Sweet Adi-girl

Oh how I love photographing this girl! This is my 3rd time photographing Miss Adi- and I can't tell you how truly beautiful she is- I hope these shots will do her justice.... She's a girl with the perfect accessory for every occasion- and we had a ball playing dress up today! She was so happy and patient through 6 outfit changes- unbelievable! So as long as she was willing to play- we did! This is a fraction of the fun we had- Enjoy! xoxo Didi

Double Digits

Where does the time go?
Seriously????
My beautiful girl who's just born it seems- was gifted to me 10 years ago today- my perfect angel baby- is today- a TWEEN!!!!! "Double digits mom...."
Excuse me while I get a little mushy here...... sniff-sniff.... Oni opened up her gifts and got some loves from her baby sister. We made pancake shapes- and I even got creative and made shapes that held a fried egg in the middle... oh- it was cool- unfortunately- i was flipping pancakes so fast this morning- that I failed to get a photo of how cool those look- but I'm sure you can imagine them... :) And then we had to rush off to school with classroom treats in hand and go on with our day.

I am so very ridiculously proud of my kids- beautiful- smart, athletic, artsy and above all- caring and sweet. I love them with every fiber of my being.... I never really understood how much my mom loved me- till I had my own daughters.... and now I get it- times 2!

Massage, Health and Well Being

On Saturday, in my crazy zany weekend- (that I'm still trying to get through all photos of) I was asked to visit Miss Tab at her new massage space in Freemont. She wanted to show all facets of massage and the myriad of people who can benefit from it. So here's a quick snip of the Zen that is her space and the calm that is massage...... If you'd like to know more about her massage or how to contact her- let me know and I'll connect you!

Game 5

Well Saturday came and went --and we definitely didn't win this one- but this is without a doubt- the most physical- most injuries on both teams game I've ever seen! (especially for this age group).... and while we didn't play our best defensively- or offensively.... our girls did play with some aggression and some heart- and a bit of attitude... which is saying something- because this is the nicest group of girls... seriously!

There were some fouls, some roughing and Oni got called for throwing elbows....(she immediately starting crying- the gentle giant was playing tough- she didn't mean to hurt anyone.....) and so- we know what to work on again this week...

I can say that practice tonight- was a vast improvement in the girls' defense skills-

You can view more pix from Saturday's game here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=141405&id=753787191&l=f1729f8cd4

Love is in the air.....

Love is in the air...

Valentine's day is coming soon and so is the "The Big Day" for Bud & Robin! This beautiful couple is getting hitched in Vegas in a few weeks but we wanted to do their photos Seattle Style....

I had sooooo much fun yesterday! (as I'm sure you see by how many previews are up already!) It felt so good to be out shooting pix again after my winter hiatus! The weather not only held- but the sun came out and man, what a gorgeous couple - I could follow them around for days! They didn't even blink when I'd say- "hey- can you climb up there?" "ooh- let's dance in the fountain!".... LOVE them!

(how could we resist this sign?????) We hit all the Seattle icons along 1st ave, Post Alley and Western Ave.

I was totally excited and kind of nervous working with Robin- as she is also a photographer and incredibly talented artist. (see her artwork here on her back...)

This shot makes me smile so big!

(ok- so does this one at the bubble gum wall in Post Alley)

The crowds in the market were taking pix of us taking pix- we stopped foot and auto traffic the whole time we were shooting- it was so much fun!

These two are soooo danged cute- you can't help but smile when you watch them together.

Guys- I had so much fun with you- have a great wedding- and I'll see you when you get back! xoxo Didi

Girlfriends

One of my girlfriends sent this to me today- I'm sure you've all seen it before- but it bears re-reading and a reminder to make time for yourself- by getting together with YOUR girlfriends. Much love~ Me
************************************************************************

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother.

As they talked about life, marriage, responsibilities, and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter.

Don't forget your Sisters, she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass.

'They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters. Remember to go places & do things with them now & then.

Remember that Sisters means ALL the women in your life.... You need other women- Women always do.

What a funny piece of advice, the young woman thought.

Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I 'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!

But she listened to her Mother. She kept contact with her Sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knew what she was talking about.

As time and nature worked their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, Sisters are the mainstays of her life:

THIS SAYS IT ALL:

Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.

BUT.........Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you.
A girlfriend is never farther away than needing her can reach. When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out.

Mimosa Meeting

A couple of months ago- my friend Amy and I hatched a plan..... she recently graduated from Massage school- and I volunteered my house to host a get together with my friends. A way for her to meet lots of new people and potential clients- all in one place. And I have a great group of girlfriends- all of whom are all crazy busy with work and family- and really- who couldn't use some girl time and some pampering and oodles of good giggles?

So everyone arrived yesterday morning in their pj's, no make-up, with brunch food and champagne in hand. We made yummy decadent coffees, mimosas in every flavor, and ate all manner of brunch foods bad for you. (calories were exempt from this party)

Everyone got in on some pampering massage from Amy and the rest of us snuggled up and watched old movies and giggled and talked while we waited our turn. It was fabulous-

You know you've all seen the email forwards about "have a group of girlfriends".... and it's true... we lift each other up when we've fallen or feel down, take each other's kids when needed, laugh and cry together, fill in when the others are sick or broken... you just do, because you love each other- and know that they would do for you in a second.... I love my friends- I'm so blessed. :)

I know that many were worried that it was too much-so soon for having a party here- but it was exactly what i needed...... I was energized by a day with girls. So thank you to all my lovies! My pretty tulips from Andrea- spring is coming- I promise. (even if my house is very confused right now- I got the Xmas down outside and Valentine's up.... but inside is still Xmas, and there are lots of spring flowers all over my kitchen....I need to get my holidays back in line!)

there were many casualties (fallen soldiers) at the end of the day- but it was a fun and bubbly day!

we only managed a partial group photo- but aren't we cute??? :)

Lady Tigers Grrrrrrrind out another win

This week was back to school and practice for the Miles girls. They had some good practices this week according to Big Daddy- and it showed on the floor Saturday morning! The girls are starting to gel as a team and they are each finding themselves in their positions.... some better than others- but that's just maturity. Most of these girls will go on to be really good athletes, me thinks. :) Onika seems to have grown again- will need to measure her soon- but she's growing like crazy maturity wise- and has really taken to the game- she was playing this time last year under duress- because we insisted- but now- it's different- she's playing with some passion- and stealing the ball and shooting the lights out and enjoying success.

Little Gabbi is struggling to understand defense- but when she gets where she needs to be- she's getting tough to shake.... she's a 2nd grader playing up- and even tho she's as tall as the 4th graders.... there's just a different level of understanding.... but she too is growing this season.

What I love more than anything is that my girls are really starting to work together on the floor! *Insert big goofy mom-grin here*

*look at the poor girl Gabbi is guarding on the left- that face cracks me up!*

Little Sarah- man- love watching her play- she's gonna be ridiculously good as she gets older... kid has got some hops!

Go Sarah Go!

And Teresa.... getting to be more and more intense every game- LOVE it!

Going for another 2 ( she had 10 again Saturday!!!)

*and while this photo didn't turn out- I just love the intensity that she's playing with here*

T & Oni- friends and classmates on & off the court- both are so smart and talented- so proud of them!