The Craig Life

Happiness

2012-01-19T11:42:00.003-06:00

Hey there friends. I'm feeling a little emotionally under the weather today, so not really in the mood for a photography related post. Instead, let's go for a really random one, shall we? I'm currently reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, and I have to say- I really love it. I'm fascinated by the idea of choosing to maximize one's happiness- that it can be an intentional decision you make every day, multiple times a day. Like all books, there are some parts I disagree with, and some I think are just plain kooky. But overall, I've taken away a lot of interesting things from it. Simple things like: Outer order contributes to inner calm. The days are long but the years are short (hello, motherhood). Cut people slack. Quit nagging your husband. Enjoy the fun of failure. Sing in the morning. Practice gratitude. The little things that make up our everyday- we get to choose them. And they have a tremendous influence in our overall happiness. Gretchen Rubin also has The Happiness Project blog that you can check out by clicking: HERE.

So, a couple of days ago, I was thinking about the unique little things that make me happy. I sat down with a new journal and a pen and jotted down a quick list in about 5 minutes. Here ya go:

1. quilts and pretty fabric

2. Jane Austen movies

3. other period movies like Atonement and Little Women

4. going to the ballet

5. books and reading

6. bookstores

7. editing photos

8. taking photos

9. Nichole Nordeman & Christy Nockels

10. burning candles

11. things that smell good

12. red wine

13. looking at photos

14. a clean, orderly, organized home

15. playing games with friends- games that make me laugh til i'm crying: Farkle & Catch Phrase

16. texting my girlfriends (especially the group texts that the 4 of us send each other almost daily)

17. hydrangeas

18. art museums

And here is what I noticed about my list. The vast majority of these 18 things are not in my daily life. Or weekly life. Or monthly life. Some things have never been in my life at all. Like hydrangeas. I've been with Ryan Craig for 9 years. I've never told him that I like hydrangeas. He knows I like roses, so when he brings home flowers, that's what he always brings home. The roses are always a treat- but why have I never told him how much I adore hydrangeas too? I always have candles around the house. But a lot of days I don't burn them at all because I sorta view it as a waste- they're too special (& too pricey) to use up so quickly. Um, I'm sorry, but that is ridiculous, considering how happy a burning candle makes me. I've never been to the Houston Museum of Art. I've lived here 3 and a half years. I took Lizzie to see the Nutcracker Ballet last month. It had been years since I'd been to the ballet. I've never made a quilt. Ever.

I woke up in a funk today. A serious funk. So after complaining a tiny bit on Facebook (like THAT'S ever a good idea), I looked at my list again. I then searched Amazon, read the reviews, and ordered 4 movies that came out in 2007. Persuasion, Mansfield Park, & Northanger Abbey. And Becoming Jane (love Anne, adore James, delighted by this movie 4 years ago when I first saw it). During E's nap today, I plan to pull out my dusty Emma DVD. Yes, the one with Gwyneth in it. I'm sitting next to a burning Glade vanilla-scented candle. I'm about to go do a little 15 minute de-cluttering in my kitchen (thank you FlyLady). And at some point today I'm going to take out that gorgeous fabric I ordered weeks ago and finally iron it and cut out my squares for my sewing night with the girls tomorrow. And I'll probably be listening to Nichole Nordeman while I do it.

And here is the truth. Three hours ago I felt funky, out of sorts, grumpy, upset, and very sorry for myself. And now I feel awesome. Hooray for happiness lists!

What about y'all? Wanna share some of the little things that you know make you uniquely happy? I'd love to hear them. xoxo

Sweet Caroline | houston newborn photographer

2012-01-17T14:02:00.004-06:00

And the winner is...

2012-01-14T09:23:00.003-06:00

Michelle!!!

Thanks to everyone for participating! Michelle, shoot me at email at sarah@fishlipsphotography.com so we can set up your Valentine mini session. :) If you didn't win (or just didn't participate in the contest), you can still book your Valentine mini session by emailing me. For only $150 you get your session, your digital images, and prints!

A Lovely Give-Away | houston baby & child photographer

2012-01-11T00:17:00.005-06:00

Want to win a FREE Valentine's Mini Session of your own? ;)

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Mention the Valentine's Mini Sessions in your Facebook status.
2. Blog about the Valentine's Mini Sessions.
3. Tweet about the Valentine's Mini Sessions.
4. Email a minimum of 10 people about the Valentine's Mini Sessions.
5. Become a fan of Fish Lips Photography on Facebook.

Each time you do one of these your name will be entered into The Drawing.

*Note: You may repeat the same task, but it will NOT increase your number of entries. In other words, you can tweet ten times about FLP, but it will still only be worth one entry. Don't annoy your friends. ;)

What MUST be included in your blogging & posting & emailing & tweeting: a link to this blog post.

Sample: “Fish Lips Photography is giving away a Valentine's Mini Session at http://www.fishlipsphotoblog.com/2012/01/lovely-give-away-houston-baby-child.html"

After you’ve finished everything, post a comment here on my blog with all that you’ve done. If you do all 5, your name will be entered into the contest 5 times with 5 chances to win!

What if I'm already a "fan" of FLP on Facebook? That's cool, just let me know in your comment. That still counts as an entry.

DEADLINE for entries is THIS FRIDAY, January 13th at midnight. The Drawing will take place Saturday morning and winners will immediately be announced here on the blog. Good Luck!

*Photo sessions take place ONLY in Houston, Texas. Winners must be available to come to a session on the specified dates- Jan 21st or 24th.*

Sweet Sunshine | houston family photographer

2012-01-05T10:21:00.003-06:00

I got so behind on blogging in the fall that this lovely family never made it to the blog! Sneak peeks hit Facebook first- so if you're on Facebook and not a fan, you definitely want to click HERE so you don't miss anything (and so you'll be the first to hear about any news, announcements, or specials!).

Elizabeth's New Year's Resolutions for 2012

2012-01-02T00:22:00.002-06:00

To My Love

2011-11-23T10:46:00.006-06:00

Happy Birthday, my love.

You are a godly, strong, patient, funny husband and father.

We love the way you love us. And we're so thankful we're yours.

Big Brother, Baby Brother, and Baby on the Way! | houston maternity & family photographer

2011-11-16T07:37:00.001-06:00

The "baby" of the family is about to be a BIG brother!

Wilson

(I could just eat him up!)

Loving this one. It's possibly my very favorite. I love Wilson's little eye peeking around the frame, and Braden laughing at his little brother. (And they used this frame in their maternity shoot when they were pregnant with Wilson.)

big brother, little brother

Mr. Too Cool for School (Braden) absolutely lost it when mom & dad started doing who-knows-what behind me. ;)

doing their secret brother handshake.

for reals. cuteness overload.

Steven & Amanda. And #3.

It's sort of exciting to not find out the sex of the baby, right?

I really don't think I could do it.

But then Amanda told me she always thought she would never do it either. ;)

Don't they look so lovely and fall-ish and cozy? You'd NEVER know it was 85 degrees, right? And that we were all sweating buckets? Hottest. Fall. Ever.

But, hey! They look good. And that's really all that matters for family portraits. ;) Steven kept saying to practice "mind over matter". I thought Amanda might hit him. ;)

Can't WAIT to do their newborn shoot next month!

One Big Happy Family | houston family photographer

2011-11-11T08:44:00.000-06:00

Only 2 hours earlier the sun had been shining its gorgeous-yummy-delicious-almost-sunset light. But then the clouds rolled in. And they were THICK. And DARK. And GRAY. Honestly, you couldn't even tell which direction the sun was coming from. I got to the field and called Beth to give her exact directions. Where were they? Oh, just stuck in a parking lot with a broken down car. I mean, photo shoots are stressful enough as it is for families, right? But then your car dies on the way to your shoot? I mean, you've got to be kidding me! Luckily they were just down the road. And because I run a full service operation here at FLP, and happen to drive a minivan- I was able to rescue their family of 6 from the parking lot and we squeezed in a super quick shoot before it became pitch black dark outside. Despite a rough start, I think we got some pretty cute ones! ;) And then I drove them home. The End.

Embrace the Camera | Family Photo Session

2011-11-10T14:13:00.004-06:00

For this week's "Embrace the Camera", here are 2 of my favorite pictures of us by my favorite local photographer- the amazing Shalonda Chaddock of Chubby Cheek Photography. I have adored her images for years- since before I had Elizabeth, and was so excited to have her finally shoot our family last month. And folks, she did not disappoint. Shalonda, thank you so very much for these images of my little family. I love all of them, and I so appreciate you for taking them for us. xoxo

If you'd like to see more of my favorite pics from our session with Shalonda, go check them out on FLP's Facebook page! See those 4 tabs at the top of the page, just under the main banner? Just click on the Facebook one. :)

Did YOU "embrace the camera" this week and get a shot or two with your loved ones?

*inspired by my friend annalee, who is inspired by the anderson crew*

The Girls (plus Daddy) | houston family photographer

2011-11-09T10:28:00.005-06:00

Jordan

Reese

Callie

Raegan & Brad

"All mama really wants in life is one good family picture." - Raegan ;)

Pink Pettiskirts & a Pram | houston children's photographer

2011-11-08T12:10:00.005-06:00

This session was just magical. Gorgeous light, pretty, happy girls, twirling, jumping, & laughing. I left this session feeling so creatively fulfilled and with a full and happy heart. This was just half the session. Will blog the other half tomorrow. :) Enjoy! xoxo

in the field

2011-11-07T09:34:00.002-06:00

something very very different than what i normally shoot. but i had time to kill and the field was so beautiful- the light, the colors- that i just decided to take a minute and play around. so very glad i did.

Zoo Day!

2011-11-04T13:25:00.011-05:00

There's nothing more wonderful than a gorgeous, sunny (yet CHILLY day) at the zoo with all your friends!

I don't know how she managed it, but Elizabeth got pulled in her wagon all over the zoo by her friends. It started with Everett. Then Aubrey took over at some point. She was living the life, that's for sure.

Aubrey & Elizabeth

I feel like since I've started "embracing the camera", I really have gotten more intentional about throwing my camera over to a friend and saying, "Will you take a picture of us?" Only took me 2 and a half years of her life. Better late than never, I suppose. PS- that's a lion behind us. But you can't really tell.

Her Royal Highness being carted around by Aubrey this time.

This monkey just kills me. I mean- please just look at these pics below! Are you kidding me?

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! That monkey would have straight up kissed Karis ON THE LIPS if that glass hadn't been there. Remember Becky's policy of "no kissing on the lips"? Yeah, she's totally over that. She totally kissed my kid on the lips today even though Elizabeth's lips were covered in Cheetos. B's come a long way. ;)

The giraffes are my favorite. Kristen's too. They're usually E's favorite, but she was pretty tired by this point.

Tired girl after the giraffes- being pulled around by her best friend. Who is smaller than her. But apparently very strong.

Oh, Miss Taylor. This is Aubrey's mama, Kristen and her baby sister. I could just squeeze that Taylor. And her little velour jumpsuit was just too much.

Somebody get that kid a baby sister STAT! ;)

So frustrated that this one's blurry. But at least you can see the cuteness of Everett & his mama Erin.

The Swiggart Fam | houston family photographer

2011-11-02T11:13:00.007-05:00

Preston

Chambers

Jason & Paige

Harrison

You know how sometimes you meet people, and just fall in love instantly? That's how I feel about the Swiggart family. This was such a fun shoot to do- a little different than what I'm used to. I'm used to patiently waiting for a newborn to fall asleep, or making crazy noises to get a baby's attention, or chasing a toddler all over a park. No crazy noises, no running around. Just lots of laughter, respectful young men who called me "ma'am", and a mom & dad that made me feel so welcome and at home. Thanks, Swiggarts, for letting me shoot your sweet family. It was truly a pleasure!

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T09:55:00.003-05:00

So, our church had a huge fall festival last night, which we did in lieu of trick or treating. E and I were meeting the hubs there, and let me just tell y'all. We live on one side of the galleria. Our church is on the other. If you are a Houstonian, you know what that means. Traffic that makes you wanna gouge your eyes out. I mean, it was horrid. And probably worse than normal due to Halloween. Or so it seemed. It took us F-O-R-E-V-E-R to get there, and I was getting crankier and crankier. So, to blow off steam I start singing a silly song I made up in the moment. It was something like, "Jesus, help us get to church before we go insane..." and just got sillier from there. Elizabeth thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. When I finished singing, she goes, "More?" So, I kept singing, and we got sillier and sillier and we kept going back to that refrain, "Jesus help us get to church before we go insane..." so many times that Elizabeth started joining and in and singing along with me, and she'd actually get those words right. Every single time I would stop she would go, "more?" and we'd start again. We were laughing so hard by the time we pulled into the parking lot, my side was hurting. How I adore that funny girl.

So, b/c we were an hour and half late, some of our friends were leaving by the time we got there. No worries, we still got pics. Halloween would not be complete without pics with your BFF, right?

Having a chat with BFF, Aubrey:

Aubrey was biting her necklace, and Elizabeth was telling her girlfriend to girlfriend, "Aubrey, don't bite!"

If you are a long time reader of this blog, you know that there are few things Elizabeth Craig loves more than a petting zoo:

OK, so there were these ponies. And the line to ride was long. But she kept asking about them. I knew she would love being near them and petting them, I wasn't so sure how she'd do with actually riding one. Why on earth did I doubt her? We ended up at the front of the group to go next, so she got to scope out all the ponies early and she most decidedly chose the white one. It was instant love, friends.

Daddy's girl:

I don't know if you know this, but we have a lion in our house. And she likes to roar on a regular basis. Don't be scared, friends. When I ask her if she is a sweet lion or a scary lion, she always replies, "Sweet lion". Of course.

A new friend asked me this weekend, "what's Elizabeth's personality like?" I replied, "She's the happiest person I know. She's like sunshine. Always happy, always smiling, always laughing, always funny. She's sweet & kind, she's an extrovert and a social butterfly. She was the easiest baby on the planet, and she's now the easiest 2 year old on the planet. (Please note, friends, that she is TWO and a half and therefore testing the limits and exerting her opinion and desire for independence on a regular basis. There are still time outs and much discipline at our house. She's all these golden, good things. But she's also a normal human 2 year old.) The truth is, she is such a joy and I look at her sometimes, like last night and in the above pic, and think, "I can't believe I get to be her mama." Ryan and I are so blessed.

Matt, Erin, & Everett

2011-10-31T13:28:00.005-05:00

I just love this boy. Everett is a month older than my Elizabeth and they are great friends. They get all giddy when they see each other, and he tries to hold her hand. Oh, my heart.

the climber

2011-10-28T11:12:00.002-05:00

Last week I'm sitting at the computer editing photos, while Elizabeth quietly plays at the kitchen bar- it's where she loves to do her artwork: coloring, cutting, painting, stickers. I glance over at some point and this is what I saw:

Embrace the Camera | Halloween Party

2011-10-27T12:20:00.005-05:00

This post is mostly for the hubs. This morning he left me a sweet little note telling me to have fun with Elizabeth at her halloween party, and then he wrote: "I would love it if you took some pictures." Um, babe? Was there ever any doubt? ;)

So, since he was hard at work so I could stay home and do fun things like go to preschool halloween parties, here it is, the initial craziness:

And here's our sweet Minnie Mouse:

After their parade and performance, we headed back to the room for THE halloween party:

She LOVED her first tattoo. She kept saying, "meow! meow!" as she gazed fondly at it:

Time for crafts:

And because it is "embrace the camera" thursday, here we are. Proof that I was actually at the party! ;)

*many thanks to Mrs. Paisley, Elizabeth's teacher, for snapping this pic for me. even though my camera scared her. ;)

Did YOU "embrace the camera" this week and get a shot or two with your loved ones?

*inspired by my friend annalee, who is inspired by the anderson crew*

Sweet Baby Boy | houston family photographer

2011-10-26T09:23:00.003-05:00

Click HERE to remember their maternity shoot.

Little Men | houston children's photographer

2011-10-24T08:22:00.005-05:00

I absolutely loved working with this family. It gave me a tiny glimpse into their lives and I saw the kind of family I want to have- full of joy and absolutely in love with each other. Those boys adore their mama and daddy, and vice versa, the boys adore each other, obviously so do mama and daddy. Oh, they are just the sweetest family. It was a pure blessing to get to take these pictures for them.

Snips & Snails & Puppy Dog Tails | houston children's photographer

2011-10-21T22:33:00.002-05:00

They are all boy, but as sweet as sugar.

I couldn't go to bed without giving you a tiny peek at how I spent my day.

One shoot this morning, one this evening.

Full sneak peeks will be up on the blog next week, so check back! ;)

2 years and 4 months

2011-10-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

Elizabeth Grace, here's a little peek at what you're like at 2 years and 4 months old:

You know all your colors. And shapes. You can count to 20. Sometimes you even get all the numbers pretty much right.

You've finally started singing. Your favorite is a little loop of the ABC song, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and Baa Baa Black Sheep. Sometimes I catch you in the backseat singing with whatever's on the radio. The other day you were singing "How Great is Our God". When an upbeat song comes on the radio, you like to dance in your car seat.

You LOVE to go on walks through our neighborhood, and do NOT want to stop and come inside. Now that it's cooled down a bit, we've started walking to preschool and home. This week you were very upset with me when I pulled out of the driveway to go to Wednesday night church. You wailed, "I WANNA WALK!!!!" It's a 20 minute drive to our church. You love being outside, in the backyard, in your gravel pit or on your swing or going down the slide, or swinging in the hammock with daddy. Outside is your favorite.

You love art. Your teacher said the other day that you're always the first one at the table when they start an art project. You love coloring, painting, stickers, and your new favorite- cutting with scissors. You think it's the greatest thing EVER.

If you're eating in your chair and your dad walks into the kitchen, you say: "You hungry, Daddy?"

Every time I yawn, you say: "You sleepy, Mommy?"

If you fall down or have a coughing fit- before I can even ask you, you say, "I'm OK!" You frequently ask us if we're OK. You ask Phoebe, too.

The day of our family photo shoot last weekend, I got you dressed and you patted yourself on the tummy and said, "I'm pretty."

One day this week you told me, "I'm so happy!"

Your vocabulary and ability to communicate is expanding at the speed of light these days. Yesterday you said to me, "Where's Dora's shoe?! Mommy, get up and find it!!!"

You go to bed with the most ridiculous things. Your crib is FILLED. A giant giraffe, Minnie Mouse (AND her blanket), a plastic toy horse, Dora (AND her hairbrush), a separate blanket for Dora and the horse to share, Raggedy Ann, at least 3 books AND your Bible, and a little bear that prays when you push its tummy. How is there even room for you in there?

You painted a pumpkin at school last week. Your teacher let everyone pick what color they wanted. You painted it green, and then covered it in glitter. Now that it's home, you show it lots of sweet affection. "I wanna hug my pumpkin", you'll say as you stretch your arms out wide for it. You wouldn't leave the house the other day til you'd run back to give your pumpkin a kiss.

You love to "snuggle". The word "snuggle" at our house means taking a sweet moment to get in mommy and daddy's bed. You claim one of the big throw pillows as your own. "I want my pillow", you'll say. And then, "I want blanket. Lay down mommy". And we snuggle, nose to nose. You tell me to go to sleep and I close my eyes and pretend to snore. You yell "WAKE UP MOMMY". Inevitably, you say "I want tent" and we lay on our backs and throw our feet in the air like poles holding our tent (aka mommy's quilt) up.

Sometimes when you don't want to go to bed, you take that moment to sob, wailing from your crib as you stretch out your arms for me, "I WANNA SNUGGLE!!!!!!" It's so hard to walk away. You've got your mama's number. That's for sure.

You LOVE balloons. I mean, you just lose your mind over them. And bubbles.

You like figuring out words like very and really and my and yours. You'll say: "It's really cold", "It's really hot", "It's very heavy", "Are those your pants, mommy? These are my pants."

At the grocery store you say, "I want oranges!" I say, "I'm not buying you those, you don't even like oranges." To which you reply, "Daddy likes oranges." I'm reading you The Very Hungry Caterpillar. We get to the page where I read, "On Friday he ate through five oranges, but he was still hungry." And you say..."Daddy likes oranges." Yes. Yes, he does.

You are sweet, affectionate, funny, kind, and so very happy. I wouldn't change a thing about you, and I'm so thankful that you're mine.

Embrace the Camera | Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-20T12:12:00.001-05:00

***many thanks to becky for grabbing my camera and making me get into some shots with my daughter***

Did YOU "embrace the camera" this week and get a shot or two with your loved ones?

*inspired by my friend annalee, who is inspired by the anderson crew*

Cutest Pumpkins in the Patch | houston children's photographer

2011-10-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

As I sat editing our photos from the pumpkin patch, I couldn't help but remember editing pumpkin patch pics of these very same girls a year ago. My, how they've grown!

First up, is Miss Aubrey. Elizabeth's best friend just turned 3 years old, and is a frequently seen face on this here blog. ;)

And now, Miss Karis. Oh man. Elizabeth's honorary little sister doesn't even look like the same person from last year to this year!

And, here is MY little pumpkin- Miss Elizabeth. I can't believe how big she's getting. (and ps, i just have to take a second to say- i'm liking the year's improvement in my photography and editing skills).

And Miss Taylor? She wasn't even HERE last year- which is crazy to think about, because it feels like she's just always been here!

Here's a little taste of Pumpkin Patch 2011:

It's so good to know you've got a girlfriend who's always got your back. ;)

This is her "deliriously happy" face. I love it b/c her mama said to me once, "I don't know where she gets it from." I was all like, "DUH. She gets it from YOU." It's the exact same face Becky makes when she's laughing really hard at something.

And look at my gorgeous friend Kristen "embracing the camera" with her girls. Oh yes, I haven't forgotten about embrace the camera (though my hubs asked me if i had). You just wait til tomorrow, lovies. xoxo

Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice | houston baby photographer

2011-10-18T11:36:00.002-05:00

...that's what little girls are made of.

(especially this one!)

Say hello to a sweet six month old with my FAVORITE name ever!

Elizabeth

Miss Elizabeth is such a happy girl! She's grown so much since her last shoot 5 months ago. Click HERE to see that and HERE to see her mama's maternity shoot way back when! ;)

Lovely Blue Eyed Lila | houston child photographer

2011-10-14T12:18:00.000-05:00

this was the very first shot i took. when she wasn't quite sure what she thought of me yet.

And honestly, I just can't decide. Is the one above my favorite? Or the one below?

Click HERE to see Lila's shoot from last year. She has really grown from the cutest baby ever, to a lovely little lady.

my lizzie

2011-10-13T10:04:00.002-05:00

Sweet Families, Precious Babies | houston baby photographer

2011-10-10T11:25:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to post a few more from a couple of recent sessions I finished editing. Too many cute ones not to share with you!

My little family of 3 is signed up for a mini session this Saturday with our favorite local photographer. Have you signed up for yours? It's not too late for you to take advantage of Fish Lips Photography's Christmas Mini Sessions. We won't be offering anything like this for the rest of the year- so don't miss out on the opportunity to get some family portraits done!

our week in pennsylvania

2011-09-30T12:40:00.001-05:00

Embrace the Camera | Pennsylvania

2011-09-29T15:49:00.004-05:00

me and my girl and my nephew Frankie at the children's museum in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania

She wore herself out playing every day we were there.

Did YOU "embrace the camera" this week and get a shot or two with your loved ones?

*inspired by my friend annalee, who is inspired by the anderson crew*

First Braids

2011-09-28T06:27:00.001-05:00

One Year | houston baby photographer

2011-09-23T00:46:00.005-05:00

I'm sitting here trying to think of the right words to say. And there just are none. No perfect words. I photographed her entry into the world (click here and here). And her "official" newborn shoot (here). I get all choked up by these pictures. And these.

Oh, Karis Kiser. I sure do love you. How can you possibly be ONE already? And walking? You screamed through your first photo shoot, slept through your second, and ran away from me during this one. You are a busy girl, exploring your world.

Karis, it is a privilege to be friends with your mama, and a complete joy to watch you develop your own friendship with my sweet girl. I look forward to all our photo shoots to come, and watching you grow into the woman God intends for you to be. I love you.

Embrace the Camera | Sunday, September 18, 2011

2011-09-22T11:16:00.004-05:00

When Elizabeth started preschool a few weeks ago, her teacher asked for us to bring some pictures from home of Elizabeth with her family and friends. There were two problems with this.

1. I have like, zero printed pictures in my house. Oh, yeah, I take a million of them. But the number that are printed, or in frames, or on my wall or in a scrapbook (ha!) is PITIFUL.

2. I have like, zero pictures of me and my child. Oh, alright, I have a FEW. But believe me, they are FEW. That's just sad, y'all.

And then I thought of my friend Annalee. She posts pics every Thursday of herself with her loved ones. So, if I do the same thing, that'll make me much more intentional about taking photos with my daughter, right? Or maybe even with my HUSBAND. Wouldn't that be something?

So, here we are. Me and my 2 year old daughter. We were having dinner over at Becky's house on Sunday with some other friends, and I made her pick up her camera and snap a few pics. I told myself I'd try to take a few more this week so I'd have more than just one to post. And of course, that didn't happen. This "being intentional" thing is hard work, yo.

So, mamas: who's with me? Who wants to join in on the "Embrace the Camera" Thursday fun? You don't always have to be behind the camera, you know. Sometimes you can be in front of it.

*inspired by my friend annalee, who is inspired by the anderson crew*

Tuesday's Tip | Focal Points

2011-09-20T14:42:00.003-05:00

One of the great things about taking your camera off AUTO, is that you can now play around with your focal points. When your camera is in auto, it also automatically chooses your focal point. It guesses where you want your focus to be. And that can be a little frustrating. Since you are playing around in Av mode this week, you can also start choosing exactly where YOU would like to focus. And by focal point, I'm referring to those little red dots you see when you look through your viewfinder. (Don't know what it's like if you're taking pics by looking at the screen on the back. I only look through the viewfinder when I take pics. Someone with experience with this feel free to jump in with a comment.)

I shot a few pics of my Canon Rebel xsi. Yours might be different depending on your camera make and model- so double check your owner's manual for this one. But here is where you would change the focal points on my Rebel:

Look through your viewfinder as you scroll that little wheel and you will see the red dots change- keep scrolling til you find one you want to try, and then just take your picture. And what should you be focusing on anyway? If you are playing around in Av mode, and trying to take pics of a person- your focal point needs to be on their eye. Depending on what your aperture setting is, this will ensure that their eyes are nicely in focus (which is usually the most important part, right?), even if other parts of their face or the rest of the picture aren't. Make sense?

If you have any questions, leave it in the comments or email me at sarah@fishlipsphotography.com.

Aperture Homework

2011-09-20T09:48:00.002-05:00

Looky looky! Miss Kristen did her homework! :)

She has that 50mm f/1.8 lens I was telling y'all about last week,

and she got it out and played around with the Av mode on her Canon Rebel.

And look how CUTE they turned out!

(and yes, that is my child's best friend Aubrey w/her baby sister Taylor)

I just love how these pictures turned out!

If you've got homework to share,

throw it up on your blog and post a link in the comments.

Or do like Kristen and just email me your pics.

This week's Tuesday's Tip will be up this afternoon, so check back later!

Our Weekend: pedicures, painting, & pitter patter on the roof

2011-09-19T09:40:00.008-05:00

My mama, grandma, and brother were in town this weekend, visiting us from Mississippi. Mama and I left & got pedicures while Elizabeth napped. When we came home, we decided she needed "pretty toes" too.

I don't know if y'all heard all of Houston hollering with joy this weekend, but we are finally getting some AWESOME RAIN. Elizabeth knew it was raining out, and when we opened the door to let the dogs out, she yelled, "I WANNA GO OUTSIDE!" and she RAN to get her rainboots, shoved them on her own feet, and came running as fast as those little legs could carry her. It was such a joy to see her dance in the rain. Finally.

After the rain, she came in and did some painting with her grandma. She LOVES those Dot Art markers. Thank you, Lakeshore Learning.

We also went to High Fashion Fabric (love that store!) for my mom to buy some fabric for more dresses for E. Y'all are gonna die when you see the 2 she just made. Sure is nice to have a sewing grandma! ;) Then we took my grandma to the Container Store. There are no words to express her love for that place. She could stay there for hours. Makes me laugh!

So, what did y'all do this weekend?

Oh, sweet baby girl | houston baby photographer

2011-09-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Remember her newborn shoot? And the maternity session?

Well, Miss Hadleigh is 6 months old now (well, really, almost 7), and my, how she's grown!

It is SO crazy how much they change in the first year. She was a tiny, sweet newborn, but at 6 months, she will truly steal your heart. I mean, look at those eyes! And that dimple!

She is sweet, and so, so happy. She smiles a ton and was very curious about my camera. And pine needles, but that's a whole other story.

When I was describing to my best friend who I would be shooting yesterday, I said, "You know- the guy's really tall and the wife is blonde" and Becky goes: "Oh yeah. The people who look like models." Yes. The people who look like models. :) They are such a gorgeous, sweet family and I am already looking forward to our next shoot in February!

THE Swing Set/Fort/Best-Playdate-Ever Maker

2011-09-15T11:18:00.015-05:00

Elizabeth's grandpa (my dad) very generously offered to buy her a swingset for her birthday this summer. He let us pick it out, so Elizabeth's daddy poured over websites and plans and visited other swing sets and agonized over the decision. He wanted it to be perfect. Never one to do things half way, my manly man hubs decides he doesn't want to just buy a ready-to-go kit. He wanted to do this thing from scratch. He bought plans, purchased the lumber and the hardware, and started cutting. Just the cutting of the lumber took a full 12 hour day:

This is Day 2: Ryan's dad came over to help him get started:

In the below pic, Ryan is saying: "Elizabeth will be able to see for MILES!"

Day ???- He's been working on this thing every spare minute he has. I've totally lost track of what day we're on here. He was working on it every night after work. He got as far as he could by himself, and then called over our super duper handy friend Kevin for some help:

*those black socks? dead sexy.*

And NOW, for the big reveal! Elizabeth has LOVED playing on her play set!

And so has her daddy.

We've already tested it out on her friends. They like it a lot, too.

We can't wait for more playdates in the backyard as the weather gets cooler!

Two Days After Her Second Birthday | houston child photographer

2011-09-14T09:21:00.008-05:00

I can't believe I forgot to post these! I put them up on Facebook 3 months ago, and just never got around to putting them on the blog. When I look back at these pictures, I cannot believe how much she's already changed and grown since then. She's grown 2 inches in these last 3 months. Even her face looks so much more grown up, and less like a baby's. She's speaking in sentences. She knows all her colors and shapes.

For those of you who read yesterday's post about APERTURE- each of these pics was taken at f/1.4. Don't forget to email me your aperture homework! sarah@fishlipsphotography.com. Or write a blog post about your practice and leave me a comment with your link so I can go see it. As an incentive- next month we'll start doing GIVEAWAYS for those who participate in the homework. This month will be a practice round while we work out all the kinks.

Tuesday's Tip | Aperture

2011-09-13T08:30:00.001-05:00

Well, since it's taken me so dang long to get this series started, let's have TWO tips this Tuesday!

1. Read your camera manual. Seriously, people. If you ever want/hope/dream/desire to switch your DSLR from the little green auto box- you are going to have to read your manual. It doesn't matter how many tips I give you if you don't crack open that owner's manual. I have read mine- for both cameras- at least a bazillion times. There's a reason they include that thing! If you don't know what half the words mean and it feels like you're reading Chinese- KEEP READING. It might be unfamiliar territory at first, but PRESS ON TOWARDS THE GOAL. Don't make me get all biblical on you.

So, it seems like what y'all want to know are some BASICS. Don't freak out on me, we are not going to go straight from auto to manual. Let's discuss that little thing on your dial that says: Av.

2. APERTURE- aka Av on your camera dial. Keeping this very basic- have you wondered how you can get that blurry background in your pictures? It's all about the aperture, baby. When you have a LOW number, the background is blurry. When you have a HIGH number, the background is crisp. Now, by LOW number, I mean: 1.8, 2.0, 4.0- those kinds of numbers. By HIGH number, I mean: 8, 10, 22 etc. And those numbers are called f-stops. So if you are ever on a website and read people talking about f-stops, now you know they are referring to APERTURE.

Now then. These pics and the ones just below were taken with my 50mm f/1.4 lens. It's what they call a "prime lens", meaning basically, that it doesn't zoom in and out. Prime lenses are GREAT for getting that blurry background look, b/c typically they have very wide apertures (aka- the lowest numbers possible). The lowest I can get that number on this particular lens is 1.4 and just LOOK at that blurry background on the right. Contrast that with the f/6.3 and f/8 on the left- and you can see the difference, right? If you want to add a prime lens to your camera bag, start out with this one: the 50mm f/1.8 lens. It's not super expensive and that f/1.8 lets you get the job done. It's the very first lens I bought (or rather, the hubs surprised me with on Christmas). So, mamas- add that one to your Christmas list!

Again: the LOWER the number, the more BLURRY the background.

*ugh. please ignore the "place logo". clearly i was in a hurry in photoshop.*

I took these pics of my lovely Phoebe inside with my 24-70mm 2.8 lens. Because it zooms it is NOT a prime lens, and it can NOT get down to a super low number like 1.4. The lowest this one goes is f/2.8. But again, you should see a difference between the 2 pics above and their numbers. f/2.8 is LOW and f/8 is HIGH. Are y'all with me? It's not quite as dramatic, but it's there.

I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark II & these different lenses now, but my first DSLR was a Canon Rebel. So I pulled it out for these last shots while I was cooking dinner last night (a bean and rice dish that did NOT turn out like I'd hoped and dreamed).

So I took those with my Rebel and the kit lens that came with it. It's not a great lens. And it doesn't let you get those low numbers- the lowest i can get is f/5.6 with mine. But even with that lens, you can see the difference in the "blurriness" of that versus the f/10. Again, not nearly as dramatic, but it's there.

Alright, how do YOU get to play around with aperture? Take your camera (I know you've already read the manual through at least once) and look at that little dial. Switch that sucker OFF the little green box (or auto) and switch it to "Av". In Av mode, YOU decide how high or low you want that aperture number, and the camera will adjust all the rest of your settings automatically. The ONLY thing you have to do in Av mode is decide what you want that number to be. Now- you're going to have to read your owner's manual to know how to set that number. :)

Your homework? Play around in Av mode and have FUN! If you want, blog about your experience. Or send an email to me with 2 examples- one w/a high number and one with a low number. I'll put it on the blog and we'll chat about it. Like the girlfriends we are. :) Photography is something I find super fun and I've spent a lot of time learning about. I have so many girlfriends with great cameras and they shoot everything in auto and wish they knew how to do more. That's what I hope this little series on Tuesdays does. If you ever have a question you think would make a good Tuesday's Tip idea, just email me! I promise- there are NO dumb questions.

Want to know more? Here are a couple great resources for you to learn more about APERTURE:

What the Heck is an Aperture? ~ The Pioneer Woman

The Monday Lesson- Aperture ~ Farrah Braniff

Oh yeah! And my email for your homework or ideas: sarah@fishlipsphotography.com

I can't wait to see what y'all come up with!

Something Magical for your Monday

2011-09-12T11:09:00.000-05:00

Like a lot of other people, I struggle with feeling content. Feeling at peace with this stage of the journey. Sometimes wanting more, and wanting it very much- more stuff, more opportunities, more vacations, cuter shoes, a different handbag, another baby. I think I'm not alone here- but sometimes I focus on that "other" that I don't have yet. And I forget to focus on what is present today. Anybody else feel this way sometimes? My birthday was last week, and on the day I turned 32 we had some good friends over for dinner. They brought their daughters, one of whom happens to be one of Elizabeth's dearest friends. To watch Aubrey & Elizabeth play together is nothing short of magical. They are silly and sweet and try so hard to share toys and then they boss each other around. Which is pretty funny. They give each other hugs and are just so excited when they see each other and they share an obsession with Dora. And princesses. Last night we had dinner over at their house, and during the prayer before dinner, Kristen and I peeked over at our girls and saw them leaned in close to each other at the "kids table", whispering and giggling together. My heart swelled with happiness.

It struck me on my birthday night that I have everything I've ever wanted. I wanted a husband, a house, a child. Then Jesus went and got all extravagant on me: a man I adore- who loves me and makes me laugh and works so hard with me on our marriage. a house I really love and that truly feels like home. a ridiculously adorable, happy, funny, sweet little girl with glitter on her face, squealing with her best friend in princess dresses. It struck me that I've wanted this moment in life for as long as I can remember. And it's here. Now. It was a good reminder from the Lord to be content with the present. With where we are today. And to cherish each and every one of these magical moments. Because too soon these girls will be too cool for princess dresses. Or cuddling with their mommies. They'll be wearing makeup and begging us to let them go to the mall and giving their daddies anxiety attacks. I hope this is a reminder to you, too. To cherish the now. To see these moments as magical, because really, y'all- it's so fleeting. It all goes by so fast.

Dearest Elizabeth- please always be as good at choosing friends as you are right now at two.

Dearest Aubrey- please always be my daughter's friend.

watching out the back door for their "princes"- the daddies were outside grilling.

you can't tell that great from this pic- but i know that at this exact moment aubrey has grabbed elizabeth hand and is showing her exactly how to do it. like she knows.

By the Seashore | houston child photographer

2011-09-06T11:19:00.000-05:00

As I greet Fall with open arms- cooler temps & sweaters & fall scented candles & pumpkins & all things orange & red- I cannot help but think back on our sweet, sweet summer... that tutu swimsuit from Target, that Minnie Mouse hat that she ended up loving and that I never had to fight her to wear, the smell of sunscreen, the hot sun on our skin & sand between our toes. Thank you, Jesus, for our sweet summer moments.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... | houston family photographer

2011-09-05T10:25:00.001-05:00

Helloooooooo, September! The weatherman says it's going to be in the mid-NINETIES this week, y'all! I am beyond giddy! I never thought I'd be so happy to see temps in the nineties! But day after day after day after day of temps above 100 degrees and not a drop of rain in sight has made for some unhappy Houstonians (including me).

Now that it's September, we can pull out our fall decor! And fall scented candles! And drink pumpkin spice lattes! Also on your to-do list? Getting ready for Christmas cards! It's just around the corner, y'all! I've already got my family's session booked. What about you?

Want something super easy? Book a mini session TODAY and get the perfect family picture for your Christmas cards this year. Print those suckers out, frame them and give them as gifts to the grandparents.

Let's take a little walk down memory lane and remember the fun we had all last fall:

To book your mini session, email me TODAY at sarah@fishlipsphotography.com. This is the ONLY weekend I'm doing mini sessions this year and once the spots are gone, they're GONE.

First Day of School

2011-08-31T09:48:00.004-05:00

While this post is titled First Day of School, it could also be titled The Many Faces of Elizabeth Craig. I chose the former because today IS her first day of preschool. Gone are the days of "Mother's Day Out". She has moved on to big girl preschool, where the teachers write lesson plans and will teach her letters, shapes, and colors. Please don't think I'm some crazy overachiever mom who thinks preschool at the age of 2 is vital to her educational success in high school and college. Though my husband did say to me last night when I told him that Elizabeth had accurately named all the colors for the first time that day: "You're starting to sound like one of those moms who thinks their kid is a genius." "Well, she is a genius", I said. "Don't blog about this", he said.

So, yes. I, like every other mother on the planet, think my kid is a genius. And that she's gorgeous. And that she's the funniest person I've ever met. And she goes to preschool because I already recognize that she's an extroverted social butterfly and she absolutely loves anything like Mother's Day Out, or Sunday school, or preschool. She ran right in her classroom this morning, only pausing to look back once. When she caught my eye, she broke into a huge grin, waved, and ran off to play.

Take One:

Take Two:

Take Seven:

Take Thirteen:

Take Sixteen:

Take Seventeen:

What do you think she's trying to communicate to me with this look?

My happy girl. And her lunchbox.

*this first day of school outfit was brought to you by Carters*

dear elizabeth,

2011-08-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

I never want to forget you at 2. I never want to forget how you begged to wear big girl panties, even though I really didn’t feel like potty training you yet. How 30 minutes later you are standing in a pile of your own pee, with a look of shock on your face, as you look up at me in utter bewilderment and ask, “WHAT HAPPENED?” I never want to forget how funny that moment was.

I never want to forget that ridiculously hot & sticky August afternoon. It’s 4:30 and it’s absolutely miserable outside. And you want to go outside to play in your tiny baby pool. Are you KIDDING ME? *grumble grumble grumble* as I fill up the little pink pool. And that isn't enough. You want your water "play tray" filled up as well. I'm sweating like a pig as I dig out all the necessary toys- pink shovel, plastic cup, dora the explorer watering can. When I'm finally done, you ignore it all & head straight for the hammock. I sit down on it, and you start to crawl up. “Oh, THIS is what you want. Why on EARTH could you not tell me this 10 minutes ago?” You laugh. You know I can be a little bit dramatic.

Soon we are on our backs, side by side, snuggled up like 2 bugs in a rug- swinging back & forth, back & forth- while I sing you are my sunshine, little liza jane, she’ll be coming round the mountain, row row row your boat, & any other children’s song I can think of. I can never remember any churchy children’s songs besides Jesus Loves Me, and sometimes I feel bad about that. But not today. It’s 100 degrees as we gaze up at the sky- seeing nothing but solid blue- and gorgeous green leaves from the trees our hammock is tied to. I never want to forget that moment. How it felt to go from utterly annoyed to completely content in a split second, when I realized that there is no other place I’d rather be on an unbearably hot August day than snuggled up in a hammock with you.

love, mama

Tuesday's Tip | houston child photographer

2011-08-02T09:20:00.000-05:00

My friends sometimes ask me for photography tips. They don't want to become photographers. They DO want to take better pictures of their kids. I took the above picture last week of my BFF's baby. She adores black and white photos. When she saw this, she immediately asked me "HOW IN THE WORLD do you make your black and white photos looks like that?" Which got the wheels in my head spinning. What other things have I been asked? Hmmm...what other things might people have NOT asked me yet but really want to know? What do my friends not even know that they don't know about taking a picture?

I might take your baby's portrait a couple times a year- but the other 350-something days? That's all YOU. So what do you want to know? What would you like to know how to do? How would you like to make the everyday pictures you take of your kiddos better? Let's start a new series here on the blog called Tuesday's Tip. Think of a question & leave a comment on this blog post- or email me at sarah@fishlipsphotography.com.

Tiny Little Miracles | houston newborn photographer

2011-07-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

Allow me to introduce you to Miss Noelle and Miss Eden, and again to their brave, sweet parents Amber & Joey that I posted about yesterday. I am absolutely in love with this little family. I know you will be too. Happy Friday! We're going out with a BANG! xoxo

amber & joey | houston maternity photographer

2011-07-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

Imagine you are 20 weeks pregnant with twin girls. You are thrilled, excited, over the moon! And then you are told at your next doctor’s appointment: things are not looking good. The babies are sharing a placenta. One baby is getting too much of the blood flow from the placenta. And the other baby is not getting nearly enough. It’s called Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Since you are only halfway through your pregnancy, your only option is surgery- a very risky one in which one or both of your babies may die.

That’s Amber & Joey's story. After a successful surgery, Eden and Noelle were born at 31 weeks. We shot her maternity session four weeks before the girls were born, and let me tell y’all, Amber looked like she could go into labor at any second. It was so ridiculously hot. She kept getting dizzy and out of breath and having to sit down. I was seriously concerned the shoot was going to send her into labor and it would be all my fault.

This one is Amber's "sentimental favorite". And it's my ultimate favorite one from the shoot. See that teeny tiny scar in the middle of her belly? That's the scar from the surgery that saved her babies' lives. What an absolute miracle.

I just have fallen in love with these two.

I'll post their newborn session tomorrow.

You might really scream out loud.

Their girls are THAT cute.

Beachy cousins, part 2 | houston child photographer

2011-07-26T10:40:00.000-05:00

I can't remember how many of these "angel wing' shells that Elijah found, but it was A LOT.

The child is a bit of a collector, you see. ;)

My best friends refer to these gorgeous children- my nieces and nephew- as the "Ralph Lauren models". As in: "Oh, you have a play date with Chloe today? She's the youngest Ralph Lauren model, right?" I tell my sister-in-law all the time, "Your children are just much prettier than the average child." I mean, I'm not biased, right? They just are! I can't wait to do their family photo shoot in January when they welcome the FOURTH ridiculously good-looking child to their precious family. :)

Chloe likes to jump.

Elizabeth would like to jump, too.

But she hasn't figured out how to get both feet off the ground at the same time.

Playing chase.

Y'all see my little caboose back there? ;)

She loves to try and keep up with her cousins...

...but her legs aren't very long and she's just not very fast.

But gosh, she sure is a cutie.

beachy cousins | houston child photographer

2011-07-25T10:20:00.001-05:00

my child (the short one) and her cousins

our Chloe

our Elijah

our Sophia

our Elizabeth

Introducing Elizabeth | houston newborn photographer

2011-07-21T12:00:00.001-05:00

Is there anything sweeter than a sleeping newborn? Miss Elizabeth was photographed at a month old, which is much later than I like to shoot a newborn session. But about a week after her parents brought her home, she started showing some alarming symptoms and they rushed her back to the hospital. It was a scary 10 days but she was soon back to her sweet, healthy self. I know her mama was so glad to finally get her home for good!

I loved getting to shoot their maternity session AND their first family session. It is so fun for me to get to do both those shoots for a client. It's such a sweet time. Those last few days of a growing belly, to-do lists, swelling ankles, trying to savor every minute of sleep you can. And then those first few days of parenthood, sleepless nights, getting to know this new little person. It's such an honor and joy for me to get to capture that transition. There is no other period of life like this. It's downright magical. You can see Alan & Jen's maternity session posted HERE.

How precious are those little baby toes? I could just eat ‘em up!

Jen found the cutest little diaper cover and headband set on Etsy. Raise your hand if you know firsthand how addictive that website can be. *raises hand*

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2011-07-20T11:50:00.002-05:00

It's that time again! Yes, I know it's 100 degrees outside and that Christmas is the furthest thing from your mind. But as Babies R Us was so lovely to remind me of with their displays of Halloween onesies on July 14th (I mean, REALLY?!)... it really is time to be thinking about FALL and what you're going to do about your annual family picture for the Christmas card.

Last year I shot 32 sessions in 8 weeks. Remember THIS blog post? Never again. There are a very limited number of sessions available this fall, and they are already going FAST. So if you'd like to book a session (or you know someone who does), email me STAT before all the spots are gone! sarah@fishlipsphotography.com

Merry Christmas! ;)

xoxo,

Sarah

Introducing Miss Hadleigh

2011-06-28T00:45:00.001-05:00

Remember the maternity pictures? Well, Miss Hadleigh is finally here and she is as gorgeous as her lovely parents. It was such a treat to get to shoot her newborn pics and I can't wait to do her 6 month portrait session in a few months!

Scotland, Part 1

2011-06-27T09:57:00.002-05:00

I'm maybe 95 % Scottish (with the other 5 % being Irish)- on both sides of my family. I have plenty of friends who are Scottish, Irish, Italian, German, French, Swedish, and Native American, and all sorts of other delightful, varied mixtures- but my family, for some reason- we keep marrying our own kind. ;) Heck, even I did. I went off and married my own Scottish-Irish Texas boy as soon as I could.

In particular my family is very close to our Scottish cousins that hail from my mother's mother's side of the family. One of them is married to a dairy farmer and they live on an honest to goodness Scottish farm. With cows, like, in their backyard. They are always so sweet to let us stay with them and being there is like a little slice of heaven. In May we (Elizabeth & I) took a very special four generation trip with my mother and grandmother. It was my third time to go, and of course, Elizabeth's first.

Elizabeth and her great-grandmother check out the cows on our cousins' farm. Elizabeth was head-over-heels for those cows, y'all. She'd wave at them and yell "HI, MOOS!" Cutest thing ever.

My mama's done a ton of family research on ancestry.com this year and found even more information than we already had. This is the church that my great-great-great grandparents (on my grandpa's side) were married in, and of course there are several relatives buried in the churchyard. Please notice that it's May and we're all wearing jackets. And yes, I take my child's picture in front of the gravestones of her deceased ancestors, and no I don't think that's morbid at all. ;)

Another day, another cemetery- this time for Grandma's side of the fam. There's this one town in Scotland (Kilsyth) that mom's traced our ancestors there back to like, the 1600's. For hundreds of years- they all lived in this one town- until my grandma's dad decided to move to Pennsylvania, where he met his wife (who as it turns out, had moved from Scotland to Pennsylvania as well- and grew up practically right down the road from him). His parents are buried in this cemetery, & my grandmother got to visit her grandparents' grave for the first time. She never met them, but she remembers that her grandmother always sent little presents in the mail for birthday and Christmas when she was a little girl.

Also, E thinks her great-grandmother's walker is a sweet ride. ;)

Elizabeth tried haggis for the first time. She wasn't impressed. *hee hee* ;)

***Scotland, Part 2 will come later this week***

What a Difference a Year Makes!

2011-06-24T14:16:00.000-05:00

Jennifer & Alan (& Elizabeth!)

2011-06-08T14:20:00.003-05:00

Jodie, Tommy, Luke & Will...again

2011-06-07T10:48:00.004-05:00

I just adore this sweet family. They are good friends of ours, and I LOVE getting to shoot their family portraits for them. Check out their first session with me last fall by clicking HERE.

11 months apart (just like my hubs and his brother)

Luke

Will

Introducing Ashlie, Chad, Annabelle, Whit, & Elijah

2011-05-31T12:39:00.004-05:00

Dyeing Eggs

2011-05-03T14:52:00.003-05:00

Putting stickers on the eggs with Mama

(Y'all like my classy hair clip? I stole it from the little one.)

Dyeing eggs with Grandma

More stickers with Daddy

Little Bunny Foo Foo

2011-05-02T11:40:00.003-05:00

Little Bunny Foo Foo had an Easter egg hunt at her school a couple weeks ago. Her teachers said she LOVED her bunny ears hat she made, and wore it all day, but that she wasn't much interested in the hunt. Apparently, with her bunny ears on her head and basket in hand, she made a bee line to the sandbox- her favorite spot on the playground- to dig in the sand. So, she looked so darn cute when I picked her up, I threw eggs all over the backyard and made her have another hunt. She loved it. This time there was no sandbox to distract her. :) Also, she's in a real sunglasses phase. Suddenly she just LOVES them and wants to wear them all the time.

Beauties in the Bluebonnets

2011-04-07T10:01:00.004-05:00

This week I took pictures of Elizabeth and her BFF Karis in the bluebonnets.

And here's what I want to know. I want to do a big gallery wrap of Elizabeth in the bluebonnets but how on earth am I supposed to pick?! I need y'all's help! Which one of her should be giant size on my wall? Please leave a note in the comments. Thanks, peeps!

20 and a half months

2011-03-02T10:02:00.006-06:00

Dear Elizabeth,

You are 20 and a half months old. No longer a baby, not quite a big girl, but somewhere in between. You are funny, sweet, happy, kind, independent, and talkative. You adore babies, baby dolls, animals, & stuffed animals. You love going to school- you run right in without even looking back at me, and when I pick you up in the afternoon, your teacher tells me, "She just smiles all day long. She's so happy!" You love church- we take you into the worship service for the first 15 minutes or so, and you bop around happily in my arms, sometimes lifting your arms up and moving them to the beat of the music. Then I walk you down to your Sunday School class in time for your Bible story there, and again, you run right in so happily, not even looking back at me. You love being outdoors. At least once a day you run to the back door and look at me and say, "Outside?" Most days in the afternoons I just leave the backdoor open and let you wander in and out. We've also started taking you to the neighborhood park. They have a great playground and you just love it there. Your favorite is the swings. You could seriously swing for 45 minutes if I let you. You are quite chatty, with an ever growing vocabulary. Words that you speak AND do the sign language for at the same time are: more, all done, milk, help, eat, please. Other words you say: Bible, Jesus, thank you, Phoebe, Mommy, Daddy, book, doggie, baby, bears (for Teddy Grahams), cheese, outside, ball, bubbles, shoes, bow, night night, bye bye, bath, diaper, no, yes. Just yesterday you wanted to play with my wallet, so I took out one of my business cards, handed it to you and said, "Fish Lips Photography, at your service", and you pointed at the picture on the card and said, "fish" for the first time. You say little 2 word sentences like- "Phoebe's outside" and "Mommy's coffee" (haha!). You LOVE your daddy. You are so excited when he gets home from work. You like to run away from him, giggling, hoping he will chase you. Sometimes during the day you look at me and say, "Daddy?" Occasionally you'll say, "Where is he?" or "Where is it?" if we're looking for something- and you'll put your hands up- palms facing the ceiling in a questioning way. My new favorite thing you do is when you're sitting on the couch and one of us walks in the room, you pat the seat next to you like, "Come on, Mommy, come sit by me." It's the cutest thing ever. Your favorite TV show is Jungle Junction and your favorite movies are Beauty and the Beast and Winnie the Pooh. If you see any Disney princess anything you say, "Beast!" You love going to Little Gym every week, where you are the most cautious child in the room. Cautiousness remains a characteristic you have shown since you were a couple months old. You still don't know how to climb onto the couch by yourself, nor will you really try. You JUST figured out how to climb down. When we put you on the balance beam at Little Gym, you FREAK out, clinging to my neck and sobbing. You prefer to walk around and climb on anything with a slope or low to the ground. While you love going to a playground, and love sliding- I have to do a lot of coaxing to get you to climb the steps or go down the slide. You love it once you do it and are so happy afterwards, but you are just always very cautious about things like that. You are very nurturing. Sometimes if we're sitting next to each other, you'll just reach over and pat my back, and then start rubbing my shoulder. The other day I was so tired- you were watching a movie and I was laying on the couch with my eyes closed. Suddenly I felt you right in front of my face. I didn't open my eyes, but I could feel you tuck your teddy bear under my arm and try to put your paci in my mouth. Then you started rubbing my arm ever so gently. You're such a little mama. Speaking of pacis- you're NUTS about yours. You like to have 3 at a time- one in your mouth and one for each hand, and you switch them out every so often. I'd been doing such a good job for so long only letting you have them at naptime and nighttime. But recently you've started WAILING for them during the day. "PAPPIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!" It's pathetic, really. I give in almost every time. Bad mommy. But I've got other battles to fight. Like getting you to eat something besides cheerios and "bears". You continue to be a VERY picky eater. I can't even remember the last time I managed to get a vegetable in your mouth. And the only way you'll eat fruit is in liquid form- in a smoothie. You hate having things "added" to you. Like- at Little Gym the teacher gives everyone a stamp on the hand as a reward when it's over. She put a stamp on your hand and you FREAKED out. You wouldn't calm down til I'd rubbed it off. Same thing with your toenails. I thought it'd be fun to do a mommy-daughter pedicure. You were intrigued by the nail polish, but when I put it on your toes, you FREAKED out. I only got one foot done and then just wiped it all off when you wouldn't calm down. You are one funny kid. You make me laugh so hard, you warm my heart, you drive me nuts, and I love you to pieces. I wouldn't change a thing about you.

Love,

Mama

2011-02-16T14:29:00.000-06:00

Email me at sarah@fishlipsphotography.com to claim your spot!

Teresa & Clint {& baby Cade}

2011-02-15T08:50:00.001-06:00

Be Mine.

2011-02-14T10:08:00.002-06:00

Generally speaking, I hate Valentine's Day.

I hated it when I was single.

I hate it now that I'm married.

The unrealistic expectations, the inevitable disappointment.

Please don't get me wrong:

I am very happily married to the sweetest, funniest man I know.

But I still hate Valentine's Day.

However, I love hearts.

And red and pink are my top 2 favorite colors.

And there's just something about little girls in pink

that just does me in.

I love the Valentine's "crafts" my daughter brings home

from Mother's Day Out.

Today I dressed her in pink and took her to "school".

When I dropped her off, they were working on another

Valentine craft. She went right in, checked it all out,

grabbed the giant pink heart and ran to the doorway to me.

She just wanted to show me:

Look, Mommy! Look what we're doing today!

So maybe I love Valentine's Day.

Just a little.

Here's the Valentine's pic I took of Karis, my BFF's baby:

Honestly, this is one of my favorite portraits I've ever done.

Could she be any sweeter?

And now here's MY Funny Valentine:

Oh, I tried for a "perfect picture" like the one I took of Karis.

But this funny girl had other plans.

She is silly & sweet & absolutely captures the heart

of everyone who meets her.

And this picture is just so her.

Love that I don't have to ask her to Be Mine...

because she already is.

Thank you, Lord.

Kristen, Aaron, Aubrey (& Taylor)

2011-02-11T11:05:00.002-06:00

An Announcement

2011-02-04T12:30:00.001-06:00

Fish Lips Photography has been hard at work the last couple of months- improving our business model to offer unique boutique products where you don't have to do any of the work- everything is printed and ready to hang or display! I have taken the latest classes on how to turn your family portraits into works of art.

I'm so excited to show you all the possibilities that Fish Lips Photography can offer you, including gorgeous high quality albums and heirloom quality displays- gallery wall mounts, storyboards, gallery wrapped canvases, and custom framing.

In 2011 I am thrilled to begin offering you a truly boutique photography experience, with in-person pre-consultations and ordering sessions.

Session Fee ~ 150 (prints and digital images not included)

Prints start at $20 for a 5x7 and $30 for an 8x10.

Portrait collections start at ~ 565.

The calendar is now open for spring bookings- just email me at sarah@fishlipsphotography.com

The First Rule About Book Club...

2011-02-03T15:16:00.002-06:00

is to JOIN IT! ;) My BFF Becky Kiser is leading a virtual book club this month on her blog and I so hope you join us for the fun! For this month, it's a girls only club- we'll be reading and discussing 1 of 2 books:

For singles or married ladies

Intimate Issues

by Linda Dillow & Lorraine Pintus.

OR just for singles

Gift-Wrapped by God

by Linda Dillow & Lorraine Pintus.

Since I'm married, obviously I'll be reading Intimate Issues. It's gonna be a great book and great discussion, so I hope you'll pop over to Becky's blog and join us! Click on the link below for more info from B:

http://thekisers.blogspot.com/2011/02/book-club-starts-today.html

If you are doing the book club with us, please post in the comments below so I know who among my vast number of readers (haha- kidding) are joining us.

xoxo,

Sarah

Matt & Brittany at 35 weeks

2011-01-26T14:18:00.002-06:00

Introducing Sadie, 13 days old

2011-01-25T13:09:00.001-06:00

2011-01-23T23:38:00.001-06:00

Email me at sarah@fishlipsphotography.com to reserve your spot!

NEW BLOG ADDRESS!!!

2011-01-21T15:51:00.003-06:00

Same great blog (that I haven't updated in, um...FOREVER),

BRAND NEW ADDRESS!

From now on, the address for this blog is:

http://www.fishlipsphotoblog.com

Don't worry, there will still be lots of pictures of Elizabeth. ;)

This little blog started out as a family blog,

mainly for the grandparents- haha!

But it's grown and morphed into something different.

I felt l wanted to recognize that & celebrate it

w/a brand new address.

I'll be back with you on Monday- blogging on a regular basis.

I've missed y'all.

I love ya more than my luggage!

xoxo,

Sarah

January 7th

2011-01-07T20:03:00.003-06:00

Last night you stayed up too late. We were at Nana & Papa’s celebrating Elijah’s 8^th birthday. We didn’t get you into bed until 9pm. This morning I woke you at 8:45am. You were cranky. You are so much like your mama in your sleep needs, it’s scary. You’ve been in Mother’s Day Out programs before, but this was a new one- at a sweet little church just up the road from our house. It feels like a momentous occasion, as this is the program we’ve wanted you in for 18 months. But first you were too young, and then they were full. But a spot just opened up, so here we go. We had to buy you a nap mat to take, because you’ll be napping on the floor. I don’t see how this is possible. You seem way too young for that. Aren’t you still my baby? When did you turn into this great big girl?

You ate cheerios in your highchair while I packed your bag. You whined a lot, sleepy cranky girl. I was worried about how you’d do today. Right before I got you dressed, I noticed an email from your daddy. It said, “If you think about it, take a picture of E with all of her stuff for school.” I’m so glad he reminded me. Your mama- the one who takes all the pictures, the one who is a PHOTOGRAPHER, was so worried about getting you out the door and into this new environment- it didn’t even OCCUR to her to take some pictures.

So I took you outside to snap some pics. You never ever look at the camera for me anymore. I put your new little backpack on you. You fell over. I picked you up, but that thing was so huge & heavy, every time I turned around you’d fallen over again. You were not amused by this. I snapped a couple pics and then took it off you. Got a few pictures of you with all your gear for Daddy, loaded you up in the car and drove the 1.2 minute drive to the church.

When I dropped you off in your new room, with your new teachers, you screamed bloody murder. But really, I knew you’d be OK. Your teachers seemed so sweet and reassuring. I reassured them that this was NOT your first MDO experience and that I knew you’d calm down pretty quickly and do great.

It was gorgeous when I went to pick you up at 2pm. Sunny & 65 degrees on this January day. I decided to walk, leaving the house with my camera and your little red wagon. I felt a little silly pulling an empty red wagon behind me, but knew it’d be worth it once you were in it. Five minutes later I was at the church. I stood in the doorway of your room. You were all the way across the room from me, and your back was turned to me. You sat on the floor playing with a toy with another little girl. Totally content. Your teachers RAVED about you. You napped on your mat just fine and ate everything I packed for you. You loved the playground- you were particularly passionate about the slide. You loved painting so much that you were quite annoyed when they made you quit and clean up. Finally, we called your name and your teacher helped you up and turned you to face me. When you saw me, you lit up and a huge smile came across your face. You ran to me with your arms outstretched, “Mommy!” I felt, in a funny way, that I’d waited my whole life for this moment. There are moments like that as a mother- that feel too good to be true, like something out of a movie. That fill up every single place inside your heart with happiness. You’ll know what that feels like someday.

I put you in your little red wagon, and pulled you home (stopping to take pics along the way, of course). Inside your bag, your teachers had tucked a report for the day. They have a string of words that they circle. My mood was: active, fussy, happy, unhappy, independent, talkative, quiet. Today they’d circled: active, happy, and independent. Just the words I’d have wanted them to circle.

We went in the living room and I put the camera up on the cabinet next to the couch. You played for a little bit. Then you crawled up onto your little chair on the other side of the love seat, peeking your head over and saying, “cheese!” over and over again while you looked at the camera on the cabinet. I finally clued in and grabbed it. You did it again. Not just allowing me to take your picture, but suddenly, out of nowhere, WANTING your picture to be taken.

Thanks for looking at the camera at least once today, honey. I love you.

Introducing Brooke & Nate

2010-12-16T11:06:00.002-06:00

These are my sweet friends Brooke & Nate & their March baby.

This little baby has been so wished for, prayed for, hoped for-

for a long time.

What a blessing to be witness to another one of God's miracles.

My eyes were teary as I edited these last night.

I am just so happy for them.

Time Flies...

2010-12-15T13:02:00.003-06:00

18 months ago today,

Elizabeth Grace Craig was born.

Oh, how I miss that sweet little teeny tiny baby.

How did she go from this:

to THIS so fast!

*first photo taken by my sister-in-law while we were still in the hospital*

*all the others are iPhone photos*

Slumber Party

2010-12-14T11:10:00.003-06:00

So remember the Conroe getaway I mentioned last week?

We had a blast!

I was there with 2 of my very best girlfriends, Becky & Kat,

and we all have baby girls, so we brought them too. ;)

Jemma (15 months) belongs to Kat.

Karis (4 months) belongs to Becky.

Elizabeth (18 months) is all MINE!

Some fun before they headed off to their beds for the night.

Were we singing the Itsy Bitsy Spider here?

Or clapping?

I can't really remember.

haha! i love this picture!

I love this picture too.

There's just something about seeing other people

love your baby. If you're a mom, you totally get it, right?

And then you start seeing your baby love and bond with

the people who love her-

the whole thing just makes my heart so happy.

E just went and plopped down in Becky's lap

to work on her beloved Magnadoodle.

She loves Becky AND that Magnadoodle SO MUCH.

Becky's been trying to get Elizabeth to say "Becky" for MONTHS.

There are a lot of words that E can say now, but for whatever reason,

"Becky" is not one of them.

Becky is also trying to teach Elizabeth to address her as:

"Favorite".

Becky's mama used to tell kids her name was "Wonderful",

so whenever they'd see her, they'd call out,

"Hi, Wonderful!"

B has decided she would like to adopt this practice

with my child and that she would like to be called Favorite.

So, while we were in Conroe, we worked on it.

Turns out my child cannot say Becky, but she CAN say Favorite.

I kid you not.

E & Aunt Fave

Jemma & Elizabeth have been little buddies since they were in the womb.

Developmentally, they're really in the same place now,

being just 3 months apart.

But personality-wise, they could not be more different.

It's so fun to see their little personalities emerging already.

Jemma is very active and adventurous. Doesn't sit still for a second,

and is quite the daredevil.

Elizabeth is calm and cautious. She can sit for 30 minutes

just reading herself a book or working on her Magnadoodle.

E followed Jemma around the whole time.

Jemma'd be just tearing through the house, always on the go,

and you'd see Elizabeth just following along behind her,

wherever she'd go.

It'll be fun to see them grow up together and if these traits stick around.

my baby (& some other thoughts)

2010-12-09T09:32:00.003-06:00

Say hello to my little one.

We had our family photo shoot with our good friends,

Mike & Deb with MD Turner Photography last weekend.

Mike got this shot of Elizabeth and I just love it.

I'm going to make it into a gallery wrap! So excited!

I miss blogging about my baby.

Frankly, I miss blogging about ANYTHING other than

a sneak peek. haha! It's been a while, huh? ;)

This fall has been nuts.

Just straight up nuts.

Amazing, exciting, so much fun, ridiculously busy, stressful, & nuts.

This was my first fall (aka "Christmas card season") in business.

In the last 8 weeks, I've had 32 sessions.

Not 32 MINI sessions. haha!

That's THIRTY-TWO sessions to edit.

I try to give about 20 fully edited pics per session.

I don't "batch edit".

I edit each one individually in Lightroom & Photoshop

before it goes on the CD that you eventually find in your hands.

I had to pull my calculator out for that one...

640 pictures to edit one at a time.

Did I mention that 2 weeks before the craziness hit-

I shot my first wedding? haha! no, really. ;)

Do you really want to know how many pictures

I need to edit for THAT?

Trust me, you don't.

So, a week after your shoot, when you are wondering,

"What the heck is taking Sarah so long?"

now you know! :)

Y'all have been so sweet and so encouraging

and so very patient with me as I've navigated my

first fall as a photographer.

I am so grateful that you have trusted me to photograph your family.

(And for the record, no, I'm not taking on any more shoots this month.

Even though I am still getting email requests every single day for one.)

To be a better photographer to you next year,

I've started putting together a list of what to do

& what NOT TO DO next fall.

Things like:

1. The last photo sessions of 2011 will be on Sat, Nov 12th

so that everyone can get their pics for their Christmas cards

by Thanksgiving. (Isn't that brilliant?! haha!)

The only exception to this will be newborns.

Ya'll can't help when they're born! ;)

2. Shoot less sessions. A lot less. It's true.

I wayyyyyyyyy overbooked myself.

Which means it takes longer to get your pictures to you.

Boo.

Look, don't get me wrong.

I've LOVED being so busy and getting to shoot so much.

And I LOVE having a photography business

even more than I thought I would.

But I've been slacking a lot on my other job.

And the boss has been sure to let me know she thinks I'm slacking off:

Oh, I just miss her.

And my husband.

I've learned a lot of lessons this fall.

Made a lot of mistakes.

I am so thankful I have such a supportive, encouraging, handsome hubs.

And a happy, happy girl to call my own.

On that note- tonight I'm taking a much needed break.

E & I are stealing away to Conroe for the night

with 2 of my girlfriends, and 2 of her girlfriends.

I'll see y'all back online again tomorrow!

xoxo

Introducing Kelley, Justin, & Jade

2010-12-08T09:49:00.004-06:00

I promise I take pictures of more people than just my friends.

But this Christmas card season, it seems that half my sessions

have been with very good friends of mine!

These are our sweet friends Kelley & Justin.

Kelley is also the creator of that fabulous

Fish Lips Photography logo that you see everywhere.

She is wicked talented.

Please let me do a "Trash the Dress" session for you!

9 months ago my cousin let me do a Trash the Dress session for her

and it was a BLAST. And honey, we trashed that thing.

See pics HERE and HERE.

Also, read my cousin's thoughts about the experience HERE.

Kelley didn't want to go THAT far, but she did want to get some fun

pics in her dress to celebrate their 4 year anniversary.

You can be married a couple months, or several years.

We can TRASH that thing, or we can NOT.

That's totally up to you!

I know if I really trashed my dress-

my mama would have a HEART ATTACK.

So, dude, I get it.

And ps- how much are you loving this location?

It might be my new favorite place to shoot!

This is only the 2nd time I've shot there.

The first time was for this shoot: HERE

If you ever have a specific idea in mind for a location for your shoot,

just let me know. If you saw it on this blog for someone's else shoot,

again, just let me know! I've never shot here in the morning,

but in the afternoon, it's DIVINE.