Category Archives: children

fulfilling dreams | folsom photographer

I’m not great at setting goals for myself. When I think of a goal I think of things that I try to accomplish, like putting the clothes away before I’ve already worn them all again out of the laundry basket. Like getting all three beds in the house made before 3:00 pm. Like actually checking everything off of a to do list before adding more. Some people might call these tasks. For personality types like mine, we know they are goals (lofty ones at that) because the chances of ever getting them done are slim to none.

So since your tasks might be considered my goals, your goals are what I call dreams. And I have had and realized a few dreams so far in my life. A huge one was opening an actual studio last August. And still, every time I unlock the door to my studio and am greeted by the gorgeous light streaming in the windows, I realize how blessed I am to be doing what I do and have a physical space to call my own.

This past month I realized another dream of mine–to officially launch my mentoring sessions available for the baby photographer. After many inquiries and conducting several mentorships I decided to officially take the plunge and announce my one on one mentoring sessions on facebook. And the response has been so encouraging–I can’t wait to meet the ladies that have signed up for their Mentor Me, Baby!™ sessions later this summer. I’ve also been so encouraged by the vendors who want to be sponsors and provide products for my goodie bags–seriously they are going to be awesome and full of items perfect for the baby photographer, including my Tea Party Action Set and newborn pocket posing guide (if you have a product and are interested in learning about becoming a sponsor, just click here for the details).

I figure that since I am so terrible at completing the daily tasks in life that I might as well make up for it by dreaming big. That’s the only way to do it, right? And if you’re interested in learning more about my one on one mentorship opportunities, check out my Mentor Me, Baby!™ page!

 

abby’s heirloom | folsom children’s photographer

I remember jumping on it with my red cape / bath towel wrapped around my neck when I was her age. We were never actually allowed to jump on Mom and Dad’s bed when we were kids, but come to think of it, they never really stopped us from doing so. I’m sure they would just peer in from the doorframe, not wanting to interrupt our afternoon of laughter as we soared to what felt like the ceiling.

I remember pulling it up over my head one day when I was in fourth grade. The stomach flu. I was miserable. But rubbing the soft, worn edges next to my cheek seemed to comfort me, seemed to soothe me. I would sleep on his side of the bed. That big valley that he had created in the mattress formed around me and I felt safe. I felt loved.

That last week there were so many visitors. He had something for everyone. “I can’t take it with me.” He knew that he had his treasures stored up in Heaven. So they came; some were coworkers, some were lifelong friends, some were family members. But my Dad had meticulously made a list in his head of his things that he wanted to give away. He always wanted others to enjoy the things that were his.

And he wanted her to have his quilt. He wanted his only granddaughter to cherish this heirloom that his grandmother had made him when he turned eighteen. She was only a year at the time, but he knew that it was something she would love. Something that she would remember him by. Something she would be able to wrap herself up in and feel the warmth of her Papa’s love.

In just a little over a week it will have been three years. Three years since I have touched his hand. Three years since I have heard his voice. Three years since I rested my head on his chest and just sat on the couch with him, not wanting to let go, knowing that it might be the last time he would ever hold me in his arms.

Three years and my baby has turned into a little girl. A beautiful little girl. And a little girl that is old enough to understand just what a wonderfully special gift her Papa gave her. These images mean so much to me and my precious little children know it. You can see it in their eyes and I could feel it in their love during our shoot tonight. When I’m grieving or missing him, they know how to comfort me with their hugs, kisses, and I-Love-You, Mommy-’s.

Just like being wrapped up in a cozy, handmade quilt.

those eyes | folsom children’s photographer

Oh how I’m a sucker for those baby blues. I don’t know how his mama could ever say no to him with eyes like those!

zack – part 2 | folsom children’s photographer

Oh my goodness–I can hardly stand the cuteness! The outdoor half of our session was just as much fun as our studio time. Someone forgot to tell Zack that three year old boys can often be difficult to photograph. I just don’t think he got the memo.

fancy abby | folsom children’s photographer

It’s safe to say I have a slightly obsessive personality. When I get an idea for something, it tends to consume me until my dream is realized. An area of my life where I see this happen is with party planning. We have three parties I plan for each year–Abby’s, Jacob’s, and our annual Tree of Hope Christmas party–a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Well, this past March it was Abby’s turn. She mentioned to me that she wanted a Fancy Nancy tea party and boy did I take that and run with it! Maybe it’s because those books are some of the cutest children’s stories I’ve ever read, maybe it’s because little Nancy and all of her overboard emotions and drama remind me (just a bit) of myself as a little girl, maybe because the illustrations are adorable, or maybe just because having a party as an excuse to be fancy is just plain fun!

We ended up having different “stations” based on several of the Fancy Nancy books at the party. We had butterfly decorating at the “Bonjour Butterfly” table, puppy painting at the “Posh Puppy” station, nails and hair at the “Ooh La La–It’s Beauty Day” spa, and dress up at the “Fabulous Fashion Boutique”. All of Abby’s friends came in their fanciest attire and we enjoyed story time, crafts galore, and the most amazing cupcakes I have ever seen. My friend, Shanel, is a cupcake queen! I found these fantastic tea cup molds but I am seriously a terrible baker. So when she offered to make them, I was over the moon. And when I saw and tasted them I was in heaven–pure sugary goodness!