A quote: “It’s good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”  Ursula K. LeGuin

Something personal: It’s been a while.  I know.  A long while actually.  The fall was busy and then I fell off the photography planet and into another world, otherwise known as “my life.”  I’ve spent time with my family, time cooking (and even BAKING), I joined a running club with the goal of running my first 10K in March, I’m eating healthier.  I have also been spending time being creative in other ways that give me joy, like planning ridiculously cute details for Jake’s third birthday party (even though it will be super small) and thinking of ideas for Kylie’s possible “Pirate Birthday Party” in March, and even MY fiesta in April — the BIG FOUR-O!!  In short, I’ve been enjoying a life of what some people would call “leisure” and I’m trying not to feel guilty about it.  Would you believe I actually started designing MY OWN family album from our beach session last October?  *GASP*  All of these things happen between carpool, laundry, dishes, childcare, and husband-care (is that a word), but I have enjoyed every minute.

I cannot promise when things will get back into full swing for Tiny Heart Studios, as I’m taking a little break right now.  I have some other projects in the works, one involving the Atlanta Children’s Shelter.  And I thought I would share a recent project that got my work on the cover of the 2012 Winter/Spring WHERE Atlanta Street Map & Visitors Guide!  I did some pictures of some well known Atlanta landmarks and this one was picked up by the Publisher of Where Atlanta.

The original image:

And the map:

Here are a couple other images – the Atlanta Fish Market and one from the World of Coca-Cola:

I don’t really consider nature/landscape to be my specialty, but I had fun dabbling.  ;)

Something helpful: So maybe I’m behind the times, but I rarely (if ever) go to YouTube for anything.  I joined the facebook wave, and I do have several Pinterest Boards, including one dedicated to what my dream home (specifically the kitchen) would look like!  But, I guess I always thought of YouTube as a venue for a bunch of teenagers to make videos of themselves doing silly things.  I know, I know, it’s SO MUCH MORE.

So for anyone else who is maybe a little like me, and just doesn’t think of YouTube as super helpful, here are a couple videos that I think ARE pretty cool.

Recently I linked over to this video about how to curl your hair with a curling iron and it was really quite helpful.  The link, of course, was from Pinterest.  That got me wondering how many other helpful videos might be out there – and there’s A LOT!

Gordan Ramsay taught me how to chop an onion (I was doing it all wrong)

This one showed me a MUCH better way to cut a bell pepper into strips

And the parents that caught this on video and put it on YouTube should be given a hefty sum of money.  Hilarious!

That’s all for now!  Happy Monday!!!

A quote: Tradition is the illusion of permanence. -Woody Allen

Something personal:  What an interesting quote by Woody Allen.  After giving it some thought, I can truly understand the sentiment.  My view of tradition has always been centered around the holidays and various milestone events.  In my quest to have special traditions, I often find myself wondering what I’m so obsessed with.  Ah-ha!  My quest for things to always stay the same.  I became more obsessed with creating these traditions as my children started growing up.  Jeff often gave me the “what’s the big deal” speech when I would obsess about something as simple as what would be for breakfast on Christmas morning.  Of COURSE it’s a BIG DEAL!  I want my kids to do the same thing, year after year, and maybe then, JUST MAYBE, they will never grow up and leave…… or forget about me!!!  It’s funny, I just thought of that — but it must be what I’ve been thinking all along.   And, in hindsight, I didn’t have too many traditions growing up so it could just as well be a childhood issue for me.   Anyway, probably too much information, but just thought I would share.  :)  And on that note, here is a tradition that I started when Jeff and I got married.  I bought my first Swarovski snowflake in 2004 to hang on our tree, and I’ve bought one every year since then.  The process of opening each ornament and putting it on the tree reminds me of how far we’ve come in our 7 short years of marriage.  I feel very, very lucky.

And another tradition….. attempting to get a cute picture of my kids for our Christmas card…. not so pleasant.   I had this crazy idea that I would get some fake snow and have them lay on the ground with their heads opposite each other and get the perfect smiling photo.  I forgot to have them put coats and hats on (in my rush to do this in 10 minutes) which makes the “snow” seem kind of silly.  And Jake refused to lay “upside down” next to Kylie, which destroyed my vision.   So, our xmas card will have something else deemed more perfect (HA!) and I thought I would share this picture, cuz it did turn out cute!  :)

Cool Shopping Find:  I ordered this Mini Air Hockey table from the Land of Nod for the kids for Christmas, and I can’t wait to watch them play!  It’s a great deal for just $69.95 and free shipping too!  :)

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

A quote: No cowboy was ever faster on the draw than a grandparent pulling a baby picture out of a wallet. -Author Unknown

Something personal: ‘Tis the season…..to be busy, right?  I’m not even sure that I ever posted Halloween pictures (or Thanksgiving pictures) on my blog, and Christmas is RIGHT around the corner!  Sheesh!  We really are enjoying the season though, despite all of the hustle and bustle.  A few weeks ago, Nana and Grandpa came to town for Grandparents Day at Kylie’s school.  She was soooooooo happy they both came, and I think everyone had a wonderful time.  I snapped these pictures of Kylie and Nana making cookies that afternoon, and when I looked at them on my computer I was struck by how grown up Kylie looks.  I still see her as my sweet baby girl, but I know she’s getting bigger (and smarter) every day.  At times I forget how much she is capable of doing herself.

And just a few short years ago…..

Happy Monday!!!

A quote: I am thankful. -Crystal James

Something personal: I am on vacation this week (and I created this post ahead of time!).  I will be visiting some extended family (and friends) and spending time with my kids and husband.  There’s not much more I could be grateful for…… except maybe Thanksgiving dinner!  ;)

Here are some more of the wonderful pictures Andrea Halsey took of my family during our beach vacation.  Beautiful times, beautiful memories!

Until next week…… Happy Thanksgiving!

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

A quote: For disappearing acts, it’s hard to beat what happens to the eight hours supposedly left after eight of sleep and eight of work. -Doug Larson

Something personal:  Can I have some more please?  More time that is.  It seems to be doing quite a disappearing act lately.  In between complaining about not having enough time, I am trying to appreciate the time I do have (instead of thinking about all the other things that I should be doing).  This is especially true when I’m with my kiddos.   Having a flexible schedule is great most of the time.  But when there is more work than there is time (which is often), I find myself distracted no matter what I’m doing.  If I’m working, I’m thinking about my husband, kids, house, chores, etc.  When I’m taking care of my kids, husband, house and chores, I’m thinking about my work.  Then, if there is any time left, I might complain about not having any time for myself.  Sounds awful.  But it isn’t really.  I’m living the dream.  I have my health, the best hubby in the world, two awesome kids, and I live in this big beautiful home…. the list goes on.  I have it good.  Really good.  Nothing to complain about at all.  Well, except for maybe that lack of time thing…..  ;)

So last Friday Jake and I spent the morning together.  We explored this really pretty park I found, and he let me take a few pictures of him.  It was nice.  Really nice.

Simon says “put your hands up!”

A cool shopping find: In the spirit of the holidays coming up, here are a couple more cute stocking stuffer ideas I found at the Container Store:

My kids love flashlights, so these wobbly Chill Pill Lights would be a hit!  $4.99 for a 2-pack

For those who like variety, the Designer iPhone 4 Case (each case includes two silicone inserts to change the color). $32.99 (3-piece set).

I would love these Clip-Tabs since I have a dedicated “idea” binder where I write down everything.  I’m currently using sticky tabs or notes – which look pretty messy.  This would be much more stylish!  $3.49 for 36

Clip Tabs

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

A quote:  Vacation used to be a luxury, but in today’s world it has become a necessity.  - Author unknown

Something personal: As many people know, we recently took a family vacation to the beach.  October is a difficult time for a vacation due to my crazy fall portrait schedule and Jeff’s 4th quarter travel schedule.  However, since Kylie started Kindergarten this year we wanted to work around her Fall Break.  I forgot how nice it feels to do “nothing” all day.  Mostly because I never, ever, EVER, do nothing.  It’s impossible for me.  We went to the beach every day, but the last day was the best.  A high of 80 degrees, full sun, and a whole day with nothing to do.  Bliss.  Kylie had her friend Ainslee to play with and Jake loved the sand and water so much, we barely heard a peep from him.  Unfortunately, my point and shoot had a dead battery and I didn’t feel like bringing my BEAST to the beach everyday, so most of our vacation was documented with the new iPhone 4s.  Over the last few years I’ve come to accept that all of my family pictures don’t have to be perfect.  As long as the story is there, and the moment is captured, I’m happy.

So here is a collage of my perfectly imperfect iPhone vacation pics, edited on my iPhone with Instagram.  :)

And here are a few pics of the girls on the beach, taken with the BEAST!  :)

A cool shopping find: I’m a little behind on my Pinterest boards, but I found these cute stocking stuffers in the Chasing Fireflies catalog.  Just thought I would share.  I’m trying to get ahead this year…..  :)

Some all-natural Piggy Paint xmas polish:

Holiday Pez Set:

Festive Hands Temporary Tattoos:

Construction Plate & Tools:  Jake would LOVE this!  I thought it might be a fun gift for him.

** All pictures from the Chasing Fireflies Website.

****HAPPY HALLOWEEN*****

A quote: A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in. – Robert Orben

Something personal: We are at the beach.  This picture was taken in 2008 (at the same beach) when I was pregnant with Jake, and we were enjoying our final months as a family of three.  So, picture us here, plus one more!  See you when we get back!

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

A quote: Bittersweet October.  The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter. -Carol Bishop Hipps

Something personal: Our trip to Cagle’s Family Farm was wonderful!  Although I have come down with some kind of cold/allergies/sinus infection, I persevered for a wonderful day with the family (okay, I admit it, the Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino from Starbucks did help a little).  This was definitely the best weather we’ve had in our four years of making the trek up to Woodstock.  The kids had a blast and really loved running around with flashlights after it got dark at the bonfire.

I didn’t have the energy to bring the Beast with me (AKA: my Canon 5D MarkII), but I did use my Point & Shoot and I thought the pictures were still worth sharing.  :)

Can you see Jake in the background?  He really does not like having his picture taken.

Oh Jake, do you have to make that face???

It’s the most beautiful sunset while we sit around the bonfire and make s’mores.  :)

Right before leaving we wrangled the kids for a group picture.  HEY, at least we tried!!!

Now that Kylie has switched schools, she is always telling me how much she misses her “boyfriends” — Danny, Wyatt, and Brennan, from her old school.  Sebe is in her class now, so she sees him everyday.  She was beyond excited that Danny was going to the Pumpkin Patch and as you can see in this picture, they were connected at the hip for much of the evening.  ;)

On another personal note, Jake drew on himself with a marker this weekend.  I’m sure EVERY kid does this, but Jake did it with such intention and defiance, I can only wonder what other schemes he has planned for us in the future.  If only he wasn’t so darned cute!  It’s really hard to stay mad at him.

And the last personal note — we are having family pictures done at the BEACH this weekend by my friend, and fellow photographer, Andrea Halsey!  Just like all of my clients usually do, I’ve spent way too much time working on the “perfect” outfits for the session.  We are not a typical khaki/white shirt type of family so that was definitely out.  We love our jeans, and Kylie loves her skirts, so I wanted to find a way to make that work together, and still have it look like fall (even at the beach).  What do you guys think???

HAPPY MONDAY!!!!!!!!

A Quote: Fun is good. – Dr. Seuss

Something personal: Well, the fall season is officially here, and I don’t just mean the weather!  It’s busy with a capital B, and I’m having so much fun enjoying the great outdoors with my clients — and my family!  This weekend we are headed up to Cagles Dairy Farm for our annual pumpkin patch outing and bonfire.  It’s our fifth year (I think) and it’s SO-MUCH-FUN!  Click HERE to see some of last year’s pictures.  Here’s a couple favorites:

Since I’m at a loss for “inspiring Monday Love content” today, I thought I would take this opportunity to remind you to MARK YOUR CALENDAR for Santa at the Shoppe of Vinings on Saturday, November 12th from 11am-2pm.  Click HERE to see a bunch of images from last year.  It’s such a wonderful event — and it’s FREE!  :)  Here’s one of my favorites:

That’s it for now…..Happy Monday!!

A quote: A baby is an inestimable blessing and bother. - Mark Twain

Something personal: We had the joy of keeping our niece, Ally, this past weekend.  It was quite interesting to have three children, age 5 and under, running (and toddling) around.  I spent the first few hours alone with Ally while my two kids were at school, and it was truly peaceful.  She stared at me almost the whole time while I made her lunch.  She willingly tried everything I put in front of her, she smiled and pointed, and even clapped.  WOW!  My kids never clap when I serve them food (except maybe for ice cream)!  It was a poignant reminder of how my life has changed over the last five years.  From no babies, to babies that can’t walk or talk yet, to children that follow me constantly and demand things from sunup to sundown.  At each stage, I must admit, I longed for the next.  And then, sitting at that table with sweet (and very quiet) Ally, I wondered what my hurry was?  Even now I’m constantly thinking, “I can’t wait until they are just a little older so we can (insert any activity here) without a meltdown, tantrum, or slew of complaints.”   And yet, could anything be more precious than my Kylie Bear saying she did a prayer at school chapel for me so that Jake wouldn’t wake me up in the middle of the night anymore and I could get more sleep?  Or, what about my two year old Jake saying “I just want you Mommy” when asked why he’s crying.  My children love me more than they can even put into words, so it’s hard to figure out why I want them to grow up.  I think I’m just tired.  And after the last several weeks of interrupted sleep, I can say that being tired really changes my attitude about things – including my children.  But little miss Ally was a good reminder of how fast they grow and change.  AND, my kids used to clap when I served them food, but then they grew up.

With three kids in the house, I didn’t have time for any fancy photos, but here are a few quick pics of my niece.  Isn’t she adorable??  And yes, I did the ponytail on top of her head.  Hee-hee!

And I must say, she was the EASIEST of the three kiddos!  :)

Something I love: As I mentioned before, we’ve had some rough nights in the James household!  I think it’s payback for Jake sleeping through the night almost 100% of the time in his first two years (after 12 weeks of course).  He’s been waking up multiple times per night, often crying about bees in his crib, or a bug on him.  :(   Enter, my Tassimo Espresso Machine.  I’m actually not a huge coffee drinker.  Meaning, I don’t drink coffee everyday, nor do I “have to” start my day with it.  But, when I’m really tired in the morning, it calls to me — seriously, it does, I’m not delirious!  Since Jeff doesn’t drink coffee, and Starbucks gets VERY expensive, I wanted something that could make just one cup of Starbucks coffee — AND I wanted a latte or cappuccino, rather than just a plain cup of joe.  This thing ROCKS!  And I actually like the Gevalia Latte and flavored coffees even better than Starbucks (which is a good thing, since the Starbucks T-Discs have been discontinued).  It makes a wonderful, frothy, steamed milk for the latte, or you can add that to your regular coffee as well.  And my kids (and Jeff) love the hot chocolate.  It’s awesome!  :)

Darn it!  Now I really want a cup of coffee!

Happy Monday!!!