You just can plan these days

Because you really can't plan days like today.
This morning as I was attempting to wrap some gifts with my two year old. Just after he wrapped himself up in a whole roll of target wrapping paper, he discovered a so-called Christmas gift, Diego underwear. He was so excited to wear it, so viola, we are now potty training. Housebound, on our fifth pair.

So my mom calls, and I think, answer it? why not? You are just sitting here watching Blues Clues, he will be fine. No more than thirty seconds later, he is gone. I panic. Images of messes run through my head. I have been trying to stay free of carpet, and anything fabric. Where could he be? Frantically I search the entire downstairs, and I suddenly hear a toilet flush. Yes! He was actually ON THE POTTY!! Yipeee. There is hope for us yet today.

So with him here beside me on the ground I will blog a bit more. These pictures were taken in downtown Pasadena. How crazy beautiful are these gals? They were so funny together. You know, if you have a sister, about that love hate thing that goes on 24/7. It was fun to reminisce.
But this picture, my favorite, was taken in an ice cream shop I loved the light in here!

Christmas through new eyes

This has been such a fun holiday season. Lights, santa, music, and family traditions all through the eyes of my son have made it so much fun. Tonight we bundled up and I chased CJ on his bike as we rode around looking at all the houses decorated with lights. No pictures to post of that event, as I was basically trying to keep up, and keep him alive from passing cars. Boy he got fast on that thing. But I do have some pictures to post from a couple months back, when I had no time TO post. This family had two children that so obviously loved each other. It was great to see such a connection at such a young age. Thanks Stephanie for letting me be a part of that!

An image from....

Way back when I used my Nikon F something or other film camera, that I loved. (The one that went to europe twice, and sustained its shape after umpteen falls.) But I finally gave up and went digital. That whole time, I followed this little girl around with my camera, as much as her mom would let me. She was the very first baby I fell in love with. She was THE SWEETEST little girl, and still is. So smart. Boy do I have some funny stories from her. (another time)

So she grew up, and now has two siblings younger than her. Her mom is one of my very best friends, and I am lucky to be a part of their lives. Here is a recent session with them.

Jakers....
Miss photogenic herself...Cj's buddy.
And grown up Haley. I love you!!

For your information

Warning. This post may come accross as bit condescending, know-it-all, and a just plain old stuffy. I just have learned a valuable piece of information, that makes me a wiser mom, thanks to CJ. The information is something I know many of you have wanted to know for quite sometime, but may have been afraid to ask yourself.

The answer to the question, "What happens when you empty the entire bottle of Johnsons and Johnsons baby shampoo into the bath, WITH THE BUBBLE JETS ON?"

This question was answered as I was sitting no more that two feet from the boy while trying to catch up on my book club book reading the One Thousand White Women, which despite the seemily racist title, was quite good.

I have NEVER been the mom to go and get my camera amidst the disaster, but seeing how I have helped design over 30 Christmas cards this year, but not my own, I thought "Hey Noel, maybe this could be a snow shot for the card....." So I grabbed my camera, and caught this image.

Things are calming down

It is so nice to have some breathing room for a change. Things are calming down as the season nears, and I find that if this small business does become a career, that is actually good timing. Now with roughly twenty-five days left to get my life ready for the holidays, I feel I can focus on my family. Everyone was so smart in planning October and November sessions to get their cards out, and prints for presents made. Thank you to everyone who did that.

And to not blog without a photo.....I couldn't resist these cheeks! Every photo of this cutie pie was adorable. She was a great subject. Thanks Lucy!

Boy it has been a while

In the short time I have neglected this blog, my sessions have gone full circle.
A marriage..... a pregnancy....
a baby...
and a ton of families...here is one of my favorites,
So I won't let it be so long next time. I promise.

Meet Super Kid...

Not joking on this title. He could jump, climb, kick, throw, play golf, he had all the talent. So you think with all this going for him, ther is no way he could have an amazing personality too! Look at this smile....
He won my heart right away. He cracked me up! No wonder he was so special, his parents were so loving and kind. They had such a great connection. I love this picture of super kid tucked in his parents arms. So sweet.

You know the saying......

He who takes the child by the hand, takes the mother by the heart.
So this entire family has taken me by my heart. They are like CJ's other family. He thinks he is their third child. To say he loves this family, is a huge understatement. Hunter is like the very first friend he has ever had. Kristena has been such a blessing in our lives these past two years, I have been so thankful to have her take care of CJ when she could. But now, she goes on to bigger and better things for her and her family. I am so proud of all the descisions she has made, but we miss her dearly! Not that we never see her!
So that is what made this photo shoot such a delight!!
And you know I love you too Aubrey!

I am so in loooooove....

with these eyes!

Besides that, he is like a little CJ, so full of places to go, even when there was no where TO go. Thanks Deanna!

Beach Mini sessions

were tons of fun. The best part is meeting all the new families. This beach session was an entire block of children that hang out together. One of the neighbors organized it, and I was like an observer of a really fun outing. The kids were great, and I may just have to move down on this street.

Hip Hip......

Hooray!

East coast fun...

What do you do for that fall look in a state of evergreens and unclimbable trees? You recreate that east coast season, you drive into the wilderness, buy some colorful leaves, and bundle your children up. Believe it or not, all that was planned, and then we show up, and it is freezing for California weather, and to top it all off, it was raining, and that made those leaves look red and orange. yeah, I said "rain" in California. Like the third time this whole year. Luckily I bought an umbrella at Target the day before. Nevermind I was going to use it for shade at recess duty. The boys had a blast. I did too!

Regina's Wedding

Just some pictures of a recent wedding. I don't know why I love the shot of her dad walking her down. My new goal is to try and capture as much emotion in each image, and this one speaks to me with sadness and happiness all at the same time. Thanks Regina for such a great day! We had a lot of fun.

Talking to Ariel

Couldn't picture a sweeter child. So behind in what I promised I would post, but came across this tonight, and had to post it! More on "Ariel" later.

My sister

Okay, this relaxed with days to go. Unbelieveable! I wasn't this calm and ready for my baby EVER during my pregnancy with CJ. Does it have something to do with the 10 books on natural childbirth she has read? Maybe it is that older sister, I-know-what-to-do-at-all-times syndrome. Is it because she has this amazing sister to offer advice and support? BINGO! Just love this picture, and it sums up her whole pregnancy. Honestly Alana, I have never seen you happier.
Can't wait to give out those kisses to my new niece/nephew!

Family Reunion

The most amazing thing about this family is that the three different branches live in three different states. You would never be able to tell this from watching them react and love each other. The cousins were like siblings. They were amazing to photograph, and not only because of those crazy blue eyes! If you check out their slideshow, you can tell they have a lot of fun, no matter where they are.
Tanks for letting me be a part of it!

So much fun

Sure, I am one of five kids, and sometimes I forget. I forget how great my childhood was, and how much fun every day was with all that chaos and energy. But now, as a mother, I don't know how my mom did it. This family had four, and there were two sets of twins. Both mom and dad were dashing around the whole time we were there, saving the kids from the high tide, crashing waves. It was a great reminder why I SHOULD NEVER complain about my one little adventurous two-year old.
Thanks for a great time Kristan.

My first engagement session

Thanks John and Regina for battling the rain and all for a great enagement session. You were troopers for sure.
I can't wait until the wedding!

Sneak preview

Back to school night is tomorrow, so even you are probably too busy to check this blog brandee.. but here is a little peak into your session. I couldn't love Olivia more. She is so loving, and reminds me so much of CJ. Imagine if your girl is this much of a firecracker, what will your boy be like. Watch out!