Valentine's Day Shoot

My original plan for Valentine's Day photos went down the drain when I could not find the exact clothes I wanted the boys to wear. I am going to save the idea for next year so I cannot reveal what it was I wanted them to wear. Anyway, I prefer to take pictures outdoors because of the availablility of light is soooo much better than indoors. January in Massachusetts is usually not go outside without a coat on type of weather. Valentine's Day is fast approaching so I had to get pictures done soon. Josh's nap runs into the optimal picture taking time. The sun begins to set around 3:30 and Josh is usually still asleep. I will not wake him up for pictures because he would just be miserable anyway. A few days ago Josh woke up at 4:00 and it had been sunny that day. The sun was already setting but I decided to quickly get the boys dressed and we drove down the street to a patch of tall grass I a pass everyday taking Jared to and from school. The temp. outside was reading 40 degress but we were only outside for about 3 minutes. The boys were VERY cooperative. I think they were so cold that they couldn't move :) You can see in this picture how cold they were. Jared's shoulders could not stay down and Josh was literally shivering. I did manage to get a good shot that you will have to wait and see on the Valentine's Day card I send out. What Mom's do for pictures - well this mom anyway :)

Daddy's Little Helpers

Whatever it is that Mommy and Daddy are doing the boys need to be a part of it. Last Saturday Drew brewed beer and the boys had to help. Here they are stirring the grain in boiling water.

Rock Star

Hats Hats and More Hats!!!

As many of you know I am becomming more and more interested in photography and everything that goes along with it. I love taking pictures of my children although it is becomming increasingly difficult as they get older. I have taken some pictures of friends' babies and I have really enjoyed that. When our baby arrives early June I have many ideas for newborn posing. My photographer friends, Melissa, who I have mentioned numerous times in the past, is a jack of all trades. She is very crafty and I have learned so much from her. Crocheted and knitted hats are a popular newborn photography prop and I have ordered a couple from etsy.com. They can get pricey so I started looking into making my own. I found some tutorials online using the "knifty knitter" (KK). The KK is a way of knitting using a round loom. I knew that Melissa had made hats using the KK so I did not feel uncomfortable purchasing one knowing that I could ask her questions. I have found a new hobby!!! I really enjoy doing it and it is easy enough to work on while watching TV after the boys have gone to bed. I have made several hats and a cocoon for newborns. I had a couple of models in mind to use and let me tell you how cooperative they were!!! They didn't sleep for me but they did anything else I asked of them. Here they are.

Jared has "transformed" into a 5-year old!!!!!

We celebrated Jared's 5th birthday at Chuck E Cheese. All of his classmates and a few other friends joined in on the celebration.

Maternity Pics

My neightbor, Kim, asked me to take some pictures of her son kissing her belly. She is expecting baby Kole very soon!! These were her favorites.

Christmas Gifts

Christmas gifts, especially for my parents, is always a tough decision. I think it is so difficult because they have everything already. Because my hobby is photography I decided to make storyboards for both my mom and dad this year. I also made one for Jen and Rob since they are difficult to buy for as well. Here they are. . .

Babysitting

As most of you know I watch my neighbor's son, Kaden, 2 days a week. He and Josh are the same age and, for the most part, play very nicely together. On this particular day they both took one o fmy magazines, Woman's Day to be exact, sat their behinds on the couch and read. I couldn't help but snap a few pictures.

Random shot from Christmas

These are just some random snapshots of Christmas day and some of our time while in NJ. Jared and Josh opening their stocking goodies.

Santa and the reindeer must have been hungry!

Josh stuffing his face with M&M's.

One of Jared's favorite gifts from Santa - Optimus Prime Battle Blaster.

Playing with the new train table.

Jared was laughing at something while we were at Jen and Rob's.

Opening another favorite gift - Transformers Devastator from Jenny and Robbie.

CJ and Josh.

Brunch at Sumana's house. Jared playing trains with Cameron.

Kyle Gray - 5 months old.

Josh drinking Pop Pop's pepsi.