So a photography forum I belong to challenged everyone to take a “normal” photo of themselves (no photoshopping, altering, etc. allowed). I didn’t zap my zits, I didn’t reduce any under-eye puffyness or reduce the black. I didn’t do my hair (well, I never really do my hair so that’s totally normal of me).

I DID turn them black and white just because it was a little cooler that way. These look so Myspaceish though. See look… I made up a new word.

*Myspaceish is defined as a “self portrait” done in a mirror complete with funny looks and fake smiles.

So here I am in all my baggy eyed, tired looking, pony tail wearing glory. I took these goofy pics late last night after not getting much sleep the night before. Okay, I’ll stop making excuses. THIS is what I really look like on most days…

ENJOY!!!

So I got my studio set up, got the lighting perfect, got the kids dressed and all of a sudden Mr. I decided he did NOT want to wear his costume. I tried to coax. I tried to bribe. I tried all the tricks in the book. He was not having it. It’s hard enough to get his photo, but this takes the cake. I took the other kid’s pictures first, then encouraged him to join in.

He truly is a cowardly lion when it comes to certain things. Don’t worry, I only let him cry for a few minutes and then I gave up and took his costume off.  I think the last one is going on my wall. It’s just perfect!!!

There’s no place like home….

yup, he’s always happy. Seriously.

two for three

I love how Miss K is bored, Mr. D is concerned and Mr. I is just crying away….

is my two front teeth!!!!

My little girl lost her top tooth the day before yesterday. She was so excited and she kept running around singing the song. She lost her bottom teeth before summer, but had her permanent teeth grow in behind them so she never had a gap in her smile. This is her first time having a space in her teeth, so she is excited. She also gets her name on the “lost a tooth” board in her classroom at school.

She actually asked me if I would take her picture. I think that’s a first!!!

My SIL and I swapped sessions for each other so we could finally be IN the pictures. I was really excited to have these done since we haven’t had a single photo taken together since before the baby was born (sad, I know).

She did a great job and I was really excited with the results. We clean up pretty well, I think. I’m really glad my hubby and kids were good sports about it. I know they’ll thank me later.

Hopefully they will anyway 😉

this is a goofy one, but it really shows how our family is. total chaos and kids being uncooperative!!! 🙂

my favoritist guy in the whole world

this is one of my favs… I LOVE how mr. D is looking over at big sis. It’s too cute!!

While at a family session in Kelso today I had a break while they were changing, so I took a moment to take some photos of these gorgeous flowers. The family had the most beautiful backyard and I could have spent all day photographing there.

Flowers aren’t something I normally photograph but it was nice to do something different for a change. I’m constantly in awe of the beautiful things that God has created. One of the reasons I love being a photographer is I am able to try to capture that beauty (even if only a small part of it).

These flower photos are for my bestest best friend, Angie. I miss her dearly and am sad that she lives so far away. I love you my long lost cousin. Hope to see you soon!!