Extreme Makeover Part 1 - Minneapolis Wedding Photographer

Okay so I'm 34 years old and I've never dyed my hair. I've permed it, chopped it and highlighted it in a million different ways but, I've been told my whole life that I should never dye it because it's red! Well...I decided I needed a change and a change is what I got! I love it! My 5 year old loves taking pictures of anything...these pictures are her handy work! Not many 5 years get to take pictures with a $4000 camera and lens but, she does. LOL (sorry the shots are so close up! The camera is too heavy for Adriah to hold so I have to hold it when she taking the pictures.)

The first set of pics (redhead) were taken on Thanksgiving morning and the second set (brunette) was today! I'm a new women and ready for this next season of my life!

Enjoy! Of course...I'd love to hear your comments!

Happy Thanksgiving...

I have so much to be thankful for. Above all else I'm thankful for my relationship with Jesus...he is my friend, mentor, savior and provider. After Him comes my family and friends. I am so blessed! Life is really that simple. It's about stopping and loving the people around you and letting them into you heart. I want to do more of that in this upcoming year. As I look ahead I choose to trust the Lord with every aspect of my life. He is good and His love endures forever. Happy Thanksgiving.

Black Friday Shopping Tips!

I love the emails I get from Pocket Your Dollars! It's free and I'm always saving money because of it...I had to share this last post I read!!! so good! 7 Black Friday Shopping Tips

Posted: 22 Nov 2010 08:04 AM PST

These seven Black Friday shopping tips can help you find the great deals when so much of what is on sale is pure hype. Personally, I focus on buying the household essentials my family needs that sell at rock bottom prices and frequenting my favorite consignment store and thrift shop where crowds are sparse and deals abound.

1. Browse the Ads Early

Websites like A Full Cup have compiled sales flyers for most major retailers. Taking time to look at the various sale prices allows you to confirm where the best deals can be had, but you may be able to use a store’s price adjustment policy to your benefit.

2. Price Adjust

Some retailers, like Target, will issue you a refund if an item you buy goes on sale for less during the week you bought it or the week following. If you see something will be on sale on Black Friday, you could pick it up earlier in the week while it’s in stock and crowds are thin. Then Friday morning just bring your receipt to Customer Service to get your refund for the price difference. (See Target’s price adjustment policy for complete details)

3. Price Match

With some advanced planning you could also take advantage of store’s price matching policy. When a store offers price matching they will match the price on an identical item advertised for less at a competitor. On Black Friday there are some modifications to stores price matching policies: Target won’t price match time-limited sales or items advertised as being sold in a limited quantity and Best Buy won’t price match at all the weekend after Thanksgiving. Walmart’s standard price matching policy remain in effect.

4. Know if You Are Getting a Deal

As you plan your purchases, it is important to know whether an advertised sale price really is a great deal or if it is a run-of-the-mill sale. DealNews.com has a mobile app that compares Black Friday sale prices to regular sale prices. Invisible Hand is a free browser plug-in that shows you what any item you search for online is selling for at other major websites as well as informing about the sale price history.

5. Avoid Impulse Shopping

Stores offer a select set of items at deeply discounted prices, but the vast majority of merchandise in the store is not at a rock bottom price. Retailers often place their doorbusters and amazing sales in the back of the store so that you have to walk by everything else to get there. They hope you lack self-control and pick up one, two or twelve other items on your quest for a great deal.

6. Buy For Yourself

Holiday sales, starting on Black Friday, include all sort of things you may need for yourself. Personal care items, diapers, baby food, clothes, electronics and other things will likely be on sale at or near rock bottom prices so take advantage and buy things your household needs. Take comfort too, as the National Retail Federation says over 57% of people will leverage holiday sales by purchasing items for themselves.

7. Online Shopping as an Alternative

If you want to avoid the crowds all together, don’t forget that Monday, November 29 is Cyber Monday. Online retailers will offer amazing deals all day long and in years past they rivaled the deals found on Black Friday.  Pocket Your Dollars shares the very best online deals on Cyber Monday and every day.

Your turn: What are your Black Friday shopping tips and tricks?

**Disclosure: Actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for Pocket Your Dollars.com. See Pocket Your Dollars’ disclosure statement for more details.

7 Black Friday Shopping Tips is a post from Pocket Your Dollars

Need Ideas for Holiday Shopping?

I got your back. If you're looking for something fun to do with your family this Saturday and need to do some early Christmas shopping I have the perfect idea...for you and the kids! The gifts that keep on giving...

http://www.rachelsholidayboutique.com

Local businesses and artisans to participate in charitable holiday shopping boutique Saturday, November 13.

Minneapolis, MN – October 25, 2010 – Over two-dozen local businesses and artisans will be featured at Rachel’s Holiday Shopping Boutique on Saturday, November 13, from 10 am to 4 pm. This charitable event will feature a wide variety of personal and unique gifts and services in time for the holidays, and will help raise funds and awareness for The Michelle Project.

Founded in 1996 and based in the Twin Cities, The Michelle Project is a volunteer-led organization, which mentors and supports families with financial need along their journey toward self-sufficiency. Since it’s inception, The Michelle Project has mentored many local families—the majority led by single mothers who have faced challenges in providing for their families on their own.

“I would be willing to go from state to state talking about the importance of starting programs like the Michelle Project. This is a program that enables women to regain their footing toward stable ground. Everybody has needed some support during their lifetime, whether it be financial, informational resources, or just being able to gather with others in quiet retreat. God bless the Michelle Project!” said Denise Jefferson, A Michelle Project Graduate

For more information visit www.michelleproject.org.

The holiday boutique will be located at Mount Zion Lutheran Church, 5645 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis (next to Kowalskis) and is FREE and open to the public.

Participating vendors will offer housewares, jewelry, children’s gifts, books, music, cards, art and personalized gifts, beauty and wellness products and services, and much more!

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And the winners of Carol Garborg's new book are...

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#10 - JenniferOne Christmas when I was a baby, my family's landlord brought over homemade cinnamon rolls as a holiday gift. My mom got the recipe and ever since then on Christmas Eve, after the kids go to bed, my mom makes cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning breakfast. Now that there are grandkids in the picture and we have Christmas at my house, Mom still brings all the ingredients with her (from MI to IL) and makes the cinnamon rolls in my kitchen. They are so good that I look forward to them as much as the giving and receiving of gifts.

#11 - Vicki Our tradition is that the day after Thanksgiving, while Noemi is out shopping and we avoid the crowds like the plague - which might be kind of true, we put up the tree, decorate, listen to Christmas music, have a fire, and eat some yummy food (left over turkey) to kick the season off.

(For all of you middle children who are thinking that me picking Vicki is unfair...I'll have you know that I had one of Adriah's friends pick 2 numbers between 1 and 32. She picked 10 and 11. the end.)

For all of you that are super excited to be teaching your kids about Christmas and Advent here's how you can get your own copy.

AMAZON it's $4.99

LIFEWAY Christian Book stores it's ONLY $2.99 (Crazy good deal!)

Here's the blurb I found on their website:

The Family Book of Advent by Carol Garborg helps small children grasp the true meaning of Christmas. This devotional will help you re-create for your children the memories you have of counting down the days until Christmas. It is a hands-on devotional that draws families together through Scripture, questions, and simple activities that progressively unfolds the story of our Savior’s birth.

I'm soooo excited to start reading it with my kids...thank you Carol!

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Baby it's cold outside...Mmmmm Christmas is coming!

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Every year, at this time, I start thinking about Christmas. I'm a list shopper and I've already started making my Christmas list. (I usually do 90% of my shopping on Black Friday! I love crazy crowds and getting a lot done in a short amount of time.) As my kids get older I want to create a balance between teaching them about the true meaning of Christmas but, still reveling in the anticipation leading up to Christmas morning. i love giving and receiving gifts. Who doesn't? I have so many incredible memories of this as a child. I want to have yearly traditions some from my childhood, some from my husbands and some new ones.

One of my dear friends has written an incredible book for Advent.

It's a small treasure filled with 25 entries of creative ways for families to learn about Christmas. Carol has an amazing way taking hard questions and making the answers tangible for kids and adults. Her desire is that families learn and grow together...and I love that. I want every home to have this book! Seriously, it's that good. So, I'm going to give away 2 copies! All you have to do is leave a comment at the end of this post with a memory or tradition you do every year with  your family at Christmas. I'll randomly draw two names from everyone who posts and send you a copy of this book. (CONTEST CLOSES at midnight on Sunday November 7th, 2010...only 2 days to leave a comment!)

The book is available on Amazon.com and it's a great price $4.99. Click here to view and purchase the book as a gift!

FUN FACT: My daughter (Adriah) was one of kids who "proofed" the book in its beginning stages...so, her name is mentioned in the thank-you's.

Carol, thank you for writing this book and for loving kids the way you do. You inspire me to keep asking questions for myself and think of creative ways to answer Adriah's never-ending questions about God and life.

Pastor Appreciation Month

I have been in ministry for as long as I can remember...seriously. Even if High School I was a leader in my youth group and leading the Jr. Youth. After taking a couple of Leadership courses and being involved in missions I was even a Youth Pastor for a little while. Loving people and pointing them back to a God that loves them dearly is a part of who I am. When I met Matt in 1999 he was working for Bethany Church. Since we married in 2000 he became the associate pastor and in 2003 he took the role of Senior Pastor. He was 29. We've been ministering at Bethany every since. We love our church and feel very blessed to go to church with friends that are more like family.

This month is a month set apart to appreciate Pastors - the men and women who faithfully serve and love us. It's been in my heart these last few days to write to my leaders.

Dave Horsman: Thank-you for leading us faithfully in worship every Sunday. Your heart and love for Jesus is a beautiful thing. Your humility and teach-ability makes you a great leader. Quietly we follow you because we trust your heart.

Jared Winger: Ohh how I love your heart for kids. You see the treasure each one is to the Lord and you cherish them in the same way. I love your desire to build into the whole family seeing that a strong marriage makes a strong family. You have a father's heart and I want to thank you for letting so many kids be blessed by it.

Dave Willcock: You bless me. Your tender heart for orphans and the needy...usually expressed through tears. Your hunger for truth and the life changes you've made when you find it. I have loved watching you grow over the past couple of years. You are a forerunner paving the way for many to follow.

Ken Krause: You are one of a kind. I love your "Speak from the heart!" "Say it like it is! Approach to pastoring. I know you love the Lord and are willing to follow where ever He leads...whether that is working in central Asia or being a Pastor/ farmer in Minnesota. You are hard working and simple - in all the best ways. When I'm around you things are less complicated - the way they should be. Thanks for everything you bring to our congregation.

My sweet husband Matt: Thank you. For every moment you spend pouring out to everyone around you. You are a servant-leader. I will happily follow where ever you lead. I trust you and love hearing you bring the Word. What a precious thing for me to witness you roll on the floor playing with your kids in the morning, meet with City leaders at noon, listen for direction for our church and then come home to help with dinner and dishes. I love you...and I don't tell you enough how much I appreciate your leadership.

I appreciate these guys and I just wanted them to know.

It doesn't take long to write to your Pastor/Leader and tell them you appreciate them...it will make their day! If you want ideas but don't know what to do I found a website that may help.

If you don't find anything there...here's another website with ideas!

Be blessed by being a blessing!

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JR. MINNESOTA Vikings Cheerleaders - Minneapolis, MN

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Something you may not know about me? I am a cheerleader at heart. I love cheering for friends, family and...the team with the cutest uniform! I grew up in Canada and the closest thing I had to cheerleading was movies made about high schools in the USA. Ooh and there's one other problem - I don't dance. So, unless you can join because of personality and lung power I wouldn't have made the team. Sad but true. I remember the first time I saw a cheerleader dressed in uniform on the street after moving here...I grabbed Matt's arm and said. "Ooh my goodness, look, there's a cheerleader!" He laughed out loud at me but, I couldn't help myself.

My oldest is 5 and loves to dance (what little girl doesn't?) but, I'm afraid I'm not a commitment mom who's willing to fork out the cash and driving time for her girl to be dancing at a studio. So, when the opportunity came for us to cheer for 3 days of practice and at the VIKINGS game...we said "SKOL VIKES!"

Good thing I love the color purple...and it looks great on my little girl! Last week Adriah joined a couple hundred other girls and cheered for the Vikings during the halftime show! Not only was I proud parent I was also the Official Photographer (official meaning: no one else was on the turf shooting!)

AND to top it off it was the first win of the season. I'm convinced it's cause Adriah cheered her little heart out.

Shooting this event was totally different then anything else I've ever shot - EVERYTHING WAS SO FAST and I HAD NO CONTROL OVER MY SUBJECTS! 90 seconds and it was over. I was exhausted by the end of the day but, ready to learn more about sports photography and do better next year!

I'm only posting a few shots featuring Adriah and a couple of her friends because the rest of the images belong to the Viking Cheerleaders...I got so many cute candid moments!

It was a wonderful experience! Just look at the joy on her face! Wait until you see the last picture...a slice of American. Check out my purple and gold extensions? I'm hardcore.

For the long haul...

Living temporarily can be easy. It's only about that moment. You give all for the short-term and then move on to the next best thing - a new adventure. Sticking around and doing the same thing every day is hard. It takes work, maturity and patience. I don't think this discipline is sought after the way it should be. I see incredible value in being consistent and faithful with what I've been given even if it's "boring" sometimes. It's up to me to fine contentment in my life and find peace despite my circumstances. Why is this so hard? Why is "exciting" more compelling then faithfulness? I could blame my entrepreneurial spirit but, at the end of the day, I just need to grow in this area. I want to grow in faithfulness. I think the easiest way to stay the course is to look around and find beauty.

Today I'm taking deep breath and looking for things I'm thankful for. I'm editing all day and all night...I'm thankful for a job I love that pays our bills (and then some) I want to give my clients the best. I'm cleaning this house again...so thankful to have a gorgeous home to raise my family. I want to keep it beautiful. I'm changing diapers, tidying mess after mess, negotiating at every turn...I'm thankful for three kids that I adore. I want to raise them to love the Lord and make a difference in this world. Help!

On top of all that...it's fall. My favorite season. I love the colors! I love wearing a new line of cozy clothes! I love burning candles and smelling the love in my home!

I love change. What do you love? What are you thankful for? Say it out loud then, smile.

Now, back to editing.

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My baby started kindergarten this week.

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I've been so busy i haven't really slowed down to think about Adriah starting school. My little girl...She was so ready. She barely looked up to say goodbye. I'm so proud of her. There is something really beautiful about watching her at this stage. I think she knows that this is the beginning of something great. She is going where Leyton and Clara can't and that makes it more special. She's alone in this and she's happy making new friends along the way. But, there's a part of me that's torn...I want her for myself. I still want to have a say, pour into her and help her know the truth about who she is and what life is really about. I want to be a part of this growing/changing process. I know in the years to come I will have less and less influence and this is the right order of things...but knowing that mean I want to make the most out of every moment.

Last night when we were praying before she went to bed she said, "God I need to tell you something...tomorrow is - what's that girls name who sits across from me? Ohh, Brianna! - tomorrow is Brianna's birthday and I really want to have fun at school!"

Adorable.

I want to be there and see how she shines. She's changing in front of me but, yet I still see the 1,2,3,4 year old when I look into those brown eyes. You know?

I think the whole change has been the hardest on Leyton. He cries every time we drop Adriah off and asks to be done when we're in line to pick her up (an hour every time!) He's been really whiny and i think it's his 2 year old way of saying, "I miss my sister." Break my heart. I'm cuddling (and wrestling) a little more these days to make up for it!

Here's some pictures from her first day! (It could be an advertisement for the school but her and Avery are so stinkin' cute!)

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Happy Birthday Vicki!

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When I married Matt 10 years ago there were a few things I knew for sure. 1. I was never going to live in Canada again

2. I was going to go to Bethany Church

3. I was going to be friends with Dave and Vicki Willcock

My friendship with Vicki wasn't instantaneous. It was a journey. Not cause we didn't like each other because we did (well, I guess I should only answer for me...I did!)  But, we were (and are) opposites in so many ways and trust had to be built.  That doesn't happen in an instant even though I wanted it to. Some things are worth the wait and this friendship is one of them. We had to walk many miles alongside each other and in the sharing of life we became incredible friends. Part of our journey is sharing the births of all 6 of our kids...Somehow it worked out for both of us! We both have a girl, boy, girl family of five  now!

Vicki was my best kept secret for a few years...now I feel like everyone is in on it and they are delighted to know her too!

She's the first person I would call in an emergency and I know she would always be there for me.

She's one of the rare people that truly delights in serving.

She's changed over the last couple of years...stronger, bolder in truth, and more confident walk forward even into the unknown.

I'm so proud to you Vicki. Proud to be your friend. Thankful you are in my life.

Here's some pictures of Vicki loving life with her  kids...love you Vick!

Being introspective...

Life moves so fast. Sometimes I feel myself slowing down on the inside and listening to my thoughts. Today i didn't like what I heard. I don't know why I'm comparing and being critical - I know I could reason it out and say it's normal but, I don't want to be normal. I want to be kind and loving AND that means grace for those around me. I want that from others and I want to be that person who gives freely. I will give more. I know I can ask forgiveness and start over so, I do. This afternoon is a new day. I want to focus on what is good and noble and wise and kind...and pray that it comes out of me too! I will let go of what is past.

Life is going fast and I don't want to spend my time judging, being critical, angry, and selfish. But, i don't think I knew that being a servant would be so hard. I can complain that I'm not naturally a servant but, I know I can learn so that's not really an excuse. I have so many amazing women around me who serve and delight in it. I will rub shoulders with them and hope some of it rubs onto me. I will be teachable.

I want so much from this life. A big part of that is because of the people around me. I want to be a blessing and train my kids to that giving is truly better then receiving. The only way I know to do that is to model it...I will serve more.

Do you ever feel like you already give so much? Or that there's nothing left to give? And definitely nothing left to keep for yourself? Today I was thinking that...but, I realized investing in those around me is all I have in this life. I will love.

whew. I feel better. Funny that i actually miss blogging my thoughts. They get so piled up in my head when I'm editing day and night. It was a good thing to just sit and write.

www.noemiphotography.com

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Preparing for school...

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I printed out the Kindergarten list of "must haves" and I was shocked to find out it's a full page! I know that's something I'll probably get used to but, I'm not there yet. So, I went with my list to TARGET and stood there with all the other Mom's picking out everything needed. Good thing supplies are dirt cheap right now. I am a deal lover - why not save money if you can! (Have I ever told you about Pocket Your Dollars? It's awesome. Every couple of days she sends out an email with deals all over the Twin Cities. I'm saving money all the time. Sign up - it's free!) I'm learning that school is expensive. Clothing, supplies, accessories...gulp. I know this is just the beginning I've heard what it's like once they start in sports and activities. I guess we'll just have to adjust the budget as we go :) Adriah is going to a Charter School so I'm investing (and I mean investing!) in her school uniform. She is going to look so cute! I will take pictures!

Since, I feel a little behind the ball...any wise words for the new school mom. Anything you've learned that I should know??? And I mean any-thing. From the first day to the last day. Us Moms need to stick together.

www.noemiphotography.com

Summer Bliss

So today we made the 2 1/2 hour plane ride home from South Carolina. You'd think after yearly (and sometimes more) trips back and forth I'd be used to it but, flying with 3 kids (5 and under) has a certain unpredictability that keeps me on the edge. My comforts are that I have great kids, an extremely organized and patience husband AND no matter what...it's only 2 1/2 hours of my life! Having said that the kids did great - not sure why I stress at all. Spending 2 weeks in SC is medicine to my soul. Seriously. Every morning we start we lovely coffee (creamer and milk mostly), we plan our day...

1. pool

2. park

3. walks in the forest

4. visit our fav. restaurant (chick-fil-a) or try something totally new.

5. games (Settlers of Catan, Bocce Ball, Boggle, Scrabble)

6. uninterrupted time with my family

7. movies (old and new)

8. celebrating birthdays (anything in the next couple of months qualifies as close enough)

9. Dinners in - all the classics like Chicken and Noodles and Crepes

10. reading a novel from start to finish with every spare second I have.

All these things make a great vacation. Spending time with extended family who loves doing all these things with you...makes it a perfect vacation.

It's good to be home. But, I have to say. I can't wait to start planning the next vacation.

P.S. I took plenty of pictures and I can't wait to share them with you!

www.noemiphotography.com

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10 years is just the beginning...

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Ten years ago today (July 1st, 2000 - Canada Day) I married the man of my dreams. He was (and is) more then I ever hoped to find in a husband. I am blessed. Now 10 years later I continue to fall more in love with him. Here's a few of the images we had taken last summer. It totally captures us...

I love him more now then ever. Here's to another 10years and many more after that!

Aren't we cute?

www.noemiphotography.com

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My baby is 5 months!

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I love you Clara Isabel Hedrick. You are my sweet little girl with dainty features and dimples. I can't wait to see you with long black hair and those stunning blue eyes. Who would've thought I'd have 3 brown haired kids...not me.

Happy 5 months lovely lady. Being your mom is my joy.

www.noemiphotography.com

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Partnering with Parks Canada and the HAIDA ship!

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Last year when I went home (Canada) to visit my family we spend a day touring one of Canada's most famous War Ships...The HMCS Haida. It was incredible and of course, I took pictures and of course, I blogged about it so that you could follow my travels. Well, a representative from Parks Canada contacted me a couple of weeks ago saying they had found my blog and loved the pictures I took on the HAIDA!  They asked if they could have my permission to use them for a 24 foot banner they are designing to promote the ship! I was totally stoked and of course, said "YES!" Here's my nephews and Adriah climbing on who knows what...and having a blast! I love being a photographer! Cool things happen to me all the time...comes with the territory I guess.

I'm totally smiling cause I love Canada and now everyone who boards this ship will know it!

www.noemiphotography.com

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Vacation Fav. Moments

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Precious Clara on her first road trip to Canada...she did amazing considering it was two 10 hour days in a van!

Yes! She really is that tall :)

Yes! He really is that happy! :)

Moments when my family and I would get away and go to a park and let the kids run!

As a family we went to this pottery place for kids and adults...Adriah LOVED it! She painted for an hour straight! Here's the cupcake treasure box she designed!

I created a serving plate to freeze this moment. I hope you can see the stick people that represent all the cousins and their different stages.

Lovin' up on my nephews...muah!

Getting to spend time with my new niece Libby Angel.

Cousins in the pool on a hot day!

Adriah being the free spirit she is...

Leyton...getting up the nerve to jump like his sister!

I love my family.

www.noemiphotography.com