These are a few of my favorite things. :)

Taking some time off with the family...breathing, reading the new Annie Leibovitz book, working out, and sleeping in. I'll be back soon with pics and some energy to put out in the blogging world. :)

10 reasons today is awesome...and it's only 10:45am!

1. My husband brought me coffee in bed
2. We opened a box with like a million presents in it from my aunt...that is so so fun!
3. I don't have a shoot today. I like having shoots...I LOVE having shoots...but it's fun to be home on a Saturday.
4. It's snowing.
5. We have everything we need to make fantastic cut-out Christmas cookies...just waiting to be made.
6. We survived yesterday...an emotional goodbye to one of the best teachers ever.
7. I'm still in my PJ's.
8. Did I mention that my husband brought me breakfast in bed?
9. Cinnamon rolls are baking.
10. We get to be together as a family. I know so many families that don't have that privilege...so many men and women overseas, fighting for our country. I don't ever want to take for granted the great joy of being together.

I mean. Seriously.

I think this is one of my most favorite images. Ever.

Things that I have learned in 2008

1. Life without flavored creamer is not as good. I would rather go without DINNER than go without flavored creamer in the morning.
2. Multitasking is overrated.
3. The "Tree" wall scent from Bath and Body Works really does smell like a Christmas tree.
4. Spending an hour over coffee with a friend is always one of my favorite parts of my week.
5. Being BRAVE takes less energy than hiding in fear.
6. I cannot brush my daughter's hair when I am angry.
7. Apparently, you have to change your heating filter more than once a year.
8. It costs $100 to have someone come out and tell you to change your filter.
9. I can be an artist AND a business woman.
10. No matter how long ago someone has passed away, it is still a shock...and the tears and memories flood back when least expected.
11. My perfectionism is a major drag..."good enough" is okay, especially in cleaning, cookie making, dinner, and laundry. Good enough means I can relax and enjoy the journey. Good enough means that what I do has no bearing on my worth as a person.
12. It doesn't matter how many cloth shopping bags I own...I will always forget to bring them into the store.
13. Grinding your own coffee beans really does make the coffee taste better.
14. Texting is fun.
15. (insert your learned thing here). :)

I would love to hear what you all have learned...leave a comment and we can all share in the magical blogging love.

Oh thank God!

We finally have a snow day.

Life is so good. :)

Serious goodness

I was so excited about this shoot...a whole hour and a half with one child...I love spending that amount of time with someone...really getting them, their personality, their giggles, and having the freedom to get the light just right. Having that much time with one person is a luxury and a privilege and I loved every minute of it. :)

Brrrrrrrrr

A few things on this super cold day...

First, I have been asked by MANY people if I do weddings. While I don't want to go full swing into that venue (there are lots of good wedding photographers out there), I would LOVE to do a few weddings a year! I have technically done a few weddings already, but they were smaller deals that were more like parties.

So, if anyone wants to be the first one to book me for an all day gig, I will include a free engagement session in the package. :) Nice deal, right?

Second, I have finally upgraded to a new Franklin Covey planner size. I am all done writing small and into the margins and onto the next page. Bigger = more room for Cathy to write, and just knowing that it's on the way to my house is super exciting.

Third, I'm having trouble falling asleep at night. This has never been a problem before...anyone have any tips on relaxing and getting in the nite-nite mood?

Okay, back to work. If you have a second, leave me a comment. They make my day. :)

Snowy sneak peek

Such a delightful family! I was constantly asking them to sit on the ground and not once did I see a rolled eye. lol! Looking at this family reminds me how much I can't wait to be a grandma! Seriously, I can't wait. Well...our kiddos are 10 and 12...we hope to wait a bit...but you know what I mean. When I am a grandma, I will have those light-up Christmas villages with trains that circle it and ice skaters skating on the "frozen" lake, and the grandchildren can play with it all. (sigh)

I love this kind of smile...the kind that says "life doesn't get much better than this".




These two lovebirds are newly engaged...aren't they the cutest?!