Happy Halloween!

Cinderella fell asleep long before her coach turned into a pumpkin at midnight! Luckily, James Bond-aka Daddy- was there to carry her in. More pics tomorrow. Have a safe and happy night!

The kiddos

I took these on a Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago. Not a planned shoot we were just out playing. But I think that is why I like these. Outfits are not clean, neither are faces. Hair is not combed and I didn't ask for any smiles. This represents their attitudes almost perfectly. Isaac has been devouring any book we put in front of him- his mind never stops! We just cut Livi's hair and it is still just as crazy as ever but she is giggling and making us giggle. We had quite the round of sickness in the family and Caleb was looking pretty pathetic in this batch! He had SIX teeth come in all at once and ended up with a sinus infection so bad he had goop coming out of his eyes! Therefore, to save you from the green boogers- his sweet smile is in black and white. He is grinning like that because he was standing on the top of a slide. I still can't believe Isaac ended up in the ER before Caleb. (More on that in another post!) I turned around today and he was standing on top of a book shelf in my classroom grinning away. Motherhood is amazing and these three make it all worthwhile.

My giant scrapbook shoot

I was in charge of a bulletin board in the preschool hallway this month. It was supposed to have a "Christian Ed" theme. So I used the verse, "The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord". I knew that it NEEDED pictures so I shot some around the school and blew them up to 8 x 10. I then had a blast making a giant scrapbook page in the hall. Man, I miss scrapbooking! Maybe in another life and time! These were a few of the pictures I used- I'll try and get a picture of the finished product one of these days.

Our fantastic neighbor

This is one of our neighbors here in Virginia. He treats our kids just like his grandkids and even took us out to a local joint for lunch and ice cream a while ago. A genuinely nice gentleman that I am proud to know! I really love the people and places around here. There is just so much history!

A day in the gardens

What do you know?-TWO DAYS IN A ROW!! These are from a family shoot from about a month ago. Grandma was in town and they really wanted some shots with her. I love it when the kids make it so easy to shoot!

Late night rambling. . .

Is it bad that I had to stop and think about my password?! That means that I have obviously been away for too long! I was in bed tonight thinking about photography and life in general and knew that I needed to be back on here a bit more- (Mom, and Ivanna, quit giving me a hard time it is keeping me up at night!) Life has been good here- just extremely busy. I love this time of year. The weather is ideal and the holidays are just around the corner- I can feel the excitement in the air. I have been busy second shooting with (the fabulous) Charlie Gunter for almost 2 months now. I have learned SO much and have had a phenomenal time! Weddings are amazing. I get lost in the romance, excitement, and colors of the day. I have had fun with my camera learning to tell the story of each day. What an exciting journey. I've also had the privilege of shooting some amazing families. I'm excited to share some of those shots with you.

I'm going to try and blog every day this week. Beyond that, no promises. To all of my family that check in- yes, we're still alive. Yes, I love and miss you more than I can EVER say. And yes, there is still a BB stuck in Isaac's ear! My dear blog land friends- I can't wait to catch up on your lives.

These shots are from a party at Isaac's school. I have so much to share but I'll try and pace myself so I don't overwhelm you!

Game night

We met up with some friends for a "Hurricane Hannah Party" a couple of weeks ago. The hurricane didn't touch us but we sure had a good time! Anthony and I remembered how much we enjoyed playing Scrabble and Phase 10. This last weekend we had the family over for a re-match. I'm trying to get my game a little better. Notice on the above board "repartee". That would be my husband. Womped us all with his double PhD! Used all of his letter tiles and placed it just right so that none of us had a chance! I'll get him one of these days!

Luckily, our kids get along fantastic and it actually allows us to have some adult time! Our little guys were even willing to share and play nice!

Just because I owe you a few!

Climbing and yelling, as usual.

Giggling and glittery, as usual.

Not making a face, not so usual-but MUCH appreciated!

The 1st day of Preschool

Just like her big brother, Olivia headed off on a new adventure this year. This was her first time going to preschool! Last year she went to "MommyPreschool". I was a little worried about the 5 days a week but she LOVES it! She loves to carry her back pack and proudly displays the contents of her folder as soon as she sees me. She is quickly making new friends and blending in just great!

How many times will I do this to you?!

I have no excuses. No really good ones anyway! I finally sat down today and moved some files to external storage so that I could use my editing software without freezing the computer! For the last week, I'd upload and try to edit and get VERY frustrated. It just took some time and patience. It is working well for now.
We are into the routine of work and school. It has been busy but I think that we are all adjusting well. I love being in the classroom and my little 2's are precious! ALSO, I worked with the amazing and talented Charlie Gunter as an assistant/second shooter yesterday for an incredible wedding! I had so much fun. It is refreshing to find someone willing to share their knowledge and experience in the field. I am already looking forward to the next few weekends of weddings! Thanks Charlie and AnneMarie for having me on board!

Here are a few pics that I played with today. I'll post Olivia's first day separate.

The 1st day of First Grade

I officially have a First Grader! Isaac marched off to a new grade at a new school with nothing but excitement- and, of course, some new gear! It always makes my heart hurt just a little at his independence. But then in the same moment I swell with pride at what a wonderful boy he has become! This is our week of firsts. Olivia will go to preschool, other than mommy, tomorrow for the first time. Caleb and mommy will go on Thursday for the first time. I'll keep you updated with photos. It's like the Olympics, except we're not competing and there are no gold medals. Okay, it was a long shot. It is just busy and extremely exciting!

This is the quick after shot. Tired, but happy!

My sweet little LL and CC

I can't wait to see you guys again! (And spend more than 2 minutes shooting those beautiful blue eyes!) Thanks for the visit- you are welcome ANYTIME planned or unplanned.

Look who learned the "no paparrazo" hands from my kids!

Oh yeah, she's winkin at me! And actually trying to swipe my camera!

Is it really Friday?!

I can't believe that I haven't blogged all week! What a week it has been! I wanted to share a few very exciting pieces of news with my family and friends.

First, I am going to be second shooting/assisting a VERY talented local wedding photographer named Charlie Gunter- check out his website- http://www.charliegunterphotography.com. I won't be able to share images with you all, but I will be gaining amazing experience and can't wait to work alongside someone whose work I admire and who is a seasoned pro.

Second, as of yesterday, I am going to be teaching a 2 year old preschool class 2 days a week! I can't tell you how excited I am that this has worked out the way that it has. Beginning next Thursday I will officially be on staff at First Presbyterian Preschool! I have a lot of work to do in preparation but, as those of you who know me best know- this is the kind of work I LOVE! Olivia will be in the 5 day 4's class and Caleb will be in the 2 day 1's class. I love the schedule- 9-12. I am a little apprehensive about Caleb but it is SUCH a great program that I know that, in time, he will love it too!

On top of all of this crazy news- one of my best friends dropped in yesterday for a very fast visit! I took a few shots in between teacher meetings and meet and greets. I will try and get them posted for you but my computer is having some issues- I NEED MORE MEMORY! Things are running very slow! Have a very happy weekend. Keep shooting!

Happy Fourth Baby Girl

I'm feeling extremely emotional tonight so this may be short! My baby girl turned 4 today. It seems just like yesterday that we were holding this TINY little being in our arms for the first time. I can't tell you how excited I was to have a GIRL. There are the obvious reasons like painted fingernails and matching hairbows but I was more excited about the relationship we would have. I couldn't imagine life without being able to share the sort of relationship that I had with my mom with my daughter. I think that we are a lot alike which, at times, makes things rather difficult. Her daddy is so incredibly enamored with her that she can do little wrong! She has a strong will but a kind and appreciative spirit. She makes us ALL laugh and tends to be the ring leader in the house.

We had a carnival themed party back in Indiana about a month ago. She wanted to make sure that ALL of her friends would be able to help her celebrate.

Her morning started with a gift. A Grandma Carla gift that has been sitting prettily wrapped for over a week now. She has been eyeing it and begging but, being the mean mom that I am, I made her wait until today! She scored a new diaper bag for Bitty Baby, aka Gracie, and the little mommy couldn't be happier.

We took a friend of hers for the day and headed out to Jumpin Jellybeans. I didn't get great shots but figured that I'd share them anyhoo. They had a GREAT time and were SO tired by the end! We feel so blessed to have met such a good little friend for Livi so fast.

Tonight we had cake, played outside for a bit and opened her last presents. I'm embarrased to say that the gifts that I had ordered for her didn't arrive until she was actually IN BED. Thank you UPS for making us wait ALL DAY! I didn't have a chance to grab my camera for that set but I'll try to shoot some in the morn with all of her loot.

Happy Birthday darlin baby!