The theme this week is “Bundled Up”, which immediately made me think of the day that we had cousin Spencer over to spend the night in hopes that it would snow and that school would be cancelled. We woke up the next morning, only to find that we  got our wish – in the form of the biggest snowfall of the year! The boys immediately Bundled Up and went out to play. I snapped hundreds of photos of them that day, laughing, running, wrestling throwing snowballs and having so much fun in the snow – the most either of them had ever seen! This image is one of my favorites and reminds me what it feels like to be five. {And it almost makes me miss the snow!}

Enjoy – and be sure you head on over to i heart faces to see the rest of the great images!

I am a total homebody, but am becoming aware of just how much I really do love people.  I enjoy coffee a little too much. I stay up way too late at night editing photos. I read lots and lots of Stephen King. OK, so maybe the coffee and the King have a *little* something to do with my being unable to sleep. Maybe. If I could, I’d stay in my pajamas all day long, and I often do. I am running headlong into 40. OK, so that’s an exaggeration. I turn 35 on Wednesday, but I really like being dramatic. 35 is halfway to 70, so perhaps I’m not being as dramatic as I think. I am head over heels for my husband, who looks just like and sings way better than Finn on Glee. (Squee!) I think my son is an absolute Rock Star in every way. I think that starting two businesses in the midst of a recession is both the scariest and the most incredible thing we have ever done as a family. I’ve grown lots of new gray hairs, but grown even more as a person. I am forcing my family to Eat Clean as much as possible in 2010, which frequently leads to statements like, “Oh, mom! Not Quinoa AGAIN!” I have the best friends EVER. And the best clients EVER. And guess what? I’ve really missed posting their pretty stuff here for your to see!

So, let’s remedy that problem, shall we? 

This lovely little lady came to visit me earlier today and I couldn’t resist posting these for you to see. Oh, she is such a charmer! Miss Skylar Rose is now almost seven months old. I was supposed to photograph her at six months, but thanks to the Flu That Would Not Go Away, it’s just now happening! I owe Skylar’s sweet momma a debt of gratitude for her patience – so I figured these images were a good start! You might remember Skylar’s 3 month photos – I can’t believe how fast they change when they’re this little! 

I really, truly do have lots more goodness to share, but I have been very hesitant to post anyone’s images for fear of spoiling a surprise gift or a Christmas card photo. But it’s coming. And I think it will be worth the wait!  

I must say that I now fully understand the words Christmas Rush. Having manned the front office for an incredible children’s photographer for several years, I always got to witness the Christmas Rush. And I did get to experience it, a little, at least on the periphery. I’ve read about the Christmas Rush on other photography blogs. But now, being a one woman show from start to finish, I get it. I am now the Queen of the Christmas Rush! I haven’t seen my family much (I haven’t even been to see New Moon!), but I am almost over the hump. And as much as many of you have heard me groan about being swamped and tired and overwhelmed – I am eternally grateful. 2009 has been one of the most exciting and rewarding years of my life and I look forward to sharing more of myself and my art with you soon!

It doesn’t hurt that Carrie is S U P E R S T A R  gorgeous, Lance has that whole ruggedly-handsome thing going on and the kids – well, the kids are just divine!

We have had the pleasure of knowing this sweet family through our church for many years. You just don’t get more down-to-earth, kind and fun than these guys. {And add to that: Carrie is totally creative. Whether it’s sewing, gardening, decorating or cooking, she can do it all. I am always amazed by the projects that she undertakes and features on her blog!} I was really hoping to capture that beautiful spirit in their photos, so I was delighted when Carrie showed up with lots of cool things to incorporate into the shoot. Take the lollipops for instance – So much fun! They also made quite a mess, but isn’t that what it’s all about when you’re a kid? I loved how, once Katie Belle was covered in orange stickiness (which I love, love love in the photo below), Carrie just wiped her off, stripped off her tights and kept right on going! 

Lance and Carrie, I love you guys!! Thank you so much for  just letting go and having fun with me. I hope you enjoy the sneak peek and I will be in touch soon about the rest!

Be sure you visit i heart faces to see all the other wonderful entries and have an AMAZING day!

scrumptious?

The morning I arrived to shoot, Skylar’s mom, Angie, told me that the sweet angel had not slept well the night before and that she wasn’t her normal self. And I just found out the other day that Skylar began running a fever later that same day. Can you believe  that this happy, smiley girl was not feeling her best? I know when I don’t feel well, you have to drag the smiles out of me. I think this just goes to show what a sweet, easygoing baby Miss Skylar really is! Oh, I just want to squeeze her! 

Skylar’s big sister, Meadow, joined in on some of the fun. Big brother Elijah was with us too. They are all such wonderful kids. 

Angie, thank you so much for the opportunity to photograph your little angel. I so enjoyed spending the morning with you and look forward to doing it again soon. I hope you enjoy your sneak peek and I will be in touch very soon about getting you the finished disc!

I have been looking forward to the “Candid” theme at I heart Faces for a while now. I snapped this picture of my son, Jack, and his beloved Emmy at the County Fair this summer. They had waited oh, so patiently in line to ride the Caterpillar {and to get a seat in the front car, no less!}. Let me tell you – It did not disappoint! I snapped this little goodie about 9:30 p.m. – Thank goodness for the flickering fluorescent carnival lights! I was so happy  to get this shot, as I had just walked around the corner and raised my camera as they were passing flying by! I added in a little texture and vintage tinting because, for me,  there’s something about going to the fair that really feels like a connection to the past. 

Be sure you head on over to I heart Faces to see all of the other wonderful entries and get inspired! Thank you so much for stopping by – I appreciate any and all feedback!

I have never been much of a Summer girl. I prefer Autumn for many reasons, such as pumpkins, mums, hayrides Halloween, changing leaves, and the brisk fall air. However…I must say that I am really, really loving being outside this year. The back deck has become a rather enjoyable place, as my little container garden begins to grow. I am so thankful that we have a God who blesses us with such beauty year round!