My Handmade Christmas

I made 3 of these outfits for all of my girlies. The finished product had red buttons going down the middle of the t-shirt. I LOVE the way they came out! I was super excited making these gifts! Did you see the flower? Want me to teach you how to make it? I was thinking how I really want to put up a tutorial of some sort, but I don't get any comments. So if you want a flower clip tutorial, LET ME KNOW! Oh, by the way, sorry about the poor photo quality, I was dead tired, and finished this super late at night. So, Hannah Grace, Savannah, and Gabby all got handmade christmas gifts! Now what am I going to do for next year?!!

Another preview!

Just another quick one of my friend's engagement shoot. Hope they like them (cross your fingers!)Thanks guys for the fun!.

Engagement Session

Just a little preview of my friend Sophie and her husband to be. This was a fun shoot. I was feeling a little under the weather, but we made do, and got some great shots! She picked such a beautiful spot for these photos! You'll be seeing more of this background in photos to come! Hope they like them. Blessings you guys!

Sister In Law purse!

Okay, so I never put my crafts or sewing projects on this blog, but I was so excited about this one I decided to show you all what I did!
This year with my hubby out of work I decided I would make a few gifts. Even though I spent a little too much on fabric, it still comes out less expensive. So anyways, we usually only buy gifts for the kids in my family, but this year I thought it would be nice to make all of my beautiful sister in laws a purse! And since I have a niece who is 9 I thought I'd make her one too. So, I picked this cute fabric for her, and my youngest sister in law. This one is Savannah's, I'm not completely finished with it yet. I'm thinking I'll add a pocket on the inside and outside, and I'm going to screen print an "S" on the front! So, what do you think?
What would you say if I said I was thinking about putting up a tutorial for you to try this for yourself? It's really easy, if you're a beginner, I'm sure you'd be able to tackle this with no problems. Let me know! See if maybe now i'll get a comment or 2! :)

Another one... cuz it's my fave!

Ahhh... My favorite one so far. These girls are GORGEOUS!!!

Not so little, little brother...

I've also been working on my little bro in laws football pics. Here's just one for now. I'm working on putting him on a magazine cover like the one I did for my boy. Except of course my mother in law doesn't want espn magazine, she wants sports illustrated!! grr....

I've been busy!

Okay, Okay, Okay, I've had a busy day. But it's all good, I got to spend some time with my super cool cousins, and ALL their kiddos! Let me tell you, it is sooo hard to get a good pic with all the kids looking at the camera at the same time! I hope my cousin Rachel likes em!!!

Just testing my mobile blogger!

My church friends

Just a random pic. We spent ALL day at game day in fresno. We had fun. Our guys basketball team placed 3rd, our ladies B-ball team placed 1st, and we forfeited our volleyball game after finishing the first round in 1st place. We were all tired and hungry...

Happy Birthday to my little man!

My Little man celebrated his birthday last tuesday. I can't believe he's 8!!! I have an 8 year old! No way! and as my 10th year reunion is coming up fast, I still can't believe that I have an 8 year old! I'm trippin!!! I'm so proud of him. Well, I made him this invitation for his tailgate themed birthday party next saturday. What do you think? I also made him some little mini invites since were inviting a few more than a little bit. Well, if you were to comment me, I'd appreciate it mucho, but if for some reason you can't comment, then I'm sure you could e-mail me a little note. I'm just saying. Have a great sunday!!

Guess where I've been

We just got home from camping in Pismo. My father in law likes us to go every year around his birthday which happens to be the day before mine. This year it was special, it's his 50th! Here's a pic of me and the kids making silly faces. I've decided that no matter how awful I think I look in pics, I don't want for my children someday to look for a picture of me with them in their childhood, and find nothing. I want my kids to look back, and think "yeah, mom was kinda cool" So there's my post for tonight.
In other news, my friend from church has passed away, and even though I have more pismo pics to post, my heart is busy with thoughts of her, and her family's grief, and most of all her new home. I'm praying for her family...

Hanah Walking

Another video of my little girly girl.
I couldn't resist posting this. I'm so proud, and at the same time sad. Sad that she's growing up faster than i'd like. I know she's not exactly going to school and all, but she IS getting bigger, and older. Soon these days are going to be a distant memory, and we'll be more focused on other milestones. Like my boys, how in the world did they get to this age?! Gabe's going on 8 at the start of nov., and eli just turned 6! Wow, time sure flies when you're having fun huh. Well, enjoy!

Hannah in the diaper derby!

You MUST be getting tired of her by now...

I know, I know, I know. I post a LOT of pics of my lil girl. But I just can't help it, so bear with me, here's another one. I took the kids to the park today, and got some shots of H on her very first swing ride. She loved it! We had a good day.

Oh, hey, sometimes I feel like I'm talking to myself on my little blog. I know I'm not the only one who looks at this blog, because the numbers at the bottom of my page keep getting higher, but still, no comments, no e-mails, nothing, nothing to show that anyone is here. So, if you're here, say hi.
Much love,
-jess

Craigslist special

I designed this ad for our local reedley seniors on a budget. When I was a senior in H.S. we didn't have enough money to get me senior pics done. If only someone had a deal like this back then! Well, here's to you class of 2010!

Senior pics continued

Here are some more proofs of my husbands cousin A. She's a senior this year, and man o man, is she super sweet, and cool! She seriously was a natural in front of the camera! Hope you like these, and right now for Reedley High seniors, I have a special advertised on craigslist, so give me a call, or e-mail me!!

These were all taken in beautiful hanford!

And Oh, the faces!...

Okay, another one. Just a little storyboard of my lil girl.

No smile... Big smile

Here's one from my last shoot. Just one for tonight, I'm tired. We've been re-decorating our living room, and have been busier than ever! My hubby made us an AWESOME coffee table! I'll post pics of it later. Anyhow, here's a sports pic of my little man. He takes the "game" seriously.

Okay I lied, here's another one. This one was taken the other morning while I was going for a walk. Not excercise (UGH), just a walk in the cool morning. I love fall weather! I call this pic Happy Hannah! She was all strapped in her stroller, and ready to go. This pic was taken at 7:45 in the a.m.!

Good night!

My baby girl

Since when? When did she get so big? When did she start transforming into the person she is today? She's so fun! Hide and seek.... sippy cup.... and now, she's trying to walk?! She's only 8 months old! I gotta get a pic of that, and post it. Well, here's to 8 months of fun, no sleep, and lots of poop. Here's my little girl hannah.

She was about to do rasberries in this pic, but I think it looks like a little girly smile. Don't u?

Just one for today, but more to come. Yesterday I did a little impromptu mini shoot with my boys for soccer, and a few of my neice, and more of hannah like the one above! Stay tuned!

Random pics of the week

We've had a busy week. Or two... We've been practicing for soccer, going to church, selling candies, practicing for soccer, going to church, making t-shirts, and playing soccer games. AND of course the regular day to day duties like homework, chores, and food. Anyways, here are just a few pics for you to enjoy!

Here is my beautiful Hannah Bear! Or sometimes I call her Hankies. ( i don't know why) This was just a test shot with my new lens while we were watching the boys practice soccer. She's adorable. Don't u think?

And me husband. He's such a good daddy. Gabe jr is SUCH an athlete! He's an animal out there on the field! It was time for the waterbreak, and my hubby told lil man to take a second drink, and lil man said a "no, no time!" That's focus. Mr. G is such a good daddy. He's not a father, he's a DADDY. I love my men.


And with his little girly girl. Seek ye first the kingdom, and you shall have the desires of your heart. God certainly does provide. Mr. G has wanted a baby girl since we first started dating. Not that he's not happy with his lil men, but she just stole his heart, and wrapped in content.

Too cute. He's gettin big.

That's all for today!

Blessings, and hugs!

Pretty eyes sneak peak

I had the honor today to take pictures of my wonderful in laws. I just couldn't go to bed without at least playing with one or two, so here's one to calm my excitement! This is my niece Gabrielle. She's a doll! Look at those eyes! More to come, so check back often!

Baby Girl Announcements!

Okay, so today I have some 7 month old pics for you. I haven't really been too busy with shoots lately (and that's okay), so I'm just going to take my time, and upload some more oldies but goodies. I have been wanting to put these up since forever anyway. I had the hardest time trying to decide what I wanted for our birth announcements. You know being a creative person is great, but sometimes it is a little bit of a nuissance. I couldn't just settle on one design! Anyways, here are some (yes, I said some) of Miss Grace's birth announcements! I'll post later with the backs of them so you can see what the backs looked like.... enjoy.

I LOVED this one. It's so plain, kind of elegant, clean, and of course PINK!!

Yeah, that's right, she was 9 pounds!

I like the pink and brown fad that's been going on for some time now, but it's just not me completely. It's cute though.
Okay so out of all of these, this one is the least like my style. (I so don't even have style) The hot pink, and the zebra stripes may be in right now, but this did not work for me. I only gave 2 of these out!
This one was originally my main one. It's sweet, and elegant, bright, and pretty. But I ended up going with more of the 1st one. Still love this one though!

I love this one too. See, it's frustrating because I couldn't just pick one. But oh well, I have a bunch of layouts that you, or a friend could use now! Change any of these to blue, purple, boy color, girl color, and it's custom!

If you, or someone you know is about to have a little one, and want some announcements, let me know. Do a search, find a style, or theme that you like, and I can create something special for you. Boy or Girl!

I (heart) sunday's

Today is sunday. It is a good day. If you don't mind, I feel like sharing with you something personal. For the past 4 days I have been going through a spiritual battle. It's like I was given a test in the faith area, and sadly realized that I was below my expectations. On thursday my husband lost his job. Since then, there was an overwhelming sense of worry knotting up inside my stomache. But what's so wierd about that you ask? Anyone going through a similar trial might have the same feelings. It's true. But I, being a child of the living God, the most high, know that my husband's company did not provide for us. It did not give us food on our table, God did. It didn't give us clothes on our back, God did. But then, all of a sudden, I'm hit with the thought that if this company isn't going to give us money, how will we live. Instead of relying on my faith, I ran to worry. I let it creep, and crawl on the insides where my faith should have been.

Really, it's been a tough week. But then sunday came. Today. I went to church. Actually, I woke up early, and fasted, then went to a womens conference, then to sunday school, then finally to service. And in that brief 1 and a half hour, God did something so..... so.... just like Him. He healed me. He spoke to me. As I was at the altar saying to God "What are we going to do in 2 weeks?! I have children! How can this be ok?! What about this upcoming bill? Tires on the car? INSURANCE?! Oh Jesus, what about food?!" His soft gentle, loving voice said to me. My daughter, whom I love, I know the plans I have for you. I'm going to give you a hope. I'm going to give you a future. And most certainly, I am not going to harm you."

And that was it. He came to give me THAT word. I know that scripture. I have it memorized. But today, it wasn't something I remembered when I was praying, it was something HE told me because HE wanted me to know that He was in control. And I may not know the plans, the fix, the solution, BUT HE DOES. And while He's working He just wants me to know that I have a hope, and a future, and He's going to prosper me, and not hurt me.

Thank you Lord. For loving me so. And for putting up with my faithlessness when by now I should already know these things. He's such a good counselor. If you haven't tried Jesus, then I suggest you do. You will never have a friend like Him.

Blessings.

Oh, before I forget. (LOL) I posted some new pics for you all! This is my dear little friend Abby. My boys absolutely LOVE HER! They've all been friends since diapers. Actually, sometimes they fight over who gets to marry her. Silly boys, they don't know this yet, but they're not allowed to marry. Uh uh. No siree. They're also not allowed to grow up. Besides. I'm sure abby's daddy is going to send her to be a nun! Sorry boys! (p.s. don't tell abby the embarassing part about my boys fighting over her) Little gabe would KILL ME!!
Oh MAN!! This beautiful girl is one of my dearest friends! She's truly like a little sister! I love her so much. She's so photogenic. She's so pretty. Funny. Sweet. She's got it all. Best of all though, she loves the Lord. Genuinly loves Him. These are really old pics. She graduated 2 years ago. I think. Enjoy.

Ah nini. You're such a friend. You chose me to do your senior pictures when I was just starting out. AhHH! What if I would've messed up?! Thanks for trusting me. Besides who could possibly make this girl look bad?! Seriously!

Be Blessed my friends.

My lovely niece

Let me introduce you to my beautiful little niece Savannah. Not Hannah, that's my girl, but SAVannah. Yes, we get them mixed up ALL the time! She's just about to be 2! Happy birthday my lovely little niece.
I love this one. She wasn't too happy, that's why her eyes are kind of red. I love how she's got her finger in her mouth. I HATE the visible diaper! She didn't have any bloomies on, or in her diaper bag. What's a girl to do?

Be Blessed!

Sumthn to laugh at

Just something funny that I wanted to share with y'all. Today we took the boys for their first soccer meeting along with what seemed like the entire town of children. On our way to the car at the end of the night, there was a mother with her two children following behind her. As she approaches her car, she notices that her smaller child is hands and knees down (kind of like in the crawling position) with his face in the pavement. She shouts (quite loudly)

"NO!" "STOP LICKING THE GROUND!!"
after picking him up she repeats.
"You're not supposed to lick the ground, that's oil you're licking."
Where he then responds matter of factly
"I wanted to lick the rainbow."

... Taste the rainbow...
kids.

Sammy Sam!

Here are just a couple samples of a shoot I did not too long ago. I have taken this girls pictures more than any other customers. I did her birth announcements, and then again when she was ohh, lets see about 9 months, and then again just recently for her BIG NUMBER 2! She's got so much personality she should have her own T.V. show! Peek-a-boo!
"I think I'll have the duck tonight" "It's my birthday."
Hugs and kisses all! K. well just the kisses then. *Muah!*

Her party was super fun! So planned, so pretty, so .... so... perfect! (and momma's pregnant to top it off!)

It's the most wonderful time of the year

Just one today. An old one. One of my favs though. I have a 16x20 print of this above my fireplace. My sweeties start school tomorrow, so hopefully I will be able to get more done around the house, on this blog, and everywhere else. Too bad Hannah's not in school (only half kidding). Ahh.... sweet time to myself (sort of) more like ahhh.... sweet time without "mom. mom. mom. mommy. mom. mommy. momma. mom. mom." "he hit me" and of course the awful sound of these guys running EVERYWHERE in the house. Seriously. thump thump thump ALL DAY!! It's enough to drive a woman crazy you know! So yeah, I'm kinda humming the tune "it's the most wonderful time of the year" Because really, school time is such a wonderful time.

Baby Girl

Here are some photos of my little girl at 2 mos. She was already picking her head up, and kicking to crawl. I just love these pics. I probably won't get any of her like this for a long time. She is SUCH THE WIGGLEWORM! I can't get her to be still for one second! This one was my favorite! I love the pink blanket, Her big eyes, and the direction that she's looking in. Yes, she was looking at me. She's probably wondering "what is up with my mom, and all the goo goo ga ga noises?" "grown-ups are wierd" I always wonder what babies think when they see grown ups act all goofy. Sometimes they just stare at us with those blank faces that make us feel silly. Am I alone on this one?
This one is sooo cute. She's making a funky face, but I love it anyways.

Why yes, this is a picture of Elijah!... Oh wait!, No that's Hannah! oops my bad. They look like they could of been twins! In fact, the very first thing I said when I first saw her was "oh my gosh, she looks just like Elijah!" And she does.

Just some random pics of the kids

I really wanted to start out strong with my photo blog, and upload pics everyday. (yeah right) But, I've been busy, so I'm just going to do the best I can, and upload when I can. And tonight, I can. Here are some oldies, but goodies!


This is the pic I took of my little Gabe for his 5th birthday postcards. Wow, time sure flies when you're having fun! Don't you just love that pose?! He's a natural. He should be a model! (says his momma) Well, maybe when his teeth come in. He's at the naked mouth stage! eek
Ahhh, and who doesn't love to look at the ocean? We LOVE our pismo breaks.
He looks like such a nice kid when he's sleeping. It's the "awake" that worries me! In fact, the reason this photo came out so bright is because HE YANKED DOWN ALL HIS CURTAINS!! Yeah, he tore the fabric, bent the curtain rod, and pulled out the metal brackets from the wall! But I still love him. Kinda reminds me how sometimes I mess the things up that God has given to me, but he still loves me. I wonder if he "ugh!" or "Sheeshes!!" after I misbehave.

LOOK AT THEM CHEEKS. No doubt, he's his papa's baby. Eli loves to make wishes. This one's kinda old. I wonder if that wish ever came true. I tell him that the only wishes that come true are the prayers we ask God, so he knows that blowing on some weed does not have any power. But it sure makes for a cute pic!

Thats all for now, Enjoy your sunday!

Class of 09 Senior Session CHELA

Here are some samples of my very good friend "Chela's" Senior session. She is gorgeous! On the inside and the out! She's got beauty, and brains! She's off to college this fall, away from home. *sniff sniff* Gonna miss her. We had so much fun on this session. The weather was decent. A little on the warm side, but not too bad. Look at her skin! I'm so jealous. How many teenagers have skin like this?!

Even close up. No flaws. On this one, you might be wondering why she's looking at her hand like that. Well, there was a pretty little ladybug visiting with us who decided to fly away just as the camera went click! But it's still a breathtaking pose, and so I had to show it.

I always ask the seniors if they practiced for their portraits in the mirror before coming to a session. That way they feel more confident, and know which poses show their personality, and which ones don't. Well, when I asked this senior, she said yeah, and posed for me just to back it up! She's soo coooool.

Her boyfriend is one lucky guy! So is that college!

Ah... had fun with this girl. And Chela, if you're checkin this out, just know that I think you're awesome. Be blessed in college, I know you'll do great things! Love u!