Jessica G

That we should be called children of God!

2011-09-09T14:42:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I have been busy, although you wouldn't know it here by the lack of activity on my part hah! But I have been busy doing stuff on my computer creating printable art, and templates for my "so called etsy shop". Anywhoo, I've made these free printables to share here. Print one out, put it in a frame, and you have an easy fast baby shower gift. These are 8 1/2 x 11 size, so you might need a document sized frame. I havent tried to put one in an 8x10 frame. So... Here you go!! Enjoy!!!

And the boy version!

Just click on the image, once the new window opens up, right click, and save to your computer. :)

My baby boy

2011-08-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

My baby boy. 3 months old today. He surprised with the news of his arrival, and blessed us when he finally did arrive.... Late.... Let's hope that's not a characteristic of his. Haha. Here is the announcement I came up with for my little guy. My matt... I love you.

For the teachers

2011-06-07T15:51:00.001-07:00

Woah... so much has happened since my last post. Ha. Found out I was pregnant, had the baby, and now I'm getting around to another post!! Yeah... I've never really been a once a week poster, but you'd think I'd do better than once a year!! Yikes. Well, I'm finally feeling somewhat normal, and got a small chance to sew a little today. Not much time since the new baby let me know he wasn't happy with my free time. But I made this zippered pouch for my oldest sons teacher. I like the way it came out, and am happy with it!

Free Printable Love Scripture Bag

2011-01-19T15:15:00.000-08:00

Hey there! Just stopping in to put up a freebie for my friends!! I use every opportunity I can to teach my children about the Lord, and when valentines comes up, I don't teach them anything about Saint Valentine. Instead, I use the LOVE atmosphere to teach them about the Love of God. I also use this time as an opportunity to spread the word out to their classmates! I usually make their cards or treats, the kids have fun with it. They're finally old enough to cut paper decently, and use the glue sticks without eating any!! Haha. So, for all you other moms on the same page, here's a "Love" goodie bag, equipped with a scripture and all!!

Enjoy!!

To save to your computer, just click on the image above. Once the new window opens with ONLY THE IMAGE right click on the image, and click save as into your computer. Easy right?!

I really wanna win one!!!!

2010-11-26T23:57:00.000-08:00

Hoping I win one of these babies! Check out this blog to see what i'm talking about!!!

http://www.colieskitchen.com/2010/11/silhouette-sd-craft-cutter-review.html

Wedding shots

2010-09-13T21:49:00.001-07:00

Been working my bootay off on about a bazillion wedding photos! Here's one for tonight. I know. I didn't post at all in Aug. I'm sorry. Crazy Month. And Sept is looking the same too. On another note, Next week I'm going to be participating in the sew-a-long with fromanigloo.blogspot.com

A woo hoo!
Okay, so here's the sneak peek of the wedding pics!

Baby Visor Tutorial is HERE!!

2010-07-30T16:34:00.001-07:00

Okay, So maybe this is more like a toddler visor, but you could really make this for any age child. My 8 year old wants one next, and he's gonna get it. I've already tried one for him,a nd it looks great. So anywhoo, here's the tute. i'm almost embarassed to call it a tutorial because it's SOOOO easy. If you don't like tutorials with pics, then don't try to follow this tute. I took a bunch of pics. It's always easier for me to follow by seeing, so yeah.... there's lotsa pics. I don't have a pattern for this, but maybe next week I'll scan my template, and post it here. I just traced a baseball cap bill for mine. Okay, here we go!...
1.) You will need some scrap fabric for the bill, and a strip of fabric at least 4 inches wide, and 16 inches long. Some scrap interfacing, and elastic. (oh yeah, and thread to match)

Cut 2 pieces out of the bill fabric. (it's always helpful if you iron your fabric first) I of course do things the hard way, and tried to cut straight with wrinkled fabric. Not so easy.

And now we should have 2 pieces of our visor.

Iron on interfacing to both of the pieces. I just used what I had, which was lightweight interfacing, and I think It made the bill stiff enough for my little girl. For my big guy though, i might have to use a heavier interfacing.

Cut a strip of fabric measuring 16" long, and folded halfways, measures 1 3/4 '' Fold each end out.

See here, it's folded in half, and is 16" long (minus what I folded) and is 1 and 3/4 wide.
Once you're done ironing this strip, place a pin, or mark on your fabric 3" from each end. This will be the gap where the bill fits in.

Start sewing from one end to the pin, then stop and back stitch, and start again from the pin to the other end. (are you getting it? Am I totally bad at explaining myself here? )

Stop at the pin, or where you marked, and backstitch.

Then start at the next point, all the way to the end.

Now onto the bill, put your 2 pieces front sides together, and sew around the front of the bill.

Flip your bill right side out, then press.

Here's how our strip looks with the gap in the middle for the bill.

Turn this baby right side out too.

I ironed the strip flat too. Then I top stitched the bill around the front.

Now start pinning your bill inside the top. Make sure only about half an inch is going in before you pin. Go with the curve.

Once you've pinned, start sewing as close to the edge as you can. (please ignore my wobbly stitching)

This is what it should look like now.

Lookin good! Almost done!

I cut a 4'' piece of elastic. And pinned it inside of one of the ends (here's where you can make it smaller if you want.)

Sew it nicely and neatly.

Then do the other side the same way.

and...

You're DONE!!!!

Other options:

embellish or embroider fabric strip before sewing.

Instead of elastic, use a ribbon, and tie it on.

Make the strip really long with pointed ends, and you can tie that too!

Pin a flower on it! (always cute)

Top stitch the whole bill like a real cap.

And on, and on....

I hope it was understandable. I really tried hard. I know it's pretty easy, and almost self explanitory, but when I looked for a tutorial, I couldn't find one, so I thought I'd share my version! Please comment, and let me know if I should keep on trying this kind of stuff, or if I should never again try to share a tutorial! :)

Thanks again!!

Baby Visor Tutorial Coming Soon!

2010-07-29T23:17:00.000-07:00

So my blog here is neglected. I am so sorry. (as if anyone reads it anywhoo), but I thought I'd share something since I am so often inspired by the 2.5 million blogs I read EVERY CHANCE I GET. This morning, 2 of my friends from church were going to come by to take a quick lesson in learning how to sew, so you know that meant I woke up early, and cleaned up the mess that was supposed to be my living room. Then, I finished with time to spare, so of course, on to blogger I went, and while surfing the internet for school clothes deals, I saw a visor, and I thought the classic "I bet I could make that", so I sat back in my hubby's chair, and imagined a pattern, and the process. Then I got up, and made one. I was careful to use fabric I wouldn't mind failing on, but was good enough that if it didn't come out horrendous, H could still use. It's rare that a project without a lot of planning, or patern that I try actually comes out right, but this one.... I love. And I'm not trying to brag (because really, who am I), BUT I'm super duper ooper shmooper impressed with myself! It actually worked! Woo Hoo! so, I'm going to work on a tutorial this weekend, and I will try to have it up next week. Ive never done one of these before, so I hope it comes out well.
J

Fathers....

2010-06-21T10:36:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was fathers day. I know this post is a day late, but as I said, yesterday was fathers day, and we were kinda busy. But I did want to write a bit about the two most important fathers in my life. first of all, my husband. My love who is a wonderful father, and husband is never short of ideas, or jokes (or sometimes lies:) He's always ready to toss the football, or up for a wresteling match! My boys mimic EVERYTHING he does. If daddy does it, then the boys wanna do it. Daddy's a rams fan, and the boys are rams fans. Daddy's a preacher, and the boys wanna preach too! (can't complain about that one) Any boy would be lucky to have him for a father, and I'm glad my boys have him. He is a treasure.
(Slip n sliding in the front yard with the kids)

then ofursemy own dad. This year is the fourth year without him. He passed away in 2006, january. I miss him so much i'm amazed I can breath. There's never a day, or a moment that he's not on my mind. Tears still pour. My heart still aches. Whoever said that time heals all was wrong on this one. Because the longer I go without seeing him, the more I miss him. Everyday that passes without me seeing him, the more I realize that I won't see him the next day either. My kids won't have their papa at their graduation. Hannah never got to meet him. Gabriel still remembers him a lot. He still cries sometimes. Gabe and papa were best friends. Gabriel was papa's wing man.
My dad was awesome. He loved us like crazy. I never went to sleep feeling like he didn't love me. Sometimes we didn't have a place to live, and sometimes we barely had any food, but we ALWAYS knew we were loved. And he would feed us before he fed himself. He'd buy us toys, and candy instead of clothes for himself even though he needed them.

(this is my dad here when my brother and I were 3 and 4 years old. notice his shirt? It's a picture of my brother and I.)

Here we all are. The sanchez family. My dad was a super rams fan. His head stone actually has a rams helmet on it! We knew what he would want.

Here is my dad and my brother when my dad was in the hospital. I took my dad to the hospital in november, mid november i think. We waited for 3 hours in the oncology room. I didn't even know what oncology was. Then we saw a young man with no hair or eyebrows, and that's when I got nervous. My dad too. When we went in to the exam room, the doctor didnt have a hopeful look. Then he said that my dad had acute leukemia. It was agressive. I looked at my dad, and smiled and said "well, let's make lemonade" He smiled at me, then cried. Then I tried to call my brother from the hospital bathroom, and then my hubby. It only took 2 months for the cancer to take him.

Here's a pic of me gabe, and my dad. He came to church that night. This was way before cancer.

My dad and Gabe. They got off to a rough start, but they loved eachother for sure. My dad knew that Gabe was gonna take care of his daughter. I don't think a father could have asked for a better son in law. So many rememberies.

And here they are again. The two buds. He's got primer all over his hands in this pic. My dad left his el camino (it's a cruck) to little gabe. He's also left us with tons of memories. Not enough pictures, and heavy hearts in his absense. I'm forever a daddy's girl.

My Pastor's Family...

2010-06-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

I'm bad at consistently posting! Here is a portrait of my Pastor, and his family. They are all so close to my heart.

NEW TEMPLATE TEST!!

2010-05-27T11:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I know I've already shared these pics with y'all, but I was having some fun with clipping masks, and templates, and designed one for myself. I wanted to use it right away, to test it out, and all my client pics are on cd's, and my kids are in my comp files, so I decided to use them again. This template would be more for a baby. I also designed a back for it, but it's pretty plain, and more for wording, so you really don't need to see it. I'm thinking about designing a few more, and putting them in my etsy shop. I've only ever sold one item from that place, but maybe I'll sell some more if I add more to my shop... You think? ... :) anywhoo, I loved the colors, LOVED my new digital papers, and of course I love my little girl. Give me some feedback on what you think about the template. I'd love to know.

So what have YOU been up to?

2010-05-23T22:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, be ready for photo over load...
I've been busy lately. Some parents have waited until the last minute for senior pics, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS!! So to say the least, I've been designing, and cropping, and sending proofs, re-wording, etc...
Today RIGHT after church (which was awesome)I took my hubby's little bro. out for some pics. He's graduating from the 8th grade. Actually, he's bieng "promoted" from the 8th grade. This guy has it all. He's sweet, goofy, loves the Lord, and in the last year he has turned into a "looker" I think it's his height... Anyways, I am super pleased with the way they came out, and I think his mom is too (my mother in law) We even designed an announcement/invite. All that took up my WHOLE day. Seriously.

This guy here is my high school sweet heart. He's my bff. I also think he's kinda super gorgeous. He's also known as my superman. Been married almost 9 years, had lots of ups and downs, but I think we're doing alright. God is at the center of our marriage, and I'm glad because we wouldn't be able to stand eachother if we didn't have our eyes on God. Thank you Jesus! and thank you Hunny. For loving me.... even when sometimes i'm not so loveable...

HA! I just took a few of my little girl (suprise huh) Just so you all know... I do have other children. I know it may not seem that way, but I do. I have two boys. I know you mostly see this little girl, but I just can't help it!!! I love the faces she makes, and how she gets all wierd when the camera comes out! Okay... gotta put more of the boys up...

I did this guy's senior shoot just last week. He was easy. He knew what he wanted, and only had 1 change of clothes! Nice!

Did I mention his graduating class is 5?...

This is not his car. But he saw it in the parking lot, and HAD to take a pic next to it!

ARE YOU READY FOR A BEAUTY? This girl is totally super pretty. If we were in H.S. together, I would totally be intimidated by her beauty. But since I'm old, she was just a beautiful young lady. Well, I'm not that old. She even said so herself. I told her "wow, class of 2010 already. I graduated in 2000, can't believe it's been almost 10 years" and she said "Oh, I thought you looked young!" Yep. the young one called me young! Celebrate all...

See... pretty...

Um... can I please go back to H.S. and be this girl reincarnated?...

And the best part is... she loves the Lord! Now that's a keeper.
Okay, I'm tired.... comment please... PLEASE!!!!
G'nite...

I heart faces again...

2010-05-16T14:51:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought I'd take a shot at it again. It just so happens that my last post had a picture that I thought would be perfect for this weeks challenge. The theme is flowers and faces. Here is a photo of my little girly girl holding a flower from my mothers day boquet! Just so you know, she was smelling the flower, not eating it... She did however try to do just that later on...

Lovely girl

2010-05-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share a pic from our walk today. As I was passing an alley, I noticed that this home had a pretty climbing foliage at the back of their house. They do this to prevent graffiti... If they only knew how to prevent trespassing photographers!! HAHA All the dogs in the neighborhood were barking at us. Got a few cute ones though. Enjoy...

Little miss Em

2010-05-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! and HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!
I had the honor of photographing the cutest little baby girl for her first mothers day! Grandma and I wanted to suprise the new momma at church for our mothers day service, but I ran late, and didn't have them printed in time. <:( But she will get them tomorrow FOR SURE!! Here she is...
So pretty...

They grow up so fast. Enjoy her while she's still small. Trust me, Hannah's all over the place, it's only a distant memory of when I could just swaddle her, and put her to sleep.

It's a special job being a mommy. I truly hope all the best for this little baby girl, and her mommy. Much love.
- JG

Random pics, and what I did on thursday

2010-04-18T22:25:00.000-07:00

Just a little funny one here. I've been wanting to snap a pic of my girl and her scrunchy face! She does this all the time, EXCEPT when the camera is in her face! So, here she is, enjoy, laugh, and hope she doesn't do this when it comes to school pics! = )

This one is just a simple little shot, and I wanted to share it, because she looks just like her big brother Eli!

My neice Gabrielle has got to be the cutest little girl! Again, LOOK at those eyes!!! She just celebrated her 2nd birthday, and we made her a gift this year!! Handmade gifts RULE!! I'll share what it is that my hubby and I made...

Her purple picnic table!! Yeah, we made that table!!!! thanks to ANA from knockoffwood.blogspot.com If you haven't been there, you absolutely need to visit! Guaranteed you'll LOVE her site!!

And we made another one for us!! It's bigger, and not painted yet! We love it!!!

C/O 2019

2010-03-30T16:37:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a hectic day, BUT I have been wanting to get my kids their pics done since picture day at school passed! I don't care anyways, because I never like the way school photos come out! Plus they're expensive, and you have NO options! But my kids got a fresh hair cut anyways so that at least when other kids see their class picture they don't remember my boys as some homeless harried dirtballs! :) And the class picture is a whole other "issue" with me. I'm not sure if it's just my kids' school, or not, but I HATE how they just put individual photos of each kid onto an 8x10, and that's supposed to be the "class" picture. I remember when the kids had to stand together, and smile all at once. I liked those ones better. They have more feeling, more character! Any whoo, Here are my chil'ren...

Elijah's got to be the HARDEST child on the face of the earth to capture a decent photograph of! When I say smile, he smiles and closes his eyes, when I say "no, open your eyes, he opens his eyes, and stops smiling, then when I finally get him to do both he's completely looking the other way. He is just not a natural when it comes to the camera. As soon as the lens points his way, a wierd boy comes out who doesn't understand what a regular face looks like. He's known for his cuteness, but you wouldn't know it by his "outtakes", and trust me, there are plenty!

But I actually did get a coupld decent ones. You should of seen me on the other end of the camera, acting a fool all jumpy and squeeky! Whatever works... Whatever works.

I accidentaly took this one when I was trying to get my settings on my camera right. I just liked the colors, and the background, and how you couldn't see anyone's face.

She wasn't supposed to be in any, but she insisted on getting in my way! So I figured, hey, she's there, my camera's out, might as well. She was not at all dressed for pics, and her hair wasn't done, she had no shoes on, and slobber down the front of her shirt. But I like it. She was trying to eat those flowers too by the way...

Ahh.... Gabe.... He's a natural. He's always been a little model. I'd put him in modeling if I didn't worry about his "attitude" Seriously, this kid LOVES to pose. He has all his own ideas, and outfits in mind. He knows what he wants it to look like, and he's not afraid to tell me "no mom, take the picture from down there" FOR REALS!!! He tells me which angle to shoot! Crazy kid...

I can't complain tho. He makes portrait photography look easy. It is easy with him... He does everything for me. Love this guy. He's growing up too fast.

Again ladies and gents, He does his own posing...

I din't mean for their "school" pics to come out all senior portraits ish... They just did.

Well, that's all for now... MORE TO COME!

Dramatic BW from youth camp...

2010-03-30T00:21:00.000-07:00

yikes.... Lets see how I do here.... I thought I'd take a chance on the weekly photo challenge over at i heart faces! This weeks theme is dramatic black and white. I chose this photo because I could barely see through my viewfinder to catch these girls with my eyes full of tears. Today was the first day of youth camp. Our young people go through so much, and it's refreshing to see some of them worship, and lay down their burdens. These girls each have a story of their own to tell, but for now, just let the photo speak to you, and maybe even provoke you to lay your burdens down too...
-God Bless...

Happy day!

2010-03-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

Hi THERE! I am blessed this morning. I feel good. My family feels good, and best of all, God is good. Well, He's always good, but still, if you're having a good day, you better mention how good He is! This weekend was nice. My hubby's tia came down from new mexico and hung out with us for a while. Then we had our weekly friendship group which was "cook off" themed. I didn't win. Actually, i didn't "technically" participate. We were supposed to make CHILI RELLENOS! I can't make that! So, I cheated,and made ENCHILADAS! Besides, there was no way my kids would sit down and voluntarily EAT chilis! Our next "cook off" is actually a bake off! I'm going to make this supreme chocolate cherry cake!! ooooh.... Okay, with no further adieu, here are some pics. This one here is at our evangelistic event. Gabe and I were painting faces, and he did a WAY better job than me. This little guy spoke only spanish, but even without understanding him, I could tell he had a great time! My hubby too. He's so cool.

Here are my 2 precious, sweet, upstanding,little gentlemen, and their friends. Okay, so I exaggerated a little. They're actually rough and tough, dirty and frankly, kinda mean. But I love em! These are my next door neighbors, and the boys from up the street. They always play in my front yard. We're like the hot spot for the neighborhood kids. And now, they're all growing up, and into football. Long gone are the days of little trains, and army men. boo.. ENJOY!

And now one of my baby boy elijah. Okay, he hates it when i call him my baby boy... He's 6. It's a little blown out, but I still like it! Hope you do too.

Whatever things are lovely, and are praise worthy... think on these things!

Hannah Banana-Bear

2010-03-20T23:28:00.000-07:00

Isn't she lovely?... Isn't she wonderful?....Made from love.
I love this little girl. I can't stop taking pictures of her. And pretty soon, before I even see it coming, she's gonna be one of the guys with her brothers, always dirty... Always making a face right before I click the shutter... or turning their head. I remember when the boys were young, I could pose them, prop them, flash a silly face, and get what I wanted out of them, and now... well.... they make good "boys" that's for sure. And I know Hannah too will one day not cooperate with my lens in her face constantly, but for now. When she has no choice, I'm gonna soak it up. So bear with me will you, because here's another one of this baby girl that I'm sure any reader of this blog is familiar with.

Picnic day, and a loooong ride!

2010-03-15T20:52:00.000-07:00

Oh, what a day! Went bike riding in this gorgeous weather, took the kids to the beach (grassy side) for a picnic! Then to the cemetary to visit my dad, and Officer Javier Bejar. THEN... we had to RUSH home to take the kids back to school, because they had parent teacher conferences today! Mostly good. I won't go into details, but we did reward them for the good with yummy ice cream afterwards. Here's a little snapshot of my little girl after running away from me when we got her out of her seat! Not the best pic, but certainly a good memory. I'm not as fast as her... LOL! Her hair was in her face, I think she got lunch on her dress, and there was still some lunch on her chin. (thanks to photoshop, you really can't see the lunch pieces on her chin) ENJOY!!!!

To Minister...

2010-03-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

Today we had our friendship banquet for church. For the last few months, we have been praying for someone, someone that God has put in our heart. My person did not come. I was sadly dissappointed. My husband's prayer person did not come either. We were kind of ignored. Instead of just being told no, we got maybe, then all calls made by my hubby were avoided. He's pretty bummed about it. But other people did show, and we had a great time! I love my church family so much. I am blessed beyone measure. My cup overflows! Here's a humorous little pic of my old man helping to clean. He's always had a servants heart, but it's not often he does this kind of serving,... or cleaning should I say... I love the expression on his face the most! He's my man... and I love him...

Love is...

2010-02-22T23:03:00.000-08:00

WOW it's been a long time! (I bet no one's even noticed huh..) Anywhoo, just in case someone ACTUALLY looks at my little ole blog, I have a new one. I haven't done much lately, but i am happy with this one that i took while me and the kiddos were going for a walk. Enjoy...

Woah, that's a big pic. I'll probably come back some time later, and fix that!
Well, good night for now!

My Handmade Christmas

2009-12-28T15:38:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-12-07T19:02:00.000-08:00

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

Engagement Session

2009-12-05T21:57:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-12-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-16T18:46:00.000-08:00

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

Not so little, little brother...

2009-11-15T21:38:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-15T21:23:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2009-11-13T15:28:00.001-08:00

Just testing my mobile blogger!

My church friends

2009-11-07T19:22:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-07T19:13:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-27T22:32:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-10-14T16:49:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-03T22:21:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-29T19:48:00.000-07:00

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!...

2009-09-24T23:31:00.000-07:00

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

No smile... Big smile

2009-09-24T22:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-07T20:46:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-26T08:53:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-23T22:53:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-21T22:50:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-20T21:27:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-20T21:13:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-18T23:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

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!

My kiddies

2009-08-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few pics of my kiddos! These are a few months old, but I figured I'd update my blog with some of my favs. Here are my beautiful children. Let me introduce you to Gabriel jr, the big one, Eli, the one squinting his eyes. (poor guy, he always makes wierd faces when he takes pics), and that little white baby is my miss grace. I've been so blessed.

27

2009-08-12T15:51:00.000-07:00

27 years ago my mother in law blessed the world with the boy who would be my husband. I'm so thankful that the Lord has brought us together, and kept us. Happy birthday to my 2nd love. 27 years young!

Here's the 2 of us "in the beginning" Man, we look so young! Gabe's got a stash! We have come a long way since then. He's still super cute!

And, a more recent one.
I love this guy!

Pick a logo, any logo...

2009-08-12T15:00:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I have been trying, and trying to make this "perfect" "jessica" logo, but there's just too many sides of me. Ugh! I really really need your help! HELP!! Which one do you like? Which one says "jessica" the best? Tell me the truth. This one's cute, colorful, and spunky! I like it a lot. It's like the funner sweeter side of life eh?

And this one, well, yes it's plain, but I can add color to it. Design wise, what do you think? If I change the color, which colors do you think? Do you love the flower for the i?

Here we've got hot pink, and black. I'm not that cool, but I think there's a teency piece of me that likes to think I'm somewhat hip.. ish. Besides, I could totally see this one on the corner of a senior portrait!

This one here is cute, colorful, sweet, not really hip, but professional (ish), and I think it's got my personality. U tell me.

I think I like this one the least. Well, I like it. It looks professional. But it's kinda too fancy for me, but I kind of like the fancy. Again, I could change it up a bit. If I do, what would you suggest?

Senior Layout c/o 2010

2009-08-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

So here is a little senior layout of my husband's cousin Andrea. She's so beautiful don't ya think? She knew exactly what to do in front of the camera. I love this grafitti wall, this is my second senior session at this wall. All the colors, and how smooth the art is. It's not like some vandal just snuck up and wrote his name all over this wall, it's truly art. Wow, class of 2010 already? Man, that means it's going on 10 years for me! AHHHH!!