Anne-Camille photography

[ New Route ]

2010-04-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

Okay Internet...

I have been SWAMPED with work and I am loving it!
I truly love my job and I have so many ideas for 2010!!!
I love the creativity of this job and the meeting of new people and capturing MOMENTS in time...
I'm a total sap really.

I've been busy working on a few things for awhile...

I know I said this was my final blog... and I thought it was...
and I'm probably the person who has had the most blogs on the planet...
but I'm doing it again.

I've changed my blog. Yes, again.
I really think this will be it... but who knows right?

Please visit (and Bookmark) my new blog:
www.annecamillephotography.com/blog

Most of my most recent sessions are blogged!

I also had a new logo made because graphic design is REALLY not my area!
And I am so pleased with it...!

Other things coming soon so stay tuned... but stay tuned to my new blog! ;)

[ Whew! ]

2010-03-31T17:13:00.000-07:00

My gosh!
It's been a whirlwind of a couple weeks.

I've had a computer CRASH.

I've been getting adjusted to another one- which I am in love with ANNND my new CS4!!!.

I've been transferring files- which has been not-so-fun.

We took a Spring Break Vacation to the beach! WOOHOO!
It was a much needed vacation. We ate yummy seafood, we did a little shopping, played putt-putt, had a spa day with my daughters, caught up on sleep, and most importantly NO INTERNET... NO COMPUTER AT ALL... it was wonderful!

Then I had a very fun ending to the Family Vacation with a Girl's Weekend in Memphis, TN with Anu, Jessica & Melissa.
Such a great relaxing and fun time for all of us!

Since I've been back I've been busy with so many new projects and exciting things coming up for my business! I can't wait to share!

Please bear with me as I catch up and get things back in order! Easter is coming up as well... C is so excited about the Egg Hunt!
The girls are as well... but not like years before.
Kinda makes me a little sad that they are growing up so fast! :(

Leaving you with a photo I took on the Beach.
Hopefully I can catch up with blogging all my recent sessions soon!

Oh- and April and May are seriously getting BOOKED UP... so if you are interested in a Spring Session please get ahold of me!
I am so excited about Spring and Summer sessions! The light is just juicy!!!

[ Vacation ]

2010-03-21T17:41:00.000-07:00

I am officially off work for a WEEK! I will be out of the office until March 28.
I will be taking a break from my computer and technology for 7 days!
If you are interested in booking a session, please feel free to email me... and I will get back to you next week!
Thank you!

Now I'm off to spend Spring Break with my family... and to NOT WORK!

:)

[ Graduate 2010: Angel Uchtman ]

2010-03-19T07:56:00.000-07:00

So very beautiful. Inside and Out.

I love meeting teenage girls who are SWEET and JOYFUL and BRIGHT and Angel exceeded ALL of that!
She was so easy to work with and relaxed with herself and that makes it so much fun!
I hope my daughters have wonderful, kind spirits when they are teenagers like this young lady did.
What a joy!

Thank you Angel for a fun afternoon!
Here are my favs of your beautiful self!!!

[ Brandi Foster: Beautiful ]

2010-03-16T07:21:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this session was SO much fun!
I REALLY love photographing women.
Women are so beautiful and I love capturing a woman's beauty. And Brandi was BEAUTIFUL!
Most of us don't take the time out to have photos made of ourselves... and we really should!

Thank you Brandi for letting me take your photos! I was so glad to meet you and could've taken pictures of you ALL day!

More coming of Brandi and her daughter Ramiah...

My favorite!

Her eyes! Amazing!!!

Look at those legs!!! They just don't QUIT!

[ Happy Monday: 3-15-10 ]

2010-03-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

Be Open to a New Friendship

Time expands to fit the friends available.
So give new friendship a chance to flourish by being open, warm and friendly to all you meet.

You've got a good circle of friends already? Fine, but there's always room to add another.
Friendships vary and needn't necessarily be full-on, time-consuming ones.
Stretching out a hand of friendship to someone you like, or who indicates that they like you, always feels good.
So what if a bond doesn't form between you after all?
Getting to know someone, even a little more, and giving friendship a chancd to flourish feels good,
even if it doesn't lead anywhere.
And who knows? You may forge a strong friendship. Great!

One of my recent clients epitimizes this EXACTLY.
She was so warm, open and genuine. I felt better just being around her!
I wish I could've spent more time with her and had a longer time to get to know her better...
but I swear, she's one of those women who would do anything to help someone.
She exuded warmth, love and beauty... and I LOVED photographing her.

Thank you Brittany for a great session! Hope to see you again soon!
Here are my favs:

[ Info ]

2010-03-12T11:01:00.000-08:00

I have only a couple more openings left open for March.

If you are wanting a Spring Session, the month of April is filling UP fast, so get ahold of me to secure a date.

Anne-Camille photography will be out of the office March 20-March 29.
I'll be taking a vacation from work and also getting the finishing touches completed on the studio (still located at 707 Baker St.).
So excited about that! Pictures will be up soon!

Also- so many more changes coming up for ACP so stay tuned!!! So much I am so excited about and can't wait to share!

Please email to check availability: info@annecamillephotography.com.

Picture of the Richter Family!
Kieren, Christoper, Caeden, Brian, Lori, Kymbri & Kailee.

More coming soon!

[ The Caples Family ]

2010-03-10T07:39:00.000-08:00

Christen... sorry it's taken me so long to get blog my favs!!!
I loved your session and loved meeting you and your sweet little family!

[ Happy Monday: 3-8-10 ]

2010-03-08T06:09:00.000-08:00

It's going to be a short post today.
So much going on!!!
These pictures of little Addie Dewey make me happy...

She is ADORABLE!!!
Happy Monday everyone!

Oh- I have a few more spots for Spring Sessions open if anyone would like them! Let me know!

I am so in love with this boy!

[ Spring Pictures ]

2010-03-05T12:23:00.000-08:00

Email me at: info@annecamillephotography.com or call 870.404.1253 to book your session!

This Easter egg prop is available for use... you can bring your kids' Easter baskets to personalize your session even more!

I do not mind photographing pets... as long as they are well-behaved and house-broken! ;)

Get ahold of me fast because there are limited spots!

And thank you to Life as a Photo for red shutters and my good friend, Melissa for props and set design help!

[ Sweetness: Teresa Vandermeer ]

2010-03-04T15:42:00.000-08:00

Teresa... it was a pleasure to meet you.
I adored this shoot. I adored your look. I adored YOU.

Thank you for letting me shoot you!

I hope to see you again sometime soon! Starting out with my fav:

(This is infront of her apartment building... I love the HUGE face in the background!!!)

Um... look at those EYES!!! Omigosh!

[ The Lail Family ]

2010-03-02T07:50:00.000-08:00

"To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there."
~Barbara Bush

I SO enjoyed this family- so joyful and sweet.
It was beautiful to watch them all interact!

Sharon & Archie, Eric & Garrett, Julie & Shannon and Riley and Kasey.

[ Happy Monday: 3-1-10 ]

2010-03-01T10:17:00.000-08:00

Laugh Out Loud

Laughing out loud is an instant way to feel happy and goodhearted laughter is an instant happiness that shines on everyone around you.
So look around and think of something to make you laugh.
Your sense of fun will brighten up everyone around you.

Okay... so this is the Happy Monday inspiration. LAUGH OUT LOUD.

I did plenty of this laughing-out-loud-thing this past weekend in Dallas.
Man... it was a whirlwind weekend! Tons of eating, laughing, shooting, and DRIVING with Celeste!!!

We can laugh about anything, everything and absolutely NOTHING at all.
I seriously had a 3-day ab workout spending the weekend with this girl all due to LAUGHING!
Nobody on this PLANET makes me laugh as hard as this girl, k? No body.

We crammed the weekend with so much activity.

- Five shoots.

(Here is a SNEAK from Ms. Brittany's!)

- First time I have eaten Thai food.

- I got my hair cut by CHAD!!!
Pretty much one of the highlights of my life right there! I have adored Celeste's hair for years... and now I have the exact same cut! Woo.Hoo!

- Ate yummy sushi at Reikyu. YUMMY!

- Ate fried shrimp and catfish at Hook, Line and Sinker.
Such a cool little hole-in-the-wall place!

- I met her friends.
What an amazing group of women she has around her. So glad about that.

- I saw Dallas.
I really SAW Dallas. I LOVE that city! Seriously. Love it!

- Shot from the rooftop of the Davis Building.
Yes... we were on the ROOFTOP. Shooting! AMAZING night!

- Ate yummy food!
Have I mentioned food yet? ;)

I had to get a shot in front of this mural as well! It was too fun to pass up!

Thank you Celeste for a great weekend.
I love you so very much! More pics coming soon....!

Eating sushi at Reikyu.

I do have to say that even though my weekend was GREAT... I am SO glad to be home with my family!
I missed them so much!
I can't wait to cook dinner for them and just be with them all weekend. I think I won't go anywhere for a year! :)
Except I am planning a family beach trip now. My kids are dying to go back to the beach. Gotta get some plans in motion...

[ Love ]

2010-02-24T06:35:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite pictures EVER.
Tracey & Jason.

[ :( ]

2010-02-23T13:52:00.000-08:00

I came across this photo today.
My sweet little Kenzie-Lynn was 4 1/2 in this photo. The same age that Cort is now.
She is home sick today.
I HATE when my children are sick and I have had sick kids for the past week.
Sam relieved me over lunch time so I could get out of the house- run some errands and meet my girlfriends for lunch.
I haven't been out of the house in days!!!

This photo melts my heart.
KL with a bow in her hair. KL with her baby teeth. KL with the same bright, beautiful smile.
My little baby... who turns NINE in three months! Where does the time go? :(

Get better my sweet girl...

Photo taken December 2005 at Aunt Tammy's house.

[ The Bruder Family: Fayetteville, AR ]

2010-02-23T08:10:00.000-08:00

I have to say this family was one of the sweetest families I have been around!
They were so joyful and kind and up-for-anything... even coming out in the FREEZING cold!
Photos can't capture the shivering little lips of these girls... but it was COLD! And they were SHIVERING! :(
It was honestly the FASTEST outdoor session I've ever done... we moved it indoors as fast as we could! Had to get those little girls warm!

Thank you Ryan, Kelley, Chloe & Carli! It was a pleasure meeting you all!

So very beautiful!

Chloe & Carli were such sweet sisters. Reminded me of my daughters when they were this little...

I love this series...

Kelley picked out the greastest outfits! If you are ever wondering what to wear for a session... think along these lines.
Multi-color, not too "matchy-matchy," patterns.... LOVED IT!

[ Happy Monday: 2-22-10 ]

2010-02-22T10:18:00.000-08:00

Whew!

What a weekend! So busy and full, but also had some good relaxing moments as well!
Had sick kids for the past five days... all of them alternating their times to be sick...
lots of movies were watched and a lot of soup and crackers eaten! Everyone is 100% now.
Thank God!

Onto Happy Monday...
(Everday Happy: 365 Ways to a Better You, written by Jenny Hare)

Leave Your Work at Work

Form the habit of leaving your work behind you when you leave your workplace. Try not to take it home with you. Keep your home life separate so that you can relax and enjoy your leisure time, family and friends to the full.

Your leisure time is an oasis of happiness for you to relax in. With no work worries and tensions invading your privacy, it's a special time, just for you and yours. A proper break from work also replenishes your energy and inspiration, so you'll feel restored and ready for work again tomorrow.

So this... is HARD HARD HARD for me to do, since I work from home!
Generally my day starts with getting stuff done around my house and then making it to my desk about 9ish.
Cort plays with Lucy or in his playroom or watches Sesame Street while I reply to emails, blog, edit, order or do some bookkeeping.
(Bookkeeping is soooo not my favorite thing in life!)
We break for lunch and he goes down for a nap and then I really GET WORK DONE!
Then we break again and go pick the girls up for school and then we are home and it's Homework Time and then Dinner Time.
I used to REALLY try to not return to my computer after dinner, but recently I've gotten busier (so happy about that!)
and I have been trying to keep UP so I've been working in the evenings as well!

But on the quest for a simpler, happier life... I'm going to try to go BACK to only working during the day!
No nighttime working and no editing on weekends!... Wait... that might not happen... I'll start with the evenings!

I had a LOVE-ly engagement session this weekend! It was SO. MUCH. FUN! Thank you so much Tracey & Jason!!!

Also had a GREAT GREAT GREAT family session with the Caples family!

I've had a great past week... so much going on...

* Note to self: Next time I decide to make Sloppy Joes for my family there is no real need to double the recipe.
Only so much of Sloppy Joes a family can take in one weekend! Seriously... SICK of it!
Add to that having to listen to Cort mimic me singing Adam Sandler's "Sloppy Joe... Sloppy... Sloppy Joe!"

* ELLEN cracks me UP. On her show. On AI. Seriously. CRACKS. ME. UP.
Her Dennis Quaid bits are SO FUNNY!

* You know you are OLD when your calves are so sore from dancing you can barely roll over in bed,
get up from the couch or say, swivel around in a chair. Easy stuff like that.
Only danced for m-a-y-b-e 15 minutes??! Sad!
Fun times! Happy 30th Shannon!!!

* It's embarrassing and so not cool to admit... but I love Rod Stewart's music. Love it!
You should hear Cort and I driving around town belting out "Rhythm of my Heart!"

* In attempting to set an out-of-town girlfriend up on a date with another out-of-town friend,
I sent one of the texts to another acquiantance I had been texting earlier in the day!
Which then made for some reallllly funny Laugh-Out-Loud texting with her for the rest of the evening!
Hilarious annnnnnd kind of embarrassing not gonna lie!

* Made a new friend. That's always fun! Helloooo Chelsie!

* Adore hearing Cortland say, "ock-odile" instead of "crocodile" and my girls saying, "He's so cute Mom" when they hear him say it!

* Movie I CANNOT change the channel when I come across it on TV: Bridget Jones Diary.
Same with Shawshank Redemption, Dirty Dancing or The Notebook. It's just impossible to switch channels.

* Speaking of TV: I LOVE Keeping up with the Kardashians! LOVE IT!!!
Those women are crazy but still so sweet hearted to each other! Sisters!!!

* I have ONE more available slot of my Dallas sessions this Saturday. Let me know if you want it!

Happy Monday!

[ The Caples Family: Sneak peek ]

2010-02-21T11:58:00.001-08:00

More coming tomorrow on my Happy Monday post...!

[ Lail Family: SNEAK ]

2010-02-19T06:42:00.000-08:00

This family was so unbelievably fun to work with! Almost can't even call it "work!"
More to come...
But for now I wanted to share these images!

[ Nicole Bolinger ]

2010-02-17T14:42:00.000-08:00

I met Nicole Bolinger at Silver Dollar City.
I can't remember exactly how it happened, but we were waiting in line watching our little ones on a ride and I of course was taking pictures of my kids on the ride.
Somehow we started talking and she told me she was just starting a photography business.
At that point I was two years into my business!
We exchanged info and I tried to help her anyway I could.

I will be forever grateful... FOREVER GRATEFUL to my Fab Four Girls (Jamie, Jaren & Liz) who have helped me learn and bounce things off of.
Without them I would've had some really frustrated times.
So... any way that I can help another person with their photography business I will.
Because I had help. I had people to talk aperature, shutter speed and ISO with!
And that's pretty awesome!

Nicole lives in Springdale and during my Fayetteville Sessions we met one morning for coffee and to talk shop and I took some pictures of her!
She is so vibrant and fun and I feel like I've known her for years.

Here you go Nicole!!! Thank you!

Pretty pretty!

MY FAV!!

[ Recipe: Hot Chicken Salad ]

2010-02-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

I've made this Chicken Salad for years.
I love Chicken Salad... I usually eat it cold...
...but when I have time (because it IS a little more involved than regular Chicken Salad) I make HOT CHICKEN SALAD!
So yummy on French bread!!!

I made it for dinner last night... and then I ate it for breakfast... then yes, again for lunch...
and I'm about to go in the kitchen and have it for my afternoon snack!
I'm bad!

Wanted to share!
(Per usual when it comes to sharing recipes... no pics.) :(

HOT CHICKEN SALAD

2 c. cooked chicken, diced
2 c. celery, chopped
1/2 c. chopped or slivered almonds or pecans
1 c. mayo
3 T. chopped onion
2 T. Worcestershire sauce
2 T. lemon juice
1/2 c. plain potato chips, crushed
1/2 c. BBQ potato chips, crushed

Combine everything together except the chips. Spoon into a lightly greased 2-qt. casserole. Sprinkle chips over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Serves 8.

Can't post without a picture... so I'm re-posting one of Cort that CRACKS ME UP!
He woke up from his nap one day a few months ago looking like THIS!

He just came up to me and said, "Mama... will you come look at the "sch-ungle" I made? He meant, "jungle."

Other fun 4-year-old Cort words:

"Ssh-icken." Chicken.
"Ssh-ips." Chips.
"Ssh-urch." Church.
You should hear him say "Chicken Quesadilla!!!"

It's seriously. For real. The little things in life! :)

[ Jacklyn & Sophie ]

2010-02-16T04:56:00.000-08:00

Jacklyn and I went to high school together. It had been years since we'd seen each other!
... and now she has a little girl!
I love seeing old friends with our "grown up" lives! Jacklyn now has a precious little girl, Sophie.
Sophie wasn't exactly MY biggest fan... everytime I would get too close she would scream! haha
I don't know if it was because of my big, black camera or because she didn't know me, but I think that even though we had that obstacle going on we managed to get some pretty good shots anyway!

Thanks Jacklyn... I'm getting the rest ready for you! I loved the colors of the outfits you chose AND that you brought along Daisy!

PRECIOUS.

I LOVE this shot!

My favorite from the session!

Pretty Mama...

[ Happy Monday: 2-15-10 ]

2010-02-15T06:37:00.000-08:00

Today is going to be a short post!
I have so much to do today... this week... the next month!
So excited for so many things!

Today's little "Happy Tidbit" I just adore!

Enjoy Anticipation

"Delay some of today's small pleasures and enjoy the extra anticipation this gives you. Even something as mundane as a cup of coffee will be all the more delicious if you wait a while for it and are able to look forward to it. Instead of something commonplace, it becomes a treat, a gift to yourself, a reward for work well done.

Delayed gratification will also heighten your senses, so it's a way both of adding to, and heightening, pleasure. And exercising will-power feels good, too. Instead of taking a 'must have it now' attitude, decide when you are going to have something and be glad to wait for it."

To anticipate anything is such an ALIVE feeling!

I love building something up... and getting PUMPED up for things... I've always been that way!

I countdown to visits with friends... I literally cross dates off my calendar when I look forward to a certain date... I love that feeling!

Plus... I feel like in life we SHOULD get excited... truly EXCITED... for things!

It's what makes life fun!

I anticipate huge LIFE events... but also a bubble bath, or a glass of GOOD red wine, or a phone call with a loved one, or a TV show...

(BUT NOT THE BACHELOR! I SERIOUSLY DETEST THAT SHOW!!!)

Sneak peek of the Lail Family:

And a shot I took recently...

I am SO ready for Spring and Summer. I want to be on the WATER!!!

I'm ready for shorts & tank tops and taking my kids to the pool & the lake and having BBQ's on the patio...

I'm ready for WARMTH!!! C'mon SUMMER!

* If anyone in the Little Rock area is interested, I will be there for an appointment this Friday (February 19) and I know I will have time to squeeze in a shoot or two!

Email me if you are interested! info@annecamillephotography.com

Happy Monday everyone...

[ Janna & Chance Simpson ]

2010-02-12T06:21:00.000-08:00

"To find someone who will love you for no reason,
and to shower that person with reasons, that is the ultimate happiness."
~Robert Brault

These two were... AMAZING.
Seriously. AMAZING.
I loved getting to know them. I could have shot them all day!
I love photographing couples! It's so much fun for me!
These two were PERFECT to photograph.
They basically acted like I wasn't even there and just loved and laughed and teased and smooched.
That's exactly what a photographer wants! To just capture the interaction. PERFECT.
And this was not an engagement session.
They have been married for five years. Together for TEN.
It was a beautiful thing to see them interact with one another.
They were playful, loving, thoughtful... it is so clear for all to see that they ADORE each other.

Thank you Chance & Janna! I hope to see you again. I want to hang out! ;)
The rest of your images are coming soon...

I asked them to stand infront of these newspaper stands and Chance just pulled out a paper to read! It was hilarious! So funny!

He kept picking her up and twirling her! They would laugh. It was precious! :)

Janna. You are GORGEOUS.

Love the way Chance looked at her!

Did I already say... Gorgeous?

He peeked around the tree!

Love this!

So keep in mind that a Couple Session isn't just for Engagements...
get ahold of me if you'd like to celebrate your love "just because."
I promise... it's fun! ;)

[ Spinning Wheels ]

2010-02-11T08:21:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone!

I am feeling a little overwhelmed! I have so many sessions on my plate to edit! (So grateful for that... not complaining in anyWAY!!! .. )... but I just wanted to put here on the blog if you have contacted me or are waiting on an order... I feel like I've forgotten someone or something...
Not on purpose of course, but I just feel overwhelmed with life right now and I don't want to forget someone!

So get ahold of me if that someone is YOU!

Also- if you are in need of a Valentine's Gift last minute... I have Gift Certificates available!

I am also hoping these are the LAST snow pictures I take! I am SICKSICKSICK of snow and cold! I can't wait for this Summer... CAN'T WAIT!

Brrrrrr....!

More to come of these two lovebirds tomorrow!

[ Happy Monday: 2-8-09 ]

2010-02-08T07:34:00.000-08:00

As I'm typing this... drinking my second cup of coffee... I can see my three kids in all their comfy glory in the family room... enjoying our Snow Day... they are watching a Jonas Brothers Concert I DVR'd for them. Cort is dancing around like a maniac and they are all three singing each and every song... YES, Cort knows them all by heart as well! It is a precious picture and I'm glad I am blogging about it now because it's a memory I want to remember.

I am personally SICK SICK SICK of snow and cold... but on this day it actually works out great for me because I am overwhelmed with sessions to edit! Which is a great thing... and I now will have a great big chunk of time to WORKWORKWORK!

Pics from this morning:

Brrrrrr... it's cold!

... onto Happy Monday prompt:

Wear Something You Love

"Dress not just because you have to clothe yourself, but because it's fun and gives you and others day-long pleasure. You could choose a whole outfit that you enjoy putting together and feel all-round good in. Or it could be one item of clothing that always makes you feel a million dollars.

Alternatively, simply choose an accessory that gives you a thrill of pleasure, like a scarf in a color that really suits you, fab shoes or an eye-catching piece of jewelry. Wearing something that lifts your spirits will make you feel good all day and give pleasure to others, too."

** This is so true... it's amazing how putting on an outfit you love makes you feel immediately better. A color that compliments you or an amazing pair of jeans or a cool, funky scarf... It just makes you feel GOOD! Today I am going nowhere... we are snowed in... but I have on my favorite grey Arkansas Razorbacks sweatshirt... the kind that is big enough to feel comfy but not frumpy?!! I did go shopping yesterday (that ALWAYS lifts the spirits too!) and bought some black pin-stripe dress pants, a purple top with a black vest and a BLUE spring dress. All of which I'm dying to wear! I'll wear the pants outfit sometime this week. The dress (which I'm in love with!) will have to wait a couple months! Spring CANNOT get here fast enough for me! I have so many things I want to do work-wise and personal-wise.... hurry up sunshine and green!!! :)

I cannot WAIT to wear this dress this Spring! I love dresses... and I love the colors of THIS dress! It's one of those dresses that isn't that inspiring on the hanger... but once I put it on I just felt feminine and great! Love getting surprised like that with clothing!

Onto the rambling part of this post...

* I cannot even say how much I loved my Fayetteville sessions this weekend! It was wonderful! I met some great people... and they endured the BITTER COLD for the sessions... which made for some really cute "winter-y" pictures!!! Thanks everyone!

Me infront of Bliss Cupcake shop. It was an adorable little shop on the Fayetteville square!

Ms. Nicole Bolinger:

Little Sophie... aren't those UGGS just precious!

Chance & Janna. So crazy about each other after TEN years! Love it!

The Bruder Family. One of the sweetest families I've been around!
And the outfits she picked.... LOVE IT!

* Valentine's Day is approaching. My kids' Valentine's Cards (which I'm actually sending this year) are SO going to be late. :( I am off my game...

* My dear friends Liz & Zach just had their little boy Zachary! I am so excited for them and he is precious! CONGRATULATIONS Wiggs Family!
Not helping with the baby fever thing I've got going on when I keep seeing such precious babies!!! Not gonna lie!

And I swiped this from her blog as well! Look what Zach wrote in the snow for her!!! Sweet ... sweet..

* I am LOVING my new Iphone! Loving IT!!! But sadly I am probably only using a 1/4 of what it's capable of. New things scare me. Maybe in a year I'll learn the App thing...?

* If you are on Facebook... and would like to "Become a Fan of Anne-Camille photography," I created my page yesterday and would love it if you would add me!

* Had a good conversation this week with an old friend. It's amazing how clarification just makes life better! Very thankful for that!

* The song "Evacuate the Dance Floor" is probably one of my all-time favorite songs. I play it all the time. And it never gets old. Kinda like "Big Green Tractor" never gets old for Cortland! He falls asleep to it on my Ipod almost every night. He also plays it over and over and OVER again while he's in the cart grocery shopping with me. It makes for a fun Grocery Trip!

* I am really getting the itch to attend another photography workshop soon. I need to get some plans in motion.

Hard to believe a little over a year ago the three of us were in Sunny California at a workshop with Drew Bittel!

* Due to these "destination sessions" I have planned I have received some inquiries from the Conway/Little Rock area. I'll be planning something there in the next month so stay tuned!

* Last night while reading in bed (Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life... which is HILARIOUS!) I couldn't quite get my warmth meter down. It was the first time I GENUINELY wish I owned a Snuggie. Every time I had to pull my arm out from under the warm covers into the cold air to turn a page it made me mad! A Snuggie would've done the trick!

* I bought my first US WEEKLY last night for the first time in about 2 years. I used to have a weekly subscription. No kidding. But they got old and I canceled. I started to read it last night and realized why I hated them again.
Who cares about these peoples' lives? Really? Not me!

* I finally saw Avatar a few weeks ago. It was just as amazing as everyone was claiming!
Beautiful love story. And I enjoyed the action as well! ;)

* Anyone who reads my blog knows about one of my dearest friends in the world, Celeste.
I get to see her beautiful, smiling face in 18 days!!! The countdown is ON! She cracks me up! Last night she was telling me about her weekend trip to New Orleans over the Superbowl weekend and she was telling me about the energy of the city and the Saint hype and what a blast it was being in the city for the Superbowl...
Quote of the week by Ms. Celeste. "Everywhere we went everyone kept saying, "Who Dat? Who Dat?" And IT NEVER GOT OLD!"
Cracked ME up because normally Celeste would've been like, "SHUT UP" after the 10th time hearing it! So glad she had such a great weekend!

* The girls and Cort have been all about playing "train" lately. Madeline holds Cort under his arms and Cort puts his legs on Kenzie-Lynn shoulders and off they go. I'll have to get a picture of it.

* Speaking of that... my childrens' laughter is the BEST. SOUND. IN. THE. ENTIRE. WORLD.

* I suppose since I have watched The Bachelor from the beginning of this season I will ENDURE it tonight. UGH. I don't like ANY of the women... and he is the biggest D-O-R-K... I can barely stand it. But I'll persevere. I'll stay the course. And want to throw up every second of it. This is the LAST season of the bachelor I will torture myself with. GAG.

* I am ready for the BEACH. Any beach. I just want a beach with palm trees all around. I'll be working on that... Mel, I am TOTALLY jealous right now that you are in FLORIDA!!! Jealous... jealous... jealous!

* I had a WONDERFUL group session yesterday afternoon. Such an amazing family! I kinda wanted to be apart of it! ;) Just kidding... but they were all so wonderful and I am excited about those photos. It was a pleasure meeting them all.

Okay, off to edit edit edit!

Happy "Snowy" Monday everyone!!!

[ Love ANYONE can see ]

2010-02-07T12:49:00.000-08:00

My Fayetteville sessions went GREAT! I met so many amazing people (that's what I love so much about this job!) and reconnected with an old friend.
More to come soon of all the sessions!

These two were so unbelievably ... UNBELIEVABLY... IN LOVE!
They have been together ten years and are STILL ooyey-gooey-PDA-style in love!
These two were playful, connected, serious at moments, thoughtful, caring, all-over-each-other.... I saw all that by spending just 45 minutes with them! It seriously melted me! More to come of these two lovebirds...

Also swiped this quote today from my friend, John Blair's facebook page!
"When you have nothing else to give, just give of yourself."
... You know how much I love quotes!...

... now off to my afternoon shoot! Woohoo!

[ Breakfast for Dinner ]

2010-02-05T09:04:00.000-08:00

My family loves to eat breakfast for dinner! And sometimes we all get involved in making it...
Waffles, turkey bacon & scrambled eggs!
Collins Family Favorite!

C helping me with the milk...
(I love his little crooked pinky... which he gets from his Daddy... who got it from his Mom!)

M getting the bacon ready to serve! (With KL peeking from the pantry door!)

KL scrambling eggs!

Lucy always in the middle of everything!

YUMMY!

[ Waffles & Cuties ]

2010-02-04T18:03:00.000-08:00

A look into my kitchen on any given night...
I love it!

More pics to come tomorrow!

I also came across a couple quotes today that I loved:

"You don't have to necessarily be the best at what you do- there's always someone better.
Instead, be the only one who does what you do."

"I believe that if something in your life is not worth fighting for, it really isn't anything in your life at all."

I also have some news to share soon! I will restrain for now! Soon... soon...

Hope everyone is having a great Thursday evening! Getting ready to curl up with my boy & watch some Grey's!

[ Jamie Watson: You. Are. Amazing. ]

2010-02-03T14:55:00.000-08:00

Jamie and I grew up together. We have been friends since 7th grade!
Way back to the time of sleep-overs, crushes & tons of telephone conversations... on phones with CORDS!

I adore this woman!

We reconnected a few weeks ago and both of us were so thankful and grateful for our time together again! We shared, laughed and caught up. It was crazy because it was like no time had passed. Old friends are AMAZING like that! LOL!

Jamie. You are beautiful. You are amazing. You are one of my most favorite people in this world.
Thank you for letting me take these photos.
I love you and always will.

Of course. Starting out with my fav:

I love the jacket... and the boots... and the whole thing!

Um... can you say JUICY light??? :)

The many faces of Jamie!
I've seen them all! Love the laugh! .... or should I say RATH, Jamie?! LOL

Another one of my favs!

AWWW ... beautiful!

Can you say "fierce?"

I have to say as well that I really LOVE taking photos of women... I love everything else as well! Truly I do!
But I love making women feel special and beautiful by capturing them at their best!
I really feel every woman needs to do this!
... Hmmm... Maybe there's a special coming soon?

[ Jamie! ]

2010-02-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

More to come....

[ Happy Monday. 2-1-10 ]

2010-02-01T07:03:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to come up with a weekly theme... something to blog about on a regular basis. I know a lot of bloggers are jumping on this... Jasmine Star with her Kisses & Disses, Jessica Claire with her Thursday Thoughts and our very own Jamie Swetnam with Random Wednesday! Not wanting to be a copy cat but truly ADORING the concept, my authentic reason for deciding to have a weekly blog theme is to motivate me creatively and to just plain motivate me to blog! I love to blog personal things... but at the same time I don't like my blog to be too personal... that's why you don't see my family on here as much as I take photos of them. Maybe you think it's often... but I take A LOT Of pictures and don't post most of my family life. I don't mind blogging about ME, but I don't want my family & kids on this blog TOO often, you know?

I recently purchased a mini-motivater book called Everyday Happy: 365 Ways to a Better You by Jenny Hare. I read a LOT. I love books. Right now I'm in the middle of five books. Yes, you read that right! FIVE! I gravitated to this book not only because of the vivid color or the fact that I like anything list-oriented but because there are many times in life when I just want a little kick start. Life gets routine. Sometimes frankly... it's not so fun! I thought that anything to have MORE of a positive outlook on ANYTHING is a good thing, right?

It would've been super cool if I had found this book before the first of the year and maybe even blogged each one daily! Now that would've been something to inspire me to blog, huh? But I don't think I could realistically blog everyday. Or be motivated to be super happy everyday! LOL. So I'm going to pick my favorite of the week and blog that. Sometimes I'll have a picture to go with it. Sometimes I'll have photos of other things. And due to the fact that this book has 365 motivators... and there are only 52 Weeks in a year... I may post more than one on any given week! Call me crazy...

So my theme will be Happy Monday. Why Monday? Well, honestly I am always SUPER motivated on Mondays. I usually don't edit much on weekends and by Monday I am ready to go! On Mondays I usually straighten my house, organize SOMETHING, catch up with friends about weekend goings-on, plan my week, the girls are back in school and Cortland is always ready for his solo-play and to watch shows HE wants to watch... it's just truly a great day for me! So that's why I chose Monday!

Along with my Happy Tidbit, I may blog anything else I find inspiring or interesting... things going on or things coming up. Funny stories. Pictures. Recipes. Quotes. I will also post specials and sales on that day! So stay tuned!

Okay ... well here goes Internet world!
Happy Monday. Post 1.
2-1-10: Do Something Really Active.

"Feeling a bit down? Try doing something really active and proactive. You might go for a run, pop round to see an old friend, wash the kitchen floor or start up a new project. Even just making a decision to do something specific will help you feel happier.
Once you get going, using up energy will generate even more energy, and instantly your body will respond with endorphins. Not only do you feel good when you are being active, but afterwards you'll bask in the satisfaction of having been active."

* So... I think I'll actually START my Dance CD... I'll do that today! It still has it's wrapper on it! Sad... yes!

* I am also meeting a good friend for lunch. Being around her always makes me so happy. There is something soothing and just so genuine about her that soothes my soul! :) Can't wait M!

* I need to clean my upstairs. So- Scrubbing Bubbles & Mop... here I come! I may wait to do all this until this afternoon! ;)

... and now for the randomness...

* I am finally. Finally. Finally getting an Iphone. :) And I am SUPER pumped about it!!!

* After having some Precious newborn sessions I am... kinda... experiencing some baby fever! AAAGGHH! Not gonna lie! All of a sudden I'm thinking about being pregnant, designing a nursery, holding another baby... and thinking that FOUR kids is a good number!?!! This feeling needs to pass. This "fever" needs to turn into.... SPRING FEVER! Yeah... I need to channel it into that!

Spring Fever...
Come back Good Weather! I am SICK SICK SICK of cold, snow and ice!

* On to Puppy Love! I really enjoyed my recent Pet Session! It really was so much fun! Contact me if you would like a Pet Session!

* My desktop is giving me HECK. It is driving me BANANAS.

* If you are in need of a Valentine's Day Gift... I have Gift certificates available!

* I am super excited for my Fayetteville Sessions coming up this weekend! If you are in that area and would like a session please contact me!

* I just recently purchased my logo. My official Logo!! It's colorful. Simple. And I love it! Your thoughts?

* I still have my 2009 Digital File Discs for sale 1/2 off! For a limited time...

* And finally... Cortland asked for something yummy to eat this weekend so I looked in my recipes and found this recipe and it... was... YUMMY! Of course, like always, it got eaten up QUICKLY so no pictures. :(

Apple Crisp
6 Gala apples
1/2 c butter or margarine
1 c. sugar
3/4 c. all purpose flour
1 t. apple pie spice or cinnamon

Place apples in a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Blend butter, sugar flour and spice together as for a pie dough; work until crumbly and sprinkle over apples. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until browned and bubbly. Serve warm with ice cream. Yield: 6 servings.

Okay... off to get this day going!!!
Happy Monday to all!

[ Puppy Love ]

2010-01-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

This was my first "pet session" and I have to say that it was a lot of FUN!
Being a dog owner myself I KNOW that all animals have such different & distinct personalities.
Meeting Betsie and her "kids" I understood that even more!
All three dogs were SO different and within a few minutes I could tell their personalities!

Introducing Molly, Sarah & Spike!
Aren't they BEAUTIFUL???

The "Queen," Molly:

The "Princess ," Sarah:

... and the puppy, Spike:

... and they L-O-V-E their Mama!

I love this shot!

Spike getting a snack!

And the final shot of the session!
We got them ALL calmed down and in one place and LOOKING AT THE CAMERA!!! :)

Thanks Betsie for a fun shoot! Your dogs are just beautiful!

[ Baby Brylee ]

2010-01-22T12:18:00.000-08:00

I just loved photographing the Blasdel family!
Dallas and I graduated high school together and that is something that I LOVE about my job... being able to reconnect with old friends and capture memorable moments in their lives is so exciting to me!
It was SO great to be able to take his firstborn child's newborn photos.

Thank you Dallas, Alisa & Baby Brylee for a great shoot!
I'll be getting the rest of the images ready for you!

And as usual... starting out with my fav:

Such a beautiful baby!

Precious:

Look at those blue eyes!

Sweet family!

I love this one too!

[ Amanda Sanchez ]

2010-01-20T08:35:00.000-08:00

Recently my oldest friend (since 5th grade) came to visit me!
Amanda & I had such a GREAT visit!
We ate wayyy too much, talked a TON, had a photo shoot (of course!), hung out at the house, had drinks with my girlfriends... it was a great time together!

We are already planning our next visit!

Thank you Amanda for coming to stay. You are welcome ANYtime!

I love this shot!

So very beautiful!

In elementary school her nickname was: *Dimples* !

Love this one!

My favorite:

Being silly!

US 2010

[ Sneak Peek: Amanda Sanchez ]

2010-01-17T17:43:00.000-08:00

More to come of Amanda!
So excited!!!

[ My Little Valentines ]

2010-01-13T18:33:00.000-08:00

My little Valentine Babies!

Before I start the pictures, I thought I would share our dinner conversation tonight.
With the point being... how OLD my kids think I am!

Kenzie-Lynn: Mom, If you could interview any singer who would it be?
Me: Um... hands down. Madonna.
Madeline: Who's that?
Me: Well, she's a HUGE deal. Very famous in the 80's. My favorite singer of all time.
Cortland: I know who that is. You don't know who that is? I've met her.
Madeline: Bubby, I know you do NOT know who that is. It's a famous person and we don't know famous people.
Cortland: Yeah-huh. I know her.
Kenzie-Lynn: (After much thought). Is this Madonna person DEAD?

UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! My kids think I am so old that Madonna is not living anymore!!???! Hilarious!

So, these are my kids Valentine's photos.
I do have mini-Valentine Cards available for purchase if anyone would like a session like this for Valentine Cards!
$25.00 for 50 cards with purchase of Regular Session Fee.
Cards are great for the Valentine-Card-Exchange in kids' classes or mailing to family & friends!

Also- don't think I neglected my son in these pics!
I wanted some cute photos of Cortland, but he was not in the best picture-taking-mood. Thank God I have 3 kids! More options! ;)
I just have some of my girls! At least they are ALWAYS up for photos! :)

This is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Kenzie-Lynn! She always has this little smirk on!

She is into posing! I LOVE it!!!

I LOVE this one!

Lucy was ALL about taking photos! She cracks me up!

So I called Lucy over to me so she could join Cortland in his "time-out"
(due to the yucky-picture-taking-mood he was in!)
and she didn't want to be out of the pictures!
She ran back to get in the photos with the girls!
She thinks she's one of the sisters! It is hilarious!

I ADORE my daughters! Adore them!

[ Like Cousins ]

2010-01-12T08:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas with the Estes Family.
Every year since meeting Scott & Alicia over 7 years ago we celebrate Christmas together
It usually works out for us about a week AFTER Christmas.
It is so fun to look back at the photos and see how much are kids have grown together!

2009:

Alicia and I have decided to create a new Collins/Estes Christmas tradition!
Last year we did our Christmas shopping together and came across these adorable jammies
(Hunter had a pair as well, but I think he was sleeping when we took these pics!).
We thought it was hilarious to get them all matching jammies as their gifts!

2008:

This year we carried on with the tradition and instead of jammies we got them matching winter sweaters, hats and gloves! They were THRILLED! :)
Every year from now on I now we'll have to search for something matching!
They are going to KILL us when they are teenagers! :)

... and a picture of my friends, Michelle & Anu from Melissa's Birthday Night.
They were wearing black and white, but opposite from each other, so we had to snap a few pics! Pretty... pretty...

[ The Blankenship Family: Post 2 ]

2010-01-11T09:17:00.000-08:00

Jen- Here are the rest from your shoot!
I love you and your sweet little family so much!
Wish we lived closer! :(

I love this shot!

Ava is so very precious!!!

Little "model" baby!

[ 100th post! ]

2010-01-08T07:36:00.000-08:00

This is my 100th post on this blog!
Before this blog I had two other photography blogs because it took me awhile to settle on a name for my business.

Who knew that the name of my business would be the simplest one I could think of? Just using my name...?!

I want to thank any and everyone who reads my blog and to all my clients!
I am so very thankful to all my supporters!

Being in that spirit, I'd like to give a "shout-out" to some of my youngest blog followers!
The Dover girls check my blog on their own!
So I just wanted to say HI to you beautiful girls- Gracie, Kylie & Jada!

THANK YOU!

I also had a recent shoot photographing fishing rods. (More to come of that!)

Trust me... there is a lot of difference in fishing rods! Never knew?

Cort was my "assistant" and I just had to snap a few with him and his adorable rubber boots!

I also wanted to let clients know that I have baby announcements available for purchase to go with newborn photos.

Here is one example of the little Chamberlain twins!

[ Celeste: Part 2 ]

2010-01-07T14:44:00.000-08:00

I had so many favorites from this session... I just had to blog a second post!

Photos of one of my DEAREST friends, Celeste.

I love you Cel!

Starting out with my fav!

So very beautiful!

Celeste is HANDS DOWN the funniest person I know. Hands. Down.
I love her laugh and how she can make me laugh just by calling me and saying HOLA! Such a good sound!

Oooh- la- la!

I adore this shot!

[ A little late... ]

2010-01-05T13:57:00.000-08:00

List of goals for 2010.
Yep... just getting around to making my list now!
Some of these are big goals... some minor... but I'm a list-maker. It's what I do!
So this is the perfect way to start out 2010.
Inspired by Jessica Claire's 100 in 1001 List she does every year.

My Random List of Random Goals for 2010!

1. Read more.

A couple recent books I just completed.

2. Exercise.
More pilates.
Start The Tracy Anderson Method: The Dance Cardio Workout.
I LOVE dancing and what better way to work out then to do something I love right?
Discs are ordered today.

3. Attend more concerts.

HEART concert with Nikki.

Jason Aldean & David Cook concerts with Jamie.

4. Instead of always deep-frying a turkey which is the EASIEST thing EVER... Bake a turkey!

5. Grow more herbs. In addition to basil, dill & rosemary.

6. Meet new people in the photography world.

Jasmine Star doesn't know it yet... but one day... we'll be best friends!

7. Attend more photography workshops.

8. Take kids to the beach.

9. Plan a girls vacation. Hopefully to Napa Valley. And hopefully with these girls.

10. Forgive FASTER.

11. Host more BBQ's with friends this summer.

12. Have more movie nights with my daughters & take them out for cheesecake afterwards.

13. Update my website with 2009's pics.

14. Attend a teenie-bopper concert with my girls.

15. Work on product packaging.

16. Plan more fun things to do during the week with Cort. I only have one more year with him home with me!

17. Visit the Northeast.

18. Keep growing my hair. Resist the urge to chop it off like I always do!

19. Get a nice watch.

20. Shoot more indoors using my external flash.

21. Take my kids horseback riding.

22. Take a vacation by myself to rest, relax and recoop when things get overwhelming.

Not alone in this picture... Jamie was walking by!

23. Update the look of my blog.

24. Respond to emails quicker.

25. Clean out my inbox more often. It is beyond ridiculous.

26. Text less. Wait... this probably won't happen!

27. Host a cocktail party.

28. Change out photos in frames around my home. The kids are so much older now!

29. Redecorate my girls room.

30. Completely finish decorating Cort's Razorback room.

31. Custom shelving for my closet.

32. Take kids camping. Yep... you read that right. Me... camping? It'll be interesting!

33. Create a more relaxing outdoor space.

34. Take my kids to the park more this Spring. My girls are about to outgrow it! :(

35. Take my kids to the lake more this Summer.

36. Take my kids canoeing on the river this Summer.

37. Be better at putting away my clean clothes.

38. Re-organize the scrapbook/home office.

39. Create larger cubbies for kids and their coats/bags/etc.

40. Watch all the movies nomintated.

41. Try a LOT of new recipes!

42. Select a soothing/lighter color for my family room.

43. Make more yummy desserts for my kids when they beg me!

44. Encourage my kids more with their dreams and goals.

45. Take more pictures of my babies.

46. Show this girl more how much I appreciate her and all she contributes to my life.

47. Read to my kids more.

48. Go to the pool as MUCH AS POSSIBLE this summer!

49. Celebrate life more. Dance more.

50. Build on the wonderful friendships with the amazing women in my life!

[ Headshots: Jamie ]

2010-01-05T08:02:00.000-08:00

Um... it was almost a couple MONTHS ago when Jamie and I decided to take a break from our intensely busy Christmas sessions and shoot some new headshots for each other! I'm just now getting around to working on them!

This girl has been my greatest ally in this business.
She is always there to encourage, support & help me in ways that I can't even start to express how thankful I am for.
We've shared a lot of pictures, tips, stories and LAUGHS!

Starting out with the "broom" series!

Love this shot!

My favorite!!!

[ Back at it! ]

2010-01-04T12:58:00.000-08:00

So after taking a much needed break I am back to "work!"
I had a great break-
enjoying family time, days home with my kids on their Christmas break,
ringing in the New Year with my most dear friends, and then snow days!!!

Sam & I thought this project of putting the train table together would take maybe an hour... boy were we wrong!
We were up LATE on Christmas Eve putting tracks and trains together!

Tradition of "matching Christmas jammies!"
It's the only gift my kids get to open on Christmas Eve!

And a pic of all the girls @ our New Year's celebration!
Such a fun night with some of my most favorite people!!!

All bundled up for Snow Fun!

Cooking time... one of my most favorite things to do!
... be in my kitchen COOKING!

I made more than one resolution... and am excited about what 2010 will bring!

I have a couple more slots open for Valentine Boudoir Sessions!
Get ahold of me FAST if you would like to book!

I'm thinking soft lighting, old Hollywood glamour, and just letting my clients step out of the housewife/mom role and feel fabulous! ...and the significant others?
Well, they will receive a beautiful gift book they will treasure forever! :)

I have one week ONLY.
January 11-17. Two weekend availablities and weekday evenings.

I do want to stress that these are completely PRIVATE.
I am confidential about Boudoir Sessions and
images will NOT be posted on this blog or my website!

Boudoir photography sessions are tasteful photos that hint at sexiness.
Every person has their own idea of what sexy is as well as what they are comfortable with.
These sessions are cute, fun, sexy, flirty and even a bit sensual all the while maintaining your comfort level.
They are perfect gifts for the significant other.

[ Thankful ]

2009-12-24T06:02:00.000-08:00

Thankful to all my clients, blog followers and supporters.
I truly love photography and getting to meet so many wonderful people.

I hope everyone has a great holiday.
I'm taking a break from my computer now. I'll be back soon!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

[ "Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair." ]

2009-12-23T07:51:00.000-08:00

More from our play time outside during this amazing weather!!!

Madeline:

Kenzie-Lynn:

Cortland:
(Yes, this was the day he woke up with the CRAZY HAIR... and yes he has his boots on backward... and YES... I know that basically he looks like an orphan!)

His hair CRACKS me up!

And more of the house...

Our Christmas card tree:

I found these at Hallmark the other day! Little notes to put in my kids lunch bags or back packs! Can't wait!

I love the way kids wrap gifts! Tape... tape... and more tape!

Counting down the days...

Every morning C asks, "Mama... what's the date?" So he can move the candy cane!

Also I found a recipe for the most YUMMY Chicken Noodle Soup.
We always eat it up... I realize that it's a good recipe... and then have nothing to take a photo of!
Thought I'd share:

SAVORY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 onions, chopped
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
14-1/2 oz. can chicken broth
2 c. water
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1/2 t. dried parsley
1/2 t. dried basil
1 c. egg noodles, cook according to package directions

Place all veggies in crock pot. Add chicken.
Pour in broth, water and soup. Sprinkle seasonings on top.
Cover. Cook on low 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
Add cooked noodles at the end and serve!

[ This picture makes me smile! ]

2009-12-22T11:16:00.000-08:00

[ Morning Mama! ]

2009-12-21T14:11:00.000-08:00

This is how Cortland woke up from his nap today!
I busted out laughing when he came down the hall!
His hair has never been quite like this!

Love his sweet little voice saying in such a sleepy way everyday, "Morning Mama."

[ ... so PUMPED! ]

2009-12-18T19:50:00.000-08:00

Amanda is my oldest and dearest friend. IN. THE. WORLD!

We met back in 5th grade in Mr. Waters class at Mt. Taylor Elementary school in Grants, New Mexico. I moved to Mountain Home two years later. We maintained being "bestest friends" through letters and 20-minute alternating Sunday evening phone calls for years! Even though we have mostly carried a friendship with many miles between us we have a bond that can't really be explained. It doesn't matter how much time goes by or what life throws our way- we KNOW that we will always have one another.

Yes, we don't share our "everyday" happenings, but it doesn't matter.

We have something bigger than that and I cherish it.

Photo taken in Albuquerque, NM. September 2008.

ANYWAY... this girl is going to be here visiting me for an entire weekend in less than a month! We have tried to get this to happen for about three years but with our schedules and her being a super-busy attorney it's been tough! But we just decided last week we HAVE TO DO IT! We can't put it off any longer!

The plane tickets are purchased and schedules are CLEARED! Woohoo!

So I'm PUMPED!

Completely stoked that I will get to have my "bestest" in my home and around my family for three whole days! It's gonna be like old times! Sitting around a table talking, giggling, laughing our faces off and making memories!

Just being together...

Oh- and A... I won't make you wash all the dishes like the summer you visited back in Junior High! ;)

[ YES!!! ]

2009-12-18T07:10:00.000-08:00

So excited!!!
I have my shopping ALL DONE... gifts all wrapped... now I just have to pass them out!
I am now COMPLETELY in the Christmas Spirit! Completely!
It's so cute to hear Cortland ask oh... about 15 times a day... is "Ch-wristmas here yet Mama?" LOVE IT! The girls are SO much more patient!

It makes all the difference with gifts under the tree!

[ Chamberlain Twins ]

2009-12-14T20:04:00.000-08:00

Baby Calder & Christian Chamberlain + Big Sister Abby!

I have to say this was one of my favorite sessions.
Meredith was so easy with her kids! So calm!
On shoots, kids feed off the energy of the mother- I promise!
It was so relaxing and easy-breezy and made for some adorable shots!

Sweet, sweet babies!
Kinda gave me a slight case of Baby Fever... not gonna lie!

I absolutely LOVE shooting babies! LOVE IT!
So thank you Meredith, Abby & boys for letting me capture this time in your life!

Starting out with my fav:

[ My little man... ]

2009-12-14T06:20:00.000-08:00

I love my days with my little man!

Love them!!!

It's all the little things... bear claw slippers, playing with Lucy, Uno playing, laughing at each other, our silly little nicknames for one another...

I love our days together!

I have one more full year with Cortland home with me...
it's going to BREAK me when he has to go to school. :(

Anyway- here are some pics of us enjoying our days at home.

I LOVE this shot! His little lips, the way he is sitting, he little hands holding the cards... he is so precious to me!

Sticking his tongue out. Mad concentration! He got that trait from his Daddy!

He M-E-L-T-S me!

There's the tongue again...

[ Sneak peek: The Blankenships ]

2009-12-13T18:23:00.000-08:00

I love you Jen!!!

Here's your sneak peek! More coming!!!

Starting out with my fav:

... I had to! Ava's facial expressions CRACK ME UP!

[ It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here! ]

2009-12-12T14:19:00.000-08:00

Man today has been a GREAT day!
I enjoyed my morning doing BBN's (boring but necessaries) and then made a huge pot of chicken-n-dumplings!
The kids LOVE chicken-n-dumplings!
Now that I think about it I should've taken a picture...
Anyway- They have been playing, movies have been watched, naps have been taken, Christmas music has been blaring...
I LOVE HOME DAYS!!!

The house is finally decorated and I feel like the Christmas list is getting checked off!
My Christmas cards are addressed and stamped and ready to be mailed! Woohoo!
And I finally started my Christmas shopping... with so much more to do unfortunately...

This afternoon I walked around the house and snapped some pics of Christmas decor!
Hope everyone else is in the Christmas Spirit!!!

Now I'm off to get ready for a Christmas party... with NO kids! ;)

[ Happy Early Birthday Melissa! ]

2009-12-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

Melissa's birthday isn't for three more days but we celebrated early last night at ME on the SQUARE!
Yummy food, tons of laughing and spending an evening honoring a GREAT FRIEND!

I am so blessed in my life to have you Melissa!
You are truly one of the most giving and thoughtful people I have ever met and I feel honored to call you "friend!"
I hope you had a great dinner.
I hope you know how much you are loved!
I hope you have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY on Monday!!!

... and you know how I do it with quotes...
I found this quote that made me think of you!

"If you're alone, I'll be your shadow.
If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder.
If you want a hug, I'll be your pillow.
If you need to be happy, I'll be your smile.
But anytime you need a friend, I'll just be me."
~Author Unknown

[ Sneak peek: Baby Satch ]

2009-12-10T15:52:00.000-08:00

Quick sneak peek of this little cutie!!!
Elizabeth and I have known each other for YEARS... so great to photograph her newborn baby boy!

Thanks guys! More coming...

[ Loved it! ]

2009-12-10T11:12:00.000-08:00

So I have to say that I thoroughly L-O-V-E-D my Christmas sessions!
They were so much fun for me! I hope all my clients enjoyed them as well!
I still have so much to blog... very behind on blogging! I am so very behind on everything actually! I only just started my Christmas shopping yesterday... and that was online shopping...!

Wanted to blog a few from a couple sessions!

The Newton Family:

The Robb Family:

[ Time Out ]

2009-12-04T16:47:00.000-08:00

Yep... it's Friday night and I'm home working!
Editing and getting images ready for everyone for Christmas!
:)

Thought I'd take a break and take some TIME OUT to edit some pics of my babies!
Just random shots I've taken the past week.

Cort and I play UNO throughout the day... actually we don't really play Uno... we just put cards down and whoever is out first wins! Usually Cort wins! He thinks it is the most fun thing- to beat Mama! He giggles and laughs so hard and says, "I w-een Mama! I w-een!" :) Love my days with my sweet, sweet boy!

My sweet Madeline- who has actually been assisting me on shoots!
She is such a helper to me!
I love you baby girl!

... and my silliest baby of all- Kenzie-Lynn!
Always making me laugh!
A pic of her with her BF Anna!
Two cuties!

Hope everyone is enjoying their Friday night!

[ Last Call! ]

2009-12-03T05:11:00.000-08:00

I wanted to let everyone know that this is my final "call" for Christmas orders!
Let me know immediately if you would like to place an order in time for Christmas!
Thanks!
Happy Thursday!

Leaving you with a photo of Little McKenzie!

[ L-A-D-I-E-S!!! ]

2009-12-02T08:30:00.000-08:00

I have had a lot of inquiries about Boudoir sessions recently.

I just completed one for a client just in time for a Christmas gift!
So much fun!

So I'm getting everything ready to run a week of romantic Boudoir Sessions in January!
I'm thinking soft lighting, old Hollywood glamour, and just letting my clients step out of the housewife/mom role and feel fabulous! ...and the significant others?
Well, they will receive a beautiful gift book they will treasure forever! :)

I have one week ONLY.
January 11-17. Two weekend availablities and weekday evenings.
Three slots are already filled!
If you want a spot contact me now!

I do want to stress that these are completely PRIVATE.
I am confidential about Boudoir Sessions and
images will NOT be posted on this blog or my website!

Boudoir photography sessions are tasteful photos that hint at sexiness.
Every person has their own idea of what sexy is as well as what they are comfortable with.
These sessions are cute, fun, sexy, flirty and even a bit sensual all the while maintaining your comfort level.
They are perfect gifts for the significant other.

[ Thankful ]

2009-11-29T15:37:00.000-08:00

A few pics from our holiday together...

The YUMMY food!

Mom cooking @ Grace's new house...

Sarah getting into the wine! LOL.

Playing games @ my house. I snuck outside and took a picture from the "outside looking in!"

Mom & Lyle being SILL-EE!!!

My sweet, sweet brothers!

The five of us being US!

KL & Cort wrestling!

[ Sarah ]

2009-11-29T09:35:00.000-08:00

"Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other."
~Carol Saline

I love you Sarah!
Can't wait until we are together again!
... more to come...!

[ Sister Friend ]

2009-11-27T16:56:00.000-08:00

In life I think women only find "sister friends" in a few people.
IF. THEY. ARE. LUCKY.

I have been so blessed to have found a few.
And one of them is my DEAR friend Celeste.
Words cannot even describe how much I LOVE and ADORE her.
Forever in her corner. Forever supportive. Forever her friend.
I just know we will be lifelong friends. Something I know to my very core.
We have been friends for almost two decades. That's a LONG time! LOL.

More to come Celeste.
You are beautiful & loving in every way.
I love you so very much.
Thank you for letting me take your photos!
MUAH!

Yes... I KNOW you are going to kill me for putting this up on this here blog!
But I HAD to!
This is my favorite thing about you! Your laugh!!!

Seriously... I have the most gorgeous friends!
My favorite:

More to COME!!!

[ ADOR-ABLE ]

2009-11-27T13:19:00.000-08:00

I LOVE this picture of my kids!
Just a random shot taken during an evening up at the studio!
SO SO SO many sessions to blog!
Trying to keep everything together while also enjoying this holiday weekend!
Hope everyone had a GREAT Thanksgiving!

[ S.W.A.M.P.E.D.! ]

2009-11-24T16:29:00.000-08:00

So... I am working... working... working!
Getting Christmas photos ready for everyone!
I really should put some make-up on and pry myself away from this computer! LOL.

No, in all seriousness... I've been speed editing to get ready for my ENTIRE family to be here tomorrow!!! Woohoo!
I can't wait for us all to be together again. Grace & I have been planning meals and making plans!
Movies to be watched, yummy food to be eaten, games to be played, a whole bunch of laziness and laughter!
I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Also wanted to share some pics of a great couple I know!
I love it when Mom & Dads let me get some "lovey-dovey" pics!

Thanks Monica & Erin!!!

[ More Christmas Sessions ]

2009-11-20T16:02:00.000-08:00

Sneak peeks!

Allison & Owen:

Bailey & Abby:

[ I think it's my most favorite photo I have EVER taken of my kids! ]

2009-11-19T14:54:00.001-08:00

Adoration.

My son looks up to his big "sissies."
My girls ADORE their little, baby brother.
And I adore them all.
MY BABIES.

[ The Williams Family ]

2009-11-18T14:27:00.000-08:00

So... if you are ever wondering what to wear for a session... think along these lines!
Amy picked out great outfits for her family...
colors that go well together but not too matchy-matchy!
Patterns, solids, layers, a GREAT necklace! ... I just loved it!

Thanks Williams Fam for letting me take your photos!

I love how Sloan is looking at her mama!

CUTE CUTE!

[ Christmas: Sneak Peeks! ]

2009-11-17T11:11:00.000-08:00

I am having a BLAST with my Christmas Sessions!!!
So much fun!
I still have just a few time slots open this Sunday if you are interested in booking!
For more pricing & times click HERE.

The Telle Family:

Joey & Ashley:
Lovin' the shirt Joey! ;)

Sweet Little Jack:

One of my most favorite families in the world!!!
The Estes Family:

Sweet little Jada, Gracie & Kylie:

Awww! Trey just melts me! He's so sweet:

... and Haley! Always up for pictures! I love it!!!

[ Sweet, SWEET girls! ]

2009-11-16T21:08:00.000-08:00

These sweet little girls totally made my night I have to say!
When they walked in for their Christmas Session their eyes were sparkling &
they were SO excited to have their photos taken!

Gracie, Kylie & Jada... you girls were SO SWEET and so very BEAUTIFUL!
You took some amazing pictures for me!
It was a pleasure to meet ALL THREE OF YOU! ... and you too April!

Please let me take your photos again sometime!

Here's one to hold you over until I get the rest done!

[ Just Because: Adam & Meghan ]

2009-11-16T10:45:00.000-08:00

I had such a great time taking a "Just Because" session of these two!

They have a long distance relationship and only get to see each other periodically!
It was cute photographing them because I could tell they were SO glad to be together...
they wouldn't quit kissing each other...
which was fine with me because it made for some adorable photos!

We took these photos over Halloween weekend and they were thinking
"outside the box" for their session (so much FUN for me!) and brought their Halloween Costumes!
Such a fun and loveable couple!

Thanks you two! Here are my favs...

Starting out with my favorite!

I'm also trying out some different editing techniques... thoughts? Like? ... Don't like? ... Me? ... Not me? ...

Meghan has some beautiful eyes!

[ Openings ]

2009-11-15T09:23:00.000-08:00

I have a few more openings for my Christmas sessions!
HURRY and get ahold of me to secure your slot!
Click HERE for more details!

And yes... my son is a NUT!

[ Coleman Family ]

2009-11-14T14:32:00.000-08:00

So, I'm switching things up and taking the blog back to Fall pics!
More Christmas pics to come though, so stay tuned!!!

This family was so great!
Can I just say that I have ... like... the most beautiful friends!!!
Leah is GORGEOUS... and then Nick... has like... the best style E-V-E-R!
The shirt he choose... PERFECT! ;) (Little inside joke going on here!)

Okay, and then there's Jack. A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E!
Thanks you guys for letting me take your pictures.
I'm up for it ANYTIME!

... and a big "shout out" to Jamie @ Life As a Photo for creating an AWESOME Fall set she let me use! Thanks girl!

Starting out with my fav:

Love this!

He is TOO CUTE!

His Halloween costume:

Boys and their camo:

[ Christmas: Crownover ]

2009-11-14T06:07:00.000-08:00

When it comes to my job + my family I have to say it's pretty AWESOME!
All of my family members are ALWAYS willing to pose for me & to try new things!
Starting with my sister & brother in law with my new Christmas set...
THANKS YOU TWO. I love you both dearly.

For more details (dates, pricing, info) click HERE.

Merry Christmas!

I ADORE this picture!!!!!!!! ADORE IT!!!

It's pretty cool to photograph um... M-O-D-E-L-S.....!?!!! ;)

[ HO! HO! HO! ]

2009-11-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

My Christmas Set is ready to GO!!!
Sessions are booking up FAST so contact me quickly if you would like a slot!

Here is the info:
$35.00
20 minute sessions

Dates & times available are:
Monday, November 16 (3-7pm)
Tuesday, November 17 (3-7pm)
Sunday, November 22 (12-6pm)

You will have a gallery of 10-15 images to choose from with the
option of then purchasing Christmas Cards, prints & books!

All of these props in the photos will be available for you to use...
but feel free to bring your own to make the session more personal!

You can make it super casual by wearing Christmas jammies....

... Or you can dress it up!

I do not mind photographing pets... just as long as they are well-trained & housebroken!
Lucy was not a FAN of this hat! Not at ALL!

One of my FAVORITE photos EVER! :-)

[ Pics of Studio ]

2009-11-09T07:34:00.000-08:00

A few sneak peeks of my recent shoots:

The Coleman Family:

A "just because" session of Adam & Meghan:

The Williams Family:

My 3 kids. Fall Session:

The family that started my photography career. My sweet friend Leslie & her boys:

And a dear and BEAUTIFUL friend, Steph:

More to come of all!

........... A-N-D ...........

Sneak peek pics of my new studio!
I'll be hosting an Open House soon! Stay tuned!!!

It's not completely finished yet... but it's getting there!

[ Christmas 20-minute Sessions ]

2009-11-08T19:14:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

I am almost finished with my Christmas set at my new studio!

I will be booking 20-minute sessions for three days only.
Dates & Times:
Monday, November 16 (3:00-7:00)
Tuesday, November 17 (3:00-7:00)
Sunday, November 22 (12:00-6:00)

Pricing information to come soon!

For now- here's a sneak peak of the set:

It's hard to believe Christmas is just around the corner!!!

[ Exciting stuff!!! ]

2009-11-04T12:20:00.000-08:00

Exciting news!
Setting up and moving into my new studio!
Pics and more information to come!!!

I have a few more slots open for November ...
in time for Christmas gifts and cards!!!

Tons of sessions needing to be blogged! Stay tuned!

So excited!

[ Cute Couple: Tony & Jessica ]

2009-11-01T17:05:00.000-08:00

Such a CUTE and SWEET couple!
I enjoyed this session SO much!!!

ANYTIME!!!

[ Las Vegas! ]

2009-10-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

Such a great weekend in Vegas!
My first time in that city... tons of shows, shopping, relaxing by the pool...
NO GAMBLING! I'm not a gambler!
So fun!
More pics to come...

[ Senior 2010: Jessica Weaver- Post 2 ]

2009-10-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

Jessica... Here are some more of your outdoor session!
Stay tuned for the pics of you and Tony!!!

[ Senior 2010: Jessica Weaver - STUDIO- ]

2009-10-19T12:32:00.001-07:00

I can't even express how much I LOVED this session!!!
Beautiful weather... beautiful light... a beautiful (inside and OUT) subject...
So much fun!

I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did Jessica!
I'll be working on the rest... but for now, these are my favorites from our studio session!!
The outdoor shoots are coming soon!

[HIL-arious!]

2009-10-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago as I was getting ready to go to bed I was heading toward the office to turn my computer off...
I notice a "heap" at the bottom of the stairs... it was Cortland SLEEPING on the bottom steps!
I ran to get my camera and snapped these shots! He is so funny!

[ Happy Birthday Madeline! ]

2009-10-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

I can NOT believe that my oldest is turning TEN today!!!
I am so very proud of her and the girl she is!
HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADELINE!!!
We love you very much!

"A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present,
and the hope and promise of the future." ~Author Unknown

[ Florida ]

2009-10-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

I escaped last week to FLORIDA and had such a relaxing, nice time!
There is no better place to rest, relax, and recharge in my opinion than on a beach!
Been struggling all week long to get out of "vacation lazy mode!"

[ * Christmas Cards * ]

2009-09-29T15:02:00.000-07:00

Yep... I have my Christmas Card samples ready for you!

They come in packs of 25 with envelopes:
5x7 flat cards: $50.00
5x7 folded cards: $55.00

Blue & Green Happy Holidays:

Green dots:

Yellow & Turquise:

Grey Dots:

Mustard Yellow & Purple:

Green & White flowers:

Mustard Yellow swirls:

Grey & Turquise:

Brown & White flowers:

Purple Flowers:

Brown & Turquise:

[Haley & Trey]

2009-09-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

I just ADORE these kids! Adore them!
They are the children of one of my dearest friends... so it's always fun for me to photograph them!

I'll be getting the rest done Melissa... but here are my favorites!

Pretty girl!

This is SO Trey!

With Sofy! I LOVE this picture!

Peek-a-boo!

My favorite!

The struggle Melissa and I had getting this chair from the family room OUTSIDE to the porch.... HILARIOUS!

[The Lou Loving Family]

2009-09-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

This session was absolutely PERFECT to me!
It just flowed and the weather was so beautiful... one of my favorites!
Such a sweet and "loving" family they are.
I have known Shawn & Tabitha for years.. and I was so glad I got to meet the rest of the family!

Thanks everyone for a great session!

The Loving Family:

My favorite:

I love these two!

Cousins:

[... it's HERE! The Big 3-0!]

2009-09-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

Yep... the day has arrived! 30 is HERE. I can't fight it any longer!
No... just kidding! I really have had a great morning so far!
I've spent it with my son... doesn't get much better than that!

I have so many things to be thankful for...
so in honor of that Thankful feeling I decided to create a
"30 things I am thankful for on my 30th Birthday" list. Yep!

So here goes... my 30 Thankful Things:

1. Madeline Brooke. Mackenzie Lynn. Cortland Samuel.
You are my life.

Photo taken First Day of School 2009.

2. A man who is an amazingly attentive and supportive father and shows his children that EVERYDAY.

3. My parents & siblings.
I know we all drive each other crazy... but our love for one another will always be there.
No matter what. Such a good feeling.

... and we all crack each other up! Makes for fun times!

4. My sweet, sweet little Lucy Liu.
She is an amazingly wonderful dog and brings so much joy to our family!

5. Friends.
Again, I know I'm like a broken record...
but I believe I have some of the world's GREATEST women to call FRIENDS.
I feel so very blessed in this area of my life.

I love you very much Alicia...
I hope you know that! You are truly my third sister.

6. My job.
To do something CREATIVE, something I can do from home and something that I LOVE to do is the best feeling!

Photo by Life as a Photo.
"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."
~ Albert Einstein.

7. My home.
It is truly my sanctuary.
And this is what is going on in it this past week-
Spiderman parties, dying plants, and laundry that needs to be put up. :)

"Even the stuff that has to get done doesn't have to get done today."

8. Cooking.
It calms me.

"Shut out the busy, let in the peace."

9. Reading.
I love getting lost in a good book!

10. Dancing.
If there is music + a dance floor. I'm THERE!
I don't care what I look like!

"Never put away your dancing shoes!"

Photos by Photography by Jaren.

11. Laughing.
A much better work-out than Pilates I have to say!

Photo by Life as a Photo.
"Laugh louder."

12. A busy and FULL life.

13. Beaches + water (pools, lakes, rivers, oceans... all of it!).

Photos by Life as a Photo.
"A little bit of reckless abandon is a good thing."

14. Red wine.

15. Dressing up.

16. Yoga pants.
I live in them.

17. Tank tops.
It got so bad this summer that I had to purposefully put on a regular T-shirt
because I believe it was becoming a problem!
I have tanks in every color known to man!

18. Get-togethers and dinners with friends & family.

All but two of my cousins in my Silva Family. Albuquerque, NM. 12-2008.
Seriously... Tony! You kinda look like a serial killer! LOL! :)

19. My computer.

20. The internet & Yahoo Messenger.
What's up J? LOL

21. My camera, photography & my photog girls.

Photos by Life as a Photo.

22. FOOD!

23. Traveling.

24. Music.

25. T-E-X-T-I-N-G.
Holla!

26. My office.
I love the light in this room and the ability to see into the family room & kitchen.
I still feel apart of everything while I'm working.

27. XM radio & Pandora.

28. A large yard for my kids to run and play in.

"Joy. Jump for it."

29. Changing seasons.

30. My health.

So... my quote for the next 30 years:
"It's not the things we do in life that wear us down.
It's what we don't do."

[Sweet Little Ava Grace]

2009-09-17T09:44:00.000-07:00

It is crazy to me that I am old enough that almost every childhood friend of mine has KIDS now!!!
I mean... I have three... no biggie right?!
One of my oldest AND greatest friends, Jen, wanted me to photograph Ava and I was SO excited!
To check out the most beautiful pregnant woman click HERE!
Ava was so GREAT... calm... easy... and GORGEOUS and Jen & I had such a great time visiting and catching up.

I love you both (and you too Bo!). It was so great to see you as a mother Jen!

Is she not precious???

I loved the idea of placing their maternity photo in the background... thinking outside the box right?

Those eyes!

Baby & Mama...

... these are just a couple pics Jen & took a few years ago (and I know they're blurry... but whatever right?
The moment got captured!).
We always laugh so much and just SO enjoy getting to be together.
Love you Jennifer!

[My Birthday Boy]

2009-09-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th Birthday Cortland Samuel!
You are my SONshine sweet boy!
You have brought me so much happiness.
You are my love and I adore you.

I love you so very much.

[The Dwyer Girls]

2009-09-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

This was such a great... CREATIVE session!
Johnna brought along so many props- a mirror, a chair, a basket, a COUCH!!!
This session is the perfect example of a client thinking "outside the box" and creating a unique session!
Thank you Johnna... I had a blast photographing your girls!!!

Little Addy:

Sweet little Elly:

Love this little birthday hat!

I LOVED the mirror! So great!

Elly & Grandma:

Sweet sisters:

This picture makes me SMILE! So very summer-y!

My absolute favorite!

[... it's just around the corner!]

2009-09-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

I know it might seem early for CHRISTMAS CARDS but I like to plan ahead!

I just wanted to remind all clients that I will have personalized photo cards available!
Examples will be here on the blog soon!

[SUprise!!!]

2009-09-12T07:52:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know that is spelled wrong! But it was apart of our night last night and it was hilarious!

These sweet, SWEET girlfriends of mine completed SURPRISED me with a birthday dinner celebration!
I thought Melissa and I were going to a quick dinner and it turned out to be a group!
I was SO surprised that apparently I looked angry!
I totally wasn't... just in shock that people were not where they were "supposed" to be! Ha!

Written on the card of my bouquet was the word "SUPRISE!"
So all night we said that instead of SUR-PRISE! Funny...

I honestly believe I have some of the best friendships in the world!
I cherish them and feel so blessed for the women in my life.
Thank you girls for a wonderful evening--- I love you!

I cannot believe I'm about to be the big 3-0!!!
Less than a week left of my 20's!!!
What is happening to life right now? I still feel like I'm 22!

I'll leave you with a quote I just found:

"A real friend
knows when to listen,
when to stop listening,
when to talk,
when to stop talking,
when to pour wine,
when to stop pouring
and just hand over the bottle."

Such a great night... I'd had such a busy, stressful week it was wonderful to relax and LAUGH!

Now off to get Cortland's 4th birthday party underway!

[Recipe: Meatloaf]

2009-09-11T08:28:00.001-07:00

So, I've never been the biggest fan of "meatloaf." EVER.
But in the past few years I decided to try it again but couldn't seem to find a really good recipe... UNTIL LAST WEEK!

My mother-in-law (who is the best cook in the ENTIRE WORLD) made a meatloaf from
a recipe in the Baxter Bulletin and it... was... delicious!

I made it a couple nights ago and meant to take a photo of it but we ate it up too quickly...
I just forgot all about my camera!
So I found a generic photo on the web... it doesn't really do it justice...

Here is the recipe folks! It's beyond YUMMY!!!

Upside-Down Meat Loaf

1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. ketchup
1 1/2 to 2 pounds LEAN ground beef
3/4 c. milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1 small onion, grated
1/4 t. ginger
3/4 c. crushed saltine crackers

Butter a 9x5 loaf pan. Press brown sugar in bottom and spread ketchup over the sugar.

Mix remaining ingredients together and shape into loaf. Put on top of ketchup. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

Turn upside down and serve.

[These. Colors. Make. Me. Happy!]

2009-09-09T18:40:00.000-07:00

Saw this photo in a REAL SIMPLE magazine. I am in LOVE with these colors!

If anyone needs ideas on "what to wear" for a session... THINK OF THIS!

Hilarious conversations around my house in the past couple days:

Last night as I am getting Cortland dried off from his shower-

putting his lotion on, cleaning his ears, combing his hair...

he looks up at me and says in the sweetest and most geniune voice,

"Mama... you are SO nice." I was so thrilled!

Then he pauses and says, "You are also a little mean."

Talk about honest, huh? I said... "that's because I'm your MOM!

I have to be a little of both!" It was so funny I cracked up right there!

I was brush-hogging late tonight... yes, it's shocking that I love to drive a tractor, I know?!...

I asked Kenzie-Lynn if she would take Cort in the shower with her and wash him up.

Of course she said "yes" and ran off to do it.

Well, he didn't care too much for the idea and gave her a H-A-R-D time!!!

So I came inside and based on the screaming fit he was pitching I figured he had been refusing to let her bathe him.

I told him to march "his little baby buns on in the shower and make things 'easier' for his sister (not harder)..." and BOY did he get mad!

He thought he could throw his little fit and then still have me bathe him.

I made him get in the shower with her and he started having a little attitude as I was walking into the bedroom.

Kenzie-Lynn said,

"Bubby... if you don't act right I W-I-L-L report you to Mama

(probably saying this with a rotating head and snapping fingers)!"

I LAUGHED SO HARD I HAD TO COVER MY MOUTH SO THEY WOULDN'T HEAR ME!!!

Never a dull moment raising kids, huh?

Anyone else as thrilled as I am that ELLEN is going to be the new judge on American Idol???

My two favorite shows! Together?

Oh-EM-GEE... too much to handle! LOL!

[Senior Session: Alex Wiles]

2009-09-08T17:57:00.000-07:00

I had such a great time on this session!
Alex was such a great sport and did all the silly things I asked of him!!!
It was also so very fun to shoot at a new location!

Thanks Alex! Here are my favorites:

He is an avid reader...

I love this one!!!

My favorite!!!

Oh... and Ellen did not disappoint yesterday!!!
Click HERE to check out part of her show! She's HILARIOUS!

[In less than TWO hours...]

2009-09-08T07:22:00.000-07:00

... my FAVORITE show is starting it's season!!!
I cannot wait... I love The Ellen Degeneres Show! L-O-V-E it....
In my opinion- she is the most hilarious person on the planet.
Her show is my favorite part of my morning during my weekdays! ... And it's starting in just over an hour!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In other news...

This morning started out s-l-o-w for all of us... we just had such a great
Labor Day weekend and didn't want to get our "normal" weekday started!
Cortland didn't even want to get up and he usually is so happy in the morning it's borderline-annoying!
Anyway- I usually only have two cups of coffee, but I'm on my THIRD now.
I needed a little bit more to get me going... so much to do today!

[Labor Day Weekend]

2009-09-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is having a GREAT and RELAXING Labor Day weekend!
My weekend has been great... it's consisted of a lot of relaxing which was very much NEEDED!
Watching movies, grilling yummy tilapia, sitting outside on the patio enjoying this great weather, watching my kids play, basically just being LAZY!!! Love it!
In between my relaxing times I have been busy with shoots! And I am so excited about them!
Thought I'd share a couple images as I was working on them!

A baby shoot!

A family shoot!

And randomness.... I visited the Old Mill awhile back in LR and needed to post these as well!

Have a great Labor Day everyone!

[Sneak Peek]

2009-09-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

Freddie... I wanted you to see photos of your baby girls as soon as POSSIBLE!!!

More to come of Little Addy & Elly!