Mercy me...

I've let my blog go.

My apologies.

It is with good cause.
*really good!*

It's been Christmas cards and books galore around here. In my particular brand of business (a sole proprietorship, in a part time capacity) one woman just can't do it all. So the blog got cut for a couple of weeks.

Tons of projects just finished. I'll share with you when I can.

I hope the season is bringing you lots of beautiful Christmas Cards and time spent with loved ones.

Our Thanksgiving included 30 in our home for dinner (this isn't the entire family, a few couldn't make it)...

You'd think by now I would know how to look good in a picture.

I got a bug in my rug and finished this beautiful little dandy just in time for Christmas.
It's been three years.
My son was not nearly excited as I was the morning I finished it. Perhaps I'll get some better portraits later.

And lastly...everyone needs a nap.

Including me.

Happy Flowers

The very talented Pam from the local flower shop, Flower Happy, and I have been working on getting her portfolio together. Talented and uber-busy, it seems we've just been spinning the wheels getting this book together.

But, at last, there is something to show for all the hard work. To be honest, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Pam is an extremely gifted florist. She turns everything she touches into gold.

Literally, there's gold dust on some of these beauties.

If you are in Hamilton, and in need of some serious floral therapy...call Pam, 406.363.4318.

Seriously, she's awesome.

My Baby Sister is all grown up

I posted on my family blog, so I thought I might share a few while I'm at it.

The main reason for hitting San Diego this fall was my sister's Bridal Shower.

Doing things a little differently, left this our only way to celebrate her marriage.

The girls in my family...

I know I look a bit serious, but I gotta admit, by this point I was pretty pooped.

And a few of just my sister, she looks so grown up these days. And the bangs were a great idea.

Here's one for good measure...

Congrats, my dearest little Sister! We are so excited for you.

What starts small...

Usually ends up big.

It's pretty common, the "we've never had family pictures" bit. I myself fall into the category occasionally.

This last trip to Kansas City we got to meet up with some cousins. Not only did we kill the session, we had some great food afterwards. Yup, another Diner, Drive-In, and Dive.
If you don't know my obsession with the show and eating at the places when we travel, just ask and brace yourself.

This particular place was pleasantly clean and had, of all the things in the world, root beer cake. Light and fluffy like Grandma used to make.

I digress, we had portraits first. Even though it was chilly, it was relatively quick.

Oh, and did I mention we rocked it?

Pure En-er-gy!

Broken record moment here. But really, when I say you should have picture of the two of you, this is what I'm talking about. These two were so together you could almost hear them buzz with energy...

I've got to fit it in somewhere, but she's the most talented beader.
Is that what you call it?
She tried to be modest and not let on, but seriously, she and her sister make some amazing things.

And this last one is my favorite, favorite, favorite.

I want it on my wall.

Mmm mhhmmm.

You may recognize this family.
We go way back to last fall.

The only difference is this time they've got a new addition.

"What!?!"

Not that guy. As cute as he was yelling "what!" at the top of his lungs to hear the echo.

The little one, on the right.

Oh, these children are awesome.

We happened to have grandparents too.
I'm a firm believer in couples of any age, having great portraits of themselves.

What fun folks. It was a split shoot, in that we did some in the morning and some in the afternoon after the kids got out of school.

There are so many to get through, this is only part 1 blog post.

Sorry Kiera. I'm terrible. I adore them all.

And....
how you know brother is done for the morning.
No amount of lollipops or fresh-makers are going to make this guy happy.
He was in a great mood after nap time.



She was just in a great mood.

I've got lots coming.
Now that I'm back in town and settling back into the edit, eat, sleep, kids, edit cycle; all is well.

As much fun as my little va-cay was, it's good to be back in my home with my kids watching snow drift around outside.

Mitchell-in Man

Isn't he fun?

I got to spend a whole week with this chubby guy. We decided all he does is eat, sleep, and smile.

How great is that?

Can't believe it took me this long to post these.... a little older brother love.

And my very favorite of older brothers.

"That Brick Wall"

"That brick wall looks pretty cool".

Yes it does.

Underground

There's just enough time for a sneeky peek. Kiera, this one's for you.

Forty and Fabulous

I came to Kansas City just after my sister-in-law's birthday. She just turned forty.

"Oh", you say, "you can't broadcast that to the blogging world".

Actually, if I look half as good as this at forty I say flaunt it.

Getting some portraits to celebrate isn't a half bad either. We were driving along downtown and saw some cool patterns and decided to hop out for a quickie.

I don't know which I adore more, her coat or the vintage tile work.

Happy Birthday Cheryl, and THANK YOU for everything.

You rock!