At the Park ~ Omaha Professional Children's Photographer

The weather here in Omaha, NE has been beautiful!  It almost feels like early spring around here lately.  Yesterday was Lela's last day of  break from school so we decided to go spend a little time having fun at the park.

My Family's 2011 Christmas Session ~ Omaha Professional Children's Photographer

Whew!  Things have been a whirlwind over the past month and a half!  I have been a busy Editing, Shipping, Packaging, Gift Wrapping, Cookie Baking, Photo Taking Elf ~ and I have been loving every minute of it! 

I took a break today to start working on/editing my own family's Christmas session so that I can start to decide on the Christmas card I would like to use this year.  (One step at a time and first things, first, right? lol)  Here are just a  few of the photos from the session with my girls.  I'll be sure to share what my final decision for this year's holiday card is out here with you.

Wordless Wednesday - Omaha Professional Children's Photographer

Wordless Wednesday - Omaha Professional Children's Photographer

Wordless Wednesday - Omaha Professional Children's Photographer

Awkward & Awesome Thursday! - Omaha Professional Photographer

Awkward & Awesome Thursday!

Awkward:

• When emailing a client back this week with available dates for a session I inadvertently told her my available dates for 2012.  ... it was quite embarrassing to have to email her back and explain that I had jumped an entire year ahead in my calendar. Whoops!
• Watching a movie with Becca and Steve and JUMPING off the couch because I was so startled.  They laughed at me.  ... it's cool, though.  I {lOvE} the sound of their laughter AND in all honesty, it was pretty darn funny....almost as funny as when Becca and I hid from Steve in the garage behind the Pilot and waited for him to round the car to JUMP UP AT HIM YELLING. ....we SO spooked him.  It was {awesome}! :D  Who's laughing now? ;)
• Emailing Lela's teacher explaining that she has a Thursday appt. and realizing that I had switched the weeks.  What IS it with me and dates this week?!?

Awesome:

• Lela's owl lunchbox pictured in the photo up there.  Every time I look at that lunchbox that owl's big ol' eyes bring a smile to my face.
• Becca is officially a sOpHmOre!!  Friday was her first official day back.  This year, she is featured in the school's calendar for the month of August with some of her friends from homeroom last year!
• Becca getting a Justin Bieber folder and decorating it with all kinds of mushy things and writing Maddie's name and homeroom on the inside of it.  (Maddie is not a fan of JB)  Becca then talked another girl into handing the folder to Madeline explaining that she had found it on the floor near her desk.  Apparently, Maddie's face was priceless...it must have been a smidgen {awkward} for her.  I just wish I would've been there to see it!  I love harmless *funny* practical jokes.
• Lela actually *asking* me to take back to school portraits of her.  (I had to stop myself from shouting at her, "Where is my daughter and what have you done with her you alien impostor?!?!".) I think the above photo will be the one she hands out to her friends this year. 

What awkward or awesome thing has happened to you this week?  I'd love to hear about your adventures!  Remember to check out my {AwEsOmE} Photog friends' blogs to see what they have to share with you!

Heather A. Scott Photography and Design

Missie Jurick Photography Sunflower Studio

Awkward & Awesome Thursday! - Omaha Professional Photographer

Awesome & Awkward Thursday!

Awkward:

• Realizing last week that I title each of these posts Awkward & Awesome in the Title section and then in the text section type Awesome & Awkward.  I also post  it backwards on FB ....I guess I must be a glass half full kind of person at heart but geez!  *so embarrassing!*
• The top photo- I had to get Becca's permission to share it here on the blog.  It's awkward for her and that is why it was put in this section..... but I have to say that for me it hits both the awesome AND awkward categories because she is the best big sister!  The photo is of Lela and Becca on Lela's first day of school this year.  Lela requested that Becca curl her hair and Becca happily obliged.  I love that they are so close. <3
• The second photo.  It's a photo of Lela leaving school on her first day and walking to the car for the drive home.  She spotted me from far away and proceeded to weave in and out of people hiding from my lens.  She was like a cat!  I would move one way and she would dart the other!  As she got close and could no longer hide behind strangers she went with her last resort- covering her face.  She must have found it awkward that I was out with my camera trying to get her coming out of school. In my defense:  A) I maintain that I am *not* the only momma to do so.  B) You'd think she would be use to me taking advantage of every photo op.  It's important to document life!  You only walk out of third grade for the first time once!

Awesome:

• My dad's new trike! ..and their Frog Togs--  Great rain suits for you bikers out there!
• My parents came to visit to surprise Anna for her birthday. <3  It was a great surprise and a super fun visit!  We took advantage of the nice weather and went riding a couple of the days.
• Watching my girls and Maddie along with the neighbor boys have a HUGE water fight.  It was epic ..... and better than reality t.v. :D
• My husband surprised me and brought me home dinner last night. <3
• Movies!  Every night this week around 9:00 Steve and I have put down our work/computer and watched a movie.  It's been awesome. :)
• Today is book buying day at Marian.  After purchasing Becca's books and making sure everything was in the 15980763 lbs. bag we schlepped everything to Becca's new locker.  Above her locker was the recipe card you see pictured in the last photo.  What a great way to start the year and awesome advice.  I love that darn high school and so does Becca.  This is just one example of what sets Marian apart and why it is such a great experience for Becca.

Be sure to check out my awesome photographer friends' blogs to see what they have to share this week! 

Heather A. Scott Photography and Design

Missie Jurick Photography Sunflower Studio

Wordless Wednesday - Omaha Professional Photographer

Wordless Wednesday - Omaha Professional Children's Photographer

End of Summer Mini Sessions! - Omaha Professional Photographer

I'm very excited to announce the End of Summer Mini Session dates! :)  *happy dance*

This time I decided to approach the mini-session a little differently and offer two weekends for you to choose from when scheduling your mini session.  I understand how back to school, last minute vacations and winding up the end of summer can be a tad crazy so after listening to your feedback I decided to offer two different weekends for your convenience! 

Come on, what are you waiting for?!  Take 20 minutes out of your end of summer schedule to relax and have a great time getting some beautiful photographs to share with friends and family!  This limited edition mini session is a fabulous offer with huge savings so be sure to contact me soon  at 402.306.1738 or email me here  (click the CONTACT tab) so you can guarantee the time slot you pick on the date of your choice!

The fine print:

• You may choose to purchase back to back minis. This is recommended for those of you whom have three or more children being photographed during your mini session - The 20 minute mini is being offered for $150 (value of $310).  Purchasing two in a row minis will require an investment of $280 (valued at $620).  Back to back or two in a row minis are sold to individuals or individual families only...in other words no sharing costs with your best friend's family to take advantage of the extra discounts.
• up to 4 models are included in your session, additional models will be $20 per individual.
• 6-8 images will be presented in a password protected online viewing gallery for 5 days.
• A la carte items and collections will be available for purchase.
• No minimum purchase order is required.
• In the event of inclement weather, the sessions will be rescheduled on a planned rain date or scheduled the same date/time for the studio.  Please confirm your availability for both your scheduled mini session time/date and back up time/date when you call to book your session.  If you have questions regarding the weather please call 402.306.1738. 

Awkward and Awesome Thursday! Omaha Professional Children's Photographer

Awesome & Awkward Thursday!

definition of awkward: shooting in full manual and then getting distracted by other daughter asking question, realizing the girls are giggling and quickly moving the camera back up into shooting position knowing then and there that you are going to kick yourself for not having it in AF because perhaps the cutest real photo op just been missed because you know the image is going to be blurry.  definition of a mother's love: who cares?  It's a damn cute photo regardless of the OOF situation.  True story.  Also awkward?  Run-on sentences.  ;)

Awkward:

• The above *blurry* photo.  As a photographer you always strive to put your best work out there for your clients to see.  I knew the moment I decided to try to capture the girls giggling after taking the camera away and holding it down by my hip this was going to be the outcome of that image.  I didn't care.  I did it anyway. I love it. ...even with all its imperfections.   I included it because it makes me smile. It is far from technically correct and that's okay.  Even if it is a little awkward to share out here on my blog. :)
• The TV randomly turning on (no it wasn't set on a timer or even a channel I watch! and NO I didn't not roll over onto the remote and turn it on, the remote was nowhere near me-it was on the nightstand) super early in the morning and it being a sermon on taking control of your emotions.  It seems God was speaking to me through today's technology. I'm not an out of control kind of person but it seems lately I have been letting other people's actions and choices affect how I am feeling.  I needed to hear it obviously, so thank you Jesus for smacking me in the forehead. 
• Telling myself I was going to get back into exercising  daily starting August 1st....today is the 4th and the most exercise I have done would be walking driving to the mailbox.  What is my DEAL?!

Awesome:

• Being the first person to wish my daddy HAPPY BIRTHDAY today!!!  He is the most amazing man and I am blessed to have him as a father.  It is because of him and the role that he played in my life that I was able to find such a fabulous husband...who makes quite a fantastic daddy to our girls. :)  I love you, daddy! xoxo
• Our BFFs--  Michelle and Daphne are so much fun!  Yesterday Daphne brought over a shirt for Lela so they could have matching BFF shirts- how cute is that?!?!  To our dismay they didn't have the shirt in our size. :) haha! 
• Steve is coming home today! :D  I am so excited to have him back in Omaha after his Gatlinburg trip.  I am also very thankful that everybody had a safe and enjoyable time.  If you have the inclination- please say a prayer Steve, Joe and Lonnie find their way home safely today. :)
• Becca had a great time competing in the D1 meets this past weekend!  She did a fabulous job.  I am so proud of her hard work and commitment to the sport. :)

Remember to check out my awesome Photog friends' blogs to see what they have to share for this week!

Heather A. Scott Photography and Design

 Missie Jurick Photography Sunflower Studio

Awesome and Awkward Thursday! - Omaha Professional Photographer

Awesome & Awkward Thursday!

Awkward:

• Forgetting that I needed to blog today!  *blushing*  Now THAT is definitely 'awk'.   (btw,...who says that anyways?  Sheesh..being around teenagers seems to be affecting my language.  It's like totally aWkWard. Like you know what I mean? .... ;) )
• We had a good laugh driving down the 80 after picking up Becca from swim earlier this week.  I had Maddie and Lela with me and we had stopped for donuts on the way.  Anyway, Becca was so ravenous from her early morning swim practice that once she got in the car and realized we had donuts she couldn't quite get to them fast enough.  The look of horror on the truck driver's face as Becca tried to stuff the entire donut into her mouth (partially because she was hungry-don't let her fool you- and partially because she was being silly) was priceless BUT what was funnier was the look on Becca's face when she realized the guy was watching her. {aWkWard} We laughed all the way home. :D 
• Have you ever heard the term "swamp a$$"?  Well, everywhere I looked at the concert on Monday it seemed people of all ages and sizes were suffering from it.  I didn't bother sitting down the entire night.  Can you imagine being one of those people with their entire backside soaking wet from sweat and walking around a concert in front of 1,000s of people??...um...definitely awkward.
• Brazenly admitting to some peers that I prefer photographs of people that smile with their eyes or use their body language to convey emotion and no smiles at all to regular ol' smiling photographs.  I felt like the odd man out but hey- it's the truth and I know that's what makes the world go 'round.  It's okay to be me even if at times it feels a little awkward. ;)

Awesome:

• Going to the Journey concert with our great friends and my sister and her husband!
• Our two little furry friends, Buddy and Mij.  They provide so many laughs for our family and are such great snuggle bugs. :D
• Getting a compliment on a photo of Becca from a super talented photographer and friend that I admire.  I was over the moon! (Dear God, if he reads this post it could possibly end up falling into the {aWkWaRd} category but I have to be honest- it made my day!)  He used the words fantastic and classic; two things I always strive for in my work.  ....I still smile when I think about it! haha
• Lela received a package in the mail today from her Gramma Vining for her birthday.  It's those turtles pictured above.  They have decorative plates on the bottom and are for sealing envelopes with wax.  They smell like fire or smoke from fire and Gramma Vining says that they are supposedly very old antiques.  We think they're pretty darn AwEsOmE!
• Late night talks with my best friend in Omaha, Michelle.  
• Finding out that a great friend from school, Tom, is moving back to the O-town for a few months! We took several photography courses together and worked on many projects throughout the semesters.  The only thing missing will be Lynette.  

Remember to check out Heather and Missie's blogs linked below. :)  See you next Thursday!  As always, I wish you more awesome than awkward happenings this week! <3

Heather A. Scott Photography and Design

Missie Jurick Photography Sunflower Studio

Awesome and Awkward Thursday! - Omaha Professional Children's Photographer

Awesome & Awkward Thursday!

Awkward

• Okay, so this isn't so much awkward for me but I am pretty sure my husband found it to be.  We grilled shish kabobs one evening while my family was here visiting.  They were tasty--once they were fully cooked.  Anyway, I was in charge of the grill and Steve kept insisting they were ready to come off the grill (both the chicken and steak).  I kept trying to tell him the chicken ones were still not fully cooked but he insisted he was right.  So, being the good wife I am I finally agreed with him and served him up a hot plate of raw chicken...while everybody watched.  Once he cut into a piece and realized it was still very much raw (and all of us were having a good laugh) he stopped giving me a hard time and brought the kabob back to be put on the grill.  Needless to say I was able to continue grilling without any tips from the peanut gallery.
• Losing my keys.  I am so bummed!  I have looked everywhere- and I mean *everywhere*.  I even dug through 8 bags of trash from the huge Independence Day BBQ we hosted on Saturday--awkward AND disgusting!! Everybody who had a purse of jacket has checked to see if they were put in the wrong place. Even diaper bags have been checked.  Underneath cushions, in cars, outside in the lawn, I even pulled the refrigerator out!  No dice.  You know I had to be desperate if I went through trash...an extremely awkward and unpleasant experience.
• A boy asking my daughter for her number....um...really???  Already with this?! 

Awesome

• Fourth of July!  I love fireworks and BBQ but most of all I love FAMILY!  My mom and dad along with my nieces were here to celebrate one of my favorite holidays.  It was so awesome to spend the holiday with them!
• Swimming and the park.
• Having a teenage daughter that can take the girls to the pool on days that I would rather spend catching up on laundry or a good book.
• Watching the girls ride their bikes in the cul de sac and having such a great time together.
• Game of Thrones.  We have HBO on Demand now so not only do I get to watch True Blood but I have found a new series that I like (Game of Thrones) and watched it in its entirety (all 10 episodes) in a few evenings.  ....okay so that should go under awesome and awkward. haha
• Watching Hall Pass with my parents and laughing!

Remember to check out my friends' blogs for their always entertaining Awesome & Awkward posts!

Heather A. Scott Photography and Design

and

Missie Jurick Photography Sunflower Studio

 

Awkward and Awesome Thursday! - Omaha Professional Children's Photographer

Awesome & Awkward Thursday!

Hi all!  Thanks for stopping by for another Awesome & Awkward Thursday! post. :)  I have to admit there were more AWESOME things happening than AwKwArD and for that, as always, I am eternally grateful. :)

Awkward

• Ummm....the above photo?  My youngest can lick her armpit and she acts as if she should win a gold medal or be nationally recognized because of her amazing amount of silliness 'talent'.  ....She takes after her father. For real.

• Meeting the Mom of one of Lela's friends.  That part wasn't awkward.  She is actually quite nice.  The awkward part came when her college aged son came out of the house to go for a run and she proceeded to tell Becca, "This one is a good boy but he's to old for you- I have a 19 yr. old son.  Maybe you should come by more often? eh??"   ..... blink blink ...... *inside my head I said* "UM NO?  ARE YOU KIDDING?!?! She's ONLY 15!" .....  - Instead, I kept my composure and said, "Or maybe not at all.  I don't think her dad is in any big hurry for her to start dating.  Besides, your 19 yr old is still to old for Becca.  She's 15." *smiling through teeth*  Meanwhile Becca is a standing with a big grin on her face and glowing a lovely shade of blush.  I really think I'm going to lock that girl in a closet.  ...... 45 sounds like a good age for her to start dating to me, what do you think? 

Awesome

• My nieces are here visiting from Illinois!!! :D  *doing happy dance*  I get to keep these little lovelies for 12 days and I intend to soak up every last minute of their visit.  I look forward to this every summer.  These girls have such a big piece of my heart.  Aren't they just adorable?!
• Sitting outside with my neighbors in the evenings watching the kids play and visiting until the street lights come on.
• Running errands with my brother-in-law while he is here visiting.  It's nice to spend some quality time with him. <3
• Sunshine and my girls' laughter.
• Having chats with Kendra, my youngest sister, on the phone and her sharing how to make homemade wine :D
• Drive-thrus  ....namely Jimmy John's ;)

Remember to visit Missie and Heather's blogs to see what Awesome&Awkward Thursday! things they have to share with you this week.  :)  Have a great week and see you next week!

Wordless Wednesday - Omaha Professional Children's Photographer

First Holy Communion - Omaha Professional Photographer

Lela made her First Holy Communion on April 10th this year.  Here is a photograph (okay so maybe a few photographs) of her in my studio that morning before we left to go to church.  I loved her dress!  It was simple and soft and classic.  Her dress was hand sewn and my mother made her headpiece and veil.  (The little stinker refused to wear my First Communion dress from when I was little.  She said it was ugly.  *gasp*  Meanwhile,  Becca was annoyed that she was never even given the option of wearing my dress.  Oy!  My girls.  ...at the very least they keep me on my toes. ;)