Candid Shots

I wanted to post more candid pictures of my kids. It seems like I do to many planned photoshoots and they just don't work for them. It's so much easier taking pictures of other peoples kids than my own. So I decided I would just catch them doing their every day things like taking a bath, playing with their toys or even eating dinner. It's my goal to take weekly pictures of them.

Here's to the tub. . . . hours of entertainment on long winter nights.





I knew that bucket wasn't a good idea.

I liked how this picture captured Braxton trying to make her feel better.

Prayers for Bronson

The Staker family had an accident a week ago Saturday. Their 18 month old son Bronson is in need of some prayers. His life is hanging in the balance. Their story has touched me deeply and is good for every one read. You will definitely hold your kids a little tighter and things will be put into perspective for you.

You can read their story HERE.

Meanwhile I will be praying for Bronson.

Immunizations

I know immunizations have been under attack lately. Do they cause autism or other damage? Who knows. All I know is that I've had all of my kids vaccinated by the age of two. Just like the doctor ordered. I also had my kids immunized for the H1N1 virus. Sat in line for two hours to get that done. Recently a photographer who happens to be a friend of my little sister Cori lost her baby to a disease that is preventable through immunizations. If your sitting on the fence you should read her blog HERE.

Bookmarks for Valentines

Baylee is giving book marks to her class mates for Valentines day. I'll post Braxton's and Jennicas when I get them done.

Valentines Shoot

My goal this year is to make some Valentines with my kid's pictures on it. The kids and I don't see eye to eye on how their photos should look. Yesterday I decided I wasn't going to fight them on it. I wanted to see what they would come up with. It was crazy, fun, and just plain a party. Jennica wasn't sure about it until the last minute so I didn't get very many pictures of her. But we sang, and acted silly and had fun. I thought I would share a few of them on here. I'll decide if I'll put any of them on my photography blog later.

Baylee chose this outfit all by herself. Aren't you surprised?


I know I'm doing a lot of textures lately. There kinda my thing right now. I'll move on I'm sure.







Jennica is holding the pillow. Baylee wanted it to look like she was just dreaming about this great big floating heart.



Baylee gets credit for this picture. She's watched me look at other photographers blogs and has noticed pregnant women making the heart shape in front of their bellies. Well she was trying to make a heart with her hands in front of her belly.



This is what I wanted Braxton to wear.


This is what he wore.


Some of the poses that Braxton created.


















Whew, that was a lot of pictures. Now I'll look at them on my blog and see if I'll transfer any over to my photography blog.

Must Watch

If you want a boost today - then turn off the music on my blog and then push play. You will need about six minutes to watch this.

Valentines

My kids love holidays and want to decorate for Valentines. I used a tree that I had for Christmas and hung Valentine hearts on them. Jennica loved it. Does any one else have any fun Valentine decorations? Oh, and don't ask about the cat ears Jennica was wearing. She is always a cat - ever since Halloween.

Valentine Shoot

I took Braxton and Jennica down to the studio to get some valentine pics of them. Those two are so funny - if it's not their idea they don't want to do it. It's a little frustrating to me. After the shoot Jennica said, "Mom, are we your best clients". I just had to laugh and tell them that they definitely were my favorite clients.

Braxton was supposed to kiss Jennica (he would only pretend to do it - no lip contact).

Jennica chose her outfit. Not my choice for her.





She finally put on the dress I wanted her to wear but insisted on keeping her black pants on underneath. Geesh. . . other peoples kids do what I ask them to do.

David's new logo

My brother Bryan designed this super cool logo for David's Bunker Livestock business. Bryan is so good. If any one is in need of web design or logo design Bryan is the BEST. Call him at 801.756.1415. Thanks Bryan for this.

What's been going on

I'm not one to cry after the Christmas tree is taken down. I know many people hate to put away all the sparkling lights and cute decorations that come with the Christmas Holiday. I'm not one of them.

I have to say I enjoy putting the Christmas decorations up and I also enjoy taking them down and putting it all away. I love to really get in and try to clean my house in January. It's kind of like throwing away all the excesses and indulgences of December and getting back to routine and basics in January.

I'm also happy to say that I got my camera back from the shop (after Braxton helped me by putting my memory card in wrong). It did cost $247.00 to fix but it included a thorough cleaning. The cleaning is $87.00 so I guess I could take that off the bill. I have now forgotten how Braxton helped open Baylee's presents a week before Christmas (the day after I spent two hours wrapping all the presents). I'm still trying to forget why I can't use my central vacuum system (oh yeah, the toy train that a little two year old Mr. B put down the pipe). We finally got the toilet paper holder fixed in the guest bath after Mr. Braxton decided to change the toilet paper roll all by himself. I've also learned to be careful to look in the washing machine to make sure he hasn't decided to help me wash clothes.

All in all I'm liking January. I'm not as busy as I was in December with photography, parties, presents, shopping, and all that comes with it. I do like that Braxton has decided he loves rinsing the dishes and he makes sure every spec of food is off the plates before they go in the dishwasher. I just need to channel all of his helpful energy to a good source. I sure do love that little guy.

Christmas Eve Party Continued. . . .

After the nativity we had a talent show. Here is my niece Brielle who entertained all of us so amazingly well.



My nephew's Cash and Carson showing us their karate moves.



Braxton and Jennica singing the only song they know. The "ABC" song.



Baylee and her cousins singing "Silent Night"



The boys showing their paper airplane skills.



The kids dance away to Sadie's awesome piano skills.






Mark on the Piano

Then the guys get wild

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve with my side of the family which has been our tradition forever. The Taylor family usually does a big meal, some activities for the kids, and then the high light is the nativity that is acted out by the younger cousins. This year Braxton and Jennica were Mary and Joseph and I must say they were so cute. Of course I might be prejudiced. They took their roles so seriously.

Later in the evening things got really interesting. My husband, brother and brother-in-law really let their hair down and performed for us in the talent show. I got it all on my camera - can't wait to post it. But, for now here is the kids building their gingerbread houses and acting out the nativity.

Merry Christmas

We didn't make it to see Santa at the mall this year - but we did get to give him our list at the local grocery store. I guess that will have to do for this year.

Happy Birthday Baylee

Baylee turned 9 on the 22nd of December. We took her to Jump on it and she had a blast. We celebrated by buying a cake at Dipidee and opening presents. I can't believe how old she's getting. She actually wanted a few items of clothing for her birthday. That's new.

She still doesn't like to get her picture taken - but I bribe her so it works. . . .

AQHA 2009 WORLD SHOW

I've already posted these on my photography blog - but thought I would share them here too.

Our family went to Oklahoma City last week to watch our stallion (a son of Red Buck) Bucks N Moore perform. He did awesome. Our kids did awesome and we just had a lot of fun. It was great not having to cook or do wash for a week.

Although last week was great - I'm paying for it this week. I'm trying to dig out of the pile of laundry in my wash room and getting everyones sessions edited for their Christmas cards. November is certainly one of my busiest months of the year. So much fun though. Now, when do I find to sleep - that is my question. There really isn't time.

Happy Halloween

I should have tried harder to get good pictures this weekend. I was planning on taking them down to the studio - but it never worked out. Anyways, here they are. Baylee playing in Grandma & Granpa Taylors garage.


Braxton being a transformer. He loves transformers even though he has never seen the movie. Must be a boy thing.


Jennica was in one of her little moods tonight. I think holidays can be a little hard on her. Just so much going on. She told me absolutely no pictures. Lucky I got this one.

Pumpkin Land

I have taken my kids to pumpkinland in Vineyard since Baylee was 10 months old. It's definitely tradition now. We could never miss it and the kids look forward to it every year. We went during Fall break and it wasn't busy at all. So nice.




These pictures are taken inside Pumpkinland's haunted house. It was really dark in there and these were taken without a flash. I am constantly amazed at how well the Nikon D700 does in low light situations. I showed my kids these pictures and they wondered how I turned dark into light.


The highlight for my kids. . . ..



We know her tonsils are healthy.

Gardner Village

I love to take my kids up to see the witches every year at Gardner Village.
You can see the fish in the water underneath the boat.







The weather was beautiful and we had lots of fun.

Our House last night at bedtime

We sometimes have a hard time settling down for bed. It seems after the kids have taken their baths, brushed their teeth, etc -- all of a sudden they get a burst of energy and bedtime is delayed by at least thirty minutes. Yes, David does play a part in that too.

Come check out my new photography blog

Whew! It's finally done. Been working on this for awhile. I will no longer be posting my latest sessions on my old blog. Come check it out at laurabunker.com.


And I hate to make a post without a picture. I took pictures of Megan Grover's cute little boy on Friday. We shot a few of Jane at the same time. Don't you just love her outfit? It is a Matilda Jane outfit. Me and my sisters are hosting a Matilda Jane party a week from this Tuesday at my Mom's home in Alpine. If your interested in coming let me know. You can bring your kids to try on the clothes. We will have yummy treats and will be giving away a free mini session plus other prizes. You don't have to buy anything just come and have a good time. I'll post more information later.