Happy Day of Thanks!

Okay so It's the day after Thanksgiving and I am just now getting to wish you all a Happy day of Thanks! Better late than never right? Besides, giving thanks should be something we do daily minus the 8 course feast and the mandatory gym time you have to put in after. Ugh. Anyway, my bad I have been sick the last few days and when I'm under the weather even virtual readers need to stand clear! I have felt so blah to say the least and have managed to keep up with my toddler in the midst of Kleenex in one hand and blowing God knows what outta my nose with the other hand. (TMI?!) Seriously, I haven't felt like a needy, ailing, fragile, infected, weak, drama queen in over a year!
(It's been that long since I've been sick...shout out to Flinstone vitamins. Never too old for vitamin C in the shape of Bam-Bam)

So yea for some time now, I have somehow managed to dodge playground and Chuck-E-Cheese microscopic organisms and carry immunity armor. Finally the creepy, germy bugs have latched on and managed to attack!! Darn those rascals! Okay, enough said there.
Nonetheless, I was present on Thanksgiving and made it to sit at the dining room table and took my turn to verbalize what I am thankful for. Family.

I am especially thankful for my parents. Who created such a safe, humble, God-fearing and loving environment for me and my sisters. I am thankful for all of my 4 younger sisters. I love the close relationship, sisterhood, and friendship I have in them. I love being a part of a big family and having tons of memories to laugh about. Even the ones I cringe about. Wouldn't trade them in for the world.  I am thankful for my beautiful baby boy. Who stretches me beyond any capacity I knew existed. He is more than I ever dreamed of and now I understand how my parents love me. There are no words. Just gratefulness.
There is just so much to be appreciative of in this life! Although I woke up sick, I woke up! I am still alive, still made room in my stomach for pumpkin pie, every bit of thankful that I have my family, friends and fans, aaaaaand am still taking pictures! I guess this crazy, sometimes awful, magical, beautiful life is amazing after all!

Give thanks. For unknown blessings are already on it's way. -Native American Saying

Captured this shot of  JM at the piano on Thanksgiving. Pretty convincing lil Beethoven  eh'.   Good times.

Now that you have recovered from your Thanksgiving food coma, stay fully fabulous and thankful always!
-Jazzy

Smile

Accomplishment

Happy Hump Day!


It's 1:14p and I am just now getting to brush my teeth and take a shower. There is a messy bun on top of my head and must I add it's a hot mess since it's the I-HAD-NO-TIME-TO DO SOMETHING-CUTE-DO kinda look and it has actually been hanging on for dear life since yesterday. I have an eggshell colored top on... that used to be white (yep, child's throw up from this morning.) I am wearing Juicy Couture sweatpants but really they look like toddler couture (you know the kid couture with outdoorsy dirt, some sippy cup spillage, a little bit of a morning breakfast stain, and God know what I sat on... but it's smeared across my bum. I am such a bombshell, right?! Ha! 
Okay so my son is down for his nap, and I am ready for my down time. Which right now, consists of getting myself together after looking in the mirror, and getting some blog time in.  Actually, I wrote and finished the first paragraph before I got distracted with a friend's surprise phone call. Yes! A little adult convo with my bestie, don't mind if I do. *blog please hold*...however hold seemed to be hours later. Now I'm looking at the clock. It's 9:14pm. I can't help but think Gee, what have I accomplished today? Well, I didn't have any photography work to do (which when I do, it happens when Grandma comes to the rescue, during JM's nap time or after his bedtime. Today, I was in full time mama mode! I have to remind myself that being a Stay At Home Mom is an accomplishment in itself. Sometimes I tend to feel like I did absolutely nothing. However, me saying that I did nothing is farthest from the truth. Sure, I read the same book over and over again to my baby boy, lyed on the floor making silly faces with him, jumped on the trampoline, danced to a Yo Gabba Gabba beat, and talked about trees, trains, and the garbage truck a million times IS doing something.


I have the blessed and beautiful opportunity grow a beautiful boy!

Now let me keep it jazzy and genuine with you. Sure, Mothering is rewarding, but it ain't easy and I'll be the first to shout out for the village! Indeed, I believe it most definitely takes a village. With that, I came across an article surfing the internet during my down time and came across one that met me right where I was at. After reading it, instead of shouting for the village... I let out an audible "Amen!" So I wanted to share it with you. Enjoy.

This looks oh so familiar...

To the Jazzy parents out there,

May you take great joy and spend great time with your little girl's and little boys...and in that joy take a snapshot or two. They are only young once.

Goodnight.

-J

Portrait Perfect: Sarah Hall

Sarah is a beautiful 22 year old student in Orange County, Ca. It was so lovely photographing her youthful and gentle spirit. I love capturing an honest and relaxed subject who can simply be themselves in front of the camera. Sarah said "I decided to do minimal makeup and not curl my hair, cuz I just wanted to be natural me." Oh dear Sarah, that's the best way to be and the prettiest photo too!

Baby Cash

Congratulations Mike & Tracey on your beautiful bundle of Joy!

Cash Michael (15 days)

Even though baby Cash got camera shy, I had to post this one. The look of love in big brother Ryan's eyes are priceless. 

Daddy & Daughter

The Jazziest of them all

Father/Daughter Dance 

There's something to be said about the beauty of a relationship between father and daughter.  Jarratt is a cool, thirty-something, single father to his beautiful 5 year old daughter Jazmyn. Whom Jazmyn's nickname is Jazzy (great name and fits her perfectly, may I add. *wink-wink*). Jarratt works a 9-5 on weekdays, sometimes devotes to doing weekend work and is attending school to build a bright and better future for his precious princess. I was honored to shoot such a respectable man who is such a positive role model. Watching daddy J and daughter J play tag, race, shake their sillies out, and dance together was priceless.

**Thank you to my Daddy Len who was the best dad he knew how to be. I love you.

**Thank you to my very special Step dad Rick, for saving the day! I grew up looking for a superhero and there you were. You came through over and over in my life, rose to the occasion, and even shaped me to be the princess I am today. Your red cape and blue tights are optional. The "S" on your chest is obvious.
I Love you.

Shout out to Dad's and their girls, you're awesome!