28.6.08

Seattle, in no particular order.

I was lucky enough to go HOME  earlier this month for twelve whole days! It was amazing. Danny and our friends Matt, Celeste, and little Sawyer came for the first few days, then Max and I were on our own with all the Rands crew. We had a blast!

Snoqualmie Falls

took this shot on the hike down to the bottom of the falls. I had never done it before abd it was SO pretty!

Veiw from above

just the three of us
the end of the hike to the bottom

My boys hiking down

Celeste and Sawyer at the bottom

I loved this fire hydrant we found in this GORGOUS neighborhood in Seattle, it was completely covered in moss! Well, I guess most things are covered in moss there. 
the rhododendrons were blooming everywhere! THey are so bright and beautiful. 
Max fell asleep during our hike (told you these were out of order). This boy LOVES his daddy!
Jordan and Mom, helping me check out the location for the wedding I was shooting on Alki beach. 
I had to be discreet when I took this shot inside the AMAZING CUBAN SANDWICH place in Freemont. It cracked me UP!

At Salt's in Alki. Most perfect place for a reception!
where I am from, we deal with this a lot. 

Max discovered my mom's piano and couldn't get enough!  He and Sawyer played some fabulous duets, I must say.
What a team, she turns while he plays.
just call him miles davis. 

look at that concentration!
My beautiful sister Mackenzie on the way to 9th grade graduation! It's not the best lighting, but I did her hair and makeup and she seriously was such a knock out. She's almost 16, look out!
Max and aunt Kenz sharing a most delicious crepe at Pike Place. I am drooling just thinking about it! I love how much my baby loves my sister. They have the sweetest connection!
Making progress: Max still doesn't like most dogs, but he LOVES Wilson! He is always crawling around the house looking for him, and loves to be right by him. 
Wilson needs his space sometimes. Obviously Max has a hard time understanding!

23.6.08

A day at the pool

Today we had such a fun afternoon at the pool. It has been so hot and Max was so cranky when he woke up, we just had to get out! 

laying on the lounge chair, talking away and playing 
with mom's sun glasses (the best pool toy ever)

hey there blue eyes...

nothing better than some raisin toes

just catching some sun


Of course there are no pictures of us IN the pool, since I can't really hold my camera and him without one of them drowning! I am proud to report that he goes under water like a trooper! Though I can't say the same thing about keeping his sun hat on...

Studio 5


Whew! Glad I have that done with! Thanks to everyone at Studio 5 for a FANTASTIC time, they couldn't have been nicer! Also, thanks to everyone who replied to my post with questions and suggestions, it was so helpful! For those of you out-of-towners or for anyone who missed it, here is the link to the STUDIO 5 WEBSITE, where you can read some of the tips we talked about!
Of all the dumb things to do, I forgot to bring my camera on set so I could get a pic with the fabulous Brooke and Darren. Duh!

19.6.08

busy busy

because I'm working on these.

I know. I have so much to post. Max's first hair cut, Seattle adventures, Tylerisms, visiting my family, MAX"S FIRST TIC BITE (yes. it's true). I am overwhelmed just thinking about it. 

But listen. Here's the thing. I am up to my ears in pictures at the moment, with a ton to edit and another wedding next week, not to mention the preparation for the little event tomorrow morning (see below), I barely have time to breathe, let alone blog. I am available by e-mail, I'm just a little slow replying at the moment. Hope you understand. 

I promise, more is coming. Someday.

16.6.08

tune in. laugh at me.

sometimes I really wonder how I get myself into these messes. But yes. I will be doing segment on KSL's  STUDIO 5 this friday (show airs at 11:00 am).  I will be discussing PHOTOGRAPHY, particularly, how to find/what makes a good background, both indoor and out, as well as how to set up some DIY indoor backgrounds.  Basically, the idea is to help moms take better pictures of their kids with the help of a few tips!  

So here's the thing. I normally wouldn't take the time to announce to the world that I'm about to make a complete fool of myself ( I like to keep the public humiliation factor to a minimum), but I am asking for a little help from all you photo enthusiasts out there! We are in the process of putting together the dialog of the show with some of the producers, so what I want to know is...

WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE? what would you like to know how to do with backgrounds. Is there anything specific you would want to see discussed on the show?
Please share.  No question is to basic or complicated.  So let's hear it!

Oh. and I am also accepting advice on what I should wear. Or how to do my hair. Or how not to look chunky....? Or how not to trip, drool, forget my name, you know. That sort of thing. Anyone want to go shopping this week??! 

13.6.08

qjkzdghip


listen. i do not like these silly blog security thingies. I vote that you all remove them from your comments. they are a bother. and i for one would leave you very smart, witty comments all the more if you did. and who doesn't love a comment? especially from me. =) ha.  

6.6.08

in the land of the tree huggers...

image courtesy of google images. 

Just wanted to drop a note to say that I'm off spending some time with my people in the great North West and won't be back for over a week! I won't come back empty handed though, I promise to bring plenty of pictures of my own, as well as a few fun family shoots and a wedding! We will back before you know it and if I have a sec, I'll try to post an update.  

2.6.08

i've been painting...

my living room. see??


though you probably wouldn't know by looking at my house, I looooove decorating. I would prefer shopping for things for my house more than for clothes pretty much any day. The only problem is that I have the hardest time committing to decor in my own house. I have been agonizing over paint colors for far too long, so I decided to just take a risk and go for something different in my formal living room. So now I have some lovely chocolate brown walls instead of being surrounded by white. It's not quite finished yet, but here's a little preview of some of the details- new paint color, pillows, rug (not pictured, but it's aqua blue with a white scraggley tree silhouette), and a BUNCH of vintage frames that I refinished. I can't wait for it to all come together!

Here are a few other things I've been inspired by lately
 (these pics not from my own home. unfortunately.)

I will DEFINITELY be attempting this- either in the living room or Max's room. Haven't decided yet. via apartment therapy.

I like the idea of this eclectic collection of plates and the way they're hung. 
I think my kitchen needs this. via blueprint.

My friend Caroline turned me on to Orla Kiely wallpaper. I LOVE her bags, but who knew she had the wallpaper of my dreams?? These are my two favorites- the top one I would LOVE in my bedroom, the bottom one, I don't know where I could put it. I just like it. 


27.5.08

a little swamped

Well friends, I have to apologize for being a little hard to get a hold of lately and for being a bit of a blog slacker. Everyones been asking where I have been and well, I have pretty much been taking pictures like a crazy lady. I had the wedding at La Caille on Saturday, followed by a family shoot. Not to mention a bajillion shoots from the week before and finishing the edits for a wedding at the beginning on the month. I can't think of when I have ever been that tired!
The wedding at La Caille went great, thanks for all the encouragement. I don't usually share my client stuff on this blog, but whatever. Here are two of the first four I've edited. So random. haha!



We spend Sunday afternoon and Monday taking advantage of some much needed R&R with our friends at their cabin near Park City. THanks Matt and Celeste for the fun getaway!I would post some pics, but I didn't take any other than this random one of some rain on the window. Sometimes you just need a break from the camera.


So anyway, I will hopefully have a life again someday, it would really be great to just hang out and be a mom for a while! Lots and lots of editing and catching up the photo blog is on the docket this week, and next week I am off to SEATTLE for some fun with friends and family (and of course some photography- I should have a few family shoots as well as my first SEATTLE WEDDING!!). So much for hanging out... =)

23.5.08




I'm really trying to get better at this silhouette thing, but boy is it tricky to get it perfect! I think I will be trying one from a new picture later, since this is the one from when he was barely one. I'm also going to give it a try in adobe illustrator- ugh. if anyone has tips, please share.

Also, I am shooting a wedding CEREMONY (a first) and reception at La Caille tomorrow! I'm not going to lie. I'm nervous!! Wish me luck and pray it doesn't rain!

21.5.08

messes.

Do you ever feel like this? Lately I feel like I really am wasting my life away by  constantly cleaning (uh, and/or blogging), but my house is never quite clean enough. And if it is, its messy again within 3 hours and I start all over. What is UP with that?? Sometimes I wish I could just ignore it, but it drives me nuts. How do YOU conquer the clutter?

20.5.08

new photo chair.


Don't even act like our white trash diaper clad baby doesn't look cool on it. You know you secretly love it. You know who you are ahem. danny. =)

16.5.08

I looked out the window and what did I see?

I'm sorry but I had to share all of these. Max was having a swell time watching his Dad barbecue last night. We had a swell time watching Max watch his Dad.  He developed an up-close and personal with the screen door. Now as you look at these keep in mind that Max was squeeling " i, i, i, i,"  (hi) incessantly during the whole process. 









what the heck. apparently my child is the twin of that malformed guy from "GOONIES."




Whatyoulookinat?!

15.5.08

13.5.08

tag.

Max is it!
~My little Maxter was tagged by his buddy Owen (my best friend's little guy). So here are ten things about Jon Maxwell Kettle. ~

1.  Max is 15 months old and is suddenly learning and exploring everything twice as much as before; learning words, signs, sounds, and by getting those little paws of his into EVERYTHING. Every time I turn around, he is trying to access the garbage can, closing himself in a closet, pulling things off the bookshelf, anything to make a mess. 

2. Max's first official word is "baa" (translation BALL) as of a few weeks ago. It took me a while to decide weather or not it was a coincidence, but I'm pretty sure it's legit!  Max also signs the word "milk" like a champ, and is hit and miss with "all done."

3. Max is possibly in need of a hair cut. I love it long and it is getting so curly!  I don't think I can bare cutting it, but Danny has taken to calling him BABY TRUMP, so maybe just the littlest trim?

4. Max is picking up some tricks - most recently pointing to his nose when we ask him where it is. Every time he does it, he gets this big fat grin on his face  and claps for himself. And he expects us to do the same!

5. Another trick- we ask "where's your pillow? nite-nite!" and he will lay down on anything somewhat resembling a pillow, or just the floor. 

6. Max could be walking easily by now, but choses not to. He cruises around walls, the furniture and walks while holding our hands like a pro. But let go of just one hand, and he whines and sits down. He has stood up a few times by himself without realizing it, but as soon as he sees that he isn't holding on to something, he whines at sits down! Little stinker.

7. Max is a great big fraidy-cat! He is SERIOUSLY scared of animals. He is intrigued by them until they get close, and then he squeals like a girl, turns away and curls his arms and legs up close to him. Truthfully he is petrified. He does warm up to my parents dog Wilson after a day or two though.  And I guess I should clarify when I say he has a fear of ANIMALS, because TICKLE-ME-ELMO falls into the same category. That's right. He cracks up and thinks that Elmo is a hoot while he stands and laughs, but as soon as that thing tips over and starts rolling around, he freaks. Same exact reaction as with dogs or cats. And no, he has never had a bad experience with one. 

8. My 15 month old still sits in his infant car seat!! He is only about 21-22 pounds, and he still fits! Mostly its because he sleeps so well in his seat and I can cart him around in his car seat if I really have to go in a store or something while he is sleeping. But don't worry. We are going to suck it up and fork out the dough for a Britax this week. 

9. Max was difficult to get to sleep during his first year, we could never get him to consistently sleep or go down well- it was always good months and bad months. But now he is the BEST. He sleeps from 8:30 or 9:00 until about 7:30 and he has been taking three hour naps in the afternoon! The best part is that when it's time for bed, I walk in his room, read a book, and lay him down while he's wide awake, and as long as it's really bed time, he goes right to sleep, no tears! However, if I try to put him down an hour early and he isn't that tired, FORGET IT. 

10. Max is still nursing. He loves the boob, what can I say? We are getting ready to wrap it up, but as of now, he still nurses once a day- in bed with me when he first wakes up. Really it's my fault- I am always too tired to get up right away!

so, there's max's first tag! He is tagging Sawyer, Austin and Carson G., Hadley and Karson, Olivia and Kolby, Lauren and Hallie, Navi and Gray, Ava and Sadie, Heather, Boston....ok. Too long of a list. ALL OF MAX'S LITTLE BUDDIES!

P.S. YOU LIKE THAT CRAZY PIC? SEE A LOAD OF THEM ON THE PHOTOBLOG.

12.5.08

good job tripod.

DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME KIDS.
We tried to take family pictures ourselves for mothers day. it was insanity. I'm pretty sure these three were the only decent ones. Max was cranky, I am just plain unphotogenic, and Danny is probably my worst client to date. I think he started asking to be done after trying the first pose at the first location. Anyone who I hire in the future beware of this group. We won't be easy. But at least I have cute boys. =)



11.5.08

happy mothers day

to all you hot mamas. Especially to my mom, who is my best friend (besides Danny of course) and pretty much the coolest chic around. Thanks for being my example, inspiration, shoes to fill, my biggest cheerleader, and one amazing woman. I love you gif. 



 I must say, I am so lucky to be this little guy's mom. So happy mothers day to me too then.

{pictures taken by my darling husband}

8.5.08

I'm going to get my shop on. WHO IS WITH ME?

Ok girls. Mothers Day is this Sunday, so I am going to the fabulous BEEHIVE BAZAAR for a little mothers day shopping, for me and my mom. I missed the event last year and I was so bummed, so this year, I want to get down there early and make a day of it. My friend Caroline is a vendor, she will be selling her fabulous ARMELLE JEWELRY (which I drool over) and she says it's best to get there early, seeing as there are so many great one-of-a-kinds and good deals that sell quickly. Maybe we should shoot for Friday morning?

So here's the deal, it's all the way down in Provo, so let's have a party and go shopping etsy style, just not online! I seriously can't wait. WHO'S COMING WITH ME?


p.s. the photoblog is going to be continually getting all kinds of updates. I've been a busy girl. 

5.5.08

he doesn't like it.

because it feels funny.




but maybe this
will motivate him to walk?

2.5.08

my birthday settee

before. I kinda like the wood now that I see it in the picture, but up close it was not so cute.

In my living room, all painted white. It wasn't as hard as I thought and Danny and I had a lot of fun working on it together. p.s. The coffee table was a $10 yard sale find. Sa-weeeet!

He loves it. This is his new "trick." I'll say, "where's your pillow? Go nite-nite!" And he will lay down and pretend to go to sleep. =) It's so cute! He usually just does it when there is a pillow around, but he's starting to do it anywhere. Don't worry. He doesn't really have a pillow when he goes to bed. 

I can't wait to haul this baby downtown for some pictures.....