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Shawna wants family wedding pictures displayed at the wedding, so I've been busy scanning and printing old pictures.  The oldest one is of my grandparents who got married in Switzerland on September 21, 1919.  Immediately after their wedding, they boarded a ship to the United States.

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I had a little better luck today with Little Miss Natalie.  She slept for a very tiny bit and that's all I needed to pose her for a couple of shots. 

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Dave and I walked the Johansen track for Modesto's Relay for Life.  We got there in time for the luminary walk.  These candle-lit bags speak volumes.

My thoughts this evening were of my close friend, Theresa, who lost her couragous battle with brain cancer less than a year ago.

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Today we had a work day at the Bayers house getting it ready for the wedding in TWO WEEKS!  (I can't believe it is that close now.)  We had a long 'to-do' list, but that didn't stop Shawna and I from taking a mini break to go see their horse and take in the spectacular view.

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I got a nice surprise at work today... we celebrated my 'un-birthday'.   Laurie baked delicious strawberry and carrot cupcakes, and an array of decorated cookies... lipstick, purse, high heels, crown, diamond ring, and my favorite... a camera!  I even got to wear a beautiful tiara for the day! 

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It sure is easy to fall behind in this project.  In just a blink I am already one day behind!

This morning was a ball workout at bootcamp.  Run with it... planks on it... pushups on it... inchworms on it... leg lifts with it... holding it over our heads with high knees... the list goes on and on.  45 minutes of it.  Hate it.

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Yesterday while taking pictures in my garden, I noticed this bee.  I wanted to see how close and clear I could get him with my funky macro filter.  Not bad, but I wish he wasn't in full sun.

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Today Jane brought a few peonies from her garden for her desk at work.  At the end of the day I asked if I could take them home to photograph.  I have many, many things I should be doing instead of playing with these flowers, but it's been a long time since I just did something for myself.  It feels good!

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The final choral concert for the year.  These sweet voices make my heart smile.

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Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.  ~ Author Unknown

Happy Mother's Day!  This picture is a few years old, but is one of the very few I have of myself with my boys.  I don't need a 'Mother's Day' to feel blessed and special.  My boys make me feel that way every day.  Okay, maybe not everyday.  Maybe I do need a Mother's Day!   

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Today is the day I'm taking Natalie's newborn pictures.  I spent last week getting picture ideas, got up really early this morning (3:30 a.m.) to watch some infant photography instructional videos, drove to Ripon to borrow a few things from Darlene, got all the props ready...

Nicole called me to tell me she would be over around 1:00.  She would feed Natalie at my house, and then Natalie should be really sleepy for the pictures.  (We want a newborn to be asleep for pictures.)

However, when it comes to newborn pictures, the baby is the one in charge.  After feeding, rocking, a little more feeding, a lot more rocking we finally called it a day at 5:00!!!  This is a sampling of how my day went.  I will remember this day if anyone ever asks me to take their newborn's picture.  And you can guess what my answer will be!  (P.S.  We are going to try again next weekend.)

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Bootcamp.  It's one of those love/hate things.  I hate to go.  I love it when I'm done.  I wish I could stay motivated on my own, but I can't.  Stacie, the instructor, is one of those love/hate things too!  I hate her when she says do sets of 50... I love her when she says, "and that ladies is your work out for the day!"

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(Christy... I'm caught up.  I'll start using current pictures again tomorrow!)

This was taken in Knights Ferry.  I didn't have to go far to find spring flowers!  

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I'm glad I had my camera with me when I came across this open field.  The time of day was early evening and the light was starting to get low.  I waited for the tractor to get where I wanted it then snapped this picture.  It is taken just outside of Oakdale on my brother-in-law's property.

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My niece sent me a message kindly reminding me that I am getting behind in my blog again.  It is so easy to fall behind!  I've been super busy with so many other things that the blog went on a back burner.  So for you, Christy, I am trying to catch up today. 

This picture is  from a few weeks ago, but it is one of the projects I am working on...  I love this little boy!

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We went to the Alameda Point Antique Faire today.  Lots and lots and lots of stuff.  We probably only made it to half the booths.  It didn't help that it was hot and our hands were full.  I bought two old suitcases and a tricycle.  My plan is to use these for photo shoots.  I was hunting for a vintage baby scale and old chandelier.  Maybe I'll find those at another antique show.

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I needed a baby fix today, so I went to see Natalie.  She is adorable... and I'm not just saying that because I'm related to her!  I will be taking pictures of her next week, so today I just snapped a few of her nursery.

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Today is Collin's 3rd birthday.  Happy Birthday little big man!  Aunt Judy loves you!!

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Yesterday I went on a fieldtrip with the kindergartners.  It is such fun watching children experience something for the first time... like riding a school bus!

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I just showed proofs to a friend, and she left very excited.  I can't explain how happy that makes me feel.  I know family pictures are very important, now and in the distant future, and I feel so privileged to be asked to be the one to take them.  I don't want to disappoint.  But, when you have children as beautiful as this, it's hard to go wrong!

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Spring Break is over and it's back to work today.  I spent a lot of time editing pictures this week for two different photo shoots.  This is a shot from one of them.  This adorable little girl loved having her picture taken and knew just how to pose.  She was lots of fun and I hope I get the opportunity to take more pictures of her.

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Today deserves two pictures!  Baby Natalie's aunt e-mailed me this picture.  I understand she has quite a head of hair underneath that cap!

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Happy Birth Day Natalie Marie.  Nicole and Nick became proud parents to a healthy baby girl early this morning. . . my first great niece.  I don't have a picture of the baby yet, so I thought I'd post one of her beautiful momma.

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My project today is to design an album for Nicole with her maternity pictures.  Her due date was April 19, so any day now I should be getting a call telling me that she had her baby.  The album is going to be her baby present from me.  This is a sample page spread.

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Making tiny cookies for the wedding today.  It's harder than I thought to make them small enough to fit into the favor box.  So sad that I have to eat all of the ones that are too big!!  :-)

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I'm finishing up today on the proofs from my last family photo shoot.  This one makes me smile.  I love it when the children want to take the pictures.  Never mind that I let them use an antique camera that doesn't even work!

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It's 11:30 a.m. right now and I've been editing pictures from two photo shoots since 4:00 a.m.  My shoulders are burning from sitting in front of the computer for so long, and all I can think about is what I should have for lunch! 

This picture made me laugh... it' the reaction I got from this family when I yelled "It's a wrap!"

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Yeah!  I'm back up to date!!

This afternoon I went to Allison's to see all her new baby goats.  Others had the same idea in mind, which made for a fun time!