Photo Session:: Just Danielle

You'll remember my friend Danielle from this post last year. She is a childbirth educator, lactation consultant, and doula, among many other things! When I reached out to my friends to offer photo sessions, she booked me to take a few new head shots for her new website and blog. I hadn't done "head shots" before but I figured it would be a great opportunity to practice! We went down to San Juan Capistrano and had fun walking around "practicing" and trying not to fall off train cars :) With a background in theater, Danielle wasn't shy in front of the camera which made taking pictures thisclosetoher much more comfortable! Once we got the requisite website shots, she let me have fun and "do my thing."

"website shots"

 The "fun" ones

 She does sultry well, no?

 you are too much right now!

 straight out of the camera...just gorgeous!

Danielle, you are one gorgeous mama! Thank you for being so flexible and willing to do whatever! You rocked it!

2011: A Look Back

As 2011 comes to an end and we move forward into a new year, I just wanted to take a moment to reflect on this year and highlight some of my favorites...projects, moments, and/or both, and some which never made it to the blog.

Starting the new year off with some bling!

Getting in some sun time with Jack.

Lamp shade re-do for A's room

Toilet paper art

A turned a year old!

DIY Accessories

 DIY Media Center

Family trips 1, 2, 3, & 4

 Starburst Mirror

 San Diego Zoo

 Photography Sessions

It's been a fun and exciting year that has gone by WAY too quickly! Anayah has grown up so fast and continues to amaze us with the things she's learning and the ways she's developing. Along with the fun, we have had some learning experiences and trials that have brought us closer together and strengthened our faith and trust in the Lord. We are so thankful for all the blessings God has given us this year and for His constant faithfulness to us. He has an amazing plan for us, even when we don't understand what it is! I know that He has so much more in store for us and I'm excited to see how it unfolds.

May your new year be filled with blessings and joy!

♥, brian, mandi & anayah

Friday Favorite

It's been a while but here you go:

Happy Friday!

Photo Session:: Von Rosen Family

Today I went to Old Town Temecula with our good friends Mandy, Surya & Jack. The weather was great (well a bit cold at first) and the lighting was beautiful as well. Mr. Jack is just as active as Anayah these days so I knew it was going to be fun trying to get him to sit still, but he did really well. There are so many fun/interesting places in Old Town that I had a hard time choosing places to shoot, but they were really patient with me as I worked through it.

 One of my faves...

 So cute!

 Jack decided he didn't want to face the camera anymore...

 Gorgeous! My other fave...

You guys are a gorgeous family -inside and out- and I'm so glad we can call you friends. Thank you for giving me the chance to capture a glimpse of your fun, beautiful selves! I had a great time and I hope you did too!

Christmas 2011

This was the first year we spent Christmas morning at our own house! We usually go down to San Diego to be with my parents and some years we also drive to LA to visit Brian's side of the family too. This year however, we spent it at home. My grandma is in town from Hawaii and my dad and brothers came up to spend Christmas morning with us (my mom is in TX with my other brother & nephew). I will admit it was nice to not have to rush and plan and drive anywhere and to just be able to spend time at home. Starting our own traditions for our little family is something I look forward to continuing in the years to come...

So here's a quick recap of our weekend according to Anayah: 

Running around outside after many hours stuck in my carseat and stroller while mommy and great grandma shopped:

Texting Santa my last minute wish list:

Christmas Eve family party in my pretty dress before I got cranky:

After I woke up from a nap (which happened hours past my bedtime!) at the party:

Mommy forcing me to take a picture documenting the evening:

Christmas morning (NOT a flattering photo of any of us!)

Helping grandpa with my tent:

Opening one of hundreds many gifts:

Too much sugar:

Guess what mommy got?!

Just kidding...it's all mine!! 

Anayah was spoiled blessed very much this year as you can tell. She was so excited with all her new things and couldn't decide what to play with first! Thank you to everyone who helped make this Christmas so special! I hope you all had a blessed holiday and was able to spend time with friends and loved ones. Any fun plans for New Year's Eve?

Merry Christmas!

Just a quick note to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas! 

I'll be back tomorrow to share some highlights of a fun weekend!