the last taks test ever...or at least for today

I teach middle school and tomorrow will conclude our week of taks testing. I administered the 7th grade test on Tuesday & Wednesday. I was all set to be done and be back in my classroom today but I think I jinxed myself. I was feeling entirely too gleeful about having administered my LAST taks test ever! We've decided that I'll be staying home next year with the new baby so that means no tests next year...or for the next few years!

I got pulled around 3rd period because a teacher was sick and needed to go home. Boo. I hope you're feeling better Mrs. B! But dang, my dreams of a taks-free day were stripped away. So this afternoon I'm feeling very blah and to add to it, I started running a low fever. The good news is that I'm pretty positive it's not the swine flu! And really, with all of that dreadful news taking over right now, a little fever doesn't seem so bad. I'm still blah though.

mmmmm, babies

Deran's aunt once made a comment along the lines that our new niece and nephew were so irresistible they were yummy enough to eat. I know she meant it in a purely non-carnal way, but I couldn't help but think about sitting in sophomore English talking about Swift's satirical suggestions in A Modest Proposal.


After going through my images of Sunday's newborn session, I have to say that I think those sweet boys were just delicious in every way. It was such a treat to see the family interact and to be able to capture this time.


When we put these brothers together their mom actually said she might have to step out because she wanted to cry. Her boys just looked that cute!


And really, what are you supposed to do with this?! How are you not supposed to hold this all day?


And what about this one?! It's a good thing God gave us two arms.

There is something so perfect about a newborn baby. They are so innocent and completely dependent, and just...just perfect. I'm so lucky to able to count this family as my own. Their mom, S, is my first cousin. It was a very unusual pregnancy and the births were highly anticipated! S & W, thanks for letting me visit and spend time with your precious boys. With two more cousins and a friend all due before the end of the year, I'm thinking I'll get plenty of baby time. Not to mention my very own sweet baby coming in August. I don't know, after watching S with her twins, I might be doing more cuddling than picture taking and I've decided that's just fine! :)

let the games begin

Well actually, it will have to wait until Saturday. You are looking at a very fabulous "Pin the Cherry on the Cupcake" game made by yours truly. This post is really for my sister-in-law. Her sweet babies are turning one on Friday and cupcakes will rule the day on Saturday at their party.

I have some very cute pictures to share tomorrow of a newborn session! Thanks to my very handsome assistant, D, for holding the cupcake.

one cool girl

She's pretty cool and she tells some great jokes, like, "What's a pirate's favorite letter?" Anyone, anyone? No? It's "Aaarrrgghh!"


Thanks K and E for meeting up with me on what turned out to be the windiest day EVER. :)

lazy saturday

Today was a nice day. The four of us were very lazy but we've been somewhat productive this evening, at least D and I have been. Harper is still lounging around and Oscar is looking for his monster.

The website received some much needed updates to the portfolio section under "Kids" and "Portraits."

It's been a while since I've taken any pictures of the puglets so while I was playing around with my macro lens (also very neglected lately), I decided to get some of my two favorite dogs.


This one was taken with my regular 50mm. It's my favorite (and least expensive) lens! I love that pug and her purple duck. I love that at two, she still looks like a puppy. She's still very active but good grief is she sweet when she's tired!

I also love the owner of this precious pink tongue. Oscar's tongue is often peeking out and it never fails to make me smile. Life is good.