{Loyalty Cards} and more!

Happy New Year!

Photos by Ali has exciting changes coming in 2013 that I would like to share with your family.

As many of you know in 2011 my family moved to Boston so my husband could pursue his career, and in July of 2012 we were able to come back to Arizona. Boston was a great time for our family to explore and experience a great city. We have so many great memories and my husband and I say it was the best year in our 10 years of marriage.

Our time in Boston provided me an opportunity continue my education in photography, and now I'm excited to put that knowledge into making your photos even better. Over the past 7 years I have built a business based on integrity and quality. I love what I do, and I'm so blessed to be able to watch your families grow over the years. I often feel like apart of your family when I'm with you.
My number one goal this year is to provide you with the most relaxed, fun and quality session with Photos by Ali. To achieve this goal I am announcing four changes beginning January 2013.

FAMILY
I am shifting my focus exclusively to family photography! In order to devote my time to pregnancy, newborn and family photography I've decided not to do wedding photography moving forward. This will allow me to be more available for weekend appointments. To focus on your family's photography needs I will have an assistant present during sessions, a dedicated editor, and a product manager to help you pick the perfect products for your home.

LOCATIONS
Over the past six months I've been all over the valley reconnecting with my favorite venues. I've picked specific venues that only allow a small number of photographer’s onsite at the same time. This will allow for me to focus on your family exclusively and will result in more relaxed sessions. There are over 15 locations throughout the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Gilbert and Chandler areas. In addition to preferred venues, I will be hosting an annual California trip in June or July that will give you the opportunity to capture your family memories on the beautiful Pacific Ocean beaches! Example photos taken at each of these locations are on now on my website! In addition to my preferred Venues and California, I will also offer Baby sessions (for children under 1) on location or at your home. I have over 5 studio sets to choose from and examples of these can be found on my website as well.

CHIC BOUTIQUE
I have researched and identified a collection of new and unique products that I'm excited to share with you. The first step is capturing your memories, and the next is bringing those memories into your home so you can cherish them for a lifetime. Moving forward I'll be offering a wide range of unique and exciting products. In order to showcase these products and allow you to see just how wonderful they are, you'll have the option of having a product specialist come to your home or you'll be able to attend a "Chic Boutique Event" hosted quarterly at a boutique, home or other special venue. Chic Boutique Events will offer you a great opportunity to see what products are available and for you to order your own products. I'm very excited about the Chic Boutique Events as they will allow me the opportunity to connect with my clients in a more social atmosphere and will give you the ability to see the wide array of product options in a relaxed environment.

LOYALTY PROGRAM
Each January you will receive a Photos by Ali "Loyalty Card" if you booked a paid session during the previous year. This is my way to say Thank You for your loyalty and give back to you! The Loyalty Card will provide you with a 15% product discount, advanced booking opportunities as well as additional savings on the Featured Venue and Products of the month.

Each month I will be featuring a Venue, Product and Family to share the people, places and things I love most!

In 2013 you will be able to see my products display at Nestldown (Old Town Scottsdale on Stetson Dr. by The Herb Box) and find me on the Bump.com.

I'm excited about the opportunity to continue to work with you and your families in 2013. LIKE me on Facebook and look for my monthly e-mail. Thank You for your continued business and for your referrals, they are the best compliment you can provide me!

Ali Boddy
Photographer/Owner

Here is A "DIGITAL VIEW" of the loyalty card and if you have not already liked my page like this and I will set up your code on the website. When you schedule an appointment and go to order your products you will be all set up to receive your %15 off or more!

Boston... Three months later

It's LONG overdue for a BLOG ENTRY... but to be honest, in the last few months there have been more changes in my life than ever before and I just didn't know where to start.

I first have to start by saying thanks to all of you for your support in the last few months. It was so hard to leave a life we LOVED, to go someplace so foreign to us. However, all of you had nothing but kind words to say as we left Arizona. It may not seem like you did anything, but when you go someplace where you know no one, you hold tight to the times spent with friends and the words of encouragement you all shared with us.

My life is 100% different... Let me share a few key things!

1. A quarter is my #1 friend! When they say it only takes one time to learn quickly... it's true. The second day I was here, I ventured to Trader Joes, only to find the parking lot (has about 20 spots) was full and I had no quarters for street parking. So my 30 minute, 2.0 mile trip got me no groceries! I went back the next day with a roll of quarters!

2. Which brings me to point #2... don't buy more than you can carry to your apartment. Unless you want to make 5 trips!

3. I can usually run someplace faster than I can drive. It takes me longer to drive, find parking and pay than it does to just walk or run!

4. I was excited to leave Scorpions, only to be greeted by furry spiders...

5. My living space which had thousands of square feet, has been simplified to 900 square feet! It's the most efficient way of living, and I will say.... we use every inch!

6. Don't assume a one lane is a two lane or a two lane is a one lane. If someone wants to get someplace, they will make up their own lanes and laws to get there. Once I even saw a man use a sidewalk as the third lane. Just honk if all else fails.

7. If you take the "T"... Don't look like you have no idea what you are doing! You will stand out :) Although, I did make a friend!

8. Don't pull out into a crosswalk... Cops will beat on your window and call you stupid. Has not happened to me... but I do think it is funny when I witness this!

9. When it comes to traffic signals, you can usually never turn right on a red, there are normal lights, mixed with arrow lights, mixed with a lot of pedestrians.... Plus bikers! It's a miracle that I have not been in an accident yet. (ps... I am a better city driver than my husband!)

10. Finally, Kathy Lee and Hoda are my new best friends. They are on everyday when I get back from taking the kids to school... and are so funny I forget any worries that I might have!

Everyone wants to know if we like it here...

Robbie will tell you I have great days, bad days, but the best days are someplace in between. If there is a city to live in besides Arizona, this is one of the best. The people, things to do, and weather make it a daily adventure.

I feel really blessed in life to have the husband, family and friends I have. I get to be with my kids, do what I love and support my husband in his career. So even on the days I wonder "what have we done", I know it was the right decision and I am loving the city life more and more everyday.

I am adding some photos of the city that I took when our friends, the Riggs came to visit! Plus a photo of my new friend here... Jodi! The kids love her, she has amazing energy, and has made the adjustment to Boston 100x easier!

PS... to all my mommy friends who love Target: It's become a luxury to me to go travel to the closest Target and spend the morning there. It's about 30 minutes away in no traffic and definitely a place I took for granite! However, I have saved $100's!

Boston Bound....

Where to start???

At the end of my last Blog, I left off saying “We look forward for what is to come…” and since that post our world has been shaken, stirred and changed forever.

It’s been a crazy few months, but first I want to share some highlights over the past few months that have brought smiles and laughter to the BODDY house.

We just honored those who serve us everyday, on Memorial Day last weekend. I was so honored earlier in May to do family photos for a few of those families. It was great to hear their stories, share some laughs and get to know so many wonderful families. I was so honored to spend the day with all of them, and cannot wait till next year!

Maddyn made it through 1st grade! Brock graduated from Pre-K. It is hard to believe that they will both be in school next year… BUT I have the wrinkles to prove their crazy activities and energy is more than enough to remind me daily that they are getting older. I miss their baby days, but LOVE their passions they have discovered this past year: Piano, gymnastics, and soon BMX. (PS… you are all invited to Brock’s first race. He invites everyone he talks to… that is how excited he is!).

The final update is… (Drum roll please)……

The Boddy Family is…………

Boston Bound.

What???? I know… I keep asking myself the same thing.

We all know I LOVE my husband… would do anything for him except move… UNTIL this past spring.

One of the best things about Robbie is he is respectable, honest and loves his family & career. If you know him, you love him. I am so proud of him for all that he has accomplished… fortunately (or unfortunately... I don’t know) Liberty Loves him too.

Well, early this spring he was offered a job in BOSTON while he was on a business trip. So when he got home, the conversation went like this….

“It’s a great opportunity, but why leave the best place on earth? Our friends are here, our family is here, our life is perfect, and my business is the best it has ever been. Let’s say thanks for the consideration… but now is not the time.”

So he went back to BOSTON a week later, told them what we had talked about and after another week there, it was clear that this was a time that he would never get back to future his career and that we (as a family) needed to really consider this opportunity for him.

After long talks with each other and our closest friends, it was clear that this is the time to go. Plus, with the adoption being over… we were open to whatever was ahead of us. It’s a temporary move, for huge learning experience for Robbie!

So, I am loving my husband and going on this adventure with him!

My husband said over the weekend… “When is the moving Blog coming”… I said…. “It’s not.” But now that he is there, the reality is “We are moving.”

Most people’s #1 question is… what are you going to do for work? Well the answer is… I will still be here. Since I have the most wonderful husband ever… we have set up a schedule for me to come back here to work and be with some of the most wonderful people I have ever met!

Photography is part of me… I love it… I love every client I have ever met and some have become my best friends. (The only thing is there is not enough time to spend as much time with all of you as I would wish too). I tell Robbie a lot that I need to clone myself… One Ali to take the photos and the other Ali to socialize! I feel blessed that I do get to see so many of you often and many of you have become lifelong friends. All of you make me want to be better: both professionally and personally.

I will be back in October, November, December, February, April and then next summer! I will only be back for a week or two at a time… but I feel so blessed that I will still get to see your families even as I go on this adventure with my family.

(I will post the dates in the next blog after I get some set dates for the kid’s school schedule!!)

It’s been a great year. I have been able to hire an editor to help me and so with all the changes that I have been able to make this past year… I am all set up to work anywhere and still get you your beautiful photos to you no matter where I am! (Got to LOVE technology…. When you know how to use it for the better)!

So Yesterday, Robbie told me our new town looks like Wisteria Lane… (Secretly) I have always wanted to live on Wisteria Lane. I don’t quite see my days being filled with morning tea, and drama…. But at least the view will be nice.

People keep asking are you “excited”… well…. Yes and NO….

I have always wanted to travel, live in a city, get groceries at the building next door… but I am just not sure what everyday life will be like without all of you who make Arizona so wonderful and familiar to me.

I told a close friend, that when I was little…. I pictured life married, great friends/family, ONE child (but two is better!), a great career….. And that is what we have here. So as fun as the adventure to come seems, if I could take you all with me… that would be perfect!

Since bringing you all with me would be fun… BUT I am not sure we could afford that, I will look forward to every trip home and will embrace the familiar faces and your homes more than you will even know.

Plus, I expect many of you to come see me… and for those of you who cannot come…. Remember me when I am being buried alive in snow for 3 to 4 months a year!

So, today was a hard day… Robbie started a wonderful journey that will impact our family for the better. Making this our reality for now. In September we will join him as a family. So as we transition... Keep us in your thoughts and prayers, encourage us, love us… And know I WILL BE BACK OFTEN!

Since I refuse to have a going away party… we will keep you updated on our “Temporary Boston Bound Trip”!

Am I in Denial? Maybe… but only because being so far away from so many people we hold close to our hearts will be the hardest thing we have ever done.

So as I sit in my tiny, OVERPRICED apartment…. On my own little Wisteria Lane… I will be thinking of how much I miss you all!


For those of you who cannot wait for the dates I will be back for photography, after our move date of August 29th… they will most likely be:
October 19-23
November 16-27
December 21-January 2
Third week of February and April!
These will be final in a few weeks as we get more information on Robbie’s job.
Pricing will remain the same through 2011-2012! A $25 deposit will be required (goes toward sitting fee).

I just have to end this by saying thank you to all of you… (Friends, family and clients) for your support. I would not be here without all of you… I hope that you still continue to support me and I get to see all of your beautiful families on my trips home. (Plus I have some new areas this Holiday 2011 season… and just ordered some baby props that are ADORABLE)!

One Chapter closes...

I love this photo... It was a great afternoon with the kids. This was taken a little before Christmas (Thanks to Tina Larcey) and I remember thinking next year there will be 5 of us.

Needless to say, a few months can make all the difference.

After a lot of prayer, and talks with some of our most valued friends... We signed our "exit" papers out of the adoption process last Monday. The social worker said it could be years from now until we got our child. For us 4 to 7 years is just too long to wait. Along with the time frame came other issues.

We want to be purposeful in our lives. For so long we thought this adoption process was what we were being called to do. And on some level, it was. We learned a lot, we are in a better place, and sometimes there is no price to say "I am better today, than two years ago". Even when that means paying a huge sacrifice along the way. With this season of life ending... we know God will lead us in the direction he has planned for us. It just might take some time in understanding what that is, and time to get there.

The past few months have been filled with confusion, sadness, and disappointment. It is harder than you think to get over the loss of an idea.... For us it was the idea of what we thought our family was going to look like in just a few short months. Again, God is good... and we will continue to listen and follow where he leads.

As hard as it was to come to a final decision... doors have already been opened that are bringing excitement and purpose into our lives. We have a great support of friends and two great kids that have made this just a little easier to go through.

To all of our friends that called, had lunch with me, or sent emails... thanks. Your words were kind, helpful and I was grateful to know we were loved by so many people. I am a person who needs close friends, and I think I have the perfect friends in my life right now. So thank you to so many of you, who have made this decision and process a little easier.

We look forward to these next few months, there is a lot to be thankful for and we are looking forward to so many BIG events soon to come!

As we end this chapter of our lives still as a family of four, we know we are blessed by each other and by those around us. We look forward to what is to come...

March 12, 2011

This past week we had a day that we just couldn't believe was happening. Amazing how one day could change so much.

This week a new law went into effect that Ethiopia is cutting adoptions by 90%. Making the number of adoptions go from about 50 to 5 a day.

Robbie and I have a huge decision lying ahead of us. We are at a unique point to either intercede the paperwork that is in Washington DC now and get some of our money back.... or send the paperwork over and trust this is going to blow over (the ruling will be repealed).

Our hearts are heavy... it's been a long journey. We have invested time, emotions and fiances into this.

It's sad on so many different levels... these kids will not wait years for a good home.

Just pray for us as we have to make a decision in the next two weeks.

We are considering all of our adoptions and have even reached out to a few of you for guidance (which has been SO helpful).

Once we have a decision we will let you know.

It's been a long week, of tears...


Robbie and Alisen

http://adoption.state.gov/news/ethiopia_alert.html

January 24, 2011

I am really excited to write about my next blog... but I have to finish off my "being more simple" topic with our WAGON!

It doesn't get more simple than this...

First, I want to start by saying the simple features of this car remind me of when I was little riding in my grandfather's car. I loved the gear handle and the click it made.... it was like the car was saying "get ready... our journey starts now". I loved the smell of the air fresheners he always had (you know those tree things). Then I loved the click of the seat belt... odd I know!

Guess what... I now have my very own car that has all of these features.

A few years back my father-in-law, brother-in-law and husband all bought a red station wagon (wood grained side). I loved it, and have missed it since my father-in-law sold it. It was great... our whole (and by whole I mean all 9 of us) could go anywhere together in it. Plus... the rear facing window is awesome!

So, about a month ago, we sat at dinner with my husbands parents... talking about a bigger car. Then I said... "what about a wagon?"... got on eBay... found this one... thought that's different, practical, and affordable! Let's get it! So we did!

Most of you know I have a wonderful car now... but the wagon is like driving your couch around. So comfortable! I will miss the auto drive function on my car now... but I will survive!

The kids love it... it has pop doors, DVD player, Flo master exhaust (I have no idea what Flo master exhaust is...?... but this car has it).

I love it when the kids say.. "mom ____ is great". It usually has to do with some old function that they have never seen before. Like the cigarette tray on the doors... ha ha. They think it is a storage cup... good luck fitting anything in it though. I feel like they are getting to experience a piece of history.

Anyways... simple.....loving life for the small things it has to offer....

January 19, 2011

It's hard NOT to desire a more simple life when you see this...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BywUvR8YCW4
(This is where we will be traveling late this summer.)

I think about our trips planned for this year.... There will be trips back to the midwest for weddings, a trip to California with our best friends... but the trip that will make the biggest impact in our life this year will be to Ethiopia.

I am exctied about all of our coming travels... A best friend is getting married, it will be a great time to celebrate her new journey in life. It's fun to not just think about her wedding day, but to also to think about all the great things ahead for her: kids, celebrations, ect.

I am excited to spend some time in California with our best friends. I think this is our fourth year vacationing together. I look forward to sitting in the sand watching the kids play... eating ice cream every night... splurging on a fun dinner with probably too much chocolate for desert, and propably talking about a trip to Africa that will be only weeks away...

As we entered into this journey of saying why are we blessed and how do we give back... I have learned far more than I thought I would. It's been hard to let go of material things that I love and to be more needs based. I may have come a long way, but I still have a long ways to go.

As I watch this video, it's hard to believe I need more than water, food, and shelter: yet these kids barely have that.

I listen to many tell me about adoption... Some stories are great and filled with encouragement. Some stories I have to ask if they thought before they talked... but in the end I can only be the hands and feet of Jesus and trust that he will do the rest.

I lost my dad when I was young, and cannot say I have a stable mother. So when I look at the family that Robbie and I have created today, I can only imagine what it would have been like growing up with great parents and my heart truely wants to share that with all kids. Right now we have Maddyn and Brock... we love them more than life... and look forward to sharing our love with kids who might never know what a family is.

So I guess the point is: We are living simple, to adopt and share life with those who might not ever get the chance to know what a family is.