Pear Blossom

I’m *almost* ready to debut my new site!!  It’s been a work in progress … it’s super simple, very clean and user friendly.  I’ve been working on it during my free time, it seems like its taken years to get done, but really it’s only been months.  I’m hoping to launch it next week :) 

I’ve been a very bad blogger and haven’t updated in forever!!!  I promise to sit down tomorrow and write up some posts, share some recent sessions and also share some fun pictures of my kiddos. 

I’ve got a super cool offer for all my blog readers!  Robyn from Dragonflies and Ladybugs has extended a 20% off discount at her store for all of YOU.  How cool is that!  Enter this code at checkout to recieve 20% off:  MADISON20 

So I cut Madison’s hair!  I even let her get baby bangs, I had regrets afterwards but I know it will grow out quickly and she’ll look adorable no matter what.  She really wanted bangs so I went with it.  I love her new angled bob, its fun and a nice change. 

Hey everyone!  I hope this post finds everyone in good spirits.  I’ve had a crazy week, I won’t bore you with the drama or anything but I will say I’m looking forward to the weekend. I need some retail therapy   

I’ve gotten the green light from Denise of Matilda Jane to start sharing photos from the spring 09 collection.  I’m so excited, I can’t wait to share with you all the awesome things we did for the shoot.  I could never of done any of (at least sanely) without the help from my friends (thanks Jenn, Rachel, Trish, Michelle and Kristin!!!) these moms and friends really helped bring the entire shoot together.  I’ll be updating my blog over the course of the week with favorite images from all four shoots I did. 

A post is never complete without a picture, even if just one … 

Yesterday I had the pleasure of accompanying Anthony on his school’s field trip to the Huntington Library.  I have to say, I’m really happy Anthony is only 10 and not 13 because those 3 little years make a huge difference in boys.  Anthony still likes to hold my hand, give me hugs and he wants me to sit with him for lunch … and best of all … I’m not forcing him!   I’m not going to lie, 10 years old has been a challenging age … at times down right frustrating!   I hear it’s only going to get worse before it will get better so yesterday I did what everyone says … take in the moment and enjoy it.  I’m really lucky to have such a sweet, caring and happy child.  After lunch I let him use my camera while we walked around.  It was the first time I actually saw him excited to use it, he’s played with my camera before but this time it was glued to his eye.  What was interesting to me was his innate ability to see the geometric shapes and patterns in the surroundings around him.   I took the time last night to edit some of his pictures so I thought I’d share.   

I thought it would be fun to show a little before and after … all the images on this post were processed using The Totally Rad Action Mix (the Revenge series)

It’s raining today!!  I love the rain, it’s the perfect excuse to wear comfy pants and lounge around.  We’re in for the rest of the night and that’s a dreamy thought.  We always have stuff going on, wether it’s sports, art class, choir or a get together.   Speaking of choir, Madison is going to be performing with her choir at Disneyland this month!  She’s so excited and has been practicing her songs non stop.   

I had to take Madison to the Dr today, he told me pretty much what I knew he was going to say but it made me feel better to have her seen, she’s had this nasty stye on her eye and it’s gotten so big and red that it hurts just to look at her.   He didn’t do anything, but he did say we are at the end of it and tomorrow or the next day it should drain.  I took Mads to meet up with her bestest friend Ry for a hair cut and snapped some pictures of her afterwards (see the poor eye!)  Oh and this doesn’t even look bad compared to today. 

Oh and look at this little Vday girl 

I’m off to warm up some hot cocoa and watch some American Idol with the kids :)   

It always feels good to get emails of delight over something you’ve worked so hard on, a simple thank you goes a long way with me.  I get to work with some truly fabulous designers, people I admire and look up to and respect.  One of the sweetest people I’ve had the pleasure of working with for over 2 years now is Denise from Matilda Jane.  If you haven’t read her blog yet (I highly doubt any of you haven’t) but in any case if you haven’t … you need to!  She’s funny, sincere, open and passionate.  I feel so honored to get to contribute images to her amazing collection.  Every season we bump up the shoot a bit, this year was by far the most fun and exciting.  I can’t wait for everyone to see the entire collection!!  The pieces are AWESOME!!!  I’m sworn to secrecy so that’s all I can divulge    I came home on Friday, rain pouring down and on my doorstep was a gorgeous bouquet of flowers siting waiting for ME  A simple card of thanks from one of the sweetest people I work with … thanks Denise!  The flowers literally engulf the entire room with their fragrance, our living room smells of springtime flowers.   

I proclaimed to Joe this weekend “it’s time for a Clover post on the blog” which turned into a mini photo session with glasses and all.  She really looks like we are torturing her, but really it’s just with love.  You should have heard us going crazy over her, she did look cute for the 2 seconds that they stayed on her face.  Clover is doing terrific, she’s so dang cute, especially when she cradles in your arm and falls asleep.  She’s got a couple new nicknames, we love to call her Cloverfield, Clover baby and per Madison her most notable nickname is Miss Lickers … she will kiss you non stop if you let her.  

On a totally and completely different side note!   I’m in the middle of location scouting for some new upcoming shoots.  If you have a home or a yard that you think would be perfect for a photo shoot and you’re willing to let me and my models come over for a 3-4 hour shoot **email me**.   If I use your location you will receive a free mini session with goodies!   EMAIL:info@madisonavephotographyDOTcom    

I am primarily looking for locations in Los Angeles, Burbank, Pasadena and those surrounding areas. Please include a picture, city and phone number.

Well I’m in one of those moods, you know the mood to sell everything you have lying around your house going unused!  I have noticed  a pattern, this extreme spring cleaning seems to come out about twice a year.  I hate clutter, although I seem to create it so easily … one day the table is clean the very next day it’s a mess … with stacks and stacks of stuff.  Well I’m trying to clear the air and move some stuff out, make room for holiday shopping.    

I’ve listed my Canon Rebel XT on ebay.  If you’re looking for a camera check it out!  This camera was bought brand new and has only been used a handful of times.  I purchased it as a back up camera, just in case my 5d ever failed on me during a shoot.  It’s been tucked away in my extra camera bag and it looks like new!  Works amazing    

Ebay - check out the camera and all the other goodies I’ve got for sale

  Kristin shot this lovely picture of Joe and Mads … I love it :)  

Well another halloween under our belt!  Leading up to it Madison must have changed her mind on what she wanted to be five million times!  In the midst of all her indecisiveness I was swamped with work, so busy that I got Anthony’s costume two days before Halloween.  Madison had her costume for weeks, she originally wanted to be a rockstar … but then she flip flopped from a glamour singer, Sharpay from High School Musical, a sunflower and then back to a Rock Star.  All she really wants (every halloween) is a reason to wear glitter, get dressed up and play song and dance so the rock star costume seemed perfect for her.  Anthony wanted to be a blue man from The Blue Man Group, his costume came together really well!  The only downside was, he didn’t want to re-dress up for trick or treating, he had all the make up on for school but once he got home he couldn’t stand it anymore!  Poor kid, I remember when I was a little girl, I was a smurf for Halloween and sitting in the sun with yucky blue junk on my face was awful … awful!  I wanted to scratch my face so bad!! 

I hope you all had as wonderful of a time as we did!!! 

So Madison celebrated her 5th birthday this past weekend.  We had a VERY small party, 8 girls to be exact.  I just wanted a small party where Madison could spend 2 hours playing, laughing and giggling with her bestest little friends … and I wanted it to be all about the girls.  I tried to incorporate all the things that Madison loves most … food, dancing, dress up and pictures.  She had such a great time, she really was spoiled this year!   On her actual birthday she woke up to a pancake breakfast made by her brother (he’s such a sweetie), she went shopping for a special dress and then she got to have a yummy family dinner in her honor.   

madison in her element 

We broke it down and did some freeze dance 

Even Anthony got in on the fun!  You should have seen all the kids and all the parents crammed into my little house.  Hilarious!!   

~S