Taxes = Frustration, Bitterness = a reason to give

So I’ve been trying to psych myself up to tackle our taxes almost every day for the last two weeks. Turns out I am also a fount of excuses on why it is impossible to get started. Reasons may vary from ‘I must plant the blueberry bushes before they die’ to ‘it’s sunny, and no one does taxes when it’s sunny’. Both completely legit reasons I’m sure. Especially considering my blueberry bushes are still sitting outside the garage doors.  However, while dragging my feet, I have also been brainstorming. How can we help make someone else’s day brighter than the dark cloud of the IRS? (At least it’s a burden we all share, right?) The answer we have unanimously decided upon is this: Any weddings booked before the black cloud lifts (April 15th) will include a complimentary engagement session. Our gift to you, to ourselves, to any and all who are listening. There. Now I feel cheered enough to go don my battle garb and fight the good fight with turbo tax. Wish me luck! Or a fabulous refund.

** Another incredible bit of invaluable info to share – La Belle Elaine’s Bridal is having their huge Red Tag sale this weekend. Gowns starting at $500. If that doesn’t put a spark in your step and  a song in your heart I don’t know what will.

Here are a few reminders of how fun an engagement session can be:

S&Kk 7 shorizontalE&Berin & Brian

Aquarium Birthday Celebration

We celebrated Addison & Landon’s birthdays this weekend with a kidrageous party at the Seattle Aquarium.  Superhero capes (compliments of my moms stellar sewing abilities), touch tanks with squishy animals to poke, and enough energy to fuel a rocket into space made for a truly exceptional Saturday afternoon.  Thank you everyone for making the trek and celebrating our two little superheros with us.  A party isn’t a party without friends.

blog G

The best kind of family portrait.  Happy, exhausted and completely enjoying the moment.

blog Fblog Kblog I

Up, up and away!!!

blog Cblog Ablog P

Don’t you wonder what’s so funny?  I think it had something to do with the oreo in Colton’s mouth, but I’m sure we wouldn’t understand even if explained.

blog Oblog Q

Touch tanks squishy, ishy fun.

Touch tanks squishy, ishy fun.

blog u

Watch the slideshow for some more photobooth fun!

Can’t seem to get enough

Babies are sweet, heartwarming and trigger every sentimental, loving molecule in my body.  A baby that I watched enter the world?  Well, she basically has my number for life.  Let’s just hope she doesn’t use it against me anytime soon.

It was nice to have a little time to visit with Rylee and take some updated snaps of Nadia yesterday.  As it turns out, Rylee is learning the intricacies of grace that is extended to all mothers who try to have a schedule or make any plans, no matter how simple, that never see the light of day.  It’s a confidence booster for me as I’m feeling a little more pulled together these days.  Rylee will soon trump me in that category again but I’m taking this moment to stand on my mountain top and revel in the feeling.

Beautiful doesn’t begin to describe her, so I’m not even going to try.  You can just look.

kbcmfeldigjh

Baby toes, is there anything better?

Baby toes, is there anything better?

Sneek peek

I learned a few really valuable lessons today. So priceless in fact that I feel it my duty as a mom, photographer, friend and citizen to pass on this bit of wisdom to all I encounter. Print up pamphlets, wear a button, silk screen t-shirts, hire a troubadour to write a lyrical ballad. The last might be a bit much, but still ranks my favorite and definitely something I’d like to be responsible.

Rules for photographing children:

1. Moms are not the best person to photograph their own children past the age of 6 months (I’ve known this for quite some time, which is probably why I avoid it like the plague, but sometimes certain evils are necessary.)

2. Music, music, music. Seriously, who doesn’t cooperate while enjoying a little dance party?

3. Forget your plans, expectations, pride, or any preconceived ideas you may hold for the end result.

4. Wear play clothes. aka: don’t be afraid to get really dirty

5. Realize that if you’re not playing, you’re not fun. Nobody wants to play with a grumpy. No one. If you are grumpy, go home.

6. There is nothing wrong with bribery. Nothing whatsoever. It teaches bartering and the art of negotiation.

7. 20 minutes. You’re only entertaining for as long as you’re shiny and bright. I’ve found that my sheen wears off in about 20 minutes.

More to come, but here is a brief showing of today’s endeavor. Addison turned two on Saturday so we are celebrating her birthday pretty much all month. She seems okay with that plan.

This is Addison's Ready, set, go! pose.  Completely self taught.

This is Addison's Ready, set, go! pose. Completely self taught.

ac

Anticipation

“Some things arrive in their own mysterious hour, on their own terms and not yours, to be seized or relinquished forever.”

Babies are a tricky business.  Even before they arrive they complicate and mystify.  Baby Addilyn has been announcing her presence for months, causing upheaval and ‘all-eyes-on-me’ attention.  Basically the rule book for little girls.  A little bed rest does a body good, but I’m pretty sure Juliana would agree the time has come to meet and greet their little newcomer. I know I’m looking forward to seeing her scrunchy face.  I have had the delightful pleasure of knowing Juliana since she was a Junior in high school, follow her journey through nursing school at Azusa Pacific and the honor of photographing  her wedding to Tyler.  I know it sounds hallmarky (I’m 150% sure that’s a word), but she holds a special place in my heart.   If she is one tenth as sweet, kind, loyal and loving a mother as she is  a friend then I know that I will have something to learn from her.  You two have experienced a bit of a rocky 9 month road and yet your joy and excitement is palpable.  Your strength is grounded in your love of God, each other and your trust that your little girl is in hands much larger than your own.

Here’s hoping your mysterious hour draws near.

J&T 1J&T 3J&T 4J&T 2J&T 5J&T 12J&T 6J&T 13J&T 8J&T 14J&T 11J&T 9J&T 16J&T 7J&t 15

To enjoy more click the slideshow below.