A thousand words

All work and no play...

2011-08-29T15:02:00.001-07:00

has been my life lately. I try not to complain about it cause there are many people out there who would love a job. I am thankful for making a living and actually don't dislike my job. Working the abundance of overtime hours in addition to the normal forty is wearing on me though. When I get off work I feel like doing nothing. I want my brain to just shut off. I miss my free time, I miss my camera, and more importantly I miss my family. Pity party here ;)

But with not much of a possible end in site I've decided to take it upon myself to make time for the other things no matter what. Time is just ticking away and passing me by...and when it's gone it's gone.

So with that in mind I grabbed some of James Star Trek Mini Mates the other day and took some time out to "play" I'm thinking of making a whole toys/legos type series.

"Chicks...Highly Illogical"

"Unfortunately, the Gorn was not prepared for Kirks version of "Rock,Paper,Scissors"

Dear Keats

2011-07-06T04:46:00.000-07:00

Ok so I missed your birthday post too(at least not as late as your brothers if you look below...gotta count for something, right?)

I cannot believe you are four (closer to five now). Soon you will be off to school and I don't even want to think about that. For now I will keep referring to you as my baby.

Because of your older brother I know some of the precious things I love so much about you have a limited time left. Like saying things wrong such as "My hams" which is clearly "My hands". Smiling at us while saying, "I make a smile face at you." The waking up every morning and whispering "You are my best mommy alive ever." Or the way you blow kisses and make me "Catch them and put them in your pocket for later!" Lately you have been throwing hugs too which I really think could catch on. I will miss when those stop being every day sayings and doings.

You are such a funny, sweet boy and every day you grow better.

Love,
Your best mommy alive ever

Happy Birthday Blaze!

2011-05-11T03:50:00.001-07:00

Ok so I realize your birthday was July 14th...and that it's really almost time for your next birthday. I'm sorry! Mother of the year award I will not win. But I did get your presents on your birthday, and a cake, and showered you with love. I also actually took these pictures around your birthday, just never got to blogging them. I can just see in the future this being something kids complain about, "My mom didn't even blog about me on my birthday!" The shame.

I love you more than anything. You are the funniest (and I mean real funny, not kid funny) boy I have ever met. You also love God which makes me so happy. You were so excited when you said a prayer with Keaton and talked about how happy you were you saved him. Things like that warm my heart. You also told me that God told you it was your calling to be a preacher. I love this page from your journal at school (the "I think" is part of a new sentence).

You are also still a completely ornery boy sometimes who loves to test his boundaries. I get that, I just hope you grow out of it soon.

I love you and hope you keep on being yourself because you are awesome.

That shirt describes you pretty well ;)

Thanks for being such a cool kid. And I promise to try and have a more timely birthday post this year!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

2011-05-05T03:56:00.000-07:00

I'm not even gonna apolagize for my serious lack of blogging. Why? Cause I have this amazing Cinco de Mayo picture (ok well amazing to me in context not picture quality that is)

Sometimes you just have your lights set up for product and you see a fake beard (doesn't every home have one of these?), your son, an old bummy hat, and someone suggests "Hey why not get a jar of mayonnaise in that picture!" That person is my genius husband. That results in this:

That's just how we roll in this house.

Don't call it a comeback!

2011-03-23T03:58:00.000-07:00

I am going to get this blog caught up and going even if it kills me. Ok that last part was just added for drama and all that...to make me feel better about my neglect. This week I will be catching up some old pictures (personal pictures never seem to get touched for me).

First up in other shocking news (besides me blogging)- a picture from the summer of my boys getting along!! I knew all things were possible.

Also over the summer they got these cool He-Man shirts. My kids/husband love a lot of things from the 80's and He-Man is top of the list. His friend designed these shirts for the kids and Blaze had the genius idea of doing a "Before Awesome Shirts/After Awesome Shirts" shot to show his appreciation.

Love Stinks

2011-02-15T03:26:00.000-08:00

...or maybe its just my blogging skills cause I am pretty sure love rocks.

Remember that time I was all, "I'm going to blog more!" and then I did! About two times. Well here is a cute face to make up for it.

Hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day!

P.S. A quick pictures of Blazes vday box James made. Its a shuttlecraft from Star Trek (I had to google to make sure that was right, I'm not full dork yet! There is still hope for me)

And the award for most photogenic goes to...

2011-01-17T07:23:00.000-08:00

Keaton?? I demand a recount.

At work I have this picture below as my screen saver.

Adorable right? My friend commented on how cute Keats was( no argument there) and how he was the perfect age for pictures, probably so cooperative. Now I could have said "Yes, he is such an angel" and anyone would believe it looking at the above picture. Instead I just laughed and laughed.

The truth is, Keaton is so hard to get a good picture of. Reason is-he is a comedic little ham.

I present to you exhibit A. (A disclaimer to the jury- these are all onboard flash snapshots, yet they best represent what I am about to show you)

This is a typical 15 minutes of Keaton. Notice how he is all over the place. Spinning in circles, making mean face, uninterested face, getting in your face face. I could go on.

But perhaps the best example of what I mean is "The Klingon Face"

Yes this is the same little boy as the first picture. How he twists his face like that, I have no idea.

The resemblance is uncanny.

So while I think my little boy is the cutest in the world, (I really, really do! He is super handsome)I would like it know that I work hard for adorable pictures. I rest my case.

Oh and for the record, I absolutely love every shot above. They crack me up just as much as he does.

Dear Thirty..

2011-01-12T04:12:00.000-08:00

Nice try, but I rock. I turned thirty last Friday and I remember when that just sounded so old. All the way up to last Thursday...then I decided it wasn't so old after all. Just in the nick of time.

Truth be told I actually think I like being thirty. Perhaps this novelty will wear off (I am quite sure at some point it will.) I really love my life though so that helps. Do I have everything I ever wanted by this age? Nope. Thank goodness because what fun would that be, I need things to work towards. I have an amazing husband and two beautiful boys who are my world. So while I don't have everything I would ever want, (still waiting to win the lottery)I do have everything I would ever need -Love.

Just to prove I don't feel or act my age here is something I still find hilarious.

Have you seen the ads for the baby snuggies? They are creepy. You know what isn't creepy? The Bobbisnuggie! Just ask my friend and satisfied customer Heather.

*no Heathers were harmed in the making of the Bobbisnuggie*

I also find this video hilarious (as in can't stop watching) These guys take news stories and make songs out of them. Auto-Tune the news is amazing..as is this lady in the video.

With maturity like this I will be forever young!

Oh Blog...and a couple of "favorite things" oversights

2011-01-03T04:31:00.000-08:00

2010 was not the best blogging year for me (or shooting year if I am being honest). I was just so unmotivated and in reflection it is sad to me. I'm not about setting unrealistic goals so there is no way I am going to say I will blog everyday or every week this year. I am however resolved to "blog more" Keeping it vague and obtainable.

Not only just blog more but shoot more, and more snapshots at that. I think I got stuck in a rut of picture perfect last year and I am going to be all about lifestyle this year and doing more things for me (like macros!), so hopefully a lot more personal stuff this year.

That being said I do have things from last year too that I just didn't even get a chance to blog so there will be some catch-up posts from time to time too (including my 8 year olds bday pics from July, horrible right??)

To start off I have to do a couple of oversights from my favorite things post a couple of posts down.

Cringer! I cannot believe I have never blogged about our cat before. We got her about nine months ago and she is perfect. I had wanted a kitten but Blaze insisted we get an older cat because "Everyone adopts kittens and its not fair to older cats to not get a home" He's kind of amazing, that kid. I'm pretty sure she was made for us because James was dead set on getting an orange tabby and naming it Cringer from He-Man. When we walked in there was a sign on her cage that said, "I know my name, Ginger" She has made the transition to Cringer just fine.

Vests. Ok, I am a little bit obsessed with vests. Possibly to the degree of unhealthy. I just love how cute they are! There are a couple missing here. I had just bought a new one a few weeks ago and a wise person said to me, "Nine vests! That's just crazy. You have a problem and admitting it is the first step." So I returned that one and am fully sane still. No Vests Anonymous for me!

Starbucks, oh Starbucks. You were fully one of my favorite things in 2010 but I plan on changing this. Last week I added up my Starbucks charges to my bank for the past 2 months and it was $130. $130!!! That is $780 a year. That's just dumb. So I will probably never be able to cut SB (we are on an initial basis) out completely, but I am set on a max of one a month.

Conflict of Interest

2010-12-29T04:16:00.001-08:00

I love Blaze. I hate my picture being taken. Blaze wants to take a picture of me for my blog. I really, really hate my picture being taken. Especially after a long day at work and my make-up is mostly gone. I really, really love Blaze. Especially that he loves taking pictures because I do.

Stupid love.

A few of my favorite things..

2010-12-24T10:21:00.000-08:00

In spirit of the Christmas song I thought I would blog about a few of the things I love (and happen to have pictures handy for).

Pajamas. Pj's are hands down my favorite type of kids clothes, it doesn't get any cuter.

Ben Folds! Ben has been my favorite artist since I was about 15. Holy crap I just realized that is almost half my life...and that I am almost 30, yikes! Anyway, I think it is known very well by my husband that if Ben Folds is playing within at least 2 hours of us we will be there.

Fall. The colors of fall are stunning, nuff said.

Tattoos! I know they are not for everyone but I love, love, love tattoos. This is my husbands most recent right after it was finished. Its Trap=Jaw from He-Man. Awesome bday gift from me :)

My macro. Definitely not the snow. I will say though I never really knew snowflakes were this intricate. I guess I never thought about it. So in this instance only I see the beauty of snow.

Sushi! Horrible picture I know, but I was hungry and just snapped so I could eat.

Smoke...taking pictures of it that is. I find this to be oddly relaxing.

Our multi-colored lights Christmas tree. I took this picture years ago and I still love it so much!

My hubby! This is him and his likeness that was drawn in one of the latest issues of a Star Trek comic (with his name for the characters name). A nerds dream come true, said affectionately of course.

And of course my amazing kids!! I love these boys more than words can describe.

Wishing a blessed Christmas to all!

Sneak Peek

2010-11-24T04:03:00.000-08:00

Just a couple of quick peeks of some cute kiddos! Don't they have the prettiest eyes ever!

My Best Friend's Wedding

2010-11-16T15:40:00.000-08:00

Name that movie! Oh wait that is the name of the movie..crap! Nevermind.

It's not every day that your best friend calls you and says, "So I'm going to have a surprise wedding at my Halloween party this year" I mean I probably should have suspected given she was proposed to inside one of those set up haunted houses...so they aren't exactly the most traditional couple.

They are however the most awesome couple and that is what they did. Her finace loves Halloween (see above mentioned proposal for verification) so this was just so perfect for them. Most people at the party didn't know and they were led down to a basement that was setup with an alter and had some of the following pictures I had taken set up on a table.

So Beautiful!

We took some more "Halloweenyish" (how's that for a made up word) pics too. These were so much fun!

I didn't take too many pics the night of the actual wedding but I really, really love this one. She is so serious that if he shoves cake in her face he is going to get some fist...and he just laughs. Love it.

Did I mention my best friend is amazing? She really, really is. I could probably go on forever giving examples if I had the time. She is one of the kindest people I have ever met and would do anything for the people she loves. I have never met anyone who gets me so well and I don't know what I would do without her.

And her now husband James? There is no way I could say anything bad about him. His name is James, he has black spikey-esque hair, he collects toys (mostly horror but still toys), his birthday is the first week in August, and thanks to a certain other James he now loves Star Trek. To say anything bad would be like insulting my own husband. So it goes without saying that he rocks too. They are a perfect couple.

I am so happy for you guys. I wish you long years of happiness and James and I are so lucky to have you as friends.

And how awesome is that full on Beetlejuice costume?!!?

Mamma Mia

2010-11-09T15:43:00.000-08:00

Every year I think I am going to take super cute "professional" quality pictures of my kids in their costumes. And every year ten minutes before Tick or Treat I get some snapshots of them in the front yard.

Timing has never been a strong area for me...hence the over a week late Halloween post. But none the less my kids are super cute, got that part down!

All night Blaze was asking anyone if they "Had any pasta in there?" in his perfected Italian accent while Keaton just fussed with his moustache. It was pretty awesome.

I wish this boy would just stop being so serious all the time!

Throwing firebombs. Or peace signs, whatever it is that Marios do.

Apparently this is Blaze's new go-to pose.

If Blaze does it his shadow Keats will surely have to try it too.

To see the Pete and Repeat show in full effect (and get to hear their awesome accents) watch the video below. It's adorable if I do say so myself.

Pokerface....A Cautionary Tale

2010-10-13T15:46:00.000-07:00

It was a normal day at work ..or so it seemed. Heather Heat(* Last names have been changed to protect identity) walked through the crisp fall air with a little skip in her step. As she swiped her badge she thought to herself, "This is going to be a jazztastic day!" And then she did a little jazz hands dance…which was weird but the security guy just smiled and shook his head.

As she walked to her desk she noticed poker tables set up all around. "Good golly me" she thought, "I totally forgot it was poker day! I have been reading up on poker on Wikipedia for days in preparation for this (Wikipedia is not affiliated and has not sponsored Heather Heat).

She knew the tournament wasn't for another 3 hours and 22 minutes so she would have plenty of time to grow out her stache. She donned her glasses and practiced her best pokerface.

During the first game she concentrated hard and whispered to herself I hope that they don't notice I touch my mustachio when I bluff.

For a moment she thought she was going to lose it all.

But she came out victorious and gave her fans a thumbsupski!

After that first game Heat was elated! She was unstoppable…and she was addicted.

On her way to lunch before the finals she found a poorly constructed visor hat in the parking lot. "That's weird", she thought to herself. None the less and with no regard for cleanliness she plunked it down on her head.

Little did she know that it's previous owners had called that hat, "The hat of doom" and had thrown it out the window after stubbing their toe. That was all it took for them.

Needless to say Heather did not win the poker tournament that day. And her moustache fell off, it refuses to grow back. You can find her now holding this sign and just waiting for her next chance to become the poker champion.

Don't let this happen to you or your loved ones!

P.S. Poker day at work ='s totally awesome. I have never played before so if you notice I don't blog for awhile it probably means I lost my computer, my car, my house, etc. in a poker game.

Fake it till you make it...

2010-10-07T16:34:00.000-07:00

That's my philosophy with studio lights. Ok not really, but I haven't quite mastered them yet. I do a lot of reading and looking but not quite enough practicing. That's my goal for the upcoming slow period in the new year. So it "might" have been my goal for last year too...you don't know me!

With subjects as cute as my nephews though it's impossible to mess up ;)

A PSA about PCS

2010-10-05T16:44:00.000-07:00

So I sat down and was going to post a "Many faces of Blaze" blog of random shots I have taken throughout the summer when I realized something serious.

There was only one face of Blaze this summer. Due to an unfortunate disease known as PCS he was unable to smile in front of a camera.

I know that there are probably many of you with questions on PCS so I put together a little Q&A for you.

Q- "What is PCS?"
A- PCS is an illness that stands for Photographer's Child Syndrome.

Q- Is my child at risk?
A- Unfortunately PCS is all too common. If you are a photographer or even an active hobbyist chances are you or someone you know has already been affected by PCS.

Q- What are the symptoms of PCS?
A- Lack of eye contact, refusal to smile, same look for every picture... running away and screaming if a camera is seen are all signs of PCS. Also if you hear your child saying, "No more pictures" as they are sleeping or refusing to have anything to do with cheese this could be a sign they have contacted PCS.

Q- Is PCS contagious?
A- I am happy to report that PCS is not contagious as my younger son has been PCS free for 3 years now.

Q- Is there a cure for PCS?
A- Unfortunately no cure has yet been found. There are temporary remedies such as bribes that may ease you through this period.

Below are some examples to show you what PCS might look like. Now this was not a serious case so remember PCS comes in many forms.

Starting to see a little crack in his facade here.

In all seriousness what I love most about these pictures are his eyes (ok and his lips..I am a little jealous of his perfect lips!). Blaze has always had a little bit of a lazy eye. We thought his having glasses might correct it but they weren't really so he has started to have to wear a patch this summer for six hours a day and I already see a huge difference.

Oh and just so he doesn't have any of you fooled...this is the Blaze I know and love.

Keats Levy

2010-09-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

Holy blog neglect Batman! I feel like this summer was over before I even knew it (not complaining about it being Fall though!). I have sessions that I have shot and edited that I haven't even blogged yet (hopefully I will get to sharing those soon)

The next few posts I am sure will be devoted to catching up on my snapshots of my kids though (and even a planned session with them-woot!) It always seems like my personal pictures back up so quick -anyone else have this problem? Hopefully nobody gets tired of my adorable kids over the next few posts ;)

First up a little Keats Levy. James says I am the worst person at the "Hey he looks like (insert celebrity name here)game. I disagree, pretty sure I rock at it. For example I nailed this Eugene Levy look a like.

Even has his smile down!

Too far?? ;)

So you wanna be a rock superstar...

2010-08-09T17:00:00.001-07:00

For such an adorable kid he can sure make some mean rocker faces!

Personal favorite!

And while I was all happy for teaching myself to make gifs (so easy!) I made a little Happy Feet one too.

If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me?

2010-07-22T15:51:00.000-07:00

I was just looking out my door and saw all the birds flying around so I snapped a picture. I kind of love it...who hasn't thought of how great it would just be to fly away sometimes?

ETA - I did not realize how dark this sounded till a couple of comments lol. I just like that song but rest assured if I fly away it will only be for a couple of hours... probably between 9 and 5 ;)

Maybe this is how it's supposed to be...

2010-07-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

Looking forward as we rewind
looking back is a trap sometimes
being here is so easy to do

Adorable Kids Alert

2010-06-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

This whole family was so sweet and adorable, I just had to do some quick edits of the kids and the family shots will soon follow.

Seriously how cute is he?

And her??? Can I just tell you that this little girl was laughing the whole session...and I loooved it. She has such a beautiful spirit about her and so much personality in those eyes. She said her favorite princess was Cinderella but she reminded me so much of Snow White.

A Birthday and a Brother

2010-06-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

Can you think of a better birthday gift than your very own brother?? Abby is getting ready to turn 3 (what a fun age!) and I am so excited about her new little bro Gabe. I have been taking pictures of Abby since she was born and to be able to do the same for her brother is amazing. I can't wait to watch him as he grows. I think that one of my favorite parts about taking pictures is getting to watch little ones grow into their own personalities.

Love his face!

2010-06-22T17:25:00.000-07:00

Who needs a Keaton fix? I had my lights out and his pjs were too cute to pass up!

I love the moodiness b/w adds here.

And this is by far one of my favorite pics of Keats at three. That pout and attitude! It's something I want him to grow out of of course but I secretly have to turn my head and smile when he gives these looks. Apparently I haven't been hiding too well though because I am pretty sure he knows just how much he can get away with...and it is too much.

Eeek, loves it!

Holy Cuteness Batman

2010-06-17T19:11:00.000-07:00

I just got home from this shoot not too long ago but I had to immediately post a picture. He was so amazingly smiley and hands down easiest baby I have photographed. Way more to come on this little guy and his awesome family.

Gotta run...part 3 of Real Housewives of New York Reunion. Don't judge me ;)

If all the buildings fall...

2010-06-16T19:29:00.000-07:00

..and all the stars fade, we'll still be singing this song, the one they can't take away.

I just had to post a picture real quick from a wedding this weekend. How gorgeous is this couple?? It was sweltering outside (my lens was literally fogging up from the humidity)and yet they still look picture perfect.

I will be back soon to post more of these but right now I have a three year old who needs to get to bed (seriously what 3 year old is wide awake at 10:40? Jealous much?)

Ok I couldn't resist one more... Does their son not remind you of a little Zack Morris?? Could this be because I desperately want a Saved by the Bell reunion..perhaps, but I digress. James took this one. I love that he shoots with me now!

'Cause I love you more than I could ever promise...

2010-06-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

Just a quick sneak peek of a wedding..more to come soon :)

A Face Only a Mother Could Love..

2010-05-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

"Oh yeah Mom I would love to take some pictures today!"

How could I have not suspected it was a trick???

But he gave me some keepers too..because all in all he is an amazing kid. A goofy goober a lot...but an amazing one with a face everyone can love.

If you ever bored and want to read some funny stories about above amazing kid check out my husbands blog here:

Stuff My Sons Say

He needs to update it because there have been many more awesome stories, it's worth bookmarking!

P.S. Hello again blog, computers that crash stink. My next one will be a mac for sure.

Puppy Power

2010-04-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

Just a couple quick pictures of my sisters new pup, too cute to resist!

Awesome, she has already perfected the look my kids give me!

Getting to know you..

2010-04-08T14:33:00.001-07:00

Finally my replacement camera came in! I have to say that this 5d is a bit of a different animal that my 40d.

At first I kind of felt like this.

I am used to speed and this camera is quite a bit slower...which I expected but it still feels so different. I kind of feel like I am starting over and missing some of my shots. Truth be told though I was getting a little bored though so it feels good to be pushed.

One of my ~~kids~~ models was more cooperative than the other to test it out

I love how things feel like they look a bit more 3d now..even if it's all in my head.

Of course cooperative is a very subjective term.

I know the two above aren't as sharp as others but they are a pretty big crop..and he's cute so I don't care ;)

Another bonus to the new camera -I recently had to sell my fisheye but I miss it less now that my lenses are at their full widestness (I <3 making up words).

I am a b/w aholic as it is but something about the b/w's from this camera make me a little giddy inside. They seem to be moodier.

I adore this!

Yeah that cooperation thing apparently only works when they are getting to stay outside...when its time to go in there is a huge fit.

So wrong yet so right...he will laugh at this when he is older right?

So all in all I am loving/learning the new camera. These outdoor pictures were taken in pretty low light so I don't think they are the fairest test to see what it is capable of. Hopefully this weekend will be nice so I can play some more.

P.S.
Random Orko on the belly snap!

Pretty sure this kid will get a tattoo when he is older.

Oh hey there March...

2010-03-21T15:21:00.001-07:00

Wow I just realized I have not blogged at all this month. In my defense it has literally been March Madness at my house. I have been in major redecorating mode which included new living room furniture, new bedroom furniture for me, new bunk beds for the boys (who decided they wanted to share...can't wait to see how long that lasts), painting the living room, painting my bedroom, and finally taking down the wallpaper that has been in the kitchen(and hated) since we moved in. Who created wallpaper?! I mean some of it can be pretty but wow what a pain. The kitchen is still only half way done but it feels good to get the bulk of it out of the way. So thankful for James dad doing most of the work!

So that plus this potty training trouble maker (in the cutest way)made taking pictures kind of hard.

During this time I did get a 5d classic though!! And got some quick test shots with it.

Got some obligatory?? He-man figure shots too...love the colors on this camera!

I also love the shutter sound on the camera(does that make me weird?).....but mine had a defect and had to be sent back. For some reason all the outdoor pics had a one inch streak running through them, major bummer! I am really hoping to get the new one back this week. Ok so I feel all caught up now, gonna try to be a better blogger in the future!

Safe and Sound

2010-02-22T15:44:00.000-08:00

The worlds a scary place here
But baby it's alright
I'll make sure the coast is clear
So you can just sleep tight
~Matthew West

If you haven't heard that song I suggest it...it's so beautiful. Just like this baby!

I got to use my pod!! On the sweetest little pea around I think, how perfect is her dress for this??!

Sigh...newborns. <3<3 Nothing more precious in this world.

Regrets, I've had a few

2010-02-21T15:56:00.000-08:00

Last year around this time I bought a macro lens. I thought I wasn't using it much and sold it...immediate regret. So I Bought it again this year and now I know it will be mine forever.

Of course I'm not venturing out in the cold and snow to take a pic so this is what was closest to me.

Then Keats peeked around the door to see what I was doing with his Ghostbusters and I snapped this. I forgot what a great portrait lens this will make too. (cropped out most of his messy playroom of course)

Oh and I also ordered a new camera....one some might say is a classic choice ;) It gets here tomorrow and I can't wait!!

One Little Monkey...

2010-02-15T15:52:00.000-08:00

Hiding from the snow! Oh how I want to hide with him.

This is my face, I've got a thousand opinions and not the time to explain...

2010-02-11T17:07:00.000-08:00

I'm not really sure why I am posting this...I hate self portraits. I swear I am one of those people who is so much more adorable in real life. Pictures just make me feel like a dork and I don't know how to "put it on" for the camera. Which is why I take the pictures.

But I had James snap a picture on my birthday last month and just did nothing with it. Converted to b/w to conceal my Snuggie background (even more useful than you thought!)

Look how much my hair has grown though!!! Last time I took self portraits:

Dang that kinda makes me want to get my hair cut again...hmmm.

Random, Random, Random

2010-02-09T14:36:00.000-08:00

I was sick 3 days last week and by the time I finally got better I was snowed in. I am now officially sick again...of snow. I need to get out of my house and shoot some things!! I refuse to get cold though so this is what I have resorted to...help!

I have been loving just taking some snapshots though. Like Blaze and his little shadow friend doing something he isn't supposed to (ok I granted permission this time, horrible mom)

Love, love this snapshot!

I even set up a little time just to play with my flash off camera for a bit (too lazy to drag out the bee)

Bad Boy Keats

Angel Keats

If it snows again tomorrow I might cry. Just sayin.

This has been a random post by Bobbi Sawyer.

Oops I Did It Again

2010-02-07T14:56:00.000-08:00

James cracks me up when he draws on the kids...doesn't he just look like he is plotting to take over the world???

And in me related news I got a new tattoo last Saturday!! I know tattoos aren't for everyone but I looove them. It's on my wrist and this is just the day after. After it's fully healed I will have to try and take some better pics of it.

I just love the simple feminine design here and "The Luckiest" is a nod to a Ben Folds song. Favorite singer ever!

The song was our wedding song and it's engraved on our rings...and now it is engraved on me. <3 it!

I Love You Free

2010-01-31T16:50:00.000-08:00

Wow, this picture just captures one of those moments when you look at your kid and wonder how they got this old? It's hard to believe that my tiny little six pound baby is seven now (going on 17 it seems). He has such a serious side and I just see intelligence in his eyes. He's going to do big things.

But it's that goofy kid side that I hope he never grows out of that just cracks me up.

Love this kid.

Happy Birthday Keats!

2010-01-24T16:11:00.000-08:00

It's so funny to look back at our babies and remember how small they once were. I remember how it looks but I have to really think back to how it feels..and I can never quite get there. I miss the way he fit so perfectly in my arms and being able to gaze at him for seemingly forever before he ran away.

At a teensy three months.

Right at one year old.

He looks so young and still babyish.

Last shot with those curls.

Right after I caved and cut his hair off (after his 2nd birthday as I promised the hubs..still kinda mad about it ;)

And now he is three. As I miss those baby moments above I love the little man he has become. The ball of energy who cracks me up, and surprises me with kisses, and hugs, and "I love you Mommys", and phrases like, "Mom your shirt is beautiful" Who loves He-Man, Ghostbusters, Star Trek (nothing from the past 20 years it seems). Who is perfect in every single way. Even when he is being incredibly naughty I think to myself how adorable he is, and that says something...as well as makes it insanely difficult to discipline.

Playing around in photoshop. I love how old school this looks.

I think I like this cropped closer until I get a baseboard for my "floor"

I cannot even say how much I love this kid, it can't be put into any amount. The last three years have just flown by so I really need to make a plea with time to slow down.

P.S- I don't know why my vertical pics are looking pixely (or if its my eyes) but I am too tired to fix them tonight, sorry!

Beginnings

2010-01-18T14:51:00.000-08:00

And I am not just talking about the baby here, but this was my first maternity so it was a beginning for me too. I was a little nervous (as I am with all new things) but excited as well. It was so much fun.

I just wanted to share this one for now because it is the one that caught my eye the most. It's so perfect to me.

It's not just about the belly...and trust me at 9 months pregnant it is all about the belly. But it's about the love between two people who have made the most important decision of their lives, to make room for more love. They already have two beautiful children and are amazing parents and decided to share more of that love. Love is such an amazing thing in that it's free, it never runs out, and the more you give of it the more you get back.

Phil and Felicia I can't wait to see your little addition!

Dear Snow

2010-01-13T15:46:00.001-08:00

Ok so you look pretty floating down but I'm going to be honest here. I'm not a big fan. I don't like the way I immediately feel nervous knowing I have to drive in you. I don't like being cold (detest as a matter of fact). I don't like the way my car gets all dirty from the salt trucks (this is your fault you know) I don't like how you melt and get gross looking. We are just not going to be friends....

But I do love the way you reflect beautifully in my room making it much easier to capture my baby ~~annoyingly~~ adorably avoiding looking at me.

Gotcha!

So I will tolerate you...but only a maximum of 2 more times this year. Thank you.

P.S. It's making me so sad how old he looks here...3 in two weeks :(

Cheater, Cheater

2010-01-11T16:01:00.001-08:00

So this isn't a new picture but I just realized I never shared it...so that counts right?? I was waiting for my SIL's Christmas cards to go out before posting the picture and then just got too busy in the holiday shuffle. But I'm sharing now and that's all that matters.

Aren't they a picture perfect family?! Six people looking at the camera at the same time is what I call a little Christmas miracle.

Snow Day Snaps

2010-01-07T16:06:00.000-08:00

It's inevitable on a snow day that you will get bored at some point. Might I suggest drawing on your children?? It's fun for all!

A little something called Mirror Mirror Spock...aka Evil Spock.

Trust me he's having fun but Spock doesn't smile..it would be illogical. (Crap I am officially a nerd now, thanks James)

Nice Mole! (any Icarly fans out there??)

The arm tattoos (minus the Mom heart) are replicas of the ones James has.

Keats was napping for the most part but he woke up for a little Evil Spock action.

He doesn't get the no smiling rule but he's catching on.

Instax+Me=Big Time Love

2010-01-04T17:42:00.000-08:00

James got me an early birthday gift!! 1) Because I am impatient. 2) Because he is awesome!

I was a huge Polaroid lover from a teen. There is just something about those pictures that I have always loved. Unfortunately it is way too pricey for a Polaroid these days. I became obsessed with this guy:

The instax mini!! I am seriously in love, this thing just rocks my face off.

My scanner is crappy so I just took pictures of my pictures. This really doesn't do justice to how awesome this camera is. The colors are great and it is sharp for an instant picture!

And just for fun the following pictures were taken with Blaze's camera I bought him for Christmas( he will soon be my guest blogger). Every year on New Years we exchange bad Christmas gifts. This year I am pretty sure the inflatable clown costume I gifted was the winner..followed closely by the sweet Members Only jacket my hubby received.

Sadly one of my favorite pictures ever.

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things

2010-01-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

Hello 2010! Ok so I have goals of being a way better blogger this year, taking more pictures for just myself...and being in more pictures myself. I really hope I do good on that last one but who knows. I honestly think I have about 5 pictures of Keaton and I together..and he is almost 3. That realization is sad enough to motivate me.

Before I start posting on the new year though I should really see 2009 off properly with some of my favorite pictures from the year. I couldn't really narrow it down between the three ~~thrown together~~ beautifully made collages so I am just posting all three.

Oh I also have a goal to gain 15 pounds! I figure saying I'm going to lose never works so I will try opposite and see what happens ;)

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T16:04:00.000-08:00

Wow my blog really suffers during the holidays doesn't it??

I know a lot of you have seen my Christmas card but I wanted to post it on here as well. My husband would be upset if I didn't give him credit for this card idea and I don't blame him cause it is super cute! I said I wanted to do something different so he built me this stand.

I did come up the idea of raising Keatons price though lol. Originally it was going to be marked down from $5 to $4 but we thought that's not how Keats rolls.

Pictures that didn't make the cut (which I didn't really process).

Now that I think about it I should have put these on the back ;)

I wish everyone a beautiful, blessed Christmas with the ones you love!

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

2009-12-10T17:27:00.001-08:00

I can never get over how angelic children look when they sleep. I think it is the closest I could ever get back to that moment when they are born when I realize God made mine just for me. That they are blank canvases waiting to become the person they are and that I am responsible for so much of that person. It all hits me again as I watch and wander what they are dreaming of. I love that feeling.

Of course I love when they wake up too and that blank "I just woke up" stare.

It never takes Keats long to break into a smile after waking up though.

A different day but same messy hair <3

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2009-12-06T15:10:00.000-08:00

Ok so this is my picture of my tree from last year. But I love it so much and my tree hasn't changed so I reblogging it..cause I can ;)

While decorating this year Blaze said, "Hey look Mom, I decorated my tree!!"

Which of course caused me to laugh and brought the camera out so he had to decorate himself too.

My kids are awesome.

I'm dreaming of a Canon Christmas..

hint, hint ;)

Playing Catch-Up

2009-11-29T15:17:00.000-08:00

Am I the only one out there with a ton of unedited personal photos? I really hope not, but it seems like I have a million. Little by little I am trying to work on them...and someday I would like to do a few year in review books. But that is a whole new mountain to climb.

Here are a few pics I found from earlier this summer I snapped of Blaze and his awesome cousins while chilling at my moms :)

Only 999,996 to go!

Awesome Peeps

2009-11-23T18:20:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun taking pictures for my friend Heather, aren't they the cutest??!!

How pretty is she?? So jealous of her curly hair.

I <3 freckles!

Hello gorgeous eyes!

Heather and Brian are recently engaged! If I am getting the story right he sewed wings onto a pig and put the ring inside that. I love creativity in a proposal..almost as much as I love this picture.

Cowboys and Bows

2009-11-18T16:53:00.000-08:00

You know it's going to be a good time when, "Someone brought their guns and hat" is one of the first things said at a session!

Gorgeous family!

This little guy is seriously one of the easiest kids I have ever photographed. So smiley and adorable. He loves the camera..almost as much as he loves cowboys.

When you are this little it is impossible not to look completely adorable.

I got some great pictures of Tex looking at the camera decked out in his gear (how cute is that!) My ~~lovely assistant~~ genius husband got this idea to set up this picture. Being a cowboy is hard work and you have to catch your sleep when you can.

I so love this shot, I can just see it hanging in his room.

Dear Abby

2009-11-17T14:22:00.001-08:00

Ha! Get it. Anyways, moving on from my dorkness. I am so lucky to get to photograph such beautiful children and Abby is definitely one of my favorites!

And a quick outtake...who wants to take bets on whether or not she caught the cookie her dad tossed her? ;)

Time is flying by

2009-11-15T16:15:00.000-08:00

One year ago...

today..

Same lens, same shirt but so many changes. The lens that I used then was rented and I now own it. The shirt barely fits and drifts up in the tummy.

And the boy, oh the boy. His curls are gone as much as that baby look. His once perfectly straight teeth are now a bit crooked from a fall. No longer is it, "Can you help me Mommy?" It's now, "You not help me, I help me" There are no more one words, it is all sentences now. There are distinct likes and dislikes. There is a personality that is growing everyday.

It's a bit sad, bittersweet. But it is also very beautiful and I embrace the changes as much as the memories.

Yard Work

2009-11-05T16:58:00.000-08:00

I have been getting so much better about taking snapshots of my boys without making them "portraits" I took a few while working around the yard and even managed to get one of Blazey before he ran in. He hates being outside for too long.

I love these boys so much..in fact gotta go squeeze them right now.

He looks so Emperor Palpatine..I think that is the right name??

Halloween

2009-11-04T15:44:00.000-08:00

These really aren't the best pictures ever (on board flash even, gasp!) But I had to show off the incredible job my husband did with the costumes.

Keats wanted to be He-Man so James made his whole costume. With the exception of the sword. One of James friends was making his kid a He-Man costume too so he made both of the swords and James painted Keats. They both made amazing He-Mans!

For those of us that don't remember exactly what He-Man looked like here is a picture of a toy (how sad that I had this in my archives)

And here is my little Keats-Man.

He loved it!!

Blaze actually wanted to be something scary this year! Which is so different for him. James also did a lot of work with the fur on his clothes.

My husband rocks at being a Daddy...and a husband.

Electric Blue Eyes

2009-11-03T17:05:00.001-08:00

I never really noticed until I started taking pictures how many people have gorgeous blue eyes.

I really like this one in b/w too.

Just a little sneak peek of a gorgeous family.

Adorableness!

2009-11-02T17:12:00.001-08:00

It's the return of the cutest kid ever! I took E's pictures about two years ago and he just keeps getting cuter. I seriously want to bottle this kid up and take him home. He is so, so smart. I love his voice and the way he says Miss Bobbi... and how polite he is... and the questions he asks..ok let's face it he is awesome!

Just one quick picture for now. It's been sick time at my house but everything is looking up and I can get back to work!

Family Sneak Peak

2009-10-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

Don't you love it when families get together for pictures??

Just a couple of quick pics for you Rachel. Sorry it took a couple of day, been taking care of the baby boy. Germ season stinks!

A One Year Old Moose

2009-10-25T18:12:00.001-07:00

A few more from Brody's one year pictures.

It's Moose on a moose! Who would be some awesome to pick out such a gift...a wait that would be me...

Hello Gap model!

Cause blue eyes you are destiny's scene

2009-10-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else love that song Blue Eyes by Cary Brothers. If you haven't heard it I suggest it :)

My computer time has been limited so I will probably be doing a couple of different posts with Brodys official one year old pics as I do them over the next couple of days. Including an awesome cake smash!

Here is one for now.

And since I am only doing one I don't feel guilty about putting up the b/w version too!

Secrets DO make friends

2009-10-18T14:16:00.000-07:00

Finally I can post these, yay! I took "secret" pictures for my brother in law about a month ago so he could surprise my sister in law.. He wanted to completely redo their bedroom and have the pictures hanging when she came home for work. Isn't that such an awesome idea?!! I love secret pictures.

I am so proud of the boys for keeping the secret too. Blaze would have told me probably the same day the pictures were taken.

When she got home these were hanging on her freshly painted walls.

I just love this picture and the brotherly love.

Gun Show

2009-10-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

Definition: Gratuitous display of biceps, commonly referred to as "guns."

Used in a sentence:
"Which way to the gunshow?" (points with arm bent at the elbow) "Is it THAT way?"

I don't know about you but I have a front row seat ;)

And the award goes to...

2009-10-14T16:43:00.000-07:00

Me!! For being the worst blogger of the year. I could blame it on work, and kids and such but just keeping it real here. It's all that Bejewled Blitz game on facebook. I am obsessed with it.

I felt the need though to prove I have not given away my adorable children so here they are.

These snaps were taken a month ago though so I am not sure that is the best proof ;)

Puppy Love

2009-10-05T17:58:00.001-07:00

Our family has expanded....by one adorable Golden retriever.

10 points to who can guess his name...

Hint he's yellow and the boys named him....

Could it be anything other than Kirk??! After the captain himself....love it!

We brought him home late (and completely unplanned but loved). Keats had fallen asleep on the couch and he woke up when we came in. He just kept looking at the dog and back at us like he couldn't believe it was real.

Blaze woke up much later to see him (no pictures, sad face :(). He loves him but as the much more cautious one he has to work his way up the level of infatuation Keaton has. Blaze is a bit afraid of the nipping.

Immediately after seeing the picture of Keaton above I broke down and got the much needed haircut.

Have I mentioned Keats loves this dog!

He is so stinking cute!! Look at those blonde eyelashes!

Welcome Kirk!

Dracula's House

2009-09-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

At least that's what this mausoleum looked like to me. There are some gorgeous cemeteries where I live. A part of me feels a little uneasy taking pictures of the gravestones but not as much with the bigger structures. I think they were made so beautifully so people could appreciate that beauty.

I played with a little texture here.

And then I got really crazy with it.

It's Fall!!

2009-09-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

Give it up dandelion, Fall wins! And I couldn't be happier...fall colors, fall clothes, fall scents, pumpkins, and eggnog lattes, and halloween, and sweaters... Ok I will stop but I am really super happy it's fall!

Shout-out

2009-09-21T16:09:00.001-07:00

I wanna give a shot out to the Brodster...aka Moose. My nephew will be turning one tomorrow, Happy Early Birthday. It's been so fun watching you grow! Now that you are one I can officially hold you without worry of breaking you ;)

Birth:

3 months:

Still the cutest pouty face e-va!

6 months:

Hungry Eyes.

9 months:

I have not taken the official 1 year pictures yet but I did grab a couple of quick snaps for a card:

He's gonna be a football player, he is.

Now if that doesn't make you want to go out and have another baby I don't know what will!

What Do You See?

2009-09-15T15:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry to post the same subject two days in a row but these were too much fun.

Yesterday was all about the pretty simple swirls and today these are when I started seeing things (or inhaled too much incense smoke lol). I posted some of these on facebook and I really love how everyone sees something different.

I really see a dude on horse here but James sees nothing. Am I the only one..it's ok if I am crazy.

A dancer perhaps with her arms outstretched?

This is when I really started playing with the symmetry of the smoke.

Lungs? Kissing fish? A bra?

Blaze saw the butterfly on the outs while I concentrated on an ant outline in the middle.

I loved how playing with the symmetry of it could totally change the whole thing.

You know I can't figure this one out I just like it. From my facebook I got and eagle or hands raising to the heavens. I'll go with those.

Pretty sure this could only be an X.

A heart...until on facebook Jess said mushrooms and I totally see that now!

When I inverted it though it the only thing I could see was a mask/face..I see a lot of faces.

I saw something like seahorses with wings..or maybe Pegasuses? Is that the right plural for Pegasus..oh wait those aren't real?? ;)

Smoke

2009-09-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

Where do all
the secrets live?
they travel in the air
you can smell them
when they burn
they travel

Those who say
the past is not dead, can
stop and smell the smoke
you keep saying
the past is not dead, well,
stop and smell the smoke
you keep on saying
the past is not even past, and
you keep saying

We are...
smoke

-Ben Folds Five

I had a burst of creativity and energy (how rare lately) and took some pictures of incense smoke. I have been wanting to try this for awhile. It's tricky but so addicting. I see some things I can improve on for sure.

It's calming to actually just watch the smoke burn and then to start seeing the shapes inside of the smoke. In some of them there were very distinct shapes and I started seeing faces..lol kind of trippy but very cool. These were some of the more pretty and normal looking ones. Tomorrow I will try to share some of the more fun things.

My fave is the last flamey one!

Q T

2009-09-10T16:49:00.001-07:00

My favorite little redhead, besides myself ;) Doesn't she just remind you of Strawberry Shortcake?

Snapshot Sunday

2009-09-06T18:36:00.000-07:00

Someone gets a little crazy before bedtime.

Zooage

2009-09-01T16:46:00.001-07:00

We went to the zoo the other day with our friends Nick, Melissa, and their son Mahi. Such a fun time, thanks guys for coming! Sorry there are going to be a lot of pictures in this post (so I tried to make them a bit smaller than normal, which seems to make them look pixely. Oh well)

I will start off with the animals . It seemed like a lot of them were sleeping so I didn't take a ton of pictures.

Is it weird that the gorillas always make me sad? I feel really bad taking their pictures because it seems they have something in their eyes asking for everyone to please just leave them alone and let them be. It feels like such an intrusion.

I love this shot, it is just so sweet the way the hand is under the chin of the baby <3

Elephants, and rhinos, and bears. Oh my!

The zoo proves that I can take snapshots! Well as much as I could with a telephoto lens. It was in and out of sun/clouds all say so it was to hard to try and be perfect. Here are just some of the random snaps from thoughout the day.

The kind of monkeys I don't mind feel bad taking pictures of:

This N That

2009-08-30T16:19:00.000-07:00

I gotta admit the summer blues hit me hard this year. I have just been not as motivated to photograph (especially when it comes to my own kids)or blog. There is just something about heat that doesn't agree with me.

This weekend was pretty beautiful though in a not scorching hot kind of way which has me so looking forward to fall.

I thought I would just share some random pictures that haven't made it to the blog in hopes to get me motivated to share more. Let's see if it helps...

A random fishy of my Keats:

and my niece Kiki:

My adorable nephews:

Couldn't get enough of this cutie:

A beautiful family:

My little vampire finally lost some top teeth (making 6 total!)

And one of my favorite shots ever (that isn't of my own child of course)

I Have the Power??

2009-08-24T15:55:00.001-07:00

How many people can say they spent their Sunday taking pictures of He-Man figures? I guess that is just one of the many perks of being married to my adorable and sexy husband (James is standing over my shoulder and made me put those things in...not that they aren't true Mr. Modest).

He has a Star Trek blog where he reviews figures and is getting ready to start a He-Man one and asked me to take some pictures.

Toys are such a nice change every once in awhile. They don't move or talk back and let me practice a little off camera flash outside.

I won't post them all but here are a couple of the cooler figures. Any old schoolers out there recognize any of these ( don't worry I didn't either)

Not A Neak!

2009-08-19T16:33:00.000-07:00

So we were on the way home from a party and mistakenly let Keats hold his goody bag. I hear some rustling and glance back. He is curled in the corner of his carseat, completely facing the window.

"Keaton what are you doing?!" Startled he throws the bag down but the chocolate is already on his face. "You little sneak!" (laughing the whole time of course) was quickly followed back with and indignant, "I'm not a Neak!!"

Look at this face, it can't be trusted.

So cute but definitely a "Neak"

Goodbye Summer

2009-08-13T17:16:00.001-07:00

I have been taking a little break to spend as much time with Blaze as I can before school starts next week. But a couple of people told me I need to update the blog so I found an older picture I never shared. I will be back to full blogging mode next week ( well as much as full is for me)

Keaton really has this thing where he loves his pictures being taken....which results in him charging the camera...which results in throw away shots. There was something about this one that made me want to keep it. Though I am pretty sure I won't print it to hang on my walls I still like it in my own little weird way.

It's the eyes, they get me every time.

I actually liked this in b/w too, it's one of those ones I just couldn't decide.

Say it with me...

2009-08-03T15:29:00.001-07:00

Adorable!

Even her serious face was so stinking cute.

This chair has been my favorite photography related purchase this year...and that's saying a lot.

I always love a good kissy face, those are some seriously gorgeous lips!

Have I said before how much I love babies...<3 them!

Calm

2009-07-31T14:48:00.001-07:00

I've never really tried water drop photos before but I always loved the way they looked. They always seem so calming and you can almost hear the plopping sound of the drop.

It is a messy experiment (for me anyway) but I am going to have to attempt it again cause there are a couple of things I would do different. These still turned out pretty cool though!.

Someday

2009-07-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

Someday he will learn how to wear his glasses correctly...I hope. He looks so old to me here. I mean he has always looked older then his age but for some reason especially here. I have to remind myself that he is only seven.

Green Eyes

2009-07-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

Honey you are the sea, upon which I float

I love that song by Coldplay. Did you know that only 2% of the worlds population have green eyes and it's the least common color among humans. That's a little bit of random knowledge for my blogging friends.

I <3 Heather(One for the peanut gallery)

2009-07-26T14:46:00.001-07:00

Ok so some of you have probably seen my friend Heather on here before. Here she is testing the light for me a year or so ago (dude your hair was long then!)

Anyways I was taking her sisters family pictures and I just snapped this of the little one when I think we were moving locations just cause he was cracking me up dancing.

He's so gangsta! When I sent the picture to Heather at work she said he looked so much like Uncle Rico(Napoleon Dynamite). Five minutes later I received this:

Best day of my life!!! That is some serious talent with the paint program, check out that ring!

I countered with this but I have nowhere near her skills.

Good times...cause you know we are like 12 :)

Perfection

2009-07-24T16:45:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we strive so hard for perfection that we forget that imperfection is happiness
~Karen Nave

To the eye this picture is far from perfection....but to my heart it speaks volumes.

It wasn't a planned shot I was just taking pictures of Keaton, really just playing when Blaze wandered out and sat beside him and kissed him. That just doesn't happen. They love each other. I know that but sometimes I wonder if they are too far apart in age to be good friends and I hate thinking that.

There is just something in this shot though. Something about the kiss. Something about the arm around his little brother in a seemingly protective manner. Something about the look in Keatons eyes..just something that tells me they will always be there for each other.

I love every single imperfection in this picture.

S'up Dudes

2009-07-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

Keats just reminds me of a surfer type guy. Not in attitude (so not laid back) but just in looks. <3 him!

Moose

2009-07-16T17:31:00.000-07:00

My nephew Brody is getting so big!! If you recall I tried to get the nickname Brodster started but it looks like everyone settled on Moose lol. It's a completely affectionate term and I love it.

Just a quick picture from his 9 month shoot, plenty more to come. I am so behind on my blogging. I still have other sessions to post including Blaze's 7th bday pictures(ok, ok I still have to take those too). I was having some computer problems but hopefully all is good now.

1.4 Baby!

2009-07-13T17:02:00.000-07:00

So I thought I love my nifty 50...well I still do. There is no denying it is a great lens for the price. But I finally upgraded to the 50 1.4, and now I know what love is (when it comes to 50mm lenses lol) I lurve it.

These were just taken real quick at 1.4 because well I can now. I know that's not the the ap I will use most (or probably even often) but it's so nice to have as an option. It is super sharp and just feels so different.

My subject...erm I mean son... had just woken up from a nap and is in serious need of a haircut but I still think he is oh so cute.

I wasn't really worried about shadows or color here just taking some snaps to see what my new friend could do.

Keaton is so obsessed with Ghostbusters right now...I mean obsessed. They are almost always in his hands.

Even Blaze approves of the lens.

Hello Blue Eyes

2009-07-07T16:50:00.001-07:00

You can try to hide but it's not going to work with peepers like that.

Can it really be true that I have been taking your pictures for two years now. That you have gone from this:

to this:

And I thought my kids were growing up fast.

Bam! Bam!

2009-07-05T15:54:00.000-07:00

Keats holding the worlds tiniest club, aka pinecone.

I <3 Target's boy clothes, that is all :)

My Baby is Back from the Hospital

2009-06-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

Ok so that is a misleading title lol. My 85 fell out of my bag so I had to send it away to the Canon hospital to be fixed.

I was really worried that it wouldn't be as sharp so as soon as I got it I took Messy Face Marvin to help me test it. I tried to convert to b/w to take away from the messy face :)

It's still sharp!!! Might even be a tad sharper so I am so happy. And I am pretty sure they put magical powers on it cause check out that smile.

But of course Keaton can't let somebody else have attention so a shot had to be taken of him as well so James took this with my 50.

Nice job honey, and sweet comb over Keats!

And then of course Blaze wanted to also take a picture of someone so he snapped this one of Keats outside.

He doesn't know much about the dappled light yet but I think its a pretty cute shot still!

He makes me happy...

2009-06-28T17:37:00.000-07:00

Ahh, a real Blaze smile, eyebrows raised and everything! So hard to come by with this camera avoiding boy. I used to call this his I'm smarter than you look cause even at a young age he just had this look on his face when I explained somthing that made me think he was just humoring me. That he already knew all I was telling him, even though I knew he didn't.

This boy really is my sunshine. He is at a trying age but I can see what an amazing kid he is even in his few testing the stystem times. I cannot believe he is going to be seven in only a few weeks. That means he will be ten in three years, and three years after that a teenager..and three years after that driving. This is making me sad cause I know all too well three years is more like one second in mommy time.

My name is Teeton!

2009-06-23T16:48:00.000-07:00

This little guy is such a camera hog...though of course I am not complaining. I was taking pictures of all the boys playing catch (and will post as soon as I get to edit). Keaton kept running over though when the camera wasn't pointing at him and saying, "Me! Me!" while getting all up in the camera's grill. I got some extreme close ups.

Have you heard that song "That's not my Name" by the Ting Tings. It's incredibly catchy. Every time it is on Keaton just sings, "My name is Teeton" the whole time. Just thought I would share that random story with you.

Cuties Times Three!

2009-06-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

Ok I tried to cut down the number of images on here but I couldn't sorry...And then I thought about combining some of them onto a storyboard. But let's face it I am lazy ;)

Check out my new chair that I found at the antique store though. I loves it...I tried a softer not so in your face kind of vinatagey with some of these.

Happy Fathers Day!

2009-06-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

Who is this handsome goofball of a man?

Only the worlds #1 dad...and he doesn't even need a coffee mug to prove it ;)

Not growing up with what I would exactly call a role model as a father, I know how much dads impact their kids. I am so happy every time I see my kids with James and every time I hear Blaze tell him that he is his best friend. I am sure Keaton will be saying this soon too. I couldn't have picked a better man if God allowed me to make a custom order myself. I love you James with all my heart.

More Zoo!

2009-06-19T16:54:00.001-07:00

I am pretty sure this guy was my favorite animal of the day!

I love our zoo.

Stop looking at me swan!

2009-06-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

Err..well cockatu I mean. There is something about the zoo that makes me quote Billy Madison. Probably because it is one of the greatest movies of all time.

I love living so close to the zoo! We buy a year pass and it pays for itself it seems. I will try to space out my zoo pics though so I don't give everyone animal overload.

Ice cream, You scream!

2009-06-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

Ice cream stands are seriously the best part of summer.

Now before I post these picture that consist mainly of Keaton I have to do a disclaimer. My friend Ryan said my blog makes it seem like prefer the Keats..which is so not true. Blaze just really doesn't like getting his picture taken a lot so I try to respect that so I can really enjoy the few times he asks me to (like for his birthday shoot coming up where he actually asked me to do seven year pictures this year!). And add to that the fact that Keaton is a HAM. I think it's clear in this pictures who enjoys the camera more right now lol. Just clearing my name ;)

How Does He Do It??

2009-06-10T15:33:00.001-07:00

Somehow he looks so sweet in pictures..but I know the truth. Ok he is really, super sweet and gives out kisses like no other. But trust me he has a serious mischievous streak :)

Just a sidenote- I love underoos! They look so cute on kids and as Blaze would say they show all Keats "Cool muscles"...cause his muscles are cool?? Crazy kid.

And if you are bored, a little 35 second video I like to call. Yay!...Ahh No! Cracks me up everytime.

P.S. It's an older video, I promise his hair isn't quite this shabby right now ;)

My Favorite Redhead

2009-06-08T13:54:00.001-07:00

Besides myself of course ;) While at my mom's I snapped this picture of Kiki real quick. I love her freckles, reminds me so much of myself as a kid.

Since it was just a quick picture I didn't do a custom white balance though..I fixed it up a bit in ps but there is also this quick solution ;)

Speaking of awesome redheads what do you think of this cut/color? I have an appointment Saturday and want a change.

I also like this cut...and about 20 more. Decisions, decisions.

Love this kid!

2009-06-03T17:28:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of random shots of the Blazinator.

He cracks me up daily.

Like this story for example.

He is pretty adamant about not liking girls for the most part. But he did tell me the other day about how he thought this lady in a Star Trek episode was really pretty. He told me he thought I was pretty too but I was his mom so he couldn't think I was "as pretty". He said, "I asked Dad if he thought she was pretty too and he said yes...he didn't mention you at all though. I must think you are prettier" Lol, I love how he totally threw James under the bus.

I rented a lens last week and when I picked Blaze up I asked if he could help me just test out the sharpness real quick. He said, "Wow I was just getting ready to ask you if you got any lenses in the mail today so I could help you test them?" Mmmmhmmm.

Either way here is the random picture, and the lens is sharp! Didn't even touch the eyes here. (it was the 70-200 f/4 is just in case you were wondering)

Two Two Cute!

2009-06-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

Sorry for so many pictures, but I just think Abby is so cute I couldn't stop myself! I tried to condense them a bit on a storyboard before I got too crazy.

I really think 2 is the best kids age in the world. They are starting to get their own personality and are just so much fun!

Twins!

2009-05-31T15:44:00.000-07:00

Who can resist an adorable set of twins?! These little dudes just turned one a bit ago. I loved how they each had a distinct personality of their own.

This is one of my favorite poses, and this picture happens to be one of my favorite of this pose. anyone want to guess why?

Ripped jeans! I love a good pair of ripped jeans, they add so much personality.