I think I've posted about this before....

So, here's the thing...my anniversary is coming up ... like, tomorrow. My fourth anniversary. We will be making the leap into year five of ol' wedded bliss! It used to be a bigger deal (to me, anyway - how big of a deal it's ever been to hubs, I am not 100% sure on...) :) I know he just read that and rolled his eyes. However, the reason it feels a bit more like an accomplishment then a reason to go out on a hot date - is the fact that it's not just four years for us...and at our age - I think it means something.

Bristow Baby #2 is almost here...

Ladies & gentlemen...let me introduce to you my first semi-nude photo shoot to date! :) This mama made it a wonderful experience... she started with, "Have I told you that I'm not real modest?" haha... love it!

We did sneak in a few family shots but the focus was on Ms. Linda's beautiful body and documenting this precious time with babe in belly. With just weeks to go, I must say **whistle whistle** at this gorgeous lady!

Please let me me know what you think!

Susan & Kevin celebrate 25 years of marital bliss!

These two amazing individuals & powerhouse couple were so easy to take photos of. I hardly had to tell them how to pose or what to do as their natural adoration for each other shined through in each photo! It was very inspiring to witness a love like theirs - still going strong while hitting and surpassing the 25th year of happily ever after. I'm confident the next twenty-five will be memorable as well**

Congratulations to Susan & Kevin, and thank you for letting me document this milestone.

Challenge #9 - Someone you love

So, it's been a bazillion years since I posted my last challenge photo. 

Originally, I got stuck on this one... 'Someone you love'... because I couldn't decide who to do it on. I knew I wouldn't be able to just post a photo, I'd have to write about them too. I knew that whoever that was going to be - it would take some time. There were several obvious choices, but one that I also NEEDED to put 'pen to paper' about.

The Sloan Wedding

So it started with my friend Susan Williams (now Olsen) asking me to shoot her wedding June 2011. She was marrying a guy from Talkeetna, AK - and the wedding was to be held at the Talkeetna Alaska Lodge. I'd never even been to this small town that was only 2.5 hours away but what a quaint, beautiful place!! - well via word of mouth and bridesmaids and groomsmen getting hitched, the following wedding is #3 that we've shot in Talkeetna. I have 'Susie' to thank for it...you can see her photos in a prior post.
Anyways. Let me present Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Sloan! Both Talkeetna natives. I always enjoy seeing true love that began at a young age and continues to blossom into something even more special as time goes on. Maybe I'm partial?? :)
On September 8, 2012 I had to leave my six week old with his grandma for 12 whole hours to shoot this wedding...I only cried twice! :) It turned out to be a beautiful sunshiny day and what a fun bunch this was. Can you say cool bride?!
My sister Tasha Boin, of Candid Clicks Photography, and I tried to capture the fun, adventurous, cool spirit this couple and their wedding party portrayed.

The Finley Wedding

I always enjoy going to home #2 (Ninilchik.) When the reasoning behind going is because friends are getting married - it's even better. And more-so when I'm going down to shoot said wedding - it's even BETTER! I was 8 months pregnant shooting this one, so that was a challenge. But as always, I had my partner in crime alongside me shooting - Tasha Boin of Candid Clicks Photography! 

Anywhos ~ The following is the wedding of Mr. Nick Finley and Ms. Natalee Vanderford. Nick and I went to college together at Eastern Oregon University and when I graduated and decided to get a "real" job instead of commercial fishing for my dad for the 10th season, Nick decided it was an opportunity he couldn't pass up (I put "real" in quotes there because commercial fishing is absolutely a real job - but I figured for me...I should try to use my college degree for something!). 

That being said, Nick met the love of his life in my small home town and I'm taking a little credit for it! :) They are a gorgeous pair, and I wish them the very best. Did I mention that their wedding day (June 23rd) may have been the most beautiful day in the AK that I've ever seen?! The wedding gods were definitely on their side that day. Bright bright sun makes shooting a challenge sometimes, with shadows and sun flare and whatnot...but the scenery - WOW. They got hitched at the same venue that my husband and I did - The Bluffhouse B&B in Ninlchik. It sits on the bluff overlooking the Cook Inlet and mountains. If you haven't been to Alaska yet, maybe this will convince you. :)

Again, a lot of local talent and help involved in this production...it always impresses me what we can make happen when we work together**

Let me know what you think!

The Good Wedding

Once in awhile,  Right in the middle of an ordinary life, Love gives us a fairy tale. 
-Anonymous 

Let's see, how do I start this post. First of all, I love weddings!!
And....I haven't been on here in months. My excuse...I don't really have one. Well, I do, but I don't. I actually started this post when I was three days past my baby's due date of July 18. Well, he actually decided to come into this world on July 25! And I've been doing the mom thing 24/7. That's my excuse - take it or leave it. I suppose I've had the chance(s) to update, and one of my friends has repeatedly reminded me that I haven't updated my blog in ages. Well, now I finally have a true reason to do so. Weddings! Three to be exact. Here is thefirst...

And so it goes...

First off, I whipped up a batch of probably the best salsa I've ever made. You know when you think you do something well and you don't need to mess with it (if it's not broken, don't fix it I guess the saying goes.) Well, I've always thought my salsa was pretty stellar. I've found recipes that sounded delicious and that I wanted to try, sure...but never had the ingredients handy and didn't really think 'those other' ingredients would make a difference. I believe I was wrong.
Some of you may be thinking I'm getting a little excited over chip dip. Maybe that's true. But growing up in my family, salsa was basically it's own food group (whose with me?!)

With the closing of the Chili's Restaurant last month here in Anchorage, I had to take a moment of silence as my favorite chips and salsa provider would no longer be there for me. A sad sad day for a pregnant woman. My lovely co-worker, knowing just how pregnant and how obsessed I was...immediately looked up an imitation 'Chili's Salsa' recipe. We both attempted making it at home - I followed the recipe below. It was AMAZING - although not exactly like Chili's...AMAZING none the less (excuse me while I toot my own horn.)
My co-worker, the unselfish one of the two of us, brought his in to work to share. It tasted very much like Chili's salsa! I was so impressed!

The only downside to this wonderfulness = bad breath. But that's a sacrifice we all have to make sometimes, isn't it?
And well, here goes...since I love you:

(This is from 'Six Sisters' Stuff' blog)
Chili's Copycat Salsa Recipe:

(Recipe from Deals to Meals)

2 cans (14.5 oz each) whole tomatoes, drained
1 small (4 oz) can diced or whole jalapenos (not pickled)--about 4-5 jalapenos (or less if you don't like a lot of spice)
1/4 c. yellow onion, cut into quarters (you can also use dried minced onion)
1 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 to 1 tsp. salt (depending on how much you prefer)
1 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. lime juice

Place all of the ingredients together into a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. Serve with tortilla chips.

I did add cilantro to mine, as well as substituted one can of whole tomatoes for a can of Rotel diced tomatoes with gree chilies, but it's up to you and yours. OH! and only put probably a tablespoon (max) of jalapenos in because I am a wuss. Also, if you're feeling festive, Santitas white corn toritilla chips seem to blend wonderfullly with this (not something I'd bought, but my coworker did and they were thin and crisp!)...however, if you're like my husband, the kind of chip or cracker really doesn't matter - it's just a vessel for the dip (most of the time you cannot even see that there is a chip or cracker underneath all the dip with him!) Compliments to the chef I suppose!

I'd love to hear your favorite salsa recipes, how this one turns out if you decide to tackle it, and hey - with Cinco De Mayo around the corner, the timing is right!
Annnnnndddddd no, I didn't get a photo of it. Pssht.

Also, due to the "springy" weather recently, I decided to make myself a Shirley Temple the other day. Refreshing! What are your favorite spring time foods that give you a jump start on this transitional time of year?
Here in AK spring is a little different. It's actually "break up." So it's either still snowing, the snow is melting, it's slushy, dirty, and wet outside, still freezing (or below) in the mornings, but the sun is out so it's spring time baby! It's not like we can garden yet or anything like that. I feel like a lot of Alaskans kind of bypass the "spring" season all together, and just go from winter to 'almost summer'! :) That's how we do it here.

Shirley Temple in all her glory.

Although it's snowed 2 inches today already, Easter, to me, does mark the arrival spring time. This year we will be going to my older sister's to decorate eggs, make and decorate sugar cookies, and have a delicious ham dinner! My niece is 18 months old now and fun as ever...will post pictures of that next, as it's sure to be a great time.

With that, Happy Easter to you ~ Happy Spring Time ~ Happy Thoughts....**~*~**

Ps - Here are some shots that are months old, of my niece painting...too cute!

Pregs

Omg I haven't gotten on here in months. That is a darn shame. At least I think I have somewhat of an excuse...maybe sorta.
Today, I have reached week 21 of pregnancy! And let me tell you, it's not been an easy go at it so far. This is my first and some days I swear my last! (okay, maybe that's going too far)
I was sick for four solid months, I've never experienced anything like it...which I guess is probably accurate for most - there's probably nothing quite like having a fetus growing inside of you (my midwife actually referred to it as a parasite sucking the life out of me)! I honestly thought it was never going to end, but alas! I seem to be over "the hump."

So, here I am - back thinking I can write and maybe post some photos about my world. It's probably safe to say that from here on out - for a while - it will consist of what it's like being pregnant, then all about my baby...just guessing. I will try to keep it spicy though, because that could get boring! (or do babies not get boring?)

To sum up the happenings since I've last blogged, some major events have taken place - most notably, my grandma passing away. I will dedicate a separate post just for her once I've gathered my thoughts. But it happened fast, and she is missed very very much. **Please don't take your friends and family for granted - and please don't go on with your life like you've got forever to live...because you never know when it's going to be taken away from you. PS - Cancer can go to hell.

Another notable note was my little baby sister getting engaged on Christmas day! Does anybody have advice for when this happens? She is too young! isn't she?! Okay, no, she's not...but she's still my little baby sister and I can't hardly believe it. I guess we are all getting older and older... what's the saying again..."we aren't getting any younger." haha! She's happy, she's loved, and she's going to experience such a great thing...I can't wait until December 1 this year to celebrate such a wonderful life event!

Sooo..the new year came - and I honestly don't even remember what I did because I'm guessing my face was in the toilet or something..? Oh, actually, I think hubs and I spent a romantic evening at our house (watching TV), I fell asleep, and he woke me up just before midnight...then I went back to sleep. :) Exactly how I imagined New Year's! I hope you all had a steamin' good time and brought 2012 in with gusto! Bring it on 2012!

In February, what I like to call mine and hubs' "fake anniversary" happened... 10 years ago we started dating. Yes, he was almost 16 (that sounds better than saying he was 15...) I still wake up every day thankful for him and for our life together. Now he's going to be my baby daddy! can't wait!

So, here we are - into March already. Which means my favorite time of the year...MARCH MADNESS. If you dont' know what that is, then please google it or ask anybody else in the universe.

In other news, our TV recently broke. It was a beautiful 50" Plasma Insigna from Best Buy (my wedding gift three years ago) - it shut itself off and said 'peace out!' forever. It lived a good life, worked hard for many hours, but in my opinion puttered out a little soon. Oh well, it has been replaced (just in time for MARCH MADNESS!) Oh, by the way, I am name dropping that brand (Insignia) because I don't recommend them. Hello brand spankin' new 55' LED Samsung...I heart you.

Taxes are done, thanks to hubs. I slept through most of it. But again, I have an excuse (right?!)

We gave my dog a hair cut, I've notified my boss that I will be a stay at home mommy once my little BOY arrives, and all in all my life is in order.

me @ 19 weeks

How are you and what's new?

It's been too long...

Hello friends. I apologize for the completely ridiculous delay in getting on here! wow. I've been pretty busy, as we all are, and have also been lazy (now doesn't that make sense?!) - so there we go! :) 

I hope you are all doing great and are enjoying preparing for the holidays! Yahoo! Thanksgiving is one week away, can you believe it? 

Halloween in your twenties...

Hello friends and hello Friday!

I like watching scary movies...in the day time, with company and/or my dogs, while I'm also doing something else and am a bit distracted. I look forward to the month of October when you can randomly find a scary movie on several channels throughout the day; however, see first sentence.
The SciFi channel has done the '31 days of Halloween' series this month, and ABC Family has done the 13 Nights of Halloween...
Most are cheesy anyway, but some are down right wrong in a deliciously creepy way. BUT it's only one month out of the year so I think it's okay to get a little freaky and weird. And we all need to get scared stupid once in a while.

A Dog named Faith

Good Morning All!
I'm in a particular great mood this morning because my co-worker is picking up pumpkin spice lattes to kick the morning off. YES!

Anyways, for those of you who haven't seen this 'story' yet (or even if you have, it's worth reading again), this is a forward I received long ago and it still touches my heart! I wanted to share it with you because the message is so special and very real.
With the holiday season approaching, it's a good time to sit back and ask ourselves what really means the most to us. Is it that 50" HD flat screen TV? Our iphones, ipad, ipod, (should I keep going?)? It is a $40 bottle of wine or $12 cocktail at that fancy restaurant?

I doubt it.

Written by a 90 year old woman...

Some life lessons to ponder from a wise one...

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
10. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
11. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
12. Don't compare you life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
13. If a relationship has to be secret, you shouldn't be in it.
14. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. 
15. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
16. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
17. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
18. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no on else.
19. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
20. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, and wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
21. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
22. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
23. The most important sex organ is the brain.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles.
33. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
34. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
35. Your children get only one childhood.
36. All that truly matters in the end is that you love.
37. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
38. If we all threw out problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
39. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
40. The best is yet to come...
41. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
42. Yield.
43. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. 

I hope you have a wild Tuesday! it's a beautiful, crispy day here in the AK!

Heartley Danielle

Sometimes you make friends when you're young that you never lose touch with.

Sometimes you make the best of friends later on in life. 

Sometimes you lose touch with those you used to be very close with.

All of the above, I'm sure, make up chapters in all of our lives.

Challenge #8 / A bad habit

According to ehow.com, drinking a glass-maybe two-of red wine a day is healthy. It helps with memory, bone health and weight control, and may even prevent some kinds of cancer. It's also a calming drink for some and possesses other health benefits such as improved circulation and relaxation.


So what was I thinking....a bad habit? pshhhht...more like one of the many steps I take toward a better, healthier life! ; ) smiles to all my fellow wine-o's...and I say that oh so affectionately. Happy Tuesday my friends.

Jake & Tara Engagement Shoot Final Installment!

Okay ladies & gents, I finally got ALL of the photos edited and am happy with them. I have a problem when editing though...I go overboard. I'd like to hear what you think about these shots. In some cases there are several versions of the same photo; I'd like to know if the editing I chose to do works...or which version is the best. Help me to improve! I appreciate it.
Again, what a beautiful couple they are and I was honored to be able to do their engagement photos!
Wahooo! TGIF ! : )

100 Days until Christmas

100 days from now we will wake up with a gleam in our eye, warmth in our heart, and a trail of cookie crumbs down the stairs from ol' Santy Clause.
If you are like me, every year you silently vow that you will be more prepared for the holiday season. And that's coming from someone whose a bit anal! This year is no different and I am ready to start my preparations.........

We've got 100 days until the big one. And several occasions before then that will demand our attention!

I am a list person, as far as I can remember, I always have been. I like sticky notes A LOT.
I've already started making my lists for the upcoming holiday events. My Thanksgiving dinner/day list is well underway...which will be modified several times in the next couple of months. I absolutely LOVE Thanksgiving - the atmosphere, the decor, the smells, the memories, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade most of all.

But before that even, we've got Halloween.

Holidays in your twenties bring a whole new level of expectations, I think - mainly that you put on yourself. It's no longer just about dressing up and going door to door for candy while mom and dad have to put up with your sugar high, you can't just show up on Turkey Day without having spent at least half a day making the dish you now have to contribute to dinner, and now on Christmas eve...you kinda want to sleep in!
Nope, now there's that feeling that maybe its your turn to host something, anything; the fact that you have to plan everything around your J-O-B, 'Christmas break' is no longer weeks long, and there's the added stress of budgeting. Wasn't it just too easy when we were younger!?
Easy, yes. Exciting, definitely. At least we can keep one of the two in the mix.
A lot of our family members live in different towns now, so it's getting harder to get everyone together for these events. Celebrating early is always an option! We can basically come up with any excuse for a party in my family. Oh, what's that you say, Halloween is in 5 weeks, better have a pre-all-hallows-eve get together!
We have managed nicely the past few years, and it's awesome to have us all in the same state finally! With my sisters and I working our way through college the past 10 years combined or so, it seemed like one of all was always gone. All of us finally living in the same city again...now that's exciting! What are your plans for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas? Are you hosting parties, are you attending parties, are you avoiding all of it at any cost??

My mom was and is a very artistic, artsy crafty kind of gal - and growing up we were always making things and decorating the house and I love her for exposing us to that! I also appreciate my dad for amusing us four gals year after year, saying "oooh" "ahhhh" "nice" "looks good" "can I have some egg nog?"
All three of us sisters still enjoy decorating our houses and dare I say go overboard sometimes?? (is that possible?)
I feel sorry for our husbands sometimes, although I think they secretly enjoy setting up the tree we just spent $100 on and took two hours picking out, and then finding pine needles the next four weeks in places that just aren't right. Who am I kidding, they love us, and therefore they do what we ask them to (so that we will feel inclined to let them watch football all hours of every Sunday and Monday for the next five months.) So, I take it back, I don't feel sorry for them. In fact, they are lucky that they have such enthusiastic wives/girlfriends who make the holiday season fun and enjoyable! and LET THEM watch football! right?! :)
Okay, that's a bit much. We like watching football too. In fact, decorating for the holidays wouldn't be the same without the game on in the background. <Insert husband's comment here> such as "See, you should actually be thanking ME!"
puuuuulease.
ANYways...
So the countdown has begun....'but it's only mid-September' you say... well I say, this beautiful, wonderful time of year will only last a few months! Because realistically, if you try listening to Christmas music in January, you start getting weird looks.

And, if you haven't noticed, there is everything from Fall/Halloween to Christmas up in the stores right now...so I'm not the only one off my rocker.
We've got 100 days. 100 days to prepare, to enjoy this magical season, to bounce from one awesome holiday to the next, to stress out a little bit for good reason, and best of all we've got several things to celebrate and excuses to get together! So start making those lists and get into the spirit!

*Oh, PS...I started writing this yesterday, so...99 days! And the photos posted are from years past...
Thanks for reading! Have a wonderful weekend!

Lovin Fall

These were taken out at Hatcher's Pass when my friend Kelsey & I went blueberry picking last week. The fall colors were definitely out in full force! What a beautiful evening it ended up being, and what an awesome view! Love love love this time of year...

This week...

Thank goodness this week was a short week because I'm not sure I would have lasted one more day! It's been a busy and productive week for us ~ my friend Kelsey and I went to Hatcher's Pass and picked some blueberries after work on Monday. By the time we got out of town and to our parking spot it was almost 7:00 p.m. We got on our bikes and rode another 15-20 minutes, then finally came upon some berries. At 8:45 we were running out of daylight and we decided to head back. We didn't get as many berries as we'd hoped for -but we left with more than we went there with so... Success! We got home around 10:30 p.m. It was a long day but great to spend time with my friend! 

My loot (above) 

Our spot (below)

Hubs also took Zoe hunting this week (twice)! That a girl, Zoe!

They got 8 ducks this day! Their limit!

And of course, it was my niece Emma's first birthday! So we got to join her for Moose's Tooth pizza and cupcakes! Tomorrow we will have her 'friend' birthday party at my house.

Here she is toward the end of the night thinking "I'm just about birthday'd out!"

I've been making some updates to my blog ~ a new banner, and some formatting updates...I'd love to hear what you think! I got my banner from The Cutest Blog on the Block http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/, then added my title to it using Photoshop. Cool stuff!

TGIF to all!

Challenge #7 / Fruit

What an awesome weekend it was. Three days is the perfect amount for a weekend. Enough "doing" time, and enough time for recovery. Below is my photo for challenge #7 - fruit. I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday and enjoy the simple things**

“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” 

~Cynthia Ozick