91/365: Best Job Ever

I know I've said it 100 times, but I absolutely LOVE my job. I'm the luckiest girl in the world to have the opportunity to do this. Today I photographed 2 beautiful girls from the area. I seem to sort of stumble across ideal places for photoshoots. This was one such case. Thanks to the mom's of these lovely ladies, I was introduced to this amazing place! I think the girls thought I was a little nuts when they saw how excited I got about an old run down building and a lot full of vintage cars. We had so much fun today! I'm really posting this photo for them, because I know they're DYING to see their images. Patience girls! I will tell you that I am loving them so far!!

There's times when I'm at a shoot and I can't wait to get home to start working on them. Today was one such day. It's almost 11:00 and I've been editing since 8. Looking forward to the final edits! But now it's time for bed.

90/365 - Perspective

Not many people get to see behind the camera when MK is at work. Unless of course... she's taken your photo. But even then you don't see everything it took to get the finished product. Photography isn't just snapping a picture and getting paid. There is much you don't get to see.

You don't get to see the hours of recon (going to the photo shoot location beforehand), the hours of brainstorming ideas, studying other photographers angles, lighting, and poses, and the countless hours of selecting and editing photos.

She works hard and gives it everything she's got.

She really is amazing. I've been with her for a couple of sessions and she is so great to watch. It's really impressive to watch her look around, see past the ordinary and superficial, and into the world of creative and beautiful. She sees a different world than I do. She brings perspective to my life.

I love you sweetie.

-Steve

89/365: Jaden's Worst Enemy

This title may have made you chuckle a little bit after you saw the photo, but it's true. Jaden hates this little blue miracle tool we like to call, the "snot sucker". I'm unsure what the technical term for it is, but I prefer snot sucker. It's always a bit of a battle with these two. So far today it's Jaden 1, Snot Sucker 3. I'm pulling for Snot Sucker.

Jaden has somehow gotten sick over the past couple of days. I'm not sure if it's a cold or just teething, but either way it has brought extra snot, grumpiness, drink intake, fussiness, snuggle time, naps, and boogers. Oh and lots of rounds with the Snot Sucker.

Hopefully this will pass soon and our happy healthy baby will return to us. :)

88/365: First Dates and Holding Hands

Nothing is significant about March 28 for us, but as I was going through some old pictures a few days ago, I came across this one. This just makes me laugh. It makes me laugh for many reasons. 1- the crooked lamp shade in the background, 2- the blonde tips in Steve's hair and 3- the fact that I have on fake leather pants (that fortunately you can't see). It's been 10 years since our first date. This is not our first date, but it wasn't long after.

Our story has a lot of twists and turns, and is longer than you probably care to hear. But, to sum it all up, we've been through a lot together, and somehow we made it through, and are still smiling. :) If you would have asked me 10 years ago if I thought I'd be where I am now I'd say no way. Funny how God has a way of changing your plans to fit His. Here we are 10 years later and I sit here tonight, just thankful at how everything turned out.

Hoping for another 10 years of dates and holding hands. I love you Stephen.

87/365: Hidden Treasures

Antiquing....I hate it. This probably proves that I need to be more patient. I recently have been doing a small amount of antiquing, trying to find the perfect props for some upcoming photo shoots. So far I have been less successful than I would have liked to have been. I've left countless antique shops with a total of 2 props in the past 2 months. I still have my eye out for an old antique couch/loveseat and a chair or 2 (at a decent price). Here's the basics of antiquing...Mary Kim style. Most of the time it is an accidental antique shopping trip. I'll be out and drive by a consignment shop or antique mall and feel compelled to stop in to try to find that perfect prop. I usually have Jaden with me so I haul him out (hopefully in the stroller) and spend anywhere from 1-2 hours browsing through junk, and some unique and overly priced items that I never could and never would pay for. Jaden enjoys making all the elderly female employees smile and marvel over how precious he is as he kicks his feet to his own rhythm in his head, sucks his thumb, snuggles his blankie, and looks at all the potential toys he could play with. I am certain to keep him far enough away that he cannot reach anything. I usually end up leaving the store with nothing but disappointment, and Jaden with a new friend or 2.

Then there is the occasional hidden treasure that I will find, and it makes it totally worth it. This is one such find. I had been looking for an old vintage camera for a while now. When my dreams of having a beautiful furnished home office for the business come true, (notice I say WHEN...hopeful thinking) I would love to add some vintage photography items in the room. I have zero experience with film, old box cameras/flashes, or even darkroom experience. I have however fallen into the trap of loving vintage. This is a 1950's Spartus 6-20 camera, whatever that means. I love the look though. ;)

Hoping more hidden treasures are in my future.

86/365: uh oh

Trying to blog from my phone again. Hoping it works this time because the photo is priceless.

I fixed myself supper tonight and let jaden play in the living room. I heard some ruffling around and I came back just in time to see him dump the entire bag of goldfish out on the table and I could tell by the look on his face that he knew he did something he wasn't supposed to.

What a little turd. :)

85/365: Worth the Wait

This is an image from a newborn session I had this week. This little precious baby was well worth the wait for his mommy and daddy. After years of infertility, the parents had decided to be content with not having children of their own. Although their hearts longed to have children, they accepted and trusted God with everything they had.

One of my favorite passages of scripture comes from Philippians 4:11-13:

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who gives me strength."

In my life too, I've learned that when I worry, nothing comes from it. Contentment doesn't always come easy to me. There are times when I'll privately throw a pity party, or wail and woller in my disappointment, and it does nothing, but when I finally am content in the situation, God blesses, in one way or another. For me it's been through a job, a new friend, business opportunity, even funds. It always comes at the most unexpected times, and I'm so grateful for those moments. We serve a God who is loving, who is faithful, and who is in control.

Thank you Nikki and Kevin, for reminding me this week of the awesome God we serve.

84/365 - Never make a famer mad

Over the years my dad and I have had some great bonding times. Whether it was playing basketball in the driveway, going shooting, climbing on glaciers, or hiking up Flat Top mountain in Alaska, I've always enjoyed our conversations and the time we've spent together.

Yesterday however, I witnessed a sort of father-son bonding time that was quite impressive and perhaps a bit therapeutic.

Nothing says "male bonding time" like running over an old car together with tractors.

What? That wasn't THEIR old car? Well I guess this is why you never make a farmer mad. Reminds me of a scene out of "Second Hand Lions"...salesman beware.

-Steve

83/365: in training

One of my earliest memories of Stephen is him playing basketball. When I was in high school I was a cheerleader, Stephen bball starter. Cliche? Probably.
He would agree that he lived and breathed basketball in high school. If he wasn't playing a game or at practice he was shooting hoops at Joe c's house, showing off for me in his parents drive, or at the park running some extra sprints by himself.
He still plays today- every Sunday night. And I'm convinced that he takes breaks at work to shoot hoops in the gym.
I'm not certain that J will follow in his daddy's footsteps but I'm fairly certain he'll be an athlete. He knows how to throw a ball already and loves throwing his blocks all over the house and chasing them down. Maybe he'll follow after me and prefer sports with dirt, grass, and chalk lines. He has recently began liking to put his blocks back into the bucket. I'm certain dad will encourage this.
I look forward to seeing my boys playing ball in the driveway and Stephen teaching him all he knows. I know I say it all the time, but I love my boys!!!

82/365: Outdoorsman

Here's our sweet boy. Jaden has been taking steps lately, a lot of them. He loves to crawl and pull up too. I love it when he pulls up to me like this and just looks at me like "Hi mom, I love you. " I think this photo is the perfect example of how I will always remember my little boy, even as he grows up. Maybe it's hormones, but just looking at this photo brings tears to my eyes. My little boy is growing up already, and I'm so not ready.

As Jaden turned one on Monday, we ventured to meet up with his cousins and aunt and spent the day at the park. We had lots of fun taking photos with the girls. It was tough getting all of them happy and looking at the same time, but we managed. :)

I learned that Jaden is going to be quite the outdoorsman. It was his first time in the leaves and he LOVED them. He was so excited to pick them up and throw them around, and of course, crawl around in the dirt, during photos. Looking forward to the warmer weather so we can head outside and play in the backyard together.

Jaden, stay this sweet, always. I love you.

81/365 - So close... yet so far

Have you ever really thought about how close heaven is? I mean really thought about it? Any given day, as Christ followers, we are half a second away from heaven. Some people may think me morbid for bringing this up, because death stands between us and heaven. But I assure you that there is nothing morbid about death for the spirit who is in relation with the author and giver of life. For such life is never quenched and death is nothing more than a doorway... the butterfly's cocoon, so to speak.

I've been thinking about how God created all this beauty around us and how much more beautiful it will be when paradise lost becomes paradise restored. These last few days I have spent time meditating on, and laying my joy in the paradise that awaits us. I have to admit that I long for it. I am extremely blessed in this life and I am so thankful for every day that is given to me. Yet I put my joy not in the things of this world, but in the promise and the hope of an eternity with my Lord, my Love, my Redeemer, and my Friend.

Nothing compares to Him. As much as I try, I can't imagine what it will truly be like... and that makes it all the more wonderful.

Alway and forever...

...in His grip,

Steve

80/365: Dance Your Pants Off

I realize that this is one of those photos that I can pull out on Jaden's first date to embarrass him in front of his date. I also realize that this is only cute because he's a baby :) Last night as the festivities came to a close, Jaden crashed. He took a 2 1/2 hour nap, and after supper he was ready to rock!! We opened up all his new toys from his party and he was so excited about playing with them that he crawled away from me to play with them before I could get a new diaper on him! He was bouncing around, walking, and crawling everywhere with no pants.

Just thought this was funny and hope you can get a good giggle out of it. Or at least a smile.

79/365: Have One's Cake and Eat it Too

Yesterday was Jaden's 1st birthday party. We had a great time with friends and family, and most of all, watching Jaden devour his first cupcake. Obviously from the photo you can tell that he loved it.

This time last year we were admitted into the hospital for the second time that day, after walking around stores in Hannibal as the snow came down. We had no idea what to expect from this little bundle of joy, or the experience of child birth. 24 hours after arriving at the hospital the first time, our little boy had arrived. It's hard to believe it's been a year.

78/365: Photoshoot Extravaganza

Have you ever tried to photograph your own kid? By yourself? At age 1?
I've had clients tell me before that they wanted a professional to photograph their child because they just wouldn't cooperate for just mom or mom and dad. I totally empathized with these clients yesterday. We ventured out to take Jaden's photos (he and I) and I came up with 10 shots....total.

Jaden had at that time fallen asleep so I did what I knew would work. Daddy to the rescue!! After a long day working yesterday, I recruited Stephen to come with me to help entertain Jaden while I shot. Problem solved. I love when I stumble upon ideas. This was one such case. There just so happened to be a plane sitting at the airport so I took advantage of it. So to the owner of this plane ...we didn't touch it I promise! Just used it as a prop. :)

More images to be shared on Jaden's actual birthday. But until then, today I've been busy prepping for his birthday party tomorrow. An extra thanks to Chris for chopping chicken, veggies, and fruit all afternoon and to Don for vacuuming our entire downstairs.

77/365- Dirty Job...

Ever heard someone say "its a dirty job, but someone has to do it"? Well today was one of those days. I spent several hours playing "cowboy" today. Cory and I chased down and tackled calves to put a tag in their ear, and remove their... seeds (if they had'em). I have to admit, it was a little different than I imagined it, but I got used to it after the first one.

So to enlighten those of you who have never had this experience, it begins with chasing the calf down and separating it from it's mother. We used the modern day horse (ATV's) to chase them down. Then you grab, or in my case "tackle", the calf and hold it down to pierce and tag its ear. The removing the seed part... well... we won't get into that. So 9 calves later, you look kinda like this.

Although to be honest, some of the mud came from me rolling a 4 wheeler in a creek and not from the calves. Everything turned out good, but laying on my back in the creek watching the ATV rolling toward me sure got my heart pumping. It got my feet moving too and I got away from it. The best part was Cory having to get into the creek with me to roll it back over. That'll teach him to laugh at me! :)

All in a days work... oh wait... it was on my day off. That's my kind of fun. Is that normal?

-Steve

76/365- My love

Its no secret or surprise that this is my better half. She is a loving mother, a supportive wife, and my best friend. Oh yeah, plus she's gorgeous! That's just a bonus though. :)

These last two weeks have been crazy for me and she has bore the brunt of it, enduring long hours of being alone with Jaden, late nights alone, and me venting my frustrations when I am home. She seems to take it in stride, picking up my slack, and setting me straight when I begin to lose focus. She is the rock that this family is built on.

I owe her more than I could ever pay back.

I love you honey.

-Steve

75/365: kick back

I'm writing again tonight because it's my husband's birthday and I know he is tired. I know this because as we drive home from the movies he is quiet and blank.
I don't think he's recovered from the weekend yet. Hopefully when we get home he can kick back and find his much needed rest. I'm sorry I don't have the photo that I want on my phone, so another photo of j will have to do.

So happy birthday to my best friend and lover. I love you. To quote him from yesterday, "it doesn't get any better when you marry your best friend."

74/365 - The Marathon

This past week was a long week with an even longer weekend. We put on a "Disciple Now" weekend for our students and anytime you plan for a youth weekend event you can always count on three things.

1. Someone gets hurt. (5 minutes in DNOW, 3 stitches for Ben)

2. Plans changing (Host home got sick, students moved houses)

3. Drama (such is youth ministry)

So why do they (those men and women who lead, help, and volunteer their time and resources to students) do what we do? We love students and believe that they are worth every stitch, every cough, and every tear that they may give us. We do it to touch a day we'll never see. We want our students to know what an authentic relationship with God is and the infinite joy that He brings.

We realize that our impact on their lives is not a sprint, its a marathon. We don't run because its easy, or even fun at times. I think any parent will tell you the same thing. We run because every step builds strength, character, trust, and love.

We run because we know... we never run alone.

-Steve

73/365: The Simplest Things

Jaden teaches us things everyday. Tonight he reminded me that I should find joy in even the simplest things in life...like splashing in the bathtub, or sticking letters on my forehead.



The Lord has blessed us with this amazing thing called life, and we should find joy in the everyday things.

72/365: Cameleon Kitty

You probably forgot that we even have a cat. I tried to take a photo of her to blog about and this is what I ended up with. I think she thinks she's a cameleon rather than a kitty. Although she's not as cool as this guy.

Cali used to be a cool cat. Our friends Ryan and Katie used to call her "Mofo" because of her crazy backflips she used to do in her younger years. Now she's just lazy...come to think of it, she sounds a little like me. :/

She probably sleeps for 18 hours a day- no joke, and she's the cuddly one, not Sasha. She loves being in your lap while you're on the computer and laying on the top of the couch while you're watching tv. She snuggles with blankets and sleeps on my side and keeps me warm. She's the best. Even though I love our dog, I have to admit I'm still a cat person. At least a Cali person.

71/365: The Corners

D-Now weekend is in full swing. I've spent the last 2 hours in a smoke filled bowling alley with 40 teenagers and a few fun adults.

I smell like stale smoke but I am too tired to shower.

We're hosting "The Corners" this weekend for our D-Now. Check them out. They are really good and we've had a blast getting to know them tonight.

TTFN. (Yes I said it)

70/365: snuggle bunny

I'm laying here on the couch with a blanket and I'm super annoyed that I was finished blogging and it deleted the entire thing from my phone. :(

I am writing this whole week because Stephen is extremely busy and I love the dude. Maybe he'll make it up to me when April gets busy for me with sessions.

The past couple of nights I've felt like someone punched me in the gut. Not a good feeling. when I feel like this I just want a blanket and to wrap up and snuggle with Stephen. Tonight he is hard at work typing out a PowerPoint presentation for the weekend, so I guess his back on my forehead will have to do. I'm laying on the couch and the hum of the furnace is putting me in a trance.

If you've been around our son much you'll know that he sucks his thumb, grabs his blankie and snuggle when he's sick or tired. I think he gets this from his mom. I was never a thumb sucker (and am currently not either- haha people) but I want nothing more than to just curl up and be taken care of when I feel this way.

I hope he doesn't suck his thumb forever, but I do hope that he stays my little snuggle bunny for a while. There's nothing sweeter. Beg to differ? Just babysit for us and see when he falls asleep in your arms. :)

69/365: blah

Tonight we are both feeling sick. Laying in bed with headaches, steve's behind his right eye, and mine my left. We're quite the pair. Just the thought of eating anything right now- especially thus makes me want to barf. It's funny how something so good a day ago looks disgusting to me today.
You're going to be sick of my word since you'll be hearing from me a lot this week as Steve preps for d-now week. I promise to be a little more creative. Call me lazy.

68/365: Shopping buddy

I love taking jaden shopping. He's such a joy. He loves to look at all the clothes and touch them. He rides along in the stroller, bouncing his feet along rhythmically.

He gets plenty of female attention from ladies of all ages. I think that's his favorite. In fact he receives so much attention that I start to wonder what's wrong with the people I pass that don't smile at him or talk to him. Maybe I think my baby's too cute...? Probably.

Today he was a trooper. Taking nana to the airport, exploring antique malls, hobby lobby, the mall, and home goods all in one day. He consumed an entire bowl of cheerios and a package of mum mums while leaving a debris field around us. He also wanted to yell da da and ma ma everywhere we went. Poor little guy slept all the way home. He would outlast daddy any day on a shipping trip. I love this lil guy.

Working on a fun ( I hope) project tonight that will save me around $75. Let's hope it turns out as nice. Off to play with my son until bedtime.

Thank you lord for blessing us with such a precious, sweet boy.

67/365: cheater cheater pants on fire

My volleyball coach in high school used to say "cheater cheater pants on fire" all the time. Tonight Stephen is being a cheater cheater pants on fire. His day to blog and he wanted to do it in the morning...for today..again. I'll give him a break though since he's crashing on the couch tonight while we have a house full of guests.

66/365: 30 For 30

Last week I came across a blog that introdeced the idea of "30 for 30". The basic idea of it is to get the most out of your wardrobe. Hang in there guys, I know you're already bored. It's called "remixing" and here's what you do. Pick 30 items from your closet, shirts, shoes, and bottoms. Accessories do not count. Your goal is to create 30 different stylish outfits out of your 30 pieces of clothing. You can take a month, 6 months, a year... it's really up to you. I'm currently on outfit number 3.


The girl who started the blog has much better photos than I do on the blog because I haven't taken the time to really take good photos and it's weird taking photos of myself. Poor Steve is probably tired of me asking him to take a picture of me already.

Anyhow, I love this idea and it's been so fun to do. A couple things I've realized is that I don't branch out and take risks with my outfits as much as I wish I would. A friend of mine is doing this too and she's even drawing each item out of a bowl for each time she chooses an outfit which makes it super fun.

Another thing I've learned is that I have a few stores that I REALLY like to shop for clothes at...as you'll see in the repeats. (Forever 21 and Target being 2 of them) I'm also not above Walmart, just so you know. ;)

I'm not even sure that anyone will REALLy care about this outfit adventure I'm embarking on, but I thought it may be fun to share in case anyone else wants to try it.
I also wanted to explain why I may be looking a little crazy in the next few months with my outfit choices. I have a feeling that once I get to about outfit 15 I'm going to be scrambling to put a new spin on things. :)

Forgot to add arrows to this last one for "Target". Almost the entire outfit came from Target. (cardigan, belt, yellow tank, and denim skirt (maternity section) ) The necklace is from World Market.

My hope is that I can be more creative in my wardrobe...and that it will stop me from shopping for a while....Let's hope so.

65/365- Little Helper

We have been blessed to spend time with our good friend Don Farris over the last few days. Don recently underwent knee replacement surgery and has graciously accepted our invitation to spend time with us while he heals up. Don has a true love for Christ and it is a pleasure to be able to just hang out with him.

They say that laughter is the best medicine (outside of the pain killers) and I believe Jaden is trying his best to help Don recover. As Don makes his way around the house, Jaden is never far behind and in some cases... in front... spurring Don on.

I guess our Little Helper thought Don could use some extra "umph" in this picture.

So thoughtful.

-Steve

64/365: captivated

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

The skies display his craftsmanship. Psalm 19:1

I had forgotten about the crazy weather that the midwest gets during the spring. I guess I was a little occupied last spring with little man about to make his debut. In the past 2 months we've had over 2 feet of snow, tornado warnings, and 70 degree weather. I prefer the 70 degrees but that's just me. :)

In the midst of all the crazy weather patterns we've been seeing, we've also been having some beautiful skies. Stormy weather produces some of the most gorgeous cloud formations.

Call me a little dreamy but there's times when I feel like the sunset was painted especially for me by my heavenly pursuer. They're gentle reminders that he still seeks after my heart. He does it for me and he does it for you. I read the book "captivated" by staci eldridge and it completely changed my view on who Christ is and his love for us. If you haven't read it and you're a woman, you are missing out!

The creator of the universe desires to be loved by you, and is pursuing after you. He paints you beautiful sunsets and gives you the gift of laughter. The thought of that makes me smile and sigh to feel that loved. My prayer is that you too will become completely captivated by your heavenly pursuer and bask in the love he has for you.

63/365: Blueberry Boy

I know that most everyone thinks that their child is amazing, awesome, and just perfect. I do know that Jaden has his flaws, but he is pretty incredible. One of the coolest things about this kid is that he can put down anything! I don't think there's anything he's turned away when it comes to food. He's a machine! Tonight he had half an avocado for supper and this afternoon, a lot of blueberries....See below....
I love getting him to try new foods. Maybe he won't be as picky of an eater as Stephen and I were as kids.



Yummm!!!!
All gone!
Makes me grow Big and Strong!
And keeps me cute too. :)
Dearest Jaden,

You are the sweetest little boy I know.
Please always stay sweet to your mommy.

-Love Mom.

62/365: Pico De Gallo

I'm taking the easy way out today and posting a recipe for my favorite pico.

It's gorgeous outside...at least I think it is. We're about to find out when Jaden and I take a walk shortly.

Pico reminds me of summer, and I'm anxious for summer to get here so it only seemed fitting.

First off a little history about myself and pico. My first attempt to make pico came in the middle of the summer when I was in college. My roommate Nicole and I decided we'd try our hand at it without a recipe. Sure we knew what was in it! Wrong! Since then I've been trying to find the perfect pico concoction. I'm not even sure where I found the recipe since I don't use a recipe anymore. I guess that tells you I like to make it a lot. Anyhow, here it is for your tasting pleasure. It's a yummy and healthy snack. In fact I admit dripping a little of this on the camer in between takes. Whoops.

Pico De Gallo

4-5 plump tomatoes

1 yellow or white onion

1/4 bunch of cilantro

2 splashes of lime juice

about a teaspoon of minced garlic (garlic powder will do but minced is better

1-2 jalapenos, with seeds

a couple of dashes of S&P

Chop all ingreedients and add to bowl.

eat with tortilla chips or pita chips. Great on tacos too.

The end. :)

61/365: Side Job?

I was recently looking for a bag to carry sample products to show potential clients and brides. I needed something large, durable, and of course cute. Luckily my friend Mila from church was having a thirty-one party. I think that I could sell this stuff if I had the time. Side job perhaps someday??

Anyhow, the company is a christian run company, based on the verses out of Proverbs 31. Pretty cool. Their bags and other products are adorable. I had such a hard time picking. Look out you guys, because I may be hosting one of these parties this summer. Who knows, maybe I'll be selling it in the near future?? (I can feel my husband's eyes rolling as he reads this)