Lucky One...

...I was lucky to get to go hang out at PCMC with Nelson last night and take some presurgery pictures.  Every picture we take after tomorrow he will have a scar on his chest...to show his strength!  He tried so hard throughout the shoot to open his eyes, but he was just too tired.  They do not have him sedated, and he still does not have any oxygen.

he got mad at me for just a second-I took that silly foot blanket out from under his head

baby yawns get me every time!

the Nelson toe...fitting that Nelson would have it!

with love!

sure do love this kid, and his parents and his big sis and bro!

I Think It Is Pretty Obvious...

...that I am out of the habit of blogging everyday.  my #1 excuse/reason is I just don't sit down to the computer near as much as I used to, it makes my head hurt...I find myself using my phone or iPad if I do need the internet.  Some might think it would be easier to blog with so many resources but it isn't!  I don't like the way the aps blog.  I can't order my pictures or add captions. 
So here you have our last week in review...

This is what happens when mom closes her eyes for a few minutes.  When Skye was entering the "Quiet Time" zone I would lay on the couch with her and she would snuggle and hang out with me.  Colt says "I nuggle you mom" and sweetly draws me onto the couch next to him, but at the first chance sneaks off the couch.  For someone so active and noisy all day long he can be eerily quiet as he creates one piece of art after another.  So I have to fight the naps until he closes his eyes first.  He will still nap 2-3 days a week. 

gotta love the artwork on the fridge...doesn't quite understand the concept yet

Tuesdays I get a few hours for myself...I fill it with Group Power and usually grocery shopping. LOVE IT!

these little buddy boys are the cutest friends ever!  The best part of the day is listening to them wake up, it goes something like this C:Dax wake up, Dax wake up, DAX let's go out a front room D: Okay Colt C: Dax, you take my blankets? D: Yes! C: We play iPad? D: Yeah!  And then there is more cute little conversations and they play so cute together!

For mutual on Wednesday the Stake put on a Youth Dance.  I had some girls that wanted a ride so I went and hung out.  Oh my ENTERTAINING!  I so do not miss those awkward moments of the first few moments of a slow song. I literally had to cover my mouth so I could chuckle a few times. 

Wednesday night I also got my class Valentines put together.  This is the BEST granola I have ever had!  My cousin Mardy gave me the base recipe and I have built on that.  It is clean, healthy, and full of heart-y goodness! 

Thursday, of course brought gymnastics.  I know I say this every week, but I love watching the kids improve.  I am pretty sure Jacey is getting close to advancing levels.  She is getting stronger, faster, and more graceful every week!

Skye is also making great leaps.  Her cartwheels are improving and she is the first in her class to volunteer to try something new.

Dax's favorite part is the end of class when they play tag.  I am happy he is happy and having fun.  He is willing to always try his best and I have seen him come out of his shell a little more every week.  He is getting really close to doing a back flip without the roller to spot him, and he has mastered the dive roll. 

The one downfall to gymnastics is that it is in the same parking lot as our favorite restaurant.  It is so tempting.  Earlier this year we sat down with the kids and told them we would only go out to eat for special occasions.  V-Day qualified! Colt says "We go to Taco Burrito, (then pulls out the sweet look and adds an exaggerated) please?!"

This week also marked my official "Get back to work" week.  I have limited myself.  The only NEW clients I will be taking this year will be newborns.  I just can't say no to those snuggles.  I have also opened my schedule up to families and kids, but only if we have worked together in the past.  That will hopefully keep me just busy enough.    

So there you have it, our week in review. 
I do have to add a few cute things Colt says:
"Ummm, no!"  He can't just say No!  He has to add the Ummmm before it every time
"ha-hu-ke" (the kids have taught him to call his rear end his bahookee) he cracks himself, and everyone else, up every time he says it.  
"I wuv you too, Mom!"  He never just says I love you, he is good to always add the persons name.  Melts my heart!

"Count wit me.  Monday, Tuesday, Monday...Tuesday!"
"Count wit me. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 14, 19"  occasionally he just jumps in somewhere around 7-9.  It is always confusing what kind of "counting" he means.
Oh and everything else he says is just so cute, although he has learned "stupid" I blame Greg because it is mostly inanimate objects like "stupid chair" when he stubs his toe on it.  Or "stupid toy" when it is in his way...so Greg!  He has also learned "shut up" and "poopoo butt".  Oh the joys of older siblings to teach littles such attractive words!  I admit though I have to hide my giggle as I put him in time out for saying them.  I threatened all the kids with time out for using those words, and then added Greg to the list every time he says "stupid" he might be on the chair more than Colt :)

I feel guilty, because I am sure there were more "little moments" I have already forgotten about since I didn't blog everyday.  I will try to be better, but no promises...this next week will be a busy, but exciting one for sure!!

I Forgot Already...

...what it is like to have a busy day. With the holidays being over I have settled, oh so nicely, into a routine of pretty much selfish enjoyment. I wake up at 4:30 3 days a week to go to the gym (addicted? yes, so much so that I can't wait to go to bed at 9:45 so I can wake up and go!) then come home and clean a little here and there, play with the kids, read, clean a little more (and when I say a little, seriously only the bare minimum is getting done!). There have been days where I will look up from my book and realize that if my VT (or anyone really) show up unannounced I am going to have to dig a path to the couch because every square inch of the carpet is covered in toys, blankets, and books. I do work 2 mornings a week, but my classes are sooooo much fun that honestly it is more of a reward than anything else. I have mutual once a week, but again that is so rewarding and fun that I look forward to it. But really other than that I have done very little editing, very little computer time...until today. I have even had days where I didn't have a single thing scheduled...so weird, but nice!

Today was the first busy day I have had this year, no more so than the week before Christmas Break, but I had forgotten how important it is to map out every part of the day (naps included). It all worked out perfectly though and I enjoyed every minute of it, especially my 30 min. nap and then the DQ Blizzard Cake we had for mutual.

I had my first newborn session of the year today and I remembered why I love my job. That moment when the baby settles into sleep and you snap a picture and know that mom is just going to LOVE it, or you capture that perfect little newborn grin and then notice that the baby is also giving you the finger...hehe...dad is going to LOVE that one, but of course you notice it before the baby moves so you can take another picture with a more appropriate hand gesture and you know mom will love it especially when you combine that picture with the one of the perfect little smile...yeah, I LOVE my job! I might just have to take a month off more often so I appreciate my job a little bit more!

I am ready for a little more structure in my life/house, but I am not sure it will be this week that I enforce it! Just please call me before you show up :)

There is a Light...

...at the end of the tunnel and it is slowly getting bigger! I only have TWO, yes that is right TWO sessions left to edit (Carrie/Grant and Chad's family). I have had at least four in the queue since about June, and man don't it feel good!! There are a few things I have learned and will need to change in the next year.
1) I will start advertising Christmas pictures in June because waiting until November/December is just too risky. I had to cancel my last two sessions on Saturday and I just can't get them in and their pictures back until after Christmas. In fact don't think I will even try for any December sessions next year, and limit my November sessions to the first 2 weeks. (ha, although I had to cancel my second week of November session this year too)
2) My Utah sessions will cut back dramatically. I found that all of my "vacations" involved me working...go figure.
3) I spent far too little time taking pictures for ME (oh and mom's calendar) next year will be different!!
4) I have a specialty! I really, really, really love newborns and little kids. I can connect with them. I don't love weddings-don't get me wrong-I love being a part of the day, and I LOVE being creative with willing subjects who listen to what I say, but I HATE the hours and hours of editing that comes from taking that many pictures. I think I am done with weddings for now, unless you beg and beg, and maybe even bribe me a little. I still haven't fulfilled my bucket list of a free wedding, but that can wait for now.
5) I love my job, and I have been blessed beyond measure this past year. I know that my Heavenly Father is watching out for me and my equipment!

Is it bad that after all that about my photography I am not going to post a picture?

Ahhhh Weddings...

...aren't they so fun?! I will admit that they are not my most favorite to shoot (LOTS of time on your feet and LOTS of pictures to edit when you get home) but I LOVE the closeness I get to be to the bride and groom, I don't really mind being bossy at times either. My cousin Alison got married today and I got to be there to take the pictures. The day was BEAUTIFUL and in my opinion PERFECT! Other than a little mud on the dress (baby wipes to the rescue) I didn't see a single glitch and I hope she feels the same way. Everything ran smoothly and I think if I admit that we were done with all the group pictures 30 min. before the reception was supposed to start, oh and then if I add that Alison has 3 siblings and Kendall has 7 siblings and almost all of them have at least 3 kids I think I will spark some jealousy...we got through them all almost painlessly, it was awesome! Funny story though...I was taking Kendall's siblings/spouses shot and with all adults I try to remember to count so they can all look and smile I got to three and one of his sisters reached down to hold her husbands hand, not realizing she was standing next to her sister in law instead...all at the perfect timing. Quite the funny picture, I might just have to share that one later. We did redo the shot, but I thought it was hilarious!

I will post lots more of the pictures later as I edit them, but for now enjoy the beautiful sunny morning!

Thanks and Giving and Shopping Too...

...since I am not sure how many of my loyal readers here also watch my photography blog I am going to post a link to today's Thanksgiving Tribute... check it out, it is my new addiction, well it will be once I can play with it and not feel incredible guilt! This alone will get me through the long, cold winter, and I get to share it with you guys too!
Here is a sneak...


...see now you want to go check it out huh?!

PS) Crystal, did you know you have a Christmas card ready to send out if you want (even if you don't print it)?

Last Weekend...

...here is a tiny peek into last weekends fun (sorry facebook friends you get to see this twice)







So I took the week off, well off from actual shoots so I could get a little bit ahead. I had every intention of working as much during the day as I could. Today (day 1) I spent it cuddling my sick little baby. This is the first time he has had the pukes when it wasn't just in the middle of the night. It was so sad :( but I LOVED my snuggles, and got my fill of "Bob" for the day/week/month. So tomorrow I have high hopes...

On A Cool (scratch that) Cold Morning...

...there is nothing I would love more than this

my diet cherry DP
roasted pumpkin seeds
a cozy blanket
and a book
(not sure if it is good since I haven't been able to start it yet)
(and the babysitter named "Bob" or "Tangled"
depending on which kid needed the distraction the most)

and to be honest this almost won me over this morning. I was so close to forgetting the dishes, the crumbs on the floor, and the work piling up. But alas, I did the dishes, swept the floor, played trains and built a fort with the couch cushions and then come nap/quiet time cozy-ed up to this...

almost as good, right?!
The diet cherry DP and the pumpkin seed were the key to my productive morning!

Did you know that pumpkin seeds are very good for you?

• they provide prostate protection (phew!)
• improved urination function (I think the DDP did the same thing)
  
• depression treatment-a happy seed and natural source of L-tryptophan
• osteoporosis prevention
• natural anti-inflammatory
  
• prevention of kidney stones
• treatment of parasites (better ship some to Elder Welch)
  
• 92% of your daily magnesium requirements which helps treat high BP, diabetes, insomnia, migraines and depression.
• lowers LDL cholesterol (the bad stuff)
  
• cancer prevention

Did you also know that when roasted they are VERY yummy and addicting?
Roast your own...
carve your pumpkin and reserve the seeds, put them in a colander and rinse all the guts off, let dry overnight on paper towels
heat your oven to 300*, line a cookie sheet with foil, very lightly grease the foil (with spray, oil or butter), spread (rinsed and dried) seeds in a single layer on your pan, gently salt (or season) and bake for 45-60 min. stirring every 15 min. or so until golden brown and crunchy

Skye, Colt and I devoured these this morning! I seasoned half my pan with salt and the other half with cinnamon. Next time I am going to do lime juice and something spicy like cajun seasoning.

Family Pictures, and A Tip

...or maybe even two we will see. I dread actually scheduling our pictures because it never fails someone gets a boo-boo on their face the day before. I took my chances this year, with the busy season I had to or else we would be doing pictures in the cold again, and I scheduled them for today. Last night Colt was playing with some cans of food (yes, he does have toys) when he tripped and hit his cheek on one of them...sure enough it was bright red, swollen with a nice blue bruise running through it. He also woke up with a cold, but the bruise was very minimal. So we went with it, but I was a little more than worried with how things were going to go. When we got all set up with the camera and I put Colt on Greg's lap he wanted NOTHING to with pictures and started screaming. GREAT!!! I was ready to call it right then and there. You have to know that to get our family pictures I set my camera on a tripod, set it to timer, set everyone up the way I want them, threaten them not to move, hit the button and run into place, all the while reminding them to look at the camera and smile...haha yeah quite the sight on a good day. Colt soon learned that running back and forth with mommy was fun, and so add carrying Colt to that earlier scenario and you have yourself quite the entertainment, and I am sure that is what all who watched us thought. My perfect spot this year just so happened to be behind the football field...oh yeah it is football season and there was practice going on. We did get some good ones I think although other than the ones I will post I have to hold off on editing the rest (see even I have to wait for pictures) until I am a little more caught up.








Tip #1: BRIBE BRIBE BRIBE!!! My kids were such good sports, so cooperative, and so excited for pictures...no, my kids are no different than yours, in fact if you ask any photographer they will admit that their family is the hardest session of the year, their kids are their toughest subjects and they dread family pictures as much as most guys. But I do have a secret weapon that works wonders for my kids and my husband. They LOVE Pizza Hut and once a year (and I stick to my guns on that ONCE a year) we go eat there AFTER family pictures. It has become our little tradition, but this little tradition has my kids looking forward to family pictures almost as much as they look forward to Christmas or their Birthdays.
Tip #2: Avoid discipline, telling your kids to "knock it off", and threats of all kinds instead let them be kids for 5 min., let them be goofy and then ask them to please behave for a couple pictures. I cringe every time I hear a parent say "if you don't look at that camera and smile you are going to get ______"?! Do you think you will get a good/real smile by forcing it? NEVER! 9 times out of 10 it is a parents head I have to swap because THEY are the ones not looking at the camera. Family pictures can and should be fun, leave the strict parent home and have fun goofing off with your kids. Guaranteed if mom and dad start having fun the kids will too and your family pictures will be AWESOME!!!
Tip #3: When it comes to clothes to wear, wear something your family is comfortable in. I prefer the not so matchy matchy style, and to get outfits to coordinate can be super hard. So find one item (shirt, skirt, scarf) that has a few different colors in it, and then find outfits for everyone else pulling colors from that one item. This year I used a shirt I bought for Jacey (she didn't even wear it for pictures). I personally love the Children's place for my kids clothes because you can find the same color palate all across the store. (my only regret this year is Dax's shirt is too big on him)

Love my family and our time together!

More Florida Coming...

...but not tonight. I started to write it all out and load the pictures, but after chasing around 12 boys in the dirt, in the field, on the tractors I am BEAT! My wonderful friend Summer set up some more mini sessions and I have to say, being the tomboy that I am, I had way more fun in the dirt than I did in the flowers, but those boys wore me out like no girl ever could.



I leave you with this cutie though...do you LOVE his shirt? Do you want one? I know where you can get one! I am actually thinking Colt needs a new one, he barely squeezed into this one.

To Save Carrie From Death...

...I am all about that so here is a tiny sneak peek into your pictures, be warned I have a LOT a LOT of pictures to go through you might have them all by your golden anniversary :)