Happy Thanksgiving!

After 2 and 1/2 weeks of being away my husband is finally home. He was in Brazil teaching pastors in four different cities and was very much missed by his wife and kids! Now that he's home everything seems better. Even my cold seems better. He must be tired after traveling for over 24hours but, he doesn't seem to notice...he's outside playing with Adriah and cleaning the garage. He is a good man and I love him dearly. Leyton is playing inside...rolling on the floor and sucking on his favorite toy - my leather coasters. i don't think he'll ever crawl! He's way too good at seeing what he wants and rolling to it! It's adorable.

It's beautiful out; the sun is shining and I am thankful - 'tis the season!

ARE YOU GOING SHOPPING ON FRIDAY? I really want to but I'm torn!

www.noemiphotography.com

Thanksgiving Pictures

I've got a challenge for you! Thanksgiving is coming up! I know families will be hanging out, kids will be having fun, people will be eating way too much food and IT'S A PERFECT TIME FOR A PHOTO OPPORTUNITY! So, I thought, "Why not have another one of those fun contests!?!" That's exactly what I'm going to do. Here's the rules... 1. The picture must have a thanksgiving feel about it.

2. Each person can only send one picture.

3. Entries must be in by Sunday night (November 30th, 2008).

Here's how we're going to do it. I'll post all the entries so you can see them and then I'll pick my top five and talk them through with you! Than you can comment and vote for your favorite AND the winner will get a $20 gift card to ITUNES!

I'm going to play to...I'll have my camera out looking for fun shots! Can't wait to see what you come up with.

www.noemiphotography.com

My Son - Photographs of a quiet afternoon

There's so many days that fly by when you have kids. Even though you know that your time with them at this stage is short, you're "doing" so much to care for them you don't always have time to stop and reflect or capture them at each stage. Adriah (my oldest) never sleeps but, because she's sick this week she took a long nap one afternoon. I had Leyton (my youngest) all to myself and we had a great time rolling on the floor and playing together. I wanted to capture him at this stage...AND I DID!

Keep in mind these pictures were taken in 3-5 minutes total.

And he comes full circle...

These pictures will be our treasures forever.

www.noemiphotography.com

By Request...What's your most embarrassing moment?

I've given you a couple of mine...both just happen to have happened in the last month! I fell off the treadmill at the club and got skids marks on my knee and face then, I fell of the bus at a wedding I was shooting and did I mention the whole wedding party and family witnessed it? There's mine...What's yours? I'm hoping for some good ones!

www.noemiphotography.com

Parenting...seriously amazing!

I often wonder how much I say is going into my daughter...She's three and pretty observant but, I know a lot goes in and right back out! So, what is sticking to her? I figuring out that parts of what I'm saying stick to her and the more I say it the more sticks...but, that takes tons of time and patience! Two things I don't have a lot of...LOL, sad but true! So, here's some funny examples:

-The other day she randomly started singing the olympic athem which I sang to her months ago when the olympics were on...awesome!

-Today she told me she puts all her toys under her bed in the water cause they were being baptised! She saw her cousin baptised this past summer and she knew it was a big deal so why not have all her friends do it too!?? I didn't even try to explain it to her.

-I've been practicing coloring inside the lines for months...she wasn't getting it. Today I told her to outline the shape and color inside...she did it perfectly!

-We're working on obedience. Lately, even time I ask her to do something she tells me her tummy hurts. NICE TRY. It doesn't work.

-She's all about singing right now (mostly because of the Wonder Pets show) She's sings whatever she doing and what she's going to do next...it's really cute.

I learn more about myself and my kids every day. They are such a blessing and at the same time they drive me crazy...LOL...probably because I know I need to grow up, serve them and stop focusing on myself. Wow that's so hard! I never knew I was selfish until I got married and then I thought I had worked through all my issues until I had kids...they all came back bigger then ever. It's good though. I know it's a process and I'm on a journey. My kids are riding along with me. We'll go over bumps together!

That's a lot of random-ness. Hope it made you smile.

www.noemiphotography.com

Finally pictures of the Orchard!

I've mentioned before that I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR! And for a photographer there's nothing better then capturing your favorite time of year on camera! So, without further delay, here's this years pictures of us and our friends at the Minnesota Harvest!

My sweet little girl...she's so excited to be at the apple orchard...we took some pictures while waiting for our friends to arrive!

The animals are a huge part of our visit! The kids loved feeding them!

i love this shot. I think it's cause the kids are just doing their own thing.

I can almost taste that apple!

I think my daughter is running with 2 apples...she was having a hay day!

AND Jude is showing us his muscles!

Here's the whole family! Little Eliza is only 2 weeks old! Her first trip to the Orchard.

Me and my boy!

He's a chunky little guy!

We're trying to get a serious shot here and I kept falling over with the kids.

Tickle, tickle, tickle!

Doesn't this make you want to come with me next year!???

www.noemiphotography.com

Isn't this season beautiful?

I love driving at this time of year...and now that I've moved to Prior Lake I get to drive a whole lot more :) It's just amazing how many colors there are and how all the trees know it's time to change their color and fall to the ground. I was showing Adriah how to kick the leaves and listen for the sound...it's one of my favorite things. And she kept saying "I can't hear it Mommy!" Here I was wanting to bond over one of my favorite things and it went right over her head! Bless her heart she's only three! Maybe next year.

The bright orange is my absolute fave! It's the colors that don't look real that take my breath away. It makes me want to paint. Did you know that I love water color painting? I do. But, I don't have time to do it anymore...one day I will pull out the brushes...it's still in my heart. Maybe during the winter months I'll do another. There is something so relaxing about painting.

I'm trying to take in every beautiful moment and bask in the sun every time I can...I know winter is coming and I'm not ready! Although it will be fun to play in the snow with my daughter! I didn't last year cause I was very pregnant and had no desire. This year I'll be rolling around, making snow angels, building forts and coming in for yummy hot chocolate! There are wonderful things about me...you caught me in a weak moment!

www.noemiphotography.com

Blogging is surreal!

I met a girl at a wedding this weekend. She looked at me like she knew me and then walked away. I had a chance to talk with her at the reception and she told me that she reads my blog everyday and she didn't expect to see me there...I startled her. It's a little weird that I'm so out there with my life and thoughts AND total strangers read it and know me! But, it's also very cool to be a part of this blogging community! I wouldn't change it for anything! She reads for photography tips and later that night I told her she should write in and ask me all her questions cause I'm happy to answer them...she's probably reading this now and smiling! I love blogging for that reason! I don't know most of the people who reads but, I love that you're learning from this site and that you enjoy returning to read more. Did you know that I get over 8000 clicks a month? It blows my mind! And I'm incredibly honored by it!

So, having said that, i have a question that was emailed in a couple of weeks ago that I haven't had time to get to but...now I do!

Hi Noemi!

You have been SO helpful to me in my venture towards this dream of photography and I know you love to encourage us up and comers on your blog with great tips and tricks. I was wondering if you might enlighten me/us on just how you got into this, how did you build your clientel and how did you market yourself? What are some things, those of us can do that are trying to get our business going? Currently I have a blog and have gotten some word of mouth business but I know I need to not just "sit back and hope it happens". So any advice would be so appreciated!

Thanks, you are a blessing!

-- Angie

Here's my advice:

-Build your portfolio(that means lots of free shoots! Not only does it improve your skills cause you will learn new things at every event...you will bless people with memories and they will get the word out for you)

-Put together a flier and give $75 Christmas shoots for your friends and family. Capture the leaves and they will love you forever! Fall pictures are so much nicer then Christmas!

-Start blogging (have a reason for people to come to your site and keep coming to your site and sending other people they know to your site)

-Join a group (I'm involved with Pictage members group and another photography group called "chicks that click" and we refer to each other)

-Offer to assist for free. Find a photographer you love/admire and offer to assist...then you get the benefit of having someone else pose your subject while you get to shoot and build your portfolio.

-Advertising works of course but, that might be a little further down the line.

Hopefully this helps you. Keep those questions coming.

www.noemiphotography.com

We did it! We moved!

HEL-LO my long lost friends in the blogging world! How are you? Me? Well, how nice of you to ask! I have had one of the craziest weekends ever! We moved on Saturday and everything went pretty smoothly. We still have small projects and cleaning to do in the town home but, otherwise everything is over here. OR at least I think everything is here I'm still missing some things...and on the hand I'm opening up boxes I packed ages ago and getting surprised by old stuff I forgot I had! For those of you who don't know me personally let me enlighten you into how I tick. I am fairly "driven" and when there is a task-at-hand I don't do well until it's done. Thus, living in a box-filled home and I don't do well! So, I have been working my butt off and then Sunday morning I'm carrying Leyton down the stairs and I pinched a nerve in my back. I could barely walk for the whole day. I have the most amazing friends and a few came over to organize my kitchen, living room and master bath while I laid on the couch! NOW THAT'S TRUE FRIENDSHIP!

I finished the kids rooms yesterday and tackled their bathroom today. Now all that's left is the guest room and the garage...YIKES! But, I'm starting to relax.

Matt asks me every day if it feels like it's my home yet...and I keep telling him "I feel like we're house sitting for friends and I'm spending all my time cleaning their house" It's weird. It definitely doesn't feel like home but, time will heal that. AND holidays too! There's something about having holidays with friends and family in your home that makes you own it...probably all the work that goes into hosting.

My back feels better and the boxes are slowing disappearing. I think most of it will be done by the weekend and then I can relax. Well, sort of, taking a couple days off work means I'm a little behind on my editing...busy season in so many ways!

I will make time to go to the Apple Orchard and I will blog those pictures. They are the best! If you go and take a winner send it to me!

www.noemiphotography.com

"I just called to say I Love You!"

So many things are changing...the seasons, the leaves, my home, my kids...it feels like everything all at the same time. And when I feel that happening I get all nestalgic and want to call old friends and talk through this season and past seasons.

I called my sister the other night cause I was watching a movie that reminded me of her. I started the conversation by saying, "Guess what movie I'm watching...I quoted the line, "That's a beautiful picture. Is that you and your mother? What are doing?" and she answers "Twirling!" My sister guessed the movie was "You've Got Mail" and then added...F-O-X Fox! I love that about sisters.

I talked to one of the girls that was my bridesmaid (she now lives in England) and we chatted about how we first met and didn't like each other. Now, even when we don't talk for ages, we can pick up the phone - no guilt and pick up right where we left off.

I've been receiving calls from friends offering to help with whatever need I have this week...all of those calls are saying "I Love You" and I needed that this week.

I'm happy seasons are changing. I just like sharing the process with you!

www.noemiphotography.com

We did it! We bought our new home!

It's an amazing feeling. I can't wait to walk through the doors the first time and know that it's mine. I'm really excited to start dreaming of each room and how I'm going to decorate! I'm going to do things differently this time...I'm going to live there for a while and pick things gradually! There's something very different about knowing I'm going to be here for a long time. I can't wait for the first holiday we spend there. Usually I wouldn't think of Halloween as a holiday but, this year it will mean we'll get to open our doors to the neighborhood kids and introduce ourselves. Thanksgiving will perfect because Dave will be making the turkey and then there's Christmas...my favorite holiday! I'm already thinking about having an annual Christmas party! This year I think I'll do a Christmas party/Open house...any unique party ideas for me?

I listed our town-home today and already got some inquiries! I'm praying that it rents quickly to the right person or family! This is definitely a step of faith for me. I know it'll all work out!

www.noemiphotography.com

We close on our new house tomorrow...

I have much to do! It's crazy! Normally I'm a "do-it-myself" kind of girl but, I'm learning how to receive help...only cause I have no other choice! This is the busiest season for everything...and my best friend due with her third and ready to pop at any moment - which I'm totally stoked to drop everything for!

In all the business I haven't really been able to think about the beautiful new house we're about to own. I guess I figure I'll have the rest of my life to revel in that!

Have you ever closed on a house? It's totally crazy! You sign your name hundreds of times and it really feels like you're signing your life away. The worst part is when they show you how much you'd be paying for your house if you actually pay all the interest...OUCH!

I am happy. I love my new house. I guess I just needed to say that out loud. AND to all my friends who have offered to help - thank you! I need your help! (there...I said it!)

Don't worry I'm planning on taking pictures and of course I'll post them on my blog!

www.noemiphotography.com

Lutsen Pictures

A while back I went on a mini vacation with my family...for those of you who are faithful blog readers I'm sure you remember me talking about my perfect trip up to Lutsen! Anyways, I was having trouble with uploading pictures today and had to wait (not one of my favorite things to do) so I worked on these pictures. LONG OVER DUE!

Enjoy! This one I set the shutter speed at about a second and captured the water flowing...so pretty!

Adriah loves to show her emotions...especially for the camera. Here's HAPPY!

Pirate - arughhh!

And ANGRY!

BIG SQUEEZE!

"cheese!"

thanks for sharing my family with me! Hope you're having a great day...maybe go for a short hike somewhere close...it's beautiful outside!

www.noemiphotography.com

Packing Up!

There's something very intriguing about packing up my entire house and moving to a new one and then getting to unpack. As you know I love change and a challenge so, that's part of it, but, there's more. I love new beginnings! This is the season I'm in:

1. It's September which is a new-beginning-time-of-year!

2. I'm sleeping through the night now that Leyton is on an amazing schedule!

3. I'm nearing the end of my wedding season and already looking ahead/booking 2009 weddings!

4. I'm finishing painting my old house this week and will start packing.

Talk about being in a season of change and new beginnings. When I slow down enough I can't help but smile.

Packing: I get to go through everything in my house and decide if it's worth keeping or not, then pack it and when I unpack it has to hold up to the same test! My house is going to be cleaner because of it...I can't wait for that!

Are we buying? We decide by tomorrow if this new house is a done deal I have to admit, I've tried not to get to emotionally attached because I didn't know if we were going to keep it or not but, I want this house! Matt's doing the final stuff today and tomorrow...so, we'll see!

www.noemiphotography.com

My Life...

...is crazy! I've always kinda prided myself at being the master of juggling things! And what's worse, I usually thrive on the challenge of more to do and how to get it done faster. I guess it's a trait of being second-born. You know the Anything-you-can-do-I-can-do-better mentality. But, really, what am I trying to prove? This week is going to be about meeting with brides, painting my house, getting quotes on "stuff needed" for the new house, packing, taking care of two gorgeous kids, cleaning, cooking, editting pictures, blogging...aughh! I'm giving myself a headache. I know what I need. I need to slow down and make a master list. Then take deep breath and tackle one thing at a time.

Remember way back when I wrote about going to Canada and getting to see my family. Well, I've been so busy I haven't been able to post pictures. I finally worked on a few today...

This is me and my gorgeous son, Leyton O'Neal.

This is the girls pouting.

Adriah with her best friend Penny. She totally mauled this dog every chance she could.

Daddy playing with his little girl!

My nephew Tayus...up close and personal!

My bro (Alex) and my sis (Cindi).

I got attitude...

www.noemiphotography.com

Hiking with young kids...

...It's an interesting thing! We went hiking with Matt's brother and family today. We got up had breakfast, Leyton took a nap, Adriah and Matt went swimming - it was freezing, I cleaned and got the bag ready for our hike! We met up with the Hedricks at 11am and then got to the trail at 11:45pm. So, picture this, a 4 month strapped to Matt, a 3 year old who trips constantly and teenagers who want to explore...and parents who just want to set up pictures. It worked but, needless we didn't last long. I'll upload the pictures when I get home so you can see our pack!

It was fun and we're still having fun...my kids are sleeping. Angie (sis-in-law) and I are playing Scramble through Facebook and the rest went on another hike. (A real hike...the work up a sweat you need running shoes not flip-flops kind of hike!)

We'll go swimming and eat dinner together tonight then Matt and I will head home tomorrow. It's been a great time away but, I'm ready to go home...especially since we put a bid on a house last week and we're in final negotiations. YIKES! I can't believe I just wrote that out-loud...buying a house is such a big deal! I can't believe we're doing it. We low-balled a foreclosure and they countered so we took the weekend to think about it. I'll keep you posted!

Well, that about sums it up for now. Never a dull moment in my life.

www.noemiphotography.com

One-on-One time...

So for those of you who are bitter that I'm on vacation...you might want to skip this blog. It's a funny thing being a mom. I spend all my time with my kids but, yesterday I got to spend one-on-one time with Adriah and I got to see a whole new side of her.

We already knew that she's talks non-stop! (My sister says I need to watch the movie "Definitely, Maybe" because the little girl never stops talking either and I would laugh at the similarities!) Getting to share new things with Adriah means I get to learn about her as she reacts to each new thing. Let me give you an example: Matt stayed back with Leyton last night so Adriah and I went exploring...we went on new walking paths, played at the park, played hopscotch on the stones and ended up at a campfire. (SIDENOTE:I grew up going to camp then became a counselor as soon as I was old enough and still remember tons of songs we sang around the fire. No surprises there!) So, last night, I got to teach Adriah a classic echo song and then we made a smore to share (of course, she wanted 5 more but I cut off because the night before she was up til 10pm.)

Then to top off the day...we bought sponge curlers in Lutsen, I put them in Adriah's hair before she went to bed and she slept in them. This morning she woke up to curly hair...just like her friend Delaney! I used to  put curlers in my own hair every Saturday night so, my hair would be curly for church the next day! This may sound dumb to you but, it was really fun to do girly things with my daughter. On vacation I don't have the same responsibilities...and I'm more intentional about pouring into my daughter...I love her!

www.noemiphotography.com

Blogging from up-north...

Modern technology is so amazing! I'm sitting in Lutsen at Caribou Highlands Lodge and still able to write to my faithful readers! Want to check out a virtual tour click here! It's kinda like you sharing it with us. Matt, the kids and me are up here to take a break...if you've been following my blog over the last few months you know we need one. We arrived tonight, ate dinner and headed out to get a feel for the lay of the land. We stopped at the bonfire pit (Adriah was hoping for a smore or two but it wasn't set up) and listened to an outdoor/nature/ranger woman talk about wolves. When she asked the crowd to play wolf charades Adriah volunteered. We picked a card and it said "shy"...I don't know about you but, 3 year old doesn't know what shy is! So, I told her to be sad and she totally played it up sniffling, rubbing her eyes and saying boo-hoo-hoo. Coming from a background of musicals and performance...It was a proud moment for me but, no one around the campfire guessed correctly. Oh well.

Tomorrow we'll be at the pool and hanging out as a family. I'm really excited to chill and relax.

www.noemiphotography.com

To Pre-school or to not Pre-school...that is my question!

Okay. this blog is to all the mom's who have kids older then 3 years old (and to everyone else who has an opinion and wants to share it) So, I'm not planning on sending Adriah to pre-school but, I'm interested in hearing all the reasons why people do send their kids...and then hearing why other people keep their kids home. I have no intentions of homeschooling at this stage but, anything is possible.

That's all I have to say...this blog was more about hearing from you! And I can't wait to read your comments.

www.noemiphotography.com

Finding the perfect house...

We've been wanting to move from our townhome for like two years but decided to wait and we're so glad we did! As you probably know, the housing market is incredible for buyers right now. We've been through 27 homes in the last 3 weeks. When you been watching the houses come and go for two years we had a pretty good idea of what we want. It's been really fun! I feel like Matt and I are partners figuring out where we want to plant roots for the next season of our life together...we getting to dream and picture our life through the next few years. I don't want to have a single day without him. He still is a perfect match for me and the perfect dad for our kids. Anyways...back to the house story! So, we've narrowed it down and we're going to go through our final choices one more time before putting in an offer. The house selection is incredible right now and there's tons of great deals/foreclosures to be had. (I try not to think about it to much cause then I realize that I taking advantage of someone else's misfortune and that's really sad.) We want a house we can grow in and not move for a long time...this market is allowing us to do that! So I'm thankful for that.

I'll keep you posted as we narrow it down...maybe even add a link or pictures as we decide!

I love blogging.

www.noemiphotography.com