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.

Sweet Miss P-Mine on Monday-St. George Children’s Photographer

Posted on May 17, 2010

Wowzers…I just adore this little girl. She is such a sweet, happy (most of the time), feisty, smart little thing. She has a strong personality and isn’t afraid of much! And the best part…she adores her mom. You can’t beat that!

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 May 10, 2010

I had the privledge of photographing my youngest brother’s wedding this past weekend. It was quite the whirlwind few days with a 12 hour car ride both ways, but my kiddos were troopers. I think I was the grouchiest of us all on the car ride home. I couldn’t wait to get out!! It was a beautiful wedding though and Greg and Christina are such a happy, good looking couple. Now they are both off to medical school…the adventure begins!

It is always so much fun when my whole family can get together. I am sandwiched between four boys and wouldn’t trade it. They are great firends and I am blessed with (now) three awesome sisters in law. We have such a great time when we get together and laugh at each each other’s dumb jokes. That is how family should be. I wish we could do it more often.

And, as a little treat to you all (just kidding) I am including a picture of yours truly. It doesn’t happen often. I am mega critical about dumb things (like the fact that one eye is squintier than the other) and it is rare to be on the other side of the camera, so here you go!

And is that little miss P not the cutest thing ever. I am yet to get tired of taking pictures of her cute little face, though this time she insisted on shoving her dress between her legs. Whatever little chica!

Hope spring is treating you well. I have many a session to be editing so check back for some new pictures and a contest from one of my favorite accessory makers. You won’t want to miss it!!

Spring Mini Session-St. George Photographer

Posted on March 18, 2010

I am so thrilled that it is finally warming up and want to celebrate! I only offer mini sessions once a year and now is the time to get out those cute Easter clothes and schedule a session. This is a great way to capture your children when the weather is beautiful and green. Sessions are limited, so contact me soon! Newborns are excluded.

Mine On Monday-Southern Utah Photographer

Posted on March 11, 2010

okay, so I realize that it isn’t Monday, but seriously, it wasn’t until half way through editing this picture that it dawned on me. I was gone the first three days this week at a big photography convention in Vegas (more on that soon) and so I have felt like it was Monday ALL. DAY. LONG.  I took this picture last week and had plans on posting it Monday, so we will just pretend. This is my little miss P. I made bird feeders with the kids last week and after hanging them up and cleaning up the mess, I came  out to her cleaning out the peanut butter container, with her hand. She is so her father’s child!

Happy to report that she is back to her usual, feisty self. Her tonsils healed up fine and she doesn’t snore anymore. This is good and bad…bad because in the past when I laid down to nap with her, it would be a quick 20 minute cat nap on my part until her snoring kicked in. Now, two hours later I am awaking from a dead sleep to find her already up and doing her thing.  (that is also a good thing…the sleeping part, because who doesn’t love a good nap!)

Five On Friday-Southern Utah Photographer

Posted on February 27, 2010

1. I am a little stumped as to what to say. Don’t ask me why, but everything seems so simple. I guess that is what life is like as a stay at home mom…I spend much of my life picking up messes, making tools out of cardboard (our craft project today), filling up sippies with milk, breaking up fights, soothing crying children, teaching, etc. Being a mom is what I always saw myself being, but little did I know how difficult it was going to be.  Thank heavens for photography. It has given me an outlet on those days that seem monotonous (because so many are…routines are great, but not always exciting). It has allowed me to capture my children at those moments I never want to forget. It is a life saver.

2. Last Saturday, after a week of not so healthy eating, I was dying to make something healthy. I discovered this recipe, ran to the store, and made it. Even my two year old ate an entire bowl. Just thought I would share:

Southwestern BBQ Chicken Salad  

2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (I used a rotisserie chicken)                                                                                         

1 cup barbecue sauce                                                                                                                                                                                                

1/2 head romaine (or green leaf), chopped

1/2 head iceberg lettuce 

1 can corn, drained (I used frozen that I slightly warmed)

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

2 green onions, chopped

1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped

1 cucumber, chopped

(any other veges you like!)

shredded cheese

crispy tortilla strips (slice in strips with scissors or pizza cutter, place in a single layer on a cookie sheet, spray with cooking oil, salt generously, and broil until slightly brown on the edges–under 10 minutes)

ranch dressing (I buy the Hidden Valley packets and make it myself with lowfat mayo and buttermilk)

Stir together chicken and bbq sauce until desired saucy-ness. Toss together lettuces and other ingredients and top with dressing, cheese and tortilla strips. Enjoy.

3. Have you ever read the “Fancy Nancy”  series? They are so darn cute! My Little Miss P loves them and even my son enjoys them!

4. Anyone else ready for spring??

5. My little Miss P had her tonsils removed this week. It was hard to put her through that, but it was the best thing for her. She had sleep apnea and snored like an old man. Her snoring has already stopped. Hooray! Her cute, little, raspy voice is gone, but she sounds just as cute now!

Isn’t she such a cute little thing. She was so brave..not a tear until after. She of course took her dollie and snuggler and that helped.

p.s anyone know how to make Wordpress single space between lines so my recipe isn’t years long?

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-St. George, Utah Family Photographer

Posted on January 19, 2010

I know, I know, it is Tuesday, but it’s raining and that really put a damper on my fun idea. Plus, life just slows down when it rains, right? And, it was a holiday. All great excuses why I am barely posting this before it is officially Wednesday.

This isn’t what I had planned originally, but I really wanted to capture my sweet Miss P. She is such a little character and I often find her all decked out in her princess garb, with food in her purse, cell phone in hand, and plenty of accessories. You have to love little girls. She is just that too…a girly girl. Wow, she goes through more clothes than I ever imagined a child could. She changes multiple times each day, changes hair accessories and SOCKS. I had to move her socks out of her reach because I no longer have any matching ones. She is obsessed with putting socks on for 10 minutes and then leaving them wherever she finds herself…the trampoline, behind chairs, bathroom floor, car.

She has outdone my son when it comes to busy-ness. This child is NON-STOP. The energy never runs out. She is constantly into mischief…she flooded my bathroom floor (took 10 towels to clean it) yesterday when she insisted I give her “pwivacy” in the bathroom (yes, I know that was a lack of judgement on my part!). She gets hair product out and applies it liberally whenever she can sneak off to the bathroom. She loves to get into my makeup, dump things out, and make messes.

Yet, she is everything I ever hoped for in a little girl. She is fun, cute, feisty, outgoing, and has the cutest curly hair and raspy voice. And, despite all my flaws as a mom, she adores me. It is always me that she wants to snuggle with. She always asks, “when you be home” if I am leaving without her and is so excited when I return. She makes me laugh and cry in the same moment. So here she is…isn’t she a cutie? I sure think so.

The second picture I titled, “someday my prince will come” and that smile in the last….my children have a hard time coming up with a normal smile when I take pictures. She doesn’t have an underbite, but she insisted on smiling with one…whatever floats her boat!