3 things....

I have to make this quick because....well, after you read this you'll know why.

Over the course of the last week I have learned 3 major things:

1) Anti-virus software is only good if it's up to date. And having it installed on your computer is pretty helpful, too.

I really didn't think too much about the pop-up window that came up telling me that my system was infected and that my anti-virus software was getting rid of it. Only it wasn't. That super-informative pop-up window WAS the virus. So, as I sat there working away in my photoshop routine, it was diligently working on spreading it's germs all over my already overwhelmed laptop.

Then, as if my keyboard grew two little arms, it waved a white flag at me. Right before it croaked.

Thankfully, my 'down' time was limited because

2) I have the most amazing husband ever. Like, ever and ever and ever. Not only is he an incredible father to our 4 kids, a super-savvy business man, the absolute best friend anyone could possibly ask for, and a pretty good fixer-upper....but he's my #1 technogeek (and a hot one, at that!). When it comes to computers he knows his stuff.

Like, his pain-in-the-rear-wife-who-thought-she-had-virus-protection-but-didn't stuff.

That poor guy spent 4 (could have been 5) hours trying to get rid of my virus-thingy. And he did.

And everything was going swell right up until I plugged in my portable hard drive.

And nothing.

And then my card reader.

And nothing.

Any then my mouse.

Nothing.


Not one thing plugged into my USB ports would work. And for those that know me, know that my life is stored on a portable hard drive. Like all 6K images of my life. And my family's life. And my client's life. And by business's life. Everything.

And I had no way to access it.

3) My new friends at Northmont Computers saved the day. Ben got me back up and running in no time. Which is great! Except now I'm in a mad rush to get thru the sessions that have backed up over the course of my little virus fiasco.....

One down, quite a few to go........

What'd I tell ya!??? Cutest clients EVER!

Matilda Jane Trunk Show!!

I am planning a Trunk Show for Matilda Jane Clothing. I have fallen in love with these unique and adorable clothes for girls 6 months up to preteens size 12 (and adult sizes for fun, hip mammas!!).

I would love for everyone to drop by and check it out if you're in town. Or for my long distance pals or those that can't get out, you can order from me and I'll deliver when it comes in!!

The show is scheduled for May 15th from noon to 2:00pm at Stillwater Prairie -- located northwest of Covington on St. Rt. 185. You can get more info on Stillwater here: http://www.miamicountyparks.com/stillwater.html

I've been a fan of Matilda Jane for quite a while now! These clothes are fun and unique and you can make the outfits as simple or as funky as you please. They are to die for and the quality is great, too! Turn around is 3 to 4 weeks so no waiting around wondering if your items will make in time for summer.

Matilda Jane doesn't offer much for boys (a t-shirt) but I've included some of you moms to boys so that you can check out the Matilda Jane collection for your own wardrobe. Check out http://www.matildajaneblog.com/ for and http://www.matildajaneclothing.com/ for some adorable previews and to start your wishlist!!

In addition to a super cute fashion show starring your little sweetness, I will be hosting a photo contest for all that attend!! So, if you think youhave the cutest MJ girl around, be sure to stick around and enter! The winner will get:

a 2 hour portrait session at a location of your choosing

one 8x10 print

two 5x7s

eight wallets (all of the same pose)

your very own blog post

online gallery of all images

20% discount on your print order

5 images for Facebook

AND an 11x14 WALL PRINT!!!!

PLUS!!! They will be entered in Matilda Jane's very own NATIONAL photo contest!!!

Let me know if you have any questions! I'll have some snacks and some other goodies! But please be sure to RSVP to me here so I can make sure I have enough space and goodies for everyone!!

PS. Invite your friends!!!!

Landon at 3 months....

Man, I can't believe it's been three months already. The last time I took this little guy's pictures he was just a newborn. Remember?

He didn't outgrow his cuteness, that's for sure. See what I mean:

I'm not sure if it's his eyes, his mouth, or the way his hair makes that cute little peak at the top, but geez-0-peets.....I could just sqeeze him!

And those lips!!! Landon had enough of the crazy lady with the camera (um. me.) in his face after a short while of me being there. He started to get a little fussy -- and let's face it -- that's really to be expected in my line of work. I also get pee'd on quite a bit but that's a whole other post.

(Torrie, please don't hate me for this....)

I wanted couldn't resist posting these next two pictures.

For some reason everyone tends to think that kids behave perfectly during all of my photo sessions.

My kids don't. In fact, most of the time I'm trying to get pictures done with my kids I end up bargaining to get my way. Seriously. I don't have some sort of magic bag of tricks that gets every kid to smile or open their eyes for that matter. I ususally end up yelling at who ever is scrunching their nose up or sticking their tongue out. "No, don't smile like THAT"..."stop squinting"..."don't look at me, look at her"....I turn into the mom I hate to work with.

So yeah, nothing ever goes right 100% of the time. EVER. Sometimes it goes so haywire that we have to reschedule the session entirely.

So when I was editing Landon's pictures and came to these two, I had to laugh!

Typical mom, right. The baby's crying and she's laughing (probably at how cute he sounds when he DOES cry) and dad is just sitting there doing what mom instructed him to do so he doesn't get in trouble.

Ahhh...but we worked our magic and calmed him down to get this:

I just adore this family!

And the winner is.......

Heather Canan was the lucky winner of the session giveaway! Heather, send me an email to set up your date!! So excited!!!

And because I live in a world where everyone is a winner, everyone that entered will get their session at 50% off! All you need to do is email me!

Happy Monday everyone!!

Giving away the farm

Ok, ok.

I'm not really giving away the farm.

But I AM giving away a portrait session!!!

And what better time than Mother's Day!!? Celebrate your mom! Celebrate you! Give it to Grandma or keep it for yourself. Whatever..... heck, give it to your Dad if ya want.

Here's what you get:

• a 2 hour portrait session at a location of your choosing (I can offer some suggestions if you need 'em!!)
• one 8x10 print
• two 5x7s
• eight wallets (all of the same pose)
• your very own blog post
• online gallery of all images
• 20% discount on your print order
• 5 images for Facebook

All YOU have to do is leave a comment right here (one per person, please)! Then, on April 30th at 5:00 EST all entries will go into a hat and the winner will be randomly selected!

Well!? What are you waiting for!??? Go leave a comment!!!!!

And be sure to leave your name!!!

Today's post is brought to you by Big Cheeks and Blue Eyes...

This weekend I was surrounded by adorable kids. Saturday started with my cute little basket baby (can you believe he's 3 months old already!?) and then Saturday evening I spent ice skating with a 5 year old. And then Sunday I had an afternoon with the Welborns and a billion mosquitos.

Stay tuned while I edit thru the weekend....


Wonder what she's keeping in there???

Logo design

I'm pretty fortunate to have some amazing clients. And some of my clients have earned their fair share of Frequent Fizz miles.

Like Amanda and Brett. I first met these two waaaay back when they were engaged. A whole 2+ years ago. Then, I shot their wedding. And then a family session. And then another family session. And then a newborn session for her best friend. Not to mention the two weddings she referred to me.

About a month ago, we were chatting it up on Facebook when Amanda told me that Brett was starting his own landscaping business. So, I jumped on the chance to say "thanks" for all of the business she's given me and designed the logo for his new company.
I fully believe in "paying it forward" or giving back. I started out at the bottom, too. And there have definitely been people along the way that helped me get to where I am. In fact, there are still people that are mentoring and inspiring me to follow my dream. Had the people that helped me NOT helped me, then I'd probably be somewhere back along the way, drinking from a brown paper bag.

So, if you need some landscaping, call Brett! He does amazing work!! (937) 207-8109