BIRTHDAY-William

I have been TOTALLY neglecting my poor blog lately. I started off 2009 with good intentions and have sort of gotten buried by LIFE and how busy it's become. It's a good thing...work is a good thing, but my blog is suffering and I know this.

I haven't uploaded ANY photos in the past two weeks...none of my new tattoo, or the kids with the new dirtbike...none of the new puppies or of Will's NINTH birthday party.

I will have a huge photo RECAP post soon, but in the mean time, I wanted to write a post about my first guy...Will.

9 factoids I know about my 9 year old...

1. He likes just a little bit more jelly than peanut butter...and says I make the best lunches. I rock.
2. When he grows up he wants to eat ice cream and boss people around...sounds like my kind of job! LOL!
3. He loves going to Sunday School with his Dad's family.
4. He reads ALMOST as much as I did when I was a kid...which, even though it's an "almost", it's still A LOT.
5. He's good at Sudoku...I don't know how he does it.
6. Sometimes he beats me at chess...and no, it's not because I "let" him.
7. He started the dirtbike all by himself yesterday! Awesome job!
8. He likes Banana Pudding and does NOT like JELLO.
9. His favorite band is Blink 182...that's my guy!!! :)

Happy 9th Birthday William...you are a lovey. :)
xoxo
love, Momma

The sun will come out...tomorrow!

Oooooooo...fresh/sweet/tiny/soft/perfect NEWBORN BABY photos to post tomorrow morning!!! Can't wait to share!

Hope everyone has a beautiful weekend and a wonderful Valentines Day. February 14th is my son (and my Grandpas') birthday, so it's EXTRA special for me every year! :)

Cheers!

101 in 1001 Update

I have accomplished TWO of my 101 in 1001, and have a couple more in process! :)

#1 - Take the boys to Chuckie Cheese- DONE! Stupid me forgot to bring my camera (kicking myself, seriously) but the boys had SO much fun! McKenzie's birthday party is there in March, so I'll take some pictures of all the kiddos then. :)

#21 - Get another puppy to keep our Mr. Oliver company - DONE! As you saw in the post below, we recently got a new mini-schnauzer who is SO sweet and the most laid-back dog I've ever come across. He wants nothing more than to hang out and be snuggled. We love him already! :)

Our boys!

Introducing the newest member of our family...

YOSHI Mirra Berry

And the dog brothers (Our Oliver Moto, and Yoshi Mirra) hanging out...

Oli is used to the camera, but it's a new thing for Yosh'...so far so good! He's a mini-schnauzer...GREAT with the kids...not too bad with Oliver. Been decent on the potty training, and slept like a champ last night. We are already in LOVE with his little face! :)

ARF!

Ooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have a new addition to our family...pictures tomorrow!!!!! Can't wait to share! :)

SNEAK PEEK!

A sneak peek for my musician uncle...since I know he's anxious to see what we got! This is one of my favorites from what I've proofed so far...I will post more photos with details on how to get his upcoming album in coming weeks!

Oy Vey.

I have been SO busy...and yes...neglectful...and I'm sorry. I have a shoot tonight and will post photos from it as soon as they're ready! I will also have updates this week...for real.

Thanks for your patience,
-Jenn

Liar Liar Pants on Fire

OK! I know...I know! We had a really busy weekend, BUT seriously...I've got a new toy to play with so there will be some new stuff up soon!

Really truly sorry!!

xoxo

I did not forget you...

I will post something new tomorrow...cross my heart.
xoxo

NO sir!

NO luck on the self-portrait...will try again this weekend!

COMFY!

Don't get too comfy! Things are changing left and right and more changes are coming soon! I'm going to be doing a couple "tweaks" to the new logo and colors...well on my way to something I can stick with for a long, long time! (If you knew me, you'd know how very hard that is for my short attention span and ever changing mind...LOL!)

Anyway...working on a self-portrait tonight, so, should I be successful you'll have that to look forward to tomorrow!

Also, coming soon...new product offerings for my highschool seniors! I hope you'll be as stoked as I am!!

Until then, xoxo

Sneaky Peeky!

You may or may not have noticed some changes happening around here. I am planning a complete blog revamp and am SO excited to start unveiling some of my new colors, logos, and designs!

The official blog name of JennPhoto&Design is now: IMAJENN (like Imagine...dig it?)

I've got an idea and I'm running with it. Don't even pretend like you don't like it because I'll know you're lying. :)

Do it up!

JENN Photo & Design is getting a new look!!! News and info coming soon! Stay tuned!

Talk to Me

I'm big on quotes...I always end up scribbling on the backs of receipts in my car when I hear some lyrics on the radio that strike me, or on the back of a magazine at home when I read something in a book that I want to remember.

Words mean something to me...so today, I will share some of my favorite quotes with you.

This is one of my all-time favorites. It's from an author who I really enjoy, although he's admittedley not for everyone. It very much reflects how I feel about my photography and my art though, so it struck a chord with me from the moment I read it.



The infinite wisdom of Bob Dylan's son, Jakob. Love it.



Something that really resonates with me and the point I'm at in my life right now...

This just makes me smile. A kid (well...young man...I think he was 18?) emailed this to me on what he didn't realize was one of the worst days of my life. He just thought I looked like I needed some cheering up. Well done, sir. I will never, ever forget this.



I'm a big promoter of two things...hope and peace. The first time I saw this quote I FELT it. What a powerful, powerful statement.



I have so many more, but these are a handful of my faves. Anyone else have some favorites to share? I'd love to hear them if you do!

Winner #2: Aiden Zadurski

I have spoken with winner #2's mom, Annie, and she gave me permission to post a little bit about them on my blog!

Here is a little bit of Aiden's story from his journal on his Caring Bridge site:

"My name is Aiden Zadurski. I am a 3 year old boy from Marinette, Wisconsin. On May 29, 2008 I had my first ambulance ride with my Mom and that is where my journey begins. I was diagnosed with Pre-B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on May 30, 2008."

To read more about Aiden, please visit his caring bridge site at www.caringbridge.org and type "aidenzadurski" in for the website name.

Aiden's mom Annie and I have spoken both via email and on the phone and we're both looking forward to a spring photo session for Aiden and his family. Aiden is adorable and sounds like a fighter! Keep him and his family in your good thoughts, as I will!

There she is...

My Tony J. original...I love her so. (**Please note...the actual image if you click on it is HUGE. I will resize later, but you've been warned if you try to view the full-size.)

Anyone interested in tattoo work, let me know...I can put you in touch with one of my oldest and best friends ever. He is so talented!

101 in 1001

"You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream." -C.S. Lewis

I have chosen to participate in a self-exercise of setting and accomplishing goals. 101 in 1001 is the practice of setting 101 goals for yourself and giving yourself 1001 days to get all of them accomplished. There are websites with rules and forums and different people do things different ways, but this is my plan.

I have my list all ready to rock...101 in 1001. (You know me and my lists!!!)

I will post the list here, and will edit this post crossing things off as I accomplish them. I will also create a new post each time I conquer a goal, hopefully with a photo of my results! Fun, right? Fun AND fulfilling!

I hope others can take inspiration from this and create your own goal lists...whether it's 101 in 1001 or 1 a week or WHATEVER works for YOU!

That said...off we go!!!!

Start date: 01/07/2009 (tomorrow)
End date: 10/11/2011 (if anyone wants to check my math, please, feel free!)

101 IN 1001

1. Take the boys to Chuckie Cheese. -DONE!
2. Revamp my blog. -In Process
3. Redo my logo and make it something I can stick with for years to come! -In Process
4. Launch a new website.
5. Quit smoking…for good. -DONE!
6. Get back into my size 7’s (comfortably!) and STAY there for at least 6 consecutive months. (0/6)
7. Hang “peace” pictures of the kids in the living room.
8. Create and hang “photo strip” of Adam and I in our bedroom.
9. Print Luc a photo of himself doing something he loves. Hang it in his room.
10. Print Mikey a photo of himself doing something he loves. Hang it in his room.
11. Print Will a photo of himself doing something he loves. Hang it in his room.
12. Print McKenzie a photo of herself doing something she loves. Hang it in her room.
13. Finish McKenzie’s room.
14. Paint the kitchen.
15. Buy the kitchen prints I want from Etsy!
16. Paint the living room.
17. Replace the linoleum…all of it!
18. Buy a new mailbox and customize it.
19. Create a planter for the front porch.
20. Create a patio area in the back.
21. Get another puppy to keep our Mr. Oliver company. -DONE!
22. Make a paper crane garland for Christmas.
23. Organize my finances.
24. Buy new glasses that I LOVE! (Eye glasses we’re talking…) -DONE!
25. Make soap.
26. Write a short story for my kids.
27. Color my hair in some funky and fun way!!
28. Talk mom and Troy into getting their photo taken.
29. Take a STELLAR self portrait that I love!
30. Take a great photo of me with the boys.
31. Commission a photographer for killer family photos!
32. Design new marketing materials.
33. Find (and purchase) awesome eco-friendly packaging!
34. Paint the dining room/office and add ART!
35. Buy/Build the perfect desk/office area for myself.
36. Get a manicure!
37. Donate a photo session/photos next Christmas (2009)!
38. Finish the boys’ room.
39. Redo the kids’ bathroom in a fun theme!
40. Fence the back yard.
41. Paint the laundry room and add art!
42. Replace living room flooring.
43. Replace curtains in my bedroom.
44. Take the kids to the zoo.
45. Create a “day in the life” book of the boys.
46. Replace countertops and build a breakfast bar!
47. Drywall around the “chimney” and create my BUILT IN!!!
48. Replace the hideous ceiling fan with something…ANYTHING!
49. Attend a photography seminar.
50. Enroll in some kind of class.
51. Start collecting family recipes for a cookbook.
52. Get into a water drinking habit. LEARN TO LIKE WATER.
53. Get my Peace Dove tattoo.
54. Work on at least 6 of my concept photography ideas. (0/6)
55. Plant an herb garden.
56. Plant veggies outside with the kids. -DONE!
57. Build my “chess table” and put it under “my tree”.
58. Put my hammock up.
59. Paint a canvas for the living room.
60. Make a “Peace” canvas for my office.
61. Become debt free, except for the house payment.
62. Teach the boys their address and phone number.
63. Use my cookie press!
64. Get a Buddha and display him to remind me to focus.
65. Have a huge yard sale and get rid of STUFF. -DONE!
66. Travel WEST…California maybe?!
67. Travel EAST…show Adam the East coast and hope he loves it like I do!
68. Travel SOUTH…hit the beach and RELAX!
69. Enter a photography print competition.
70. Set up a system to keep track of clients.
71. Make a new recipe every day or night for one week. (0/7)
72. Buy a piano.
73. Start a photographer mentoring program for kids.
74. Redo the entry to the house with a bench and a place for the kids stuff.
75. Buy and hang at least 6 wind-chimes. (0/6)
76. Start my chess set collection and find myself a place to display them.
77. Get a cell phone…a nice one.
78. Convert to being a MAC USER!
79. Read at least four business books. (0/4)
80. Start a good image backup system for my photos.
81. Start bank accounts for the kids.
82. Upgrade my camera!
83. Get my “Truth” tattoo touched up and get something on the other wrist. -DONE!
84. Help plan a wedding.
85. Do a “master cleanse” type diet.
86. Do a fundraiser for “The Portrait House”
87. Design and print my own shirts, x10. (0/10)
88. Buy or build a swing-set/play-scape for the kids.
89. Get the boys their dirt bike. -DONE!
90. Get a vehicle I can fit ALL of us in!
91. When I have a nice vehicle, get a logo decal for the back window.
92. Don’t complain about ANYTHING for one full week. (0/7)
93. Revamp the back hallway with photos and art!
94. Go fishing.
95. Get Chuck Taylor’s in at least 5 colors! (0/5)
96. Learn to ride a dirt bike.
97. Bake real bread.
98. Pierce SOMETHING! ;)
99. Take (or have taken) some “Nancy Botwin” (in Season 4 of “Weeds”) photos taken!
100. Start journaling (not to be confused with blogging. Blogging is for EVERYONE. Journaling is just for me.)
101. Donate $5 to charity for every item that goes unconquered at the end of 1001 days!

Ok, I lied.

No tattoo pictures today. I made dinner last night and then passed out on the couch watching CSI with the man. Tomorrow though...I'm on it! :)

In the meantime...my little friend will tide you over. (Luc made this at school and I had to throw him away eventually, but he adorned my desk for a good long time. I just love him!)

2009

It's 2009...the New Year is always so "refreshing" to me. Like a new start...like I can do ANYTHING.

I hope I maintain that enthusiasm all year long.

A list of goals and a picture of my new tattoo tomorrow.

Ciao!

Happy New Year

I have New Year's Resolutions...but they're a secret. I WILL post them as I accomplish them though, so be watching for that. I have a couple more lists I'll be posting upon my return as well.

Anyway...I hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year!!! I will be back to blogging Monday, January 5, 2009!!!

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!! (hahaha...I always loved saying that when I was kid!)

Michael Michael Motorcycle

One of my goals in 2009 is to feature one of the kids in a post of their own at least every other week...just a couple pictures and a chance for me to brag about one my dudes. :) And I will try to make it even, but some kids like having their picture taken more than others, so cut me some slack.

That said, I realize '09 isn't here until tomorrow, but I won't be online tomorrow, so here is my BABY...my "Michael-Michael-Motorcycle".

He is going to be beating girls off with sticks. My "pretty" eyed boy...*sigh*...


And a glimpse into this kid's personality...he is a bright and shining light. He is funny and goofy and joyful. I love him.

Winner #1: Kathy Lafave

Let me again say THANK YOU soooo much to EVERYONE that submitted an entry for the "Giving is Awesome" holiday giveaway. I had no way of anticipating how hard it would be to decide how any one person or family is more deserving than another. Absolutely, all the of the nominees were wonderful people who are all more than deserving of good things coming their way.

Let me share with you a little bit of the nomination letter I received regarding my first winner:

"Kathy Lafave and her family lost their home and nearly everything in it on Wednesday, December 10th 2008. Kathy is a single mother raising 3 children. Her son is a senior at Marinette High and he had just received his graduation photos 1 week before the fire. These were one of the many losses from the blaze. Kathy has two other daughters younger than her son. Along with the graduation photos lost were her family photos which carried a lot of history with them. I can't even imagine what it must be like to experience a house fire especially right before Christmas. "

Kathy, if you're reading this...Thank God you and your family are safe...but I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your home. I know that I cannot give you back all of your old family photos but I hope I can replace some of your sons graduation photos as well as give you some new family photos as a fresh start and a point to start rebuilding your life.

Kathy was very excited when I spoke with her and we are working together to set something up for early spring! I am excited to meet her and work with her family. Congratulations Kathy!

Giving is Awesome Update

I am updating again...I have decided I can't choose just one winner. It just doesn't feel right. So I chose two.

I'm working on contacting them today and will hopefully be posting their stories soon!!

Again, happy holidays!

Next Week.

I will be absent from blogging next week, but want to wish all of my reader's and their families HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I will return Monday, December 29th and will be announcing the winner of the GIVING IS AWESOME holiday giveaway, so keep the entries coming! (Email entries to: jennstevens@ymail.com)

The stories I've heard so far are very touching, and I am realizing how hard my choice is going to be.

Stay warm, safe and happy this holiday season.

xoxo, Jenn

How we roll.

Santa came early for Adam this year. (Early=no WAY we were moving his gift TWICE! As it stands, it took three men to get it up the stairs...and should I sell my house someday, this will be included, because it's never coming back down!)


This is how we roll...13, side pocket.