Visions of Nothing

Tons of New Pictures

2008-08-23T19:48:00.007-07:00

So I've been experimenting with a few "props" for my photography and have TONS to share :) I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.. The black and white image of my two kids together I ordered in a HUGE 20x30 canvas and its just awesome! Everyone needs a canvas in there home! A few updates on the kids.. Vans just finished up her first week in KINDERGARTEN.. she loved it.. mostly the socializing.. she's going to be our social butterfly.. I know its just kindergarten but I'm already wondering what "group" she is going to fall in at school and what kind of student she is going to be.. Our little Ethan is not so little :) He had his doctors apt. the other day. He is 25 1/2 inches long, & weighs 15 pounds! According to the charts he is in the 50% for weight and the 75th for height. and even though to me he looks like he's got a large noggin.. its in the 25% for its size. He had his second round of shots and they gave him a slight fever and a little bit of a fussy attitude but he's still cute as a button and laughs a lot.. his laugh just melts my heart. Its the perfect cross of manly laugh and boyish giggle :) He still LOVES sucking on his little fists and is quite the wiggle worm.. according the his doctor he is nice and strong and solid, an apparently gets his high forehead from me.. Well.. Enjoy the MANY photos :)

Mom, Kids & a new look...

2008-08-06T14:46:00.005-07:00

I set up my camera so my sister could take some pictures of me and the kids yesterday since I went to the salon and had my hair did :) I love it curly.. I haven't had it that way in probably 10 years.. I wish for the pictures I would have changed my part from center to the side since I did it after and liked it better but I was afraid I was going to mess it up :)
Savannah is doing well.. we've got just two weeks until she starts kindergarten and she is so excited about everything except the nap time! She HATES naps! She got her school supplies last week including her Hannah Montana Backpack, lunchbox and notebook. Grandma bought her some cute back to school sketchers and I bought her some new clothes last month that we've been saving for school :) I can't wait to go with her the first day, meet her teacher and take her photo and all that fun stuff :) Be on the lookout toward the end of August for pictures :)
Ethan is doing so well.. he sleeps thru the night, has found his little fingers and loves so suck on them and he sounds like hes saying mom already!! Its just when hes been up and I haven't made it into get him up but it does come out clear as day to me in his loud talking I'm certain he's calling for me :) He has a pretty easy routine. He wakes up for a bottle about 6:00 am he goes right back to sleep for another 2 or 3 hours and he is usually up rotating between bouncer, play mat and mommy playtime (he loves to be carried around). He naps here and there for about 30mintues - 1 1/2 at a time.. we sit outside, he does lots of eating.. and then by about 6pm he starts to get a touch fussy.. not liking to be in toys mostly just our cuddle talking or sitting out side time.. between 7:30-8:00 we'll start his bath, he'll have a bed time bottle while we're rocking him to sleep he falls out anywhere from 8:30-9:30 and sleeps til 6:00 woohoo
Anway here are some pictures from the last few days!!

Current Favorite Picture

2008-06-25T07:47:00.002-07:00

I took this photo when Ethan hit his 6 week mark and wanted Van's to be in it as well.. My two beautiful kiddo's :) We had Ethan's checkup yesterday and my little chunker weighs 10lb 10oz, is 22 inches long and is in the 25% for both :) I checked Savannah's to compare and even though Vans went in about two weeks later she was over 11lbs. I thought my little man was heavier but I guess I'm just not remembering how fast thew grow!! He's still my little fuss pot though :) The doc said he just likes to be moving and he'll be my kid that likes roller coasters and stuff, so we'll see!!

Taking LOTS of pictures

2008-06-18T17:57:00.004-07:00

I've been taking lots of pictures of my kiddos this week so there are tons here.. the light has been perfect for it and Savannah has been a willing model which helps alot. Lots of COLOR this time!! I'm perfecting my color edits and well LOVE these.. nice and summery! We're totally enjoying our summer and hope you are too!!

More Photos of My Kids

2008-06-14T08:42:00.002-07:00

Since having Ethan my camera is out even more than usual. These photos were from the other day. We are just at home chillin'. We do that a lot these days.. I've started walking to work off this baby weight finally and hope by the end of summer to be back down to almost normal :) I'd like to at least fit into my fat jeans and get out of my active pants. I'm feeling like such a slob lately. The kids are doing great.. Van's is enjoying the summer and loves playing with the next door neighbor girl.. Ethan is SPOILED (although I don't know why.. I truely do try and put him down and let him cry it out when I know he's just fussin) He just doesn't like to be set down for long and swings and toys don't really keep him entertained.. Hoping he grows out of this phase soon although that would require him to grow and I am selfish and sort of feel he needs to stay tiny as long as possible. Unless I can talk Rob into us having another one someday.. but then having 3 kids may be a bit much for me. Anyway.. Enjoy this weeks photos! We are spending the day at my parents for Fathers day tomorrow so stay tuned for some pool bum day photos :) Also Ethan is 5 weeks old today so I'll be posting his 5 week old photo soon too (I just need to take it still :)

Ethan's 4 weeks old!

2008-06-08T10:49:00.002-07:00

Yesterday Ethan hit the 4 week mark.. and in just two more days will be 1 month old!! The time is flying by of course. He seems a little crabby when he's awake still. I like to think its because he's still not getting the sleep he needs especially during the night.. Some nights are better than others but some nights are just not good at all. He smiled for the first time (at least his first real smile from me talking to him) yesterday as well :) Then today he was smiling a little more for me so I know its for real now :) Picture is from yesterdays 4 week mark!

Ethan's 3rd Week Photos & Info

2008-06-04T14:36:00.003-07:00

So Ethan is 25 days today.. Yesterday was the first day he seemed to be more "awake" he stayed up during the day the longest he has yet and seemed a lot more aware of his surroundings. It was shocking to me how instant it seemed to happen.. one day he was in his tiny, sleep all day baby stage and the next he seemed ready to soak it up and take everything in. We've been spending lots of time at my parents this week so he's had lots of people talking to him and we've been reading a few books now as well. I'm curious to know what he's actually seeing when he looks and listens to me read to him or show him toys. He seems to be sleeping a little better at night as well so I'm not as exhaused as I was the first 2 weeks. I love my little guy and can't wait to get more pictures of him with his sister and for us to have our family photos taken soon :)

Ethan's 2 week Old Photos

2008-05-27T17:09:00.003-07:00

I tried for a little photoshoot but the little bugger wouldn't stay asleep for me to get the cute naked baby shots.. I did manage to snag a few good ones of my little prince! Still LOVING having a baby in the house, even one that's not yet sleeping much at night. I'm one tired mama but its totally worth it! The second to last photo is Vans with Ethan at 9 days and the last is one from his first bath!!

Our little one has arrived

2008-05-15T10:08:00.004-07:00

I am totally smitten with my family.. our little boy arrived on May 10th at 7:21 pm. Here are a few pictures from the first few hospital days!

2008-05-06T16:25:00.005-07:00

I finally pulled out the camera and snapped a few new pictures of my daughter :) She is growing so fast I don't want to miss a second of it and with the pregnancy coming to an end here soon I feel I've been irritable and cranky lately and just wanted to take the time for our little session :) Here are some of my favorites. She just learned how to ride her bike without training wheels this last weekend and is so excited to ride her bike now. We thought things were going to move slow with her because she was being quite a chicken but it only took a few trys on day 2 not even a full hour of total lessions before she picked it up :) Go VANS!!

30 Weeks 3 days...

2008-03-08T18:56:00.003-07:00

Just wanted to share my recent belly picture. I'm not just over 30 weeks. I'm getting ready to travel to Iowa for my baby shower and to spend time with friends before the baby has me tied to the house for a while. This pregnancy has been totally different from my first. This time I am an emotional mess. I cry, I want constant attention that I never feel I'm getting from my husband. My poor daughter is not getting the attention she needs because I'm always wanting quiet at night after all my daycare kiddo's leave. I'm way paranoid this pregnancy that something is not right, then a few hours, or days later things will be fine for a few days then it will be something different that is "wrong". I'm always thinking I'm going to go into pre-term labor but will probably be 2 weeks late just because I'm such a freak about it. My check ups are always good. Good heart beat, baby moves a lot (keeping me up mostly since he's a night owl) I'm eating well enough I hope. I haven't done the best with the no caffine this time around but I try to get all the food groups in.. unfortunatly candy/sugar is an important one I never seem to miss! Well.. enjoy the photo.. be on the look out next week some baby shower pictures and then a few weeks later for some maternity session professional ones :)

Two Pictures taken with my new Camera

2008-02-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

I've got a ton to learn when it comes to my new baby.. The Nikon d300!! I'm so excited its finally here. These are two pictures of Miss Paige taken today. I set her on our dining room table and had her looking toward the window to get the nice catchlights.. I can tell in a few months me and this camera are going to get a long really well :)

Working on Templates for Photographers

2008-02-02T11:52:00.000-07:00

Since its cold and snowy here today I am spending time inside working on storyboards and other templates for photographers.. here is an example of a wedding theme one I did using photos from my own wedding. Photos taken by Michelle Walker Photography (located in Illinois).

Ethan's Nursery.. work in process..

2008-01-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

Here is what we've done so far. Paint color.. insane right.. we took a carmel color from the lepard print. Totally not what we initally had in mind which was a soft vanilla with a few stripes around the room in brown, orange and blue, but because of the shape of the room we went with what you see above (it does take a little getting used to). We are going to replace the carpet, say bye to the nasty pink, the TV and table are sold just waiting to be picked up. In that corner will be a dresser and two shelves put in to hold books, or a radio or something. On the wall behind the crib will be the mirror thats on the floor, and some picture frames and Ethan's name in altered wood letters. Fixtures need replaced. And a toy storage deal will be under the window (it was chipped so we have to exchange it). And I've got an idea to paint an animal scene on the ugly closet doors I just need an artistic painter :) I just wanted to post pictures of what we did yesterday to get Ethans room together. Stay tuned for the final result in the next month or so.

Vans in COLOR

2008-01-26T16:52:00.001-07:00

I've been leaning a lot toward black and whites lately so I thought I would work with color today. It was finally somewhat nice enough to take a walk outside I just wish Vans was more into having her picture taken today she kept making faces, then my focus kept falling toward her sweater.. anyway.. here are two from today's outting, one urban one backlit!

Finally some new pictures of Savannah

2008-01-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

We had a nice dusting of snow on the ground today so I wanted to get outside and use the camera I've been neglecting. Savannah cooperated a little but it was pretty chilly so we didn't stay out to long.. here are a few of my favorites. We struggle a bit with her looking to posey or cheezy but we're working on it ;)

Ultrasound Photos

2008-01-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

click image to enlarge

Its a Boy!! Nursary Theme & Belly Shot

2008-01-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

I had my 22 week ultrasound today and we found out we were expecting a boy. Due date is the same as we thought May 20th. We are going with Ethan Robert James for the name and have already begun registering since we don't have one "boy" item in the house. So the shopping is going to be so FUN.. I've picked out a bedding set I want for the nursary and am hoping to start the painting soon. Babies R Us doesn't carry the set in the store so I'll have to wait until it arrives to head to the paint section. Top picture is of the nursary set we're ordering, we're thinking a shade of yellow or possibly green for the room. Bottom picture if you dare to scroll is my belly bump from today. I swear I've gained 8 pounds and it feels like 20.

Felt like playing today

2008-01-02T12:41:00.000-07:00

I hadn't looked at Rob and I's wedding photos in a while and when I received this cute little digital keychain for Christmas from Rob's family I uploaded all my wedding photos too it and today felt like playing with one of the photos in photoshop and making a little card. Background papers are by Tracy Collins digital flower, brad and ribbon downloaded from various places on the internet as well. Picture taken by my fabulous wedding photographer, Michelle Walker.

Our New Years Resolution

2008-01-01T12:18:00.001-07:00

So I asked Rob, Savannah and myself what our new years resolutions are for 2008 here are the top answers.

My resoultions are:

Start working out again. Since becomming pregnant I've slacked & really want to get in shape for the rest of the pregnancy and to shed what is sure to be 30+ pounds of yucky fat.
To organize and print my digital photos from 2007 (backup of files started today.. yay me!) So I can catch up a little on my scrapbooking!
Get some home fix it projects finished. 1st room has begun.. the movie room. 2nd room begins in two weeks and will be the baby's room.. stay tuned for future pictures!!
Spend more time with my family.
Work more on my photography
Go back to school

Rob's resolution when asked was:

Make me be nicer to him.. which I took to mean he wants to work harder at making me happy.. by helping out around the house, giving backrubs when I ask, and by saying "sure sweetie anything you want" :)

Savannah's is:

To go to school and learn (she'll finally start kindergarten this year)
To spend time with friends

I think Savannah has the best chance of resolving her resolutions for the year! If you read this, I would love for you to comment on what your resolutions are for the new year :)

Happy 2008! The year will be what we make it so lets make it a good one!

Our Movie Room

2007-12-21T09:29:00.001-07:00

So we got the couch brought up to what is in the works of being our loft movie/game room. We still have to paint the marron wall a shade of brown and the gray walls a nice light tan. Then add a nice thick curtain to the window. Once thats done we will center the TV in front of the window. We enjoyed our first movie there last night. The Kingdom. Good movie btw but sometimes hard to watch how people can be so flippin insane especially when they honestly think they are doing it in the name of god. Ridiculous.

Christmas Cards & Happy Holidays

2007-12-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

This year I decided to make my own Christmas Cards (with a little help from some digital scrapbook elements).. I came up with two designs and they should be arriving to my friends and family anyday now. Here are the two designs I came up with.. the first is a 5x5 Tri-fold and the second it a 5x5 flat. Next year I think I'm going back to making mine on the computer to save a little money these were just a tad expensive to print ;) We did however have a blast (ha not really) with the camera self timer taking our family photo in front of our super fab Christmas tree :) This year we got to go bigger since our new living room is four times bigger than our last one! Well... Happy Holiday's Ya'll...

Pregnancy News

2007-12-08T13:35:00.000-07:00

WoW.. I haven't posted in ages. I was dealing with a tough first 3 months in my pregnancy so it had me sort of out of commission. I spent most of that time lying around on the couch watching TV, taking naps, and rushing in and out of the restroom. YUCK.. I'm finally up and running again and taking a few pictures.. Here is one from today taken with the self timer in front of our Christmas tree :) Belly out in full swing.. 17 weeks into my pregnancy :) I can't believe how soon and much I'm showing already but couldn't be happier. Last week I could actually feel the little guy/girl in there not movements so much as pressure. We waited so long between pregnancies its like its a new experience all over again! 5 weeks from now I'll should be able to fill everyone in on the sex of the baby! We are very excited to find out! The names we've chosen are for a girl: Brooklyn Michelle or boy: Ethan James Robert (deciding on the two middle names or we could be weird and do both since Rob has two middle names, why not :)

Savannah and I were playing in front of the tree as well.. trying to get some images worthy of our Christmas Card this year which at the rate I'm going will be getting to people the week after Christmas unless we can get a family image that works! Here is one of the better ones of both myself and Vans (we were having issues with movement so lots were blurry!)

Black & White Day

2007-08-23T09:26:00.001-07:00

This session felt best in black & white.. the color came out well but for her expression I just had to convert them all to share.. she seemed a little unwilling to stop for pictures (I think she was in a hurry to get to grandmas since it was 97 degrees out and she was ready to ditch the walk and get into the pool :)

My Favorite Pictures yet..

2007-08-10T07:18:00.000-07:00

New Pictures of Savannah.. I love these!! She is getting much better at modeling for me even when she doesn't really want to :) We're growing her bangs out again too which just makes her look that much older. She's still a few months away from her 5th birthday but already looks like a first grader!

New Outfit Pictures

2007-07-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

Modeling her new outfit. Had to show her some kids modeling pictures for their parents and tell them how much they loved it to get her to want to do it.. she is just getting sick of me and my camera but I am really working on getting to know my camera and all it has to offer. Enjoy!

Wishing she would slow down!

2007-07-21T14:49:00.000-07:00

I need to start sharpening my photos for web.. oh well.. my little girl sick and tired of my camera.. I love the colors in the photo even though they are not "correct" :) We got this dress and I just had to throw her out in the back yard but she really was not in the mood to pose and when I tried to let her do her own thing she just moved to fast.. these were her brief pause.

mom.. can I be a fairy too...

2007-07-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

One of my favorites from the festival.. She loved the fairys.. especially the one with the flute who sprinkled her with fairy dust and gave her the magic green glass rock! She also loved the pirates of the carribean star (johnny dep look a like who rode on a giant elephant!)

11 Mile Canyon

2007-07-05T20:08:00.001-07:00

We took a trip to 11 mile canyon one of our favorite spots in CO to get sun like the lizzards in Florida you see soakin it up on the rocks along the water :) Its also my first time in full manual with my d50 and full sun too.. not a nice combo I was trying to experiment with different settings and most of my pictures ended up in the trash.. Here are some that I worked on in photoshop. I found with this session I needed a lot more post processing work than when I shoot AP mode :( I'll get the hang of this camera one day.. I think I need an experienced mentor since I'm such a fast hands on learner!

Recent Photo Session

2007-06-25T08:51:00.000-07:00

Our mini photo session of Savannah modeling for me in the backyard while I continue to practice with my manual settings on my Nikon D50. She said she would pose for me until I got 4 good pictures. These are my top 4 from the day out of the 50 taken! Stay tuned for more we're heading back out today for another session!

The Weddings Over

2007-06-10T14:57:00.000-07:00

For the last year I have been consumed with planning my wedding to my now husband Robert. Last week I finally walked down the aisle to become Mrs. Nebinger. Signing my new name was a little difficult, it felt a little like I was losing a little of myself.. but the beauty of the day quickly took over and allowed me to sign my old name away. We were then wisked out to the crowd's of people, hundreds of blowing bubbles, and our rented black hummer limo!! The day went by so very fast, I blinked and it was over... here are a few snapshots of the day! Thanks to all those who could attend!! It was a very special day and a great gift to us that you were there to share it. Enjoy the photos, I can't stop looking at them..

Growing Up

2007-05-09T05:31:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I can't believe how fast time goes one minute I was the child then in a blink I had a baby girl who is now not quite a baby anymore. One of my goals after we get settled from the soon to be wedding chaos is to spend a lot more time actually focusing on our family. We don't seem to do enough of the things I remember doing when I was your age and at the rate time has been flying by if we don't do it now the next time I blink you will be 10 years older and time spent with your parents won't sound as fun as it does right now!

My Wedding Dress

2007-04-23T19:45:00.000-07:00

I wanted to start a photo blog and thought that a great starter photo would be the one of me trying on my wedding dress for the first time. It was the first time in the 10 months of planning that I actually felt like a beautiful bride instead of a stressed out mess of a wedding planner. Instead of the money and trying making other people happy. Instead of the will I have enough cake, which flower goes with which centerpiece, will I get it all done in time an please god let it all come together. I got 5 minutes to stare at myself and invision walking down the aisle toward my soon to be husband. All my friends and family watching as I turn the page and start the next chapter as Mrs. Robert Nebinger!