Tracie Howard Photography

It's a woman's preogative...isn't it?

2011-03-01T16:31:00.001-08:00

So after I published my post about turning my little photography hobby into a business the universe rose up to say

"Oh no she di 'int"

After the decision had been made I thought I would feel so good about it. Ready to take on a new challenge, learn, grow,expand.... all those things that come with opening a new chapter.

Well I didn't feel good about it, in fact I felt conflicted and overwhelmed.

I couldn't quite figure out why.

I had thought this was what I had always wanted to do, otherwise what was all this time and energy for?

So I knew I really needed to do some serious soul searching before I invested anymore time and especially money into my little business. So my soul searching has lead me to this conclusion.

I started taking pictures because I wanted, like almost every other photographer out there,

really great pictures of my kids.

I was getting those, picture after picture and I loved it!

I loved learning about my camera. I loved loved learning Photoshop and all it had to offer.

Somewhere along the lines my thinking changed.

Changed to thinking that if I got paid this would some how validate my talent.

That if I had 750 comments on my blog that I somehow had arrived.

Then I started doing something that if you know the inner most working of my mind (be very glad you don't because that is a scary place....scary like if you were doing an intervention on one of those hoarder shows scary)

I'm getting distracted...see what I mean about scary, anyway I started comparing my work with all those photographers out there.

And that ladies and gentlemen is my kryptonite!

I have always and when I say always I mean from the time I started elementary school,

have struggled with feelings of inadequacy.

So you can imagine what the World Wide Web would do from someone like me.

Blog after blog, website after website.... mix in my thought process and we are right back to the scary hoarding show I was talking about.

So let's bring this very long blog post to a conclusion shall we? Like I said I started doing this to get really good pictures of my kids, and I know I can do that and do it well. It's my happy place, the place where I feel creative and talented. But that was getting lost the more I tried to turn it into something it isn't, and what it isn't is a business.

It is a hobby, a hobby I really love, a hobby that has literally changed the way I look at the world.

And for now that's the way it is going to stay. Don't get me wrong if someone calls and says,

"Please Please will you take my picture"

I will and I will charge them but please know this is my hobby. I am not a professional photographer

I charge people because I do have expenses and it is time away from my family, so if we understand each other then I feel like we both know what we're getting into.

Cue sigh.....so there it is in all it's rambling glory, the reasons I will still be taking pictures but I won't be traveling the world peddling my talent ...be it ever so humble.

Remember what I said about taking pictures of my kids, well here are a few I shot last week that I am swooning over, I hope you do too.

Baby "J"

2011-02-09T16:14:00.000-08:00

" Little Miss" was ready for her close up!
Her little tummy was full and she was fast asleep, so we went right to work

(if you can call it that...I certainly don't)

I wish I could photograph newborns everyday,

It really is my favorite!

Ode to Photoshop

2011-01-22T08:56:00.000-08:00

Webster's online dictionary describes an Ode as "A lyric poem marked by exaltation of feeling and style"

I not going to write a poem, but I am going to write with an "exaltation of feeling."

I Love Photoshop! Love it like I want to marry it! Don't tell Derek.

He will read this so,

Derek you know I Love You and I do love Photoshop a little less than you.

Seriously though I enjoy the editing part of the session as much I do the shooting.

I love to see what transpires when I start to edit and with Photoshop it brings an element of surprise and another level of creativity to the session!

Just so you know what I am talking about I am posting some "Before and After Shots"

Before

After

Before

After
Before

After

So now do you see why I count Photoshop as one of my blessings, right along with my husband and children (husband and children totally come before Photoshop)

Now onto a different topic I have given my blog and my little photography business a lot of thought in this a new year. The conclusion I have come to is...I am ready to take the plunge into a full blown business! I'm nervous but excited. I am going to start off very small, hoping to schedule one or two sessions a week. I still have 5 kids at home so my main focus is still on my family.
So stayed tuned there are going to be a lot of changes for "Tracie Howard Photography"
A new website, a new camera, new lights, new props, new pricing, you get the idea.
The hope is to be ready to launch in the early spring, March or April
Wish me luck and then after you wish me luck call and schedule a shoot!

Rain, Sleet, Hail, and Snow!

2010-12-14T23:15:00.000-08:00

Well I did it... I shot a wedding!
And yes there was rain, there was hail, and there was...well you get the idea!
{we shot this shindig on Thanksgiving weekend 2010... the weekend of the storm that will go down in history!}
Is that a little dramatic? Umm maybe.
We shot outside for a total of 2.4 seconds.
As the risk of freezing our hind parts was very high.
But all in all I think we got some shots we can both be happy about!

But this has stressed me out like no other shoot has.
There is a lot of pressure shooting a wedding, so I've decided I will do one a year!
So if you are getting married in 2011 and you want me to shot your wedding.
I have one spot open, one and only one.
Otherwise I will die from a stress overdose {and I'm sure that is a totally real cause of death!}

Oh and by the way I have received a lot of phone calls {OK maybe not a lot} of people saying

"I was looking at your blog the other day and..."

So all you people looking at my blog please feel free to leave a comment letting me know you stopped by.

I prefer nice comments, I can handle constructive criticism, but mean or "annonoymous" comments, I am really not a fan.

{sorry haters}

So come on people show me some comment love!

Don't be shy!

The time has come.....

2010-11-29T09:04:00.000-08:00

Sydni, If you are reading this then you know we have to finish these!

Let's go do a day and shoot in the snow

I'll make you look even more fabulous than you already do!

Ghost Town Engagement

2010-11-15T17:54:00.000-08:00

I have been holding onto this session for 6 weeks!
I wanted her to get her announcements out first.
So the with the announcement delivered I thought I'd post these.
They were so fun to take and so fun to edit!

Five!

2010-11-07T19:46:00.000-08:00

Yep she is 5!

She amazes me everyday!

Her confidence is something I admire.

I smile to myself at how stubborn she is....because I know where she got it.

Her love for all things girlie I adore.

Simply put....indescribably, undeniably, unequivocally

I love her!

Just a few shots of her "Birthday Table"

we did for her party.

To me blue and pink just sing

"Little Girl"

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2010-10-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

BEWARE!

"E" Family

2010-10-28T20:13:00.000-07:00

I have been taking pictures of this family way before
I was able to put my name in the same sentence with the word "photographer."
Thank You for sticking with me "E" Family!
I still want to be photographer when I grow up!

Mad Love for this boy! He is about as cute as they come!

October.....love

2010-10-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

No Spring nor Summer beauty hath such grace
As I have seen in one Autumnal face
-John Donne

Hello....Harold

2010-10-13T23:27:00.000-07:00

Miss "V" and her purple balloon made for a perfect afternoon and perfect Senior Shoot!

Thanks Miss "V", a CD with your name on it {literally} is headed your way very soon!

Class of 2011

2010-09-16T18:16:00.000-07:00

Senior Picture time again, Tracie Howard Photograhpy is having a sale!

Book a session with me and I throw in a FREE custom designed Senior Announcement.

This is a $50 value.

My Senior Session fee is $125.00 this includes the sitting fee and a CD with 20 to 25 finished images for you to print as you like.

If I get enough Seniors that are interested I'll take a day and travel to the Ghost Town and do some of the pictures there.

So call me and let's book a session because the offer expires Oct 5th.

208 419 5382

Do You Believe in Ghosts?

2010-09-08T10:33:00.000-07:00

Ghost Town Family Shoot Preview

I Hope you love them as much as I loved taking them!

Words to live by...... and a smile or 3

2010-08-26T14:29:00.000-07:00

Without wood a fire dies out.
Without a quarrel gossip dies out.

~Anonymous
{strangely enough}

My Words

2010-08-11T21:42:00.000-07:00

I looked for a quote, someone elses words to explain her?
Someone else ?
Someone else doesn't know how she smells.
Someone else doesn't know how she feels
Someone else dosen't sneek into her room just to hear her breath.
She is all.
She is everything.

The "J" Family

2010-08-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

I sorta like these guys!

little man "o"

2010-07-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

This is now my newest nephew,
Baby Owen.
I did his entire session in black and white vintage,
Oh so dreamy.

In Honor of the Sullenger Family

2010-07-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard this family's story please go visit their blogs.

As a way to help the family I am donating a Family Photo Session.

With all the proceeds going to the Sullenger Family.

The winner of the auction will win a family session, this includes the sitting and a CD with 25 to 30 finished images to print as you would like.

If printing intimidates you I can help you with that too.

This is a $125.00 value so I will start the bidding at $125.00.

Please bid in $5 increments.

Leave a comment in the comment section to bid.

I will close the auction at midnight Thursday, July 22nd.

Let's raise a little money to help this little family.

Here are a few pictures of my family sessions

little miss "e"

2010-07-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

Little mr."t"

2010-07-02T00:35:00.000-07:00

This is my newest nephew, Tru.
He was so much fun to photograph!
Aww, what a way to spend an afternoon.

baby "h"

2010-06-07T22:32:00.000-07:00

"If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of God, one need not go far to find it. I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle.
-- Vincent van Gogh"

8 Is Enough

2010-04-20T23:51:00.000-07:00

3/4 = 8 Months = Too Fast!

Little Miss "c"

2010-04-13T14:21:00.000-07:00

Miss "c" was so calm and so intrigued with the camera we just laid her down and started snapping away.
I usually like sleepy sleepy babies, but those baby blue eyes were too gorgeous.

Just a thought ...and some Prettiness

2010-04-07T23:47:00.000-07:00

"Both Abundance and Lack of Abundance exists simultaneously in our lives as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend...when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that is present -love, health, family, friends, work, joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us happiness -the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth."
-Sarah Ban Breathnach

Mister baby "e"

2010-03-31T08:18:00.000-07:00

This little man was so sweet but not very sleepy...so we clicked the camera when his eyes were closed
and snuggled when they weren't.

baby "e"

2010-03-23T17:32:00.000-07:00

This Little Lovely did not want to miss a single minute of her shoot!
But she was no match for my "baby whispering" skills and a playschool maraca!

Just Because

2010-03-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

Both free sessions are scheduled,
one baby is already here and the other will be making his appearance next week.
So check back soon for the previews of those sessions plus a few that took advantage of the $50.oo deal.

A "just because" image, just because I love it so much.
This feels like my memories of her as this baby,
hazy and pale and lovely, and just out of my reach.
And quickly being replaced with an outspoken, creative, independent 5 year old.

"Sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture,
and save it from the funny tricks of time.
Slipping through my fingers all time"
~Mamma Mia

Help Wanted...

2010-03-12T08:16:00.000-08:00

I am in need of a baby.
Actually more than one, I'm in need of babies.
The newest of new babies. No more than 2 weeks old.
I really need to practice my newborn photography skills before all the summer babies are born.
Those sessions are already loosely scheduled depending on when they make their appearance.
So until then I need a few babies that have either been born in the the last couple of days,
or babies who's arrival is emanate.
I will do 2 sessions for FREE.
My sitting fee is $125.oo, so I kinda think it's a bargain.
The first 2 people to schedule a session will be free.
But for the rest of you who schedule a newborn session with me, you will get it at a discount price of $50.oo.
Starting today and going through April 15th.
So if you're pregnant or know someone who is, call me and let's take some pictures.
Feel free to contact me:
Tracie Howard Photography
208 356 4511
208 419 5382
And just for fun a few pictures of my baby who I happen think is most delicious
I think I'm a little obsessed with her at the moment.
If I could bottle her sweetness and smile I would do it in an instant!
I'm also a little obsessed with Vintage and Retro actions.
Retro Lollipop by Florabella is my favorite at the moment.
Used on the photos below.

I mean really look at that face and the little teeth coming in.
I'm smitten!

Bangs!

2010-03-11T10:21:00.000-08:00

Oh Yes...

She Did!

Baby Blues!

2010-02-26T10:40:00.000-08:00

Is it fair one baby has a head of hair like Little Miss "P"?
And the other baby has eyes like this?
I think not!
Beautiful!

Fresh Baked!

2010-02-21T21:56:00.000-08:00

Baby Ayla,
She is so new you can almost smell her!
Her cheeks are misleading, she is so tiny, so tiny but beautiful.
I'll take her picture any day.

Just a few more of Little Miss

2010-01-25T18:51:00.000-08:00

Kim Here You Go

2010-01-25T18:49:00.000-08:00

Sunshine on My Shoulder

2009-09-29T21:22:00.000-07:00

Little Miss "P"

This is my job?

Capturing a beautiful baby in beautiful light!

I should be paying them!

Senior Sneek Peek

2009-09-29T20:56:00.000-07:00

Just a little peek into the Senior Season ahead.
Loved my first senior session of
Miss "J"
Thanks for a great afternoon, hope you like what we've got so far!
By the way Miss "J"
You are crazy Beauty Full

Our "Showgirl"

2009-08-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

Lola Howard
August 20th, 2009
7 lbs 10 oz 20 inches

Maybe there's no such thing as a free lunch, but....

2008-12-16T16:01:00.000-08:00

This Christmas Card template is free here , the baby however, I'm sure her parents would say she's priceless!

If I was Oprah....

2008-12-06T12:51:00.000-08:00

I'm one of those people who is alway curious about the inside of people's homes,
especially at Christmas. Is that weird? Should I seek professional help?
Anywho I thought I would post a few pics of my Christmas Decor.
My stockings are my favorite of all my decorations.
I found them in the Country Living Magazine a few years ago.
I turned the page and there they were, they spoke to me, I had to have them.
I'll spare you the details of the hoops I had to jump through to get them.
What matters is that I have them and I love them.
If I was Oprah I'd give you all one, as they are my favorite thing.
{Try not to look at the mantle and the rock, I'm still looking for the perfect vintage mantle to replace the exsisting one.}
So if you are reading this, do me a favor, take a few pics of your favorite Christmas Decoration
and post them on your blog. Leave a link to your blog in my comment section.
If you're private {Abby L. and Natalie S.} send me an invite.
This will help me fill my strange desire to see how other people make their houses oh so festive.
I promise I won't show up on your doorstep, hehehe.

Thankful....

2008-12-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

A Thanksgiving Photo Shoot you can thank the Hill Family for.
Or I guess I can thank them for.
So Hill Family, thanks for having gorgeous children.
Thanks for having Miss Claire who brings a smile to my face, {I just can't help it!}
Thanks for laughing at my husband who thinks he's funny.
Thanks for a great Thanksgiving Weekend.
Whatdaya say we do it again for Christmas?

Eyes!

2008-11-21T15:40:00.000-08:00

The "L" family preview,
All 6 of their children have these gorgeous eyes
I can't even stand it?

The Letter of the Day is "J"

2008-11-17T20:45:00.000-08:00

Mr. "J's" Senior Pic Preview.
Handsome Devil !

Whatdaya Think "J"?

Ya like 'em?

Ye of Little Faith

2008-11-16T16:24:00.000-08:00

Senior pictures of my niece Jordyn.

Who by the way is "Foxy!"

Yea, I said "Foxy", I'm thinking about bring that word back.

I just like the sound of it.

Jordyn, thanks for a great afternoon.

Love your Guts, you Foxy Lady!

So There!

2008-11-11T10:40:00.000-08:00

Tyler here you go!

My brother-in-law Tyler was giving me a hard time about all the pictures I have of Andi Jane.

He said my other kids would feel bad that I have so many of her and not them.

To that I say she is the only that doesn't go running an screaming every time she sees me with my camera.

But in my defense I did see this hat and think to myself

"That would look great on Clay"

So I bought it and snapped some shots and here are a few of what we got!

I have been reading a bit on the Internet about copyright infringement. Basically people buying photoshop actions or textures or templates, and then claiming they created them as their own.

*Disclaimer; All the action I use on my photos are property of this person and this person and this company.

The only thing I can take credit for is the photography, which I hope you all like!

And.......

2008-11-06T20:18:00.000-08:00

Action!
Photoshop that is.
I just bought them from here.

They are too FUN so I thought I would share.

"Urban" St. Anthony Idaho Style

2008-10-29T23:17:00.000-07:00

Pics of a fun afternoon in St. Anthony. The client is a friend of mine from my ward, when she told me she wanted a more "urban" feel, this old bank in St. Anthony popped into my head. When we got there it was older and more worn down than I had remembered. Which happens to be just the way I like 'em! And I am adding texture to a couple of my photos these days, whatda ya think? Hate it, Love it, come on who's in a voting mood? Cast your ballot here, think of it as practice for Nov. 4th!

Awww, what fun photographing gourgous children

Candy Store

2008-10-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

Monday I arrived home from the annual Sisters weekend to Utah. It was filled with eating, and shopping, and eating, and laughing, and did I mention eating? We hit all our usual places, Gardner Village, Tai Pan, Park City Outlets. We did our part to help stimulate the economy. But for me the whole purpose in going was to hunt down and find Star Mill Antiques. I saw this place blog surfing one day on Tara Whitney's blog. I knew I had to go. So Monday found us in Draper, I was so close I could taste it. I called the store to get direction and to my utter disappointment they are only open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, "WHAT"? If I hadn't been driving and in a car with 6 other women I would have sat right down and bawled! I was sick, this was supposed to be the highlight of my trip and they were closed! After saying to my sister Suzann over a hundred times "I can't believe they are closed!" insert a whinny tone (Thanks Suz for not telling me to shut up and deal with it, because I'm sure you were thinking it after about the 20th time.) Anyway where was I, oh yea feeling sorry for myself. I decided "what the heck" I'm going to call the cell number on the recording and ask if they would possibly open the store for a heart broken, weary traveler. And much to my amazement he said "Sure, no problem" If I hadn't been driving and in a car with 6 other women I would have jumped up and down for joy! So we were off to Star Mill Antiques. And can I just tell you it did not disappoint! Daniel, the owner was more than accommodating, he told the history of the mill, let me pick his brain, answered all our questions, made us feel right at home. However after 7 women, 3 days of shopping and a minivan I was only able to take a few things home. So I left Daniel and Star Mill with a promise to be back soon with a truck to make the light blue armoire holding the quilts and the mannequin child with no arms, mine! Thank you again Daniel, it truly was a pleasure.

Old doors and windows like you wouldn't believe! I truly could have stayed all day going through all of it a piece at a time. The pictures just don't do it justice! Be still my beating heart.

Fashion Statement

2008-10-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

So I am sitting down to post this at 9:30 Monday morning.
I have splitting headache because she joined us at 2:00 a.m. and spent the rest of the night in our room.
We have already had a time out and an argument about what she wants for breakfast.
Silly me for thinking Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are not a breakfast of champions.
She has monopolized both the t.v. and the c.d. player,
so her brothers have retreated to their bedroom to avoid her wrath.
But, when she comes out of her room wearing this ensemble.
Declaring herself "feautiful"
It brings a smile to my very tired face.

We are all about the shoes in this house!

Snips and Snails

2008-10-03T18:04:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love baby shots!
Throw in an old truck and fall colors,
Magic!

Do You Believe?

2008-09-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

What did you find in your Garden today?

I found this.......

Homecoming Countinued

2008-09-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, see if you can follow me? My niece Jordyn is the head cheerleader, she called and asked if Clay would help escort the homecoming royalty during the assembly. And it just so happened that my other Gorgeous niece Sydni was elected Sophomore class royalty.
He took his job very seriously, never smiling once the entire time. But when the kids got home from school and asked him how it went, he said, "good, I got to hold hand with a lot of girls." Should I be worried?

Clay with Sydni don't they make a cute couple?
This is as much of a smile as I could get out of him, little stinker!

This is Clay with Ashlyn Nelson, her mom Karri is an old high school friend of mine. Acutally if I think about it, Karri is an old elementary, middle school, and Jr. High friend. I think we go all the way back to Sunbeams or Stars or whatever they had back then in primary.
While I was taking the picture I told Clay to kiss her on the cheek, the look on Ashlyn face was to funny.
She made a bee line for her mom and the photo opp. was over
Karri and I had a good laugh.

A New Spin

2008-09-21T20:33:00.000-07:00

This weekend was my Alma-mater, Sugar-Salem High School's Homecoming. A few weeks prior to this event, my niece who is a senior was complaining about the last school dance pictures. They were taken in front of a green screen and when they got the pictures back she said it looked liked they were floating. So I said " get a group together and we'll snap some shots ." So here are a few of my favorite shots of the night. Umbrella, you ask? It was raining, if you look close you can see the drops on the bottom of her dress.

Can you believe this dress! When she got out of the car I nearly jumped for joy, I could not have picked a better color if I had tried!
Not to mention she was a dream to photograph. I love this picture, it reminds of an old movie. She looks like she waiting for a boat to come pick her up and take her to her country estate. (Ok, I know that sounds cheesey, but I can't help it)

This is my nephew Chris (doesn't he look handsome) and his date Jamie. I have been collecting vintage things here and there, and I think they all came together in this shoot. The umbrella is a vintage find from ebay and the suitcases are from two different antique shops

This is my GORGEOUS niece Jordyn! I love this picture it was nearly dark when her group got there. A wardrobe malfunction that was solved by offering a quick prayer, made them a little late. But after proofing this shot I didn't mind. The contrast between the dress and the water and the sky, (insert sigh). Fun Fun night and because it was to dark to really get some great shoots of Jordyn's group we will be doing this again saturday night. I can't wait!

P.S....

2008-09-09T00:17:00.000-07:00

I love this man.

Affectionately, Theo

2008-09-08T23:30:00.000-07:00

So Clay turned 6 on Aug 30th. How did he chose to celebrate the day I brought him into this world? Like any other red blooded American 6 year old boy would....with Star Wars! I think it was Star Wars the Clone Wars, but don't quote me on that. We had the entire theater to ourselves, the kids thought that was great. Derek and I took it as a bad sign. So I tried watching the movie through a six year old little boy's eyes. The best I could come up with was a six old little girl's eyes. Clay actually invited one little 6 year old girl to his party. I asked her how she liked the movie, she gave a little smile and said "I liked the popcorn". Couldn't have said it better myself! So I got a few pics of the kids striking their best Star Wars pose, (notice the one and only little girl, she's eating popcorn, hehehe) and proof that we did indeed have the the entire theater to ourselves.

After the movie we headed to the arcade where all the kids turned into greedy little ticket mongers. Only going after the easy win big pay off games. I had to laugh at the reaction when one of the machines would pay out. You would think they had won the Jackpot in Vegas. They would get so excited. Only to have their excitement dashed when they went to cash in there loot and find out 5000 tickets would get you an eraser or a tootsie roll. I actually heard one of the kids say as the girl handed him his prize of choice "What the heck"? But when all was said and done and I asked Clay, (Theo, as his father affectionately calls him) what his favorite part of his birthday was, he said, "Do I have to pick just one"?

Gaige and Clay at one of the Big Money No Whammy games. Notice the wad of tickets in Gaige's hand. Seriously that kid's greed knows no bounds. Grady below, also showing off his hard earned stash. And by hard, I mean pushing a button. Happy Day of your Birth Theo. Love ya little buddy!

Obsession....this week anyway

2008-08-29T09:44:00.000-07:00

There here!
I'm one of those people who seems to have a new obsession
every six weeks.
Well my new obsession (that I'm happy to report has lasted for about 3 months)
Is anything vintage. I have been an avid Country Living Magazine reader for the past three years.
The pages filled with vintage and country furniture and fabric
has totally inspired me.
So I thought, I want to do my scrapbook/office all in vintage blues and reds and creams.
I've picked up a few small pieces here and there.
But when I saw these old cabinets on Ebay I had to have them!
We have a spot in our office were built in cabinets are supposed to go.
So I bought these cabinets for a whopping $20.00
No Lie!
Now I hoping we can some how get them to work in space they are intended for.
I'll keep you posted on the remodel.
Now that my kids are back in school. ( see previous post)
I will have time to totally refinish these.
But I do have to admit I love them they way they are!
And yes all the hardware is original. That alone is worth $20 bucks!

"Woo Who"

2008-08-21T20:22:00.000-07:00

So I was looking back over my last couple of posts. They are mussy and sentimental!
Both of those things I am not. I don't know what got into me.
I am sarcastic and cynical.
Don't believe me?
Well read on.

For those of you who shed a few tears on the first day of school
this post is not for you, because you see, I am not one of those moms.
I look forward to the first day of school like my kids look forward to Christmas!
Don't get me wrong I enjoy summer, maybe a little to much.

( Hence the reason for my poor neglected blog)
I like having my kids home. I like the break in routine.

There isn't much I don't like about summer vacation.

And part of summer vacation is that it's over.

(almost Sadie doesn't go back until Sept.2nd)
So I got my kids up bright an early, dropped Gaige off to the fourth grade and Clay off to Kindy,
and I went to Wal-Mart where I saw many a mother with a smile on her face.
I even saw one I knew well who gave me a " Woo Who! "
My thoughts exactly.

I do however take my camera to document these times in my children's lives.
I'm not totally heartless.
I love the look on Gaige's face. He did not share in my enthusiasm.

The rest of the story....

2008-07-31T13:16:00.000-07:00

Kim, I only had enough time to take 5 or 6 pics of each girl.
These two are my other favorites of Sadie.
Am I seriously old enough to have a daughter this old?
Wait....don't answer that!

When did this happen?

2008-07-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

I was asked by Sadie's Beehive leader to take pictures of all the Young Women
This was job I was really excited about! Teenagers are great to shoot, there willing to try anything I ask them to.
So I started with the Laurels and worked my way down through the Beehives.
Sadie was the second to last girl before the night was done.
As I looked through me lens at her, my heart fluttered and my breath caught.
I was looking a young women !
Not a little girl .
This struck me so hard .
I look at this face all day everyday. But this face on this day, it was as if she changed right before my eyes.
Or maybe not?
I know time has changed her, especially in the last two years.
But I would look at her and see those rapid changes and think to myself
"Slow down, your just a little girl, this is all happening to fast"
So I have thought of her as a little girl inside this changing body wishing the outside and inside would reconcile.
And last night I think I got my wish.
Was I able to see her as the world sees her ?
Was I able to let go of the worry that is my constant companion when I am parenting her?
Or was able to look her how I should always look her?
This beautiful girl that has blessed my life in so many ways.
Who teaches through her example of Love, and Acceptance, and Patience.
I have had people tell me time and time again what an amazing spirit she has.
And I was lucky enough to see that literally radiate for her and change me.
I Love You Sadie!

"Second Star to the Right and Straight on till Morning!"

2008-05-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

Gaige turned nine on Monday! For his birthday dinner he chose Gringo's. As we were leaving Sadie said "We forgot to sing Happy Birthday!" I turned to Gaige and said "do you want us to sing Happy Birthday?" He shook his head and with a very pre-adolescent look on his face said "No I'm to big." This statement made by my nine year literally stopped me in my tracks, and echoed in my ears in the days that followed. "No I'm too big."

When he was born I so happy to have this barrel chested, blond haired, blue eyed boy. He ate like a champ and LOVED his mama!
I loved everything about having a little boy. Growing up with 4 sisters and only 1 brother , I was a little unsure of what to do with a boy. But that worry was put rest as he grew, he knew exactly what little boys were supposed to do. He made these guttural noises, and he pushed everything, wheels or no wheels, my curling iron included. He was his father's shadow and they were the best of friends.

As his second birthday approached, we had what I would call a Battle of Wills that lasted for the next two years. I remember thinking to myself "Where did my sweet little boy go?" This was one of my darkest times as mother. Battling sometimes on a hourly basis with one little boy all the while knowing I was excepting another baby boy in a few short months. After many sleepless nights, and timeout after timeout, he started to mellow. And I started to see signs of that wonderful little boy again.

He has been a joy to watch grow up. I can look back on those times when I was consumed with worry for him and for our relationship, and see how those traits he developed as a strong willed, aggressive toddler has served him well as he has grown. But just like when he was two and I find myself asking "Where did my little boy go?" And how can I stop the inevitable march of time? So as Wendy asked "How do you get to Neverland?" I am wishing there was such a place. Where I could send this wide-eyed, energetic, determined boy. Where the most treasured things in life are sticks and rocks, and those same sticks and rocks make you a pirate, or a cowboy, or a superhero! Where he will always think anything is possible. Where the next adventure is waiting for him just behind the tree.

I know I will have to be his Neverland. Remembering those things he did as little boy. Remembering those simple things that brought him so much joy. I will keep this little toe headed, blue eyed boy, who loves to wrestle with his dad, who loves to play in the tree fort, whose hands are always dirty! I will keep him in my Neverland!

Gaige 4 years old, Sept 2003

This is not my idea of fun!

2008-05-05T15:17:00.000-07:00

Don't you Love the expressions on her face. You don't have to wonder what she is thinking.
I do have to admit, I was laughing when I was taking these. So was her mom which happens to be my sister. The bottom picture is
proof that it wasn't all bad. She is such a Cutie Pie! There is nothing better in the world to photograph than babies. Love it! Love It!

Hard Work!

2008-05-01T15:25:00.000-07:00

Sweet Sweet Boy,
I tortured him thoroughly. Taking pictures is hard work when you're 5 weeks old!
I'm sure he went home and slept the afternoon away.
Thanks Courtney and Cordin for the fun morning.
Any excuse to snuggle my new nephew.

Here's Hoping

2008-04-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

Spring Sprung! For a day.
So we decided to spend the day outdoors.
Gaige was on Spring Break so we thought we would take advantage of the slightly warm
slightly windy day and go to the park. And yes my boys were with me. They go running and screaming every time they
see me with camera in hand. I always have my camera, so they get a lot of exercise.
Sadie was at school ( for those of you who maybe a little confused, she attends a private school, that's a
whole other blog entry.) All in all it was nice day. It was good to be outside. So here's hoping for more
warm days. As I have seriously thought about moving back to Phoenix. The last month was most unpleasant.
And unpleasant isn't really the word I want to use to describe the weather, or how I felt about it. But for the sake of keeping a
G rating I will use the word "unpleasant".

Love Love Love Love the piggies!
(tales,that is)
I wish I could bottle just a bit of her!
For I find her to be the most.....what?
There are no words!

She Makes Me Smile!

2008-04-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

Because a new tube of lip gloss makes my day too!
Because her name is Andi Jane.
Because she sat still long enough for me to snap a couple pictures!

When I get her out of bed she says "you had a good sleep mommy?"
Because her confidence is astounding.
Because her belly and her cheeks still look like a baby's.
Because I know I will never win argument.
What hope do I possibly have, look at those eyes
Because she loves my shoes as much as I do.

Because she is way more than I bargained for!

Don't try to adjust your Screen

2008-04-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

Gaige and Clay with there Easter Egg masterpieces!

I love how these photos turned out when all the processing was done.

Don't try to adjust your screen, yes that is snow you see in the background We decided instead of fighting it we would embrace the snow and the sub-zero temps and have the Easter Egg Hunt outside. The kids couldn't have cared less! I need to remember that more often. I get so caught up in all the details, needing it to be perfect. Perfect weather, perfect cloths... Notice my shirtless boys in the pictures above, when all they really want is to have fun, to celebrate what ever the occasion may be. THIS was a good day!

More Fruit

2008-03-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

Rome Was Not Built in a Day

2008-03-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

Neither were my digital scrapbook skills.
Let's just say being a stay at home mom for (yes, count them) 12
years, has diminished my brain's ability to processes new information.
Apparently you need more than Dora the Explorer and Hannah Montana
in your daily routine to keep your brain from turning to mush!
I am reading Oprah's book club selection. Which I highly recommend, but be warned it is very
very deep! At the same time taking this online Digital Scrapbook class.
I am learning so much from both the book and the class.
However my brain hurts, not a headache, more like a sore muscle.
I have found that I do like the digital world of scrapbooking.
And was pleased to find out I was not to dumb after all!
Anyway here are some of the fruits of my labors!
I hope my sister-in-law Kim enjoys them for she is the only one who visits my blog.
So Kim here you go, this may explain why I been slacking a bit on my blog.

To Everything There is a Season

2008-03-11T16:04:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago the weather was so gray and overcast and foggy.
My mood matched that of the weather outside.
So I thought instead of wishing this day away
I would grab my camera and spend some time
in the fresh winter air.
As I was trudging through the thigh high snow
and watching my breath come in white puffs,
I found myself wondering.

Is the earth anxious?
Does it feel the anticipation of spring?
Or does it have the Eternal Patience of It's Creator?
Do the trees know, that as they feel the water change from ice to
a slow flowing river that there is a change coming?

Or have they learned after hundreds of years
watching and listening, in there stillness,

that this, the season of sleep is meant for something
truly miraculous! Do they reflect on time already spent, and
Wonder of the possibilities that are to come?
Or do they they have true gratitude in this moment that simply
IS!

Here are some of the images I captured of this season called winter!
I hope I was able to capture the stillness and calm that came to me as I saw
these images through my lens!

It's Raining Babies!

2008-03-09T19:16:00.000-07:00

Saturday was Courtney's (Derek sister) baby shower.

I, of course in a hurry to get out the door
forgot my camera!

With me you have to chose, on time, or camera.
Anyway it was a very nice day.
I was able to stop and think throughout the week as I was
preparing for the shower.
What an exciting time this is for her and Tyler.
The anticipation of your FIRST baby.
The excitement of meeting your child for the first time,
having no idea what you are in for.
Not just the amount of work a baby requires,
but the amount of joy and love you instantly feel for a total stranger!
It's almost overwhelming. (in a good way)
So to Courtney and Tyler,
Enjoy this time you have left with just the two of you.
Your world is about to become dramatically different in ways you never expected!
You will soon look at this new life that you have brought into this world,
look at each other and say
"What did we ever do before he came into our lives!"

These are the flowers and decorations I did for the shower.

They almost make me want another baby. Almost

This Is What You Get!

2008-02-28T12:21:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you have

Andi Jane,

a compact full of

creme eyeshadow,

( Thankfully the cheep stuff)

And mom in the shower?

THIS!!!

I was just thinking when I got her dressed,

"I love this outfit I should get a picture of her in it before she grows out of it"

Be careful what you wish for!

All I could do was grab the camera and the bottle of Goo Gone!

Which by the way works great if you have a two year old who is addicted to cosmetics

I'll let you know if I get it out of her cloths.

I've Taken Over!

2008-02-25T17:56:00.000-08:00

Derek got the blog up and running but hasn't kept it updated, so....I've taken over.
I'll end the suspense

( because I'm sure you have all been waiting on pins and needles)

and tell you all what we've been keeping with!
Sadie was in her school's production of

"Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory".

She made her acting debut staring an Oompa Loompa!

For any of you who know Sadie personally, you may be thinking, she's a little tall

(actually a lot tall) for an Oompa Loompa?

Surprisingly she was not the tallest... close ,but not quite.

She loved it! She had a lot of fun and it was a great experience for her.

They were able to perform the play at the Colonial Theater in Idaho Falls.

I have to admit that was cool, it is a great old theater with a lot of personality.

She did not however care for the makeup,

they performed 2 matinees and 3 night performances

and she complained more every time they put it on her!

Thanks to all the family and friend who came to watch.

She loved having you there.

Here are a few pics of some of her cast mates and Sadie in all her Oompa Loompa glory!

I did an orange tint on this picture when I processed it She was always saying her Director was telling them Oompa Loompas are weird humanoid things, so I gave this picture a weird tint to match.

Andi Jane, like every other kid in Rexburg had R.S.V. the week before Sadie play.

Both she and Clay had ear infections, so for a week our lives consisted of breathing treatments, antibiotics, and Children's Motrin.

In between there was some napping and a lot of "snuggling wiss mommy"

as Andi Jane would say.

Gaige had his first Pinewood Derby last week. Clay made a car too.

All last week was spent sanding and painting.

I think Derek had as much as they did.

I don't have any pics of the derby

because (hold your laughter)

I am the Cub master in our ward.

So needless to say picture taking was not at the top of my list

with 25 kids, Pinewood Derby cars, and cupcakes! It was organized chaos!

Sleigh Ride With Layne Harris

2008-01-03T19:01:00.000-08:00

Jan 1st, 2008 - Lets just say it was cold. Very cold. We had a great time on our sleigh ride with Uncle Layne. This is a shot of Grant (the Clam) as he tries to stay away from the bitter wind.

This is Gaige as he tries to re-mount the sled in motion.

Here's a classic Tracie photo moment of Shane and the team.

The Family Christmas Card

2007-12-27T11:37:00.000-08:00

Even though Tracie is our soon-to-go-pro photographer, we hardly ever get shots of ourselves. This is a rare occasion that we shot for Christmas cards.

Christmas with Andi Jane

2007-12-27T11:31:00.000-08:00

Could She BE any Happier?

Ho Ho Ho!

Snowboarding with the kids

2007-12-17T20:51:00.000-08:00

Sadie, Gaige and I hit Teton Village, Jackson Hole Wyoming on Saturday Dec. 15th. It was an awesome day and a great experience for me as a father. They have both improved since thier first attempt at snowboarding a little more than two weeks ago at Big Sky, MT. It was one of those perfect days to a seasoned skier/snowboarder. Snowed all day, but was light enough to enjoy it.

Gas to get there and back: $50.00
Three Tickets for the Beginner chairlift: $15.00
3 hot chocolates for some very tired kids: $8.00
Seeing your kids hang with thier cousins and have no need for dad's help: Priceless