A new direction...

new blog

Relaxed...

There is nothing like getting away when everything around you is in mayhem. In a matter of a few weeks I've found out that I will no longer have a job, my health insurance has tripled and that I need to address some health issues I have been ignoring.

Sal and I were fortunate enough, madness aside, to actually enjoy ourselves on this cruise. We spent most of time laughing about stuff weighing on our minds, talking about the future and many of my fears. The idea of not knowing what's ahead or in store for me is very sobering. That aside, we had the most amazing mini vacation. It was definitely long overdue and I can't wait to do it again. I'm already trying to plan our next one!

Here a few of my favorite photos from our trip:

The Olson Family

I had the pleasure of photographing the Olson Family. Here are a few from our little shoot.
Thanks to Marci for letting me take her pictures and Samantha for being a great assistant!

What's up Jack??

And because I'm bored and likely so are you, here is a picture of our 16 month old english bulldog, Jack!
Between Jack and our daughter Ella, we definitely have our hands full.
Jack enjoys short walks around the complex, Ella's shoes, door frames, long naps, sunny days and attention.

And for those of you who want to run out and buy a bulldog because they are so damn cute, I would ask you to re-consider now! Bulldogs are adorable but they are lots of work!

And Jack at 16 months is weighing in at 61 pounds of solid cuteness!

Let's not forget the dogs!

When we attempted to take our family pictures it was a royal nightmare. Our little 16 month olds, Ella & Jack, were un-cooperative. Sal threw in the towel much earlier just saying, "forget it! Just take the picture and call it a day!" (((men!!! no patience!!))) So, what we ended up with was 1 nice family picture and a random picture of our bull dog looking oh-so-cute, by himself! But of course, it wasn't a "family" picture. Oh well, we tried...

When my Aunt phoned to ask if we could include her 2 dogs in her family portraits I was really excited. (no, really...I was!) I kinda wanted to prove to Sal that it could be done and with the help of my assistant, Samantha, we managed to get it done!

Here is the card I created for my Aunt. She wanted a few of her favorite pictures but still wanted some "Baltazar" style to it. I like all of my cards but for some reason I found myself a little jealous that I didn't think of this one for my own family...hahaha. Never jealous just a wee bit envious...lol.

Anywho, the card:

Picky customer-Sorta!

It's always fun to work with family but when you are dealing with a picky 18 year old, it's not so fun. Especially when she is your youngest sister! Oh man...lol. She's the hardest person in the family to please!!! After several options were provided, the family and Samantha, agreed on this design. The card came out amazing!

Here is the card I created:

You have to do it!!

My Grandparents never do Christmas cards but this year they made an exception. I'm so glad they did because I have a feeling that many of our close family members will absolutely love these cards. I know I will!!

The card I created: