52 Week Project - Week 29

*Just as a reminder, this is a personal project I am undertaking this year, in order to shoot more and share more. Each week of 2011 will have a corresponding favorite photograph.

I have a lot of catching up to do in terms of posting from my 52 week project. I cannot believe that we are already in week 37, this year is speeding by! So without wasting any more time, here is the picture from week 29.

This was her first day of school. Officially a kindergartener! She was excited and ready to go. She felt confident and comfortable. She had spent the past two years watching her older brother at this school, in the very same class, with the very same teacher. As a K/1 class, she was even familiar with half of her classmates.

For me it was, and is, so bitter sweet; my baby girl growing up and leaving home (well not quite yet, but almost). I love the quote I found, which describes raising children from my perspective, so perfectly. We have to let go, to let them grow up and become the people they are, in their own right. Yet at the same time we keep holding on, keep loving, keep being there for them and encouraging them to their full potential. What an honor and a challenge.

Love that little girl and so incredibly proud of her!

Wedding - Ben and Hannah's Sneak Peek {Bay Area Wedding Photographer}

Theirs is no ordinary love story...it is the stuff that movies are made of. She was born in England, to American parents; he is Scottish, but grew up in Holland. They did not meet in any of those countries however, they met in Africa!

She was a volunteer nurse and he was a teacher, on the Africa Mercy Ship. Their first kiss was on Deck 7 (the outdoor deck) very late one night, and their first date was at a Thai restaurant in Benin. He proposed last year in San Francisco at the Top of the Mark, we took engagement photos a few days later...then he had to leave.

Wedding preparations went ahead, in faith. It must have seemed like an eternity, and thank goodness for modern technology and the many hours of phone calls. The weeks leading up to the wedding they were still anxiously awaiting his INS interview and for him to be granted his fiance visa.

But this was a love that was meant to be, and in the end it all came together for a glorious occasion; a beautiful bride, a day full of joy and laughter and tears, as speeches touched our hearts. They gave the glory to God as they were surrounded by friends and family from near...and very far. All the waiting was finally over.

They are now Mr. and Mrs. Calvert! Thank you for letting me document your special day...enjoy your sneak peek of a few highlights.

Fellow photographer, David Nelson, took photos of the guys as they got ready.

Excuses, excuses...

To those of you who have been checking in...and finding nothing new, I am so sorry! The last month or so has been crazy busy as we prepared for a move, shot a wedding, moved...the kids started a new school, the hubby is now back in school, and we are still trying to unpack.

Keep checking back, I have an awesome sneak peek from the wedding to share (any day now), as well as many weeks of photos from my 52-week project.

New In!

I know it has been slow on here lately. We are gearing up for a move next week and I have been working on

designing my new business cards.

They arrived today... :)

I chose a linen texture and opted for a folded card.

They are a deep brown, like dark chocolate. I'm not very active on Twitter, but if you want to follow me my name is #Chocolate_Helps!!!! If you know me, you know I LOVE chocolate.

Two designs, one for weddings and one for family portraiture. I will probably have many more printed, with different photographs, now that I have my basic design finished.

OK...back to the packing!

52 Week Project - Week 28

*Just as a reminder, this is a personal project I am undertaking this year, in order to shoot more and share more. Each week of 2011 will have a corresponding favorite photograph.

I am almost caught up and I am in the photograph for week 28!

That's me and my man! The other week we had an unexpected free evening and a friend offered to watch the kiddos so we could go out for a date. Let me explain, that this is not something that happens all the time. Our last date was in January, for our anniversary!

It was so fun to get (a little) dressed up and be out, just the two of us. Our original plan had been to check out an "Off the Grid" food truck party, which sounded fun; a mobile food adventure with live music. However, we were there for all of five minutes before we decided we were in need of a new plan. We ended up having the most delicious dinner at Sabor of Spain, in San Rafael. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Spanish food, I think it takes me back to my childhood.We lived in Spain for a number of years, which is why I have a Spanish name, in case you ever wondered.

I love my wonderful family, but I love the times that it is just the two of us. I really enjoy my husband's company, he makes me smile, he looks adoringly at me and tells me that I take his breath away, he holds my hand or strokes my leg...even after all our years together. Sigh!

Anyway, he is endlessly patient with me and let me drag him to a local park after our meal, to take photographs - what a man. You should have seen me, setting up my camera, checking the exposure and focus and everything was just right, then pressing the shutter and running to be in the shot and trying to look relaxed (and not out of breath). I am sure some of the other people in the park thought we were nuts. I don't care, I love that I have these. I am way more comfortable behind the camera, but it is so important to be on the other side too. I am a part of this life I love to capture.

And OK, so we are hardly a 'boy' and a 'girl' anymore, but when we are together sometimes it can still feel that way.

I like him a lot.

I'm pretty sure he likes me too.

Yep. Told you so!

52 Week Project - Week 27

*Just as a reminder, this is a personal project I am undertaking this year, in order to shoot more and share more. Each week of 2011 will have a corresponding favorite photograph.

Another beach photograph. What can I say? We live in California and have nice summers and our kids love the beach, it is one of their favorite places. No apologies here.

I love the relationship that my husband has with each of his children, they know that they are loved and, oh so special. to him. This last year has been a time of transition for our son, and his relationship and need for his daddy has grown by leaps and bounds. I am so grateful for the example James sets, for the time he spends, for the love he gives.

These moments are so precious and I am so glad to have captured just a snippet of their relationship together; my man and my boy!

52 Week Project - Week 26

*Just as a reminder, this is a personal project I am undertaking this year, in order to shoot more and share more. Each week of 2011 will have a corresponding favorite photograph.

I am glad for this project I have undertaken. It is all too easy to only show the very best, the perfect. But the truth is that our life is not always portrait worthy, it is real life that we are living.

There are so many things about this photograph that are far from perfect, but I love it! Lighting conditions were less than ideal, there is a horizon line going through my little girl's head...I could go on...but it captures her emotion, her total joy and it makes my heart want to burst.

These are the moments I want to remember. The happy places; her brother playing in the background with a friend's dog, her shadow as she leaps across the sand, the huge smile on her face as she runs from the incoming waves, which have slowed to barely a trickle as they reach the shore.

Snapshots are not to be sniffed at. They are what memories are made of, they are what we will treasure in the years to come.

(As you can see from a previous post, I am behind in posting, although I am keeping up in taking the photographs. This photograph was taken July 2nd, 2011, week 26, officially halfway through this project for 2011.)

The Bearkeys Sneak Peek

Meet the Bjerkes, otherwise known as The Bearkeys. What a sweet, fun couple, so young and full of love and hope. They are both talented musicians and you can read a little more about them and their journey here.

Of course, to our kids, she will most likely always be "Jenny Weaver", not just "Jenny"! She was their favorite babysitter, until she got married and moved to Davis. I promise I'm not bitter, but we do miss her still. Mark is a great guy and I was so glad to get to spend a little more time with them, as a couple, a week or so ago when we took photos.

There were so many great shots, but here is just a sneak peek with a few of my favorites.

52 Week Project - Week 25

As I mentioned, our Summer has been busy. Week 25 was a couple of weeks back but here it is. When I started on this project for this year, I did not set any rules, it was about taking and sharing more photographs. I have even used my point and shoot on days when I needed a lighter load. This photograph is from one of those days. We went to Six Flags with friends and it was a point and shoot day, but this is the photograph from that week which speaks to me the most.

When you see a child enjoying themselves as much as this, how can you help but smile?

Behind

I know I am behind on posting on here...thank you for checking, it's just that real life with kiddos will always take priority over virtual life. Fret not - I am still shooting, just editing and posting has been taking a back seat as summer is in full swing. Don't give up on me, more photos will (hopefully) be posted shortly. Thanks!

Mmmm

If you know me, you know that I have a sweet tooth and I love to bake. Last week I found a link to this recipe for Fudge Revel Bars and decided they would be the perfect treat to make for Father's Day. I thought I would share it with you here as I think they turned out really well. Just be warned, this makes a whole cookie sheet's worth.

Fudge Revel Bars
1 cup butter
2 eggs
2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp vanilla
3 cups oats

Fudgey Layer
1 (14oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 pckg chocolate chips
1 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt

Cream together the butter, brown sugar and eggs. Add the vanilla, salt, baking soda and flour and mix well. Add the oats and mix well. Press 2/3 of the mixture into a pre-greased cookie sheet.

(My little tip here is to spread it as well as you can, then cut a piece of wax paper lay it on top of the mixture and use your hands to apply a smoothing pressure and continue pressing down the mixture until it fills the pan and reaches all the edges. When you are done, you can carefully lift the wax paper, your hands are not greasy and the mixture should not stick to the wax paper).

To prepare the fudge layer, put the all of the fudge ingredients into a microwave safe bowl, microwave for one minute, then stir. Keep cooking at 30 second increments, stirring, until the mixture has all melted together. Pour over the dough and spread over the complete surface. 'Sprinkle' the rest of the dough over the fudge (I used two spoons to scoop up the dough and place it somewhat randomly on top).

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Let them cool (for as long as you can stand...it might be hard) and enjoy with a glass of milk!

Happy Father's Day!

How does one describe a Father? I know there are many examples all around us and, unfortunately, some of those are far from inspiring. Yet it is such a vitally important role. I see my children and the love they have for their Daddy. He loves them unconditionally, he wants the very best for them, he has sacrificed for them and prayed for them, he encourages them and teaches them, he is present, he is there for them!

Nobody is perfect and I am sure as we reflect on our own childhood, where parents who loved us just as much, still made mistakes, we sometimes wonder what our children will think of the job that we do. When they are parents themselves, then they will of course understand. We love our children, we do what we honestly feel is best and we trust God to take care of the rest.

There are times of exhaustion but also of pride and pure joy. What is better than to see their sweet smiling faces? Sure there are challenges but the rewards far, far outweigh any hardships. To all the fathers out there, do not undervalue the importance of your role in your child's life.To my own father, thank you for the years of friendship.

To my wonderful husband and partner in this parenting journey, thank you for all that you do and all that you are, you continually give above and beyond what most would consider more-than-reasonable and we are eternally grateful. I love you, your children love you, you are amazing!

Happy Father's Day.

52 Week Project - Week 24 {Marin Child Portrait Photographer}

Aaaah summer is in full swing for us. School has been out for three weeks and we have been hiking and playing at parks and going to the beach and meeting with friends. Life is more relaxed and much less structured.

Any time there is water to counteract heat it is a huge bonus, the kids could not be happier. We spent time this week visiting friends and playing in the San Anselmo creek, which my friend's mom's house backs onto. Water, sunshine, shade, friends, snacks...they really make for the best of times.

How is your summer shaping up?

52 Week Project - Week 23

All children should get to experience carefree pleasures that bring simple joy. Blowing dandelions is one of those experiences, that is almost magical. I think I get almost as excited as them, in the same way as blowing bubbles, or the candles on a birthday cake...why is that?

I know that to some they are just an ugly weed, annoying and uncontrollable, but there is something mysterious and alluring about them. The perfect little yellow flower, so bright and happy, which changes into a ball of fluff, strong, yet delicate and irresistible. There is excitement and anticipation as breath is drawn, and then the releasing, of breath and seeds, floating gently away, like parachutes they gently fall, to start a new life. Quite amazing!

Sometimes the simplest things are the most beautiful.

52 Week Project - Week 22

Their first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. (Sigh) I love weddings. I always have and always will. Such a day of excitement and the start of a new life as a married couple. I still remember my own wedding day so clearly and the emotions surrounding it, yet somehow now I am a mother, with three small children and fourteen and a half years behind me, as a wife. It still blows my mind and I feel very blessed and happy.

I snapped this one with a five year old on my lap, not the easiest task, I can assure you. Do not be horrified, I was just a guest not an official photographer this time. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Botts and many blessings to the two of you for your life ahead.

52 Week Project - Week 21

Well once again I am posting later than I would like. The good news is, that I am keeping up with this project and shooting more as a result. A bit of discipline never hurt anyone. Pretty soon we will be halfway through the year, which is ridiculously crazy to think about.

School is out and I now have three children at home again, so there will be many trips to the park, and if the weather ever gets it's act together again and behaves like summer, trips to the beach! I am waiting anxiously.

52 Week Project - Week 20 {Bay Area Child Portrait Photographer}

Light is not just light. There is harsh light and there is beautiful light, and timing is everything. The first and last hour of sunlight, when the sun is low in the sky, bathing everything in a golden glow...well it can be quite magical. Turn your subject around to back light them and the end result is gorgeous, hazy light wrapping around them.

My sweet mischievous girl gave me a few minutes of her time, which with this light was all I needed, then she was done. I love the results, I love that these photographs capture so much of her personality, the person she is, right now, so fun and full of joy, yet obstinate and stubborn, she is three!

And just because my girl and the light both take my breath away, I have to post a few extras.

52 Week Project - Week 19

I often wonder why children fight sleep, so much. When they are well rested, they (and I must admit, I) are much more pleasant to be around. Plus during those moments of sweet slumber, they look so sweet and angelic that I can forgive all wrongs!

(Excuse the grain, this was a pretty dim room and I had to crank up the ISO.)

52 Week Project - Week 18

I have been so incredibly fortunate to have had the friends I have had in my life. Some of my best friends are flung far and wide across this earth and some are near at hand. In the journey of parenthood I am so grateful for the friends that are on this road with us and that our children are friends with each other...best friends!

My son's two closest friends, who he has grown up with, are both little girls and he could not love them more. I know that they are entering the years when they will, undoubtedly, seek friends of the same sex with the same interests, but I trust that these early foundational years will keep them close. That these will be friends that he will always be able to turn to in times of need, or doubt. The shared memories of growing up together, the deep bonds of trust and love of each others' families. I hope these will always stand strong in his mind, that he will have confidence, knowing he is loved.

How empty our life would be without friends to share it with!

52 Week Project - Week 17

My sweet three year old. She loves her ballet classes and yet this last week she seemed quite detached. Before we had even left the house she was saying that she did not want to dance, she just wanted to watch. Well I told her that she needed to be ready, in case she changed her mind. When we arrived, we found that instead of class being in the main room on the stage, a conference was going on and her class had been moved to a smaller room. This was a first for her and she seemed to become even more uncomfortable.

She was not her usual confident self, she seemed shyer and more reserved and even at one point shed a few tears. It broke my heart a little to see this other side of her, but she came through it.

How often do we take the easy road, the wide road traveled by so many before us? It is the safe route, for sure, but are we really living to our full potential within those confines? Creativity often involves trying something different, or new, and there might be a risk involved.

A tiny spark is all that is needed to start the fire, it does not start as a raging furnace. Maybe, in order for our wildest dreams to become reality we just need to take that first tiny step.

52 Week Project - Week 16

Just a very simple one from last week. My children constantly remind me that I over-complicate things, even life. There are chores and responsibilities and to-do lists and the reality is that they are never ending. There are always things to worry about. Where are my priorities? Where is the joy?

Children want to have fun! They know how to have fun, they can turn the park that they have been to one thousand times into a fun adventure. Life is simple and sweet (as long as mom is not nagging them to tidy their toys or clothes again!)

I am so glad they have each other, I am so glad that they have this time to be children, to enjoy the world around them, without having to constantly rely on TV or electronic equipment to keep them entertained. I want to protect this short window of time for them, to allow them to not be overly-scheduled, to let them play and be...kids.

Yes there is training and preparing for the life ahead of them, and responsibilities to learn. They live in a different age than we grew up in, with a whole new world of pressures we never knew, but this still should be a time of freedom and fun.