Photographs of Life

Megan's teeth

2010-03-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

So as if I don't have one hundred ways to see that the kids are growing fast, I had a reminder recently. Megan is losing her teeth and lost not one, but TWO teeth in one day. It was late in the evening and we were watching a little television before bed. While watching, she was playing with the loose tooth that she had and was surprised how easy it was to get out. So, after the excitement of a tooth coming out, she went to bed. While laying in bed thinking about the tooth fairy, she started to work on the other tooth that was loose and what do you know...that came out too! Two teeth in one day.

I told her to stop growing so fast but she refuses! She just turned 10...oh wait, that was in November.

Vinyl Record Album

2010-02-20T07:56:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I have been pre-occupied with a number of different things the last two weeks or so. Between the business, the kids playing sports, etc., life is on >>>fast forward>>>>>!!
Last month I was able to take on day for myself (I know, I know...how selfish of me!). I went to watch a concert at the SnoCasino (a cool venue by the way!).
The Robert Cray Band was playing in support of the "This Time" CD released in July. As usual I was in a row near the front but this time there was some dude with a HUGE HEAD sitting right in front of me and Treena (my reluctant escort for the evening...like every other time I see the band). I had to lean around the side just to see center stage!
Also this time I purchased something from the souvineer shop at the concert, something I have not done in about 10 years...a vinyl record! Can you believe it, I didn't know they even made these any more! The sucky thing is that I have a record player but when I went to use it, I found it to be not working. Probably a victim of children in the house!
Any way, here are a few photos I took late that night:

It is signed by the man himself! **Side note: No, I didn't get to have him sign it... I would have been a blubbering idiot!! (yes, more then I already am!)

Last of January

2010-02-01T08:54:00.000-08:00

So, as the days slip by (and my blog posts don't get done!) I feel myself getting older by the minute! We have had a pretty busy week-plus.

As many of you know, Megan is playing fastpitch with an organization in Auburn called the "Acers". Well, one of the player's dad is the pitching coach for the University of WA husky fastpitch softball team. He invited a few of the players to attend practice his UW team last weekend and here are a few photos:

The UW players and coaches really did a GREAT job of welcoming in the girls, showing them skills and being hosts. Any chance you get to attend a camp at the UW for fastpitch, it is a MUST!

Oh, and did I mention they are not only the coolest group of people...they are the defending NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!!!!!

The end of the month is also bringing in a few team/individual photo sessions. Here is a great photo of the goofy girls that Sumner:

Like a lot of girls sports, these took longer then they needed to take, but they were all very nice girls and that makes it all OK.

It is also action photo time. As we get towards the end of the winter sports season, the high school teams hire me to take action photos for various reasons. So, these days I am watching/shooting a lot of basketball

Side note: Sumner HS band is not only the best sounding, but also the most entertaining of all school bands I see/hear when I go to all of the local high schools!!

I was also at gymnastics meets this week and it was "Senior Night":

And, we also had the CAP basketball photos. 26 teams all on one day, spaced 10 minutes apart, grades 1-6. It is fast-paced craziness, but it is fun...and helps pay the bills :-)

We also received our waiting list sign up sheet for the Seattle Wedding Show. We have been on the waiting list for years and it looks like we may finally make the show next Jan!! Here is a look at our last booth at the Bride's Club Wedding Expo in Seattle Sept.'08. That dude sitting in the booth is Jeff Cowart, the videographer friend from Coastline Productions.

Whew. There are other things that have been going on, but this is probably enough of an update....if anyone is even reading!!!

Old time photos and Grandpa

2010-01-20T23:24:00.000-08:00

So this last few weeks I have been trying to do some stuff that I keep putting off. Here are some photos that I have played around with. They are all from my Grandma. They are prints (about 4x4 or 5x5 in size).

This first one is my Grandpa (far right) and his brothers. Grandma's handwriting on the back says it is from Memorial Day weekend 1958. Look at how tall Grandpa was! I must have my height from Grandma's side!!

Here is an image of my dad and his brothers. (my dad is appropriately "in the middle") After scanning these images, I tried my hand at a little restoration. Photoshop is pretty cool and very powerful...I just don't know much about restoration!

Here is another. It is Grandpa and two of his kids (my uncles) from June of 1963:

Here is one with Grandpa and my uncle Gary. I turned one black and white to mess with it:

Here is one of Grandpa from a trip around the Olympic Peninsula in 1947! I miss Grandpa! He was my favorite person in the whole world and he passed away almost 5 years ago.

Here are a few photos of Grandpa the summer he passed away. He was playing with Rob in the back yard other wise he would have never let me take these photos:

ONE PENNY SALE

2010-01-20T10:43:00.000-08:00

Alright, it has been about a week or so since I have posted anything. Not for any real good reason...and none of my readers (all 7) have said anything so I am guessing that even they are not reading!

Any way, a few times per year we try to purchase frames from Aaron Brothers. They offer a sale where you buy a frame you get one for a penny! And that sale is going on NOW (until the 24th). If you need frames now is your chance!

Check them out!

http://www.aaronbrothers.com/

Friday night basketball

2010-01-08T23:31:00.000-08:00

My Alma Mater is Auburn High School. It is also the high school where I used to teach. About half of the school's population (or more) went through the middle school and some of the students were in my class or played sports on teams I coached.
Tonight after taking gymnastics photos at Cascade, I went to AR vs AHS (alma mater). Boys played first and girls after. I take photos of BOTH AR teams but none at AHS, but because of the fact that I know kids at AHS, it was a great night to watch basketball!
In game one the boys played to a PACKED house at AR and the AHS team won by 4 in a close one.

In game two, the girls played. And, like with the boys I take the AR photos, but I know the girls at AHS from teaching and coaching. Three of the girls on the AHS team were in my class as 7th graders and a few others were not in my class but I still know.

McKenna and Heather were two of my favorite students. It is cool to see them growing up and playing sports. They didn't want to talk to me during the game, but I understand. (Heather at least said "Hi Mr. Vandegrift"...but it was while she was standing on the block during a free-throw...what a goof ball!)

I did take photos of AR, they were the reason I was there. I was working on something for the girls coach. AR won pretty easily...they are the number one team in the state after all!

Seeing former students (in the stands too!), makes me want to go back to teaching!! I miss the relationships that I have with the kids...and the steady day job! Although it is pretty cool to be at a basketball game as my scheduled work for the day!

New pricing structure!

2010-01-06T11:24:00.000-08:00

With the turn of the calendar, we are getting ready for taxes, evaluating our business practices, etc...
Like Treena and I, our clients have busy lives and we understand that. However we have found over the years, that when clients are not pressed for purchasing photos, they will go weeks, months...and if you can believe it...YEARS without ordering the prints from their session. It happens in weddings, portraits...just about all areas. We have even had a bride a groom get a divorce before they picked up any photos from the wedding! Crazy stuff!
Well, in an effort to keep current, we are going to change our pricing structure to address the issue of slow orders. In our wedding contracts we have in place a "do it or we'll do it for you" clause and it had worked wonders. So, in out portrait and sports side we are going to add an incentive to order.
Here are the basics:
Prices for all prints are going to remain at current levels for orders placed two weeks from the session. If you do not order prints within two weeks from the session the prices are higher. That is to accomodate the extra work involved. Example: Current price for 8x10 is $35. Under the new structure, the current price is good for two weeks, then the price goest to $80. That way you can take as long as you like to order your prints, it will just cost you more if you take longer.

This new pricing structure will be in place shortly.

If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!

School, sports, etc...

2010-01-04T22:38:00.000-08:00

So, it is the new year and winter break is over. The kids had to go back to school today and I had to start working again. A long time family friend came over to view her grandkid's photos from November (when she was back east). She also told me how I NEEDED to be on Facebook. Jonathan and Abraham with grandpa at the park:

Sports are starting back up again. Megan and I had fastpitch practice tonight. The team had taken off a few weeks for the holidays but are now back to two days per week for the season. Sheesh, I would have given my left...ahem (you get the idea)... for the ability to play baseball all year long!! When I was 18 we played our school ball season (18 games) then played 20-some games in the summer.

website address: http://www.acersfastpitch.org/

Check out the team when you get a chance! They are 10 years old, but they are still pretty impressive!

As if that is not enough, Robbie's basketball team practices two days per week and starts playing games next week or two. Not to mention that Megan is playing basketball too! Luckily the business is pretty slow this month.

Lastly, there is less then two weeks until Robert Cray!! http://www.robertcray.com/ or http://www.snocasino.com/ to get your tickets. Don't plan on talking to me if you go though. I slip into a music enduced coma while at the shows!

Holiday Hang-over SALE!!

2009-12-31T12:03:00.000-08:00

OK, now that everyone has done all their shopping, and today is the last day of the year, we are offering an opportunity to purchase all of your digital files (a.k.a "negatives"). These files are the full-size files! You can have them for safe keeping, use them to make your own prints or life-sized wall posters, ...anything.

One session = $200
or
Purchase any and all images from any and all sessions = $500.

This offer only lasts for a limited time.

If you have been coming to us for a number of years, this is a GREAT way to get all of your images at once and save $$$.

If you want action photos because your child is graduating and you want to keep those memories, this is your chance!

Please call 253-709-1196 or email to get in on this rare offer!

Fine print: some restrictions apply, never spit into the wind, etc...

Week off

2009-12-31T11:37:00.000-08:00

Alright, I had been trying to take a week off, but of course that is not happening. I should have known better! I did get most of Christmas eve off and all of Christmas day, but then it was back to work.
This week has been moderately busy with a few different things: I did a session for a whole family (4 generations) which is not my normal gig, but everyone was fun and easy to work with!

The 4th generation is only two kids, but they were adorable!

This group of "goofy goobers" (as Robbie says) is in the 3rd generation of the group photo. I did the senior photos for the two older girls Tiana in '08 and Chandra in '09:

Here is a great shot of the youngest and oldest generations from the group:

Thanks to the Leverenz family, I hope you enjoy!

So that was not the only thing we did. It is wedding show (bridal fair) season and we are the preferred vendor at the Twin Lakes Golf and CC in Federal Way. We were commissioned to make some display banners for their booth at the Wedding Expo this weekend in the Tacoma dome. Here is an example:

And with mixing in a drive to the airport, seeing my grandma and spending a little time with my kids, I also took some action photos. Auburn Riverside girls (I do their team photos) are ranked #1 in the state for 4A. They were playing the #2 ranked L&C team from Spokane. It was a rough game, a possible preview of the state playoffs and a WIN for AR! Good going girls!

So, today I have to go to TLG&CC to take some photos of the New Year's party location. Then...HOPEFULLY, I'll be able to take a little more time off before going back to crazy time!

Holiday Crafts

2009-12-22T16:35:00.000-08:00

Every year since the kids have been old enough to handle a tool or knife, we have tried to do crafts. Some years it is making ornaments, other years it is making melting snowman decorations or these fun styrofoam snowmen:

And every year we decorate Christmas/Holiday cookies. Sugar cookies dominate, but Treena and the kids like peanut butter cookies (YUK!) with hershey's kiss squished in the middle. This year, because we were crazy, the kids did the cookies while Treena and I worked. I stopped long enough to take a few photos, if nothing else as a way to argue that I was not involved in their Christmas tradition.

And of course Rob was eating just as much (or more) then he was using on the cookies!!

This, along with Christmas music is really making me (finally!) feel like it is Christmas time!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Holiday Hours

2009-12-22T16:14:00.000-08:00

OK, so we have been running around like chickens with our heads cut off! People are getting gifts printed and picking up orders... there is not a lot of time left. Our kids have been complaining that we "always have to work" and are hoping we'll be able to have some time together for the holiday.
So, we are going to take orders until Wed for next day printing and Thursday if you come and have an order printed on-the-spot. After Thursday at 3, we are not going to take any more orders (or print any more) unless you have the best sob story I have ever heard or if you plan on spending over $1000 (then I'll even print for you on Christmas morning and hand deliver...but dressing in Santa suit will cost you extra!).

Then we will remain "closed" until Jan 4th to spend time with our kids.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays...

Steve

Poker Tournament

2009-12-21T00:13:00.000-08:00

Ok. I'm being a guest blogger :-) This evening we received an email from our daughter's fastpitch coach and attached was a flyer about a Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament the Acer organization is putting on. It will be held at Washington National Gold Course in Auburn on Jan. 23rd, 2010. The cost is $65.00 to buy in. This also gets you a buffet dinner and no host bar. The doors open at 5pm, a tutorial at 5:45 and the tournament runs from 6-9pm. Re-buy for "Sit and Go" tournaments $30.00. There will be raffles for prizes and a spot at the final table. Also an auction for a spot at the final table. Prizes are 1st place: $800.00, 2nd place: $500.00, 3rd place: $250.00, 4th place: $150.00, 5th place: $75.00 and 6th-10th place: Gifts. If anyone is interested please give me a call at 253-709-9899. Thank you, Treena
P.S. I tried to upload the flyer, but I'm not as good as my husband with computer stuff :-) and I don't know anything about poker.....so hopefully I have included all the important stuff about the tournament.

Last few days for the holiday sale

2009-12-18T11:48:00.000-08:00

So, this sale is for all the husbands/fathers out there! I am offering you a FREE (no sitting fee) portrait session. You just purchase the prints you want.
If you are like me and have not purchased anything for the mother of your children, this is your opportunity to give her a GREAT surprise. In about one hour you can have photos and order any prints. I can even help you with framing!
This sale goes from today until Tuesday 12/22. Call for details.

One week to go until Christmas...

Family Portraits

2009-12-18T11:42:00.000-08:00

So, we have some friends in town for the holidays and they planned to have grandkids all together for a portrait session. We don't do too much of this stuff anymore (indoors anyway), but it was a fun hour or so. Here are a few images from the session.

So, if anyone is interested in surprising grandma, call me. Or if you are like me (and most guys out there) and have not started shopping yet, bring your kids for a quick session! In one hours time, you can have a GREAT gift for you wife that she will NEVER suspect!

Sale:Seniors

2009-12-15T12:26:00.000-08:00

Seniors, if you have not yet had your senior portraits...or if you have but have not purchased any prints, here is a sale for you:
Purchase any senior package in the next 24 hours and receive a DVD slide show of your images FREE. ($250 value) This offer does NOT apply to any packages purchased before today and is only good until 12/16. This is a great way to display your images on your big screen at home, to post on your facebook page, or to show at your graduation party!
Call/email if you are interested.

10 days of shopping left....

"Snakes....why did it have to be snakes"

2009-12-15T12:21:00.000-08:00

OK, so I was sent this video from a friend and I have almost wet my pants each time I watch it! Those of you that know me, know that I am terribly affraid of snakes! This video is of a TV newsguy that is interviewing a guy with a snake. Well this guy obviously doesn't like snakes either because he is a little squirmy. Well, there is also a lizard on the table near the snake and that is what makes this video funny!!Watch (and listen to) the newsman's reaction when the lizard jumps.
youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqGqGwRaILg

If you want a better version, email me and I can email you a .wav file.

The worst part of this whole thing for me, is the fact that I TOTALLY understand the guy's reaction!! I would do the same. And it is not even the lizard that is the problem, it is the deatly fear of snakes that would cause that for me too!

Have a laugh at this guys expense!!

DVD Slideshow SALE

2009-12-14T16:01:00.000-08:00

On sale today is a slide show DVD of your session. Spend $400 on a print order and get a DVD slide show (with the images from your session, set to music) for only $50 more. That is a $200 savings!
Offer good on orders placed today. You can also purchase a gift certificate and the deal applies!

One last week of busy time before a short break. If you want prints, gift certificates, etc. there is still plenty of time to get it before Christmas! Call or email and we can print on-demand!

Get one Give one

2009-12-12T20:57:00.000-08:00

Today's sale is not just for you, but for someone else too! Purchase a sitting for yourself, and receive a free sitting to give to someone else. Purchase a coffee table book for yourself and get one for someone else. Etc...
This would be perfect if you are going to get something that you can then give to grandma and grandpa!!

This is posted late so the sale includes today and tomorrow (Sunday 12/13) but a new sale will start Monday.

Less then two weeks left for holiday shopping....

Holiday Sale continues

2009-12-11T11:30:00.000-08:00

For today's sale we are offering a free upgrade on wall prints. Purchase any print, size 11x14 or larger, and get upgraded to the next size up for FREE. So, 11x14 is upgraded to a 16x20; 16x20 is upgraded to a 20x24, 20x30 upgraded to a 24x36, etc...
Orders must be placed today 12/11/09 (or before the next post tomorrow).

Tree family

2009-12-11T11:23:00.000-08:00

So, last weekend while up in the mountains we found a strange family living in the trees. They needed a family portrait so....

If you are ever up in the mountains, bring them some food and toilet paper.

Gift Certificate BONUS

2009-12-10T10:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's holiday card sale is now over.

Up on the sale table for today are Gift Certificates. You can always purchase gift certificates in any amount for any service we offer, but today you'll get more for your money! For every dollar you spend on a gift certificate, you'll receive two dollars on said certificate. So, buy a $200 certificate for only $100, or a $1000 certificate for only $500!!

This sale is for today only. Can be purchased by calling 253-709-1196

SALE!!

2009-12-09T13:49:00.000-08:00

We don't usually do the sale thing, but after the whole "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" craziness, I thought we should try it.
So between now and the end of the year, I will post a random blog that includes a sale of some sort. The sale will only be good for one day so you'll have to check back often. You'll be able to get the deal for you or to give as a gift.

TODAY'S SALE:

"Plus 50%" on Holiday greeting cards. Custom designed to meet your specs (or use a template...you decide). Buy x number holiday cards and get 50% more free. Buy 10, get 15; Buy 20 get 30; buy 50 get 75, etc...
Offer good today only (12/9).
Call for questions.

Here is the design I came up with for our cards last year. Hand made. :-)

And one I made but didn't use:

Watch for another sale coming soon.....

Holiday season

2009-12-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

OK, now that I have been out in the woods cutting (killing) trees, I feel like I can start to get into the holiday mood....I even played some Christmas music yesterday!!
One of my favorite Christmas CDs is Harry Connick Jr.'s "When My Heart Finds Christmas".

You can buy it from Amazon It is about 15 years old now, but still pretty good! It has become a tradition at my house.

Another "get into the season" thing I like to do is think about snow. And, if you are from WA like I am, you know it doesn't snow much, but one way I like to think about snow is to make cut-out snowflakes. Here is a link to an online snowflake cutting website. It is pretty neat! And, you are not killing any more trees!!

http://snowflakes.barkleyus.com/index.html?taf=receiver

"Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas...."

time passing by...

2009-12-07T22:21:00.000-08:00

Man, I can't believe I have not posted for about 10 days!! After Thanksgiving we normally have a slow down in business....not this year! We always get holiday prints and christmas card orders, but this year we are also having fall sports banquet orders too. Posters, team photos, action photos and online ordering.... they are all hitting at once. Don't get me wrong, it is good to be busy!!

So, winter season is now under way. I have been at Auburn Mountainview, Sumner, Auburn Riverside and three middle schools. With the start of the new seasons, begins the new rush to make media guides. Team or programs guides, whole school guides, etc... Here is a look at SHS' team photo (with no logos, frames/boarder, etc...)

We also have some family business too! The kids have started playing the new sport (basketball) and have practice a few days per week each. Megan also was in a holiday parade for her soccer team. We lucked out and had cool but sunny weather!

Then, if you can believe it, I actually took one day...one WHOLE day to not do anything business related!! I had to, my wife insisted we get a christmas tree. Last year for the first time we got a permit from the WA state forrest service to cut down a tree in the mountains and we had fun. So, this year we did it again! Our friends came along to bail us out when our minivan got stuck in the snow (luckily we didn't need it!). But, after turning off the highway on forest service road number 70 (way the heck out there!!), we drove uphill, switch back for 5 miles. We got WAY up there. And, the temp guage said it was 19 degrees. There was snow, but not on the road.
After hiking a ways into the hillside full of trees, we found one we all agreed on:

After bringing it home we got it upright and in place, but now have to decorate it. Maybe there will be time before Christmas.....
Which brings me to my last point: I was looking around in the garage (for lights, ornaments, etc..) and I came across a box of stuff from when I was younger. Inside was stuff like photos, old baseball cards, etc.. It was fun to look.
Here is one taste of what I found:

I had done a little bit of water skiing when I was younger. This image must be from about....oh...I would say...1986...?

And here is another one from the next year:

Hard to believe that is me! You know that expression "twice the man...", well, I think I can safely say I am twice the size and more then twice the age!

Sheesh!! Time really passes by fast!

Until next time...

Tags: Photography, Sports Photos, Action Photography, Senior Photos, Senior Pics, Senior Photography, Auburn, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Buckley, Kent, Puyallup, Portraits, Pierce County, King County, League Photos

Turkey Day

2009-11-26T13:07:00.000-08:00

So, I worked until midnight last night and again for 4 hours today. Now, I am getting yelled at because I need to help get ready for dinner! And the kids are saying, "You ALWAYS have to work!!". So I had better help.
Yesterday the Treena and the kids made their annual Turkey Day treat:

Fun to make AND good to eat!

Now that I have stopped to post, I had better get working! Food to cook, things to clean, then dinner! (and back to work....I have a TON of work to do!!!)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Web Hosting problems

2009-11-25T11:03:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone. I have been gone and busy, but not off the face of the Earth! However, my email and website hosting company is having problems! I don't ever view my own website, but I use my email CONSTANTLY and right now (and for some time) my email is NOT WORKING!! Yes, the all-caps means I am saying those words louder!
So, until my email is up and running again, you will need to call me if you need something. 253-709-1196

Thanks for understanding!

Winter (season) has arrived!

2009-11-23T20:36:00.000-08:00

So, with the end of the fall sports photo season, (or almost the end) the calendar officially turnes to winter for us! Winter sports season brings new sports, new teams/coaches, etc... Our winter season is the second quietest after summer and it IS the slowest of the school year's sports photos. That is good for trying to get any work done (notice I didn't say get caught up...that probably won't happen), but it is bad for income. No working = no money.

It is banquet season for fall sports. Now, I am working each day on getting posters for coaches so there is no rest for the weary. Too bad there isn't a reality TV show like those guys that make the motorcycles. I bet if I was famous like that, maybe people would actually pay more for the posters...making them worth the time and effort. Right now it is hard to even get people to pay enough to cover the cost! Oh well, at least it is getting my work into people's hands.

Holidays are on the horizon. Deadlines are approaching for ordering Christmas gifts and albums. Please contact us if you have anything you want made before 12/25...

Holiday photos

2009-11-19T09:09:00.000-08:00

Ok. To the two people that read this blog: If you want holiday photos taken, we now have time! If you want prints made from any sessions this year, and want them for the holidays, you'll need to start thinking about that now. If you want something that is a lab ordered product (magnets, wedding albums, etc.) there are cut-off days. Call/email for more info.
Also, a number of people have had holiday/Christmas cards made in the past few years. They are very cool, but they take a little time to produce. If you want them in time to send out, we should start to plan or design the card.

With all of that said, in reality we can take photos and print them on the spot if you are only getting wall prints, wallets, etc....as a gift. Portraits are a great idea for gift giving, especially for relatives!

Call if you need anything...

Soccer

2009-11-18T18:33:00.000-08:00

So, my daughter is playing soccer and today was the last team practice of the year. So, they asked the parents to come ready to play a scrimmage against the team. So, I got out there and ran around (like I thought I was still 24 years old!) and luckily I didn't hurt myself.    Now, an hour after that running around for 45 minutes, I am already wondering just how sore I will be tomorrow! Although my breathing has finally settled down, my legs are like jelly and my face is still flushed. I am sure going to sleep good tonight!

After last week's final fall sports photos, then the state volleyball tourney, I have had a few days of no photos. Tomorrow we begin the next season. High school teams are in winter season (2 of 3) and middle schools are in season 2 of 4 (basketball and gymnastics). The winter is the least busy of our school sports seasons so it won't be quite as crazy as the fall.

Don't get me wrong, it is not like there is nothing going on!   Banquets for fall sports are here and most of my teams do some kind of photos/gifts for the banquet. Yearbooks need fall sports photos. Seniors are finally beginning to think about making print selections and portrait sessions are going to start to order if they want them for the holidays.

Here is a look at my calendar. As you notice we have only a few things going on this last Summer, but other then that, we stay pretty busy. None of my deliveries get posted on this schedule so for every photo appointment, there is a delivery to make. And, I don't usually put my high school action photos on this calendar either as those just happen when I have nothing else going on.

Whew! When I really step back and look at it, that is a pretty crazy calendar!

SHS Soccer

2009-11-17T18:24:00.000-08:00

So today I spent most of the day going through soccer photos with SHS head coach Turley. We pored over lots of action photos, senior night photos and team photo day stuff. We are working on making something to give the players for a gift at the end of the season. More on that later.

I also met with a team mom from the WR football team. Last month we took some photos celebrating the 100th year of football here so today she was coming to pick up the posters....

More State photos

2009-11-15T21:49:00.000-08:00

So, with the help of the Auburn Reporter (Shawn Skager), I was able to have a press pass for the whole tournament. The pass allows me access to the floor of the Toyota Center and therefore a great vantage to shoot from. This venue however, has a number of places where even the fans can take good photos if they have the correct equipment. And to be honest, there were a lot of people that were taking photos and most of them had the ability to take decent photos because the Toyota center is a bright venue!

So, here are a few more photos from the tourney. I am careful not to show my best shots because I need them for the project I am working on (for coaches). So, these are images that show the acces I had.

While I was there for my two teams, I also had a chance to take photos for a player from FHS as well as AR. I took the senior portraits of both of these players so I stayed late one night after my games were over and grabbed a few...

If I am lucky, a few of my images may end up in the paper. Thanks Shawn!

Return from State '09

2009-11-15T14:12:00.000-08:00

Whew! We are finally home from the state volleyball tournament in Kennewick. Nothing like driving home over Snoqualmie pass...at night....IN NOVEMBER!!    Slow and steady wins the race.

So, the tourney in Kennewick is always a bit crazy, exciting, etc... but this year I had two teams (in two classifications) which meant not just two days, but three and made everything that much more crazy! I would have posted more while I was gone, but the crazy schedule didn't allow me time to figure out why the heck my phone was not working properly for blogging.

So, in the 4A bracket I had one team in the hunt for a state title. AR is a somewhat inexperienced team with only one player that had state experience (possibly the best player the school has ever had!) but that didn't stop them. They won two matches on day one (one of which was a marathon, heavy weight fight) and one that was a pretty easy match.

Day two was semi-final/final day and it started off a little rocky. AR lost to a team they had previously played (and lost to) twice. The game was not the best played game but give credit to the other team...they came to play!    Then the consolation game (for 3rd place) was awesome! They played much better, had more fun and entertained even me. :-)

Day two for me was also day one for my second team, AMHS. (see why that was crazy??)   AM came into the tournament looking for some hardware!    Their first game turned out to be against the eventual state champion....which as you know...means they lost. That team is a very good team and unfortunately they had to be the first game out of the gate!

Day two for AM started off much better! Playing with emotion and intensity (which was a little lacking from day one) they won the first game then played game two against a team from their own league....a team they had beaten already. But, that team came to play and won ending the hopes of a state trophy for the first time in school history.

So, here are a few photos from the weekend. I took over 1500 images and have not had time to edit them yet. I am also working on something for each coach and don't want to spoil the surprise just yet so these images will have to do.

So, now that I have been gone for a better part of a week, I am way behind on my work....not to mention that I have over 1000 images to go through.

And, season two has now begun for sports photos which means there is no time to relax!

I can't complain! It is better to be too busy, then not busy enough!!

State Day 1

2009-11-12T21:37:00.000-08:00

So, Treena, the kids and I are in Kennewick for our yearly trip to the state tournament. We have two teams this year so at times it can be crazy, but luckily on day one it is only the 4A teams.
We watched AR go through a knock-down, drag-out fight in game one early this morning. The prevailed in 5 games.
Then coming back in game to later in the day, they had to play cross-league opponents KW. They had already played two other matches this year so they know each other well. In three games AR put the Conks away without really very much effort.
As for photo of the events, game one was much more exciting/nervous but it also made for more exciting images. There were lots of expressions but I think I will put on celebration images because thanks to Coach Bowles, I really enjoy them!

Well, on second thought, I may add them after I get back home. This laptop I am using has Windows Vista and what a piece of junk!! I can't seem to get the images properly loaded! Crap

More posts from Kennewick to come in the next day or two.

State volleyball weekend ('09 edition)

2009-11-12T13:54:00.000-08:00

So Kennewick is alive this weekend as the top teams in the state are playing in the championships at the Toyota center. Four courts going all day starting at 9 am!
I have two teams alive ARHS in 4A and AMHS in 3A.
Both teams are very good and have a chance to finish well, but both have challenges ahead!
Playing first is AR. They drew the top-10 ranked "Bombers" from RIchland. The hometown Bombers had a TON of fans and a two minute drive to the stadium.
Result and photos to follow...

Blogging by phone

2009-11-12T06:16:00.000-08:00

SO THIS WEEKEND I'LL BE TRYING TO BLOG BY PHONE BECAUSE I AM IN KENNEWICK FOR STATE09! THE ONLY PROBLEM IS I CAN't SEEM TO GET THE PHONE TO USE THIS SERVICE CORRECTLY AND THE PHONE IS TYPING IN ALL CAPS!?! SO I AM NOT YELLING...AT LEAST NOT YET :-)

Concert Tickets

2009-11-10T17:11:00.000-08:00

Woo Hoo!!!   I just purchased tickets to see the Robert Cray Band in Jan!! They are playing at the Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom (A VERY COOL PLACE to see a show by the way).
In April I saw the guys play for the first time with the new band line-up. It was a little strange, after watching them perform 12 times in 13 years with the same guys, to see the new guys walk out and play....a little like having a parent bring a new spouse to dinner for the first time...WEIRD! But the show was still great! At the time the new album was not yet out so this time they are supporting with a tour. I am excited! My tickets are in the 4th row (last show was 6th). :-)
Few things make me get goose bumps and fewer things make my "Allergies" act up (watery eyes, sniffles, etc. See also: tears), but sitting and watching/listening to Robert and the boys gives me an attack every time!

OK, enough about my reactions.

This week I have a lot going on.   SHS volleyball banquet (they have ordered action posters); State Volleyball tournament in Eastern WA.; Family portraits; Soccer game (state level). Yikes! After this week though, everything should slow just enough to get caught up....SHOULD...?!?!?

http://www.snocasino.com/ or http://www.robertcray.com/ if you want to hear some great "contemporary blues" with the best of this era!

3 O'clock in the morning....

2009-11-06T04:36:00.000-08:00

So, there is a song called "The Things You Do To Me" off the Robert Cray Band's "Midnight Stroll" album and it has a line:
"...3 o'clock in the morning I wake up, can't go back to sleep...."

It is perfect because I woke up at 3 and couldn't go back to sleep. Now here I am working on the computer at 4:30 and the song keeps playing over-and-over in my head.

The awesome thing is that I agreed to sub this morning at NTMS! So, I am going to be BEAT by the time school starts!

Great.

"...I get a real, real good feeling way down inside knowing your in love with me...."

"...you made me understand baby, that hearts aren't made from stone....."

What better to hear at 4:30am then some sweet, "low-down and funky" blues from my favorite band!!

Purchase Robert Cray's Midnight Stroll from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_0_15?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=midnight+stroll+robert+cray&sprefix=midnight+stroll

KL HS Grad fair

2009-11-05T21:30:00.000-08:00

So, I went to the KL grad fair tonight. It was for the cap and gown company Jostens to hand out "stuff" for seniors. I was the only other vendor there. There couldn't have been more then 50 people there (probably because there was a football game at the same time!!!) so it is hard to tell if it was worth the day's work to get ready. If I get one senior kid to have me take the photos, it was worth it.
Thank you to Lynne C. for helping me get in!! Without Lynne I would not have as much business as I do. Lynne you are the BEST!
And while I am talking about Lynne, her son Doug deserves a little recognition too! Doug has been my assistant this fall for sports photos at the middle and high schools in Auburn and Kent. I don't pay him nearly what he is worth and yet he keeps coming back!! What a good kid. :-)

Tomorrow I got harrased about subbing again so I am going in for a half-day sub job at NTMS. NT is where I do most of the subbing (and also take all the photos) but it will be the first time this year.
After that I am headed to AMHS for the volleyball playoffs (WCD) where I have one team, then possibly to KWHS for the 4A where I also have a team. Crazy time continues....

Well, I am off to bed so I can be happy for the middle school kids bright and early.

Yesterday and today

2009-11-05T16:55:00.000-08:00

So, yesterday I subbed for the first time this year. 4th grade at my kids' school. It was only half day but it was more then I needed. Because of that half day I stayed up late and spent most of todaygetting ready for the graduation fair at KL. I am sitting outside if the school waiting to get in. Hopefully the day -plus that I spent is worth it!!
We'll see...

Fall portraits continue

2009-11-03T22:05:00.000-08:00

Well, with the beautiful weather the last two days, people are back in the portrait mood! Today I had two appointments (one family, one senior) that were not on the schedule until last night!

The Ice family have been coming to me for a few years (since Dylan was in mom's belly!) and it is VERY cool to watch the family grow!! They are very cool people with adorable kids.
One hour of chasing these kids around makes me tired...imagine 24/7!

Shannen is a girl that went to OLY (where I used to teach) and now goes to my alma mater. She also played fastpitch softball on my team as an 8th grader. We had a tough time getting her scheduled, but it was nice to see her and hear how she is doing! The little bit of leaves and short time available made it tough, but we have agreed to do another session in the spring when graduation gets closer so I am not too worried that we only have 30 photos!

Congratulations Shannen!!

Then, I had to rush over to MBMS and take photos for the 6th grade boys basketball teams. I do ALL of the photos at that middle school (and 4 others!). It made for a very wide variety of photos today!

I was BEAT when I got home!

Up tomorrow: Substitute teaching. I am doing a half day job for a teacher at my kids' school . 4th grade! The kids are both very excited because they both will see me across the hall! It is the first time at that school so it will be interesting to see how it goes......

Thanks to the two people that have told me they are reading. It makes me feel like I not just wasting time in a diary. :-)

All over the map with this post...please forgive me in advance.

2009-11-02T21:45:00.000-08:00

So, Sunday the whole family was feeling a little under the weather. Treena even started feeling it!
It was a beautiful day and we started off with Megan's breakfast and presents. A new bike, a game for the Nintendo DS, etc...

Megan also played two fastpitch games! Fall ball at 10 years old....what I wouldn't have given for that!! Heck, fall ball in high school, I would have given my left....well, you get the idea. :-)   So, I bundled up with three layers of sweatshirts and a hat and headed out. Megan had a great day!
I am a proud dad!!! And not just for Megan's fastpitch but for the fact that she is getting so big. 10! Of course, that feeling is doubled by the fact that Rob is growing and turning into a great "young man" too. In September he had to start at a new school, he turned 8 and he is playing football. MAN, LIFE IS GOING TOO FAST!! I want everything to slow down, but I realize that won't happen so I am trying to soak it all up while I can.

Monday brought the return to the school week and therefore the return to work....what am I talking about...I ALWAYS work!! Nothing like being self employed.
Even though I was not 100%, I did deliver photos, meet with a coach about basketball team photos this month (because the new Winter season for high school is going to start in a few weeks) and dropped off a yearbook disc for senior head shots.
Speaking of seniors, it has been a busy fall this year! Word of mouth is starting to spread and this was the busiest year for HS seniors since we have been in business. I really feel like I am providing families with not only great photos, but an exceptional value!   The image quality is comperable to studios/photographers charging well over $1000! And, they don't offer you the option to purchase all images on a disc!

Last thought of the night:
With the contiued growth of the business, and the fact that the house is being overrun by business "stuff" (computers, camera equipment, printers, supplies, etc...), my crazy brain drifts to the idea of a retail studio space. I have dreamed for a number of years about the idea of a space, but just can't see paying huge rental/lease fees! Does anyone think a retail space is a good idea? Does anyone think they would like to come to me for indoor photos? Would the fact that we do so many sports photos, which would take away from studio time, make anyone think it just doesn't make sense??
Please call or email with your thoughts or comments!! Insight is always appreciated and welcome....as are any cash donations. :-)

Halloween

2009-10-31T23:00:00.000-07:00

So, after a day of sickness (and two previous days when Rob was home from school!) we had it all. Cough and runny nose...and yes, throwing up too!! By 6pm we were all finally feeling well enough to move around. The kids got dressed and went out for candy. I took a photo before they left.
Harry Potter and a scary ghost!!

When they got home they were tired and didn't even eat any candy!! First time ever at our house.

But, that also shows how everyone has felt!

Sick house

2009-10-30T21:47:00.000-07:00

So, this week we have been fighting off cold/sickness that is going around classmates and friends but yesterday and today we lost the fight. Rob stayed home from school yesterday with a cough and sniffles. Today he was worse and so we were told to keep him home again. The bad thing is by dinner time his condition worsened to the point where he was "praying to the porcelin god". He also had a fever of 101! Then, Megan came home with coughs and a sore throat. Bummer too because tomorrow we have soccer and flag football, then Sunday is Megan's 10th birthday and she has two fastpitch games! Hopefully the morning will bring newly charged batteries!!!

Seniors 2010: Tyler

2009-10-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

Another KL senior! Tyler is also doing running start at GR so we were able to meet this morning. We had tried a few other times to meet but kept having to reschedule due to rain. Last night at their house it SNOWED! (or at least hailed...the grass was white in places).

Congrats Tyler!

Burrrrr

2009-10-27T23:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the fall weather keeps chuging along! Tonight I had photos at SHS for the girls soccer team. It was senior night and the kids and parents all got photos taken before the game. Then, I was taking action photos all while trying not to freeze my nose off!!!
Boy do I love soccer. Huge field, 11 players at a time, nighttime/darkenss! WoW!
But, I am finding that SHS is a great school with lots of great kids (and great adults!) and I am really enjoying the time I am spending there. They seem to appreciate my help and effort (not to mention the photos/posters!) and that makes me feel much better about spending time away from my wife and kids!
Good Luck girls, I hope you go all the way!!

Rain, Rain go away

2009-10-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

So, this week has been a crazy week for weather! A little sun, a little wind and a lot or RAIN! Friday I was supposed to take senior portraits for two different seniors but we were washed out.

Saturday was nice I must admit. Megan and Robbie had games, but unfortunately I was stuck inside working. The last of the fall CAP photos was right during the time they played. :-( And of course, the photos were indoors so I had no chance of seeing the games. (16 teams of little soccer players...fun, but hard work!)

Saturday also allowed us time to go outside for some Portraits in the Park. The park is looking nice, but all the leaves have fallen and some have been carried off by the wind. What a difference a week makes!

Our sessions on Saturday included some long time family friends from my wife's side, some good friends from when I was teaching at OLY and our own kids' annual portrait session. What a good day!

Today, we have rain on the way. My three sessions scheduled have all already cancelled or been re-scheduled. Megan is supposed to play a double header today but we'll have to hold our breath....

RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY!!!!!!!

Fall rolls on...

2009-10-22T22:30:00.000-07:00

So, Fall is one of our busiest seasons. The new school year starts and the sports kick into gear, the senior portraits go stronger then even graduation time and our kids have school and sports to top it all off.
The calendar on the wall is lit up with unreadable handwriting (mine!) and there are only about 6 days open or with no shooting days from the third week in August to the first week in November. I know, I know, technically that is late summer AND fall, but you get the idea!
This year we continued our growth over last year, which is great, but it was also busier at home. Robbie is in flag football which is very fun to watch! Megan is in soccer AND fastpitch. The only night of the week we do NOT have practice or a game is Tuesday night. Then, my normally work-at-all-times schedule picks up because we not only have high school and middle school sports photos every day (new team and new school each day of the school week!!), I am also going to games at night to take action photos. This week I am at a volleyball game every night! I have to admit though, it really is an exciting way to work a few hours! Last night one of my teams was playing the final home game of the year, against a good league opponent, with the league championship and undefeated season on the line....and they LOST!!
This weekend I have the last of the WRCAP's fall sports photos. It is alwasy good work but it unfortunately means that I have to miss Megan's soccer and Rob's football (two games this week!). I am also in the early stages of Portraits in the Park. Two families and two high school seniors this weekend.
Now if the weather can just hold for those appointment, Megan is supposed to have a double header on Sunday!
Whew.
It is good to be busy, but a day or two off once-in-a-while would be nice!! Maybe to go back to Randy's to do more fishing!!!

Seniors 2010: Alison

2009-10-20T11:20:00.001-07:00

Sunday we lucked out and had nice enough weather to take photos! Alison is the older sister of Megan (not my Megan, but the other Megan on the fastpitch team) and is a senior at THS. She rides dirt bikes and likes to watch "America's Next Top Model" ...oh, and she is a little goofy too. (see the slide)
So we tried to show a bit of that personality.

Congratulations on your accomplishment Alison!

Seniors 2010: Doug

2009-10-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

Doug is a senior at KL this year. I have taken his baseball photos for two years and have gotten to know his family very well! Doug also works for me and because of it he is getting rich before going off to school at UW next year!

Congrats on all you have accomplished Doug!!

AM V-ball

2009-10-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

Last night I photographed a volleyball game. WR vs. AM It was for first place in the SPSL. AM is a team that I take team photos for and they are VERY TOUGH!! Ranked in the top 10 of the state, undefeated, etc..
They put a hurtin' on WR and are looking good for the end of the league tourney!

MVMS

2009-10-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

Two days of photos for all sports at MV middle school this week were a little crazy. Baseball and fastpitch had no coaches when we started (so no supervisors) which made my teaching voice turn on. (Stop talking, Sit on that line, etc...) Then track. Both days were NOT raining, but both were so cold and windy that we were inside even though these are outdoor sports! I am NOT complaning though.

Fall sports continue

2009-10-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

I am still taking Fall season sports daily! All week I had different schools and teams. Friday we managed to take Mt. Baker's football team photos (two teams) and the individual photos just before the sky opened up and DUMPED! Whew.
Today we had 8 teams of volleyball. Luckily that was indoors. Unfortunately, both kids had games today. Rob's flag football was at the same place the volleyball photos so I was able to watch the first half before starting. Megan's game on the other hand, was in Orting. Grandma Sue took her because Treena was working with me. But, Coach Mike said Megan worked real hard and scored three goals in the FIRST HALF!!

Sports roll on...

Halloween is near

2009-10-17T21:43:00.000-07:00

Megan was invited to a Halloween party tonight. They dressed-up, played games and ate candy (of course!). I have never understood why people have parties and stuff. Who has time for that!!!
I have had two days off since August. However, I must say that if you know me you know that even if I DID have time to have a party, I am just not a party kind of guy.
I inherited that from my Grandpa Vandegrift. He was the best person in the world, but he did NOT like to socialize!!
So, much like Scrooge, I say "Bah Humbug!" to parties!!!!
:-(

Slurpee!!

2009-10-16T15:46:00.000-07:00

So today we had a bunch of errands so we stopped off at 7-11.
I have not had a slurpee for a while so I got a terrible brain freeze!! But to show you how dumb I am, I just screened real loud, pounded my head a few times, then had some more! ;-)

PROM Circa 1989

2009-10-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

So, I was going through some images on my hard drive to archive and I came across this image of Treena. It was a scan from an old photographic print (from a crappy instamatic camera) and I digitally removed all the distracting stuff...like the girl that was my best friend's date!
This was our first date and we are still together 20 years later.
Check her out!!

Comm. Act. programs : Flag football

2009-10-14T18:27:00.000-07:00

Saturday I had football photos in our happy little town. There were 14 teams scheduled 15 minutes apart. Robbie's team was one of them. This is the second year I did these photos. Man, was it COLD that morning!!! Outside...thank god there was no rain!!!!!

I take what help I can get...

Seniors 2010: Holly

2009-10-12T21:48:00.001-07:00

Holly is a senior at my alma-mater. She was also a student at the middle school where I used to teach. She didn't take my class as a 7th grader, but she DID play fastpitch on my team as an 8th grader.

You are a great kid Holly! Congrats on your accomplishment!

Seniors 2010: Katie

2009-10-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

AR volleyball player and senior Katie.

A girl that was a bit shy/quiet...UNTIL THE FADORA (hat) came out!! Then the personality was TOTALLY different...

Congrats Katie!!

Music - Robert Cray

2009-10-12T10:49:00.000-07:00

While I work on photos (ALL DAY LONG!), I play music. Right now the CD getting the most play on my computer is the new Robert Cray CD "This time".
Robert Cray has long been my favorite artist/band and is the most influential member of the soundtrack to my life!

Friday Night Under the Lights

2009-10-11T21:27:00.000-07:00

On Friday my daughter's fastpitch team had a double header in Seattle. It was a nightmare getting to the fields in Seattle at 5 on a Friday, but we made it. And, it was difficult to take photos when I was supposed to be pitching batting practice!!

Seniors 2010: Kara

2009-10-11T21:20:00.000-07:00

Kara is a kid that played fastpitch when I was coaching the 8th grade/varsity at Oly(back when I was still teaching). She is an excellent basketball player too (as evident from the not one, but TWO state champion rings she wears!)
Congrats, Kara!!

Football Saturday

2009-10-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

Football Saturday!
Robbie has a game and we are taking photos for the whole league!
Oh, did I mention that it is freezing cold?!
A ten person team, of elementary athletes is fun, but very challenging:-)
photos to follow...

Annual "Portraits in the Park" is starting

2009-10-08T10:08:00.001-07:00

This weekend starts the annual "Portraits in the Park" event for us! Every year the event grows bigger with more families so if you would like to get an appointment, let me know soon. The leaves only last so long...

Here is this year's flier:

Seniors 2010: Stanzie

2009-10-08T09:24:00.001-07:00

Today's senior post is a senior from B-Prep. She is a beautiful girl with a great sense of style! Her dad is the athletic director at a school where I take sports photo. I had a goofy photo of him from this day, but figured I had better not add it.
Gotta love the shoes!

Stanzie: Congrats on your accomplishment!!

Reema's 1st birthday

2009-10-08T09:22:00.001-07:00

In September I attended the birthday party of Reema. She turned 1 and just LOVED the balloons!! What a great idea to have someone else document the party! That way, as a parent, you don't have to worry about getting photos of the day.

This is the first video/slide show I have posted.

Football, Soccer, Fishing, oh my!

2009-10-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

So, after a week of not posting, I had better get the routine down!

Saturday we had Flag Football...

And soccer....

Then we went fishing in eastern WA. Megan caught this nice hatchery steelhead all by herself!!

And, we had to miss school, fastpitch, etc.. The only time I have had with the family since August so I guess that makes it OK.
:-)

Now back to work.

Day three: personal

2009-10-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

Day three of the blogging thing takes me to the personal side of life. I have not had a day off in over a month, so it is needed!!
Robbie had a flag football game early and Megan had soccer. They both played hard! Robbie was on the d-line and even quarterback! Megan scored 6 goals in the first half so they moved her to the goal keeper job for the rest of the game. I took photos at both games and will post soon.... Maybe.

Day 2

2009-10-02T23:05:00.000-07:00

So, now that I am in day two of my blog, I am finding it difficult to make time to post. I am constantly behind in my work so taking time to talk about my self or my work is a bit frustrating. I'll just have to keep plowing through.

Today I went to my grandma's house for a brief visit. She is going to watch our dogs for a few days while we go to Eastern WA for some steelhead fishing. I can't wait!! I have never gone steelhead fishing before. I'll post on that later.

Also my daughter's 4th grade class was on a field trip tonight to Ft. Nisqually for a old-time reenactment of a british/early american settlement from over 200 years ago. It is a cool idea!!

Tomorrow we have flag football and soccer then off to fish!

Seniors 2010: Jesse

2009-10-02T23:02:00.000-07:00

Jesse from KL had a great session! Congratulations on all of your accomplishments Jesse!

NTMS fastpitch

2009-10-02T22:57:00.000-07:00

So, the NTMS girls fastpitch team was out of their minds...see the team photos...

Class of 2010: Spencer

2009-10-01T22:54:00.000-07:00

Senior photos roll on as yearbook deadlines approach. Last weekend alone I had 5 senior portrait sessions.
This is Spencer and he goes to B-prep. What a great job his parents did picking out locations in T-town!! (Thanks Dave) and Mom was a great clothing and hair helper too!
Congratulations on your accomplishments Spencer!!

Today's photos

2009-10-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

North Tapps middle school fastpitch photos...Hope the weather holds!
Photo post to follow...

Seniors 2010: Lacey

2009-10-01T11:30:00.001-07:00

I am going to start posting photos of Seniors on this blog....here goes nothing...

Lacey is a Senior at FHS. I have known her mom for about 20 years (yikes!) and we had fun going to a few different places in T-town. Congrats on your accomplishment Lacey!

iPhone

2009-10-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

Alright, now that I am "blogging", I am going to try using my fancy new phone to post! I would like to post a photo too, but don't know how yet. :(

"Jumping in"

2009-10-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

After dragging my feet with the whole "blog" thing, and after getting told many times that I "HAD" to have a blog for business, I am finally jumping into the whole online-viral-marketing-thing. I can't seem to understand why people think I need to talk about myself (nor do I WANT to talk about myself), or who in the heck cares about what I am doing but I have given in.
So, you asked for it...