I had envisioned a Valentine photo shoot with lots of color and fun. Tater was on board and even DVR’d the Super Bowl so that we could get the shoot in before the kids bedtime. These images capture only the beginning of the great time we had together. Any guesses on how this might end up?

We want your guesses!!! The most detailed, accurate description of what happens after these shots were taken, gets a sweet surprise from us! Winner will be determined by us on 2/14/11.

We will be watching your comments!

*comments can be here on the blog or on facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Roots-Photography-Design/46003879660

I don’t know who is more in love with these dolls… Tater and I or our girls. It really is a toss up! Aren’t they cute?

Each Lalaloopsy doll comes with its own pet. They even have mini’s! Check them out HERE!
I was thrilled to find out that one was made after me… ha-ha. For those of you who know me well, you know my nickname is Sparkles. (I like sparkly things). Jewel Sparkles even shares the same birthday as me! I’m not sure how graceful I am, but I do know I can be a bit bossy at times. Each doll comes with a poster. We have had each poster laminated, and we use them as placemats at the dinner table.

Here are a few more just for fun. I took some pictures of the girls as a surprise for Tater’s birthday. Check out the elephant toy that she is wearing as a hat. She wears it backwards with the elephants tail on her forehead. She loves to wear her hat around the house and yes… even to the store.

Her beloved chapstick. The girl can’t get enough of it!! We have a chapstick drawer at our house. She pulls up her stool and stands there for about a 1/2 hour getting those lips all nice and shiny. She LOVES chapstick!

I had to add this one because it just made me laugh. I have no idea what she is doing or trying to say.

Tickets please!

We took a fascinating Polar Express train ride to the north pole. What a trip! It will be a fun memory for our family and something we will look forward to doing next year (hopefully- since the tickets sell out quickly). It is called the Polar Express train ride, and more information can be found HERE.

Below is a snapshot sampling of our fun-filled night…

With the kids wearing their pjs, we stepped into the story as we got on the Christmas train to the north pole. ALL ABOARD!!!!

As we found our seat, we heard the Polar Express soundtrack playing throughout the train. We were happily greeted, and oh so excited for our adventure!

And yes… they punched our tickets!A favorite part of the book and movie was recreated…  HOT CHOCOLATE was served with dance and song!

We delighted in our hot chocolate and cookies as the Polar Express book was read to us on our train excursion to the north pole.

As we reached the north pole, we looked out of our train window and found Santa awaiting our arrival and waving to us! We anxiously and excitedly waited for Santa to get on the train and say hello to us.

Elle had her list ready and waiting.

With big smiles, we talked with Santa and were given a jingle bell.

On our train travels home, we all enjoyed singing Christmas carols.

It was a night to remember!

As the book reads… “… the bell still rings for me as it does for all who truly believe.”

Those who believe, can hear the jingle bell ring. Even though the hearing of the bell in this story refers to believing in Santa, we hear a different bell - the reason of the season: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

Merry Christmas!

It was a year ago this time of year that we realized that we were going to be blessed with this sweet girl:

Yes - We went from the Wizard of Oz (last year) to being pirates (this year).

P.S. This was her doing. It’s totally her!

We are pirates thankful for our found treasures. May you all have a Happy Halloween!

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” (Matthew 13:44)

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

Here are my mom and sisters… the ladies in my life that mean SO much to me! Last Friday night we had a marathon Christmas session photographing all of our families and doing the big group shot. It was craziness between eating, watching kids, and outfit changes, but we got it done and we got some very fun pictures. We recently bought the same sweaters at TJ Maxx so we decided that if we had time at the end of the photo sessions we would grab some shots of us in our matching sweaters. I’m so glad we did!

Here’s a sneak peek for you girls! Can’t wait to show you the rest! I love you!

As I am editing one of our last sessions before the baby arrives, I decided to go ahead and post something since it has been awhile. Here is our little diva…

It was just yesterday that she exclaimed to her brother in the van… ” Yes, I am the boss!” That should give you an idea of this little girl’s personality. She has us laughing a lot, and you never know what she is going to say. Her likes: shoes, chapstick, jewelry, books and coloring.

We’ve got 9 weeks left until the due date arrives! As we are counting down, the excitement continues to grow!

I have never been fond of maternity sessions, but we didn’t want this moment to pass us by and regret never taking any maternity pictures. With the pain I have experienced with this pregnancy, we believe that God is giving us a peace about it being our last pregnancy. We feel so blessed for the children that God has blessed us with. It is amazing to think that only about 6 years ago we were told that it would be very hard for us to have children. We are so thankful for God’s blessings and that He has given us the desires of our hearts. (Psalm 37:4)

We had a great time with this session and stopped to have a McDonald’s picnic lunch in the van between outfit changes. Tater treated me with these special images just in time for Mother’s Day. I know that someday I will look back at these and think… “Where has the time gone!?!?!”

We look forward to the day we will see this little baby face to face, but until then, I am treasuring all the precious kicks that I feel as I know it will all be over all too soon.

Here is a sneak peek of the little miracle inside the bump. We were blessed to have a friend offer a 3D/4D ultrasound for us. This image was taken by Baby Reflections.

Girl Friday in Bloomington, IL… You’ve got to check it out! It’s a “Charming Boutique and Full Service Salon and Spa. Where Every Day Feels Like Friday!”

It all started around Valentine’s Day when Tater got the personalized keepsake that you see above for me. State Street Design created this special customized piece and these amazing accessories can be found at Girl Friday.

I had never been there before and had no clue that it was a boutique, salon and spa in one… Last Saturday, we celebrated my 30th birthday and were out running errands. We had made a 5×5 canvas of this image for this company as a thank you and went to drop that by. When we arrived there, I was welcomed with a smiling question - “Are you ready to be pampered today?” I looked at Tater and he had a big smile on his face. He had surprised me with a facial, mani and pedicure on my special day. I was in girl glory and had a fabulous time getting pampered. Girl Friday is a place I highly recommend for some super fun and relaxation. You can check them out on Facebook, find them at 412 E. Front St. in Bloomington, or call them at  309.828.5906.

On a side note, here is an update on our booking for this year:

Many of you know that I have been experiencing pain with this pregnancy and the time on my feet is limited. Since we only offer our clients with both Tater and I photographing at every shoot, we are limiting the number of sessions for April and May. We will only book sessions for those who have purchased a gift card with us or for close family members. As a reminder, our studio will be closed June, July, and August for the arrival of our new little one.

We do plan to reopen and begin our fall and Christmas sessions starting in September. An announcement will be made when we will open booking for this. If you know you want to book for a fall or Christmas session with us, please email us anytime to be on the list to be the first to know when you will be able to book. Thanks so much!