Guess it's time to get a camera.

The only camera we use these days are our iphones.  We've got a little Canon power shot, but I think it's time to invest in an SLR.  As excited as I am about the idea of (finally) getting a decent camera, it's coming at a price.  Our amazing photographer, Mackenzie Wheatley, of chubbyfoot photography, is leaving us to move to Europe. :(

We were able to squeeze one last mini session in with her, and just to give you an idea of what a loss this is, I've included pics from all the sessions she's done for our family.

Carter in the womb:

Carter 2 weeks old:

Carter 1 year:

 Jack in the womb (Carter 17 months):

Jack 1 week old (Carter 18 months):

Jack 6 months; Carter 2 years;
Married 5 years:

Carter 2.5; Jack 1 year;
Our new house (in 1 month when these pics were taken):

Most recent session
(Carter 3.5; Jack almost 2; Stephen and I married 6 years):

We're going to miss you Mackenzie!!!!!  Thank you SO much for capturing these precious moments in our life.  These pictures are priceless, and mean the world to us, and it has been such a pleasure working with you and getting to know you over the last 4 years.  I don't know what we're going to do without you, but wish you all the best in Europe!!!!

Paint it White

This summer we tackled (and by tackled, I mean paid a professional to tackle) the monstrous brick fireplace in our breakfast/dining area.  We considered white washing it, painting it black or a deep charcoal grey, painting it the same or a lighter shade of the wall color, and what we ultimately opted to do, paint it white.  Here are the "why's"

Why not white wash?

Finding a local pro experienced in true white washing (with lime) was impossible.  I did a lot of looking, and lots of guys were willing to give it a shot, but I figured that was no better than us doing it ourselves (which we didn't have the time or desire to do).

Why not grey or black?

That dark red/black brick and grey mortor was sucking the beautiful natural light out of the room during the day, and making the place look like a dungeon at night.  As a result, painting it a solid, light-sucking dark color seemed counter-productive.    

Why white?

The other end of the kitchen is choc full of glossy white cabinets, so it seemed to make sense that a nice bright white painted brick fireplace would balance things out better than the taupey grey we used on the walls.

And the moment you probably scrolled down for:

Before:

During:

After: