Brooklyn was on the news last night showing off her skills in the ISR program (www.infantswim.com), which teaches children as young as 6 months survival swim techniques that could save their life. We are huge advocates of this program, as Abbie also went through it when she was young. We first learned about it from a friend of ours when we saw their 18 month old swim like a fish across their entire pool. While we were excited about the potential of having a fun day of swimming without having to hold Abbie the entire time, we were also intrigued by the lifesaving skills she could learn in the program. Young children first learn to roll to their back if they are ever caught in the water, and later learn the swim-float-swim technique to safely bring them to the side of the pool or the steps to safety.

As you heard on the TV, the cost is quite pricey, but we feel that it is the best investment we have ever made for our children. I have never seen a swimming program that has so quickly and so efficiently taught a young child the skills they need to survive in this situation. Not only do they learn to swim in their suits, but during the last week of lessons, they swim in summer clothes, pajamas, and full winter clothes with shoes, simulating the situations that they could ACTUALLY get into in the real world. The peace of mind of this program makes it worth every single penny. For more information, please email Darla Sandy at d.sandy@infantswim.com. Darla teaches lessons in Gilbert, Arizona, but could recommend an instructor in your area. She teaches ISR instructors around the world as well if you are interested in becoming an instructor.

Looking for something fun to give as a gift, but have no ideas? How about a portrait session? I just got my brand new shipment of gift certificates in, which are redeemable for a free portrait session of your recipient’s choice. Give that special someone something they will remember!

Email me for more info!

* LABOR DAY SPECIAL: THIS weekend, gift certificates can be purchased at $25 off the regular price, which makes them $125!

Here are a few quick ones from recent sessions (youngest to oldest!):

Remember that there are a few more days in August if you would like to get your mini session in while the rates (and temperatures) are hot!

When I’m not photographing, I also work designing for Spilled Milk Designs. If you are a photographer in need of a website, check them out! I also have been working on a new site for myself, which I am putting a deadline on myself of October 1st for releasing!!! (We’ll see if that deadline sticks…but I am excited to show you what I am working on!)

1. Simplicity Photography: What I like the most about Angie’s work is the processing-the beautiful bright colors and fantastic contrast! I have always loved strong colors and deep blacks in my own work, too (sorry, vintage trend…)

2. Laffler Photography: A fairly recent addition to my blog lineup, but Todd’s images are not only beautifully processing, but hilariously entertaining (which I love!) and always new and fresh. I would love to be at a reception for one of his couples because MAN do they look FUN!

3. Ohana Photographers: If you aren’t reading David and Kim’s blog (which I find hard to believe), then you pretty much should be. Always creative and always funny, adding their blog will for sure be seriously entertaining for you (not to mention they are MUCH better at updating than I am…)

There are SO many others that I would like to add, but alas, the baby is awake! Enjoy these 3 for now!!!

Starting next week, I will be back to work for portrait sessions. If you or your family would like to schedule a session, please email me. I will begin shooting weddings again in October. If you would like to schedule a meeting with me to discuss your upcoming 2010 or 2011 wedding, please email me as well! Thank you!

Also, I have to give a HUGE thank you to my friend, Jamie Burnett for this ADORABLE onesie that has been hanging over my computer for months…

And also my friends, Jason and Anna Ball for THIS adorably HILARIOUS onesie!!! And don’t forget to check out their blog for some super cute (if I do say so myself) pregnancy and hospital pics of yours truly!

Sleep is very important to me, and it has taken a little while to come up with my sleep equation, but it works wonders and we are sleeping well over here! (Knock on wood)

1. Kiddopotamus SwaddleMe – I am a big believer in the swaddle. Trust in the swaddle. This blanket makes it super easy. I also occasionally use the Miracle Blanket, but the SwaddleMe is an insane value and works well, plus you can buckle it into a carseat, which is amazing for road trips!

2. Vick’s Humidifier – I like this one because it’s noisy-noisy is a good thing. My husband still makes fun of me for rocking my babies to sleep by the toilet with the exhaust fan on, but 2-3 minutes and they’re out.

3. Hyland’s Colic Tablets – These are amazing for my poor gassy children. They dissolve instantly in baby’s mouth and help relieve gas pain and pressure. The best part is, they’re totally natural and homeopathic. I buy them in bulk

Happy sleeping!

While this was my toughest labor by far for a few reasons, she was well worth it! We just adore the sweet little spirit she brings into our home.

PS-Contrary to popular belief, Dan is SO excited to have another girl! He also thinks this will prompt me to want to have a number 4…we’ll save that talk for another day, though He is a great “girl dad.”

From now until the end of the month (June 30th), ALL sizes of gallery wrapped canvases are 50% off! So get your nesting instincts going (I am for sure!) and get those orders in! Email for pricing and details!

To get your mind going on some ideas, I thought I would share some canvases I have hanging in my own home. WARNING: Canvases are are a known addictive substance. It’s hard to buy just one. You’ve been warned.

These are in my front room/meeting area-the photo and my logo are both printed on canvas:

These two hang in my girls’ new room! (Remember that nesting instinct? Yeah…it’s in full force lately…)

Last but not least, this is my FAVORITE one! This hangs over our bed, and it’s the dialogue we have with our kids nearly every single day, “I love you. I love you too. I love you more. I love you even more than that. I love you the best.” I know, I know…it’s not a picture, but canvases don’t have to be! Fact: I also work as a freelance graphic designer. Ask me about pricing for custom designing a unique canvas for you!

So get those orders in soon because this is the best sale of the year! AND cheer on this baby because I’m tired of having contractions and carrying around a watermelon everywhere I go!

BUT, that being said, right around now in Arizona, there is a fleeting moment where everything is in bloom. The weather is wonderful (especially these past few days!), and we can enjoy our state before the horrendous 120 degree weather hits. Dan and I have become pretty astute as to what grows well in our crazy climate and what does not. We used to spend our Saturdays at A+P Nursery browsing plants and planning our yard out. We even had a friend there who knew us by name (sadly, I can’t remember his name, but I’m sure Dan does). Here are a few of the things in bloom in our yard, if just for a moment:

Hibiscus:

Purple Sage:

Birds of Paradise (Dan is thrilled that he finally found a good area of the yard to plant these in):

And our Navel Oranges (which we hope will finally taste good this year…)

With the crazy weather these last few days, the girls don’t know what to do. You see, in Arizona, when it’s cloudy out, it’s a BIG deal. So the skies looked like this:

Not exactly rain clouds, but my kids AUTOMATICALLY head for these:

Here’s to hoping this good weather lasts!!!

EDIT: His name was Shawn!!! LOL