Monday, March 30, 2009

IKEA Mania - SOOC


A few yummy fabrics.


Mommy kind of likes this pillow cover.

And this table...although she chose a white one which she'll take a picture of and show you, maybe tomorrow?

And these are fun.

I love IKEA because there is lots of space to run and annoy people!

Later: Having fun with a complimentary Virgin Atlantic plane bag.



A close up of the expired manicure and dirty nails.

We're planning on coloring eggs this weekend and look forward to basket assembling and egg hunts next week.
Happy Palm Sunday!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Leila seems a little serious in this picture but, for some reason I was drawn to it.
I love that she thinks about everything so intently.
I'll be going to Skye Hardwick's Sacramento workshop in April.
I'm really looking forward to learning from someone who takes such incredible pictures.
Mom will be flying out and will drive with me and then she will stay with Liam at the hotel when I'm in the 3 day workshop.
Rob is looking forward to some bonding time with Leila and Liam.
Rob and I spent date night at Ikea.
We bought Leila a round little pink rug for her reading corner and
Rob picked out a pillow soccer ball (inside use acceptable) for the boys.

I'm off to check out Planet Earth. I'd love to get this series on DVD for the kids.
Nighty night all!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Point of Refinement



It's getting easier to go to the park with all of my children together.
I actually went to the park on my own for the first time with all three on Monday.
That's right, the first time.
Luke has always been a runner.
He just takes off.
You can see the potential danger there.
Especially when you have a baby in your arms.
If there are balloons or balls around it adds an even greater challenge.
Luke obsesses over them.
So we can not go to the park without a ball for Luke.
So he has his own.
But today we did have a couple of tantrums.
But I have grown a pretty thick skin when it comes to other people's looks.
No one has ever actually said anything mean.
They do see that Luke is a little (okay, a lot) different from other kids immediately.
And in a way, that helps.
No need to worry about what I'm going to say when they ask.
I've always adored and loved my little Lucas to bits.
Now I can say I enjoy him.
Because I have changed.
I accept him completely and totally the way he is.
The way our omnipotent God made Him.
I wish I could have said this when He was younger.
But I couldn't.
Sadly, I didn't enjoy it when Luke was younger.
It was tough.
But it was me that needed to change.
Not him.
Rather, I needed to be changed.
I still have so far to go.
I was called for this mission.
And God didn't wait for me to be fully equipped.
It truly is a learning process.
But as I wait on Him...
and abide...
and rest...
wisdom and peace will come.

"God is more interested in your character than your comfort; God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy." - Rick Warren

Friday, March 27, 2009

Thank you, Eli's Lids

My first interview! Thank you, Kara Noel!
Read it here.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Monkey Moon Photography * Orange County Photographer * Genevieve, Jordi and Yvette


I had a blast last week taking pics of these fun girls and their awesome mama.


They are naturals. Both girls are in ballet and have such a beautifully graceful way about them.

And the bond between them was incredible.



Thank you, Genevieve, Jordi and Yvette, for letting me spend the afternoon with you. What fun.
PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Friday, March 20, 2009


This little cutie just sat there listening to the waves in that galvanized tin.
Look how trusting he is of the crazy lady with the camera.
He's kind of thinking, "Are you sure about this?"
PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Holden




I had the chance to photograph this little guy today.
He was such a dream.
An entire hour and not one little grumble.
And then Mom said, "He didn't get much of a nap."
His eyes were amazing and he had the sweetest personality.
So fun.
This is just a sneak peak...
More to come.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

A Strategically Placed Pink Cup


Rob took Leila to see The Magic Flute today so she's been talking about the dresses and the fact that "the queen had a beautiful voice" all afternoon.
They then went to an Indian restaurant while I stayed home
with Liam and Luke was in session.
Tonight we went to church and
tomorrow is family day.
Tomorrow night I have a photo shoot of a six month old on the beach.
Looking forward to showing you a peek.
Night Night,
xoxo
Gina

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

The Days Hurry By


Not a care in the world.
The way he cuddles my neck, lays his head on my shoulder.
The way he points with one hand and the other reaching up for me to lift him.
Will I remember these moments?

Monday, March 09, 2009


So today we met some new friends at the park.
I had never done anything with Erin before but she
asked if we'd like to meet at the park today.
I suggested a huge park somewhat close by
because I wanted to scope out the photo shoot location
options.
It was chilly at the park but the kids were troopers.
They even played with the sand toys in the wood chips.
Now that's improvisation.
After the play date I found some great photo ideas for one of the shoots next week.
I can't wait to show you.
Then we headed over to the one dollar books store
I LOVE it.
People dump their grown kids books here when they clean out their now empty rooms.
At least this is what I suspect.
Most of the books were written before the 70's.
That's what I love.
So we found 11. Yes, $11 and I came home with 11 new books for us to read.
I get so excited about children's books.
It's wierd.
Speaking of wierd, while I was in there I realized I had about a bizzillion woodchips on my sweater
that I hadn't wiped off.
But the little store is full of eccentrics.
So I fit right in.
I hear windchimes.
The windows are open this afternoon.
Delicious warmth.
Sunbeams on the grass.
Happy Monday,
xoxo
Gina

Sunday, March 08, 2009

Spring Health




This winter has been mild weather wise but oh so tough on our health.
We've all been sick most of the winter - in one form or another.
Here is Leila not quite feeling herself.
But now it's spring!
Happy Spring (thank you, Cheryl!)
Longer days....
More sunshine.
Here's to hoping that your bodies and all the bodies of all your little ones
will drink in the spring health and
be strong.
Love, Gina
xoxox

Saturday, March 07, 2009

I really love this sweet one of Leila for some reason.


I love the new Mac.
But I'm having a hard time with iPhoto.
Pictures are everywhere.
It's making me nervous.
No system.
Filing is out of whack.

Today we're off to a birthday party.
Gorgeous weather.
Luke is in session until 12 and Leila and Liam are out with Daddy.
Lunch and then party!