Laura FUENTES (to be said with a heavy fake accent)

I got to see a couple of my dear friends while I was in AZ, one of whom was Laura Florez, now Laura Modrell. I can't actually remember why I call her Laura FUENTES (with an accent) or why it is funny to me, but I do and it is hilarious. (to me, probably not to anyone else, but I am ok with that) Anyway, to make a long story short, we went to the park to shoot a few pictures of them playing, and all of a sudden Paige had to go to the bathroom and while ordinarily she is a pee camel and can hold it like you wouldn't believe, I felt bad for the kid because she was doing the pee pee dance in front of some older boys she was trying to talk into letting her play. We had to call the session on account of potty breaks. No worries though, although I didn't get what I wanted I still got on film the very important fact that Fuentes is still one of my hottest friends (she is a knockout) and she has a beautiful family. They treated us to pizza afterwards. Mia ate it from the cheese in. And Paige got to drink punch and she actually played with a barbie doll. We had a great time! Kevin and Laura, I have said it before and Iwill say it again. WE NEED TO LIVE CLOSER!!!

Dback stadium!!!!

We flew to Arizona this weekend to catch a spring training game and to do Kacey and Eddies engagement session. It was amazing! It was 90 degrees and gorgeous although I have to say that Paige is my delicate little flower in the sun, the poor kid just wilts when it gets above 85, poor little thing. We loved seeing Kacey and Eddies new house, hanging with Samson and soaking up the heat. (well, by "we" I mean Mike, Mia and I, poor Paige was melting)

I loved shooting this engagement session. I have been wanting to give them this gift since the day they got engaged. They are bigtime baseball fans so they suggested we go to the dbacks stadium to do some pictures. Now I am not the biggest baseball officionado in the world, but I have been to a ballpark or two, including Fenway park, and I gotta say, this place blew my mind! I loved it! Is it crazy of me to say that there is something so romantic about baseball? Maybe I watched The Natural one too many times. or maybe it was Field of Dreams. or it could have been all those free A's tickets we earned as kids from the book mobile, but I love love and baseball.

Here is my take on Kace and Eddie, (and by the way, from here on out, I will be referring to them as Keddie, too lazy to keep typing out both names.) They really enjoy eachother. Each of them has a passion for life, and each of them are so dynamic and together they make a power team. We can't wait for your wedding you guys! Thanks for such a fun weekend (especially the hospitality basket) and Keddie, we love you!

While we were shooting the picture below, this guy walked by a few times just cracking up at the fact that I was laying on the ground and then generously offered to get into the picture to help us sell more photos. I loved how loud Keddie was laughing at this dude!

Jillian and TK, (DKNY)

Jillian and her family hold a very special place in my heart, I have known her since she was four years old and she served me home made root beer at her house. I loved her at first sight, its kinda hard not to. Just ask TK, her fiance. I absolutely loved spending time with them and getting to know them as a couple. Jillian would kiss this guy on the cheek and his eyes would close and he would automatically get a huge grin on his face. It was a knee jerk reaction for him, seriously! I have never seen anything so adorable. They are getting married in a few weeks and I am really looking forward to spending that time observing how they interact. Thanks for meeting with me you guys!

Nicole and Hayden

They met four years ago and it was love at first sight, despite the fact that Nicole was "bumming around in sweatpants" that fateful day. Although at first meeting you may think they are opposites, these two fit together like peas in a pod. Hayden can make Nicole laugh at the drop of a hat, as a matter of fact, we had a hard time getting her to look serious! I love this time of year when little signs of spring are showing up all over the place, the grass is beginning to grow, the days are longer, and even though there are still winter hurdles to cross, the promise of blue skies and icecream trucks are right around the corner. Nicole and Hayden, I had a wonderful time with you, congratulations on your engagement and I can't wait for your wedding!

They are nascar fans, I thought it was so cute that they had matching jackets!

These are the geese that for the record were not scared of Hayden in the slightest.

Paige's religious education

Ok, I know it is my fault because every time she asks a question I don't know the answer to I respond with "well, its just magic, Paige", but you have to hear some of the things this kid is coming up with lately. For example, a few days ago in the car:
"Mommy? When Jesus is in heaven, why doesn't he just float into space? I know, maybe he ties himself onto a cloud." Or a week after my surgery, when it was suggested we say a prayer and ask the Lord to help mommy feel better: "But how? Can he magically shrink down and get into your skin and fix your tonsils?" Or yesterday when I was talking aloud about how some people are so crazy.. " Mommy, did Jesus make a mistake? I mean when he was building (yes that is how she refers to the creation of people) those people why did he make them crazy?"
Her questions mystify me. Its not like I really trusted myself in the first place to give her a quality Christian education, but really, do I have to explain reincarnation to a four year old? Because I am pretty sure that is what she thinks we are celebrating on Easter. Last week I told her I wished I could play "pirates" with her and her friends and do you know what she told me? "Oh, you can play pirates after you are born again and are old enough, just like me, Mom." (Me)"What??" "you know, when you are born again? after you die and you come back to life?" Mystified.

Jada

Ok, I was hoping she would make her appearance before WPPI but she was stubborn, then I was hoping she showed up before tonsil surgery but she wanted to keep cooking. Finally, I was just praying she would come out eventually and she did, a week late but I bet her parents will tell you she was worth the wait. Jada is the prettiest little thing and I am so happy to finally have met her. Congratulations Linda and Tyler on your lovely little baby girl.

Oh, a little tip I learned at WPPI, newborns are much more cooperative when you photograph them as young as possible, and I think after you see the green and white bowl picture you will agree that Jada was very very cooperative. So even though I went over to do the pictures while still on painkillers (don't worry, my mother in law drove me, I did not operate heavy machinary while under the influence) we got some pretty cool shots!

As for the surgery, I know many of you are waiting anxiously to hear the final count, 8 pounds. Thats right folks, I am now into my skinniest jeans. The ones that I have been saving since 2001. The ones I used to wear when I was wooing my poor husband. Yep, they fit. At least until I start packing back on the weight as my throat progressively feels better and I can eat the cheeseburger I have been coveting ever since I have been relegated to eating Sonic ice and blended up beans and rice. A big enormous thank you to all of you who helped out so generously and unselfishly during these last two weeks, I am so grateful to all of you Thank You!

One last thing, I told Linda I would print them a small canvas picture of Jada in the bowl if I can get fifteen people to comment on her bowl picture so if you like it, let us know.