Thursday, December 18, 2008

icicles.




First, a little background. Our darling daughter truly enjoys thinking that she is a grown up. She isn't even two yet, which makes me really worry about what her teen years will be like. Ha Ha, I think we are in for it. Whatever she does, she will always try to do it by herself. She enjoys trying to drink her daddy's coffee, or whatever we are drinking. (Which reminds me of when I was little- I used to steal my dad's drink so often that it is still a running joke between us, and now I tell my daughter to steal from him too. He loves it.)
When we sit down to eat at a restaurant, one of the ways we can actually keep her sitting is by offering her the ice in one of our drinks. "Ice" is now one of her top words.

Now that you have the background, on to our story. We have been snowed in for two days now. it was a little fun and exciting at first, but we are all starting to go a little stir crazy. Remember "The Shining?" Ok, nothing that bad, LOL. So last night, we busied ourselves by making a fire while eating dinner. My husband, Matt had the brilliant idea to open the door, break off a gigantic icicle, and give it to our little ice-lover. She totally went to town on that thing, and we finally had to break it into a smaller chunk so she wouldn't freeze to death eating the thing. Her little hands and cheeks were bright red. Such a perfect way to end the evening!

Monday, December 15, 2008

snow day(s?)



I copied this post from weather.com about the snowfall here in the southern CA mountains.
"2:26 pm ET
It's snowing...hard: The reports we're receiving from Southern California paint a picture that the snow falling over the mountains of Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Bernardino counties is coming down fast and furious.

In Crestline (San Bernardino County): A foot or more of snow has fallen in a short time resulting in hazardous travel. Two semis are jack-knifed on highway 138 between highway 18 and the city of Crestline. Numerous disabled vehicles on Highway 18.

The snowfall rate in Running Springs, California is running at 1 foot of snow per hour! That is a sight to be seen...or maybe not...as you can imagine visibility is close to zero.

What's that you ask? Do I feel guilty for taking the day off? And NOT risking the life of my daughter? nope. not at all. I love my second graders. I think they will be fine without me for today. And maybe tomorrow... and the next day.... Ugh.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

playdates are fun.







My girl and I got to meet up with a friend I met on Flickr at the Wild Animal Park in San Diego. The girls had so much fun together, and I felt like I had known my flickr friend forever, although it was the first time we had met in real life. Unfortunately, my girl was overtired and suffering from an early onset of the "terrible two's". She was grateful to be able to run around with her new friend. It was a fabulous day, and I am thrilled to have met these two wonderful people!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

For once, I can touch what my heart used to dream of


For once in my life I have someone who needs me
Someone I've needed so long
For once, unafraid, I can go where life leads me
Somehow I know I'll be strong

For once I can touch what my heart used to dream of
Long before I knew
Oooh Someone warm like you
Would make my dream come true

For once in my life I won't let sorrow hurt me
Not like it hurt me before
For once, I have something I know won't desert me
I'm not alone anymore

For once, I can say, this is mine, you can't take it
As long as I know I have love, I can make it
For once in my life, I have someone who needs me

For once in my life I won't let sorrow hurt me
Not like it hurt me before
For once, I have something I know won't desert me
I'm not alone anymore

For once, I can say, this is mine, you can't take it
Long as I know I have love, I can make it
For once in my life, I have someone who needs me

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Halloween and Aunt Jenny.





Aunt Jenny was due to visit us on Thursday, October 30th. She is in charge of Lilly's Halloween costume because she loves doing that kind of thing. On Monday, she called saying that my dad had suffered a minor stroke and that my mother was in the hospital with abdominal pain. My mom ended up having gall stones, which needed to be removed.

"Nenny" is the kind of person who needs to make sure that everyone is happy and ok, so her trip was in jeopardy. Thankfully, my dad seemed to be doing well, and my brother volunteered to take care of my mom while Jen was here. I'm so happy that she was able to come out- she's such a great support for me. We tried to convince her to move to CA with us, but she isn't buying it- YET. *smiles*

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Pumpkins.






We took a glorious drive today and found ourselves at a pumpkin patch. we drove over the river (eerrmm, lake) and through the woods, then onto the badlands, and finally found ourselves surrounded by pumpkins. I honestly felt like we were driving around in a fairy tale. Lilly picked out her own pumpkins (I had a hard time stopping her at three) and pushed them around in her stroller. It was so much fun, and the perfect way to spend a gorgeous Sunday.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

early frost.























The family and I headed out to Big Bear yesterday, and it was a beautiful, brisk day. We ate some breakfast (mmm, pancakes and coffee!) and then walked around a bit. It was sunny, but pretty cold-33 degrees! As we strolled, my hubby and I noticed some places that had traces of snow already, and then we saw these plants. The poor things were covered in ice, with no chance of seeing warmth again anytime soon.

I think this may be a sign that our summer has come to a close, whether we like it or not. Fall is one of my favorite seasons, though. I think this is a sign that we will see a beautiful winter!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

a newborn shoot.





Baby "A" was born on my birthday, so I think it is quite fitting that I got to be his very first photographer (well, besides mom and grandma, ha ha!). There are no words to describe the session, so I will just let the photos speak for themselves.

Monday, September 15, 2008

The S. Family





Wow, what a great Sunday!! We went to a really gorgeous location, and the family was really fun and cooperative! Mom, dad, and baby "D" were naturals- interacting with each other, playing, and what a gorgeous girl! She was all-around entertaining: making silly faces, getting super close to the camera, and telling me all the animal noises she knows. I had such a good time. I was so nervous going into it, and I feel like I forgot about a million things while the shoot was happening. There were many shots that I had planned in my head that I completely forgot about when we were there, but I am really happy with the session as a whole. I hope the family enjoys their photos!
Thank you again, S family!!!!
Kristen

Saturday, September 13, 2008

crazy week.




To say that it has been a crazy week is the understatement of the year. Monday started off with bad news, a death of my friend's husband, who left behind three young daughters, one of whom turned two on Tuesday. September 11th was my birthday, my twin's birthday, my cousin's birthday, and the birth of my first maternity client's baby! Baby A was born around 3 pm!

All this and more. On Monday, I got a text from my twin's boyfriend: "what size ring does Jen wear?" Me: "Why? :)" and then of course I gave him my best guess. I knew what he was planning, and I must say that Ron was very brave to ask me because he should know that I have a hard time keeping secrets from her. (We usually tell each other EVERYTHING.)
Ron asked my parents for their blessing a few days later, and today he proposed!!!! I'm so excited for them both, and I will be taking some photos of them as soon as they come out to visit. It was the perfect happy ending to such an otherwise terrible week.

Love you two!!! Congrats!

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

longing.


I wish every weekend could be a three-day weekend. I miss the beach and the sound of the waves, crashing in, one after the other. We actually spent the weekend in San Diego, visiting both the Zoo and the Wild Animal Park. The animals were gorgeous and we had so much fun together.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

ummmm, yeah.

My daughter has gotten tall enough to be able to reach things that are perched on the counter top. Today, she discovered the pull spout on the bottom of the water jug and let loose! After the initial shock, I decided that it was a good opportunity for photos, and we had a blast sliding around on the kitchen floor. :) She makes life so fun and silly.... I'm forever grateful for this little mischievous angel of mine.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

grateful.

It has been an extremely busy start of the school year, and many of my loved ones are going through really hard times. It has taken a toll on me and sometimes, stress can get the better of me. I have felt like I am being thrown into too many directions all at once, and I don't think that I have been handling it with grace.

So, I have been taking time each morning to really think of all the things I am grateful for, and it is starting to make a big difference. For me, family has always been the most important piece of my life. My daughter is such an amazing blessing, with all her quirks and silliness.

She has recently learned how to climb out of her crib, which just amazes me. She is really starting to explore her world, and seeing the world through her eyes makes everything new again, and absolutely full of wonder.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

first maternity shoot.





A friend of mine has a daughter who is due in a few weeks, and I volunteered to do a maternity shoot for her so I can start building my portfolio.

I had so much fun. Mommy(L.) was really helpful and she was willing to try a lot of fun things. Her mom and husband helped me set up shots, too.
I actually had to bring my daughter along due to odd circumstances, and they were more than accommodating.
Lilly got to play with their doggies, swim in the pool, and got lots of attention.

One of the things mom (L.) always wanted was a painting of a basketball on her tummy if it was a boy, and sunflowers or a watermelon if it was a girl. Her mom painted
her stomach after we finished the other poses, and these photos turned out to be some of my favorites.

Thanks P. family for all your help and for a fun Saturday...

K

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Matt Mintz.

Sometimes, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. This is my husband, who is such a great support for me. He's my best friend and an amazing daddy. He's also an extremely talented writer and musician. He has recently finished his 5 song demo, and when I listen to it, I can't believe that I'm actually married to him. Go listen and let him know what you think.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

new business cards


I just received these new cards from Moo.
To describe them in one word, I'd say they are fabulous. My plan is to get these into as many hands as possible so that I can get a little business going. Since I am still building a portfolio, my session fee is going to be pretty low to start off with. Anyone in the Crestline, CA area interested? :)

-thinking only good thoughts....
K

Sunday, August 10, 2008

study.



















Today, I'm gathering new materials I've purchased from PinkleToes for photographers (see link to the right). Going through everything is a bit overwhelming, because she has included so much! The business end of things is going to be difficult for me- I've offered to do maternity sessions for two of my friends because I want to build my portfolio, but I'm afraid that I won't have the guts to even ask them to order prints from me. Even if i do, I have no idea what I would charge. So the word for the day is "study" because I need to do more research. One day, I'll have it all figured out. Or mostly. Ha. Ha.

Saturday, August 02, 2008

Wine tasting.



I discovered a new wine. A little over a week ago, I went wine tasting here in Southern California with some friends of mine. This is a Ruby Port wine, which is strong and sweet. Just look at those legs! I had to snatch up a bottle from the winery. (Can you see the fly in the second photo? Even he wanted a sip!)

So here's to the weekend! Cheers!

Monday, July 28, 2008

summer is over.



Today was my last official day of summer vacation. I am sad to leave this little one, even though I know she will be in great hands.
Here is how we spent our day....
I woke her at 7:30- trying to get her ready for tomorrow, when she has to wake up at 6:30.
We ate breakfast of blackberries and waffles. (She ate more blackberries than waffles).
We drove to the nearest Arboretum where we walked and played in the garden.
We napped.
We woke up and had a snack of grapes and cheese while heading to Gymboree.
We played at Gymboree and went shopping for groceries so we would be prepared for the week ahead.
We danced and played at home for a bit, then I put her to bed.

It's going to be a rough day tomorrow. Wish us luck!

Monday, July 21, 2008

now selling stock....



That's right, I've ventured into a new arena- stock photography. Here are the two images that I've gotten into a stock company called photoshelter. I am currently looking into other stock photography companies, as well. It would be amazing to see my images on a billboard one day!




here is my official photoshelter page:
http://psc.photoshelter.com/user/kristenmintz