Pssstt...

I have some exciting news to share with my clients!! But I can't do it yet.

Hmmm???

In the meantime, I wanted to say that in my book club we are currently reading Escape by Carolyn Jessop--the book written by the woman that escaped the FLDS culture. I'm totally engrossed in the horrors she experienced and her strength to pull through and see beyond what was going on around her; to place everything into perspective. I'm simply in awe and I've had trouble putting down the book for the last couple of days. Go read it if you can. I definately recommend it; it will open your eyes.

The Beauty of Life

"A mother's joy begins when new life is stirring inside...when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone." -author unknown

Imagine how giddy I was when I met Tessy, due in only 12 days at the time of the session, and she looked this amazing?? And not only that, but she was up for doing whatever I wanted for her session, which included wrapping her. She was radiant and beautiful as so many pregnant women are, and she just shined in front of the camera.

Sweet, Sweet Baby

Had so much fun getting to know this sweet family, and their new little lady. So new she still had her cord (I was so excited!). They were so cooperative and willing to do whatever I asked them, not to mention they are all just beautiful. Their oldest is the same age as my oldest, and I'm always amazed when I meet other boys the same age as mine and I get to see how similar they are at that age.

Baby Nikki sneak peek

I had the awesome opportunity to photography baby Nikki today, along with her parents and older brother. I'm totally wiped out, but wanted to share just a quick one with you guys! It was great meeting your sweet family.

The last of 'em

This is my amazingly talented brother Nate - he is an amazing artist. Seriously. When I was younger so many of my friends had crushes on him. Come to think of it, maybe they hung out with me FOR him...hmmm. It's questionable. But, he's a babe, so I guess it makes sense.
And this is his wife, Ashlie. This girl is the most incredible woman I have ever met. She is so brilliant, and makes the best food you've ever tasted--and then she's an incredible decorator and crafty on top of it. Really, there's nothing she can't do. (hey, she delivered a baby in the car, so she's my hero.) To top it off she's taught her little boy like a billion signs in sign language. I, on the other hand, taught my kids only the essentials: more and milk *grin. I adore her and am so lucky to have such great in-laws.

More fun

So this is Becky. She is my cool, older sister. She's always had the raddest style. I remember what a funky teenager she was. ...ah, the memories. Actually, she's the oldest in my family (I have 2 sisters and 3 brothers) and my parents were pretty strict while we were growing up. When Becky entered middle school and started experimenting with style I remember her putting her bangs up really high. One time my dad actually measured them (yep!) and told her they couldn't be so high. Ha! Anyway...after that she experimented with many, many other styles and I was always in awe of her. She can pull off anything. Right now I'm digging her rockstar Lenny Kravitz look. She's such a babe.

Brave Beauty

I went out today with Ashley, and some of my siblings to goof off with the camera and get some more shots for my site--Ashley knows my little sister from high school. She is so naturally gorgeous I jumped at the chance to photograph her. Lucky for me, she braved the SLC marathon traffic, the heat and the wind to do pics. Lucky for her, the wind makes her look amazing (although without the wind she'd look just as pretty, but I'm digging windy pictures this year...).

Website

I know so many of you have missed my website and have asked when it will be back up. I'm excited to say that after some creative kinks, I've finally gotten some things squared away and should be getting my site up and running in the next few weeks!

Caiden and Gracie

I had so much fun with these two beauties. First of all, little Gracie has the most gorgeous hair you've ever seen on a little girl. My word! And she was such a ham (checkout my hazy backlight toward the bottom), she kept making the most hilarious little faces at me. I've been cracking up today as I've been editing these. What fun! Then I have to tell you, Caiden is such a little Romeo. His mom was telling me all about the lines he gives her, "There's a party in my heart and you're innvited!" Lol. So, when I asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up (I suggested an electrician like his dad), he told me, no, he wanted to be a photographer like me, and then proceeded to hold my hand throughout the rest of the session. How stinkin' cute is that?

One more

I thought I shared this last time, but I did not, so I wanted to share this one that I just love from the engagement session I did last weekend.

Caitlin and Moses in love

Have I mentioned that I love love? I just adore seeing people in love. Really, the feeling is so magical, who can really help feeling happier about life when they recognize the love that two people share?
Caitlin and Moses share this love and it was so obvious. Caitlin was so fun and kept posing for me and Moses would just giggle every so often at how cute she was; he just adores her. They are getting married in June in Milcreek and it's going to be a gorgeous wedding, but I'm so excited about her bridals coming up soon--we're going to an apple orchard and using some horses as props (well, as long as they are agreeable to a bride;).

Beautiful, Dreary Day

I woke up this morning feeling particularly cold, and I haven't been able to shake it. There is cold in my toes, on the tip of my nose, and I swear I can feel this cold in my throat. I groan, tired of the cold, and really wanting spring to be here.

Looking out the window confirms that I'll just have to deal with a dark day, and keep the lights on around the house for a while longer.

I figure it's a good day to work on the engagement session I did this weekend...which I can't wait to show you! After working on a couple of photos, the kids start waking up, so I go upstairs to get them breakfast, and I look out my kitchen window. I just can't stop staring at how gorgeous my view is right now. I just love where I live, and now I'm not feeling so bad about the cold, dreary day.

Word Cloud

Such a fun idea...this website creates a word 'cloud' of the most used words on your blog. Thought it was fun to see what I blog about, and I love that so many of these words describe who I am and how I see life.

cookies & puzzles & cuties...oh my!

I'm one of "those people" that tries to eat relatively healthy. I like vegetables quite a bit, so it doesn't hurt. My kids usually eat what I feed them, so that helps too. I try to watch the ingredient list on all the products I buy and I usually shy away from preservatives, artificial sweeteners, etc. if I can help it. I use healthy cooking oil and attempt to have well-balanced meals in my home. I enjoy the taste of healthy cooking (for the most part) and have found ways to snack healthy. I don't like to workout, but I keep trying (my hubby on the other hand is a total maniac when it comes to exercise).

All my efforts, however, go out the window when the girls in the brown outfits knock on my door to sell me cookies. I ALWAYS cave. And this year, I went crazier than usual. But who can blame me?? My cookies arrived at my door this week and I'm (we) on my 4th box. and life is GOOD.

Last night my oldest and I started working on this:

I do love puzzles, and it's been a while since we've gotten one out.

Last of all, while my baby was taking her nap today, I played around with my camera and my little fella for a minute.

this one I was goofing off with post processing again...trying something new.