My yard Progress | Shawnee Kansas Portrait Photographer

Ok, I know I didn't post a Things about me Thursday last week and I'm sorry!  To make up for it, here is a post about our yard projects.  Michael and I have been wanting to work on the appearance of our yard for awhile now, but things always came up...you know - working late, always gone, it's raining, no money, watching tv, napping, :) etc, etc.  Well, this year, we finally got motivated.  We are not done by any means, but have a pretty good start.  Michael's grandmother had a beautiful yard and landscaping back with she was healthy and lived there....which has been many years ago...so it's been a little neglected since.  There are still some beautiful plants, they just need to be controlled and pruned.  So far, we have had our 10 full-grown, huge trees trimmed, they look so much cleaner.  We also have worked on the side of the house, the front flower bed, and started in the back area.  There's a ton of stuff we still want to do like: build a deck, make a fire pit, put up new white fences by the flower beds, and more...
By the way, I absolutely LOVE mulch!  It gives such a clean look!

We have it cleared out in this area, but still need to do the planting and put in a new fence:

 
Keep in mind for the front bed, most of the plants are perennials and will grow back larger each year, so it will fill in better.  Also, we hope to add to it each year.

Learning to climb a tree | Kansas City Portrait Photographer

On Easter, Uncle Michael taught Tyler how to climb a tree.  I think he did a pretty good job...

I wish I could make it larger, but not sure how.  I am working on a new template and blog!  If you click on the photos, they will become larger.


Swinging is so much fun, especially from Uncle Michael's leg!

Three Years Ago...

Three years ago, I was at my house having my hair done and surrounded by wonderful friends and family.  Michael was at a friend's house doing the same.  It was our wedding day.  It was one of the most awesome days I've ever had...probably the most awesome one.  Everyone was fantastic - I've never had so many people take care of me like that...it was nice to be pampered! :)  Seeing Michael as I walked into the church was my favorite part of the day.  He couldn't stop grinning, and neither could I.  We had so much fun taking photos after the wedding at Loose park, then the reception was a blast.  I think everyone had a great time by looking at the photos.  I would love to do the day all over again, it definitely went way too fast.
Michael - thank you for being a fantastic husband and I love you very, very much.  I am so happy with you.  Happy Anniversary pumpkin.

And, here are some photos of our awesome day...Thank you Josh and Jenny Solar for capturing all the intimate and fun moments of our day!  You guys are the best and I'm glad you could be part of our day.

Things about Me Thursday | Kansas City Photographer

This week is going by slow for me, but I'm excited that it's almost the weekend!  I hope everyone has a great one!

1.  My husband is an awesome auto tech, and over the last 7 years I've learned way more about cars than I thought I ever would!  I even have a favorite classic car that I really, really want someday...a 1966 Chevelle, I love it.  Although, I think I want a deep red one and maybe some stripes.

2. I love KS and have always lived here, but sometimes wish we could just pick up and try out some place completely different.  In my head, it sounds like an awesome adventure, but in reality, very scary and I'd miss everyone here!

3. One of my favorite blogs right now is http://paperieboutique.com/.  They have some of the most awesome packaging/branding ideas!  It's so inspiring for me.  I'm working on mine right now...I'm going with pink and black for now, but still thinking about it.  It's a work in progress.

4. I love dresses and am excited for the warmer weather!  Love them with boots, sandals, flip flops...whatever.  They are so comfy and cute!

Things about Me Thursday | Kansas City Photographer

I hope everyone's having a great week so far.  I'm jealous of everyone on spring break right now.  Happy almost Friday!

1. I love spring, it's my favorite time of year...everything is so green and pretty.  This year with the long winter, I'm extra ready for it!


2. Things I think are cute: babies and toddlers, furry baby animals, old married couples holding hands, baby accessories - hats, bows, socks...etc.


3. I'm super excited about upcoming products!  Here are a few...Album and Accordion books to show off to friends and family, and Float and Gallery Wraps for a creative look for your house or office!

4. I changed majors several times in college.  I started at Ottawa University and went into Human Services.  I really wanted to work with dolphins and autistic children through Dolphin Human Therapy.  I'd researched it in high school and wanted to go to FL after I received my degree at OU.  But, I ended up giving up that idea and changed to Elementary Ed.  I love working with kids, but after a year, I knew I needed something else.  So, I started looking at other majors and schools.  I finally decided to head to Pittsburg State for commercial graphics.  I had fun and enjoyed my classes and teachers.  I sometimes wonder where I'd be if I went with the dolphin thing or the teaching, but I'm happy where I'm at and who I've become!

5. I love March Madness!  I don't follow any teams much during the season, but love watching the games in the NCAA!  I always fill out a bracket at work and love the thrill of checking it after each game to see how I stand! And, yes, I have KU to win it all this year...we'll see what happens.

6. I love photography and hope to do it one day as a full time job, but I hate the money part of it!  I hate asking for it and charging people.  But, I know it's a must if I want to be able to have a full time business.  My friend Claire posted this video.  I think it sends an important message about photography businesses and other small businesses in a humorous way. Photography is not just about the actual session.  There's a lot of behind the scene expenses which includes the time to edit each photo, classes, sample products, taxes, equipment, etc.  I think people forget everything that goes into a business.  Click here for the video.

Things about Me Thursday | Kansas City Photographer

I plan to start a "Things about Me Thursday" post each week.  I feel like sharing a bit so you can get to know me!

1. I love photography and appreciate the art and capturing the "real" personalities of my subjects!

2. I met my husband during college when I was at PittState.  I met him at a bar and  I kicked his butt at pool twice that night! :)  I love him so much and he's my best friend and a wonderful husband!  

3. We have been married for almost 3 years now! Cinco De Mayo!

4. We have a Siberian Husky, three cats, and 3 lizards in our small house.  They are all grown now, but look how cute they were as babies...

5. We just bought our house in Nov, although been renting it for almost 4 years!  It used to be Michael's grandparents.  It's cute and cozy, but old and can use some updating! We have so many plans for it, now we just need the money to get started!

6. My family means the world to me!  They are so great, I'm the oldest of 4 and we have a good time when we get together!  My parents did a great job raising us and I appreciate all they did and still do for us!  Also, I love my in-laws.  I was very lucky marrying into Michael's family, I consider them to be my own and love hanging out with them! And, I now have a niece and a nephew!  They are adorable, I'm sure you've seen tons of pictures on here of them!

7. I love, love shoes!  I have a ton of really cute one, But I don't wear 1/2 of them cause they hurt my feet!

More next week!

Animoto Video of Natalie | Kansas City Baby Photographer

I recently checked out Animoto.com.  My friend Kim has been talking about it for awhile, and I finally took time to play.  It's a really fun site, and very easy to use.  I thought a perfect trial one would be of my niece, Natalie.  Let me know what you think.


Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone has an awesome 2010.  I'm not sure what it is about this photo, but I really like it...

my handsome husband...

Happy New Year!

I wish everyone a wonderful and healthy 2010! I have plenty of fun ideas for my photography and look forward to my business growing through the year!  I'm excited for all the projects I'm working on!  It's been a great 2009!

Beautiful Colorado Mountains...

We decided to get away for a weekend and headed to Keystone. It is so gorgeous there!

Pumpkin Patch | Kansas City Family Photographer

Our family makes a trip to the pumpkin patch each year. It's always lots of fun!








Love this one...not sure why...