Yvonne LeBrun

I've moved!

2010-06-09T23:56:00.001-07:00

So I guess I finally outgrew this blog... I'm not taking it down as a reminder of how far I've come. I would say in the past two years it's been quite the journey!! If you would like to continue to follow me on this awesome path come on over to the new and improved blog!!

www.yvonnelebrun.com/blog

My Work : Under Construction

2010-05-11T21:56:00.001-07:00

So, as a few of you may have noticed I've been tardy around here. I am a bad blogger and I neglect to keep this updated regularly. All I can say is I'm trying! I often feel like I'm being pulled in so many direction I don't know whether I should just give up and sink or kick like hell and swim!

If you're interested in keeping up with me in real time and see real updated work, the best place to catch it is on my fan page on Facebook or (in real twitter addict fashion) on Twitter. Be warned! I have twitter linked to my personal page so if you're a friend who gets too much of me, no feelings will be hurt if you "hide" my updates ;) I tend to tweet about everything (dogs, cats, kids, traffic lights, food, highs and lows) but you could potentially miss out on something really good, so check my page often!! I'm also limiting a lot of my friend requests to people I know... so if I deny you because I don't KNOW you, it's not personal. BUT!! There is *always* a BUT!! You can keep up with me on my fan page which is open to everyone! Updates are different and more business orientated but you get the best of both worlds if you follow fan page and twitter. Sheesh, does this even make sense anymore??

Well. One thing that prompted this all was I received some great advice by a few close confidants and mentors. I'm really going to make an effort to pull my act together! I have been so lucky that I've been half as successful as I have been with as little effort as I've put forth over the past year... which makes me think that if I fully dedicate myself to this "project" I could potentially do really well! So with this in mind I'm going to kick my feet and swim through this mess and really come out shiny and new real soon.

You will start seeing some changes real soon and hopefully you all will like it!

Loves and hugs - Yvonne

The People : Monday Weddings :)

2010-04-19T22:33:00.000-07:00

You didn't need to ask if this group had a case of the Mondays... and if they did I would love to see how Friday night rolls! From the moment I stepped into the La Jolla Rec Center and heard the soundtrack from GLEE blasting I knew it was going to be a good day. When they started busting moves and serenading on the beach all else was forgotten! Seriously, Glee had nothing on this group of friends as they watched Errin and Rachel say their "I do's".

I am not usually an emotional person but I may or may not have shed a tear or two here and there. I wish you two the best of luck and my all your Mondays be half as happy as this one was! Thank you for letting me participate, you left an impression on my soul.

Love, Yvonne :)

If you can name the song they serenaded the bride & groom with I will shoot your engagement for free!

This lady meant B.U.S.I.N.E.S.S.

The Places : Vingettes goes Shabby Chic

2010-04-12T23:37:00.000-07:00

I had got schooled over the weekend in home decor! Lori from Vignettes Antiques welcomed the queen of Shabby Chic, Rachel Ashwell!

Ladies (and a few gents) came from near and far, some even flew in from San Francisco, to meet this anything but shabby home decor icon. As queues started forming Rachel and her lovely staff took their time speaking about the new line of Shabby Chic Couture. Designers and home decor enthusiasts from around the area gushed over her luxurious fabrics and beautiful designs. It was enough to get this self proclaimed decor-less momma looking at things in a new light!

Lori and Ms Ashwell strike a pose outside the store front!

Sweet treats provided by Azucar Cafe
I need to get the info about the rose infused marshallows (they were to die for!)

Rachel with her beautiful staff from the Santa Monica location, Kristina & Janis. These girls are FUN and would love to talk shabby chic with you!!

This is for my dear mum. She is a HUGE fan and very jealous I got to meet one of the inspirations behind her store in the UK!

My Life : Randomness

2010-03-28T22:39:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Brielle, for making me smile each and every day. I am the luckiest momma around. I love the crazy things you say crazy, your quirky smile, know-it-all attitude and love of lip gloss. We're going to be best friends for ever - pinky promised.

Parasol provided by Pamela's Parasols

"Having children is having your heart walking around outside your body." Thank you, Laura, for summing up what it's like to have kids.

The Heroes : Coming Home

2010-03-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

There is NOTHING better than a military home coming - NOTHING. I'm not an openly emotional person... I cry in private, but each time I prepare for a homecoming I well up uncontrollably. My heart swells at least ten times it's usual size (like the grinch) and I can't catch my breath. Driving over the Coronado bridge I had *that* moment! The fire boats that shoot water were plowing the way home for the USS Nimitz and I cried because I knew that big honking ship had brothers, sister, mommies and daddies all coming home to their families. Eight months is a looong time to miss someone and not hold them close!

OK, breathe, wipe the tears away and move on! We're down by the pier waiting and there are so many truly happy faces my heart explodes in more ways than imaginable!

I met Lexi and her family a few months ago when we interviewed her and her younger sister Abby to babysit for me. There are not many people who I just want to grab and hold tight but each of these girls are just AWESOME and I want to squeeze them until their head pop off!! Together we waited with their mother and friends... and 982357986 other people... and we stood as one. One heart beating, one breath held waiting for that one moment. And when it happened... OH MY!!

Welcome Home, George! You are so lucky to have so much love - you were missed something terrible!!

There is nothing tighter than a daddy hug after eight months!! This is what love looks like.

The events : San Diego Wedding Party @ The Hard Rock Hotel!

2010-03-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to be asked to help cover my first wedding show event a couple weeks back (yeah, yeah I know I'm late about blogging it) and as excited and nervous as I was I'm totally stoked about some of the images I got! Between tricky lighting and my flash bailing on me last second I think I over came the challenges most photogs fear triumphantly! Here are a few of my favorite things... more to follow soon (maybe...) :)

BIG THANK YOU to Pamela Noxon for inviting me to capture the fabulousness that is the annual The Wedding Party!! See you next year for the 2011 show!!

My Life : The heroes

2010-03-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

You know it's an exciting moment when your neighbors rasp on the door urging you to bring your camera and see the geyser on the corner! What? A geyser?! On the corner?! What... are you serious? OK, let's roll! Sure enough this is what I saw as I turned down my drive.

So they say into every life a little rain must fall, and this is certainly true for the driver with a trailer on the back of their truck and the local FD tonight. I'm thinking the trailer obviously won between this match. As the excitement filled the air, this incident brought our small community out in droves to bare witness to the swift actions of our local heroes. The children gathered and cheered as their specific hero, a female firefighter, was able to shut the main to this hydrant! Brie went to bed tonight wanting to be a fire fighter-ballerina-princess and I couldn't be more proud!

Many thanks to our local and not so local city departments who serve and protect us. May you be safe and dry tonight!!

The People : Lauren + Joshua

2010-03-03T23:16:00.000-08:00

The People : Engaged!

2010-02-28T23:57:00.000-08:00

Sneak peek of things to come from the engagement shoot today...

The Props : Playing with Pamela's Parasols

2010-02-26T11:31:00.000-08:00

Have you ever just met a person and thought, "Now here is a person who LIVES life!"? That is exactly what I thought when I first talked with Pamela, of Pamela's Parasols, two months ago. I also decided we were going to be friends... I hope she's on board with that! HA! Lucky for me, I think (or hope rather) that she feels the same way!

So, I have had the pleasure of working with a couple new products that Pamela has developed for her wedding and boudoir lines. There's going to be LOTS more where these came from soon enough too - I'M SO EXCITED!! In the mean time, you'll just have to enjoy these shots...

The People : The proposal

2010-02-23T21:18:00.000-08:00

Last night I got a call from a gentleman who was about to pop the big question to his girlfriend... it brought back all the lovely memories of my own engagement (which was eons ago)! Can you say EXCITED when he mentioned he was doing it down the road from me?! Before we could hang up the phone I had my gear in the car and was driving down to the beach to snap this beautiful moment (which he didn't even ask me to do btw HA!). We finalized what he looked like so I would know who to stalk on the beach and we went at it.

On the beach waiting, it was all I could do to contain myself, I wonder how he felt. As they walked down the shore and stopped just beside the pier I could tell he had a plan and was sticking to it. After befriending some passer-bys (so I wouldn't blow my cover) we looked on as the moment approached.

He released his grip on his girl... stuck his hand in his pocket... and got down on bended knee! The rest is pretty self explanatory ;)

I'll be adding more pictures to their story this weekend!!

Congratulations Lauren and Joshua! Thank you for sharing your moment with me.

Family Ties : Rosario

2010-01-09T21:21:00.000-08:00

Our first scheduled day had to be one of the worst days in San Diego weather (it actually rained!)... so glad we rescheduled for one of the regular beautiful days!

Once we figured out the magic "cha-cha's", baby was all smiles!

My best wishes to the Rosario family as they prepare for their journey back to the east coast. I know you will be missed. I look forward our paths crossing again!

Family Ties : Merry Christmas to the Laguens family!

2010-01-09T21:02:00.000-08:00

Santa brought the Laguens family something that didn't quite fit in a big stocking this year. I wonder just how good you have to be to get one of these?!

I was so honored to shoot this little bundle of love. I forgot how little they are... and how much they eat... and how much they sleep!

I think these last two are my favorites from the day. Don't you just love that "new baby" smell?!

I will be posting more variations of this pose later when I have more time... I got some really fun shots I know I want to put together in a collage!

E+R=MARRIED

2010-01-05T22:03:00.000-08:00

That's right, I'm rewriting mathematical equations! E no longer equals m c squared, it's LOVE. ALL LOVE! From white board tactical run downs and lots of tissues, Eric and Rachel's wedding will be a wedding I will always remember. Thank you both for allowing me to capture this day!

If you already follow me on facebook you might have seen this shot already - but seriously, I can't get enough of it! I love the look on Rachel's Dad's face (yes, he officiated the wedding!!)

Rachel and her fabulous bridesmaids made their own bouquets, they have flower building skills

The only word to describe these guys is DAPPER... and FUNNY... and HYSTERICAL!

It's hard to decide which of these is my favorite...

This is one of my favorite all time pictures... the amount of love that poured out was simply overwhelming! I promised myself I wouldn't cry... and failed miserably!!

Thank you, Teale, for capturing those moments I couldn't. I look forward to working with you again!

Under Construction : Email

2009-11-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

I am currently having email issues... hopefully they will be resolved asap! I surely check my email 982374986 times a day,s o this is painful!! In the mean time please enjoy this picture of the beach... it's calm relaxing and currently 81 degrees in San Diego right now!

Holiday Minis : Part II

2009-11-08T22:55:00.000-08:00

As if one awesome family wasn't enough today, I had two! How lucky am I?! Annie & Colin have the picture perfect family with two A-DORABLE little boys! Always gotta love the martians and picking on young boys about girls - I swear a good time was had by all! I know Colin had a good time sneaking in all those mandatory kisses :) I just LOVE telling people when to kiss and hug, really that might be the best part of my job!

This is my favorite from the session - they are PERFECT in every way possible!

These boys have eyes that are going to break a hundred hearts at least... maybe a couple hundred hearts...

Holiday Minis : Part I

2009-11-08T21:57:00.000-08:00

So I don't think I've ever laughed so much on location. Seriously, I laughed at least a kit-kat off with Mel and her folks today! If I have ever wanted to be adopted by someone, it's these people. The way they laugh is infectious, it makes me wonder what it's like hanging around the dinner table on holidays...

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you all today and Mo, I look forward to seeing you again. Real soon. Like I think I'm coming over for turkey really soon!!

Promised : Eric & Rachel

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

On the foggiest morning ever I had an early morning engagement session. It was so foggy,I actually missed my turn into the park TWICE! We weren't going to let a little fog break up down though, Eric & Rachel rocked the fog and all it had to offer as it burned off!

I had so much fun dancing around Balboa Park with these two that I'm finding it hard to wait for their wedding next year!

I think this is my favorite! So intimate and private and pretty and PERFECT!!

Family Ties : Curran Family

2009-11-08T11:33:00.000-08:00

What can I say about the Curran family except - NO! I'm Jack Curran!! I had a blast hanging out with this family! Nothing says good times like baiting a 2 year old in to fits of personal declaration or walking barefoot through the mountain side.

Kim is a brilliant child photographer in San Diego. Her colorful images inspires my inner child. I was honored that she booked a holiday mini session that turned into much more! I see a bright (and colorful) friendship in our future ;) Thank you, Kim! I can't wait to book my session with you!!

Make sure you check out Kim's work!

Coming Home : USS Thatch

2009-11-08T11:16:00.000-08:00

This year I've been blessed to be able to cover numerous homecomings. Most of them have been my direct neighbors which makes it even more special. We've been through a LOOOONG summer together, and this fall has brought us all our heros home!

The thing I love about homecomings the most are the hugs. I cry for every hug, multiple times, as I have personally review each hug like my life depends on it!

Welcome home, "Dude"! So glad to be able to capture these moments for you all!

The anticipation in this mother just kills me!

Real Life : Climbing the ladder

2009-11-08T10:06:00.000-08:00

Some men are made by the military while others make the military. After listening to stories of love, faith and dedication not only to the military but to his family, I believe whole heartedly that this strongly applies to Lt Col Simmons.

On Friday I was just one of many people who watched as the Simmons family took their next step in life. I know that great things await this beautiful family! Congratulations Lt Col. and Mrs. Simmons - you know, that has a great ring to it!

After the ceremony I made people climb in empty fountains and lay in the grass! Good times, GREAT pictures!

Playing catch up!

2009-11-08T09:49:00.000-08:00

So since my husband's return seems to have put a huge damper on my ability to keep my blog up to date! I'm so sorry! Today's mission is to at least get several of my past sessions up, even if it's just one or two pictures from each. So with this public announcement, I'm going to start with my most recent session and work my way back!

Hold on folks, we're entering the danger zone... full of beautiful people! Queue music!

Meet the DaMetz! I never knew people could get up and out of the house with kids before 7 until I met them... and let's just say they look good doing it!

I love hanging with this family... there is something about them that makes me smile! It might be their zany personalities but I could be wrong ;)

Your Life : Holiday Sessions

2009-10-06T23:01:00.000-07:00

When you're switching from your summer flippy flops to winter flippy flops, it might also be time to think about getting some family portrait sessions done now for holiday cards!

Laura got me thinking about this two months ago! Talk about being thankful, because I was just trying to make it through the end of the summer!! Anyway, I started working on a selection of holiday cards that will hopefully find a home on your holiday list. One aspect of my designs that I'm really excited about it that I'm allowing you to "finish" the cards not only with your pictures but with your greetings! How many times have you seen a card and loved it but hated the greeting? Well, not on my watch!! I will have a selection of greetings available for you to choose from. It's the simple things in life that keep it real, huh?

I have set aside a whole weekend to take your family portraits - mark your calendars and give me a call to book your session now! November 6th - Friday sunset beach sessions
November 7th - Saturday early afternoon sessions in the park & sunset sessions at the beach
November 8th - Sunday sunset beach sessions

Holiday sessions include 30 minute shoot time, 25 holiday cards of your choice from my exclusive designs, and 1 high resolution file (or $50 credit towards canvas prints)... yes, you get all that for $100!

And for your viewing pleasure... the Meza family portrait session is featuring a few of my holiday card designs! Contact me to preview the full collection and to book your holiday session!

All cards will be ready for shipping December 1st. Let's get working on that holiday list early!

The People : X Files

2009-09-12T23:56:00.000-07:00

Confidence cannot be created, it's one of those things you either have it or not. I've known this from the first moment I met her, Delmy, has got it!!. In between our fits of giggles and impromptu run to McDonalds, we did manage to get a little work done.

I hope she enjoys the pictures, something tells me her husband sure will!

my life : featured

2009-09-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest things about being a military spouse is travelling and meeting people. Having grown up in the military and moved more times than I am years old... lived in a number of different countries and have friends literally ALL OVER THE WORLD!

I'm going to talk about two of these military issued friends today. The first is the catalist behind this post today. I have only met her a few times in real life, the first time, the details are escaping me, but the second time I remember vividly because I joked with her about forgetting meeting me before!! We pulled together our creative efforts to make some cute baby burp clothes... they were cute weren't they Tiffany? Anyway, Tiffany lives ou t in VA right now and since her move I have to say we've corresponded more than we did while we lived in the same town! Tiffany is an inspirational woman. She juggles regular life as a freelance writter with military life excellent! She's a little hippie and a whole lotta spice and I adore reading her blog, which she has currently featured none other than yours truly! As some might say I have a way with pictures... she has a way with words. Thank you Tiff, my friend of few encounters but my soul sista across the land!

My other dear friend who has been chasing me across the lands is Steph, now joined by her darling little Laneybug. I remember hearing about Steph's hubby, Dave, before I met her and I thought, "Wow, this is going to be interesting..."! My first real memory of Steph is the day we were at TBS (The Basic School, Quanitco VA for my non-mil friends), and she stood up and introduced herself and continued to talk as we all sat there wishing for her to stop! Not because she was terrible at talking, she actually has a great midwest accent that reminds me a little of Fargo, but because she shared her husband's uncanny interpretation of his instructor, while the instructor was in the room! It was a train wreck that will go down in the books for sure, and I'm hoping she doesn't defriend me for sharing this hilarious moment!!

Well, three kids between us, a cumalitive 13725 miles between our husbands and us, 5 years of unforgettable memories and countless PCS moves... we are now happy as clams living it up in San Diego CA! Steph has been one of the friends I have leaned on through this deployment and I thank God for her and her beautiful family.

I love that we see some wonderful and interesting things out here... it's really cheap entertainment! I was lucky enough to capture some bouncing rides right before left the beach the other day... I *heart* San Diego!!

Family Ties : Lori & Co.

2009-09-05T23:17:00.000-07:00

Lori has been meaning to get updated pictures since she had her newest addition, Charlie. I can't say how excited I am to be the one that was able to help her achieve this! We packed up the kids and headed down to their favorite place... the beach.

I've said this before and I know I will say it again, the best pictures are those that are relaxed... this just goes to further prove my point.

I think everyone should have a portrait just like this! I know we'll be sending this one to daddy, my favorite of the day...

Please keep this family in your prayers as their daddy is serving in the US military, come home soon, we miss you!

The Photogs : Sharing the love

2009-09-01T23:43:00.000-07:00

So, I am a huge advocate for sharing knowledge. I feel if we've been given a gift, no matter how big or small, we should share it. I feel blessed every day with the life I've been given and although I struggle with my abilities (or lack thereof some days) in photgraphy I feel I might, one day, have something great to offer people! One place I frequent is a wonderful site, Photography Schoolhouse.

It's a safe place to share information, seek knowledge and ask advice without being judged. They offer GREAT webinars, usually free of charge, and the membership is still free as far as I know! It truly encompasses my thoughts of paying it forward. For photographers - by photographers! Check it out. Learn something, share something.

In the mean time, enjoy what I had to offer the group in one of their challenges, Summer Bliss.

One of the things I love most about this picture are the shadows a long the fence. They remind me of the waves down on the beach. It's calming and peaceful to me. Everyone rides these cruisers around here, one of the many reasons I LOVE SoCal!

The photogs : SoCal ShootOut

2009-08-31T20:51:00.000-07:00

Enter Yvonne, driving through the intense heat wave heading north on the 5. Shuffle shulffling the tunes... and... what are people doing in the next car over? Why are the looking at me angrily and covering their ears? My singing surely can't be that bad, can it? Sure my ears bleed every time I sing, but that's normal huh? Oh well, back to the real point of this blog... SOCAL SHOOTOUT ROCKS!

No kidding! I joined 50 of the most talented people who drove near and far (namely us San Diego photogs) to the Irvine Regional Park in Orange City. We had GORGEOUS models, insanely talented hair and makeup (The All Made Up Team) and, like I said, 50 of the most talented photogs Orange County and surrounding areas have to offer. The theme was High Fashion and the SoCal Photogs kept it real! Henry Wang & Doug McNamee (from Tilt-N-Shift) headed up some workshop quality instructions on posing and lighting while the great Matthew Saville instructed on off camera flash. The off camera flash has changed my life!

If you are a photog in the SoCal area and haven't joined the group, I highly recommend to you do it... like NOW! GO DO IT NOW! It's a great group of organizers (Hanssie Trainor, Matthew Saville & Rob Nicholson) who had a vision of photographers learning, sharing and growing from one another... talk about paying it forward! By photographers for photographers! Anyway, join the group on facebook and meet your local group.

Enough blabbing from me... on with the pictures!

This was Kaylie's first shoot and let me tell you, the girl has it! She photographs beautifully and is up or down for what ever we asked (namely asking her to lay on the ground). Kaylie is a trooper, I can't wait to work with her again.

It's hard to choose a favorite picture but I think this might be it...

This one reminds me of a perfume poster or romance novel...

The following two were a couple of many shots using off camera flash. I *heart* the off camera flash... I would marry the off camera flash if there was a prop that allowed it!

I love Amanda & Mark looking fierce in these shots!

If you would like more information on anything... joining the groups or booking a session, just drop me a line yvonne@yvonnelebrun.com!

Don't forget to follow me on FaceBook!!

The People : Jessica & Sophia

2009-08-17T23:02:00.000-07:00

As most of you know I went up to Washington for a week off last month. I had the best time, it was fun, relaxing and smokey but most of all I was able to spend it with my best friend. I guess after 20 years she's seriously my sister! Not only did I get to hang out with her but I got to hang out with her daughter, Sophia, too! I can't say enough nice things about them, so I'm going to say the nitty gritty things about them! PSYCH! Like I would or could ever do that!

Well, I hope they enjoy these pictures I finally got around to editing. Jess is also a photographer, so if you're ever looking for one up in Bellingham give her a call! Tell her I sent ya and she'll treat ya right! Check her out and leave her some love!

The People : Marcy and Linds

2009-08-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

With the wind in our hair, the sand squishing through our toes and the sun... where was the freakin sun?! Oh, that's right, the sun has decided to take a break each evening down here in Pacific Beach... or is it that the clouds are just making their appearances? What ever, we still had fun the other day! I had the chance to hang out with two sisters who cracked me up the whole time! We managed to get some "sisterly" shots and breathe taking shots of Marcy for her hunny who is serving overseas somewhere in the Navy. Oh, yeah, I'm sure we got that 40x60 shot to hang over the couch for Linds too!

This is my fave sis one...

No, wait, this one is!

I love this one of Marcy... she's waiting for her hunny to come rescue her!

Linds, it's hard to decide which shold go above the couch and the fireplace... but both should be blown up to at least 40x60 and framed!!

Love you girls, thanks for the great laughs!

Little People : Brianna

2009-08-14T23:14:00.000-07:00

I like to shoot kids! Big ones, little ones, happy ones, sad ones... it doesn't matter. I like to shoot kids. Sounds weird, huh? Well, note that I shoot them with my camera. If you're lucky enough, I can shoot your kids too! In the mean time check out Brianna... just because she's adroable!

Little People : My guy

2009-08-08T22:29:00.000-07:00

My guy turned 3 today! It's been a wild ride the whole way, but I wouldn't change a thing. Happy Birthday, Bryan, you're my best guy!!

Bryan's birth was pretty rad. I didn't even know I was in labor when I went in to get checked and was well past the required dilation! Managed to hunker down and sneak a snickers bar in mid way through. Labored hard for a couple hours and finally welcomed Bryan into the world kicking and screaming!! Boy, was I ever relieved to get him out!!

Who would of thought that after completing our family it would turn out so great?! I admit, I have had my doubts!

I'm so proud of the independent free spirit Bryan is growing into...

His smile warms my heart each and every day! I give thanks for the countless hugs I get. I love you, Bryan. You're my guy.

Features : Ooh La La Mama!

2009-08-07T16:29:00.001-07:00

Remember these cute kids?

Well, in case you didn't get enough of them you can go to Ooh La La Mama's blog and new fall fashions and catch previews of yours truly!! My kids MAY appear once or twice on the site too!! You can also check out Michele's work who also a featured photographer for the fall line!!

You want to know the best thing about Ohh La La Mama? You get a discount!!

Use discount code: YL0809 and get 20% off of entire order, valid 8/07/09 through 10/31/09!!

Everyone goes "Ooh" over Ooh La La Mama fashions!!

Little People : Birches

2009-08-02T12:45:00.001-07:00

When I think of little people and deployments I think of Frost...

"So was I once a swinger of birches. And so I dream of going back to be. When I'm weary of considerations,and life is too much like a pathless wood. I'd like to go by climbing a birch tree,and climb black branches up a snow-white trunk toward heaven, till the tree could bear no more, but dipped its top and set me down again. That would be good both going and coming back. One could do worse than be a swinger of birches." ~ Frost ~

The People: Tums returns

2009-08-01T23:33:00.000-07:00

Dre, Lea and Kirra - I am so happy your family is together again! Welcome home, TUMS!! Your homecoming was my first on-the-base-military reunion and it was beautiful. I loved watching you fly in and form up and run into your loved ones arms! I write this and remember your story with tears of happiness rolling down my cheeks, thank you for sharing this day with you!! Thank you both for your love of country and sacrifice. I truly thank God for people like you every day!

Semper Fidelis!!

I'm going to post my experiences and random heart wrenching shots later, when I'm not so emotionally charged!! In the mean time, enjoy the K family homecoming! They are together again, YAY!!!

The People: Last man off the plane

2009-07-30T23:50:00.001-07:00

While out capturing the man next door's reunion we noticed an adorable family with the cutest sign. It simple stated, "Welcome Home Daddy", and had two hand prints. It truly make my heart weep tears of sorrow for their seperation which were quickly replaced with tears of joy... because on this plane Brady's daddy!

Holly, Brady and little Reagan sent their Marine to Iraq about 6 months ago. I was honored to have captured his first moments coming home...

We all waited with bated breath for Daddy to walk off the plane... and we waited... I was honestly on the verge of tears that he had missed his flight! Then... my worries disappeared as Holly's face light the room! Thomas was the last man off the plane.

Thank you, Thomas, for sacrifice and service! You make me so proud to be an American!!

The People: The man next door (part two)

2009-07-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

These are a few of my favorite things... and yes, I'm singing that! Just one more set from yesterdays reunion.

I wonder if caught up in the moment, the family heard the applause? It was deafening and made my heart skip a beat!

The People: The man next door

2009-07-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

When I moved here I met my wonderful neighbors... we were fast friends and somewhere along the line we became almost family. When I moved here the only thing missing from the house next door was the daddy, the husband, the man. He has been deployed to Afghanistan for 1 year. 365 days. 8760 hours. And I can't even think of how many little things he's missed during this time...

Today, after almost ten months of living next door and sharing our joys and heart aches with his family, I was honored and blessed to photograph his homecoming. I finally met the man next door!

Thank you, David, for your service. Thank you for having such a wonderful family!

I think someone has surely been "claimed"!

I'm MIA in WA!

2009-07-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

That should be a rap song... if only I was quick/cool enough to bust out a rap!! Know though, that I am sitting here bouncing in my seat as I type :) I've spent the past three days roughing it in the Olympic Pennisula wilderness with my best girl. We've encountered biker rallys, midnight tent construction, the Hall of Moss, Mike the ranger and many other beautiful things. I can't wait to get home and pull out my 35879875 pictures!! I'll be back home later this week and post LOTS of funness. Sorry, limited access means no pictures with this post, but I'll make it up to you, pinky-promise!

Happy Fourth of July!

2009-07-05T01:35:00.000-07:00

This has to be one of my favorite holidays! It's the perfect combination of good food, good company, explosives and no gifts to purchase!

I hope everyone out there had a wonderful day, be safe.

Ooh La La...

2009-06-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

According to Fancy Nancy's Favorite Fancy Words From Accessories to Zany, "Ooh La La" is "French for 'Look! How wonderful!'" :) I might add, I agree 100%! Here's a sneak peek from today's session for Ooh La La Mama!

Watch this spot for more information on Ohh La La Mama!!

The People : Richard & Sarah... Just Because

2009-06-27T23:53:00.000-07:00

You know when you hug someone and your bones melt? I'm pretty sure that is how these two feel every time they hug. Richard and Sarah just ooze melted bone matter!

Sarah has some eyes on her!

I fell in love with this little spot under a bridge... just beautiful lighting and a cozy little niche for cuddle time

Of course no trip to Balboa is complete with out a dip around the fountain!

This one is my favorite of the day...

my life : under construction

2009-06-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

Just a preview of one of my new cards from moo.com! I'm so excited to get them soon :)

FYI - you can become a "fan" on Face Book now! I have a page set up here :)

Enjoyed working with Laura on creating this picture... Thanks for blowing!

Little People : Summer Fun

2009-06-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

So after a fun day at the Wild Animal Park (to be blogged later) I played with two of my favorite little people... Elizabeth and Thomas. We kicked it summer style in the grass and had a blast! I hope Mom and Dad and the rest of the family enjoy the pictures.

my life : under construction II

2009-06-21T22:17:00.000-07:00

OK, so I'm blog happy tonight, get over it! Along with the new look on here I'm also changing up a few other things and I just want to get it out there while the iron is hot! Did you know you cannot emphasize "hot" with extra o's... it become hoot and that was not what I was going for! Anyway, without further ado, my new "logo" of sorts!

I figure it's my handwriting in all it's messy glory. I'm going to be ordering new cards because I've gone through all my first round trading cards. If you didn't get one, ohh... you're missing out! Maybe you can get a new one I'm about to order from http://www.moo.com/ - I'm totally having a cow!!

my life : under construction

2009-06-21T21:02:00.000-07:00

So I've been really frustrated with the size of my pictures since starting my blog. I've tried using the large setting on blogger and what not but the pictures them selves never got larger... the the file. I finally sat down and had the initiative to go through and figure this out and I tell you what... I likey what I see!

BIG PICTURES ARE IN MY FUTURE!!

So... I'm going to be busy revamping this part of my site... please be patient with me because I'm not technical and it might take a while. I might be able to gaurantee some laughs along the way when you see my mishaps :) It's just part of being *me*!

my life : my kids : San Diego County Fair

2009-06-16T22:37:00.001-07:00

With a little luck and a lot of patience we headed out to the $2 day at the SD fair today. It was ker-A-zee busy with all the rest of San Diagans looking to get the most bang for their buck!! But like I said before, with a little luck we found our friends who managed to park 4 cars over from us (after we both drove from seperate ends of SD County to meet!!) and a lot of patience from me and the kids, we had a great time!

Face painting finished, GIANT corn dogs, fried zuccini and lots of chickens ... we had a recipe for greatness!

my life : beach life

2009-06-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

So I packed up the kids and grabbed an extra one (she's not really a kid, she's 14 and loves photography) and headed down to the pier to capture the sunset. This was my first time doing this since we moved to California.

I didn't realize the sun pulls quite a crowd!! There were people lined up and down the walk just waiting with baited breath to capture that last moment of golden delight. Remembering the scene I'm getting goosebumps right now! It was truly glorious.

I haven't seen my young friend's pictures but I'm hoping she got something fun to remember the moment by.

faces : fundraiser updates :)

2009-06-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

OK, here are 18 of the some of the most adorable little people I know! I seriously don't know how one school can have so many good looking children at one time, it should be illegal, they should have to bus some of these angel faces to other schools and spread the wealth of attractiveness! Seriously.

The girls

The boys

I'm so glad I'm the photographer because I wouldn't want to have to choose what pictures to get!

my life : my kids

2009-06-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

So I just ordered my first storyboard and I'm so excited!! I seriously can't wait to see it :) I feel like I've captured my little punkette perfectly: sass, love, and spunk! That's what she's all about!

Here she is... a 20x10 layout of perfection! I'll post the finished product as soon as I get it!

Minis : Fathers Day II

2009-05-25T20:56:00.000-07:00

Little Sadie thought it would be great to send her daddy some adorable pictures of her and her mommy for Father's Day... and I have to agree, it's a great idea! Way to go Sadie!! We spent a little while down at the pier floating playing, and i have to admit that Sadie is sooo cute, although I'm clear of the baby fever, I could see my temp rising!!

Here are a couple of my faves from the day...

And a couple just for Daddy to enjoy!

Minis : Fathers Day

2009-05-19T14:01:00.001-07:00

If you are Mr Early, then you are immediately banished form this site! Do not pass go, do not collect $200 (unless you're kindly donating it to *me*!) and just boogie on outta here! We're working on top secret stuff here, it's almost rocket science... right?

Well seriously, I have permission from Momma Early to post a sneak peek and although it's taken me much longer to get these up I'm sure she'll agree it was worth it! These are the cutest girls, and I'm sure Daddy is gonna love them!!

Mr Early, kindly remove yourself.... Thank you.

OK, hopefully the coast is clear! Enjoy :)

my life : pictures : fundraiser

2009-05-12T22:34:00.000-07:00

So current project is a fundraiser. It's amazing! I'm taking the preschool's spring portraits in the hopes that parents are going to buy them to help raise LOTS of $$ for a new play ground! So far I am about 2/3 of the way through the whole school and will hopefully have the rest done by Thurs.

I am so proud of all the little people I've worked with the past two days! They have all listened and followed directions so well. Every parent should be extremely proud of their little person, I know I am!!

I honestly didn't think it was possible to have so many good looking kids in one place either... here are just two of the 60-something I'm working with.

You might remember Jasiah from my Mother's Day sessions... he is crazy beautiful!

my life - Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T16:24:00.001-07:00

We ate a lot, I won't even begin to tell you because it's embarrassing!

Can you feel the love? I can! Sending out an extra big HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to everyone out there!

I was able to spend a very blessed day with my kiddos, it was smooth and almost effortless. They have been good to me, I've gotten thousands of hugs and kisses and extra cuddles here and there. I am so lucky to have affectionate children! I think it's funniest when Bryan breaks down and just refuses to take another step until he gets a "ug an' kiss"! Seriously, his future girlfriends are gonna either love his affectionate side or hate it!!

After a lovely brunch at the Sheraton Resort in Carlsbad we headed over to help stimulate the economy a little. Stocked up on super cute summer attire for the kids from Osh Kosh B'Gosh (I LOVE their stuff!!), Converse and of course I couldn't pass up my steal at Coach! Happy Mother's Day TO MEEEEEE!

After all this excitement I'm half tempted to order in too... what a lazy day! I hope that all my mommies out there have had an equally wonderful day. Take a rest and enjoy your children, it's what the day is all about! LOVE & HUGS!!

I love the whole face hold - so cute!

There is no denying this boy loves his Momma!!

Hey if anyone out there is looking for Father's Day ideas I'm doing mini sessions on May 15th and 16th - limited slots available!!

To wash or not to wash...

2009-05-08T22:03:00.000-07:00

... that is the question. I guess I better wash my hand with all this crazy pig flu and sars and colds and stuff, huh? Well, today I high fived one of the top three American Idol finalists, Adam Lambert!! On his home town tour he graced the military community at MCAS Miramar and gave a moving rendition of our National Anthem. Let me tell you, that boy can SING! I always get goosebumps when I hear the song but today was crazy! To listen to someone chasing a dream, that is quickly becoming a reality, sing one of the most precious songs I can t hink of was just uplifting! Adam encouraged us all to follow our dreams and I couldn't agree more, go capture your dreams people! GO! Right now! Grab them and run! YOU CAN DO IT!

I got a good ol' high five as he walked down the aisle. He has really soft hands, very unexpected.

I just love this picture! He is totally sweet :)

Singing our National Anthem, very moving!

my life - busy

2009-04-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

So what have I been up to lately?? I mean seriously, where have I been and where has the time gone? Well, one little thing I'm working on right now is setting up Mother's Day mini sessions!! If you're looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift better hurry up... it's around the corner! I have a couple mini sessions left, Friday May 1st and Saturday May 2nd both have a couple slots available. And for $50 you can too can be all wrapped up this year with an awesome portrait to gift to dear Momma. Email or call for more details.

While I'm plugging, might as add that Father's Day is right around the corner!! Because I'm sooo on top of everything too, I have dates for mini sessions set up too, Friday May 15th and Saturday May 16th. If you need a motivational kick in the bum re-read the last couple lines of above paragraph :)

Anyway, I've been doing a covert project with Brielle's preschool, and I cannot guarantee that it has nothing to do with Mother's Day but it's gonna be the best gift they've gotten! It might be the best gift they'll ever get!!

Just because posts are better with pictures for you're viewing pleasure let me introduce little J. He's so sweet and adorable, cuddly and gorgeous, cute and lovable! Do you think I like him, just a little?!

my life - breakfast for dinner

2009-04-17T21:59:00.000-07:00

Mmmm! I don't know anyone who doesn't like strawberries. They may very well be the perfect fruit. Sweet, juicy and you can put them in almost anything! Stumped for new and innovative meals for me and the punks I tossed it up to them and they delivered. Brielle suggested "pancakes" and Bryan screamed "strawberries"! The only logical solution was to put them together.

To top the whole event off, Brielle was lucky enough to receive a package from Grandma... a strawberry apron! How suitable!! As you can tell, she enjoyed every bite of her "dinner".

Bryan on the other hand was completely enthused. In his defense he did fall asleep for a short catnap while we were making dinner.

Seriously, do you think my punks have any idea how lucky they are? I can remember many, many fabulous meals (and one of my favorite might be National Pancake Day from the UK of crepes with lemon and sugar - YUM-o!!) cooked with love by my mother, but I don't ever recall strawberry topped pancakes.

What came first, the pancakes or the shortcake?!?!

Brooks & Heather

2009-04-16T20:13:00.000-07:00

I had an awesome opportunity to experience my first wedding as a second shooter. I've never thought of myself heading in the direction of weddings as a specialty, it's never truly interested me if I'm totally honest (and I am). But after hanging with Jackie I can now say I'm beginning to understand why so many photographers head in this direction! I could totally get caught up in the magic... and I did!

The main reason why I'm not interested in weddings as a photographer is I'm terrified of ruining some one's special day. It's not like a family session or child session where, if push came to shove you could re-shoot, it's the day. It's the most important day for little girls who grow up into beautiful brides. It's the day that people witness magic in the making. It's intimate and sacred. Until I'm very proficient in my craft, don't expect me to be handling any of these days solo (but I will gladly second, third or fourth shoot)!!

I was lucky enough to work with Jackie (who is a great wedding photographer I can recommend to anyone in the SoCal area) which took a lot of the stress off of me to capture the moments. I can't lie, many of my (hundreds) of images are not worth the space they took up on my cards or currently taking up residency on my hard drive, but I did manage to salvage a few. These, I'll share...

Brooks & Heather opted for a first look and I can only imagine how Brooks felt, because Heather took my breath away with her amazing grace and beauty!

They couldn't take their eyes off each other!

On location at the Living Room

Thanks again, Jackie, for the experience!

There is a time to turn turn turn...

2009-04-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

...and there is a time to vote vote vote! Remember the fun Fullerton Shootout I went to two weeks ago? Well, the organizers have made it interesting. They asked for everyone submit their favorite picture and turned it into a contest!

Hanssie is hosting the competition on her site so go take a peek and vote. It's kinda like American Idol, you need to vote for your favorite. Just imagine me standing up there, holding up 18 fingers. Yes, 18 fingers! That's my number and although I know I don't have 18 fingers, in my mind I do and it's fun. It's my mind, I'm allowed to!

So this is my entry, the very beautiful Karissa. I chose this one above all others because I love how intimate it is. Emotionally for me it's vulnerable and open to interpretation. Is she happy, sad, hurt, lustful, angry, lost in thought, day dreaming... there really isn't an answer! You could almost "insert caption here" and it would work.

Technically, I feel it was my strongest image from the shoot too. The focus of the picture are her eyes. Her near eye is positioned on the right third and upper third of the frame. It leaves a lot of room, or negative space, to the left which can lead you to believe she's looking off frame to the left. My favorite thing about this picture is that it didn't need any editing! The only thing I did was a light sharped over her eyes and add my watermark. Seriously, she's that beautiful!

Well in case you missed the link above, here it is again! There are many awesome artists who I'm blessed to be competing against, so leave some love on Hanssie's blog (she's fabulous!!) and pick your favorite picture!

Wanted to update everyone that Ming Chien won!

me: my friends are crazy!

2009-04-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

Lately things don't seem to go as planned around me. I don't know if it's me or just the stars and planets re-aligning, forces of nature gently pushing me or my gal pals in one direction over another or what but last night was not what it was suppose to be. I had planned a quiet night in with Chinese food on the menu and Marley & Me on the tube. Add a few good friends and the night was suppose to be complete! Well, a few friends dropped out, others joined and before I knew it we were in a piercing parlor!!

With pick up stix waiting to be picked up we strolled into Enigma Pro Piercing and had a very short conversation that included two of my friends filling out paper work and showing their IDs. Approximately 2 hours later they came out pierced, and Pick up Stix was closed, closing my craving of fried dumplings!

All in all it was a great night, we had some laughs a long the way and great conversations late into the night. I passed on the piercings (this time) and just documented the moment. Win-win situation in my mind. But now I'm thinking... one more piercing... hmmm... to be continued!

Don't know this guys name but we'll call him the paper guy. He took care of all the paperwork.

A serious moment (perhaps of doubt?) between the lovelies. Actually, this was the only time Delmy was still enough to get a good shot off!!

Meet Matt, I call him Tom though because he seriously reminds me a of a kid I went to school with... you guessed it, his name was TOM! Matt is awesome! He pierced my tragus 18 mos ago (FYI, it's that piece of skin near the center of your ear people!!!) .

Reflections of piercings.
Caught this of Delmy watching Matt prepare her jewelry through a mirror.

A little nose stud... isn't it so cute?!

Finding her "zen" before

Going through the motions!

I didn't realize your tear ducts were located in that part of your nose Delmy!! I had to go there chica!! You did great though :)

Toni looking a little freaked out, plus it gave the perfect before profile shot!

I love Toni's eyes during the piercing! Hilarious cyborgesque and oh so serious, which is not Toni at all!! You're a rock star!

So much for the quiet night in watching movies and eating ourselves silly!

Thanks girls for letting document the moment! It was amazing to watch and witness such braveness. If I didn't have such a phobia about boogers and spots on my nose I'd totally of done it with you... if you held me down and knocked me out! HA HA!! What can we do next time?

The Big Shoot Out, Fullerton style

2009-03-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday and the warmest day I've witnessed since... well last summer during the Santa Anas. I'm blazing up the 5 listening to myTunes (really they are iTunes but in this story they are mine)... the White Tees featuring Yvonne are just finishing up when I pull into my destination, Fullerton Sports Complex.

I'm about to enter my dream scenario of my first real get together/model session/workshop, what do I see? Kids. LOTS OF KIDS. Big kids, short kids, fat kids, cute kids and all of their parents. Baseball? Surely I'm in the wrong place! I check my directions and location and sure enough I'm here. Where are all the beautiful people, the shootsacs, the canon vs nikon toting photogs? Well the fact that I'm an hour early might explain something! That's right, I was so eager (and the traffics gods were watching over me) that I arrived an hour early. The only thing to do was find some coffee and wait...

The wait was worth it. About an hour later, caramel frap in hand (I know it's not real coffee but bite me!) I cautiously approached the only person I could fathom being a potential photographer, or a very intense parent of a ball player. Anyway, I was so excited and I must admit nervous to meet everyone. The first gal I met was Mia. I knew I liked Mia from the start- she's warm, energetic and we both have impeccable tastes in cameras and bags! Anyway, Mia was the first of many I met. Everyone meet Alfred, Amber, Bob, Blair, Carlos, Janet, and Kate! These were only a few of the people I could find their websites/blogs... but I met many more!

Together we spent the next 4 hours shooting until our CF cards bled! When I finished my hand was misshaped and it reminded me of an old Friends episode of "The Claw"!! I also realized I need to do a lot more squats to get used to using those muscles I used while squatting down to get that right height/angle/je ne sais quoi. Without further ado - please meet a couple of our beautiful models...!

Elizabeth, aka Beth, Lizzy, Liz, Eliza but I liked "Jane"! It's a long story and I'm sure you had to be there, so I'll spare you the deets! Elizabeth has the most gorgeous blue eyes I think I've ever seen!! And that smile! I swear, every time she would smile the sun shined a little brighter :)

Rachel almost stole the show with her creative fun and funky outfits! I would never of thought to pair certain things up the way she did, so creative! She really knows how to work the crowd of photographers too!!

Karissa was such a trooper! You would never have known she was feeling awful during this session... but i can assure you she was! I'll spare you those deets too!! I swear I could photograph Karissa all day long and not get tired of looking into those deep brown eyes.... such a joy to work with.

Karin has it going on! What ever "it" is, she's definitely got IT! Her laughter is contagious and you seriously can't help wanting to catch whatever it is that she's got... I guess it's charisma!

Finally, I just wanted to say thanks to Hanssie and Matthew for setting up the shoot out. It was seriously awesome!

Hello Fullerton!

2009-03-29T01:16:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peek of what I did today...

I spent 5 hours shooting models with 20-something other photographers. Can you imagine that there was only one injury that I know of?! I mean, c'mon, you all know how photogs can get when we're trying to get that shot!!

Watch this space for more to come...

Today I hung out with rock stars!

2009-03-26T02:57:00.000-07:00

I had a blast today covering some awesome rock stars. Scout, Fin and Angela are better than rock stars, they are SUPER ROCK STARS! We had to finish up their shoot from last week so I headed over to their adorable place (when I say adorable, I mean adorable! It's so stinking cute they might have an unwanted guest *ME* living there soon, or just hanging out in the back yard).

Fin was quick to share his favorite toy with me, his skate board. I was honored. I wasn't allowed to ride it though... hmm... Scout joined in on the board fun too... then MOM skooled us all on how it was done! It was, like... totally rad!

Thanks for letting me hang again with you, I really had so much fun. Sorry our quick 15-20 mins session turned into an hour chatter fest!! Once I start, sometimes it's hard to stop me!! Hey, the average woman needs to speak about 35,000 words a day (sorry guys this is a fact, and you only need to speak about 5,000. Go figure!) and I always strive to be slightly above average. Feel sorry for my big J!! I swear his ears bleed.

family : Z

2009-03-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

This is a story about two kids who met, fell in love, and ran away together! I wish I could say that was an original moment by Yvonne but it's not. I stole it from Dave and Steph's blog site... I only used it because it sums up these two crazy kids! Every time I see these two I this line pops into my head. I honestly believe they are the epitome of what a happy family should be.

Thanks guys for laughing in the face of death as we climbed mountains with kids in tow. I think this shot was totally worth it!

I hope you will both remember the tender moments as you journey through your pending separation.

I think baby Lena-bug's outfit says it all!!

The kids are still talking about Pat who sat on a cactus and want me to tell them the story just like that "big boy"! You're going to have write these stories down in a book one day, you could seriously make some cash!!

family : G

2009-03-15T17:06:00.000-07:00

The name "Paradise Point" does not do justice for this wonderful location the lovely G family picked for their session. I truly felt like we had stepped into a luxury resort somewhere on a tropical island. The only thing missing, and to be honest it wasn't missing at all, was the humidity you get from traveling towards the equator!

Watching the G family spend time together brings home the meaning of family. With two energetic little boys I don't know how Angela and Christopher keep up! I'm going to chalk it up to the very cool So Cal lifestyle they lead, just laid back and relaxed.

These guys are going to have girls dreaming about swimming in their eyes!

It's hard when you have a family so good looking to say which is your favorite but this one if very high up there!

I had a blast hanging out with you guys yesterday, my legs are embarrassingly sore today after climbing the "Tower of Dooooooom"!! See you again soon :)

Surprises...

2009-03-14T00:06:00.000-07:00

...they are wonderful. They come in all shapes and sizes. They come when you least expect them. Today I had little surprise of my own pop up. I was doing some admin work on my big top secret secret undercover project... and then SURPRISE! My cover was blown wide open! My now not so big top secret secret undercover project has been prematurely revealed...

Yep! That is what I've been slaving away over for the past couple weeks. Doesn't look like much does it? Well it's just the front cover, the first page. Click on it, open it up, walk around, take a looksy and see what there is around. Maybe you will like it. Hopefully you will like it, you don't have to like it, but PLEASE PLEASE like it!!

How this all came to surprise me today was I changed one little piece of information on one little line and BLAM-O the cat was out of the bag! Seriously, most of it was ready but I have been procrastinating and didn't have everything spit shined. Well, it got spit shined with a quickness!!

It is still a labor of love, a work in progress, so be warned. If you by chance see any errors please shoot me an email. Or you can publicly flog me and leave me a comment here stating my pitfalls clearly, it's completely up to you!

Hope it was worth the wait gang. I honestly hope someone likes it cause it's me, unwrapped ad exposed for all to see. Just me.

I'm still here!!

2009-03-12T23:31:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone know I'm still here!! It's kind of slow right now and I'm using this down time to work on my project (soon to be revealed) and hanging out the kids. We've been hanging out in our new tent in the backyard and digging around in the dirt, I really love having kids because it gives me the perfect excuse to get down and dirty!!

No, my child does not have three hands!! The punk was fascinated with the punkette's rolly-poly bug and literally could not keep his hands away!

Moments before rolly-poly bug got lost in the grass... talk about a catastrophe! We all had to stop where we were and "not move a muscle!" in case we stepped on him. It took a very long time to cross the whole entire yard to the back door.

Tick-Tock

2009-03-02T20:00:00.000-08:00

We all have things that make us tick... or tock. Right now all I can hear is the never ending countdown to goodbye tick-tocking away. It's rhythm beats to my own heart beat. The only time I don't hear it is when I hold my breath. I can't hold my breath for very long, so it's relentless.

On the up side we, as a family, have this wonderful thing that keeps us tick-tocking along. It's JETS!! I know my little punk can't be the only 2 year old out there that can point out a Hornet from a mile away... can he?!?! He will gladly tell anyone and everyone who will give him the time of day that "M'daddy flies jets. He flies Hornets. They go high... in the sky" and he makes his own rendition of "jet noise". It was really cute the first couple times but after 98237614 times of hearing the same thing over, it gets to be a little hard on the ears. I discourage it, is that bad?

As for the punkette, her Daddy is her tick-tock! If there ever was a little girl that loved her Daddy, I got it! She's just passed that stage of repeating things 9238793 times, but she has 37856238576 other things to say during the day. She likes to talk! A lot.

Well, with the pending departure we are trying to spend every waking moment wrapped up in each others arms. We have even taken it a step beyond and started visiting Big J at work! Everyone got their tick-tock fill and I seized the opportunity to grab some nice mementos for the kids to put up around the house of Daddy.

Do you think it would be weird if I blow one up life size to keep around for company??

FYI

2009-02-25T00:07:00.001-08:00

I know, I know! Where have I been? Why am I MIA while all my adorning fans have been waiting for a new post?? I have a good excuse!! All joking aside, my family and I are preparing for a huge (albeit temporary change) change in our lives... my husband is getting ready to deploy. We're spending as much time as possible with Big J as possible and getting all the x's and o'x we can grab from him while we can! During this downtime we have also been dealing with unusually high bouts of illnesses (I think we've covered all ailments possible!).

So between lots of family time and my newest and greatest project (it's a BIG SECRET which I will reveal soon... hopefully!) you are just going to have to keep up with all my peeps I blog stalk! Go and leave them some love in the comments section - it really makes a bloggers day to get some love! Leave me some while you're at it ;)

Take care and *see* you around soon. I promise the BIG TOP SECRET PROJECT is going to be awesome!! HEE HEE! Gotcha guessing don't I? Just wait...

Promises : Preston & Emily

2009-02-15T21:43:00.000-08:00

Well we have seen these gorgeous faces before during the first part of their engagement session, and I just couldn't get enough! We hit Belmont Park up for a chilly wrap up to Preston & Emily. The rain and wind couldn't put out the flames between these two - they are smokin' hot! Maybe they were cuddling more just because it was so cold outside?? Either way it doesn't matter, these two are about half way down the aisle to their happily ever after and I couldn't be happier for them!

Here are a few from their knock out session...

It's photo madness!

This one is my favorite. I love everything about it down to how their heads create the perfect heart shape when they are nestled together!

And the winner is...

2009-02-15T12:16:00.000-08:00

Can you feel the anticipation? Are you waiting on pins and needles? Is this killing you that I'm dragging on the suspense? MUAHAHAHA!

Well the comments have been tallied and a winner has been chosen randomly by my precious daughter Brielle. I told her to pick a number between 1 and 10 and checked the number I had had assigned each entry. Without further ado the winner is....

Julea Ivancovich!!

Julea said "What a great idea!!! So here goes... my sophmore year Valentine's Day, my boyfriend was a senior and on the swim team. I showed up to school in the morning and he handed me a piece of paper cut out like a puzzle with some word written on it. I was confused and he said, "just wait." In my first period class, in walked two guys from the swim team with two long stem roses and another puzzle piece with words on it. As you can guess, all 6 periods of my day had "special guests" from the swim team, carrying 2 roses and a puzzle piece. By the end of the day I had a dozen long, stem roses and a complete puzzle. The words, all together, turned out to be a poem he had written making sure my heart was his. Awww, shucks!

This is a totally true story and I'm not lying!"

Well thanks Julea for sharing your story. Makes me almost want to go back to high school and try again, I said almost! Please email me your information and I'll get that DVD shipped out to you asap! Congratulations!!

A gift for everyone else is that you can go and check out Julea's work on her own blog!

And, for your viewing pleasure here's a picture of the best number picker in the state!!

Pops and silly songs

2009-02-14T13:34:00.000-08:00

Today is a very sad day for me and my family. My great-grandfather passed away at the ripe age of 88 years old.

As I sit and remember him I think back to his much younger days of 66 years of age. I remember walking hand in hand to the bank listening to his silly nonsense songs about Yvonne going to the bank. I remember the fourth of July when he rescued my brother from a rusty nail Josh stepped on (that totally ruined out trip to see fireworks by the way!). It's funny because I also remember the moon that summer night because the moon was a sliver of a crescent and there was one really bright star just above it ... Pops and I sat there watching it as we waited for the rest of the family to get back from the hospital. I remember his love of that HUGE Winnebago he used to drive up to my grandmothers house every summer (we're talking the tour bus type one with a kitchen, bedroom, couch, and bathroom with shower!). As Pops used to say it was "luck-shur-ee" in his thick southern accent.

The last time I saw Pops was almost two years ago before we moved out to California. He wasn't the same man I remembered as a child but he was still a great man. There was that familar look in his soft gentle eyes as he held my youngest child. Laughing at my daughters crazy 2 year olds antics... and him singing a silly Brielle is acting crazy song... I will miss those songs and promise to always sing them to my children.

Hard to believe there were 5 generations between these two!

Extremely hard to believe that this man once lifted this GIANT man off a nail like he was nothing! I think Josh was actually my nephew's, Jacob's, age when that happened.

Brielle, Myself, Pops, Grandma Lester, Josh, Jacob and Bryan hanging on at the end! My last picture with my silly singing Pops.

I am a better person having known, loved and been loved by you, Pops. Thank you.

In loving memory of Whitney J. Boudreaux aka Pops.

Last chance for the contest!

2009-02-13T20:01:00.000-08:00

Check out the link and make sure you don't lose your chance on winning! It's all about love peeps... just leave a comment with SOMETHING about Valentines Days or why you deserve Me Ra Koh's DVD set. Polls close at MIDNIGHT February 14th, 2009 and a random poster will be selected and posted the following day.

Go, what are you waiting for? GO!

Men in brown, boxes of white and rapid heart beats

2009-02-12T14:03:00.000-08:00

I did it. I made the biggest move I could possibly make in my career, I invested in a new camera. What was wrong with my old camera you might ask? Nothing. NOTHING at all! I'm crazy, that's what! I had to opportunity to upgrade when dear friend (not going to mention names but it starts with "Steph" and ends with "anie") started looking into her first DSLR. She said she bookmarks all cameras against mine because she's love all the images that I have captured for her and her family with mine.

So, what better way to meet your expectation than to use that camera?! So we played "Let's make a deal" and between negotiations with our man-wives (aka husbands) we came to a conclusion - "Steph" + "anie" was going to buy my beloved rebel xti... and I was going to buy my new beloved 50D!

They were heading away for a getaway so I wrapped up my baby and packaged her in a warm cozy box and somewhere around 11pm my time I finally hit the "send" button on my order to B&H for the replacement. It was a moment to behold as I watched the order go through... I just signed my life away! I am now responsible for my own destiny. I have to earn my right to own this magnificent piece of technology! Early in the am hours (and I'm talking e.a.r.l.y. - 430am constitutes full stops) "Steph"+"anie" picked up her new baby on their way out of town.
For a whole 28 hours I was naked. Walking-through-the-supermarket-naked. I didn't have a camera! I watched countless moments pass where I found myself reaching for my beloved... and she was not there. But! That quickly disappeared when the man in brown rang my doorbell! I have seriously never wanted to hug the UPS man so much in my life!! All I could mutter was "give-me-give-me-give-me-give-me-give-me" as he made me sign the electronic board. Immediately I turned around and fell to my knees as I ripped open the BIG BROWN BOX of goodness! Sweet release as I ran my fingers over the pretty white canon boxes inside. Bubble wrap has never looked so good. (I couldn't take any pictures but would of if the camera would of been outside of these glorious boxes!) It was literally HOURS after I could sit down and play with my treasures. The punks came in and asked if they could help open my boxes and were quick to retreat when I warned them if they "ever... touched... this...." lol! It wasn't that dramatic but close!

To make a long story short there are not enough hours int he day for me to do my things and play with my new toy! I have to admit the learning curve on this is steeper than my old camera. I was disappointed that I couldn't pick it up directly out of the box and go Annie Leibovitz all over the place (not that I categorize myself in class at all!! She's a Greek goddess in my eyes though!). I did manage to go for a spin yesterday at Mt Soledad memorial in La Jolla though... these are a few of the captures...

Bryan was excited for me! Maybe he was just excited mommy stopped growling?

Poor Bryan after an hour of walking around the monument... I think he was bored.

He kept saying "Hi Guys"

I just love the colors in this one!

Trying to find a good example to show the hubster the range of the 70-200 F4. Set at 200 and f7.1 I think?

The other end of the spectrum - 70 f7.1

Vote for a fellow photog please!

2009-02-09T21:56:00.000-08:00

I blogstalk a great photographer up in Corona CA. She's funny, she's fresh, she's Hanssie! There is no other word for her. I've been a big fan of her work for a while now and look forward to one day meeting her!

Well it looks like Hanssie's blog is up for an award on the Professional Photographer Magazine - go and show some love and vote for her HERE on page 21 (entry #0196). She totally deserves it, so please go forth and VOTE!!

Thanks :)

Rain and (almost) tear drops

2009-02-07T23:26:00.000-08:00

It's been raining here in San Diego for a couple days. In between the showers - I refuse to call it a "storm" because it's not, although the local weather man insists on calling it just that! - we have thrown the kids out to play but it's still not helping with the high energy of toddlers. So, we went to the movies. Four kids, two tired moms and one car later we arrived at the naval base movie theatre. I believe in mind over matter, think positive and be positive, and it seemed to work, everyone had a good time!

But, that is not the point of this blog. The point is that I haven't been on a military base theatre for a while to watch a movie... I forgot that they play the National Anthem before each movie. As soon as I heard the first note I immediately heard the shuffle of feet and watched as the WHOLE theatre rose. No one prompted these men and women, the families, the old or young (except the moms like myself who have real little ones). We all stood in unison and listened to the words and watched the short patriotic clips that accompanied the song. My heart swelled, tears welled and I couldn't breath. Glancing down at my two little ones with their hands over their hearts I thought "Wow, this is a moment!" and wished I had my camera!!

Thinking back to this event just a few short hours ago, my heart still swells with pride and my stomach does flip flops as I hold back tears. We really are blessed to be where we are today and I thank every person from the bottom of my heart who is serving our great nation! I think it's important to be thankful each and every day, not just on the fourth of July or during trying times, be thankful NOW! Be thankful for our rights, our freedoms and the people who fight near and far for what we believe in.

Officially Announcing...

2009-02-04T07:37:00.000-08:00

I think the announcement says it all!

Laura : Just Because

2009-01-30T22:03:00.000-08:00

I shot Laura... well I didn't shoot Laura... well technically I did shoot Laura but only with my camera. PHEW! That was just weird!

Back to what I was saying, I shot Laura today so she can send her hubby a little Valentine's Day surprise photo.... shhh! Don't tell him!! Hopefully he doesn't have a link to this blog...

I totally think Laura could pull off one of those 1920-1940's film actor series of photos... she's just gorgeous!

You are one thing only after a child is born...

2009-01-29T22:32:00.001-08:00

... and that is a mother. Love them or loathe them we all have one! I know Jaime loves her Mom!!

And I tell you, there is nothing more beautiful than a mother with her daughter and granddaughter...

Aren't these ladies beautiful!!?

I hope you have a safe trip home and I can't wait to share more useless information with you!

Much love - Yx

Showing YOU some LOVE- it's a CONTEST!

2009-01-28T11:28:00.000-08:00

Brielle has been working very closely with me on creating her very own Valentine's Day Card and this is our final edition! We poured through her photos from our mini sessiona nd she hand picked each picture. It was funny listening to her critique herself and explaining why one picture was better over the other! Here are a few of her thoughts:

"This one is too grumpy..."

"I look too CRAZY in this one!"

I think I might save this one for her future boyfriends just as a warning that she is... a little... ummm... crazy!

*******************************************************

With this task behind me I am on to announce that I am proud to be hosting a my first give away! Thanks to the wonderful Me Ra Koh for allowing me to pass along my good fortune to one lucky reader!! * Listens to the crowds roar! *

One lucky person will win a copy of Refuse to Say Cheese AND Beyond the Green Box!! These dvds are excellent for beginners of all stages. I LOVE LOVE LOVE these DVDs and am personally so thankful that Me Ra and her husband Brian put these out there to help people (like me) figure out the basics. If you want to learn how to better photograph your family and learn how to shoot outside the green box on your camera, you're going to love this set!

What do you have to do? Well it's easy. All you have to do is comment and share you favorite Valentines Day story... it's that easy! A random person will be selected on Valentines Day (Feb 14th).

Helping and learning from each other is the best way to better ourselves, so share the love!!

Show some love!!

2009-01-27T16:20:00.001-08:00

Why not send a little or a lot of love this year with a custom Valentines Day Card?

Contact me for more information on mini V-Day sessions shooting Sunday and Monday only!

DeLovely, DeCoursey

2009-01-25T19:37:00.000-08:00

If you've been following me then you already know... and if you haven't, then you're about to know... sun flare is a MUST! I swear, it just makes that tender moment that much more romantic! Of course it's hard to more romantic with these crazy these two kids, they literally ooze romance. I may, or may not have held my breath the whole time I edited the above picture... I didn't want to disrupt the moment.

I've known these two for a while now and I tell you, when you are with them you can't help but get caught up in their smiles and laughter.

Thanks for putting up with me and my crazy demands!! Hope you enjoy :)

Sienna

2009-01-24T21:10:00.000-08:00

Having children of my own I realized how I forgot all too quickly the smell of new babies, the soft cries, the sweet softness of their skin and hair as you brush your lips over their heads. Feeling the warmth in their small potato like bodies as you hold them against your shoulder. It truly passes all too quickly and i urge you new mothers out there to savour every moment you can...

I was truly blessed to spend a little time with Sienna this afternoon and snap off a few pictures of her. She is sooo sweet! Something tells me they wouldn't of thought my camera would of been a fair trade for their bundle of joy! Oh how I wanted to take her home with me to play!! Instead I played with her pictures... enjoy.

She's a thinker... us "thinkers" can tell these sorts of things.

Am I the only one who wants to eat baby toes? I seriously could just eat them up! But I won't... because I think it's illegal in most states.

Histograms schmistograms!

2009-01-21T22:59:00.000-08:00

Whaaaaa?! You don't know what a histogram is? Where have you been?!

Well, a histogram is the way we photogs (yeah I can say that now huh?) make sure we nail exposures. They can come in all shapes and sizes, though they are not all correct. I recently tried explaining this to a couple of friends. Anyone who knows me knows I don't explain things very well. Just imagine LOTS of hand movements, a little side tracking, potty breaks, maybe a diagram or three, and this is just explaining how my day has gone!! So, we'll just say I don't explain things easily or concisely... but I know a guy who does!

John Mireles is a wedding photographer here in San Diego whose work I admire. Imagine my excitement when I caught his magical trio of histogram explanations! If you're interested in photography, a little confused by histograms or just like listening to smooth talkers check out these links:

Nailing Exposures I

Nailing Exposures II

Nailing Exposures III

I promise he will use less hand motions and only a few necessary drawings!

This post is dedicated to some of my girls (you know who you are). Hoping this helps shine a little light on your exposures and histograms!

Baby Lena

2009-01-16T12:17:00.001-08:00

One quick post before I jet out the door about baby Lena...

She's adorable, dontcha think?

More to come later - I promise!!

Edited to add the "promise" for Momma and family: Lena is adorable, and I just LOVE this shot of Momma throwing her up in the air! We really caught the joy she brings to this world.

I'll let you know when I have your proofs up!

heart - Y

Quick update

2009-01-16T09:52:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who voted for me at Me Ra's blog! I was pleasantly surprised yesterday morning when I was informed I WON!!

I totally feel like I should be on stage holding my picture and giving my "golden globe" acceptance speech! Don't laugh at me, you know you have practice at some time or another!! It's like singing into a hair brush - everyone does it but you just don't talk about it! I have no shame and let's face it, everyone is tall, thin and beautiful when you can hide behind the internet, right? How did I get off on such a tangent??

Thank you all for your love and support, it makes my heart smile from rib to rib! I read a lot of comments and they truly solidify that I am finally heading some place I should be going with this whole taking pictures bullarky. I have the photo bug, bad, and it's not going away... so watch out world I'm coming to take your photo!!

S-G or G-S Family, how is it suppose to go?

2009-01-11T19:48:00.001-08:00

Nothing says family like a good ol' portrait session! It's always fun to gather everyone around the picture maker and pull funny faces but something better than that is capturing a moment. This gathering was focused around our good friends newest arrival. Baby J came into this world (finally) and pulled this beautiful family together! (I'll be posting Baby J's first pictures soon.)

The beginning of this family story starts with Mom and Dad - aren't they are the cutest couple?! (Dad gave me a muffin, it was exquisite, I might ask him to adopt me.)

I've found the best way to get people to smile naturally, is to make them laugh... usually at me.

I know everyone wants the perfect picture of everyone smiling looking at the camera, but honestly, some of my favorite shots are the ones in between. Capturing real moments in real life.

Meet Uncle "Pirate" Chris (he recently had an incident which required an eye patch) Aren't you glad he still has two dreamy eyes?!

For a grandma there is nothing better than holding a new born baby.

You might think that they are all hiding their eyes from me, but I swear I'm not that hard on the eyes!! They are in fact pulling what we now call a "David" pose, it's the next big thing, right up there with "vogue". I swear, it's all true. Are you laughing... at me? That's not nice!

I'm a finalist!

2009-01-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

For those of you who regularly follow my blog I have some exciting news!! I got an email from someone famous today!! Among my peers in the photography community you may know of the Me Ra Koh, if you don't, you should! She is one of my favorite photographers and a very inspirational woman. I follow her blog daily and feel like I know her, as much as a blogstalker can know another person that is (not in a creepy-peep-around-the-corner-and-know-where-she-gets-her-veggies-kind-of-way)!

Anyway, back to the premise of the post... she has this contest about inspirational objects that I blogged about earlier. I got this lovely email first thing this morning letting me know that I was chosen as one of the five finalists! The other finalists are all superb photographers and I'm incredibly honored to be among them.

If you feel the need to take a gander head on over to Me Ra's blog and support your favorite photo (it doesn'thave to be mine but it sure would be nice to win). It's like your patriotic duty to vote right? Does that include in beautiful baby, poerty, and photography contests?? If so, then it's your patriotic duty to vote, go forth and exercise your right! Ok, I'm being silly, but hopefully I made you smile today :)

I am having a terrible time uploading this image to the blog right now, so you're going to have to go and check out #5 at the contest site!!

Wish me luck!

Making memorable memories and great Tom Ka

2009-01-04T21:21:00.000-08:00

One thing I've noticed over the past year is how I take a lot of pictures. No, seriously, I take a lot of pictures! Maybe not as many as the crazy 3 external hard drive folks out there (you know who you are!) but at least a couple hundred a week. OK, OK! Sometimes several hundred in a day! There, you know my dirty little secret, are you happy now?

Anyway, as I was saying, I take a lot of pictures. Sometimes we're out and about and we run into great moments and I can't help myself. I click. I click three or four (hundred) times. Well, the one thing I've started noticing is that I have these great clicks of pictures but there is no real memory of us being there. I have a great image but it's not personal enough. Something is missing... it's US!

Well, something I'm committed to doing this year is take more personable pictures... it's almost like an "enter your face here" promo!

See here, our day at the park was great and then here came one of those moments. The kids and I scurried over to listen to the Brazilian drummers play some salsa. Sure, the picture of the drummers is alright but how does it represent us as a family?

When we look back at these pictures how we remember who was there, what was going on, what is this picture all about? So my answer is to start incorporating US into OUR pictures!

How do you incorporate your family into the moment?

I guess this is a double whammy of a post today... who knew I had so much to say?! Well, the past couple months I've had cravings for Tom Ka soup. It's been something that has been on my mind during the late hours of my insomnia. I have literally woke up in the middle of the night and thought about the creamy coconut milk, the gentle warming sensation of the spices that linger on my lips long after the flavors have dissipated from my palette. I think it's fair to say that I truly heart Tom Ka.

Here is a recipe I cooked up today:

TOM KA SOUP

1 pound medium shrimp - peeled and deveined ( I omitted the shrimp and used cubed firm tofu)
2 (13.5 ounce) cans canned coconut milk
2 cups water
1 (1 inch) piece ginger, thinly sliced
4 stalks lemon grass, bruised and chopped (I used lemon grass paste)
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 can shiitake mushrooms, drained
1 can mini corn, drained
1 can peeled tomatoes, drained and quartered (thinking some random sweet peas would be good too!)
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon curry powder
3 green onions, chunked
1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes

DIRECTIONS

Pour the coconut milk and 2 cups of water in a large saucepan; bring to a simmer. Add the ginger, lemon grass, and lime zest; simmer for 10 minutes, or until the flavors are infused. Strain the coconut milk into a new pan and discard the spices. Simmer the shiitake mushrooms in the coconut milk for five minutes, add the corn and tomatoes. Stir in the lime juice, and brown sugar. Season to taste with curry powder.

To serve, heat tofu in the soup, and ladle into serving bowls. Garnish with green onion and red pepper flakes.

ENJOY!

Going through a change...

2009-01-02T17:15:00.000-08:00

Just FYI if you happen to fall upon my page tonight I'm working on updating a few things.. you may get the technicolor dream coat version or some weird bX-ERROR code! I'm getting a lot of error codes :( I am having fun changing it up a little though so hang in there with me!

If anyone is a blog guru and wants to help please feel free to email me with advice! I'm really trying to figure out how to add a menu bar at the top instead of having everything on the side. I want to make the pictures bigger for your viewing pleasure!!

Preston & Emily : Promises

2008-12-30T21:33:00.000-08:00

Preston and Emily met at uni. What?! Where? Oh yeah, we're not in Europe or Asia anymore, you may better know this common phrase as "they met in college"! After dating in college they went their separate ways and explored all of life's great ventures. Preston started his career in the USMC as a pilot while Emily taught English at Dara Academy and later worked as the Art Director of Cultural Canvas Thailand.

It seemed that the universe (not uni!) had other plans for them. After a couple of long distance calls and a visit here and there, these two crazy kids decided they couldn't live apart anymore.

One question, one answer and the world was set right again!

They are the quintessential couple!

We just had to include Amstel, how could we not!

I just LOVE sun flare!

The calm before the storm - Christmas Eve photos

2008-12-26T23:03:00.000-08:00

Experiencing Christmas through my children is such a blessing. I am able to look through their eyes and see all the wonder and beautiful things that this season brings. It's truly magical!

With all the wondrous adventures this time of year brings I'm kind of glad it's almost over. It's been hectic! Christmas Eve was no exception to this - we were really excited Big J made it home (it was touch and go there for a little while if he would make it home), we enjoyed our first service at our new church (although Big J and the punk had to go to the children's room), had a great family dinner and then built a ginger bread house for Santa and the reindeer!

I missed the big guy himself but was able to catch the load of goodies he left behind!

I have a ton more but it's taking me a little longer to get through them than I thought! I may or may not post more... gotta keep you coming back for more somehow huh? C'mon internet, you know you want to see the hot mess of CHRISTMAS DAY!!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T00:12:00.000-08:00

Sending this out now because I know I won't have time between now and then so MERRY CHRISTMAS internet!!

Hopefully I'll be back before the New Year. Is it just me or has this year flown by? Sheesh!

Bumps: Jaime

2008-12-19T21:33:00.000-08:00

Meet Jaime. She's gorgeous. She's funny. She's talented. She's everything a woman wants to be... and soon she's going to be a MOM!

I didn't have to talk Jaime into trying too many things on our maternity session because she was truly up for just about anything! If I could stop telling her to "jump" up to places and get in weird positions we would of had a great session :) OK, let's face it, we had a great session!!

I had so much fun hanging out with you and brushing the cobwebs off of my camera (it had been sitting for a whopping 24 hours while I unwound from our trip up the mountain - which I will post about when I can)! I'm really glad we were able to get this done before Baby paid us a visit. I can't wait to meet her and the rest of the family that is flying in soon.

Isn't she the most serene 9 month pregnant lady you've ever seen?!

We went to Balboa Park to hit up the carousel but it was closed :( We caught some yummy light though! YAY!

This might be my fave shot of the day!

Test shot gone so wrong but oh so right!

Oh Christmas Cards, Oh Christmas Cards!

2008-12-09T23:18:00.000-08:00

Another Christmas jingle stuck in my head as I'm playing into the late hours of the evening... I'm working on designs for our Christmas card this year. I haven't even taken the pictures yet! How bad am I? Big J will hopefully be on holiday leave next week so we will get them taken care of then and sent out soon there after... hopefully!

In the mean time you get to see my ideas with pictures from my recent shoots - how fun is that?! I'm totally loving this newest one inspired by my favorite R family... thanks guys for bringing so many smiles into my day and not even knowing it!

Bring on the distractions

2008-12-08T16:15:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to update the layout with a new picture and colors to express my Christmas cheer and finally got around to doing it today. Hope you enjoy the temporary change for the holidays! I mainly sat down to do this to take my mind off of events from today...

As many of you know I'm a military wife, my husband is an FA-18 pilot out here in San Diego. We're getting used to everything the military life can throw at us... but every couple of years (or annually as it's been over the past 3 years) there are events which throw everything I know into turmoil. This day has not been that exception.

Our day started like any other. We all slept in to a reasonable hour (745am), which may sound good but we were a tad late for pre-school!). After dropping the punkette off the dude and I met up with friends at the mall to finish up some holiday shopping. Fairly good time (minus the break down at train riding area... can you really blame the dudes for trying, c'mon even I want to ride the train) and jumped on the interstate heading home. We have a ritual when we see a Hornet (that's what Daddy drives) so we blew kisses and waved and screamed "I love you, Daddy"! I didn't even think how odd it was at the time that was lower than usual but did think it was funny that it was in this "no-fly" area of town but carried on. About a half hour later I got a message from Big J saying "not flying, I luv you". Everything came together in a split second...

I drove immediately to pick up the punkette and head home. We're all together, safe.

I can't help but tear up at the emotions that flow during these times. I'm soooo grateful! So relieved! So everything good in this world... then I start worrying... we know so many other pilots! Do I call my girlfriends? Do I call in the middle of a potential crisis? How can I not call? I call, I always do, and find out everyone we know is fine this time - Thank the LORD! We are blessed! But then my heart aches for those involved, for those families forever changed in this event. It's enough to bring me to my knees and I'm not even directly involved!

So, having gotten the "I'm safe" message earlier, knowing that all of my friends and their spouses are safe, I'm sitting watching the horrific scene unfold on the TV while the punks are down for a nap. It's literally a train wreck that you know you shouldn't watch but you hang on every syllable of the newscasters. It's awful! I see a shadow at the door, my heart stops, the figure is dressed in brown. Military uniforms are brown. I got the message, no one should be at my door! No one should be ringing my doorbell! My whole world is in the slowest motion you can image from the slowest motion scene on the slowest movie ever... it's S-L-O-W. The bell rings once, twice, thrice... oh my God. I burst into immediately into tears and sat there holding my breath... then I watch the figure step away and walk off. What the heck just happened? I get up and scramble for the door and see the UPS truck pulling away from my house!! My package arrive, and I am going to be writing to UPS and demand strongly that they change the color of their uniforms!

You can follow the developing story at this or the end of the story at MSNBC.

Please, hug your people tight tonight, give them an extra kiss and let them know how much you love them! Please, say an extra prayer or take a moment to do what ever you do at moments like this, for anyone involved. Be safe.

Hitting the road

2008-12-03T23:28:00.001-08:00

What else do two bored moms do on sunny afternoons? Well, we get the kids loaded up in the car with snacks, a portable DVD player and a hand full of cars and hit the road scouting new locations to take pictures! DUH! You know you want to be cool like us, right... right... rrrrright?

Today on our way to try out one location we accidentally found another, and what a gem it is... lush green SoCal palm trees, musty smells, trails, dried up water run off, and of course a busy section of the 8. This locale is snuggled in between two hills and I'm serious when I say I must have driven past here a hundred times and never noticed it before! I'm guessing locals know about my emerald oasis because we saw a few joggers and there was a group of people enjoying a picnic.

Here are a few test shots with my lovely model, Emily. Thank you, Thank you! Oh and thank you, Emily, for agreeing again to pose...

Isn't it magnificent?

Before we went to the Emerald City we tried the top of Mt Soledad at the memorial. For any San Diegans, this place is a must. Beautiful panoramic views (on clear days, not like today when it's hazy) and just peace and quiet (if you don't have two crazy boys with you!).

Something about these shots get me. It might just be the pretty bold colors, I am easily amused after all!

Pump out the cards... Pump them up!

2008-12-03T16:27:00.001-08:00

OK so I'm dorking out in my head to some old skool Salt'n'Pepa about cards!! Yes, I always knew I was a Dork with a capital "D", the thing is... did you?

One family who is not a dork in any way shape of form are the Dentons! I designed a concept card for them and although it's a work in progress I wanted to share... if we decide to change anything up I'll make an update (because I'm cool like that HA!).

Peace out!

This is what I originally sent to them to proof and she sent me back her greeting preferences...

... and this is where we are as of right now, 4:36pm. We'll see where this takes us!

Picture Perfect Holiday Cards

2008-12-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

I don't know why, but I feel like singing "Jingle Bells" every time I look at this photo card I made for the C family!

... Dashing through the snow... on a one horse open sleigh...