Mahahahaha, Pantene Amber, Pantene

Ok these pictures speak volumes. Amber is a beautiful young woman full of personality. Of course, after an hour with us she will never want to hear Sponge Bob laugh or watch another shampoo ad on t.v. Our time with Amber was quick and fun. She is our first Senior Rep. of the year and is a great one at that. This confidant young lady produced looks for photographs easily, but with a lame impersonation of Sponge Bob she gave us her great smile. With the quick prompt of "Pantene", she knew to fix her hair. Thank you for repping for us, and by the way we forgot VO5.

Happy Family...you know like chinese food

This week we had a great shoot with a beautiful family. The Kittles and Waggoners met us for a family session in the small town of Cottage Grove. They are long time residents (the born and raised kind) of "The Grove", and knew all the gorgeous places to use for backgrounds. We followed them up the Row River to historic covered bridges, family swimming holes, and fields of wild grasses. This family is such a down-to-earth, hard working, tight knit group, it was definitely our pleasure to spend time with them. We had a great time; lost track of time actually, while photographing them. If it wasn't for the sun going down we could have kept going and going. when trying to get them to smile I prompted them with "Chinese Food, happy family everybody!" then I was asked why I say that. Apparently I was the only one there that has seen "Happy Family" dish on a Chinese food menu.

J-Train and his momz

A beautiful day for a beautiful session. Today we photographed Sara and her 15 year old son J.R., whom proudly refers to himself as "J-Train". J.R. started out like most 15 year old young men viewing a photo shoot with his mother as drudgery. "I don't take good pictures", he said, but all he had to do was be his hansome self. However, his mom pried his bright red, black, and white 1985 Jordon 1's off his feet. Like Samson with out his locks, J.R. was suddenly timid and slightly embarrassed. Then Sara's charming and loving personality began to spred. As she showed her obvious pride and love for her handsome son, J.R. began to reflect them. As we started to narrow down the photos that we best liked, it was obvious how in love this mother and her son really are.
Tiffany and I really enjoyed this session. Tiff commented that when the subjects really care for each other it shows in the shots. We got so many good photos of them looking natural and happy. Today they made our job totally enjoyable.

In between the rain drops

We had scheduled to shoot the Collins and DeWitt family yesterday since the forecast said it would be sunny! So you can see our dilemma when it began pouring down rain. Luckily, none of us gave up hope and saw there was some blue sky ahead. We all met earlier than we had originally planned, and honestly got the only 30-45 minutes of no rain for that late afternoon. Since they were so flexible with the time, we knew it was going to be an easy photo shoot for us.

There are so many reasons why I love my friend Rosalie, and last night just added to the list. Her family was so awesome! David and I loved how fun and willing they were. We got in, got what we needed, and got out moments before the rain started again. Then Rosie's amazing chef of a brother, Ian, cooked us all dinner...along with the help of Martha of course! MMMmmmm, Martha, I am still tasting that yummy dessert. Thanks you guys, it was a blast!

Play that piano!!

Yesterday we did another promotional shoot for one of our senior reps, Eric. He loves to play the piano, so he kinda wanted that to be the focus of the shoot...lucky us! We had him play while we were taking some shots, and WOW! He is amazing. Not just is he awesome on the piano, but he is just a super nice guy! Totally laid back and down for whatever. There were a couple times when he wasn't quite sure of what we were doing, but he went with it and like the results. Thanks Eric, we had a great time.

Day Shift...yes day shift again

well, it's been 2 weeks on day shift now. holy cow! i had forgot how good the real life was. after 6 years on night shift i had become accustomed to not sleeping well, being tired, addicted to sugar and caffeine (still am!), and not having a life, or feeling like a had a day off. all apologies for spewing about day shift again, but wow what a blessing. when we were working nights, i was always upset about the day lifers mowing lawns, building things, playing in the pool,and yelling while i was trying to sleep. i didn't go out at 3:30am and mow my lawn when i was wide awake. now that i'm on days, i still feel that way , but i'm care less. day lifers surely take the people that work nights for granted. here's a shout out to all night lifers!

Happy birthday Vicki

Our beautiful friend, Vicki, invited us to join her and her husband, Bob, for her birthday! As you can tell by the photo, we had a great time. Bob did too, he was just a little distracted at this point. I know I can speak for both me and David, when I say that we feel so blessed to have met them! We love all the fun we have when we're hanging out. We can't wait to spend more time with you guys!...oh wait, we are coming over tonight...YAY!
Happy birthday Vicki, we love you!

Jack Johnson!

Yesterday, me and my wonderful husband ventured to Vancouver to pick up my cousin Beth and her fiance, Daniel. Our mission...to go see Jack Johnson in live at St. Helens. This is us on our drive to St. Helens. Can you see the excitement??!!!

This us after we hit the traffic and had only traveled 2 miles in 15 minutes.

Finally we get into St. Helens, and take the left that our GPS and mapquest directions told us to. It should have tipped us off then that maybe we were taking a wrong turn when all of the traffic was still going straight. Turns out that the directions were taking us to Columbia meadows, Oregon near Dear point, instead of Columbia Meadows Amphitheater. So, here we were, going deeper and deeper into no man's land, when our GPS goes out on us. Then, the little cell service we had...GONE! Then, the batteries to the phone...DYING! WHAT! We thought we were in a horror movie. Beth and myself were being the stereotypical girls and were freaking out. We had Daniel stop on top of this hill, so we could try and get the GPS going. So David, be ha-freaking-larious, opens the door, and we started screaming. Not that we were being dramatic in the least. Once we hit the gravel road, we thought it was best if we turned around. Don't ask us why we didn't turn around earlier. Needless to say, the concert started at 7:00 and we got there just after 9:00. Jack had only been playing for about 20 minutes, so we didn't miss too much. Here we finally were, in the midst of his fabulous talent and 20,000 people! We enjoyed ourselves.

100 degrees! whooooo weeee

This past week as been about 100 degrees everyday! The pups have been so good while we were working all week, so we decided to treat them. We took them to the doggy park once this week, which they love. It's pretty hilarious actually! Porter, such a friendly little pup, runs around to all the different dogs and plays with them all. Gertrude, however, is quite snobby. They discovered the little pools there and were enjoying them. But, this other dog got in the pool, and Gertrude immediately gots out. As soon as the dog leaves, she gots back in. That is just one of the snobbish things she did while at the park.

Besides hitting up the doggy park, we took them to the river! As you can see, they had a blast. Porter is such a little water dog. He swam around quite a bit and would even come way out in the middle with us. Gertrude loves the water, but doesn't really like to go where she can't touch. I think she got that from her grandma P. We found a great little area where the mckenzie passes through close to our house, so I think the pups will be enjoying the river more often!

Representin' Creswell!

So, I know it has been a little since we have blogged. And not to make excuses or anything (of course here come the excuses), but we finally switched over to the real world. This is our first offical full week of day shift, and we love it so far!

However, it is taking us just a little to adjust, and it is a super busy week. Both of us picked up a bunch of overtime at the hospital and will work everyday! I did have Wednesday off and spent it with my mama, whom I love! We did some shopping and I finally convinced her to eat somewhere other than Olive Garden. Needless to say, she loved Cafe Lucky Noodle!

After that, we did a promotional shoot for another one of our senior reps, Amber! It was really great to shoot Amber because she didn't take long at all to warm up. She showed up and was totally kicked back and ready to rock! Which, we were thankful for. It's always fun when things are really relaxed. Amber's mom was way kicked back too! She just hung out in the car while we went to a couple different places.

Amber, we are really excited to have you as a senior rep and look forward to working more with you!

Don't smile Aedan

At first glance, this is your average five...almost six year old. After speaking to her, I regret that I have called her average at all. She speaks far beyond her years, and it is not difficult to have an adult conversation with her. She'll give her input and her thoughts, but with all sincerity. So sincere, that she wasn't about to give us anything less in a smile. Don't smile Aedan...no really, don't smile. Those were the words that really got Aedan to shine. The playful bantering of David telling her not to smile, only made her want to smile even more. Which of course, we were thankful for.

Jessica, her mother, was absolutely wonderful to have on the shoot with us. Never demanding anything of us or of Aedan, is what made this session so fun and relaxing. Aedan never felt pressured to perform, and in return, neither did we. Jessica, what a beautiful daughter you have from her genuine personality to her stunning looks!

She told her mom during one of the outfit changes, I'm getting to know them, so it's okay. Aedan, thank you for letting us get to know you! It was such a pleasure.

Hot Digidy!

WOOT! i am currently pulling my last regularly scheduled night shift. finally! yes i had preshift nausea, yes i was tardy, yes Tiff and i both did our best to get low censused. but now that i'm here and am wired up on Traders Joe's Italian dark roasted beans, i feel great and could work all night. usually person ethics can sometimes cloud my generosity with ludicrous patient demands, but tonight is the night for give em what they want so they go away (within good medical practice of course). Tiff has one more official night shift tomorrow, but yes, she is signed up for low census. just a reminder for all those unfamiliar, low census means that when there are few patients the hospital calls you and lets you have the night off so they don't have to pay you to stand around all night. our only problem is that we need the paycheck so when we get called off we take vacation time instead, so this month has really drained our vacation hours.
i must comment that even though i said this is my last night shift, i will probably work them again for the right $$. not ever scheduled, but certainly if the $$ is right i could pull one or two her and there.
yesterday we had a session with the newly engaged Kalani and his beautiful soon to be permapartner B'. dang! they are a hot couple. everybody check them out in our "in love" section on our website. they were great fun. both of them are so chill and generally happy people, so things went smooth. congrats to you both.
today we had a session with our first senior rep, Richard. this guy has a million dollar smile. we just did a quick promo shoot but he opened up quick and started having a good time with us. p.s. his mom is the best friggin' brownie maker in the whole eugene area. for two years now she has been bringing brownies to work. some think it's just for me, but i must stand by my platform, that the brownies are for all to share regardless of how many i eat. richard ratted her out and told us she makes a big pan of them but only leaves this tiny square for the family at home then takes the rest to work. dang i'm gonna miss "Felicitas" and her brownies. Thanks for always making us feel loved in such a tumultuous environment Felicia.

Oh the excitement!

Richard was so thrilled to be one of our senior reps! Oh wait...it was his mother that was excited. Luckily, he is such a great sport and went along with it. Today, we did his promotional shoot, and things went great. We are really excited to do his senior portrait session because he was really starting to loosen up and joke around with us. Not to mention that beautiful smile of his. Thanks for being so fun. See you soon!

Daniel & Beth

Daniel recruited the help of their puppy Peighton to ask Beth to marry him. Daniel being the casinova that he is, had the house where he proposed, of course no less than breathtaking. Still in shock by the beauty of the roses, the candles, and the song he recorded previously, Beth was frozen with too many emotions to describe. Then, from around the corner, here comes Peighton with a little white box around her neck. After Beth realized what it was, Daniel was down on his knee...and...she said yes...with tears in her eyes.

They allowed us to help document their love for one another, and what a joy it was. The way they looked at eachother when they thought we weren't looking, was beauty all in its own.

I was a little nostalgic while photographing the two of them. Though Beth, only a few years younger, I couldn't help but think of her when she was little. The way she helped me escape the dreaded meatloaf smothered in ketchup, the way I would wake her up from her nap and then act like she had magically just waken up so that I could play with her, the way her hair was ALWAYS cut the same, and the way she was always there for me...is always there for me. I love you B.

I know I can speak for David and myself when we say, "D, welcome to the family!" Although the time I have known you is much shorter, you have been there and encouraged us countless times. We are so excited for you two. We love you and can't wait for the big day!

HAPPY FREAKING BIRTHDAY MAMA P!

i can't sleep without putting it up for all to see
happy birthday mama p
when you wake you'll have to claim another year
so i'm blogging about it for all to hear
you're always so beautiful, loving, and kind
i won't tell your age, though i know you won't mind
papa c is a great guy and certainly worthy
though he might be 50 you don't look a day over 30

have a happy birthday from tiff and i
HAPPY FREAKING BITHDAY

The Countdown Continues

here we are up at 1:30am half wroking, half playing. just 5 more nightshifts left. we're not quiting our nursing jobs yet, but we both have short-timers syndrome from our pending nightshift to dayshift change. short-timers is an acute illness with the classic symtoms of hypomotivatia, acute on chronic tardiness, lowcensucytosis, preshift nausea, excessive goal setting and hyperexcitia with the daylight.
everyday we talk about what will be better, what will be different. we will hit the gym regularly, stop eating so bad, focus more on our educational goals, sleep better... ect. regardless of what we actually accomplish we both agree that we'll feel better. nightshift really is a lifestyle. if you have enough of a manic personality you can just not sleep and flip back and forth from living your life at night then day then back to night again. when we worked 12 hour shifts this was easier because we were only working 3 nights a week, but for all the people out there working eight hour shifts it is mas dificil, and we feel your pain.

Happy birthday mama

I wanted to be the first to tell you Happy Birthday! And seeing how it is 1:05 am, I don't think anyone else beat me to it. I don't have a recent photo of you to put on here, so everyone else won't be able to see how beautiful you truly are. But mom, I just wanted to take a moment to celebrate you...I am so thankful to have you as a mother and I know David is as well. We have grown so much closer over the recent years, and I am positive that will continue. Thank you for being you and loving me. Many kisses. Sorry we couldn't be with you today, but know that we are thinking of you. Love you always.

The Little Joys in Life

So, everyone knows of Skippers right? The Seafood and Chowder House? Although, I really don't know that you can call a place where the guy that is taking your order is just as greasy as the fish he brings you in that fancy plastic dish a Seafood House...or the fact that he is wearing his own "wife beater" and "blue tooth" set. But nonetheless, everyone must admit that they have this delicious clam chowder that comes from a can...that was until a few months ago. David and I must also admit that we love to eat their chowder and went there to enjoy a yummy delicious bowl when I noticed it was a different kind. After all the years we had been going there, the chowder had always been the same. Since that unbearable moment, we have not been back. Now, don't think we gave up that easy...we tried 3 other skippers in different locations through out the months. Wow. Sounds pretty desperate huh. At any rate, we gave up hope. But...to our surprise on the way to Jerry's this am, a sign at Skippers clearly stated "Our original chowder is back". David and I must have seen it at the same time, because we simultaneously exploded, "yes, about time." So, for all you Skipper lovers out there, the original, delicious chowder you have grown to love, is back.
Who knew one could be so passionate about chowder. Have a great rest of the day!

cha cha changes

wow what a month. there has been a ton o' changes. little pua, aka halo, was born on the 18th and she is freaking cute. thank goodness for garrett's good looks. our very dear friends the garstkas will be returning to oregon soon and we got to see the satellite pics of the house they will rent. tiff and i finally scored a day job that starts in 7 more shifts...what! what! elle and the nugget moved back to the burg(thank goodness!) and we made some new friends, the grands. hey bob, vicki, and the grandkids.

we had dinner at the grands, and what a good time. they are such chill folks. picture this... a stellar new house constructed by bob the builder, 4 kids ages 3-11, a cat, glitter pens, some cake, a mysteriously placed bowl of ice cream, and the grown-ups all outside wrapped up in gossip and tales of emergency medical mayhem. now believe or not we left with only one small hole in a door, a 3 year old boy crying over a pink dress and high heels he had to leave behind, and hugs with promises of future dinner parties. the grands were terribly gracious that night and nothing the kids cried, screamed, tattled about phased them. thanks bob and vicki.

Always

As most of you know, David and I are emergency room nurses by night and aspiring photographers by day. It just so happens that the emergency room was pretty quite today. Yes, I know, I said the quiet word. However, it worked out to our advantage because we got to go home early. And that leads me to here. Here, with one of my most loyal and closest pals. So loyal in fact, that he is with me during every blog entry and every retouching session. So loyal in fact, that he never takes nor demands any credit. He is my always buddy. He is my Porter, my boston terrier.
Sometimes I get annoyed with the constant scratching at my legs, so that I will notice him...so that I will pick him up. But when it comes down to it, if he isn't sharing (more like hogging) the chair with me, I end up calling him so he will scratch at my legs. So that I will notice him...so that I will pick him up.

I am so thankful for my always buddy. Always there, always loving, always Porter.

Amy & Todd

Today, we simply did headshots for Amy and Todd's business. It was actually a bit more difficult than we had originally thought, because they were such a great couple that we just wanted to keep playing with them. We had to limit ourselves to just the business stuff.

Amy, it had been a while since we met the very first time, and I was quickly reminded why I dug you so much! Todd, you were really starting to relax and have fun which we enjoyed.

We, of course, love the fact that you two work together. It's so great when you really find someone you can share everything with. Sounds a bit familiar huh? Thank you so much for today, and we look forward to more photoshoots with the two of you were we all can play a little more.

Sweet Halo

Today was the first of many photoshoots for Halo Hanna, and she was fabulous. Only 6 days old and showing the world how beautiful she is. Not that we are biased by any means, seeing that we are auntie and uncle ;)

There was a moment when she was laying quite still enjoying herself and we were able to get a few shots. Then of course she squirmed around and we were able to see what had kept her so still...she had peed. In some of the photos (not this one) you can see her little pee spot. Strange how if someone else peed themself while laying there, everyone would be revolted. However, not the case here...we all thought it was funny and cute.

Kjersti & Jake

It's such a beautiful thing to be able to take a glimpse at one person's love for another. Thankfully, Jake and Kjersti were kinda enough to invite us along. We know Jake was a little reluctant, seeing how this was his second photoshoot, but he was so willing to make Kjersti happy...and this is what she wanted.

Our job was easy that day. We simply told you were to stand, and your love for eachother took over. We were able to pause little moments of what he does to you and what you do to him. You guys were great, not to mention a beautiful couple. Thanks for letting us tag along.

Oh Wrigs

Once the excitement of people coming to see him
finally settled in, we were able to snap Wrigley being his sweet self. He is so massive, but so gentle. We laid on the grass to get down to his level, and all he wanted to do was play. I think we ended up with more slobber than photos. All the while, his proud and loving mother giggled from the side.

Take Us As We Are

I love to photograph kids because when you just let them be them, there is nothing more beautiful. They giggle and laugh without reservation. They don't care about the way their nose crinkles up or if they snort like a pig. They don't worry about imperfections. They are just simply them...as they are. Kylee loves to dress up, so we just let her do her thing. Of course, us being asian and all, we had to get some in the oriental dresses. And Kiersten is quite athetic already (I know, we are all jealous). She brought up different sports equipment and showed off her skills. Girls, thanks so much for always being your beautiful selves. We love you!!!!

Kirsten & Gabrielle

With the slightest bit of guilt, Kirsten and Gabrielle's mom confessed it had been too long since they have had the girls photographed. So, a week later, we met at the park and began photographing the girls, not quite realizing how stunning they were until we got behind the lens. We were so amazed by how well the girls continued to follow directions even after the boredom had set in. Thanks to them, we were able to capture some pretty spectacular stuff.

It was so awesome to see the expressions on mom and dad's faces during the preview. Even the girls' excitement let us know they were pleased.