Tracee Breeze Photography

Eleventeen.........

2011-11-10T15:44:00.000-08:00

We call it Eleventeen because we already can tell what we are in for during her teenage years. She keeps telling us she is just getting it out of her system early and she will be a delightful teenager......we on the other hand know what we did to our parents and we know she is just getting warmed up! Overnight she has grown way too tall, she is always caught wearing my shoes and putting on my expensive lipstick. Then rummages through my jewelry to find something to wear. She is also projecting how soon it will be until she can wear my clothes!!! Not sure I am ready for this! This one keeps us on our toes and we love every minute of it.

Happy Birthday Grace ( even if it is late!) All photos are film except the last one.

2011-11-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

I know I have been absent for months from this blog......more on that later. I will be posting allot of personal work over the next little while. Here are some film shots I did of my sweet little Gracie while testing out some new film.

Just a few more....

2011-07-11T14:23:00.000-07:00

The last of the film from this session. I have so much to learn still with film. However for my first try with this particular camera I am very happy with the results. I love what film does for skin tones. Straight out of the camera;)

I love proving someone wrong;).......

2011-07-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

....in the nicest way possible. These are my Ranunculus. I was told they would not grow well here.( I've been told pretty much everything in my yard was ridiculous to plant) I was told I started them too late if I was even going to try. I was told they would go dormant after 80 degrees outside, and give me nothin. Well I'm still cutting flowers..........I love these pretty little things.( Now hopefully they won't shrivel up and die since I boasted:)

So Cal...

2011-06-22T13:52:00.002-07:00

My brother just moved right around the corner from this place. I can't believe it. So excited for him and his new frontier!! And I also can't wait to visit;)

2011-06-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

My computer issues today are no. laughing. matter.

Shaylee

2011-05-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

;

Lucky for me, I figured out that Shaylee would sit still for about two seconds longer with mr.bunny that without him:) She is a mooooover!! I absolutely love this stage of their life when they attach themselves to a blankie or stuffed animal or what ever it happens to be. Isn't she the cutest thing?????

To see more go here.

2011-05-23T14:26:00.001-07:00

Still slowly going through our vacation photos. I seriously heart this place.

Tan.....

2011-05-19T17:14:00.000-07:00

When he is not doing homework, this is what he does. Angry, angry birds. I have really got to get with the program and start learning how to play these games. I love this photo of him. I love capturing them just doin' what they do without all the fuss of posing for a photo.

2011-05-18T15:06:00.000-07:00

A few more of beautiful Bronwyn.

Bronwyn

2011-05-14T17:55:00.001-07:00

Bronwyn's Senior photos. She is beautiful!
Look at her eyes! I will share more of these pretty pictures soon.

Brandi

2011-05-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

I told you , you would be seeing more of this lovely lady. I still have not gotten my film all back yet. So there is a chance you may still see more of her in yet another post:) It was absolutely freezing when we did these. Freezing. And Brandi did not have shoes or a jacket. I don't think I warmed up until the next day.

Congratulations on graduating with High Honors Brandi!

xo-

to see the entire event go here.

Budding photographer.....

2011-05-03T15:19:00.000-07:00

She insisted on wearing this nearly the entire time I was there. She wasn't quite sure what button to push to take the photo. So stinking cute. I am completely smitten with her. She kept trying to take my picture with my light meter. I will share more from her session next week. I wish I could have taken her home with me.

2011-04-23T11:15:00.000-07:00

You will be seeing a bit of this lovely lady over the next few weeks as I have many different things I have done with her and not yet gotten finished up yet. Film and digital. Here are some of my favorites from our beach shoot. I love the sun flare in the last two, I'm a sucker for the sun in more ways than one. To see more of the beach session go here.

( password hint, beloved spotted dog)

Senior photos, Newport Beach

2011-04-21T16:41:00.000-07:00

I love this last shot. Slightly out of focus, yet so full of emotion. When I first saw it I thought she must have been screaming at the rush of the cold water on her feet. But as you can see in the image the water is clearly not anywhere near her feet. So I am going to say this must be how she feels about graduating from high school:) Or just Brandi being Brandi?

I did the scanning and developing of the negatives on these. So much fun to learn that whole process. But really hard to get the negs completely dust free. I did not get everything from our session finished so I will share those shortly. ( and the digital shots)

Santa Monica

2011-04-12T21:01:00.000-07:00

We ventured out to a new city this year. Santa Monica.....I wanted to visit the Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic store and we of course wanted to see the beautiful beach there. What can I say other than what a beautiful city. Even my husband was taken in at every turn with the lovely trees and views. And the store........well lets just say someday I will own one of those lovely sofas. Like sitting on a cloud. ( an expensive cloud , but still) The beach was freezing and so I was highly unmotivated to take many photos. This one is film and taken with my Yashica. And I got to develop this roll myself at the lab. ( more on that later)

Newport Beach

2011-03-31T14:05:00.000-07:00

And so we are back , have been for a bit now. Just adjusting back to real life, schedules, school, homework, and plain old work , work, work. No more running past the surfers every morning soaking up every bit of sunshine I possibly can. (sigh) Truth be told it was a tad bit chilly this year, but it is always warmer there than here:) Such a beautiful place to be. I will always love the idle time we get to spend here with the kids every year.

More photos coming shortly and more film!! Going to the lab this week to learn to develop my own.

Family Glimpse

2011-03-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

Little Miss

Prince Naveen??? Or Tanner? It's a close one!

Johnny and I

We had these done last year at the park.( just pulling them out to finally frame) Now I am not one for caricatures. But my little miss has wanted one done of her for quite sometime as Tanner had one done when he was her age. So we let her, then Tan wanted another one. Then Johnny talked me into one. I was not excited about it. It's worse than having your photo taken!! First of all people gathering to watch as someone interprets with their hand what your face looks like. While trying to hold still and keep smiling:) And worrying that they will accentuate something in your profile in a cartoony way that you don't like. ( yes, I am picky )

But I loved them!

So Cal...

2011-02-16T14:39:00.000-08:00

Taken with the trusty Holga. I just stocked up with the new Portra 400 film, and can't wait to take lots of film photos while out and about in the land of sun.

Newport Beach

2011-02-08T14:06:00.000-08:00

Once again I am looking forward to evenings that look like this. I love it when the evening light hits the wall of beach houses and makes them look like the shiny part of a sea shell.

Love it.

Stephie

2011-01-31T11:25:00.000-08:00

I took these last year. Stephie is my cousin, and just a few years older than my Tanner. I can still see her and Tan sitting in her dads motor home trying to play skip bo with their chubby little fingers. I was amazed as I went through these photos to edit them how much I saw so many of her other siblings and her mother in her features. She is so beautiful and so sweet. I'm so glad I got to take these. These are just a few a my personal favorites.

Many times when I am shooting I leave with one form or another of bodily or clothing damage.i ruin shoes or rip pants...... I don't know how I manage, but I always do. Somehow during this shoot I managed to cut my leg on the only piece of barb wire in the entire field. Had to get a tetanus shot and I am still wearing the scar:)

Grace and Walt

2011-01-27T11:12:00.000-08:00

These two have this thing with beating each other, and I don't know where they get it. I'm the most non competitive person on the planet. It doesn't matter if it's a game, video game, walking/running home from school or swimming in the pool they always turn it into a race. (And secretly it is so entertaining)

Uncle Trav started them this way, then he made them line up on the sidewalk so there would be no "cheating" once he threw the ball.

Lined up and ready to go........ both of them have their eyes on Trav.....

And of course Mr. Walt takes of giggling with delight that he is in the lead:)

And then she starts running, I can still hear him screaming....."Gracie Wait!!!!!!"

He is fast and strong, but somehow her long legs always outrun him. I keep telling her to enjoy it because it won't last.

And of course here she is with the ball, and a treasure. And he is no longer giggling:(

I wish I could freeze them at this age. They are so much fun.

Aphrodite Godess of Love....

2011-01-25T14:01:00.000-08:00

Apparently, this statue creates quite a stir in her neighborhood.

It was Fathers Day-

There were cars in the driveway, I assumed they were visitors for the holiday- ( they weren't)

I was smitten with the gorgeous rose bush- ( I had never noticed this before.....how could I have missed this???)

I loved the white statue placed perfectly between the blueish background and the roses in front-

I listened to a naughty little voice in my head that said it's ok, you don't need to disturb them on a holiday, it's just one picture.......

I was wrong. This beautiful statue apparently gets quite a bit of negative attention and that's what I was suspected of doing...( I won't go into details) But I was sweating by the time I was done explaining myself:)

It's the last time I listen to that little voice.....

Christmas at my house....I know this post is late:)

2011-01-03T14:38:00.000-08:00

Christmas at my house...... I love this time of year. I enjoy all the time spent with these two and Johnny. ( plus while he is off for Christmas break everyone prefers his cooking to mine:) I spent the entirety of Christmas break with a fever of 103 and feeling like I was on deaths door. But despite that it was still so much fun.

Some of the things we did ............ We watched endless amounts of movies. Made a fabulous new dessert that I opted to eat for my meals instead of a healthy dinner. Had my sister and her hubby come and stay with us, which was really alot of fun. They brought really exciting gifts for Christmas morning:) ( buns of steel anyone?) Played board games, did American girl crafts and played dolls, and my boys downloaded every possible iPhone app known to man. Over the holiday we became that family that texts each other over dinner....... I think getting Johnny a new phone for Christmas might have not been the smartest thing for me to do. He is constantly chasing me with it to photograph me or video me.

I am always filled with a tiny bit of regret as each year passes. Only because it means my children grow another year older. Time seems to pass faster and faster and I try very hard to absorb every moment. It's so very hard to do that sometimes in the busy-ness of life. 2011 is going to be a great year and I am looking forward to making new goals and accomplishing them.

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and will have a Happy Year!!!

White Christmas

2010-12-29T18:38:00.000-08:00

The beautiful photos below may not be suitable for all ages:) All photos taken by me and edited by Bekah .

2010-12-16T13:10:00.000-08:00

Bekah

2010-12-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

This shot was by far one of the most fun I had all year. Bekah is a very talented photographer herself and it was fun to try and bounce around ideas and talk about what she wanted out of the shoot. I didn't get these photos up sooner because I wanted to know what she was ok with me posting and she was busy....well, busy having a baby. Bekah has the pregnant body I always wanted. It's no wonder she was so brave with what she wanted to do.

Congrats you two, on becoming parents!!

Good Luck:)

Grateful

2010-12-06T21:41:00.000-08:00

This post was meant for the week of Thanksgiving. We have had a busy fall. First sewing costumes for Halloween , then Grace had Nutcracker performances right before Thanksgiving.I had big plans to share photos of my wonderful costumes I made. Grace had a black kitty jumpsuit that matched her American girl doll, I was a poodle, and Johnny was Animal Control. Tanner got out of the group plan by getting asked out to a girls choice dance. He got to be Darth Vader. I am ashamed to say I did not take one photo:( Not at Halloween, not at the performances, not at Thanksgiving. It's a terrible first. I have tried all year to slow everything down and just soak up every spare second with these three. Sometimes that makes things seem to go quicker. Of everything else in the world I am most grateful this is who my family is. Johnny adds such a constant source of steady in my life. And I hate to admit it, but he really does add the fun factor. ( I think I have become a much more serious person over the years because he adds too much fun sometimes) Tanner, well he is just an absolute delight. And little miss...... well she adds the spice.

(photos taken on our trip in Feb. this year)

Happy Birthday Tan the Man!!! 17!!!

2010-11-30T09:10:00.000-08:00

He just turned 17. I never thought anyones birthday could depress me more than my own.

Here are just a few things I love about my Tanner.......

Tanner is always happy. He has a good time no matter where he is or what he is doing. He just enjoys life.

He has a ton of self confidence. It's almost scary. He is so sure of himself. He is ok with himself. He likes who he is, how he looks, loves his own jokes......the list goes on. This is not something I expected in a teenager.

He has a very innocent soul. In many ways he is still very childlike. I don't mean immature, just not aware and involved with the crudeness of the world. If it ever is around him, he doesn't see it. I hope this will last to a degree through his life. I love this about him. ( this is the quality that makes me feel like I never want him to leave home, like there will always be protecting to do)

Tanner loves to try things. I am always caught off-guard when he comes home and tells me of another performance or activity that involves being up in front of people that he wants to participate in. Last year it was the high-school talent show. I tried in every form known to man to be supportive, yet lovingly trying to talk him out of it.

Tried . Everything.

I was sure it was going to be a disaster.I was sweating just thinking about it for him. He wanted to get up in front of the entire school and perform magic tricks. I asked him what he would do in between doing one trick and getting the next one ready. He was thrilled to tell me not to worry he had plenty of impersonations he could do:)

I was thinking talent show ......the brutal type like in pageants where your performing for the kill. ( of course maybe thats just girls)

I'm glad to report I was wrong. He had it down...... and everyone loved him. Of course, how can you not love someone who is already so sure of themself.

He is going to be a great man. He is going to be steady and strong and sure. And FUN.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TANNER!

xo-

September 25th 2010, Eileen and Donnie

2010-11-08T17:44:00.000-08:00

This was my first time photographing a wedding at this location. Beautiful place. It was absolutely gorgeous weather. A beautiful day all together.

You can see the entire event and order prints here.

Hogle Zoo with Grace and Walt

2010-10-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

My poor neglected blog..... I think of you often. But I just cannot get to blogging, and even when I actually do sit down to blog, I am so far behind this year with posting anything that I literally cannot think of where to start....

So in honor of Halloween as I was going through photos and trying to decide where to start I came across these bats. At the zoo there was an exhibit called Natures Nightmares:) As we lined up at the door the lady was asking who had eaten a banana in the last 30 minutes as they would not be able to enter because of the free flying fruit bats. Now I'm surprised this did not alarm more people.(Really a kids exhibit with a vulture and free flying bats?? What happened to the butterflies??? I also discovered Dung beetles. I always say when I drive past a cow how I would hate to be a cow. Well life would be even worse if you were a dung beetle. Cows have to lay in it, those poor creatures spend all day moving it around. Geeesh. ) Back to the bats...... I would not have entered myself but I have learned to live with these creatures:) I can tell quite a few tall tales about bats and unfortunately they would all be true!

Let's just say they are not my favorite species.

As for the giraffe. I love Giraffes. Maybe it's because I'm tall or maybe because I have been referred to as a Giraffe one too many times in my life that I feel as if we are kindred spirits. I love these photos of this Giraffe ........Clearly whatever was in the basket for breakfast was SOOOO not enough. ( I have days like that all the time) She probably licked that post for a good 30 minutes before she even tried to get the leaves off the tree above. I don't blame her I hate eating whats good for me.

The last of summer....

2010-10-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

We spent allot of time running up to grandmas after school last month to spend our last warm afternoons of summer in the pool. Afterwards we would spend our time drying off on the pavement playing with these two little pups. Gracie would lay down and let them play tug of war with her braids and her swim suit ties.It is so enjoyable to sit and watch kids enjoy the simplest of life's pleasures. This photo will forever remind me of the giggles and laughter from these last few days of summer.

(just a side note, these two little pups are still for sale....one is a boy and he is as fun as his daddy, and the other a girl and she is a cuddly chubby little snuff a luff a gus.)

hint , hint Candi....doesn't G boy have a birthday coming up soon:)?

Dinner with friends and family...

2010-09-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

A snap of our lovely dinner we had this weekend. This weekend we were reminded of how short life can be. In our dear circle of friends we had a birth , and a unexpected death, and in my family a "first date". Life is short. Spend it enjoying those you love.

xo-

Firsts

2010-09-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

He went on his first date. I have dreaded this moment for years. Now don't get me wrong, I also look forward to him finding someone who makes his soul complete. Someday way down the road aways.......:) I remember when he was ten thinking "oh my gosh, in ten more years he's gone" . Not literally, but figuratively. Why is it in some instances it seems like forever ago that they were babies, and yet it also seems like just yesterday. Like any good mother I was completely worried about his dancing skills, dinner skills, any kind of skills.( and yes I do know this is where he will best learn them) He kept reassuring me he had it all under control. He could apparently do the robot move and Michael Jackson's moonwalk, so no worries on the dance floor. And yes his date confirmed to me later the robot move was done in public:)

My dad asked me what were the last words I said to him before he left on this "first date". I told him I just couldn't stop myself from yelling out the front door as he hopped into the truck with his friend" this is madness!! You boys are way too young to be doing this kind of thing"

Of course they had a great time;)

Farmers Markets

2010-09-16T10:23:00.000-07:00

Because this is what I spend my Saturdays looking at. Produce. All kinds of produce. On Saturdays through the fall I am affectionately known as " the fruit lady". Lovely I know...... I started selling my dads fruit at one of the local farmers markets years ago as fill in help for my sister who could no longer sell at this location. It was frightening at first as some of the folks there are very "unique". One man in particular whom I have come to just love. Would always come up and put his arm very close around my waist and whisper in my ear that I was good for business:) I kept going year after year as I made very dear friends with some of the vendors. Linda Hart " the soap and jewelry lady" and Angie " the tamale lady" I would smell soap and look at jewelry and eat Tamales all day. It was more fun than work. This year however they moved us all into different spots and am no longer by my usual group of friends. All the produce is together all the food together etc......So now I am making new friends. But produce is all I see. I'll take a photo of mine this week.

A Little Farm Love......

2010-08-31T12:55:00.000-07:00

I took this photo at the beginning of summer. Where did summer go?

Lyv

2010-08-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

This little girl was fun to photograph. Such a pretty little thing. Here are just a few more I loved from this session:)

You can see the whole thing here.

Love is sweet......Kate and Kenny

2010-08-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

Beautiful day, beautiful bride, beautiful reception. This wedding was fun to photograph.

You can view the whole event here.

Pretty little Peanut

2010-08-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

Look at this sweet little thing..... I could have just taken her home. And this girl can shake her little tiny diaper covered booty. I could not believe the rhythm this baby had.

More of this little dish next week!!

More from this pretty wedding soon......

2010-08-12T20:08:00.001-07:00

God is Gracious.......

2010-08-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

I truly love this sweet family. I am so excited for this baby , because he has got two amazing parents:)

And his dad looks like Sly Stallone.... what more is there???

Summer......kids have all the fun

2010-08-08T22:18:00.000-07:00

This is what I had hoped my summer would look like.......grandma's hammock, playtime with cousins...watching my girl have giggles and fun. Luckily she has had some of this fun. Even if I have had to miss it by being busy with work. I guess I'm just a big kid at heart who wants to spend all her time with her kids. Playing , watching, experiencing it with them. July however has left much to be desired in the way of leisurely playtime. Going to find it this month.........

(So much work to share here shortly)

Roses

2010-07-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

My Roses look absolutely nothing like this yet............I want to have instant gratification in this area.

McMullin Orchards - South Shore Farms

2010-07-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

It's here!! Cherry season! These are a few photos from my dads Orchards. I have to admit that even though I spent many a summer day working at this Orchard , I do not ever remember seeing a cherry shaker until I took this photo. ( might I mention I was eaten alive while taking this photo, well devoured is really more accurate) I spent most of my time stapling lids and working in the brine. Blech. Can. Still. Smell. It. And truth be told even more of that time trying to get a tan by rolling up my my pant legs and my shirt sleeves as far as they would go:) Not smart in these working conditions, but hey none of us were very brilliant in high school. My son is going to work the cherries for his first time this year, and I am so nervous for him. It is going to be a rude awaking from all his "working " experience with his dad. On a leather couch, testing video games, eating treats all day at Disney. He will soon see how very different work can be.

Just in case anyone is interested.....these top photos with the equipment are grown at South Shore Farms. My dads brother is over all that. It's beautiful Orchards over looking the Lake. Then the cherries are brought in to the plant, in Payson ( bottom two photos ) to be sorted processed etc.

Laguna Beach

2010-06-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

Stunning views, beautiful weather, homes straight out of your dreams......I love this place.

( more beach photos to come , as I just started going through them from our trip in Feb.)

2010-06-17T16:01:00.001-07:00

Having a hard time with blogger. Which makes me an even worse blogger than I already am:(

I am really not happy with how they look on here, I spend too much time putting them up and then taking them down.

Trying to figure out how to make these photos larger and more viewer friendly.

Bonnie.......any ideas??

Rocket Camp Troop 999

2010-06-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

A few more details from our beloved scout camp trip:) First off the most interesting thing out here was the sky...... this is just hours before the storm

Tanner , Eli, Gavin, and Brightyn ( all nieces or nephews, except Tan is mine)....all attempting to set up camp. Tanner is the tall one.... you can just tell from his posture how excited he is to be out here!

I would most definitely NOT survived the event had grandpa not had the motor home . I would have froze to death, and the hot water and lou were awfully convenient.

Night games. For a bit until the wind started. And then our fun really began:)

He's probably calling for someone to come and get him:)

Cubby. We always LOVE it when we get to see this guy. (Another nephew)

Watching the scouts shoot the rockets was fun......however. I was too cold to get out there and really participate and enjoy.

And of course Grace and Bright, hanging out with me and grandma for the better part of the day in the heated motor home. I think I finally warmed up by about 3p.m. But by then I had stressfully consumed nearly a whole container of jelly belly's, way to many Fritos, and too much hot cocoa. I think next year I am going to show up in the morning for the Rocket launching:)

Wonderful World of Disney

2010-06-09T11:28:00.000-07:00

Animation. That's what my hubby does. It's kinda fun:) So he works for "the mouse" if you get my drift. And we get a few fun perks. One that dear old dad LOVES.....and I do love it too, is going to the original studio lot there in Burbank. There is a lot of history there, and they let you wander through most of the buildings and look at things.Original theaters where they showed films, sound stages for filming, the prop houses for alot of shows and productions. There is even a sidewalk with hand prints of famous people from the early Disney productions like Julie Andrews etc. It's fun. I think John's favorite part of this is the lunchroom. Not kidding. It's like in the mall where there is a food court with all different options... only they have chef's there to cook some pretty nice food fresh!!! Notice the warehouse above with the castle on the doors, my dad in front exclaiming how wonderful this place is:)

(I know I promised pic's from our camp, but I hate even looking at them it reminds me of how un fun the trip was..... I will try and post a few soon)

Rocket Camp 999

2010-05-25T10:12:00.001-07:00

This image gives you absolutely no idea about the mayhem that we endured the night before.

Here are few highlights from our scout cam pout:) (pictures to follow next week)

1. I insisted .....INSISTED that my daughters floral Cath Kidston t-pee style tent she got for her 9th birthday was in fact a REAL tent.

2. I made hubby bring the 4lb white poodle.

3. I insisted we could cook all of our food over a fire. ( because of the micro burst winds, there was NO fire)

4. Tent promptly came down on hubby while he was inside with doggy in complete darkness after entire camp had gone to bed and the monsoon of rain and wind had begun.

5. I promised I would not get cold. I FROZE.

6. Grace gave herself the runs because of stress.

7. John had to keep running Grace to and from the potty in the absolute downpour in total darkness.

8. Got to sleep in the back of the Jeep on a single air mattress with Grace on one side and the now WET and MUDDY stressed white poodle on the other:) Knees bent at 90 degrees the entire night as my legs are too long for the back of the car.

9. Had to sleep with my head under the covers all night not only to stay warm but so as not to breathe in the lovely WET DOG smell.

My hubby is not one to hold grudges. But I have a feeling he may not let me forget this trip:)

EVER.

This very well may have been my first and last scout camp out.

Vanessa

2010-05-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

This is my first post from my new computer:) I am just testing out how things look.......

How do they look from your end?

Walt

2010-05-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

More film. So for the last few years I've had to beg, bribe and barter with this guy to get any kind of photo. When I asked him if he would let me take his photo this was what he wanted to do......:)

He's slightly out of focus as the Yashica takes me a minute to get in focus, and he is constantly swishing his head to the side to get his hair out of his face:) I heart this little man.

Cali

2010-05-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

It was so cold. This was the only way I could get her to hold still without complaining for the photo. It was bitterly cold, our hands were frozen. I don't think we were out for for more than 15 minutes. Seems like we haven't had alot of warm weather down there. Just slowly getting my film developed here and there. Straight out of the camera.

I love film.

Spring Break

2010-04-21T14:19:00.001-07:00

Spring break for us was wet and cold:( The sun finally came out toward the end of the week and the kids were able to burn some energy. Just wanted to share this sweet photo I got of my niece.

Seeing Roses

2010-04-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the old roses have been ripped out. Just awaiting on me now to finally make up my mind!
I thought I had decided..... we went over the area and talked about it several times. Only to have me place the order and within an hour call and cancel:( The husband doesn't want 21 roses of one color in one spot. ( I don't blame him, what man wants to see a straight shot of pink everyday) I am having a hard time on how to mix the colors and plants sizes so it all flows........shouldn't be so hard. But apparently for me ...it.is.

I have spent so much time looking online and through the catalog that last night when I closed my eyes all I could see were roses...... not bad. But by that time I was sick of them.

Supposed to place the blessed order today. Wish me luck:)

Right out of bed... straight out of the camera.

2010-04-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

My poor kids.... I do to them what I won't let anyone do to me:) Which is photograph them first thing after they have rolled out of bed. (Come to think of it, I rarely let anyone photograph me at all.) Our ritual as you have all heard before in CA is to roll out of bed as early as humanly possible on vacation and head for the beloved donut shop.

I refuse to believe that my pants are a tad bit snugger right now because of these little beauties. All I do is quality check. That's it. I am the official quality tester. I just take a little taste of every ones donut to make sure its ok to eat and I'm set. Then I sip John's coke. some one should to check that also.... don't you think?

one of those days...

2010-04-09T10:35:00.001-07:00

Ok, I'll be honest, it's really more like one of those weeks. ( if the husband is reading this he will be raising an eyebrow at me thinking it's more like .....one of those years. and we seem to have alot of them:)
What can I say, I'm horribly human. I came across this while reading another blog i love.

Thanks. I needed this. Photo later today.

2010-04-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

Because it snowed today.

Alnwick Rose

2010-03-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming and one of my favorite things is to be able to go out in my yard and bring in armloads of flowers. Hydrangeas, Dahlias, Zinnia's, Bells of Ireland....Peonies...love them all. We had a landscape designer help us with our yard a few years ago, as I wanted a natural fence. We are on a corner and our house (some of it) is over 110 years old. So a new fancy fence just didn't seem to fit. Anywho..... so we planted the natural fence, and everything worked out beautifully, except the Roses. Oh man. I asked for something to keep people and dogs etc out. I didn't want kids trampling through......

Lets just say I got what I asked for. I didn't know roses like that existed. They are the thorniest messiest, yucky plant ever. I spend all summer pruning back the limbs that grow up to 10 feet long and tangle with other limbs. Only to have scratches and rips up my sleeves and on my pants.And they do not produce the type of flower you can cut and put in a vase. Major drawback. We planted 32:)

I swore last year was the last year I was going to prune those things. EVER AGAIN. And I meant it. So we are now going to be ripping those out and planting a Rose from here. ( photo above) I know they will still have thorns and require some work. But if I can cut them and bring them in to put in a vase....... then it might be worth it.

(Don't those look pretty?!)

Mom

2010-03-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

So , I am still in between computers. I imagine I will be until "the game" is done and my husband can actually help me get everything else plugged in, loaded up, etc etc. As of right now all my current work is on the new Mac, and I cannot post from there yet. And not everything I had is still on the PC. The hubby did some reorganizing on the desktop whilst I was on the coast:)

So for now I will be posting some older work, I will try and post some of my weddings I did last year that I never posted. And also some families. Or Some of my film shots.

Here is a photo I obviously did not take. I would bet my dad did. This beauty is my mom. I don't even know how I came to have this photo. Just glad I've got it.

2010-03-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

I have been playing with my Yashica Mat 124 lately. I absolutely love this camera.

It produces such beautiful photos.

My dad loved photography and was very good at it. When we lived in Glendale my mom said he would develop all his own film in a tiny closet:) This is me holding a color strip for him. The top photo is from my Yashica, just a bush of flowers on the side of the road in Newport.

2010-03-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

There's still sand in my shoes........ Just went running here at home, came back with sand on my feet:) if only i could have a beach right here. I know we take our mountains for granted, and don't appreciate their beauty because they are just there. Wonder if they ever get tired of the beach view................?

My guess, impossible.............it is a beach after all:)
(This is an old photo, I am inbetween computers right now and can't work and blog entirely on one machine yet.)

Cranberry Orange Nut Cake.....Finally

2010-03-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

Here is the recipe, sorry for the eternal delay:)

1 yellow cake mix
8oz. sour cream
1 Lrg. Vanilla Instant pudding
4 eggs
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup oil
Beat in mixer for 7 minutes, you may have to help blend it
then, fold in cake mixture-
1 regular can whole cranberries rinsed & strained
zest of 1 large orange
1 cup chopped pecans

Bake @350 for 35 minutes ( or until tester comes out clean)

Icing-
1 cube real butter
8oz cream cheese
1&1/2 lbs powdered sugar
zest of 1 large orange
I usually double the frosting, and adjust it to taste.

Enjoy! ( I keep in the fridge, but you do not have to)

Mine

2010-02-09T13:55:00.000-08:00

He turned 16 last year.

He sits in church and pretends to be on the phone, I am sure with a prospective date. Or driving an imaginary steering wheel, or texting. Suttle hints , to say the least.( I daresay our mind is not thinking about what it should be at church:) He asked me the other night if he could go and buy a Valentine gift for the girl he is sweet on. In an instant I am having one of those moments where I feel as if I am living someone else's life. Did my little boy just ask me that??? Whats the answer? no really? I mean, already? Should I let him? What happened to Pokemon being the center of our universe? I was starting to remember the names of all the creatures too.....but this? His dad may as well be holding pom poms and doing a cheer....he is so excited that his son is girl crazy. It just feeds the fire.....

She turned 9. Going on 19. My daughter, my youngest, my little girl, my other self. I love the child she was , little girl she has been and am excited for the girl she will become. But it is hard to part with the past. Maybe its because she is my youngest, or maybe also because I know she is going to give me a run for money....she has her mind made up about things already. And you can't change it. I think that's the thing that scares me the most. I cannot even convince her that she does not need to sleep with earplugs in every night. Everynight. Just in case Tanner is heard breathing in the next room. Which I have tried to tell her he needs to do....... she is such a determined little thing.

Seaside Donuts

2010-02-09T13:37:00.001-08:00

So most of my family is already at the beach.......how rude:) This is my husbands favorite place to get breakfast......as mentioned in previous posts. I hate spending money on it, John is so much better at not saying anything about what I choose to spend money on. ( but of course everything I want is practical and needed:) We now have learned to make a "donut fund" No I'm not joking. Maybe....as much as I love the donuts and the walks to and from the shop collecting seashells with the kids, maybe the top photo could also give a little insight as to why I hate spending money on them.

Yes, we throw them to the birds!!!! Drives me crazy. Seaside donuts for the birds. Ever had a hungry flock of seagulls follow you down the coast? Creepy. Oh but what memories.

Peonies

2010-01-27T10:15:00.000-08:00

I know we are not even close to spring, but I cannot wait to pick flowers out of my yard and bring them inside.

Mornings at the beach house

2010-01-25T11:59:00.000-08:00

I remember this morning as it was sunny but still very cold outside. ( last year we had nothing but cold rainy weather for the month on the beach) The kids were devouring the usual breakfast of fabulous Seaside Doughnuts, served with a side of coke:) My husbands favorite place to visit first thing most mornings. It's the only thing that motivates him to get out of bed early.

Can't wait for more.....

Pacific coast Highway

2010-01-19T10:18:00.000-08:00

I really could sit in a spot like this all day and just listen to the ocean and let the sun warm my skin. I can't wait to see more views like this next month.

I heart California sunshine:)

Ezra ...

2010-01-14T15:29:00.000-08:00

Yes, my eyes were open during the prayer:)

It was one of the only moments he put his phone down.

I am pretty sure he is texting here without even having to look at his phone.

My baby brother received his mission call this last fall to Independence Missouri. We just dropped him off at the MTC yesterday. To me it was so unreal. My own son is only three years younger than my brother. Crazy. Totally crazy. ( having children in your 20's should seriously be outlawed:)

Ezra is full of life and a confidence we all wish we had a bit of, if anyone can make a mission fun and interesting it will be this kid. I almost worry for his companions.

Man alive I am going to miss this kid......

Knitting

2010-01-11T12:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas came and brought with it one of my New Years Resolutions. I wanted to learn to knit this year, and Grace received knitting needles from Grandma........so I promptly started playing with my daughters toys:)

I have finally got the hang of it, one resolution down, many more to go....
(top image, bottom image)

A note for Santa

2009-12-17T16:28:00.000-08:00

Last year Gracie made A gingerbread house at school out of grahm crackers .....and she wanted to leave it out for a part of Santa's snack Christmas Eve. Too bad it was not entirely edible. I am sure he ate what he could......

( just to be clear....Santa mailed me a copy of this little treasure:)

Anna Banana

2009-12-14T15:22:00.000-08:00

Cranberry Orange Nut Cake. YUM.

2009-12-04T12:08:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have read my blog, you are well aware, I do not like spending time in the kitchen. I hate the routine of cooking meals . But I do like gathering interesting and different recipe's that are not something you make everyday. I got this delicious recipe from my hairdresser. It has become my husbands absolute favorite cake. I make a separate cake just for him, and he has for it for all three meals everyday until its gone. ( I'm not kidding) Me, I usually prefer eating the frosting off the top of my cake rather than the actual cake. But not with this one. It's sooooo good.

2009-11-23T13:39:00.000-08:00

I am reading this book for the second time. This time I am reading it aloud to my children and my husband. I love the message of this book. So simple, and yet so many of us never get it.
Sometimes I still feel like I am trying to get it.

Gracie gets really concerned with how I get choked up and teary reading this. It overwhelms me with emotion. I guess I can relate all too well with the child in this story. Loosing a parent, feeling like nothing was within your control, and just being frustrated in general that your life did not seem as simple or even just normal as it seemed it was for others around you. I love this story, I think it is a book everyone should read........

Gracie....

2009-11-17T21:24:00.000-08:00

What can I say, I think she's such a dish...... too bad she was born with her mothers wicked tongue:) If she hadn't been, she could probably get away with anything. However when I am dealing with a mini me.......... let's just say I am not nearly as patient as my husband.

I took these way back in the summer, just getting around to posting.
( just so you know, for those of you who may read this slow blog, I post everyday.....in my head I post every single day:)
click to see larger

Walt, or affectionately known at my house as Wal-turd

2009-11-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

So this is really how Walt feels about having his photo taken

or this

but mostly this. You can see he is thrilled.

Or you might find him dancing to liven things up a bit.

Sorry B, but his form is way to good. Just a tad bit scary.

Walt insisted on having Grace be part of the shoot, so every ten photos or so we would rotate him out and her in. We tried to get some shots of them together. Watch how quickly they go from this..to this,

to this. Walt and Gracie in true form. Luv it. It does get a little more wild than that, but hey you can use your imagination:)

We did manage to get some great shots of Walt in between all the pinching , dancing, sleeping and bootie shaking that was going on. He is such a handsome little guy.

To see the rest of Walt's photos or to check all of his dance moves in slideshow go here.

Walt

2009-10-22T20:28:00.000-07:00

Just a peek from my photo shoot with Mr. Fish. It is unbelievably hard to get this guy to hold still. Seriously. So hard:)

In the first photo I told him only his feet were going to be in the picture, so I look up and his arms are dancing. Of Course. I am going to post some kind of sequence of all his dance moves........hilarious!

I can't wait to post the rest from this shoot. So many great photos.....

( and B these are not even my favorites....I didn't want to show them yet....... oh and Ezra.... I think I want to buy your car!!!!)

Harrison Family

2009-10-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

He is happy on a bike.......of course! I can't believe he wasn't feeling well that day. He was so happy and smiley. What a doll!

Gear Family

2009-10-14T23:30:00.000-07:00

This little girlie had ideas of her own on this shoot!!! Hmmmm wonder where she gets that from? :) Love the top photo. I shot two families on the same night, both with kids under a year old. I definitely need a better bag of tricks.....

Thanks you guys....

(will post the other family soon)

Film

2009-10-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

More from my Yashica. The top two photos were taken in Newport Beach. I was more worried about just getting the shot in focus on these as they were my very first shots with this camera.

Love the palm trees reflecting in the windows of the " fashion bus".

The last shot is just from a good ol' field here in the state.

Film and Little Miss Gracie.....

2009-10-10T22:01:00.000-07:00

Just had my first roll of film developed from my Yashica. I almost didn't post these as my scanner is crappy and this just does not do the prints justice. I can't wait to do more shooting with this camera on my upcoming trip......

I will post a few more from this roll soon. Love this camera!!!!

Brittany and Jason

2009-09-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

Great couple, just completely smitten with each other. So sweet. I got to assist Rebecca again. I love being the second shooter , as it frees me up mentally to try new things if time allows, without the pressure of not getting the expected shots.( however I am nearly 6 feet tall and I am always trying to wedge my way under or around Rebecca, .......love it that she lets me) There was very little time at this event, with the way they had their day scheduled, but still it is always great to go.

(all shots on my 50mm 1.2 lens at 2.0)

Rick's Smokin Grill......literally

2009-09-23T10:48:00.001-07:00

Stuffed Steak and Salmon down at Salem park. Good times.

Normally the husband and I are not really big on seafood. ( frozen fish sticks are Johns limit) But this was goooooood . I mean really good. I lost count of how many helpings of Salmon he had. I don't even know what they stuffed it with and I don't care. It was delish! Summer Lady peaches from my dads farm , roasted on the grill and filled with the most delicious cobbler topping. Also grilled pineapple with a carmel sauce......

They are planning on hosting these events every year.....so mark your calendars!!!! You can find out more about the dinners they host here. Oktoberfest is just around the corner.....

What I have......

2009-09-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make a post on our anniversary....... but I never made it.

My dad gave me the newspaper clipping years ago when it seemed Johnny and I would not make it. And I have read it over and over and over . you can see how worn it is getting. We have been through a lot. A LOT. The death of a child, dealing with a child with a few special needs, an impossible fixer upper, loss of income. The list could go on but you get the idea.

Sometimes it seemed it would be impossible to survive.( marriage) Never has there been another human being who could make me so mad I literally felt as if I would spontaneously self com bust. The planet was just not big enough for the two of us sometimes. Sooo not kidding. I have a horrid temper. And he can be terribly irritating when he wants to be. ( which is more often than I can sometimes handle)

HOWEVER.... he is also the person that is completely my other half. My better half.

He is always happy. ALWAYS. Its almost unbearable sometimes to live with someone who never gets discouraged. And he is always positive. Even when things are at there worst.

The clipping above is what I have come to realize through all our challenges. Love isn't always fun. Love isn't ever easy. Even when things are good it can hurt. But without it , without someone you really love , you really don't have anything. And there are lots of things on my list I don't have......but I do have this-

thanks for 17 years of the most enjoyable hard work of my (our ) life! Without you my cup would always be half empty.

( this is an old photo of johnny , but absolutely one of my favorites)

2009-09-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

I am terribly behind on the blogging, I hope to get lots of weddings posted soon.

Crandall Family

2009-09-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

Loved photographing this family from Chicago. Such sweet girls. ( mom included ) And it is so nice to see a dad be so sweet with his girls, most dads just want to hurry and get the session over with. I was so glad to meet them. Thanks you guys!

You can see the whole event and order prints here.

2009-09-09T06:28:00.000-07:00

The red roads of Zions...

Here is John and Ryan flexing their muscles after climbing this rock that basically was a drop off. Gracie is encouraging them while Tanner was shaking his head in disappointment at the risky climb. ( he is way too much like me)

Katie and Ryan...... both wearing proper hiking shoes, altho I did not photograph it. i should have! Ryan spent the afternoon trailing up and down the mountain in close enough proximity to me to lend a hand if I slipped, as John was hanging onto Grace to keep her from sliding in flip flops. He was also close enough to be in constant earshot for me to hear how I had had a choice in which shoes I wore. Grace on the other hand did not:)

Grace and I , and of course on of her many build a bears.

Our hike took us to the top of the half round rock ( photo above) where we could look out and see the road carved into the mountain below.

We then took a bus up another canyon where we found food and shade. I cut my toe promptly on a heavy door , and again was reminded of my shoe choice. What can I say, I always seem to have the wrong shoes on for one reason or another.

We planned our trip to take the kids to Shakespearean festival. We saw two outdoor plays, As you like It and The Comedy of Errors. The kids loved it and the weather was perfect for watching in the evening. I especially enjoyed the dessert tarts! Katie and Ryan know what I am talking about......We will definitely be going back, hopefully with Katie and Ryan in tow! They were so much fun!

xoxo!

2009-09-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Katie and Ryan in their proper hiking shoes. And my daughter, in flip flops and a skort!

2009-08-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

Just a few more from this session I did in the summer. ( I am so behind on blogging my work it's scary) I have really enjoyed photographing and getting to know this sweet family.

So beautiful.

Buggy Bus in Zion

2009-08-25T08:11:00.001-07:00

I am beginning to wonder if these little vans change colors depending on what their surroundings look like. Our first stop at Zions national Park and lo and behold parked right there is a green buggy bus. With CA plates and a peace sticker on the back. All the signs of beach living..... even in the interior. ( yes I poked my head in )

It was just interesting how the van was the perfect shade of green , ( i have never seen a buggy bus this color.... they are usually very bright and beachy......aren't they?) parked on the side of the red asphalt road. With the red canyon and dark green trees to match. So fun!

( more photos of this little van and out trip to Zions soon)

Alyvia

2009-08-20T00:00:00.001-07:00

How sweet is the spelling of her name...........love it. This little dish kept us on our toes the whole time. All worth it.

Magic.....

2009-08-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

This just goes to show there is a little magic and happiness to be found anywhere. Even in the land of dry heat. Sweltering , no relief dry heat....... I had never seen a purple cactus before. Maybe that's why this caught my eye.

( or it could have been that we had turned down this road the wrong way again trying to get back to my sisters house, or that Johnny kept insisting we head to Disneyland after the crash up derby Saturday night) :) Crazy man.

North Shore, Oahu

2009-07-30T16:56:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have traveled with my dear dad, you will appreciate this photo. It was taken from the window of our rental car on the Island. As he drove me down the highway to see the sunset................. sometimes we do stop and he actually lets us out. But not for long:)

Here's lookin at Ewe.....

2009-07-27T21:26:00.000-07:00

Every summer our neighbor puts horses in the field in our back yard. Well the horses were sold and so now we have these little guys...... who have fallen in love with my Johnny. You see every week when he cuts the grass he dumps all the clippings over the fence. All he has to do now is walk into the backyard and these guys come a runnin. ( they make all kinds of noise for him , the minute they see him) Johnny was standing just to Gracies left and here she is dangling a treat over there heads.

She was enjoying watching them all follow with their eyeballs the one leaf she was tempting them with.

Land that I love.

2009-07-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

Since we did nothing but relax and swim on the 4th, here are few photos from another activity that Troop 999 also does every year. Flag retirement.

No it's not Halloween. It's Isaac.

This is Tanner looking at me and asking why is Isaac in his costume on flag day??? I absolutley love the look on Isaacs face. Apparently he is quite satisfied with his choice of clothing for the event.

Retiring the flags.

Miss Brightyn and her new earrings....

Our 4th of July's are normally spent here, as my sons scout troop camps overnight at the Tabernacle and then provides activities for the crowd at the parade along with free breakfast. They didn't do it this year and so we had a nice day to do nothing but relax, swim , and eat.

2009-07-06T13:27:00.001-07:00

I am trying so hard to do this. It can be so hard to just roll with things and let them be. I am going to make me one of these for my house and hang it where I can see it everyday. ( I think it should be in this happy pink )

( found this courtesy of brown button )

Fire and water

2009-07-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

This was taken at a spot on the pacific coast highway. I loved how the seaweed had left a pattern in the sand that looked to me like flames in the water.

It is a protected beach, you are not even supposed to turn over rocks to see what could be under. My son Tanner ( who has Aspergers Syndrome and takes everything very literally) spent the entire time on this beach on his tippy toes trying not to step on ANYTHING. I kept telling him to relax and as long as we didn't remove anything from the beach or disturb anything we would be fine. On the walk back up the mountain side he showed me on the sign where it specifically said not to step on anything.

Tanner did not enjoy this beach.

That is Grace in the photo on top, very relaxed and not worried about what she might be stepping on the whole time we were there.

Laguna Beach

2009-06-29T08:20:00.001-07:00

We fell instantly in love with this area. Just driving down the coast highway was beautiful enough. The view no matter where you stopped to get out was just breathtaking. We will definitely be going back next year. Maybe John will even let me get out to shop this time. A girl could really get in trouble here.

2009-06-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

Two peas in a pod-

Double trouble-

Frick and frack-

Kindred spirits-

Partners in crime......

You can rest assured with these two if one doesn't come up with something mischievous the other is sure too!!

Anna and Gracie are best of friends. I am so amazed at how utterly and completely they love each others company. They are two of the strongest, sharpest ,busiest personalities in children I know. And they never clash. I wish we lived close . ( and yet when they become teenagers I know I will be glad they don't....... sheesh, the things they are gonna think of)

What is even more amazing to me that they have this bond is that Anna was adopted. And it all fell into place just a few weeks before Grace was born. I am so grateful and amazed how things like this work out.

2009-06-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

I am loving pink lately. I am in the process of redoing my white slipcovered couches. I also want to update the fabric on my pillows. I am thinking pink,( the pink on this couch , not the pillows) however much I love it tho I don't want to make John feel like he lives in a flower.

Got to find the balance.

Haylee

2009-06-19T17:09:00.001-07:00

Pretty bride, pretty dress, pretty flowers = happy photographer.

I can't wait to assist Rebecca on the day of their wedding. Outdoor events are my fave-