The Gat Clan Chronicles

Last post...

2010-01-04T11:02:00.000-08:00

New blogsite, will not be posting here anymore! www.roxseyphotography.wordpress.com

Enjoy! New website will be up any day www.roxseyphotography.com

My photo class!

2009-12-31T09:36:00.000-08:00

Hey all! Well, I think my class was a success! So far good, positive feedback, nobody has told me I totally sucked yet, we will see what happens when I get the questionnaires back! Anyway, I am not going to be posting pictures of the class here, if you want to see them and hear about it, head over to my new Wordpress blog www.roxseyphotography.wordpress.com I will eventually be saying goodbye to the gat clan chronicles and keeping only one blog, that will focus on my life and photography together. Much easier than trying to keep 2 up. Plus I really like wordpress better. Sorry blogger! I don't have to re size every picture myself when I post! So if you want to start keeping up to date with me, start checking the new one out, feel free to comment, I don't bite, and I wont think your a stalker. Believe me I stalk many blogs! I love my blogger friends!

Looking forward to 2010!

2009-12-28T08:58:00.000-08:00

Haven't posted for a while so I thought I would throw something up real quick! My class starts tomorrow morning! Looking forward to it! Last night I made the final touches on my presentation and I think its going to rock! I have 8 gals signed up, and I know most of them, thank you friends! I really hope I can take these ladies to the next level with their photography. I know for me, I spent years trying to learn from books, websites, trial and error, but it wasn't until I took a specific class that was HANDS ON that I really figured it all out!

Christmas was fantastic! The kids had a blast and got lots of great stuff. I got some excellent stuff from my wonderful husband too! I am now rockin' a new iphone, fancy camera bag, and have a new washer and dryer to do the millions of loads of laundry this family creates! It was good times!

On to the new year! Hopefully my new website will be ready in time for the new year. They guys from Finn Media are great and created me something that was more my style "nothing too fluffy" as I like to put it. They are just putting the final touches on it. Along with that, I have a new blog site for my photography. Check it out, leave a comment. www.roxseyphotography.wordpress.com

I look forward to 2010! The kids are getting older (translation-things get easier for mama and I get a little more freedom!). I can't believe I will be signing up Dane for kindergarten in March or April, and he will be starting basketball this month! Oh how my baby has grown up so quickly! My business is growing, so I look forward to what it brings me! Anyway, I need to get back to fine tuning a few more things for the class tomorrow (what to wear)!

Da boys...and one of the basketball princess

2009-12-19T15:22:00.000-08:00

Two of the boys ripped into one of the Christmas packages from their grandparents. OOps, oh well, at least they were cute, and nice enough to pose for me! And another picture of "killer" playing ball this morning. She may be cute, but just don't cross her!

Maia Singin'

2009-12-15T08:29:00.000-08:00

Isn't she just the cutest?

My little superstar

2009-12-14T11:10:00.001-08:00

Last night was our church Christmas program. Even though I hate snow, it was kind of lovely and magical to start snowing on the day of the performance. Especially for the kids. Maia had a part in the play and sang a song. I was so proud of her! She did an excellent job and , even though I shouldn't be, was surprised at how well she sang. I don't have very good picture, but the hubs got some video and hopefully he will have it edited soon so I can post her singing her song. the usually shy girl around people really performed her little heart out last night!

Stoked

2009-12-11T16:01:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am stoked for this class. Just started to put together some folders for the ladies. So pretty. Currently I am half full, which is fantastic! As my first ever class, I am just happy SOMEONE, ANYONE signed up. Honestly I am not much of a public speaker, but for some reason I can talk for hours about a camera. I was talking (probably too much) about the camera to someone who had asked me a question, and they said "you should just teach this". I thought, why not? There isn't much out there as far as I can tell, and spending the day with a bunch of ladies that WANT to talk about a camera all day, sure sounds like fun to me! My next goal is to get a monthly or every other month girls photography group together. I LOVE swapping ideas and websites and stuff I have learned, and certainly appreciate it when other people share with me! Anyway, that's next months goal. So more about the class, just in case you have been thinking about it. Its December 29th, a Tuesday, from 9:30-4:00pm at Homestead Resort in Lynden. The room I rented is fantastic! The best light coming in from the windows that line one wall. Its going to make figuring out that camera all the better. The first part of the day, we will learn the technical stuff. Lunch is on me. Then the last part of the day we will do a photo shoot with some live subjects and then come back together to talk about it, trouble shoot, and then talk business or whatever other questions anyone might have. Its going to be a fun day! And speaking of photo shoot, if anyone has a little baby 6 months and under that might want to model for the day, give me a holler. Wouldn't get paid for it, but you can get pictures of the shoot. If you would like to register for the class, go to www.roxsey.blogspot.com and go to the link to the right side.

The Wellman's

2009-12-11T12:31:00.000-08:00

This shoot was from a couple weeks back. I am done for December! Now to sit back and enjoy the month, and get ready for my class! So excited, made folders last night, but I will post a sneak peak later of those. Right now, here are the Wellmans. I went to high school with dad, and haven't seen him in about 10 years or more! Always fun to reconnect with past school mates, especially when they call me to take their pictures. What fun!

A Sunny VERY Cold Day with the Kortlevers

2009-12-06T09:08:00.000-08:00

I think I had to reschedule this family a couple time due to November being so crappy! But December is having some wonderful, clear, sunny days, but oh so cold! Being the photographer, I can bundle up with layers looking like the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man, but my clients, of course, do not want to look that way. So they were great and braved the cold! What a beautiful family!

Me and the Boy

2009-12-02T16:05:00.000-08:00

I took Dane to the Mt. Baker Theatre today to see Charlottes Web. I wish they still showed movies there, it is such a fabulous theatre!

Christmas Tree at Stoneyridge

2009-11-30T10:22:00.000-08:00

Friday was a very busy day! After my husband went out into the craziness at 4am to get the Santa present, I had a photo shoot (that I will post pics of later) and then we headed out to StoneyRidge to get the tree. This is the earliest we have ever gotten our tree before and I am a little worried it may dry out too soon, but how wonderful it will be to have everything ready for Christmas so early! The kids decorated last night and I tested out the video capability of my camera (yes it shoots video too!) and I will post that later! But here are a few of our day. We were so lucky that it was nice out!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T19:49:00.000-08:00

I will keep it short and sweet with a few pictures! So thankful that we had a wonderful dinner with my family! Preparing dinner wasn't stressful at all, pre made and pre chopped stuff the night before and popped the turkey in the oven and done! I am very full now, but contemplating having another piece of pumpkin pie. Steve and my mother will be getting up leaving at 415 to do some shopping. I think they are crazy so am more than willing to stay home with the kids. But grateful that the husband will be getting a good deal on a Santa gift for the kids!

Thats Dane before the all the food got on the table, he was VERY ready for some turkey and jello

I heart Michael Buble

2009-11-23T15:33:00.000-08:00

This post is for Amara. This is Michael. One day I will be so famous that he will want me to take his picture. I am sure of it. Its one of my long term goals. :)

Wanna watch his video...go here... http://www.michaelbuble.com/

A break in the rain

2009-11-22T09:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was cold, but at least it was not raining, so we didn't have to reschedule, yeah! Another beautiful family I got to spend the morning with down in Fairhaven. Check it out...

Christmas and stuff

2009-11-19T16:02:00.001-08:00

I have big plans for Christmas this year! I want to be DONE Christmas shopping by the end of November. I have to say I am over half done! Getting a little at a time is really going to be nice on the pocketbook. I want the entire month of December to be free and clear of any shopping, or working so I can spend some serious quality time with the kids. I want to bake, make crafts and just enjoy everything about December! Even the snow (blech!). At least if I have everything done, I wont have to drive anywhere in the snow! I decided on Christmas day that not only would we do the "traditional" Christmas morning with presents and Santa gifts, but we would also have a birthday party to celebrate the birth of Jesus. We will just have a nice big birthday cake after dinner and sing happy birthday! This will help the little one understand why we are celebrating. Little Miss Maia is in the church play and has been practicing for the last month. She has some speaking lines and she has a solo she is singing! So proud of that little girl for being brave enough to sing and talk in front of ALL those people! Maybe she has no idea just how many people will be out there in the audience! Gage and Maia both have started basketball too. Both are very excited to be playing and I am very excited that it is indoor! Ahhh the warmth! Dane will be starting his first year in basketball as well, but not until January. He is very excited to be like his siblings finally! I am so happy my kids are active kids and love to play sports. I really enjoy watching them, even practices, its fun to go through each season and see how they progress with which ever sport we happen to be playing at the time!

Weather

2009-11-16T08:56:00.000-08:00

This weather is really putting a damper on my photo shoots! Yesterdays session was cancelled but I think our reschedule place is going to be more fun anyway! I am going to go shadow them while they go get their Christmas tree. I love the more photo journalistic shots, so I am excited and kind of glad we picked a different day. In case you didn't read, I am opening up the workshop to ALL women no matter what your age. If I get the max number of students (15) I will be giving away a really cool product to one lucky person! This is going to be an awesome class so if you want to learn the basics of your camera and learn to take some awesome shots, sign up! I have already loaned out both my backup camera's so you will have to have a DSLR to go to this class! And of course a post is never a post without a picture.

My own kids for once....

2009-11-11T18:44:00.001-08:00

I went out to take a few senior pictures today at a friends house today and dragged the munchkins along with me. Decided I better get a few of them today too since who knows when the weather will be nice again! My heart bursts with love every time I look at these pictures. How truley blessed I am to have these beautiful, healthy, well behaved kids. How did I get so lucky!?

Books...

2009-11-10T18:38:00.000-08:00

I bought a new book the other day called Visual Poetry. Love it. It is a very inspiring book about photography that makes you think about pictures that are more than just pictures. A little snip it...

"A great photograph has the potential to transcend verbal and written language. But how do you create these photographs? It's not the how that's important, but the who and the what. Who you are as a person has a direct impact on what you capture as a photographer."

I love that last part. Great book, if you love photography, its a good one to have in the collection.

I also went to the library today to see if they hung my flier. They didn't. The librarian seemed a little put out when i had some business cards to go with the flier. "It's in multiple parts?" she says. I'm thinking, its just some biz cards to tack on. Whats the big deal? I just said "Never mind, here is just the flier, the address is on there." She probably tossed it when I walked out the door. (No Danya, not your mom, I was hoping to talk to her though for some special treatment).

So anyway, I picked up a couple books while I was there. I got Organize Your Life free yourself from clutter and find more personal time. I skimmed through the first chapter and realized I didn't have time to read it and really I just needed to pick up and throw out old crap.

I also got The Dynamic Path access the secrets of champions to achieve greatness through mental toughness, inspired leadership, and personal transformation. I have no idea why, I just happened to be wandering through the aisles looking for the photography section (they moved it) and came upon the feel good section. Looking through the titles I started feelin' good and inspired so I figured I could give it a good skimmin' through. Who knows I might learn something.

This is a big difference from when I usually go to the library. All my friends know and make fun of me because I mostly go straight to the teen section. I am a very busy gal so these are quick, easy reads. And believe me, if you thought they were all G or even PG rated books, they aren't. I was actually surprised that the last one was even allowed in the teen section, not to mention a Lynden library. Anyway, I am sure I will be done with my big girl books soon and back to reading some easy fiction.

I LOVE this picture!

2009-11-08T19:15:00.000-08:00

Today was a good day. I was to have 3 photo sessions this weekend, only one was rained out. Thats pretty good considering the torrential rain, hail, lightning, thunder, and wind that was happening this weekend. The dark clouds were hanging around, just teasing me today, but it never did rain. I am really trying to get out of the more "traditional" posing and try to do things a little different. I had an idea in mind before I left the house and it didnt turn out exactly how I saw it in my mind, but pretty close. I have to say though, most things I think of dont actually come out the way I imagined, most of the times it is better.

So I had the parents get close, real close. I wanted them to be very intimate, while the kids just hung around them pretty much. I had the middle boy hanging on to mom to represent how much he still needs her. The oldest boy just kind of chillin' next to dad because he is at the age where he really is admiring his dad and wants to be like him, and of course the baby still in mom's arms. I wanted this photo to show how much Dad is in love with mom with his hand on her shoulder coming in to kiss her like there is nothing else in the world that matter. I threw in one of the boys together too, just because they are so cute!

I know, I know, all that from one photo. But now you know a little bit about what goes on in my head. I am sure most of you will just see a snapshot, but more than anything I want my picture to tell a story.

Jenn's cute little family

2009-11-06T20:56:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post, but I love checking out new places, so Jenn took me to WWU for her family pictures today. It was POURING when I left but as soon as we showed up at campus, the sun decided to come out. Thank you God for turning off the water works for awhile!

Beginners Photography Workshops for Girls!

2009-11-05T12:15:00.000-08:00

Okay time for some fun stuff! I will be teaching a one day workshop for beginning photography just for high school girls. Cost is $95 and will be held at Homestead Farms in Lynden on December 29th from 9:30-4:00. You must have a DSLR (no point and shoots) and bring with you to class. I do have a couple extra cameras but you must let me know BEFORE you register so I don't lend them to someone else. First half of the day we will go over the basics, ISO, aperture/F-stops, shutter speed, we are going to get you out of point and shoot mode! Second half of the day we will be putting our new skills to work with a photo shoot! We will be practicing on real people! This is going to be such a fun class, so register fast as I am capping the class at 15 students. To register and for more information just go to my website at www.roxseyphotography.com and if you have any other questions, feel free to email me anytime roxseyphotography@yahoo.com

New Things!

2009-11-02T21:18:00.000-08:00

Wow, there is so much going on here. I am really excited about so many things right now! I have had a lot of things on my mind this last week about the biz. Some new risks I think I am ready to take on. I really have been struggling with a few things because part of me still wonders if I am ready for what may come. So, I don't really want to say to much about everything quite yet, but just know I am really excited to be able to show you all some cool stuff coming up soon! Oh and I decided to enter a photo contest. I haven't really entered anything except the Lynden Fair where I did get my awesome ribbon. You can go check it out if you like at TopKnots photography contest. Just go to latest entries and you can scroll through all the entries. My name will be at the bottom of the picture for the ones I entered. I decided to go with a series of one of the weddings I did this summer so there are six images. They said there will be a peoples choice award, but at this point there is no where to vote yet. Probably not until the contest closes in December, but I will beg you all for votes then! Here is one of my favorites!

Scotty Browns to Bobby Lees

2009-10-31T13:29:00.000-07:00

Last night we celebrated Tiffiny's birthday! We started out at Scotty Browns with dinner and drinks, made a quick stop at Barkley Bobs, and then off to Bobby Lees in Everson. Bobby Lees is certainly the best place to people watch! All in all, had a great night, stayed out too late and am paying for it today. Although I only had one beer at the beginning of the evening I woke up dizzy and feeling hung over. I thought maybe the water had been spiked at BL's but then I remembered I didnt drink a thing there because someone told me if I had to go to the bathroom, I might want to go in the trash can or outside instead of using the toilets.

I look forward to taking the kids to our church tonight for Halloween!

Here are some pictures of our night!

(darn you pictures..not working! I think my files are too big. I will post them later!)

Defriending can bruise your digital ego....

2009-10-30T17:21:00.000-07:00

I just realized I had been de-friended on facebook! We probably have not been friends now for some time, I just now noticed! Wow, I even have taken pictures for this person! Thats ok, we were not really good friends anyway. I have 426 other friends to keep me company!

I found this funny little article on 5 steps on how to get de friended here. Really though, no worries, I am not crushed at the loss of a "friend". At least it wasnt a good friend who left me!

A picture just because..

2009-10-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

Isn't this the cutest picture! I love it! Just thought I would post it just because. Tomorrow is Halloween! The kids have been doing the countdown. Unfortunately, Maia has come down, with what I think is the swine flu. They wont test them unless they are on their deathbeds, but it has been going around the school, and I am pretty sure Gage had it a few weeks ago. Hopefully she will be better tomorrow! Tonight I get to hang with the girls for Tiffs birthday party! So much fun. See ya all later!

Some catching up to do...

2009-10-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

I feel a little behind with the blog. Have so many pictures, but just haven't had the time to post any. I will try to do a little of everything..maybe. It has been a very busy month, with next month not slowing down too much. Lots and lots of people to take pictures of next month! Hopefully the weather will cooperate somewhat and not rain on us. Although I just did a shoot with 4 little kids under a porch. I was a little hesitant about it because I like to move around a lot and find all sorts of different and cool things, but it actually was just fine! I think I was more worried about getting my camera wet! I will be taking the month of December off (from picture taking) to get some things ready for next year. New web design, I would love to take some sort of workshop around here, but I can find NOTHING!!! And that being said, I thought that maybe I should come up with a beginner workshop for high school gals. Would be a one day workshop that covers the basics about using a DSLR camera with part of the day shooting. I still need to work out the details but if you have a high school girl that might be interested in something like this, I have a few questions for you! I have had about 4 other girls interested in shadowing me or being my "assistant". I hear at one of the local high schools they have a photography class but it is hard to get into. And personally I cant find a darn thing around town except a few classes at the community college, but nothing geared towards kids/teens. Hopefully I can get this going for January or February. Okay, enough thinking out loud. Here are a few pictures!

Halloween party

2009-10-25T21:51:00.000-07:00

Oh I feel like I have eaten enough for an entire week! So many baked goods, and I am completely wiped out this week. Pictures Friday and Saturday, baking, cleaning, church, then getting ready for the party. I cant even believe I am still up and writing on the blog but this is kind of down time for me. Here are a few pictures, we had a pretty crowded house tonight. Lots of kids between us adults.

(pictures are not loading tonight, I will try again later...)

Perfect Fall day!

2009-10-20T23:00:00.001-07:00

I would like a set of twins now...

2009-10-19T16:52:00.001-07:00

If they were exactly like these two...

More to come later....

Ohh, cuteness...

2009-10-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

Little babykins is only 6 days old here. Isn't he sweet. I really wanted to snuggle him up, but since my kids have been sick, I didn't want to get too close. One of the cutest families I ever saw.

Thirty Five

2009-10-13T11:02:00.001-07:00

Wow, 35 years old. That's how old my parents are suppose to be. I am still only in my early twenties, teens even. The reality of being 35 just hasn't really settled in for me. I mean, 5 more years and I will be 40! Seriously, that just cant be true, I do not feel this old, I don't feel like I look like I am 35. Anyway, enough pouting about it. I am excited that I am older and wiser, have learned plenty about life the last 15 years, don't wish to redo it, don't think I would even if I could. The struggles and setbacks created who I am today and I am very excited about life and all it has to offer right now. I am really enjoying the kids and watching how they are growing up and creating relationships with other friends. I have wonderful friends that make me laugh and are so fun to hang out with. Even when I think about the last 5 years and how much has happened, it really makes me excited to see what the next 5 years holds for me and my family and friends. I will tell you this though, I am having one heck of a party for my 40th birthday! It will be awesome!

and the bloggin begins

2009-10-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

We will see how many posts I can do today but I will start with the most important! My husband and I celebrated 5 years on the 9th! I cant believe how fast 5 years has flown by! When I look back I am amazed at how much we accomplished and all the things that have happened. I hope that the next 5 years are a little more laid back but still filled with exciting opportunities and fun with the kids. We certainly feel a little more settled now. So the short non exciting story of Steve and I....he proposed to me on the Spirit of Washington dinner train in front of all sorts of strangers in June of 2004 and we pulled it all together and got married on October 9th 2004! I LOVE October and the fall and colors, I was very excited! It was beautifully decorated with the help of a wonderful friend and with the help of all my co-workers, we spent an entire evening carving pumpkins to put all over the grounds. It was fabulous! Here are some not so good pictures. I had to take a picture of the picture because I can figure the scanner out. Happy Anniversary babe! Love you the most!

I know, i know...

2009-10-11T15:41:00.001-07:00

I know I really need to update the blog! I have so much to post too, I hope I have time this week. In a nutshell, Amara and I took the boys to StoneyRidge Pumpkin farm on Friday. Then it was Steve and I's 5th wedding anniversary! So he had set up a weekend away at Semiahmoo Resort, complete with a massage, rose petals on the floor, chocolate covered strawberries, beautiful scenery. Then we are back home today to a very sick boy, so I am at home with him, while the hubs has the kids and went to some friends for the football game. And it's my 35th birthday tomorrow. I can't even believe that. I still think I am 25. Anyway, I will post pictures of it all hopefully soon!

preggo sneak peak

2009-10-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

Here are just a couple pics from a shoot today. My cute little neighbor is due the end of this month so I was so excited to come down and take some pic of her little belly. A funny little story....my son Dane saw the pictures uploading and said "She has a big belly". I said " Thats because she has a baby in there." His response...

"She ate a baby?!"

School Pics

2009-09-29T15:33:00.001-07:00

I have never been a huge fan of school pictures. Really I think they just suck. I remember when I was younger standing in line, while some lady came by and combed your hair straight down. "Say Cheese!" The two worst words in the world. Please, please, dont ask your kids to say cheese! Thats why they call it a "cheesy smile". Anyway, thought I would do something different this year. The people who lived in our house before us left behind a really cool old chalkboard. A friend and I ripped it out of the wall and hauled it out to a field. Cute.

Handsome kid

2009-09-27T19:50:00.001-07:00

another beautiful senior...

2009-09-26T19:10:00.001-07:00

You ever have one of those crazy days.....

2009-09-20T08:27:00.000-07:00

You know, the days where you have a million things to do but not sure how I will get them all done?? Today is one of those days. Somehow I am suppose to be in about 3 different places at the same time. Fortunately for me, I like these kinds of days. Most of the time. I work well under pressure. I seem to get more done that way. If I only have one thing to do for the day, more than likely, I will put it off until I have about 5 things to do. Today I have to help at church, go to my husbands work party, take one kid to a birthday party, find birthday present, pick up kid, take pictures for friends, edit pictures. I guess that doesn't sound like to much. Its just time and logistics of the whole thing that is making it a little difficult. And of course finding time to get a present before 3 while I am suppose to be partying. I am not complaining by any means, just thinking it out loud on computer. I also have had the pleasure of watching my most adorable niece yesterday and she spent the night, so I spent the better part of the night waking up to see if she was OK. Of course she was, she slept the whole night through, still sleeping as I write. I am sure we wore her out with all our activities. Well, off to get ready for the day!

"The question isnt who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me." Ayn Rand

Christmas in September!

2009-09-18T22:59:00.000-07:00

So I feel like it is Christmastime for me right now! I have gotten so many new goodies! Thanks to my wonderful husband of course! I FINALLY got my new camera. It has been on back order since MAY! Long story short, I cancelled my order with the back ordered place and got it somewhere else. Should have done this long ago. Oh well. Its here now and I really get to test it out tomorrow for a family shoot. I got a fancy new computer monitor that I just hook up to my laptop. Much better for pictures. And I scored this huge, old desk at the Second Chance thrift store. Just needs a new coat of paint, but its nice and big for all my junk! Although, it does smell a bit musty. Probably has been sitting in a bard somewhere for years. Plus it was only 5 bucks! My next score was an old retro school desk that has been painted pink. So cool, and only 10 bucks! I think that is my new favorite store! I cant wait to take it out on Sunday to do some school pictures of the kids! Oh and I almost forgot, I got one more very cool chair, that I thought would be cool for pictures and just look cool in my office. That, I am afraid, was more than 10 bucks though, and not at the 2ND chance thrift store. OH and also, I got an email from someone about travelling to Arizona to shoot a wedding! How cool is that?! Now, I said I would never fly again, but I might have to find a way to do this.... It's not until next year though, so I have some time to go to therapy. Here are some pics of the new stuff...

Babies!

2009-09-13T09:30:00.001-07:00

Just some baby pictures from 2 different shoots this week. 2 of my neighbors had babies so I had them come over just for some fun!

What a great week!

2009-09-12T22:29:00.000-07:00

What an awesome week I have had! Very busy for sure but fun. The kids started their games this week. Maia in soccer tearin' up the field, and Gage in football. I LOVE watching his football games. My husband is coaching too so that makes it even more fun for all of us. My husbands birthday was fun, and I topped off the weekend with a 15K run. I am so very sore right now, but glad I did it. Thanks to Amara for staying with me the whole time and walking when I needed to! There were some other fantastic happening this weekend too, but those who know me well, know what they are, yeah for not having to share anymore! Here are a few pics of the race I stole from Amara's facebook.

I took some baby photos for some friends this weekend I will post as soon as I can!

My own family portraits......

2009-09-06T16:59:00.000-07:00

I am not sure what I am thinking trying to do my own family portraits. I tried this last year and the year before....with no luck. Setting my camera on a timer and running into the picture is not really my style. I did really want my pictures taken by a specific person, but just cant make the planets align and get to her. So her are my blooperish pictures. I don't think any of these are going to make it into a Christmas card this year. Maybe I will try again another day.

This is after Dane bonked me in the chin with his big head.

Then they just decided to have a dance party in the middle of the field.

This one is not too bad....I think I will just have to realize not everyone will EVER look at the camera at the same time.

This is a nice one without me in it. Although I don't think Steve would let me send a Christmas card without me in it. I certainly don't mind.

Here are some of the kids...

Maybe I will try again on a better day. It was cold, and windy... or maybe I just need to hire someone just like everyone else does....

Just messing around

2009-09-02T14:02:00.001-07:00

I know I should really be editing but decided I would mess around with the templates.

More Wedding photos!

2009-08-29T23:41:00.000-07:00

Its getting late, but here are a few photos from todays wedding...

Reunion

2009-08-27T09:44:00.001-07:00

This last weekend we had a family reunion on my husbands side. I did bring my camera but only took a couple pictures. To be honest I didnt want to bring it at all. I have been so overwhelmed with pictures and editing, I feel like any creativity I have left is being sucked out of me. While I feel blessed that there are so many people that want me to do photos for them, I wonder if I am taking on too much. I have one more wedding to go this weekend and then I have taken the next two weeks off! I havent hardly pulled my camera out for my own kids lately! I have also decided that I will be raising my prices. Sorry! I broke it down with all the time I put into editing, traveling and taking the pictures, and I am certainly a cheap photographer! Plus giving away the copyright to my photo's, is just a too much. I realize this will slow business down, but I have decided that will keep me from over doing it and I can really focus on one shoot at a time and not 2-3 a week. So back to the editing room I go, and here are only a few shots from the reunion!

senior shoot

2009-08-22T22:52:00.001-07:00

The last 3 senior shoots that I have done, the girls have been absolutely beautiful. I look at their pictures and think back to my senior pictures. Ugh! I cringe. Mine were dreadful. If I ever find it, I will post it, just for kicks and giggles. But here is another beauty in the meantime...

Cute

2009-08-22T09:10:00.001-07:00

Oh, these were the two most beautiful pregnant sisters I have ever seen! I normally don't do maternity shoots but their mom is a neighbor so when she asked, I couldn't refuse. As a matter of fact, this is the very first pregnancy shoot I have ever done. They came over to my house and I just tacked a black sheet onto my wall to get the close ups. So those are just a few belly shots, I will post more of their gorgeous faces later.

Ice Cream at the Fair...again

2009-08-20T12:10:00.001-07:00

Oh Yeah, the fair is in town....

2009-08-18T13:29:00.000-07:00

First off...check it out. Yeah, I got myself a couple cool ribbons. I know that some money comes along with the ribbons, but I think the premium is 3 bucks. It's SO not about the money though. I just wanted those ribbons. Every year my friends have to listen to me complain about the one year I won and someone stole my ribbon. So here is photographic proof, in case the thief comes back..

And here are some of my darling children. Fun days. We will be there again a couple times this week so I am sure I will have more photo's to follow!

Tara and Jordan's Wedding

2009-08-16T10:49:00.001-07:00

This wedding rocked! I have been so excited for this wedding, because I knew the bride was up for anything, so I was stoked. When I woke up yesterday morning and looked out my window...no rain (yes!) and some nice gray skies (but not too gray). Perfect! I did a little happy dance and got ready for the day. I will post more later, because there are just so many to go through, but here are just a handful that I grabbed this morning. Enjoy

Davis' 7 year old shoot

2009-08-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

Davis and I got to spend some quality time together alone today. Very rare, since Steve is usually at work on Fridays and I have all the kids. But Steve was home and so Davis and I took off to the park!

Birthday Donuts at Rocket Donuts!

2009-08-14T10:29:00.001-07:00

Oh this is by far the coolest donut shop I have ever been to. And I have to say the best damn donuts I ever did taste! ROCKET DONUTS! If you haven't been there, go. Downtown Bellingham. Awesome. Its also just a few blocks from the Maritime Heritage which the kids like to run around and play in the fountain. This was Danes birthday breakfast! If you can believe it, 3 of the kids ordered the Bacon Maple Bar. Sounds disgusting to me, but wasn't too bad. (I had a little nibble) They all picked the bacon off and ate it first and then polished off the donut. I am a big fan of the donut of the month, Strawberries and Cream. This really has got to be the best donut I have ever had.

I know its early but Christmas is always here before you know it.

2009-08-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, I realize its August, but Christmas always comes a lot faster than I expect and I never have all the things I wanted to do done! So here is your chance to get your Christmas cards out of the way early! September, October, and November I will be doing family portraits and with this great package you get some awesome cards that will be designed specifically for my clients by Jenn from Coconut Lime Designs.

My flier looks a little fuzzy on the bottom but send me an email at roxseyphotography@yahoo.com if your interested in securing a date. They will go fast and I will only be doing a couple a week, so I am able to reschedule for rain outs. Also, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays will not be available.

Seriously cute kids....

2009-08-09T22:00:00.000-07:00

So I know I think my kids are the cutest in the whole world but, these kids could be in magazines. I have taken pictures of the girls a few times before, but now they have a new little brother to add to the cuteness. So most of these pictures are of him this time, but oh man...I just wanted to take him home with me. Babies like this make me want more. Not gonna happen, but if we were thinking of it, this kid would seal the deal.

Rodeo!

2009-08-08T23:17:00.000-07:00

Tonight Steve and I took the kids, and my dad, to the Sumas Rodeo. Lots of fun, glad I brought my camera, even though I forgot my flash. Got some neat pics of the bull riders. Tried to get pics of the kids running around pulling ribbons of calves, but it got to dark. Here are some pics of the evening!

4 years old in 7 days!

2009-08-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

I would normally just do a birthday post, but I couldn't help but post a few pictures from Dane's 4 year old shoot today. It only lasted about 10 minutes, but I think we got a few cute ones. I look at these photo's and I just cant believe 4 years has passed by so quickly! My baby is no longer a baby. Not even a toddler really, he is a little boy now. My baby days are over! Which saddens me a little but I also enjoy our new freedom to do other things as a family. Dane will always be my baby though. My sweet, sweet boy. My little boy is infatuated with star wars, clone wars, Lego star wars, you get the idea. He also likes peanut butter and cheese sandwiches, which I think is gross, but he loves them. He makes the best machine gun sounds I have ever heard a little boy make. He does this funny little thing with his eyebrows when he is telling me something he thinks is very important, its always so cute, I pretend like I didn't understand, just so he will tell me again. When he gives kisses, he has to kiss both my cheeks, forehead, nose and then lips. He still sucks his thumb when he is tired and he likes to hold my thumb with the other hand and scratch my nail, kind of annoying but a little quirk that I will always love. I could go on and on, but maybe I will save that for his actual birthday. Here are some pictures of my sweet, little boy.

Kenny Chesney Concert and some other stuff!

2009-08-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

Please don't laugh but August 1st 2009 was my first concert EVER! I have no idea why I have never been to one, but I just haven't. So my first ever concert was to Kenny Chesney! Yes, I am a big, big fan of his. I went with my friend Kate, I think she may even be a bigger fan than me. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect at a concert, but I loved it! My only regret was that I didn't get better tickets. I did get ground floor seating but it was in the back. So when Kenny came out, I couldn't see him in person. They did have the huge screens so you were able to see the concert and it was still great, but next time I am splurging! I didn't get any good pictures at all. I brought my little point and shoot and it sucked. I was afraid to bring my good camera, and now I wish I had. I had a fantastic time and cant wait to do it again! Next year!! Until then, here are some crappy pictures...

So other than the crappy pictures, I had a fabulous time! Thanks for going with me Kate!

So some other cool news, on Friday I am going to meet up with a gal that is writing a book to take some pictures for her book. It is not published yet but she has been asked to send in some stuff to some publishers to read. Which I guess is a really good thing. So I am excited for a new opportunity and who knows, maybe my pictures will be in a book someday soon!

WINNER

2009-08-03T21:07:00.001-07:00

Thank you for all the comments, the winning picture for the fair is this one.....

It was a close one with a couple other pics! But no worries, I can enter some other fairs and put more than one photo in. So I am sure your wondering who the winner of the coffee card is....

Stephanie Hewett

Comment and let me know Starbucks or Woods and I will send your card to you! ;)

Hey Seniors!

2009-08-02T20:07:00.001-07:00

Hey all you friends.....

So far this special is just going out to friends and family that read my blog. Spots are limited though because, well, I am a very busy momma! So if you know someone who would love to do something a little more "out of the box", send them my way. I promise I will not force anyone to pose in front of a barn or use the "arm shelf" pose. We can dig through some Teen Vogue together and find some cool stuff to imitate.

No worries to those planners that want to get Christmas pictures done! I am working on a Christmas special to be available starting October and this year Coconut Lime Designs is creating one of a kind cards just for my clients when they purchase the Christmas package! Coming soon, and I cant wait to show you just how cool the cards are! So I have a small list of people who will get first crack scheduling the Christmas package. If you would like to be on it, leave a comment with your email address or you can email it to roxseyphotography@yahoo.com

Oh yeah, and I will do the drawing for the coffee card tomorrow, thank you all who commented on my blog, sent me emails, and left comments on my fan page on facebook...you all rock.

Just a quick correction...in my ad up top it says to contact at roxseyphotography.yahoo.com.... it is roxseyphotography@ yahoo.com I realize most people will figure that out, but it took me a hella long time to make that on my computer. The thought of re-doing it all makes my eyes burn.

HELP ME!! YOU COULD WIN A PRIZE

2009-07-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

Scroll to the bottom to read about the prize!

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So I am trying to figure out what pictures to enter into fairs this year. I always do the Lynden Fair (only because its closest) but they only let you pick 1 picture, and there is never any categories. So it is really up in the air for what the judges are looking for. Its been pretty random every year. I did actually win one year. A really cool big, huge ribbon, and ya know what happened?!! Some dumb idiot STOLE IT! Yes, I was so proud of that ribbon, but it was gone when I went to pick up my picture. So disappointing! Anyway...I really need help figuring out which one to pick. I may enter in some of the other fairs, as they have categories and you can enter more than one, but for now, I just need to pick a picture and get it ordered. So help me please! If you comment and vote on which one you like the best, I will put names in a hat and whoever gets drawn gets a Starbucks card, or Woods, your choice. So don't be shy, I know your out there reading this. Nothing brings people to comment like a prize. Email me if you like or comment on this page. roxseyphotography@yahoo.com Oh yeah, and if you like a picture that I seem to have forgotten on here, let me know. I quickly went through my albums, so I know I missed something!

Check it out..

2009-07-14T09:32:00.000-07:00

Cuz I dont want anyone to miss how cute this family is...check out the Spreckelmeyers HERE!

I cant decide which I like better

2009-07-13T16:35:00.001-07:00

I cant decide which color I like better. I like them both!

wedding stuff

2009-07-13T09:38:00.000-07:00

Here is one wedding photo here, there is one other on my ROXSEY site too. But really, thats it for now!

Wedding shoot

2009-07-12T16:52:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I spent the day shooting a wedding for my friend Lindy. While she hired me before she knew me, we ended up being in the same Bunko group and getting to know her. Sorry, I have no pictures of the wedding quite yet, I will put a sneak peak up later, I have tons of photos to go through and edit. This should take me a good two weeks. In between editing wedding stuff I have a couple other family shoots next week too. So after 8+ hours in the 80 degree weather, wearing shoes I probably should have done without, and carrying about 30 pounds around my neck, I feel like I have been beat up, hungover, and haven't slept in days. Today, I am spending the day laying on the couch, going through photographs, even though my house is in serious need of some TLC. Anyway, more to come on the wedding!

At the doggy park

2009-07-09T22:47:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics of the kids today at the doggy park. You will have to check out Roxsey to see a bunch of my cutie niece from today too.

Katies Cupcake shop

2009-07-08T17:14:00.000-07:00

I was testing out a new camera today for the wedding this weekend. You will have to take a look at my photo blog HERE to view them. The file size is huge so it took forever to upload them.

new lens

2009-07-07T16:21:00.000-07:00

I rented a new lens for the wedding I am shooting on Saturday. I only got about 5 minutes outside before it started to rain again, but I think this might be my new favorite lens! I might just have to have it! I can get super close which is fantastic and its also a wide angle. Fabulous! I love it!

Our new baby

2009-07-05T22:17:00.000-07:00

We adopted a beautiful blond baby girl! Her name is Bella! I know, I am crazy right? Another baby!

This little cutie sat between Davis and Dane the whole way home, even tolerated being passed back and forth between the two boys and I am sure they werent the most gentle.

4th of July

2009-07-05T09:09:00.000-07:00

Another fabulous 4th of July spent with the Kate and Josh and kids. Tired, lots to do today, so just pictures of the evening.

Bloggin'

2009-07-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

I haven't had a whole lot of time to write lately. Mostly we have just been busy with the weather being so nice, but I hate to go too long without pictures or stories. I am doing the blog for my kids. Someday I will get all of these posts into a book so my kids will be able to look back on all we did and what I was thinking during those times. I tried to do the journal once upon a time, but just never stuck. I did scrap booking, but that was a lot of work with 4 kids and it kind of costs a lot! So anyway, I have camping pictures that I haven't posted, I will try to get to those this week, but I will try to do a couple different post with the last couple days of hanging out with friends. Here is today's pics. My friend Karen and Amara and I took the kids to a newer county park in the Birch Bay area. It was a little hike but we all made it and had some lunch and then the kids tried to build some forts out of driftwood.

maia

2009-07-01T21:14:00.000-07:00

Leavenworth

2009-06-29T23:16:00.000-07:00

We went camping this weekend, but I am too tired to post too much, so here are a few pic from one of the days we went into Leavenworth. The big kids did some rock wall climbing and we went through some of the stores, got ice cream and went the the Cheesemonger and bought some yummy cheeses!

I love my job!

2009-06-23T16:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, I love my job as a mother, but I also am loving my job as a photographer! Last night I met one of the gals that I will be shooting her wedding in August. They wanted to show me the property where they would be having it at. It was amazing! I am so excited for this one. After touring the wonderful property they invited me in for some drinks. I say, this is the best job ever! Meeting new people, getting to know them, becoming friends with them, and getting to tell their most important story in pictures for them to keep forever!

Wii Fit

2009-06-22T14:25:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I complained about the Wii and how much the kids were bugging me about it, but we went ahead and got the Wii Fit at Costco yesterday. Kind of a Fathers Day present that the whole family can use. It is pretty fun! Although, I am not happy with my weight they gave me. Just thought I would post some pictures of my cute little man in his Batman undies. We are not forcing him to do exercise, he just thinks it is cool!

Relay for Life 2009

2009-06-19T22:46:00.000-07:00

We headed out to Relay for Life tonight. Gage was walking with his team so the rest of the family came out to support him. Everyone took a lap with him and the little ones hung out and got their faces painted. It was a bit cold and rainy so we only stayed till Gage's time was up. Not too many pictures because I didn't want my camera to get wet!

Damn video games are ruining my summer so far!

2009-06-16T20:19:00.001-07:00

I hate to say this because I really do love to play video games, but the fighting over our Wii is OUT OF CONTROL!!! As I type this, there is fighting over turns. Yes, I have tried different tactics to keep things under control. And when I turn it off, every few minutes someone (Davis) is asking me when he can play again. Driving me CRAZY!!! Sooo, being the mean mom that I am, I have imposed a new rule. They have to earn Wii minutes by reading. For every minute they read, they get to play the Wii for that many minutes. Is that too harsh? I can tell you I just told them about it and guess who is reading?? Yes Davis, he is earning his minutes for tomorrow. Maybe they will learn to love to read this way. I also signed them up for the Library summer reading program today, so maybe this will help them reach their goals too! We will see how this works. Hopefully my sanity will come back for tomorrow.

Mazama weekend

2009-06-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

Alright, here is a better recap of the weekend. I was only able to get 1 picture on the last post before my computer died. But I am home now! Weekend was great! The weather was soooo warm! Friday evening we got to my parents and had dinner and made s'mores. Saturday we spent the day at Patterson Lake fishing and swimming. And Sunday we spent the day in Winthrop. The drive home was long, but glad I am finally home.

The picture above is of Dane catching his first fish with Grandpa!

mazama 1

2009-06-14T15:02:00.001-07:00

my computer battery is going to die any minute so here are just a couple till I get home tonight!

Boxx Berry Farm

2009-06-11T13:40:00.001-07:00

I was actually pretty excited to head out to the berry farm today. I had a whole bunch of picture ideas in my head, but when we got there, the U-pick wasn't open yet. So I had to make do with buying a couple of pre picked flats and of course had to have some strawberry shortcake. They put a new playground in, so instead, my friend Kristin and I sat and chatted while the boys played.

On the River Bank

2009-06-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Last night after we dropped Davis off, we decided we would head to the river for some playtime before bed. It was beautiful down there! We decided we would go back and make a little fire pit with hot dogs and smores, very soon! Here are some pictures of our lovely evening.

Even got a photo of me and my babe!

And to end the evening, I started reading the Spiderwick Chronicles to the kids.

Roxsey stuff

2009-06-08T11:14:00.000-07:00

Check out my photo blog for some cool info... Roxsey Photography

Pirate Lookout aka Sehome Arboretum

2009-06-07T18:05:00.000-07:00

The two big kids went to their grandparents today, so that left us with the two little boys. Steve had some homework to catch up on so I told the boys I would take them to Pirate Lookout. I brought them their pirate swords just in case I needed protection. They both thought it was very cool and loved running the trails. I am exhausted though! Ready for bed already but we are now headed out to meet friends for dinner!

Ahhhhh! Where did the sun go???

2009-06-06T19:17:00.000-07:00

I sure hope that wasn't our summer!!! Our beautiful 90 degree weather! Awesome! Of course this weekend it disappeared! We have already had a busy weekend and it hasn't even ended! Friday we took the boys and a few of Gage's friends (for his birthday) to the Demo Derby. I love the derby! So fun watching all those cars crash into each other, and of course watching the boys as they watch the cars crash. They get so excited! Saturday, Davis and Gage went to football camp and Maia was in the parade for mini cheer, so Dane, Dad, and I watched the parade. Good times! Just wish it was a little warmer. Thank God next week is the last week of school! I am very excited for summer to arrive and to do all sorts of things with the kids. I love that they are all getting older and I can take them on all sorts of adventures. I wish I could take them all over the United States but we will have to stick to Whatcom County this time. Its a start anyway! I want to make sure that by the time my kids graduate, they know that there are so many places and opportunities to see and do, that they need to explore before they settle down or make the commitment to stay in one city (or town if we are referring to where we currently live!)

Not too many pictures at the derby....but here is the princess all decked out in her cheer gear!

Maia and her friend Lauren

Now onto football camp. I didn't get there in time to take pictures of them playing, just in the bleachers and when they were getting autographs from the players. I love that Gage is so good at being the big brother. Davis doesn't go to the same school so he doesn't know anyone, but Gage will go out of his way to make sure Davis is not alone, even if it means not sitting with his buddies. I raised myself a good boy...so far!!

Davis so blissfully unaware that anyone was watching him. Love it! He does not love it. I thought he would think it was funny. He was actually upset with me that I took it.

This next picture of Dane is funny. While I was taking pictures of the older boys standing in line to get their footballs autographed from the high school players, I spotted Dane at the very end of the line watching one of the players sign a ball. I thought it was cute (I thought he was playing out in the field) so I took a picture. When the kid was done, he handed the ball to Dane and said "Here ya go". Dane took the ball and saw me and smiled. I said "Where did you get that ball?" He had "found" it under the bleachers where their were no kids and took it up for an autograph. I told him we would have to give it back to whoever had lost it, but no one claimed it, so he got himself his own football, and was very pleased about it.

Look at that form, he's a natural!

Blaine

2009-06-03T23:30:00.000-07:00

Today was another beautiful day! Dane had his last day of preschool and then after lunch we met friends at the Lynden City park so the boys could play in the creek while we did some much needed girl chatting. Then later after the kids got out of school and we had dinner and homework was done, it was still very warm out. Which has made our house extremely warm. I decided we would go on a little adventure out to Blaine Marine Park. We found a little beach and the kids played while I took pictures and relaxed! It was a wonderful day. I hope every day is like this, this summer. My plan is for a very laid back summer, no sports or classes. Just going to explore Whatcom County and maybe some other cool places within driving distance.

This is how I see my summer..

Dane was thrilled that he got to see the train drive by. Even more excited that the conductor waved at him.

We even ran into my aunt.

Off to Marine Park...

Check out the sun flare on this next one...oh yeah...

Very busy weekend!

2009-06-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

Wow, we definitely had a very busy weekend. Sunday was the busiest, starting off with helping out at church. We help out in two different areas and it just so happened this Sunday, our turn to help was for both things. So we were rushing trying to get out of there in time to head to Lake Padden for my niece's 1st birthday. It was so beautiful out and a lot of fun, food, and cake! Then after a few hours there, we were headed off to another barbecue for my husbands work. More food, lots of good dessert and catching up with some friends I hadn't seen in awhile. So much fun! I was up very late and then back up again at 5:30 am to take my mom to the surgery center for surgery on her hand. So I am very, very tired! But I have tons to do but thought I would take a quick break to post some pictures.

Double Digits!

2009-05-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

Yes, my first born has made it to the double digits! 10 years old today! Wow, I can't believe I have a ten year old! Gage, my son, congrats on being 10. You are one of the coolest kids I know, and couldn't be happier with how you have grown! You are a sweet, caring, helpful, funny, charismatic, ENERGETIC, kid! I love, love, love you! I shall never forget the day you were born! Mostly because labor lasted for 30+ hours and I was sure I was dying...but aside from that, you were the cutest little bug I had ever seen!! Still are kid! Enjoy your day!

Of course I took Gage to Disneyland for his 4Th birthday. I also shoved sugar packets in his shoes so I could get him on Splash Mountain.

Vancouver Aquarium

2009-05-25T21:47:00.000-07:00

Today my mom and I took all 4 kids to the Vancouver Aquarium. We also met up with my brother and his family. Good times! It was a beautiful day, the aquarium was great, and the kids were really good! I will admit that the food sucked, glad I brought a few snacks with us. Oh, and the traffic in Vancouver sucked too. Holy crowded! The aquarium is inside Stanley Park which is also super cool. I wish we had, had more time to see the park. We will have to go back and spend a day just going around the park. They had a very cool spray park that we did spend about a half hour at. Just a little too cold, but the boys would have endured it longer had we not had to get Davis back. I have been very busy with pictures and have so many to post on my photo blog. Hopefully I will get caught up on those tonight and tomorrow!

Awkward

2009-05-19T14:18:00.000-07:00

I found this website today.. www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com check it out for a good laugh.

Nice evening!

2009-05-16T22:59:00.000-07:00

This evening Steve and I took Dane to the Centennial Walk in Ferndale. I hadn't been there before, but it was very nice. Of course the fountain was Dane's favorite. Afterwards we went to Sonic for some burgers and then headed home. Still trying to work with the sun flair! I will get it better some day!

My beautiful daughter

2009-05-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

Check out some pics of my beautiful girl here.

Pre Mothers Day

2009-05-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

Today was another warm day. Perfect for soccer and baseball. It was so nice to actually enjoy the games today without freezing my butt off. And of course there is nothing better than hot dogs off the grill on a nice warm day. My pre mothers day dinner....

Of course my hand made Mothers Day presents from my little cherubs... Maia's sun catcher she made in class...along with a lovely card that says "You are my best mom...you are my only mom." Thanks darling daughter, my only daughter.

Dane painted me a lovely pot with some lovely flowers

Davis made me this bird feeder. It also came with one tea bag. I am not sure if its part of the bird feeder or if it is for me to have a nice cup of tea while I watch birds eat out of the bird feeder.

Gage is too old to make trinkets for their mothers in school anymore. Of course I had to do a little Mothers Day shopping for my moms and stuff. I got my mom something cool from a little store I found in Fairhaven. I can only show the bag in case she reads this before Mothers Day.

I bought my step mom a really cool apron, its very cute, in another cool store I found in Fairhaven but I already boxed it up to ship so I didn't get a picture of it. Lets just say I had a really hard time parting with it and almost kept it for myself.

Then I found this cute little pot in Lynden and planted some flowers in it so Davis could give to his mom. I had a hard time parting with this one too, I really wanted to keep it for myself.

We ended the wonderful evening stuffing ourselves with hot dogs and tater tots and playing a little catch.

Happy Mothers Day to all the momma's out there! Unfortunately Steve will be leaving early tomorrow so it will be me and the kiddos but I am sure we can find something fun to do!

new pics

2009-05-03T22:16:00.000-07:00

Some super cute new pics on my photo blog..check em out.

another season of soccer begins...

2009-05-02T20:31:00.000-07:00

She may be small, but don't under estimate my little pipsqueak. She is brutal. She doesn't care if she gets kicked, pushed, or falls down (she takes after her mother). She just wants to get a goal. She is not as fast as the other girls, so I taught her to dribble the ball around the other girls. She sure showed her stuff today. I couldn't be more proud!

Camera stuff...

2009-05-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

Lately I have just been amazed and feel so blessed at how this whole photography thing for me has taken off. When someone sends me an email asking to set up an appointment, I usually just sit back and think "Wow! Really? You want ME to take your pictures?" Especially when it is someone I don't know. I mean, you expect your friends to say it but strangers? It really blows me away. Someone told me the other day that I was way too humble about it and I needed to just grab a hold of it and take off with it! I think secretly (or not so secretly) that if I do something like that I will crash and burn. It's that whole comfort zone thing that I think a lot of people struggle with. I am learning...trying to just go with it. Telling myself, there are no do overs in life so take the talent you were given and go for it. So anyway, enough about that, that wasn't really the direction I was going to go. ;)

People ask me all the time what kind of camera I have. When I tell them, the usual response is, "oh, I am going to go get a camera like yours so I can take pictures like you." Of course I am flattered but I want to sit down and tell them, there is so much more to it than that. Its not just the camera! There are lenses and knowing your camera and how to use it is so important. People buy the DSLR cameras then just keep it on point and shoot. You have to venture into the creative mode.

So really I thought if anyone has any questions about camera stuff, please ask! I really could talk for hours about it, but any specific questions, send me an email or comment. I can put a post together with Q &A's.

Enjoy the beautiful sunny day, I know I will!

What a beautiful day!

2009-04-30T20:05:00.000-07:00

Today was so beautiful out! I figured since I had nothing to do today, but pick up the kids from school, that it was a perfect opportunity to go on a little adventure with Dane and take some landscape pictures. We packed a lunch and some camera's and headed for Larrabee State Park. After an hour drive we finally arrived to find it was closed for paving! ARGH! So we headed for the more crowed Boulevard Park. It wasn't too bad though and Dane and I took a nice long walk from the park to the end of the boardwalk. He had a good time and it was very relaxing for me. Its nice to get out of our little town for a while and be in a different city, even if its only 20 minutes away. Different scenery, different people, I can just relax. And of course the sunshine makes everything better for me! Here are some pics of the day...

2009-04-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

Snacks

2009-04-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

I have just a little rant today. I don't know about anyone else but I HATE snacks! No, not my nightly snacks while I sit and watch Biggest Loser, but sports snacks. I have 3 kids. They are all in sports. For some reason, every sport requires you to take a turn bringing snacks for all the kids. This drives me crazy! I mean, it was cute the first couple times when they were in preschool, or kindergarten, but come on...my son is in the 4Th grade. Haven't we moved past the cuteness of it? He is there to play ball, not wonder what snack Joeys mom brought that day. And don't get me wrong, I love myself a good cupcake, cookie, or fruit leather, and I have even been known to buy a yummy licorice rope at the concession stand, but jeez, my kids game gets over at 8pm and I really don't want him to eat a bunch of sugar. OK, but here is my real problem with it now... no one asked me to sign up to bring them, now, they just make a schedule of WHEN you need to bring your snacks.

Please, oh please, snack Nazis....its hard enough for me to remember to bring snacks and water for my own kids, I don't want to be responsible for yours too!

busy busy bees

2009-04-23T15:29:00.000-07:00

I have been slacking again in the blog area. Been so busy around here with kids sports and I have been doing a lot of picture sessions. So just editing away. Tonight I plan on bringing my big guns (the wonder lens) out to the t ball fields. I miss taking pictures of my own kids. If you head on over to my photo blog though, I will be posting some pics of some recent shoots.

new photos

2009-04-18T22:51:00.001-07:00

Nothing new on the home front, but check out today's photo shoot on my photo blog HERE.

My niece Presley

2009-04-15T21:32:00.001-07:00

My brother, his wife, and my precious niece came down for dinner tonight. My little niece is so cute! I just want to squeeze and kiss her cheeks all day. I can't wait for them to go on a vacation and leave her behind with me...someday.