Sunday, November 28, 2010

Kaptured by Koren

So I had some friends of mine of Facebook help me come up with a name for my photography. Whether anything comes of this or not, who's to say? But I love it. My friend Trayc came up with "Kaptured by Koren". It's not too cutesy but not boring either. I thought it fit me.

Today I wanted to experiment with action and color. Reagan was wearing some very vivid red and I thought that would photograph nicely against the green grass. She wanted to jump again so I indulged her. She has so much joy and happiness in her little face.

Look at that girl move. You can't keep her still very long. My mom and sister say that when she does this it reminds them of me when I was little: "Joy in Motion".

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Photography


I have really enjoyed taking pictures of my kids. They are the most handy subject, because they're right here :), and they humor good ol' mom. But I've come to find I am really enjoying the art of capturing the moment, of finding good scenery and creating a portrait. I used to be a good artist in high school, but when you don't practice, you fall out of it. But this is another form or art that I never really explored back then. I'm loving it. Until now, I've had a good point and shoot camera, but I told Nick what I really wanted for Christmas/my birthday (a day apart so gotta lump it together) was a new camera, something I could take really great pictures with. It's hard for a mom with 3 kids to justify spending that kind of money on herself for just one item. Well, Nick got it for me and gave it to me early so I could take some photos at Thanksgiving.

Today I took the kids out today and just wanted to take some shots of them to see if I could get the hang of this much higher tech camera. LOVED IT! The kids were fun, the camera was easy to use and transition the functions, and I think the pictures turned out so great. I finally got some good ones of Ethan, he's a toughy, always being silly, but turns out looking nerdy.

I know I have A LOT to learn and practice with, but who knows, it may turn into more than a hobby someday. If any of my friends out there want a free photo session, let me know. :) I'd love your input on my shots. Thanks!
Reagan has the most beautiful blue/gray/green eyes. I love that I can finally capture how gorgeous the color is in them.

When I went back through these pictures of Ethan, I was so startled at how grown up and handsome he is getting. I just see him as a Star Wars nut with tons of energy. I'm so glad I was able to grab how he looks and acts. He's my tender hearted one.

And then just some sillies, so you can see how they REALLY are.
I didn't take any pictures of Jordan today because a: it was freezing out and b: we've already seen a lot of pictures of her. Wanted to get more of the other two this time. I need to get a really good one of all three soon. Thanks for looking. :)

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thanksgivings

Today I'm thankful for soooooo much! I could elaborate but I really don't have to. Today Nick gave me my Christmas present a month early. He gave me a new camera. Oh the joy! :) I've been wanting one just to get my feet wet more with taking better pictures of the kids, but just have a hard time justifying spending that much money on ONE thing for just ME. Well, he did it for me. Thanks so much honey.


My brother in law, Chris, and his girlfriend Tara came over with her son, Jace, for Thanksgiving and she wanted me to take some pictures of them to send out for holiday cards, so Nick thought it'd be nice to try out the new camera on them.

Thanks, Hon! Love you. And get ready for lots more pictures.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Just for Fun!

I'm 5!!!

Our sweet, little Reagan Elayne is a big 5 year old now! What? Say it ain't so. I love this little girl so much. For as young as she is, she has such a wonderful, distinct personality. She's super funny, smart as a whip, and a bit sarcastic. How does a 5 year old know how to be sarcastic? It's beyond me. And maybe I'm biased, but she's one of the prettiest little things I've seen! Sorry, have to brag. I'm so thankful to God for what a blessing she is in my life. I LOVE YOU, REAGS!!!!!
Reagan's and Nick's birthdays are2 days apart, so she gets the "5" candle and we've got 32 other candles on there for daddy!
On their birthdays we take the kids to IHOP for breakfast. We started this tradition a couple years ago and they love it, they also get a free meal. Now Jordan got to join in the fun.
Enjoying pancakes for the very first time.
Reagan and Grandma Nettie. My parents were able to be here visiting during her birthday as well.
Ethan and Grandpa Jeff.
Going to the mall for her big birthday surprise present: choosing a Build-a-bear and getting an outfit for it. Super fun.
Naming her bear, Snowflake. Interesting tidbit, when I was 5 I had a white bear that I named Snowflake as well. My mom STILL has that bear, although she is now a bit grayish. :)

Reagan and Snowflake.
Happy Birthday, Tootsie!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

9 Months old

That's right, Jordan is 9 months old. Where has the time gone. She's such a fun baby, I couldn't be enjoying it more. At her appointment she was 19 pounds 10 ounces and 28 inches long. She's sitting up on her own, rolling over both ways, getting up on her hands and knees, and eating anything we give to her. She loves to clap her hands, laugh and definitely be held. Such a big girl.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Fall Time

It's of course my favorite time of year. The leaves are changing into their gorgeous new colors, the weather is cooler and the taste of chai is even better. :) Here's a few moments from the past month or so...

We managed to only grow two pumpkins this year (we usually get 7 or 8) but the ones we did get were pretty huge. This one was so big I couldn't even carry it to the front porch, I had to roll it. But it made a cute prop to take pictures.
Jordan at 8 1/2 months old. She just doesn't seem to be listening when I tell her she's not allowed to grow up. Sheesh!
I went to Grandparent's Day in Reagan's class and enjoyed her verse recitation, doing a craft, hearing some songs and having some snacks.


And of course trick or treat time. I managed to talk the kids into "recycling" their costumes from last year because I knew they would still fit. Yay, there's money saved. And Jordan's costume was a hand me down from a friend. So we only spent money on candy, which by the way, is so expensive.

I love doing the little touches of makeup on the girls. Jordan thought it was tickly so I'm glad she indulged me. And or course Reags like to get all prettied up. Ethan was once again Aniken Skywalker from Star Wars. My cute little trio were all happy to make the rounds of house calls. Another Halloween done, phew. Now onto my favorite holidays!