~photography by Jaren~

CHECK THIS OUT!!!

2009-08-25T11:54:00.008-05:00

yyyyyYYYYYYAAAAAAAAYYYYYYyyyyyy!!!! My 301st post is announcing my NEW BLOG!!! Update your favorites and check it out!

www.photographybyjaren.blogspot.com

senior 2010 model search!

2009-08-18T08:13:00.003-05:00

Yep, it's BTS time again and I'm looking for some Senior girl models!!! I have some ceative ideas in my head for photoshoots and I need to test them out! I'm thinking a mix of studio and fields...glam and downtown...classic and fun! If you or anyone you know might be interested in modeling in exchange for a free session, send me an email with a picture of the senior ASAP! jfro_red@yahoo.com

I'm thinking kinda like these from Keisha's shoot:

And these from Britt's bridal sesh...

Capturing classic portraits...

(from our photoshoot last summer!)

As well as the fun :)

And, yes....stay tuned ;)

exciting news!!!

2009-08-12T18:09:00.010-05:00

Last March, as you might remember, I shot Brittney's bridals. We met up one evening after work, and the first thing she says to me as she hops in the car is, “So Jaren, would you ever go on a blind date?!?!”

Honestly, I had to admit, since having turned the big 3-0 last December, in retrospect, I realized that my life had taken a pretty drastic change of course over the last couple of years. It felt as if I’d crossed the threshold of Experience and Wisdom...reached a mature state of life-validation...i.e., finally made it to the point of “old-maid hood” where everyone had pretty much given up hope on the idea that their match-making efforts for me would ever turn out a success so they stopped trying to hook me up altogether! Understandably, then, when Britt posed the question, my first response was almost, “What’s a blind date?!?” Instead, I rephrased the question: “You have someone you want to set me up with?!?”

Well, more on that story later (Ahem, Dawn! ;) because I have some exciting news to share about Brittney Long Designs!!!! ;)

A couple months ago, Brittney started up her business out of her passion for design and creativity. She designs wedding, baby and graduation announcements, party invitations, business cards, page layouts and probably just about anything else you might need drawn up! I love what she did with this image from her and Jake's "We Did" shoot...

And with a wave of Britt's magic...voila!

Isn't she great!!! I LOVE it!

Okay, so now, if you have a favorite image or images from a previous shoot that you would like Brittney to use to design an announcement, card, etc., and you did not purchase the session CD, contact me as soon as possible because I'm going to be offering these images for only $10 per digital file! (Normally they are $35 a file!!!) Woot, woot! (as Jamie says!) Love new product and vendor contacts...especially when they are dear friends! Congratulations again Britt!! Cheers!

mychal ♥'s hayley ~the wedding

2009-08-07T09:52:00.023-05:00

These are LONG over due. Jamie and I shot Hayley and Mychal's wedding back in MAY! Good...Times. Not only are Hayley and Mychal a sweet and gorgeous couple, they are also great friends, so it was a lot of fun to get to celebrate their special day with them...

Hayley, I LOVE you!!! XOXO!
(me and Hayley Oktoberfest 2008 and @ the Shiny Lime on her Wedding day :)

Chillin at the Shiny Lime...more good times!

Okay and so here's my little tribute...
At almost every wedding, Jamie is with the Bride shooting her preparations and details while I hang with the Groom and his guys. (And I'm not complaining ;) I seriously love not knowing how to tie a tie or pin on a boutonniere because watching hot guys in suits trying to figure these things out is hillarious! Luckily for Mychal, his best man knew the trick and tried his hardest to help the other two out!

Alas, he reverts to having to tie the ties for them!

So they get the tie thing down...Niiiiiice...

(love it!)

Next comes to figuring out what to do with the "flowery sh**" (!)

Have I mentioned Good Times?!

;)

Now on with the show...
I think one of the highlights of Hayley and Mychal's day was the "First Sight." This is something Jamie and I encourage our couples to do...it's totally mod, non-traditional and AWESOME because it allows for the intimate moment of the Bride and Groom's first sight of each other to be captured entirely and sincerely as just the two of them respond to seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day without the stress of family and friends looking on. It's such a sweet, sentimental, truly special moment...

love it :)

H&M got married down at Gaston's on the White River, and one of the special features was an AIR SHOW!!! OMG, planes taking off and swooping down with their excitingly loud va-room...I personally thought the effect was pretty intense!

Yum..MO.

One more for good times...

And these are just a few from my take of the day...check out more on Jamie's blog here.

one for fun...

2009-08-03T13:11:00.004-05:00

Because I heart Hawaiian print ;)

christy~maternity

2009-08-03T11:33:00.004-05:00

Is she not just the cutest preggo lady in the world?!?

And gorgeous!

I'm really diggin the square...

Love these of Christy and her Mom...

lylas

2009-07-28T18:26:00.004-05:00

I know, I know, I know! My posts have been so sparadic lately!!! PLEASE bear with me! I promise to fill everyone in on the latest and greatest (and, yes, this does include more scoop on this "Matty-Matt" person I'm with in all the recent goofy pics ;) Honestly, at this point if I had just one wish, I would't ask for a million bucks or a knight on a white horse (I have one that came with a tennis racket!)...the only thing I would wish for is...more TIME. I swear this is de-ja-vu, but I would wish for more hours to spend catching up on phone calls that are long overdue to California, Memphis, Rock Island, and where the h*** is my Auntie Terri?!? More mornings for sipping coffee and blog-hopping and commenting and posting and catching up with the bazillion different fb requests that are daily clogging up my inbox!!! More weekends to make pancakes and spend with visits to my Grampy's and my sweet nephew and neice's who are, sure enough, already outgrowning my lap :( More Friday and Saturday nights to hang with family and friends to enjoy nothing more than great company, good food and laughs...

(Deep sigh.)

I'm sure my list could go on, rivaling that of my to-do list...so I will be thankful for the time I do have :) And, this great time I had with two of my favorite "sisters" in the whole world...

While Jamie and I were marathoning a weekend of weddings back in June (Little Rock sweep Eureka Springs), Jessi came with us as she was the hairstylist for Adrian's wedding on Sunday. Saturday night, after a long day at the Hendrix wedding in Little Rock, we were all starving!!! So we selected the "find food" option on the Garmin and lucked out with an Olive Garden :) After a loud, yummy meal of wine and salad and breadsticks and grilled kabobs and alfredo and scary waiters, Jamie whipped out her point and shoot to capture the moment....

Love you guys...xo

houseguests

2009-07-27T17:05:00.005-05:00

Last month Matty-Matt and I house-sit for one of his friends. We watched their Belgium Shepard, Strider; Nikko, the dog they rescued from a no-kill animal shelter; and their two Persian kitties. I couldn't snag a pic of the kitties...they had an agenda of their own ;) Anyway, crazy thing about the house...turns out I knew this house from it's original owners...who, just happen to be Ashley's family!

:P

Love this pic :)

Aww, Grandma and Grandpa...

My fave!

cinthia's bridals

2009-07-27T13:35:00.004-05:00

So, we went to the Old Mill in North Little Rock for Cinthia's Bridals....the cool think about the Mill is that it was featured in the opening credits of Gone with the Wind!

Gorgeous!

where've you been?!?

2009-07-19T22:39:00.006-05:00

I went to see my sweet nephew and nieces this weekend and the first thing Caily asked was, "Whehw have you been, Jehwen?!" (she can't quite get the 'r' sound yet ;) It was fun to tell her I've been to Gaston's, Little Rock, Eureka, Memphis, Mississippi and then back down to Little Rock! Shooting weddings, visiting new friends and loving every minute...

So I know I've had a serious issue with chronological posting here lately...but, with all that's been going on, my main goal is to just GET THE PICTURES UP ;)

Here are a few from Luke and Adrian's wedding I shot with Jamie in Eureaka last month...

I love when my sis is around...whether it's getting ready at the Shiny Lime or, in this case, the traveling stylist...

They got married at the beautiful Thorn Crown Chapel...

loved this tat...

they were so cute...

OH, and remember this preggo hot momma?!?
Well here is Mr. Eason!!!

omg

2009-07-12T17:33:00.006-05:00

Yep, I can here you all now..."OMG! Has Jaren seriously updated her blog?!?" Well, no...I'm afraid it's not exactly an update...more like just a new post with fresh pics :) I feel like I took a dive at the beginning of this year and I'm finally starting to make my way to the surface for some air (keep your fingers crossed for me! ;)

This weekend Jamie and I shot another Little Rock Wedding (stay tuned for more on our ROCKIN WEDDINGS!!!) Friday night we actually met the bride at the Old Mill for her bridal session, but before she got there, we had time for a few snapshots...

Here are a few of my faves ;)

And here are some that Jamie snagged ;)

Hopefully more for you sooner than later!!!!

rodney ♥'s shannon ~ the wedding

2009-06-19T21:23:00.004-05:00

Rodney and Shannon's wedding was absolutely beautiful...their love is sweet and I have enjoyed getting to know them over the past several months...it was such a blessing to shoot their wedding, truly. Here is just a little teaser...more soon :)

The gorgeous bride...

Her party...

The groomsmen...

Amazing details captured by myself and my fellow Rockstar photog Jamie (love her)...

And this was so neat...Shannon decorated the lounge with images from their engagement session!!!

O.M.G.

Love it...

Shannon and Rodney had such wonderful family and friend support...it was truly a spectacular day...more soon!

supermodel

2009-06-18T06:58:00.002-05:00

Here are a few pics of another creative shoot I did last month. Stacy came to town needing some images for her fitness model portfolio...let me just say she is SUCH an inspiration!!!

Is this one not just perfect for a magazine cover?!?

Her kiddos came with...so of course we had to have a little fun too ;)

Had a great time guys! Thanks!

dr. claws...a.k.a. "kitty"

2009-06-17T05:35:00.003-05:00

Um...yep. He's mine! I know, I know, as an avid less-than-enthusiastic animal aficionado, I am smitten :) I had to get a kitty to help keep the mice away down at Great Grandma's, so we went to the Humane Society a couple weeks back and fell in love with Dr. Claws! He was playing independently in a side sun-room and as soon as we walked in, he checked us out and then wanted to be scratched...I think it was his color combo, with his gray and yellow-green eyes, his curious and independent spirit that helped me decide that this was "the one" ;)
(Johan, I keep singing the Millions of Peaches song! And Annie, guess what? The other day he climbed into the clothes dryer all by himself!?!)

sunshine

2009-06-15T22:14:00.002-05:00

Thank you to all my faithful blog fans...I promise more posts and details soon :)

dum, dum, dee-dum...

2009-05-04T14:12:00.006-05:00

Here is more of the gorgeous Shannon...I shot her bridal's a couple weekends ago at the Arlington in Hot Springs. It was beautiful down there and I can't wait to go back with more time to enjoy a spa!

Memphis in March

2009-04-21T22:28:00.012-05:00

I forgot how much fun this photoshoot with Keisha was last month in Memphis!!! Her b-day was the day before I met up with her in the birthplace of rock-and-roll, and her mom asked if I would take her favorite cake to her...of course I had to pick up a tiara too :)

Keish was soooo excited about her b-day present from her mama...

Liz met up with us to, before we hit Beale street...

(um, no, they're not twins!)

Too cute! And GORGEOUS!!!

I can't wait to come back, Keish!!!

lil' missy...

2009-04-20T22:18:00.005-05:00

XOXOXO!

mr. hat's mistress...

2009-04-17T20:08:00.008-05:00

I caught the gorgeous spokesmodel on the phone at the Peabody in Memphis last month!

Just kidding...about the mistress spokesmodel thing, not about Keisha being gorgeous ;)

Keisha's boyfriend works at Mr. Hats in Memphis and gave her a few caps to play around with for our photoshoot last month...

Okay Keish, you do this Y&R fierce face a little TOO good!

Love it!!!

lil' bun

2009-04-16T08:04:00.000-05:00

Disclaimer:
Okay, I DID NOT make preggo lady climb up on hay bale (or bay hale as Jamie would say ;) It was Ashley's own spectacular suggestion!!!

Isn't Momma gorgeous?!?

Love it :)

jake ♥'s britt

2009-04-04T19:40:00.003-05:00

Aww!! It's a "We Did" session!!! Are they not THE cutest?!?

latest & greatest

2009-03-31T21:45:00.008-05:00

So the past couple months have held much for me….and I’ve been challenged to keep up at the 1K mile a minute pace! Amongst all the weddings Jamie and I have been booking like Rockstars, photoshoots from my Memphis and Little Rock weekend I’ve been relentlessly trying to edit, running back and forth to Mom’s, checking on Boo and Baby while they’re in L.A., making plans to re-locate down to the river, all the while holding down a 9a-6p day-job, I’ve also been completely enveloped and enthralled with a new personal experience…

No, it’s not a Prince Charming or multi-million-dollar deal, however it has been just as fascinating and exciting nonetheless! During the last several weeks I’ve been doing my homework on HPV and cervical cancer…discovering that this 2nd most common cancer among women is highly unpublicized in the main stream as well as it’s counterpart, HPV, or the human papilloma virus—the most common STD on the market right now, especially amongst America’s youth. Based on my own recent encounter with these two Goliath’s, I determined to help spread the word about their prevalence and how they can be prevented. My attempt has produced another new blog and a very humble campaign effort...

I know...only Jaren, right?!? Please stop by and check it out: www.savethevajayjay.blogspot.com Forward the link onto your friends and family to help spread the word and feel free to post comments or e-mail me with feedback, questions and/or concerns. This is a journey I’ve discovered I’m not the first to embark upon and everyday holds a new blessing and opportunity for me to discover, learn, meet and share. So check it out and stay tuned!!

mark ♥'s michi

2009-03-29T09:44:00.004-05:00

Okay, so when I met Michelle and Mark, they instantly became some of my favorite people in the world. Absolutely radiant couple...truly awesome. I'll introduce them to you and they'll become some of your favorites too...

(Yay, I do polaroid storyboards now!)

This is so great...as during most of my couple shoots, I asked M&M to "Dance!" Kinda like Zack and Liz, they started gettin' down! (must be a Memphis thing ;)

Now they're getting the hang of it...

Watch out...going in for the dive--I mean dip!

LOVE IT! Love the hat, love the boot, love it, love it, love it!!!

Check out more about Michelle here and Mark here.
Flow Lucky Free guys! XOXO!

rodney ♥'s shannon

2009-03-23T14:33:00.004-05:00

For Shannon and Rodney's e-sesh, we met at Eagle Hill golf course in Little Rock...this is where they met! They are such a cute and fun-loving couple...not to mention gorgeous!

AHHH!!! And I'm so stoked! I put together a guestbook album for them as well!!!

(this is the front cover and first page)

I love these ones of them cracking up!

Love it!!! Stay tuned for the Bridals next!! Can't wait!

i miss blogger...

2009-03-18T22:47:00.004-05:00

and hanging out with Liz and Keisha on Beale Street...

and my new friends Michelle and Mark...

and I can't wait to shoot Shannon and Rodney's wedding in June...

or the sweet baby in the belly of this hot momma ;)

In the meantime...here are some more of the adorable Bride-to-Be Brittney...

Thanks to all who have been praying for Mom and David...he was discharged from Cedar Sinai today, but they are still waiting for his new kidney to "wake up." Your continued thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated!

please say a prayer!

2009-03-12T07:43:00.002-05:00

Mom and Davied are on their way to L.A. this very minute! They got a call in the middle of the night last night that they have a kidney that's a perfect match for David! Please keep us in your prayers that everything goes well!!!

~tease~

2009-03-09T23:02:00.005-05:00

guess who's getting married?!?!

happy birthday dear abby...

2009-03-09T14:40:00.003-05:00

:( she's two

(Stardom's in our blood, what can I say?!)

This was so cute, she made a mad dash after her mother into the house for her "cayeek"...in the hurry she lost one of her shoes :)

Love you Abby toots! xoxo!

sweet sweet baby

2009-03-03T14:40:00.003-06:00

Yay!!! I LOVE these new baby announcements!!!

This little series is cute...Daddy was telling Baby, "I know you hate taking pictures like me, you just remember it's Mommy who's making you do this!" ;)

1K miles a minute

2009-02-26T22:15:00.005-06:00

This one is for you, Keisha and Jessi :)

So the new year started off with good intention...and fortunately for you two, I'm perfecting my follow-thru ;)

Hmm...where to start, well how about the ice storm! Ever since then, the year has been nothing but adventure...I love it. No, it's not like Scarlett-jet-setting-passport-world-traveling sort of adventure...it's been kinda like, personal-introspective-pivitol-life-moment-self-discovery sort of adventure....

It's crazy, and I don't know if it's just all in my head or what, but upon reaching my milestone, I can honestly say that I most certainly feel like a traveller reassured that the proper path is being followed...

A new friend I've met along this year's journey is Michelle Whitlock...

More details and pics to come soon, but I'm looking forward to actually meeting her in person in a couple of weeks when I venture over to Memphis for a Pray Race and Yell for a Cure Walk. I'm excited because what this venture will hopefully entail is branching the Mid-South Chapter of the National Cervical Cancer Coalition into our area...an awareness organization who's mission has become very dear to my heart...

So definitely stay tuned... :)

hey bride-to-be's...

2009-02-18T21:34:00.006-06:00

Jamie and I have something up our sleeve for you if you're getting married in July, August or October of this year...

We're talking two Rockstar Photographers...

one Special Wedding...

at Zero Charge!

~Check out more details here~

i ♥ no.14

2009-02-14T11:40:00.003-06:00

♥ A day with out a #14 is a day not lived ♥

Last night we LaDies had a no. 14 with LaDonna! After a relaxing spa treatment, we played with make-up...and my glamour light ;)

♥Happy V~Day!♥

~sale~

2009-02-08T13:12:00.003-06:00

Any image can be converted to black and white at no extra charge.
Contact me for more info!!!

Color is still yummy too :)

ade-man's v-day

2009-02-07T19:22:00.004-06:00

Finally got Ayden into my spare room studio for his V-day shoot ;)

he said this one is for Reese...

and this one is for Sydney :)

the C-ster...

and Abbymeister!

7 days and 7 nights

2009-02-04T23:47:00.006-06:00

There is something joyful about storms that interrupt routine. Snow or freezing rain suddenly releases you from appointments and schedules...

Looking out my bedroom window last Tuesday morning...

(Yeah, this tree-bush thing is usually about 6 feet AWAY from my window!!!)

Pretty picture out my front window...

I thought it might be a good idea to practice a fire drill...

I immediately finished up my laundry and online stuff, knowing that it was only a matter of minutes before my power would be zapped...and sure enough, around 2:00pm, last Tuesday afternoon, it all shut down! Something else interesting was the cellular network...we were unable to send or receive calls, however we were able to send and receive texts! So, with a couple hours of heat and daylight left in my house, and nothing to disturb me except the gentle bleep of my phone signaling that I had a text message, I finished up my end of year filing and got my tax stuff ready. Around 4:00pm, we all started making plans about what we were going to do that night. Thank God for Jamie and Kevin!!! Like we lost track of days and time, I don't know how many we had in their cozy abode Tuesday night...but we were safe, warm and together :)
As the sleety, icy wintry stuff continued to come down and overload the trees, we spent most of the night up in the eerie quiet listening to the branches start to collapse...holding our breath and clenching our teeth with each boom, praying that Jamie and Kev's new home renovations were not being completely destroyed!

The Narnia-esque view out their front door Wednesday morning...

Where that big pile of tree branches is in front is usually where their cars are parked!

Sunrise and sunset..

Love these life moments we may not have otherwise experienced...

Hundreds of rounds of Go Fish were played...as well as "Queen is for Questions" ;)

(Whoda Mufasa?!?)

Laykin's puppet show...

It was perfect timing, I tell ya!

Loved this...on Sunday afternoon, the kiddos were WIPED OUT :)

(deep sigh) And it's about how I feel now too...

ice storm update

2009-01-30T10:13:00.003-06:00

Hey all...

Just want to let everyone know we are OK...family is all good, just cold!!! We've been camping out at Kevin and Jamie's and have had limited to no power and this is the first time I've had chance to get up the internet....just want to let everyone know were fine and grateful for all our good friends and family we have to share with and take care of us! Your prayers are very much appreciated..esp for all those energy/power people to get everything up and running and back to normal!!!

Will update again soon!

Love to all,
~Jaren

beautiful blessings

2009-01-27T10:14:00.010-06:00

(Warning: another inspiring personal ahead...)

I swear, I am eternally grateful for the amazing relationships that grace my life and make it beautiful...specifically, this post is about my experience with these three beautiful ladies:

Jamie, AC and Liz spent the weekend with rockstar photographer Drew B out in Orange County. You can read more details about their experience here, here, here, here and here. I'm inspired already...you know, something that's becoming even more affirmed in my life is that we are never, ever alone...in all our joys, triumphs, struggles and heartaches, we're designed for relationship and at the heart of all our experiences we share, we are guaranteed to find a friend, a kindred spirit, and a hope...

Check out the behind-the-scenes of each of these stories and be inspired :)
(just click on each image)

Love it :)

Thank you ladies for your constant inspiration! I'm so happy for you!!! Your work and hearts are truly fabulous!

fun stuff ;)

2009-01-26T19:29:00.011-06:00

(Okay Erica...this one's for you!)

I've been tagged to randomly list 25 things about me...so here is more or less of what I've come up with ;)

Me and my new lover...

(I swear, get one of these, pump up MGMT and your random #14 wish will come true!!!)

My cameo on Scarlett Lillian's video blog ;)

And while I'm "IT"--more random stuff about me can be found:

Here

Here

Here

and Here
;)

Okay, now you're IT!!! Leave a comment so I can check out your post of random fun stuff about you!

b+b...continued

2009-01-25T14:24:00.003-06:00

Just a few more of these cute hotties ;)

Look at the heart in the door!!! (I'm all about signs ;)

I want green eyes...

:(

2009-01-24T14:29:00.004-06:00

I'm missing part of my support system this weekend and it makes me sad...

My Fabulous ladies AC, Liz, and Jamie are out in Costa Mesa!!!

AT THE BEACH!!!

I miss you guys!!! Hope you're having a blast!!!

networking

2009-01-22T01:35:00.001-06:00

Aww!!! There is nothing more flattering to me than seeing images I helped capture framed in someone's home, pimping their myspace, facebook or website profile! Here's a favorite image of Joelle of Socialite Studios that I snagged on my venture to Florida last month. She used it in her "About me" section on her blog as well as her profile pic on facebook :)

Thanks Joelle!!!

my blog a.k.a. my personal

2009-01-21T23:14:00.006-06:00

Laugh. Out. Loud. Okay, yeah, so, in the spirit of getting more organized and goal-oriented for the new year, I decided to catorgorize my posts with "labels." I was hoping to make my blog more user friendly so you could easily navigate to whatever specific images you would want to view (like, family photos, or weddings, etc.) Well, as seen by the list at the top, the majority of my posts fall under the "personal" category! Not quite sure how we should interpret this...BUT in honor of the powers that be, I'm offering a PERSONAL BLOG SPECIAL for this weekend only!!! I've got the studio to myself as my Fabulous Three are headed to the OC for a weekend with Drew Bittle!!!

So, for this Saturday and Sunday only (January 24th and 25th) I'm booking a limited number of personal micro-sessions. For $35 you'll get a 20 minute in-studio session, 2-5x7 prints and a medium rez digital negative of the image of your choice. If your needing some new fabulous headshots of yourself to update your family portrait collection, or your own personal blog, facebook, website, etc. call or email me as soon as possible as I'll only have a limited number of sessions available! Email: jfro_red@yahoo.com Cell# 870-656-4200

AHHHH!!! And you can view my dazzling headshots by the fabulous Scarlett Lillian
RIGHT HERE!!! ;)
(More about my spend a day, here too!)

b+b

2009-01-19T20:48:00.006-06:00

Okay, these two deserve an award for being the cutest troopers ever ;) Beau and Brandi ventured out in the freezing cold with me this weekend, hanging out mostly in shade and obliged to "silly faces," "blow-fish faces," and making taco tongues (tricks of the trade for capturing their gorgeous, bright eyes and smiles ;)

Love it!

Thanks you guys!!! You're absolutely gorgeous!!

jayson ♥'s alyssa

2009-01-18T21:45:00.003-06:00

Okay these guys were way too cute! Not to mention HOT! In response to my search for couple models, Alyssa sent me an email with a little story of how she and Jayson met back in highschool at a football game...he surprised her this Christmas with an engagement ring :)

For their shoot, we ventured down to the good ol' Bomber football field, re-lived high school memories having fun under the bleachers...

And out on the field...

Jayson had so many sweet kisses for Alyssa! It was so cute!

Thanks you guys! I had a blast!

teaser ;)

2009-01-17T21:50:00.001-06:00

good times

2009-01-16T23:19:00.004-06:00

Yay...Dena's b-day this weekend!

Yes, we are way too cool ;)

And two sweetheart couple shoots this weekend too...stay tuned!

uppercase

2009-01-15T20:45:00.005-06:00

I've always been a huge fan of words and letters and quotes and fonts and word art...when I was younger, at one point I remember wanting to bring an overhead projector into my room to paint something on the wall like this:

(word cloud courtesy of: wordle)

And being the artsy-fartsy type that I am, I'm always trying to make Christmas gifts rather than buy them at the store....So when Natalie introduced us to Uppercase Living this year, I had high hopes for all of my Christmas gifts! Alas, my Christmas projects have turned into New Year's projects...I only thought I had my act together :( So here is Jessi and Matt's that I finished and gave them tonight...

It's a pic Joanne or Jen caught from their wedding in Jamaica in August of '07 and I edited it a bit, blew it up and framed it. The cool part is the Uppercase Living personalization...

Ahhhh! I love it! So here's a huge shout-out to Natalie with Uppercase Living!!! Be sure to check out her site! http://nataliet3.uppercaseliving.net Thanks Nat!!

i ♥ necco

2009-01-14T20:46:00.005-06:00

Almost as if on cue, a blue jay landed on the kitchen windowsill and began strutting back and forth…”Consider our little friend here…most birds were created to fly. Being grounded for them is a limitation within their ability to fly, not the other way around…YOU on the other hand, were created to be loved. So for you to live as if you were unloved is a limitation, not the other way around…Living unloved is like clipping a bird’s wings and removing its ability to fly…Pain has a way of clipping our wings and keeping us from being able to fly….and if left unresolved for very long, you can almost forget that you were ever created to fly in the first place.”
~Wm. Paul Young, The Shack

some things are just worth repeating...

2009-01-13T23:14:00.004-06:00

While making an image disc for Amy tonight, I thought these shots of the girls and Calvin from last October were just too cute not to post :)

Awww :)

um...yeah ;)

2009-01-12T22:36:00.003-06:00

Now I just need a car tatt...maybe something like...

:)

you gotta have it

2009-01-11T08:40:00.011-06:00

"There are times when you choose to believe something that would normally be considered absolutely irrational. It doesn't mean that it is actually irrational, but it surely is not rational. Perhaps there is a suprarationality: reason beyond the normal definitions of fact or data-based logic; something that only makes sense if you can see a bigger picture of reality. Maybe that is where faith fits in..."
~Wm. Paul Young, The Shack

"Now abideth faith, hope, and love....the greatest of these is love."
~1 Corinthians 13:13

Yay...Valentine's Day is next :)

sleep over

2009-01-10T22:31:00.004-06:00

Tonight Ayden had a buddy spend the night...I stopped by to snag a few shots of what little guys do at sleepovers as compared to little girls at slumber parties :)

The scene really didn't change much from that screen-shot up there, so I got a few shots of the girls and Sammy 2 Times...)

(Caily taught Abby how to say, "Happy Halloween!" today....Abby's sounds like this: "Haaaa-ther-ee-ther-eee-ther-eee-ther-eeeeee!!!")

Daddy would you like some sausages?!? ;)

And then Caily wished she could take some pictures...

And then I had an email from Grampy when I got home that went something like this:
GOD OUR FATHER,
WALK THROUGH MY HOUSE
AND TAKE AWAY ALL MY WORRIES AND ILLNESSES;
AND PLEASE WATCH OVER AND HEAL MY FAMILY
IN JESUS ' NAME. AMEN

~amen~

i love wonder

2009-01-09T20:31:00.004-06:00

"Only those who look with the eyes of children can lose themselves in the object of their wonder...” ~Eberhard Arnold

Take 1

This is Liz's beautiful niece! She took the picture a couple weeks ago and gave us fab four gals an editing project to work on...I'm still in that defining-my-own style phase...
(note: Photography by Elizabeth Wiggs ...editing by Jaren :)

Take 2

Take 3

Take 4

I think takes 2 and 3 are my faves...

shower

2009-01-08T23:24:00.007-06:00

:)

Love you guys ~J

the shack

2009-01-07T21:12:00.008-06:00

So, I'm reading this book that Lisa let me borrow. (Lisa's the one who breeds Pomeranians)

On the second page of chapter one, the author described my sentiments exactly about snowdays...

There is something joyful about storms that interrupt routine. Snow or freezing rain suddenly releases you from appointments and schedules. And unlike illness, it is largely a corporate rather than individual experience. One can almost hear a unified sigh rise from the nearby city and surrounding countryside where Nature has intervened to give respite to the weary humans slogging it out within her purview. All those affected this way are united by a mutual excuse, and the heart is suddenly and unexpectedly a little giddy. There will be no apologies needed for not showing up to some commitment or other. Everyone understands and shares in this singular justification, and the sudden alleviation of the pressure to produce makes the heart merry....Even if it's hardly more than a day or two, somehow each person feels like the master of his or her own world, simply because those little droplets of water freeze as they hit the ground...
~Wm.PaulYoung, THE SHACK

Now can you understand why I pray for snow?!? ;)

this one's for YOU...blogfans ;)

2009-01-06T23:14:00.004-06:00

Okay, so, looking at my stats, it would appear that 64 of you beautiful people stop by my blog to peruse for about 3 minutes everyday...

In honor of you faithful viewers, and my new years resolution to keep becoming, I am going to make every effort to blog a little something for you everyday!!! I'm really excited about this because it will be fun and challenging, however I'm also a little nervous as I know I'm bound and determined to run into a creative block every now and then....BUT, maybe this is where you can help me out! Listed below each post is a COMMENT section...so YOU can leave some blog love and share your thoughts and perspectives on whatever I'm blogging about as well! If you're a little shy about posting on the blog, you can always shoot me an email at: jfro_red@yahoo.com.

I am also going to vow not to EVER post without PHOTOS!! Because, lets face it, a photography blog is just plain BORING without the eye candy ;)

AAAAAAAND...because I had so much fun shooting Zach and Liz a few weekends ago, (and because I'd like to play the odds of shooting yet another couple with a better half named Zach ;) I'm looking for a hot couple to model for me! If you (or someone you know)are available in the Mountain Home area the weekend of January 17th, and you think you and your hottie would have just as much fun goofing off in front of the camera as these two or these two:

Send an email to me at jfro_red@yahoo.com with a pic of you and your love for consideration!! (Your session fee will be waived and I will include a complimentary 8x10!)

I'm also trying to get something worked up along the lines of this heart holiday next :)

THANK YOU for stopping by and do stay tuned because I'm definitely going to have more projects like this throughout the year!

january 2009 personal~part one

2009-01-03T00:21:00.022-06:00

I've found my New Year's resolution inspiration! I gleaned it from a blog I frequent when I start to wonder about how life is going...when I need to be reminded of perspective...and when I want to feel that the dreams I'm holding out for will someday come true...

It's Scarlett Lillian's mom's blog...a documentary chronicling the prognosis of her husband, soulmate, lover, legacy to her heiress, and best friend's most recent life journey with terminal cancer...

I relate because of my faith, because of my own mother's predicament (waiting and wondering about a kidney for my stepdad), because of my own heart's cries and longing desires...however, more personally, I feel that I relate simply as a woman. And when I read Mrs. Williams' New Year's post I immediately printed up the resolution to post on my fridge next to all of my important reminders and then thought I would share it on my blog as well...

The resolution...is to BECOME.....More.....more radiant, more beautiful, (since I have reached that 30 is the new 20 mark ;) more successful, more wise...more complete in who I am fully intended to be....

On this journey, I recognize that I would not be who I am becoming without the beautiful people in my life that encourage, inspire, and put up with me everyday ;)
So here is Rene Williams's list of "Be's" along with some pics of what made 2008 the greatest year yet...

(oh, and p.s. you've gotta have the sound effects for this one, so TURN UP your volume!)

The Beauty B's

BE Authentic – the real me is who you see!

(In the flesh ;) Love ya, Linz!)

BE Benevolent - one good turn deserves another

(Ashley and Lori, you guys constantly keep my spirits up more than you know! I'm so grateful for the pleasure of working with you two everyday! Love ya'll! ;)

BE Compassionate – walk a mile in someone else’s shoes

(This boy still has a long way to go and lots yet to experience, but he is the epitome of sweetness and is a constant reminder to me of how important it is to love and care for those around you. I love you Ayden!)

BE Determined – I will never give up never!

(To my Fab Four ladies: Thank you, thank you, thank you....I love you girls!)

BE Expressive – have I told you lately I love you?

(CAM~thank you for always telling me when my hair looks "byootifow!" or that you like my "shuht" or "dwess," and always being the quickest to give your love and hugs! xoxo!)

BE Forgiving – 7 X 7 X 7 X & 7

BE Gracious - it just takes a little more to go first class!

(Grace and graciousness = GGW...I miss you.)

BE Healthy – you are what you eat

(NY-rez #2. EAT MORE SWEDISH PANCAKES! I love you, Dad! XOXO!)

BE Inspirational - lead and others follow

(Enough said...love you, Jamie.)

BE Joyful - live love laugh and be happy!

(Abby Toots! You make me smile!)

BE Kind – if the choice is to be right or be kind – be kind

BE Loving - whatever the question, love is the answer
(Jonathan & Shannon's wedding day experience will bless me always!)

BE Merciful - always give the benefit of the doubt

(Kevin, I have a feeling you'll come to know the meaning of this one soon enough! ;)

BE Nice – it takes more muscles to frown than smile

(Charity, you are the Princess of Niceness! Thanks for keeping us all smiling everyday at work!)

BE Optimistic – your choice every morning – be happy

(Mom and David...I love you guys.)

BE Prayerful - make your life a living prayer

(Jen and Chris...even across the miles, your love, faith and life encourages and inspires...I love you!)

BE Quiet - spend more time listening to God

BE Romantic - stop and smell the roses!

(...or relax and enjoy the fireworks...hold hands walking around campsites and amusement parks....stargaze and converse on chilly autumn evenings in the hot tub ;)

BE Strong - tough times never last but tough cookies do
(Two of the toughest cookies I know ;) Love you guys.)

BE Thankful - music to God’s ears!

(NY-rez #3. Make more music!)

BE Unflinching - close your eyes and hold on

BE Victorious - press on until you cross the finish line!

(Yes! Love it!)
BE Wise - learn the lessons from mistakes

(Amanda, I can't wait to re-take this pic in 50 years with all of life's experiences under our belts! Luv you!)

BE Young - the only way to enter the kingdom of heaven

:)

BE Zealous - zap somebody to day with some Christian love!

(it's just appropriate!)

So thank you all for the best 2008 ever, and here's to a beautifully blessed 2009! Happy New Year!

schedule...

2009-01-01T22:10:00.000-06:00

I currently offer in-studio sessions at 6:30pm on Monday and Wednesday nights.
I am available for on-location sessions after 2:00pm on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

For more info about weddings, please contact me for details!

Email: jfro_red@yahoo.com
Cell: 870-656-4200

big tease

2008-12-30T17:44:00.004-06:00

Because I know these are going to drive Liz crazy :)

Oh my God! You guys are great...

...and gorgeous!!!

Love it!

stay tuned!

Merry Christmas 2008

2008-12-24T01:21:00.008-06:00

Fah who for-aze! Dah who dor-aze!
Welcome Christmas,Come this way!

Fah who for-aze! Dah who dor-aze!
Welcome Christmas, Christmas Day!

Welcome, welcome fah who rah-moose!
Welcome, welcome dah who dah-moose!
Christmas day is in our grasp
So long as we have hands to clasp...

Fah who for-aze! Dah who dor-aze!
Welcome Christmas bring your cheer!

Fah who for-aze! Dah who dor-aze!
Welcome all Who's far and near...

Welcome Christmas, fah who rah-moose!
Welcome Christmas, dah who dah-moose!
Christmas day will always be
Just so long as we have we...

Fah who for-aze, dah who dor-aze
Welcome Christmas bring your light!

Welcome Christmas! Fah who rah-moose!
Welcome Christmas! Dah who dah-moose!

Welcome Christmas while we stand
Heart to heart and hand in hand...

Fah who for-aze,dah who dor-aze
Welcome, welcome, Christmas Day!

~Dr. Seuss

None could say it better ;)
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

Love and peace,
~Jaren

Oh, and this is fun too :)

more sweetness...

2008-12-23T01:47:00.001-06:00

My kinda girl ;)

because this made me laugh out loud

2008-12-22T01:26:00.009-06:00

Okay, so, a couple weeks ago, 3 of us Fab Four ladies went out for a little Christmas dinner... Sweet AC posted some pics for us...

Her comment/caption: I have to say I am not the best at coming up with a funny face or act for a picture. I never know what to do to act fun and carefree...
So I shared with her my little secret for fun and carefree: Just grab the quickest, closest thing you can find and stick it in your mouth!!!

Or, if it doesn't fit in your mouth...

You can just stick it on your head...

Or stick it over your head...

Or...um...

sneak peak

2008-12-21T14:04:00.005-06:00

:)

Yay, fun cedar planks ;)

btw

2008-12-21T00:24:00.004-06:00

december personal~part three

2008-12-17T07:34:00.008-06:00

O.....M......G.
It's hit me.
I am not going to grow old very gracefully.
Dad's e-birthday greeting subject line in my inbox read: 30-WOW. (My sentiments exactly!)
I think that's why I subconsciously decided to take the week off and flee the scene/avoid the issue and just go over to Scarlett's to play :)
So, in reference to my previous post...No, I did not get engaged or married! Laugh out loud, you guys...for real! I ventured to Jacksonville, FL to spend a day with the fabulous stylish, passionate, and glamorous wedding photographer Scarlett Lillian! She is such a sweetie! And such a trooper! She had just gotten in from Hawaii and was suffering some major jet-lag related sinus sickies, but took time to meet with me, sharing her vast wealth of info and knowledge RE: wedding photography, life and love!

When I arrived, she had a cute little gift for me ;)
Love it!!!

And then after a wonderful morning of visiting, goofing off for the camera (note to self: need to perfect my fierce face!!), Bridge and Photoshop talk, we went to lunch and then headed out to meet Zack and Joelle of Socialite Studios for a mock engagement session (hence the clue-pic of the diamond ring from Tiffany's!)

Z&J were such great models...sooooo affectionate ;)

I'm excited and hopeful to bring back with me some of her wedding photog glam to the hills! Thanks so much, Scarlett! I had a great time!

december personal~part two

2008-12-12T07:06:00.011-06:00

Four more days!!!!! Ahhhh!!! I'm so excited! (See if you can guess what's in store for Jaren's big 3-0 this year!! Here are a couple hints ;)

december personal~part one

2008-12-10T11:36:00.005-06:00

Misc FYI….December is mine and Amanda’s b-day month :) Yep, we’re both archers...

photo coutesy/swiped from Life as a Photo

Here's a little bit about us:
Sagittarians have a positive outlook on life, are full of enterprise, energy, versatility, adventurousness and eagerness to extend experience beyond the physically familiar. They enjoy travelling and exploration, the more so because their minds are constantly open to new dimensions of thought. They are basically ambitious and optimistic, and continue to be so even when their hopes are dashed. Their strongly idealistic natures can also suffer many disappointments without being affected. They are honorable, honest, trustworthy, truthful, generous and sincere, with a passion for justice. They are usually on the side of the underdog in society they will fight for any cause they believe to be just, and are prepared to be rebellious. They balance loyalty with independence

And in case you haven't yet noticed, in honor of our special days, I’ve topped my playlist with some of our favorite dance tunes:) So, yes! If you pump up your volume, you’ll have a nice 10-15 minutes of cardio compliments of the birthday girls! Here’s to our best years yet, Amanda! Love you! XOXO

the gilbert's~holiday 2008

2008-12-07T11:23:00.006-06:00

When I first met the Gilbert's, "Baby Anna" was just 9 months in her mother's belly! That was four years ago...it absolutely blows my mind how fast babies grow up. And even though I only nannied for the first 12 months of Baby Anna's life, the Gilbert's still and will always hold a special place in my heart...

(Sally, I honestly don't think we look a day older than 29!)

I love this little series of the girls :)

Love it!

Three little angels ;)

lookie, lookie...

2008-12-04T23:44:00.004-06:00

just kidding ;) But it'll be here for Christmas, I just know it!

More from Johan and Crystal's family shoot...
LOVE IT!

XOXO!

gleaning inspiration

2008-12-03T21:43:00.003-06:00

I stumbled upon this twice while blog hopping...first on Scarlett Lillian's and then Karla's blog. I consider myself fortunate and blessed to be surrounded by such constant inspiration...so I thought I'd share too...

Do It Anyway...
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
~Mother Teresa

fancy britches

2008-12-02T02:25:00.001-06:00

p.s....thanks for stopping by ladies! ;)

season of giving

2008-12-01T23:29:00.009-06:00

What's it been J&C? Ten years??

Thought this was interesting...

Click here to take the quiz

My score:

Hmm...80th percentile...isn't that a 'B'? ...Dang it.

Some more photobooth love :)

I BIG HUGE PUFFY HEART my fam again! ♥♥♥

magical

2008-11-30T15:12:00.004-06:00

I really ♥ my family :)

More soon guys! (Including J&C's family!)

november personal re: christmas :)

2008-11-29T12:52:00.002-06:00

I LOVE Christmas lights.

I get it from my mom. I remember driving down "Candy Cane Lane" when I was a little girl in California (a neighborhood block or something all decked out in billions of those teeny-tiny holiday bulbs)...there's just something about their pretty incandescent glow that exudes an ambient calm and romance that gently thrills and excites...

They're kinda like fireworks on the forth of July...the calm of the warm night, the romance of the dark, the thrill of the boom followed by the pretty star burst that illuminates faces glowing with oo's and awe...

I remember in my bedroom at my mom's I wrapped a string of white lights around my bed post and nightstand-barrel thing to create the effect all year round...Oh, and I also remember lining a bookshelf with them at mine and Jessi's condo once upon a time too...

Today, they're one of my favorite things about Christmas...actually, now that I'm thinking about it, they may be my FAVORITE thing about Christmas. Hmm, let's see...My favorite things about Christmas: Christmas lights, Christmas carols, presents under the Christmas tree, eggnog milkshakes, Christmas lights, jingle bells, Nativity scenes, Candlelight services, Christmas eve dinner, Christmas morning brunch, fruit baskets, Christmas day matinees, leftover gifts and wrappings under the tree, Christmas lights, snuggling up Christmas evening with hot cocoa and candy canes with the glow of lights on the Christmas tree...

So Christmas has come early for me this year :) Normally, I would think it sacrilege to have my holiday excitement and festivities out and about before the Thanksgiving feast, however something's been up with me this year...

Last weekend Ayden and Caily came over to help me put up my Christmas palm...(to our dismay, we discovered eggnog milkshakes do NOT come out early!)

And when I went to the P.O., I had a package from Gramma!

And THIS is cool....flipping through the book, I stumbled upon one of the Great Annie's shots and recalled one of mine from last Christmas at Auntie Terri and Uncle Mike's...

Great minds think alike, right Gramma?! ;)

So, now that's it's officially the day after...fahoo, forray...welcome Christmas! (and bring on the lights :)

T is for "thankful"

2008-11-28T18:29:00.002-06:00

Matt, Michael, and Jamie...you were very much missed...

The hostesses with the mostesses...

Yes, Joanne made the pumpkin, apple, pecan, key lime, and Boston cream pies!

Seriously, this is why we've always had turkey/ham on our plates for the holidays:

Uncle John, TWBC (the world's best carver ;)

Good. Times.

Puppy!!!

Sweet cousins...

'P' is for... :)

Too cute....Aubrey Ella was eating the Christmas M&M's on the coffee table :)

more fall fun with the hunters :)

2008-11-28T12:43:00.002-06:00

misc fyi: grateful

2008-11-24T21:58:00.014-06:00

I know, I know! Everyone's waiting on a new post! The past couple weeks have just held much introspect for me personally and I'm glad for this season of thankfulness that's upon us...

This year, I am thankful for Blogger :) No really, I am. I am thankful for this venue of communication that enables us to stay in touch and up to date with family and friends as well as introduce us to new friends and inspirations. Looking back through my own archives, I have a greater appreciation for blogging as I'm reminded of all the love...the laughs...the life that's been experienced...and I do consider myself one lucky girl...

AC had this on her blog that I thought was interesting as well as aspiring :) (The Been there done that and Yet to do)
And don't worry, this week will have lots of fun, yummy, favorite holiday pics to come!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland /world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelos David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma.
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

autographs after the show

2008-11-17T07:20:00.005-06:00

Are they not just absolutely GORGEOUS?!? (It all started with this Rockstar ;)

the hunter's~take2

2008-11-16T09:28:00.003-06:00

yummy fall :)

rockstar

2008-11-09T20:46:00.009-06:00

I just like to brag when I do GORGEOUS rockstar headshots! Yes, HEADSHOTS...I SWEAR! Right Ash?!? ;)

Hair and make-up by the dazzling duo Jessi and Jen at the Shiny Lime!

chasity & ethan

2008-11-06T20:21:00.003-06:00

I KNOW! Their eyes are like crystal! (And NO, I didn't do a thing to them!) Gorgeous!

the hunter's

2008-11-06T19:55:00.004-06:00

LOVE IT :)

very misc october personal

2008-10-26T12:10:00.010-05:00

Jamie snagged these shots from our Fab Four Jonesboro trip last week....I love her perspective...she's got an eye to catch the not so obvious. When I saw this one, I loved it...it reminds me of the ever essential one rule to live by: Just Be. And if you look closely, you'll notice I hold my camera all wrong when shooting verticals...and I look through the viewfinder with my left eye instead of my right...

As you know by now, I am a simple girl, I believe things aren't as hard as we make them out to be and that answers to questions are readily available upon the asking. So, plain and simply, the explanation for my whole backward camera technique is due to the fact that I started walking before I crawled. Yep, and this miscellaneous tidbit of information about me will also explain why it is next to impossible for me to gracefully sneak into the sack (my natural tendency is to just jump), why I love sitting by the window looking out during take-offs and landings, why at any given moment I can come up with a mile long to-do list of anything and everything to set out and accomplish, and why when I make up my mind about something and get excited, I'm gung-ho. I mean, why waste time crawling around when you can just take off?

Well, almost 30 years later and a child development lesson or two learned, I realize the importance of learning to crawl as it helps to also develop binocular vision and the sense of balance, as well as space and depth perception blah blah blah blah....

So, I wonder if that Nike goddess of Victory gal learned to crawl first?

christmas pups

2008-10-23T21:05:00.000-05:00

Anybody need gift idea for Christmas? Call Lisa!

mason~senior '09 part duex

2008-10-21T20:32:00.003-05:00

Gonna have to do this one in parts...more soon! Mason, Jessi and Jordan, you guys were so awesome! Thanks for the laughs!

fabulous!

2008-10-19T19:58:00.007-05:00

If you want something you've never had...do something you've never done.
Don't go the way life takes you...take life wherever you go.
And remember, you are not just living because you were born...you were born to live!

Thanks for the reminder Grampy! It fits well with us Fab Four girls that rocked Jtown today :) Ladies you are awesome! I'm so thankful for your encouragement, know-how and inspiration!

It's a little bit tricky, but see if you can figure out who's who!

You girls are the best! Love ya!
(answer:Jamie, AC, moi, Liz)

Check out more action here on Liz's blog ;)

mason~senior '09

2008-10-18T11:47:00.004-05:00

;)

the weaver's

2008-10-14T09:28:00.007-05:00

I swear, I told Betty I was smiling, laughing, crying, laughing, and smiling again while I was editing these...truly beautiful family...thanks you guys.

It'll be 69 years for these two...

love it :)

RE: Why I Slept Good Saturday Night

After my shoot with the Weaver's, I was once again reminded of how glorious life is when you have a beautiful family with whom to live, laugh and love...Sure there are the worst of times as well as the best, nonetheless, it is TIME...moments TOGETHER, providing the existential reason and purpose for it all...
(just a teaser, more soon ;)

Mi familia tambien :)

(And, Gramma, this is funny, because it seems that the red highlights are solely from this side of the family tree!)
(And thanks Linz for snagging this shot!)

amy, jessica, and calvin klein

2008-10-11T15:03:00.004-05:00

just stay tuned ;)

you're right, jamie...

2008-10-09T22:43:00.008-05:00

Fall is fun too...Warm, yummy colors, good food and friends...welcome Oktoberfests '08 ;)

Alas, they are not the same with out you Bro-in-Law...we miss you Matt! But we'll try to make the most of this bratt-s'more-and-Pumpkintini season ;)

(some pics from Matt's bday last year)

summerlyn & kiddos

2008-10-09T13:09:00.004-05:00

:)

It's not only children who grow...parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can't tell my children to reach for the sun...all I can do is reach for it, myself. ~Joyce Maynard

more sweetness...

2008-10-09T08:38:00.003-05:00

I love the energy and excitement of kids running in a field/lawn/open pasture...there's just something about the carefree-no-worries-hakuna-matata-bear-necessities-ness of it all that makes me smile :)

Thanks Sanders'! You have a beautiful family...I enjoyed capturing these special memories for you!

the sander's

2008-10-06T14:23:00.004-05:00

Here's just a little sneak peak...

Stay tuned for more sweetness ;)

charity & dakota

2008-10-04T09:13:00.008-05:00

Charity, you are by far one of the sweetest people in the world! Little Dakota is learning quickly and falling not too far behind ;) I am so glad to know you and privileged to get to work with you everyday! I only hope these images help capture a glimpse of yours and Dakota's beautiful, sweet, fun-loving spirits...

Dakota doing his Touchdown-Jiggy-Wit-It dance ;)

i miss summer

2008-10-02T21:48:00.001-05:00

one more misc sept personal...

2008-09-30T08:24:00.005-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRO!!!
And since it's yet Sept...I'll go ahead and throw in one more personal seeing as how I'm a very political person and all...(thanks for the clip, mom.) And SERIOUSLY, if you can't hear the soundtrack when you view this vidjo, you'll have to replay it sometime when sound is an option...

By the way...I'm looking for a kidney donor. Anyone up for an all-expense paid trip to Cedar Sinai in L.A.? (YES, I'm serious. About the kidney thing, I mean. Let me know!)

c is for...

2008-09-28T23:35:00.003-05:00

caily

cute :)

cheese

and yay chargers :)

randomness to beat all

2008-09-27T20:37:00.013-05:00

Stumbled across this little game while blog surfing...if you want to play, here are the rules: For each question, look up the answer in a Google Image search. Then choose your favorite image from the FIRST PAGE OF RESULTS ONLY! It's pretty cool what you find...here are the "images of me"...(you can leave a comment at the bottom if you can guess the answers ;) Also leave a comment if you do this game yourself so we can check out images of you!

my age..

a place I'd like to travel to...

my favorite place...

my favorite object...

my favorite food...

my favorite animal...

my favorite color...

where I was born....

where I live now...

past pet...

past love...

a best friend's nickname...

my screen name...

my first name...

my middle name (go figure)....

my last name...

one of my bad habits...

my first job...

my grandmother's name (see, can't help it, passion is in my genes ;)...

my college degree...

what I'm doing right now...

more fun...

2008-09-26T23:44:00.009-05:00

Jamie and I headed down to Cotter to scope out the lighting for her FIRST OUTDOOR WEDDING tomorrow! We of course took our ever-ready little super-trooper-model-subjects and my super-duper Mom :) Caily was so excited to meet up with Laykin...Laykin had told her earlier at recess that they were going to meet up later in the day. When we got there and saw Jamie and Laykin down by the caboose, Caily exclaimed, "Woah, she was so right!" (LOVE IT!!)

(um...we hope the wedding wasn't planning on incorporating these pretty red naked-ladyish flowers...um, yeah, because the girls kinda sorta picked them all...!)

(have I mentioned lately that Mr. Ayde-man is my FAVORITE nephew in the whole wide world?!;)

photo swiped from Life as a Photo!!!

Love it again :) ((thank you, thank you mom!)) ((Jamie, we're too cool for school ;))

AND INTRODUCING...

Yep, he asked if he could take a picture...so I said, "Sit down, put the strap around your neck...it's a little heavy, so be careful..." and SNAP! He went at it like a pro :)

and just trying out another something new...

And, Bro...it's kinda funny I was listening to this podcast while I was editing...(stop the player at the bottom before you hit play)

just because life is good :)

2008-09-25T23:10:00.007-05:00

I went over to Amanda's tonight after work for some much needed catch-up girl talk...as I was headed out the door, I saw her "shrine" to Jamie and Jaren's photography that she put together last year...it reminded me of why I love freeze-framing life...of why I love Ivoryline's song (your volume, turn it up--LOUD.) So, I had to come home and look back through my blog archives and, stay up until midnight to compose this post knowing I wouldn't be able to go to sleep smiling so hard :) Amanda, I'm so grateful for your friendship! And for dinner that you had ready and waiting for me as soon as I walked in the door!(!) And for the way you always encourage me and remind me of how beautiful it is to Sing, Dance, and Luv!

(run Nick, run!) (ahh!!lake bracelets!!!)

(watch out for Grannymators in the Harps parking lot)

(just laugh!)

(it's gotta be the dreads ;)

ah, the simple life...

...keep the good times posted ;)