Hello Coolness!

The other evening we took the kiddos out to check out a new park, and on the way we saw these huge parachute looking thingy's in the air. Thingy's....you must really appreciate my technical terminology here. I'm all about teaching the masses, ya know. :oP

So, we drive in search of the flyers of the thingy's and you won't believe how cool this is!!! I have NO idea what it's called, but holy moly coolness! We sat and watched these guys for a bit, then I finally mustered up the nerve to ask if I could be awkward and photograph them. And of course they didn't mind! It was so much fun to watch and photograph, and by golly now I want to try it! These guys were so nice about it all, and looked like they were just having the best time. When I finally put the camera down and got back in the car, Reagan tells me "Wow, those guys have a cool job!". LOL It was really cute. ;o)











Then we finally made our way to the new park I discovered, and just in time too. It was dark in no time at all, but I still managed to capture a couple at sunset. My favorite! Have a great weekend, I am off! It's strange, but so necessary right now!

Wow.

That's really the only word I've got for how this week has been. First let me start by saying it's been one of the busiest weeks I've had in a long time. Which of course has put me behind in my work. But that's ok, cause I have a session tomorrow then I get 4 whole days off with my hubby and kids and I couldn't be more ready! So, to start I was sick at the start of the week. No good, perfect timing of course - but it's passed fairly quickly. Mason started school, which put a whole new spin on things. Dropping off and picking up 5 days a week now, whereas when they were just doing preschool I only had to leave my house Tuesday's and Thursday's. Now I have to have everyone up and ready to be out the door every morning. Good news is, Mason goes to the later program, so we don't have to be out of here till after 9:30. Then on top of everything else, my site was down. That was out for about a day, which meant I couldn't get any of my regular emails - made for an interested day! THEN, my hubby has been bugging me for 2 months now to get him AT&T Uverse. We have dish, but they came knockin' this week and saved me a phone call - so I made the switch. Silly me though, didn't consider they'd be taking over my house for hours and tear it all apart. Taking care of 3 kids with a crew of 5 men working in every room isn't the easiest of tasks I tell you! Which meant that today while they were redoing everything I had no tv and no internet. And I had to stay out of their way, which meant off the computer. Which of course put me even more behind! I'm tired. *moan*

But, my real reason for posting is not to bore you with the sad details of my out of control week. I'm here to tell you about the amazing time Mason is having! He is doing INCREDIBLE!!! Let me just say, that I shouldn't be surprised. I put my faith where it needed to be, and we have been provided for in this situation more than I could ever imagine. On Tuesday we had to drop Reagan off at preschool first, and it confused Mason. He thought he had to go back to the old school and as soon as he saw it he lost it. It took him a bit to figure out he didn't have to stay, but as soon as we left he was bouncing around so excited to go to the new school! They happened to have a field trip today, which totally freaked me out only being his 3rd day, and he'd be on a bus(in a carseat). But he did so good, he loved the farm, totally loved the bus, it was great! He's been saying "fun" everytime we talk about school, and we've heard about the "piddies" (piggies) from the farm all day. It has made the transition for me so much easier. I am so happy he is in a safe, fun place he can just be himself in. Warms my little heart. Thank you so much for all the incredible support. There is no way I can ever explain how it feels to have such amazing friends that are just here. Really, thank you. Lots of love folks! I'm off to have a meeting with my pillow. :oP

Site and Email are down....

No clue why the site is down, but with the site being down I am also not getting my email. In 2 years of business I've never had my site down, so I am in panic mode! But I've sent in a support ticket and hope to have it resolved as soon as possible. In the meantime, if you need to email me, please do so at bella_amadis@sbcglobal.net

Thanks!

We made it through the first day!

Well, for as much as I dreaded this day - it went so much smoother than I could have ever hoped for. I just have a quick second, but wanted to give a quick update. Mason did so good today! Children with Autism, or spectrum disorders are VERY routine oriented, and he has to stick to the norm. Anything off our normal routine will throw him off balance and make for a not so fun time. But he did so well. We spent the last few days driving him by his new school, talking about the "big boy school", and how much fun it would be. So, we really played it up for him. He did well when we got there, told us bye like nothing. He was happy to see us when I got there to pick him up, so all in all it was a good time for him. And he's still fairly happy at the moment which is good for a kid who missed a nap. Mama on the other hand, is exhausted. I'll be back soon with more on the school process. I can't think.

Just remember to breathe, Bethany.

*warning: the following is me being a big fat ball of emotions, AKA stupid girl. read my nonsense at your own risk*

Monday is a big day for us, a big day that I am neither ready for or happy about. It is such a bittersweet step in our lives, and it's really a lot of mixed emotions. On Monday, Mason will start with the local school district in their PPCD (preschool program for children with disabilities, also referred to as an ELE - early learning environment) program. This is the program set forth by the state that takes over when children with disabilities turn 3. ECI (a program he is in now) services children up until 3, making home visits and really catering to the younger child. Now that he is turning 3, he will enter the school district for services. His school days will be 5 days a week from 9:45-1:45. The classroom is amazing, the teacher seemed great. The program is one of the best in this country (who would have known Leander had that! We just got our first grocery store for crying out loud!). It is structured, they learn the way he needs to learn, the teacher to child ratio is amazing, it's a brand new school with brand new everything, I could go on and on about all of the good things about this program. It's awesome, and exciting. And I know it's a program and environment that will help Mason blossom!

So, why does it make me sick to my stomach? My mind knows without a shadow of a doubt that this is what Mason needs. There are so many different ways to handle and treat these situations, and none are wrong. It's really a matter of what each family feels is right for them. And my mind knows this is what is right for Mason. I am not educated or trained to teach a child with special needs. I am of course the expert on Mason, but 'getting' how he works doesn't mean I know how to make everything work for him. And I just want to know at the end of the day that I have done everything I can to help him. I know he will blossom and grow. We have seen AMAZING improvements in Mason in the short time that ECI has been coming out. We went from a child that was only saying one word sentences, to a child that doesn't stop talking. Does it always make sense? No, but he is talking and trying and that is a miracle in itself right now. While my mind knows this will be wonderful for him, my heart aches. It is a reminder that this is real. This is our life, and this is what we have to do. Everyday I see Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Sensory Integration Disorder and Auditory Processing Disorder, but I don't think of it as a disability. I see an amazing little boy, who is brilliant, sweet, genuine, pure, giving, loving, and just plain beautiful. I see a miracle. I have been mighty successful about hiding from the labels, hiding from the disability. But sending my son off to special needs class, just puts a big fat spotlight on that which I hide from. It is really still so fresh, just a month ago we got our diagnosis and just 7 months ago we were ignorant to this. And every bit of my heart says, "What do you mean your 3 year old is headed off to an elementary school?!?!". This ISN'T RIGHT. This isn't supposed to happen, this shouldn't be happening to children. And it shouldn't be happening to mine! I hate it. Every bit of it. And as amazing and beautiful as my child is, I know there is a part of him locked inside and I just want him OUT. I feel like this is what we need to do to help his future, but it is just so hard. Lord, please guide me through this. I cannot do this alone.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7

Sneak Peek!

We had another fun and successful weekend shooting at San Gabriel Park in G-town. This family has been coming to me for about 2 years, have added a new little one, and they seriously have the most beautiful children! I had a great time guys, and will have the rest up soon!

It's Q&A Monday!

Thank you to everyone who emailed all of the wonderful questions! I like to talk, and I like to answer questions. I'm an open book, so this is fun stuff for me! Plus, if I'm answering your questions - I don't have to figure out what to write on my own. lol I am a tad sick, so my head is in a FOG. Yikes! So, here we go with Q&A Monday!

How long have you known and been married to your husband?
Joseph and I have known each other for 9 years now, been married for 7 1/2. We married really young, I was 20 and he was 21. Everyone thought we were crazy to marry so young, but we were crazy in love and it was just right. We have a great foundation, with God as our cornerstone - we are going strong everyday! He is my BFF and I am truly the most blessed woman in the world. Just don't let him read this or he'll get a big head. :oP Oh and another fun and random fact is we married on 11/11/00, so on 11/11/11 we will celebrate our 11th anniversary. We didn't actually plan it that way.

Are you done having children?
Yes! lol We have 3 beautiful babies, and that's plenty for me. I don't have beautiful pregnancies, they really take a toll on my body. So, I will not be bearing any more children. We have talked about adopting later on, in at least 4 years or so. But it's really just a thought, and who knows where we'll be in 4 years. Actually we got to talking about it when Joseph laid it on me as a movie began. You know, just as the previews were ending he leaned over and said "So, do you want to adopt a baby?" and I accidentally yelled "WHAT?" of course just as the theater fell quiet. lol It was classic. And I suddenly had no appetite for popcorn.

What's your IQ? LOL, thanks Megan but they say it's too much to measure. HAHA! HA.

If money were no object, where would you go on vacation?
Oh gosh, if money were no object I'd just go vacation hopping! I'd probably start in St. Thomas (my mom says it's amazing), I'd travel Europe, and likely end with a long visit in Australia! Oh, and I think we'd have to work Disney in there somehow, for the kids of course.

What kind of camera would you have?
Being a Nikon girl, I'd definitely have the D3.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/518490-REG/Nikon_25434_D3_SLR_Digital_Camera.html
But I just got the D300, and we're in love. It's an amazing camera!
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/518489-REG/Nikon_25432_D300_SLR_Digital_Camera.html

I know you are pretty much self taught- what are your favorite photography books, websites, or other resources?
The internet is an amazing resource! I am completely self taught, but was lucky enough to have people via internet that helped me find my way. Scott Kelby books would be a huge recommendation, there just aren't any better books out there!

Is it hard to become a professional photographer, if I have a good camera can I make it to where you are?
Great question! But hard to answer! lol Yes, it is and can be hard to become a professional photographer. In this industry we many times see people who get the fancy equipment and think poof you are instant photographer. And it's just not the case. A real pro can get any kind of camera, and still make amazing art. I like to compare it to my baking. lol I can't bake to save my life, I'm not a recipe follower. I don't like to measure, read directions, follow rules. And of course if I try to bake it is disasterous. I can't go out and buy all the best baking supplies, and equipment and call myself a pastry chef. It's talent, not equipment. It's the same as any art, if you can't paint you can't go buy an easel and canvas and call yourself a painter. I can't get tools and expect to walk into a dealership to become a mechanic. And no matter what if you don't have it, it just doesn't work. Not everyone is meant to be a professional photographer, and the equipment is really just a small detail. ;o)

Where do you want to see your business go?
You know, I am really happy with where we are now. Where we will go depends on so many different things. I have as much as I can handle at the moment, so this is where I want to be now. I started this journey thinking this would be something to do every now and then. I didn't actually anticipate being booked 6-8 weeks in advance, or have waiting lists! Since now both boys will be in school I will have weekday sessions available here and there. But really, I am still first and foremost a mommy and that takes priority. We added weddings to our services this year, so we are excited about the possibilities that will bring. And long term, we'd like to have a dedicated studio space and having as much fun or more as we do now. We take a very fun, laid back approach to this all. It helps me maintain sanity and keeps this fun without feeling like that 3 letter word I hate (JOB).

When is your birthday, and how old will you be?
My birthday is August 23rd, 1980. Yep, I said it - I am technically an 80s baby. You can lift your chins off the floor, cause I know most people don't realize I am only 27! :oP So we did everything young. lol

When you say Mason is special needs, what exactly does that mean?
This post should help you better understand what is going on with Mason. http://bellaamadis.blogspot.com/2008/01/sharing-my-full-plate.html We also finally got his formal diagnosis in February, Mason has PDD-NOS (pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified). Along with the Sensory Integration and Auditory Processing Disorder for grins. ;o)
Basically, it's easiest to just say he is high functioning autism. He is on the spectrum of autism, but many people have one look for autism stuck in their heads. And the reality is, autism doesn't look one particular way. It isn't the same for every child, it manifests in so many different ways. And we feel so blessed to have a child like Mason, he reminds us everyday to appreciate the little things and not to sweat the small stuff. And it has taught me patience, I used to get annoyed out and about with children having a fit. Now I'm one of those mom's at times, and it has helped me to realize you don't know the circumstances. In ours, Mason can't help it. He is led by emotion, it's not misbehaving - it's just frustrating I'm sure to not be understood.

Well, folks there are more questions I didn't get to but am saving for Part 2 of Q&A Monday coming soon! Thanks for stopping by to read my ramble!

Sneak Peek!

Meet the O Family! I have had the great pleasure of photographing this beautiful family for almost 2 years now. Actually the little man was 8 weeks old when they came for the first time, and boy has he grown! We did their Valentine's pics last month that were TOO cute. This time we headed outdoors for a little family fun!


Aren't they too cute?!?!


This was the only look she was willing to give up. It was a tad cool, so Miss R said no paparazzi please. lol


I would make the same face if I saw those comin' at me. :oP


Oh a boy and his mommy, nothing sweeter.


Well, hellooooooo blue eyes! Lord can this kid give a look!


Told you their beautiful girl wasn't having it. lol We're missing one, but beautiful none the less!


It was great fun guys! I'll have the rest of them up very soon. :o)

I love this weather.

Cause Lord have mercy, the sky at sunset is to die for! The good Lord knows what He's doin' when He paints these beauties. ;o) We took the kids to the park this evening for a picnic and some playtime. I was thankful to get out of the house. Even with it being Spring Break I haven't had anytime to do anything. And I had to take Mason to the dr today - he has an ear infection! It's been a fun weak to say the least. lol But my good friend Jenny reminded me it's almost over! lol If I wasn't swamped with work, and we didn't have germs, we'd be out enjoying it more! And exciting news, Joseph is hard at work being mentored by yours truly. It's really fun to watch him learn and soak it all up! Hopefully we'll have a 2nd shooter for weddings and events in no time! :o) Here are a few from our evening, and one is by Mr. Menchaca!



I love my boys. :o) This melts my ever lovin' heart.


Do you see how crazy blue the sky was??? lol


This is by my wonderful husband! I did the processing, but I'll be posting his version later too!


And of course, as soon as we leave the sky gets even more beautiful!

Smurf?

I know you are all wondering what my child got himself into in the image below. But in order to find that out, you have to hear the whole story. Cause it's interesting. ;o)Yesterday morning we had Mason's social worker/developmental therapist coming to visit for therapy. I dilly dallied around in the morning, and about 45 minutes before she was set to arrive I figured it was time to hop in the shower. I would have 45 minutes to shower, dress myself and the boys, feed the baby, and pick up any last minute messes they made. Time would be tight, but manageable. I get in the shower, get out - things are going well! Then I come out to realize the boys have had their way with my living room. Toys all over the place. So, I instruct them to pick up as I go get dressed. A few minutes later I hear the baby start to wake from her nap. Just as I get dressed so I can grab Brooklynne, Mason walks into my bathroom holding out his hands saying "EEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW". He had a poopy diaper. And poopy hands. Cause apparently he wanted to play in his dirty diaper. Every bit of me wanted to hide from him and hope it would magically be fixed. lol So, I grab the baby then throw him in the bath. Get myself dressed, have Reagan pick up, nurse the baby, wash the poopy head, get Reagan dressed, dry off the poopy head, dress the poopy head, comb the poopy head's hair....just in time for there to be a knock at the door. Lord have mercy. So, we have therapy and play with markers. The fun of markers starts then, but carries on for quite a while. And well, Mason isn't always the most careful with a marker. So, the image below is an example of markers gone bad. Very, very bad. And for the record, "washable markers".....not so washable. They still stain skin people! So, today he's a lighter smurf. But a smurf none the less.

But wait....there's more. Oh yes, my day didn't end there!!! Fastforward to the evening, we are preparing to have friends over for dinner. Daddy gets home, brings in the groceries. I had him buy diaper rash cream as the little man has a bit o' red on his you know whats. So, Daddy sets the cream on the coffee table, I am getting ready. Daddy comes to chat with me for about 3 minutes, goes back out to the living room. And the Menchaca's first member of the Blue Man Group, is now creamy white. You got it, he painted himself in Desitin. Yep. He did. All this happened in one day, and I myself can't believe it. lol Daddy brought him in and I bathed him again (again rushing before the door bell rings). And can I just tell you that Desitin doesn't come off easily either?!?! Oh, and in case you are wondering - it doesn't remove marker either. So, his arms, hands, and face were painted white. It was the most hysterical thing I've ever seen and at that point I could only laugh. So, that's the story of my day. A day in the life of one mom vs. 3 crazy kids. And next week is Spring Break. Pray for me. A lot. And if you don't hear from me, call the cops and tell them it's possible my children have locked me in the closet. Lord help me. Amen.

Oh, and just to answer a question....

So, you don't have to ask what a day in my life is like - let's just leave you with these images. They say it all.

It's time for Q & A.

Welcome to our first edition of Ask the Photographer (say that in your best game show host voice, then imagine cheesy game show music in the background)! So, the name of the game is ask anything you want! No holding back on me now. ;o) You can ask your questions via email or by posting them here as a comment. BTW, Ask the Photographer is a boring name, so we really could use a more creative, fun game show name here.

Want to know about my equipment? Just ask.
Want to know how long I've been married? Just ask.
Want to know how I got started? Just ask.
Want to know about my favorite photoshop tools? Just ask!
Want to know what my plans in the next year are? Just ask, though I don't even know.
Want to know how much I weigh? Don't ask. Sheesh. We must set limitations.

PS. We are planning our first ever "Mommy-tographer" workshop for my amazing clients! I am thinking it will either be in April or May, but am still ironing out those details. For my clients that want to take better pics of your kids, email for details and prices! There will only be 10 spots, and they will fill fast! Hope to see you all there!!!

Get the tissue.

I'm not sure if anyone caught the Today show this morning, but I wanted to share this link to a video that is very close to most photographer's. Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep is an organization of photographer's that donate their time and talent for bereavement photography. I have known about NILMDTS for a couple years, but it wasn't until the beginning of the year I started taking steps to joining their organization. I hadn't felt brave enough, or strong enough, or prepared enough before. And think the truth of the matter is I'm still not brave enough, but I don't think anyone can ever be brave or strong when looking at a baby who's life was cut short. It breaks every bit of my heart, and for 2 years I have sat back and watched colleagues and friends take on the task. I have not stepped into the organization with a session yet, but I'm sure my time is coming. I applaud those who have, and pray for each and every one of the families, babies, and volunteers. Now grab the tissue....

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/23481435#23481435

Pictures Galore!

Howdy! I realized today when I came to post all these images that it had been a couple weeks since my last update! Sorry!!! :o) Things have been very hectic around here, and last week was crunch time trying to get my work finished up and my house scrubbed top to bottom in preparation for the big weekend! My amazing, and talented photographer friend Robin DePaula was coming in town to photograph my little sister's wedding. Robin arrived on Friday, and I don't think we stopped moving till she left. It was a busy weekend, but my goodness we had a blast! While she was here we managed to get in some amazing photos (of course!). I bugged Robin to do our family session, and I am eagerly anticipating those! Now I know how you all feel when I am working on your fab images! lol I also got the opportunity to take images of Robin for her website, she is so photogenic and just beautiful! Here's a peak of our crazy weekend......


Brooklynne loved Robin, and Robin loved Brooklynne. I had to check her bag to make sure she didn't try to pack my baby. lol


Well, hello beautiful!

I like to call this one "Say NO to drugs, and Canon!" lol ;oP



Lord have mercy was Robin beautiful, and was such a doll to boot!


This is pretty much what we did all weekend. lol We had a blast! Even with almost blowing up my studio and burning down my house, it was still loads of fun. But that's a story for later.


We even got in some of me and the hubster. Robin was amazing, and geez to these pictures ROCK!


Oh yes, sorry. We had a great time at the wedding, it was beautiful and my sister made a gorgeous bride! Congrats guys!!!