Monday Confessions

It's that time friends, the sun is shining and another week is beginning! I have to say it has been a pleasant morning thus far, it is barely 9am. 

1. We are doing so much better with the potty training. Only had one kiddo with one accident yesterday! We are still doing pull-ups at nap and bed but I am super encouraged that the kids are fairly "trained" two weeks in. I feel weird not going through so many diapers but believe me, my wallet is smiling!

2. Along that same idea, someone should've warned me that I should take stock in bleach wipes while potty training - especially boys! They have been my friend :)

3. I used to call my husbands iphone his mistress because he was totally having an affair with the phone....now that I have had one for a few months too...I am totally addicted to my iphone too! It's just too convenient. I actually made the move though last week and deleted facebook from my phone, it has been freeing and I think I will leave it off at least for a while. It was just to easy to be on the phone when I had more important things to pay attention to!

4. I am currently reading a classic that I have never had the pleasure of reading. So far I am enjoying it, it's about the early 20th century in Brooklyn. 

5. I miss my amazon prime subscription and am debating of whether to renew. Free shipping from Amazon was like heaven on everything from books to electronics to diapers! Any of you out there prime members?

6. I watched American Gypsy wedding on TLC last night out of "I just need to sit here for a minute and watch something mindless" at 10pm. I knew not a thing about this particular culture, nor did I know that there is a large population of the Romanichal gypsies living in the U.S. The show of course is over the top but I am intrigued as to how they maintain such an interesting lifestyle of so many seeming contradictions. Anyone else catch this?!

7. My official wedding season kicks off this weekend in Bethany Beach at the Addy Sea with a sweet couple and I can't wait! 

9. We leave for Disney two weeks from today, can't wait but I know there's a lot of ground to cover between now and then!

10. Last day of free iced coffee from Dunkin' Donuts and it happens to coincide with my last class of the spring semester! Looking forward to both later today :)

Have a great week friends! 

Johnson Family

Tracy contacted me not long ago via a recommendation from a friend (thank you friend!) and she told me that "I love photography, so family shots are important us.  I just think photos capture such a nice story about your life." I love it, a client committed to preserving her family's memories in photographs, a perfect start to our session! The day started out pouring but thankfully cleared up in time for our afternoon session. I know there are lots of images but I really couldn't help myself on this one! Enjoy!

Beautiful family...

Kids love a good throw in the air by Dad...

Love the sweetness of 11 months and she just learned to walk!

Love this expression! This is what 3 year-old does when you tell them to smile!
These next few melt my heart...

Pretty girls...remember moms, we need to get in pictures with our kids!

Sweet girl with Daddy, helping her as she takes unsteady steps...

Always need a nice shot of mom and dad, that's where it all begins!

Have a great Tuesday friends!

Monday Confessions

    It definitely feels like Monday, I started it by washing a (clean) diaper in with the load. The diaper "guts" got all over and that load needed a re-do. I think though that I am mostly just weary. Days with three small kids in the house seem like it would be sweet and they sometimes are, but other days feel like a battle field. Don't get me wrong, I am so thankful for three happy, healthy kids. I have some friends who are fighting much harder battles and it sometimes makes me feel guilty for struggling with being a good mom/wife. Anyone else know what I mean? If someone is fighting cancer, I certainly shouldn't complain about potty training, but what I am learning is that it does all matter! It truly is hard to try to potty train two kids under 3 while chasing a crawling 10 month old. God cares just as much for the struggling mother and he does for the cancer patient. It's certainly not all the same severity, I don't mean that, I just mean that our burdens are real and God sees. I am just like every other mom with small kids at home with piles of laundry, dishes to wash, meals to make, a business to run, a class to teach, a husband to love and the list goes on. Today I am just going to do one thing at a time....and smile because I can wear yoga pants while doing it all...until class later (do you think they would notice?!)

The rest of my confessions...

1. I am not a fan of potty training but I am a fan of trying to encourage my kids to grow! It's time for them to tackle the potty for lots of reasons. I need to be a patient encourager but today I have been more of an impatient eye-roller....forgive me kids!

2. I have mastered the art of "second day hair" - ladies, you know what I am talking about?! You do a fast hop in the shower with your hair up and hope it only gets slightly wet. Then when you get out, just use your round brush to reshape with the blow dryer. Saves tons of time from washing every single day!

3. We are 21 days out from our Disney trip, really can't wait! Any special things we should make sure to do?

4. I DVR'd the Real Housewives of NJ last night...debating if I should really watch it or not. I know it's terrible, but it's a lot like a train wreck, once you see if you can't turn your head away! And all their drama proves money can't buy class or happiness!

5. I am a Keurig addict. I am a current fan of the original Dunkin Donuts coffee and also the iced sweet tea. What are some other good ones I should try???

6. We got a swing set from a kind family over the weekend!!! Our kids are in heaven but of course it's been rainining since we got it up :) Macy loving her new swing!

Ok friends, I kept it humble today. If I look like a frazzled mess the next time you see me, you know why!

Weaver Family

Say it ain't so, an actual photography post?! I know friends, I know. I am WAY overdue!

Fortunately I have a beautiful family to share with you, the Weavers. They happen to be a part of our own extended family and they have a wonderful story. There are six kids in their family, two of which God brought to them through adoption. Being family, we have had the privilege of watching their story unfold. Mr. Weaver is a pastor at a local church and one day years back, a picture of a little boy in a orphanage in Ukraine landed on his desk. He was asked to pray about a family for this little boy...fast forward years ahead and Roman is indeed their oldest son! There is so much more to this story, it is in fact quite a God-sized tale that I can't fit it into a blog post! I do know though that this family is quick to share of God's grace to them. We got together over their kids spring break on a crazy WINDY day and made the most of it! Here goes...

 The whole gang...

They had their furry family members along too, Roscoe and Daisy!

The wind on the lane is very evident here but still love this shot.

We might reshoot this beautiful location on a non-windy day :)

Monday Confessions

Why are Mondays so crazy sometimes?! Today's crazy includes temperatures in the high 80's in APRIL! Nuts!

1. I have discovered the true version of the Sister Hood of the Traveling Pants...there is this magical jegging from Maurices! A friend led me to them and I am addicted! They are stylish and comfy, as well as affordable! I just ordered a second pair due to their awesomeness. If you want to check them out, go here. 

2. I am not a fan of noisy dogs, especially at nap time. Do any of you have experience with dealing with neighbors with noisy dogs?! I have my own dog but he barks so rarely. 

3. Changing your address on everything is a pain when you move...just saying.

4. I tried eyebrow threading! Have you seen this?! I was at the mall and needed my eyebrows done before our family photo shoot last week so I took the chance. I  about swore a lady was taking a razor to my face when she did it, but the overall look in the end was good!

5. We are starting to talk about what to pack for our trip to Disney next month. I want to hear it for the best shoes to wear to amusement parks. Anyone out there got good ideas? Need to be comfy and durable yet not too hot. What do you think?!

Ok friends, got to run to class in a few. Only 3 classes left to teach this semester and I am as excited as the students!

Monday Confessions

If your purse is any indication of how your life is going...mine is going crazy! I have snacks, used nasty tissues, a sewing kit, crumbs, coins, hand sanitizer, coupons and all other types of craziness going on in there. It has been a long week since I last posted...

1. You might have heard I was ill. Not like a sniffle and a headache ill but the "I am pretty sure I am dying of spanish influenza or sars or swine flu or something awful" type ill! I have not been sick like that for a long time and it got me down and out for 3 days. It changed all of our weekend plans. I have to give three cheers for my husband for holding it all together and for my kids attempting to be good :) I don't wish that on anyone...

2. That sickness kept me home from church on Easter, which was no fun for me. I always look forward to going to service but especially on Easter and the weeks leading up to it. I have fond memories of Easters as a kid so I wanted to be good about recreating that for my kids. I am glad though that my family and God understand why I couldn't be there to worship! I did at least feel better to eat Easter dinner and for that I am very thankful!

3. I have been working on creating a photo book for Max of his first year. I got the idea a couple weeks ago and although I am sure many have done it before me, it seemed like a nice way to tell our third child "hey, we do remember your first year!" I was glad to have 12 weeks worth of his weekly photos. Although it didn't last past his first three months, I am so glad we made it that far and can show him that as he grows up. It was definitely already sentimental putting that little book together, watching my kiddos grow up through pictures. It was also then that I was convicted to GET IN MORE PICTURES WITH MY KIDS! I know I am photographer myself but it is not an excuse to stay behind the camera, I am visually absent from the twins entire second birthday party! That's a crime!

4. I have a new music crush...Bon Iver. You can find him among the indie folk crowd, he hails from Wisconsin and rocks a beard. I am digging his sound!

5. I am currently addicted to the color combination of navy and yellow as can be seen by some of my Pinterest boards. 

6. Speaking of Pinterest, I know it is really an online inspiration board and like one big fat bookmark for all those things you wish you could remember online, but who knew it would be so good for a laugh? Some of my current favs, please don't judge my maturity level....

7. I love to throw stuff out. Is that a problem? I know it's not green code like reduce, reuse, and recycle. I don't mean that I love to junk up the earth, I just like to declutter my own environment. I love when things get tossed and I feel a few less peices of detritis hanging around!

8. I also like saving money on gas. In our area right now if you shop at Giant Foods, you earn points towards getting money off your gas. I got 50 cents off PER GALLON today at the local Shell because of my Giant Foods card! Makes a big difference!

Ok friends, that's all I have for tonight....see you again next Monday! Hope to get some photography posted this week, fingers crossed that stars align and illness fades...have a great week!

Open Your Doors Winners!

Hey friends, thanks for all the facebook and blog love! The winners of Open Your Doors are....

Karin Curtis (from Rockit Photography)

Ashelyn Myers

Justine Johnson

Enjoy the music friends!!!

Jenny & Tyler - Open Your Doors is out today! A give away!

It's always fun to watch the lives of friends unfold. I have known Tyler and Jenny for quite some time now through our days spent at University of Delaware. They have a new album out today and I am excited to say that I got to be a part of the creative process for the album art for Open Your Doors and the images on the banner of their website! I think Jenny tells their story best....

"I make music with my husband Tyler. It all started back at the University of Delaware. Yes, I'm being serious, Delaware. Anyway, during my first weekend at school, I decided to take a bus to church. I stepped on the bus and sat next to my friend Joel. Before I knew it, Tyler, who was sitting in front of us, turned around and introduced himself. We talked for a few minutes; he turned back around, and promptly forgot my name. I saw him in the dining hall a few weeks later and we spoke again. Tyler was the music coordinator for the campus ministry that I happened to get involved with. We started leading worship together and from there we began writing songs and eating omelets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. We spent the first year singing together in the stairwells of the student center. The acoustics were incredible. Sometime that fall we started dating and well, as they say, the rest is history."

It was definitely fun to see these two come together. I had the privelege of photographing their wedding day and am still so humbled/thankful to have sweet friends that include me in their creative world! Wishing them all the best on album release day! I am actually going to give away three copies of Open Your Doors today! How to enter? Like Emily Troutman Photo on Facebook and then comment here on the blog. If you already "like" me on facebook, just leave a comment here on the blog with your email and three winners will be chosen at random!

Be sure to go to itunes to check out Open Your Doors and buy it now! It's already number 3 on the singer/songwriter charts! If you love it, review it and help them out! I personally already love it. Their single Sound of Silence, is also raising money to help support the end of human trafficking across the globe. 

If you are a DE local, you can see them in person!

 

Monday Confessions

Hi friends, how can it be Monday again?! I realize it's been a while since I posted some photo work. Things have been picking up after winter season and I just worked my tail off this past weekend so there will be some posts to come!

1. I do not recommend doing an Insanity workout and then photographing a wedding in the same 8 hours. It was not good for my feet! I did make a new friend though and thoroughly enjoyed assisting Mary Kate from Kate's Lens over the weekend! Got to be a part of a great wedding at the DCCA. 

2. If you see Reese's Peices candy eggs in the Easter candy aisle, run the other way...I am fighting the addiction right now!

3. I owe an apology to my husband. In an attempt to help him clear out a few old files in his email, I clicked something that has actually done the opposite. All of his old trash emails are being raised from the dead and re-filling his inbox...my bad honey..my bad!

4. I found a gem on TLC last night. Have any of you seen Leave it to Niecy yet?! It's the current life of Neicy Nash with her new husband, mother, and 4 teenagers living under one roof. I haven't laughed that hard in a while. The episode I saw was a trip to the mountains for some family bonding, technology free. To give you a taste, there were one-liners like, "If you see a black person in the snow, they are lost" or "If all else fails, hold on to your weave" ...if you aren't laughing already, something is wrong with you :) 

5. Tonight's lesson in my class is food photography. It's a fine art all unto itself. If you have ever tried it, you know it's harder than it looks! For a non-traditional twist on food art, you should check out the work of Carl Warner. It's amazing, will be sharing it tonight!

6. I want to hear from you, what's your favorite album you are listening to right now? Always want to hear good stuff!

Ok friends, I know it's a short one but lots of ground to cover before class tonight! Have a great week!

Monday Confessions

Welcome to beginning of the week people. How you doing?

1. We are starting week two of the Insanity workouts at our house this week. They are insane but no joke after only a week of doing it, I feel better already. I don't get as easily winded and it's definitely helping my strength. I still need a plastic surgery to undo the damage my kids did but at least I am doing something about it :) 

2. I dig chevron pattern. I know it can be overdone, but done in the right proportions it's great. It's one part Charlie Brown and one part awesomesauce! In case you have no idea, see below!

3. Other things I am loving right now? The Louis XIV Ghost arm chair. Clear, plastic things aren't usually my friends but these intrigue me. They are great design that doesn't take up heavy visual space. (And I could hose it off after my kids :) Industrial chairs are calling me too, maybe for those same indestructible reasons. I love these. 

4. I walked down the Easter candy aisle this past weekend to get some goodies for the kids Easter baskets and I had to fully resist the urge to throw Cadbury eggs in my cart! I know they are either a love or hate them type candy but I LOVE them...will power prevailed!

5. It's crazy windy here today and our umbrella took flight from our patio table, somehow smashing it's glass into a thousand peices. We were toying with the idea of replacing it but now I guess we don't have a choice and surely have a whole lot of glass to clean up! 

6. I would like to say those of you debating about a family photo session and it's value. Exactly two years ago we scheduled a session with a photographer I respect and love her work. Rae Barnes did a gorgeous family session for us! You might remember this priceless images of our family...

I can't even believe the twins were the age that Max is now. You never know how fast your kids will grow or how your family will change. I will treasure these forever and they validate the fact that you should invest in a photographer who can capture your family as you are. Rae did a wonderful job and I fully recommend her!

We have a family portrait session scheduled in the middle of April with another photographer team we love to capture our family two years later. It's important to create you family's visual history and I am trying to practice what I preach! Now what to wear....

7. I have a landscape crush. Have you ever seen the work of Brook Klausing and team? If not, take a few to check it out. They work in NYC creating amazing landscapes/roofscapes, you name it! Even if you are not a landscape or gardener type, sometimes it's just good to look for creative inspiration in other places - check it out.

8. Almost forgot - I saw the Hunger Games on Saturday night - Thanks to the hubs and Grandparents! I thought it was a great rendition of the story and I enjoyed seeing some of it come to life. What did you think, those of you who got the chance to see it?! 

Alright friends...need to scoot! Class tonight...only 6 weeks left of the semester! (not that I am counting, wink wink!)

Monday Confessions!

It is so spring here in Delaware, a strange occurence to us who are not used to such mild weather in March! Don't get me wrong, I am loving every minute! So lets hear it for today....

1. Is it wierd that I am afraid of learning how to fry food?! I have never deep fried a thing. This seems like a travesty considering my Grandma makes the best fried chicken ever! My sister in law recently made the most amazing tortilla chips that about melted in my mouth, so I am thinking that I might need to learn to fry. I know, I know, it's bad for you...I will look past that!

2. Today's iced coffee flavor was the caramel almond and it was delish! I didn't realize that Dunkin' Donuts put the free iced coffee cards out for the whole month of March and APRIL! Woohoo...it really helps Monday be better and anything free always tastes good :)

3. I don't care how much money you make, if you are raising a family you have to find ways to stretch a dollar.  I would like to say I officially saved $11.50 with coupons at Target this morning and earned back $15 in gift cards on my purchases! Also ladies, if it's time for a spring update at your house, Target is doing buy one, get one half off on most home decor items! I am thinking about some new throw pillows or frames. Are you doing any spring updates at your house?

4.  Always good to hear you've been published on a Monday. If you are a DE local, you know about Delaware Today. Delaware Today puts out a great seasonal magazine for brides, called fittingly enough, Delaware Bride. I made it in with one of my couples from the end of last year! 

5.  Have you heard the song by Billy Currington about "Like my dog" - it cracks me up and is accurate...check out these lines that I love!

"He never tells me that he's sick of this house
He never says why don't you get off that couch?
He dont cost me nothin when he wants to go out"

6. Did you know that Adele is only 23?! She has an amazing voice and I totally have a girl crush on her coolness but I totally thought she was older! 

7. My hubby has been doing some photo shooting lately and I think he's doing great! Here's a few from the park over the weekend that he shot...(and don't mind Dean looking like a raggamuffin with a mismatching outfit and boots). 

Here's one of Max that I took...

That's all for today my friends, have to gather some things together for class tonight and tackle some business items before kiddos are up again! Enjoy this beautiful weather week!

What do you want from a photographer you hire?

  I have been to two industry type events in the last week and connecting with lots of photographers. My head has been spinning with thoughts, not necessarily on how I actually photograph, but on how I run my business. There is SO MUCH to running a business that I think most creative types aren't necessarily ready to take on. I think in this day and age as well, everyone who owns a digital SLR camera thinks that they can "go in business." I am here to say that just because you own a nice camera, doesn't mean you should be in business. Thinking a photographer is great because of their camera is like telling Paula Deen, "dinner was yummy, you must have a great oven." You should be laughing because that's ridiculous! Even at a workshop this past week, the photographer teaching was laughing because one of the students had a newer version of her camera. These things happen, technology changes constantly and gear is important (another post for another time), but the gear does not make the photographer. 

  Yes you hire a photographer because they have skills or a style you prefer, but what else is it about that person that makes you want him/her to capture your memories? You should like their personality, which is exactly why I write my Monday Confessions. Some people might not care what my kids are up to or what I ate for lunch, but these types of posts help you get to know me as a person. Anyone who has some type of basic skill can post an online portfolio but WHO is it that you want to be a part of photographing your wedding or even your family? 

  I want to hear from you, what do you want in a photographer? Budget not withstanding, because that's most people's biggest issue - what things would make you want to hire the photographer? Style? Personality? Packaging? Skills? Certain products or locations? Let me hear from you!

All posts are better with pictures, this is cute boy at the park this morning enjoying a pretzel :)

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!