I love AGE 3!!

If my Marleigh posts are getting too much, here's your warning..its another one about her! I started this blog as a way to document my life with four kids and the greatest hubby and since photography is my passion (and my job), I've mixed it in too. But truly, I want to write about my life and lately this is the direction I want the blog to take. I don't have the time for scrapbooking like I used to....so this will have to serve that purpose. Here's my next entry...why I love age 3.......

In a few months Marleigh will turn 4...I've decided that I am going to mourn 3 as if it was my own age. I realize its only a matter of days but to a mom of four, I am very aware of the changes that 4 brings: independence, defiance and shyness...all negatives in my book as I have learned from three previous and am preparing to send off the last! Oh yah, it brings some wonderful things too...the ability to buckle the seat belt alone, completely dress without assistance and friendships outside of home...but I could care less about those things....I want to keep my baby a baby for just a little longer.


I will cherish this summer and eat up every little bit of innocence she possesses. I LOVE car conversations with her:

Me: "Marleigh, look that truck has the name BURG on it....that's just like your name..Burgie." (remember I spoke of how Branden started the trend of Burgah to Burgie and now its what we all call her...love it).

Marleigh: "My like my name Marleigh....My hope the kids at school don't call me Ham"

Me: "HAM? Why would they call you Ham?" (scratching my head and wondering where this came from)

Marleigh: looking seriously engaged in adult conversation she answers "Because my look like Ham".

Me: "You don't look like Ham!!!!"

Marleigh: "Yes my do...Marleigh Ham Burgah."

Our conversations are literal......and totally hysterical!

I hear knocking on the bathroom door while I'm showering........

Me: "Whose there?"

Marleigh: "It's me....Marleigh"

Me: "Do I know you?"

Marleigh: "Yes silly Mumma....its me, Marleigh, your company!!" She sits down on the only chair in the room (potty) and waits for me to finish my shower....talking all the time and being the perfect company!!

Those who know her well, know exactly what I'll be missing this fall when she goes to school a few mornings a week. I see the changes happening in her already....the dreaded 4 is coming....she's becoming more shy with people and yesterday told me that she doesn't want to go to school. Believe me, I was tempted to cuddle her up and tell her she didn't have to....but I know that in order to make her life in elementary a more smooth transaction, these half days have to happen...for both of us!

Each day as we wave the kids off on the bus, she turns to me (while standing on the windowsill) and asks "Where are we going today." What am I going to do without my sidekick? They've all had their turns kicking around with me....but Marleigh is the only one who has had me all to herself.

It seems like yesterday.........

I'll miss this...her perched on my windowsill performing for passersby.......

No more footed jammies.........

I'm sure this won't end....but I know she likes her quiet times to lounge and watch PBS kids....when the bigger kids are home, they change the channel on her...

I hope she has a daughter just like her someday.......

But....I'm not sure Jack will miss her much....he's started to moan when he sees her coming near.....gosh she loves him!!

I'm off to scoop up my Burgie......

Enjoy the day!

~kel~

Hump Day Update....

I can't believe its Wednesday already! Today I must attend to my regular housework, laundry and work. I completely enjoyed the distraction this weekend and needed the rest and time with my family. We escaped to camp for the long weekend and then yesterday was my Birthday. My hubby is the best, he takes my birthday off and sees to it that the days focus is on me...who could ask for more than that?


This year, my birthday went a bit different. A few weeks ago, the swine flu closed my children's school for a week and I was forced to reschedule some of my appointments...Mrs. Potter's Preschool was on my schedule that week and I felt horrible cancelling. Because their school year is a bit shorter than the rest of the school system, she mentioned they had an end of year party at the beach and asked if I'd like to photograph the kids on-location! Well YAH!! I love on-location and as much as I'd love to show the individual shots...there are too many and seriously...just showing a few would NOT be fair so I chose to show her group shot instead. Isn't this a fun school photo?

I had lunch at the Olive Garden (that's the fanciest place Marleigh could dream up to celebrate my day...just the three of us while the other kids were at school), throughout the day, I got loads of well wishes on my facebook (came through on my Iphone) and then my mom showed up with a lovely card stuffed with greens just for me! It was an awesome day.

I still do my gram's hair weekly (we call her Minnie). Thursday when I was there, she was getting ready for Soup & Seniors, a luncheon at her church. Its the last one for the summer months and then they resume again over the winter - its so great because it gets them all out to socialize during the toughest months of the year. I just thought she looked so pretty in her navy blue outfit, I asked if I could have a photo. Her home is where she grew up and I knew I wanted a photo of her on the front steps. I wish I'd stepped back to snap a full shot of the house.....maybe this week I'll do that! Isn't she beautiful?? I'm so proud of how well she takes care of herself!! She just had another birthday...I think she's 83 now! I hope I got her genes with that full head of hair and gorgeous skin! The harsh sun was a beast to deal with but I'm happy to have this photo of her.

Here's my favorite subject to photograph.......her daddy got her swing hung up for her this weekend, she was in her glory....I loved how her dress matched it....

I took this one while we were at Minnie's. This face is nailed to the tree and Marleigh was intrigued with the eyeballs.....just thought it was a cute capture.... her baby book is going to be stuffed with so many fun adventures!!!

Enjoy!

~kel~

This one's for you, Amy!

Amy called on me to photograph her four beautiful babes......I dont have time for a full post as Im off again to grab the kiddos from school and then to camp for the weekend but I had to get these online as four days is just TOO long to wait!!!!!!

The birthday girl.......I hope its A GREAT DAY!!!!!! Had to convert this to black and white.....love it!!

Is he edible or what?????

I hope you like them Amy!!!!!!

Enjoy!
~kel~

Camp flowers......

Yesterday I took Marleigh to our camp for a quick visit to water a small section of new lawn that we are trying to fill in. I pay a company to see to it that green grass grows at my house because the soil is not perfect....but at camp, it grows abundantly...but is not weed free like at home. When you don't have dandelions, you miss them....especially when you have small children!! I'm sure most folks can recall them in their own childhood memories and I captured a few for Marleigh's memory book!!

Here are a few of our "camp flowers".....

A closeup.....

I was shocked at the number of bees I heard buzzing around me....technically not the BEST photo as I held the camera at arms length to get this shot...I'm a sissy when it comes to being stung!

I just think its amazing how that yellow flower turns to "dust".

Ole Jacky boy watched us patiently.......he's such a good dog!

Enjoy your day!

~kel~

Good morning.......

I looked out the window this morning and noticed how quickly the leaves on the trees have filled in....sheilding us from the neighbors and creating a cove of our own. I LOVE WARM DAYS in the morning hours.....the smell of the new blossoms.....the warmth of the sun and how it makes my home bright and cheery. I love how calm and quiet my neighborhood is after 8:00 AM.

Good morning front yard filled with sunshine.......(a little sun flare)


Good morning little doggie who misses me like crazy when I'm not within 5 ft. of him......


Good morning to my reliable hosta plants.....lets hope there are no hail storms this year to destroy your beautiful green leaves......

Good morning to the new family who chose another of my shrubs to create this beautiful home....
Good morning to my blog stalkers.....thanks much for coming here to check on the chatter! I hope your day is just as sunny and bright!!

Enjoy!

~kel~

Happy Birthday Wishes!!!

How lucky am I to have married the man of my dreams? Strong, smart, organized and handsome. He has the best giggle and the warmest personality....Happy Birthday, Jean...let's go make it a GREAT day!!



What a weekend....all day party on Saturday....and a family session with an engagement twist on Sunday!! It was the best way to end the day yesterday - a fun family to chase around the water's edge and through the woods! Lynda and Shawn are getting married in September and though her wedding photographer is a friend of hers from out of town flying in specifically for the wedding, she honored me by asking me to do photos of them for engagement purposes and some with Shawn's kids and mom!

Loved this one....the rain earlier in the day washed off the tree's leaves and darkened their trunks....since the leaves are just starting to fill in, its beautiful and bright....perfectly May in Maine!

Thanks for having me guys!! I can't wait to see and hear more about the wedding plans! Best of luck to you!!

Enjoy!
~kel~

Shhhh.......

It's me....I'm typing quietly....it's early AM and though the girls are awake, the boys at my moms for a sleepover, and Jean is already on the road, I'm enjoying peaceful silence and hoping that the clicking of the keys won't draw the girls to me. I MUST update the blog!! They are still in a daze, sleepy and stunned. We returned home sometime after midnight from a pig roast to celebrate my mom and brother's birthdays. Even though the skies are dark and cloudy, the early morning still wakes my creatures of habit.

I didn't photograph a single thing last night - some memories are best left in your head! Jean and I had to leave the party for a while to attend a wedding - it was lovely and I'm incredibly happy for the couple who finally decided THEIR time had come .... I believe she said they've been together 13 years!

Friday I enjoyed some time with Ms. Marleigh in our back yard...she's waited ALL winter to blow this "bouncer thing" up.....

I had to have a close-up of her....

Then she took one of me!! (note the horizon behind me...gosh did I giggle at watching her try to hold my big heavy camera)

Then I held it at arms length and shot this one......

I'm off to catch up on blogs I haven't read in a while....Scene's from the Wild, The Lettered Cottage and The Shabby Nest...here I come.....oh how I've missed you! ME TIME, ME TIME.....as I hear Makenna returning to her bed....its rainy and cool, a perfect day for lounging!

Enjoy!

~kel~

First Communion....

My niece came in for her First Communion photos. I did her sisters last year so I attempted to give her mom some that would compliment them.

I love her serious look........but her smile is beautiful too!

Enjoy!

~kel~

First senior of the year!

The youngest of three boys...his mom knew exactly what she wanted for his senior portraits...she wanted him to look like "him"....just my style! Duncan was so great to work with...we got in a few laughs and that makes the sessions so much less painful for the guys! I chose a few of my favorites. Loved this one in color but just had to try a conversion to black and white....

Here he is in studio - casual and relaxed.

But this one....a laugh....makes me smile!

Deb, thanks for contacting me and Duncan, thanks for being such a great sport!

Enjoy!!

~kel~

Happy Mother's Day!!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO YOU & ME and all the other moms who make a good faith effort every day to be the best moms we can! It's never easy - children don't come with warranties or money back guarantees and certainly no instruction manuals. We do the best we can with what we have..and....as Maya Angelo says: "When you know better, you do better."

I just asked Jean to take this photo - it's the end of a very windy, chilly day, no warning and no makeup or hair touch-ups. This is who we are by 5:00PM on any given day...tired, hungry and one of us (Makenna) slightly worried the dog is going to run away as he nears the road behind us. This is my 12th year as a mother....the best years of my life!!

To my mom, thank you for giving me life.
To my husband, thank you for choosing me as your partner and giving me four beautiful babies.
To my babies, thank you for unconditional love!
To me, a promise to forgive myself for my shortcomings and move on through this next year with good intentions to continue making them all feel loved.
Enjoy!
~kel~

Silliness today......

My life as a mom of four and a full time photographer is BUSY to say the least....good busy, no complaints....but there are some things I find to be completely MUNDANE. While waiting patiently for the blow dryer to dry my thick locks, I got to thinking.......wish THIS came in a pill! So....(yes, senseless chatter today and possibly NO PHOTOS!)....I got to thinking about all the things I wish that came in a pill - just to simplify my life so I could enjoy all the great things....

So here's my list - feel free to add too it or make your own list on your own blog...and if you do, be sure to send me a link so I can see what else I'd like to add to mine!!


Scientists, are you listening....I'd like a pill for:

1. Dinner for 6.
2. A daily shower.
3. Hairdos.
4. Bank errands.
5. Tick removal.
6. Vacuuming.
7. Dusting.
8. Laundry. (including folding and putting away)
9. Dish washing.
10. Bed making.
11. Children's memory issues.
12. Lawn mowing.
13. Raking.
14. Sunless tanning.
15. Potty breaks!

I think that's all the time I have to list right now because half of the things on this list do not come in a pill yet and I must manually do them while this beautiful sun is shining.

Enjoy!!
~kel~

Brochures & Postcards

FIRST OF ALL: I hate how my photos from yesterday posted - when I went back in this AM to start this post, the grainy ones are really muddy and gross - not how they look on my pc - I hate that blogger does that :( After uploading these, it looks like they will be that same muddy consistency - but you get the idea).


SECOND: I made brochures! Southern Maine Medical Center inquired about showcasing my work in the hallways of the birth suite and asked if I had brochures for their patients. I got right on the ball and designed these. I wanted to show a variety of my work and this is what I came up with (for now). Here's the inside (its a trifold).

Here is the outside/front and back.

THIRD: I made postcards!! These will be given to all new moms in their packet of info. Here is one side - done in black and white so that I can pop an address and a stamp on if I want to.

This is one of my design choices for the other side.....with a bit of information about my "Here I Grow" plan.

This is my other option........

I can't decide if I like the brown to match the rest of my materials or if the pink/blue is more appropriate for capturing the attention of a new mom.....If you feel like giving me some feedback, I'd welcome it!

Thanks & Enjoy!

~kel~