an end and a beginning

As I'm sure you can tell, I'm not the best when it comes to updating this blog.  

I've been using it as a way to track what's going on in our lives and share it with friends and family.  Well, I send emails, I talk on the phone, I occasionally post to Facebook, and I most recently hopped on the Instagram train...so, I don't feel like this blog is really necessary anymore.  Besides, we are 5 happy campers now, not just 2 anymore :)

So, farewell to this blog.

BUT....

Come on over and visit me at my photography blog anytime! 

I started it in January 2010, shortly after getting my first DSLR.  When I first started posting, I used it as a place to document my personal photography journey. Then I began to take pictures of friends and family, and I would post some of my favorite images so they could see the result of their time spent in front of my camera.  As I received more interest in my photography, I used it primarily for client photos.  

Now, with the end of my personal blog, I'm hoping to post more on my photography blog.  But not just client sessions anymore.  I really want to use it as a place to express myself a bit more and share more images(since it is fittingly named "images by sandy").  My kids, my latest craft failure, my favorite tree, the cows that live in the pasture behind us, landscapes, food...you name it, will all be make their appearances between client session posts.

I may even try to be poetic?

Or funny?

Or share a quote or two?

Or I may really step out on a limb and try to teach something?

Guess we'll have to see.

Come on over....

Images by Sandy

Our September

Sara's special day

 

Emmy started school

Telling stories

Playing with friends

Time on the play mat

Loving on my baby

Looking cute for school

USU parade.  GO AGGIES!

2 month doc appointment = 5 shots 

Sister sweetness 

(love Sara's face)

Walking to school with her new backpack that is almost as big as she is.

Spending time at gram & gramps.

Gramp got to be the mobile holder.

Story time.  

Emmy loves to read to her sisters.

More and more smiles and even a few giggles!

Spending time with Sara while Bailey naps and Emmy is at school.

photos

My computer hasn't been working too hot for some time now.  Hate that.  Anyway, here are a few photos of what's been going on around here.

Emmy is such a big helper!

Sara loves the bath.

I realized I never did any real "newborn" shots of this little one, so I'm trying to play catch up...

We had some visitors from Texas!  Look at these proud big sisters holding their little sisters.

Sara and I decided it was time to make an appearance and church and be spiritually up lifted (check out her crazy hair, makes me laugh)

We did some camping.

Would I take a 5 week old camping again?  No.

Was it worth it to get out of my house for 3 nights and into the mountains?  Yes.

Couldn't have done it without the help of my mother-in-law and sis-in-law!

Picked huckleberries while camping!

Got really dirty!

Celebrated my moms birthday!

Sara is sleeping a little better and starting to wake up happy.

Emmy is aspiring to be a beautician.

Celebrated my birthday.

Lots going on and lots of fun doing it all! 

Still adjusting to life with 3!

Two weeks

We survived another week :)

It is so special, having a new baby in our home.  Emmy and Bailey are still in love with her and quite the helpers.  Sure, it can be a bit chaotic at times and some days I want to lock myself in the closet for a bit, but Sara is such a blessing and our family feels more complete with her here.

It's funny, people say that the first child gets more photos taken then every one after it.  I didn't think I'd ever be like that...I love my camera and ALWAYS have it handy.  But, the saying is true.  I took TONS of pictures of Emmy, quite a few of Bailey when she was a newborn and now, even with my camera sitting right there on the kitchen counter it seems I have to make time to pick it up and take picture of Sara.  So, I tried to play a little catch up the other day and get some of her.  

Emmy and Bailey have been so good to play together as a lot of my time has gone to Sara these last few weeks.  My mom and friends have been great to take them and play for a few hours here and there.  I really appreciate that.  I worry I am not giving the attention they need and don't want them to feel neglected in ANY way.  When we are home together I try to think of different things they can do.  The other day we did finger paintings with pudding, played some games with masking tape/balls/bowls, played Mother May I (several times), musical chairs...I was exhausted.  The girls loved it though and asked after every activity, "What are we going to do next mom?"  I love these two little ones.  If I only had their energy!

 

P.S.  Alice, we are thinking about you and hope you get well soon!  We love you and hope you enjoy seeing these pictures :)



our memorable 4th of july

Our July 4th 2013 is one we'll never forget!  The day started with a parade, time with family, a great lunch, then followed by a little nap.

 

Then 3 1/2 hours later (after being awoken from my restless slumber by annoying "pains")...

 

 

One week early, our little "firecracker" was born July 4, 2013

Sara Elizabeth

7lb 14oz

20 in long

born at 6:29pm

 

Everything happened so quick!  I still can't believe it!  She is absolutely beautiful and Emmy and Bailey couldn't be more excited to have their baby sister here.  Every morning Bailey asks me, "Where's the baby mom?" making sure I didn't decide to give her to someone else in the night I guess? 

Emmy is my little helper and loves holding Sara. 

 

Our sweet Sara was a week old yesterday and it doesn't even seem like that much time has passed.  We are all still adjusting to life with a newborn but couldn't be happier.  She is such a sweet and wonderful addition to our family. 

Here are a few photos of the last week.

 

 Proud big sister

 

 Don't worry, Sara isn't buried in the baskets:) 

 

 My new kitchen decoration, haha.  She seems to like the sound of running water so I put her behind the sink while I did dishes...she fell right asleep.

 

 Sara's two other mothers.  They are my little helpers. 

 

 

 Thank you to all our friends and family for meals, treats, congratulations, and support.  We appreciate and love you all!