It's a Sista' Thing . . .

Living in a house with four women I've learned a few interesting things.  NEVER leave the seat up.... When a woman is speaking to you, ALWAYS look at her and stop what you're doing.... DON'T ask too many questions.... and if she says, "Do you like this?" fake a seizure and wait for them to leave the room.... But aside from the most basic survival strategies noted above, I've also learned something very special... in the world of family dynamics, second only to the bond of mother and child, the bond between sisters is the strongest... Sisters share an intuitive bond... they know what each other is thinking, feeling, wanting.... sometimes they use it to take advantage, other times they use it to lend a hand.... Looking at how my girls interact with each other, I am very confident that this bond will only get stronger as time goes on and that they will grow closer and closer.... if you have a second in your hectic life this week, take some time to reconnect with your sisters and let them know just how special they are and enjoy their company like you did in the "old days". . .

Happy Birthday Nina. . . .

Although today is not her actual birthday, my beloved Nina didn't hesitate to remind her grandparents that today IS her birthday party.... and party she did... I don't remember six being so much fun... and for me, today I was six years old all over again... Happy Birthday NINA... mommy and daddy love you very much!

Story Time is Always Special...

Nobody Reads like Grandpa...

Presents are the best part...

 

Luci is preparing for her big day in two weeks...

cake...

Singing....

Wishes.....

And of course, more cake.....

A Bag for Every Girl. . . .

Today I'd like to take the time to introduce to you a friend of mine with a superb product.  Alicia Clendennin is the owner and founder of Shutter Bug Bags.  These camera bags are one of a kind in their ability to transform any bag into a camera bag.  She offers several styles with different colors as well.  The best part is the removable liner that allows you to transfer all you stuff from one bag to another without having to spend tons of time emptying out your bag.  I found her unique design both innovative and trendy!  They conveniently disguise your expensive camera gear in a purse style bag.  For us photog's, camera theft is always a concern and believe me, thieves know the styles of the big name camera bag companies. But these bags are not only for the camera toting woman on the go.... they also make awesome diaper bags and purses as well.  If you have time, please check out her website www.shutterbugbags.com and shop for someone you know.  And for all the dad's out there reading this post... don't forget that mother's day is coming up fast!  Well, I hope you like her product as much as I do.  I don't usually endorse products on my blog page but these bags are something special.  Here are just some of the products she offers on her site....

 

Weight Management Works...

Today I had the pleasure to work with Michele Rossignol, founder and owner of Weight Management Works.  Her health and wellness company outfits your family or workplace with the proper balance of exercise and nutrition to ensure a healthy lifestyle.  Michele called me to shoot some pics for her new website and although this commercial type shoot was new to me, I enjoyed it just as much as the weddings and family portraits that I normally shoot.  Michele, you have inspired me to take on other corporate projects and I want to thank you for your attention to detail and your beautiful energy.  If you have a chance, check out her site when it's up and running and view the pics... (click here)

Date Night . . .

Tonight my wife and I had the rare opportunity to "get away" for a date.... although we only went into town for coffee, I have to admit it was nice to reconnect.  As we entered the Starbucks, it was as if I was lost. There were no kids in tow, no food to cut up, no butts to wipe, no fights to break up.... We both sat in the silence of the coffee shop watching the cyber geeks on their laptops watching various You Tube videos and for the first time in a long time, enjoyed each other's company.... I'd like to take a second to remind all the married couples out there to take time this weekend to "reconnect" with each other, even if it's as simple as sharing a cup of coffee and some dessert. You won't regret it........

Nothing like a piece of banana bread for the baby. Yes, my wife is pregnant with our fifth child!

Finis!

Born to Run. . .

With Spring in sight, I had the opportunity to take our dog Hondo out for his first workout of the season.  Hondo is my running buddy but today, I thought it would be nice to review the rules of "fetch".  He is a boxer mix with tons of energy and we just love to watch him take it all out outside....

Quality Time is Time Well Spent....

Today we had the honor of having my wife's family for dinner.... as always, my girls gobbled up the attention from grandma and grandpa... they always love to see their grandparents and I think the same is true for my in-laws.  While spending quality time together, I couldn't help but pick up my camera to capture the memories as they unfolded before me.... I hope these pics inspire you as parents to continue to strengthen the bond between grandparents and their grandchildren... not only is it imperative in their development and the development of the family as a whole, but, it's heartwarming to see from a parent's eyes...

Grandma loves to play memory with the girls.

A Gallery Viewing . . .

Well, it's not exactly a gallery, but perhaps a good start..... Our local library is hosting a gallery for local artists.  Any medium is acceptable and so my wife has inspired me to show one of my pics... It is a picture of a local barn that I love to drive by on my way home from work.... One fall morning, the light was just right and I had to stop to capture the moment... after I got home, I decided to turn it into a painting on my computer... I hope you like it... It will be shown from March 19th to April 14th.... If you're in the neighborhood, stop by and have a look, I'm sure there will be some spectacular work for viewing.