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

Giveaway Winner - Omaha Professional Photographer

Giveaway Winner

I am very excited to announce the winner of the October giveaway!  Thank you to all of you who entered for a chance to win two free weekend tickets to Vala's Pumpkin Patch. 

And the winner is......

Kimberly Dolphin

Congratulations, Kimberly!  Have a super wonderful time visiting the pumpkin patch!  

October Giveaway - Omaha Professional Photographer

October Giveaway ~ Vala's Pumpkin Patch

This time of year my family and I always look forward to visiting Vala's Pumpkin Patch. They claim that it is 'fun for the whole family' and I would certainly agree!  There are so many awesome things to do when you visit the farm.  Kettle korn (YuM), fun games, animals to feed (including a llama!) and ponies rides are just a few of the cool things that you can do at Vala's.

Lela and I visited the pumpkin patch this past weekend and had a wonderful time together.  Her favorite adventures at Vala's included the pig races, a train ride on the Pumpkin Creek Railroad, 9 holes of mini put at Graveyard Golf, Hackberry Hideout, a tour of the Lost Pumpkin Mine, the Corn Maze and of course a Hay Ride to the pumpkin patch to pick her very own three pumpkins to take home.

It was such a great time that I wanted to be able to share it with all of you that are local to eastern Nebraska (or able to visit the area).  So, I purchased two weekend tickets to give away here on the blog!  This giveaway is going to be a short because the fun at Vala's only lasts through the end of October.

This giveaway will start today, Tuesday, October 4, 2011 and will run through this Sunday, October 9th at 5:00 pm.. The giveaway will be closed on Sunday and the winner will be announced on the blog on Monday, October 10th.  The winner will be chosen randomly through Random.org. 

• How do you win the free tickets? It's easy as pumpkin pie! :)  The only thing you need to do to enter the giveaway is to leave a comment on this blog letting me know that you would like to be the winner. 

Want more chances to win the free tickets?  Awesome! 

• Just 'like' E. Vining Photography here and then come back and leave a 2nd comment on the blog letting me know you are a fan. 
• For a third entry you can share this giveaway on Facebook including a link back to this post. Please use the @tag feature to tag E. Vining Photography so that I can verify that you have completed this extra entry. Be sure to come back and leave a comment telling me you completed this step for your third entry.

There are a total of three entries available per person. Leaving a comment on this blog is required and the additional entries are optional. The winner will be chosen via Random.org on Monday, October 10th (sometime after 12:00 p.m.) and posted here on the blog once I am able to verify that the entry requirements have been met. Good luck and Happy Fall Ya'll! 

This giveaway is in no way affiliated with, or sponsored by Facebook or it’s entities, and all entries will be made directly through E. Vining Photography on this blog post. Winner will be notified here on the blog and via email. 

 Lela and her pig nose ...she had to have one after watching the above pig races! :D

Awkward and Awesome Thursday! - Omaha Professional Photographer

Awkward & Awesome Thursday!



Awkward:

• On a recent session my clients and I were walking through an alley and low and behold what do we see?  The above grafitti.  I couldn't help myself - I hollered out "Who ya gonna call?  Ghostbusters!" and then realized I wasn't with my family ....I mean, for real, what in the WORLD do pac-man ghosts have to do with downtown alleys?  It's all very bizarre- including my little outburst.  Sometimes I find myself so funny but then again, if you have to explain your own joke like I am doing now then it probably isn't that funny to begin with, right? *hanging head*
• Picure it: I'm getting ready to take a photo after switching lenses and waiting for a client to change outfits.  I lift the camera to my face and realize I have forgotten to take the lens cap off.  *blushing* I mean, I knew it was still on once the camera was up to my eye but still- how very embarrassing! ...I'd like to say that  a) I never lose my lens cap (always to be found in my pocket)  and b) I never forget to take the lens cap off  -- but then I would be lying on both accounts.  I wonder if I ever will stop experiencing those little embarrassing moments?

Awesome:

• Lily pads and koi fish ponds.  <3  One of my favorite venues for outdoor sessions has this little pond and I just love it.  It reminds me of when I was a child and we used to go feed the ducks and fish at a pond near the place I grew up. 
• Unlimited minutes! Free long distance! Believe me, I have a lot of words when it comes to chatting with my besties. :D
• All week long we have been playing a math flash card game with Lela and she LOVES it!  I am super happy and excited that she finally uses the words 'fun' and 'math' in the same sentence.  It's awesome. ;)

Remember to check out my fellow photogs' blogs for their always entertaining Awkward and Awesome posts!

Heather A. Scott Photography

Missie Jurick Photography

Wordless Wednesday - Omaha Professional Photographer

Wordless Wednesday- Omaha Professional Photographer

Awkward and Awesome ...Saturday?!? - Omaha Professional Photographer

Awkward & Awesome Thursday Saturday

Awkward:

• Ummmm.  Really with that?  Did you even take the time to LOOK at those mushrooms?  *disgusting*  Michelle and I had a good laugh at that bizarre fungus.  Her dog decided to roll all over and smoosh another one to pieces and she about died!  I told her that spores do travel (read: quit making fun of my yard or else!) but she has rock in her landscaping so maybe she is safe? that and I am not really sure how to go about transplanting fungus.  We've never had mold or mushrooms or fungus in our mulch before but this year it is EVERYWHERE.  (I blame the floodwaters.)

 

See?  I wasn't exaggerating.  That yellow stuff right up there is sometimes referred to as dog vomit mold. (promise- google it) WT....?  You have NO idea the amount of stressing I did to myself throughout this summer mold season.  I was constantly rehearsing conversations/mulling over situations in my mind with potential clients visiting the studio.  They all went something like this:   "Oh please come in...oh that?....  Nooooo.  It's not dog vomit it just LOOKS like dog vomit." -horror with a hint of disbelief flashes across said clients' faces. Next, in my daymares, an obvious discomfort would envelop the room because inevitably IN EVERY SCENARIO the pretend client would obviously be watching where they stepped in the house to avoid  the dog's vomit. RIGHT?!  ...I'd like to say that I don't have a dog or that my dog doesn't vomit but neither of those cases are true.  However, what I can say is that stuff in my mulch is NOT my dog's vomit. Or any dog's vomit.

...I have no words for the mushrooms.  None.

• Hissing geese.  I had an amazing engagement session with a SUPER CUTE COUPLE and let's just say the geese around the lake weren't exactly friendly.  I might have let out a little yelp....maybe.  Okay, so a tiny little noise slipped past my lips. It was scary OKAY?  Next time I am bringing bread to make friends or just visiting that location AFTER the geese have all flown south for the winter.
• Missing TWO WEEKS of these super fun posts.  It's very {awkward}.
• Becca has a gradeschool acquaintence (read boy) that recently moved into our neighborhood.  I honk every.single.time. we drive by his home. --That's right.  I'm *that* kind of mom.  Becca is quick though. She is starting to act like it doesn't bother her and that, quite frankly, is taking all the fun out of it. 

Awesome:

• Becca got a car! :D
• I've been super busy with lots of sessions and frankly that makes me very happy. :)  I really do love my job!
• I've completely cleaned off my hard drive after backing up on the external hard drive and discs.  My pc is running SUPER FAST and that is SUPER AWESOME!  It feels good to take that huge task off my to-do list. 
• Lists- I like them.  It's nice to check things off as I go and stay organized.
• I got to visit with my cousin, Jennifer, last night!  She was on her way to TX and stopped here to break up her long trip.  It was soooo good to spend time with her! 
• Lifetime movies and SciFi movies.  Becca and I always watch bad t.v. while I edit on the weekends.  We both enjoy it. :)
• Long chats with good friends. <3

Be sure to check out Heather's blog and Missie's blog, too!  I can't wait to get over there and read what they've posted this week. :) 

Wordless Wednesday - Omaha Professional 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

Wordless Wednesday - Omaha Professional Photographer

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

Awkward and Awesome Thursday! - Omaha Professional Photographer

Awesome & Awkward Thursday!

Awkward:

• Not so awkward for me but I'm pretty sure it was for my brother-in-law, Ben.  Last night Ben and Anna and the kids came over for dinner to celebrate Anna's birthday.  Ben went to open a container of baby food -carrots to be exact-  when apparently there was a mishap and somehow orange mush went flying through the air and landed on our custom blinds in the kitchen.  He tried to deny it was the carrots.  We all knew better.  THEN he tried to tell us he had did us a favor. ...He might be onto something there.  I hate those dang things! - but shhhhhh!! don't tell him I said that ;)
• Not seeing a spider web and putting my hand right through it. - EWWWW!  I absolutely detest that sticky web feeling on my skin.  Hopefully the spider was out hunting and nowhere near when I inadvertently destroyed his clever trap.  I hear they like to get revenge.....
• Auto-correct on my droid. If you send a text about fairies and scream (berries and ice cream) then yeah, I think you have the right to question what the hell the makers of Android auto-correct or voice to text were thinking. It seems to me something went awry somewhere....
• My sister's unhealthy fear of squirrels ; it's awkward AND hilarious!  She always thinks the sneaky little guys are after her when all they really want is for her to share her apples. (It's a case of Sciurophobia ;) )

Awesome:

• It's my sister's BIRTHDAY WEEK!  Whoot! :D Happy Birthday, Anna!!  It was so awesome to get together and have dinner to celebrate Anna's birthday last night. <3  I always enjoy our time together.  Ben's not too bad himself. ;)  **I was going to use photos of our celebration last night but Anna pretty much put her foot down.  It had been a long day at the zoo and she had left her model face at home, MMMkkkk? Who can argue with a birthday girl??
• Apple Carmel cupcakes!!!  (with cream cheese icing.  {decadent}
• Breakfast in bed (along with Phineus and Ferb if you ask the little one)
• I get to see my parents soon!!!!  I miss them so much and I am really looking forward to the visit!!
• Late night chats with my sister Kendra. ...she doesn't talk on the phone much so it's always a treat when she decides to spare a minute or two. <3
• Spending the last week of summer before school starts soaking up my girls.  I can't believe they will be starting school next week!

Be sure to find your way to 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

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

Wordless Wednesday- Omaha Professional Photographer

Awesome and Awkward Thursday! - Omaha Professional Photographer

Awesome & Awkward Thursday!

Awkward

• Going to lunch with a great friend and my girls only to be asked by the waitress (who knew my friend from highschool) if we were his family.  Um, no. ... and as if that wasn't awkward enough she then asked if Becca was his girlfriend to which he replied, "No. I'd be in jail if Becca was my girlfriend." LOL  It was funny but it was definitely slightly awkward for all of us.
• Apparently one of the moms at the swim meet last weekend implied that Becca and one of her teammates were dating.  Not awkward for me but awkward for Becca....she says that they were just talking.  I think that they were flirting.  This is NOT my first rodeo. ;)
• My new found addiction to Cheetos.  It's awkward walking around with orange fingers at this age, okay?

Awesome

• Becca made a D1 cut for swim! :D  She will be swimming the 100 back and all 15 and over relays!!  GooooooOOOOOoooooo BARRACUDA! :D
• Becca brought home 3 medals from the D2 meet (D1 qualifying meet) this past Saturday!!!  Awwwwwwww YEAH!  Get it get it get it!
• Steven made me a mix cd.  That's right, like those mixed tapes you used to get from your sweetheart in highschool...it's the best gift ever! <3
• Watching Steve drive off on his Harley.  I'm going to miss him but I know he will be creating precious memories on the trip to Gatlinburg, TN with his friend, Joe, my daddy and his own dad.  It makes me happy that he has this opportunity to have these vacations with our fathers.  *PLEASE keep all of them in your prayers for safe travels and good times!
• .Going to lunch with Tom who is back home for a semester.  Tom, LMR and I took photography classes together here in Omaha and always had a great time together- working on projects and regular photo class kinds of things (going to art galleries, critiques) We often were each other's subjects for projects and always had a great time in the darkroom- the three of us would scout out enlargers right in a row.  Color class was probably the most entertaining.  I don't know if you've even been in a darkroom but it's called that for a reason.  (Black and White film darkrooms are not as dark as color darkrooms because there is a dim light.) So when I say darkroom for color class I'm talking Mark Twain Cave dark where you can't see your own hand in front of you....our class was slightly rowdy and we were always pulling shenanigans or scaring each other horribly.  Good times.  Anyway, it was nice to go to lunch and catch up with Tom.  This time it was Red Robin, next time Pepperjax.  *yum* (wish you were here, LMR!)
• The video text Maddie sent to Becca from Florida.  It was so cute and so sweet!  I love that those two girls have such a great friendship. What a blessing for them both. :)

Missie Jurick Photography Sunflower Studio

Heather A. Scott Photography and Design