Small and Simple Things

Naps Are Boring

2010-05-10T19:19:00.005-04:00

This is what his mama found when he woke up. I love him.

First Come First Serve

2010-05-04T14:04:00.002-04:00

ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON. I will be scheduling mini photo sessions to take place in downtown Monroe, MI on a Friday morning at a reduced price. First come first serve (limited to four mini sessions). Be watching for the announcement on Facebook. CLICK HERE to see my Facebook page.

Happy

2010-04-11T14:08:00.001-04:00

This makes me happy. I love her face, her chiclet teeth, and her "pigtail" (The nub oh her head is being loosely translated as a pigtail. Please forgive my liberties. It's a momentous occasion.) I have two nieces who just turned two. This is one of them. This photo is taken by her talented mommy who is my favorite sister in law.

Something New

2010-02-25T15:08:00.002-05:00

I have a new baby boy in my life named Dexter. This is number 13 for me. 13 nieces and nephews that is....for sure not children! My youngest sister Eliza gave birth last week. Mama and baby are doing well.

Ambivalence

2009-11-16T13:46:00.005-05:00

So last year at this time I was ambivalent regarding this series and the movie. I did however, catch the fever as I read all four books while traveling back and forth to California during the holiday season. Book 1 on the flight home for Thanksgiving. Book 2 on the way back from Thanksgiving. You get the idea. I was obsessed. Unfortunately I missed the screaming teenagers in the theaters due to my lack of interest. Not this time. I have my ticket and can't wait for Friday to arrive. Scary isn't it? If you care to weigh in.....Team Edward or Team Jacob?

She's Famous

2009-10-29T17:31:00.004-04:00

My Aunt Lynne is famous. Just look at her standing next to Martha Stewart. I need to find out why she forgot to tell me I needed to come visit this week! Clearly an oversight!

Do Not Speak

2009-10-12T17:05:00.003-04:00

About the outcome of this game, but it was fun making healthy choices to eat anyway. I am still trying to get over it and last Saturday did not help my cause. It's going to get better. It's going to get better. It's going to get better. At least this is what I tell myself at least 50 times a day...give or take a few. Try not to notice me fraternizing with the enemy. We all have shortcomings right?

2009-09-21T09:35:00.004-04:00

My photography friend took some fun pictures of me in the spring. Just thought I'd share. It would be fun to do it again soon....after my reduction plan is well on its way of course! Click here to see a few.

Music

2009-09-14T13:36:00.002-04:00

Love this song. Love Julie Moffitt who I found by listening to Pandora radio. Tried to add it to my playlist but it wasn't yet available. Click here for the lyrics.

2009-08-24T10:02:00.003-04:00

I really love me some good nutritional information. It helps me make better choices. Click here for all things healthy.

It's Been a Long Day

2009-07-19T19:14:00.000-04:00

Week. Month. And Year. I haven't posted in a very long time. I have had a busy few months and see no end in sight. I am trying to get everything done but needless to say it has been a challenge. It is getting more and more difficult to plan my work around my play with so much to do. And on top of everything else, I think I have lost that blogging feeling. I know.......you all want to say "ditto". Ever notice how one word says so much? I was reminded of this recently.

By the way....this is where I go to relax.

2009-06-01T10:52:00.000-04:00

Come find me at my new place. I hope you like it. Click on the button to get there.

Hiatus

2009-04-16T20:09:00.001-04:00

I might have been on a short break. I know....it's been a long one. But to make up for it I have two surprises. Click here if enquiring minds need to know!

Nana's and Grandpa's Ocean

2009-01-09T12:41:00.001-05:00

My nephew Mr. H calls this place Nana''s Ocean. He liked it so much he kept telling his mother he wanted to go back to Nana's ocean. Me too. I had a wonderful holiday with my parents which included a visit to the beach. They are so fun and I always look forward to going home for a visit. There's no place like home. Thanks so much Mom and Dad for making this holiday season so great. Love you both so much.

Yep...bare feet on the beach is just how we roll in December. I need to go back now. Mr. H...can you meet me there?

And here's Nana on our early morning walk.

Isn't She Lovely

2008-12-15T20:27:00.001-05:00

When I look at this niece of mine....I see my sister, her twin, my baby sister Lou, and my only an very precious brother Spencer in her face. It's the eyes. Even though Miss C's eyes are blue.....her eyes make me feel as like I am looking at the faces of some of my siblings when they were growing up. And the freckles too. Oh how I love all their freckles. There is a picture of my mother and Aunt Lynne up in my grandmother's house in Idaho. I think I will have to scan it in and post these together. The resemblance is alarming and endearing all at the same time. Lynne and Mom wouldn't you say so? The picture in the library when you both are wearing similar dresses?

And anyone who knows my family knows this little nephew is the spitten image of his mama. His luscious lips and his big, beautiful, blue eyes are a dead giveaway. All my nieces and nephews own me. I am not ashamed to say so. I will be post images of them from time to time. These are just a few I have looked at lately.

Another Favorite

2008-12-08T23:35:00.001-05:00

Perfect

2008-12-07T10:06:00.001-05:00

More Cars

2008-11-30T18:33:00.001-05:00

Forgot One

2008-11-30T16:05:00.001-05:00

And I had to post it pronto.

Sisters Sisters I Have Four

2008-11-30T15:51:00.001-05:00

Not only was I blessed with so many beauties as sisters....but look at what she made!! She's really crafty at creating stunning children...with some help of course! His luscious lips are just too much. His sister was not having pictures this day. She was tired and hungry both of which make for little patience with her aunt and a camera. She will get more lens attention at Christmas time.

Cars

2008-11-30T14:12:00.001-05:00

I feel like my nephews and my friend's father....obsessed with old things on wheels. Cars definitely aren't what they used to be. But my friend's parents look the same as they did when I was 12 years old. It's not necessary to discuss exactly how long ago that was.

More Sisters

2008-11-30T14:08:00.001-05:00

Aren't I lucky to have so many beautiful sisters. Okay R....tell me which ones you like and if I need to do any other finishes for you. I have other family photos but I was sure these would be your favorite. I will be uploading them tonight so they can be ordered.

See

2008-11-30T02:25:00.001-05:00

I told you I was obsessed with old cars. There will probably be more.

Just Four

2008-11-30T01:41:00.001-05:00

Can you see the stress on my face? We had 10 minutes before we had to be home to consume turkey with 20 additional people. We were deep fat frying one of the turkeys. We got everyone ready in record time which is quite a feat when 7 of 12 children are five and under. We drove five cars to this location a block away from home. We were trying to beat the sun coming out from behind the clouds. We took four shots. This was the best one. It's not horrible right??? Don't look too closely...as not everyone is following directions and looking at my camera on a tripod. I won't mention any names...but all the offenders are 2 yrs. and under. My mother loves color and I love the vintage finish.

The Only

2008-11-29T23:45:00.001-05:00

He is my favorite and only brother married to my favorite and only sister in law. This holiday was my first introduction to my niece Miss R. She was born 2 days after our family event in celebration of my parents 40th anniversary. She apparently already understands, at age 7 months, one of the things her Aunt Rachie needs her to do. Her brother knows what I want but makes me work a whole lot harder to get it. Check out his expression in the second photo. Priceless. And yes...I am obsessed with old cars. I can't help myself.

Sweet Sisters

2008-11-29T21:52:00.001-05:00

S....here are two different crops. If you order a large canvas I would suggest the second cropping option as the surroundings are cool. Let me know which one you like and then I will do the photoshop edits you requested! hee hee.

Another Sneak

2008-11-29T19:13:00.001-05:00

Because I know her daughter will be checking every hour. Love these. My brother leaned over my shoulder and said "She's cute!". This is the car they dated in and it still runs. Love it!

Had To

2008-11-23T10:04:00.001-05:00

You understand. Turn off the music at the bottom so you can hear the video.

Iron Steel Smiles

2008-11-22T10:12:00.001-05:00

You wouldn't know it was 20 degrees with the wind blowing! This family was very very brave. Love it.

Cute Alert

2008-11-19T22:38:00.000-05:00

Love these outfits. Such fun to be had on a beach.

Contagious Cuteness Ahead

2008-11-15T17:03:00.001-05:00

This is just preview. The cuteness quotient was filled.

2008-11-12T15:11:00.004-05:00

I am drooling over this celery green tweed jacket from Anthropologie. Drooling. It's not pretty. Click here to see it.

Just A Peek

2008-11-11T23:00:00.001-05:00

So....I have the luckiest hobby in the world. Isn't he darling. His Grandmother will be seeing this very soon. I hope she approves. Hee hee. Click here for just a few more.

The Eyes

2008-11-11T16:47:00.001-05:00

Um...I can't stand how handsome this one is. I just had to post this. To see more click here.

Rock The Vote

2008-11-03T23:27:00.001-05:00

Happy voting day everyone. This is not an announcement of a party affiliation, lest I rile any feathers on either side of the fence. This is only my nephew reading up on his candidates, for his evening bedtime story, and doing his very best to educate himself on how he will be voting in 20 years. He is very upset that he will miss voting in the 2024 presidential election by less than a month.

I had to post this after my hilarious brother in law sent it out this evening. This bedtime story goes something like this....as told by my brother in law.

"He arrived here during a dark time in American history. All across America, people were losing their jobs, losing their houses, losing their sense of hope."

"Here was a man who spoke of 'hope' and 'change,' whose strong words lifted up the downhearted people and made them believe that the world was not beyond repair."

". . . this great man spoke in a beautiful voice about his own dream of bringing people together, overcoming our differences, not just in America, but around the whole world."

I repeat. This is not an announcement of any kind of party affiliation! That's sort of personal! Hee hee.

Finally

2008-10-29T10:02:00.005-04:00

The day of the clink party has come and gone. I just didn't realize it would be our illustrious former mayor out in front leading the "I'm too happy about going to jail parade" in court. I could not believe the jovial manner he conducted himself in. He was laughing, smirking, and hugging his wife right up until the judge told him his seven political funds were going to be drained and he was not allowed to use that money for personal gain. The look on his face and the audible gasp from his supporters was high drama. This gravy train is over. He displayed so many reminders of why he ended up here in the first place. Read here and here. His father's parting comment rendered me speechless regarding how he felt "like thousands of black fathers watching their sons be railroaded into jail". What? Perhaps we have an explanation for all this...the apple does not fall far from the tree.

So My Fav Right Now

2008-10-28T01:53:00.001-04:00

Yum....is all i can say about these. Click here for more.

Just What I Needed

2008-10-20T18:23:00.003-04:00

Um...this is a shout out, full of gratitude, to my sister in law for providing me with material that made me throw back my head, slap my knees with both hands, and laugh with reckless abandon multiple times today. Who knows why my brother turned down the Peter Pan costume. Me thinks Pan's skirt would have been a titch longer than the mullet wearing superhero's felt shorts! I am just sayin'!!!

Oh NOOOOOOO

2008-10-20T14:04:00.006-04:00

Say it isn't so! A tragedy of epic proportions was made known to me today. It appears the pink and white animal cookies will be no more. NPR says it's true. Read here. I can't imagine my life without them. Go get them all and quick. These are "MINE FAVORITE" according to my nephew when he was four years old. What's a family to do without "MINE FAVORITE" cookies! There are other sports related tragedies occurring on a weekly basis these days....but I can't even bring myself to blog about it. Traumatized doesn't even begin to describe it. Read here.

Look What Happened

2008-09-28T11:39:00.001-04:00

Can you imagine my Olympic boyfriend (can we not discuss his horrific choice in sunglasses) and my college football team full of Wolverine boyfriends in the same place? I can. I witnessed it yesterday. MMMmmm hhmmmm! Thank heavens my Wolverine boyfriends had their own version of the "Tale of Two Cities" yesterday. It was more like the Tale of Two Football games. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" And I mean the WORST! The first half did not have any resemblance to the second half. (Thank goodness....as my friends had to take my butter knife away.) Click here for the story.

The sunglasses! The sunglasses! Babe....we need to talk!

Choose One

2008-09-20T14:43:00.001-04:00

Sarah...as requested I made some changes to the chosen image. Pick which one you like the best and let me know. I will be posting all family photos on Shutterfly soon so you all can order.

Family

2008-09-20T14:16:00.001-04:00

So I just love this image. Mr. S loves Miss C. It is written all over his face. Aren't we lucky to have family! This image illustrates much more about how I feel about my family than words ever will.

For Mom and Sarah

2008-09-20T13:47:00.001-04:00

This Gives Me The Tingles

2008-09-19T14:50:00.001-04:00

Even two weeks later this gives me the tingly kind of feeling. I happen to come in contact with this little one who has had more than his fair share of less than desirable events. I can't give more details or post images that would identify him. But courtesy of my brother we had field passes allowing us to be on the field for 2 hours prior to kickoff. Can you believe it! I am not sure he was as excited as I was. He did use the phrase "This is AWESOME" no less than 50 times though. We stayed on the field until after the first touchdown because we walked very very, and I mean VERY, slowly to the gate to our seats. I was acting like a mad woman jumping up and down on the sidelines like no one was watching. Oh well. It didn't seem to embarrass anyone. Those who know me know why this was truly one of my most amazing days. The only thing that could have made it any better is if we had run into Coach Carr on the sidelines. hee hee. (Yes, I do know he's no longer the coach but there was a photo of him on the sidelines the week before.....so....it could happen!) It was a great day and one I won't EVER forget. Thanks Spence for going out of your way to make this day for this little one (and your biggest fan) more than I every dreamed it could be! We did win the game that day. It might be a while before that happens again! But I am not going to talk about that right now.

Heading through the tunnel of champions!

On the sacred field of green turf.

Running for the long pass......

and he catches the ball for a TOUCHDOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not only a receiver, but also the placekicker.

It's a FAKE! It's a FAKE! TOUCHDOWN #2!!! Give him his uniform Coach Rod!

Watching warm-ups for the bench.

Here comes the band!!

Wanted...One Housewife

2008-09-17T23:07:00.001-04:00

So. It has been a wild adventure getting my washing machine fixed. On day 12 it is finally functioning as desired. Never mind the fact that the blasted machine is only two years old and has only one person putting it to use. Turns out the Sears Service Repairman doesn't care if you are single, work out-of-town, or have a rigid time schedule to keep. No weekend repairs. No customer courtesies....like showing up in the four hour time frame given for a service call.....either time. And no response and/or correction in the second attempt, after the first was an utter catastrophe, to meet any customer expectations. Thanks heavens for my stay-at-home Housewife (friend) who doesn't seem to mind wasting her time waiting....and waiting....and waiting for the "service" man to show up. Single girls need a housewife. It's all the rage. And....it's the best thing that ever happened to me.

Detroit's Finest Public Servant

2008-09-11T17:25:00.005-04:00

Mr. Kwame "i've been set up, it's everyone else's fault I broke the law, fired two policemen doing their jobs, and perjured myself in court" Kilpatrick is going to JAIL! I think I will have a clink party the day he checks in to the BIG HOUSE for four months. And I am not talking football here! Nough said.

GG's Clothesline

2008-09-02T00:39:00.001-04:00

What is it about home? While I did not grow up in Idaho, my mother took us there every summer and going there feels just like going home for Christmas after a first college semester away. It's a place full of memories, family, and the Snake River that constantly flows from one generation to the next. And here is the next generation running through the laundry on GG's clothesline. A clothesline where GG spent hours hanging clothes, where Grandpa hung clothes after GG had children, where my Mom and her siblings spent hours together in the summer, where Malee taught me how to properly hang the bed linens, and where all of us have spent considerable amounts of time working, laughing, and hanging the laundry together.

I Could Just Eat Her

2008-09-01T23:19:00.001-04:00

She is that cute. And she is all mine. My niece that is. Isn't she pretty.

One More Photo

2008-08-27T23:49:00.001-04:00

I know...I am over the edge. But when your favorite place looks like this, can you blame me?

And now the photoshop version.

Mr S Strikes Again

2008-08-27T23:43:00.001-04:00

Mr. S demonstrated how to attack the enemy and then die dramatically. Hilarious! Yep...still laughing about this one.

Crazy Boys

2008-08-27T23:06:00.001-04:00

There is never any threat of boredom in Idaho. If you aren't tormenting your cousins in the water fountain, you are helping them find raspberries in GG's raspberry patch.

Today's Fav

2008-08-27T22:00:00.001-04:00

Don't you just love her freckles???

Quilts of Love

2008-08-26T22:13:00.001-04:00

I don't know what I've done to deserve two particular gifts received recently. In fact, there is nothing I could do to feel worthy of such rare gifts of love. I feel like they deserve their very own post showing just how talented my lovely friends are. Can you believe how lucky I am? Every time I think about it how much I love and appreciate all the time and effort put into these masterpieces of fabric, the tears start welling up. There are not words to express my gratitude for both of these precious gifts that came from some of my most treasured friends. Some I see more often, but it does not diminish the place they hold in my heart! I love you guys and you know who you are.

I found a few poems that express some of thoughts of my heart. I tried to write my own poem but failed miserably. I didn't want to put off posting this any longer.

PS...the photos do not do them justice!

PPS....does anyone see some X's and O's in fall football fashion?

There are quilts that make me wonder.
There are quilts that make me blink.
There are quilts that tug my heartstrings.
There are quilts that make me think.

But the quilts that mean the most
And that fill my heart with glee
Aren't the ones I see at quilt shows.
But the rare gift made for me!

-author unknown

A Treasure

Mildred Hatfield

It's more than a coverlet,
More than a spread,
This beautiful quilt
That graces my bed.

It's laughter and sorrow,
It's pleasure and pain,
It's small bits and pieces
Of sunshine and rain.

It's a bright panorama
Of scraps of our lives-
It's moments of glory,
It's moments of strife.

It's a story I cherish
Of days that have been,
It's a door I can open
To live them again.

Yes, it's more than a cover,
This much-treasured quilt,
It's parts pieced together
Of lives shared and built.

My Favorite Place On Earth

2008-08-24T22:00:00.003-04:00

Idaho breeds much beauty. I just can't get enough. This is my grandmother's back yard. I keep meaning to go photograph my grandfather's grain silos and the like. I didn't get that done. But if you look carefully, you might be able to see them in the background. Next year it will be first on my list. Just know we spend a lot of time swimming, floating, and canoeing in this beautiful river.

Fav For Today

2008-08-22T23:20:00.001-04:00

You can see her siblings if you click here.

Missed Celebration

2008-08-20T23:04:00.001-04:00

I have been checking multiple times a day for these images. I missed my cousin Katie's wedding last weekend and couldn't wait to see the documentation posted by her photographer. Isn't Katie a gorgeous bride? All I can say is STUNNING! Click here to see more.

Warning: Phever Could Be Contagious

2008-08-18T22:13:00.001-04:00

I know I know. I've got problems. I can't help myself and I needed a break from photo editing. (I am working hard at getting enough done to post a few sneak peeks! Yes, this is for you Susan! hee hee!) But does anyone else think LeBron James is a little bit funny wearing goggles to meet Michael Phelps? I found it more than a little bit funny.

And this next image is for "The Burrito". You know who you are. A little Olympic Fish and a little Piston....gotta love it. I think Mr. Prince is as slender as my Olympic swimmer boyfriend.

Eighth Wonder

2008-08-17T00:09:00.001-04:00

He did it. My Olympic fish for a boyfriend did it! Michael Phelps won his eighth gold medal! I have got the PHever and it is burning hot and world record fast! An Australian swimmer described him as...... "simply otherworldly" ! So I have joined the Australian swimmer and can't quit crying because we have just witnessed history being made! The anthem is playing.....the flag is going up..... and now he is going to find his mother and sisters.....oh gosh I am a hot mess. Sorry....inspirational sports stories do this to me. All I have to do is listen to the music of the movie "Rudy" and I am all done! Perhaps I can now reclaim my life and get some sleep.

He Did It!

2008-08-15T22:36:00.001-04:00

He tied the record of 7 gold medals! These gold medals are of the Maize variety.... lest we forget. I found another photo demonstrating his "Maize and Blueness" but I am not sure I should post it. During the race I was covering my eyes, peeking through my fingers, jumping up and down, and yelling at my Olympic swimmer boyfriend on TV! He was seventh half way through the race? Did we really need all that drama babe? Pretty sure I am never going to get any sleep! Is there a 12 step program for Olympic junkies?

Oh what the heck.....I am going to post the photo verifying his allegiance. Anyone see a block M??? Scandalous!

Oh This Hurts

2008-08-15T20:57:00.001-04:00

Isn't she precious. This is only one of many favorites tonight.

He Wants a Treat

2008-08-15T01:20:00.001-04:00

I am not above bribery....unfortunately I didn't actually have a treat this time. Luckily he wasn't too upset with me. Go see the rest of his family here.

The Favorite So Far This Afternoon

2008-08-10T15:59:00.001-04:00

This one is for you Carly. I am almost done editing Miss F. Please email me your address so I can send your DVD. Liz....you are next. They should done be by Tuesday! Thanks for your patience.

Gold Medal.....Check

2008-08-09T23:08:00.001-04:00

Seven more to go. What fun it was to watch my olympic swimmer boyfriend, Michael Phelps, decidedly win his first race. He is unbelievable! I was really sad I couldn't make the trip to China with him. hee hee. Don't worry, he said he'd call me later and tell me all about it. ha. I am a maniac during the Olympics and I just can't get enough! Should I seek help for this? Oh....and one more thing...LOVE THAT SWIM CAP! Apparently my swimmer boyfriend is collecting the Maize Gold Medals!

Miss M and Miss C

2008-08-09T01:14:00.001-04:00

These little beauties were facinated with the baby ducks at the park. It could be why the majority of their images are profile shots. Works for me. I love these!

Possessed

2008-08-09T00:26:00.001-04:00

Go see this cute and possessed one's family. Click here.

Too Many Favorites This Evening

2008-08-08T19:49:00.001-04:00

I mean....too many favorites this morning. I have got to quit staying up this late. Can't do it. Too old! But the images seem to be calling my name and I just can't move away from my computer. I will not be good at my day job tomorrow.

I Just Can't Get Enough

2008-08-08T01:51:00.001-04:00

I am loving this grainy texture. Please bear with me. I will find something else I love soon. My friends are getting married in Northern Michigan in the Fall. I can't wait to celebrate with them.

Miss J

2008-08-04T23:15:00.001-04:00

I'd like to claim her. In fact, her mother says she could be mine. Here's what happens when a favorite aunt is left alone with this brown eyed beauty and a camera!

Miss Maya

2008-08-03T22:28:00.001-04:00

I am so tired...... but I wanted to post what I finished before going to bed. This little honey is so pretty it hurts. You wouldn't know from this image that Maya never stopped moving during the entire session. Thank heavens for lightning quick shutter speed. I love my hobby! Click here for a few more.

Oh Gosh

2008-08-03T22:25:00.001-04:00

Oh gosh! Oh gosh! Oh gosh! He's all mine. My nephew.....I mean. To think I worried about getting a good image. I love his little belly here. And it seems I've seen this profile somewhere before! What do you think Liza?

Today's Favorite

2008-08-03T13:41:00.001-04:00

What do you think? Click here to see more.

Have You Seen This?

2008-08-02T19:35:00.000-04:00

Go Ahead...Make My Day

2008-07-19T19:59:00.000-04:00

Well he did. I ran into Coach Lloyd Carr today while walking the streets of Ann Arbor during Art Fair week. Turns out he appreciates art too. Needless to say I am shameless when it comes to Michigan Football. I walked right up and shook his hand and said "Hi, Coach Carr. I am S______ B_______'s (trying to protect his privacy but my brother played football for Michigan) sister." I am sure he was so relieved I had stopped to chat. The conversation went something like this.

Coach Carr: "Well how is SB doing? I haven't heard from him in a long time."

Me: "He's fine. He and his wife just had their second baby. Coach, SB is really bad at keeping in contact with all his people. I would be happy to be your contact person for him. So what's the word on Coach Rod? Do you really think he has what it takes to coach here at Michigan? Do you think you might have access to one of those new box seats? Do you need a friend who likes football to go with you? Your family is probably sick of football huh?"

Coach Carr: "Well I don't know. Are you still living in Ann Arbor?"

Me: "Yes Coach. I can't leave The Big House."

Coach Carr: He laughs. "Tell SB I said hello."

Me: "Will do. Call me about those box seats okay? Sorry to bother you."

Coach Carr: With a broad smile he says, "It is never a bother."

With a wave he turned and I watched possibly the best looking, classy, and most intelligent football coach wearing a Michigan hat turn and leave. The conversation might have been close to what is documented. I might have embellished just a little bit. But I did shake his hand, I did tell him about my brother, and he did say it was never a bother with a smile.

He went ahead and made this girl's day.

The Second

2008-07-07T22:00:00.001-04:00

I was the second photographer at wedding last weekend. My friend Wendy was kind enough to invite me along. The ceremony took place at the historic Gordon Hall in Dexter. Beautiful. To see more images click here.

Celebrating All The Men in My Life

2008-06-14T15:41:00.001-04:00

Father! To God himself we cannot give a holier name.

-William Wordsworth

The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.

-Theodore Hesburgh

Here is a photo of most of the men in my life. (Jack was in transit at the time of this photo.) None of these men live with me as I haven't found one desirous of that position. However, I want to note the incredible impact each of them have had on me, my mother, my sisters, my sister-in-law, and my nieces and nephews. They are diligent and hard working. They are ambitious providers. They love and respect my father and mother. They are eager to get together and seem to enjoy the chaos when all 25 of us gather. If they don't enjoy the chaos they hide it well. They set good examples for their children. They are funny. They are honest. They are intelligent. They are handy. They are dependable. They are industrious. They love their wives. They love their children. And luckily, they even seem to love me...most of the time.

And then there's my Dad. He is funny. He is considerate. He loves my Mom. He loves his children. He loves his grandchildren. He works hard. He loves ice cream. He loves to visit his brothers. He loves football. He is the best story teller. I might have heard the trailer passing him in his truck story a million times, but I still laugh to tears when he is telling it once more. He could write a book titled "How Not To" for several of his projects a family friend has said. He can figure anything out. He can rebuild the innards of your closet in efforts to utilize more space than you knew was available. He is smart. He cries during touching movies...especially "Rudy". He is kind. He is a competitor. He loves to play Rook. He is good to his employees. He is honest. He's my Dad! I love you.

Happy Father's Day!

40 More Please

2008-06-08T10:47:00.001-04:00

This is what 40 years of marriage will do for you. How fun and happy are they. It was inspiring! Click here for more images.

Tagged Again

2008-05-30T13:16:00.014-04:00

I have been blog tagged by one of the most entertaining water sports women I know. Not only is she an accomplished skiier, wakeboarder, boat driver, and prop muncher but she can improvise new activities like no one else I know. If you are interested in seeing an example of just what I speak, please click here. Yep, the boat was broken that day.

Blog Tag Rules:
Answer these 15 questions on your blog. List: 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 random surprising facts. Tag 5 people by leaving their names at the end of the post. Leave a comment on their blog so they know they have been tagged.

Joyful Things:

1. My family is the foundation and source of all joy in my life. I am the luckiest girl to be related to my parents, siblings, in laws, and nieces and nephews. The joyful moments they provide are numberless. I learn something new from them constantly. Don't you know sometimes we need to learn and worry about stuff like aliens, the bird flu, and cholesterol. (source of enlightenment is Megan age 10)

2. When you are a foot loose and fancy free single 36 year old....friends become family. I am very lucky again. And they know who they are.

3. And now there's a tie....can't decide which thing brings me more joy. Is it Peppermint Patties or Michigan Football? It's a close one. Someone brought me a Peppermint Pattie at work the other day and it was the best thing that happened to me all week. Not kidding.

Fearful Things:

1. I detest spiders. I don't want them in my house. I don't want them where I sleep. I don't want to kill them. My palms sweat and my heart rate goes up dramatically if I have to kill one of the hairy ugly ones. My Aunt Malee thinks I am off the chain crazy and regularly would refuse to kill the Hobo spiders in her house where I would sleep. Yes, the conditions were deplorable!

2. I absolutely abhor missing fun events with friends. I know....silly....but if you aren't 36 and single, don't judge me.

3. I loathe cold days in May. It's not right and someone should tell Mother Nature she is breaking all summer laws. The trepidation and terror it causes can not be explained. Well...if you are a water sports person you just might understand.

Things to Work For:

1. I want to learn Photoshop CS3 better than I know it now. I am only in the my infancy here.

2. I want to learn to wake skate this summer. Don't ask my friend Brian about this....he's having surgery today after separating his shoulder a few weeks ago. Don't worry, I wished him a happy surgery day.

3. I want to improve my yoga skills. I have a long way to go but I will get better.

Things I am Obsessed With:

1. I LOVE taking photos of kids. Their facial expressions slay me and I find them to be the funniest people on earth.

2. I would have to say I am obsessed with Michigan Football. Some might say I lose touch with a little reality in the Fall. I have no idea what they are talking about. I am very happy in my own little Maize and Blue haze.

3. Subway. I am obsessed with Subway. I go there all the time for lunch. I know everyone by name. I have my own table. Well, I have my own table if no one else sits there....it's hard some days. And when I arrive, they ask me if I am having the "Rachael" sandwich today. Yep, they know what sandwich I want too. Sad.

Random and Surprising Facts:

1. I read the National Geographic, Smithsonian, and Reader's Digest cover to cover every month.

2. I also read People magazine weekly. It is a mandatory counteraction for all those other educational publications I eagerly consume.

3. I have it bad for a little dark chocolate.

I am now doing something I swore I would never do.....playing blog tag.

Angie, Wade, Kalle Z., Liz M., and Eliza can now consider themselves IT!

Mr. Blue Eyes

2008-05-24T01:35:00.001-04:00

Here are Mr. O's birthday wishes a few days late. We did all of this and more in just 25 minutes. He slays me with his baby blues. For more images click here.

All Things Fall

2008-05-21T12:51:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to post some fun memories from one of the most cold, wet, and fun tailgating experiences I have ever had. We had the Bibe contingency in attendance. I think they were having a great time. The Bibe brothers went to the game courtesy of their resourceful sister. She must have some little people!

Birthdays All Around

2008-05-20T00:22:00.000-04:00

So I am a day late posting birthday wishes for Angie... but don't tell. I am 13 days late posting birthday wishes to Owen. Hopefully he won't notice. Some of my favorite things about Angie are:

* She can convince me to do just about anything...well most of the time.

* We still have something to talk about even if it's my fourth call of the day.

* She still thinks "I am a creature unlike any other" even when she knows my "other" (aka short-comings) parts.

* She's Owen's mother and he provides me with much entertainment.

* She decided to move to Michigan with me in less than 30 seconds. That was almost 8 years ago.

Celebrate All Things Feminine

2008-05-11T00:07:00.001-04:00

Today I honor these women and what they mean to me. My Mother and Aunt are examples of all I hope to become. They are kind, loving, hard-working, cheerful, efficient, loyal, accomplished cooks, faithful, disciplined, clean, organized, intelligent, talented, honest, resilient, and most of all they love me in spite of all my short-comings. Aren't I lucky!

Happy Mother's and Favorite Aunt's Day. I love you both.

Sarah's Request

2008-05-10T21:59:00.001-04:00

My sister called and ask I get this done asap. I did a color option and a vintage option for her to choose from. This is my favorite.

Wishing They Were All For Me

2008-05-09T22:24:00.001-04:00

Decided to drive over to Holland for the Tulip Festival with some friends. I was not disappointed. So many lovely tulip gardens, so little time!

Sneak Peak

2008-05-07T00:30:00.001-04:00

I had such a fun and fast session with this cute couple. Miss M kept telling me she wasn't photogenic. Um.....okay! I'll just let these images speak for themselves. Beautiful. More images can be found here.

More Miss A

2008-05-06T22:32:00.002-04:00

I used the paint brush technique again. Isn't she purty! You can find flowers like this if you click here.

Spring

2008-05-05T22:12:00.000-04:00

Married 14,600 Days

2008-04-14T19:04:00.004-04:00

Yikes! My Parents and my Aunt Anne and Uncle Danny have been married 40 years as of April 12, 2008. It was a double wedding with two sisters and two Sigma Chi brothers who played basketball and football at the University of Utah. It must of been quite the event! Can you guess which one played basketball (my tall Uncle Danny)? My Dad played football and was, as my friends can all very accurately quote me since they might have heard it several times, 1964's Most Inspirational Player of the Year. Yep, I have seen the trophy in the trophy case!

My siblings and I planned a surprise party to celebrate their anniversary and had so much fun just being together. We swam, we went on walks to Angler's Lake, saw rare birds (thanks for pointing them out Spence), went to an animal farm, fed carrots to the horses, barbecued, watched a little conference, cooked yummy food, played Rook, consumed A LOT of Thrifty's ice cream, and two precious babies arrived the Tuesday before and the Tuesday after the event. Phew....that was close!

By some miracle we actually did surprise them. My parents turned out to be difficult people to keep home for a weekend. We stealthly arrived (as stealthily as is possible for 25 people), stood at the front door, and rang the doorbell. My sister Rebecca said she "was so excited [she] had butterflies". My parents answered the door, we sang happy birthday to them (yes...all their special events are within 7 days), and then wished them a happy anniversary. It did take them a second to register what was happening. I can't remember anything more fun than surprising them with a such a fun weekend. How I got $500 of groceries in the house with no one noticing is nothing short of miraculous. They knew I was coming home to celebrate their birthdays after I discovered my mother's "great idea" to spend conference weekend in Utah. I told her my plane ticket was non-refundable....the first of many lies over the last few months. Thank heavens the lying is over! We love you Mom and Dad. Thanks for your persevering example!

This photo is one of the few wedding pictures we have of them. I used photoshop to make it look like a painting and really love the effect it had on the image.

More Addy

2008-04-10T23:47:00.001-04:00

Couldn't resist the Old Skool action. I have a penchant for vintage-like photos. Flowers like this one on Addy can be found here.

Vote For Will

2008-04-10T21:48:00.003-04:00

My cousin Jeni has a son running for student body office at Olympus High School in Salt Lake City. This video is part of his campaign. I am still laughing. Hilarious! As my cousin Mitch said "the Willet has my vote". He obviously should be a shoe in. And I just can't believe how much he looks like his mother!

Miss Reagan Alisabeth

2008-04-09T20:05:00.001-04:00

Miss Reagan appeared a little early and made me a "favorite" aunt for the second time in 7 days. Reagan has a few struggles ahead of her and will need a few extra prayers by all those so inclined. Her very feminine details are as follows:

                                                            Born April 8, 2008

                                                                   12:38 pm

                                                                    6 lbs 7 oz

                                                                        20 in

Pictures taken by Whitney and Spencer's friend Mandi.

Miss Addy

2008-04-08T23:47:00.003-04:00

This little lovey melted my heart.....and not just because she allowed me to be an auntie for the 11th time. She is so sweet and so compliant with all the desires of a photographer's heart. I am just prepping her for the rest of her life. She will have to endure many photo sessions over the next 20 years at least! Flowers like the red one on Addy's little bald head can be found here.

Family In Three

2008-04-08T01:57:00.001-04:00

In order to obtain what I like to call my mandatory request for a family picture, I promise to only take three shots. Even though my brother-in-law says the only thing mandatory for him is "paying taxes and dying", it seems like we did okay. We were home celebrating my parents 40th anniversary in addition to their birthdays. There is alot more to tell but I should really go to bed!

Oh My Goodness

2008-04-02T01:02:00.000-04:00

I just can't believe the variety of photos this little lovey provided for me in under two hours. She knocked this session out of the ballpark. Click here to see a few more.

She Has Arrived

2008-04-01T19:18:00.001-04:00

Little Miss Addy, who just made me a self-proclaimed favorite aunt for the 11th time, arrived today. She was 8 lbs 4 oz and 19.5 in long. Stay tuned for some adorable photos.

She's A National Champion

2008-03-30T18:20:00.001-04:00

This little one took first place in her national karate tournament last night. Proud doesn't describe how I feel. Her mother sent a text message saying "Megan just took first place in nationals for fighting! We are so excited! She is so amazing. We are so proud of her and her accomplishments. She thinks and waits for the right time to bail her opponents (Her mother wrote components...but I knew what she meant...ha! Sorry couldn't resist Seb)! Wow!"

I am so happy to have a National Champion in the family. Heaven knows it might be a while until the Michigan Wolverines bring one home to me.

Congratulations Megs!! I love you and the rest of my nieces and nephews more than is possible to explain.

Happy Birthday Simon

2008-03-27T23:11:00.001-04:00

Simon is 2 years old today.

Simon talks continuously.

Simon knows what he wants, when he wants it, and how he wants it.

Simon loves his puppies.

Simon loves his "a Mama and a Daddy".

Simon loves his Nani and Papa.

Simon has his Mama's big beautiful blue eyes and luscious lips.

Simon is going to be a big brother momentarily.

Luke Too

2008-03-26T23:13:00.001-04:00

I am a very naughty Aunt.

Luke turned 2 years old weeks and weeks ago.

Luke is ever so shy.

Luke might substitute a smooch with a stiff arm.

Luke loves his mama and daddy.

Luke loves motorcycles and the "emets" (helmets).

Luke loves his cousin Caden so much.

Luke loves his three older sisters.

Luke has beautiful blue eyes.

Luke's crooked grin melts me every time.

Happy Easters

2008-03-24T00:38:00.000-04:00

Luckily I have good friends who invite me over for holiday traditions warranting small gatherings. I was in charge of the Easter baskets and had a great time hiding them away to be found for an after dinner treat. It was a great day to stop and reflect on all the best things in life.

Mister O's New Shoot

2008-03-02T13:07:00.004-05:00

I got lucky and did some studio shooting Friday. I am anxious to finish my current project which involves turning my spare bedroom into my own little studio. I can't get it done soon enough. Click here or here to see more photos of Owen.

Tribute

2008-02-25T18:45:00.000-05:00