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I thought this was so funny…  The Dr. Pepper makes him so happy.  Well, and cookies too!  Isn’t it great-the things we “thought” we would never do as a parent but somehow becoming a parent changes all those rules.  Kids are happy, mama has some peace, all is well. 

My daughter | Kirkland, WA Photographer

My daughter is growing up so fast.  I miss those chubby cheeks that wow’d the doctors upon her arrival, I miss those tiny little chubby feet that never fit in any shoes, I miss that crazy mullet hair that only grew in the back but was nearly absent in the front, I miss those tiny little 6 month clothes that I could pick out without any consideration as to how she would feel, I miss folding those clothes, I miss wrapping her in a fluffy terry cloth towel after a bath, I miss seeing her stand up in crib when it was morning, I miss her first words that only I could understand and interpret, I miss watching daily as she grew and changed and learned…  the list goes on. 

Now, I get to enjoy the conversations about friends and school, the mommy/daughter dates that seem to be ever important, the nightly reading about Junie B. Jones and her shenanigans in school, shopping and appreciating her opinion, waiting in anticipation to see what kind of an outfit she put together for the day (she’s getting pretty darn good), playing games that bring on her giggles, utilizing her help to clean and cook whenever possible, watching the light bulb go on when she learns something new or completes something with pride, teaching her and learning from her (mostly learning), watching her swim and swim and swim and loving her swimming lessons… the list goes on. 

There is a guarantee-time doesn’t stop.  No matter the situation, time goes on.  Isn’t that strange? Not really, but sort of?  : )  Some days I want to freeze in time and those are the days that seem to go by the fastest and other days can’t seem to be over quick enough.  I can’t stop her from growing up-even to enjoy a perfect day for another hour.  She will continue to grow and learn and someday think that I’m not awesome (WHAT?) and then hopefully come back around to thinking I am awesome.  : ) 

The Amazing Gager! |Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

This cute little boy (my nephew) is quite the entertainer.  He loves Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and doesn’t go anywhere without his weapon.  He often refers to himself as Donatello (or one of the other TMNT).  As you can see, he tucks the weapon in his pants when not in use.  He sleeps this way, eats this way, and even tries to go to the bathroom this way.  ; )  This is exactly who he is at age 4! 

Dan | Queen Creek Photographer

Dan the man (well, closer to 14) was in my studio the other day.  What a handsome fellow and quite funny!  I was playing with lighting, using the window light and flash to fill.  I am currently in love with this session because I adore this teenager look, his smile, love the soft background, the side lighting, and that blue tie.  Is it always the last session you love most?  Oh, and he chose one of my favorite colors-GREEN.  Did he do that on purpose?  ; ) 

Portraits | Queen Creek Photography

It is rare that I get a chance to do adult portraits (as opposed to children/newborn).  Children are growing and we want to capture their every move, every look, and every step along the way.  What about us-the adults?  Adults have stories to tell too, we change and grow up and wouldn’t it be nice to capture it-as if we are just as important?  : )  So, this portrait session was different-we started out with a goal of a business headshot but we ventured out and had some fun.  We wanted to capture who she was at this moment in time-her style, her smile, and those fun boots.  I was inspired to try and encourage more “adults” to take the time to photograph themselves.  BUT, I know the next problem-what to do with the photos?  Nowadays, there is social media all over…  not only do we have social media as a place to display updated pictures but we can do books, albums, image boxes or a simple slideshow for keepsakes.  I say GO FOR IT!  Schedule a fun photoshoot!  If you have children, your kids will love looking back and seeing that you too were pretty darn snazzy and cute!  Just sayin’

Feedback

I need help with this blog.  I would love feedback on this new site/blog.  What do you think?  What can I improve? What is great and what is terrible?

In the meantime, I will be reviewing some of my favorites from 2009. 

Kade is hilarious, can you tell?  I have every pose/emotion from him documented but this one was it for me!  He was just a goof and showed his true colors.  His mom is going to smother his room (or the stairwell-not sure what she decided) with fun pictures and this may not make the cut since he had so many funny ones.  I love the peace symbol shadowed on his face, along with his serious demeanor.  It’s like he is saying, “Peace, or else!”