Justin's Christmas Work Party

12.11.09
Justin's work Christmas Party has been held in many locations. The first location was at a restaurant and bar located on a lake. I was pregnant with Trey, the building was hot and smoky, and the food was cold. I wanted to barf. The second year it was held at the Basque Center. This was an eventful night, and it had NOTHING to do with the food OR the location. This was the year one of Justin's coworkers changed genders and came to the party in full woman attire, with a lady friend, who was also male. (a male coworker of Justin's ended up kissing the "lady friend" not knowing she was actually a man! Hilarious!) The next two years the party was held at Bogus Basin Outfitters which was an amazing experience. We all met at a "lodge," and were taken in groups on a covered wagon/tractor ride out to a tent where we ate dinner. It was beautiful but always cold. The food was always excellent. Last year we had just had Tian and I wasn't about to leave him with a babysitter. So, this year, we got Amanda to babysit and we went to the Owhyee Plaza. Justin picked me up from work and we went downtown together to the venue. It was a beautiful hotel, perfect place for a company party.

We sat next to Justin's coworker Dyna and her husband who Justin talked hunting with ALL NIGHT LONG. I wish I had sat next to Dyna because I think we had a lot in common!

There is always a raffle, which we NEVER win.

We got home a little after 10pm, just in time for Amanda to go out with her boyfriend! The boys were in bed by 8:30 without any hassle. Perfect, nearly stress free, date night!

Indoor Soccer

12.9.09
My friends, who just so happen to also be my Visiting Teachers, play on an Indoor Soccer team. My friend Sara has been wanting to blog about Indoor Soccer, but is never able to get a picture because A. She is playing and it would be VERY difficult to get a picture of herself on the field and B. She is the goalie, and darn good at it. The Goalie is pretty hard to replace! Anyhow, she thought I would like the experience with "Action/Sports" photography and asked if I would like to take some pictures of their team. "Of course" was my response! I was so excited and up for the challenge. The day before Sara called me I had just finished my lesson on Sports and Action, so, I felt the need to find a sporting event. It was perfect timing on Sara's part!

Before I left with "the team," I played around with my camera, changed the ISO number as well as the Shutter Speed, and once I got to the building, I double checked my numbers. I didn't use a flash and I had my 28-75mm f/2.8 lens. Now that I have a telephoto lens (thanks Justin for such a surprise Christmas gift. My 28-75mm was an early Christmas gift and I thought my BIG gift. I was shocked to find another lens under the tree!) I would love to come and take more pictures Sara and Alyce (hint hint!!!).

The reason I really NEEDED a telephoto lens! If you can make out this picture, Sara is on the ground, saving an amazing ball from going into the goal. After the game, I was talking to Sara and noticed she had a pretty good sized scratch on her face. The other team basically ran over her.
I was so excited to get THIS shot! I actually got about 4 of these shots! Alyce "yelling" at the ref. Or at least, that is what it looks like!
This is a girl named Spring on their team. They have a Spring and a Season on the team. Spring is pretty dang good!
My friends and visiting teachers: Sara, in white, and Alyce in red.
"The Trash Talkers!"
Alyce competing with her 16 year old opponent. I would FREAK if I was running up against a spry 16 year old.
Alyce and I both agreed this picture would be perfect for the ROT (Rule of Thirds.). The Soccer ball is just about in perfect position for the intersecting lines. I did NOT plan it whatsoever!
Alyce in deep concentration!

Team Reflection

To be honest, I felt very lazy and fat watching these ladies run their booties off! After watching them run around for the evening, I felt as if I had ran a marathon myself. Therefore, when I was dropped off, I poured myself a big fat bowl of sugary cereal and sat on the couch. I was pooped!

Trey's the V.I.P.

12.9.09
It was Trey's lucky day to be the V.I.P. He decided to bring his "sword and shield" for show-and-tell, we baked candy cane cookies for Family Night and brought them for the preschool, and brought "gingerbread bear kits" for the treats.
Trey was so excited for his big day, he asked me to come into the classroom and take pictures of him and his friends. I was shocked! Usually I AM the one to beg for pictures!

Our "treat" we brought to share with the class. I secretly get WAY too excited about this part of preschool.
Tian in HEAVEN (behind Trey.). He LOVES the snow!

Trey ready for his V.I.P. day. Don't worry, he wore a jacket to school! He just wanted to show off his "Santa Shirt."

Lexi showing me her pet shop animal!
Tian loved walking around the classroom. I actually didn't worry about him in the least bit while I took pictures; which was very strange for me. He seemed so content just standing, watching everyone play!
Back row: left to right: (Unknown boy, Trey couldn't remember his name. So sad. Maybe he was a visitor), Gavin, Landon, Ender, Keaton Parson, Trey

Front row: left to right: Ellie, Lexi, Keatyn B. Tyler, Hadley

The Preschool area!

Tyler



This is Trey's first "school crush," Keatyn B. He talks about her quite a bit! I think they make a cute couple, but I wont be encouraging ANYTHING until Trey is about 29!

Keaton Parson

Trey playing in the closet they have turned into a Pet Shop.

Trey often says he played "pet shop" at "free time" with Keatyn B., Keaton Parson and Lexi. I have asked what "pet shop" entails and he says, "You know, where you take a pet when they are sick, hurt or dying?" Like, DUH Mom. I corrected him and said, "You mean you play Veterinary." On this particular day, Mrs. Cherry said this was the first time they played in the closet. I guess Trey was tired, or his "pet" was tired!

We love Miss Des and Mrs. Cherry and are so grateful for their patience and expertise. Trey looks forward to preschool on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Old Barn

12.6.09
I have been driving past this old farm property for 8 years now and I finally got up enough guts to trespass. I wanted to get a family picture AND complete a photography class assignment all at the same time, so, against Justin's plee, I drug them all out for a quick picture. At the time, I didn't have a tripod, so I used a good old Home Depot orange 5 gallon bucket (thanks to my friend Alyce who has probably forgotten it is still in my garage. OOOPS!) and placed my camera on top. I positioned the boys, set the Timer, and away I ran! Just as I began taking pictures, the largest snowflakes began to fall! The boys and Justin were such great sports! Thank you guys!

I can't wait to come back here in the spring. There are hundreds of old tires, a few barns and sheds, PLUS, an old white farmhouse!

***Emily, this is a place we need to go together to! I think you might enjoy it!***





Notice the large white thing below Tian's bottom lip... a big snowflake! He LOVES the snow, but more importantly, he loves to EAT the snow!

Reed Family

12.5.09
I have recently been reunited with a friend from Bend thanks to Facebook. We have lived about 15 minutes away from each other for the last 7 or 8 years and didn't know it until a few days ago. Jennifer saw some pictures I have posted on my Facebook account and asked if I would come to her home and take some pictures of her and her sweet daughters. Her husband is away on business training (for the Federal Government) and he has been hinting to her about receiving some pictures of his girls! She asked if I wouldn't mind taking their pictures for his Christmas Gift. Of course!!!


Baby Laynie


(sweetest little baby ever. Hardly made a peep!)

Brynlie
This little one reminded me of Trey in many ways. She and Trey LOVE sweets! I bribed her with a peppermint stick and she was as cooperative as ever. Unfortunately, I had a sucker in many of her pictures!

Notice the sticky sucker "juice" dripping from her chin?!


Kylie




Sisters




After braving the chilly temperatures (I couldn't begin to guess how cold it really was, but I know it couldn't have been above freezing!) we decided to go back to Jennifer's home and take some pictures inside. When Jennifer asked if we could do this, I was so hesitant. I have never taken pictures indoors for anyone but my own family; I was very nervous. THANKFULLY, I had just finished reading a chapter for my photography class about exposure, and, after some fiddling with my camera, I was put at ease. Jennifer had some great available light in a few rooms!
After a tour of their 2.5 week old NEW home, I went home asking for a new home!!! My friend Jennifer's husband likes wood working. SO, for 3 months prior to leaving for his training, he built cabinets, shelves, islands, etc. He is so talented; if only I could have told him in person!

Thank you Jennifer for contacting me. Your girls are precious, your home is beautiful, and you are an amazing mom! I enjoyed our morning together!

Santa

12.5.09
Holidays are so much more meaningful with children. Children seem to make holidays more joyous, more bright, more exciting. One aspect of Christmas that has become more exciting for Trey is visiting Santa. His first Christmas, he didn't know what to think of the old man. His second and third Christmas', Trey didn't want anything to do with Santa. But, over the past two Christmas', Trey has really looked forward to visiting Santa, telling him what he wants for Christmas, and to get a candy cane, or in case of this year, a paper "elf" hat.

We promised our little guys a trip to see Santa and Trey could hardly contain himself. When I dropped him off the day before at Daycare, he told his teacher, Miss Sherryl, "I get to see Santa tomorrow." Miss Sherryl asked Trey, "Where are you going to see him," which got Trey to thinking, "Yeah, how AM I going to see him. He is in the North Pole." I quickly told him he was making an appearance at the Mall, and that seemed to suffice his curiosity.

Tian was very curious about Santa. He knows Santa says, "Ho, Ho, HO!" He watched Santa visit with the rest of the children and was eager to get through the gates to see Santa himself, but when it became his time to actually see Old Saint Nick, well, lets just let the pictures talk for themselves!


This was Tian prior to seeing Santa. He was so excited and eager to get closer to Santa! He kept smooshing his face between the fence, trying to steal a closer look at that Jolly Old Man.

Waiting patiently in line for Santa.

I don't know how a child can go from pure contentment to pure fear in a matter of seconds, but this is what happened when Tian saw Santa:

This might be very mean, but this picture makes me laugh, just a little. Tian's face looks so sad but almost a little cute!
The walk of Terror. At least, that is what Tian is thinking!

Trey's many emotions prior to seeing Old Saint Nick:

*Nervousness*

*Anxiousness*
*Frightened!*
(this picture must have been taken RIGHT before he went with Justin to see Santa. He looks terrified!)

*contentment*
Ahhhhhhh, Trey finally got a chance to speak to the man himself. He told Santa he wanted a "Knight Helmet." HMMMMMM, just last week it was a Bumble Bee Transformer. I don't know WHAT Santa's workshop has up their sleeves, but I think they need to make a return pronto!

You might ask why the pictures of Trey and Santa were taken at such a great distance. This year, a new policy was placed. If you are not purchasing any pictures from the Santa Photographer, you have to stand behind the fence. Terrible I say!

Until next year Santa.

Dentist

12.2.09

Trey has been visiting the Dentist, Dr. Higer, since he was two. Their office is amazing, like I have mentioned in the past, but this time was exceptional. They asked Trey if a student could come and observe the exam because "he was such a great patient!" He didn't seem to mind one bit! He enjoyed playing the Leapster prior to the exam and watched one of his favorite shows, Happy Feet on the ceiling TV while they cleaned his teeth.

Dr. Higer noticed a little spot on his upper right molar, which is an abnormality, but perfectly normal. Nothing to be concerned about.

The whole exam, from start to finish, maybe 15-20 minutes!

I couldn't help but take advantage of the "available lighting" I was getting in the dentists office!

The student, in pink, learning off of Trey's mouth!



Dr. Higer! She is such a classy lady!


Trey waiting for Dr. Higer, playing the Leapsters each room has.