Posted on October 27, 2010
I have the most extraordinary Mom in the whole world. However, there are times I do wish she was my grandma. Why? Let me tell you.
Growing up we were not spoiled with sweets {thankfully!}. Mom always had a stash of candy {which we could find most of the time, by the way 
} and she would give it to us when she thought it was the right time to do so. But let me tell you it was NOT every day. Things changed, however, once she became a grandma {which was almost right after having me}. She became more generous with grandkids–I guess that dental problems were not her problem then, so she indulged her toting grandkids with all the love and sweets she could afford. Things get more and more interesting the older Mom gets–the bag of candy seems to grow bigger, trying to keep up with her 50+ grandkids and 15+ great-grandkids now, and the line for that candy is growing longer and longer.
I can spot a kid hunting for candy in seconds… as I am sure you can. The offenders little sweet souls 
have the same tactic. I call it “Operation CANDY”:
1. Spot the victim and shower her with love and smiles:
2. Look at the victim intently, and… innocently until the said victim can no longer contain your cuteness and goes for her purse, while you keep a watch for potential intruders who might force Grandma to share your spoils with them:
3. Get your SWEET reward as inconspicuously as possible and look for a hiding place so you have to share with no one!
4. If it happens that someone spots you, divert their attention away from your spoils by sending them directly to the victim loving Grandma, so the cycle could be repeated.
1. Spot and charm the victim:
2. Force encourage your victim to give up the goods willingly:
3. Wait for your reward:
4. If you feel that you did not get your fair share, stare at your spoils a little with a sad face to convince your victim loving {Great} Grandma to double it.
Then look for a hiding place.
“Operation CANDY” can go on and on… and ON. So Grandma’s purse has to be as large as her heart to carry enough sweets for everyone.
Posted on October 26, 2010
On days like today, when I am missing very important people in my life, there is a little remedy I use to feel better–going through family pictures.
I am so happy I am a photographer. I am so happy that I am able to capture very important moments not only for my clients but also for myself. It is a gift [the gift of photography] that keeps on giving. Even though I am in Westerville OH now, thousands of miles away from WA, the images bring my family a little closer to my heart, and leave a gentle smile on my face.
Today I was looking for pictures of my Mom when I came across two beautiful, very special to me ladies: my sister and my niece. They are namesakes and their personalities somewhat resemble each other, as if they were supposed to be a Mom and a Daughter team [they are not though]. They are fun, strong headed [yes, even the little one] and deliciously adorable [gorgeous for the sister ]. I love and miss them both on so many levels.
To my girls: M & M!
Posted on October 25, 2010
Remember that purple dress I told you about? Well, I finally got to wear it a couple of weeks ago. Thankfully the weather in Ohio is still warm soI got away with it. My sweet hubby used my little point and shoot Canon camera to make me feel dazzled with his attention.
Not bad, huh? {talking about the point and shoot quality, of course, not myself } I do like the dress–it is comfy, purple, and… comfy! [and yes it is stylish too! A big winner for my closet. Now I will have to wait for the Spring to wear it again 
My lovely hubster decided to do a close up of me also. Unfortunately the image was not perfectly focused, but I still liked it, so with a little sharpening in Photoshop I think I was able to salvage it.
And since this post seems to be all about me, here is an image captured by a friend of mine–an amazing Longview WA Wedding and Children’s photographer, Jenica Lemmons, while I was helping her photographer a wedding in Portland OR.
Now, enough with self indulgence, I am off to work on a couple of recent weddings and give my undivided attention to my brides instead of myself
Posted on October 18, 2010
It was a fabulous day on Friday, although it was a bit chilly.
Amy and AJ seemed to have been warmed by love to spend so much time outside {troopers indeed} as they said their vows and we took their pictures. They were surrounded by loving family and friends, and their adorable daughters.
First Look
Their Love is undeniable…
What a gorgeous couple! And, yes, Amy’s eyes are really that blue!
Amy and AJ’s little girls are heart breakers–so adorable.
Time for “I Do’s”
Amy’s gorgeous Mom [now I see where Amy got her looks and her gorgeous eyes ].
This is one of my absolute favorite images from the day-so fun!
And some glam details…
Amy and AJ, I wish you a long life of happiness together! May your love grow stronger every day.
