the C family {san francisco, ca family photographer}

very quick sneak peek for this super special family. they were my last session before the new year and so glad i went out with them!!

overdue five on friday {san jose, california family photographer}

1) a quick shout out to Tiny Prints. You know, the online store with a TON of adorable invitation options. Well, now I have an official store front with them. Visit it here. I can help you customize an invitation with YOUR photos on it! Yay! So excited to be added.

2) i'm a little overdue for a five on friday. last week got the best of me but i'm back!! It's only 9:39 pm here so it's still friday!

3) early bird got sick on christmas... yep, christmas, so unfortunately it wasn't as exciting around here as it could have been.

4) even though early bird was sick she managed to open all her presents! And you know what her favorite present was? a $7 grocery store purple unicorn stick horse picked up at the last minute. Figures!

5) random photo of the day:

taken at the nutcracker ballet. a delicate point ballet shoe signed and all. you know early bird was ecstatic to see that!

five on friday

1) a heavy heart tonight thinking of the tragedy at the elementary in Connecticut. My mother has been an elementary educator in the public school system in texas for over 40 years and i automatically thought of her as i was driving home today. I truly truly believe educators are angels sent to our schools to protect our kids. luckily Early Bird was home from school today sick or i would have been even more upset than i was.

2) a post from a photographer friend on Facebook posted this beam of light today, ‎"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world." - Fred Rogers. So true! Look for the helpers. Luckily there are way more helpers in the world than non-helpers!

3) currently listening to Pandora on my phone. I love to listen to it when editing, because editing photos is my least favorite thing. it makes the time go faster when i'm listening to strong, independent women singing. you go Stevie Nicks and Dixie Chicks!

4) 11 days and counting until Christmas. i'm continuing my Favorite Things list, a la Oprah style:

my favorite all time movie: Hope Floats and for several reasons.

1. It was filmed in Austin, Texas, and i loooove Austin, 2. the lighting is beautiful in the movie and 3. the accents. reminds me of home. Oh, and 4) i like the story line!

one of my favorite quotes. Found on this blog.

if i had it my way this is what our house would look like for christmas. 

5) random photo of the day: 

this is what's been going on at our house lately

Stay safe this weekend and hug an educator!

five on friday

1) while i was kissing Early Bird goodnight she told me she had made her list for Santa. she only asked him for three things; 1. Giggly Goo (Brother Bear from The Berenstein Bears had asked for this on his list. I'm thinking it's similar to flubber), 2. a new dress (shocker!) 3. and a rocking horse (hmmm.... not sure where she got this but ok!). Overall, not too shabby!

2) we've had almost non stop rain for the last week and i'm officially OVER IT! A few days, ok, but both Early Bird and i are starting to go a little stir crazy. there's only so much baking, crafting and decorating two girls can do. 

3) speaking of baking & crafting. this week we have made pumpkin snickerdoodles, chocolate chip cookies, salt dough ornaments, homemade present for some special people (can't say too much here. not sure who MIGHT be reading this ;), our version of an advent calendar and of course decorated. If it starts to warm up not sure we'll be doing too much more inside.

4) My Favorite Things list continues (Oprah style!):

my ugg boots

let me start by saying the ONLY reason i remotely like these is because they're comfortable (ok, I LOOOOVE that they're comfortable). NOT because they look nice. and that's all i have to say about that!

 

 Bumble restaurant in Palo Alto, Ca

I freakin LOVE this place! It's waaaay cute, serves the best and healthiest food and it's AWESOME for kids, as in, the local owners kept families in mind while redoing this old house.

 there's a separate play area in back just for the kids. the parents can sit and eat (and watch their kids through the fish tank) while the kids play. we've been to it many times!! it's a hit with Early Bird too.

pecan pie bars

can't say enough about these! yuuuum!! found the recipe here.

5) random photo of the day:

this is what we woke up to this morning. olivia was kind enough to bake us cookies during the night!

what olivia has been up to this week

today marks one week since Olivia has been at our house. (need to catch up on who olivia is? click here).

here are some things she's gotten into so far.

we had no idea she was a little artist!

I guess making her own zipline is part of the fun.

relaxing in her own bubble bath after a rough night!

Oliva our elf is here to stay

after struggling with the concept of Elf on the Shelf (read about my turmoil here in last Friday's Five on Friday, #2) I finally decided to invite her/him into our home. The Elf turned out to be a girl and she is now known as Olivia.

However, it turns out I'm not the only mom that has pondered the Elf's place in a home around Christmas. My fabulously smart and kind friend, Elisabeth Johnston, who is a professor and has spent years studying children, sent me this article from Parents' Web site, "I don't have an Elf on the Shelf. And I don't want one."  So glad that I'm not alone in my feelings.

However, after seeing how excited Early Bird was the first two mornings to see what Olivia had done overnight I decided that yes, maybe it is worth it after all. Early Bird won't be young forever and she won't believe in all the magic of childhood in a short few years, so, yes, Olivia is here to stay as long as Early Bird still finds joy in her. (Side note: luckily Olivia spends most of the year at the north pole.... whew!)

As it turns out Early Bird and I aren't the only ones enjoying Olivia. The Sweetie has also gotten excited about the possibilities to come! Being creative is in his soul so I was really glad when we both started to try to come up with ideas on how Olivia will spend her time while she's with us.

So, stay tuned!

And here's how she spent last night, drawing a Christmas tree for us!

five on friday

1. i missed last friday's Five on Friday. We were in Texas... yeehaw.... and were having a blast! It's not the easiest thing to type up a five on friday on just my phone :(

2. after much discussion (on Facebook) and internal angst (as well as the pocket book) i decided to bite the bullet and invite an elf into our house this christmas season. she arrived Wednesday night and her name is Olivia. Why the turmoil for me? Several reasons actually: 1) This is the first Christmas that Early Bird is starting to somewhat comprehend holidays, including Christmas. I want to start her off with the basic understanding on WHY we have Christmas, at least in our house. I want her to learn that the REASON we even have Christmas is to celebrate Jesus, not Santa, not getting toys, etc. Hence my hesitation on bringing another something in our house that didn't have anything to do with the birth of Jesus. 2) the cost of JUST getting the book and the elf (that's not even made well, in my opinion) and the fancy box 3) i like to pile alot on my plate during the holidays (so says the sweetie) so this was just one more thing i would need to keep up with. In the end though i decided it was worth it. I like to see Early Bird get excited about things and i like to be creative (all the Pinterest ideas didn't hurt either!). However, I want to make sure along the way to instill in Early Bird that our main focus during this time is still about the birth of Jesus. I'll keep you updated, and with photos of course. Which leads me to my #3. (oh, those that may have NO idea what i'm even talking about, go here for a little explanation.)

3. i'm thinking about putting a post together after Christmas of all the different mischievous deeds that Oliva gets into, with pictures of course! I might even make a book out of them. We'll see how much i can pile on my plate.

4. Here's another installment of My Favorite Things (Oprah style):

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

I looove this book and looove to read it to Early Bird at bed time. I'm sure she's getting sick of it but I think the repetition is definitely helping her reading skills. The last time we read it she "read" it to me, even pointing her finger at each word. I also love the sing-song rhythm. 

 I puffy heart my crockpot. I use it at least once a week. Since I found the crockpot liners at the store it makes cleaning soooo much easier, which in turn makes me want to use it even more.

Every stinkin time I see this I think of the spoof video they did on Saturday Night Live... oh, 3+ years ago. It still makes me laugh. (If you're not familiar with it it's Justin Timberlake, Andy Samberg and Justin Monaghan doing a spoof video of Beyonce's All the Single Ladies video. Here's the YouTube video for those of you that might want to check it out.) Goood times! I might or might not have laughed all over again typing this out. Of course I had to watch the video, and yes, laughed again.

Love this card. I'll let you guess if it's talking about Early Bird or if it might pertain to me. 

thinking about doing this starting tomorrow. Again, something to pile on my list, a list!

5) random photo of the day:

Got to hang out with one of my favorite college friends and her son while in Texas. We did a little mini-session for him and I got this shot. It might be one of my all time favorite! 

the c family once again {palo alto, california, family photographer}

can't believe this is my third time getting to document this growing family. remember them here from last october.  this year they've added a member! 

here's a sneak peek for their momma & daddy! 

five on friday

1. first and foremost (and most exciting for me), I was featured on a terrific photography blog today. Check it out here.

2. Exactly six days until Thanksgiving! We're headed out to Texas on Sunday and I CAN'T WAIT! Bring on the grandparents, dinner with my bestie, a massage with my momma, a family reunion, and a hotel indoor waterpark. I'm also sneaking in a little work while I'm there. Just pray that the ONLY day it's forecasted to rain next week it doesn't actually rain. Texas weather for ya!

3. Today at Early Bird's preschool they started early on giving thanks by having Donuts with Dads. Each child filled out a small list of questions about their dads. (Do you know where I'm going with this?) Here's some of Early Bird's answers:

- Your dad is 5 years old.

- Your dad is as big as an octopus.

- Your dad likes to eat ice cream and vegetables.

- Your dad has black hair.

You know that list is going in her memory box!

4. Here are some more of my favorite things, Oprah style:

~ my Coach wristlet that my bestie gave me last year.

I carry ALOT of stuff in there and switch it from bag to bag!

~ coconut oil. I mainly use it to take off my eye makeup but I also cooked with it today.

~ my comfy ballet slippers. What's better on a cold night?!

~ love this top for doing yoga! 

5. random photo of the day:

this girl has mad skills! 

(and apparently it helps to stick your tongue out when you're learning how to dribble.)

the m family {san jose, ca family photographer]

had a short but fun fall mini-session for the super sweet (and gorgeous!) family the other night.

here's your sneak peek.

five on friday

1. Can I just say that whoever decided that Daylight Savings time was a good idea CLEARLY did not have young children, either that, or it was a man. Just sayin!

2. Thinking about starting a weekly post on photography tips. It would be for the phone users all the way up. Maybe something like Tips on Tuesdays. Let me know what you think? Yes, No, Meh. I'm open!

3. So the sweetie wanted to make brownies tonight (he has a mild addiction to brownies) and we don't have any brownie mix. Fortunately Pinterest to the rescue! I found this mix and it includes simple ingredients we already had! While I was working on the Five on Friday post I heard them come out of the oven. Luckily Early Bird didn't forget about me and brought a plate of WARM brownies to me. I thanked her profusely!! As she was leaving the room I whispered to her and told her it would be icing on the cake if I could get some milk with it, pretty please! As soon as I said, "... milk with it." The sweetie turned the corner with milk. Can I just say I'm very well cared for ;) I don't think I'll trade them. (Oh, and the brownies were awesome!!)

4. 9 days until we leave for Texas (yehaw!), 13 until Thanksgiving, 39 until Christmas! Ahhh!!

4.01 From now until Christmas I'll be listing My Favorite Things for you, Oprah Winfrey style!

~ CAN'T live without this!

~ LOVE my black rain boots. I wear them to every outside photoshoot and even when it rains!

~ just found some boot socks similar to these. Not sure what took me so long to jump on the bandwagon!

5. Random photo of the day: 

five on friday

1.   last wednesday we went to Disney on Ice with Early Bird and her bestie, A. They both had a great time and even got to stay up waaaay past their bed time. i remember going when i was around 8 so it was fun getting to take her. her favorite part? seeing belle and cinderella!

2. we had a FABULOUS time on Halloween. this year Early Bird "got it!" If you're a parent i know you know what i mean! ;) she couldn't get to the next house quick enough. (a side note for those that know Early Bird all too well. Guess what she wore to bed that night? and the entire next day? and wanted to wear AGAIN the following night?! yep, her costume!)

3. am i the only one that is dreading moving the clock back this weekend? 

4. i can't believe Thanksgiving is 3 weeks away, which means Christmas is 7 1/2 weeks out! Eeee! This is year we are cutting back on presents! I PROMISE!! I'm just glad we are all healthy,  happy.... and reasonably sane!

5. random photo of the day:

some of my besties enjoying halloween!

have a fabulous halloween!!

baby i

had a great time meeting baby i and getting a chance to see her momma again. 

sneak peek for the M family

had a blast the other night with this fun family (who also happens to be my fun neighbors)!

sneak peek for the C family

loved capturing the two sweetest girls ever!

Here's a sneak peek for their momma. Can't wait to come back with more.

five on friday

1. i had two baby sessions this week and i can't wait to show them soon! and i have another family session this weekend... a special family... that i can't wait to blog about either!

2. remember last friday's five on five where i talked about having a couple's date night with our awesome next door neighbors? how we were going to play boche ball and that i was suuuuper competitive? i even had the super competitive wife on my team (that's right, it was girls vs boys!) yeah... well it did NOT work out in the super competitve wive's  favors :( i think the guys cheated. i demand a rematch! did you hear that next-door-neighbor mr. C, a rematch!! 

3. so Early Bird (my daughter) told me last month she wanted to be Snow White for Halloween. Luckily I found a costume, bought her white tights and even royal blue shoes to go with it. She hasn't seen it yet because i know once Halloween gets her she would be over it. What does she tell me this week? "I want to be Cinderalla!" (insert banging head on table.) I'm still thinking the element of surprise will work out in my favor. I'll keep you posted! Please tell me I'm not the only mom that goes through this every Halloween?!

4. I've missed the last two Presidential debates (and it sounds like i missed out on some good tv) so i'm definitely catching the next one!!

5. random photo of the day: 

Instagram photo of our fall craft project!

and what i came out to find on our door a couple of days later.

(personally, i think it was our cheater-cheater-pumpkin-eater next door neighbor!)

not funny!

five on friday

1. we won't be defeated. the entire photography world has been talking about this brave photographer/mom/friend/daughter/wife that lost her battle against cancer today. Unfortunately she left behind two young boys and a brave husband. However, before it was too late she made a BEAUTIFUL video that everybody must see. It doesn't matter if you're not a mother or sister or even a wife. It's a must see... here. i didn't have the pleasure of knowing her but she does remind me that even when they're are bad days (and believe me i have baaaad days) at least i'm here to experience them. it also reminds me that my photography is a gift that i give to my own family.

2. getting fall pictures taken? having a hard time coming up with outfits for the family? hopefully this is a little inspiration for you.

3. last night i had a MNO (Mom's Night Out) with my besties. They "claimed" it was for my birthday but i didn't care what it was for, i just like getting together with them. what was some of the discussion? one of the besties (who wasn't there but was there in spirit and we talked like she was there) gave a talk at the Geneva Convention several years ago? Did we know exactly what the Geneva Convention is? Nope, but it sounds impressive. Another bestie ran into Jerry Rice, a former NFL football player, at a hospital several years ago and knew he looked familiar. Instead of saying, "Hi, My name is Sarah. You look familiar. How do I know you?" She said, "You look familiar. Do I look familiar to you??" Yeah, then Jerry's wife had to tell her who it was. Can you say awkward?! From now on when i see somebody that looks familiar. I'm just going to say, "Do I look familiar to you?" Yep, good times, good times!

4. the hubby and i are going on a couple's date night tomorrow with our fabulous neighbors, k & c. we plan on playing boche ball. i can't wait because i'm suuuper competitive and they've never played. Bring. It. On!

5. random photo of the day: