Wingman

Summer has been my bff and "wingman" since we were 15. All it took was an introduction to drinking games and being rebellious and I was hooked! She's been there for me through thick and thin, she's been my boss and graced me some of the funniest memories of my life so far. Seventeen years later, here we are. Me, two kids, her, about to pop her first. I was honored to take her maternity photos since this kid is practically my niece! How exciting to watch her grow and glow with anticipation for this new baby. Life as she knows it, as cliche as it sounds, will never be the same. I think much better and more fun! What? Summer Fun having MORE fun? Yep, she will soon see the beauty of being a mom, watching her baby girl grow and her realization of how much HER mom loved her when she was a baby and still loves her that much now. I cannot wait to bring my camera to the hospital on the big day! I am tearing up now just thinking about it! As a proud Aunt should! I love you Summer and Nick and soon to be Baby Paige! Welcome to the best life yet........oh and as soon as you're up for it, WE.WILL.SNOWBOARD.

"ho, ho, ho, me me kiss"

Translation: Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas! That's what the twins have been saying for the past 3 weeks! When we got the Christmas tree there was a Santa blowup and we told them who he was and said the above famous phrase. It stuck with them this whole time. They see snow, they say the phrase. They see a cartoon with Christmas theme, they say the phrase. It's so cute and melts our hearts. In fact, they are still saying it today, 5 days after the big holiday and we just can't let it go. I am happy that we have talked to them about Jesus and hinted to them that he is the reason WHY we celebrate the holiday. We talked about my nativity scene and Aubrey of course saw the baby Jesus and wanted to hold him. I think next year it may sink in a bit more, they are still so young. The other day I had some hot coco heating up after we played in the snow. I had to take this picture. Aubrey LOVES watching me drink my coffee so she finally got her own "ca-ee". Here's the evidence.

Quote of the day......

"Never compare your journey with someone else's. It's a marathon with no finish line. Someone else may start out faster than you, may seem to progress more quickly than you, but every runner has his own pace. Your journey is your journey, not a competition. You will never "arrive". No one ever does."

I came across this quote today. Something that has been on my mind lately is my journey into photography. I have loved everything about taking pictures since I was a little kid. Loved having my pictures taken and taking my own. The first camera I took a picture with was a Polaroid. So fun to have instant gratification right after you take a picture! In college I studied film photography and although it was cumbersome being in the darkroom, it was so rewarding seeing the finished product! Once I got married I continued to take pictures with my SLR then I got my first digital camera shortly thereafter. Looking back at the pixelated shots, I remember how amazing I thought they were back then. And I still do because they captured a moment that meant something and I will never forget. This is why I got into photography in the first place. Creating awesome memories and growing in composition and style as well! Even though my start up into professional digital photography has come quickly, I know journey has been long! I am so happy and full when my eye is behind that camera and I cannot imagine ever stopping! So here's to "mile 13" of my marathon! And many more miles to come! This picture was taken at LAX during Aubrey's second trip out to Florida. She loved watching the planes take off.

Baby Mama

Jessie Pavia, the owner and creator of Baby Mama (www.babymama4all.etsy.com) came over to my house for a shoot with her girls. Her jewelry and accessories line is one of a kind! I call it "pin-up girl meets rocker chic". Let me tell you, as an owner of many of her pieces, I feel so good when I wear it! People always ask "where did you get that?" All of her pieces are very stylish, girly and beautiful! I can imagine her in her space working long and hard....and you can totally tell in the detail. Thanks Jessie for braving the icy hill to make it up to do this shoot! And here's to Baby Mama (and Little Mama too!) being the coolest accessories around!

Downsizing

The Caddy is gone. Josh sold it to our friends Scott and Kristen. Bitter sweet really. WE don't need two cars really we don't. Since Josh and I both work from home most of the time it makes sense. Yes, we will save on gas, insurance ect. but dang it that car was so fun and comfy to ride in. I am happy that they will have a safe car for their cute baby girl Brooklyn! What a cutie this kid is! Aubrey was obsessed with her, as usual, and we got to play a bit in the studio. I forgot how much fun 6 month olds are. I get a bit jealous thinking about how cute and cuddly and easy that stage was, at least now that I have 2-2 year olds! 6 months is easy to me NOW that I have already been there. So here's a couple of pretties for you K and S. More to come on the proofing section of my site!

To blessed to be stressed

Last night I had a revelation: It's an absolute miracle that we were blessed to have 2 healthy and amazing children despite the fact that we needed a test tube to conceive them. A boy and a girl.....are you kidding me? How blessed is THAT!? I have a few friends who are going through some seriously medical challenges with their kids, V and Stephen are fighting cancer TIMES TWO in their house....V has stage III ovarian cancer and her 2.5 year old son Aexander (Alec) has brain cancer. I am praying for them non-stop and hope that good comes out of all of this. "Alexander the Great" is what they call him at their caringbridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alexandermartinez

I mean, c'mon. This is the definition of perspective! When I think I've had a bad day, it's nothing compared to the day V and Stephen and Alec are going through. It's funny how life teaches us things when we are ready to learn. I have surrendered to growth and I am letting God do the work. My twins are a miracle, no doubt, and to say my cup is full is an understatement, but I am so grateful for God's blessings on my life. Thank you Lord for showing me this through growth. I pray for all those in need and may your miracles never cease! AMEN!

'Tis the season...

...To be BUSY!! Man, this year is like none other...I have a new found respect for photographers and the work they do this time of year. Christmas cards are hard work. If you are nit picky like me, you will edit your work a million times until it's perfect. So, I did a couple of shoots for some of my homies, Angie and Rose and their lil families and it was a blast. They have Christmas cards as well courtesy of none other then mio! I hope they enjoy the final product as much as I do! Here's a couple of pretties (my new nickname for good pics!) from the shoots!

Mac-a-roni!

Nick names are a big part of my life.......my dad started this funny tradition when I was very small. Ever since I can remember he has called me "Ace". My mom has been "Da Mama" and my big bro has been "Big boy". Something must have stuck with me because I also have nicknamed everyone in my important in my life. Robyn is Bino, Kathy is Carlizzie. Angie is Zhalene (a name her sis in law called her once so I ran with it!) Summer is Sumi or Moto. Mariah is Mo. Josh is Honey, Babe. Aubrey is Aubee or Bree. Gavin is Gav Gav. You get the picture. So yesterday when my iMac arrived, I thought....Mac-a-roni!! I know, kind of lame, but it sounds good for now. And here I am offically typing my first blog entry on my iMac. It's wonderful. My PC's are all now dead to me, seriously. Well, my work laptop is a Dell..which I have to use for work, but this Mac...it's life changing! I hope to get used to it quick and have some great photo editing on it as well. So here's to a new beginning and a fresh start. No more pop ups or random virus scans.......and really, it's so pretty. Just so pretty pretty!

Angel Eyes

OK, so Abby....this 18 month old beauty rocked my world today. Just one look at those eyes, and you're done. She is so cute, smart, personable, easy going......all I can say is her parents are lucky to have such a great kid! We shot her and her mama Sarah today. You see, Abby will be a big sister at the end of January. She has so much to teach her little sister about everything! I have no doubts this kid will be her little sisters hero.....what a pure beauty and such a joy to shoot! I wish all 18 month olds did this for me! Thanks Sarah for "hanging" with me today....I love you and can't wait to see you again when the new baby girl arrives! More to come Sarah, and just so you know this blog does NOT JUSTICE For the vibrance and color in every pic...we will look at the slideshow when they are all done!!!;)

TWO!

Happy 2ND birthday to my miracle twins! This day 2 years ago we were headed to Legacy Salmon Creek hospital in the light snow at 6am to check in for my scheduled c-section. I got to triage and they hooked me up to the monitors, 2 belts for the kids, one for me! I was swollen, nervous, and READY! We waited an hour past our go time since there was an emergency ahead of us. I remember getting up to use the bathroom a million times during that wait....nerves and all the fluids they were pumping into my IV. I also had HORRIBLE reflux that was at it's peak on delivery day so they gave me Previcid in my IV as well....My parents, Josh's parents were all in the waiting room with us when my OB came in in her scrubs and said it's time. I cried as my mom left, she was my MOM and now I was becoming one! Aubrey was born at 10:14am weighing 5lbs11oz and 18 3/4 in. long and a full head of straight black hair. Gavin came shortly thereafter at 10:15, weighing 5lbs9oz and 18 1/2 in. long and bald. Dr. Gibbons said "Look, it's a little Josh and Amy!" There were lots of beautiful newborn cries, Josh and I were just in so much love from the beginning. We had an amazing team of nurses and Docs who took care of our babies. They were perfect and healthy in every way....we were so blessed to have our babies at almost 38 weeks...so healthy!
I can't believe how fast it goes by........they are starting to sit on the potty, throw tantrums, talk clearer, make more messes (but enjoy cleaning up!) but the best is when they say WOVE YOU!! Thank you Lord for my 2 blessings from above.....life wouldn't be the same without them!

"if you want me to"

I have been trying to decide on my play list for my website....it's been fun but tough. I wanted to pick songs that mean something to me but also reflect ME and my life and testimony.......

So I picked "If you want me to" by Ginny Owens.....she sings "It may not be the way I would have chosen, but you lead me through a world that's not my home..." I just get so choked up when I hear this song. It's been my "go to" song when things are crazy and I need to get grounded.....I remember my purpose here, why I even have the amazing life that I do. It's not because of me....it's all about HIM. I am so proud to say I have a relationship with Jesus and he gets me through everything.

This is why this is my FIRST song on my website. I hope it touches people when they hear it.....because it's not about us, it's about the one who brought us here, to live and laugh and love just like he did.

And of course, I had to put my boy Chris Martin of Coldplay in second. "Sparks" is the epitomy of me and Josh. Our love is full of sparks....good and bad ones, but whatever we go through, we love eachother so much in the end. So thank you Coldplay for your awesome lyrics and magical music!

All the other songs are my all time faves....but as you know, it's hard to make a playlist, especially when you love so many. So I picked my top 8 and that's what you get!!!

The site should go live next week...I hope you enjoy!

OH! And what's a blog post without a couple of good pics of MIRACLES!!!!!

Website!

So it's been purchased! I went to bludomain and got my nifty new template all picked out and ready to be built.....this is huge for me as I was once an outcast when it came to anything this technical....but my years of emailing, searching the web and downloading has paid off. I will be asking help from my graphics guru friend Mo, but it should be up and running in a couple of weeks! This is the beginning...I will christen this blog now by saying Amy Hall Photography has offically begun! Pics to come.....of course! ;)

New studio!!!

Yes, it's official! I have a home studio. It's in the "beta" phase right now..I only have a black backdrop, but I will be adding to the collection of colors and I have all my lights in place! It's really been fun to play with the settings so I have so much to learn! The twins had their first REAL Halloween this year where they got to trick or treat and walk the 'hood in their costumes! Really, without kids, Halloween is pretty boring, in my opinion!! Here's the best shots we got in their gear...Gavin refused to wear anything but his Dodgers jersey, so we ran with it!

Desprate Housewives-Rocker STYLE!

Yeah, my neighbor Koreen is my soul mate as far as style!!! She let me come over and shoot her yesterday to practice with my new lens (Canon 24-70mm...let's just say AMAZING!) and she is so beautiful!! Makes my job easy.....anyway, we had fun, it was cut short due to Aubrey crying on the long distance monitor...but hey, I got a couple of amazing shots and I can't wait to shoot more of her and her fam!!

Long time no blog!

So it's been a while dear blog. I missed you.....I was caught up in too many other things! I'm sorry. I promise to write more. I NEED to write more. It helps my crazy head vent, clear, reflect..whatever the case may be. SO here I am. Super happy, super busy (taking photos for $, working, having a ball with my lil family of 4!) Anyway, we have been so blessed through this horrid economy! God IS GOOD! J got signed to play with BCI Edge (Basket Club International) once again after a 3 year retirement. This team is amazing! They are Goodwill ambassadors and do a ton of charity work in between games and press events. He get's to work out here to stay in shape then fly out to Amsterdam this winter, South America and China this spring. We are hoping to take the kids to Amsterdam..what a trip that would be! TBD for sure on that one..... I am really digging photography these days, my kids love the camera as well. I have a few contacts and friends that are requesting I take their photos which is awesome! My mentor and friend Kathy is helping me along the way. We decided I need a new lens..more then anything. I have CS3, the Canon Rebel, a good photog eye and a passion for it, all I need is that darn lens. So it's a work in progress...I will get it maybe for Christmas or my birthday? Who knows? Anyway, my kids are growing up so fast it's just a blessing to have all these amazing pics of them and FOR them to look at when they grow up. My dad was and is the king of gadgets and electronics. He had a 8mm film camera when I was born and taped me in the hospital getting my first bath and tons of footage of me and my brother running around as kids on the east coast visiting relatives to our home birthday parities. I am so thankful my dad got that camera and captured so much of our childhood. So this is why I plan to keep on with the photography and see where it goes. More then a hobby for sure......here's some new pics of the kids...dang they are precious!! Can you believe Aubrey's curls? She is 1/8 Jewish so I guess it was bound to happen to at least one of the twins!

Best Stage ever!

This phrase I use loosely because I think every stage my kids go through is the best. HOWEVER, this 18-19 month phase is so amazing. They are really turning into individuals with opinions and attitudes. I used to be able to dress them, change their diapers, take them anywhere without a fuss. Now for Aubrey it has to be the "gold" shoes or she won't leave the house and Gavin has to have his "blankie" everywhere we go. I love it, they are truly magical and a blessing I could have never dreamed of! This summer is so far our best because we can go more places without worrying about breastfeeding or changing a million diapers or having to get the kids home for nap # 2 (they only take one now!!) It also melts my heart to see Josh play and love on them. He is the best dad a mom could ask for and I can't believe he's mine!

My first maternity shoot!

I had the honor of shooting my friend Angie this weekend belly, boobs and all! She is due in 4 weeks and looks amazing (not matter what she thinks!) I loved what she did with the nursery and how ready she is for this baby. Like Angie, I am a planner, and I totally get the nesting she is going through. I also have a deep emotional investment with Angie and Keegan and all they went through to get to this point. Infertility sucks, and until you have been there, it's hard to understand. You feel crazy, helpless and jealous. But once you finally get your miracle, it's worth every tear that falls. I cannot wait to meet this Lil Diva called Avery Dawn Smith.....she will be beautiful that's for sure! See the beauty....

Yeah, my kids are cute!

I mean it, they are adoreable, georgeous, amazing, wonderful and the best thing that's ever happened to me and Josh besides eachother! I like saying this in writing more then in person because I don't want to be annoying and go on and on about how good looking and smart my kids are.....

One of the best lessons my Josh has taught me is to be humble in everything you do.....he is the most athleticly and musically talented person I know, but he would never tell you that. He has always been a "silent leader" and man, I really respect and love that about him. Never brags about his accomplishements (Pro Basketball for the Euro League,NAIA National Player of the Year, All American, the list goes on and on...someone has to brag for the guy!)

Point is, as I get older, I realize that humbleness is a virture I really want to strive for....the Bible speaks about this and I would rather people ask then me tell them all the amazing things my kids and my husband do. So, here's a pic of the beauties I took yesterday in the courtyard. They love it outside and I can't get them to come in once they are out......life is getting so much more fun with these two...I wonder what they will be up to next?

OCD

Obsessive? Check. Compulsive? Check. Disorder? Maybe. I just can't help it. I swear it must have started when I was young. I do remember organizing my room and everything having a place. HOWEVER, I can't seem to keep drawers/cabinets organized....what gives? I call it "surface clean". Works for me, drives Josh nuts. I am very lucky to have a clean husband. His closet trumps ANY organization I have ever seen........Anyway, the point is, I have become a bit OCD about my kids cleanliness.....and I so want to blame it on my mom, but thats just a cop out and instead I should break that generational cycle. We were at my parents house a few weeks back and my dad had some old 8mm flim put on to a DVD of our childhood. The first grainy silent shot was of the day I was born. (I had really thick black hair btw, just like Aubrey did) And then my brother holding me. THEN my mom bathing me in the kitchen sink....and she was scrubbing me like there was no tomorrow! So after Josh saw this, he said "You do the same thing!" He was right.. I catch myself wiping faces before they are finished eating and other things I should just let go. I can't pass this down to my kids! I have learned that I have such rituals with the twins. Nap, play, eat, nap, play, eat, BATH, story, brush teeth, nite nite. The bath part is something I get super anal about. I have learned that we don't need to bathe then EVERY day. They really don't get that dirty with the execption of a food fight or poop blow out. But sometimes, like today, we skip 2 days.....and my OCD kicks into overdrive........I must work on this. My children will be ok, a bit stinky on the privates, but ok..........I can't wait till tomorrow, we are def. taking a bath!

Why live elsewhere?

Seriously, I would never want to live anywhere else! Today confirmed this. Summer and I decided that after a 2 year hiatus of no snowboarding, we were due! It was, as we like to say, a day to remember up at the mountain. It snowed the night before and clear blue skies with 0-5 mph winds! Silent and beautiful and warm! We had one season like this about 3 years ago, we went up on our 10 time passes and we had the time of our lives! This day took me back to before I had kids when it was easy to get to the mountain because I didn't need a baby sitter......and I never realized how easy my life was then! LOL! The best part was I missed them the whole time and coming home was so awesome! Josh had a great day playing, feeding and being dad with the twins and I had my perfect day on the mountain with my best girlfriend Summer!!

I LOVE CS3!!!

I got CS3 (Photoshop Creative Suite 3) for Christmas from Josh.....what a great gift. I have always loved photography, but never really put much time or effort into it until I met the great Kathy Carlisle (http://www.heavenseyephotography.com/). She started by just taking pics of me and my kids, but now she is my photog mentor......Anyway, point is, I got my new camera from my pops, and now I have my software! I just need a MAC and my life will be perfect! Kiddin....So I set my camera to RAW and finally took my pics to the next level. It's just going to get better from this point so watch out world, Amy Hall Photography will be a reality someday soon I hope!! Here's a few for fun of my 13 month beauties.....dang I love those lil twinkies!