James & Stephanie: Preview

I'm so excited for these pictures and this wedding! I had so much fun with James and Stephanie today in the freezing weather, it was awesome! Enjoy!

What's that? You want to see their cute faces? Okay.

250th Post

For our No.250 post I decided to show you a few more pics of baby Morgan! I finished those up and now I'm moving on to Kyle's no-beard pictures. I also have the first engagement shots of my wedding season tomorrow. Stephanie and James have my March 18th spot, but don't worry there are many more open dates - so if you want wedding, family or pictures of everyday life - just let me know! You can also head to my website to check out my portfolio - by the way I have a new website coming soon! So excited!! I decided that I need something a little more professional. 

We hope that everyone has a great weekend!

Makes Me Smile :)

I love you, I love you, I love you!

 

Been sick. Not fun. Miss the world. My hubby is the best - he goes out at 3 a.m. to get Gatorade for his sickly wife. Loves that man.

Dad and His Buddy!

We went to my cousin Tyson's oldest son's birthday party last weekend - it's always awesome to get to spend time with family. Dad and Tyson's youngest, Ryker, became great friends at this party. He walked over to dad, put his arms out and dad picked him up - but from then on dad wasn't able to put him down or give him to anybody, he only wanted dad. I think the reason babies love dad so much is because he treats them like equals - I always remember dad talking to us like we were tall, even when we weren't. I love that!

I love my dad and I'm so looking forward to the time when I get to see him with my babies!

Get ready for it...

Kyle - without his beard! Shot these this weekend - we've had so much fun taking pictures of Kyle!

More to come!

My Husband the History Teacher!

Matt started student teaching this semester. I know he will do a great job - I think he was born to be a teacher. So, he starts actually teaching today - so wish him luck! I love this man - he's an amazing husband. I'm so proud of him! This is a perfect portrait of him with one of his favorite ties - he's an avid collector.

p.s. I love this little half-smile he has in this picture - so cute!

Night out with Allison!

Allison and I went out for a girl's night last Wednesday to Texas Road House. I hadn't been there, because the line is always way out the door, and Allison was all for it - so we made out way there. I finally finished a bridal shower gift I gave her three years ago - I know, I'm terrible - but, nonetheless, she has it now. I made her a recipe book filled with family recipes handed down for generations - I think she was most excited about having all of mom's salad recipes in one book!

I always have a wonderful time with Allison - she's literally my oldest friend. I met her  about two days after we moved into our house, I was eight and she was seven. Her dad was putting up a fence in their back yard and I went over with my dad for a chat. I still remember her standing there with her blonde hair half-up in a ponytail. Later on we hung out a bit through junior high and high school - but it was in college, when we were roommates, that I felt like I truly got to know her. She was my escort when I received my endowment in the temple and on the day Matt and I were sealed. I love her so much! She's an excellent friend - she knows me for who I am, we can talk about anything.

Well, she's doing this cool new thing where she takes a picture of what she does ever day and then she journals about it. So, instead of only having pictures scrapbooked from holidays, birthdays, etc., she now has a picture from everyday and a story to go along with it. On our girls night she forgot her camera, so after we ate our enormously yummy meal, we snapped a quick pic with my phone on the way out. This one's for Allison!

Please forgive the picture phone quality.

January Blues

I've had a bit of a cold-like thing these past few days. So, I've been downing the oranges, drinking so much water I'm practically an ocean, and getting as much rest as possible. Matt has been awesome, as always, taking care of me. Usually a cold has a specific process - starts in the throat then migrates through my head, then to my chest - where the coughing begins. Well, this time the symptoms have remained in my head - which is why I'm thinking it's allergies. Every time the weather changes slightly I end up with a bad case of the hay fevers - it's gotten worse as I've grown older.

Anyway, I've bee working on finishing up baby Morgan's pictures - this is my new favorite.

Have a beautiful weekend - what's left of it.

Something Found

Matt served his LDS mission in Cape Verde, Africa. He speaks fondly of his time there and loves to keep in touch with those he served with. I had a great time looking at these pictures - we found them on our book shelf the other day. Matt could probably tell you in more detail about these pictures and how much he loves these people - but for now I'm just going to say that I love my husband's permanent thumbs-up in these photos.

Baby Morgan

This cutie was in Tasha's belly a month ago! Cool, huh? We had so much fun taking pictures of baby Morgan! It was fun to hold her, she's so tiny! We hope she got a good nap after we left, we kept her pretty busy! More to come.

How We're Doing

I started up Weight Watchers this week. I haven't been to meetings, but I feel like I've signed up so many times and never got where I wanted to go, I just got out my books and have been writing down everything I eat. I feel awesome! Although I did have a gain this week - but only 1 lb. Matt started student teaching this week, so he hasn't been paying much attention to what he's been eating, but we've been making his lunches the night before and we're still eating at home as much as possible.

So, we're two weeks down and still kicking! At least we haven't given up, that's the most important thing.

Erin

Jan. 1: 238

Jan. 15: 239
Loss: +1 lb.
Goal: 160
Total to lose: 79 lbs.

Matt

Jan 1: 227

Jan. 15: 228
Loss: +1 lb.
Goal: 185
Total to lose: 43 lbs.

This week we're going to keep writing down what we eat, paying attention to portions and eat more fruits and veggies! Plus, drink more water. I have to tell you that it's the water that makes all the difference for me - doesn't matter what kind of day I've had, the water saves me.

I've also been loving oranges lately - and for those of you who know me, you know that I'm not too fond of fruits with weird textures. I've have had five oranges in the last three days. Yay!

Have a beautiful weekend!

Brownies! Yum!

I was putting together a recipe book for my mom for Christmas and decided to add a couple I found off of the Bakerella website. I love Bakerella! So, I found this cookie-filled-brownie recipe and decided it sounded so yummy it had to go in the book. I asked fellow photographer Bodie Brower to help me out with some website questions and offered to pay him - but in the background of the phone call his adorable, pregnant wife said all I needed to bring was brownies (she had been craving them). The Browers have been so kind to me, the least I could do was try out this new recipe just for them.

Begin by following the directions on a box of Betty Crocker Original Supreme brownie mix. Once you've done that fill a 9x13 inch pan with that mixture.

Next mix up a Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookie mix. Then drop 1-inch balls of dough onto the brownie mix. Press lightly.

When your finished put the pan in the oven @ 350 for 35-40 min. Mine went for about 40, but it depends on your oven. Test it with a toothpick or fork and make sure those come out clean. Then set the cooked brownies aside to cool for at least 30 min. Mine looked like this.

When it's cool, spread a tub of Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy chocolate frosting on top. Let set.

On top of the frosting goes the chocolate ganache! Heat to just before boiling 3/4 cup heavy cream and 6 tbps. butter. Pour over 1 12 oz. bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and delicious!

Spread ganache over brownies and let stand. I would recommend you put it in the fridge, that makes it easier to get the gooey brownies out of the pan - you can always heat them up later, but for cutting and serving it would have been nice to do that. Mine sort of fell all over and made a big brownie mush (but still soooo good!).

For a first try I think they turned out really good. Although, I think you can choose to use either the frosting or the ganache, using both makes it really mushy - placing them in the fridge for a while might help with that, though. It's your choice. We had a good time eating this - we probably shouldn't have, but it was so worth it!

Brownie Yum

 - Betty Crocker & Bakerella

 For brownies:

1 box Betty Crocker Original Supreme brownie mix (with chocolate syrup pouch)

1/3 Cup vegetable oil

1/4 Cup water

2 Eggs

 For cookies:

1 punch Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookie mix

1/2 Cup butter or magarine, softened

1 egg

1 container Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy chocolate frosting

1. Heat over to 350. Spray bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray, or grease with shortening. Make brownie mix as directed on box, using oil, water and 2 eggs. Spread in pan.

2. Make cookie mix as directed on pouch, using butter and 1 egg. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls evenly onto brownie batter; press down lightly.

3. Bake 35-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out almost clean. Cool on cooling rack 30 min. Frost with frosting. For brownies, cut into 8 rows by 6 rows.

Chocolate Ganache

12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate morsels

3/4 Cup heavy whipping cream

6 Tbsp. butter

In a small saucepan, heat cream and butter until just before the boiling stage.

Pour over the chocolate morsels.

Let stand about 20 seconds and stir until smooth.

Pour over brownies and let set before cutting.

Enjoy!

New Favorite Meal

Matt and I are totally breakfast people. I would eat breakfast for every meal. Anyway, we love this. Butter both sides of your bread slice, then cut out a hole in the middle - I use the cap of my Pam cooking spray. Stick it in the pan and then crack an egg and pour it into the bread hole. Cook until golden-brown on each side (a little longer if you don't like a really runny yolk).

We call it the Gopher Hole. You can add cheese, or even chili like Matt did for dinner last night!

Yum!

On a more frustrating note, I went out to get in our car yesterday - we were out of toilet paper - and we had a ticket on our car from the campus parking office. Now, it's only $14 but, in the grand scheme of things, it's about the twentieth ticket I've payed during my seven years here So, if I've payed $300, give or take, to the university for parking, can you imagine how much money they make every year? Man, I was so livid yesterday - especially since they don't ticket for the whole first week of school over on South Campus (I know that because I lived in Merrill Hall for five years and every first week of the semester drove me crazy because anyone could park in our lot - that's one of the times I got a ticket, I parked in a red zone because I was so mad that there was not place to park in front of my building). So, I tweeted my anger, calling the parking office a bunch of bloodsuckers. After a couple comments from a cry-baby acquaintance - that I made my friend on Facebook after meeting him while he was working with Matt - about his mom working in the parking office, I discontinued my Facebook friendship with him and have since gotten even more irate. He said I should watch out whose mom I'm calling a bloodsucker - oooohhhh, I'm scared of you Mr. Facebook Commenter.

Anyway, I was parked in the correct lot - but we don't have a pass for our second car. Our other car is not starting and will hopefully be fixed soon - but I didn't want to pay the exorbitant amount of money the parking office makes you pay for a pass for a car that will only be around for a short while. Matt is correct, I should calm down about the whole thing - but I am so ready to get out of this place! I'm so sick of giving this university my money! Especially when we have both lived on campus our entire collegiate careers - that's upwards of $2400 a year from both of us. Crap! Plus a rise in tuition each year - man!

In the long run I know I'll feel guilt and remorse, but for now we'll call this my first blog rant and be done with it.

That Toothy Grin

I started watching Josh for the semester again today. I have so much fun with Josh - and as he gets older he gets more fun! He jabbers and then you ask him a question and he gives you a distinct 'yes,' how cute is that? Also, whenever you point a camera toward this little guy, this is what you get -

That great, big toothy grin! I love it!

He loves string cheese and sitting on his Josh-size couch. My favorite is when he just wakes up and gives you a smile - he so refreshed after a good nap!

We always have fun playing with cars, blocks and watching 'Handy Manny.' It's awesome to get a chance to hang out with a baby before Matt and I have babies! I've also gotten some amazing advice from his mom, Amanda!

He's such a good boy! Oh, and he folds his arms on his own now when we pray in church - adorable!

One of Those Whimsy Times!

I love this video!

Josh Weekend!

I got the opportunity to watch Josh yesterday and this morning! He has grown so much in the last couple months, I can't believe it! He was so funny - he's walking around and he's even starting to talk a little. He got a small couch for Christmas, he sits on that couch to enjoy 'Cars' and every time I look over at him he gives me this big, toothy grin (he recently got his top two front teeth). I have so much fun with this cute boy! I'm so excited to spend more time with him while his mommy finishes up school!

Disclaimer - I took these with my phone. I will be taking my big camera over there to get some awesome shots of Josh!

Fun Day!

Mom and dad picked up a new computer today and we were able to video conference a lot! I love that we can do that - sometimes I get so sick of talking on the phone (mostly because I can't figure out how to work the speakerphone), I need to multitask. Anyway, we had a blast talking today. Here's mom on the screen.

I also made Parmesan Chicken for myself - since Matt had training for work today. Here is my yummy-yummy dinner! Eating as we speak!

Parmesan  Chicken

2/3 Cup crushed Ritz crackers

1/3 Cup parmesan cheese

1 Tbsp. sesame seeds

1⁄2 tsp. garlic salt

1⁄2 tsp. paprika

3 Tbsp. butter, melted  

4 chicken breasts

Combine everything but butter and chicken. Dip chicken in butter and then roll in cracker mixture.  

Bake @ 325 for 40 min.  
And, on a weight loss note, Matt and I both stayed the same weight. We were lazy when it came to working out and we ate a little too much. But tomorrow is a new day. On with the resolution!

Matt & Leah. Wedding!

Finished up editing Matt & Leah's wedding yesterday! I had so much fun with this couple - they were so awesome! For my first wedding, I think I did a pretty good job - I look forward to many more! Here's to Leah & Matt and a wonderful life of happyness.

Let's hear it for True Aggies!

Baked Spaghetti Tuesday

Matt and I have done so well eating in every night, so we can save some money - we recently discovered that we eat out way too much. Now, we have decided to cook at home and then have plenty of leftovers to feed us for days. At this point in time, with Matt beginning a new semester and me running to catch up with my many projects, we find that our home cooking has done us a load of good this last week. We also spend more time together when we cook. I love that!

Baked Spaghetti it is - this one came from mom's friend Becky.

First mix together cream cheese and sour cream.

It will be a bit lumpy, but don't worry - it will cook and taste the same.

Prepare your meat to add to your sauce. You don't have to brown meat, you can just use regular sauce without meat - we had some extra ground beef and decided to put it in the dish.

Spice it up. That's my hubby's motto - so I added a clove of garlic, salt and pepper to the beef.

Prepare you choice of cheeses. I usually like to add in a mixture of mozzarella and Colby Jack, but our medium cheddar is all we had - and works just as well, by the way.

Spread the cream cheese and sour cream mixture at the bottom of a 9x13 baking pan (Pyrex, etc.). Then layer cooked spaghetti, sauce and cheese. Repeat.

Bake at 350 for 45 min. Then enjoy! It's like spaghetti on steroids. And it's even better the next day. This meal is so easy - it's usually what I make when I'm asked to cook dinner for a family in our ward.

Baked Spaghetti
1 8 oz. cream cheese
1 pint sour cream

1 lb. spaghetti (or enough to feed your fam!)
Then follow the above process!
Yum!

Ring Shots

Some of my favorite photos to shoot are those of the rings! Here are a few from the Richardson wedding I shot on Dec. 22. I'm smack dab in the middle of finishing up editing on those pictures and I'm super excited! More to come!

Gabby Wrap Up

I finished up with Gabby's pictures today. I was a little slow because of the holiday break, but I know she'll understand. The disc will be in the mail tomorrow, but for now a couple more of the gorgeous Gabby!