Merry Christmas!

card 2 copy, originally uploaded by shellophoto.

Meet my BFF, oh and her darling family. LOOOOVE them.

Uh Oh, Someone's in Trouble...

 Homer 276 edit1_edited-1, originally uploaded by shellophoto.

And that "someone" would be Angie and Randy. In about 11 years they are going to have three BEAUTIFUL teenage girls!

I have loved having these sweet, pretty little faces in my lens and on my computer screen the last couple days.  Here are a few from their session.  I'll save the family shots for the Christmas card... beauties I tell ya!

Ginkgo Biloba

Vernal 60 edit_edited-1, originally uploaded by shellophoto.

You're looking at him. My handsome little bottle of ginkgo biloba.
If your memory is a little foggy, you seem to forget important events, places you are supposed to be, who you are... I highly recommend toting this guy around with you. TWICE in the last two days he has reminded me of VERY important items I would have otherwise been mortified to admit I had forgotten. One time in fact he was in the middle of reminding me of something when I almost cut him off to say... "STOP changing the subject and go do what I asked you to do" when instead (thankfully) I waited and listened... Good gravy! I think the look on my face was worth more than a month's worth of allowance (not that he gets allowance, he'll be the first to tell you). HE had saved the day and he knew it. I knew it. Bless you my first born. You make me look good sorta good.

So much to see...

Is there anything better than being so relaxed that your mouth drops open as you sleep?

 

That's some darn good shut eye!  But really this cute little bug only slept for about 20 seconds of his photo shoot.  The rest of the time he was alert and taking it all in!  (There may have been a FEW moments of crying, but when you're that little and precious, you can do WHATEVER you want...even poop on the props!)  It was fabulous to finally meet you little Jeremy.  You have some awesome parents and don't even get me started on your GRAND parents... oh, I just love them!

Boys, Boys, Boys!



It has been a busy week taking photos of DARLING little boys.

Can you hear the VROOM sound coming out of his mouth?... SO CUTE!

And I don't even like Cats...

Simba_edited-1, originally uploaded by shellophoto.

There was once a time when I said my kids would NEVER watch Teletubbies or Barney. There was once a time when I swore I would NEVER push my kids around the grocery store in one of those hideous shopping/race car combos. And I have ALWAYS said, "I don't like cats". Guess what changed ALL these things?... My kids loving them. There is something about the joy on their faces that makes you reconsider all the pacts you've made with yourself.
This little meowing feline is named Simba. He is the kitty offspring of Mr. Fuzzy Pants (affectionately named by Averie a few years ago. Apparently MR. Fuzzy Pants is more like a MRS. Fuzzy Pants). Both cats belong to our backdoor neighbors. Little Paige LOVES "Sima". She stands at our back door and says, "Simma... wher aww yoo?"
This day in particular Simba was sitting on our back porch and I happen to have my camera handy. There is something I love about this picture. It's probably that little one-year old voice I hear when I look at it.

My Other Kids...

JLT 2953 copy copy, originally uploaded by shellophoto.

Seven. If you count these three lovelies, that makes 7 for me.

Meet my sister's kids. I would claim these little gems in a heartbeat. In actuality my sister and I share a brain, handwriting, and a voice, so I could really step in at any moment and be their mother, they may not even notice (unless you count that whole motherly bonding bit). But I really do just love em to pieces. Before you know it I'll be squeezing their cheeks and crocheting them hideous sweaters for Christmas. What else is a favorite aunt to do?

It's Hip to be Square...

two suckers edit, originally uploaded by shellophoto.

Amy, this one's for you. As requested... in black and white and SQUARE! Good luck with your collage!

Stop it.

paige 008_editedweb, originally uploaded by shellophoto.

I have begged and pleaded, but to no avail. This little girl will NOT stop growing up and it's killing me.

I think I'm funny...

I don't know if others (Ryan) appreciate my sense of humor as much as I do. I'm sure a psychiatrist will someday say my love of humor and sarcasm is my way of hiding my deep-rooted pain and anguish (not really). But I just plain like it when things are light and fun and not too serious.  In fact, I avoid at all costs crying in public. "Someone" (Nikki) once told me I pull an ugly face when I cry...

ANYWAY... all this funny, not crying bit went FLYING out the stained glass window on a lovely day this summer when our good friends and neighbors invited us to their temple sealing. http://lds.org/temples/purpose/0,11298,1897-1,00.html They were being sealed to their 3 grown children. I tell you what... I even surprised myself... I think the last 17 years of avoiding crying all came gushing out at the same time! It was honestly one of the top 10 greatest experiences in my life. I love these people and was HONORED to be a part of their day.