving a disk, you are receiving your disk with an image from your session placed in a leather case which is placed in this cute little box. Perfect for protecting your keepsake.
Canela, you have blessed me with your talent! Thank you!

My beautiful Sis!

2008-08-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

& my nephew too! Here are just a few photos of my sis, her belly & my sweet nephew, D. I bribed him into letting me take a few snaps of him too. :) His daddy gave him a mohawk a few weeks ago...it wasn't "done" in this photo. I got to see my sweet, baby niece growing in my sis' belly! She kept sucking her thumb. We got to see her hair wisping in the amniotic fluid too! So precious! It is getting so close to meeting her in person. I can't wait!

My Baby Sister

2008-08-03T18:22:00.000-07:00

Is having a baby. This is #2 for her. Her oldest is 3 months younger than M. I had a shower for her today. Little Miss D isn't going to be running around naked! She got a lot of very useful things & TONS of clothes. Who doesn't like to shop for a little girl?! Here are a few snaps that I took in between keeping K out of all of the presents (he was practicing for his upcoming bday). The diaper cake was made by a very creative cousin on my sisters husbands side. I love the photo of Blu snuggling on my sis' belly. We'll do official belly pics some time this week. I'm so excited! I get to go to an U/S appt with her this week. She has NST's done 2x per week & will be making her third (I think) trip up to Eugene (to see a specialist), for another U/S. I can't wait to see the little monkey wiggling around!

Wow! I won an award!

2008-08-01T16:45:00.000-07:00

I recieved a blog award from Heather. Thank you, Heather! I'm quite flattered! I always enjoy Heathers posts, the are usually witting & informative!
The award comes with instructions. The winner may put the logo on her blog. Put a link to the person you got the award from. Nominate 5 blogsPut links to the blogs. Leave a message for your nominees.

So...this is tough...I read all of the blogs in my sidebar...so, in random order.....

1. Old Red Barn
2. SeamsSewNeat
3. Summer
4. Michelle
5. CinnamonSticks

Part Princess, Part Cop

2008-07-31T23:43:00.000-07:00

Miss A wants to be a Cop when she grows up...so she can arrest people. I love this girl! She gives me a workout! Gillaine, let me tell you...I was SORE when I woke up the next morning! Miss A really does melt my heart, she even drew me pictures with her name on them! Too sweet! This is who I have J betrothed to. She will keep him on his toes! Anyhow, I wanted to give her mama a sneak peak!

Baby Steps

2008-07-31T22:37:00.000-07:00

I am hoping to get a photo tomorrow, (if I can get E to help me)...but K took his first two steps today! He took them to me, so I couldn't get the camera & he wouldn't walk to dad. I do feel special tho. If he won't say "mama"...at least he'll walk to me! Yes, we're encouraging the walking...we kept saying that we were going to kick his legs out from under him if he tried to walk, (NOT REALLY! Just a joke cuz they grow up too fast...), but it's a fun game for the entire fam...we all sit in a circle & try to get him to walk. :) He usually sits down if he thinks that we're trying to get him to walk. You can get places a lot quicker when you crawl!

Standouts

2008-07-31T09:02:00.000-07:00

I love standouts! If you haven't seen the standouts, ask me about them at your next sesseion & I'll show you in person! Standouts, (3/4" foamboard that 'standout' from the wall) are my personal favorite way to display photos. I put together these 11x14collages for the K family & mom chose to have them mounted on standout (she saw one that I put together for K). We emailed back & forth to choose the photos from their session & the quote that fit each girl the best. I used the colors that mom is using in each of their rooms.

Love Story

2008-07-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

I've got to say...this was one of my favorite sessions ever! I love that I got to capture their love for each other & I will get to photograph their wedding. It's sure to be fabulous!

An Inspiring Man

2008-07-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

Prayers & thoughts are with the Pausch family today. http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/books/07/25/obit.pausch.ap/index.html . If you haven't seen his lecture, it's worth watching. http://youtube.com/watch?v=nwO7EnM0zWM .

Teeth, Imagination & Wonder

2008-07-23T22:46:00.002-07:00

Wow! I was having a serious case of guilt because I have been so busy photographing others, that I haven't had time for my own babes. You can tell who is a willing subject & who isn't...well, K can't run yet.... :)
Here is M & her beautiful new smile. J was "selling dogs" in his fort. He kept asking me to climb up & by a dog. :) I'm a sucker for cute boys, so I bought a dog. It's in the form of a skateboard w/ Scooby Doo on it. It's the coolest dog ever cuz it doesn't poop! So, if you're in the market for a poopless dog...J has one for ya!
As for K...he was in HEAVEN! He had the living room all to himself & got to "play the Wii" without the big kids telling him no! How cool is that?! I think that he was wondering why I wasn't telling him No. He quickly tired of the wii-mote & moved on to a balloon. I love the curiosity & discovery. I can't believe that he is almost ONE! Oh! K "talks" a lot...mostly, "oooh, oooh, oooh!" when he is over stimulated with something, such as a balloon. He's been saying, "da-da" for a couple of months now. His latest word is NO. When he is scolded, he mimics the scolders expression & says, "oh oh!". In the same tone. He is a really good mimic. He can mimic the exact sound of the dogs bark & they have chats. I honestly think that they understand eachother. He mimics conversations. I'm rather impressed. M has this same talent. She often imitates her friends voices & laughs. It cracks me up because she's usually right on. This trait does have its drawbacks. She can mimic Spongebob & other annoying charachters.
M stayed at a friends tonight, so J had a friend sleepover. Tomorrow, I'll post a photo or two of J's first sleepover. We lucked out tho...we have hyper boys, but that doesn't even come close to little girls squealing. The boys were annoyed with E & I...we made them sleep in M's room. J & K share a room & the boys kept waking him up...so, we moved them. They weren't happy about sleeping with a pink comforter. AND to top my night off...J has reached the "it's embarrassing to kiss mom in front of your friends" stage. WAAAHHH! I stole one anyhow!

Growing up

2008-07-18T23:02:00.001-07:00

Mo FINALLY lost another tooth. Her two top, front teeth have been loose for about a year. One finally came out in an ice cream cone. She's already lost her bottom front teeth. I'll try to get photos tomorrow. I have a wedding tomorrow & all of my gear is packed up. In the chaos over M's tooth, we discovered that J has TWO loose teeth! I shouldn't be surprised because they both were early teethers & M had loose teeth at that age, but he's my baby, (ok...he's not the baby any more, but he was for 3yrs)! It's amazing, you expect your first to go through all of the milestones, but it's harder with the younger kids. J is starting preschool this year...I'm having issues with that too. I think that's hard for me because he's my independent boy that needs mama more than he likes to let on. I'll be a wreck when it's K's turn. Speaking of K...he'll be walking soon. I'll probably be in a straight jacket because of my busy boy. He's naughty & then he flashes his sweet, innocent little grin & I melt. He's usually "naughty" because of the big kids leaving doors open, or things on the floor. I think that he has random cravings for books. The minute it is within reach, he crawls, (like a madman), toward it & tries to chow down. The other too weren't crazy paper eaters like he is. I seriously can't keep up with him. I never had a problem keeping the house clean when the other two were little. E comes home & looks at me like, "what did you do all day?". E has started calling K "tasmanian devil". I start unloading the dishwasher & the next thing I know, K is "helping" & standing in the dishwasher. Or, he will just disappear. I will go look for him & find that one of the big kids has left the bathroom door open & K is stirring the water with a pencil. I am OCD when it comes to germs & cleanliness. This sends me over the edge. K gets stripped & bathed. While he is playing in the tub, I scrub the bathroom, hoping that if the door gets left open again...he'll have a clean toilet to play in. EWWWW! K is the busiest little man that I have ever seen. M was content to just sit & play in the tupperware cabinet when she was his age. J is my sleepy head...he would crawl in the same cabinet & fall asleep on the lazy susan, (I have that photo around here somewhere). If I try to occupy K with the tupperware cabinet...he just looks at it & crawl over to the bookshelf in the other room & tries to rip all of the books off. I swear, he's thinking, "oooh! paper! must eat!". Oh well, they are there own little people with their own little ideas. I have said it before...I've always been a sucker for ornery boys. I'm also a sucker for my little toothless princess.

The Rockstar

2008-07-17T13:41:00.001-07:00

Song Lyrics by M (Age6):

I Am A Rockstar
Rock On
I rock all nite
Nevr stop
Rock on
I play on the guitar
I wanna be a rockstar
I practis and I practis
All nite
Rock on

The only word that she asked for help with was "guitar". I am always so impressed by her creativity!

Another contest!

2008-07-16T20:09:00.000-07:00

At Cinnamon Sticks Boutique.

http://cinnamonsticksboutique.blogspot.com/

Check out this link to try to win a beautiful quilt

2008-07-16T12:27:00.001-07:00

But...the selfish part of me wants to win it! Isn't it beautiful!

Recent Session

2008-07-16T00:53:00.001-07:00

Isn't she the sweetest! Summer, that's a quick sneak peek for ya! :)

Graffiti Weekend

2008-07-16T00:35:00.000-07:00

We were literally at the Show n' Shine for about 30 min. I am not a fan of the heat. Nor are our children. Here are a few of my favorites. I couldn't decide how I wanted the truck photo...so, I am showing both plays. Check out the bug that M found. M thought that the bug was attracted to this car because they were the same color. :) J kept asking when we were going to "go in & get cotton candy". He thought that we were in the parking lot at the fair.

Fabulous blog!

2008-07-13T22:46:00.001-07:00

Check out some beautiful jewelry here;

http://cinnamonsticksboutique.blogspot.com/

My birthday is coming, so I sent E a little hint. I don't wear a whole lot of jewelry, but I love the beauty & simplicity of these.

Lizard hunting attire

2008-07-11T00:36:00.000-07:00

J dashed outside to try to catch a lizard. I am constantly yelling at the kids to put shoes on because I get tired of digging splinters out of their feet. So, J didn't want to waste time going downstairs to find his own shoes & grabbed the closest pair at the back door...his sisters beloved pink cowgirl boots. He was annoyed that I made him stop for a quick photo. He thinks that he's going to catch a lizard or snake & keep it in that box. He usually collects beetles & roly polys & keeps them in there until they die. Last week, he crammed them in a shell. I was stretched out on the couch feeding K & felt something on my leg. I looked down & almost jumped off of the couch. There was a beetle on my leg & several more crawling on the couch. At least it wasn't a snake.

Are we ready for potty training?

2008-07-10T23:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, maybe that's wishful thinking. This is what happens when K is left unattended for 5min. I came back into the room to find him playing in the TP. Seriously, I was right around the corner, loading the dishwasher & realized that he was quiet. How on earth did he get it open & that quickly? He giggled & squeeled when he saw me. Then he threw the TP at me. Then came crawling toward me, collecting more TP on the way. The older two were appalled that I would photograph him doing such a thing. Gosh, he looks like E's dad so much in these photos. I'm thinking that it's the innocent blue eyes coupled with the ornery expression. As ornery as he is...he makes me want another, (that's the temporary insanity talking, cuz we're NOT having any more).

A clip to make you smile

2008-07-06T13:44:00.001-07:00

http://www.wherethehellismatt.com/

Copy & paste...blogger isn't allowing me to make the link clickable. grr. :)

Makes me happy!

Princess Session & Contest

2008-07-01T17:10:00.000-07:00

I would like to announce a fun session & contest for the month of August. I thought that it would be fun to have a "dress-up" session for little girls! I have several fun pettiskirts, (pinks, blue, black, rainbow, brown), or you are welcome to bring your own dress-up clothes. We can head to the Art's Center, a local park, or any (local) location of your choice. I will also bring necklaces, a free standing mirror, chaise lounge, etc. A fun aspect of this session is that I will be posting my favorite photo from each session (on my blog) & for viewers to vote on. The winning Princess will receive a gift certificate for a session, (to be used at a later date), & a free 8x10 standout print of the winning image. I have posted some images from past "dress-up" sessions. Just call the studio, or send me an email to get your session scheduled! *Session fee is due at the time of the session.*
Don't forget, if you have a Tom Boy, (like me), we can go a more "grunge" route & put some temporary tattoos on...they would look great with some converse, black pettiskirt & a tank top!