We made it! Ann Arbor, Michigan Newborn Photographer

Posted on August 25, 2010

Hi there! I finally made my way through the cardboard jungle to my computer…and desk. It feels so good to be editing pictures again. After I take time off I always question whether I love it THAT much, but once I get back behind my camera or editing photos on the computer I am reminded that YES, I do love it THAT much. There is something so theraputic about creating art.

I am loving my new area. It is so different than Santa Clara, but Ann Arbor is so beautiful in a totally different way. It is green and lush (and cool) out here. My creative juices are flowing. Everywhere we drive I am scouting out great locations to photograph. There are so many old buildings, rivers, forests. I am very excited! My studio is getting all set up. I just bought a new prop today and can’t wait to scour the antique stores to find some more cool props!

On a sad note, my awesome pink chair did not do so well on the trip out here. She now has a big hole on the back and arm. Not sure whether I should try to recover it myself (I may be crazy), retire it, or spend a small fortune having someone recover it for me. It was a sad moment to be told it didn’t make it. I may have shed a tear or two over it.

So, if you are from Ann Arbor or the surrounding area or know someone who is, please feel free to check out my work and contact me for a session.

Here are a few pictures of my Jackson that we took before we moved out this way. I can’t believe how big he has gotten. He starts kindergarten (all day!) in a week and a half. Yes, I am excited and yes, I am sad. He is growing so fast. I unpacked some pictures of him at 6 months and the time has flown by since then! I sure love this guy!

Mine on Monday-Southern Utah Photographer

Posted on June 7, 2010

So, my sweet Little Miss turned 3. That happened fast. It is such a bittersweet feeling to watch your children grow. On one hand it is so fun to watch them learn and on the other it makes me want to cry. It all passes so quickly. I fear the day that I am no longer her favorite person in the world. I mourn the day that I can’t pick her up and have her little legs wrap around my body. I already miss the day when she stops covering me in kisses. For now, though, I will try to soak it all in and make every day (even those when she drives me bonkers) count.

We had a princess party with just two other friends. They were in heaven. I made huge, rainbow cupcakes and they ate mac and cheese and other assorted little treats. There was a cute little favor provided by my friend whose daughter’s birthday we were also celebrating. It was fun, girly stuff. Here is one shot in her princess attire…

and, for her birthday she asked for a camera which she got from her grandma and grandpa (isn’t it so cute that she wanted a camera like her momma??). Her brother commandeered the camera though and when I emptied the quickly filled card I found oodles of great pictures and hilarious self videos.  That little boy of mine is a crack up. Here are a few of his recent shots…

He has got a unique eye. He may be staring a business soon.

Five On Friday-St. George Photographer

Posted on May 14, 2010

Well, it has been some time since I have rambled off my five on Friday and it is even Friday while I am doing it! Hooray for me! My hubby is at a “Father and Son” campout with our church group which means the evening is mine to play…computer, sewing, taking pics of the little miss (which turned out mega cute!). It has been a fun evening. So, here go my 5…

1. If ever you are in Utah you must make a stop at Cafe Rio. It is the yummiest, best Mexican joint EVER. I am going to sorely miss that place and their delish coconut shrimp tacos they offer on Tuesday (and I eat most Tuesdays). Honestly, Cafe Rio really is reason enough to come to St. George, Utah for a visit. Oh, and Zion National Park, which is also in the running for coolest thing in my town .

2. The other joint that I frequent far too often is The Golden Spoon. Can I tell you how happy I am that fro-yo made a comeback? I LOVE it. And the best part is that a small is only three point with Weight Watchers (once a Weight Watcher, always a point counter!)

(I know this next picture looks professional, but it really is just me with my kinda long arms getting a semi okay shot after about 10 tries. Where is my dear friend anne and her long arms when I need a self portrait??)

3. So, can you tell me why, when I live in St. George, Utah…just two hours north of Vegas and very similar climate wise to Vegas, I needed a fleece sweatshirt at my son’s baseball game this week and ended up leaving early because Little Miss was a popsicle?? It is the middle of May my friends!! But don’t you fret…it will be in the 90’s tomorrow. Who wants spring anyway?

4. I have been on a fabric buying frenzy this past week or so. I love to make clothes for Miss P and have found some darling patterns lately. If you like to sew check out these…http://izzynivydesigns.blogspot.com. I bought some awesome Amy Butler fabrics and with the hubster gone, I will be up late sewing. I can’t wait!! I will post pictures when I finish!

5. I have been pretty successful keeping up on the house, though I spend around 2 hours every morning cleaning, folding laundry, dishes etc. Props to those of you who always do this! It is so hard to be so efficient. I would much rather be doing just about anything else! I do feel accomplished though that I can do it and very happy that my laundry gets folded within the same week it is washed. (Sounds like my house is a sty normally…not that bad, just not as spotless as it is now!)

And, here is a little teaser from my fun night with Miss P. We went to Cafe Rio, frozen yogurt, the fabric store (okay, I really am obsessed) and then she wanted to take pictures. Twist my arm. Oh, and a funny story…we get to where we are taking pics and of course she needs to go peepers (as we call it around here). There was no b-room nearby and I WAS NOT passing up my photo op, so we found a patch of secluded dirt and I attempted to help her go. Well, long story short, I should have put the camera down (no worries, it stayed dry). It is much easier to help a girlie so this in theory than reality. The show must go on though and the shoot was completed and P got a bath as soon as we got home!

Mine On Monday-St. George Photographer

Posted on March 15, 2010

J Man…he has been called that since he was a wee thing. His cousins and friends even refer to him as “J-Man” and it suits him. Love this guy. He is the child that compells me to read book after book on parenting and dealing with strong wills, but when he chooses to be, he can be the most tender, kind hearted little man. He has a strong personality, but I just know that if I can channel it right, he will turn out to be an amazing adult. He says the funniest thing and has the cutest little lisp.  Last night he came out of his room around 9pm (goes to bed at 7pm). When my hubby took him back to bed, J said, “Dad, I have something I need to tell you. I have been pwaying my weepster for a few hours now. I am so sowrry.” Little stinker was in his dark room playing his Leapster! We got a good laugh out of that one!

My kiddos-Southern Utah Photographer

Posted on February 10, 2010

It is a rare occurrence to get a photo of my kids together. One will make a silly face (usually the older), one (usually the younger) will claw the other’s eyes. It isn’t pretty. Every so often though, the stars will align and both children will cooperate. In those moments, I let nothing deter me and I shoot away. They are still usually bribed with copious amounts of candy and prizes, but that is okay in my book as long as I can get a good shot.

My two kiddos are good little friends. They are also the best enemies. I will see them playing so sweetly together knowing that it is only a matter of time before one ends up in tears. I guess that is how brothers and sisters are though. And you know what the best part is , that no matter how the day goes between the two, a new morning will come and they are little pals again. Having them as close as I did (they are just over two years apart–close for me!) has been really hard for me, but I am so glad I did. I hope they grow up to be the best of friends.

So, a few notes about this picture…notice my son’s hair. He has cut his hair more times than I can count…the most recent being right before Christmas. You can see that it is still growing out. That kid, I tell you. Also, many of you know about his accident at the DQ last August where he split his lip open…you can see his scar. I often edit it out, but I wanted to document what it looks like. It should continue fading, but it has already improved so much!

Mine On Monday-Southern Utah, St. George Photographer

Posted on January 25, 2010

This little boy…where to begin. I love this little guy. We butt heads much of the time because he knows more than I do whether he is wrong or right, but he is the funniest, smartest boy around. He loves to read, add, color, and play with friends. He loves to be hugged and kissed. He is kind to his sister (most of the time), a great helper and becomes a friend to anyone and everyone.  I sure love him!