What do you do with all of those Holiday Cards, Birthday Photos, and Photo Cards you get throughout the year???
I hear so many of you talking about what do do with all of your cards you get, especially over the Holidays.
I got this Card holder at Pier 1, a few years ago. They still sell them today! I tell Clients about it all the time... so I thought I would show it to you.
I keep mine hung by our door. It is fun to look at through out the year. Also, with all of our family and so many of our friends being so far away. When they send us a photo card, it is an easy way for our kids to know who they are and talk about them when they look at the photos.
I also keep every card family, friends and clients send to me... it's just nice to look at families grown and remember them everyday!
These are only $10! 
This is the card holder empty. It hangs from two screws: one at the top & one at the bottom.
Cute design, perfect for any home.
It holds a lot of cards!
Great way to remember those adorable photos through out the year!
Happy Holidays!
December 30, 2010
December 28, 2010
It's been 8 years.... One dog, Two Kids, and Many Moves later ~ I still love him!
Since our anniversary falls at the end of the year, it always seems like it's a good time to relect back on a the year... talk about the highs, the lows, the hard times and just how thankful we are to be where we are at in life with each other.
I also found a few photos :)
A classic photo.... (althought I don't do this pose very often....hahah)
Here are two of the most amazing people you will ever meet! They still look this good, too!
These are two great friends. Nick just got married a few weeks ago, and Barb will get married next year! Congratuations friends!!
After all these years... Robbie and his dad still have the same hair cut!
Best Cake Sharing EVER! Still have yet to see it be done better.... ????
I use to watch this little guy... now he is in his teens. Great family, wish I could see them more often!
Our wedding day was a great day... I am thankful for such a sweet, wonderful husband who does life with me.
Love you Robbie!
December 26, 2010
Christmas is over, but I have to blog about these amazing.... very amazing cinnamon rolls.
Thanks to my wonderful friend Kim, for the treat! They were so wonderful... a perfect way to start a Christmas morning.
I hope your Christmas Day was relaxing and filled with family fun.
We ended our day with a movie with friends and family.
December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas!
I am excited to get back to blogging... Next year the Blog will read "365 Days of Blogging MINUS Holiday Photo SEASON!" I thought I was setting my self up for a good year when I hired my wonderful editor Leah... and I would have all of this time on my hands to be with my kids, blog, cook dinner, clean, do laundry. Well... The cleaning went undone, the laundry was always stacked high, if a meal was cooked my husband made it. The good thing is... I was able to schedule more appointments since I had a great editor to help and still spend time with my family. Leah (my editor) even had a week where she was sick and still got 1000's of photos edited! So, the blog had to be put on hold. Last year I made a promise to my family that, no matter how busy the season got at 3:30 when the kids came home from school it was time to spend those few hours a day with them. Now that the busy season is over, I am back to blogging... there are too many thing about to happen in the Boddy House!
In these last few months, we have competed all of our adoption paperwork!!!! I have to give a special THANKS to my old neighbor KIM, who came with me to a doctors appointment to notarize paperwork with a one year old! I know going to a doctors office with a small child is never an ideal day... but THANKS!! On the 28th (my anniversary to my wonderful husband) we get our biometric finger prints done. Then our paperwork is off to Ethiopia. From here on out... we just wait. So I will let everyone know when we get our referral (child). I can now say... this past year has been made up of financial sacrifices to pay for this adoption... so I am glad we are done with paperwork and writing checks. We can now wait and anticipate what she will look like. I am also excited to buy just a few things like a crib and bedding :) We will have one garage sale in January to finishing paying for the travel....
Again... thank you to so many great clients who made this year so great. I tell Robbie all the time, it so much more than a job to me. It's getting to know so many of you and calling you my friends at the end of the day. Next year I am excited to meet so many new babies that are coming, photograph some beautiful weddings (The Manor, Flagstaff, Indiana and Illinois), see families continue to grow, and meet new ones too! When our adoption is complete, you are all invited to see our family grow!
Highlights in 2010:
~Made new friends and got closer to our old ones!
~Watched our good friends welcome a new baby into their family!
~Robbie graduated with his Masters.
~Although Maddyn's school year started out a little rough and we had to figure out how to help her deal with Trichotillomania (pulling her eye lashes out), she has been able to control it and now has most of them back!
~Adoption is almost complete!
~Enjoying Brocks elaborated stories... he is the imaginative one of the family.
~Got to see my brother get married to his long time girlfriend!
~Bought a new CAR... perfect for our growing family and a great Dave Ramsey Decision!
~(SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST) Barb, my long time best friend who has been there for me throughout the years for everything, just got ENGAGED this week. Perfect news to end a GREAT YEAR!
Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Happy New Year!
October 3-18, 2010
So life is what it is sometimes!
I have gotten a little behind on the blog... but some BIG things have still been happening... so I am going to try and fill you in.
First, I just want to say... It's been great to see so many of you! This time of year is really busy for me. I will be honest in saying, my house falls apart, my kids think I am crazy, and my husband becomes a part-time stay at home "mom". Again, (I know I told you in an email BUT) this year we are saving, saving, saving as we go through this journey of adoption a little girl. Thanks for all of your support, and you will all be invited to meet her next year. We have one plane ticket saved for... and 3 more tickets and our hotel stay left to save for! So we are getting there!
That brings me to where the adoption is at. So many of you have asked... but for those that don't know. We have just turned in our i600, so from here on out we will wait for the okay to send everything to Ethiopia and from that point we will wait for a referral on a child. So I will let everyone know when our paperwork gets to Ethiopia!
On a current note, we just finished up being on fall break, and ended the week with a trip to the pumpkin patch with our friends!
It's going to be a busy next few months for everyone as the parties get started for the Holiday plans I am sure we will all have. I hope to be back to blogging about this wonderful time of year!
I know I am looking forward to time spent with my family... enjoying my kids at their ages, knowing I am so blessed for the family I have!!
Happy Fall!
October 2, 2010
**I'm leaving on a jet plane... don't know when I'll be back again....**
Just kidding (kind of)!
I am leaving, but I will be back!!!
I don't like making a big deal about my birthday, but my husband made this day extra special, so I have to say thank you.
Most of you know... I am so ready to be 30, that I am saving all my celebrating for that year. I have BIG PLANS!!
While I wait, my husband made year great too... he took me to LA and Hollywood for the weekend. We shopped, ate at some great places and we still have one more day here!
It was great to have dinner with my whole family last night, and it has been great to just be with my husband today.
Thanks for a really great day and I look forward to tomorrow!
October 1, 2010
Happy Birthday, to my brother!
I already blogged about him earlier in the year...
So I won't repeat...
But I love this boy and I am thankful for him.
Have a great day and enjoy the rest of your 20's!
September 30, 2010
Photographing babies never gets old.
Here is the sweetest little thing... and she was so good!
{N&R}...Congratulations on a perfect little girl!
September 29, 2010
For all of you out there that are following our adoption...
Our homestudy is done! We can now start the international process!!
One step closer to a little baby girl.
September 28, 2010
{Blog Part 2 of 2}
A few days ago, I wrote about my friend Amiti.
She has an amazing little boy, wonderful husband, great friends... and there isn't a time that she doesn't brighten my day when I hear from her.
My husband even likes to read her emails... It is not uncommon for me to run to him laughing about soemthing Amiti said and how I (secretly) want to be more like her!
I talk about her all the time, and wish all my friends knew her. Infact, I tell most of my friends I wish they knew her because they would love her. I am sure by now, most of my friends feel like they know her.
I tell her all the time to start a blog so I can be her #1 fan. Since she hasn't started it yet, I thougth I would blog about some of her funnies comments that are so true and yet so funny!
So this email is for all those moms out there.... her are a few email (clips) that have sent me into tears laughing. Since they are just clips... I am not sure this blog will bring you to tears... but I do hope you get a few laughs out of it.
{Amiti}... thanks for all your wonderful emails! I have to blog about them so they end up in my coffee table book at the end of the year.
{Clients)... I promise I will not make emails public! Unless they are just this funny!
.....................................................................................
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
"Forgive me for such a delayed response- I clearly missed the chapter titled "Expect to Enter a Black Hole Immediately Post Delivery". We left the hospital a week ago and since then the days have just melted by filled with long nights, naps, and wondering how i am going to survive when my mom leaves this weekend!"
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
"Really if someone would have just told me I would be wearing maternity pants from 5 months pregnant to 5 months post pregnancy - I would have indulged in some cooler jeans and bottoms."
Thursday, August 26, 2010
"PS- i have THE greatest idea for one picture....can't wait to set him up and see what you think!!! [Yes, sometimes I do refer to my child as though he is an accesory. I mean he goes with me everywhere [like a purse or some good chapstick], is usually found around my hips [like those skinny people who wear belts] or clinging to my legs [like a satin dress stuck on your legs at a sweet 16]. So, I sometimes amuse myself with dressing him up in funny things and seeing how he looks with my hair pieces in [he loves headbands!]. "
Sunday, September 26, 2010
"I can't wait to share them with everyone....meeting you an capturing these moments has been one of the best decisions of my life! [Others include keeping my mouth shut after 3 drinks, marrying moneesh, keeping up with my facial hair removal regimen and the list goes on!]."
September 27, 2010
Maddyn has one of the sweetest hearts...
Last night she gave Robbie this little piece of paper that said "dad i love you".
Then this morning taped to Chucks head was another note saying "chuck i love you".
Then she ran into the bathroom and made sure I had one for the day!
(Not sure where Brock's is???)
So I just had to blog about her little sweet moment... It is just a small reminder that no matter how hard parenting is and the challenges we (as parents) face along the way... these moments make it ALL worth it!
{Maddyn}.. Love you!
September 26, 2010
Dina. (she is not going to like me for this one)
Many of you have met her. She helps me with Weddings a lot :)
She was one of the first photographers that I ever met here in Arizona. We worked for another photographer for awhile... and since then have gone on to do our own business.
Dina is not only a great photographer, she is also a great friend. She has saved me many times when I am in a bind and is always willing to help. She sees the light in me and tells me never to give up... when I want to give up.
I just want to thank her for all that she does for me and for being such a wonderful friend in my life. My kids love her, and if you ever get to meet her... you'll love her too.
{Dina}... thanks for all your support!
September 25, 2010
{Blog Part 1 of 2}
I get lots of calls.... but this call was a first. This (wonderful) mother-to-be, wanted to interview me to be her family photographer. I meet with lots of brides, but had never been interviewed to be some one's family photographer. So I thought sure why not. And a week (or so) later I met Amiti and her husband. (By the way... her husband is great for the sole reason that he went with her to meet photographers, my husband would not have done that.)
I remember sitting with them, talking about their baby to come... they were not finding out what they were having (which is something I could never do since I cannot keep or be kept from a secret). We chatted... and as they left I thought "what a great family".
I told my husband that I knew this family would make an impact on me for the better.... and she has. Her emails have brought more laughter into my life than I ever thought possible. I love that she is who she is, and it is what it is. I don't even have the words to tell you how great she is. I can only imagine those that are close to her, and how loved she is.
I look forward to any get together with her, and feel honored that she picked me to capture some wonderful moments in her family's lives.
I was there for the birth of Talin, and will be there for his 1st birthday in a few weeks.
{Ami}... thanks for a friendship that inspires me to be a better person and some really great laughs along the way! It's the little things you say and do that make such a difference.
September 24, 2010
It's been nice to be home, but it is just one of those days!
Starbucks is great for a pick me up, when there is just too much to get done :)
Septemebr 23, 2010
While I have introduced you to most of the Enata family... meet Amanda.
Barb's oldest sister.
I remember growing up and thinking how "cool" she was for a few different reasons:
{here are a few}...
1. She had a car.
2. She always seemed to have a boyfriend (and always cute ones, too.)
3. She was so pretty...
4. For the most part, even if we annoyed her, she was always so nice to us.
Today she is married to a GREAT MAN... and has an AMAZING little boy.
It is always a delight to see them when I go back...
Sometimes being an adult is hard... but when you get to see friends grow up and start their own family... it makes being an adult so fun!
Thanks Amanda and Dave for letting me capture some sweet moments with your family... You have the cutest little boy!
September 22, 2010
Now that you know Barb… Meet her Parents!
Orhan and Mary….
From the day I met Barbs family, I remember thinking “this has got to be the greatest family in the WORLD”. And years later…I still think the same!
I went home this past weekend, and could’t come back home without seeing this wonderful family!
This family is a large part of the reason I am where I am today. They always set a great example of they way one should live. I blogged this spring about the passing of my grandfather and how it was at that point that I realized that it is not always what you SAY along the way… but it’s the WAY you live that can make an even bigger impact on one’s life.
As an adult now, I often look back and think about times spend with this family. They were the example for me that I needed growing up... their actions made all the difference in my life.
I think the most important thing that I can look back and say now, is that it is time spent with my family that will make the most important impact on them. I remember Friday night pizza and bagel nights at the Enata house, and now today I look forward to those nights with my family.
So thank you O & M for the example you set for me (and so so so so so many other’s) along the way. May the next 30 years be just as great as the first!
{I love your family!}
September 21, 2010
Barbara… we go way back.
I she the longest friend that I have had in my life.
I met her in Jr. High. I believe in Science Class…. And lived only a few blocks from her. I don’t remember the day we met or how, but I do remember her saving me from a girl named Jackie in that science class (Jackie loved to pick on me… and Barb saved me from her a few times).
There have been a lot of fun times along the way….
Church trips….
College Roommate….
Weddings (for me… soon for her???)….
Moves….
Girl Trips….
She is that person in my life (and for so many others) that is always there. Even with distance separating us today, she is still that person in my life that I can call and trust any detail of life with. She has a heart that only few have, and goes above and beyond for everyone she knows.
I love and respect her for so much along the way…. And (once again) don’t have the right words to tell her how much she could possibly mean to me.
She is the person that kept my faith alive with times were hard, the one who stood by my side on my wedding day, the one who picked me up as I struggled in those early years as a young mom, and is still the one I would turn to in time of joy or need.
To Barb: I love you. My life is better because of you today. You have inspired me more than you will know. I am your number one fan in life… and in this next year… even with distance between us… I will be celebrating the journey you will be on and am so happy for you and all the joyous things you have in your life. I love your family (and I thank them for adopting me for so many years). I still to this day look at the simple things your parents did and mimic them today. It’s an honor to have you as my kid’s (adopted) Aunt Barb!
Septemeber 20, 2010
It's been a great week... I have had a great time with friends and family.
I look forward to seeing my beautiful kids and wonderful husband in just a few short hours. I have missed them!
But while I was here I got to spend some great time with my husbands Aunt Denise, her friend Bev and some little friends.
Thanks for having me!
September 19, 2010
Since I have been talking about weddings... the next family wedding will be my cousin Eric and his wonderful fiance Micah!
I love them both, and I am honored to come back to do their wedding photos...
I just had to share some of these great moments we had doing their engagement photos on Sunday!
My little Maddyn will get to be one of their flower girls!
{E & M}... Congratulations! Eric, you have a keeper!
September 18, 2010
It was a beautiful day...
A little rain in the morning and from there on out it was perfect.
Weddings are good at bring out thoughts and emotions that you don't think about on a daily base....
I got up this morning, said a prayer for the day, their wedding, and their new marriage.
Then I started thinking about when Phil and I were kids....
I am not sure I was a great sister, but then again
I gave him awesome haircuts....
set good boundaries (when it came to the couch if he crossed onto my side, he got kicked)...
I taught him to share (I stole his GI Joe's, and force him to share with me)....
I made him believe Barbies were cool (he did marry a blond)...
and I am pretty sure I talked him into doing anything dangerous that I did not want to do first (I cannot remember if any of those events ever landed us in the ER???).
What else would a great sister do??? (hahah)
On a serious note: I really love his boy, and I am really thankful and proud that he found such a wonderful woman to share life with.
My brother walked me down the isle 8 years ago, and for me and my husband... it's been a great marriage. Today, I have hopes and dreams that he will get to share all the wonderful things that marriage brings with his new wife today.
I remember what a cute little boy Phil was years ago, and he has turned out to be a great man today.... Congratulations {Phil and Ash}... I love you both!
Welcome to a (small) but great family!
September 17, 2010
Tomorrow is the big event I came so far for... My brother's wedding!
Today I just want to share a photo of our grandparents farm... the place we spent a lot of time as kids.
Phillip and Ashely did engagement photos on this farm a few short months ago right after our grandfather passed away... and tomorrow they will get married at my brother's little farm.
I am excited for their day and I am so honored that they let me be apart of such an important day...
{Phil and Ash}... I love you both!
September 16, 2010
Lilly.
I had to give Lilly her own blog spot.
She was just so cute...
I spent a lot of afternoons while in IL with my friend Laura (yesterdays blog), and after she got up from nap time... I got to spend some time with my new little friend, Lilly.
She is just the sweetest little thing.. wispering most of the time she was talking to me. Plus she had the sweetest things to say.
Laura, you have a sweet little girl who will be an amazing helper for little Zoe. Enjoy all your moments with her, and I look forward to the next time I get to spend time with her.
September 15, 2010
Zoe…
She is perfect in everyway, and is my wonderful friend Laura’s new little baby girl.
Laura has been one of those life long friends. I met her Freshman Year in Chemistry. I was new to the school and she was the quiet one of the class. Somehow we found each other and we were best friends from then on.
There have been times along the way where distance and life has made it hard to talk as much as I think we would both like… but when we do get together we pick up right where we left off. Those are always special times that mean so much.
Now we are both wives, mothers… and still great friends.
We pick up each time we get to see each other, right where we left off. She is a person in my life that I can tell anything to. She would support me through anything and I love her dearly.
A fun fact is our grandparents are cousins… although we have never done the family history… it is just a fun fact to have between the two of us!
{Laura}… I love you and your family and I was honored to capture some moments with your new little one!
September 13, 2010
Somthings are just better with time!
This is a favorite.... "Toast to date nights!"
September 14, 2010
This week I am out of the Arizona heat, and back home in Illinois. I am really excited to blog about some really special people… and a big event at the end of the week!
I am starting off my week with a trip to see my grandmother.
When we moved to Arizona over 6 years ago, knowing I wouldn’t be able to see her regularly was probably the hardest part about leaving. My Grandma is the most inspirational women in my life.
As early as I can remember, I would think “I want to be just like her”. She was the nicest most generous person.
My brother and I spend a lot of weekends and summers with my grandparents… It usually started with dinner at Hardee’s and then a trip to Jewel Osco. My grandparents would buy us anything we wanted to eat, and then we always ended in the toy isle! (some are thinking…”so Midwest”…. I know!)
Then it was a weekend or week of playing in the country yard, helping grandpa with some woodworking project he was building, and helping grandma in the garden. Oh.. there was always mowing to do! So for those of you that think I am a girly girl… I spent most of my childhood in dirt! Mud pies were made often while playing outside with my brother.
I love being able to look back and have so many great memories of my grandparents farm.
So, being here to start the week off is refreshing… no internet, phone barely works, and the weather is great.
My grandfather passed away last May… so this trip is a little different. It is just my grandmother.
She is in her late 80’s, but is still as strong as ever. Her memory is better than mine… she’s been keeping me up to date on all the latest family news, telling me about old stories, and then sharing stories about my grandfather and her.
She still has the same serving heart that she has always had. It might take her longer to cook, or find something… but she does it. I think she misses having someone to serve from day to day, but she still has her little cat (this farm cat has the life… with warm dinners and daily grooming).
When I look at my life… no matter when my final day will be, I want to leave a legacy that matters…. and to have made an impact on people’s lives that cause them to be better. I think my grandmother has done just that… Inspired all those around her to be better people by being a servant to them. I think my grandpa was a lucky man to have someone who was so dedicated to him, and I think she was lucky to have someone who was so dedicated to her.
I remember telling him at my wedding as I danced with him, that I hope I get to grow old and have a life that reflects his and grandmas.
One day, I hope my kids look back at my life and want to mimic a life that Robbie and I have built together.
PS… The funniest thing about seeing her was the fact that she got so excited to watch the Bachelor Pad! When I am in my 80’s and still watching shows like the Bachelor Pad… I will consider myself cool!
September 12, 2010
These are two wonderful people.
Brandon protects and serves us everyday, and Kasey is an awesome everything (wife, mom, friend...ect!).
Today is their anniversary!
Being married is an amazing journey that you get to take with someone you love. Every year is also a milestone that deserves celebrating! All of us that are married know the work and dedication it takes to make it work... so Happy Anniversary to my dear friends.
They have three great kids, and I am sure Kasey will be a great woman to have in my life as I soon face the challenges of three kids as well! I guess we can just be crazy together...haha!
September 11, 2010
This is a memorable day.
For a lot of reason.
It's a day in History that will forever be remembered.
It's also a day in John and Jamie's life that will also always be remembered.
I was honored to be apart of such a wonderful day. I cannot say enough great things about the day. Not one thing (that I know of) went wrong.
The day started with makeup and hair, continued with a walk down the isle, and ended with a sparkle!
Marriage is a great adventure that you get to take with someone you love... Congratulations J's on your new beginning!
You are a beautiful couple from the inside out!
PS... also Jamie is a nurse.. so this is a great end to the week of blogs about women who make a difference! (Thanks for all you do, Jamie!)
September 10, 2010
I just have to blog about this family... I met them today.
It is always refreshing when you get to spend your day with great people. This family was so sweet.
I was honored that they picked me to capture these sweet, sweet moments!
Their little one was 5 weeks early, but perfect.
Children are blessings, and I am positive that this little one will enrich their life forever.
Congratulations... she is BEAUTIFUL!
September 9, 2010
Thursdays are my all about Brock days...
This is his mask he made... and later gave it to a GIRL (awwww).
As tired as he makes me, I know these days are not forever. It is our last year before he goes to Kindergarten.
Who ever is his teacher... get ready... He's going to be your class clown!
September 8, 2010
Here is another great woman.
Maureen.
She gets the Blog for today for so many reasons...but I will stick with the top three.
First, her and her husband will celebrate 2 years on Monday. I was there at their wedding and it was a beautiful day! Maureen could not have been more beautiful. She married a wonderful man, Geoff. Together they just make a great match! Their kids go to school with my kids as well, and it is always a pleasure to see their family.
Second, she is a great mom. I love moms that realize that sometimes "It is what it is". I find most of her facebook post so funny. I think she has had more toilet paper issues with her two year old than I ever had with mine! I can see the sparkle in her as she watches her kids grow, and I can tell how much they mean to her. She goes above and beyond as a mother to insure that her kids have the best life they can have.
Third, she is also a working mom. She owns a hair studio with Jamiee (@ L'Mage Studios on Ray/101). It takes a strong woman to balance the home and work place... and she does a pretty good job. Better than I think I could! Again, she would be another reason that I would love to have a studio in their building, but get nothing done!
So for these reasons and SO MANY MORE... thanks for the friend you are to so many of us our there. I love your outlook on life, and I just think you have a heart of GOLD.
September 7, 2010
Felicia is another amazing person.
She has an amazing husband and the cutest little boy.
She is another person that I think has a great heart. She would do anything for anyone! I know a lot of people that know her, and she betters their lives every day. She is just so positive, I cannot imagine someone not wanting to spend time with her daily. I even tell her (and Jamiee, who does my hair) I wish I could have a studio in there building so I could work by them... all because I love spending time with them.
I was thinking the other night, how so many women out there have to balance work and family. She is one of these women. I think she does an amazing job with both. She has a great business (Natural Glow Skin Care by Felicia) and yet you know her family is still her top priority.
I love going into see her (she does my eyebrows) and just talking to her about her growing family!
I am thankful to know her and cannot say enough great things about her and her family!
Here is her business info if you want to meet her too...
Natural Glow Skin Care by Felicia
3225 W Ray Road Suite #121
Chandler, AZ, 85226
4802210275
Tues - Fri:9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sat:8:00 am - 4:00 pm
September 6, 2010
Happy Labor Day!
I thought this week would be a great week to blog about people that have some pretty important jobs that make a difference each day!
This is my friend Katie. I got to know her a few years ago. She is the sister-in-law of our old neighbors, Barbie and Damien (I will be Blogging about them later!).
Katie is another great person and friend. She would go out of her way to do almost anything for anyone. I cannot imagine that she doesn't enrich any one's life around her.
She is also my new workout partner. So now it's Lindsey, Katie and myself.... and as hard as the workouts are... we get through them together! Plus they are way more fun with them than without them!
Katie also has one of those rewarding, yet hard jobs out there. She works with an adoption agency helping kids find good homes. As a soon to be adoptive parent... I am so thankful for the "Katie's" out there that go above and beyond a 9 to 5 job to make sure kids have homes. I know there are days that are challenging, and then there are days that great things happen that make her job so rewarding.
I have a few friends that work a lot harder than I do, for a lot less money than they deserve, to do a job that not all of us could (or would) do, to better kids that would (otherwise) not have a chance for a better tomorrow.
So thank you Katie for the heart that you have, for all that you do, and for being so great. You have a great husband... and I am sure only great things are ahead of you!
September 5, 2010
All I have to say is SILLY BANDS...
they have taken over my four year old!
I am sure so many of you parents out there can relate.
The sad thing is they have affected all age groups. Robbie was coming home from the ASU football game where some of the players were trading silly bands.
Who knew that a rubber band shaped like an object could entertain so many kids for so long.
I will say the greatest moment yet (regarding silly bands), is when the greeter at Fry's had one on. Brock thought that was the greatest thing of the day.
I guess it is kind of cool when a 4 year old meets a 70 year old and they have something in common... who knew that was possible!
September 4, 2010
I love Maddyn when she gets up in the morning.
I just wanted to blog about her crazy hair, so I can look back on this when she is 20and laugh.
We are usually all downstairs in the morning when she comes (slowly) rolling down the stairs... with her curly, crazy hair.
She let me take a photo this morning... although wasn't quiet into smiling so early in the morning yet.
Septmeber 3, 2010
Pizza Nights...
Robbie and I try to do a datenight once a week.. and sometimes it is pizza and a movie at home.
These are some of the best family nights.
Tonight we let the kids in on our pizza night... It was a fun family night!
I hope you all have a great weekend...
September 2, 2010
It was a quiet day today...and if I have learned anything as an adult...
I have learned to treasure these quiet moments along the way, because they are few and far between.
There are so many events and people that I just cannot wait to blog about this month...but today I want to blog a little about something on my heart.
Motherhood... I sat in my moms group this morning and felt like she was talking right to me. And the truth is....I already felt like I have had a full ear of how to survive parenting already this week.
(can you tell... it's been a little challenging lately?)
Before having kids I thought having them would be the easiest thing. I thought I will raise them to be little "mini-me's" and life would be great.
Hahahhahahaah!
This week has been a realization that kids have their own personalities and you parent them all differently....intentional, but different.
In our moms group we are reading "The Bathtub is Overflowing but I feel Drained".
At first I thought.. great (sarcastic), another book to read. But I think I have changed my mind. As the leader went over the first two chapters she started to read... "You just have to take one step at a time. One right attitude. One good decision. One perspective change. These little changes will lead to big results."
It was refreshing to know that one day at a time I have the ability to shape my kids into great people... but it will not happen overnight. It's parenting and we do it one step at a time, with a good attitude, making good decisions overtime.
I love this... It is so easy for me to look way into the future and see my kids grown.. but sometimes so hard to get through the course of getting them there :)
It is refreshing knowing that as moms this is a tough job, but the reward is so worth it.
For me today... I loved seeing through to the hearts of my kids and enjoying them just laugh as we picked up some pottery we did over the weekend. I was a reminder that it's these simple quiet days that often mean the most to me.
We were challenged today as moms to make sure we were doing something for ourselves, to be refreshed through this journey of parenting. So I just want to challenge all the moms out there to do this! (For me it's usually a morning with a friend!)
September 1, 2010
It's the beginning of a new month... September!
I love this month... not as much as the month of October... but I do love this month.
It is the beginning of nice weather and in other states the changing of the leaves. I started of this morning with a hike up South Mountain. There were caterpillars everywhere... I enjoyed their color in the colorless desert. They were bright yellow and green. (Thank you Rebbecca for a great morning... we did 3 miles).
It is also kind of sad to this this summer season going... My kids LOVE swimming and this weekend we got in the pool and it was already getting cold. I told my husband they will probably swim through the fall, because the cold water didn't seem to phase them a bit!
So I hope you all have enjoyed the summer, and are looking forward to our fall! These coming months are the reason most of us live in this great state.
(I pulled out my camera this weekend to capture one of our last summer weekends.)
August 31, 2010
It is always fun when you see things that you think are bigger than life... this chair has to be the biggest chair I have ever seen!
Who needs a chair this big?
We were at Sam's tonight... and the kids discovered this HUGE chair.
I just thought it would be a fun blog topic so I got a picture to share.
I reminded me of being small... when I thought everything was so big. I remember thinking my bed, my country house, my mom's shoes, everything was so big. But as an adult you don't have to many "bigger than life moments"... so I thought this was one of those rare "bigger than life" moments. Sitting in it mades you feel so small.
Although I am not sure of the purpose of needing a chair this big... it was fun to blog about!
August 30, 2010
There are a lot of important people in my life...
My husband.
My Kids.
My Friends.
Tonight I would like to write about some clients. I love what I do, and I feel so blessed to have gotten to know so many wonderful people. It not just about the photo... for me it's more about building relationships over the years.
In this last year I have gotten to know some really amazing people. People that make a difference in my day to day life... people that make me want to be a better person.
One of those families is my friend (client)... Nili. I just love talking to her, and getting to know her family more. You can since her genuine spirit and I know she is a great friend to those around her.
She has been one of those people who I always enjoy seeing and I look forward to every session. I am looking forward to getting to know her more on a personal level...
She is also friends with another friend (client)... Amiti... who you will get to meet later! She is one of the funniest people I know... and soon you will see why. I think she is next Thursday's blog (we all have a lunch date, so I can get her photo then)!
I love learning about Nili's culture, and at the last session her little one had on the most beautiful dress. The colors were beautiful... I believe she said it was sent from a grandparent.
It's families like hers and so many of you out there that make this job so special.
So for you, it might be about the photo... for me it is that plus the friendships that I have made over the years.
I am looking forward to these next few months ahead... Yes it will be busy... but all so worth it!
August 29, 2010
It is almost the end of the month, and I have one more birthday to blog about!
Little Miss D....
It is hard to believe that I have known this family for over two years now. I met them for the first time when she came to get pregnancy photos done.
I just knew they would become one of my favorite families... they were just so nice.
I always look forward to the times I get to spend with this family capturing some special moments.
Today as I was editing their photos they just had done for Miss D's second birthday... it took me back to that very first session with her. I remembered thinking, "This is one of the most beautiful babies". And I still think that today.
It was fun to see her little personality last weekend. (my favorite is her little smirk at the end of the session... too cute!)
I remembered when my kids were 2, and just how fun that year was. I also remember wishing someone had told me just how great the 2 year old age was...and to treasure it... because the 3's were not that fun! Remember that parents of 2 year olds... 3 is the new "horrible two's". (hahah)
So as I got to spend time with this wonderful two year old... I also got to reflect back on the last two years of knowing this family.
I am not sure I have ever told them, but some of their photos are still my all-time favorites! I once entered their new born photo of them kissing her (first photo above) into a photo contest, and one judge said... this will be a lifelong favorite for this family. I hope it is.
Thanks for letting me capture a few of your moments along the way! I just think you are an amazing family.
August 28, 2010
A new Chapter in the Boddy family....
My husband is one of the greatest persons I have even known.
We have known each other since we were teenagers. We grew up together... so I know him really well.
He is kind, encouraging, and dedicated.
I would have to be honest in saying life has not always been smooth sailing... we got married in college, had Maddyn early in our marriage, and also moved half-way across the country for a job. (all changes we learned a lot through, and cherish today)
What a lot of people don't know... is Robbie was in school while we made all of these huge changes.
It was not easy, but we made it. Then after Robbie graduated from College... he made a new goal: His MASTERS.
I thought "You are finally done, we can finally see each other and do things.. and you want to go back!?!?" The answer was "Yes". He said he wanted to be done with school by the time Maddyn was done with Kindergarten.
So he went back to accomplish getting his Masters.
He has given up family time, datenights, and sleep to get this done... all while providing for our family.
I know Robbie has worked hard to get this goal accomplishment. So, this year as Maddyn started first grade, he turned in his last assignment.
I think goals are important... It gives you reasons to strive for better things in life. I am thankful that Robbie has accomplished another goal that means so much to him.
We are not sure exactly what having a masters degree will mean for him... but I am sure that there are only good things ahead!
I am thankful for the husband that I have. Degree or no degree.... I have never met a man that has such respect and dedication for his family and friends.
(To Robbie)
I wish I could sum up in words just how much you mean to me...but I don't think those words exist.
I am looking forward to this new chapter in our lives of NO SCHOOL!
PS-Just for the record...I am all for a PHD...but just take a little break :)
August 27, 2010
I have always cherished good friends and moms that I can learn from.
These are the moms at my MOMS table this year.
I remember when Maddyn was just a few months. I was that new mom that had no idea what she was doing. So as you can guess, I was also that mom that was calling all my friends who had kids asking "what do I do!"? When the say it takes a village to raise a child.... they are not kidding.
I have learned so many valuable things from my other mom friends, and I am sure this year will be no different. I am really looking forward to this coming year and getting to know these women. Many of them have young kids and a few of us have a little older kids. So I am sure with all of the knowledge that we have gained over the years, we will have some great converstations on how to be better moms!
In these past few months, I have been trying really hard to be intentional in all I do... and parenting tops the list. It is a hard job, but being an intentional parent will hopefully only insure that my kids get the best life possible... and then go on to be great people in the world.
Thanks to all the great mom friends I have that encourage me, and love me.