Dodger Dog, Dawg!

I had a lot of dogs growing up. There was Taffy, who was actually my Grunner's dog. Taffy was a Pug with a scowlin' mug. She always had a sour look on her face since her bottom teeth jutted out further than the rest of her mouth. Tiger was a stray that we picked up off the street. He was a horrible dog. He even jumped up on my great-grandmother and made her break her hip. Bad dog.

Um... let's see... there was also a Doberman, but I forget her name because I was so young. Then there was Taz. He was a golden colored Rottweiler. Loved loved loved Taz. He was huge, but he thought he was a lap dog. He would follow me to school in the mornings which was kinda embarrassing at times, but it was also a little nice to have a walking buddy.

I think that there may have been more, but those are the front runners in my mind.

Fraser had zero dogs. Null. None. Zilch. Zippo.

We tried to have a dog a few years ago, but we ended up giving her to a friend after about a month of owning her. Fraser does NOT do well with dogs.

So when we went into a pet store and saw the cutest little Bassett Hound, I died. Died. I begged and begged and begged for a few days. My birthday came and went, and I pouted. And pouted. And pouted... until I came home one day to find a little Bassett Hound who couldn't run without tripping over his own ears. Again, I died. It took a few days to name him, but we finally settled on Dodger. Not for the baseball team, but because he's long like a hot dog, and what's the best kind of hot dog out there.... a Dodger dog, dawg. :o)

P.S. Fraser is very slowly falling in love with Dodger -- even though he would never admit it. ha!

Here's a few of that other sweet little boy in my life...

Las Vegas Family Photographer :: Patai Family

It was last year during my internship for School Psychology. That's when I met Kim. I was getting my high school experience at Green Valley High School, and I had also just purchased my first dSLR camera. I was trying to build a portfolio for my website, and when the then School Psychologist introduced me to Kim my eyes were immediately drawn to an adorable photo of her little girl in her office.

I secretly wished that I knew Kim better because her daughter was uhhhh - dorable... and if I knew Kim better (or if I was a better business person) I would have asked if I could photograph her daughter, Olivia. I would have photographed her right then and there... in Kim's office... at the drop of a hat. Olivia was that cute... cute enough to make any photo look fantastic, no matter the backdrop!

One year later, and after a School Psychologist switch I am now the School Psychologist at Green Valley High School.

I finally got my wish. I finally got the entire Patai family (which is now a family of four) in front of my lens, and I could not be more stoked. You see, the Patai family is one of those families. One of those families that make you feel like you are a best friend the minute you say hello. One of those families that will do anything they can just to make sure that your day goes well. Kim is one of those people that tells you that you look skinny on a total fat day; and Adam is one of those people who will smile at you from 30 feet away down a long hallway just to let you know that he's happy he got to see you that day. Olivia and Vincent are the products of their wonderful parents. Both of their children have laughs that will make your darkest day flip to the bright side, and they exude a happiness that can only come from being loved so deeply during the short period of time in this world.

Soooo.....

I finally got my wish. :o)

Las Vegas Children Photographer :: Brooklyn

Often times I find myself sitting on the couch texting a friend. A friend that I usually have already talked to several times that day via e-mail, cell phone, and maybe even an occasional Skype session. We talk often, and about anything. Today the texting banter included the events of our days, our working husband who are in the throws of an already too rough tax season, and our sappiness. The subject of our sappiness came into play when I told her that I need to let her watch a video that I have of her Nolah's birthday. This inspired me.

I went to the drawer that houses all of our videos that are from our video camera (all taken on our point and shoot camera are online) -- sidebar -- does anybody know a company to use to get all of my videos from the web made into dvd's?? and I can not find my Hudson's birth video. I am frantic. I show it to him on his birthday every year. My heart would be broken if I have lost it.

When going through all of the old videos I came across one that we did last summer in Newport Beach. We could not believe how small and baby-ish Hudson looked. I remember thinking that he was soooo grown up, and it was so much fun to take him on a trip. Watching the video made me so happy that we have taken the time to document his growth over the last two years. I know that I am living the days that I will miss so much in the future. I want to pull out the video camera and document all of his precious sounds, his laugh, his smile, his everything. I vow to NOT be the parent who takes photos in the beginning and then it tapers off as life gets in the way. I hope.

Here are a few photos of Hudson's sweet little friend Brooklyn. Brooklyn has graced this blog several times, and she was one of the first little newborn babies to be in front of my camera. I love watching her grow, and seeing her and Hudson become little buddies.

Here are my favorite two of the day...

Hudson needed to get in on the fun...

Las Vegas Wedding Photography :: Can Rings be Sexy?

When I got back to the hotel after an incredible, yet exhausting, day of shooting Craig & Sarah's wedding I found the Reno Gazette - Journal sitting innocently in the passenger seat of my car. Alone and forgotten. You see, months ago when I met with Craig and Sarah to plan the schedule of their wedding day Sarah mentioned to me that she really enjoyed photos of the wedding rings on the newspaper from the day. I personally think that it is a great way to document your day with what is happening in the location of your wedding on that day in time.

So as I sat in Starbucks eating a piece of banana-nut loaf and.... yes and... a blueberry muffin. I had a moment of clarity and remembered to pick up the paper. I patted myself on the back, and made my way to my car with my newspaper in tow.

As you read in the previous post the day went by so fast, and I literally felt myself being in two places at once. In the tornado of photos that occurred that day my prize newspaper sat ignored in the passenger seat.

So, I met up with Craig and Sarah today and snapped a few shots of their wedding rings on the Reno Gazette - Journal. I am pretty stoked about this photo, and as I sat and stared the only adjective that came to mind was sexy... can rings be sexy?

Lake Tahoe Wedding Photography :: Craig & Sarah's Winter Wedding

As I walked into the family condo in Lake Tahoe two weekends ago I was welcomed by the delicious scent of breakfast quickly being prepared in anticipation for the big day. A quick round of introductions took place, and I immediately felt like a member of the family. Sarah's mom and Craig's mom were having their hair done downstairs, and I began gathering accessories. Sarah's dad, with an interest in photography, quickly offered his services in helping set up several shots of Sarah's beautiful wedding dress.

I quickly scurried off to see the groom, and received a wonderful welcome inside the groom's house as well. One of the things that I love so much about Craig and Sarah is how laid back they are about everything. After meeting their families I now know that this calmness has been passed down from their wonderful relatives. We headed outside for a few shots of the groomsmen looking oh so handsome.

Seriously Craig. I love it.

I scooped up the groom, and we headed back over to the girls' place. As Sarah finished getting ready Craig waited for his bride at the end of the dock. Sarah and Craig chose to see each other before the ceremony due to the fact that after the ceremony it would be dark outside, and they both wanted to have photos done beforehand. Of course, I completely obliged. We arranged for Craig and Sarah to see each other for the first time, and it was hilarious to hear the whistling, and cheers coming from the condo balcony!!

So we headed out for the best part of my day... the bride and groom photos!! I had so much fun snapping these shots of the beautiful couple, and they were such gamers trekking through snow to get to some great locations!

Sarah, you made my job easy!!

The girls met us at the ceremony/reception venue and we snapped off a few shots. These girls were so much fun, and soooo helpful in making sure that we got all of the family shots we needed! Thank you girls, I had a blast!!

Then, it was time for the good stuff...

I could not have asked for a better couple for my first wedding!! Craig and Sarah, you are fantastic. I hope you enjoy every moment of being husband and wife. I was honored to be able to spend the day in Tahoe with you and your closest friends and family.

Porky Pig Contest

If I start to 'oink' at any time during this post, I apologize in advance.  

This e-mail was posted on the discussion board at one of my high schools, and I died laughing throughout the entire thing.... here goes...

Well, here we go again.  In fact, before I even get going, let me state for the record that I don't know why I do this every year - I always lose my money.  Then again, I do realize that I am starting to look like I coach bowling...  

        BUT THE PIG IS BACK!!  

        And let me assure you, there are many reasons why you should join the Porky Pig Contest this year, most of which are hidden within the rolls of your plump torso.  Let's start with the easy ones, shall we?  The Holidays are passed, and let's face it: you ate too much and you know it.  Your new clothes don't fit, your shadow's got stretch marks, and the other day your mother-in-law caught you putting mayonnaise on your toothbrush.  You made some sorry New Year's resolution to lose weight when you were drunk, and by now you're already blown it off for a double Tommy Burger.  Your life is in shambles, and to top it all off, you've come back to work from the big mid-year vacation only to find there's more than half a year left, and the same sweat hogs in your sixth period are back to fail a second semester.  It's time to get on a plan, fattie.  It's time for the Pig.

        The Rules

        1.  The Pig is a contest where each participant attempts to lose 7% of their body weight over several weeks (i.e. a person like John Dixon who weighs in at 100 lbs. would have to lose 7 lbs. by weigh out).  Contestants who make weight get their money back.  Contestants who do not make weight do not get their money back.  All contestants are invited to attend the Porky Pig banquet at the T-Bird Lounge on Eastern on March 19.  The banquet will be paid for with the proceeds of those sorry souls who did not make weight.  I open a bar tab with the loser's money, and we eat and drink until the money wears out.  After that, everybody's on their own.

        2.  Contestants must give me a $50 check or cash at weigh in.  Checks will not be cashed until after school on the day of the weigh out, and if you make weight, you get your check back.  You cannot compete if you are not paid in full and weighed in by Monday, January 11, 2009 at 1:30 P.M.

        3.  You must be weighed in and out on the scale in boy's PE by either myself or one of the PE coaches ( Coach Goroff, Claridge, Ehrke ,or myself) Ladies who are uncomfortable with the idea of being weighed by a man can arrange to be weighed in by Coach Lawther or Coach Dickinson.  You must have one of these certified witnesses present at weigh in and weigh out!!!  NO EXCEPTIONS!!   All contestants must wear similar clothing at weigh in and weigh out (no bulky sweatshirts and two pairs of jeans at the start and a Speedo at the end).  Contestants may weigh nude, but please come armed with a serious explanation as to why exposing your body to a co-worker with the ability to speak is worth fifty dollars.                         

        4.  All contestants are expected to weigh and pay sometime between now and Monday, January 11 at 1:30 PM.  All weights are rounded to the nearest 1/2 pound.  All contestants will be confidentially given an individual weight that they must attain by 2:00 P.M. Friday, March 12, 2010 in order to get back their fifty bucks.  IF YOU DO NOT MAKE YOUR TARGET WEIGHT FOR ANY REASON, YOUR FIFTY WILL NOT BE RETURNED AND WILL BE PUT INTO THE BAR TAB...AND YOU WILL FEEL SHAME.

        5.  If you are a person who does not need or want to lose any weight, but would still like to attend the party, feel free to give me $50 to put into the bar tab.  Paying non-contestants are entitled to as much as they can eat and drink at the party.

        6. The contest is open to anyone who can read the rules, pay me $50, and weigh on our scale.  Please feel free to get your spouse involved, but please don't misconstrue that invitation as my passing of judgement on your wife's weight.  

        

        Remember:  the Pig is our bridge through what is arguably the worst part of the the school year.  Dealing with 170+ teenagers at the end of February is almost a fate worse than death.  To do so while wallowing in a sweaty, bulging waistline is truly unthinkable.  Get involved, have some fun, suffer a little bit, and have a good time at the party with your coworkers.  Anybody with any questions should feel free to email me or come by the PE office anytime.  

OINK, OINK.... oh geez... sorry, it slipped.

Yes I signed up, and yes I paid my dues, and yes I weighed in....  oink oink oink.....

I have to lose 13lbs over the next 10 weeks.  If any of you want to do the math to find out how much I weigh, go for it, but prepare yourself.  You may never be the same.

So, I have to lose 1.3lbs per week for the next ten weeks, and guess what... you're in for a treat... you get to hear all about it!!  Stop back soon to hear me whine, complain, bitch, and gripe my way through the next ten weeks!!

A photo just for fun....  This is from the batch of family photos taken by the fabulous Gabriel Ryan!!  Yes, I photoshopped my leg, don't hate.

photo credit :: gabriel ryan photographers

New Years Resolution(s)(s)(s)...

I remember playing on the playground at Del Norte Elementary School and talking about how cool things were going to be in the year 2000.  I was going to be graduating high school, heading to college in my flying car, and making my robot clean my dorm and cook my meals.  Where are the flying cars and robots?  Seriously, it's 2010??!!  I can't believe that not only has the year 2000 come and went, but ten more have been tacked on!!  Is somebody playing a practical joke?  Could I seriously be having my 10 year high school reunion this year??  Ugh.... Auntie Anxiety is creepin' up on me, so I'll change the subject...

My New Year's resolutions always come in multiples.  I can never pick just one thing.  I know that to change a behavior you should concentrate on just ONE behavior, but I just can't help myself.  I always have a laundry list of things that I want to work on, so I figure that if I have ten resolutions over the course of ten years then things should even themselves out, right?  riiiiight....

So I'm resolving to have a healthier home.  I want to cook healthier meals and cook more often, make sure that Hudson is eating more of his fruits and veggies, facilitate good emotional health between Fraser and I, exercise regularly, create a more "zen-like" home environment by keeping my life more organized, STOP PROCRASTINATING (this is on the 10 year plan), continue to grow my photography business, etc etc etc....  you see what I mean?  I can't pick just one.

Because every post needs a photo or two -- here's a batch of my nephew and niece that I did over Thanksgiving.  Happy New Year everyone!!