Backyard summer fun at it's greatest!
I love this next one. I feel like it should be a summer card...with the inside cover saying, "wish you were here!"
Love this next one...she was going soooo fast she almost slipped out of the frame.
Nothing like a little sun to cheer you up on this dreary day!
www.noemiphotography.com
My website is almost ready to publish and I just started Facebook... Hope to see you soon!" Camille
When you go visit tell her you read about the store on my blog. She's going to love my readers!
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I've been blogging for a couple of years now and sometimes I blog because I need to process...this will be one of those times. Last night my two year old boy (Leyton) woke up 3am with a fever of 101 degrees. After throwing up I brought him into the bathroom to clean him up and he had a seizure in front of me. I've heard of this happening to other mom's but, let me tell you hearing about it and seeing your kid go through it are very different things. The seizure was fever induced...I didn't know what was happening or what I should do. So, I just kept my hands on him and kept saying his name praying that he would come back to me. I've never had that feeling before. It was only about 30-45 seconds but it felt like eternity before his eyes focused and he looked into mine. I felt so helpless. I called the nurse hotline and they recommended we take him to Children's Hospital. So, at 4am we dropped off Adriah at a friend's house and took Leyton and Clara to the emergency room. I love Children's Hospital but it holds many painful memories for both Matt and I...all those memories come back every time we're there and this time we were there for our own child.
He's fine now. We came home around 7am with the recommendation of getting a CATscan and an MRI next week...just to be sure. He continues to run a fever and doesn't want to eat but, i can tell he's on the mend.
I take comfort in the truth that my children are not my own. They belong to the Lord. I've dedicated each one to Him and He's entrusted me to be their mom - for a time. It is my deepest delight and heaviest burden. My responsibility is to keep praying for my son. That I can do.
www.noemiphotography.com
having an excuse for 14 girls to dress up in their fanciest clothes is what a 5 year old b-day party is all about...Adriah loves to dress up!
It was adorable to ask the girls to curtsy and see what they did!
The was the pose she gave me when I asked for her Fanciest Smile!
Some of these girls will be friends through out their lives...these pictures will be priceless when they are teenagers together.
Pinata anyone?
Who says fancy girls can't swing a bat?
When all the kids had their turns Cate stepped up and swung...one hit and she sent that tiara flying! EVEN IN HEELS!
Our "fancy" girl!
SILLY FACES!
Hope you this brings a smile to your face...I love these pictures.
www.noemiphotography.com
There are so many things I love about vacationing... -spending time with family
-waking up and deciding "What do we want to do today?"
-eating out! Anyone say "Tim Horton's?"
-having time to take pictures
-sitting and talking and "catching up"
-meeting new additions to the family...I have a new niece (Libby Angel)
-cousins playing with cousins
-hearing Canadian-isms and smiling
-complaining about tax
-Presidents Choice Fudge Crackle ice cream (seriously one of the greatest things I've ever tasted)
-having family cook for me
-reading...can you believe it? I can't.
-mmm Tim Horton's
-ketchup chips.
I love Canada.
www.noemiphotography.com
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Do you know this song? Somethin' in your eyes, makes me wanna lose myself Makes me wanna lose myself, in your arms There's somethin' in your voice, makes my heart beat fast Hope this feeling lasts, the rest of my life
If you knew how lonely my life has been And how long I've been so alone And if you knew how I wanted someone to come along And change my life the way you've done
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong
A window breaks, down a long, dark street And a siren wails in the night But I'm alright, 'cause I have you here with me And I can almost see, through the dark there is light
Well, if you knew how much this moment means to me And how long I've waited for your touch And if you knew how happy you are making me I never thought that I'd love anyone so much
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me It feels like I'm all the way the back where I come from It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong
I've been to a lot of weddings and every time I hear this song I get teary...music is so powerful. AND great words are so rare. The two together (and a peaceful moment to reflect) is a beautiful thing. I started singing this song the other day walking downtown Prior Lake. I am really settling here in this little town. My roots are growing and I love the feeling of making this my home.
I'm going to write more about the little shops I've found here in Prior Lake, MN in the next couple of days...stay tuned!
www.noemiphotography.com
My four year old (will be five next week) daughter loves to dress up! Any outfit will do. she loves princess of course but, she also loves being a chef, a gardener, a lion, a superhero...you name it! A while back I let her dress up in whatever she wanted (A huge deal at our house!) and then I took pictures of her. She's loves to be dramatic so I thought, "Why not?" Here's pictures from our Cinderella shoot:
Gotta love the Bethany Church tattoo on her arm - I didn't photoshop it out on purpose cause it makes me laugh every time!
My gorgeous girl...where did you get those amazing lashes!???
Photography pointers:
- I shot everything right beside the biggest windows I could find...keeping my ISO low (100-400)
- I didn't use direct sunlight but defused light. (I love soft light on kids skin making them more innocent looking)
- I always had her chin pointed slightly towards the window - often by asking her to look outside. ( I like being able to see both eyes and not have shadows covering one.)
- To get character shots I would ask her about Cinderella, "Was she happy to clean?" "What else did Cinderella clean?" (She loves playing a part so why not let her and capture it?)
- Shoot something the subject is interested in. She loved seeing these pictures as I was taking them and she kept asking me to shoot more! (she picked it and when she was done with the shoot so was I - well, not really but, I chose to be!)
Have fun with your camera and your kids! It's really an incredible thing!
www.noemiphotography.com
You know the kind...where you come to a friend's house ("the host") and hear all about a product(s) from the "the presenter" and then spend the rest of the night eating, drinking, chatting and ordering? If your reading this and smiling then you've been to one of those parties...and so have I. For a bargain shopper - like myself - I usually find them hard cause I'm paying full price and I don't know that I'm going to like or use the product. PLUS, I have a really hard time paying shipping!
Needless to say I haven't been anxious to throw a party but, recently one of my dear friends started a business selling NORWEX cleaning products and so I decided to support her and go to a party. I was amazed at their products...SERIOUSLY! I can't wait to get them in my hands and start cleaning with them. I'm probably not going to do them justice in my description but, they are microfiber cloths spun super tight so they soak up 7 times their weight in liquid, AND they have antibacterial stuff inside so they neutralize whatever they are cleaning. Like I said I didn't do it justice but, I am having a party the first week of May and I can't wait! Weird eh? If you want to hear more and see the demo for yourself please email me: info@noemiphotography.com.
Plus, my friend Yvette Edwards is the presenter...she's just starting her business but has used the products for a while. Let me tell you about Yvette...She is one of the most amazing women I have ever met. Her heart to serve and her passion to help people challenges me to the core. I'm excited to see her growing this business and happy to be a small part of that. (Not to mention the host packages are pretty sweet!)
Have you heard of these products? Do you use them? Please tell me what do you like or not like about them? I'd love to hear.
P.S. NORWEX prices are reasonable and they have a standard shipping of $4.95 no matter how much or how little you order...I like that!
www.noemiphotography.com
I don't know about you but I love FREE things! I usually find out about cool events like this too late (mostly cause I don't watch the news or read it online or anything like that...I rely on my husband and neighbor to fill me in on the important things that are happening in the world!) So, I when I got this info through my daughter's pre-school I decided to blog about it: Prior Lake and Savage are joining forces to put on a HUGE Carnival.
Here's the main details:
WHO: everyone is invited (kids 2-92)
Where: Prior Lake High School
When: Saturday April 17th noon to 6pm
What: tons of games, prizes, carnival food (which will be what my husband is most excited about) and HUGE Silent Action.
Hope you are able to go! HAVE FUN! Tell them I sent you - just kidding.
Want to learn more? Follow this link
www.noemiphotography.com
My world has changed a ton over the past few months. Last night I went to bed at 11pm, was up at 1pm, and then again at 3pm and 5:30am and started my day at 7:30am! But,even though I'm not sleeping I'm having a blast with my kids. Being home with them is the greatest blessing...I am so in love with them! Now I want to turn the focus to my son Leyton...he turns 2 next week and his Birthday Party is tomorrow! He has a special place in my heart...my boy!
www.noemiphotography.com
I just got off the phone with my sister (Cindi - who lives in canada) and she told me that my sister (Elizabeth - who lives in England) is in labor. Her due date was yesterday and her water broke just a few minutes ago and her contractions are 2 minutes apart. I have never felt so far away from her...everything in me wants to hop on a plane and help her through labor and be one of the first to meet her baby! Alas, I cannot. I know "they" say that you're not supposed to remember labor and the pain but, because I just had Clara 2 months ago my memory is keen - I remember everything! My emotions are high! Elizabeth is 15 months older then me and one of the sweetest women you will ever meet. She's one of those girls who is amazing at everything and has always wanted to be a mom. Today is her day and I couldn't be more proud.
She never found out if it was a boy or girl and I don't know her choices for names so everything will be a surprise. I can't wait...but, I know I have to!
It makes me miss her so much...I'm praying her labor is fast and painless! I'll keep you posted.
www.noemiphotography.com
He is my reason to be thankful in every season of my life. I love Him. He gave everything for me and giving Him my life is my way of saying thank you. Today, I'm smiling, remembering that day He proved He was like none before Him and none since. I will love Him forever. www.noemiphotography.com
I'm always asking you to take risks...show your work...be creative...and well, I guess I took my own advice. After going to the PPA (Professional Photographers Association) Workshop on Tuesday night, I got up this inspired so while still in my pj's I spent an hour and a half taking pictures of my own kids on Wednesday! It was so much fun! I have gorgeous children...this I know but, I got them dressed up in their Easter outfits and they looked adorable!! Over the next few days I'm going to show you the simple shots I took and how I got them. I'M SO EXCITED!
One of the shots I took I absolutely love. So, I did something I've never done before and I entered it into a Photography Magazine competition. I never do it because I never have time but, I made time for this image! I want everyone to see it. CAN YOU TAKE 2 MINUTES and follow this link to rate and vote for my image? It's a picture of my little girl - Adriah Liberty.
I'm a little nervous but, also TOTALLY EXCITED!
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I was thinking about my kids and how different each one is from the other. It's amazing really. I started thinking about my mom and the poems she wrote for each one of us kids when we were little. I remember her telling me that one afternoon she was super tired and laid down for a nap in desperation and instead she felt like the Lord was giving her poems for her kids...she needed to get up and write them down. It was one of those moments where she picked up a pen and 4 poems came out...totally capturing each one of us! Each poem described our personality with something in nature. Elizabeth was the Mountain, Me - the Brook, Cindi was the Forest and Alexander -the wind. Later she had them done in caligraphy and framed. My poem hung in my room through out my life and I read it so many times I memorized it. Let's see if I can still remember it... Noemi,
My babbling brook that gurggles and bubbles,
and always manages to get into troubles.
Your smile and laughter always brighten our day,
as you joke and kid to lighten our way.
Like a brook you have depths unknown,
and only to a few, you have allowed this to be shown.
Your stubborn, but soft and loving to all,
My second red-head a brown eyed doll.
I remember talking to my mom about the poem later in life and asking her why my poem was the only one with negative things in it...she laughed and said that it wasn't meant in the way I thought and she went on to explain, "You would get into trouble for anyone. You don't like when things are unfair/unjust and you always stick up for what is right. The part about you being stubborn is true. You're not scared to go through the hard to get to the good...especially when it's for those you love."
It's true. that's still me today.
Blogging is about the world getting to know me. Now you know me a little more.
www.noemiphotography.com
Are you watching this year? I keep telling myself not to and i can't stop. I love this show. Getting to watch raw talent and then the freedom to sit on my couch and admire or critique. It's a beautiful thing. The last couple of weeks I've had my neighbor Jill over, we tivo the show and watch it without commercials. This is a show that must be watched WITH SOMEONE ELSE on the couch next to you. Growing up in a family of 6 (four kids) we always watched tv together and still to this day when something funny or sad happens on tv I look around the room for someone to share it with. (Matt always made fun of me for doing this at the club while walking on the treadmill - probably one of the reasons I've fallen off TWICE!) There is something so fun about watching a show that the whole country (or most of it) is watching too! I love RAW TALENT!
If you're watching who's your fav? I like Crystal - I'd like her to do an Eva Cassidy song sometime. And I like Shobin (sp?) I love people who can belt it out!
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something you may not know about me is that I'm extremely competitive. I was once told that my need to win is a combination of insecurity and pride - that may be true but, even more than that is the feeling of being on top of the world! I love it! Every year (since I've been married) I sit down and watch College Basketball with my husband. We cheer for Kansas because both his parents went to KU and they have a great b-ball team.
This year I decided to fill out a bracket and "guess" who's going to lose and which Cinderella team will fulfill their dream of winning against the giants!
THE GREAT NEWS IS...I'm winning against my husband! At the end of yesterday I had 130 points and he had 100. It feels great! I'll keep you posted on where I'm at through the next couple of weekends.
Anyone else fill out a bracket?
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today is my 34th b-day. nothing really special about that number or this day but, I know it's going to be a great day! birthday's always cause me to reflect:
my daughter Adriah gave me the most incredible present...as a write this I'm in a state of shock...she learned to read. Yesterday she was listening to Matt read to her and she turned the page and she read to him. It was like a switch went on and she gets it! We've tested her out several times today (got brand new books out of the library so there's no chance she has them memorized) and she continues to amaze us.
my son Leyton is learning new words every day...today i feel like he talked and I understand him. every day he makes me smile.
my daughter Clara just turned one month...she's opening her eyes all the time and I feel like she knows me. I could look into her eyes for hours - wondering her thoughts and trying to figure out what she's like.
my husband Matt...it's been almost 10 years and he's still the person I want to spend every free moment with. We're in this together and there's no one else I'd rather share my life with. He is my gift.
my sister Elizabeth is pregnant with her first. I will hold her baby after turning 34...can't wait. Her child already has a special place in my heart.
my sister Cindi just got married and comes to visit in two weeks! When they come we're going to dressed up, eat at a fancy restaurant and go see a musical with our husbands - I chose this as my b-day gift so...no one can complain.
my brother Alexander just got back from Haiti and I know the experience changed him...I'm so thankful for his missions heart. check out his pictures: www.lifeimages.ca/blog
I just saw my mom and Matt's parents are coming soon. I love our families.
I'm blessed with friends that are as close to me as my sisters.
I am in need of nothing. I feel full of love.
thanks for sharing this day w me...i love blogging.
www.noemiphotography.com
After having Adriah (5 years ago) people told me all the time, "Sleep when your baby sleeps!" I never took naps cause I had much better things to do -like clean, sort and tidy. I think there was a part of my "driven" self that didn't want to admit that I needed to slow down and rest because of having a newborn and losing sleep every night. After Leyton I wanted to nap so bad but I had tons of the things to do like edit, call or email clients, clean the house and PACK - we moved that year! I got over-tired and it effected everything. I don't know what I would've done differently because he was born right before my busiest season and I had to follow through with commitments I had made before I even knew I was pregnant. It wasn't an easy transition for me and it's what made me realize I NEED a maternity leave after every baby!
With Clara my goal is to take a nap every day. I need it! Yes, there are still lots of other things to do but, I'm different this time. I'm willing to see that napping makes me a better parent and wife - that's more important to me then a clean house. (Don't get me wrong - it's not easy to look at the dust growing on my blinds but, I'm willing to overlook it for a season.) This time around I'm more settled in myself...willing to slow down and not see it as weakness or failure BUT as a necessity for recovering quickly.
I'm feeling great! I love being a mom of three...it suits me! Good thing, eh?
www.noemiphotography.com
I'm so loving bring on maternity leave during the Olympics! Every night I curl up with my new little bundle and take in the competition. It's amazing. Everything about the Olympics draws me in...the competition, the world coming together, big stars rising, little stars getting a chance to be seen and heard, the touching stories behind each athlete...need i go on? Canada is in my heart and I watched the opening ceremonies with pride and tons of emotion. Being Canadian but, living in America makes me cheer for both countries. My daughter is learning to do that as well. It works out well that we are both cheer leaders at heart! Adriah loves screaming "Go USA! U-S-A" throughout the whole race thinking she helps the person through the TV. So cute!
these days I'm learning the rhythm of three kids, enjoying everything little about Clara, trying to take naps every afternoon...enjoying friends and family - sharing our family with theirs. It's a special time where time slows down but, everything is happening so fast - I can't believe she'll be 3 weeks on Wednesday. I'm loving my life even though I'm super tired and my brain is mush.
If you haven't watched the games yet turn on your TV, press record, and watch it everything - but the commercials. then write and tell me what's your favorite!
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i couldn't resist...
The girls...we out number the boys now!
Our little princess was trying so hard...I love that she wore her tiara to meet Clara for the first time.
Who says newborns don't smile!?
for those of you wondering where this adorable outfit came from...Oh baby in the Galleria Mall, Edina, MN
Have a mentioned that I married the most amazing man? He's a wonderful husband and an amazing Father...here he is loving on his new baby!
Thanks for sharing in my family with me. I'm totally content. thankful. at peace. I am blessed beyond belief.
www.noemiphotography.com