Let's go outside!

As, some of you may know, I am planning on opening a studio in my home this year. I had planned on a grand opening in May or June, however, we have now decided to postpone this opening until October. So let's go outside and get some great family portraits! Spring is coming soon! So the weather should be nice and warm. Call or email me to book an appointment. A family session will last one hour and for one location of your choice will be $60. This also includes a CD with 15 to 30 high resolution pictures.

I can't wait to help you capture moments of those who are most important in your life.

The magical fun of boxes

I find it very interesting how a simple box can bring a child such pleasure. They can climb in it, make a house out of it, play hide and seek in it, color it, and simply use it as a place to rest. I love these pictures of my girls watching TV in this little box, they were able to sit content for quite a long time all scrunched together.

Counting my blessings

It is amazing how other's lives can really put our own life into perspective. A friend from high school, who I have only stayed in touch with on facebook, just lost her 5 year old little boy to a rare muscle disease. Their daughter also has the disease, and so I am sure they will lose her too early as well. I am overwhelmed with how hard this must be for her and her family. It makes me take a look at what God has given me and how I need to be more grateful for every day I have with my husband and children. There are many days where I feel overwhelmed with "mother or wife duties". There are not enough days where I enjoy those duties. I know that my friend would give anything to get more "mother duties" with her son. I pray that I will be a better wife, better mother, and better friend and not take for granted all that God has blessed me with in my life. I know that this life is a life of learning and trials. I know that we are all God's children and that He blesses us every day. I hope I can be more grateful for what I have and not complain so much about what I don't. I pray that I can be more of a helping hand to those in need and be the kind of wife and mother my family deserves.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

So, it has been awhile since my last post. I blame this on many things, but the biggest reason is: I am starting my own photography business this Spring! I have been taking so many pictures for my portfolio. I want to thank all of you who helped me do this, and I hope it was worth your time and effort to come to my home. I am very excited about this new phase of my life. I have always been an artistic person, but had a hard time honing in on what I wanted to do. I love the idea of having a photo studio in my own home where I can still be a stay-at-home mom and schedule photography around my family. I will keep you posted as we are going to have some fun give-a-ways and promotions for my new business. Tell all your friends and family about me and I hope that I can be the one who gives you those photos you cherish the most throughout your life.

Check out my photography blog (so lovingly made by my husband)

www.nikimartins.com

Hannah's hair...straightened.

So, I decided to straighten Hannah's hair today. This is what it looked like right after I used the hair dryer. She has SO MUCH HAIR!

This is the final product. I used a ton of hair product, to protect her hair, and then used a hair iron, a curling iron and brushed until she was totally sick of it. I think it looks so cute. But I don't think we will make it a habit of doing it this way. It is weird to have a Hannah and no curly hair.

Love these two girls!

Isn't Niki Amazing?

How does she do it? I'm amazed and in awe to all of the stay-at-home mothers out there. You really have an tough job. You ought to be praised every day for all that you do for your families.

Niki has been dog-sitting for her parents in St. George this week and so I've held down the fort here at home with the girls; it's not an easy job. I have to also thank Mimi for watching the girls while I've been at work, that has been a huge help.

In anticipation of the upcoming Valentine's day I want to express my love for my wife who is a bright shining star in my life and in the life of her children. You are missed when you are not here. Our family simply isn't the same. Enjoy the mini vacation, but just know that we're ready to have you back!

So as I have a 16 month old crawling all over me while I write this post and every two seconds trying to press a random key on the keyboard and when she's not doing this she's pulling her older sister's hair, I again thank my wonderful wife and also pay my respects for all you mothers and for all that you do.

P.S. - Niki, I used this picture because both you and I look really cute, especially you :)

Two amazing grandmas!

My girls are so lucky! They have four very loving grandparents! But, I have to say, that their grandmas are amazing. They are so fun with both my girls. They play with them, read with them, love them and do all that I think a Grandma should do. I am so grateful to these two wonderful women in my life. Thank you Gramma Kim and Vovo for all that you do for my two girls! We love you!