*{Behind The Blue-Star Banner}*

So I had the absolute priveledge this morning to photograph an author...and more importantly an amazing person!

She has a book that will be published soon, entitled Behind The Blue-Star Banner. It is her story of enduring a 16-month deployment, an extenstion, and if that is not enough, the birth of their first child during that time. I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy. You will have to go to the link above to check out her site. And she is also available for speaking engagements. And let me tell you...this girl will light up any room she walks into. Her personality is contageous, and you always feel like you have a bit more of a "bounce in your step" after talking to her! So "M", here is your sneek peek! I had so much fun...and I want an autograph in my copy!!

Until next time...

m

*{NKOTB...Made My Day}*

Okay, so I sort of can't believe I am publicly confessing this...however, I was *in love* with New Kids on the Block back in the day...and if you are a female from my generation, admit it...so were you! September 12, 1990 I went to my very first concert and saw them (and if you know me, you also know I am a freak at remembering dates)!

So my mom called me this morning and Regis and Kelly were talking about how the New Kids are making a comeback! I am all giddy like a teenage girl again...but I am making a promise to my husband right now, I won't hang up the Joey Joe poster like back in the day! And I promise not to bust out my trading cards that are somewhere probably stashed with my childhood memory tote in the garage!

Here is the article from People Magazine. And I have to confess, I would totally buy a ticket for nostalgic purposes...it would be a nice blast from the past! And yes, I so signed up on their site for email exclusives! Now you know one of my deepest darkest secrets, yes...I will always be a "block-head"!

Hangin' Tough,
m

*{Just Because}*

Just proofed this gem and had to share it.

I wish *I* had a mother/daughter picture like this one!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend...
m :)

{*Three Reasons...}*

...That little Miss S.G. is the cutest little thing ever!
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Seriously, that butt is the cutest little thing ever!
And those wrinkles! You work it girl! (These are the BabyLegs that are in my Scrumptious Shopping section...perfect for kiddos that are going to be scooting around the floor soon)...
And that million dollar smile!! Watch out mom and dad!!!
Thank you so much Miss S.G. You worked that camera! I had a blast with you cutie-pie!
Until next time...
m

*{Where Does Time Go?}*

My, my, my...I guess time flies by when you're having fun! I just wanted to make the following announcement...

January, February, and March 08 are completely booked. I will not be taking on any more sessions during these months!

However, I am already booking April 08 forward. So if you'd like to do a session when the sun decides to start peeking through the clouds again, let me know!

Hope you are all having a great weekend...and GO CHARGERS!!
m

*{Pottery Barn Inspiration}*

Pretty cool quick video to help you with framing all those photos...only Pottery Barn!

Click here to watch the video...

m

*{Happy *R.&.R*}*

Rest and Relaxation...it has different meanings to all of us. To this great couple though, it means he gets to spend the most amazing 18 days with his family after spending 9 months in Iraq...to then return to Iraq for another 6 months. And I feel honored that they allowed me to capture some moments between their family this morning.

So everyone, raise your glass to your computer screen while reading this to toast Mr. M for a huge thank you (that seems so understated in theses circumstances)...a huge thank you that we all can continue to live our lives in peace and comfort in the good 'ole USA because of brave soldiers willing to sacrafice more than most.

Here is your peek...and enjoy every minute of every day you have left on your R and R!
And on a random sidenote, Mrs. M, you have the most creamiest skin *ever*!
(click images to enlarge)

Until next time...
m

*{Scrumptious Shopping}*

For all of you that love unique and yummy shopping goodies...especially for little ones, I started a new section on the blog to the left...

Scroll down to "Scrumptious Shopping" and follow the fun shopping links I've posted.

And since we are talking about shopping...If you are in a slump with your skincare regime, you have *got to try* Philosophy! Their product is phenominal! Especially the Microdelivery Peel...isn't it mom?! I told my mom it would be the best $65 she ever spent on her face. And she agrees! It feels like I just stepped out of the spa from having a facial! And their Purity Cleanser is great as well...I would just say buy the whole "Makeup Optional" kit (it's on sale now for more than 50% off on their site or at Nordstrom)! I love to plug products when I find something that I can say I love and swear by! Why not share, right!?!

Anyways, have fun browsing the links! And yes...Mr and Mrs P, that cutie up top is your precious Miss A!

m

*{Another *SERIOUSLY* Moment}*

So I am a sucker for crazy news articles! Everyone remember the movie Weekend at Bernies?! Well read this! I kept thinking...*seriously*...all this for $355!

Poor man...let him rest in peace!
m

*{Happy Half Birthday}*

6 month-ish is a fun age to shoot! Where they have tons of rolls and are just starting to sit up by themselves. Here are a few favorites from today of little Miss A! Enjoy the peek of what is to come Mr. and Mrs. P!
Love this one...and love those sparkly eyes and chubby cheeks!

Until next time...
m

*{Lazy Sunday}*

You know those lazy days that each and every one of us need to get through the chaos of the week?? Today was that day! We stayed in the house all day...it was nice for a change! Not that anyone would want to leave the house today...it was freezing out there and even flurried for a bit. And the best part of today...I was able to curl up in our chair with a nice warm blanket and take in the SAN DIEGO CHARGERS!!! Thank God we pulled off a win against the Titans. We are Charger fans through thick and thin in this household. And today was a great game...next week, I am hoping we can beat the Colts! We'll get to the "big game" one day!!

In between our spouts of laziness around here, I did manage to get a couple of sessions edited. So with this post is a sneek peek of another session done in Temecula...a wonderful mom and her son! So enjoy this preview of what's to come...and I am vowing to finish proofing this session before I go to bed. So back to work I go!



On random sidenotes...I did scoot out to see the movie Atonement on Friday. Pretty good flick! I really liked it and can definitely see why it is up for so many Oscars including best picture.

And someone please tell me it is November 2nd already...these Primaries are starting to drive me bonkers!! I don't know how these candidates keep the pace they do!

Until next time...
m
OH...and GO CHARGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*{T-E-M-E-C-U-L-A}*

So while I was home visiting family for the holidays, I had the priveledge of shooting the "B" Family! They were a load of fun and just all around great people! I am sure they have been anxiously awaiting this sneek peek...well, I at least know their referral, Erin, has!

Temecula, CA is a great town...it used to be so much smaller! I remember the days where we would have Chinese Fire Drills in the middle of the intersections at 10pm because no one was out (yes I know...I was oh so wild)! Now-a-days, things have changed. It is a booming town; not the town I remember in my high school days!

Temecula is mostly known for its phenominal wineries! So if you have a chance, stop and check out some wineries and take a trip through Old Town...that is where this session was done. There are tons of unique stores...and stop by and have lunch at Rosa's Cantina...YUM!!!

So on to the pictures....(you can click the individual photos to enlarge)

And Mrs. B thought we probably wouldn't get any good ones! :)

Until next time,

m

*{I'm Baaaaaaaaaaack}*

I am officially back and in the swing of things! We had a great trip to So Cal for the holidays. I even have a few sessions to post from down in So Cal...but I have to start editing them first! So be on the lookout this week for your sneek peeks...and thanks for being so understanding while I took some time off to travel over the holidays!

Emails and phone calls are being returned...if they haven't already! I can't wait to see where this new year brings me!

Happy New Year!
m