Pillow Fight

This Friday marks the beginning of summer for us and many others. I'm learning everyday that by simply being "present & in the moment" with my kids is all that they really want. I vow to be present & in the moment daily this summer for these remarkable three kids that I am so blessed to call my own. I cannot wait to make a million more memories just like this one with them!!!

What are your plans for this summer?

It's Raining....

It's raining & raining here...I'm talking build an arc kinda rain'n. Ok, I exaggerate a bit, but come on I'm getting antsy here. Rains great for farmers and fish...not photographers. So Friday's session...was na ga ha (that's how we say "not gonna happen" at our house). On to Sunday's event...well I had a very important meeting with a new client and her big, Big, BIG furry friends. HORSES! Yep, I'm shooting at a ranch in a couple weeks and they wanted me meet the horses beforehand...lol. It was my first horse experience. I love dogs...does that count? I came away with new lingo and an urgent need for galoshes...ooooh man...big note to self on that one. Now...where does one find such a shoe in the lou? I by no means consider myself a city slicker (I mean really don't blink if you fly over STL...it's hardly more than a big town) & vice versa...I'm not a farmie girl either...I like to think I'm a healthy mix of both. Like, I could totally survive if thrown out into the wilderness for a good 12-18 hours...beyond that is questionable. This girls GOT to shower once if not twice in a day...even if I go straight back into my jammies. Hmmm...(shrugging shoulders)...dunno...I'm getting off track here. The point is this my body is craving sun...so if you live near me...please pray for warmth...I'd like to retire my North Face jacket to the back of my closet.

A Few Happy Earth Day Deals...near & far!

Earth day's here and there's goodies to be had. Let us know below if you have found any Earth Day deals worth sharing! Enjoy!!!

Get into National Parks for free through April 25th...look here.

Free hat from the Disney Store just bring in 6 plastic bottles...take a peek.

Swing over to Evos for a free milkshake.

Babies 'R Us is giving away totes and a 25% off...just take this.

Walgreens ink cartridge refills $1 today & 22% off this stuff.

Pottery Barn Kids has something special for kids from 11-3...here's the scoop.

A "Do Nothing" Weekend

It was a strategic "do nothing" kinda weekend at our house. But "doing nothing" at our house really just translates to mommy & daddy not having to report to any official work business. We are the kind of family that is always busy...not necessarily outside of the house...just always busy. See our home is under a do it yourself reconstruction/remodel...need I say more? What started out as this fabulous idea has turned my hair grey...we're getting closer though...i guess...ha! So this weekend's to do list went as follows; shoved into a dire first place on the list was the "designate a spot for Lisa's photo goodies/props/boxes/ever increasing chairs/trikes/etc" (because it's yard sale season here...& i need to appear organized so i can buy more w/out guilt! yippee!)...oh my what an undertaking!...it led to cleaning out the basement (the only place all of it would fit)...which led to five trips to the Salvation Army Donation drop off (& there's still more)...which in the end led to a thorough cleaning of the family truckster (that's what we call my van)...cut the lawn & trim...and that was Saturday. I won't bore you with Sunday 'cause it looked alot like Saturday. Yet somehow in the middle of all that action Steve says "let's load up that new sofa & go take our pics somewhere"....all you lady photogs gotta know...that's love! So we did...and that baby is a BEAST...super heavy & akward! I have no idea how I'll swing it alone for an actual session...might have to hire some muscle. Anyway here's some of our fun under a bridge...Happy Monday!

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Saint Louis Senior Photographer: The Gorgeous "L"

So I really love a good senior session. It's such a fun & exciting time for them and in turn, it's the same for me. Shooting "L" was nothing other than fabulous. We adventured off to a couple fun secret locations & she "worked it" like a model...no doubt this gal's future plans in video journalism will come naturally. Man...I should post a senior pic of myself next to one of "L's"...just so you all could have a good laugh. What are you parent's feeding these seniors? They're gorgeous and she'll love to hear it too...so comment below!

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Less is More...Yeah Let's Just Go With That!

I deal with photo files daily right? I'm a big advocate of backin' up files...true. Well, I'm human & last night I discovered I'd made a huge mistake. All but a few of my personal Easter pics from this year have gone to photo heaven...they're gone...long gone...bye bye. Now do I cry? Well... sure...of course some tears are in order, but beyond the moment where I thought running into traffic to play human speedbump was the answer I decided Less is More. In the moments where there are no options and you have what you have ...doesn't it all just seem so much more significant? Let's say you're hiking. You and your three children are completely prepared for a days hike into the deep woods. Water, first aid kit, small snack....it's all in tow. So you set off...5 miles is quite the trek with kids, but hey...we've got nothin' but time right? About half way we stop...it's warming up...layers of clothing are being tied around waists...snacks are requested. A boulder calls our name (ooppps ..."calls your name"...forgot this is just a scenario;-) ...you sit and whip out the peanut butter granola bars and communal family jug of water. Yum yum...this peanut butter sure tastes good, but boy does it make you all thirsty. Sips of water are passed around...the last to get a drink decides that the ice would be even more satisfying and removes the lid from the jug. I think you can probably guess that the precious water is spilled and only a small bit of ice is salvageable. In a moment that ice becomes gold! The images you see here are my "ice" from this Easter...while they are few... they speak a thousand words and I will treasure them.

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St. Louis Child Photographer: Little "M"...6 months to the day!

This was one of those dreamy sessions where the sun was warm.... the breeze was gentle and this gorgeous little blue eyed bundle in a smocked cotton dress was smiling and...........growling...that's right she growls when she's happy and it is the funniest thing ever! I loved it! Mom & baby were an absolute delight and I'm so excited to share a few of our moments together...