{Rock the Shot Interview}

So many fun things are happening lately.  Lots in store :)  Recently Karlen, from Rock The Shot, asked me to be the featured photographer on their blog. Have you seen their blog?  Their forum?  Check it out.  It's jam packed with so much photography goodness. It's a very cool site!  Thanks Karlen for the fun interview!

Hope you all had a relaxing and fun Labor Day weekend.  Since it's still ridiculously hot here, Labor Day couldn't be celebrated without being by a pool or in a lake.  Our friends had a swim party at their house and the kids were in the pool 80% of the time while the adults sought shade, water and libations.  It was a great  day with friends, kids and fun!  Here's a little snippet of our day :)

Partial body shot of Ty since he was jumping on the trampoline and I didn't want to make him stop for a pic lol.  I like the artsy feel of it though - it works ;o)

Brielle playing a balancing game on a friend's shoulders while he turns super fast.  Brielle stayed standing - awesome!

Playing in the sandbox, swimming and hanging out with friends.

Claire & Brooke playing dress up :)

{Parents Magazine & some randomness}

When I write blog posts I forget that there are people out there that may read my posts that I don't know.  And rarely check my blog analytics, I always forget how to access it.  I blog because I want to and because I like to journal my sessions, my life, my kids and just everyday things that inspire me.   So when April from Parents Magazine contacted me, introduced herself and complimented my work I was completely flattered.  She looks at my blog? What?  My little blog?  She then asked if she could use the 'Back-to-School' photo I took of Ty and Brielle on their first day of school this year in her upcoming feature.  Yay!  Here's a little look below.

Okay so abrupt change of subject, but who's ready for Fall?  I'm sooo looking forward to the crisp weather (which still doesn't happen till December her in AZ), smell of pumpkins, the scent of autumn candles, the clothes (boots, boots and more boots!), the yummy baking and the list goes on.  Well, the other day we had a little tease with the weather.  It was the first morning in months that I walked outside and I didn't' immediately break into a sweat.  It made me feel alive and made me yearn for Fall.  So what else did I want to do?  Bake!  I had some bananas that had been dismissed by the kids and I that were begging to be used somehow (instead of ending up in the garbage like they usually do).  So my baking assistant, Brielle, and I immediately started the yummy bread baking right after school.  She loves to bake as much as I do.  She tested the batter and preferred to put it all over her face saying she didn't really like batter.   Thankfully she thinks the bread is heavenly ;o)

Here's how I made my Yummy Banana Bread!

• 1/2 cup margarine, softened
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/4 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 4 to 5 very ripe bananas
• 2 teaspoon Mexican Real Vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups Baking flour
• a dash of salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons dark brown brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of cloves

Mix the butter and cream cheese together until smooth.  Add in white sugar, eggs (mix well after each egg), mashed bananas, and vanilla extract.  Then sift in flour, soda, baking powder & brown sugar.  Then add it cinnamon and allspice.  Fill 1/2 way in a prepared pan and place in a 350 degree oven for 40 to 50 minutes.  It is scrumptious!!  We're making more today.  :)

And lastly, August our puppy is now officially potty trained!!!  Yes, it's true!  I'm removed all of the baby gates and have allowed him free run of the house when we're home (although he follows me and is at my feet where ever I go).  I'm so proud of him....a little overdue but I'm so glad he's finally learned that going potty inside causes everyone stress including him.  And he's stopped chewing on things that aren't his!  He has a basket of toys that are his and he goes to those whenever he wants to chew on something.  And August has enjoyed his new-found freedom by being the focus of play for Brielle and her friends.  While Ty and his friends play DS, Brielle and her friends are dressing up August in princess dresses, and jewelry.  He's such a good sport about it all.  Tee hee :)

{little peek} commercial work

I really wanted to be productive this weekend.  So what did I decide to do?  Cut carbs in an effort to detox my body.  Bad timing.  It's really messed with my productivity since I now have a headache, I'm shaky, I'm tired and I'm weak.  I know it's only supposed to last a few days and then I'll feel better but right now I just want to crawl into bed.  Why is the detox so bad?  Well, I love bread and I love carbs (too much!) and I had to do something about it.  So my body is going through A LOT right now lol.  But I did want to make a post tonight so here's a peek at an recent photo shoot I did for back-to-school.  More to come soon.  Squeal!!

{Vintage Crown}

I posted this image along with a few others on Facebook and have had many, many e-mails asking me where I got the crown Brielle is holding {above} and wearing {below}.  I feel so lucky to be able to photograph this beautiful vintage crown for  TFJ Designs.    Brielle loves it and keeps it next to her on her nightstand.  When she first saw it she squealed then covered her mouth and finally said in a whisper, 'Is this a 'real' crown?'  Do I get to wear it?  We stood in the dinning room looking in the mirror as she tried it on.  I wish I had my camera then...it was priceless seeing her expression.  She didn't want to take it off, so I secured it to her head with bobbypins.  And during the session, she had so many ideas - so we went with them...she danced with lace, caught ladybugs and she wanted me to get a ladybug to put on the crown so I could take a picture of the ladybug with the crown (that one didn't work out since all the ladybugs flew off the crown and back onto her dress or on her arms).  After the session she kept the crown on until bedtime.  I love that she's sooo in love with this crown.  You can find it at TFJ Designs and the price....amazing for such a pretty vintage styled crown.  Thank you so much again Tabitha, you have such an eye for pretty things.... I love all the goodies you sell in your store!!

{Red, White & Blue!}

Happy Belated 4th of July!  The 4th of July is one of my favorite celebrations - the meaning of the holiday and the festivities that go along with it.  I remember as a kid celebrating the 4th every year with fireworks in the street with friends & neighbors, sparklers, an amazing dip our Irish neighbors used to make, giggles, anticipation and sometimes ear protection.  Those memories make me want to keep the fun festive traditions going for my family.  And my husband....he's a kid when it come to fireworks (a safe, mature kid, but a big kid none-the-less).  I'm sooooo glad he loves fireworks and the festivities of the holiday as much as I do.  This year we were very last minute with our plans since we couldn't decide what to do - stay local or go somewhere.  I wanted to stay local to start a tradition - and I'm so glad we did.  Our friends who live right down the street came over - we love their company and the kids get a long great. We smoked some ribs, grilled burgers and had lots of yummy food and way too much desert  - but it was worth indulging.  :)  And the 4th isn't the same without fireworks.  Arizona has pretty strict laws when it comes to fireworks so we bought lots that we 'think' were legal (jury's still out).  The loud whistling, the pops, the color and the smokey smell made it the 4th ;o)  Then we topped the evening off with with some night swimming!   We had a fun 2011 4th with friends, swimming, high temperatures and memories made.  I hope my kids love the 4th and these memories made.

And like I've said before, I have some of the best neighbors!!  Look what fun festivities that were made for the kids.  They loved them!!  Below is a puzzle they had to solve and the image at the bottom is Trivia Popper Rockets.  How fun is that?!  They also included star shaped notepads, red & white candy, a Red-White-Blue bracelet the kids can make and some flags.  So creative & thoughtful!!!

{Ingrid B. Designs – Spring & Summer Styles}

Ahhh...Ingrid B. Designs.  Her detail amazes me more and more  every time I work with her.  I love her vision and creativity. She has some super cute Spring & Summer styles in her shop right now that are unique yet practical and fun.  She's a busy lady with her successful shop so some items may have a 3 week production time (that's what happens when you're clothing is in high demand).  Most items are available in sizes 18 month through size 6. SOME larger sizes (i.e., size 8 or 10) may be available, inquire if you have any questions.  She has loads of goodies in her shop right now and she's on facebook where she posts promotions, contests, and give-away's.   Thanks for looking :)

{Brielle – the ‘New Face’ of Rocker Baby Inc. – limited time Sale!}

I'm giddy with excitement about working with the talented Matilda, the amazing designer and creator of Rocker Baby Inc.  If you haven't seen her site, check it out.  Adorable clothing!  So when she contacted me - I was already aware of her line and was squealing with excitement when she mentioned that she wanted me to photograph her clothing.  Then when she said she wanted Brielle to be the New Face of Rocker Baby Inc - I was through the roof excited!  Brielle doesn't quite understand - I don't really tell her too much about the business side (ya know, seeing that she's 5 years old lol) and where her pictures are going to be.  She just loves wearing  pretty new cloths, and playing in front of the camera.  She'll see me working on the pictures here and there and get a kick out of some of them (ones with silly expressions).  And she's happy just with that.   For Rocker Baby Inc  I got the opportunity to use my studio equipment again - which has been so fun for both Brielle and I.  Here's a peak at some of the new pieces released by Rocker Baby for the spring!

Note:  Right now Rocker Baby Inc is having a 'limited' time sale it ONLY lasts till tomorrow April 4th!  20% off all items using code:  NEW2011 at checkout.  Check it out!!

{FaithWorks4U – vintage style with a modern twist}

Tonight as Jeff and I were painting our bed {yes, I'm finally doing it!!  wood color to black! yay!}  we were talking about life and our reason for being here.  I know pretty deep for a night of painting.  But it had me thinking...what is my reason for being here, on this earth?  And what is it that I'm destined to do?  I was at a loss.  There's part of me that thinks I'm here to do something related to adoption {since I was adopted}.  I don't know what though.  Then I thought, is it something that I'm doing...being a mom?  The pictures below make me wonder if that's why I'm here.  I love watching my kids grow, to see them learn, to see them soaking up life.  It's such an amazing and surreal gift.  Someone I've created is living a life, laughing, crying, and growing into someone whose destiny is still unknown.   I don't know, but it has me thinking, wondering and questioning why we're here.  Why I'm here.   I know I'm going to drive myself crazy thinking about it.  I just hope I accomplish what I was put on this earth to do before my time ends.  Have you ever thought about why you're here?  It's wild to think about it but we all have a reason for being here.

Okay, on to something lighter and more fun :)  I have to say....I'm in love with this little retro outfit made by the talented FaithWorks4U.  I think it speaks for itself.  This night of photographing is one I'll never forget, it was the start of Brielle's adoration of the Hula Hoop.  Hopefully the images show the fun we had during this shoot.  Thank you Faith for sharing your beautiful talents with me - I can't say enough about your retro fun designs. The dress Briella is wearing is appropriately named the '1970's Style Retro Hula Hoop' dress.

{sometimes you just need a good cry…}

This was how I felt today.  Okay, not this bad but close.  Here's the short story:   I came home from seeing 'Limitless' (which I super enjoyed) with some girlfriends.  I was tired and the bed looked so comfy I didn't think I'd be able to find the energy to wash my face, get into my comfy's,  and make it to bed.  I just wanted my pillow.  But before I could do anything Jeff and I went in to check on the kiddos when we heard a squish, squish in the carpet and our feet felt wet.  It was 10pm, I was tired and this was waking me right up.  Jeff and I grabbed as many towels as we could and covered the floors with them.  It was still soaking!  We unloaded Tyler's bookshelf and moved it to the other side of the room.  Then it was time to wake up the kids.  Brielle was sleeping in Tyler's room (she loves to be close to him at night) so we carried each of them to our beds and snuggled them in.  It was time for the loud carpet cleaner to come out and suck up as much water as I could.  2 hours later and two buckets full of water later, I was done.   Wide awake but done.  This morning the carpets were still soaked so I had to call in the Professionals.  So right now our house is in disarray.  But we're getting all the water-damage fixed.  The flood man told me the 'Water Damage Gods were watching over me last night' - he was amazed how much I was able to extract last night.  Yay for that late night second winds lol.   Anyway, it's amazing how water can damage things - and fast.  Anyway, I'm spent but happy it wasn't worse.   Happy and thankful for so much.

Photo:  This picture was taken just after Brielle hurt herself from falling, her emotions were so raw and my camera was right there - I just had to take a picture.  I feel her pain when I look at it.

{Palm Tree Princess Spring 2011}

You may remember a post I did last fall for Palm Tree Princess for their Fall/Winter Line.  Lots of wonderful goodies for your little one.  Well it's time... she's releasing her Spring/Summer line now!  And she has a great line up of fun colors, light fabrics and pretty ruffles {who doesn't love ruffles?!}.  And the beautiful hair accessories are by www.smittenforyou.com .  I just love them!!  I worked with Brielle & Ava on these images and they were such a fun, great team!!  Brielle was goofy as ever - she gets really silly during sessions, especially if she has another person to be silly with.  I love the girls interaction and can't wait to photograph them together again for more designers.  Thank you so much to the talented Desiree, creator of Palm Tree Princess,  for working with me again.  I feel so blessed to work with such talented, fun and creative designers.