BLUE

Some more summer delights. Jay loves the color BLUE...when he got his hair cut he got some blue hair spray put it, when he woke up from is nap that day it was EVERYWHERE...popped them into the tub and got these. Love that face on Jay...and that "cheese" from Memm...perfection.

Random Goodness

Not sure when I took these. They got lost in the shuffle of my crazy summer perhaps. Went through them today. So random. Not even sure what the objective was, if there even was one. I am always amazed at how random my photography is. Some days so great, other days I think "what was I thinking"? Somedays saturated, some days not much color, some days light, some days really contrasty. I seem to love it all, and wonder if I will ever find "my" place. Love these kids though. I remember this day, so happy to have it captured, just love them. Love them so very, very much!

Heard:

"Tra la la la la, tra la la la, tra la la la la , tra la la la, not to the circus, not to the pool, can't you guess? I'm going to school!"

This page just needed an update!

I was SO tired of coming here and seeing that awful orange photo of Emm. It is something that happens in Microsoft after I size for web. Totally weird. Anyway, here is proof I take AWFUL photos all the time, but I LOVE THIS ONE. Some strange, odd reason, the focus is off, it is blurry, I dunno, probably because she is smiling?

We'll be gone for the weekend. Guess we're taking our Labor Day weekend a week late. Hope everyone is doing well...sorry my life is so boring, not much to talk about. Did finish reading Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. Hoping #2 gets better...just started that one. Love to read, but hate how it consumes my life, anyone else EVER have that problem?

Inquiring minds...

...Get their answers, but only for a limited time! ;) First, let's start with the headbands. It is probably driving some of you mad. They are not children's headbands. Yep, they are for ADULTS. Now, my children have big heads, but not HUGE heads, but it seems that adult headbands just stay on Miss just fine. I have noticed that these faux wrap headbands stay on better than the thinner ones, and she leaves them on, when her hair is done in a clip or pony she has it out in two seconds, these stay on longer, go figure. The key to my finding ANY item is to just "stroll" through whatever section a particular item I am looking for may be. So, if I am wanting headbands, I make sure to stroll through that section of the store, ANY and every store I go to, until I find. If I find and I like I buy. This particular headband came from Gadzooks I believe. I also have the black one from " Corn. Dog." that was purchasd from Claires at the mall. We have a chocolate brown from Target, and a white one from, oh, I think Claires or a store like it. Just LOOK, take the extra three minutes to walk through the headbands and if you like, just get it, you won't regret it, (unless you don't).
Second, the key to Miss' wardrobe? I dress her like I would dress myself. If I wouldn't wear it, I don't buy it (generally). I don't know where I started this, but I think I was just drawn to the bulky sweaters, the "flare" jeans, the grown up looking shoes. I am sure in a few years I will regret her looking so old and will put tutus and pink florals on her, but for now, I love simple. How'd you know? "Simply Me", "Simply You Photography". I know I am a dork. Anyway, if you notice most of her outfits could easily be made for an adult. This particular sweater was purchased from The Old Navy Outlet for $9 almost two years ago. That is the other secret. I have a closet full of clothes on hangers just waiting to be worn. $3 Pajamas from The Children's Place I saw on sale. (I bought 30 once) but I never have to buy them again. It was an investment, but every time I look in the closet I know I won't have to buy them again, it is a good feeling. ;) So, anyway, I get things on the clearance rack that are CUTE and I save them. I will pay a few dollars more for the cute sweater and forgo the 99 cent whatnots, (Unless of course they are cute whatnots, well then, WHY NOT?)
This dress. I am sad to admit I paid full price. I had a vision. I didn't quite fulfill my vision, but it is a very beautiful dress, and I do not regret buying it. It was from Old Navy. I splurge sometimes.
Okay, the beloved Corn. Dog. shoot. Shirt: Target. It came with two shirts in one. SAWEET, I think the shirt was only $7.00, and heck for "two shirts" I was getting one for $3.50, can't get much better than that. The leggings were $3.00 at Wal-mart. WAL-MART.
Shoes. Ashlee wanted to know about shoes, Leslie wanted to know about shoes, here is the ENTIRE scoop on shoes. I treat shoes much like I treat a beautiful cream cable knit sweater with chunky buttons off the clearance rack. BUY THEM, even if they are three sizes too big. If you love them, and they are cheap, why not? Later, we will be glad we did. I am, and have never regretted it yet. These pink delights were from, get ready with a pen and paper, cause you NEED to go there. Smith's Marketplace. There are four locations in our valley that I can think of...These pink (and black) dandy's are indeed Chuck Taylor's. I got them for under $15 at Smith's Marketplace. They have great sales and coupons to boot. (No pun intended, although I am eyeing a pair for Miss for the winter.) I have found more fantastic shoes for my kids at Smith's than anywhere else. Seriously. Don't second guess yourself, if you see something you like, and the size is right (or bigger) buy it. If you don't, you can subject yourself to me and hunt them down, (but be aware you will be disappointed if you don't find them in the end.) I have sent many a ladies on goose chases after seeing a pair on Jay or Memm, and some have failed, but many times others succeed. Another great, overlooked shoe fantasy land? SEARS. YES, SEARS! 60% of my childrens shoes come from Sears. And the best thing? As of yesterday they were having some very NICE shoes (leather) on sale for $5. $5! I bought Mister 4 pairs of leather shoes...all for under $25 with tax! I have done this before, and the best part? Next year when they can wear the new size, everyone will want them and won't be able to get them, it'll drive people wild! Also, if you have some cash to burn, Journeyz Kidz is a fun place for shoes. Sometimes I find goodies at Payless, but that is hard, usually NO sizes for my kids there. If you are up at the factory stores, Stride Rite is a great place, they have a fantastic clearance table. I found Mister LEATHER shoes for under $10 and the sandals he wore ALL summer were leather and cost $11. Can't get that at Payless or even Wal-Mart nowadays. I just guessed his size and luckily I guessed right!
This outfit is pretty straight forward, love the graphic tee from The Children's Place, an early Summer steal for $5. The jeans from Old Navy, and the black chucks from Smith's.
Mister is NOT left out, he just chooses to wear what he wants these days. Boys are fun. I bought these shoes from a clearance rack at Ross (They were Stride Rites). Saved them up for a long time. The pants: Clearance rack at The Chilrens Place $4. No JOKE. The jacket, well another splurge from The Children's Place, none of your business how much it cost! ;) And the shirt underneath was a hand me down! Can't see it but it was CUTE.

Places I frequent:

The Children's Place (generally ONLY the clearance racks)

Old Navy (I stay away because I can get myself into trouble easily, but the Outlet is a good place sometimes to find last season's stuff at a discount)

TARGET, TARGET, TARGET!!! Cheap prices for REALLY cute stuff. Just stroll people, if it doesn't shout at you, don't buy it!

Wal-Mart. EVERY TIME I go, I stroll, sometimes I find great stuff, usually for Mister...nice church clothes too.

Gymboree Clearance (hardly ever, but if I have time I'll stroll)

Ebay "LOTS" if you have time to look and bid (only if I am desperate for a certain something)

Savers (Stroll, it is fun and sometimes you find great things)

And for me? Target, Maurices (where I got that black shirt), and Forever 21, and Susie's Deals (If you have never gone, call me, I'll take you. Everything is $5.99 and less. Lots of it being Forever 21 leftovers or seconds)!

My last piece of advice, and I gave it to Moosh in Indy long ago: But it will hold true for all of you, the truth is I buy 2, TWO, dos, DOIS, really cute, hip, fun, (sometimes a little more than I want to pay for) outfits for my kids for them to wear when I go see "Them" whoever you want "Them" or "They" to be. I just feel like if my kids are clean, washed, look good, then I look good and it takes the pressure off of me. Just a thought, many people have taken this advice and swear by it...try it out and let me know how it works.

Coming tonight...

"The Clothing Post" A few weeks ago, Blair requested I tell where I get all the clothes for my kids, and now I have had five people ask where the headbands are from...if you have a specific question, ask it now...you guys are so funny!

Remember him today...

Andy's having a major surgery...please remember him today, in your thoughts, in your prayers. Well wishes for all of them!

Growing up!

"Mister, SMILE!" "I can't Mom, the sun is TOO bright, mine eyes are hurting!"
Proof.Leaving now...The color is a little off on these, it may be blogger, have no idea, strange. Anyway...

Mister started preschool today. I wanted to be a good mom and document the day, this is literally as far as I got. This kid is my heart, so honest, so real, I hope he always stays that way. "Mom, can you stop taking pictures now? I want to go to school!" And he turned around and did.

I picked him up and asked him how his day went, he told me all about how they had "punch". Hmm? I asked, "Punch?" "Yeah Mom, PUNCH!" I wasn't getting it..."Like someone punched you?" He sighs, "Lemonade Mom, we had lemonade."

Too wise beyond years. The highlight of the day was when he got to use scissors. "Real scissors, tiny scissors." His world will never be the same.

My world? I didn't get emotional until the scissors part. He can't use scissors here, probably because we only have big scissors, but I realized he is getting older. No longer a baby, no longer needing me so much, that means "I" am getting older and more mature, and with that it means I can't need him as much. It is such a treasure to watch him grow, learn, and amaze me. I want so much for him. The other day he was drawing for quite some time, I asked him, "Do you want to be an artist when you grow up?" He answered immediately, "No Mom, I want to be a rocket!" Okay, maybe not too grown up yet.

"J-Dawg?!"

Good girl, don't hug the boys back...YET!

Emm and I were a little thrown off today without Jay around. We had an appointment to teach today. Memm was so tired and a bit moody, but had fun nonetheless. She gave me this look, I didn't think that they knew how to so young. They do a lot of things I didn't know they could do so young. Go figure.

Literally, the words came right out of his mouth...

"Mom! Go take a picture of Memms!"
Nuff said.

Prayers and Support Needed!

Our friend Andy fell from the Gateway on Tuesday afternoon while at work. He is in pretty bad shape, but he is stable, alive, and fighting. I just wanted to ask everyone to remember this sweet family in your prayers.

If anyone is able and would like to donate, there is a fund set up at any US Bank under the name: Gudmundson Donation Fund. Another friend of mine is taking donations, so if you would like to help, contact me and we will make sure it gets to the bank.

We love you Ashlee and Andy! Hang in there Buddy!

She is amazing...

Cassie

Love this boy!

He just melts my heart. He was really sick this past weekend, fever, sore throat, just so not himself, and yet, he was the sweetest, most kind, thoughtful boy I have ever seen out of him. For a week he has been an angel, I wondered where my boy had gone to, and why this little man replaced him. Until today at the fair when he LOST. IT. Due to the fact I did not get him a "blue ice cream" but rather a "cor de rosa ice cream" (pink) and he threw a fit for no less than 20 minutes. Even so, the things he says make me laugh, he never ceases to amaze me with his whit and charm. So, so, very in love with him.

Playing Dress Up

Anyway, isn't she just the cutest thing you have ever seen? I was dying as this was unfolding, and she really didn't see me until that last shot. What a DOLL! I am still amazed that at a year and a half she can go into my closet (while I was showering), help herself to my jewelry box, splash on a pair of pumps and go to town. Is dress up just in her nature? Did I do things like this? I don't think I did. All I remember doing at age four was climbing up the hall closet shelves and stealing lip gloss out of my mom's makeup bag. This girl is already accessorizing. I am SO in love.

Thankful for my freedom.

I wish I had a photograph to post with this. I don't, but hopefully my message can get across.

Today as I was so blessed to be able to drive to the store and pick up a pizza, I noticed on my drive home, our flag--The American Flag waving on a flagpole. It was then that I remember a trip I took to Brasil a few years ago. I remember visiting, and how odd it felt that everywhere I looked I saw the Brasilian flag waving in the wind, instead of my beloved Stars and Stripes.

I felt a lot of pride today, and thankfulness that I live in a country, and more importantly a portion of our country where I can afford food for my children. I have the luxury of driving to the corner and picking up a pizza.

I dunno, just stuff I take for granted a lot, but seeing that flag today, reminded me of how blessed we all are!

Forgot to mention...

...I read lips.

Let me explain. When I was a little girl I suffered from two major ear infections. leaving me with some hearing loss. After a few years of working in a clothing manufacturing facility, the humm of the machines didn't help much. Over the years I have learned to compensate for this loss by reading lips. I don't even realize I am doing it until after I leave a meeting, or an event. Generally I do it if I am in a noisy place like church, the mall, a restaurant, or if my kids are being loud. I always feel so embarassed because I should be making "eye contact".

Okay, I HAVE to link you...

...I am too proud. TOO. PROUD. A word I do NOT use lightly. Goes back to my days as a Seminary Council council member. (Inside Joke) ANYWAY. Please go and check out my student Miss Cassie.

I honestly am BLOWN away with what this lady has done with only TWO, yes TWO lame classes with moi. The "bokeh" the compositions, the creativity. She is better than ME! I am not even joking when I say that. I am not going to allow you to comment on this one. You have to go and see for yourself. Give her some mad shout-outs people. Way to go Cass!

My Big Boy

We spent a lot of time together last night doing our little photo shoot. He WANTED to have his photo taken (at least a few, and mostly before we left the house). We had a little family night tonight after taking Miss to the doctor. We ate dinner at the mall, got a cookie, and walked around. It felt SO good to be back with them, no other stresses, or plans for the week but THEM. I told him, "You are my heart!" He brings tears to my eyes. Growing so fast, no longer a little boy, "I'm a big boy Mom!" Oh how I love!

Why Do You Blog?!

Sarah asks, Why do you blog?

I answer:

Laughing a bit, It used to be so I could be honest with my feelings so I wouldn't go CRAZY thinking I was the only one! Now, I realize how important it is that I do blog, because I am indeed a little crazy, but without this blog I would miss out and forget all of "the little moments" in my children's lives. The funny things they say, the things that melt my heart. Another reason, to stay in touch with friends, when the miles and stresses of life would otherwise keep us apart! Miss you Sarah!

I tag:

Arianne

Leslie

Amanda

April

Ashley

18 Months, Who wants Ice Cream?

"I DO!!"

It is hard to believe that eighteen months have gone by since this little girl joined our family. I say little girl, because that is what she is. Each day she amazes me, she always comes up with the funniest phrases. I was getting her ready for church yesterday and I love her so much I started yelling, "BEAUTIFUL EYES!!!" and what do I hear in return? "BEAUTIFUL EYES!" My jaw hit the floor, since when does she talk? When can she say whatever she wants? Today after we took her for her 18 month photo shoot (with mom) I asked very loudly, "Who wants ice cream?" She shouts, "I DO!!!!" I am dying here. She is not a baby anymore. Just love her so much, love her squeaky little voice. Love how much she loves her brother, how well they play together, how much they care for one another!!!

So very happy to be their mom. So very blessed to be their mom. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!

Final Project

Hubbs and I went on a trip last weekend to Moab. I know I have driven through there when I was a little girl, but had never gotten out of the car. We didn't travel much when I was younger, so this was a place I had always wanted to go. After we were married, we set a goal to visit all of Utah. Sadly though, we haven't had time to visit close to home, although we have been blessed to travel the world.

We left the kids with the in-laws and went down, just him and me. For the assignment we had to write a proposal about how we wanted to execute the final, why were we going to shoot this particular final. Anyway, my goal was to "reconnect" with my husband. Things have been SO stressful around here the last few months. We have a considerable amount to be grateful for, but at times it is easy to lose sight of one another, and US in the mix of it all. I had an idea in my mind of what I wanted to photograph, what I wanted to walk away with, and this was definitely what I had imagined and more. It was nice to get away, to be together if only for a day, and to be able to see such a magnificent part of the world. Feeling very thankful for this time.

My little brother and feeling a bit better...

I cannot tell you how good it feels to be out of school, but since all of you have been there too, perhaps you can remember. I have been so busy the past two months, I felt I was missing out on so much. Not to complain though, it has been a good busy, a learning busy, a thankful busy.

I have finally convinced my little brother (23) not so little, but convinced him anyway to start offering his talent to others. He plays the Ukelele and sings with one of his friends and another woman. They are AMAZING. I called him a few days ago to get me a demo CD, I was really blown away with what he came up with. If I can figure out how to upload music to my blog I would love to share. Anyway, if anyone is interested in hiring him, they sing at church functions (they have a handful of original, very unique, funny, and spiritual songs), but mostly they play at Luaus and Weddings, but they are in such demand that they are starting to charge. Anyway, if you are interested please let me know! Awesome stuff!

This photo is SUPER old, but came across it today and messed around with it a bit. Kind of fun. All of my recent stuff is on my other computer waiting for Internet access and high speed in that room, so when I get it, there will be lots to share! I have been busy organinzing photos, and getting my scrapbook room in order again so that I can start scrapbooking. I am looking so forward to it in my three weeks off from school.

That is about it from me here. Nothing really new or exciting. Hope everyone is doing fabulously!

Hi

So, you wanna know what's been going on?

Me? Doing good...hanging in there!

Well, just a little STRESSED.

School. Finals. HUGE projects (one right after another after another).

Dealing with a pig for a teacher (yes I liked him the first two weeks, now I am not so sure). I am getting an 'A' though as long as I, "...don't bomb anything we have left due!" Nice. Why do I even care? I have decided there is nothing prestigious about saying, "I graduated from the community college with a certificate in photography." Barf.

Need more money to pay for beautiful, lovely, fun, new house and all that comes with it. Oh and to top it off? We were told the wrong date for our first payment and we were "delinquent" or almost. They called us, figured it was weird we didn't even make the first payment. Luckily nothing went on the credit report, for that I am grateful.

Waiting...for a baby...help?!

Baby hunger sucks. Watching lovely happy little Memm? Wonderful! Or how about Jay? He is getting ready to go to PRESCHOOL! We bought him a new Spider Man backpack, he is in love...and can't wait. Every morning he tells me, "Mom, I am going to preschool today, OKAY?!" Love, love, love him! Oh my goodness. And Miss Memm is talking up a storm. English, Portuguese, a mixture of both...so big so fast. She just makes me laugh and laugh. I am so thankful for these two, they make life worthwhile.

Went to Moab this weekend. It was part of my final project. I will have to post the photos. It was A LOT more powerful than I had anticipated. We had to write up a plan, and how we were going to execute and frightfully enough it came together and expressed everything I was feeling.

What else? Oh, I got a new calling...drumroll please: Activities Committee. Too funny huh? I am SO excited to be working with this other lady, I just felt like I clicked with her the first week in the new ward. She is very outgoing and I think I am meant to be in this calling, it is going to be really good for me! Christmas Party here I come!

Have I mentioned my ward? NO!? I know, I was in my frump...but I LOVE IT! I cannot say enough good about it...I do have a funny bad story that a few of you know...once I have some things done in the yard I will have to share! It is a hoot. Anyway, really good things happening here. Just thankful school is out for a month starting this THURSDAY...can't wait!

Lastly, never something I thought I would do, or would ever want to do, but I am opening up Simply You Photography to weddings. I had an overwhelming month of bookings, all referrals, all weddings. Well, engagements, bridals, weddings...you name it. This is good news, although my first and foremost love are babies and children, so please, don't forget that! ;) Also, two weeks ago I got my first booking to photograph a birth story. Actually, she asked me a year ago, and she finally got pregnant! Congratulations Wendy...so stay tuned for March when I will have my first birth to photograph. Can't wait!

Well, there is a little update. I have missed the blog world. It has been a week since I have been able to read and catch up on everything in your worlds, can't wait. Come back soon and I will have more photos of me and my family, they are just all on the other computer until we get Internet access.

Welcome Home

What can I say, other than I almost had a nervous breakdown? Really, a really bad week last week. Yes, I am blessed, blah, blah, you have all heard that so I won't get into it, but things have been rough. I am thankful to be feeling a bit more on top. Thank you for the support of my dear friends. After a lengthy discussion with my sweet husband, I feel I owe anonymous an apology. I don't know who you are, but you helped me take a long look at my life. I hope that when you come here, you will see that I am just a normal girl, living a normal life, trying to be the best that I can be. Although I must say that trials are hard, if you have never been in the abyss of depression, I hope that it is a place you never have to be. It is a very lonely place and all of the happy thoughts and blessings in the world will not help you out of it. It is my hope that the things written here in the future can help lift people, help them feel more normal, because that is the reason I do this.

I am a little crazy, that is probably why I deleted my blog last week, I just felt so much weight and pressure from all sides I didn't think I could handle one more thing, one more item to have to worry about. I think a lot of this had to do with school. I want to be better, I want this to be a place where you can come and feel uplifted and leave with something to make you a better person. As much as I love my family, I may have days where they are driving me mad, if you have ever had a three year old, you will understand this, but most days, I am full of so much love and gratitude for them. My family is my life, they are my goals and my aspirations. Without them I am nothing, without them there is no me!

So, welcome back. I hope that you will welcome me back and forgive me for my craziness...ah life!

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About Me

"Tchau little baby bed, oi big girl bed!"

"Tchau" from this little one sounds a lot like "Dow". I love it. No she didn't sleep in the Pack 'n Play her whole life. She did have a real crib...but we didn't set it up in the new house. She was sleeping in the travel crib until we got the big girl bed. She is in love...

Learning to love ME!

Wow, lately I have been really down. I told you all abou that. So down that I gained some weight (which is baaaaddd...not a whole "lot" but enough that this doesn't help with things...but that aside, the past week or so has been really great for me. I can't pinpoint exactly the changes that have occurred, but enough to know that Heavenly Father is watching out for me and that he is near.

One of the main things for me has been wanting to be a mother again. It seems so weird to put it that way. I am a mother, but I guess the baby hunger sets in. I want to experience all of those things again, the newness of life, the joy in watching your child along each new step in life. I love each and every day with my children now...I just don't want that stuff to end just yet. If I had Internet access a week ago you would have read a post about me wanting to just be done...just wanting to be satisfied with my two little ones. Wanting to say, "I'm done." I was so ready to come here last week and type up a post saying...screw it all, I am so done with wanting another baby. I was going to talk about my never wanting another person to ask us when we were going to have another...and the fact that if anyone ever did I would likely punch them in the face. You tend to get that a lot when your baby starts going to nursery: Welcome to Utah. I am sure I would not have this problem elsewhere. Then I have to deal with the peeps I come in contact with at the agency. Some waiting for their first child, some their second, some their fourth or fifth, and I get made to feel like I am stupid or the odd man out, like I am taking their child way from them. I guess some of these people just don't understand the whole adoption thing and that their baby is not MY baby...and they will certainly not be getting MY baby. That is a another post entirely. So, anyway, back to the whole loving me thing. I did not come and write that post, because on Tuesday as I was walking through All a Dollar or whatever that insane store is named now (I don't frequent that store, but I had a few minutes to myself and began to wander...actually I am looking for cheap little placemats for my kids so if you find some that are plastic let me know.) and as I was walking down this isle, it just hit me. Peace. Not the peace that I will only have two children, but peace that I will be a mother again, and that having our paperwork in at this time is the right thing...peace that I shouldn't run and write the post about you all and the world asking me about us having another child...just peace knowing that we were making the right decision.

In other areas, my photography. Man, I have been busy with life that I was getting really down and frustrated with this. See, I like to go and scour phography websites. This is good, what I do that is bad is compare my work to other people. You know what I am finally understanding? My work is pretty good. I have grown so much, and when I really take the time to "see" what I have created, it is really great. Techinically things are in the right direction, and I can just take a deep breath and have confidence that these shoots I think are so terrible really are great, and I need to start feeling that I don't have to sell myself short. I love myself enough to know I am not charging enough. That is what everyone tells me, and I have to accept that, and not be afraid to tell the world, "Hey, I have something great to offer. If you want it, come and get it...if you don't like it, kindly step aside." That is really hard for me to say. Hard for me to understand and believe, but I am getting better and better, and I can see that. I took this photo the other day of this little girl and when I saw it, my heart skipped a beat.

It was almost perfect. The tones were all there, the fence may be a little blown out but who cares...it wasn't about the fence, it was about that little girl. It was a neat thing to see. I just love it, and the best part is I did nothing to it but change it to b&w, NOTHING ELSE. This session was one I didn't have to spend a lot of time cropping and playing with...I understand the craft, I have gotten to the point where I am doing it on the job, and it is wonderful for me to see that and love that about me.

I have a long way to go. A. LONG. WAY. But I do love me. So happy for this.

I'm back?!

Well, sort of. I know, I know, you are all SICK and tired of hearing me complain about this and that. We FINALLY got our phone hooked up on Monday, but we are still without Internet fast enough for me to upload a photograph without a nice long nap before it is uploaded...two words DIAL-UP. How did I ever live with this for so long? Ug. Anyway, it seems like I have a BAJILLION sessions to share, and I feel like some of my clients were jipped because they didn't get their photos uploaded to Instaproofs yet. I am so sorry, but no worries, they all have their images and their prints now...life is good in that aspect. Yay, it is about time! I am sure that is what everyone was thinking, especially those of you who, instead of receiving a portrait of your family...I showed up on your doorstep with a photograph of a bride and groom. Yeah, my printer messed up royally, but they made up for it by sending us new prints UBER fast...and two I might add. So, hopefully when I showed up on your doorstep with not only one...but two 16x20's it made up for it? Who doesn't need a 16x20 print of their family in their living room and their bathroom? What?! You don't have one in your bathroom? You must call me, I can hook you up! (I am being sarcastic people...this is how my life has been...KrAzY!)An update on life here in our household. We are all moved in. With the exception of our scrapbook room/office...we turned one of our unfinished room into a family office. Complete with "Flavio's corner office, and my scrapbook crap...stuff I haven't touched in a year. NO JOKE. Sad. My studio is almost put together...my computer should be here by the end of next week. I am so excited I can hardly stand it! Fast...a screen that is so sharp I can almost touch the images, and the pie de resistance...PHOTOSHOP! YES, P-H-O-T-O-S-H-O-P! Oh man...I have done so well so far, but to finally have this wonder, is going to be well, WONDERFUL. We are still waiting on backdrops and lighting as I am going to have a VERY small studio set up in my home, but natural light is totally my thing, but I have a lot of love for all areas of photography so we'll see how all of that goes. Emmaree is in a big girl bed. We went back and forth a little wondering if it was the right time...we moved Jothan into a big bed when he was her age...but at that time we were expecting a baby to join our family within a few weeks and were thrust into it...needless to say we jumped in and just didn't set up the crib on our new house, and she has done wonderfully, with the exception of the other morning when I forgot to close her door before I went to bed and I awoke to her screaming in the basement. I guess she had woken up at around five and went looking for me, and went all the way downstairs (where I work and we usually play) and when she didn't find anyone she freaked out! I found her screaming at the top of her lungs with the biggest alligator tears E V E R! I felt AWFUL, and scooped her up and allowed her to spend the rest of our "bedtime" in my bed, although I am not sure that either of us slept much.Speaking of photography...the class I am taking this summer is AMAZING. It is keeping me out of the loop for sure though. I am in class 12 hours a week and working on the class almost that much...it has been a part time job. Funny to report that I have only picked up my digi four times in the past month, and it was only for photoshoots. I have been working striclty black and white film, and can't wait to share some of the wonderful things I have created. I made this print today of Miss Emm. W-O-W. This is something I have been wanting to learn/do/create for a long time. I am really looking forward to studying medium format and furthering my craft through this type of film. I am hooked!Finally, an update on our adoption process. When we moved we had to have another home study, that went really well, it made us have to get our house in order even faster, which was a big blessing. We are getting a new caseworker in July as ours is moving to New York. We will sure miss our Kate, she was wonderful. We are still working on getting our profile up online...so for now if you all could network for us, and please share our story with anyone you come in contact with that may be able to help us find our next little one. We are so ready. I had some really neat experiences happen to me this past week, the spirit has been so strong in my heart and I only hope this means that there is a baby coming soon. Again, if anyone does know of someone, I can send you a copy of our profile for you to share with them. We love each of you who have already shared our story with others...we'll see if any of it comes full circle, but just knowing that you are willing to share, and remembering us is very touching, words cannot express our love and gratitude to you!Well, that is about all from us here tonight. I'll leave you with a copy of our "Adoption Collage" I think it turned out pretty cute...since it took me hours and hours to create it...how do you digital scrapbookers do it? I need a little help for sure!

I did end up changing this second page a bit, but simply cannot find where on earth I saved it on this computer...but you get the idea, I think I took of "family fun" (I hated it, but it was suggested to us to put it on there, it is just SO not me!) Thanks to Holly and Leisha for the some of the photographs. What amazingly talented women, I am so blessed to have them as my friends, and their work helped me to create a beautiful collage!Anyway, miss you all, I am slowly catching up on your blogs...so if you see me comment that means I have caught up on your happenings, can't wait to be a part of your lives everyday again!

A Post Without Pictures...

...is like a tear rolling down my cheek. I dunno, that sounds totally lame, but I am pretty bummed that I don't have a photograph. A few things...a little business: If you have had sessions with me the past week, please expect your session back in two weeks from now. I do not have a computer set up at the moment and I am running a good week behind. Also, if you are waiting on prints, I will try to have them for you by next Friday.My heart is so full today. I cannot even begin to express the amazing and wonderful things that have happened to me over the course of the last few days. Things that I cannot even express here on this blog, but maybe soon...hopefully. I just know that the Lord is mindful of ME, of my little world, and of my needs. I am slowly digging my way out of the abyss and I see a little light coming my way. I picked up my camera today, the first since Monday...seems not too long huh? Well it was for me. I took some amazing photographs that I can't wait to share with all of you.Can't wait to catch up on everyone's happenings...just a few more days...bear with me! Hugs to all.