Monday, September 28, 2009

Kross Family

I love family portrait time. It is always a challenge getting large groups together with all the different personalities. Some have big ones, others are shy, others who hate being in front of the camera, some are goof balls. All of these dynamics are what make family sessions so much fun. It is my job to not only get some great shots but to have the family work together and most importantly to have FUN!
The Kross family is all of that and more. They were up for anything and just happy to be all together. I treasure this family. The love that starts from the top and trickles down to the siblings and on to all their other relationships is truly a blessing. I love how each sibling looks out for each other and still enjoys spending time together. God definitely had our paths cross for a reason. We will forever be touched by this beautiful family. I often look through magazines for different ideas and poses to keep things interesting and have been anxiously waiting to try out a bubbles idea. I knew the Kross family would be the perfect candidates for this so we started off with bubbles, bubbles and more bubbles. It was the perfect thing to loosen everyone up. I cannot wait until next years session or maybe even an engagement session. wink, wink! :)

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Pumpkin Squares

My favorite time of the year is Fall. The smell of pumpkin spice in the air gives me the warm and fuzzies. To kick of the season I decided to put my apron on and bake one of my favorite recipes.
For those who know me they know it is going to take a lot of practice to ever become like my mother in the kitchen but I am going to start trying to have fun doing it. I know I definitely need to keep my day job though!
Baked and ready to be cut into squares and served with a cup of hot tea. I made the recipe card in my Creative Memories Storybook 3.0 software. Stay tuned for a fun project I am working on.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Big Bear Retreat

I love traditions! Life can be so full of changes that holding on to a few things that we do year in and year out gives me the warm and fuzzies inside. One of these traditions is our annual Scrapbooking Retreat to Big Bear. Even though I am working, (my part time job as a Creative Memories Consultant) I look forward to this weekend so much. It is a jammed packed weekend of fun, food, friendships, fellowship, relaxation, projects and goals, oh did I mention food?
We stay at an amazing Bed & Breakfast called Apples. Barbara, her family & staff take such good care of us we never want to leave. For those of you that scrapbook you can understand how we can work around the clock for three days on our precious albums. If you aren't as hard core as some of us then you can take a break and head down to the lake, go shopping downtown, get a massage, take a nap, read a book, watch a movie, or just simply hang out. The weekend is all about YOU!
The food is all handmade with love by the amazing staff at Apples. They wait on you all weekend long. You never have to lift a hand. Oh, and don't plan on coming with any kind of diet agenda because you fail it in a big way! Their food is so delicious. In fact, they even came out with a cookbook you gotta have. Check it out here.
My favorite part of the weekend is getting to spend time with all my favorite gals and powering through like 75 pages. What more could a girl ask for? Traditions, Traditions...This is my 10th year coming to Big Bear! I love it!JoAnn, Elaine, Belen, Emily, Jeri, Debbie, Brenda, Sara, Maureen, Tessa, Katya, Vivianne and Tiffany thanks for coming. Can't wait for next year!

Friday, September 11, 2009

Cooking with Rachel & Chelsea

Good friends, good food... the perfect recipe for a wonderful day. Rachel is going to school right now to become a chef so Chelsea and I thought it would be fun to have a cooking lesson. I am no Betty Crocker but I am definitely trying to become a better cook which equals becoming a better wife.
We started off with making stuffed chili's and then prepared our dessert. Everything turned out awesome (probably because I was doing more note taking and less cooking) but the company was the best part.
Thanks Rachel for sharing your knowledge and to the Arnett family, we just adore you! Thanks for having Tony and I over. We need to do this again soon.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Bubble Bath

Boys- it's bath time. We promise it's for your own good. You have so much fun at the dog parks but we found your first flea. They don't stand a chance through all the bubbles....