sara with camera

Elizabeth

She's an absolute sweetheart like her mom & dad who were actually in Kansas when we were.  It's kinda crazy how many people we've met here who were moved from Fort Riley to El Paso just about the same time we did (and quite a few will be moving out soon too: Eileen, Elza, US!!).  I think we wore Ms. E out with all the running around in the field.  The grass was tall enough to trip her up in most places, which slowed her down just enough for me to have half a chance of catching her in focus :).  And maybe the coolest: she loves sticks!  I'm never quite sure about a kid who doesn't like sticks. As if I didn't already think she was something else, she took it to the next level by trying to eat a few of them.  Young Matti flashbacks.  Well, if I don't get to bed NOW, things are going to be ugly tomorrow.  Love, Sara

the sonoran desert

Yesterday, I ditched the Chihuahuan for the Sonoran (10 hour round trip drive for just an hour or so with the camera...but I like drives)- determined to get photos of a saguaro before we left the area.  They're as tall as trees!  Years ago, I'd driven past them, but I'd never stood beside one before (that I can remember- it seems like I forget a lot of things these days) & it surprised me how really, really tall they are.  I would have been more in awe, but I discovered that I'm a complete fraidy cat & was too busy checking out every sound to fully take it all in.  Every fly, lizard, jackrabbit, chipmunk, or bird had me convinced that a mountain lion or javelina was set to attack.  Apparently, I can't go hiking alone.  I'd feel like a complete coward, but I probably won't ever be mauled by a wild animal...

This is another cholla- like the one in the previous post- just purple & in bloom.

This is a Palo Verde tree- the bark is smooth & green.  Baby saguaros use them as "nurse trees" (same goes for mesquite)- sprouting up under their cover.  The baby saquaros look a lot like barrel cacti- the easy to discern difference is in the thorns, saguaro ones are straight and the barrel ones resemble a fishing hook.

This is another type of cholla (teddy bear, I think).  And, below, a prickly poppy (we have those in central Texas too).

So, just in case you're not on Facebook, we're moving to Waxahachie (leaving El Paso on the 31st) AND I passed the bar!  Pretty big news & all in one week.  While Waxahachie wasn't my first choice, I'm excited to be 2.5 hours from Priddy & close to lots of other family (and some old friends).  Even Kansas friends and family will be a lot closer!

Cool things this week:  I got to celebrate Mexican Mother's Day at work on Thursday & then our Mother's Day yesterday.  Auden made a plate for me at school- he drew our house here in El Paso.  Even though I Hate this house with its popcorn ceilings, metal bars covering the windows, and sand backyard, it's sweet to have that memory.  Matti gave me coupons (as in he'll clean his room, etc) & asked if I was going to use them because he'd rather I didn't. He might get lucky- they might get lost in the move. 

Also this week, I got a little worked up about all the negativity surrounding the Time magazine cover.  I liked it, while it seems no one else did.  I thought the photograph was genius & didn't feel at all taunted by the title, "Are you Mom Enough?"  Maybe because I know I have a litany of shortcomings but feel like I could've sucked way worse & am doing some things pretty well. 

On that note, Happy Mother's Day!  Love, Sara

sweet baby james

This post is all about the music.  Meet Sweet Baby James (I don't think I'll ever grow out of my James Taylor phase)...yep, I want to put him in my pocket & take him everywhere I go (Willie Nelson's Everywhere I Go- not growing out of that phase either).  And, his dad, John, looks like Sting with more hair.  Chris called that one. 

This shoot taught me something else, too--or confirmed my theory-- that mountain photos and vivid color do not mix.  Only muted clothes for mountain shoots from now on.  I wanted to try a table & chairs planted in the mountain landscape & None of those photos worked because the table was turquoise--too loud.  So, John, all the furniture hauling was for naught.

And, um, if you ever need a date night C & J, the offer has officially been extended.  Oh, and Happy Birthday little man!  love, sara

biased

He's pretty cute, huh?  This photoshoot was for a work-related flyer & I'm pretty sure he was chanting what doesn't kill me makes me stronger the entire time...and it wasn't a long while as far as these things go.  The things we do for love :).  Seriously though, I think he's crazy handsome & am certain that the only thing that beats him in a suit is him in shorts with running shoes...always had a thing for running shoes.  ANYway, the rest...

Love & Happy Easter, sara

Ms. Anderson

Auden has been so blessed to have Ms. Anderson as a teacher this year.  He's come a long way & while the Abeka curriculum is partially responsible, Ms. Anderson is the hugest part of the story.  Early on in the year, I sat in on part of a class & I fell in love with the way she interacted with the kids.  Not too serious, but she had control.  ...and I'm pretty sure I'm not just enamored with her teaching skilz because he had such an awful teacher last year.  So, thank you for making such a huge difference for us this year.  love, s

M + K

I felt I needed a little practice before Cordie & David's engagement session, so I got help!  Miranda & Koltin were my guinea pigs, and I owe them a great big thanks for letting me practice on them.  They aren't just any beautiful couple- they're brand new parents.  Baby Tuff was a month old when we shot these in Priddy a few weeks back (I'm kicking myself for not smooching him up--next trip, you've been warned). 

That's her dad in the tractor.  Awesome, I know.  & I forgot to say earlier that Koltin is a mechanic.  The photo below reminds me of dad's hands when we were growing up. 

Thanks again you two (and you too Vicki)!  Love, Sara

sisters

Aren't they the prettiest?  They're the smartest too.  There may have been re-enactments stright out of British comedy shows & Taledega Nights.  I will be incredibly proud (not in the haughty sense) if my two turn out half this amazing.  Oh, we capped off the shoot with frozen yogurt--I kinda want some now. Have a great week, Sara

Cordie & David: Engaged

  

  

  

 

  

  

  

  

  

 

 

  

  

 

  

 

Cordie & David were great & it was the best ever taking photos in between all the St. Patrick's Day chaos in downtown Ft. Worth.  However, the girl outside the ice cream shop (I'm thinking she was seventeen-ish) was not so great.  She asked if I was Cordie's mom.  While Cordie is incredibly beautiful, I may have resented the age assumption.  And, how can you beat high contrast chevrons & pearl snap buttons--which I shamefully did not notice until I was editing.  It wasn't just the three of us, by the way, I had Kalissa (cousin- some of her wedding/bridal photos from this summer) helping out.  That was awesome. Cordie & David, thanks for the fun & I hope you have a great week!  love, sara

p.s. Cordie has the most amazing name, huh?  I'm sure she never gets tired of hearing that either...