Just Me

I have been asked for a picture to go along with a bio/press release, so Emma & I went out and took a few this morning. Not to shabby for a mom who chases around 4 girlies all day!

My Miss Em

Emma’s school had their monthly student body assembly today, and I went because Emma’s class was performing a short play. It was pretty cute, it was about farm animals who were too old and were no longer useful on the farm so they were heading to “Brementown” to become big rap stars. Emma played one of the “back-up” rappers and wore one of Aaron’s T-Shirts and a pair of his jeans ~ she was completely swimming in them! She did a great job!

The highlight of the assembly, for me, though was when the teachers gave out their Student of the Month Awards. Emma’s teacher awarded her the “Caring Student of the Month Award” this month because she said Em was one fo the most thoughtful, caring students in her class. She’s always helping the other students, and is always willing to lend a hand. Normally parents are notfied prior to the assembly so they can make sure to be there, but this time, Mrs. Luke forgot to let us know so it was a complete surprise to not only Emma, but to me, as well!

How wonderful is it that I have raised a daughter who is so sweet and helpful to the other students in her class? I am so proud of her!

I caught this picture of Reagan today ~ she was sitting in the chair next to me watching cartoons very intently. I was trying to get a picture of her profile, but she turned and looked at me & I snapped this one.

Just a rooster we saw on our way to school this morning. I thought he was awfully pretty & needed to have his picture taken.

Walking

Every morning, I take my three older girls and Asia to school at 8, which leaves about four hours that I either get by myself, or get to spend with Reagan if she’s not at her dad’s house.

This morning happened to be one of the mornings I was completely alone and the weather was gorgeous (though a bit chilly), so I went for a walk. Sometimes I just like to walk to clear my head, sometimes to think over a problem I’m having, or sometimes just for the fun of finding new things. Most of the time, I go on walks or hikes to relax.

One of my favorite quotes is:

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.

~ John Burroughs ~

That quote describes my personality completely . . . I was raised in nature, and I’ve always had such a strong connection to all things wild. My walk this morning only lasted a little over an hour, but I came home revived and ready to tackle anything that came my way.

Brand New Baby

I made it to La Grande this weekend to photograph baby Makenna Kathryn, who was born Thursday night. She weighed 7 lbs. 2 ozs. and was 21″ long. I photographed her on Saturday afternoon before she left the hospital, and again Sunday in her new home.

A few of my favorites:

And one with big brother, Blaine:

Puppies, puppies, puppies!

The hardest thing I’ve ever photographed. I had a session a little over a week ago for a lady who raises English Labradors (basically labs with a little bulkier head). They’re beautiful, but show dogs are SO hard! They have to be positioned *just* right, especially the studs. She needed pictures of her two studs and three female puppies; the studs for breeding, and the puppies for selling. I had a total blast, but I was completely worn out when it was over!

Here are a few pictures:

The puppies that are up for sale.

The puppies’ dad, Angus.

Another of the studs, Cirano.

Lillian 10 Months

My one and only niece from my side of the family. Lillian is a 10-month-old princess, doted on by her dad and three older brothers. I wanted to try out some new fabric I had with her as my guinea pig. I love these!

Signs of Spring

One of the first plants around her to start strutting their stuff when Spring is just around the corner is Witch Hazel. My parents have a HUGE bush of it in their yard, and I had never before noticed the funky shape and colors of the blooms. Had to get an image of it, so here you go, signs of Spring (especially for you, Misty).

Blaine & baby ?????

I had my first paying maternity session last weekend, and this is my absolutely favorite image from the session. This is Blaine. He hugs and kisses “his” baby every morning, and when I asked him what he thought the baby was, he just said, “it’s a surprise”. Turns out, baby girl Makenna Kathryn decided to join this world last night. I’m headed back to La Grande tomorrow to take brand new baby pictures, and I CAN’T WAIT!!!

Here’s Blaine & his baby Makenna:

Time flies . . .

Reagan, my Baby Angel (her nickname), turned four recently. She got a really cute new outfit for her birthday from Aaron’s mom and step-dad, Tom & Carol, and she wanted to model for pictures. Also, Carol wanted pictures of her in it, so Reagan & I had a little “fashion” shoot the day of her birthday.

Here’s my Baby Angel all big!

More Cabo Pictures ~ and an update.

Well, I’m really slow getting these pictres out, but I have an excuse, I’ve been really sick. The week after getting back from Cabo, I got an infected tooth that ended up abcessing. It not only hurt like crazy, but it made me physically sick, too. I had the abcess lanced and the tooth filled on Thursday, so I’m on the road to recovery now.

At any rate, I’m just starting to go through all these. Here are a few more of my favorites.