Category: Personal Chaos
Category: Personal Chaos
I’m the first to admit that it is HARD to run a home-based business with 3 kids 4 and under! I have LOTS of help from my husband, mom, friends, and a nanny. But even with all that help, I find myself drained, frustrated, and completely lost some days. I feel like I am not giving my kids the attention they need and deserve, and I’m not giving my clients and business the attention they need. This has been a particularly hard year with a 4-year old that is into the talking back and testing the boundaries and rules… a 2-year old (OK, I can just stop there)… and a newborn. Work has become a much needed and enjoyed creative escape for me. However, these last two months with our trip to Newport Beach and this last week with our trip up to Pine Top, I have really enjoyed the escape to some good ol’ fashioned family time in a laid-back relaxing setting. The kids have been soooo great on both trips, and we have all really really enjoyed each other.
The last morning the kids woke up just before 6 (unfortunately nothing unusual there), but were extremely loud and crazy. We decided to get out of the house before they woke everyone else. We walked down to the lake/pond and of course, I just had to snap a few shots in the beautiful morning light. Wow… not only do I just love the light and setting (who knew that AZ looked like this?), but look at my kids! They are actually touching each other and not fighting, punching, scratching, biting, or whatever else that normally goes on. I don’t even think I had to bribe them for this one.

These are my favorite. The boys just took off running with Reeces… found some ducks, the old boat, flowers (which they kept picking and giving to me!)…
There is a reason two-year old are sooooo dang cute! You easily forget why you just want to strangle them sometimes! I think I need to enlarge this for my kitchen so I can remember this moment…

Ryan is so cute with Kate. He LOVES his little sister and is quite the protector. He is constantly hugging, kissing, and loving on her. (Sometimes a little too much for her personal space), but still is soooo sweet to her.
A very rare moment with all three. Have I said how much I love these series of images?
And just a couple more from that morning. I will make another post soon with some of our pics from hiking and various other activities.
Category: Personal Chaos
I know I have already shared a highlight of Courtland and Steve’s wedding, but here’s the finished slideshow as well as another link to see all of their images. Enjoy!
Category: Weddings
I have worked with the store manager at the Anthem, Arizona store to photograph a few of Strasburg Children’s most traditional styles. I was asked to asked to shoot some of their clothes for some more updated AZ promo pieces for the store.
Category: 04 Children
First, a little tribute to Mike… Mike, thanks for all you do for our family. You are a terrific father. Thank you for working so hard to provide for us. Thank you for your never-ending support, your constant encouragement, and your unlimited patience. I love your spontaneity, your playfulness (some would even call it SILLY, but I would never use that word to describe you), and your love for life. I love you! And know that the kids do too!
We are enjoying a long father’s day weekend up in beautiful Lakeside, Arizona (Pine Top/Greer Area). We came up here with my parents, sister, and brother’s family. We have a beautiful “cabin” and the kids are loving the “winter” weather and “mountain climbing” in the backyard. There is a beautiful lake right in the front that the boys loved walking down to and feeding the ducks.

Mike leading the way with Parker and Ryan and cousin, Riley, (and Reeces - hiding in the grass!) close behind.
Here’s Mike enjoying his much deserved Father’s Day break! I think he had a good day… the girls made breakfast burritos, then Ryan and Mike took almost a 3 hour nap! After the nap, we had lunch and then took the kids out on a walk. Mike got to play a little b-ball with the boys and then Scott and Mike finished the afternoon up by playing darts and relaxing on the hammock. I even think he got some time to read his new book he got for Father’s Day.
And definitely a tribute to my dad… Happy Father’s Day, Hepa! Hepa kept the kids entertained today by making balloon animals, playing horseshoes with us, playing basketball, and drawing great pics on the sidewalk. I think he was even able to sneak in a nap (on the couch in the middle of all the chaos - go figure how that works, but somehow it always does for Hepa!). We love you Hepa! Thanks for having us all up here together this week.
And Happy Father’s Day to my brother Scott! My boys sure love paying with their cousins, Riley and Garrett! I know Mike is glad you are here… he enjoyed the victory in the game of darts and desperately needed you to carry the “male” team in the BATTLE OF THE SEXES game. We are so proud of you for knowing so much about the better sex! We are excited that you are now out of the NAVY, so hopefully we get to see you a little more often!
It is so fun to be around these great fathers this week. The kids love them, and they are such a great example and strength in our family. We sure do miss my other brother, Steven, and his wife and son. They are in Houston and could not get away. Hopefully we will be able to talk them into a family vacation soon… it’s been awhile since we have all been together!
Category: Personal Chaos