When?

Friday: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Saturday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Sunday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Where?

My house. 25135 Brookview Blvd. Brownstown, Mi

Make an offer, take it with you. Have some beer and bourbon. Come by even if you don't want/need anything. I want to go out big. True Todd style. Click the link below for more photos.

House photos
 

First good thing, the kids are still growing. I've managed to keep them fed and watered most days. I consider that a win. Mallory turned 12 last month. TWELVE. Another good thing - she doesn't have any gray hair yet. Yet.

Lydia turned 14 in June. It was pretty exciting. We did a whole bunch of not much. But a few days later we were able to squeeze in a trip to the Wisconsin Dells during the "quiet" period of COVID. You know, that minute between the end of days and the second end of days. It was a great trip and I'm pretty sure it saved our lives. At least for a week in June.

As far as me, I rode my bike a lot. Like, A LOT. One weekend I rode it 300 miles to raise a few buck for Make-A-Wish Michigan. It was fun, at times...painful, at times...and I'm pretty damn proud of it. It's nice to know my body isn't actually dust held together with remnants of old hopes and dreams.

The kids did remarkably well with remote learning. They did well with the three minutes they were actually in school this year, so that's good. Now we are back home, but with a lot less Boba tea supplies in the pantry.

My cat is still impossibly annoying. There is comfort in consistency.

So basically, we are still here analyzing things and making big plans to change all the stuff that's wrong in the world. If we are going to be stuck here, at least it can be productive. So I'll leave you with allll the photos of pretty fall colors and two pretty kick-ass daughters.

And if I have any advice to share (I don't, but if I did), it would be to not waste this time. Talk to each other. Commit to making things better than we left them. Our kids gave up a lot, but there is enormous opportunity to develop them in a much different way. Don't miss the chance. 

Today, a sweet little girl turned 5 in my neighborhood. Although unable to gather and celebrate the way we are accustomed to, the show went on. And wow did it ever go on. Lines of cars wrapped around the entire neighborhood, including the fire and police. Over the sounds of cheering and horns and blasting music was the unmistakable sound of a squealing child in the throws of pure birthday bliss. 

I'm so proud of our community for so many reasons but this moment will be so hard to beat. (Although I wholeheartedly welcome the challenge.)

Just a few photos to share. These aren't the best because I had to stay far back, but we had a blast doing it! Thanks to all for this beacon of hope!!! We are in this together, Ohio strong!

To start, the new name that I briefly touched on the last time I attempted to blog. Capture 222. Growing up my younger brother and I seemed to randomly stumble upon this number all. the. time. It was everywhere. It was simply a goofy thing we always laughed about and shared. Still, to this day, it creeps up on us in unexpected ways and makes us laugh through random text spanning 3 times zones. So I thought it was a great way to honor the subtle things that keep us connected. How we capture our "222". 

Next, putting this skill to good use. I have some ideas and will be communicating those very soon. It feels good to get back to this, just as we are all getting back to the things we left behind for the hustle of our old daily lives. I look forward to connecting with more of you through the lens and through the written word of this blog.

In the meantime, take care of yourself and each other. Better days are ahead.

Just for fun, my favorite piece at the Toledo Museum of Art. I cannot wait to get back in there!!

In the meantime, here are some senior sessions for my neighbors who happen to be triplets. One of which is my summer babysitter! Enjoy!!

$90

30 minutes of shooting

Up to 15 high resolution files with full printing rights

Online gallery that never expires

Blog feature

$150

60 minutes of shooting

Up to 40 high resolution files with full printing rights

Online gallery that never expires

Blog feature

This is Pearson Park in Oregon, Ohio, north of Starr Avenue off Lallendorf. Absolutely beautiful, especially up on the observation deck. Perfection!

so if you love someone, you should let them know
oh the light that you left me will everglow...

Haylie, I hope you like this preview. Stay tuned for the completion of your gallery!

Just a little rain. Maybe some lightening. A gale force wind or two. Potentially a tornado. Or 20. But it was still all kinds of amazing and I can't wait to do it again.

Stay tuned for more!

-What is your favorite food?

Bread bowl with soup.

-Who is the president?

Donald Trump. Well right now it's Obama.

-What makes you happy?

You.

-What makes you mad?

I don't know.

-What's your one wish for the world?

You'll be the best person in the world.

-If you could change one thing about mom, what would it be?

​​​​​​​I don't want to change you.

​​​​​​​

Nailed it.

Loved every minute of this. 

These two surprised their dad with photos for Father's Day (altogether now....awwwwwww). The original plan was to meet up at a friend's boat then take all the kids for "ice cream" while their dad sat by himself without any ice cream. Because he wasn't invited. But as I waited at the boat dock, I received a text from Jenna stating her dad dropped Colin off at their grandma's. He wasn't coming. Ok, then we go to Plan B. One problem, though. There wasn't a Plan B.

Plan B did eventually come together so everyone calm down. We did it on a Wednesday after work and school. Sent dad to the grocery store and took the photos at their house. To mess with dad, we came up with some pretty elaborate lies to explain how we used those 45 minutes which included sky diving, the zoo, a helicopter ride, a concert, trapeze lessons, ice cream (for consistency), shopping, haircuts and eyebrow waxing, a ride in a corporate jet, and a few other time filling activities. And I moved my car 10 feet so it appeared we left the house. He totally believed it. He knows how efficient I am with my time.

I had such a blast taking these photos. It was easy because these kids are an absolute pleasure to work with. And after several phone calls and a late night of photo processing, I was able to have the lab overnight a gift wrapped box of prints to Jenna so they could have them in hand for Father's Day. And perhaps the best part of this whole thing was the text I got from their dad after he opened them. It's the reason I do this. 

Here are a few of their photos. Enjoy!

To kick off a week of celebrating her, here are a million photos. Cause that's what I do. 

Soccer dad! :

It's a collaborative process. There is a lot of dialogue before we shoot so I know exactly what you want and you know exactly what I can provide. It's casual, comfortable and easy. You just show up with your clothes, a parent/friend/sibling/significant other to help you out, and I'll guide you through the rest.

This year I'm looking for a couple of senior representatives to spread the word about me at your school. If you volunteer as a rep and at least three people at your school book a senior session, your session is half off! But even better, if you get five seniors to book with me from your school your session is...wait for it...FREE! That should make your parents a little happy.

This year senior sessions will begin in July and go through October. My availability is limited, so be sure to get started early and lock in those dates because they will fill up fast. If you are interested in becoming a rep, please email me at [email protected], or text/call me at 419.343.1043. You can also message me on my facebook page (link on this website menu). I will only take 2-3 reps this year so please include a brief reason why you think you'd be a great representative. 

I'm looking forward to working with you all! Enjoy these last weeks of your junior year! Work harder than you've ever worked. It will pay off in many ways.

A few things to share. First, new pricing and session details have been posted on my "Contact/Pricing" page. The big item to note here is that it's time to book those senior sessions for the class of 2017. I will only take 5 seniors this year due to time constraints so if you're interested, please get in touch soon so I can get you on the calendar for this summer. 

Next big item to note is that I'm doing some serious jet setting this year. I'll be hitting up Chicago, Las Vegas, NYC, Lincoln City, Oregon and possibly a couple more locations. I'm not sure about schedules yet but I do know that I'd love to make some Oregon Coast magic happen on Friday, August 26th. So definitely hit me up if you're interested in that!

As far as ramblings go...lately I've been drawing a lot of inspiration from friendships. As I round the corner to 40 (say what?), the friendships I have are taking center stage in my life as I realize just how critical they are. I've been so crazy fortunate to have this unbelievable circle of friends and I'm looking forward to a year of celebrating friendships through my work and in my life. So if you have a friendship you want to capture in a unique way, please reach out to me. We'll come up with something amazing. So that's it for now. Hit me up. Let's do this.

Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together. -Woodrow T. Wilson

Really, though. She is the sweetest little thing. And she's rocking a harness to help her hips settle in correctly. Doesn't even phase her. And I think it's adorable.

Yesterday was her 1 month birthday so we took some shots in her super awesome nursery. Many great details in there from custom quilts to bold patterns and a refinished rocker. Well done Taryn and Fern!!

I absolutely enjoyed my time with her and I cannot wait to get back and snuggle that lump again. Until next time little Fin :)

So for the first time I have a house with great light. I mean, the light in here is delicious!!! So we took a few inside and then took a walk. Here are just a few. She's my little model. She takes direction well. Probably because she knows there is chocolate at the end.

Here is a snapshot of our time together today. Many more to come in your gallery! Thanks again for being so good at this. It makes my job easy. 

He brought his girlfriend along. I couldn't resist. She's pretty and pretty things must be photographed.

This is just a quick preview of our time together today. The rest will be in a gallery soon!

-2-3 hours of on-location shooting (location picked by me)

-2-3 outfit changes (wardrobe to be supplied by models, with guidance from me)

-models must sign a model release, giving me permission to use all images on my website and other promotional materials (if under 18, the release must be signed by a parent or legal guardian)

-models will receive a gallery with up to 75 full-resolution, digital images with full print authorization

If interested, please email me at [email protected].

Thanks!!! 

Kara wanted to head to Ann Arbor for the day and grab some garden photos to capture her bohemian style and then head to the Liberty St. graffiti wall for something a bit more expressive.

It was a great day. Kara, you are a beautiful girl, inside and out. I hope these photos do your vision justice!! This is just a quick preview. There will be many more in your gallery soon!! 

Anyway, as many of you know, this is the time of year that I post photos of our morning and reflect on the past. I intend to carry on this tradition. You're welcome.

These kids. These kids. What would I do without them? I'd shrivel up and stare into a long tunnel of nothing. I'd travel the world. I'd have no idea what my purpose was. I'd play my guitar so much much. I'd have too many cats. I'd stay up later than 10:00. I'd cry at water parks. I'd rock a bikini.

Motherhood is such a concept. It changes everyday. Every minute. Every second. But it all comes down to this: Without it, I am nothing.

This is a big year for my silly little family. We have built a beautiful home and are about to move into it. This is exciting. This is terrifying. So many things happened in this house. An engagement. A lot of painting and de-manning. A positive pregnancy test. Another one. A third one. Just kidding. A few jobs. Some tense moments. Some unbelievable pizza. Some spinning rooms after nights out (and night in). Some scraped knees. Some weepy eyes (for no reason whatsoever). A lot of hugs. Too much crayon on the walls. It's been a great home. BUT IT'S TIME TO F*CKING GO. 

So this is our last set of back to school photos at this house. It was a good morning. The kids didn't really give a sh*t about leaving us, but we gave lots of sh*ts about them taking off. That's how it should be. We are doing something right.

The next time I come back to this blog I will be a miserable, miserable woman. I'll be in the throws of "where did all of this crap come from? Do you really need this shirt from 1984? Whey are there so many cold vapor mist machines? This children's tylenol is hard as a rock. I don't ever remember eating whatever is stuck behind this stove." But if anything, it will make for an interesting read.

Here's a little Q&A for Miss Lydia:

Q: What was the best day of your life so far? 

A: I have to pick three. The day I went to Disney, the day I went to Cedar Point and the day I went to the Taylor Swift concert.

Q: What was the worst day of your life so far?

A: Ummm, I think it was the days we discovered I had head lice and a wart.

Q: What are you most afraid of?

A: Um, heights.

Q: What are you most excited about for the upcoming year?

A: I'm amazingly excited to move into a brand new house!

Q: Aside from mommy, daddy and Mallory, who is your favorite person?

A: I have to pick like 20! But I choose Grandma Rain.

Q: What's better? Bubble gum or steak?

A: Oooh steak!

Q: What's your one wish for the world?

A: I wish for world peace. And nobody would get any sicknesses.

Q: What's your favorite word?

A: Wolf

Q: Are you ready to go back to school?

A: Kind of. I'm a little shaky over it, but I think I can handle it.

So there ya have it. Some words of wisdom from our girl :)

I put together this little series as part of the final lesson for this class. We just came off the heels of a crazy weekend so we are taking it easy today. There is so much happening in our lives right now so this day was a much needed and warmly welcomed change of pace.

I'd say the best part of this was Mallory's squeal upon contact with the ice cold water. It was like a cross between a woman in the throws of unmedicated labor and a cat in a bathtub. The worst part was her losing control of the hose and it flying right at me and my camera. Not cool. No worries, though. I protect my gear like a ninja.

So here is the story of our afternoon. 

http://playtime.toledomuseum.org

The first piece selected is called There's Room for Everything. It's meant to show that technology isn't a bad thing. Lydia is seen here playing just as intently with a classic toy as she is with her Kindle. I told her where to sit and simply handed her the different items.

The next piece is the same photo featured in my previous blog post. It's titled Saturday Morning. This is a candid shot of Mallory playing with all her stuffed friends while I get ready to make our breakfast. 

Opening night is May 22nd. Always such an honor to be included in these shows!

So that's done. Next up? City taxes and laundry. I know, slow down gurl.

Just look at this image. It's crisp as a wafer cookie and the colors are dreamy. Throw a little prism action in there and the magic happens. Right there in my own backyard. 

If you need me today, I'll be watching The Office in bed with my lens. Together forever and never to part. Except when I'm anywhere near water. 

Last night we crashed at my grandparent's house. Grandma Rain and Grandpa Joe. I took a bunch of photos that seemed to annoy everyone, but sometimes it's ok to annoy people to capture good stuff like this. Don't worry Grandpa, you're next.

I asked the girls some questions about Grandma Rain a few minutes ago. Just for fun:

What is your favorite thing about Grandma?

Mal-She gave me jewelry.

Lydia-That whenever we come over, she's very generous.

Why do you like going to her house?

Mal-Because, you know, it's very big and has a basement.

Lydia-Because we always end up with lots of fun.

What is Grandma's favorite thing to do?

Mal-Well, to play!

Lydia-To just have fun.

​What is your one wish for Grandma?

Mal-To give her a necklace.

Lydia-To have great times.

What is Grandma's favorite thing about you?

Mal-She likes me. A lot.

Lydia-We obey orders directly given.

Maumee Bay State Park was the location of choice this year. Wind? No problem. In fact, we loved it. I did take some more traditional portraits, but these are what it's all about. Being 6, on a beach, in the sun, running the show. 

"Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns it calls me on and on across the universe.” 
― John Lennon

Anyway, it's always so fun to see childhood friends with their kids. Lex is so much like Meg. So full of personality with a sense of humor that could make anybody laugh. A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Lex took direction so well (from me). Meg was great at telling her to keep her mouth open and not to look weird. Lex was great at rolling her eyes at Meg. They both had crazy great hair. Somebody stole my gray card. (I don't blame them. That piece of cardboard is so rectangular.)

**I should probably mention that Meg brought me two bottles of booze in brown paper bags. I felt like a rock star carrying those across museum grounds to my car. One in each hand.

Meg and Alexa, I hope you like this little preview of our work today. The rest will be available for download soon! 

And just for fun....The Giant Tire Swing!!!

So yesterday's mission was all about freelensing. It's hard. Super duper hard. So I had to do it, right? I still don't have it figured out, but I'll keep at it until my 50mm 1.8 shatters into a million pieces and I have to get a new one. At that point, I'll back off. Maybe.

Little background...freelensing is a way to get around dropping $1000 + on a tilt lens. You detach your lens from your camera, manually focus and tilt the lens to create the blur that you want. It also does cool stuff with the light. Here are a few shots from my first attempt at freelensing.

For more information on freelensing, check this out:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/content/how-freelensing

Here are the favorites from today. And, please, if you are ever in Toledo, come to the museum. You won't regret it.

-Hand painted park bench in front of the Art Supply Depot on St. Clair.

Once husband had a gallery opening uptown. It was great. Lots of people came out and there were some good munchies. Best part? $5 ALL YOU CAN DRINK WINE. I'm not kidding. But, they were serving it in these tiny cups. So we had to keep going back to get more. Like every three minutes. 

Husband and I drove separately because he had to set up. I had my dad's car because he was watching the girls. Well, mommy got soooo lit up that she couldn't find the car (I wasn't going to drive it, but husband wanted to know where it was so he could take my dad to it). Nope. No idea. And I didn't care. Not. At. All. I came home and walked right up to bed without even speaking to him. Husband took him downtown to find the car. Street after street pressing the lock button looking for flashing headlights. Oopsies.

- Building across from Clear Channel, very close to the Spaghetti Warehouse.

We recently sat through a dialogue with artist Varujan Boghosian at the museum. I hung on his every word. What an incredible talent and good human. 

-Fire escape at the Durty Bird.

My fave friend and I took the kids to a Walleye game once and as we were descending the steps, I spilled my beer on my toddler's head. Yup. 

-Warehouse building near Erie Street Market.

The Toledo Zoo Preschool. I met some pretty amazing people there. A few us still hang out all the time. I force myself on them. And two of them give us free dental for our kids. Right?!?!?  

-Clear Channel building. 

Downtown Latte. Um, best little coffee place EVER. I was there recently with my fave and we were bickering over who would pay. Ultimately, I won because I said "I still owe you for watching my lizard". I then looked at the server and said, "bet you didn't think you'd hear that today".

-Warehouse building near Erie Street Market.

We had Lydia's 6th birthday at a Mudhen's game. She threw out the first pitch. It went about 4 feet. And I thought my grandparents were going to melt. And fave spilled her entire beer on my niece. It was amazing.

-Building across from Clear Channel.

The Valentine Theater plays classic movies on fridays during the winter. Fave and I go see Gone With the Wind and It's a Wonderful Life. Two highlights of my year.  

-Stained glass window at Spaghetti Warehouse.

Once I came home from a long work trip and fave made me go out for an overnight but wouldn't tell me what it was. I was annoyed. I wanted my bed. Husband made me go. I had to meet her in a loud bar. I sit at the bar and bartender gives me a Christmas Ale, a purple rubber duck, and a cupcake with a poptart stuck in it. I'm all "is this some kind of weird shot?". Bartender is all "it's from the ladies back there". I turn around and find a table full of internet friends (don't ask...it's legit I swear) from all over the country. I grabbed my beer and left fave at the bar by herself. Best night.

-Parking meter at Tony Packos.

Everything I've ever put in my mouth from Registry Bistro.

-Sidewalk grate in front of Clear Channel. Looks like an old loading tunnel.

I'll stop there. I love this city. 

Ten Things I Learned From Reading Online News Comments

1.  93% of commenters probably did not make it beyond third grade.

2.  Everybody is an expert.

3.  It’s perfectly acceptable to promote your porn business in the comments of an article about a blind child mourning the loss of her guide dog.

4.  You will ALWAYS read this exchange, no matter what article you are reading:  Who cares? Why is this even news? –you cared enough to click the link, rede it and comment, so you obviessly care. If you don’t like it, than don’t rede it.

5.  I should stop reading up on child safety trends because childless Jon Dupa from Podunk, Ohio, has it all figured out. When he was little, his mom smoked an entire pack of Virginia Slims in their Monte Carlo with the windows up while he played lawn jarts in the back seat. He’s fine now, so everyone needs to chill out and let kids be kids. (See numbers 1 and 2 above.)

6.  The comments of an article about any relevant social issue is not going to end without Jon Dupa’s words of wisdom that somehow link the issue to things like clogged shower drains and 7-Eleven running out of liquid nacho cheese.

7.  People are more invested in Kim Kardashian’s ass than their 401k.

8.  George Bush is a hero. Obama destroyed the world.

9.  Obama is going to save the world. George Bush destroyed it.

10. I have fond memories of the Letter to the Editor. Remember it? Yeah? Let’s do that again.

Garden Stone

Quiet Home

Summer Shoes Hosta Flower 2

City Sky

Water Wheel

Flowering Tree

Never mind that she still doesn't fully know her alphabet yet (don't stone me...I think she knows it, but doesn't give a ham sandwich about it). Or that she hasn't mastered the zipper. Or that she thinks at her first soccer practice this week she'll be "throwing that soccer ball through that hoop". Trust me, she was ready for this.

The day started out great. Up early. Dressed by 7:45. No fighting. Swarm of angry mosquitoes that only Alfred Hitchcock could orchestrate. Bug spray before school? Check.

Right on the bus. No problems. She gets on before Lydia. They are assigned seats next to each other for the year. Perfect. Driver gives Mal her seat assignment. Seat 6. Mal proceeds with confidence...right passed 6. Lydia grabs her arm and throws her in 6. Good job, Lydia.

Bill and I rush to the school to follow her in and make sure she gets settled. Lydia leads her down the hall and into her class. Lydia dismissed to enjoy third grade. 

Mal gets settled in. No tears. No apprehension. We leave. She gets off the bus at the end of the day happy. 

We're in my bed watching H2O Just Add Water and she says to me, in her sweet voice, "Mom, you have the freshest milk". 

Your guess is as good as mine.

As a bonus, here is Lydia on her first day of third grade (last wednesday). She's already killing it in the academics. Thank goodness. This child saves my sanity. Every day.

All in all, a good monday. 

Lydia

1. Who is your hero?  

    I have no idea.

2. What is your one wish for the world?

    That no more bad things would happen. Like not passing quizzes, cancer or colds.

3. What is your favorite drink?

    Lemonade

4. What came first? The chicken or the egg.

    Chicken

5. If you were stranded on an island and could take one thing with you, what would it be? 

    My family.

Mallory

1. Who is your hero?  

    You.

2. What is your one wish for the world?

    I wish you for the world.

3. What is your favorite drink?

    Kinda water. Water is kinda healthier than milk.

4. What came first? The chicken or the egg?

    Chicken?

5. If you were stranded on an island and could take one thing with you, what would it be? 

    You.

Mom (Interviewed by Lydia)

1. What is your favorite Disney Princess?  

    Cinderella.

2. What is your favorite moment of your life?

    When you were born.

3. What is your favorite color toilet?

    White

4. When were you born?

    October 9, 1976

5. What is your favorite place to go? 

    Anywhere on the water.

______________________________________________________________________________

As some of you know, I will be participating in Pelotonia 2014! This is a super duper awesome charity ride through the Columbus area to END CANCER. 

As part of this ride, I've committed to raising $1250 for this important cause. So I thought, what better way to raise some money than to offer discounted photo sessions and have 100% of the session fees go toward my Pelotonia commitment? 

For a $50 minimum donation to my ride, I will provide up to 1 hour of shooting at Pearson Park or Downtown Toledo for up to 5 people, a private gallery for viewing and digital images with print authorization of up to 20 shots. I normally charge 6x this!!!

I will not take any money for this....donations can be made directly to Pelotonia prior to your session. If you wish to book, please email me at [email protected] to secure your session. Once scheduled, you may click the link below to make your donation:

Click here to donate

(You can also choose to donate and not book a session!)

I will book up to 6 sessions in July at this rate for my ride. After that, I crawl back in my photography hole and focus on photographing my kids.  

Please feel free to share this blog post with anyone who may be interested.

Below are a couple examples of recent work I have done. More examples are location on my home page and various blog posts. 

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now she is eight. Eight. EIGHT. (Such an odd looking word, right?)

Growing up fast and getting cooler by the minute.

Since Minecraft is the theme of the year, I figured I'd share some of the ideas and save some of you some time in searching for these things.

First, the invitation. I made these in Photoshop. Just took a few minutes. I actually emailed them as an attachment because I'm lazy and didn't want to print them. But they are formatted to print as 5x7.

Next, the Minecraft bean bag toss. This was the main event. Tons of fun (probably more so for the adults) and also made a good decoration. My husband gets the credit for this. I was going to make it from cardboard but he insisted on using real materials. It's well made and hand painted, to boot. We went through the line three times and then added up the scores. First and second place won prizes.

Prizes for the bean bag toss were these red and green cups I found at the dollar store that we blinged out Minecraft style. (I had extra cups in the event of ties).

Next, the pinata. What good is an outdoor party without a pinata? First, let me say that if you can, buy one. While this was technically very easy, it took a long time to fringe all that tissue paper. But, she loved it so it's all good. I found the instructions for this pinata on Pinterest. If you google "Ghast Pinata", you'll find it featured on many blogs.

The table was decorated with mining gems and Minecraft shirts that I ordered from Thinkgeek.com, the coolest website IN THE WORLD. Tucked in the shirts were paper bags for the pinata that also had their names on them to mark their seat at the table.

The food table inside consisted of Minecraft foods, labeled with their graphics. I also threw in some Minecraft items that had similar looking foods (Oreos for coal and pretzels for sticks). Nuggets and fries from McDonalds. Easy. Not pictured was a bunch of pizza that was delivered. Double easy.

The cake. Oh, this cake. We found this cake on Nerdy Nummies. The coolest baking show on Youtube. Only, it took FOREVER. Six hours, actually. It's not hard, though. And if you have two ovens, this would cut that time in half.  Also, don't even think of making this from scratch. Boxed cake, all the way. I didn't get a good photo of this, but the text bubble was made to look like an actual Minecraft text bubble and says Happy Birthday Lydia.

There was one other activity that I didn't get a photo of. I placed Minecraft items (gems and coal) in gift boxes and wrapped them with silver paper to look like iron ore. I put their names on the boxes and hid them in yard. Once they found their ore, they opened up the boxes and the box with the gold inside won this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Minecraft-Secrets-Never-About/dp/1494435950/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1402851646&sr=8-8&keywords=minecraft+book

And last but most certainly not least, the true indicator of success or failure, the birthday girl.

I'm thinking success.

Lately I have been studying light. I really want to master it and stop manipulating it. I want to tell the real story and not bend the truth in any way.

Today was a great day. We were out in the back yard, doting swimwear in the next size up (myself included), soaking in the light. 

I hope these photos show you that light...at least a little. I'm trying. Hard.

So, friend, I have assembled some of my best ideas for you to pin and implement in your daily life. You'll be organized, healthy, skinny, beautiful, stylish and successful. All from pinning my ideas. AND...your friends will know how organized, healthy, skinny, beautiful, stylish and successful I am. WIN WIN.

Set the Tone For the Day

Never make your bed in the morning. Never EVER EVER. Only make it right before you get in it at night, so you are perfectly covered when you plop in front of your smart TV under the ceiling-mounted speakers. If your bedding is all up in a mound like this before your reality TV binging, how will you balance your wine and cheese? You won't. (Bonus tip: only change your sheets like once a month. Crumbs can be brushed on the floor on your husband's side of the room).

Streamline Your Morning Routine

If you travel, keep your stuff in the quart-sized bags you use for the airport. Don't mess with a make-up organizer. Leave the empty bag on the vanity and spread all the contents out. Leave it that way. FOREVER. (Or until your next trip). This way it's all out in front of you. All day long. Reminding you that it's too much effort to use it and to walk away. Immediately.

Get Dressed

Keep your clothes in baskets like these. It doesn't matter where they came from. Even cardboard boxes will work. It's much easier to grab clothes from these baskets than to 1) hang them up and 2) retrieve them from the closets. If they get messed up from digging for matching socks, that's ok. Go with it. Oh, and you may see that I have shoes stored behind these baskets. It's strategic. If I can't find matching socks, I can easily surrender and put on riding boots. (That's a time-saver tip).

Get Your Kids Dressed and Ready 

It's important that you not only set the tone for your day, but for their day. At the same time, they can't outshine you. YOU have to be the star. Don't brush their hair until AT LEAST noon. Leave them in their pajamas for days and if they want to play dress-up, give them a soft robe and call it a magical princess cloak. Leave their toothbrush and toothpaste on the kitchen counter all the time. I read on a blog once that keeping it in the bathroom is very bad. Very, very bad.

Organize Your Fridge and Pantry

Just throw it in there. Stack cans and jars on top of boxes. Place giant jugs of maple syrup next to instant Mac N Cheese. Put the ketchup in there with the back of the bottle facing you so you can easily read the nutritional content. Being healthy is a priority. READ LABELS.

Monitor Screen Time

Make sure that there is ALWAYS access to screens. Big screens, little screens, in between screens. For example, we have two kindles, an iPad, an iPhone, an iPod, a Galaxy III, three smart TVs, an iMac, a PC and a Chromebook. Use them all. CONSTANTLY. And keep them charged in the event of a power outage. Not to say books don't have their place, because they certainly do. But they are boring.

Maximize Small Spaces

Use your utility room for EVERYTHING. Food storage, glass pan storage, an art studio, winter gear storage, dancing, skinning caribou, ANYTHING.

And last, but CERTAINLY not least...

Look Amazing

So friend, stay in your pajamas for days! Wear the same blue robe for a decade! Forget the make-up. Never change your earrings. Wash your hair twice a week. Paint your nails and don't paint them again until the last chip of color falls off naturally. Look, feel, BE amazing. Pin THIS.

Maybe I can help! I rarely have time to book clients. My job is crazy and it's just not something I can do often.  But...I'm feeling the itch. So here's what I would love to do:

What:  Holiday Card Mini-Shoots

When: Sunday, December 8th from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 15th from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Where: Toledo area. Specific location TBD (likely Pearson Park [dress warm!] with the 2nd floor of downtown library as a weather back up).

Cost is $100 per family for 30 minutes of shooting, up to 8 digital files with print authorization, and a custom designed Holiday Card! Images will be posted in a private gallery where you will be able to download your files along with a print release so you can print them wherever you choose. I will do my best to turn these around within 24 hours so there is plenty of time to print them.

If you are interested, please email me at [email protected] as soon as possible as space is extremely limited!!

Please, no wardrobe changes. Price includes up to 5 family members. For each additional member, please add $5 to the session fee. Due to the need to turn these around quickly, I will not provide CDs of images. Only downloads. Design fee includes one round of revisions. Holiday cards will be designed for easy uploading to/printing from popular photo card printing websites.

Photos with her are a challenge.  Mallory, smile!

Mallory, don't smile.

Mallory, you look like you are gritting your teeth. Just look normal.

Ok, forget it. Do what you want. And it evolves from there. 

So before I insert some more photos, I will leave you with her latest gem. Mommy, why are my boobies SO SMALL (as she rubs them with her index fingers)? Will they get big when I grow up? Good, because I want GIANT ones.

Be careful what you wish for, Mal.

I have a feeling she is going places. Not figuratively. Literally. I just heard the door slam....

I also love my kids. So here you go. Kids and fall. What's not to love?

Kate has neurotic tendencies. So when she is brewing a new life inside of her, these tendencies show their teeth. It's very important to Kate that things are planned out, she remains informed about the pregnancy and feels confident about the plan. She knows her doctor, she knows the hospital, she knows what is going to happen and, more importantly, HOW it's going to happen.

But Kaia had other ideas.

Kaia came last Sunday morning. Early. And she came fast. So fast, that Erik, Kate's husband, delivered her in their half bathroom next to their kitchen with assistance from a 911 dispatcher on a cell phone. We'll call her Master....because I don't know her name and she deserves a title appropriate for her relationship to Erik during the morning's events. He tied off her cord with his shoelace per Master's orders. From the shoe on his foot. When EMS arrived, they took Kaia to the kitchen island to get her cleaned up and warm and got Kate ready for the trip to the hospital. They returned home a day and a half later as a family of four.

I was there yesterday to meet this squishy little kid who rocked Kate's world and destroyed her birth plan. I went in the bathroom and it's even smaller than I remembered it. Not just because it's been a while, but also because the last time I was in it was after an entire bottle of cabernet. I am amazed at what happened in there. I'm trying to convince Kate to request a copy of the 911 call. So far, she's not convinced. But I'm not giving up. Ever.

So here is a preview of little Kaia. Perfect little Kaia with her olive skin and dark hair. Perfect Kaia who smells like sweet milk and baby soap. Perfect Kaia who made her way onto my "most respected people" list before I even met her. Perfect Kaia who completes this family in so many ways.

Congrats to Kate, Erik, Joseph and their respective families. Love you guys!! 

(Notice I only posted black and white photos to contrast her colorful entrance into the world.)

Mal is going into her second year of preschool at the zoo and Lydia started second grade!  eeeks!  That means this is our last year with a kid at home. Next year they are both in full-time school. That's a HUGE milestone. Huge.

Here's to a great year of learning, puking, making friends, breaking glasses, fevers, homework, holiday breaks, bus rides, half eaten lunches and tooth fairy visits.

I haven't taken a ton of photos this year. I hate my camera and my lens. I need new equipment, but that isn't happening anytime soon!  I did manage to get out for Lydia's 7-year portraits. This year she picked her own clothes and accessories. The result was a series of photos that capture her personality perfectly. 

I've also tossed in some photos from her birthday party that was mermaid-themed. Again, so fitting. 

She's the coolest kid EVER. So hard to believe it's been 7 years. It's been a wild ride, but it keeps getting better!!!

We got Lydia on the bus and then rushed to get Mal ready for her big day. Here is a glimpse at her morning mood:

In the car:

The outfit, the hair, the backpack the shoes and the always changing expressions:

At the Zoo:

It's important to note here that shortly after this shot, she fell flat on her face, scraped up both knees, her elbow, the palm of her hand and the tip of her nose. Did that deter her? No. It just made her want to get in there faster for band-aids. Here she is on the walking rope getting ready to go in:

She came out after school with some artwork and a smile. All-in-all, a successful first day for Mallory. And for us. We're looking forward to two more years of the Toledo Zoo Preschool!

We've done a lot to prepare for this day including, but not limited to, shopping for clothes, shopping for supplies (and I never found Elmer's white washable glue sticks...she got disappearing purple...sue me), studying sight words, shoe shopping, shopping for more supplies, searching for the perfect Monster High back pack and lunch bag, headband shopping, etc., etc. But, the single most important thing was....taking her Great Grandma Raine's silver locket in for a cleaning and polishing so it would be super special for her first day of school. Dad took both girls to the same place he purchased my wedding ring. The woman in the store made it sparkle again while she talked to them about gemstones and jewelry. They even came home with two new rings (plastic, of course)!

So, armed with her gear and her like-new locket, off she went. She took the bus and I followed the bus to school again. Just like last year. I was the creepy mom hiding behind the tree taking photos of children with a zoom lens. I supposed it's better than pretending to paint the lines in the school parking lot, like my mom had to do for weeks because my brother was such a hot mess during kindergarten. Yes, I'm serious.

So, while it's bittersweet to see her grow up so quickly, I know how lucky I am. I have exactly 16 days to prepare myself for painting parking lot lines when Mallory starts preschool. Eat your heart out, Uncle Brian.

They were in town for a work event (I work with their mom) so we met up downtown for some fun shots before the Mud Hen's game. They were great. Took a minute to warm up to the idea of my big camera in their faces, but the promise of cookies and swimming went a long way.

After photos was swimming, drinks, fried pickles, drinks, hot dogs, drinks, cotton candy, drinks, one missing child (mine), and a mad dash to the car to avoid a thunderstorm. All in all, a good night.

I hope you enjoy your preview! Your gallery will up soon! And thank you for the use of your hotel pool!!!

Here are a bunch of photos. Enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed living them.

Emily is the sweetest little thing. She makes the cutest noise when she gets upset and has quite the collection of animal sounds. As you'll see below, she is very expressive and it was fun to capture the many faces of Emily! I hope you all enjoy your little preview. I'll be in touch soon with your slideshow.

ice cream.
 

A river.

 

bellies full of ice cream.
 

i don't know. mal's butt is in front of her face.
 

all kinds of artsy.
 

ice cream.
 

tourist shot.
 

i know. this has been done a million times. i don't care. it's cool.
 

raise the rain shelter.
 

uh-oh. someone's had enough.
 

band photo.
 

strike a pose.

So that was our day. What did you do??

I'm going to make a solid effort to document more of our moments.  I'm vowing to not clean the chocolate off my kids' face, choose the outfits or brush their hair. I'm vowing to not tell them where to stand or to look at mommy's camera. I'm vowing to document their lives, unscripted and unrehearsed.
 

Because our lives aren't always pretty.  We certainly don't spend much time posing, as a general rule. We fall down and get back up. We spill our milk. We drag dirt down the halls.
 

I let them wear what they want, within reason. I don't care too much about matching or their outfits making a whole lot of sense. Young kids have zero control over their lives. It's important for them to make some decisions on their own.  Even if it means going out in public half ballerina, half cat.
 

We lay in the grass. We kick balls on the roof.  We (well they) dig for worms and give them names.
 

This is us.
 

Unscripted and unrehearsed.