IIII'MMMMM BAAAAAAAAAA-AAAAAAAAACK!

No we're not dead. Just ridiculously and insanely busy. Sunup to sundown is spent working our tails off on "projects". Well actually, it's more Russ that is doing the "project-ing" and it's me that's running interference with smaller creatures of our house, furry and skinned. And by running interference I really mean cleaning up buckets of urine between the house-training puppy, the weak bladdered Chippy, and the four-year-old who often replies "Just a yiddle" to the question "did you pee?" Some day urine will no longer rule my life.

Here are a few things you may have missed whilst we were gone (and I say this as if anyone actually reads my blog and I have followers who are waiting with bated breath for me to post something, anything that would interest them. Just give me my fantasy people):

• Most obvious: We have a new address. It's awesome, or will BE awesome when the freezing cold winter and construction projects are all over and it's painted and pretty and done. Which were pretty much banking on that being July of 2014. Everyone has to have a goal. If you want to see the progress, Check HERE periodically. I have stupid rural internet, so pictures are not something that upload nicely. You can also see some of the "before" pictures HERE. Side note: We moved in on a random Tuesday, so finding help to move was not really simple. My mom took the WEEK off to help us pack and move...THE WEEK! And my brother so graciously took the day off work, and my future-brother-in-law stayed an extra day to help move. I came home and both boys (I say boys cause I am sure that I outweigh them both) had COMPLETELY emptied one truck and were starting on the other which they COMPLETELY emptied before Russ got back with appliances. They used getting Russ's approval to my advantage;) Nice.
• Christmas happened. That lead to a new furry family member which I documented in a previous post. Honestly...hands down...best puppy ever. Were still dealing with a few "puppy" issues, but he's been pretty awesome. He gains about a pound a day...a POUND A DAYYYY! Yikes. You can see how big he is getting and how fast he is getting that way HERE. That would be the mobile uploads album on facebook for those of you who are not my friend. Periodically I will also upload funny pictures of sheer randomness.
  
• New Years happened. And when that New Year happened, I gained a new soon-to-be-brother-in-law. Yeah! He called me on New Years Eve (while I was building a wardrobe insert and hadn't showered in what seemed like 12 years) and asked on a whim if I would give him some advice on ring shopping. I finished building said crappy Menards wardrobe, jumped in the shower, and rushed to meet him. He picked an insanely gorgeous and sparkly ring, tied it around Millie's neck and popped the question at midnight. Super cute. There are pictures documenting it all and it is pretty special. If you don't know who Millie is, that is Diana's cat (ironically who's real name is "Millenium" since SHE came around New year 2000) who also seems to love ham sandwiches.
• Menards owns us. Jerks. Single-handedly I think we are keeping their employees employed.
• Still struggling with the dizziness, and it seems to be a tad worse. I just have to push through it as time is not something I have to go and make attempts at figuring it out. I've done a good job of masking it, most people don't even know it's bothering me when it is. I figure if I pass out while in conversation with someone, at least they'll know I wasn't just faking it. And I can sue those hookers at Carle for passing the buck.
  
• My Grandma is trying to kill me. Seriously. She keeps giving me donuts and coffee cakes and bread and all the sugary, carb loaded crap she can find. She "says" it's for the kids so I don't have to worry about breakfast in the morning and it's quick and easy. I basically have a freezer full of cake people. Cake. I might as well have a freezer full of crack or heroine. If you cut me, I would bleed powdered sugar right this instant. Between that and the People magazines, she's trying her best to turn me into one of those poor people who have to be fork-lifted out of their homes just to go to the doctor, where I will be surrounded by empty boxes of Entemans products and People magazines from 1998. Don't get me wrong, she means well. The poor woman just doesn't understand. I mean, she gets "texting" and "tweeting" mixed up. Here is a conversation we had just not that long ago.
  

Gramma: Misty, tweet your mom and ask if she is stopping by.
Misty: I'm not on Twitter gramma. Do you mean text?
Gramma: No...tweet her, you know, send her a message?
Misty: Yeah...that's texting. Tweeting has to do with Twitter, which is basically
like Facebook and another way for the internet to rule people's lives.
Gramma: Oh, well don't do that. You guys spend to much time on that
internet anyway. Just call her and ask her. Nobody picks up
the phone to call people anymore.
Misty: Ok...I think she's in a meeting still, but I'll call her and leave a message.
Gramma: Oh don't do that...just tweet her. She'll get it later.
Misty: Sigh.....ok.

• Still on my photography hiatus, but BURSTING with excitement about starting up again. I have a couple sessions scheduled in Feburary, but I will probably not jump in full time until March. This property in the Spring so promises to bring some amazing shoots, I just cannot wait. I'm waiting and praying about the direction that I need to take this year. Last year was a constant game of catch up. I am going to have to do things different this year. It is no longer a hobby...it's a job. It's a business. It's how I'm feeding my family, or paying for my car insurance and quite frankly that is going to have to come with a price increase. Nothing drastic, but I can't hide behind the "I'm just starting out and want to build my portfolio" excuse anymore. I think if I figured it up, last year what I made and the hours put into it, I basically made $.50/hour. Half of a dollar. Ridiculous.

So....that pretty well sums up life right now. We have amazing family and friends that have been INSTRUMENTAL in helping us get to where we are. Without you guys, we would still have the moving trucks parked in the barn full of crap:)

Happy Half Birthday to Mater!

Since I'm too busy taking pictures of everyone else's kids, I haven't had a chance to take my own kids annual pictures. They have reminded me of this fact every time I go out for a shoot. Why is that?

I needed to get a Christmas promotion out and needed a model, I took the opportunity to use my own kid;) What was meant to be a couple cute shots turned into her bossing me telling me how and where she wanted her picture done;) I haven't really had a chance to work on them (as I am currently working on 6 shoots that need edited!) but I wanted to at least get the post up for her half birthday...which was two days ago...again, parent of the year award right here. Better late then never right?









See the rest as I get a chance HERE.

Christmas Promo

It seems early, but I'm totally booked through the end of the year for a regular session! Crazy huh? So I opened two dates to do some mini sessions in hopes to get as many people in without driving me crazy!

I needed a model for my card promo. Who better than my own kid who is here...all alone...aching for her own little "session". Problem is...I wanted a couple cute, Gap/Old Navy/Children's Place shots where she just looks cute and trendy and natural, and she is pulling a Tyra on me. As in Tyra Banks...America's Next Top Model? You get the point. I did manage to get a few and the end results were pretty good.


Anyway...if you're interested...email me soon cause space will fill FAST! If not...just enjoy looking at my super cute kid.

Boring Ol Housewife.

I wish. I was reading the "About Me" section I filled out way back when I started this blog (my those were simpler times) and I described myself as a "boring ol' housewife". I then laughed and laughed and laughed until I felt like passing out so I stopped. I wish I was a boring 'ol housewife. But no...I gotta try and build an empire or something. Russ and I joke about how people just don't understand what "big deals" we are, I with my photography, he with his......whatever he seems to be overachieving at that particular day. I said we are like the JLo/Marc Anthony of St. Joe but without the amazing Latin heritage, or the creepy inexplicable skinniness (Marc A), or the pending divorce and twins and.....the...um...."junk in the trunk" (that would be me...I have no junk up in my trunk. This is an area that I am in agreement with the whole "spread the wealth" philosophy on. I would like to spread some wealth of my hips and thighs and belly to my trunk). So....maybe we really aren't like J/Marc, but they do have an fun new clothing line at Kohls and I gotta give them mad props for that.

I am taking some much needed time off over the winter to slow down my brain a little. I want to enjoy Christmas with my kids. I want to not be working their ENTIRE school break. I want to pain my kitchen a new color. I want to decorate my house for all the upcoming holidays. I just want to enjoy life again without all the crazy/business that seems to have taken over lately. I want to start next year off organized and ready to take on the year and not hold on for dear life like a roller coaster that's taken off without the safety bar being locked firmly in place. This year...I'm gonna do it!

PS: We really don't think we are "big deals". It's a joke. We aren't self absorbed jerks.

New Photography Blog

I decided that I needed a separate site for all my picture stuff. Some people come here just for that, some people come for my winning personality and witty comments. I don't charge enough to have a fancy, paid for photography site, and at this point, I don't need one. I just wanted somewhere to share my pics, share a comment about my awesome clients, and maybe post a price sheet.

Without further adu....I give you my official SITE....enjoy!

And leave comments...I love comments and constructive criticism. If I don't like them...I'll just delete them:)

Zeke and Zack

THEEEERRRREEE DOOOOOOOONNNEEE! And I cried while editing...just like I cried at her maternity shoot.

Ok...not gonna say more or I'll cry. Grab a box of tissues, some coffee, click on the pic and go on over and attempt to prepare yourself for all the cuteness that is awaiting you. Just try...I triple-dog-dare ya!

Baby Z's

I am not supposed to publish a bunch before I get the whole lot to her....but I have been hounded by so many people to see even a sneak peek.....I just couldn't take it anymore! I can't wait to see what the future holds for these precious little guys.

In the meantime...Peace out my brotha!

Awkward Family Photos

One of my favorite websites is Awkward Family Photos. I get so many ideas on what NOT to do in a photo shoot!! I think I might have one to enter........

She can't stand being out of the spotlight!

Favorite.Picture.Ever:)

If you want to see all of her adorable set....click on the pic below!

"Z" Squared

I'm not sure I can do this post without crying. I think I cried while editing all of her pics. Just bawled like a little baby. If you know them, you know the hell these two have been through and the story behind the tears. But they were happy tears because it is THEIR TIME! They will be bringing two (yes...I said it..TWO) bouncing baby boys into this world in just a very few short months. Maybe I was crying because I didn't look half as good while 30 weeks pregnant with just ONE baby let alone TWO!

So I better prepare, drink lots of fluids so I'm good and juiced up...I am sure that I will be crying like a baby while editing Baby Zeke and Baby Zack's pictures in a few months.

Click on the collage to see more from their shoot!

Baby Addison

Well, you remember when I photographed her parents. I believe I said she had no choice but to be anything but gorgeous......

And I was right.....she is gorgeous. But, again, she had no choice....look at her parents....

Click on the collage to view her full set....

Maximus

Have I mentioned I am in love with the PRC's new camera? No really...I am....I must have one. Must. If anyone has an extra $1600 laying around and they want to donate it to a good 'cause...feel free. I don't charge enough money to buy my own!

I was sitting on the couch and the light was coming in our side window perfectly and the cat was sitting there, so I grabbed the camera and shot off a few pics of him. Those of you who do not know this cat are rolling your eyes right now. Yes. I took a picture of my cat, who is awesome if you don't know him, but it was more about how AWESOME this camera really is! Everything blurs perfectly in the background and it captures every little detail!

And just for documentation purposes, he really is awesome. He's getting a little grumpier with adults in his old age, but still has great patience with with all the hair pulling and torture he receives from all the kids in the house. In fact, he is a glutton for punishment in that he just keeps coming back for more. He boxes with you, and never runs away (in fact, he runs TO!) company. As an added bonus, he also opens doors (which is a great parlor trick for company) drinks from the toilet, and has been known to flush it if he can get the right pressure on the handle. Oh yea, and he's about 18 pounds which outweighs our dog by about 11 pounds, so he's got that goin' for him.

So I'm done bragging about the dumb cat. I have to remind myself all the cool things he does since his hair and ornery demeanor usually do drive me crazy!

Perfect pictures

It's been a busy couple weeks for me. I have a couple big shoots coming up really soon, including the birth of a brand-new baby girl (yeah Addison!) any day now. I always pick a favorite pic from each session I do....one that just stands out to me and says "AW! YES! That is why I do this. Here are three from my latest.....



This is baby "Viv". She is the happiest, easiest going baby in the world I am convinced. I love this pic because her eyes are so bright...and she is flipping me off:) I am going to someday do a post simply of controversial baby pictures including but not limited to babies flipping me the bird.

This has to have been one of my favorite shoots of all times....If your son (or daughter for that matter!) is into trains (I'm looking at you Birkeys!) and you would love to have some memories captured for all eternity, for a nominal fee, we could go to the train museum in Monticello, and I will risk life, limb, and camera to hang out of a window WHILE IN a MOVING train to get an amazing shot like this. Pure perfection!

I've been photographing this gorgeous red-head since MyHouse first came into being...I think they were my very first "real" customers! I've wanted to take pictures of a little girl surrounded by flowers for a while, and am thrilled with the results!

I have to give a big shout-out to Schuren Nursery for this one. My buddy Steve has let me use his place for three huge shoots now, and I'm sure I will be using it again!


If you want to see their complete sets, just click on the picture and it will take you there!

Carris wheel/Gary-go-round

That's what Mae-Mae calls the carousel at the mall:)

My photo shoot on Saturday was canceled due to the weather, so I decided to take the kids to the mall to ride the carousel and practice some action shots. In retrospect, standing on a moving carousel while trying to take pictures is not a good idea for someone with vertigo. Not a good idea at all. But, I think we got some cute stuff regardless.

Mae was thrilled, Em is at that age where she was thrilled but is trying to be cool like she's not, and Faith....well....she was a great sport:)

I'm pretty sure that Faith's face says "Mom...I'm 9, I'm too old for this".

She insisted on the tu-tu. She wears it EVERYWEAR!

WWWEEEEEEE!!!!

Mom, don't worry, I got this.

I love that you can see her reflection (barely) in the mirror.

As you can see....not thrilled with the prospect of leaving. I guess we will just have to do it again!

New lights

An AWESOME, and very supportive photographer friend of mine was seriously generous in giving me not 1, not 2, but 3 lights to have as practice for studio work. HOLY COW! I was SO blessed by that, you can't even imagine. I would probably not even know how to turn on my camera had it not been for him, he has taught me SO much! Having an "eye" is one thing.....knowing how to photograph what you see is totally another!

So I finally had a few minutes this afternoon while the babies were sleeping to take some practice shots of my soon to be 3-year-old. (I know I have a lot of pics of my littlest, but really, I don't love her any more than the other two....they are just gone all day. Wait til summer!) Here's what I've done so far!
I am way beyond excited...seriously! So thanks Steve Hale! I pray God's abundant blessings on your business so that you can become a millionaire and then hire me as an assistant:)

I'll be watching you......

Last Saturday I got to photograph one of my "regulars" new baby...well...he is not super new, but due to the craziness of Christmas and all that followed, I was JUST able to get him in. I ran into a problem I have NEVER ran into before....the kid had the most beautiful and glossy eyes.....not a problem you say? Take a look a little closer......

No...not my man hands holding that beautiful chunky monkey, but can you tell Didi was wearing an orange sweatshirt? Holy COW! I mean, HOLY COW! Pretty freaky. I was able to edit some of the reflections out, but it was not easy. And in some, the finished product had to be as follows:

But I think that sweet baby face makes up for any distracting reflection you might see:) and if you want to see the rest of his finished pics, go on to flickr and check them out!

Project Dawna Jean DONE!

The biggest project I have EVER taken on in my life (besides raising children) is finished! YEE-HAW!! My next big project is to actually be able to shower by myself without having a 2-year-old climb in ever single time.

I was going through and trying to decide which picture to post...and quite frankly I could not decide. So I made a movie. It's not perfect, and I'm sure it's technically not legal because I used a song that I was probably supposed to buy rights to in order to use, but I'm not selling it, so whatever. I wanted to find some great country song that fit them, but the only country songs in my itunes library are "The Gambler" and various party-like or old-school songs that my husband has. I have various "exercise" songs as well, but none of those fit them either. I don't think a "club" beat would really be great for a wedding video. So I just imported the Lighthouse song and decided to see how it went. I bawled while viewing it the whole time. Especially at the part in the song where he says "You still my heart, and you take my breath away" because it just HAPPENED to be the part of the video at the ceremony where Bob saw Dawn coming down the aisle towards him and he was crying and I could tell his heart was stilled. Hang on....gotta get a tissue so I can finish typing **sniff sniff** I didn't cry this much at the wedding! But I think I am seeing everything put together for the first time and it's pretty emotional:)

I am so happy for this girl and her kids and his kids and her family and everyone that has prayed and waited for this man to come into her life and "still her heart". So without further ado....months of work in a 6 1/2 minute clip....enjoy!

I apologize for the super small size, but apparently blogger has an issue with imovie and will not upload ANYTHING bigger.....GGRRR!

To see all her photos, you can go to my flickr site at www.flickr.com/myhousephotography/sets and choose "Bob and Dawn's wedding"

I have been tirelessly working on the rest of Dawn's pics....it's repulsive that I have not gotten them done yet, but MAN were there lots! If you want to see what has been done so far, feel free to go to www.flickr.com/photos/myhousephotography/sets and pick "Bob and Dawn's Wedding".

I found a few personal ones in the batches, and probably even a few more I might post later.

Doin' my thang.....If I could find it, there is one of Di doing the same thing:)Didi....my awesome "assistant". I wish I was rich and famous and could just pay her to work for me. She totally speaks my "language".

The girls were SO entertained at Bob's house....Nothin' but tons of girl stuff to play with.

Tired and haggard baby. She totally just got done yelling and bossing around the ring bearer. For nothing. Totally Mae-Mae.

More to come!

Meet Caden. He's my cousin's new, not-so-little guy. He's large, naked, and on a piano. It doesn't get more perfect than that!

Blog vacation

I know that it seems I've taken a vacation from the blog world. I assure you, I have not. Time is not my friend these days. We went on a little trip to Colorado which ended up being more of a work trip then a fun trip. Especially for our kids, but that is for another blog. Here is a sample of what was done......by sample, I mean sample 'cause this is it and I'm not touching another photo until my hiatus in December, so enjoy!
I was more than happy to take her wedding pics. She has been waiting for this man for years, as have all of us who know her! She looked radiant....it was extremely emotional, and I'm sad I couldn't 100% immerse myself and enjoy her wedding, but I am truly honored she trusted me with her memories.

Just as an FYI.....I will not be doing weddings:) Not now...possibly not ever. It was extremely stressful, and I just don't have the equipment needed to do them right. But I will be more than happy to take, say a Nikon D700 as a bribe:) I'm just sayin' :)

New website

I just wanted to throw up a quick post and let everyone know that I have a website now for the photography stuff. I felt like this blog should be simply about our day-to-day (more like week-to-week lately!) updates on our family and didn't want to take up space with other people's pictures:)

Anyway, I still have some work to do on the new website, but at least you can see some of the new photo shoots I have done recently (as well as find out WHY I have been absent lately!). You can find it at www.myhousephotography.com

Thanks All!