eyes to see

happy friday | 2.10.12

2012-02-10T14:05:00.000-08:00

at this very moment

abigail is playing quietly beside me with her dolls.

oliver is upstairs reading.

my mother is reading in the den.

stella (our dog) is laying in this room with abigail and i.

nic and elliot are at school, but my two middle children have the day off.

it's an unusual surprise to have just them home.

i wonder what this moment has for you all?

and i'm starving because i haven't fed myself lunch yet. ;)

my mind is in high gear with ideas for kp photography in 2012.

i can't wait to share some of those with you.

some things to look for (coming soon!):

a book giveaway this week.

a trip to northern california in early april (still booking for this!!)

the art show called works. (feb 24rd)

hope you all have a happy friday!!

xo.

do you take risks?

2012-02-08T15:50:00.000-08:00

i'm realizing that to take a risk,

i have to be willing to fail.

the fear of failing wants to stop me,

but it doesn't seem like a good reason not to try.

and often taking a risk causes growth, right?

or can even lead to a new experience, relationship, or higher learning curve.

so, i'm trying something new.

despite the fear and the voices contradicting my every risk taking thought,

i requested to show some of my photography work in an upcoming art show

called works.

and i didn't get rejected! ;)

i'm totally nervous about participating in this venue.

it's so new to show my work in this way.

i'm honored to participate and to get to rub shoulders with so many local artists.

so cheer me on??

or even better, come visit??

here's the details:

Works is an annual art exhibition/event produced by Intown Church and People's Art of Portland.

Date: February 24, 2012 Time: 7 pm to 11 pm

Location: The Old Church, 1422 Southwest 11th Avenue Portland, OR 97201-3304

what to do with young children:

2012-02-06T15:12:00.000-08:00

walk.

snuggle.

play.

laugh.

squeeze.

explore.

run.

splash.

love.

chase.

wonder.

pause.

repeat.

(and then give yourself a HUGE pat on the back for being an awesome parent.)

happy friday | 2.3.12

2012-02-03T15:47:00.000-08:00

hi all!

it's a happy friday indeed today.

the sun is on full blast~ was yesterday too~

which is a special treat this time of year in portland.

we have had kids coming in and out of the house all day long.

happy little playdates

full of digging in dirt, playing football, making movies, sidewalk chalk, etc.

these things are gifts.

i know it's a common thing to have children playing outside~

but it's easy for other's normal to feel so special when it's not often yours.

i fully expected to have a house full of kids running stir crazy,

but instead kids have been soaking up the sun outside.

so here's my chance to wish you a happy friday.

and share some thoughts.

lately,

i've been working really hard over on pinterest.
(let me know if you've never heard of that.)

i love that site for many reasons.

mostly because it's a beautiful, visual way for me to remember things i've seen online.

i also love it because it tricks me and makes me feel like i'm being productive,

as if by pinning that perfectly designed office means i have somehow created a similar place of my own.

(there's always hope.)

i also enjoy pinning beautiful perfect things,

while i sit undone in my messy home.

it's a lovely escape.

anyway.

the other day, i was thinking about my dwelling space.

and how sometimes, that perfect pinterest world

can blur my vision a bit in seeing my own home

and the good it contains.

so i decided to take a stroll through the house and "pin" some of my favorites here.

i walked around with my camera,

each click representing things i love about where i live.

my home. my little space. where things aren't perfect

but have so much meaning to me.
(hopefully, i can share those with you soon if you'd like.)

and i thought today,

for your happy friday

you could do the same.

happy pinning!!

and a very happy friday!
xo. kp

wanna see something fantastic?

2012-01-30T15:22:00.000-08:00

images of snowflakes.

and

more images of snowflakes.

i love these so much~

and the One who thought of snowflakes in the first place.

and while we're talking about snow,

here are my past posts about snow in portland. (not that there is much of it.)

one. (a rose bush growing in the snow.)

two. (my mom's visit in 2010.)

three. (a snow day last year.)

this year, it snowed beautifully beginning at 10pm one night.

and then before dawn, it rained and turned the beautiful landscape to mush.

here are some images from the evening snow:

(these are unedited. it was fun to try night photography!)

valentimes.

2012-01-29T21:54:00.000-08:00

we're working on ideas for valentines.

a few years ago, i made these little guys with the kids.

(tiny matchbox valentines filled with m&m's and skittles. thanks to inchmark.)

my kids thought they needed more candy, so we stuck a lollypop in the backs.

this year, i'm thinking about a few of these things:

Source: flickr.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: blog.crescendoh.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: thecraftycrow.net via Katie on Pinterest

we've made some clay hearts already for fun.

please feel free to share your ideas too!

xo.

happy friday | 1.27.12

2012-01-27T11:40:00.000-08:00

today is typically a work day for me,

but i've got my littlest guy home with a fever.

so instead of working,

we've been watching old videos.

i think some of these are the perfect way to say happy friday!!

the beautiful oregon coast.

(i need to be there again soon.)

this next one needs a little explaining.

we were at the portland children's museum.

they have a spot there where children can paint their own faces.

nic painted elliot's.
seeing his face makes me really laugh.

and last but not least,

another from younger days.

elliot. my baby.

i think i'm mourning the fact (and excited about it on the other hand)

that he's attending kindergarten next year.

yay!!

(thanks for indulging me on the family home videos!)

happy friday all!
xoxo.

rainy days.

2012-01-25T15:50:00.000-08:00

it helps me

during weeks like this

to remember that it rains in california too.

sometimes i only remember sunshine.

so i'm putting these photos up from 2008 to remind me

that it's rainy and wet in other places as well.

these were taken in front of our house in mountain view, ca.

11.2008

issues.

2012-01-19T21:26:00.000-08:00

i often hesitate to share about real life (the deeper, darker part) on this blog.

it's difficult to know where to draw the lines of what's appropriate or what's not.

and it's really hard for me to focus on one particular topic to discuss, like photography.

this is hardly a "professional photography blog"

though i am a professional photographer who writes this blog.

and i do use it to share updates and information about my business

with the hopes that many of you are interested in that.

i believe family photography is a very personal experience.

so i feel connecting a personal blog with my business makes perfect sense.

so this blog is also personal.

but still.

how personal?

i guess tonight i'm staring at this screen wanting to reach out to you all.

i'm in unchartered territory.

and i really work better in community, so hear me out if you will.

my mom is having delusions.

as far as we know they started this year.

she imagines people trying to come in her window,

hanging out on her roof,

and even in her home.

it's really odd to hear her talk about it.

eery even.

perhaps it is like having an imaginary friend.

anyway. it breaks my heart.

there is something really wrong with my mom's mind.

she's staying with us right now.

elliot told her the other day, that she wasn't my mom~ that i was her mom.

that's a little bit like how it feels.

we desperately need an mri... she is uninsured.

she was told she can't live alone by a psychiatrist a few months ago.

my sister took her in, but her home and things remain as if she's coming back.

and i don't think she is.

like i said, unchartered territory.

all of a sudden, we have to figure out medicare, mri's, special needs trusts, mental health care,

doctors, selling/renting her home, what to do with her stuff, how to pay for everything...

and how to love her well, like she did for us.

even when she seems a million miles away right beside me.

she's been with us for a week now.

and it's been better than i thought in many ways.

but in other ways, it makes me miss her.

who she really is.

and that's the hardest part.

i have this crystal hanging in my kitchen window.

i purchased it recently in honor of my mom.

she has always loved these and i remember her spinning them for us as children

so that we could watch the rainbows move around the room.

things like this help me remember who she is.

happy friday | 1.13.12

2012-01-13T12:52:00.000-08:00

happy friday y'all!!

(i'm going to start using y'all again from time to time as a nod to the georgia still in me.)

speaking of georgia,

my mom is from there and is now visiting us.

here is a photo of her with most of her grandkids

taken in newnan, ga:

we're missing two little guys.

ten grandchildren and three of them are girls.

(love these kiddos!!)

and my four:

who have big plans tonight to sleep under the dining room table/fort they built.

i guess when it comes down to it, these kids really are my happy friday.

hope you have one too!!

xo.

game day.

2012-01-09T10:54:00.000-08:00

okay, okay. you've all heard enough about football this season, right?

and i'm not fooling myself to think you really care.

but i have to admit.

i sorta do.

it's not that i've ever been a fan of sec football.

there have even been years where i've pretended to like a team or something.

everyone wants to fit in right?

and it's pretty much a required part of citizenship in the south anyway.

i've attended some auburn games in my youth.

i almost went to UGA,

but all in all i just haven't cared about the whole thing.

but here's the deal.

we're now living all the way in OREGON.

and i have two boys that LOVE the university of alabama.

and all of a sudden, my hubs really cares.

so whatever.

i love them.

they love bama.

so i say,

"roll tide?"

get your game face on!

(plus, game day is a really great excuse to show you my adorable little nephew.

i'm missing his squeezy little body so...)

sunny sundays.

2012-01-08T15:21:00.000-08:00

it's beautiful outside here.

and the sunshine made me think about things like this:

and this:

isn't that what everyone is thinking about right now?

worms and boiled peanuts? hmmm?

okay. maybe not, but at least i know you've been anxiously waiting to see our day o' fishing in rural ga.

right? please say "yes."

okay great. here are some pictures of very happy children on a beautifully sunny day in georgia:

(not to mention a gorgeous property.)

okay. whew.

i'm glad we finally did this.

now we can all enjoy our sunny sunday.

go for a walk. read some c.s. lewis.

or wait, maybe you should go fishing?

((thanks to grandpa for the fishing day!))

bonus offer: if you subscribe to my blog today, (down below)
i'll send you a full size digital copy of your choice of the worm photo or the boiled peanuts.
who in the world could refuse that?!
i fully expect two of you to do it.
boy howdy!!

happy friday |1.6.12

2012-01-06T12:11:00.000-08:00

happy friday!

happy 2012!

happy trying to catch up, pay bills, celebrate birthdays,

organize a house, prepare for my mom's arrival, dump and edit photos,

order prints for clients! etc, etc!!

it's seems it's always when i have the most to say,

there is no time to say it.

i miss you.

so for now,

HAPPY FRIDAY.

xo.

merry christmas!

2011-12-25T19:54:00.000-08:00

this is your christmas card.

please pretend you're getting it in the mail right now.

merry christmas | 2011

we love you and thank you for being in our lives.

and we appreciate you for being the type of people who don't mind a digital card every now and then.

brian, katie, nic, oliver, abigail, and elliot.

happy friday | 12.23.11

2011-12-24T09:11:00.000-08:00

i know it's saturday.

and it's really christmas eve.

i like to pretend that you're all anxiously waiting for my happy friday post to come out.

and that because i didn't post it yesterday,

you felt a little devastated.

but we all know that's not true.

don't we?

the fact is that we're with family.

enjoying time together.

and i have buckets of photos i've taken since i've been gone.

i've posted a few and keep saying "there's more to come."
but there is, so be on the look out.

merry christmas eve.
i hope you have loved ones around you too.
xo.

climbing up and down.

2011-12-22T09:39:00.000-08:00

up.

round and round.

then, down.

down.

touring a tower at the house of dreams.

berry college | rome, georgia

i left my b up in the tower. do you see his tiny little head?

he entertained himself by throwing the football to his boys waaaaay down below.

this was one tiny sliver of one day visiting my college campus.

i just couldn't resist the beauty of those glorious rusty steps.

we're currently on our way to mobile, alabama to visit with b's family for a while.

we're riding the megabus and saved tons of money not renting a car. YAY!

so, instead of staring straight ahead at the traffic, i'm posting a little something for you all.

two and a half hours to go!!

a merry christmas from luna.

2011-12-21T10:07:00.000-08:00

this is luna, my niece's little dog:

i think we may have stressed her out last night

when we descended on my brother's & family's home.

their five,

my sisters five,

our six,

my father, his wife and her son,

my mother:

it was a crowd.

and i wish i could have seen them longer while we were in atl.

but i am glad the kids played and i got to hug them all.

it was good.

luna's expression makes me laugh just a little.

thinking about this time of year and all the miles we're traveling

and all the extras our families are willing to do to host us.

and all the extras we're willing to do to see them.

it's busy.

the expression made me think also of all of you.

some with your family and some not.

i thought i'd link a helpful article about being with family even when it's difficult here.

and link another interesting article about christmas in general here.

in case you feel like reading.

i'm dying to share more with you about our outings, etc.

and photos, photos, photos.

but i have more family interacting and loving to do right now.

so, more later.

xo.

my favorite subjects.

2011-12-19T08:08:00.000-08:00

i've been taking tons of candids of my four kiddos during our break.

i don't ask them to pose too often~

most kids get worn out quickly when you ask them to pose

and they usually don't look that natural anyway.

but we were heading out to go fishing with my dad.

in the middle of nowhere georgia.

i saw this old building and begged everyone to get out and give me five minutes.

my kids were dirty, mis-matched and were even sporting "cool-aid stained" mustaches,

but whatever.

you can tell nic was really into the idea:

sigh.

i can crop him out anyway:

and i still love the photos of the four of them.

but the ones i really love

were snapped once the kids thought we were finished posing.

they were running back to the car.

and just being themselves.

i love that their personalities were showing so well.

these are the ones i love the most.

i'm pretty sure i saw a few locals scratching their heads

wondering why we were taking pictures in front of this old building.

but you can't blame a girl for trying, right?

i'm pretty sure some of us would have loved to explore that old place.

and over all, we're just happy to have some time together.

now, onto the worms and fish.

g is for goats.

2011-12-17T21:32:00.000-08:00

okay. i promise to stop photographing farm animals.

but i just thought these guys were so pretty.

i really like their eyes.

so here are your goats for the day:

these three lived on a beautiful property in georgia

where my dad took my kids fishing.

it was a very rural south sort of day.

it made me happy and inspired me to buy boiled peanuts.

happy friday | 12.16.11

2011-12-16T15:26:00.000-08:00

h is for horses.

h is for happy.

h is for holiday.

(not a horse, but this little doggie made abi happy.)

happy friday y'all!

xo.

georgia southern pecans.

2011-12-14T13:54:00.000-08:00

we're enjoying a sunny warm day in georgia

on my dad's farm.

he offered the kids one dollar a pound for pecans they picked up.

his method of getting them out of the tree:

shake the limbs with the tractor.

the kids method of picking up the pecans:

fast and furious.

any way they could.

they quickly filled the bucket.

which weighed twenty pounds.

i have some happy kids now.

with five dollars each.

the first house we ever owned in birmingham, alabama

had a huge pecan tree.

that tree was a good lesson on being a steward of the world around us.

we're off to ride some horses.

more later!

happy friday | 12.9.11

2011-12-09T15:10:00.000-08:00

so like i was saying,

i've been thinking more about emptying

rather than filling this Christmas.

we recently were able to replace our very disgusting carpet in our living room.

this room is in the very front of the house,

right next to the foyer and front door.

the stained-smells-like-dog carpet was easy to say goodbye to.

we tried to save money by pulling the carpet up ourselves.

we moved all of the furniture out of the room,

found all sorts of toys and lost socks under the sofas,

and took that carpet out.

the room was empty.

it echoed.

and then this thing happened~

the kids came alive in this empty space.

and you wouldn't believe how they acted the next day when the actual carpet was put in.

the kids stayed in that empty, newly carpeted room all day.

wrestling, rolling around, playing, snuggling.

as i watched, i privately wished i could give them a big empty room.

in that, i also recognized my own longing for something quite similar.

space.

to move, to breathe, to think.

an emptying.

in order to be filled with better things.

in the same way my children filled our empty living room

with play and laughter.

that's the type of emptying that i'm wanting.

not just space in our rooms or house or even calendar,

but space in my soul.

space for the one who entered into this very crowded world

on christmas morning

to FILL it FULL

with

joy

peace

love

hope

***

our church has been talking about the places of Christmas this advent season.

it's an interesting concept to me.

where our feet land and walk affects who we are in every way.

and where the Christmas story takes place is equally important.

last sunday during our service,

i flipped to the sermon section of our bulletin and saw this:

created by a talented young artist named MARY SNOW.

(please check out her work! i particularly love her lettering work!!)

i was immediately struck by the simplicity of the image.

and just how empty it looked.

and how right along the lines it was with my empty living room,

my lack of holiday decor because we're leaving

and my desire for more space in my mind.

i looked down and noticed abigail decorating the illustration with her pen.

she drew a Christmas tree right in the middle.

with presents.

and garland all along the stair rail.

(of course i immediately showed the artist after the service concluded.)

isn't that what we do though?

immediately fill an empty space?

i do.

but i'm trying to quit.

and just to be clear that

i'm not talking about some sort of depressing type of empty,

i'll leave you with this for some friday cheer:

happy friday.

xo.

(a special shout out to my sweet friend maria who came over to help me do more emptying today~

i'm thankful for you.)

((and a special thanks to mary snow for allowing me to share her image with you!)

quiet space.

2011-12-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

walking into a home

with a newborn,

always feels a little like walking on sacred ground.

there is a quiet wonder present.

even when the little one doesn't want to contribute to the quiet.

life has become new.

and new life means that we're changed people.

and in some way,

there is a new space available for us.

to think, to hold, and to say "it's nice to meet you." to the one who has come.

even to sit and simply wonder.

to be amazed.

to be confused.

to be unsure of this new path we walk down.

and to rejoice and rest in it.

i've been thinking this holiday season

about space.

about emptying.

about how different my house is from this house.

my family is loud.

we leave our stuff everywhere.

the noise and the clutter can crowd me.

so i've been on a determined path to empty

this year rather than fill.

but despite the differences in appearance,

my feelings for my family

is the exact same warmth

that you see in these photos.

it is right and good for them to be in my arms.

for us to sit together

and wonder.

to make space for that type of being.

together.

(a big thanks to this sweet family for allowing me to tread, camera in hand, on your "sacred ground")
((pregnancy shots here.))

*******

in the story of Jesus birth,
it's easy for me to vilify the inn keeper
for having NO SPACE in the inn.

but how much space do i have to offer?
to those i love? to the emmanuel child?
to my neighbors and those suffering right in front of me?

i'm in the midst of purging the house, packing, cleaning, etc.
because we're off to visit our family for the holidays.
in some ways, this Christmas feels simpler because we're not staying here.
(although we'll really miss being home.)

i'm looking forward to being away from our home responsibilities for a while
and hoping for "empty" minutes to sit and wonder...
for the gift of quiet space.

hope you have some of the same.
xo.

happy friday | 12.2.11

2011-12-02T11:41:00.000-08:00

i was challenged in november to write down

something i was thankful for

each day on facebook.

you probably know others who participated in doing the same thing.

it probably annoyed some of you. ;)

overall, it was an interesting process for me.

some mornings i would start the day

and everything would be completely off kilter.
i was angry. or sad. or fearful. or stressed.

i felt the farthest from thankful that i could be.

it is difficult to see beyond that grey cloud sometimes.

but thankfulness changes us.

giving thanks for things in the midst of those feelings

flipped my day and attitude upside down.

and giving thanks,

lead me to the Giver.

i have air to breathe.

clean water to drink.

freedom in my country.

four healthy children.

and more and more and more.

did i do anything to earn those things?

it's humbling.

well, when my friend ruth posted this video today on facebook.

and it reminded me so much of all i've been thinking lately.

and reminded me of what i hope to showcase and explore on this blog.

that we would all open our eyes just a little wider

to see all that is around us.

"begin by opening your eyes and be surprised that you have eyes you can open."

to see.

if we really see,

then we will have no choice but to give thanks

and perhaps even find ourselves in the arms of the giver of all good things.

(perhaps.)

others write about these ideas better than i do.

this passage below is an excerpt written by ann voskamp:

she writes about a central word to the Christian faith: "eucharisteo" meaning thanksgiving.

read this (taken from this article where she shares about a visiting a family in Quito):

I don’t know how many years I have been trying to learn “eucharisteo.”

It’s only one word.

It means thanksgiving in Greek. My life’s struggling to pronounce it, that word that’s set like the unexpected crown jewel in the center of Christianity, right there at the Last Supper before the apex of the Cross. When Jesus takes the bread, gives thanks for it, that’s the word for his giving thanks: eucharisteo. It’s like a language lesson: in that word for thanksgiving, eucharisteo, are the roots of charis, grace, and chara, joy. If you can take all as grace, give thanks for it, therein is always joy. Eucharisteo – grace, gratitude, joy – one word that God in flesh acted out when he took the cup.

Just one Greek that may decode the essence of really living – but who reads this world eucharistically?

Are the people of God losing our ability to speak eucharisteo, speak thanks in all things, live eucharistically for all things?

What happens to a culture of Christians if we don’t speak the tongue taught by God when He took the bread of suffering? If we lose our language, relegate it to one day, a short season – we, the people commanded to give thanks for all things, won’t we lose who we are?

Gratitude, this isn’t a one-day-a-year language, but the mother-tongue of the people saved by their Father. Yet in a world that’s captivated by bad news not The Good News, that sees the wrong in everything, who daily braves the language of eucharisteo, the dialect of doxology?

Who shrugs off the mislabel of Pollyanna and picks up their cross and counts their blessings, counts the cost and counts it all joy?

Forget that making thanksgiving more than a holiday but a way of life by keeping a gratitude list is scientifically proven to decrease anxiety, enrich relationships and make you 25% happier. (Instead of buying ourselves more things we think we have to have to be happy, why wouldn’t we write down thanks for things we already have – which guarantees us to be 25% happier? Why is it easier to seemingly buy our joy than to give thanks to God who is our Joy? Pens and grateful perspectives are a lot cheaper – and guaranteed.) True, you can just forget the overwhelming science behind the daily, intentional giving thanks. But does that mean we are forgetting the God behind it – who has given us everything?

happy friday all!

xo.

the littlest of things...

2011-11-28T15:40:00.000-08:00

make life grand.

(xo.)

this sweet babe was part of a "pay it forward" photo shoot.

my dear friend trevor recorded the new song on my website for me
without taking any compensation.
SUCH A GIFT!
(go listen)

in my gratitude,
i asked if they would like to give a photoshoot away
to someone they know in return for such kindness.
they picked a sweet family right here in portland.

the family happen to own a fantastic business
called ATTIC JOURNALS.
the take old used up books, and turn them into the best of journals.
(i've already bought one for someone on my christmas list.)
their journals are sold around the country! and online (above).

my personal favorite shop that sells them is:
NOUN: a person's place for things.
if you're in portland, this is definitely the place to go.
(and you can grab a st. cupcake while there! YUM!)

we've celebrated the thanks,
now we're moving into the giving season.
(i'm so thankful for giving people who inspire me!)

stay warm this winter.

2011-11-27T19:29:00.000-08:00

just in case you're feeling a little blue

about the cold weather coming,

or completely frightened

by the grey wintery days ahead,

i thought i'd suggest some ways to warm up:

1. snuggle up to a tree,

2. run around like you're being chased by a dragon,

3. dress like a polar bear,

5. keep warm and cozy in a knitted cap.

do whatever it takes.

just keep warm.

happy end of thanksgiving- back to school tomorrow- almost december!

thankful.

2011-11-23T13:05:00.000-08:00

this thanksgiving,

let's all hold those we love

just a little tighter.

(more to come kay family!)

we'll be giving thanks around a smaller table this year.
we have our dear friend david coming for a visit.

i'm always amazed by how friends can feel like adopted family
when you live so far from your own.

but this christmas, we'll be visiting our family!
we're all looking forward to that.

in the midst of digital connections,
i'm thankful for the actual physical presence
we can have with one another.

coffee with a friend.
a quick hug in passing.
a warm meal shared.
(especially the kind that has turkey and gravy.)

i'm hoping you all are surrounded by friends and family this thanksgiving.
and that you have many things to give thanks for.

i'd love it if you'd share one thing here...
being thankful can be contagious.
and so refreshing in the midst of all the complaining in the world.

happy thanksgiving to all!!

happy friday | 11.18.11

2011-11-18T10:09:00.000-08:00

All my favorite people are broken
Believe me, my heart should know

Some prayers are better left unspoken
I just want to hold you and let the rest go

All my friends are part saint and part sinner

We lean on each other, try to rise above

We are not afraid to admit we are all still beginners

We are all late bloomers when it comes to love

All my favorite people are broken

Believe me, my heart should know

Awful believers, skeptical dreamers, step forward

You can stay right here, you don’t have to go

Is each wound you’ve received just a burdensome gift

It gets so hard to lift yourself up off the ground

But the poet says we must praise a mutilated world

We’re all working the graveyard shift

You might as well sing along

Cause all my favorite people are broken

Believe me, my heart should know

As for your tender heart, this world’s going to rip it wide open,

It aint gonna be pretty, but you’re not alone

All my favorite people are broken

Believe me, my heart should know

Awful believers, skeptical dreamers, you’re welcome

Yeah, you’re safe right here, you don’t have to go

Cause all my favorite people are broken

Believe me, I should know

Some prayers are better left unspoken

I just want to hold you and let the rest go

~ all my favorite people~
by over the rhine.

www.overtherhine.com

you can listen to this song and others through the website above.

you should also check out:

the milk carton kids

*****

i had the wonderful opportunity to hear them both last night.
incredible show. both bands we're great.

this photo above also made me want to cry when i saw it.
it shows exactly how i feel sometimes.
and it's so much of what i love about being a mom:

the difficulty, the unknown, the confusion, and stress of it all
just sort of wash away in the warmth of a child's embrace.

it's similar to this song.

all of our brokenness crashes into one another
as families, friends, community,
but learning to hold one another despite,
somehow allows us "let the rest go."

we are truly "late bloomers when it comes to love."
who can say they love well?

but "all of my favorite people are broken."
it's true.
you're in good company.

now go hold someone and let the rest go.
happy friday.
xo.

can we all win?

2011-11-16T11:23:00.000-08:00

i would like to share with you (for hours if i could)

about some of the things swirling around my head.

i'm thinking about my business, my calling, my story.

and i may be right in the middle

of watching those things morph together

or into something else entirely.

i've been wanting more.

i've been wanting to give back more than i do.

recently, i saw this little "contest" created by blake mycoskie,

founder of TOMS shoes,

called Books for Bloggers.

basically, he wants to promote his book,

start something that matters.

(we all promote something.)

the cool part of him promoting his book

is that like his other endeavors,

he's giving things away (his books and children's books).

AND his book is about giving more with your life/business!

BOOM!

so, i entered.

i wrote to them and shared why my blog should be selected for their program.

and guess what??

i recently got this in my email:

http://www.toms.com/

and then, a few days ago, i received my books in the mail.

so i'm now writing this post to you all to:

1. make you aware that this book giveaway will be happening right here on this blog. (stay tuned.)

2. my brain is on an idea roller coaster of how to do more with my business and life.

i expect the book giveaway will be happening in a week or so.

(i'm currently on chapter two.)

and i expect some real changes to be in the works for kpp.

(coming in 2012)

my photography business has been an incredible, life giving endeavor for me.

now i want to take that to the next level.

i'm excited.

and i do think we all can "win"

by being givers.

join me??

splash!!!

2011-11-14T12:48:00.000-08:00

when i edit photos from sessions,

i feel like i'm reliving those moments with my clients~

like when this sweet baby girl's shoe fell into this fountain.

and when big brother got quite attached to the dime he fished out of there.

these are the things i love to capture,

relive, and help you remember~

the ordinary things you do with the people you love.

(more to come!)

happy friday | 11.11.11

2011-11-11T12:30:00.000-08:00

abigail asks me all the time for a sister.

this picture makes me want one for her equally as much.

i'm thankful for my sister too.

she has a unique and precious place in my life. she's a gift.

and i'm so thankful for the chance to photograph these precious sisters

ever since the younger was in her mama's tummy.

what a gift to watch them grow.

((girls, let's play hide and seek again soon!!))

happy friday!! xo.

peak at two:

2011-11-09T16:32:00.000-08:00

there are always those pictures that jump out at me
when working through a photo shoot.

there are always ones that i instantly love.

these are two:

(gamble gardens | palo alto, ca)

oh sunny day!

2011-11-07T13:03:00.000-08:00

i'll be reviewing some of my recent sessions here in the next weeks.

(they make me happy!!)

*****

these were the first moments behind my camera in CA.

(burlingame, CA)

the location was unbelievably bright and beautiful.

but i think what was in front of me that day

was even more bright and beautiful.

thank you wang family!!
what a joy for me to work with you all again!

*****
often my clients say they don't know how they'll choose between the photos in their proof album.
i don't envy that decision.
i would want all of them. i know i would.

i also have a hard time choosing which ones to show you,
but these five are very special.
i know that much.

stay tuned for more.
and check into my facebook page too: katieprentiss photography
for more photos and updates.
xo.

happy friday |11.4.11

2011-11-04T10:49:00.000-07:00

happy friday!!

first watch this:

(totally worth it.)

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

(thanks to liz dark wiley for sharing on fb.)
and to think i was amazed at seeing this.

*****

okay.

i'll be working feverishly here over the next few weeks.

editing so many beautiful CA sessions.

(i can't wait to show you.)

for now, i'll leave you with this little tempting sneak peak.

these are two sets of sisters from my first two sessions:

does that tempt you to want to see more?

i do!

happy friday!!

xo.

the cuteness is killing me.

2011-11-02T15:06:00.000-07:00

seriously.

i have nothing else to say.

(more to come.)

happy friday | 10.21.11

2011-10-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

(and a little sneak peak)

i thought i'd share some pacific northwest fall beauty with you this happy friday:

i mean, really, could it be greener??

or more vibrant?

these two photos were taken during a photo session just last weekend,

fall is showing off all of it's glory right now.

elliot and i have been calling the changing leaves on the trees "fireworks."

slow motion fire works.

the grand finale is happening soon.

keep your eyes open.

(more to come soon from this session)

next friday, i'll be working hard in CA... i have a full weekend ahead of me there.

i can't wait to see repeat clients and work with new clients!

sometimes i feel like the luckiest girl alive with this job!

happy friday all!!

xo.

little pumpkins

2011-10-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

part of our day off last week was spent

in mismatched clothes, rain boots, and mud

at the pumpkin patch.

(sauvie island, or)

i love when these urban kids get to run around in wide open spaces.

perhaps they thought the perfect pumpkin might run away?

we told them they could pick out any pumpkin they wanted.

the only rule was that they had to be able to carry it themselves.

three of the kids followed the rule well.

one of them bent the rule by rolling his very large choice all the way back.

(hint: he's not pictured below.)

it's amazing to me how filled up i feel from an outing like this.

open space. my favorite five people. saying yes more. laughing. playing. moving.

being all together.

it's good. it's abnormal. and i'm thankful.

there will be some roasted pumpkin seeds in our future for sure.

happy friday | 10.14.11

2011-10-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

no school + pumpkin patch = a very happy friday indeed.

hope yours was too!

xo.

a little link love:

2011-10-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

i wanted to let you know about a few special things in the works.

bloom market:

this is a market for all of you in the atlanta area!!

coming october 14th and 15th.

my talented and dear friend keri is putting it together...

(she also is a graphic designer who created my logo and header.)

she is regularly highlighting the venders for the market on the bloom market blog

so you can get a sneak peak.
you should attend if you can!!
i would.

*****

sweet art:

this is for all of you in northern california!!

two talented friends, renee and liz have created a business to plan your next party.

i would love to have them come for our normal halloween gathering, but alas, we live too far!

browse through their previous work and info!

*****

and lastly,

simplicity:

(website in the works, email here: staff.simplicity@gmail.com)

something for all of us in portland!!

my friend lyndsey is just getting started in her personal organizing business!

she's already worked for me organizing our hallway/coat closet

and i was amazed by how much she accomplished in a short while.

if you're one of the first few to hire her, you'll get in on her introductory rates!!

*****
(now go show these three some love...)

happy friday | 10.7.11

2011-10-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

we happened to be on a road trip.

i happened to have my camera near me.

our car happened to need gas.

and these millions of birds

happened to be

dancing through the sky

to the symphony of colors.

seemingly enjoying the fact that they are alive.

and that they are together.

((may we have eyes to see there are worlds that exist outside of our own.))

*****

(i was taking pictures while we were driving away.)

happy friday. xo

one girl.

2011-10-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

i have one daughter

among three sons.

i spend a good amount of time trying to figure out how to raise her.

how to be her mother.

i don't have to concentrate to love her.

that's built in.

but i do have to think about what it means to be a girl in this world.

(not that i don't have to think just as much about the boys)

but when i've read half the sky.

and when i've read growing strong daughters

i'm forced to see that things are different for girls in this world.

(i highly recommend both books.)

and then there is this particular girl of mine.

the one who is more than just a girl.

the one i know well.

i know her sensitive.

her sweet.

her silly.

her furry.

her calm.

her creative.

her questions.

and i want to know who she in particular will be.

we are engaging some rough waters lately~

abigail is struggling with many fears and frustrations.

there have been days where both of us are quite undone by the emotions and events.

but as her mom,

i want to do everything i can to help her.

i want to see her as she really is~

not as i want her to be

nor as some make believe perfection of a person.

and i think that is the tricky part of parenting.

knowing how to open our eyes and really see our kids.

and spending our lifetimes getting to know them.

these pictures helped me to see her now.

at seven.

i took a quick series of her sitting in a chair in our living room.

and when i see them...

i see all of her.

i'm privileged to be her mother.

and while i know i will fail her time and again,

my hope is that my love for her will cover those failings over and over.

happy friday | 9.30.11

2011-09-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

okay. for happies today, i wanted to post another sneak peak (first one here.)

of a photo session i'm working on:

makes your heart melt, right?

here is a sloppy personal update on our life right now:

we get to pick nic up early from school today.

he's been on a camp called outdoor school that they do here in portland for all sixth graders.

i think it's a fantastic opportunity for kids here, and i'm thankful that nic gets to do it...

it's similar to the types of things that they are doing at our environmental elementary school.

tonight we will enjoy our family night.

something we've tried to build into our lives where we will all be home together.

it's been hard to protect this, but we feel it's important. and it's been great.

tomorrow, we're on the game day schedule again.

we have a nine o'clock, a ten o'clock, and a one o'clock.

i also have the opportunity to take abigail's soccer team's photo this year.

(they are so darn cute, i'm excited about this!)

at some point brian will catch the alabama football game on saturday.

he and our oldest two boys love yelling "roll tide" all the way here in oregon. ;)

and i will be getting my hair done... happily relaxing away from the yelling.

our sunday mornings are spent in church.

it's a sacrifice, but we love it that way.

i typically find that i enter into church with my heart bruised and beaten

by the week's events or my own wandering self absorption...

and then walk out comforted, confronted and reminded that there is more to this life.

i'm thankful for this hospital of sorts for my soul.

did you know that my husband is a "religious professional?" (he's the ordained minister for our church.)

it's strange and beautiful to be married into this profession.

it's especially strange to be so in portland.

we'll try to rest some on sunday,

and then start all over again during the week.

our days are getting longer with us straddling raising kids preschool through middle school.

we have practices for at least one if not three kids every night of the week.

thankfully, brian and i have found this little friday nook in which we can spend alone time.

it's helpful. perhaps it's survival.

i can see how easy it would be to allow our marriage to crumble

simply through busyness leading to neglect.

we're being stretched.

and i think, in some ways, we're just getting started.

*****

on the business side of things,

i'm doing mini school photos right now.

and have a trip in the works for all you northern CA people!

i still have sessions available on october 28th and some on october 30th.

contact me asap if you're interested!

i hope all of you have a happy friday! xo.

planetbox (warning: product promotion)

2011-09-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

first of all, let me assure you that planetbox has absolutely no idea who i am.

i'm not getting any type of compensation for promoting this lunch box.

but you know when you really like a product

and it seems to make life a little easier,

you naturally want to share it with friends?

that's what i'm going to do.

in the last number of years, i've really been trying to eliminate waste from packing lunches.

so we bought a bunch of little containers to put food in

instead of using prepackaged things or using tons of plastic bags. but then every morning,

i was scrounging for lids, struggling with fitting everything into the lunch box,

and still needing at least one plastic bag.

when the kids came home after school, i found myself with a lunch box needed to be wiped out,

and all of those little containers needed to then be washed to be ready for the next day.

i read a review last year about these planetbox lunch boxes.

i decided it would be worth a try and ordered one.

it quickly became a crowd favorite and was definitely easy to pack.

i tried to find cheaper alternatives, but most of the reviews of other types of lunch boxes like this

had things i didn't like about them~

like the latches are difficult for little ones to open,

or it's easy to get up from the lunch table without it being closed all the way

and then the tray spills out everywhere.

so this year,

i went for it and invested in two more.

i'm so happy with the decision to buy these.

i can't tell you how easy it has been to prepare three lunches every morning in these.

here are some samples of how we pack them:

when the kids get home,

we open their lunches up, wash them out and set them to dry for the morning.

there is nothing to throw away

and nothing to sort and throw in the dishwasher.

we're saving water, making less waste,

keeping me more sane, and saving time in the mornings.

and there is just something about figuring out what to put in the different sections

that keeps packing lunch interesting to me.

(i get bored easily.)

a few downsides:

1. nic (a growing eleven year old) feels it's too small for his appetite.

i'm not sure about this, since he's recently been coming home with much of his lunch left over

due to playing instead of eating during his very short middle school lunch break.

but i do think a larger sized option would be nice.

(we are supersized americans after all.)

2. oliver says that when i put the cantaloupe in there the way that i did,

the juice ran into the pretzels a bit. he wasn't happy with soggy pretzels.

this downside isn't a problem with the lunch box, but was my mistake.

i forgot to show you that the planetboxes also have a small and large round dish

that you can use for pastas, yogurt or any other non-solid food (or juicy cantaloupe).

(you can see the little round dish in the photo above of oliver packing his lunch.

the large one fits into the largest section or in the front outside pocket.)

3. i haven't figured out a great way to include a freezer pack for those days when the kids need one.

perhaps there is a flatter one than the ones we have...

4. i can't just toss an apple, pear, orange, etc in. they need to be cut in order to fit.

so that takes a little longer prep for me, but honestly makes things easier for the kids.

now, i've had much less half eaten fruits come home.

anyway,

this is what it looks like closed with the magnets on top:

as you can see, the latch is super easy to open and close.

elliot had no problem with it at all when he was three.

i know some kids spend many minutes of their lunch time

just trying to open up all of their food.

i love that these eliminate that wasted time as well.

there is a mesh pocket on the inside of the case

as well as a velcro pocket on the outside.

and as you saw, they also have space on the front for a water bottle.

the kids choose which set of magnets they like best,

but my older kids don't really care if they have them or not.

anyway... happy lunch packing to you all.

perhaps with these, the kids can do even more of it on their own!

i know there are other great lunch boxes out there, but i thought i'd share one we love.

hope this helps. :)

sneak peak: a little rest.

2011-09-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

(a recent family portrait session,

portland, or)

one of the nicest things about planning a photo shoot for 1-2 hours

is that if you need to take a quick rest,

there is time for it.

right in the middle of this family portrait session,

big sister climbed into bed.

when her little sister was placed down beside her,

they snuggled up quite nicely.

oh my, i have it bad for these two!

(more to come!)

i'm sad right now friday | 9.23.11

2011-09-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

my hero and dear friend is hurting.

allen levi...

over his beloved brother.

i don't really have words to add,

but when i saw this, i had to share.

share the story.

a little something special:

2011-09-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

those kids of yours...

they're are getting all tucked into their little school year routines, aren't they?

we're certainly trying over here.

some areas are running a tad smoother than last year,

but others feel quite rocky~

like managing the constant stream of papers coming home~

that one always takes some getting used to.

one form i'm thankful to not fill in

is the picture day form.

because i want to really like the photos that are supposed to commemorate

my kids growth through the years.
i want the photo to look like my kid normally looks.

perhaps you're ready for a photo of yours that you like as well?

good news:

i'm offering a "school photo" special from now until the end of october.

the after school special.

(named after those movies i loved growing up.)

this is a quick and easy mini photo shoot

aimed at getting a photo that you love of your favorite school kid.

including your choice of one simple digital option

and one print package option.

package options start at $45.

(discounts offered for siblings.)

less papers, less hassle, less disappointment. ;)

happy friday | 9.16.11

2011-09-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

i'm feeling quiet over here.

waiting for change to happen.

wondering what today, tomorrow, this year holds.

nothing feels more hopeful to me

than an expectant mother.

she (above) is certainly a beautiful one

that i had the privilege to photograph.

(thank you ellyn!!)

i love maternity photography...
(sneak peak post here.)

******

on another note:

a friend recently sent me this post to read

by a christian author named jen hatmaker.

i've never read anything by her except this post.

but it was beautiful

in it's honesty

(about her struggles with bringing her adopted children home)

and in it's encouragement

to reach out to one another more.

if you have a moment today, enjoy it.

happy friday!!
xo.

saturdays.

2011-09-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

today is the first of three-games-in-a-row-saturdays.

i wanted to show you all an example of where we'll be.

our trunk will be full of camp chairs,

water bottles, football pads, soccer cleats, snacks, helmets, (first aid kit),

and perhaps a sweet black and white dog.

we're ready to cheer our kids on!

and i'm 100% positive that two and a half months from now,

we'll be so happy to be done with this schedule!

here we go!!!

happy friday | 9.9.11

2011-09-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

four days into the school year

and i'd like to revisit some summer.

i'd like to say right now,

"i'm going to walk down to the beach for a while."

i'd like to watch the kids run and play with the kind of freedom only kids have.

well. i can't.

but i can browse some photos and give thanks for the times like these this summer.

here are a few more i love:

happy friday!!
xo.

can you say 'quinoa?'

2011-09-08T16:32:00.000-07:00

in this post i will pretend to be one of you cooker people.
who make beautiful things to eat...
and know what you're doing in the kitchen.

seriously, those who know me, know cooking isn't my thing.
i love good food and i even enjoy making a good meal from time to time,
but generally, i'd rather someone else make my food.

the problem with this feeling of mine is
that i struggle to prep good healthy meals for myself.
i'd rather just eat leftover pizza or the crusts from my kids sandwiches
then take the time to prepare a salad.

that's why i love this meal.
i can prepare it and eat it for a few days!
the bonus is that it's really good for you and yummy.

so now i will share how to make my new favorite lunch:

fiesta quinoa!

(i just made up that name.)

(as well as making up the dish.)

this is quinoa dry:

have you had or heard of quinoa yet?

if not, it's pronounced "keen-wah."

i'm just trying to help you out so you don't mispronounce it

the first time you order it or ask the grocery store helper to show you where it is.

not that i've ever done either.

this is the description of it off the box from trader joe's:

basically, it cooks the same way as rice.

two parts water / one part quinoa

for this recipe i used 1 1/2 cups quinoa.

3 cups water.

if you have a trader joe's near you,

and you are actually wanting to use this recipe,

you'll be happy because a few other ingredients from it

were purchased there.

if you don't have a trader joe's near you,

you'll be okay. (i guess.)

one quick thing you can add to the boiling water/quinoa

is garlic or cilantro.

(i know there are people out there that hate cilantro.

obviously, they wouldn't use it for this.)

this will flavor your quinoa nicely.

the cheater way to add these two things,

if you don't have fresh cilantro or garlic around,

is to get some of these dorot cubes from tj's:

they are little frozen cubes of the two.
(i think they have basil too.)

this is what they look like from behind.
pop one of the cubes out into the boiling water.

here is a picture of all of that boiling:

i know i'm totally impressing all of you right now with that boiling pot of quinoa.

i mean, there is really nothing more exciting than that.

not to mention how weird i feel for actually taking a picture of a boiling pot of quinoa.

okay, i think it takes about 10 minutes for the quinoa to absorb the water,

so about halfway through,

i added some frozen corn.

but not just any corn,

i added trader joe's roasted corn.

which add some nice smokey flavor.

i also add a can of black beans.
do you know that i could eat beans and rice every day?
yep, i could.
another reason why i love this meal.

it helps everything taste better if you have a helper
open the can of black beans.

do a quick rinse:

once the quinoa absorbs all the water,
add the beans and give it a stir.

you'll know the quinoa is cooked when you see a little spiral swirl around the grain.
can you see it??

here comes my favorite part:
serve with fresh salsa or pico de gallo and a few chips!

yummy!!

okay, i promise to not try to post more food stuff for a long time.
hope at least one of you enjoys this!
xo.

our first morning off to school.

2011-09-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

this year i wanted to capture more than a pose in front of the school.

so, i documented as much of the morning as i could.

our first day of school.

((sixth grade (and new school), fourth grade, and second grade))

(and now i'm home with that guy.)

mini roller coaster.

2011-09-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

(more photos of the two cuties from friday.)

sometimes i feel like my life is a little roller coaster.

at times i feel too young to be on it.

unsure if i can really stay safe.

other times, i'm amused by the twists and turns.

thankful for the way they make me feel alive.

then again there are drops that seem too drastic

and turns that jerk too harsh.

but in the end,

i know will arrive safely

thankful for those who rode along with me.

happy friday | 9.2.11

2011-09-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

is it really september?

i know many of you are already into the routine of school.

but we haven't started yet.

we start tuesday, after labor day.

i don't feel ready.

i'm not sure if it's the messy house,

or the busy sports schedule we entered into the last two weeks

(football, football, and soccer)

or that it took so long to warm up here so that it didn't feel like summer

most of the summer.

but i don't feel ready.

so, i'm browsing through photos from the last month or so

and finding that we did have great times together

and many special visits from dear ones this summer.

and that helps me feel a litte better.

i mean, really. how could you not feel better looking at these two?!

(elliot and his cousin camille.)

happy friday!! xo.

warning: new blog title coming....

2011-09-01T23:45:00.001-07:00

most of you won't care.

(i think)

but i'm working

(rather my dear graphic designer extraordinaire is working)

on a new header.

and a new title

for this little ole blog.

i think it will fit better with the direction things have taken.

so i wanted to warn you.

especially for those who hate change.

(i happen to love it.)

xo.

an excerpt from The Prophet:

2011-08-31T14:20:00.000-07:00

last year, on nic's fifth grade promotion,

the kids sang a song to the parents

that was based on an excerpt of The Prophet

by Kahlil Gibran

i had never heard the song before

(but i got choked up listening to their sweet voices sing it.)

or of the book until yesterday

when a neighbor dropped it by.

the book is about a prophet who lives on an island for 12 years.

when the people discover that his ship is coming to take him back home,

they asked him to speak to them and "give them his truth."

(below i've included the page from the novel on children)

and you know full well i also have to include photos,

so the ones here are from a recent trip to the CA coast.

we stayed with dear friends.

while we were there,

a mob of 12-8 year old boys stayed and played together constantly.

included are some photos of them.

(mostly of them digging holes and tunnels and channels on the beach.)

*****

Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters of Life's
longing for itself.

They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you
yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love
but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.

You may house their bodies
but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit,
not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them,

but seek not to make them like you.

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children

as living arrows are sent forth.

The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,

and He bends you with His might

that His arrows may go swift and far.

Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;

For even as He loves the arrow that flies,

so He loves also the bow that is stable.

the line in bold is my favorite.

you are the bows

from which your children

as living arrows

are sent forth.

there is an Archer,

and just as he loves the arrows that fly,

he also gives great care and attention

to the bow being bent.

the Archer will aim your arrows well.

***

for those who are parents:

remember,

as school begins,

as your children grow

whatever comes in this year,

you are not alone.

pregnant with...

2011-08-27T16:13:00.000-07:00

hope

love

anticipation

a pregnant moment.

this is a favorite photo of a maternity session i did recently.

i love the natural, casual feel. it's light and airy.

and heavy with emotion all at the same time.

oh to be loved before you were known.

a profound mystery.

(more to come ellyn! xo.)

happy friday | 8.26.11

2011-08-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

this is me

about a week ago.

on a vacation.

walking down to the beach with my coffee in hand.

(in case you couldn't see that in the picture.)

i stopped to take a photo because i knew the moment was good.

maybe deep down, i knew it would be rare for a while too.

i often feel that when i return home (or leave for that matter),

it's similar to jumping onto a moving treadmill.

and this transition back to life hasn't proved me wrong. ;)

we have one more week with the kids home before school starts back.

in a way, the summer already feels gone.

the older boys have started football (a first for us.)

and my girl has started soccer (a first for her.)

and my head has already started spinning.

i would love it if an administrative fairy could pop into my life from time to time.

and maybe fill out a few forms or something?

ah. well. there's always coffee, right?

i shouldn't forget this moment i'm in either.

that i'm typing quietly while brian has the kids running errands.

i guess we all find our quiet moments, don't we?

the good thing about settling into fall

is that though our routine feels stifling at times,

there is a routine.

and with a routine, comes boundaries.

with boundaries, comes more moments

of me alone with coffee in my hand.

cheers to those moments!

and happy friday!

xo.

almost thirty eight.

2011-08-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

last year for my birthday,

i wrote this.

this year,

i'll share a birthday photo with you:

i love this photo.

my mother holding me in the hospital.

i think someone on the hospital staff took it.

they misspelled my name on the back.

"Katy Sack"

with the date 8/18/73 written beside it.

the day i was born.

my hairline looks exactly like all of my children's hairline when they were newborns.

i love my mother's nightgown.

i love her graceful hands holding me.

she looks so young.

i love that even in that little moment

god knew that he had this very day planned for me.

that i would celebrate 38 years of life here.

have brian as my gentle husband.

be blessed with four beautiful children.

he knew that he would give me faith.

that he would sustain that faith in me through the years.

he knew all the friends he would bless me with

and all the places i would live.

my future is not unknown to him.

this birthday i'm thankful for the story i've lived so far.

thankful for all of you who have shared in it.

here's to the next chapters.

xo.

(happy birthday to me. tomorrow.)

happy friday | 8.12.11

2011-08-12T18:18:00.000-07:00

wait.

what?

it's friday??

okay. here's the deal.

we're up to our armpits in renovations.

and fun. and people. and work.

we've had wonderful guests in town.

friends from out of state,

my sister and family!

and now brian's parents....

(who are working so so hard in our house.)

i haven't been taking very many pictures because,

well, when i start knocking out that massive to-do list,

i get a little manic.

and it's hard to stop.

we're redoing the front yard.

it currently looks like a big mound of dirt.

and the back porch.

plus little projects, like hanging stuff.

and moving things around.

and painting a dresser, trim, and other little things.

we're on vacay next week, so expect just a little more quiet around here.

for another week or so.

also,

you should know that it's my birthday next week.

whoop whoop.

(brian and abi in the front car.)

(my sister and niece in the back car.)

happy friday y'all!!

xo.

baby bellies.

2011-08-08T13:12:00.000-07:00

it's been such a joy through the years to do some maternity photo shoots.

i never felt particularly beautiful while pregnant,

but seeing pregnant mamas

with their full round baby bellies

fills me with hope.

unknown to these little ones,
there is someone waiting
who loves them completely without fully knowing them.
who has promised to provide for their needs in every way
regardless of return.

i guess pregnancy~
even though i FULLY know how hard raising kids can be~
feels redemptive to me.

like spring.
like hope.
like a new morning.
like beauty in this often broken world.

(but, don't worry, i'm not tempted to BE pregnant again.)
((i hope to share more from my maternity photoshoot yesterday!))
xo.

happy friday | 7.29.11

2011-07-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

you may know in your heart

that you're a roller coaster kid,

but if the sign says you must be 54"

and you're not,

what can you do??

it would be nice if life had the same sort of signs around.

if you're not this "tall" you can't "ride"...

but really life is more about

embracing those limitations.

it's about riding the rides that are in front of you.

and being okay with the choices you can't make.
the things you can't have.
the problems you can't fix.

peace can come despite the things that are limiting you.
enjoy your ride!
happy friday!!
xo.

happy friday | 7.22.11

2011-07-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

peace.

few have it.

but it's certainly been a theme in my heart lately.

a longing for it.

a desire to quiet myself enough to see god

and know that he will give it.

the peace god offers

is beyond all this world's ability to understand.

it transcends circumstances

and gives freedom to those who have it.

so this friday, peace is what i hope for you.
happy friday!!
and happy reading below:

you can read more here:

(from philipians chapter 4 in the new testament.)

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

or you can read more here:

(from The Imitation of Christ by thomas `a kempis)

Goodness and Peace in Man

FIRST keep peace with yourself; then you will be able to bring peace to others. A peaceful man does more good than a learned man. Whereas a passionate man turns even good to evil and is quick to believe evil, the peaceful man, being good himself, turns all things to good.

The man who is at perfect ease is never suspicious, but the disturbed and discontented spirit is upset by many a suspicion. He neither rests himself nor permits others to do so.

He often says what ought not to be said and leaves undone what ought to be done.

He is concerned with the duties of others but neglects his own.

Direct your zeal, therefore, first upon yourself; then you may with justice exercise it upon those about you. You are well versed in coloring your own actions with excuses which you will not accept from others, though it would be more just to accuse yourself and excuse your brother. If you wish men to bear with you, you must bear with them.

Behold, how far you are from true charity and humility which does not know how to be angry with anyone, or to be indignant save only against self!

It is no great thing to associate with the good and gentle, for such association is naturally pleasing. Everyone enjoys a peaceful life and prefers persons of congenial habits.

But to be able to live at peace with harsh and perverse men,

or with the undisciplined and those who irritate us,

is a great grace, a praiseworthy and manly thing.

Some people live at peace with themselves and with their fellow men, but others are never at peace with themselves nor do they bring it to anyone else.

These latter are a burden to everyone, but they are more of a burden to themselves.

A few, finally, live at peace with themselves and try to restore it to others.

Now, all our peace in this miserable life is found

in humbly enduring suffering rather than in being free from it.

He who knows best how to suffer will enjoy the greater peace, because he is the conqueror of himself, the master of the world, a friend of Christ, and an heir of heaven.

summer anyway.

2011-07-21T14:41:00.000-07:00

so, if you're in portland,

or know anyone who is,

you might have heard some complaining going on

about the lack of summer here so far.

the rumor is that after july 4th,

it's sunny, hot and does NOT rain.

it's our break.

our reward for behaving so well (ahem. not really.) during the rainy, cloudy parts.

but it's not happening.

apparently, the heat that the rest of you are experiencing

is preventing our little pacific northwest storm systems from going anywhere.

well. that's how i understand it anyway.

but whatever.

portlanders focus a ton of energy on the weather.

so, instead, we just went to the pool.

with our cousins.

who are here from atlanta!!

(above are the oldest and youngest.)

***

we have them here for another week.

and i'm thankful for the time to bond.

one of the harder parts of living so far from family is

that i don't get to connect as much as i'd like

with my nieces and nephews.

so having my sister and family here means a lot.

and getting to keep her kids so that she and her hubs can get away for a few nights

isn't just an opportunity for them,

but also for me to know her children in a more personal way.

***

i think my almost 6 year old nephew is in big boy heaven.

and my three year old niece is loving abigail's attention.

these two slid down the slide about 1,742 times.

their uncle caught them over and over and over....

a few needed a nap at the pool. probably the adults would have joined in if we could. ;)

ahhhhh. summer.

looks enough like it to me!

(wouldn't a family portrait session at the pool be fun??)

the winner.

2011-07-20T00:13:00.000-07:00

last friday we had a little contest.

thanks to those who played along.

i LOVED hearing what you had to say about the prints you liked!

i loved hearing what you liked and where you would put them.

so fun!!

thanks for taking the time to look and comment.

it's interesting to me to see what you all liked the most.

a couple of you either voted for all (HA!) or sorta none because you couldn't see them. ;)

here is the way you voted:

one of you voted for blueberries:

another said this one was your favorite:

but the description made me wonder if you meant this one:

(i need this in my bedroom)

another said this (which i will be hanging in abigail's room):

one of you felt this was more meaningful than the others:

(i agree, and have already printed a series of these for myself.)

two of you also mentioned this one as a close second.

two of you were in the mood to have strawberries around permanently:

FIVE of you love this one:

(again, i relate and already have a print!)

this print was named a pick by one of you... i want to walk there again soon.

two mentioned wanting to own this print:

one of you loved this:

and one, very lucky winner, loved this one:

allison, our winner(!!!), had this to say:

My favorite is the #4 flowers photo-- I love the pinks and purples against the blue sky.

And why yes that must be the cutest subject to photograph! Of course, if you come to ATL anytime soon I might need you to take some newborn family photos which might just outdo her! ;)

allison, congrats!! i'll be in touch with you!

for the rest of you, don't forget that for the rest of this week,

there is a 50% off sale for any prints you'd like to order!!

go to my website:

www.katieprentissphotography.com

click on the clients section on the bottom right corner.

i've created a little gallery just for you all.

the password is: abitbehind

i'm happy to give 50% off until SUNDAY (7/24/11) at midnight.

happy friday | 7.15.11

2011-07-15T17:11:00.000-07:00

why, yes! it is true.

glad you were paying attention.

you certainly have a good chance of winning.

the giveaway isn't only happening once this summer.

you just have to leave a comment

(and a way for me to contact you)

and then you're entered to win.

yeah, so that means,

even some one as adorable as you could win.

or even someone who misspells "lil ol' me"

or even someone who is in my family

or who has known me forever

or who has never even heard of katieprentiss photography

in their whole entire boring life.

anyone can win.

well, i can't guarantee anything....

just enter.

here's what you need to do:

remember all of those prints i've been showing on my blog?

especially on our 'happy fridays'?

maybe there was that one that you really wanted.

we'll now is your chance to get it.

consider it my little way of saying thanks for coming around here all those times. ;)

step one:

go to my website:

www.katieprentissphotography.com

step two:

click on the clients section on the bottom right corner.

i've created a little gallery just for you all.

the password is: abitbehind

(shhhhhh! it's really top secret.)

step three:

browse through the photos and pick your favorite.

then, dream of all the happy places you would enjoy seeing it.

step four:

leave a comment here including which is your favorite.

and a way to contact you.

the giveaway is for an 8x10 (8x8) or smaller.

you may also leave a comment about how cute my little model is in these photos

or about the weather you're experiencing or the gas prices these days or...

well, you get the idea.

the giveaway closes on monday at midnight.

spread the word.

or be selfish and keep it quiet. ;)

i'll be adding more in coming weeks to the gallery, so check back.

if there's a print you've seen on my blog that you'd like and i haven't included, let me know!

*****

also, keep in mind,

if you don't win and would still like to own one of the prints,

i'm happy to sell them to you.

and actually, if you purchase one this week,

i'd like to give you 50% off!!

5x5/5x7 cost $25, so they'll be $12.50

8x8/8x10 cost $40, so they'll be $20.

(certainly, if you're interested in something larger, just message me!)

(email me at kprentissphotography(at)gmail(dot)com)

happy friday!!

and happy browsing.

sewing for boys.

2011-07-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

i knew if i sewed something for elliot,

he would wear it.

he's four.

he doesn't care about what he wears...

unless of course it's a spiderman costume...

but you get the point.

but after i made the pjs for elliot and the shirt/dress for abi,

other children in the house asked to have something made too.

when i saw this fabric at cool cottons near my house

it seemed perfect for some summer pj bottoms for my 10 and 11 year olds.

i mean who doesn't love pacman?

(i have a space invaders version too that i'm going to make for nic.)

i'd love to hear what else any of you have sewn for boys.

i have long term plans for quilts,

we've made library totes,

and now pjs, but i'm not sure what else i could make for them?

a daydreaming boy.

2011-07-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

what a day for a daydream...

what a day for my daydreamin' boy...

and i'm lost in a daydream...

dreamin 'bout my bundle of joy.

and even if time ain't really on my side...

it's one of those days for takin a walk outside

i'm blowin the day to talk a walk in the sun

and fall on my face on somebody's new mowed lawn.

I've been havin’ a sweet dream

I been dreamin’ since I woke up today

It’s starrin’ me and my sweet dream

Cause (s)he's the one that makes me feel this way

And even if time has passed me by a lot

I couldn't care less about the dues you say I got

Tomorrow I'll pay the dues for droppin’ my load

A pie in the face for bein’ asleep before dawn

And you can be sure that if you're feelin’ right

A daydream will last along into the night

Tomorrow at breakfast you may pick up your ears

Or you may be daydreamin for a thousand years

What a day for a daydream

Custom made for a daydreamin’ boy

And now I’m lost in a daydream

Dreamin ‘bout my bundle of joy

on saturday, i got to pick up my boy from camp.

he was exhausted, dirty and filled.

i thought my whole family would come with me to get him,

but the house was quiet and asleep when it was time to go.

so i went alone.

and it was a gift.

taking in the stunning scenery

and having nic to myself

was totally worth it.

he fell asleep on the way home

and for a moment,

my growing boy felt like my little guy again.

i see this man emerging from him

and i love what i see.

this week was another bit of letting go for me as a mom.

letting him grow,

go,

and become who he's meant to be.

i love this parenting journey

and i'm thankful for my first born's

grace

to me as we move through it.

three guesses.

2011-07-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

anyone want to guess what we did again today?

i can give you two more very subtle hints:

yep.

sauvie island farms.

for another round of berry picking.

also, stay tuned.

i'm thinking it's time for a little giveaway or two.

anyone in need of a new photo for the wall??

wait for it....

happy friday | 7.8.11

2011-07-08T13:46:00.000-07:00

(a pleasant view of mt. bachelor.)

summery update:

1. we now have a ten year old in the house. (for the second time)

2. we took a family get away to celebrate him.

3. we went to seattle and sunriver. both were great.

4. nic is away on his first overnight camp. (ymca outside of salem, or.)

5. we pick him up tomorrow and i can't wait.

6. i'm having a hard time making time for me to do things like this.

7. the kids are doing great with more chores and our little summer schedule.

8. i'm loving my little projects and wanting more.

9. i need to get busy with big projects like our back porch redo though.

10. we have family and friends visits to look forward to this month and next.

11. all in all, i'm thankful for the sunshine and freedom that summer brings.

happy friday! xo.

slow and steady wins the race.

2011-07-07T12:43:00.000-07:00

or at least that's what i try to tell myself.

remember this post about all the stuff i wanted to make?

well, i'm still working on some of the things,

but i finally made that dress from a shirt for abi.

(the original source/link is on the post i linked to above.)

i think she's on the very edge of being too big for the idea/pattern,

but i could easily make them into shirts for her.

and i have a few more that i want to try.

but this is my first attempt:

i'm calling it 'picnic at the park' dress.

it's casual, easy and cute.

it could even make a cute night gown.

and while i was making that for abi,

i finally put this adorable fabric to use for elliot:

i was thinking of making napkins or a little apron for him,

but pj bottoms won.

i love that last little bit of baby belly. ;)

i made both of these last sunday afternoon.

it feels so amazing to indulge in something like this.

but often i don't allow myself to let other needs go in order to do it.

i'm enjoying our summer with the kids tremendously,

but finding it a REAL challenge to get any time to myself.

the kids are up late with the sun

and pretty non-stop during the day.

i'm sure i'll find my groove by the time school starts again.

as soon as i can,

i'll fill you in on family activities

and some recent work.

(happy summer!)

a quick hello!

2011-06-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

i wanted to say a quick hello to my blog friends...

we're off celebrating oliver's tenth birthday

and just taking in a week of summer.

it's been beautiful

and refreshing.

we'll be back this weekend

and i hope to catch you all up!

hope you're all enjoying your summer!

xo.

being unplugged and other summery ideas.

2011-06-21T13:20:00.000-07:00

on sunday, i allowed my (unnamed) child

to borrow my phone.

then, we ended up eating at this place in portland

that has a fountain kids can play in.

this particular child walked up to me completely drenched

and handed me my iphone, equally drenched.

needless to say,

i've been unplugged for the last three days.

it makes me anxious to think of calls or texts i'm missing,

but i also feel this strange sort of freedom.

i went on a "date" with abigail last night~

just the girls.

as i was leaving, i told brian to remember that i don't have my phone.

that we would just come home when we felt ready.

i was able to focus on her so much better.

there weren't texts to answer,

emails to check,

or any other types of distractions.

i was truly present.

and if there is one thing i keep saying i want from the summer,

it's to be present with my kids.

to talk

to engage

to listen

to learn

to grow together.

i'm not exactly sure how to do this.

i get distracted and self consumed.

but before school let out for the summer break,

i thought of a basic weekly framework for our summer.

of course, it's stored in my phone so i can't access it,

but it goes something like this:

MONDAY: manage

(this is our big organizing and cleaning day.

i hope to teach the kids more about maintaining a home... cooking, cleaning, organizing.

i have special projects to work on... like the shoe bins, the coat closet/hallway, their closets, etc.)

TUESDAY: think

(i'm hoping to practice piano everyday with them this summer,

but tuesday and thursday i hope to go deeper with them.

we're going to work on khan academy, some history, reading together, library trips, etc.)

WEDNESDAY: make

(i have some ideas here that i'm collecting to do with them this summer.

this will be a hard one for me, because it takes planning ahead. ;)

but i also know how much they love to get their hands on a fun project.)

THURSDAY: think

(see tuesday; and don't worry, it's not like we'll stay in all day on these days,

i just want to make sure we have good, deeper stuff at least a couple of days.

also, i'll probably try to keep playdates on these days/afternoons if possible.)

FRIDAY: fun

(this is the day that brian usually can play with us...

i hope to do a lot of bike riding, hiking, exploring portland and oregon.

i'm really trying to think of free activities for this one.

when we do free stuff the kids seem more free

and we seem more engaged.

maybe because free usually means natural big spaces to run around in.

so that it peeps.

my basic summer plan.

it's sort of simple, but that helps to keep it easy to remember.

i'm afraid of failure, but i'm also excited.

please feel free to share your summer ideas as well.

i'd love to hear them.

enjoy!!

oh and, if you've tried to get in touch over my cell phone...

now you know i'm not ignoring you!!

happy friday | 6.17.11

2011-06-17T16:16:00.000-07:00

my little dynamo

on his last day of preschool.

he is crazy and quirky

is always undressing

is convinced his "flash" shoes make him so fast

and likes trying to pee in public.

(usually when i'm not looking.)

he makes me laugh

fills me with snuggles

is very tender hearted

and is very very happy

to have his brothers and sister

home from school

for the summer.

***

the sounds of imaginative play around here are beautiful.

and the time they have to just play together makes me thankful.

happy friday y'all!

xo.

i spy summer:

2011-06-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

our first day of summer plans were to pick strawberries.

then rain showed up.

so we added boots and raincoats to the packing list.

if there is one thing i've learned about living well in portland,

is that you can't let weather interrupt your life.

i'm so glad we didn't.

sauvie island farms

our first day of summer
**2011**