Ellen Benson Photography

January: resolve

2012-01-27T15:59:00.001-07:00

I mentioned in a previous post that I love the beginning of a new year. I think new year's resolutions get a bad rap...maybe if you set completely unrealistic goals, expect perfection, and then beat yourself up if you don't reach 100%, it would be discouraging. But for the past few years I've set small goals in several areas of my life each month. Sometimes I've attained them, and sometimes I just have to keep working on them. I love reevaluating at the start of each new year and see which goals I'm meeting, which just aren't going to happen at this phase of my life, and which I want to add.

Jodi over at mcp actions is hosting a Project 12 - a theme a month. January's theme is "resolve." What are my goals for this year? Well, every year I aim to be a little healthier. I'm not planning on hitting the gym this month - I love my Pilates class and am just going to stick with that - but I decided I needed a quick kick in the rear when it comes to my eating habits. I've tried gradually improving my eating (I've come a long way from high school, where I lived off coke and Reese's peanut butter cups for lunch every day. I kid you not) - less sugar, more water, more vegetables - but it never lasts long. Kim introduced me to the whole 30, which is more drastic than anything I've ever done, but my husband and I decided it would be a good opportunity to turn our eating around.

So no carbs, no sugar, no dairy, no legumes (I think that basically sums up what I usually eat) and no alcohol. For 30 days. Plenty of lean meats, veggies, some fruit and good fats like avocados and almonds. How hard can it be, right? You can do anything for 30 days....well, the first couple of weeks were hard. I know you aren't supposed to say that, but they were. I think I'm a full on sugar addict. I had a cry for help on facebook, melted down with my husband, and now I'm able to write about it because I'm nearly done. How's that for a dietary wimp? ;)

I have to say that I've learned a lot, and there are things I'll keep and things I won't. Eating more veggies and drinking more water have become much more of a habit when you don't really have many alternatives. We've been working on cleaner foods for a while (no high fructose corn syrup for the past year or so), but now that I'm reading labels more, I'm amazed how much extra stuff is in our food besides, well...food! Too much of my eating was done out of convenience or habit and although the sheer amount of cooking when you can't just pour cereal in the morning, not to mention the dishes, was daunting, now I'm more in the habit of cooking regularly. I don't plan on living without carbs (I didn't have enough energy to do Pilates with no carbs, or not enough calories, or whatever it was), but I'll make them more whole grains - I had gotten into the habit of refined flour and pastas. I'm not getting rid of sugar altogether, but again, less white refined sugars and more raw sugars or honey.

I've also been convicted of how much my eating influences my kids. When they ask for snacks now, they ask for bananas or carrots instead of crackers. Wow. And I wasn't a huge fast food eater, but we haven't eaten any in the past month, and I don't miss it at all! I've also become more selective about what's worth it to indulge...I've decided that I miss coffee and I'm not going to give it up, although 2% milk in my coffee with a little raw sugar now tastes as sweet as when I used to drink it with half&half and 3 spoons of sugar (I know, right?!). I made a cake from a box this month for a friend's birthday, and a few months ago I would have eaten it just because it was there, but it honestly didn't even look that good. I think I'm more able to splurge when it's worth it (a tirimasu, for example), but not eat anything I want just because it's there.

So here's to more water, veggies, and less refined sugars and processed foods, the hard way, but what for me seems to have been the only way. What goals do you have for the year? And how are you doing with them?

Ellen :)

first family session of 2012

2012-01-23T22:52:00.000-07:00

and my favorite kind...natural, relaxed and fun. :)

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

I love the fresh start a new year provides...as much as I love putting up our Christmas tree, I feel a sigh of relief when I take it down and our living room looks less crowded. Simpler. I love the promise of fresh starts, ambitious goals (we get so down on new year's resolutions, but what's so bad about aiming high?) and refocusing.

The start of a new year encourages me to take on a new photo project...I did a 365 project a couple of years ago, and I'm glad I did, especially since it was my last baby's first year. It was good to get the camera out and get something every day, and it helped me to worry less about perfect photos and more about documenting our lives. I printed a blurb book and the kids love to look at it. I lost some steam at the end, though - I think my last three months were all iphone pictures. ;) If I ever did another 365 project, it might have to be something like this instagram 366. Photojojo has some great ideas for photo projects for the new year too, in case you're looking for ideas. ;)

Last year I did a Project Life album - not 365, just a family scrapbook. I managed to keep pretty up-to-date surprisingly...I'm just finishing up December and then I'll start this year's. Next year I may transition to a digital album using her template on shutterfly. It's been a perfect "scrapbook" for me because it's mostly photosleeves, with journaling pages and papers so you don't have to mess with layouts and stickers (you can, and some get really creative with it, but I like the simplicity of printing out 4x6's, writing on a small card and being done).

While I was doing my 365 project, I was also inspired by Tara Whitney's project of doing a family photo each month. It was great practice to find ways to include myself in photos! Stephanie is doing a personal project, taking photos of her own kids once a week, and is starting with a photo each day in January. A photo a day for a month seems realistic - I did this last year on facebook, but it might be nice to not have an "assignment" and just take photos of whatever I want. There are several 52 week projects out there, where you take a photo each week, usually assigned, but I'm not ready to commit to having to having to shoot, edit, and upload a photo each week based on an assignment...lazy, I know! ;)

So I think I've finally settled on mcp action's Project 12 - I can do a photo a month, right? ;) This month's theme is "resolution," which is perfect for January. I'll be back with my post for this theme!

What photo projects are you aiming for this year?

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T13:46:00.000-07:00

I hope you have a wonderful day celebrating with your loved ones!

Ellen :)

baby face

2011-12-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

(sing with me now) - "you've got the cutest little baby face..."

remember...

2011-12-13T14:41:00.001-07:00

...these twins?

time flies, doesn't it?

bosque maternity

2011-11-20T21:54:00.002-07:00

It's a small, small world. Amanda is the sister of my high school bff (in the days of MASH and cootie catchers - ha!). And now she's having twins! (I know, she looks as pregnant as I did with one). Congratulations!! :)

family

2011-11-19T15:45:00.001-07:00

someone buy them a t-shirt that says, "I make cute kids..."

...and this is why! ;)

wedding season...

2011-11-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

...is over. Oh wait, I didn't blog any weddings this year. Oops. Well, hop over to

Kim's blog and you can see all the weddings we've done. And that is why I'm the second shooter, folks! Well, one of the many reasons...;)

I get to take all the fun groups shots/outtakes. ;)

Grandpa won the dance off. Awesome!

- Ellen

Hera

2011-11-12T15:32:00.000-07:00

Remember this maternity session? Well, here she is...and don't you love her name?

wide awake...

2011-11-01T22:28:00.001-06:00

I'm usually a sucker for sleepy newborn photos, but sometimes I just love one who is wide awake and taking in the world...welcome home, little one.

bump

2011-10-24T21:19:00.001-06:00

congratulations on your daughter! :)

8 months

2011-08-30T19:14:00.001-06:00

brand new

2011-08-23T23:16:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the world, Lacey!!

shhhhh....

2011-07-16T14:37:00.000-06:00

...the blog is sleeping! The owner is currently taking a break from blogging, to spend the summer playing in the baby pool with her kids, reading books, watching movies, and getting ready for the school year. We'll return in a month or so...until then, enjoy your summer!

one

2011-06-25T15:35:00.000-06:00

remember this little one? she just turned one! happy birthday sweet girl!

Friday

2011-06-24T13:07:00.000-06:00

Five on Friday? This moment? Am I still blogging? Ha!

Is it really already the third week of June? Where is the summer going? I have three weddings I haven't blogged, photos of my own kids to print, I'm doing a 30 day photo challenge on facebook, just finished a book trilogy that sucked my days clean, finished my first quilt (thanks, Ali!) and my house has yet to get a spring cleaning (as in ever). We saw Stinky Feet at the library today, got some fun clothes for the 4th of July parade, and splashed a little in the spray park. My husband and I were given tickets to a Sarah McLachlan concert - wow, can she still sing, and wow do we feel old. ;)

The middle baby got a fat lip from her brother last night, and the baby still cries in just about every photo where I'm not holding him. The oldest has decided he isn't too old for Disney cars anymore (whew), and I still need to rename this blog, because I don't really condsider it to be just a "photography blog" at this point.

Here's some fun links that are speaking to me right now...anyone have any other links to share?

A Simpler State of Mind from Creative Mama. Yep.

Soulful Mothering with Anna Maria Horner (guest post on soulemama) - sharing space

When Should My Child Begin Music Lessons? from simplehomeschool

Have Yourself an Inspired Little Summer from simle mom

Reversible Hood tutorial from made

And a little moment to share, about the above-mentioned boy who decided he isn't too old to play with cars (which makes mama happy):

30 day photo challenge - day one: self portrait

2011-06-11T22:59:00.001-06:00

yep, I'm using my iphone camera for all of these. ;)

this moment

2011-06-10T22:46:00.000-06:00

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

older brother and sister were in VBS during the mornings this week, so the baby of the family got some time at home all by himself - free reign of the house, no one to take toys away from him, and mommy's undivided attention. ;)

mine

2011-06-04T20:02:00.003-06:00

Thank you, Kim, for the fabulous mini shoot of my kids. What would I do without you?!? :)

summer

2011-06-01T14:16:00.000-06:00

I love the beginning of a new season...new hopes, expectations, plans...spending a little too much time here (especially now that it's an app on my phone) has me brimming with ideas for the summer...

The kids and I are making a summer bucket list - things we want to do this summer, places we want to go. It's fun to get their input, and while it isn't nearly so elaborate as this or this, or even this, it's nice to just have ideas written down on a piece of paper.

I'm also considering what I can do to inspire my creative brain a bit this summer, which seems to have some winter cobwebs still in place. ;) I picked up the book iphoneography, and have really considered doing more with my iphone because it's just so easy and is always with me! I also got a fun book from Shutter Sisters, Expressive Photography (got it a while ago, ahem), and may do some exercises out of there. I'm thinking of getting started with this simple 30 day photography challenge...anything to get me moving again.

What are your summer plans? goals? creative sparks?

catching up...

2011-05-30T13:56:00.000-06:00

...someone finished their last day of preschool. ever. *sniffle*

...someone just turned three (and is, apparently, the long-lost twin princess sister of Guy Fawkes)

...and someone is mastering the fine art of throwing temper tantrums. ;)

weddings

2011-05-29T16:12:00.000-06:00

This wedding was in March. Yeah, I know. It was lovely, though, don't you think? The epitome of classy. And I like saying "lovely" because the groom and his family were from England and I could listen to them all day long.

I need to catch up, because I have weddings every weekend for the rest of the month. :)

this week...

2011-05-09T14:10:00.000-06:00

Happy Mother's Day!!

where'd you get those peepers...

2011-05-01T21:56:00.001-06:00

(they run in the family ;)

five on friday, resurrected

2011-04-29T13:22:00.000-06:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Another week of sickies. And cold, nasty wind outside. So I've spent most of the week with a kid on my lap, a movie on the tv, only my iphone within arm's reach, and a little bit of guilt that the firstborn would never have had a picture like this taken. 16 months old and able to say "Elmo." Sigh...

I'm just a little slightly less addicted to pinning things on Pinterest, but kinda missed sharing links, so I picked a few of my favorites...

31 days to a better photo series
I need a little something to kick start my creativity...I think my iphone has become my default camera ;)

create coloring books from your own photos by photojojo

free tie-tip beanie pattern

one charming party
The middle baby's birthday is coming up. The oldest starts planning his next birthday party the day after his birthday, so I don't have much creative sway there, but the middle one is pretty flexible. Now, I'm not one to go overboard on parties. Finger foods, cupcakes, maybe a favor if I'm lucky, but it is fun to see some of the different ideas out there.

simply ten good things by soule mama
sometimes it's nice in the midst of fevers and dirty houses to think of all the good things, and then I realize how hard it is to stop at ten

play-dogh

pbs kids

sunshine

cuddles

coffee

a little bit of time to myself

chubby thighs (the baby's, not mine)

imagination

sidewalk chalk

library

Thanks for being part of my little world, and not judging my youngest plopped in front of the tv. ;)

first haircut

2011-04-25T14:23:00.006-06:00

happy easter

2011-04-24T14:40:00.000-06:00

I thought I lost these...

2011-04-23T14:06:00.000-06:00

...from last October, right after he turned 5. I can't tell you what a wonderful surprise it was to find them on an old memory card I never use anymore.

these moments (catching up)...

2011-04-22T14:46:00.000-06:00

I took a trip to visit a friend, and it felt like she was right down the street again

(although my two-year-old was convinced I spent four days at the airport, since that's where they dropped me off). It was just what I needed.

we all got sick, then got better, then the kids got sick again

we've been spending a lot more time at home, partly from being sick, and party because it's just nice to not feel like you're in a hurry all of the time, you know?

On a completely unrelated note, I'm thinking of changing my "photo" blog into a more universal blog, since I have more about my own kids and knitting and other random stuff than photography. But I can't come up with a name. Ideas?

this moment

2011-04-01T16:36:00.000-06:00

I was hoping after taking a few weeks off blogging I'd come back with some profound moment to share. Something like I see on other blogs, with children making masterpieces, or my beautifully decorated house. What I have is...

a pile of dirty dishes

sore quads

a teething, coughing baby who's going to be accomanying us on our date night tonight

a toddler who is so ready for summer she's been wearing her bathing suit for three days straight

an entire roll of toilet paper unraveled on the bathroom floor,

which is what the toddler was doing when she should have been taking a nap and thus...

no nap and a meltdown ready to happen

no motivation for a clever April Fools joke (see last year's here)

Happy first of April. :)

the artist

2011-03-21T16:14:00.000-06:00

It's been a long couple of weeks in our house. Colds. Three cases of pink-eye. Ear infections. Spring Break spent on the couch. The last few days the sun has come out of the clouds, eyes have cleared up, and there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. The baby girl decided she wanted to draw. And paint. I love how focused she can be, choosing different colors, trying them out on her arms (good thing they're mostly washable)...

I haven't had the energy to take photos lately, but just finished an e-course by Angie Warren called "documenting the details." It was the creative nudge I needed to pick up my camera again and snap a few of the middle baby's creative process. Love this girl. :)

this moment

2011-03-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

{this moment}

A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

I just realized how long it's been since I posted anything. I got really engrossed in a book, and completely "unplugged" for a couple of weeks, and then realized how nice that was. I just answered a few emails from my phone, didn't keep up with facebook (sorry for everyone whose birthday I missed) or other blogs or pinterest or much of anything. It was actually hard to get back on the computer again. Part of me just wanted to stick it in a corner and never plug back in to the Internet...does anyone else ever feel that way?

The weather here has been all over the place - a record cold one week, t-shirt weather the next. I find that I tend to hibernate inside the cold times, letting my kids watch more pbs kids than normal. Fortunately, my middle baby loves to go outside and has no problem bundling up on the coldest of days to play in the sandbox. And here's the baby, already outgrowing his luttle snuggler bought for the winter...

...how quickly they grow. I hope you're enjoying the last weeks of winter. :)

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

a big shout out to Sherri for the lovely template (as usual), and Jen for the pictures of my kiddos...how lazy am I? I let other people do my entire Valentine's card this year! ;)

this moment

2011-02-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

{this moment}

A Friday ritual.

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

I'm not very good about the "no words" part. ;) This week's moment brought to you by fellow Albuquerque photographer Jen. This is my baby, to a t. Head on my shoulder, sucking his thumb. I took her up on a Valentine's mini shoot, and while I wasn't planning on being in any photos, I did shower just in case...the baby doesn't do well when I put him down, and sure enough, he was happiest on me. Thanks, Jen. :)

This moment

2011-02-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. (SouleMama blog)

I'm sorta cheating, cause this was in the snow day collage, but it's little and crammed in there, and I really love it and want it to stand out all on its own...

And I'm not posting weekend links because I'm finally pinning on pinterest - check it out!

snow day

2011-02-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

things to do on a snow day:

stay in pajamas all day

watch more videos than you usually get to

make doughnuts

bundle up and make snowballs

paint pens, watercolors, crayons

play lots and lots of games

weekend links

2011-01-28T13:52:00.001-07:00

check out these sewing patterns for dolls...because I don't have enough backlog for clothes to make for my daughter, now I can start collecting patterns to make for her doll! ;)

Jolly Lollies - I love it! I've downloaded some pretty Valentine's templates, but I think this would be hilarious!! (another take here)

have I already shared these heart barrettes? I'm not really into Valentine's day wardrobes for my kids, but I have thought of some cute touches...I also love this idea from Martha Stewart for my daughter, and maybe a heart fabric tie for my oldest (with a matching applique tie onesie for the baby?) Or, this t-shirt idea on crap I've made. Oh, my poor kids... ;)

And one more thing to add to my growing list of things to knit, even though each item takes me forever! ;)

and "this moment" for the week...

published!

2011-01-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

VOGUE patterns (which is apparently a pretty big magazine in the sewing world - I'm too new to sewing to know ;) did an article on sewing lounges around the country, and Hip Stitch was featured on the first page, along with images from yours truly! The photos are tiny, and there's no photo credit, but I'm still excited!! :)

weekend links

2011-01-22T15:02:00.000-07:00

from the same blog I posted last week: 5 ways to know if your art has to wait, this week's favorite is "what if they don't like your art?" I love how she answers it...

I love this idea of photojojo's - I think I'll do it with photos of my kids. What a great way for my little ones to express their moods (besides the obvious ones like pushing little sister). ; )

And my instamatic camera came today. I love this idea for what to do when the prints start building up...

I love these patterns, and the new book is on my (long) list of book wants.

Another new favorite blog, and this post: why we need to listen to the inner voice of creativity...

And who isn't a fan of Tara Whitney - I downloaded this quote on her page today, and think I'll hang it above my computer...

And "this moment" for this week (with the instant camera)...

kinda takes you back, doesn't it? ;)

weekend links

2011-01-16T21:18:00.000-07:00

5 ways to know if the art has to wait

great idea for a wall collage from design aglow

laurence kim has some great tidbits on photography business

valentine heart barretts

anxiously awaiting this to arrive as something a little different for my Project Life album

and a little giddy that the photo in my last post made it on the favorites list of one of my favorite blogs, the creative mama

You may have already seen this on facebook, but here's one of my little diva in the backseat...love that little girl. ;)

this moment: hooray for window markers

2011-01-14T14:13:00.001-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

(from SouleMama)

weekend links

2011-01-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

The new year. New goals, new attitude...not that my old attitude was bad per se, but my word for the year (idea from creative mama) is calm.

Here are some ideas on that goal...

establish routines for a simple home

jump start your day with a simple five-minute routine

I also ended my 365 blog, which was partly a relief (taking photos was fun, although I felt like I was becoming less creative rather than more, but the editing and posting was becoming burdensome). I also feel the need to do some sort of project to keep me creative, something that will be easier (see word of the day above). There are a few out there...

twelve - a photography project (thanks, Carmela, for sharing this)

and this moment...(from soulemama), which may replace my weekend links now that Monique and Jamie have introduced me to pinterest! ;)

journey...

2010-12-28T22:23:00.000-07:00

...how cool is that for a baby girl's name?

weekend links

2010-12-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh...Christmas is over (I like that shutter sisters calls it "crimbo limbo") and part of me is enjoying the peace and calm (amidst the chaos of paper and boxes), while the other part of me is making a mental list for next year...

your best shot 2010 by shutter sisters
love this idea - see my 365 blog wrap-up

green grocery bag challenge
thinking of ideas for extended family for next year (to start earlier than I started this year) - this would be something everyone could use

marta locklear's hue, texture and take on Christmas
and I love Bree Ross's family Christmas posts - I think I'll try this for next year... I admittedly didn't take a whole lot of photos this year. Here's just one...

print your own fabrics!
thanks, Jen, for the link

I love this pattern for making your own pillow, and think I'll combine it with SouleMama's idea of using baby clothing to make a memory tree...

love this idea for dress-ups for my daughter...
maybe I can add it to the list for my hubby to make for Christmas next year. ;)

Happy Crimbo Limbo!

weekend links

2010-12-19T13:23:00.001-07:00

I just saw this in my drafts folder and realized I started this two weeks ago...oops! Probably old news, but...

more handmade Christmas present ideas: personalized ornaments, love the cake in a jar and personalized clothespin hangers, countdown calendar from the longthread.com, Pioneer Woman's cookie week,
Handmade Snowflake Ornaments by creative mama, or this felt polaroid ornament (cute!), handmade cards for kids

I have a guest post on Chelsey's blog - you can read more about the bedtime bags I made for my kids for Christmas!

an interesting photo idea - not sure if I'm brave enough, but I like the premise...31 strangers in 31 days

and this photographer is doing a great series of creative exercises on her blog...I may have to join in after Christmas.

fellow photographer is having her own version of Oprah's favorite things giveaway...what a great idea!

It may be after Christmas before I post again - if so, have a very Merry Christmas!!

one...

2010-12-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

weekend links

2010-11-27T22:07:00.000-07:00

How cool is this diy play kitchen? I'm thinking probably not for this Christmas, but maybe I can brush up on (er, learn) some woodworking skills and maybe next year...

I honestly didn't quite get the family home night idea in this post, but I like the idea for sorting papers on the fridge...

Does it count if all of these posts are from the same blog? I'm looking for ideas for the two-year-old when brother's doing lessons next year. Here's one...

Always on the quest for new hat patterns. Which is a little silly, considering I've only made a handful and have dozens of patterns already I can choose from. I think I collect ideas for projects..

And here's one I can't believe no one has thought of before now...a tablecloth play house. I know, right?!

Speaking of all these handmade ideas, I love this one from Chelsey - Small Business Saturday! We were actually in the mountains cutting down our tree today, so we didn't do any shopping (um, I don't do any shopping on Black Friday either), but I like this as an idea in general over the holidays - making things yourself or supporting local businesses...more on Christmas ideas soon. ;)

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T19:17:00.000-07:00

for Charity

2010-11-24T21:24:00.000-07:00

You can't tell from the photo, but this one prefers to take photos awake. ;) Sweet boy.

Weekend Links

2010-11-19T14:30:00.001-07:00

Heidi and Finn patterns (I'm anxiously awaiting the headband tutorial)

I'm working on a hat for the baby, and after my botched attempt at the middle baby's hat, I'm always looking for ideas...this one reminds me of the one I tried, but may work better?

pumpkin cinnamon rolls - yummmm....

I love a fellow anti-Black-Friday-er (just made that word up, so don't try to spell check it. ;)

And I'm looking for some artwork for our playroom, which has completely bare walls at the moment. Something reading or children's lit-themed, preferably. I'm debating this one or this one - anyone have any other ideas?

And finally, another photo from the sweet baby in my last post, with a crotcheted newborn wrap from Jenster - etsy store here.

for Kathryn

2010-11-18T22:56:00.000-07:00

a couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of photographing a home birth, and I have to say it was just about the most amazing thing I've ever witnessed (before you think I'm the worst mom ever, keep in mind that I had c-sections with all three of mine, so I didn't get to actually witness their birth). Here's the sweet baby, and older brother who is going to give her a run for her money. ;) Thank you for including me in such an amazing experience!

for Ali

2010-11-11T21:54:00.000-07:00

You know you're going to love your trash-the-dress session when your bride shows up with yellow galoshes!! ;)

our family photo

2010-11-10T22:42:00.000-07:00

(courtesy of Kim Jackson, of course. ;)

Weekend links

2010-10-30T13:22:00.000-06:00

Sewing In No Man's Land: Anthropologie scarf tutorial

Purl Soho Kit: Super Easy Baby Blanket and Candy Corn Trick or Treat Bags

lovelydesign: making on-the-go baby change kits

bats! by MADE. I agree with her on not liking the really creepy or gross part of Halloween, but I love the dressing up, pumpkin, crisp fall leaves part. And this is a cute idea.

kind over matter has adorable free printable cards and other goodies

And speaking of Halloween, here's the toddler with her own rendition of her costume (butterfly meets cowboy with a splash of daddy's work boots):

two weddings this weekend...

2010-10-18T22:19:00.001-06:00

...here's the first (more on Kim's blog here):

Weekend Links

2010-10-15T14:30:00.000-06:00

Yep, I think I like "weekend links" better. Although I did them on Friday, and there are five of them. Some habits die hard. ;)

Here's a can of worms to open. I have many various thoughts on this, but I'll just put it out there (from MCP Actions) - MWAC is a four-letter word

from Simple Mom - Redefining Simple Living

check out these fun posters from Salty Kiss Variety (I want one for our playroom)

some more indoor creativity ideas from Imagination Toys - stocking up ideas for the coming cooler months (ok, I realize I live in NM, so we're really talking about a few cool DAYS if I'm honest!)

a father who creatively captures his children - note: no children were harmed in making these photos. I don't think. ;)

And speaking of five, here's a sweet five-month-old who dropped by today and even brought Dion's (I know, she's very mature for her age). ;)

how can you not love a wedding...

2010-10-12T13:36:00.009-06:00

...at an old convent, where beautiful decorations and chubby babies abound, and that has an oreo cookie cake! ;) More on Kim's blog here.

five on friday (aka weekend links)

2010-10-08T14:52:00.016-06:00

Should I rename "Five on Friday" to "Weekend Links?" I saw that on another blog, which seems appropriate for what my "five" typically are, and then I don't always have to post on Friday. Hmmm....

Now that it's going to start getting chilly out (hopefully, anyway!), I'm on the lookout for some rainy or cold inside activities to do with the little ones. This is probably a little advanced, but I like the idea -angry chicken's mona lisa style self portrait

simple mom always gets me thinking... fall projects for your home and ten questions to encourage engaged parenting

made tutorial (these are adorable) - bert and ernie shirts

felted bucket hats from the purl bee - almost makes me want to learn how to crochet. Oh, wait - I'm still learning how to knit. ;)

family traditions for the morning hours from steady mom

And one of my favorite signs of fall in New Mexico...the Balloon Fiesta!

love makes you real

2010-10-05T22:37:00.009-06:00

five on friday

2010-10-01T15:00:00.000-06:00

Shutter Sisters has another great inspirational posts on your "style statement" - "Your Style Statement is the two words that define the true you. It's a touchstone for making more powerful choices in your life – from your wardrobe to your living room, your relationships to your career plans. Your Style Statement is where your essence meets your expression." - Danielle LaPorte and Carrie McCarthy, Style Statement: Live by Your Own Design. Good food for thought - I wonder how I would define my style in two words...

A simplified morning routine from zen habits - ah...mornings kill me! I just read (well, skimmed really) a book I picked up randomly from the library on living simply with children (sounds like an oxymoron, right?) and one of the things I realized is I need to go to bed earlier and rise before the kids so I can have a few moments to myself. I've been putting it off partly because walking is on my list of things to do in the morning, and I'm too lazy (ha!), but maybe if I embrace the fact that isn't my best time to exercise and just get up early for some coffee and quiet time, I'll be more likely to stick to it...

Another thing to add to my ever-growing list of things to make - the chloe sweater from never not knitting. I love the edging...

And speaking of - I've been waiting for this fabric to come in, and just in time I found this fun blog post that inspired me for the little girl's big girl room (fortunately I have some time before she gets her own room)...

And the last one isn't a link, it's that my baby is ten months today...

las cruces

2010-09-27T14:56:00.010-06:00

We got to take a hayride to the wedding! Seriously, we've had some fun weddings this year!! More on Kim's blog here...

Five on Friday links

2010-09-24T12:32:00.000-06:00

In keeping with the idea of the "witching hour" from last week, here's a blog with ideas on keeping little hands busy...she does it while homeschooling, but I'm thinking while cooking dinner.

The same lady, new site, with a book of days - ideas for the various seasons. Again, more ideas for creative things to do with your kids.

Another post on being purposeful with your time - called changing our pace - hmmm...I see a theme emerging. Do I need to refocus what we're doing during the day?!? ;) It's interesting that the blog entries I'm drawn to are usually an area where I'm feeling a need...

not too sure about this merry-go-round

Shutter Sisters have some fun and new photo/creativity assignments...

And a new sewing site I discovered (at least I think it's new - I tend to keep coming back to some) with some really fun tutorials not to mention an incredibly fun name - noodlehead. I'm going to add that runaround bag to my list of things I'm going to make someday. No, really, I am!!

And here's one of my middle baby at the fair, in the tutu she's been wearing for two weeks straight... have I mentioned how much I love taking photos on my iphone? Do you think people would mind if I just showed up with this for a photoshoot? ;)

2010-09-21T22:44:00.001-06:00

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." - Proverbs 31:28

five on friday: gratitude

2010-09-17T13:46:00.000-06:00

While browsing blogs this week, I came across a blog - creative mama - that I subscribe to and read pretty often. I link to it often. It's the perfect balance of creative, beautiful photography, and real. This week I read a post about the year of gratitude, where an Australian photographer is doing 365 posts on being grateful. Beautiful photography, and it just really resonated with me. Here's another blog doing 365 days of grateful. And then I saw on facebook that Chelsey Mach is doing it on her blog too. Now, I'm not going to do another 365 blog - one is enough, thank you. In fact, I've run out of steam a little on that one, but I think this could be something to give me a little push, so I think I'll do 30 days of grateful on my 365 blog - starting now.

krista and jake

2010-09-15T20:28:00.008-06:00

red

2010-09-12T12:44:00.009-06:00

It's fun to see the very different styles brides and grooms (well, mostly brides ;) have and how it comes out in their weddings. This one was really dramatic - dramatic lighting, colors...I love the black and white with the red accents. My friend Carmela is going to give me a hard time about the headless bride, though. What can I say, sometimes you're just going for the details...

You can see more on Kim's blog here.

five on friday

2010-09-10T08:34:00.000-06:00

How to Bring Peace to the Witching Hour - so, so true. That last part of the day is what drives me bonkers. The middle baby is cranky from post-nap until bed for the most part, and the oldest has chosen this time of day to continuously pick on her, which obviously doesn't help matters. I have found that getting out in the back yard keeps me a little sane, and the idea of using this time to do more creative activities is perfect...off to buy some finger paint!! Anyone else have suggestions for keeping peace during the last part of the day?

180 days. Which reminds me how badly neglected my 365 blog is right now...Anyway, I think I've made clear my love-hate relationship with scrapbooking, but I love this idea for recording a school year. Especially since it involves a photo sleeve book, which isn't as time-intensive as a scrapbook page.

Back to basics: Create a home that will last generations. Another great blog post by simple mom. We're at this point right now - when #3 was born and we had him sleeping in the dining room, we were looking at bigger houses in better school districts, but we really like our mortgage, so we've been a little more creative at making this one work for us. The playroom has been a huge help (I need to decorate more, then I'll post photos, I promise). Anyone have playroom ideas they care to share?

Photography Tutorial: A Quick Guide to your DSLR by Kevin and Amanda - scrapbookers who give a quick overview of using your dslr - I have a lot of people ask me for help on getting more control over their camera. I think this article is a great summary. If you're looking for more, the book Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson is excellent - easy to understand with great illustrations. I wish I'd had that one in college instead of my 500 pound photography textbook written in latin. Just kidding, sort of. ;)

Location & Inspiration - another great photography article on finding locations, or rather making just about any location work. Sometimes people will tell me, "I never would have picked this place, that full sun..." and I think from working weddings with Kim for several years, I'm just used to going with the flow and making wherever it is, whatever time of day work (you'd never tell a bride, "I'm sorry, I can't do your photos because it isn't cloudy out or it isn't the 'golden hour'). You'd be amazed how you can make just about anywhere and any time work!

Since I'm getting ready to leave for a weekly park date with some of my favorite mommies, I'll leave you with a photo - we were talking about needing to be in more photos ourselves, so I put on the timer, balanced it on a stroller, and ran in for a quick snap (I didn't even edit the dark circles under my eyes - ha!). Take a photo with YOU in it today...

this bride

2010-09-07T12:56:00.007-06:00

just one...you can see more on Kim's blog, of course. ;)

five on friday

2010-09-03T16:06:00.000-06:00

I think I need some new blogs to stalk, I mean, follow. These are all sites that come up on my google reader, and I love them, but I'm sure you're sick of me linking the same blogs. Care to share any blogs you really love?

a letter to my sons by creative mama
     love this - such a great idea. I always intend to keep a journal for my kids - my midwife said she kept a journal for her kids and gave it to them on their 18th birthday - but at this point it would be pretty blank. Maybe a letter on their birthday is a more realistic goal.

double exposures: a DIY project from photojojo

embroidered pillowcase cress by seventeen & em'

get ready for fall by creative mama
   It's a little too warm here to really feel like fall's coming, but it's a good idea to "fall clean" and get rid of some of those broken summer toys in the back yard...

personal fall book list by simple mom
   What's on your fall book list? Right now I'm reading Praying the Attributes of God with my MOMS steering team group, and I bought Tozer's book on the same subject, although it may be unrealistic to dive too deep right now. We're reading Midnight's Children in my book club next (I love my book club - it really gets me out of reading the same ol' same ol'), and just finished O Pioneers! and The Good Earth - great books to read together and compare/contrast.

And rather unrelated, but feeling like it's high time I included a photo, here's one from last weekend's wedding. This is my friend Alisa from my first year of college - what a fun reunion! You can see more on Kim's blog - she usually posts more photos than one (I'm a slacker, I know!;)

Five on Friday: more links

2010-08-30T14:04:00.000-06:00

Check out this cool video (I found the link from the maternal lens). It almost makes me want to be pregnant again. Almost. ;)

This studio has a post on a college book they worked on, including some behind-the-scenes lighting shots. I've always loved natural light, but it makes me want to play around with my ocf a little. No really, not almost like the pregnancy comment. I really do want to play with different lighting.

Happy School Year from Creative Mama - how cute is this idea? I was doing good to make sure my oldest had his backpack on the first day of preschool, but I applaud moms who make homemade sugar cookes in handmade cones for the whole class. It doesn't make me feel bad about being a slacker at all. No, really. What's with my sarcasm today?!? ;)

I love the birth photography on this photographer's blog. Makes me wish my babies didn't require a scalpel for birth.

And the long thread does Etsy Finds Friday - it's always fun to find more ways to spend money on esty. ;)

travis

2010-08-21T21:50:00.000-06:00

My cousins aren't going to want me to do their senior photos anymore, cause all I can do is gush over how I remember when they were a baby...and here's another one, graduating this year. Where does the time go?

the guys

2010-08-19T21:58:00.000-06:00

This is from a wedding a couple of weeks ago, and I realize that even though I usually do the group photos for the groomsmen, I rarely post them. Partly because group shots aren't my favorite part of weddings, I love the more candid stuff, but still...poor guys. So here you go. And of course, there's more on Kim's blog. ;)

happy thirteenth! :)

2010-08-13T16:06:00.003-06:00

five on friday

2010-08-06T23:12:00.000-06:00

Project Photography from creative mama. I know lots of moms who get fun new cameras and then have no idea how to use them. I've never seen this book before, but I love this website, so I can't imagine you can go wrong if you're just looking for some basics on taking better photos of your family.
Unravelling e-course from Susannah Conway, who is also doing "August Break" which may appeal to some more than a photo every day (it's kinda appealing to me at the moment...). I love the idea of a creative kick-in-the-pants. ;)
Paperless Post - fancy stationary and invitations that you email instead of print. Hmmmm....thanks for the idea, Shannon!
This local artist built a bunker at his house and is doing live performances there all week. Don't tell my husband - The Road was enough fuel for his post-apocalyptic preparation planning...
Ava's Tea Party - I know many of us are aware of this tragic story, and I love the idea of giving a tea party with my own little baby girl.

And I leave you with one of my baby...

remember this little one...

2010-07-26T21:20:00.000-06:00

from two years ago here...now she's a big sister to these sweet little twins...

time flies!

los poblanos

2010-07-25T13:56:00.009-06:00

another beautiful wedding, and delicious food. ;) See more on Kim's blog

five on friday

2010-07-23T19:24:00.000-06:00

This blog post has some fun ideas for blending traditional and digital scrapbooking.
I always love the fun stuff they come up with at Photojojo
Fun ideas for recycling home decor at Creative Mama
We have reading logs from our library's summer reading program, but here's a cute pritable summer reading list from the long thread.
I don't know what I'm going to do with it yet, but I'm absolutely buying some of this fabric for my daughter!

And here's one of my little man with my latest creation (that is a little too small - I'm having some sizing issues with my hats!)

just because...

2010-07-17T14:19:00.000-06:00

she's mine
she turned two in May
she loves fruit and chocolate ice cream
she has two speeds: off and on, not slow. ;)
she's sweet to her younger brother and idolizes her older brother
her current favorite word is "no"
she's well in the throes of the terrible two's
but still likes to be rocked
and sucks her thumb

and she's mine ;)

dip

2010-07-14T12:49:00.001-06:00

check out the rest of the sneak peek on Kim's blog

love in the bosque

2010-07-08T14:00:00.000-06:00

five on friday: wedding trends

2010-07-02T13:53:00.000-06:00

This year's wedding trends thus far: umbrellas, red velvet cake, green, new traditions, mountains

i do

2010-06-27T22:16:00.000-06:00

five on friday: just for fun

2010-06-25T10:28:00.005-06:00

I should rename these posts "five links on friday" since that seems to be my favorite type of list.

7 AM Portraits on Photojojo - ha! fun idea, but maybe a bad way to keep friends...

Mommy Time with creative mama - with three babies, I'm really trying to carve out special mommy time with each. Also, a photography series is coming to this blog in July, so stay tuned...

Ten Picture Books that Teach Important Life Lessons with simple mom - I like the idea of making my own top ten picture books list. What important life lessons do I want to teach my children?

lots of fun tutorials on V and Co - check out the baby life quilt especially. love it.

Aedriel, who makes beautiful custom plates by the way, has a link to these adorable party cones. I may have to get some for my daughter's next birthday...

Oh, and I thought you'd like to see what it's really like for me to try to take photos of all my own kids (which is why Kim takes our family photos)...make you feel better? ;)

cake

2010-06-20T20:18:00.002-06:00

five on friday: more summer fun

2010-06-17T21:38:00.007-06:00

I'm posting this more in hopes than reality, I suppose, since the stomach flu has made its course through our entire family this week, so we haven't done much other than lie around and recover all week . But soon, we hope to do some of these fun ideas I keep seeing, and maybe I'll even have a photo of one...

50 summer crafts for kids from the long thread

displaying your child's artwork from creative mama and making an art supply box for your kids from simple mom

summer easy frozen treats from simple bites

raising a three-child family from simple kids

ten tips for successful camping with young children

edited to add a couple (I know, this makes it seven technically, but I'm living vicariously through other people who aren't living on their couches right now, so bear with me)

maternal lens friday inspiration: books (love this collage)

mommy coddle (thanks Carmela for introducing me to this blog - love it) and the art of writing personal letters - I'm glad I just got some new fun cards from Daniela...

santa fe

2010-06-14T22:31:00.002-06:00

Beautiful wedding, amazing setting. I always wait on pins and needles to see Kim's sneak preview...this was the weekend of three weddings. The first two were wonderful, and I'm sorry I missed the third (darn stomach flu!)

season

2010-06-10T14:47:00.004-06:00

"To everything there is a season..." (Eccl 3). I feel like I should start humming the Byrds song...

So most of you are aware that I've been on maternity leave for the last 6 months. I'm still shooting weddings with Kim (in fact, we have three this weekend!) and when I looked at my calendar to see when I should start scheduling portraits, I realized we're booked with weddings until October! Eighteen weddings booked this summer, and already booking for next June. Wow. So when was I going to schedule those portraits? With three kids at home under the age of five (read: no kids in school!), trying to do photo shoots during the week and then have any sort of decent turnaround time to edit, upload galleries, and order prints (sessions are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg) isn't realistic at this point in my life. Especially if I want to get to sleep before midnight ever. Or exercise. Or have tea with my husband in the evening and catch up on our day...you get the picture - have a life. ;)

So it's become apparent to me that this isn't the season of my life to keep the portrait part of my business going. Instead, I'm going to focus on shooting weddings with Kim and being a mom. Maybe in five years when the baby is in school (insert sobbing sounds), I would be able to give my portrait business the attention it deserves, but right now something has to give.

I'm hoping to keep up my blog in some form (maybe I'll be inspired by a new name that encompasses all my creative ventures and the address will move - any ideas?), so I hope you'll check in from time to time. Thank you for your encouragement, support, and faithfulness over the last four years I've been in business.

Blessings,

just can't get enough...

2010-06-06T20:50:00.003-06:00

Yep, doing a newborn session without three kids in tow seems to work much better, just in case you were wondering. ;)

Look at how she loves to hold her hands curled up by her face...

la posada

2010-06-04T22:54:00.000-06:00

five for friday: summer edition

2010-06-04T11:30:00.003-06:00

Summer is upon us, and here are some great links for summer.

the summer list from creative mama

making summer memories at home from organizing your way

summer quests from soule mama

another summer list from enjoying the small things

back yard fun by simple kids

Our summer list:

make real food (as in less food out of the box. Which I don't do a ton, but it's my fall-back once or twice a week to make easy packaged food. I want to do less this summer, and I've started with playing with homemade mac and cheese - thanks for your recipe ideas!!)
grow our own vegetables
work on potty training the middle baby
go to fun events at the library
have some friends over for playdates
eat popsicles and play in the baby pool
go hiking
read books
less time on the computer
have some one-on-one time with my oldest
camp
eat picnics at the park
make clothes for my kids
work on the baby's scrapbook and then give away all my scrapbooking stuff

What's on your summer list?

May family photo

2010-06-02T19:53:00.004-06:00

courtesy of Kim Jackson Photography - thank you for the beautiful photos (as always). Kim offers FREE mini sessions monthly - keep an eye on her blog.

And come check out my 365 blog...I'm having a hard time keeping up with both blogs, so most of my posts (including my monthly family portraits and the occasional five on friday) are there. I may post here when I'm done with maternity leave, which is looking like the beginning of next year. I just have no time with three kids, ya know? ;)

I got one...

2010-05-31T19:59:00.000-06:00

...between picking up lunch, the long drive out, and deciding to bring my entire family to meet my best friend's new one (in the middle of nap time, of course). Maybe not the most productive environment for a newborn session - ha! Fortunately my friend is coming over this weekend and I get another crack at it.

welcome to the world, Abby...

2010-05-28T13:47:00.003-06:00

...your arrival has been much anticipated.

"gorgeous photo book"

2010-05-26T13:37:00.002-06:00

Heard of blurb.com? I made a book through blurb for my firstborn when we moved our blog address. They have "blog books" and you would not believe how easy it is - blurb imports your posts, arranges them in a book and voila - completed! Just have it printed (like $12 for a small, softcover book that my son reads on a regular basis - he loves "his" book!), and even save it on their site so grandparents or others can purchase copies when they wish. And when our book falls apart completely due to being loved, we can just order a new one.

I haven't been there in a while, but just went over to their site, and they have a new "gorgeous photo book" for $37.95. And a contest - just submit your photo book. Hmmmm...it may be time for a new album for my kids. ;)

Five on Friday

2010-05-21T12:39:00.003-06:00

I'm sorta running out of steam for Five on Fridays (if you haven't noticed - these posts are fewer and farther between). Here are some links to other fives...

1. Five ways to make laundry more fun on the creative mama - who would've thought there was such a thing?

2. Five in a row: enlarge your preschooler's world with books from simple mom.

3. The Toddler Whisperer does five on fridays much more consistently than I do - and I like that she'll do lists, and doesn't always include a photo. Hmmmm....good idea!

4. Chelsey is another faithful five on friday-er. If that's a word. ;)

5. Here's an interesting idea: five questions every Friday. Here are five (completely unrelated to photography) questions I have for you...
- what's your Friday ritual? movie with significant other after the kids go to bed? meeting friends at the park? let's hear it...
- favorite cleaning tip. seriously, I can NOT keep my house clean for the life of me.
- new blog you're stalking.
- yummy recipe for handmade mac & cheese. I'm tired of stuff from the box. blech.
- summer plans! but don't tell me if you're flying to Hawaii for a month. I don't want to hear it. ;)

Here's a photo from my 365 this week. Thanks, Daniela, for letting me take a photo of your husband's antique camera. It makes me want to start a collection of my own... ;)

Manzano Mountain Retreat...

2010-05-16T15:32:00.003-06:00

...is a fun way to have a destination wedding that isn't too far away. Laid back, natural beauty...but watch out when you're driving through the small towns to get there - despite the lack of speed limit signs, the 30 mph speed limit is strictly enforced! ;)

See more on Kim's blog.

five months

2010-05-13T16:49:00.002-06:00

If anyone is still reading my sadly neglected blog, I applaud you. I can hardly keep up with my 365 blog, much less the other three I have going on (blog addiction is a serious problem, don't laugh! ;) Here's 1/3 of the reason I'm neglecting "professional" photography at the moment...

at five months:

1. weighs 19 pounds (he obviously doesn't eat, poor baby!)
2. rolls from his tummy to his back
3. loves to be held. and walked.
4. is thoroughly entertained by his older brother and sister
5. is a neverending fountain of drool

Am I ready to come out of maternity leave/hibernation yet? Here's an answer: I took photos of a sweet senior last fall. Her parents ordered wallets a while ago, and the mother sweetly asked me Sunday at church, "Have Emily's wallets come in?" Ummmm...wallets? I'm sure the look of confusion on my face was a great photo in itself. When I got home, sure enough - there were the wallets on my printer. That I ordered weeks ago. I delivered them the next day and the sweet mom asked, "How much do I owe you?" Ummmmm...you didn't pay yet? Seriously, quality control here people. I can't even keep up with one order of wallets - I don't see how I can be trusted with an entire session right now. Maybe someday. ;)

and the winner is...

2010-05-03T08:51:00.002-06:00

#4 - DeAnna Lovedahl. Congratulations, DeAnna! Email me to schedule your photo session, and thank you everyone for your donation to the Albuquerque Rescue Mission - a total of over $5,000 was raised to help this organization!!

just a glimpse...

2010-04-26T19:52:00.001-06:00

...of the sweet couple from this weekend's wedding. Congratulations! You can see more on Kim's blog here.