52 fridays | week 27 | red, white, & blue

Fear not, my sweet girl doesn't really have a wounded head.  She just loves to play doctor and her daddy thought the addition of an ace bandage was a good idea.  After singing "Happy Birthday" to America, I let her blow out the candle and dive into the cupcakes. :)

Check out Christa Paustenbaugh of Okinawa, Japan to see her interpretation of the red, white, & blue!

52 fridays | week 24 | abstract

Nine weeks later, I'm jumping in again.  This time I hope to stick with it and finish out the year!  Now go check out Faye Kingston, a Miramichi NB Photographer!

52 fridays | week 15 | blue

Though make no mistake, there could definitely be a little pink in there.  I've missed a week or four but decided to jump back in with the weekly project.

 

Be sure to check out Liza Hall for a little more blue on this fabulous Friday!

10 on 10 | april edition

It's time for another monthly addition of 10 on 10!  I have to admit, I cheated just a little this month - BUT I did take pictures of a few days so they're being compiled into one post.  Honestly, I'm just happy that I documented a couple of days because it's been a while since I've taken photos of the every day things around here.  We do so much in between when I never have my camera!!  I'm mostly okay with that because in those moments I really don't have time to take pictures, I'm too busy enjoying them!

So here we go, this started our Easter weekend - a long drive to visit family with a grumpy girl.  Avery had been really sick last week and the after effects left her a little ornery.

Dying eggs!  This was a mess and I'm glad it was on my parents' kitchen table. :)  No worries, the color came right off!

Lunch and markering.  Avery rarely colors, she markers.  She definitely prefers markers to crayons and when she wants to do the activity she'll say, "Will you marker with me?" Or "Can I marker?"  Then during if you ask what she's doing she'll say, "Oh, I'm just markering."

We markered A LOT yesterday.  We did the wooden activities she'd gotten in her Easter basket from Nana & Pop.

Then we painted!  And these are actually cool little water colors from a notepad.  Once again, belonging to the basket from Nana & Pop!  We used q-tips and a small glass of water and painted for a while.  Avery used more water than paint and ended up getting a few tears in her paper.

And we puzzled!  Avery LOVES puzzles so this is definitely something you'd see at our house every day.  However, this pug puzzle is 250 pieces and not something she ever wants to seriously do.  I think she just likes to look at the box and make me pick up all the pieces.

Last month I took a fabulous workshop with Keri Meyers - she's AMAZING!  Anyway, I won the Keri Meyers floor from Photo Prop Floors and Backdrops.  Pretty cool and it arrived yesterday!

More markering, this time some Elmo.  

And lastly, upon returning from a long walk outside I went to grab a bag of popcorn to make Avery a snack and realized it was wet.  Then I spotted the leak from the ceiling of the laundry closet.  Hooray for dirty water dripping on our dry goods!

My goal is to take MORE photos throughout this next month.  Lots to document these days!

Please be sure to check out the fabulous Krista Lund for her amazing 10 on 10, April Edition!

10 on 10 | march edition

Sooo not much has changed since last month, or at least it appears that way.  We do have fun days and really active weeks but lately I've just lived those moments instead of bringing my camera along.  I wish I did have more photos of those days so I can more easily recall the moments, but there's something to be said for the every day.  Laundry, monsters, and madness fill the gaps between trips to the library, playing outside, and fun with friends and family.  We've had our fair share of rain the last couple of weeks so we've spent quite a bit of time indoors, just living life and enjoying our own company.  Make no mistake though, we're ready to be out in the sunshine again! :)

A little early morning Diego never hurt a girl.  

Cooking food, it's what I do.  And actually, only that pot on the right has anything in it.  The other two are clean and waiting to be crammed into our tiny cabinet.

Sorting laundry. Ugh.  I'll forever be doing laundry, one day more, one day less.  But always, it will be there.

Work!

Don't let this smile fool you, she's up to no good!

She easily reaches cabinet tops these days.  Monsters and baby princesses are the proof.

More work!  Yea for weddings! :)

Packing for another weekend of travel.  I feel as if we live on the road and out of suitcases these days.  Maybe another month of busy travel and then I'll start to feel truly settled.

A little evening Diego never hurt a girl.

Oh, Caillou!  We checked this out from the library a few days ago and I actually really like it.  We've read it several times and I've started replacing "Caillou" with "Avery" in hopes that it all sinks in just a bit more.

Be sure to check out the fabulous Dana Cubbage to see the next 10 on 10!

52 fridays | week 10 | your season

I suppose I could have said, "My season."  I think this theme can be interpreted so many ways!  On the one hand, here we are in March and yet when I look out over my patio it's very hard to tell because things are very much a sea of browns.  Certainly there are signs of spring and of new life all around, but when I only look out of one window they can be hard to spot.

We close on our house next week and to me that's a big deal.  For one, no more mortgage payments on a house we don't occupy - hurrah!  But I find myself dreading the letting go completely of that place for fear I'll lose all the lovely memories made in our first home.  Silly, I know.  And my goodness, I took a photo of a deer in what is currently my backyard!  My life is good and a new season is just starting.  

Now head on over to see the season of the very talented Erin Dahl, Memphis, TN Photographer!

52 fridays | week 8 | time

This post is overdue but I wanted to get it in there anyway.  We were traveling between cities at the end of last week and exhaustion got the best of me so I fell into bed upon arrival.

Sadly, 11 p.m. is early to me these days.  Lately I've been staying up later because my days are so full I sometimes find it hard to make my mind shut down for the night.  It's nothing for me to stay up until 3:00 a.m. working, watching a movie, or reading a book. One day last week I had a case of the grumpies and my husband made the comment that perhaps it's because I've been staying up too late.  I suppose lack of sleep can do that to a girl.

And I really need to dust my monitor.  Yikes!

Please check out Emily Bjornson, ND Natural Light Photographer to see what's going on with the time in North Dakota!

52 fridays | week 7 | pink

With a small girl around it's never very hard to find something pink.  Though I originally had another idea, I left this week until the last day and tracked down something pink on Thursday afternoon.  I found the card on the counter that was sent to Avery by my parents for Valentine's.  We got it on Monday and she was so excited to see the ballerina card!  I read it and then gave it to her.  She promptly handed it to Deran and told him "Happy Mother's Day!"  It's always the thought that counts, right?! ;)

As an extra touch of pink, she's got a spot in the middle of her pajamas from making multi-colored pancakes last week.  Red food coloring does not always come out in the wash and often makes its way onto other items of clothing.

Her sweetness has been called into question a number of times this week, but to a Nana & Pop who live 200 miles away I suppose she'll never be short on sweet.  And in truth, when she smiles my way it's easy to forget the mischievous doings of my favorite tot.

Be sure to check out even more pink with the fabulous Christine Blaylock, IL Photographer!

52 fridays | week 6 | love

One totally adorable tot + one totally tolerant puglet = the sweetest kind of love.  I'm so glad I captured these two on a lazy morning late last week.  Today I caught her thwapping him under the table with the new broom we picked up this afternoon.  The love of a toddler is fickle, but when she wants to love you there is absolutely nothing better.

I forgot to actually sign up this week, but check out the amazing Amy Ames to see a little more love and get the project circle started!

10 on 10 | february edition

It's time for another edition of 10 on 10!  I photographed a rather lazy day but as that's how many days are spent, it's true to our life right now.  And lazy or not, these are the moments that make up our days.

I've been trying to introduce more variety at every meal with Avery.  In addition to breakfast staples of yogurt and bacon, this morning she had Nutella on toast.  And she asked me to take a picture of her, and I swear that's the look she gave me.  Hey, I'll take what I can get!

My computer was on the fritz for a few days.  Deran thinks he has all the kinks worked out but it's still a little iffy. 

After breakfast and staring at my broken computer, it was time for another breathing treatment.  Avery's been dealing with some upper respiratory issues but is on the mend.  I read to pass the time and after laying down for a minute she hopped into my lap, that's her fuzzy head on the bottom of the photo.

For someone who didn't want to make "Vawentimes" she really went to town with all those stickers.  Shortly after we did some pasting activities and those were a huge hit.  She really loves glue sticks!

Laundry is forever piling up, clean or dirty, there's always something to be done.  While I folded a load of towels Avery rolled around in the dog's bed...more clothes for me to wash! :)

Came home from some errands and put a package over the sink.  At least I did the dishes first!  

My sweet girl playing with her puppies.  And of course a computer that still wouldn't work.

We've been dealing with a sick puglet.  A trip to the vet and hopefully we're on the right track.

We don't normally brush her teeth atop the dresser but it happened this night.  And I love those two the most, I really do.

Now head over to visit Lisa Turner and see the next 10 on 10!

52 fridays | week 5 | on the shelf

I came thisclose to posting a photo of what the shelves in our new apartment actually look like, but it just so happens my husband stacked Avery's books neatly last night so this picture won out.  Mostly because over four years later, I'm still super excited about the steal I got on all of those Joy Berry books.  

Several years ago, before we were even planning a family, I scored these books at a garage sale for around $5.  Considering that's about what one book goes for, I think I got a pretty sweet deal.  And sure, they'd been sitting in the trunk of my old car and then the garage until...oh, about two months ago - BUT now they are sitting on the shelf, being read and teaching life lessons.  Hello WHINING, I'm looking at you!  

I really love these books but if you don't feel like buying all of them, they are sure to be found at the local library!

Now travel on over across the globe and check out Robyn Regan of Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia to see what's on the shelf!

52 fridays | week 4 | warmth

Four doesn't seem a very big number, but we're already FOUR weeks into the new year.  Good grief times passes so quickly!  I had several ideas for this week's theme - warmth.  I even took another set of photos!  But late yesterday afternoon my sleepy girl was laying on the couch and said she was cold.  I covered her up, stepped back, and took a picture.  She gave up regular naps about a year ago but those tired eyes are calling for a new schedule!  And the warm glow of Dora playing in her eyes, just a lazy afternoon.  In other news, I finally have Internet available on my computer at the new place.  Yea!!

Don't forget to check out Christine Blaylock, IL Photographer to see her take on this week's theme!

52 fridays | week 3 | words

Words are powerful, aren't they?  Whether written or spoken, once they're out there you can never get them back.

My girl and I spent a morning cuddled on the couch, drawing over the latest issue of OK! Magazine.  It was a total impulse buy at the dollar store one afternoon, I don't even know what made me grab it along with a pack of gum and a can of hair spray. After decorating the cover, we flipped through and she'd tell me what to draw on each person - a mustache, a necklace, shades, eyebrows, even a couple of beards.  As an after thought, I gave each of the women in this spread a speech bubble and asked Avery what she thought they would say.  Jordin Sparks said, "We just got to Nana's house."  Charlize seemed a little confused whether she was going or coming.  Though I think she was probably thinking, "Thanks for the fab shades and adorable headband.  And by the by, this choker just makes my outfit!"

Don't forget to go see more words with the amazingly crafty and talented Christa Paustenbaugh of Manassas, VA!  

We spend a lot of time in words, my girl and me.  We sing, we read, we talk, she talks, I listen.  It's amazing the things she picks up and the things she comes up with.  Learned phrases and retorts, things I didn't realize I myself said until I heard them come out of her mouth.  Not bad things necessarily, but things like, "um" before starting a sentence. Or "maybe tomorrow," (breaks my heart!) and a recent favorite, "yo."  Her use of the word "yo" makes me laugh.  Just this week she's said, "Get me out, yo!" "Just go, yo!" and "I'm climbing up, yo!"  Oh, the countless times Deran and I have said to one another to be mindful of what we say in her presence.  What goes in finds its way out.  

This week in the midst of work and life, I've been taking care of the smaller details involved in moving.  Forwarding mail, cancelling various memberships, etc.  I ran into a bit of a snag with one membership and though my words were carefully chosen in my email, my response was laced with sarcasm and incredulity at the ridiculousness of the situation.  What I got was an apology and a terminated membership, effective immediately.  However, my victory fell flat as I read the reply.  I'd gotten my way, but I was a brat and came away feeling like...well, like a butthead.  

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  Ephesians 4:29

Ouch.  We can't control the words of others, but we certainly have control of our own and of the power we let the words of others have over us.  Today I'll be more careful to give power to the words that help and let go of the ones that hurt.  

    

52 fridays | week 2 | landscape

So here we are, week two of the project and I almost didn't make it in time!  It's been a hectic week of moving and waiting on deliveries and I'm sad to say that my camera didn't come out my bag until the drive back to Houston on Thursday.  Avery & I made a quick stop before we left Austin and I took one picture of our view.  The hills provide a much different perspective than we're used to, seeing treetops amongst the houses.  I saw so many signs of winter on the way and so many other old houses/barns/fields that would have been perfect to hop out and photograph.  But alas, with my tired tot in tow it just wasn't possible this week.  But good news, my computer and I have been reunited along with stable Internet!  This means I have access to files!  To post!  Stay tuned for lots of great sessions coming up next week!!

I jumped onto the list late, but check out the fantastic Christine Blaylock, IL Photographer.  And because I was so late, you can always start with Amy Ames and click through to find many other interpretations of this week's theme: Landscapes!

10 on 10 | january edition

Soooo I've joined one more photography project for the year with 9 other incredibly talented ladies.  It kind of goes along with my feelings about the 52 Fridays.  Sometimes it's really easy to forget to stop and document my own life and family when things get busy.  So this year I've committed to a 10 on 10.  Basically, on the 10th of each month I'll post photos covering roughly 10 hours over one day.  I'll link to the next photographer and so on, completing the circle.

Hour one saw a sleeping girl which led to a working momma (with a messy desk!) during hour two.

Headed out to run some errands with my serious girl and her sister baby!

Product placement at its finest.  We do love Target and lunch from McDonald's. :)

 

One hour you don't have pants and the next you do.  In the photo on the left she was spinning in circles and making up songs about best friends and playing at Nana's house.  When I asked her the next day to sing me a song she said, "Just one song, Mommy." And then started spinning around, I think it must help the creativity flow.  The photo on the right is her "cheese" face.  Goodness, she makes me smile all the time!!  Also, those jeans are supposed to be skinny but they're looking a little baggy!

A wild niece running from one swingset to another and a dropped basket of folded laundry.  My camera was actually in that basket and thankfully only the battery cover and lens cap came off.  I would have been so sad if it had broken!!

And number ten, ending the day the way it began but this time with a sweet daddy to snuggle.

I really had fun documenting this day.  Overall nothing extraordinary but it was surely filled with sweet moments I'll always love to look back on.  Now please head on over to Pam Parisi's blog for more 10 on 10!

52 fridays | week 1 | new

I'm so excited to be a part of this project with several other fabulous ladies.  I was so busy in the fall I rarely took the time to pick up my camera for fun or to photograph my daughter, something I did nearly every day for two years.  Make no mistake, fall is a busy time for photographers any year.  But I'm admitting that I overbooked, overdid, overworked - September through December.  I am so beyond thankful for all of my clients.  I accepted more sessions when I should have taken time off because I truly do love photographing families and children and some gorgeous weddings!!  Amy Schilling Photography wouldn't be possible without all the fantastic people I've met and photographed.  But because my personal files are sorely lacking these last few months, I've decided to shoot more in 2012.  To pick up my camera more between sessions - just for me.

So I'm participating in 52 Fridays and on each Friday throughout the year I'll be posting a photo corresponding with the week's theme.  Under my photo you'll find a link to the next photographer who is participating, and from there another, and so on.  Hopefully it will push me to think and see more creatively and to remember to shoot beyond business.  Week one is "New."  Appropriate to the new year and certainly our new start.  I kept it simple by photographing a new roll of duct tape that was sitting atop a stack of boxes to be taken to our new apartment in our new city.

ISO 800, f/2.8, 1/100 sec

Now sit back and take a virtual visit to Tulsa, Oklahoma and see what's new with the talented Ashley Alexander.

the makings of a mini session

Like, mini mini. So once upon a time I posted pictures of Avery and I was all, "I'll be back!" Almost two months later is soon-ish, right? Right! So I was really doing some product photography and taking pictures of the headband, but I wanted a cute model. Enter Avery. Who was not at all cooperative at first and just gave me blank stares and strange faces.

To try and get her to look at me and sit still, I pulled out the M&M bag. Only once I started to bribe her with candy, she wouldn't do anything unless she was actually holding the bag herself.

So this is what I'm working with. I knew my time was short and didn't want to deal with the hassle of setting up a backdrop and stand and all that goes with it, so instead I wrapped a piece of poster board with some $1 printed paper I picked up at a local chain store. I knew that if I sat Avery far enough in front of the board and lowered my aperture, the background would be nice and blurry and wouldn't matter too much anyway.

There were the strange faces as she ate a couple of "emmies."

Then she decided to play with a small basket of plastic apples that were lying on the floor.

Followed by pulling off the headband because she was done...or she thought she was anyway.

After I put it back on her and had her daddy try to hold her in one spot, the waterworks started.

But I danced and sang totally crazy in order to get a couple of photos I really really love. And finally our session ended much the way it began, with strange faces and blank stares.

So poster board, wrapping paper, and small chocolate candies - it's how I do it.