The last two days have yielded a little less sleep than I have been getting.  A couple of sick kiddos, one being a congested baby, meant the sleeping situation was a little different.  So, I have to say that although this has been my friend for quite some time…the last few mornings, even more so.

It is kind of a love-hate relationship.  Love the pick me up I get in the morning after a hot cup of coffee and yes, hot even though it is still hot outside (however, that is changing…yeah!)!  But hate because after the 9am hour I have now depleted the caffeine that once ran through my veins and I can barely keep my eyelids open with toothpicks.  Why Starbucks hasn’t come up with some type of “patch” yet…you know, you put it on and it time releases the caffeine when necessary!  In all seriousness though, this morning was amazing…I got to sit outside with my coffee (only for approximately 8 minutes, but none the less) with my hubby and there was the most amazing breeze.  We chatted briefly about our day and then realized our son would be late for school if we were out there a minute more, but I savored the moment.  Amazing.

I just got the most amazing cross from a friend, she makes them (click HERE to see her stuff) and they are beautiful.  I had her pick colors that would match my kitchen.  I have it resting on the back of my counter and this morning as I was getting everything ready for Gage to head to school and pouring my cup of coffee there it was staring at me.  Seriously, it was staring because the beads pick up beautiful light that reflect right back at you.  It made me think for a moment about the light.  Jesus is the light of the world.  Those of us who believe in Him should be reflecting that light.  Yes, my kitchen was the perfect place for this cross.  A reminder every morning that I can choose to reflect the light of Jesus in every facet of my life.  Starting with my family, my friends, my business…and extending to all I will come in contact with throughout the day…Thank you, Lois, it’s beautiful.

I am preparing my newsletter to head into email boxes this week.  It has all the holiday session info, as well as when my mini shoots will be this year.  I am debating a few other items before I finish it up, but if you are one of my clients…look for it this week!

The little guy despite a little congestion is still sweet as ever!!  His hair is continuing to grow and lighten up and I had to sneak a picture this morning of it and of him in his AC/DC onesie before he is way too big for it, which will be next week I am sure!!

I hope that you are having an amazing Monday.  If you live here…I hope that you were able to spend a moment outside with the cool breeze!

Blessings!

Janelle

I LOVE LOVE LOVE that my kids have cousins their same ages.  Gunnar was born just a month before Belle.  Here he is giving her the sweetest kiss…or maybe the “you might be food, so I am going to try and eat you” kind of kiss…

And this is big brother Greer and my sweet Gracie…they are four months apart!!  This photo pretty much sums up the personalities here!

Hope you are having a fabulous Thursday!!

Blessings!

Janelle

This has been a year for babies in my family.  In February my older brother, Jason welcomed twin girls into their family, we welcomed Gunnar at the end of June, my brother, Jeremy welcomed his little girl at the end of July and my youngest brother, Josh will welcome twins (we find out their sexes tomorrow!!) at the end of the year!!  Six babies in one year…wow!!  Get togethers on my side of the family will number 21 just with my parents, brothers’ families and my family!!  Yeah!!  I wonder if my parents really thought about this when they had four kids!!  What a tremendous blessing!  Can you imagine Christmas in two years??  Oh my!!  So, fun!!  The even bigger blessing for all of us is that we all live in the same state!!  Most of us live in the same neighborhood!!

Well, my brother, Jeremy had to move his family out to Gilbert for work…I really hope that this is the farthest away any of us siblings ever move from each other.  We are all really close and even the 50 minute drive seems way too far!  They have a spunky 2 year old, Greer and they just welcomed Miss Belle to their family at the end of July!  We had to wait a whole week to see her because we were up camping when she arrived, but she is just the cutest little newborn ever.  She looks very much like her older brother, but even more so looks just like her gorgeous Mama, my sis-in-law, Lorie.

There were way too many images to choose from, so I put way too many in this post (should have done a part 1, 2, & 3…but I didn’t want you to have to wait!)!!

Here she is…Miss Belle Anna

She got her Mama’s lips {sigh}

Can you believe that hair?

You are gorgeous, sis, love you

Love seeing my brother as a dad…he is awesome, love you friend

Favorite

Sweet family of four

Big brother feet…little sister feet

I love Greer’s look here…it says, “I’m doing what you told me Auntie!”  Love you, buddy

oh sweet little niece of mine…you are beautiful…love you Belle

{Hugs & Kisses}

Blessings!

Janelle

I can’t believe that two months have already flown by!  Seriously, where is the time going?  Master G is growing more and more everyday.  He has already gained 5lbs 4oz since his birth…this boy loves to eat!!  You remember that sweet log bed that my friend, Doni had for Gunnar’s newborn pictures?  Well, here he is on the same bed at 6.5 weeks.  Quite a little chunky monkey and I LOVE it!!

On another note, although I am still technically on my own maternity leave…I am taking a few clients the month of September.  I will only be taking family sessions October and November for the holidays.  The month of December will be reserved for my family along with a couple of sweet newborns…(two of them being my youngest brother’s twins!!)

Stay tuned for all the info for the upcoming holiday sessions!  Have a wonderful Monday!

Blessings!

Janelle

I am so blessed to meet and work with the most amazing families.  This one is no exception…I have known the Toren’s for quite some time now, if you have ever seen or read North Valley Magazine, that is Adam’s brainchild.  A fabulous publication that is all over the valley now!!  Can I also say that when I had Gunnar, Crystal made me the most fabulous diaper cake ever!!!  I already told her that she has to sell them…it was absolutely fantastic and it was such a sweet surprise.  Well, I am so thrilled that they will be welcoming baby #3 in a couple of days!!  He truly is a miracle baby because A & C didn’t plan on more than two, however God had another plan for their family and they couldn’t be more excited themselves.  What a blessing and I am so glad that we captured him in the belly…no pressure, but I think this little ones is going to be a mover and a shaker!!  I can’t wait to meet Baby Cash!!  (AND I LOVE his name…just perfect!!)

C really wanted to do some cool silhouette shots, but we had a little time before the sun was just right, so we snapped some with lots of bright sun and I love them!!

Seriously…the cutest kids!!

Seriously, C…you are beautiful inside and out!

Favorite!

Thanks, again T family!!  Can’t wait to hear the wonderful news!!

Blessings!

Janelle

Last night we enjoyed spending time with this amazing family.  They spoiled us with dinner and the kiddos played.  My daughter, Gracie is nine months older than Jayden and they are great friends.  When they were over last night we asked her, “Gracie, who are you going to marry?”  She pointed to Jayden and said, “You, Jayden!”  Save the date: January 2030.  Haha!!  We have known them for just over four years now and we are blessed by them in so many ways.  They have allowed me to photograph their family since before their oldest was born…I am thankful for their constant support!!  Love you guys!

Now on to their sweet new addition, Miss Maddy.  She was born a week before our little one and I think that they will be great friends!  She has just the sweetest little personality.  We were lucky to get a few sleepy shots because this little girl was wide awake and just soaking in this new world of hers.  Last night when she was here she was cooing away and just all smiles.  I love it, what a beautiful addition to your family God has blessed you with, B & G!!

Family of FOUR!!

I love this next image…there is always a time of transition after baby, just love how his Mama is lovin’ on him

Love baby cheeks…

Sweet Little Angel

Love you guys!!  Congrats on your addition…she is absolutely beautiful and a perfect fit!!

Blessings,

Janelle

I just adore this family.  This is the third time I have photographed them, the first time was when Sebastian was yet to make his debut, and they are the sweetest most genuine people ever.  I can’t believe that Sebastian has already turned one years old.  Honestly, I don’t realize how quickly time is passing until one of my newborn clients calls and says it’s time for one year pictures.  Really?  A whole year went by already, I just photographed their little feet while they peacefully slept.  They change so much that first year of life, sometimes when I see them as toddlers I barely recognize them…they are now little people!!  Well, Sebastian was full of boy energy, but he was so good for a one year photo session!!  It is so hard to stay still for more than 5 seconds at this age, but he was a champ!!  So, here he is…

Love that light coming through the orange groves

And this is Joey…I {heart} Joey!  I did think that he might have a heart attack with all the chickens, but he was courageous!

Isn’t it funny how after you have kids, the pictures of you as a couple become almost non-existent?  I love capturing a few of Mom & Dad by themselves…you two are fabulous!!

Thank you again D Family for letting me capture this precious time!!  Sebastian is growing so fast…glad we got to freeze frame for a moment!!

Blessings!

Janelle

Both of these sweet little ladies turned one a short time ago.  Kalle I have known for a bit and photographed her around Thanksgiving time last year along with her family.  She has two older brothers and let me tell you this princess is going to be one tough cookie.  We got a couple of shots of her with a USC basketball with her tutu on.  I have a feeling that is going to be her…running with the boys with her pretties on!!  I just love that!!  We took her pictures at her home up here in Anthem…and she was sweet as can be and loved being in front of the camera.  This other cutie is Bailey.  She actually lives in California and was visiting her Grandma…they weren’t in town long, but we were able to run up to the park and snap a few!!  She was enamored with all the wildlife at the park and was quite busy with everything going on!!  One year pictures, I love because they are almost always pictures of the kids doing things…I love that because THAT is what you will remember…so happy to put a picture with the memory!!

Love her bloomers & tutu!!

You are too cute Miss Kalle

Do you not LOVE this face??

I’m jealous of those eyelashes, Miss B!

It was so funny because she was so busy here and there, but as soon as we brought the bench out she didn’t want to go anywhere else!!

So happy to have captured this busy age for both of these sweet girls!!

Blessings!

Janelle

Ok, so I have to admit that when I was headed into high school I had little style.  In fact, as hard as it is to believe {wink} I was kind of a little bit of a nerd.  I can see my husband grinning from ear to ear right now (we met in high school - he still likes to call me a nerd).  If you ask anyone who knew me in high school there was rarely a day where I didn’t look like I rolled out of bed.  My husband says I am a good starter…which means I start off well, like high school for example…the first week I laid my clothes out, had my backpack ready, set my alarm and actually got up before hitting snooze 5 times, and was ready before everyone else in my house.  Then the first week passed and my motivation slowly faded and I realized that I really could care less what others thought and the fact that I could sleep until absolutely the very last minute and wear my pajamas to school…was AWESOME (now my hubby is laughing if he is reading this!)!!  Unfortunately, my oldest son may have inherited this quality because normally he is the last to rise, but this morning on the first day of school he was up, dressed and ready to go at 5:30a.m.  Seriously though, I eventually had to start being a little more put together…however in the last few months he has told me I am reverting back to high school days where I stay in “soft pants” as he calls them, all day!!  So, all this to say…this girl had it going on!!  She is absolutely stunning…she is headed to high school this year and all I have to say is watch out, boys.  Somehow, even if she wore “soft pants” she would still be looking fabulous!!

I hope you have an amazing first year of high school, Mariah!!  Thanks for letting me photograph you as you start this new adventure!

Blessings!

Janelle

Can it be possible that summer break is over??  Where has the time gone?  We made a list at the beginning of summer…Our Summer List.  It was a list of all the things we wanted to do over the summer…here are some of the highlights: celebrate our new baby brother, Gunnar!  See Toy Story 3, make pirate grog (this was my eldest’s request - quite yummy), Gracie potty-trained (YEAH!!), Read 50 books, visit Daddy at the firestation (this was actually difficult because Daddy had practically the whole summer off with us - yeah!!), scavenger hunts, Vacation Bible School, celebrate our new cousin, Belle Lehman!  Have a “stay-cation”, sleepover at Grandma & Grandpa’s house, catch butterflies, make birdhouses…IT WAS AWESOME!!  So, I would be lying if I said that we were itchin’ for school to start, but what an amazing summer we had!!

So, with having Master G, I have enjoyed taking some nice time off of “work”, but while I have been gone…I FINALLY bought an IMAC, which I was so thrilled about and just two days ago bought the latest version of Photoshop, I jumped two versions so, there is fun new stuff I can’t wait to learn!!  Now that school has started I will have a few mornings that are quiet (hopefully!), I plan to use them to have fun with my new toys work equipment and software!

On another note…there was some work that I did prior to having baby that never made it to the blog, but still deserve a post, so this week will be dedicated to posting some of those clients’ images!!  Thanks for some serious patience!!  I will also be sending out info regarding sessions for October and November INCLUDING my Holiday Minis sometime next week!  I will also be blogging all the info so stay tuned.

Just for fun…here are some shots from our family camping trip up in the White Mountains…it was wet, but very green and VERY FUN!!  AND here is a little secret…I am a mom before I am a photographer, so in order to take some fun snap shots of my kids I use my point-and-shoot camera, I just bought this one and I really like it!!  Then I can make sure I capture the moments as they happen!!

Our GIANT marshmallows!!

Headed out for a hike…new baby in the wrap

One of the many creatures we saw…frogs, snakes, horny toads, night crawlers and more…

Lots of yummy wild strawberries!

Lots and lots of night crawlers because of all the rain!!

Catching crawdads…

A waterfall from all the snow run-off and rain…

These were elk we saw across the lake…

We met my folks up in the mountains and then some of our dear friends met us up there a few days later…here we all are!!

Thanks for indulging me!!  Lots of more stuff to come this week!

Blessings!

Janelle