ashley dawn photography - starts with a click inc.

Best FAMILY Friends Forever ;)

2011-10-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

While I was visiting my "home town" a couple of weeks ago, I had a handful of session to keep me busy while I was there. :)

And TWO of them were friends I had back in High School.

Wow.

It was SOOOO Much fun to see them again!!! Its seems like it has been forever!!

and... crazy this.... THEY HAVE FIRST GRADERS!! WOW! WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE!

And they are some of the FUNNEST and most BEAUTIFUL kids!

Just like their Mama's :)

I loved how we reminisced and how we went on an adventure with Binoculars.

How we were all laughing a majority of the time.

AND SEE THOSE SQUISHY, CUDDLY, HANDSOME BABY BOYS!! Oh my word!

And Oh how I miss the desert.

This session was SO much fun. :)

Pretty Pretty Princess :)

2011-10-10T18:20:00.001-07:00

Oh. My. Gosh.

This was SUCH a fun shoot!

I was giggly while setting up, whilest shooting, and even during the post processing.

She is SUCH a cute little girl!

Her mama and dada make very adorable kiddos!

I love all the Pink!

I Love all the Make Up!

I Love all the Dress Up!

I Love all the Giggles!

I Love the Light!

I Love how the images have a Film like Quality!

I Love the Balloons!

I Love the SO EXCITED I HAVE TO SHAKE!

All was fun and all was glamorous! :)

Oh So Fun!

What it would be like to be 4 again? :)

Getting Ready to meet Baby Cyan

2011-09-22T17:27:00.000-07:00

These two beautiful people are getting ready to bring their baby into the world.

Who will I am sure be one of the most beautiful babies ever.

We ended up talking to the late hours of the night, when all the mosquitos decided to come out and eat us... so were forced to head our separate ways ;)

It was great to see these two again, and I can NOT wait to meet their new addition :)

Sneak Peek for These Two! ...

2011-09-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

... And a Really AWESOME event for me to Look Forward to THIS afternoon! :)

Last night I was able to do a "First Look" Session with these two. :)

I am loving the results!

Congrats you two!

♥ Back 2 School with Em ♥

2011-08-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

I seriously Love this girl :)

Its been so long since I had seen her, when she came back for Summer break we decided to have a fun girlie night! :)

She came over, we played make up, talked boys, and went out for a "BACK TO SCHOOL" Themed shoot :) Since she was leaving the next day for a new year of College. :)

We will see if she nabs her self a worthy cutie of a man to bring home NEXT TIME ;)

♥

THESE TWO ARE GETTING MARRIED TODAY!!!

2011-08-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

EEEEEKKKKKKK!! I am so excited!

And...

Honestly...

I am a bit worried.

Because I started crying when we did this FIRST LOOK SESSION!

(seriously... I had mascara running down my face... I looked ooober attractive the rest of the shoot.)

I can't IMAGINE what it will be like TODAY!

When they are REALLY IN FRONT OF THE STAND!

They are such an awesome amazing fun silly awesome couple that I know this day will be such a Fun Busy Party Love-fest Day!

Here is to wishing you all a happy weekend!

As well as wishing the Bride and Groom a most wonderful and happy Future together :)

xoxo

So this was our first look session, and here you have a cute Groom who is so excited he is attempting to get a good look at the reflection of his Bride in the background.... ha ha I called him out on it and we all started laughing LOL

Tyson and Jessica Sitting in a Tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G...literally. ;)

2011-08-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

Tyson and Jessica

Sitting in a Tree

K-I-S-S-I-N-G

First Comes Love

Then Comes Marriage

Then Comes Their waiting for his older Brother to have a baby in a baby carriage!

(hee hee)

J/K.....maybe.

Ok, so a few things I just love about this.

1) that he is the one that painted her toes

2) that he built this tree house (yes, this IS in a tree)

3) that she was so excited when he asked her to marry him that she responded with "are you serious!?!?!?!?"

4) that she is the awesomest girl, and he couldn't have found a more perfect soul mate

5) that even tho they were running late, they agreed and were excited to stay a little bit longer so I could get those field shots :)

6) the mason jars and vintage soda bottles hanging from twine filled with flowers grown around his moms house. :)

7) the antique box, milk jug thing, and checker board that were used for tables

8) how the entire place smelled of lavender

9) how they were playing footsie

10) how she is going to be my new sister as of December :)

So incase you didn't know, That guy there is my hub's younger brother.

and remember THIS...

Need I say more :)

Congrats you two!

There is Beauty All Around....does that include being chased by a herd of Goats?

2011-07-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

Yes. You read that correct. Let me explain from the beginning.

First let me start by saying, I SO LOVE THIS GIRL! LOVE HER! LOOOOVE HER!

And I won't be exaggerating when I say I have my fingers crossed on a regular basis that she NEVER disappears. :)

Jenny and I both had a list of THINGS WE WANTED TO DO before the end of Summer. And so it was, that we even had some items on said lists that coincided.

This began a wonderful spark to a friendship/acquaintance that we already had.

We decided to get together for a photo shoot. She wanted to be in one, and I wanted to do a shoot in a field with tall grass that over looked a beautiful landscape. BINGO. Match made in heaven. :)

As we headed up towards the top of grassy hill, low and behold a herd of Goats was on the top.

"Oh! Look! Goats! how cute!"

All of a sudden said Goats saw us, then started walking towards us. Then they started Running towards us.

Umm...What to do?

We stood there. Questioning if we should be running or playing dead.

As I don't trust my acting skills to save my life, I was staring bug eyed and quiet.

All of a sudden all the Goats stopped. Creepy part is, they stopped in a semi circle around us. When through all the Goats. The BIG DADDY Goats came through to face us head on.

With horns and everything.

........

Then out of no where they all run off.

Weird.

Anyway, it was an AWESOME DAY! And I had a blast!

Love you Jenny! :D

So. That is Correct. We were chased by a herd of goats. Well. Almost.

T&T Lincoln CA Wedding

2011-07-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

I was first contacted by this couple back early 2010 to do engagements and their wedding photos.

I remember meeting them for the very first time.

When I saw them together, it was so very natural.

Very meant to be.

Two people who were perfect for each other were lucky enough to find each other.

And are an extremely Happy couple.

Hearing their family and friends talk about them on their wedding day, I still stand firm with my first opinion.

Perfect.

You can tell they will be the cute old couple we always look at and wish that someday we can be like that.

Well T&T, you have managed what so many people attempt to achieve.

And I bet that in in 60 years from now there will be young couples looking at the two of you and wishing for what you have.

You had a beautiful day, and I am sure it is the beginning of many MANY more.

Congrats to you again, and I am honored you had me capture your day.

♥ This J Girl

2011-07-07T13:22:00.000-07:00

I have known this gorgeous girl for a while actually. Met her...7 years...ago?.... just OVER 7 years ago.

Her Dad actually gave my husband and I grief about being unmarried and said we have no excuse to not be married along with some other things...hee hee. However.... he didn't know it was our first "date".

That is...until AFTER he said all his comments. :)

We got an awesome laugh out of it. And at our wedding He took credit in calling it out early. :)

But needless to say, we have had a fun time with this family since the very beginning. Just love them to pieces.

This beauty is NO EXCEPTION.

Not only is she amazing on the outside, but you will never meet a more sweet, kindhearted person. Ever.

She has already had so many wonderful experiences in her life. Including LIVING IN ISREAL. We actually took these pictures RIGHT after she came back. It was nice to see her after such a long absence.

We had so much fun together (or at least I did anyway)

I think we ended up talking and laughing more than we were taking pictures LOL

BUT HEY! It had literally been years since I had seen her. :) I think I am justified.

♥ you! :)

Happy Fam-Ily!

2011-07-01T16:11:00.000-07:00

Get out the disco shoes for this one- :)

Cause this was a F-U-N Session!

We did have a good time. If I do say so for myself :)

This family here is Ultra Talented.

They are musically inclined to the extreme. They are handy to the extreme. They can build a Pirate ship. (seriously.) They can garden and landscape GALORE. And so forth. PLUS They are really fun to shoot and make a good time out of it.

They make a Fun story too :)

Staring: Dad- Mom- Sister- Brother- and Cute Fuzzy Dog named Jack.

On the Drive over to their house I spotted this wall.... and loved it. So we all made a U Turn and headed back for a few fun family pictures. :)

And look what happens when I the Camera Lady holds up a picture of Orlando Bloom!

So I loved the reaction so much... I wanted the boys involved a bit more.

Holding up Orlando Bloom Picture AND a Keira Knightly Picture.

Behold the awesomeness. :)

Guess who won. :)

and To give an extra plus to the session....was a vineyard with a Perfect Golden Glow for a Front Yard View.

We had a fun time. :)

YAY FOR FUN TIMES AND GOOD MEMORIES!

*ahem*

Jack: "Excuse me.... Miss Camera lady.....I am part of the family arn't I? Don't I get to be in a picture? See how good I am? I can sit still and be the good dog. I promise. I will even smile for the picture. Promise!"

Me: "Oh... alright Jack. Run on in there and Give a BIG Happy Smile for the Camera.

Jack: "Cheese!"

Baby Number 8!

2011-07-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

First off, I can't begin to say how much I love the parents of this cutie little boy. They are some of the nicest people you will ever have the chance to meet.

And Second... when you hear 8 kids... it makes your head roll. Just a bit.

However, this Mama. I don't know how else to describe it, But she is the most perfect mom to have 8 kids. Her house is organized and clean that when you walk in you can FEEL the family love for each other.

All the siblings are so happy for baby and are all trying to help.

It really is the cutest thing you have ever seen.

I was so excited to meet the little guy

And he is ALL boy!

Once we brought out all the.... how you might say....Foofy things to have extra cute baby pictures is when he began to fuss a bit.

It was as if he was saying

"Umm Hello... Mom and Photographer lady.......excuse me but I am a man."

I think his daddy might have agreed with him LOL

Anyway- this baby boy...He is so cute. Big smiles to my face :)

D & A's- Sacramento Wedding

2011-05-28T12:52:00.000-07:00

This was such a great day! These two are probably the luckiest couple. They have ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL PARENTS!!

Their story starts at school, where no one would have ever pictured them together as a couple. And yet, they knew it was perfect. The time came when they were engaged. They started to plan their wedding day.

Both of their parents wanted to help make their day the best day they could imagine.

It was decided that not everyone in their family would be able attend their special day.

So what do these ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL PARENTS decide to do! Have TWO weddings. One from where her family lived.

One where his family lived.

Their close relatives who wouldn't have been able to make their special day, were now able to be apart of the celebration in one way or another.

I was lucky enough to meet his mother in the beginning stages of the planning for the wedding here in Northern California.

This was a wonderful day, and wonderful people.

And look at HOW HAPPY THEY ARE!

It was such a great day :)

You two are beautiful, and amazing.

Here is to wishing you Joy and Happiness in your beautiful future!

YW Girls

2011-05-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

I was asked by the young women in my ward to do some pictures for them at an activity where they were learning different ways to style their hair and make up.

These girls are beautiful inside and out, and I have not been with them for over a year and miss them all the time.

It was so fun being able to play with them again!

And not only that, but seeing all the NEW faces that have joined since I had left!!!

It was a great and fun night!

These girls are awesome and you can tell they have a lot ahead for them.

Not to mention more shoots with me! ha ha

Since we did these picture JUST before mothers day - I was asked if I could get them some prints before I left for the St. George Ironman (Austin did it, not me), so the girls could give their mom a picture.

These are the ones I picked out.

The girls are awesome!

Goregous Vintage

2011-05-05T18:22:00.000-07:00

This session...

was such a breath of fresh air.

I NEEDED this session. Selfish right? Ha ha- But really. I had gotten home from a funeral and it put me in this little stew. I was working on coming out of it, and this session was such a wonderful BLAST BACK INTO WHAT I LOVE! And really got me back on track!

They are SO in love. She with him, he with her. It was so beautiful to witness and photograph.

Not to mention that she has such an awesome fashion sense and putting everything together was so exciting to talk about during our planning.

You two are amazing, it was so wonderful to meet you!

I am so in love with these pictures and had such a FUN day with you BEAUTIFUL couple!!!

A A Apple Ba ba Ball Ca Ca COURTNEY Da Da Doll :)

2011-03-11T14:23:00.000-08:00

So this is Looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong Over due.

Lucky for me, she is an awesome friend. :)

We had so much fun that day!

And Lucky for me (again) I will be having a ladies night out with her on MONDAY!

Here is to MONDAY BABES! Can't wait!

WEDDING DAY FOR D&E

2011-03-05T01:25:00.000-08:00

Hans Fahden in Calistoga CA

Beautiful BEAUTIFUL Place.

With so much to offer.

Needless to say, This AWESOME Couple chose a GREAT Location.

And Looking at the pictures.... and their HAPPY SMILY FACES.... You would NEVER know it was 35 Degrees. They were all AMAZING Sports dealing with the cold! NO COMPLAINTS!

(hee hee- by the end of the night my hand literally froze in the place of holding my camera with my little clicker button finger out! And there was ICE on my car.... It was really hilarious LOL)

Thank you so much for such a wonderful day!!!

You both are amazing!

ok- So let me tell you about this really fast.

This is a REAL cave.

Han Fahden cleaned it up, but its in this mountain/hill thing RIGHT next to the building. They have it all set up to have dinners in there. HOW INSANE CRAZY IS THAT! And...umm... not to forget.....freaking amazing looking!

Lucky ME!! :D, the guys flash went off RIGHT when I clicked my clicker ;)

ok... so I MIGHT have enhanced it just a little. But I thought it looked awesome :)

oh- and this food was BEYOND brilliant! Vendor list at the bottom! WRITE THESE PEOPLE DOWN!!!! Mouth was drooling remembering all of this LOL E&D know how to PICK THEM THAT IS FOR SURE!

Music was KICKING and The Dancing was SO MUCH FUN!

I caught myself dancing around while taking pictures...

Which.... is actually a regular occurrence.....

on a regular basis actually....

BUT I wouldn't have been if there wasn't the amazing DJ.

OH MY GOSH! A BLAST OF A DAY!

It was fun reliving it!

The Brilliant people who were also associated with this wonderful day

Don Padilla (DJ) (based in Folsom CA- I will get his INFO for ya)

Knickerbockers (caters)

Mr. & Mrs. Glen Vance (Officiant)

If you have not yet "LIKED" me on Facebook.... go do that! :D

xoxo

Have a great night! Talk to you soon!

Really soon actually... I have a ton to catch everyone up on!

LOOK WHAT I DID!! :D

2011-02-03T21:25:00.000-08:00

Ok- so I am super happy about this... so I have to blog it.

I am not a creative person... so the fact that I even attempted this... makes me really happy :)

WHAT DO YOU THINK!!??!!??!!

This purple and Green one I made for my niece that will be born next month. EEK! So excited.

And.. I am thinking I need to get this one to my other niece who was born in September. :) But... it didn't come out how I pictured in my head... so I am thinking I might just keep it and try again.... We will have to see. :)

But yay! I am excited.

I made them.

All by myself.

Yay me!

Anyway... ok...

Have a good night :)

xoxoxo

Baby Baby

2011-02-01T22:20:00.000-08:00

Cutie Cuddly Baby Z... Sigh with me now.... *sigh*

He is CUTE! And during the Christmas pageant made a most excellent baby Jesus. :) Following his parents example in acting and STARTING EARLY! Hee hee

SO the great news is that it is now official - I have internet and my computer is WORKING!

Thank you for all those at apple.

I do feel bad, since this post is BEYOND due.

It was a really fun shoot! We sat and visited and when baby was ready for his close up we would work it :) Then when he needed his break... we did :)

A dear friend introduced me to http://www.framedshow.com/ and it is BRILLIANT! This first video was with the amazing Mitch Meyer and it was wonderful how he pointed out so many truths in this short video. "Follow your passion" that is what it always leads to. THis is what will take you where you want to go. Not by looking at someone and trying to do what they do, but but finding your element and sticking to that as your base as you grow and grow.
I never thought it would be possible to ever be satisfied since this industry is always expanding. It was nice to see someone as brilliant as Mitch say that he can look at something he did a year ago and not be happy with it.

I am excited to have been able to be witness of http://www.framedshow.com/ and can't wait for the future inspiring it will for sure bring to me. :)

Thanks Beck for showing me this!

Baby Bump is a Country Bumpkin!

2011-01-28T19:55:00.000-08:00

Oh. My. Gosh.

I have been away for FAR TOO LONG!!!

Here is the LONG story in short form....

*breathing in*

First off-

I have a NEW Calibration software. SOOOO - prints will be super better! YAY!

(Contact me with any questions)

In the process of doing my new Calibration... my computer decided to CRASH!

(don't worry- I have external hard drives, nothing was lost. It was more of a BLOODY annoyance and made me dislike Mac all that much more. hee hee, but I love mac again... sooo.... you know its working)

In the LONG process of getting my computer back.... I then...GET SICK! With that horrid Cold/Cough thing that is going around. Thank you to my wonderful Friends at Traditional Medicinals Tea who helped me though the rough patches. OH! And to Collodial (sp???) Silver. You are amazing.

Upon feeling better enough to leave the couch I then LOSE MY INTERNET! Seriously. Can I not have a break LOL

But I have a temp internet right now.... it is a working just splendid.

And we will be getting our NON temp Internet tomorrow. (hopefully)

So sigh.

I am a bit behind. Well... lets face it. I am ALOT behind.

I will be doing my best to catch up. Know I am still here and have not forgotten any of you waiting on pics and sneak peeks on the SITE

I am also going to be helping a friend with a Valentines Day Concert. I will be doing pictures. The whole idea was just to cute to pass up. It isn't me and I don't hire out for these type of photo ops, however, like I said. The idea was to cute, and it is for an organization that I believe in their system. I will post more info on that as soon as I can.

Anything else I have to put up right away....??? No. I think that will cover it for now.

OK - So soon! When my internet is back up! :D

loves to you!

(ok- I just realized I didn't say anything about the pictures I had posted and that they have nothing to do what what I was talking about, but I loved them and they needed to get posted. It has been way over due. PS. That is one of my most favorite fields. The FIRST person to email me who has also "liked" me on Facebook- with interest in a photo session in THAT field... I am going to give 50% off their session cost. I want to go back!)

Looking Back & Looking Forward (also...a Sneak Peek of my weekend with E&D)

2011-01-11T18:50:00.000-08:00

*Sigh*

2010 is over and 2011 has BEGUN! And let me say... it is already moving fast.

Why is it when you are a kid, life goes by soooooo sloooooooooooow.

Then you get older, and it moves faster and faster.

Next thing I know- BAM! it will be May and I will be turning the dreaded 26 and then BAM Austin's 30th in November and BAM BAM BAM I will be doing New Years again.

I am not going to lie. I am glad 2010 is over. Man that was a hard year. I have yet met someone who had a good year.

I will look back on 2010 with the "Yes, there were good times. But it mostly seemed like I was hanging by a thread for dear life the rest of it" perspective.

Many good things happened however. Big and small things. Things from my changing my diet to feel better all the way to having a total change of heart.

I am so very blessed and I intend to reflect more on the blessing in my life for my future.

Maybe that is why "hard" years come around. To kinda give everyone a smack in the face and wake up to the good things in life.

I can tell that my eyes have been opened a smidgen. I am going to work like mad to keep them open and to make them open even more.

I have plans for this New Year, and I won't allow my self to beat myself up if they don't work out as I intend.

My family is very important to me. And it makes me sick that I only get to see them 1 or 4 times a year for a very short time. That is going to increase! I am telling you that right now!

2011 is so open for many possibilities and memories! I am very excited for it! And of course, there will be hard times. Every year has hard times. But I intend to make the best out of them. Live by the "Pollyanna" frame of mind if I have to :)

I want to find MORE than the good in people. I want to KNOW the good in everyone. Everyone has good in them.

I am going to open myself more. Really, I am a very nice and good person. But I close myself off to people. That is a goal of mine this year. Not only to be "open" with my typing skills ;)

THIS YEAR IS A TIME FOR EVERYONE TO BE ABLE TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO START A FRESH! And I certainly hope I will do good at it! :D

This past weekend, Two very awesome people started their year just right.

I was thinking so much over the course of the day, and my face had a huge smile plastered to it for most of it :)

They wanted to much to have surprises and happy moments for everyone around them- let me just say WOW for their selfless behaviors.

Love you both, thank you for having me be apart of your day.

Here is a little peek of your day

Here is to an AMAZING 2011 and future!

the "Christmas Card Letter" Post

2010-12-16T23:19:00.000-08:00

Whether or not this Letter is a joyful read or one that you cringe about every time you open a Christmas card and see a folded 8x11 paper inside.

I personally have heard it all,

"Why do people think we care about their families? I don't even know their kids."

or the less negative

"Oh I LOVE reading about everyones year! Its always so exciting to see what everyone has been up to!"

Seriously... both of these personalities within a short circle of my friends. LOL

I personally... LOVE getting Christmas Cards and Letters on the inside. If you arn't one of those people. Well, that is OK :)

I have also heard the

"Why send out Christmas Cards? people just throw them away? It expensive trash"

and the opposite

"I love getting christmas cards from all over! Its such a joyful thing"

This year was my first time ever sending Christmas Cards.

And I am very very excited about it.

However....I did do a "Year Review" Letter last year or maybe it was the year before...... But I don't think I mailed it to anyone outside my family. I am not counting it.

This year, in November I decided... I AM DOING CHRISTMAS CARDS! and literally... got super excited about it. From day one.

and in talking to one of my friends recently about my excitement, she mentioned how she love to be able to mail cards really far away. And I threw back at her "I love GETTING cards from all over!" after I said/thought it.... I realized I sounded totally selfish and like a brat LOL But that isn't how I meant it. Honest. :) However, my favorite Georgian is sending me a card and I am pretty excited about it ;) (thats for you D xoxo to you)

And...going on with my Letter...

If you are the person who doesn't enjoy a good "yearly family review" read... well you are in luck. Because A lot has happened this year... but nothing really worth writing about. LOL

so it will be SHORT! :)

Austin has A LOT to look back on with pride this year. Austin became a full length, Real IRONMAN Finisher in May.

He swam the 2. something miles. He biked the 112. something miles and then Ran a flipping Marathon. On what has become known as the Hardest Ironman Course in America.

Go babe go.

I, however, did not accomplish anything near that great of a length. So...

*cricket cricket*

Not really sure what to say about my year.

just kidding.

It has been busy.

We started this year off with a BANG. Literally. Lighting Fireworks and had a HUGE bonfire. It was taller than me (ok... so I am short umm...) It was as tall or Taller than my bro in law Matt. And ended up playing Settlers until 3:00 am with some awesome friends :)

Austin and I were able to spend time with my Dad and siblings in February in Tahoe for a week. Plenty of Snowboarding and soaking in mineral baths, plus eating goodies and playing games.

Austin and I had our 6 year anniversary in March. Not 6 years married, but 6 years as a couple. Weird how old we are... :S Can't believe 7 will be coming up... AHHHH!

April- A new addition to our little family. Mischeif the cute kitty. :) (technically this happened in May... but I can't remember what happened in April... so we are going to pretend. See.. now THIS is why you keep a journal.)

May was when Austin did the Ironman and I turned the dreaded 25. (I know.. I know.. its not very old. But I apparently have an age complex)

Austin pulled an all nighter road trip to Salt Lake for a weekend in June. It was an awesome AMAZING weekend. And such a nice break.

July I was able to witness the Fanciful Magical Far away Land of Ferron UT.

Austin has a friend from High School whom I have adopted as my friend :) She is a talented singer, and August began the Many late night concert performances to see her singing in her band. We had a blast every time.

September- WOW. We have been married 4 years. AHHHHH! (and nope- no kids yet)

October- Dressing up like characters in one of my favorite book series for a Halloween Party and NO One knew who we were. Then hearing on the Radio how it is totally Lame when people don't know what you dress up as for Halloween. LOL....Oops.

St. George for Thanksgiving, where I made Dinner at Daddy's house. Austin played Turkey Bowl, and Mom and I started Black Friday shopping at Midnight and got home at 10:00 am or 11:00? Can't remember... but it was Fun day. :)

December- THAT IS THIS MONTH! We have played in the Snow and decorated a Tree :) As you will see.....

For anyone who knows me .... You know that I am one of the most Sentimental people there ever were. LOL

My grandma mailed me 2 large shoeboxes of random Christmas ornaments that she has collected over the years, since she has to many for her trees and I wanted them.

All these pictures are MAINLY for my memory sake. :) Should anything ever happen (knock on wood) you never know. Someone might break in my house and steal all my old ornaments. Have to prepare for these things for Posterity. ;)

OK - so this little snowflake was made in Austria. My Grandma picked it up while she and my Grandpa were serving a mission for our Church there. It is so beautiful. I also received the wreath from my Grandma. However... she didn't tell me anything about it. Lets just say its an old one. From the early BC's perhaps. Made from Twines of Babylon.

You are going to see this music theme a lot LOL On my tree anyway.

These little rolls of Music and Ribbon, My grandma and grandpa made them one year when they were first married when money was short, but they wanted to decorate their tree with something pretty. :) Honestly, these are some of my favorites. She gave me 3 of them. 2 with Ribbon one without.

My other Grandma gave me this one. :) As to not forget my roots.

Hee hee-OK- so I have to say the story behind this one. When Austin and I were dating (before we got engaged) I thought a fun double date with his sister and our now brother in law would be to make Christmas Ornaments from Salt dough. I somehow messed up on the recipe... so they were moist...forever. Even after baking. No clue. ANYWAY Austin made this one. BET YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT/WHO IT IS OF!?!? :) *clue- the black thing is a name badge*

Back to the ones from the old shoe box...

When I was little I remember my Grandma had a little twig tree by the front door that was literally COVERED in different sized elves like this and like the Red One. (that they made popular again with the ELF ON THE SHELF story) I was so excited when I pulled out this little elf from the box!! It reminded me so much of that tree! And I personally think he is really cute.

This Sheep. I remember playing with this when I was...3? It was apart of a set. One LARGE sheep that looked the same (only larger) that when tipped upside down and put right side up would make a sheep noise. And it had 3 or so little baby sheeps. This is one of the baby sheeps. I seriously love having memory flashbacks. I am not sure where my Grandma got them tho...

Oh the true meaning of Christmas.

OK - so it was tradition for the family (aunts and uncles and such) while growing up they would each make an ornament for the Christmas Tree. Now.. This family of mine.. Aunts and Uncles and Grandparents. Are seriously the most artistic creative musically gifted amazing families. (*ahem* where the heck are all of those gifts for me right?) So not that this next ornament is super amazing or anything. But it is AWESOME. She was INSPIRED by a crushed soda can. Painted it. And Low and Behold. *side note: the little green wrapping paper that you will see taped/attached to a lot of ornaments is a note from my grandma giving me a bit of history on the ornament*

Ever see Home Alone 2? That is what I think of every time I see these. However, these are much older. And for whatever reason... the first ornament I put on my tree every time. Don't know what that is.

EEK! Ok another Favorite of mine! This Walnut. Was a real Walnut. And my Grandpas Parents Made a set of them over for their Christmas Tree in Germany when they were newly weds. I SO SO LOVE IT! My Grandma sent me 4 of them! They are SO OLD! And have traveled so far! And I think they are so beautiful! (plus... when I was little I didn't realize how amazing they were, but I would immediately compare them to the CARE BEARS NUTCRACKER SUITE Cartoon. Hugs and Tugs chose a walnut for their special christmas ornament too. yup- I still watch it hee hee)

And for fun sakes, here is the little note explaining the Walnut from my Grandma :)

I made that paper Crane in 4th grade for my Grandmas Christmas Tree and she gave it back, the nail is a symbol for why we celebrate Christmas, The egg was made by my Grandma. She collects eggs (not real ones of course) and egg cups, and the Angel was made by my Mom. She made a WHOLE angel Choir of them. I loved them. I would play with them all the time. My favorite was the one playing the Harp and the conductor. I think there were originally like 25 or so. I would get yelled at when I would drag them all over the place LOL but I remember the display of them on the coffee table. All lines up in their sections ready to be lead. :)

This star was apart of some Church lesson.... and I liked it to much to actually do with it what I was suppose to do. So instead I added it to my Christmas Tree and made it an Ornament. hee hee. And the Red White and Blue one reminds me of my Grandpa who passed away.

This little bell, is apart of a set that were given to my Grandpa by a Family he met in Switzerland when he served there as a missionary when he was young.

No notes on these ones, but I remember my Grandma had a LOT of different ornaments similar to the little drum. And she would give me little suction cups with hooks to put them where ever I wanted on the sliding glass door. :) When the sun should shine through all the pretty colors would glow. I loved doing that when I was a kid. I tried to put enough lights behind it to give it the same effect.... it didn't work. :(

My mom made these for my Grandma one year for her "homemade ornament" they were made from Salt Dough. I remember being so mad LOL because her carolers were so much better than my castle. And we made them the same day.

My Grandpa made the BEST honey. He had hives all over Northern California and Southern utah. I miss that honey. It was SO good. They got these Hive shaped ornaments one year because they fit with his honey. :) And the Bear in the back ground... From my very first christmas in my very first apartment. A gift from one of my best friends.

This little book is tiny and cute. And FIT PERFECTLY in the hole in the tree. I love how it worked out! (yup - got this from Grandma too :) )

When I was growing up and every christmas we would go visit Grandma, she never had a tree skirt or anything like that around the tree. She had a bazillion stuffed animals!! and I would RUN to them and play with them forever. I never stopped. I remember still running to them even in High School LOL There were two dogs I had a particular fancy to. My Grandma gave me my favorite of the two a few years ago. That is when I started putting stuff animals around my tree too. It is my tradition that will go on with my family :) Isn't he Cute!! He is so cuddly. I put the mini sheep under his head to hold it up so you can see him in the picture LOL

Stuffed animals to the Right :) and my Garfield! I love my Garfield step. My Grandpa made him for me the Christmas I was three years old. :) I have a home movie of me riding it like a Rocking horse LOL and I was holding my "baby" doll. Which was a Garfield. That I am pretty sure I pulled from the back window of my Aunts car. And it became my baby doll. *theres an embarrassing moment for ya! :) next you know I will be uploading me dancing to Alvin and the Chipmunks singing Wolly Bully that same Christmas..... no. that will never happen.) The Care bear is there for Austin. :)

And stuffed animals to the LEft.

CLOSE UP

My dad had this little Rocking Chair made for me with a Matching Hutch for a Christmas one year. I still have it. :) And plan on my baby girl playing with it someday.

For now, it does well as a decor for around my Christmas Tree. And for Holding my baby bunny rabbit. That was my first stuffed animal that was given to me when I was born and my baby twin dolls that I got for a Christmas when I was in third grade.

This book. I love this book. It makes me cry now. Because I am an emotional weirdo. But when I first saw it in my Grandpas bookstore when I worked there, I was drawn to it. It pulled me. I then read it, and fell in love with the story. If you have never read it. I would suggest it. I feel the need to keep it near my tree.

Ok, so when Austin and I were dating, he would talk about how amazing it was that his mom made his Christmas Stocking and all the kids in his family stockings and how amazing they were and so forth.

Well.. here is my fear. I can't sew. My sewing Teacher in High School actually pulled me aside and told me "Ashley.... you know its ok. Sewing isn't for everyone."

Seriously.

So I was a bit panicked.

But I had to try right LOL

So I went to Austins parents house, it was totally late, borrowed their sewing machine. It had red thread in it. I didn't know how to change it and wasn't about to try LOL there was thread I was leaving it there.

Since it was about 10:30 at night, and I needed fabric I ran to Walmart. (gotta love the 24 hours for emergencies) and we picked some fabrics.

I then attempted to make a pattern for a stocking... and Made this.

Note my beautifully drawn Hot Glue with glitter sprinkled on it and bells placed in it here and there. LOL I am just grateful that I didn't GLUE the fabric together. well... except for the fabric on the heel. I glued that on the corner and filled it with bells....

HEY! I tried!! and he loves his stocking. So... there ya go. LOL even tho alot of the red glitter as fallen off....

And my stocking.

Note the beautiful Red Thread. It matches perfectly with the black and gold. and the artistic wooden star that was hot glued on.

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas.

This season means so much to me. I love it.

~C Family~

2010-12-01T18:45:00.000-08:00

WOW!

Has it been a month!

Busy busy busy!

BUT THAT IS GOOD! I love being busy.

However, it does prevent me from getting online as much as I would like to.

But I am so very thankful for it all.

Thanksgiving is one of my most favorite holidays. I believe it is the most perfect holiday to lead us into the Christmas season.

I was lucky enough to spend Thanksgiving with my Dad this year. I GOT TO COOK THE ENTIRE MEAL! WOO! :) Sorry, but I love it when that happens. Although, That means I don't get to play football... and that is always a bummer. BUT it was awesome being in St. George. Even if it was about the shortest trip ever and I didn't get to see everyone I wanted to see.

I am thankful that I do have family that I can see. I am thankful that I am able to go back and visit them. (I will be back in February/March time)

I am thankful for the fun that we all had while I was there.

There is so much in this world to be thankful for, I have to remind my self sometimes about that. Luckily I don't have to remind myself TO much. ;) But we have it so good here.

I guess I will step down from my little box. LOL

So.. I have known this family for about 3 years now. They are a cute and fun family and I was excited that I was able to do their pictures this year.

It is also fun to see how much these little boys LOVE being a Big Brother to their little sister.

Also, fun to see Grandpa sneak in my Candy stash and dance with victory that got to the good stuff before getting caught.

THAT IS WHAT GRANDPAS ARE FOR! I remember my Grandpa sneaking stuff to me when I was little all the time! Its what defines an AWESOME Grandpa.

Thanks so much you guys! It was a fun shoot that is for sure! :D

THE FIRST- Food Post :)

2010-11-15T18:02:00.000-08:00

So YAY For Organic Local Grown Foods! I so love Farmers Markets.

As I mentioned earlier, I decided that I would be posting at the VERY least ONE food experiment post every so often :) With my purchases of the Farmers Market and my star rating of the food experiment.

I WAS NOT PLANNING ON THIS HAPPENING SO FAST! LOL I totally caught myself off guard when I realized I was actually doing this! You have no idea how excited I was! IT HAPPENED SOONER THAN I THOUGHT POSSIBLE!

I got home, got busy working on pictures when my hubby calls me asking what was for dinner. (umm...oops....)

"Oh I am..uhh... making...*look out side...windy....kinda cold looking*... Soup."

was my response as I started banging things around in the kitchen drawers to make it sound like I was anywhere OTHER than in my office LOL It was rather funny. I am sure my hubs was trying to not laugh at me.

So we hung up and I had to decide what to do.

TOMATOES!

I had a BAG of tomatoes!

Tomato Soup!

SWEET!

and to top it off, I have Udis Bread and Mozzarella Cheese.

Score. I have dinner.

Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.

(a TMI moment... I cut about 95% of dairy from my diet and 99.9% of gluten 99% of corn and a bunch of other random foods. I will have to talk about that later :) if anyone is interested.)

I pulled out my big Pot.

Peeled the Tomatoes.

Threw in some Garlic, onion, sugar (to help lower the acidity of the tomatoes), butter, some chicken bouillon. Brought to a boil. Cooled. Blended in a blender to make nice and smooth and dreamy creamy. Add a little Soy milk. Very little.

I put the creamy soup back in the pot to keep warm.

Make the Grilled Cheese sandwiches and *ahem* not to boast, but these were the best Grilled Cheese sandwiches ever. Cheese stringed (is that a word????) as i pulled the slices apart. *sigh* Heaven.

Garnished the soup with a little feta, and BAM!

And forgive my magazines and things on my Table. LOL As I said. This wasn't Planned.

I have a picture without the Magazines. But I am trying to be REAL here. Blogs are for the REAL ME to show the REAL You.

So... There you have it.

Now my Review.

I hate tomato soup.

I have never liked it.

I am sure I never will.

Once my Grilled Cheese was gone I sat there playing with the soup until Austin was done. HA HA. But it was quite yummy while I dipped my sandwich in it :) and have little sips in the between times. But... Blah. Do not like Tomato soup.

Austin however Loved it. He took some for lunch today and kept sending me Yummy Text messages about how his lunch was so good. LOL GLAD YOU LIKED IT BABE!

Thanks to all.

Talk to you soon.

Talented & Beautiful both INSIDE and Out

2010-11-12T13:32:00.000-08:00

Funny how people become acquainted isn't it :)

This lovely lady friend of mine is a most talented singer. Austin and I would enjoy every performance she (and her band) would put on.

It was the most fun being able to get together with her for a shoot!

Please forgive me for my absence on FB, the Website (ashdawnphoto.com), and my blog.... With the Holidays coming up it has been rather crazy. Lots to get done with little time to do them in.

However, I am enjoying myself, even if I am unable to share everything with you as often as I wish.

I will be getting to you soon! Lots of things to update! :D

Have a most wonderful weekend!

~~ N Family ~*

2010-11-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

Ok... So obviously this Fall- I was a HUGE fan of golden fields and Oak trees LOL

As you will see.

LOL

however, at first.

Have you ever been totally envious of someone? HA HA I am NOT a scrapbook-er person. I tried once. Actually maybe 3 times. LOL But, man alive. I am BAD at it. I have always felt pretty comfortable doing things on computers. But when you hand me a pretty piece of paper, glue, a flower, and some weird metal things and say "MAKE IT PRETTY" I am NO McGiver (sp?) If I get an IDEA then I can roll with it. But coming up with something .... nope. So I know these people.... and I leave in AWE every time I see what they can do with simple things like a piece of paper and some fabric.

I figure that SOMEDAY when I have a chance to "embrace" the paper and glitters. If people even use glitter..... for some amazing christmas stuff-yals. However... Christmas....I do make pretty amazing turtles. You know... Caramel.... Walnuts... chocolate. Mmmmm.... So at least I have THAT! (ha ha)

I believe my Christmas Cards (I am DETERMINED to get them out this year!) won't be Christmas Cards. I think they are going to be NEW YEAR cards, or VALENTINES DAY cards.

I still need to do Austin and my pics LOL I have this idea...... that you will see later.

So- Keep in touch, still to come on this blog- Monterey Weekend, Mommy's Visit, Race weekend, and.... lots of other posts. LOL

This was a good session! I had a blast! The boys were so funny! HA HA you gotta love siblings. We had a great time snacking on Smarties and playing with Slinkies. All in all - a pretty great afternoon. ;) Especially when you add the mini straw fight. Oh the good and funny times.

Have a wonderful night all! We will talk to you soon!

MY FIRST RACE!!!

2010-11-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

ok-

It all started with the Alarm going *BEEEEEEEEEEERRRRREEEEPPPPPPPPPP* at 6:00 am.

We loaded up the car and began our 3 to 4 hour Drive to Hollister California.

We were all excited for our Race, and I was tired. And Makeup-less. LOL

Below are a series of pictures from our wonderful day.

Austin- posing for his Audi Commercial LOL

Yup - and then me... with no make up other than eye liner. Because... without it I look... even worse. LOL

Oh yeah... LIME GREEN SHIRT! You will have no problem finding me LOL

These....*sniffle*....are....*sob*....my very old Shoes.

I got them when I was 15.

They were with me through SO MUCH! Loads of Gyms. Lots of Hiking. Rafting Trips even. And this Race.

And now... they are..... gone. And Austin is jumping for joy. LOL

Getting Gas... LOL WHy wouldn't I stop and Pose.

I think Austin thinks I am silly..... but at least he plays along. :)

OK- So these Next pictures..... We wanted to have a camera for the Race. We Knew what the obstacles would be and there was no way we were going to use a digital camera. It would get ruined. So my genius husband decides to pull over on our way and get a WATERPROOF DISPOSABLE CAMERA! We carried it around with us the whole race. Took pics... ran out of film so missed a few things.... Next year. Two Cameras. ;)

BANG AND FLAME THROWER- Race is started.

Here we go!

Of course...my classic fishy/kissy face ;)

ROAR! (tee hee)

After our 1.5 mile run- the Obstacles started. FIRST- Climb over and/or Through 4 cars.

Next we ran for a bit, and got to the "Spider Web" of bungie Chords. These were strewn all over for about a length of....20 yards??? something like that.

Austin got a little clicker happy (tee hee) so... you kinda get to see me in my clumsy action here LOL

TUCK AND ROLL BABY!! TUCK AND ROLL!

Then we run.... some more.... to HELLS HILL. This thing was steep. BLAH. Here I am suffering and crying for my mommy. And Austin took a picture from the top ...he was laughing at his weak wife. (ha ha - kidding. This was.. ummm.. posed. Yes. Posed.)

My Cutie hubs threw me the camera so I could see him hanging from a tree at the top of the hill... bragging of his buffness making it to the top while I struggled at the bottom. (ha ha- jk again)

And now down the steep devil of a hill.

Oooo! Look who's cocky now! HA HA!

Jack fell down and Broke his crown.....

and Jill came Slipp Sliding after (hee hee- on her butt....then I got up and ran down and nearly flipped not realizing it was as steep as it was LOL woops)

After the hill we had to walk over these little plank wood things. Over a ditch that was actually pretty deep. Like 5 or 6 feet ish? WIth a bunch of rocks and twigs and stuff at the bottom. You would have thought they would have cleaned it out. But... nope.

And since we had been running through mud - there was now mud all over these small log things. Making it SUPER slippery. The woman actually fell who was in front of me. It was kinda creepy watching her slip and fall down to the ditch like that.

We made it over...*sigh* YAY! There were a bunch of people that kept getting nervous about it and would keep putting them selves at the back of the line.

Then we ran around a corner thing, and upon this big rope latter thing. That we climbed.

After the rope thingy we ran for a bit and came upon the ....wall... hurtle things???

Anyway- they weren't very high or anything but man were they inconvenient. LOL

Austin is always clicker happy, but good thing, because he totally got this guy crashing! LOL poor guy. He was running all fast then BAM! FLIP! FALL!

had to have a dramatic end.....

And here is were we look down and see... oh crap! We only have 3 pics left! and we have a bunch of obstacles left!!! AHHH! So we saved the last pics for ...finish line.

After this Hurtle wall thing we ran for a bit and got to about 25 yards or so of tires. Austin and I were like "Lets hold hands" *sigh* the true love.... (ha ha) so we start running/hopping through all these tires and all of a sudden the pattern they WERE in is no more. And the Tires are all different sizes and heights and thrown about in a haphazardness matter! AHHH! Austin nearly tripped LOL we made it out tho... so SWEET!

THen we run for a bit more, and get to HAY STACKS. So bales of Hay that were all stacked up. I think it was like 6 bales high? So we raced over that (austin and I) and did the whole... ON YOUR MARK - GET SET- GO! and everything LOL it was funny.

After the hay bales, we got to this section where we had to Crawl on the ground under these plastic pipe things that were cut in half ... making "the tunnel of terror" (lol) it was about... 50 yards long... something? and.. that killed me. Seriously. There were rocks and stuff - and the guy in front of my hit a nail on the top so I was staying as low as I could LOL I didn't want to get scratched. So my knees have tons of scratches and stuff on them now. :-S

After we crawled out of those, we ran to the SLIP AND SLIDE! HA HA it was awesome! And LONG! So Austin and I RAN AND JUMP AND SLID! And he went FLYING! I had something in my way... it sucked. SO I didn't fly as far. BUT we stood up SOAKING WET!!! And covered in soap.

Then we ran.... dripping wet LOL to then JUMP OVER two Hurdles... of FIRE. LOL See... in the pictures on the website. It looked like they had a pit with fire in it so you could no problem jump over it.

But they had this stand. And on the stand they have the little bonfires going. So the flames were up to our hips and such.

AND

on the website... we only saw ONE bon fire thing we had to jump over.

There were two.

So after jumping over the Fires

We get to the most exciting part of all.....

25 -35 feet of crawling through 2 to 3 feet of mud. Underneath barbed wire. Austin and I thought itwas like 10 inches deep. So Austin Ran and JUMPED and Landed Belly down! and then SANK! LOL

So I am watching... waiting for his head to come up- see him.. then I dive in. Mud in my eyes... and mouth. Nasty-ness. LOL And crawled through pulling ourselves the entire way.... Austin having held on to the Waterproof Camera the entire time through the mud... it was in pretty bad shape itself LOL

THUS the silhouette of me crawling out of the mud. He tried wiping it off with his hand, but since the hand was also covered in mud... didn't do TO much. LOL thats ok.

Ugh... my hair totally soaked up all that mud. I swear. My pony tail was 10 pounds afterwards. I got the biggest headache LOL

And we noticed that we had one pic left--- Dumped water over the camera and Got Austin all covered in wet mud! WITH HIS METAL :)

He dumped water over his head to try and get some mud off his face LOL

We had some friends there too (I had no idea until the drive down there) so after we got our metals we started walking around looking for them.

They were nice enough to take these pictures so we wouldn't have to walk all the way back to our car to get my camera. LOL We were starting to crack and dry.

Thanks so much for those pics!!! We love them.

Afterwards, sadly, they had to go as their kids were tired of being there. There wasn't much for a little kid to do.

We then had to walk through 2 fire hoses to spray us off LOL we didn't get super clean... but

enough that we could walk to the car and go get dressed into some clean clothes.

Here we had the Metal. LOL It was so much fun!

The Live band, that was actually pretty awesome! I was wishing I had someone to dance with.

And in the real spirit of WARRIOR they serve Turkey Legs LOL

We had to get one for the fun of it. I mean... its all about the experience right? LOL

Ugh.. my hair is so dirty.... LOL

My studley dudley. :) And another metal to add to all of his others LOL I truly believe that this race is just as equivilant as the Full Iron Man he just did in May. LOL (kidding- but it was a blast)

LOL - you can still see how dirty we are LOL so funny....

A guy felt sorry for my ARM REACH pic and walked over and grabbed my camera and said he would help. :) hee hee- not often we have a pic like this! THANKS STRANGER MAN!

It was such a blast!

I think I picked the right race for my first race. LOL

We will see if I do any more. I am sure I won't. But... eh. This was a fun race. I will do it again next year. WOO WOO! GO WARRIORS!!!! (hee hee)

Have a good night! I can't wait to get the pics from the Race Staff peeps!

Talk to you soon!

One of my Cutie 7 year olds and his family...

2010-10-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

No, No, No... not one of MY in the literal sense. :) I teach the 7 year olds in our little church group. And out of all the 7 year old boys in my class- he is my favorite. ;) Doesn't matter so much that he is the ONLY boy in my class.

He is quite lucky if you ask me. When he is older he will be surrounded by a lot of very Cute Girls.

I thought it was such a fun session, and made me remember how much I love California and Fall.

Although, I won't lie. I am quite homesick for St. George. Its quite an odd feeling. Loving two places to much that you are torn.

I tell Austin he will just have to buy me homes in both places so we can go back and forth as we please. Every odd month be in Sacramento and every Even month be in good ol St. George. Best of both worlds! Right? :) Is there anyone who can have their cake and eat it too? LOL Who knows. Maybe someday.

I didn't mind moving back and forth all the time when I was a kid. I am sure my kids wouldn't mind either. Maybe we would have to make it every 6 months or something to work with the school system. LOL That would be oh so wonderful.

Love you all! Have a most wonderful day!

Don't you just love Oak trees? I love them. .... and aspens. But there aren't any Aspens around where I live. LOL I would have to drive up to Kirkwood. HEY! Anyone want to join me? This would be a great time for Aspens! Fall Colors surrounded by Snow! :)

loves to all, I am about to eat some Scrambled eggs. :) Love Breakfast for dinner don't you? My husband makes the best scrambled eggs.

Have I mentioned that my husband is amazing? He saw I was having a busy night and made me dinner. :) And it is one of my favorites. Udis Toast and Scrambled Eggs with Chocolate (soy) Milk.

xoxoxo

PS- Wish me luck tomorrow!

I am running my VERY first race. HA HA

I guess my Iron Man husband is trying to get me into the racing game. Let me just tell you right now....that is never going to happen. And also... I haven't ran in over a month now. Been a little busy and sadly- I cut out working out. That won't last for long tho. I tend to go insane when I don't work out LOL however, this race....I am not planning on doing very well. But it should be fun anyway. I will post pictures to show you how it all turned out. :) But... my word. Look at the crazy obstacles I will have to suffer through! LOL It will be silly and fun I am sure.

Hope everyone has a cleaner weekend than I will be having. :) hoping it doesn't rain. LOL

Cutie Boy!

2010-10-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

Ok- so I have been thinking about a lot of different stuff lately. It is all very exciting really, but it has kept me pretty busy.

ONE- I have a zillion ideas for my blog. I think it would be pretty fun to implement some things. I have been feeling super bummed at myself for not being able to keep up with everything. BUT I am going to come up with a plan to be better at it that WILL work for the insane schedule that I have. For example- I have been going to the Farmers Market.... about once every other week. I would like to go every Saturday, but sometimes I just can't get there! :) I am either out of town or shooting a session! Its great! I got with my awesome Friend, and every time we are there we think "Ooo.. what is that!" seeing something we have no idea what it is! OR if we know what it is, have no idea what we would EVER do with it. Late last night while editing (ha ha random I know) I thought HEY WE SHOULD DO OUR VERY OWN LITTLE IRON CHEF! So that is my intention LOL I am going to ONCE a month post my little IRON CHEF invention with my purchase from the Farmers Market. LOL It is rather silly, but it would be fun anyway. That is just one of a lot of a lot of ideas.

TWO- I have been thinking about my Grand Opening for my Website. I wish I had more time to get it all ready and started sooner. But it will be awesome when it arrives. I like to believe so anyway. :)

THREE- I have such a cute hubby :) Life has been so insane!! And he made me pause and we went out. Nothing crazy or anything. But it was such a needed little break. I have been going non stop from the moment I wake up until the second I go to bed. And I have already had to cut things out of my life. :S which is a total bummer. BUT to me - has been worth it. I love what I am doing.

and... so much more :)

LIFE is awesome. Future is awesome.

Just love happy things.

Speaking of, This little boy was hilarious! At first he seemed really excited about the camera. and by the end you can tell (lol) it was OK ENOUGH! ha ha

However, he was pretty excited about all fruit snacks.

We went to one of my favorite places, and when we got there.... we see the ENTIRE PLACE is under crazy construction. But we had fun at our shoot anyway.

Enjoy!

arn't these two cute? You can tell they are SO into each other. It is really awesome when people can be all happy like this together naturally!

HA HA- LOVE THIS

Have a great night everyone! Talk to you soon! :)

xoxoxox

and I am BACK IN THE GAME as well as a big "Happy 7 Year Anniversary!!" To a cutie couple!

2010-10-19T00:29:00.000-07:00

So tonight was Night ONE of LIFE GOING BACK TO NORMAL after almost 2 weeks of UN-Normal :) It wasn't a BAD un-Normal. In fact to be honest it was very enjoyable and relaxing. However, since for whatever reason my auto responder on my email didn't go on and the the running about getting you awesome peeps your pictures I shall be QUITE busy. So know I apologize, and that I will be getting to your emails ASAP. :)

I will be needing to post soon about all that has gone on these past weeks. But for now I have what I find to be some exciting news :) I was SO lucky to meet this couple! They are celebrating their 7 years together! TODAY!!!! Today is their 7 years together. They have such a cute story that includes all those wonderful romantic moments that give avid romance readers the happy sighs and lovey joy of when two opposites have a spark and it grows and becomes a wonderful relationship.

So ~*~L & T~*~ congratulations on on your 7 years together of happiness...

and Here is to you and wonderful 8 Years that is on the way!

A Crazy Day!

2010-09-28T17:55:00.000-07:00

Today has been CRAZY awesome! Other than the fact that I have been sick since 10:30... blah. BUT I got my email today that I have been waiting for for QUITE sometime!

MY WEBSITE IS LIVE!!!!

www.ashdawnphoto.com

Go and CHECK IT OUT!

Also having my Photography Facebook page up and going! Everything is just GOING!

I am so excited for this! I have worked so hard putting everything together to actually see it UP AND GOING is somewhat.... well... crazy.

And so excited.

I am going to have a big Lottery for some giveaways on the FB page soon. I want it to get over 100 and then BIG giveaway drawing!

So be sure to "LIKE" my FB page! so you can be entered!

And of course I can't enter a post without some pics

This is an OCF (off camera flash) session I did not all that long ago,

A quick Peek as to what I did this past weekend.....

2010-09-01T18:15:00.001-07:00

....and then I have to get back to work :)

This shoot was a BLAST!

And seriously... isn't she just gorgeous!

So excited about the rest of the pics! I will get them up ASAP

P Fam

2010-08-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

This Family was SO much fun! And can we saw CUTIE LITTLE BOY!?!?! Hello little stud muffin! He was so funny! Had ma laughing all day.

We went to one of my most favorite places ever in the entire world.

It is a place that gives me great joy and is one of the best places ever.

In my opinion.

Gives really good vibes :)

Love ya guys! It was fun having our day together!

-The most literal of Sneak Peeks-

2010-08-06T22:21:00.000-07:00

ok- SO I was totally excited about this shoot I just got home from.

I was in the car thinking of the SP I was going to put up!

And at the same time I was thinking "Ok- so this shoot went too well- Murphy's law better not come in to play...."

I pull up to my house.

Put all the camera luggage (ha ha) into the house and FINALLY am like

"OK! Titus! YES! I am home! What are you barking so crazy at!"

See I was in this haze of excitement over the shoot. She was awesome and beautiful and that baby of hers is going to be amazing!

So in this HAZE I was in.... I neglected to notice that Titus wasn't barking out of excitment that I was home.

Oh no.

He was barking at a BIG FAT HUGE NASTY UGLY Rattle Snake on my Porch.

Seriously.

Seriously? How did I miss this.

So... *sigh*

Hubs is gone.

Family is camping.

Utterly alone.

Well... there went my whole awesome night of editing! HA HA

However I was just TOOO excited! I had to get at least one up before I hit the sack.

I will get more up first thing in the morning!

This session was to fun too not post a REAL SP right away!

Have a good night!

xoxo

Ash

Betty Boop a Loop!

2010-07-27T23:19:00.000-07:00

OK- So I know that I am totally bias... but I seriously have the most beautiful family members. I am lucky. My sis in Law came out for a visit, and her cute little pregger belly called to me.

We had to do pictures.

Of my very first NEICE! Already I know she is going to be such a doll! I am excited to meet her.

Anyway- we had a blast- you can't pass up cutie belly - bubbles- good reads- toy blocks- and big lizards that jump at you from trees. (no joke... I can tell you more about that later. But it was HUGE and FAT!)

hee hee- this was so cute! her little boys (my lil nephews) got paint everywhere. It was awesome! They are all about self expression with bright colors!

ok- so these are some of my faves... the Field!!!

a little vintage coloring... never done it before. Not sure how I feel about it. But I thought it looked cool for this pic anyway :)

Ahhh...... the haze..... love it.

You don't know this- and you can't see it- but we are both laughing at the horse trying to be a cow.... it is very cute.

OMG! I so had fun! Love you girlie!

and sorry there are so many more pics up than usual LOL

~* J & M Casamiento ~*~

2010-07-22T00:52:00.000-07:00

This wedding was a fun little party! Close Family and Friends for Dancing, Cake, and dinner.

And... I know this cake wasn't what she was expecting, but... seriously... HOW COOL IS THIS CAKE? I seriously love it!

We were at a very fun country club that had a LOT that you could do with the space! Great party place!

Aren't they gorgeous?!?!?

For something fun for her wedding day she had the Henna painted on her hands and arms. It was so beautiful! I loved that she did it!

I LOVE these Haze images.... I believe it fit SO well with their personalities- clothing- and their day!

Awesome Beautiful FUN Family :)

Thanks so much for having me be apart of your day! It was a blast! Love ya both!

The Cutie Bro's

2010-07-20T21:17:00.000-07:00

Ok- Let me start of by saying-

When I was asked to do pics of these two cuties- I was so excited!

They were so fun to play with! We had a great morning- filled with smarties and fruit snacks, running around, racing in a Red Wagon, playing with lady bugs and rollie pollies, and playing tag!

By the end of the shoot, the youngest of the two was SO ready to snuggle up with Dad and just go to sleep.

Thanks much for such a FUN morning!

Here is to a good nap snuggled with Dad!

Peek a BOO~ 4 ~ J & A ;)

2010-07-07T21:59:00.000-07:00

OK- So these two have such a cute story! You know - Boy sees girl- Girl sees boy- Electricity- LOVE forever.

Its all very fun!

And they chose great colors for their wedding!

The original plan was for the winter- But why not a fun spring/summer wedding! OUTSIDE! IN such a pretty area!

Honestly- I don't blame them.

Isn't her hair awesome? One of her best friends did it for her!

This was so funny! Ok- so we were shooting around this little barn like place and we all thought about the OLD MAN FARMER AND HIS WIFE PAINTING (you know)- instead of a Rake/Pick/Fork thingy we found an ax. HA HA

It makes it somewhat.... don't know the word. But I love it! LOL

Probably my fave.....

J had one of his friends get ordained on the Internet for an ultimate personal ceremony. And had them giggling most of the ceremony. :)

Probably one of the most passionate first kisses I have seen! Ow Ow! They are amazing!

Beauty Eh?

It was an awesome weekend!

J & D HAVE TIED THE KNOT!!!!

2010-06-30T21:13:00.000-07:00

This wedding was so clever and fun!

She made the veil herself, her dress was amazing, and the theme was very vintage. I LOVED IT!

Because of this vintage theme.... I had a lot of fun playing with some textures on a few pics to really give it the feel that you have been digging through trunks in your grandmothers attic trying to find neat things and BEHOLD find Old Raggity Pictures of an AMAZING wedding!

Thats what I think anyway..... I have a bit of an imagination.... but LOVE IT!

Heres the peek to share! :D

Isn't she so beautiful! Love her!

And this Soon to be Hubby was chomping at the bit! He was SO excited to see his Soon to be wifey! I just love him! LOOK HOW HAPPY!

Ok....so... really fast... I wish I lived here instead. LOL This place was AMAZING!

This new Wifey has A LOT of brothers now LOL at least they are supportive ;)

This is probably my fave.... so classic 40's.... Love her

That was a crazy awesome day! LOVE YOU! Welcome to the Family :)

(Oh... hee hee... this was my Cousin's wedding. I am so happy for him! He brought one AMAZING girl into the family!)

Little Marshall Matters :)

2010-06-30T19:46:00.001-07:00

So... I am bias ....

But he is cute.

This is my lil nephew.

We were on our way, walking to a burger place when this very awesome brick wall appeared! out of NO WHERE!
and... there he was... ALL SMILEY!

It was meant to be...

;)

EMBRACE THE HAZE ASHLEY DAWN!!

2010-06-30T19:37:00.000-07:00

Ok- Loving this new fun thing with HAZE pictures

However...

It throws me off.

But I felt it fit so perfect with this little Daddys Girl.

There is no other man on earth better than her daddy!

This family to show in full soon

This Beauty Queen!

2010-06-30T19:34:00.000-07:00

This Girl was so amazing!

She was SO comfortable in front of the camera and eating it up!

She had the funnest personality and was just enjoying every moment of this special picture day

Ha ha

After this shoot I was telling friends

"Umm.. I am so going to train my kids to be just like her"

ha ha

a little peek at the future Miss America

Lil Stud Muffin

2010-06-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

OK

This lil Boy...

Can we say... HEART THROB ON THE WAY!

My word! He puts everyone in his cubby little hand and they turn to putty.

Until they get thrown aside for the little Rubber Ducky.

Hey! you gotta have your priorities ;)

Kidding-

Peek-a-roo of whats to come with little fella

Baby Loves

2010-06-30T19:28:00.000-07:00

I am going to admit- I was a little nervous for this.

But her BIG beautiful eyes and cutie smile

How on earth could you not fall in love with this baby girl! Seriously.

Oh and may I add...

I SO WISH THAT WAS IN MY HOUSE!

At least now I have something to show my hubs "SEE This is what I want" ha ha

(more to come....)

Oh I wish I could put them in my pocket and use them over and over again whenever I wanted to do a shoot HA HA

2010-06-30T19:23:00.000-07:00

These two were so fun to work with.

And... *ahem* he totally reminds me of a certain british actor who I think is very amazing.

Anyway...

Again... I have A LOT more of these two, but I am just so excited I have to get some of these up now.

MORE OF THESE TWO TO COME!

I had one of the Best weekends in my life...

2010-06-30T19:21:00.001-07:00

I was able to get together with some of the greatest people I know and we did A LOT of shooting.

This Girl was so amazingly cute and Beautiful

Also fun.

There are a lot more of her I will be putting up here.

However, for the time being...

and

A Wedding out of the Blue...

2010-06-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

This wedding is still in the works, so I won't be posting a lot right now

but I loved this picture so much I had to talk about it now.

So these two are just as in love as ever! its so cute!

They were originally wanting to get married in October this year- and have been engaged for a while. But... as of the end of April- they decided... WHY WAIT!

We bumped their wedding up to End of May and had a wonderful time!

A sister of the Groom wasn't able to make it back as she lives out of state but the family had connections and created a Webcam and Computer screen so she was able to witness the entire thing.

It was a Great day and such a Classic Couple.

Here we go...Still loading... Not complete

2010-03-07T11:42:00.000-08:00

About Me

2008-06-24T13:11:00.000-07:00

My Interests are...

PHOTOGRAPHY! ha ha Obviously.

Let me see.....my cute hubby who just became an ironman, my 3 kiddos (ahem... technically 2 cats and a dog- no REAL kids yet)

Thinking of me and what I enjoy....

Jammies and hot chocolate, Snowboarding, White Water Rafting, Singing, Dancing around acting Silly, Reading, fuzzy pink socks, MOVIES!, hanging out with the fam, sleeping, using delux grahams as straws for milk :) (if you havn't tried it- do it! also the same thing goes for Tim Tams and Hot Chocolate), umm... What do you want to know? ;) I am a Type Gabber. I tend to go a little over board and get side tracked while I type. I figure its no big deal. You see the REAL me that way, eh? :D

and....

I seriously love taking pictures! I wish I could spend all my time doing just that! Taking pictures! Doing Shoots! It is what floats my boat! The interaction between others and myself, capturing fun little moments, the fun we have while shooting, the fun I have while I am shooting, What can I say... I love having Fun ;)

I love it all! But to be honest, what got me started on all of it, was my Love for that CLICK sound that you hear. Seriously. Thus the name LOL

I started this little blog just for fun- and to share with y'all what I am working with :)

Let me know if you have any Questions!

Email me at:

ashleydpbowdenphoto@gmail.com