Facebook....

Are you there yet?? I only just got myself an account a week or so ago and have already found some missing friends! Lots of high school pals and some local friends that I just don't get to see often enough. You gotta join...and add me!!

Today is Meemie day...Marleigh goes off to play with Kaylee and I get to do the things I can't when she's home. I am sifting through my tax papers and will work on that today...but I think I really want to find my way to the nail salon for a little pampering first. I haven't had a manicure or a pedicure and Jean was kind enough to give me both for Christmas....I NEED them today...this winter weather is really getting the better of me.

This morning its tough to get going. Marleigh presented in my big bed at about 5:00 AM. I was starting to wake anyway but when she comes in, we make it a point to try to settle her back in so she's not in the habit of being disruptive. I am completely aware of how great this is...that my sweet little thing still cuddles with me...and I REFUSE to turn her away knowing how short this time is. My heart aches when I think of them all growing up and away from me. Seeing that Branden does come to sit with me on occassion makes me feel better about it but there's just something about being able to pick up your little one, feeling their tiny bottoms in your hands and their sinny little arms wrapped around your neck....its a limited time only...and those who don't realize how precious it is and soak up every second are crazy! Why is it that on days like this when I know I'm going to be apart from my baby I start mourning the loss of her company long before she's even gone? Is it an addiction I have? Maybe its not a manicure I need...maybe its therapy?

In a few short hours, my gal pals are flying off to Key West for a short visit with warmer weather....I see on FB that an old friend from school is taking his family to Carribean for ten days.....I'm jealous!!! The kids are bugging me for another trip to Disney but I think a week in the tropics next winter might be kinda nice....especially January or February....hmmmm something to ponder.

Well...words only in this post....the pup is running around the house like a crazy dog (still think he's the best dog ever now that he's settled in) and Marleigh is calling me from the tub so I must close.

Enjoy!
~kel~

It's that time of year again!! Time to start thinking if you'd like me to design Valentines for your kiddos or family! If there is enough interest, I'll block off a chunk of time in a day and have studio sittings for a special price SO be sure to send me a note if ya want me!

I've had more time on my hands lately for blog stalking...something I don't get to do during the really busy months. I've got great ambitions for giving this home of mine an overhaul...even though Jean is not completely on board with my ideas. I'll sneak them in if I have to...because seriously..whose the one with decorating sense? I found some great sites if you'd like some inspiration during these hum-drum days of winter The Lettered Cottage is amazing...she will even help you with your design ideas for a VERY small fee! I think I'm going to consult her! If anyone here decides to do it after finding her link here, you are obligated by blog friendship to share your design changes with good ole Kel! She has several links along the right column of her blog suggesting even more blogs to lurk...gosh...talk about a time killer!! I did find one where the woman redid her kitchen cabinets in a red paint....I'm totally thinking of doing it too! OF COURSE...I'll keep you posted if I do!

One thing I did notice on these sites is how much higher they hang their curtains than I typically do. So yesterday I moved my living room curtains up higher and....love the look!!!!! It does make the room feel bigger!

It's a great feeling when you can pay attention to your home and its contents. It's fun to shuffle the items around and come up with some new ideas....I hope you get a chance to have a look at Layla's site....if you like that Pottery Barn-meets-cottage-style look like I do!

Stay warm my Maine friends!!

Enjoy!

~kel~

What's up?

Custom framing is coming to Kelly Roy Photography!!!! I am happy to announce my partnership with a local company Red House Picture Framing. I will be offering custom framing as an option to finish the portraits that my client's purchase from me. I'm delighted to have this service available and Erin has been fantastic about arranging a system for me to make this all come together so easily.

I am so blessed with many repeat clients who like to update their photos as much as I do - especially with growing and changing children, its amazing a difference a year makes. So, if you are like me, you don't want to "replace" the older photos with the updated ones...its more fun to add to them. I have decided that this year it is my goal to provide my clients with more than just printed portraits for displaying their loved ones. There will be more jewelry and purse samples along with other interesting ideas I've seen in the last few months. If you've seen something that peaks your interest as far as "different" when it comes to displaying portraits, please send me a link...I want it all! :)

Last night I took the pooch to puppy class. He's crazy for Mrs. Potter's labradoodle and since neither has been "altered", we have to really watch those two and their knoodling! Last night I took Cameron to class with me....he just sat there so innocently giggling and watching the goin's on....I'm sure he wonders: why does Jack always want a piggy back ride from Zuzu?? When he's not swooning over her, I'm impressed with how well the pooch does with the class...so cute how he shakes like a leaf in my arms when we get there but when I put him down for play time, he prances around like he's the biggest dog in the class (he's the smallest). His prancing is hysterical....his goofy ears sorta propped upwards but still flopping about, his tail up straight, walking around on his tippy toes looking so silly. Just thinking of it makes me giggle.

I'm still looking for father's and daughters and have a few slots to fill with the different ages I am looking for...please contact me if you have someone in mind!!

Enjoy!!
~kel~

I am mother to the best big brother.....

Yesterday I spoke of how helpful Branden is with helping me get Kenna ready for hockey, etc. He's simply the best first born a mom could ask for. Lately he's been "warmer" to me, if that's even possible and finds the time to come sit with me for a bit....cozied up like the days when he was younger. It seemed like we went through this lull in time when he was growing through the awkward stages wondering what was appropriate for his age. I made a conscious effort not to push him but to let him know that he's always welcome in my arms...even if its just to sit a while. He got the message and just a bit ago came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me as I sat here at the pc uploading photos for today's blog entry....just wanted to give me a hug. I love it...

When we returned from hockey yesterday, Jean and Cameron were still out of town for two of Cam's games. Makenna was anxiously waiting to use her new Easy Bake Oven that Lisa gave her for Christmas...and I think Bran was a bit curious to see how it would work using one 100 watt lightbulb! He offered to oversee the baking and promised to follow the book while I worked on editing some photos. I put Marleigh for a nap and Bran and Kenna worked on making some delicious, undercooked treats! They were so cute....I let them eat everything they made. And to cap it all off....when they were done, they cleaned the mess without me even having to ask!! Love that boy!! Lucky me!

I took a few more photos of Jack. I don't think I mentioned that I took the beast to the vet for his first appointment Friday....brought all the kids with me so the vet could meet us all and learn a bit about what Jack is subjected to daily. Jacky weighed a whoppin' 12 pounds (we all knew he was NOT 5 but since I didn't have a scale I had to wait to find out)...and he's about 6 months old, not 4 like the previous owner said. Its all good - he's a good boy! The vet asked me (like lots of folks do) "are they all yours?" I answered yes, explaining that they were so excited for a dog and I want them to be part of everything, including his healthcare visits. When the doc finished his exam, he looked at me with a warm smile and told me that the dog was luckier than the kids....he was blessed to have so many to play with and love.

The kids are so great about tuckering him out......I snapped this one of him...caught his ear flopping - it doesn't stick out like that :)

He's as cuddly as he looks!! He loves to be held like a baby...and relaxes immediately when in our arms.

Oh.....Katie's home now!!!! Jean just talked with her on the phone and she's feeling better!! She will be out of school for a while but at least she's home in her own bed...gosh, that must have felt so great!! Thanks so much everyone for keeping her in your thoughts and prayers!

Enjoy!
~kel~

Saturdays......

Dontcha love Saturdays!!!! I'm sorting and editing photos for a special session I did.....

Yesterday I had an interesting day!! A week or so ago, I was hired by a publishing company in the midwest to photograph a local environmental waste business for a story they want to run in the next few months. I had to share a few photos from the shoot because of the location we were in! It was done at the Cliff House Resort & Spa in Ogunquit...what an AMAZING place! The resort is literally on a cliff.....the driver of the truck had to carefully approach the job site by creeping along the cliff itself.

This one's for Nate.....he owns the company and I think he should have a copy of this non-traditional photo for his office wall!

See the tricky spot the truck needed to get into here in the lower right corner. I was standing on a terrace several floors up!

See the cliff, on the right....just a few feet away....it was creepy and cool!

Here's the crew.....they were all so awesome to work with! Russell (the dog) is the boss. He's the biggest retriever I've ever seen.....and such a good boy!

Is this view amazing???? It was only 20 degrees out there....you'd NEVER know it!

Today we had hockey in three different arenas...so Jean and I had to divide and conquer. I am so thankful for my Branden....he comes along with me to help dress Kenna in her equipment. Its tough to dress her and watch Marleigh and he's so great working with Kenna its truly awesome for me to watch as a mom.

Back to work....sorry no data on these photos...all shot manual but every time I turned around, I had to re-adjust my settings because of the tricky spot we were in....ocean reflecting onto that large building, the truck was settled in half sun, half shade....settings were all over the place!

Enjoy!

~kel~

Again....neglecting the blog.....

This morning I flew out of here in a rush and plan to do the same tomorrow. I got together with my gram today and got her all dolled up for the weekend. My aunt got her a giant mirror to set on her kitchen table so she can do her own hair on occasion too. Its still so great that I get to visit with her as often as I do...when she's having an "off" day, I'm one of the first to notice it...it makes me feel connected to her more.

Last night we got another update on Katie....she was moved from ICU to critical care and they removed one of the tubes in her lungs. She was doing much better and would be there another week or so. Today my mother-in-law reports that she's improving so nicely, they were going to send her home in the next day or so but her temp was 103 today so they said she had to stay. I was delighted for Mike & Robin to hear that she would be going home....the stress of living on the road for so long has got to be taking its toll! I know I heard too that recovery is MUCH quicker when done at home so we are hoping that day comes soon. Thanks again everyone for inquiring and following Ms. Katie's struggles. I'll keep ya posted!

Tonight we are having dinner with Jean's work family (actually, I call his work "the mistress" as he seems to enjoy his time there so much). I really am lucky he's happy with his work - he loves what he does and doesn't bring it home with him. Meems is coming over to watch the darlings for us. I'm just thinking....what AM I GOING TO WEAR?? My behind is starting to look like Oreo's...and my wardrobe has been the same for the last 12 years. I really don't own anything "nice" but I'm sure I can dig up some black slacks....I can't even believe I used that word.....I am getting OLD!!!!!!

Well, I'm off to find the "slacks" and something dark to wear with them!

I'll be posting late tomorrow. Oh, and since the shooting info was enjoyed by the photogs who lurk here, I'll try to remember my settings more often....that's how I learned too!!

Enjoy!!!

~kel~

Katie update, my dark house and a family portrait....

Katie had another operation Monday to insert larger tubes to help drain the junk in her little lungs. Her dad called to update and the emotion in his voice was touching. Last night we got an updated call that she was improving so much that she's moving from the ICU back to her room for recovery sometime today. Things are looking good and I'm so happy to update with positive news! So many thanks to those who continue to keep her in their thoughts and prayers. I know her family took comfort in knowing there were others out there sending support.

This morning another storm blessed Maine with its presence and I found myself searching for the alarm clock light in the dark of my bedroom...we were powerless again! The girls had crawled in earlier and we were cozy in the sleep number when it occurred to me that the pooch probably had a pretty full bladder and I should get the kids up and ready for school. Having no power is so boring....we should have crawled right back into that big ole bed! Branden and Jean left before 5 AM for an early hockey practice and had power when they were up milling about in their not-so-quiet way. When they returned, the power was still out and Jean noticed it was out for quite a distance so he wanted to get the generator running so that we could have heat, get the fridge running and possibly the TV (school is cancelled so with all four home from school today, boredome breeds quickly without distraction). Just as he got the house running on generator power, we noticed the neighbors had lights....

Before the power returned, I took out my camera...the bit of morning light we had was lovely....I captured it! (File info for my peeps: wb: auto, ss: 1/100, ap: f/4, +1.7 exp comp., ISO 4000 - Lovin this D700!)

Cameron asked me to take photos of the tricks he's doing with Jack. With school closed today and the ice rink covered in snow, I'm sure Jack will find himself exhausted at the end of this day. (shot with flash on - a bit blurry because it was DARK in the house so camera struggled with initial focus...which, I believe fell on the basket of JUNK in the background)

This weekend I did photos for an awesome local family. They won this sitting at a local auction and I always include a print with my auction packages...its the mom in me! I shoot studio at 400 ISO, f/10, 1/125 - alien bee 800 with extra large softbox left...I did use a second light on the right with an umbrella for this group but typically only use one light.

When I suggested a mother/daughter photo, the emotions got high for this mom. I waited for a few tears to pass.....I think its a beautiful portrait!

Thanks for all who have commented lately.....I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU!!!!!

Also.....my father/daughter book idea is looking popular!! I've had a few dads contact me directly and I'm so excited to get them booked!!!! If you have emailed me and not heard back yet, bear with me.....today you should! If you don't, please contact me again, that means I didn't get your initial email! I'm so excited about this project!!

Enjoy!

~kel~