The Schabens

I took the Schabens to some of my favorite photographing spots downtown. They turned out so good! What a photogenic famlily! I love how all of the vibrant colors and textures really pop in the pictures.

A few announcements concerning photography...

Just a quick note about some changes. As you all know by now, I am 4 months pregnant. Anyway, with that said, I have made my last photography session November 14Th, 2010 for this year. I apologize for any inconveniences, but I feel the need to spend more time with my family. I also feel the need for more rest, which I haven't been giving myself lately either.
I will also start the new year with some changes in pricing and scheduling. Some of my prices will go up as I have realized that I put a lot more work into my pictures than I had originally anticipated. I will also be allowing only 2 Saturdays or Sundays per month for pictures next year. I think this will give me a good balance with photography and family.
I will be posting new pricing for next year on the right hand side of my blog soon. I will also share next year's dates available withing the next couple of months on the left. I am due in the beginning of March, but still planning on taking pictures through that time.
It has been wonderful to have the opportunity to take pictures of your family, friends, and treasured moments. I look forward to seeing what next year brings. Thank you for all the support. Katie Jo

2 years old!

2 years just flew by. Iba keeps us very busy, loves to play with other kids, look at animals, go to Grandma and Grandpa's, and anything that has to do with water. I can see he is becoming more independent and stepping into "the terrible two's," as everyone likes to call it. Like any typical boy he enjoys making messes out of pretty much everything and is very very curious. I remind Oz that Iba got his stubbornness and he also got my attention getting skills as he tends to crack himself up often. He is a wonderful little boy, so cute, and awnry. He will be a great big brother!

Iba's becoming a big boy...

Happy Birthday Iba and Grandpa Lehan!

It's party time!....more like, "It's time to catch up on all of the cleaning that I haven't done in the last 3 months that I have been puking!"

Welcomg Baby Wyatt

I took Kati and Alex's pictures a few months ago and now got the opportunity to do baby shower invites. (The back just had location details)

Dan and Cassie

What a wonderful wedding that I had the opportunity to be a part of

Long Time, No Pictures...Here's Why

Well, you have probably noticed by now that my last blog post was July 16th. Since then I have done many photoshoots that I do need to share. And you are probably wondering why I havne't shared them. Well, around that time, I was also beginning my journey with pregnancy nausea. #2 is scheduled to be here on March 8, 2011!!! So, needless to say, with starting a new position at work, throwing up, and being extremely exhausted, I have not found the time nor the energy to post lately. Oh, and did I mention Oz had knee surgery July 29th and is just now able to walk with crutches this week???

Last week officially marks the week (I think) of beginning to feel "normal" again. So, I am now also hoping that I can get back to sharing all of the photoshoots I have been working on for the last 2 months. It has definitely been busy, much to share, almost a photoshoot every weekend. Enjoy the pictures, and welcome back to my blog!

Typical Morning in Iba's World...

So, Iba has learned that drinking the milk in the cereal bowl is a lot more fun than eating the cereal. He has been watching his dad too much:) He is getting to be such a big boy. Very busy, but a good boy!

Gwendolyn Ann

Gwendolyn turned 2 years old in late June. She took some fabulous pictures at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Here is her photoshoot...double click to enlarge photo sheets.

Rainy 4th of July

Many tears were shed Sunday morning first when Oz found out it was raining and couldn't do the Fun Run (not really, I think he wanted a reason to get our of it :) and later when the kids found out there was no kiddie parade or big parade. They had all their bikes decorated so nicely too. You have to get really creative when you have 5 kids cooped up in one house. In the morning, we decided to go "puddle chasing." By afternoon all naps had been taken and the rain finally stopped. We participated in our own kiddie parade around town. Mom/Grandma even handed out candy to the kids we spotted. We ended the day with a little 4th of July tradition- sparklers, catching lightening bugs, smores by the fire, and last but not least...fireworks. Not too bad of a day afterall.

Alex & Kati

Something New & Exciting!

This past week has been full of many emotions, changes, and new beginnings. One in particular- my job. For a while now, I have been feeling an un-balance between work and family. I have been struggling with my hours at work- not getting home until 9:30 at night during the week and working every Saturday. Oz and I were beginning to feel like we weren't ever parenting together. I am alone with Iba during the mornings and on Mondays and Oz is with Iba in the evenings and on Saturdays. Jokingly, one day I had mentioned to somebody at work that if Oz and I ever have another child he will make me find another job. Well, news gets around fast at work and last week I was given the opportunity to "expand my horizon." The best part- working 9-5pm and Saturdays off!!! Oh, and did I mention jeans on fridays?? So, starting late July, I will now be Customer Care Coordinator and leaving the Choice Studio. I will miss the Choice Studio- the excited buyers, colors, and selections. But, my new job will not only bring new challenges and knowledge, but allow me to be together more as a family. In the end, that is what's important. I am very blessed and thankful.

Alex & Kati

I have to say it was refreshing getting out of the city scene for a moment and enjoying rural Iowa...close to my hometown. Even though I came from a small town, by no means can I call myself a farm girl! It's always good to experence something different and a photographer can always find the cutest critters to get side-tracked with:) Here are just a few of the wonderful shots on their farm- Mommy & Daddy Doral.