Monday Confessions!

It's that time again...Oh Monday, but at least the sun is shining! 

1. SO you may have seen my tweet yesterday about having to make a trip to the mall to get my wedding rings from the jewler (where I left them for cleaning and totally forgot on Saturday night!) Just wanted to say that they were super sparkly and thankfully just fine! And if you like the new nail color I am testing out, it's Essie "Cocktail Bling"

2. In the last week I have been able to meet up with some amazing photographers, both Jasmine Star for her event in DC and Kristen Duke while she was here in town, and others along the way! These two ladies are from totally different places and do very different work but I was encouraged by each of them for different things about my work and business. It's too much to expand upon on a confessions post but in the words of Jasmine, "I can't wait for the future holds for you and I have no doubt we'll move this industry forward...together." Encouraging words to hear!

Here's a quick shot with my phone of Jasmine doing her thing in her adorable outfit - I wouldn't think to put denim over gold sequins but the outcome was fabulous!

 3. If you were worried that I wasted  a trip to the mall yesterday, have no fear. After I grabbed my rings, I stopped in at Gymboree's clearance sale and good old Baby Gap was having 30% off your purchase! I got a few spring/summer things for the kiddos..our countdown to Disney is on! We go in May!

4. Yesterday I attempted another Pinterest recipe, this one was for homemade Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs. YUM-O (say it like Rachel Ray!). The recipe was great and worked out nicely, although I had a hard time dipping the eggs in chocolate and making them come out pretty. I still got the two-thumbs-up from my whole family though!

5. We are starting to deal with the twins (almost 3) saying not nice things to each other like "shut up." My first reaction is to laugh because it sounds funny coming out in a sweet voice but then I am disheartened. I wonder where do they learn these things? Probably me. We are dealing with lots of talking in our house now and trying to keep our words kind...it's a challenge!! Any words of wisdom parents out there?!

6. BIG WORKSHOP DEVELOPMENTS - My first workshop planning is well under way and although not revealing lots of details yet, it looks like we are aiming for Mid-July. It will be for those who want to learn how to use their digital SLR cameras (interchangable lenses)or if you have a point and shoot with some manual capabilities you will be welcome as well. I am going to take the first 12 people who register when the time comes, so keep it in mind as you plan for the summer. I will have an exact date soon! The cost will be $100 each for this first time around!

7. I saw a wicked red sports car yesterday (don't know make and model) with a Delaware license plate "PHOTOG" - who is that DE friends? I am curious!

8. We got to go play at the park this morning and there truly is not a better way to spend a morning with toddlers. Sure we got dirty, had to brush off boo-boos and all sorts of things, but it is so refreshing after feeling like we just spent the entire winter in our living room :)

9. Free Iced Coffee MOnday at Dunkin' - need I say more? I went with the carmel today, it was tasty!

10. Just to throw this out there - do any of you feel like some of the outfits pinned on Pinterest are silly to pin? What do I mean? Like who can't think of putting together a white t-shirt, jeans, and sandals?! Sometimes it just makes me laugh...ok glad I got that off my chest! (if you are on pinterest and don't follow me yet - please do! Would love to return the "follow")

Enjoy your week friends!

Monday Confessions!

Hey friends, it's another whirlwind Monday trying to keep kiddos happy, hold together a household and prepare to teach my class tonight! 

1. I thought I did lots of laundry this weekend. I am talking like 3 loads on Friday and 3 more loads on Saturday to keep the laundry at bay for today. EVERYONE's hampers are again overflowing! Sometimes between just regular use, work clothes, "stretchy pants" and lounge clothes, potty accidents and all sorts of other issues...I could really use a laundry fairy! Same with the dishes....

2. I havea  girl crush on Adele, who doesn't?!

3. Last week got straight up hooked on Downton Abbey from PBS.  I even joined Hulu to watch season one and then season two is still up on the PBS site. If you love historical fiction this is for you! Season one is pre-WWI British countryside and then season two is in the full swing of WWI. Love it and I am hooked! Still working my way through season two but will be sad to have to wait for season three. 

4. I read a book yesterday that touched me in so many ways. Have any of you read Heaven is for Real? I snuck away during naptime for a much needed pedicure (hey it's going to be 70 degrees later this week and open toed shoes are calling me) and took this book along on my kindle. I was bawling in the nail salon while reading this story of a family's encounter with almost losing their almost four year-old son. I think a lot of the sentimentality of it has to do with me having a son of a similar personality and close in age. I couldn't imagine being in the grips of possibly having to say goodbye to my toddler son. I won't spoil anything but the little boy, Colton, has an encounter in heaven during his life saving surgery. I don't know what you might think about Jesus, or God, or Heaven for that matter but this true life story gripped me. Colton's father, Todd, wrote the book from his view. Todd did a wonderful job of relating Colton's descriptions of heaven to scripture. Todd is a pastor in the small town where they live in Nebraska. I was very touched by the confirmations of who Jesus was that Colton relayed in his four year-old description of Heaven. I was reminded through this story of a few points that will still with me -

• Do not take life for granted, mine or that of my family
• Do not take lightly your stance on who Jesus is or casually go about your faith
• Be encouraged that God is there, he does care and is on his throne in Heaven
• Although there are theological debates centuries long, this little boy's experience allowed him to see others in heaven in his family (something we all wonder about)
• Heaven is a place where Christ reigns, we should not forget this! 
• Prayers are heard and they do work!
• A church family is so important in life

If you need some encouragement this week, pick up this book! Definitely check out this short recent interview with his family if you don't think you will get to read the book!

5. Trying out a new recipe for dinner..it's a taco casserole, we will see how it goes! Will let you know if it was thumbs up or thumbs down. 

Have a great week!

Monday Confessions

Here we go!!!!!!

1. I ate at McDonald's yesterday with Macy for a lunch date and it was the cutest thing. I forgot how much kids LOVE McD's and lets be honest, it does taste good people! Millions can't be wrong! I totally ate a Quarter Pounder with cheese and topped it off with sharing a Shamrock Shake with my girl! I know, I know, it's not healthy at all but it was DELICIOUS and she was lovin' it :)

2. Sometimes I SWEAR big earrings make everything better. Like today for instance, met a friend at the park to let kiddos run. The outfit of choice for me was yoga pants, a t-shirt/sweatshirt combo under a pink north face fleece. I had the prerequisite pony tail, big sunglasses and yes, large hoop earrings. I swear the hoops distracted from the rest of the hot mess! Sometimes it really just does make things better. I had a couple girlfriends in high school that even carried "back up earrings" in their backpacks or purses in case something happened to the first pair!

3. So how about those Oscars? I caught some highlights but was so tired I had to hit the hay. I hadn't seen a lot of the movies because I no longer really get out to movies so it was a little less exciting for me. I loved the movie the Help, so it was exciting to see Octavia Spencer win for supporting actress! She definitely brought Minny to life!

4. Our pastor preached a really good/convicting sermon on marriage yesterday. I am still mulling it all over in my head. He didn't necessarily say anything I hadn't heard before but it was the way that I think I heard it. He really contrasted what both the world says about marriage and what the Bible says about marriage. He said the problem with the world is that it tries to base marriage on two fleeting things, love and attraction. If it sounds heretical, listen to the rest of the sermon, lots of good challenges to consider! (www.hbclive.org)

5. You know it's a good day when you try on a pair of pants that hasn't fit since before the pregnancy of your last child. Amen to weightloss! Although, I wish you could direct where the weight came from! I will spare the details of this but ladies you know what I am talking about!

6. Preschool, who knew it was such a big deal. There's a school we really wanted to get the twins in and found out today that there were only 5 avaialable spots. We are number 20 on the waiting list. Yes, if you are doing the math with me, we need a miracle. We need only 3 families out of 15 to want to send their kids there. I am confident though, that the twins will end up where God wants them. (If you know of great preschool options in the Middletown, DE area, comment or email!)

7. Have you ventured onto the site Goodreads yet? I am still new to it but it's pretty cool for those of us with the inner geek! You join your friends and review books, create lists of books you want to read, etc. I think it's a fantastic idea too just to keep a log of what you have read. 

8. Ok so I am going to out my husband, he thinks most of our government is a conspiracy and is pretty sure some crazy kind of disaster (natural or otherwise) could potentially knock out our infrastructure. You laugh and so do I, but now there are others coming out of the wood work who think the same! Now, let me just say we don't have a big stash or a bomb shelter or anything. Have you seen the new show Doomsday Preppers? These people give me new things to be afraid of! They intensely "prep" for the coming end of the world in various forms. I laugh and the hubby says things like "you wouldn't laugh if something really happened." He's wearing me down...so if you see a large food stash starting in our garage you can either know that he won the argument or I got really great at super couponing! I see a new show coming...Super Couponing Doomsday Preppers.... :) 

9. Who has watched Downtown Abbey from PBS? I have been hearing lots of chatter about it and want to check it out. I hear it's on Hulu and Netflix (neither of which I am subscribed to). Is it worth it friends?!

10. SO ready for spring! Loving the mild weather and sunshine today!

Ok that's enough for today, I have talked your ear off! Have a great week and see you back here Monday, if not before of course!

The Winner is... (& a few Monday Crush Confessions)

Let me just say that you all made the engagement contest a fierce competition! I love that our couples were so involved and got friends to participate! I loved watching the over 600 votes literally from all over the world and even the occassional comment in Dutch (Sara & Aron, I will need a translation for those :)! This just proves that I have the best clients! I also have to say that I just loved getting to hear each couples love story. There is something about hearing how two people were brought together that always gets me! I wish each couple the very best with their engagement and wedding day!

This brings me to the part you want to know, which is that the winners are Nikki and Danny from Delaware. Congrats you too! Can't wait until our session!

Thought that this might be perfect for the next installment of my CRUSH CONFESSIONS, since we are talking about love and all! 

1. I have a crush on traveling to be with other photographers! I am a bit jealous of all the cool kid photographers headed to WPPI in Vegas this week! I vow that when I don't have a child less than a year old or I am not prego, I will go :) Lets cross our fingers for next year! (No prego comments please :) 

2. I have a girl crush on Adele. Seriously, who doesn't? I also have a crush on piano music. Wish someone would've made me learn to tap those ivories, I really love it!

3. I have a crush on the sun! It apparently will be visiting us a lot this week and almost 60 degree weather is in the forecast. In February in DE that is major!

4. Hawaii-five-WHO?! My Alex O'Laughlin crush has been majorly replaced by Colby from Top Shot. I think I might have drooled watching it with the hubs last night. I know, that's not even right! I think there's just something about a man with aviators & a weapon (as long as it's not pointed at you of course)! It also made me want to go target shooting, all peoples gun & moral issues aside, shooting is a GREAT SPORT! Apparently, Colby was a runner up on Survivor in Australia, I haven't seen a season of Survivor since the very first one, but I guess I was missing out!

In case you don't know who I am talking about, 

5. My smut TV crush, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills!!! They might "have it all" but reminds me how that doesn't always add up to much without love and family! You can still have major issues in your size 2 designer dress and Louboutin heels. You do start to get favorites and root for certain people. I even follow a few of them on twitter to see what they are up to...don't hate :)

Baby A

There really is nothing sweeter than a baby girl! You might remember my recent maternity session post in the beautiful snow. It was definitely an act of providence because Liz went into labor a few days later with this sweet baby girl! Baby A is just a little peanut and I loved every minute of getting to meet and photograph her!

Both Mommy & Daddy went to West Virginia so Baby A is already a Mountaineer fan, naturally :)

A sweet one with her parents...

Monday Confessions!

1. New York was so much fun! I missed the kids but was so thankful for some fun with hubby. I totally went off my diet, thankyouverymuch and happybirthdaytome. It was evident by the scale when I came home even despite the two entire days of walking :( Oh well, the fun was worth it!

Trip highlights include–

• Lunch at Serendipity, the peanut butter hot chocolate was literally to die for!
• 
• Hearing a high school choir sing in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. They even did old favorites like Daniel in the Lion’s Den.
• 
• A visit to Tiffany’s!
• Going to see The Vow together in the big Regal on 42^nd st
• Seeing snow over our pretty window view
• Strolling central park and a carriage ride with the hubs
• Seeing ice sculpture creations in Central Park
• The Subway was memorable NOT in a good way! Matt had never been on the NYC subway so I thought it was worth the experience for him because I have done it plenty – lets just say I don’t want to repeat what we saw/smelled!
• Dylan’s Candy Bar & FAO Schwartz, definitely fun places to take kids in the future!
• Ellen’s Stardust café is one way to get woken up for breakfast, lots of fun singing. And just so you don’t make the same mistake I did, corn beef hash is NOT what you think it is! Lets just say I had to cover it with my napkin and choke down my eggs instead :) It’s ok, I have a long history of “branching out” at restaurants and regretting it!

We got to do all sorts of fun things and mostly just enjoyed each other’s company! I was spoiled for sure and happy to start off my 30’s in such a fun way! We took this pic in front of the Today show so that I would never forget the date :)

2. Other things you should know about NYC, even if it’s snowing there in February, you cannot purchase a winter hat in a normal store. It’s spring in retail world, so all you can get is string bikinis and shorts! I was trying to find a warm winter hat to no avail unless I wanted to hit up the street corner vendor.

3. I am taking Valentine treats to my class tonight, because between my birthday and Valentines, there are way too many goodies at my house! It’s killing me and the scale!

4. Everyone is saddened by the tragic end to Whitney Houston’s life. I sort of took it for granted that as a child of the 80s, that she pretty much was a part of the soundtrack of my childhood. A sweet memory was learning The Greatest Love for a special 4^th grade choir tribute to some lady retiring (hey I was a 4^th grader, that’s all I knew..that and the words of course!) My other favorite random memory is in college when I was visitng Venice with study abroad, the boat driver has on The Bodyguard soundtrack for our boat tour. I kept cracking up looking around the the Italian beauty and humming along to I Will Always Love You. I felt like Pavarotti would’ve been a better choice but admittedly it did make me feel at home!

5. Did I mention I want to go at my left over birthday cake with a fork?!! I am holding strong though for now hoping the kids will put a dent in it later.

6. I stink at potty training. Any books people recommend?

7. A big thanks to Matt’s parents to keeping all 3 kiddos so we could get away for the night!!!! Grandparents are the best for lots of reasons, so glad my kids have so many people to love them!

8. What are some Valentines traditions you enjoy? I was watching Charlie Brown Valentine with the kids yesterday; it made me sad that poor Charlie didn’t get a Valentine. I seriously I hope that never happens to other kids!!

9. The Engagement entries are in and the top 3 will be posted tomorrow! You can vote in the comments! Details tomorrow….

10.   Is Kim Zolciak seriously only 33?! I am not buying it. If you don't know who that is, just consider yourself classier than me! (Real Housewives of ATL)

Have a great week friends!

Max is 8 months old!

So remember how I was trying to take a picture of Max every week of his first year? Well we made it through the first few months and that was toast! I can list all the "reasons" or "excuses" but basically it' just hard to stop your daily life to photograph your kids! I get it moms out there, I get it. So I am attempting monthly sessions and we will see how they go, would love to have at least his first year captured. Here's one shot from our 8 month session with Max in all his chubby glory!

I will post more later if I can swing it..I am just putting out there as a possibility and not a promise because I am keeping it real :) Happy Friday friends!

 

65 Degrees on Feb 1st?!

As many families did today, we took advantage of the nice weather and went to the park before dinner! It was a lovely way to spend some time together and then we headed home to a yummy "breakfast for dinner." I stared longingly at the pancakes I prepared because I am still on a diet. Oh well, enjoy the pics!

Photo Booths at Weddings!

If you have been to a wedding lately, you might have seen a photo booth. Although it may seem a "fad," I think it's here to stay! It's such a fun way to truly capture all of your guests, just as they were at your wedding. Jo Anne from Make a Memory Delaware,  is a great vendor for these booths. I have worked with her on many occassions. 

Your photo booth works for your wedding by creating, "an exciting activity for the cocktail hour and reception. While your guests are waiting on the arrival of the bride and groom, they will be getting the party started at the photo booth! Everyone can get in on the fun! Each guest goes home with a strip of pictures as a memory of your special day. The bride and groom also receive a strip of each photo session at the end of the evening in a beautiful memory photo album." So not only do your guests get a little party favor but the bride and groom get their album of the images as a lasting memory from the day! 

Here's a couple photo strips of Matt and I from a recent wedding with one of Make a Memory's photo booths!

Here are some shots of JoAnne and her team at work! Did I fail to mention the fun props?!

If you are a bride, contact  JoAnne for your photobooth options and tell her I sent you! Happy Wednesday!

Monday Confessions

Well Monday has rolled around again so it's time to confess!

1. If you haven't heard, the engagement photo session giveaway has been extended a week until Feb 8th! So all you engaged ladies (and fellas) out there get those entries to me! You can scan your 8.5 x 11 page and email it. All the details are here. 

2. Are Seal and Heidi really breaking up? I thought that they were solid. I mean, I know it's shallow to worry about celebrities but you want some of those clutch couples to stick it out as an example to the rest of us that it can work! I am actually even confused as to why it's ending...sad. And in my husband's words "he's an IDIOT." I will leave the subtext to you.... (wink, wink)

3. What cute Valentine crafts or projects are around your house? I am using re-runs from last year and hoping to find some ideas to do with the kiddos this week. As always, there are super cute ideas over at the Idea Room Blog. 

4. This week I am reading both Death Comes to Pemberley by P. D. James and the 17 Day Diet Book. You know my love for all things Jane Austen which is the inspiration for Death Comes to Pemberley and the 17 Day Diet is inspiration for me! Instead of eating healthy, I have literally been on the far opposite of the scale. This has to change! 

5. I know people say to avoide politics and religion in polite conversation but these are things important in our lives, especially in an election year. I am debating (pun intended) on whether to remain an interested, consciencious citizen that watches the debates or if I should play ostrich and stick my head in the sand. I have been watching the debates and trying to keep up but oh my, it can be discouraging. I just keep telling myself though that I am glad to be an American that has the right to make a choice of who represents me!

6. I know I have talked a lot about parenting lately and it's just honestly where I am in my life. It can bring out both the best and the worst in me. We have these moments of love, laughter and pure joy...only to be balanced out by moments of exhaustion, stress, and just plain frustration. I was reminded today though that eventhough we can't see the results right now, the effort for the long run with our children is worth it. 

7. I am fighting a losing battle daily against having a clean house. I have had some grandmother type ladies tell me not to worry about it, but just "enjoy your babies, you will miss them when they're gone." I struggle with that though, I don't function well in a disaster area! I am not perfectionist but just can't handle extreme chaos. Thoughts out there? Are there certain things you make sure to do and others you just let go? And if you have any tricks for keeping tiny handprints off walls, I need to know them!  

8. SO EXCITED, the hubs surprised me and told me that we are doing an overnight to NYC to celebrate my 30th. What should we do or see? What things have you loved during an NYC visit? We have only ever done day trips. I do think a visit to Serendipity for frozen hot chocolate will be a must! (And thanks certainly goes out to my hubby's parents for being willing to keep our 3 kiddos overnight!)

9. Are you a lady local to DE? Does your closet hold any pretty formal dresses from dances or bridesmaids? (Nothing hideous need apply) I know of a fabulous charity that works to collect formal dresses to redistribute them to girls who need them. If you either have something to donate or if you are a teacher who might know some girls who could benefit, check out the Formal Dress Project.  I dropped off some beauties of my own last fall and was happy to know they were getting a second life! 

Have a good week friends!!

Baby Girl is on the way!

If you know me, I love snow. I come by it honest, growing up the daughter of a hardware store owner, you pray for snow storms. Snow is good for business and it's great for fun! I have many memories sledding with my dad, riding in his truck with him plowing, and he loved to ski. As the snow fell the other day, so did the memories. I am thankful for quiet moments to remember my dad.

I digress though, the snow/rain fell on Saturday when I was supposed to have a maternity shoot. As always, things happen for a reason because I think the images below are gorgeous and would not be the same without the beautiful white sheet of snow. Liz and Andrew are anxiously awaiting their baby girl to make her appearance in the next few weeks! She will be their first and I am so thankful I got to work with this sweet couple. I anxiously await meeting baby girl and doing her newborn shoot! 

Isn't Liz adorable? I love the pink!

Monday Confessions

Thank goodness for the Keurig which leads me to confession number 1...

1. I am brewing today's second cup of coffee. The weather is weird, cold, foggy, snowy and it has me feeling a little dreary. I need a warm cup 'o joe to keep me moving because there is much work to produce during this naptime! (Kids are napping, not I, of course). 

2. Is Extreme Makeover Home Edition really over?! I watched the finale a couple Fridays ago and cried my eyes out. It was definitely always good for a cry but I just felt like as a tv show it was actually doing some good! All the rest of the ridiculous, shallow reality tv (of which I admittedly watch sometimes) just isn't enhancing people's lives. I just felt like EMHE not only helped the people of the episode but always encouraged the rest of us to do better. I literally saw a preview last night for things like "america's toughest truckers" and "ragin' cajuns".. oh mercy...but I am sure they still have nothing on the housewives!

3. Anyway, have I ever shared my addiction to chocolate? I hid all the Christmas candy from the kids but the problem is that I know where it is! It calls my name from the cabinet...

4. This chocolate problem and a love for sweets is not helping me drop more pounds! I was contemplating earlier getting reacquainted with my Jillian Michaels DVDs...then I decided to take a shower instead because a shower is insurance that there is no longer a chance for a workout that day. "Ooops already showered, guess I will have to run tomorrow." Is this just me or do others do this?

5. I am over the dreariness of January. It hasn't even been a full month since Christmas yet and it just seems drab and cold, so today I put up the Valentine decorations. I thought the festive colors might cheer up the inside of the house a bit! The house is another issue for me. I am at a crossroads with decorating our new place. There are a few reasons, one major one is that we only plan on living her a couple years so how much work do I want to put into it? Another issue is that my husband and I have totally different taste. He loves everything off Madmen and I am a little more Pottery Barn casual. Then there's the kids, who daily dash my dreams of having a nice, tidy home. I guess I feel like decorating is a bit pointless in our current situation. I have been trying to Pinterest myself into inspiration!

6. Sad that Kodak really did file for bankruptcy. They did a lot for the photographic industry. I have a few of thier vintage items on my desk for inspiration. 

7. I have wanted to take a trip to Hawaii since I saw the Full House family go and chase down the Menehunes in the 1980s. The Menehunes are magically little people, who wouldn't want to find that?! I think I also just really need a vacation :)

8. I saw a few minutes of Extreme Coupon All Stars (like I said, I do ocassionally watch shallow reality tv) and it's seriously half intense commitment and the other half is just crazy. I am glad though that at least the All Stars are giving to charity instead of their stockpile.  I am a girl who loves my coupons, don't get me wrong but I really don't know what to make of it.

9. We are starting to look into preschool for next year for the twins. How can that be?! I know they will be ready, but will I?

10. I had a great maternity shoot in the snow yesterday and on that note, I better get working on it! 

Have a great week friends!

Snowy Sunday

"Snow is awesome" according to my 2 year-old boy...here's just one shot. I took my own advice today, made some time to just have fun with the kids and take some pictures! They loved the snow and were even trying to throw snow balls which were more like ice chunks :) Will post more later...I am off to another snow shoot shortly! Here's to keeping warm!

Luke Henry turns one!

Has it really almost been a year since my best friend called to say she had a 9lb baby boy over 2 weeks early?! We were so excited to hear that Luke Henry had arrived into the world. I got to capture all his one year-old cuteness in a quick photo session while they were here visiting. The poor boy has lived in South Texas all his life and this 34 degree weather is not fun for him! He was a big sport though as we snapped some outdoor shots with his mommy and daddy. Happy first birthday Luke Henry!

We didn't want mom and dad to feel left out...

LH is not quite walking...but almost!

This is a perfect example of an image that is not perfect technically or sharp but I love the moment, and that my friends, is what it's all about!

Monday Confessions

It's a frigid winter Monday, MLK day to be exact, so many families are able to just stay home and snuggle up. I woke up with a determination today to be an interactive Mom, which brings me to my first confession.

1. We made cute little itsy bitsy spiders out of magazines and yarn. Got the idea from here. Here's Macy showing us hers (along with her crazy morning hair).

2. We also did some water color painting before lunchtime. I know, I thought I better slow down or I will use up all my creativity on Monday, leaving the rest of the week to be sad and boring :) Don't be too impressed, I feel like there's a sticker chart in the sky somewhere that moms get more stickers when they don't let their kids watch too much tv or something.

3. I am reading, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling and it seriously makes me laugh out loud. I am not even really a fan of The Office though, I tried to watch it a few times but didn't "get it." (I know, I know, what is wrong with me?!) Mindy Kaling is not only one of their actresses but one of their writers. If you need a good laugh, this is a good read. I mean who doesn't need two pages of "Karaoke Etiquette" to edify them?! According to Mindy, it "behooves you to pick a short song. I don't care if Don freakin' McLean shows up in a red-white-and-blue tuxedo, no one is allowed to sing 'American Pie'. It's kind of hostile to a group of partiers to pick a song longer than three minutes." Not done yet but I am sure the rest of the book will be enjoyable!

4. Dean has turned into a little Kramer. Remember the Seinfeld episode when Kramer decided he liked the feeling of his pants right from the dryer so he started putting them in the oven before putting them on?! Well Saturday I was doing the kids sheets and blankets in the laundry. Everything was dry and warm just in time for naptime. Dean was in the love with his heated up blankets, so much so that he requested today we warm them in the dryer before naptime. I can't blame him, it's 29 degrees out!

5. Did you hear I am giving away an engagement session to one lucky couple? Make sure you let your engaged friends know! I will have updated details coming soon, email me with questions. emily@emilytroutmanphoto.com

6. My workshop is still in the planning stages but I have come to the conclusion that I will really need to do two different types of workshops. One for those of you out there who have decent point and shoots but just want to learn how to do better with them (which is totally great!) The other workshop would be those of you who have a DSLR and some knowledge of what to do with it. The DSLR workshop would be a bit more elaborate because we would spend a little less time on the basics and more time pushing creativity. I want to hear from YOU - what types of things would you want to learn in a workshop?? Email or message me about any of this because I need to hear it. I am spoiled by getting 16 weeks to teach an intro college class, I need to hear from people what they would like to learn in a short 3 hours!

7. You know I like Tori & Dean, I didn't say I was always deep people. I think it's funny that they are pretty relatable. Tori is a very glamorous version of a working mom but my hats off to her for doing it her own way. I can't help but laugh that no matter how glamorous a mom might be, her kid still throws tantrums, the food still gets burnt and she still has tiffs with the hubby. It's all a little reassuringly normal (if you don't count the paparazzi, $500 pairs of shoes, and her gaggle of animals).

8. I got an iphone last week. I know, welcome to the 2000's Emily. I remeber when the very first ones came out and cost $600. Occassionally there is an upside to depreciating technology! I am enjoying it lots. What apps do you like friends?

9. On the crush note, Hawaii 5-0 is all new tonight! Woohoo!

10. I am excited to pick up with my photo sessions this month. I just got my camera all cleaned and fixed up by the Canon people. It's ready to capture your memories! Booking now for family sessions through the spring! emily@emilytroutmanphoto.com

If you didn't catch my feature on the Chockababy blog last week, definitely check it out! If you have never checked out Chockababy, it's a great service as well. Have a great week friends!

Winter UD Wedding

They met while they were both working at the hospital, George as a trauma nurse and Steph as an occupational therapist. After a funny series of events, they finally decided that they did in fact like each other and started dating. Of course, the rest is history!

You might remember George and Stephanie from their snowy engagement session early last year. Their beautiful wedding was this past December. I thought I would share with you some of the fun images we were able to snag in University of Delaware's Stadium, where George played football during his college days! I loved all the colors and just the fun that this couple truly is!

 

Confessions...

I am pretty sure that I understand why confession really is good for the soul! I have a few things to share today...

1.         Mostly motherhood is kicking my butt. It seems like every corner we turn is a new one, in new territory, with no map! I am SO BLESSED to have three great kids, just never anticipated how parenthood would challenge me. I was super humbled by a stranger on Saturday in the grocery store. I had just Dean a long because we are trying to do some things with the kids individually. I had high hopes he would be "my big helper" at the store but it was more like he was "my big heckler" and I was seriously losing patience. Right around the fresh fruit at the end of the trip he was throwing baby carrots and crushing the fresh loaf of bread when I said "Dean you are really driving me crazy." An older man leaned over to me and said, "no he's not mom, no he's not." Well the nerve....I smiled and continued on. I should've gone back around and asked him what he meant by his statement. Like maybe he raised 5 kids who are all grown now and he misses those days. He must have said it for a reason and it stuck with me. I was half irritated but mostly humbled. I was irritated because I am pretty sure he had no idea what my kids put me through on most days, but mostly humbled because I know the treasure I have been given in being Dean's mother.

Motherhood is quite an adventure, especially when you go from no kids to 3 kids in two years. Parenthood is like hopping on a roller coaster and holding on for dear life with no idea where the ride will take you!

2. I got some great Christmas gifts that I am really enjoying, like a fuzzy pink new bathrobe, a great pro hair straightener, a cute Betsey Johnson camera bracelet, a cute new school bag, some awesome boots and more things I am probably forgetting. I also got a Cameo Silhouette machine, which is pretty much amazing but I have yet to take it out of the box. I am sort of afraid that I won't be able to make cool things with it or something. It intimdates me. I need some inspirtation and a few minutes, then I am sure it will rarely get a break :) 

3. Speaking of school, the spring semester starts today. I am excited! I love a fresh start and new students to get to know!

4. Did you hear about my Love is in the Air contest? One lucky couple will get a free engagement session just by submitting their love story. Submissions just need to be one 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper, creativity is up to the couple! Email me when you are ready to send it and I will give you the address (emily@emilytroutmanphoto.com)

5. I am dreaming up a spring or summer workshop for all you friends out there who have asked me about one. It will be a lot of photo basics and tips boiled down into a few hours at a great location.  If you would like to learn to take your camera off auto, get better pictures of your kids or even just like to push your creativity, this is for you! Intersted? If you are, shoot me an email because I am gathering a list now of "first to know" about the workshop because space will be limited!

Love Is In The Air Contest

 Lovely Girls Events are partnering with us to make this happen, if you need an event planner in the Delaware area, check them out!

Welcome to 2012 Confessions

The New Year is a natural time for new beginnings and I am certainly ready for a few. Last year was full of great joys, like welcoming Maxwell into our family, and deep sorrows, like losing my dad. As I live each day though I grow increasingly aware of how fast life truly does pass us by. I am well aware that I am about to turn 30 years old and cannot believe it really! I also cannot believe how fast my children are growing and changing. I am trying hard to be present in daily life, experience the divine in the ordinary and treasure these sweet children God has entrusted us with. With that being said, here are some things I am looking forward to doing in 2012.

1. I want to be consistent with taking family photos. I hope that getting a smaller point and shoot that I can still manually manipulate will help me capture every day family moments without feeling the pressure like I am "working." I know that the images I take today will be the ones that make me well up with tears 20 years from now.

2. Along with actually taking the photos, I would like to do a better job of recording our life through the pictures and journaling. I stumbled across Project Life Kits by Becky Higgins and I am intrigued. Anyone ever try these? Would love to hear it if you have!

3. I also want to commit to doing hiring a professional photographer to do a family photo session at least once a year, despite how I might feel about my own haircut, current weight, or otherwise. I believe treasuring the memories is worth saving up for and investing in.

4. I would like to do more scripture reading this year. It has really become a struggle since becoming a mother for me to do a consistent scripture reading. I have a neat little 52-week of scripture reading I got from my local MOPS group that I am going to do my best to accomplish this year. I need good input to have good output!

5. I always want to be learning, so I want to do at least one type of photography workshop in 2012. I was fortunate to do at least one in 2011 with Jeremy Cowart and also did lots of online learning via blogs and Creative Live.

6. I will also keep attempting to read at least one book per month of some variety, either novels, spiritual or parenting related. I know my mind needs constant training and stimulation to stay sharp.

7. I will attempt to be a better parent. The thing about parenting is that with every stage you are in new territory. You learn as you go, which can be very scary. Every day has triumphs and failures. I think the biggest thing for me is to remain patient and be consistent. Easy to say, hard to do!

8. I need to do creative inspired projects that are not work related. I need to start a photography project that's just for my own creative expression. Although I am short on free time for something like this, I am contemplating ideas and welcome suggestions for inspirations.

9. I have some business goals for 2012 for some areas I would like to step it up a notch. I am so thankful for my wonderful clients and hope to keep making people pleased with their investment in me. Running a business is a lot like parenting, constantly learning and never knowing if you're doing it right until you see the results...even then you still might not be sure. Just have to keep moving forward and trusting your instincts!

10. I need to focus on health for all of my family. I want to cultivate an active, healthy lifestyle for our family without being dogmatic about it. I want to get my running shoes back on a lot more consistently not only for weight loss but for the sheer enjoyment of it! I need to be healthy to be around for my kids and I also need to model health for them, which can seem a daunting task!

Happy New Year friends, here's to a wonderful 2012!

Start off 2012 well!

Here's to a wonderful new year!