Jen Rusch Photography

Moving Day!

2011-08-08T12:08:00.000-07:00

I finally used my down time this summer to get my new blog site up and rolling. Cheak out my new digs, please!

[Real] Kate + Eric + Kids

2010-11-18T07:39:00.000-08:00

My last nice-weather-session of the fall turned out to be one of my favorites. My sweet friend Kate wanted some fun and real family photos and I was happy to help. We only had about 45 minutes to shoot before the sun went down - and these are some of my favorites for the whole year. Enjoy and be well, friends.

[Welcome] These girls; This season

2010-11-16T11:51:00.000-08:00

Isn't it always a good thing to make some new friends? These sweet girls and their parents are new to town and asked me to take their annual photos. What an honor! The weather was chilly but the girls (being brave and hearty souls from Maine) were up to the task. Thanks again for being part of my day and enjoy Minnesota and the winter season.

[On This Fall Day] Bright + Sunny

2010-11-06T21:54:00.000-07:00

The end of the warm fall days was upon us and these two cuties did their best to keep from shivering. Thankfully, some surprises from my pockets helped coax a few smiles and then ran off happily to be on with their day - while their parents will have a bit longer to enjoy the memory of this darling age. It was great to meet you!

[Growing] This moment in St. Paul

2010-11-05T20:49:00.000-07:00

If there's a modern version of the Welcome Wagon, its my friend Erin. There could not have been a better person to befriend when we moved to St. Paul five years ago. And, she is also responsible for teaching me to knit!!

So great to see her boys growing and turning into such handsome, polite little men.

And I think it's also safe to mention that my dear sweet friend is also growing her family - with baby #3. I am beyond thrilled for all of them. Doesn't she look amazing?

[Friends] Old + New

2010-11-03T20:38:00.000-07:00

One of my long lost friends found me on Faceback last year and we reconnected. We were high school classmates, then college roomates (oh, the stories we could tell). She married her high school sweetheart and now I have three new friends in my life. Love to you all!

[Fall] Fall portraits at the Falls

2010-11-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

I met up with this fun family for some fall photos recently at Minnehaha Falls (say that 5 times as fast as you can!). The little guy was all smiles for me and we had a great time exploring the park. Thanks again!

[Destined] Lindsay + Kevin

2010-10-25T16:36:00.000-07:00

On a most perfect of October Saturdays, I had the honor of joining Lindsay and Kevin for their marriage vows. What is truly unique about the couple is that they have known each other since elementary school. While we were taking Kevin's family photos prior to the ceremony, I asked him if he was nervous because I'd never met such a calm groom. He replied, that no, he knew this moment was going to happen for a long time and there was nothing to be anxious about. Isn't that was true companionship is all about?

Enjoy!

[Unity] Bob + Holly's wedding in Jordan, MN

2010-10-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

On a perfect October afternoon (OK, maybe 85 degrees was a wee bit unexpected) I had the pleasure of driving out to Jordan, Minnesota for Bob and Holly's wedding. I'd never been there before, but I'm sure to go back with the family - what a cute little town! Thanks for asking me to be part of you day - enjoy life together!

The wedding was in Bob and Holly's gorgeous backyard and the whole house was bursting with excitement as they got ready.

Their son picked his footwear all by himself. Perfect choice, isn't it?

Their reception was so much fun. The band was awesome and everyone was on the dance floor.

[Genuine] Family times in St. Paul

2010-10-12T20:14:00.000-07:00

I met up with this beautiful family on one of the most perfect fall days. The kids were super awesome and it was easy to tell how much they love and enjoy each other after just a few minutes with them. Enjoy!

[Brava!] Sisters in the park

2010-10-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

I got to meet up with these cute girls last weekend - perfect sunny weather for our time together. Since St. Paul tends to be a big small town, it turns out the older sister goes to the same school as my oldest daughter. She actually saw us walking out dog Lucy after school, except that she thought Lucy was a cat. This made me laugh because our new dog is pretty funny looking.

Both girls are taking violin lessons - very impressive!

And little sister was convinced to do her rendition of Mississippi Hotdog:

Thanks guys!

[Fusion] Lily and Aaron

2010-10-01T05:45:00.000-07:00

I was recently invited to venture out to Stillwater, MN to photograph the wedding of my friend's cousin. The bride described their wedding as "not your normal shot". No, not a normal shot - it was an amazing display of love and companionship between two people who waited waited for love to find them. And the warmth and affection shared among their friends and family.

The bride surpised her mom with a gorgeous gift. The wedding party had their hands hennaed at the bride's party a few days earlier.

The bride getting ready in this adorable cottage. Love the bride's brother's (also her "best man/man of honor") expression at the first glance once she was ready.

The guys!!

So much love during the ceremony. The Groom had me in tears because he was so emotional.

YAY!

The lovely couple:

Did I mention they were up for anything? And had a million great ideas of their own?

The details - so amazing. Instead of the usual cake, the couple asked the guests to bring their favorite pie. This is an idea I fully support. Who doesn't love a piece of pie on a crisp fall afternoon?

The bride's dad sang a few songs after dinner:

And my friend's daughter - the ring bearer!

[Three Sisters] The girls...

2010-09-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite repeat ~~clients~~ friends called me for our third (!) annual family session. Hard to believe, isn't it? We met up at St. Kate's on a beautiful fall afternoon and I had fun just watching the girls interact with each other. I'm sure they were on their Very Best Behavior but they were just a joy.

Miss B takes Rock/Paper/Scissors very seriously:

[loved] Family Times

2010-09-03T09:45:00.001-07:00

Children who are raised with loving grandparents in their lives are blessed. One of my friends asked me spend a morning with her kids and their grandparents to capture some of those blessings - I hope I did it justice! Enjoy!

[Little Guy] And baby makes 5!

2010-08-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

Two adorable kids were blessed with the sweetest little baby brother recently. On Saturday, I spent my morning with this little guy - isn't he a dream? Clearly he is an honored and adored member of the family already. Thanks for opening your busy home to me - it was great to meet you all!

[Mr. Personality] Hanging with the DMan

2010-08-02T08:42:00.000-07:00

A friend from my dear book club invited me up her beautiful neighborhood for a little session with her best guys. Her son stole my heart. He is a kid with a thousand expressions. Can this boy be any cuter?

Thanks for sharing your Sunday morning with me - it was pure delight!

[Busy + Busy] Sweet twins turn 18 months!

2010-07-31T05:15:00.000-07:00

I've been photographing these sweet kids since they were tiny newborns and I was thrilled when their mom contacted me for 18 month portraits. It has been so fun watching them grow. They were a hoot - so busy and interested in the park that they had very little time for me (although, Miss O did give me a super big hug when we were leaving!).

And two of my favorite outtakes:

Even the grass was fascinating!

The props were so delicious!

[Peaceful] 7 day old baby dreams

2010-07-28T19:26:00.002-07:00

I was so happy to get an email from the gorgeous mama-to-be to announce that her baby Jack had arrived. Once he fell into a deep sleep, he was so peaceful and cooperative. My favorites of this beautiful young family:

[Smiles] All American Kids

2010-07-06T11:20:00.000-07:00

Over the 4th of July weekend, I had the pleasure of meeting these two adorable kids. Their mom, who I'm sure would never tell a lie, said they absolutely hate having their pictures taken. Can't you just tell?

They were such great sports - which I'm sure they learned from their favorites: Maurer and Morneau!

[Sisters] Acting their age!

2010-06-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

Another blast from the past - my high school friend Lisa invited me over to meet her two little girls on Saturday and take some family pictures. The older is turning 5 soon; the younger is 2. The 5 year old was perfectly awesome. Smiling, showing me around, an excellent hostess (just like her mother) - generally an all around good kid.

Have I mentioned that 2 is my absolutely favorite age? There is a fierceness and rawness to their emotion. They do what they want; they say what they want. When else in life can you behave so honestly and it's perfectly normal? I love it.

So anyway - some of my favorites from the morning....

(really not happy here, but she's trying really, really hard to be a good sport)

(so over this whole thing)

[Beauty] Baby Belly!

2010-06-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of meeting Melissa for a maternity session on Friday. Can you believe how great she looks? And she's on modified bedrest? Seriously!

So glad I am able to capture this moment in time for her. Motherhood truly suits her. Looking forward to meeting the little baby soon - but not too soon!

[Cheerful] Daniel is 9 months!

2010-06-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

The last time I saw Daniel in the fall, he was just a wee little thing. We wintered over and everyone went into hibernation in St. Paul. His mom asked me to pop over for some 9 month pictures recently and look who greeted me? This sweet little boy!

He is just the happiest little guy. So willing to sit and smile. Love love love!

[Welcome] Baby Ruby

2010-06-15T07:59:00.001-07:00

There's nothing more satisfying than a love story with a happy ending. Its even better when the ending is really a beginning. Remember the wedding Sara and I shot back in January? It was a great love story between two people who finally found each other.

And now Miss Ruby came along to continue their story. What was so amazing about this little girl is that even at a week old she knows - really knows - her parents. Her dad walked in to help with the session and she just calmed. It was amazing to see such intense bonding so early in life.

[Little Things] Dan + Tracy + Gracie

2010-06-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

About a year ago, I reconnected with one of my dear high school friends on Facebook (isn't this how every story begins lately?). We caught up on each other's lives and eventually she began posting photos with a great new guy, Dan. Tracy and Dan had met briefly years earlier, and Tracy even had a photo with Dan in the background on her fridge for 7 years.

They plannned their wedding at Camp Kawaga, a boy's summer camp in Minocqua, WI. When I got there, I could tell Tracy and Dan had put so much effort into all the little details. Their desire for a memorable wedding and party for their closest friends and family was obvious. I couldn't help myself and post more than usual - there were just so many awesome moments to capture!

At the salon the morning of the wedding, I could feel that something amazing was going on. There is just so much love between Dan and Tracy and Tracy's daughter Gracie. This little girl is loved. Loved. Here she is sharing a hug with her grandma, Tracy's mom:

The couple had busses hired to shuttle the guests to and from the camp.

After the attendants made their way to the wedding tent, the camp bell was rung to annouce the arrival of the bride and her father:

Again, all the little details - all handmade by Tracy, Dan and the wedding party.

The evening ended with lots of dancing under a blanket of stars with lights twinkling around the camp. Best of luck, friends and thank you for making me part of your day.

[Capture] The memories...

2010-06-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

A bit of a departure from a usual post, but I wanted to share these sweet little memory boxes I made recently. After having three kids, I had collected a lot of ephemera from their births - bracelets, hats, annoucements - all that good stuff. I wasn't sure what to do with it, but I knew I didn't want to leave it stuffed in a bag another day.

I found these awesome shadowbox frames at IKEA for $10/ea. Added some scrapbook paper that I already had, some glue dots to hold it all together. I made reprints of my favorite newborn photos so they would be cohesive. The whole thing took less than an hour to assemble. Now go make some yourself!

[Life] Love + Happiness

2010-05-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

What a way to spend Mother's Day! After celebrating with my kids, I snuck out for an hour to capture some of the last moments of pregnancy for some good friends. Thanks for having me over and showing off the new house. Best of luck with labor and delivery and I hope to see you soon!

[Together] Teng + Jeanna

2010-04-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

Do you remember a few months ago when I photographed my brother-in-law's brother's wedding? Well, just after that I received an email from my brother-in-law's sister-in-law's sister (got that?). She was so thrilled with the work Sarah and I did at her sister's wedding, she asked if I was available for her wedding in April. Hello! Yes!

It was the PERFECT spring day in April. Warm, sunny and bright. Just like Teng and Jeanna. It was a beautiful cermeony and one where everything felt just right. Congratulations and best wishes for many happy years together.

[Two!] Happy Birthday!

2010-03-03T10:45:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of spending some time with Frederick. He's the cousin of Marty and company! What a smart little guy - he was entertaining me with his Spanish and singing. What a love. Thanks for having me over!

[One!] Happy Birthday, Marty!

2010-02-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, I got to spend an hour with an awesome family. Little brother Marty turned one and his parents wanted to remember the moment. He is such a sweet, mobile and smart little guy - and clearly doted on and adored by his big bro and sis. Thanks for having me over! Happy Birthday!

[Go!] And off they went...

2010-02-04T06:13:00.000-08:00

Do you remember these cute twins? They just celebrated their first birthday! On my birthday, as well, so that makes it more special to me!

This summer, it was so easy to contain them and pose them to my heart's delight:

Now, I saw a lot more of this side of them:

But I was still able to contain them a little bit:

And of course, they were just as cute and smiley as always:

Happy birthday, kids! Thanks for sharing your first year with me!

[Spirit] Two great guys!

2010-02-01T19:49:00.000-08:00

Have you ever walked up to a house and the energy just hits you at the front door? These two cute guys welcomed me in and I could tell they had a ton of spirit. They were silly and funny and had me laughing as they showed me their new house. If there was a way to bottle their vitality, it would be a fountain of youth. Thanks for inviting me over! I hope you have many great years in your new place.

[Done!] Project 365

2010-01-21T12:10:00.000-08:00

On January 1, 2009 I set out on a personal project. My goal was to take a photo a day for the next 365 days. Not every photo had to be wonderful, but the goal was to get and keep the camera in my hands every day and learn more about photography (and in turn, more about myself).

First of all - it was hard. It doesn't sound hard to just take a picture, but I felt like the images had to mean something. I didn't want to wander around my house taking aimless photos, although I did some days.

Secondly, in reflection it showed me how small my life is sometimes. Staying home full time with two (and eventually three) kids under five means I don't get out a lot. But, the completed the project serves as a diary of our year together and I will always treasure that.

Lastly, it forced me to really pay attention to the world around me. Really LOOK at what is in my life everyday and find something interesting.

The following are a few of my very favorites. The rest can be found in a Flickr set.

[Faith + Hope + Love] Jen and Tim'sWedding

2010-01-13T17:53:00.000-08:00

I got an email a few weeks ago and was surprised to see that my brother-in-law's brother (got that?) was getting married - and wanted to know if I was interested in documenting their big day. Wow! Really? Sure!

My friend Sarah volunteered to come along and show me the ropes and help out second shooting. Thank you, again, Sarah. Your help and support was amazing.

The wedding was at a Czech hall in St. Paul. We had fun exploring the nooks and crannies and looking for interesting areas to shoot.

Jen and Tim, I hope you're happy with our work. We had a great time at on your special day - thanks for inviting us!

[Awesome] Brothers!

2009-11-25T16:29:00.000-08:00

I've been throwing out the word awesome a lot lately - it's that time of year when so many good things are happening to so many people in my life. And these two boys are super awesome. I first met their mom when her youngest was just born (or just about to be born?!?), and both of my boys have worn their clothes (and I'm sure Everett is wearing something of theirs right now!).

These are such funny, polite and cooperative young men. Thanks for having me over to hang out and I hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

[On a Roll] Happy Birthday, Samuel!

2009-11-23T13:35:00.000-08:00

Do you remember this little guy? Look at him now! Mr. Samuel had his first birthday recently and his mom invited me back. What a difference a year has made. I was amazed by how quickly he can duck, dive and roll. He just looks like such a boy now, doesn't he?!?!

I was also lucky to snap one sweet photo of his big sister.

[Joyful] Noise..make some!

2009-11-18T19:13:00.000-08:00

My friend Aimee invited me over for another session with her four sweet kids. You know how you walk into a house and you just know that the foundation is built in love? You hear it in every squeak and scamper across the floor and there's laughter around every corner? That's Aimee's house.

Enjoy your sneak peek!

[Ten] 2010 High School Graduate Caleb

2009-11-16T05:31:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to spend a few hours with Caleb, a 2010 graduate. His mom and I are friends, so I expected him to be a pretty great kid based on what I know of his mom. But seriously? Caleb. You are awesome! Thanks for being so cooperative of all my ideas and trudging through the rain and cold. Good luck next year!

[ONE!] Happy Birthday to Solomon!

2009-11-12T06:01:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite repeat clients (and friend!) called me for a very special birthday photo session. Solomon and I go way back....

From this:

To this:

And now....this! Happy Birthday, Solomon Early!

[Boys!] Brothers Reese and Robbie

2009-10-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

I got another visit with these cute guys. We did a session last fall and it was so fun - I was glad to see them (and their parents) again. Thanks for braving the cold morning!

[Renew] Commitment

2009-10-06T13:15:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of joining one of my most supportive friends as she and her husband renewed their wedding vows. It was a fun experience and now I'm giddy about planning our own vow renewal in a few years. The girls loved seeing their parents all dressed up - and they looked pretty darn cute, too.

[Five!] Baby makes..

2009-09-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

This adorable little guy joined his family earlier this month. What a love! With an older brother and sister, baby makes a beautiful family of five. Thanks for having me over - it was a beautiful morning.

[Delightful] Sisters

2009-09-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of a return visit with these delightful sisters. Not only are they the cutest, they are charming and smart and funny. Thanks for having me over again - enjoy your sneak peek!

[Double] Sweetness!

2009-09-09T19:38:00.000-07:00

My favorite twins are 7 months old. It seems like just yesterday, they were tiny little newborns. They have the sweetest disposition and were a joy to photograph on the lovely grounds of St. Kate's. It was so nice to see you again!

[Back] In Action

2009-09-07T18:11:00.000-07:00

After an extended early and post maternity leave, I have the itch to get back into the game. I know that it's been a while and I am the world's WORST blogger. Having three kids, a dog, a husband, MOMS Club and other responsibilities have kept me from booking many sessions lately or keeping up with the business end of my life. But, a dear family friend got me to agree to a session and we had a blast (more about that later this week).

What have I been up to recently? Meet my newest love - Everett Michael:

I have lots of great ideas up my sleeve and other news to brag on - will try to update more frequently.

[Busy] Oh Boy!

2009-02-23T19:13:00.000-08:00

I first met this cute guy last March when I did captured month three memories at his house - a few with his mom are some of my personal favorites. They kindly asked me back to celebrate his first birthday. Yay!

He was souped up and ready to play. It was fun trying to get his attention and catch those beautiful blue eyes. Thanks for having me over and I can't wait to see you again!

[Happily] Ever After

2009-02-11T18:51:00.000-08:00

What else can I say? Twins. Wow. I hated to leave. Thanks for having me over!

[Early] Bird

2009-02-07T16:16:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of doing a maternity session with my friend and her husband last fall - it was one of those afternoons that fly by because I felt so much love and enthusiasm about the birth of their baby.

Mr. Man decided to arrive a bit early and the situation was earily similar to my own son's birth, so I've been following his progress keenly. I was so happy to be invited back this afternoon for a newborn session. Isn't he just gorgeous?

[Charming] 3 Peas

2009-01-31T12:04:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of meeting three great kids this morning. They were a referral from one of my best clients (you know who you are!) and it was a pleasure to work with them. Little Miss L recently celebrated her third and we had a session to celebrate the milestone.

Her big brothers were on their way out the door and managed to jump in to two frames while I was setting up. Like it usually goes, their picture was one of my favorites. Thanks for having me over - and I can't wait to work with you again this summer!

[Siblings] Cute kids, yes?

2009-01-23T10:59:00.000-08:00

I was going over my end-of-year business stuff and I realized that I never blogged about these cute kids! It was so fun to stomp around the woods with them and then go back to their house for a few quick shots in their rooms. Thanks for the great session, kids!

[Art] Shanty Project

2009-01-21T15:05:00.001-08:00

We made our annual family pilgrimage to the Art Shanty Project on Sunday. Our daughter is crazy about visiting all the shanties and I'm crazy about photographing the experience. Here are a few of my favorites:

You can find more at my Flickr page. As always, thanks for looking.

[Darling] Little Miss G

2009-01-20T07:24:00.000-08:00

Isn't she adorable? I had a great time with Little Miss G and her parents on Saturday afternoon. She was just a peach and so cooperative!

Love how a little bit of her green paci is showing:

[Love] Little Guy

2009-01-18T09:32:00.000-08:00

I had a session with my friend Sara and her new little guy right around Christmas. With so much going on, I forgot to add him to my blog. Isn't he grand? These are two of my favorites:

[Sweet] Miss A

2009-01-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

Isn't she a love?

I am working on my 2009 pricing and I'm toying with the idea of a more inclusive maternity/baby plan. It would include a maternity session and then baby session at newborn, 3, 6-9 and 12 months. If you have any interest in this, let me know. I'd love to hear from some mamas-to-be on their ideas for baby plans.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-18T05:40:00.000-08:00

I uploaded my last order last night so I'm closing up shop for the holidays (with the exception of a newborn session on Saturday I am so excited about!). It has been a great and rewarding year. Thanks to everyone who shared their families with me. And here's a little peek at our 2008 holiday card.

Best,
Jen

Cookie making time!

2008-12-13T05:36:00.000-08:00

After many readings of Gingerbread Friends this year, we made some gingerbread cookies (the recipe is included in the book!). So fun.

Happy Holidays, big guy!

2008-12-07T06:32:00.000-08:00

A quick sneak peek for this little guy's mom and dad. I had a great time with him - he is just 3 days younger than my son! Enjoy!

The weather outside is frightful!

2008-11-24T12:59:00.000-08:00

So I got out the seamless paper and had some fun (for me, anyway) indoors with my kids this weekend.

Love this new winter coat on our daughter:

Our son wasn't crazy about trick or treating this year - just eating the candy! So I took a photo of his costume just for the memory.

Stay warm!

World's worst blogger

2008-11-06T20:05:00.000-08:00

Seriously. I have been so busy with life + work that I've totally fallen off the blogging thing. I'm going to make an effort to catch up this week.I had a great session with this family - I had never been to this park before and I was just wowed when we got there. Thanks so much for the idea!

Fall Colors

2008-10-17T06:15:00.000-07:00

We rented a cabin in Wild River State Park last weekend. Our daughter couldn't believe how beautiful the colors were - she just kept saying, "It's like a dream!".

Thrilled!

2008-10-05T19:18:00.000-07:00

My friend V and I met on a message board a few years ago. As it turns out, our husbands knew each other from a previous job. Small world, isn't it? I was thrilled that V and her husband asked me for a session to capture a quiet moment before their new arrival enters the world. I am so excited to meet their little one, too!

Apple Orchard

2008-09-26T18:07:00.000-07:00

We visited Afton Apple Orchard last weekend. It's become a family tradition. The kids love to run and play in the giant hay bale and we all love to ride the tractor wagon out to the apple fields. This year, a family friend joined us. She's expecting a wee one quite soon and she graciously allowed me to snap a few photos to remember the moment. Doesn't she have a beautiful belly?

Beautiful Girls

2008-09-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen the movie Beautiful Girls? It's set in Minnesota and stars Matt Damon and a bunch of other great names from the late 90s. That's neither here nor there, but if there ever were the quintesential Minnesota beautiful girls - it's these ladies. They were a referral (I LOVE referrals - contact me to see how everyone benefits!) from my friend Jen.

Happy 3rd Birthday!

2008-09-17T14:19:00.001-07:00

My friend Vivienne invited me out to take photos of her dear son for his 3rd birthday. Isn't he beyond adorable? Happy birthday!

New baby brother

2008-09-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

And baby makes four! My friend Aimee was so great to have me over to work with her kids. They were so sweet and baby brother was a peach. Don't these kids have the most amazing brown eyes?

Another family of boys!

2008-09-03T18:51:00.000-07:00

I just adore these guys. Not only are they handsome, they are so polite and well behaved. I really had a great time with them down by the Mississippi River at Hidden Falls Park. I'm so glad their mom suggested the location.

Minnesota State Fair

2008-08-29T19:50:00.000-07:00

We made a day of the Minnesota State Fair recently. What's not to love? Pronto Pups (corndogs), bacon on a stick, butter sculptures, animals of all sorts?

Family Reunion

2008-08-24T12:19:00.001-07:00

We had a great family reunion in Atwater, MN recently. Lots of horseback riding, campfire time, potlucks, haywagon rides - it was just great.

Garden Update

2008-08-21T19:01:00.000-07:00

We have eggplant!

You really have to have a passion for eggplant to grow it in Minnesota.

The first summer we had a garden, I didn't really put much thought into it. If you've ever planted vegetable seeds before, you know that on the back of the package there's handy information about the germination time and length of growing season. Yeah, I didn't bother to read it. I just plunked the seeds in the ground around Memorial Day and hoped for the best.

By the time the first frost was looming in early October, our eggplants were about 1" long. It took us all summer to grow miniature eggplants - eggplants started from seed need waaaay more time than Minnesota's growing season allows.

Last year I was ambitious and started eggplant seeds indoors around March. Carefully transplanted the baby plants around Memorial Day. Then our son arrived almost two months early in mid-July and our entire garden was a bust. I wasn't around to water, my husband had his hands full already and our neighbor did her best but it just wasn't meant to be.

This year I finally got smart and just bought some starter plants at the nursery. It's mid-August and I already have some awesome sized eggplants ready to pick. YAY! It just took me three years to get here.

Volunteering

2008-08-12T13:37:00.001-07:00

I recently began volunteering my services to a great Twin Cities organization - Family & Children's Service. I had a blast last week with some kids in their School Success program. Thanks for being so welcoming and all the great smiles!

Little Princesses

2008-08-11T17:21:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of a session with my friend Jen's girls this weekend. We explored St. Kate's campus together. Aren't the doors a gorgeous backdrop for these lovely little princesses?

How does my garden grow?

2008-08-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

Quite well this year, despite how much I ignored it, forgot to weed and water. Bumper crop of tomatoes, too. This is also the first year we tried to grow broccolli and it was really tasty. I almost hated to pick it.

And a wedding, too!

2008-07-29T05:47:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to assist/second shoot a wedding this summer. It was awesome fun and I learned a lot. Rachel, the bride, was amazing and gracious and that made everything so much easier.

Early morning at Irvine Park

2008-07-25T07:07:00.000-07:00

My friend Tara brought her girls out for an early morning session at the beautiful Irvine Park in Saint Paul. I knew of the park but never took the time to explore it on foot - oh my, it's gorgeous. And so are Tara's girls!

I had some free time this week so I experimented with textures. I'm liking the effect.

My Great Aunt Linda's Hand Mirror

2008-07-23T18:32:00.001-07:00

My Great Aunt Linda was an amazing woman. From what I've heard, she and her husband Vic were like peas and carrots. Always together living life to it's fullest. They never had kids. My mom didn't know why and her only explanation was, "People of her generation didn't talk about that sort of thing. You either had kids or you didn't. If you didn't people assumed there was a problem and that was that."

So they followed their bliss. Or at least my aunt followed her husband's bliss. I've found photos of them on great vacations, her tagging along while he went ice fishing and hunting, with their big old hunting dogs in the back of the truck, swimming in the summer. Then Vic died unexpectedly and my aunt was alone.

The second half of her life was as amazing as the first. She learned to drive, pay her own bills and keep up a house - a challenge for a single woman in the 1940s. She became the Postmaster in our small, unincorporated town. She traveled the world for the USPS with their conventions. Since she knew everyone in town and was involved in church, she became the chauffer for all the other little old ladies who had never learned to drive. Since she she lived alone, her house was so fancy and girly. She had a hot pink plush toilet seat cover (not on just the lid, but the ring where you put your butt!). Flowers everywhere, candy dishes on every table. Plant stands full of African Violets. I loved visiting her house. She was just amazing.

When you grow up in a small town, you spend a lot of time dreaming about getting out, moving to the big city and proving yourself. But my Great Aunt Linda is proof and inspiration to me that you can bloom, grow and prove yourself wherever you are planted.

Catching up with Flickr

2008-07-20T07:16:00.001-07:00

I started a Flickr photo-a-day project last December and I was doing well for the first few months. It was cold in Minnesota then and the kids and I didn't have a lot going on. I fell off the wagon in June when the weather warmed up. I recently got a very nice email from my friend Jen in New Zealand. She discovered my Flickr stream and had some very complimentary things to say. I felt inspired again to get back to work so I went through my archives for the months of June and July and filled in the blanks. Here's a few of my favorites:

More brothers - this time twins!

2008-07-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

I just love these little guys. They are the pals of my son and their smiles light up like the 4th of July. Their older brother is a hoot, too. He's also such a polite guy and so good with his brothers. Love them all! I'm glad their mom Audrey loaned them to me for an hour. Thanks!

Last week sisters...this week, brothers

2008-07-07T17:20:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of spending the morning with these two cute guys and their parents. It was great fun to hang with them - so much for me to look forward to as my little guy gets bigger.

Sisters, sisters...there were never such devoted sisters

2008-07-03T05:07:00.000-07:00

I finished editing another practice shoot from last weekend. The S sisters are so sweet and it was great fun keeping up with them at the awesome Highland Park playground.

Baby Sylvia

2008-06-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend Kimberly finally had her baby. After several weeks on bedrest, little Miss Sylvia was actually late to arrive! She gorgeous, just like her mama and big sister. Welcome to the world, baby!

So worth it

2008-06-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

I love cherries, especially cherry pie. My daughter and I took some time this afternoon to pit a bowl of cherries and make a pie. The mess is so worth it - fresh cherries are a million times better than the canned ones.

So Fun

2008-06-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

I did a practice shoot with my friend Pam's kids today. They were so sweet, polite and patient with me. Here's a sneek peek of the session.

First post!

2008-06-01T09:40:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a long weekend in our former hometown, Austin, TX. Had so much fun pointing out our old faves to the kids, "LOOK! That's our house where you first lived, sweetie!" Response from the back seat, "Oh. It's hot here." Preschoolers. Can't impress them with anything unless there is a unicorn or fairy involved.

Hooked up with some old friends. Made some new. Took tons of photos - it was great just snapping pics of our kids without being all serious about it.