Super hot weather + super energetic kiddos + a hose + a cool umbrella = awesome!
Anyone who knows me knows that I don't cook. I like to cook, but often, I'm just too lazy to do it. My husband has much more patience and know-how than I do in the kitchen.
Buuuuuut, my sweet sis bought Virge this awesome cookbook for Father's Day and the kids and I were so inspired, we had to try out a few recipes tonight. We made the Turkey and Rice Mice, sweet potato fries, and creamed spinach for dinner. For dessert, the ever-so-tasty and surprisingly healthy carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.
We mostly chose these dishes because the pictures looked so good in the book (who doesn't do that?), but I was VERY impressed with how each dish turned out exactly how it was pictured and even better, they were delicious! The kids really enjoyed helping to grate the carrots and apples for the cupcakes, but their favorite part was mashing together the turkey/rice mixture for the mice. Even my husband (who thinks all things Weight Watchers have no taste at all) said we could make this dinner again. Thanks so much, Nee Nee!
The only negative of trying to cook in the kitchen with the boys was trying to deal with my sweet little tyrannical toddler. Don't let the pictures fool you...she's hit the "Terrible Two's" and she's not even two yet. Fortunately, she gives us just enough cute that we still put up with her:
Recently, I've caught her walking around the house WITH MY CAMERA!! Yikes!!!! I mean, I'd love to encourage her and all, but she certainly isn't ready for the big guns just yet. Although, I did let her snap a few pictures of us during playtime the other day.
The one thing I've found that *can* keep her happy for about 15 minutes (and that's a good chunk of time) is Connect Four. She could seriously put the checkers in and release them over and over again and it never gets old. However, the main reason I posted those pics was to show off her beautiful little anklet made by one of my clients. Check out her site: Rimix Jewelry! I'm sorry because I feel like the pics don't do it justice. Unfortunately, it was the only time I could get baby girl to stand still long enough for me to photograph the anklet ;-).
Okay, back to work now.
Buuuuuut, my sweet sis bought Virge this awesome cookbook for Father's Day and the kids and I were so inspired, we had to try out a few recipes tonight. We made the Turkey and Rice Mice, sweet potato fries, and creamed spinach for dinner. For dessert, the ever-so-tasty and surprisingly healthy carrot cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.
We mostly chose these dishes because the pictures looked so good in the book (who doesn't do that?), but I was VERY impressed with how each dish turned out exactly how it was pictured and even better, they were delicious! The kids really enjoyed helping to grate the carrots and apples for the cupcakes, but their favorite part was mashing together the turkey/rice mixture for the mice. Even my husband (who thinks all things Weight Watchers have no taste at all) said we could make this dinner again. Thanks so much, Nee Nee!
The only negative of trying to cook in the kitchen with the boys was trying to deal with my sweet little tyrannical toddler. Don't let the pictures fool you...she's hit the "Terrible Two's" and she's not even two yet. Fortunately, she gives us just enough cute that we still put up with her:
Recently, I've caught her walking around the house WITH MY CAMERA!! Yikes!!!! I mean, I'd love to encourage her and all, but she certainly isn't ready for the big guns just yet. Although, I did let her snap a few pictures of us during playtime the other day.The one thing I've found that *can* keep her happy for about 15 minutes (and that's a good chunk of time) is Connect Four. She could seriously put the checkers in and release them over and over again and it never gets old. However, the main reason I posted those pics was to show off her beautiful little anklet made by one of my clients. Check out her site: Rimix Jewelry! I'm sorry because I feel like the pics don't do it justice. Unfortunately, it was the only time I could get baby girl to stand still long enough for me to photograph the anklet ;-).
Okay, back to work now.
[As always, images from Xpressions sessions only receive basic edits for color/contrast, but no additional retouching]
In spite of starting at the crack of dawn, we fried today. What's up with the humidity in Austin?? Oi. But, I guess working with cute kiddos makes up for it. ;-)
Oh, and before I get a bazillion e-mails asking about mr. man's hat and onesie combo up there (yeah, I died, too), mom is on the case and she's supposed to be sending me links soon.
Meanwhile, I gotta buckle down here. I have to finish a bunch of proof galleries, fill orders, return e-mails, prepare for this week's sessions, and pack for my upcoming trips to L.A. (.emme. boudoir) and Utah (rockin' workshop with a bunch of online friends).
And then...in July, I'm finally taking a break. I mean, I'm taking the whole month of July OFF. I haven't had a real break since probably after Amry was born. I always promise myself I'll take January off to recover from the holiday rush, but this year, it simply did not happen. Seriously, it has been non-stop over here for way too long. Thankfully, my husband came to the rescue and gave me permission to take a rest. And I believe I will. I cannot wait to hang with the family, travel, and take pictures for leisure for a bit.
So, until then, I've got a few more sneak peeks for you, but after that, I hope it will get quiet on here. ;-) Happy summertime to everyone!!!
P.S. Speaking of the holiday rush, if you haven't booked your holiday session yet, you'll want to do that pretty soon. Typically, holiday sessions are held in Aug, Sept, and Oct. September and October are almost completely full and now they're starting to overflow into August. Eeep! Can you even believe it's almost that time again?
ETA: That awesome hat is from here. Onesie here.
I need to be stopped. I've officially gone crazy over these amazing iPhone cases from Get Uncommon (thanks a lot, Lyndsay ;-). I wasn't really sure about the quality until I saw it in person and wow! It's amazing! I may end up with a whole collection of these puppies.
Clients...if you have an iPhone, you've got to give this a try!!! In fact, if you want to use one of the images from any session with me, let me know and I would be happy to format it for you (the wrap can actually be a little tricky as I've learned and sometimes you need a little extra special photoshop work ;-). Contact me by the end of this month (even if you haven't actually had your session yet) and I'll help you out.
P.S. I think these would rock for seniors!
Clients...if you have an iPhone, you've got to give this a try!!! In fact, if you want to use one of the images from any session with me, let me know and I would be happy to format it for you (the wrap can actually be a little tricky as I've learned and sometimes you need a little extra special photoshop work ;-). Contact me by the end of this month (even if you haven't actually had your session yet) and I'll help you out.
P.S. I think these would rock for seniors!
Austin is losing such a super cool family, so we had a little photo session to help commemorate their best memories of Austin. Best of luck to you all in Dallas and Austin will miss you![I first met this beautiful family at an Xpressions session when she was only 6 months old - see pics 7 & 8. Our next one is coming up on June 20th and we have 2 early morning openings left. You absolutely cannot beat early morning sessions...cool, refreshing, amazing light. Come play! Especially all of those mommies due in August...it's a perfect time to capture those maternity portraits before the summer really sets in.]
