Julia

Senior girls...I think they are my FAVORITE subject to shoot. Now, don't get me wrong...I love families and kids and couples...but something about senior girls makes me just want to never stop shooting. This is Julia. She's graduating from St. Pius this year and couldn't be more beautiful...just look at that SMILE. I had so much fun getting blocked into a courtyard in Old Town, shooting in the flowers, and reminiscing with her mom (who used to teach Rusty in preschool)! I hope she loves these photos as much as I do!

Aubrey Turns ONE!!!

This cutie was SO funny! She had such a wide array of facial expressions...and knew how to make us all laugh. This was her FIRST time ever having cake...and she wasn't too sure about it at first...until she got a taste (I know EXACTLY how she feels)! She was so cute in her pearls and tutu and when her dad put on music she just danced like no one was watching! I miss having little girls, and I am so lucky I got to be there to shoot this precious one!

Starlet

I always get nervous when I photograph someone I've never met. Will they think I'm weird? Probably. Will they understand my humor? (Probably not.) So, when I met Noel at the park, I was a little worried. Then she stepped out of the car and all that worry was GONE! This beauty is in a new series called "Bloodlust", which is BEYOND exciting. I can't wait until I can share a website with you all and brag about how I knew her "when".

The Blog With No Photos

Rod got fired. 



This. This is why I've been vaguebooking, which something that I normally loathe. "Please pray for me", WHY? "In the hospital", WHY? And the one I've been guilty of lately, "Going through a shitstorm". Well, now you know why.

On June 7th, Rod came home early from work with the saddest look on his face. I was sure someone we loved had died. And I guess in a way it's true. Rod loved his job. LOVED IT. He was never even written up one time. He's called in sick three times in the eighteen and a half years he worked for The Company That Shall Not Be Named. He did everything they asked, and more. ONE misstep was all it took.

Almost worse than being fired though, was the treatment. His personal accolades and certificates were shredded. People who we thought were friends turned out to be just the opposite. No phone calls or emails or FB messages from people we thought we loved (or really liked anyway). Now, don't get me wrong...we also are finding out who is REALLY there for us. People have come out of the woodwork to offer whatever they can. And we are so, so grateful for those folks.

In true Rod fashion, he turned this bullshit into lemonade and is now considering several offers, with more coming in every single day. It's been a stressful time, but thanks to his frugality, not financially so. This upheaval of our lives was probably a blessing in disguise. It's making us focus on what is really important and letting go of the minutiae. It's holding a mirror up to our faces about how we've treated others in the same situation. And Rod keeps on proving why he is the bigger person in all of this. While I stand there with a torch and a gallon of gasoline, Rod is telling me, "let's not burn any bridges". 

I'm excited for the next phase of our lives...whatever that may be. I'll let you know as soon as I do...no more vaguebooking.


UPDATE: Last night Rod accepted an AWESOME position that means we will be moving back to Washington D.C. this December. This decision obviously wasn't easy, as we have lived in Albuquerque for the majority of our adult lives. We will miss our friends here, and hope that you ALL come visit!

We Will Be OK

This summer has been a bit of a shitshow, if I'm being honest. And nothing heals a shitshow like hanging out with your family. So, we headed to Montana to spend some time and talk a lot and drink beer and not think about things. We got to see my sister Sara after 6 long years. We played with the dogs and rode in the Jeep and I finally got everyone together to take some photos. Grammie got to spend some quality time "arting" with the girls, and Rod and my dad did about a million chores around the house. Rod and I had some date nights, saw some great friends, and tried to breathe. Isn't it funny how, no matter your age, when you are with your parents it just feels like it's going to be OK? Because it is.

Zach

Have I told you lately that I LOVE senior shoots? I think they are one of my favorite things to do. This is Zach...he took all of my "advice" and teasing in stride. His dad was awesome and we even had a beer before we started (the colorful walls in the first few photos are at Boese Brothers Brewing)! Zach is off to college to play baseball and study hard ;). Good luck to you handsome young man, you are going to rule the world!