Bright and Fun ~ "Your Story" Family Session ~ Idaho Lifestyle Photograher

I had such a great time photographing this family at their home. I was so glad when they called to book their session, as these kids are just darling and full of spunk! I told Mom to just tell the kids we were having a playdate, and that's exactly what we did! We ran around the yard, played with bubbles, visited their calves in the pasture, played in the dirt, went on the swingset, and captured some wonderful family memories. I feel this session was another great example of a "Your Story" lifestyle session with me.

During our pre-session consultant, we talked about how photographing them at their home would let them all be more comfortable, and we would also be able to capture beautiful memories of everyday activities they do as a family. We also talked about clothing options-how they could find coordinating options for each member, but that they didn't have to be all matching. I love the bright, fun colors they chose!

 

Thank you "F" family for inviting me into your home and letting me capture these memories for you! It was a lot of fun! 

If this blog post receives 20 or more comments, this family will receive a complimentary 5X7 Gift print. Feel free to share!

Four on Friday ~ Idaho Lifestyle Photographer

Just some random thoughts on my mind today. Hope you have a great Friday everyone!

Did you know they make Pumpkin Spice marshmallows? Yuuuummy! I also saw chocolate, chocolate mint, caramel and vanilla swirl and strawberry flavored ones on the shelf at the store the other day. I was a little tempted to purchase them all. I'm not a huge marshmallow fan, but I think it would be fun to try them. I decided that might be a little excessive so I refrained, but maybe if I just buy one bag at a time it won't be so crazy. Maybe?! The chocolate mint ones would be fun for hot cocoa! Anyone try these flavors yet?

Speaking of pumpkin...that's what is melting in my Scentsy warmer--well not a real pumpkin, but rather Pumpkin Roll. It definitely reminds me of fall. I also have Dear Mr. Watson in our main bathroom-reminds me of my hubby's aftershave, Silhouette in our bedroom-kind of a musky, sexy scent and Lucky in Love in the girls' bathroom-light and girly smelling. What about you all? Do you have a favorite scent, candle or air freshener you use?

Yesterday I mentioned using my crockpot lately. I prepared one of my favorite recipes. In fact, my mom still makes it for me whenever we go home for a visit. It's called Creamy Crockpot-I know not super original of a name, but trust me it's delicious! My mom clipped the recipe out of the High Plains Journal when I was a kid. (As an aside-this was one of my favorite ag magazines my dad subscribed to when I was growing up. In addition to great news and features stories, and editorial columns, it also has a page of recipes and one with house plans. I still have a file of house plans for the home we may--or may not--ever build.) Anyway, onto the recipe:


Creamy Crockpot
1-2 lbs of top or bottom round steak-This is a more economical cut of beef and lends itself well to crockpot cooking, as you want to cook it low and slow. You can cube the meat or cut it in larger pieces.
2 cans cream soup (I use cream of mushroom or cream of celery, whatever I have on hand.)
1 cup each of green pepper and onion cut into chunks
Dashes of Worchestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
Just mix up the soup and spices, pour over meat in crockpot. I usually add the peppers and onions about halfway through cooking. Cook 6-8 hours on low heat. The longer it cooks the more tender the meat becomes. The soup makes this incredibly tasty gravy. I serve it over rice.


I would have taken a photo, but it isn't the prettiest dish. However, it tastes wonderful, is comforting and reminds me of home. :0) Do you have any favorite crockpot recipes?


And because a post without a photo on a photography blog doesn't make a lot of sense, here is a sneak peek to the family session that will be blogged on Monday! I had so much fun hanging out with them this summer! Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Smiling in the Rain ~ Idaho Lifestyle Photographer

The rain we're having is a nice break from the summer heat, but after three days, I'm ready for a little sunshine. Although if I get a little discouraged about the weather, I just think about this smiling face and how she loves to be outside no matter what it's like. It also helps to have a yummy meal in the crockpot and a cup of hot tea on this cold, wet day.

And, if I do have to go out in the rain, you bet I'm going to wear some fun rainboots! :0)

Portrait Products ~ Idaho Infant Photographer

I was so excited when one of my clients contacted me about having this beautiful Grandmother's necklace made with an image from her grandson's Essence session. A local artist, Charlotte Dube', created this keepsake for the very proud grandma. More of Charlotte's work can be viewed at The House that Art Built in Ontario, Ore.

Here is a sample of a collection of 8X10 gallery mounts hanging in a client's home. The image is flush with the edge and ready to hang. 

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My Cowboy ~ Two-year-old ~ Idaho Children Photographer

Little J's usual attire ALWAYS includes his boots. In fact, since he got them, he wears them with EVERYTHING. Literally, everything. His shorts, his jeans, his pajamas, even just a pull-up. When I ask what shoes he wants to wear, he says his boots. He'll even walk around the house calling out to them as if they will answer back so he knows where they are. He's two, and I'm not going to fuss over his clothing choices. He can put them on himself, sometimes backwards, but he gets them on. And he's just pretty stinking adorable. He won't always wear them with everything, and I want to remember this about his toddler years. 

But today, he picked a couple other accessories to wear with his boots--his sister's cowboy hat, which by the looks of it, fits him perfectly, so I think it's his now--and his chaps. The chaps great grandpa Bob made for Josh when he was a little boy. They fit him perfectly now too. Man, I really, really love my little cowboy!