Photography Galore!

For people who follow my blog, you know that I've been working on my photography skills. But I know I'm nowhere as good as a professional photographer, and my husband and I haven't been in many pictures together since we got married! So we hired professional photographer Christi Nelson to take some family photos this week. She spent some time with our family, running through the leaves, woods and park in our neighborhood. Although Anna stole the show with her Hannah Montana impressions... and Natalia turned away from the camera in shyness... and I smiled through some gritted teeth (and I think Anna whacked Brad in the back one time) ... I'm confident that Christi got some great shots!

Formerly Impressions Studio LLC, she's changed her name to Rawsii {Smashing Fabulous}, and she's got a great contest on her blog now for a wedding photography giveaway valued at $4200, which includes her travel and lodging anywhere in the continental U.S. If you know of ANYONE who's engaged and planning a wedding in 2010, you have to nominate them for this contest!

Enjoy the photos I took below of Natalia eating her first chocolate cupcake. She's our allergy-baby: no milk, egg, soy, or nut, so the cupcake is free of those allergens, and she had a blast!

Bow website news - and pumpkins galore!

While I was on a recent retreat, I realized I simply have not spent enough quality time with my family, or on other personal projects, during the past year that I've operated my Birdsong Bows business while also working a full-time job. I LOVE my customers and orders -- and I love making bows -- but working full-time and continuing with the website has taken its toll. Therefore, Birdsong Bows is on break for awhile; the home page says that we are temporarily closed, and I will be zero-ing down my inventory. I like this business so much, but I realize I'm only one person....posting vacation notices on my site usually slows orders, but not enough for me to enjoy a week or two off. I will let you know when the site it up and running again. Thank you to all of my wonderful customers for understanding. :)

Along those lines, I loved my quilt retreat last week, and finished several blocks! I accidentally cut up enough for a queen-sized quilt, when I only needed a twin...so there will be small quilt for a doll or something as well. :) I will post pictures soon. I just picked up an awesome Moda fabric for the backing; it's so pretty!

On Saturday we spent some time selecting pumpkins at the pumpkin patch! Enjoy the photos. Anna, Natalia, Brad and I were joined by the Prince family; one portrait is of Anna and her little friend, Toby.