Out of the Box

When my friend, Aaron asked me to help with a shoot that he set up through Model Mayhem to build his portfolio....you know I jumped on it. These are the shoots that I like to call a jolt, an energy burst, a quick fix and whatever name for it that I come up with tomorrow. I will include all the links in another post for the make-up artist, the model, the amazing designer, my part in the shoot and even where you can get your hands on such a location. But for now, I just felt like posting a couple to tantalize your brain buds. I have more to work on. I love the inspiration I pull from these "out of the norm" shoots and it's just what the doctor ordered. Thanks Aaron!

O.K. already...more beach shots

More of my favorite moments at the beach. As I am tingling all over my body, starving because of adjusting to a new diet, and tired from the mental challenge...I look at these pictures and I KNOW (without a doubt) that everything is, and will be alright. Below is my version of the two smaller rocks. These rocks have been photographed a million different ways and this is the way that I like to see them. The reality of what is really in the shot:) Wish I knew the photographer so I could send him the pic. They were all lined up at night to try to get the "one" shot that would capture the statue and beauty.
Can this kid be any cuter...My little Alaskan boy;)
I had to get a shot of the mark we left behind in the sand. Our heart and Jake's portrait of me stayed in the sand all day for all to enjoy.
Just like Keeta has left a mark on all of our hearts:)Enough said about this one....
There is no greater reward as a parent then to see our kid's love for each other. Jake and I have been beyond blessed and these three beautiful souls continue to rock our world in every way.
At 9 and 6 and they are still each other's biggest fans. All three of them crack each other up daily.
Window to a person's soul....well, now you see how beautiful she is on the inside.
These are the moments that wash away all the puppy trials, poop scoops, and morning yelps at 6am. I catch at least one of these moments a day with one of them stealing a snuggle from her.
Then there is that other moment in the day when I catch one of them yelling at her;)
No it's not an award winner. It's not technically sound. And it's not my all time favorite shot. But, maybe this is the one that will bring back a smell for one of them. Or spark a memory of a beautiful weekend. Or maybe it will continue to make me cry, because they are only this small once. These photos, just like every photo I take, are packed with memories that I wish I never have to forget. Thank you again to the Richardson's for a weekend to remember. We are blessed.
Just incase there were tears on this one, Kenz. I thought a seaweed goatee would make you smile:)

How am I doing?

I would be a lot better if my photos weren't so muted on Blogspot:) I think it's time to call on some talented friends to help me step up this blog. "How am I doing" and "what am I doing lately" seems to be the burning question these days. How can I sum up the most dramatic 4 months of my life? Well, I still feel like MS has been the biggest blessing to ever walk through my door. I can run, jump, give myself MVP at volleyball games:), and still feel like the same ol' me (still jumping for joy). Thanks for the pic below Kenz!
What's not the same? My food looks a lot more colorful. My hands and feet tingle when I am not rested, stressed, or not eating right. I get fatigue and this is a first in my life (yes, even after having 3 kids). I think the toughest battle daily is the "mental". It is a nonstop challenge to keep my thoughts in check, not to worry. I just read the most amazing book for MS (in my opinion). The MS Recovery Diet and it has reconfirmed many of the things that I have been feeling and wondering and it has also calmed A LOT of my fears down. I continue to take baby steps with my diet and I would have to say that it is the only thing that seems to be getting me down at all. I hope to incorporate Yoga with my 3 times a week of volleyball. I plan to start meditating regularly...oh, and I will be selling Mona Vie I think. It has been, and will always be a part of my recovery and I know it will make a difference in a lot of your lives. I just want to sell enough to get mine for free because I spend A LOT on my other prescriptions (supplements and yoga:) Isn't the Clam Linguine beautiful below (Thanks Tracie)!

Just as soon as this little monster (Keeta) calms down on the biting I think I will be even more on keel:) So to answer your questions....yes, I am fine...in fact, I am more than fine. And for the first time I am getting to know my mind, body and soul to the core and I am truly able to answer that question beneath the surface. How are you all doing? The surface answer is "great, or tired, or fine..." but have you really asked yourself that question lately? Thank you all for your kind words, your support and most of all your prayers and love. You all rock my soul more than you will ever know. Ms. Carlisle

A few of my favorite things...

I like to take this day to brag about the love in my life....so here I go.

I have definitely found that "if you love life, Life will love you right back!" I LOVE a lot about my life and the love just keeps getting stronger. I thought I would share a few more pics from our lovely weekend at Canon Beach with our dear friends. Thanks for a beautiful weekend that will be filled with memories of a lifetime, Kenz and Spence. I will post more throughout the day. Here are the kids cards for this year that I am still getting into the mail:) This is one of my favorite projects to do with the kids. Tré said that two kids in his class cried over his (because the dog was so cute, they say), but I think it was just because they felt all the love.

Gift of Friendship

A while back a longtime friend of mine came to visit with his beautiful family. There is nothing like having a friend around to share old memories with. The kind of laughter that arises can only come from the past, carefree days of our egotistical selves. Well, we are all grown up now and we have families of our own and I was blessed to spend what little time I had with them. Their son, Talon is a very serious guy that seems to have an old soul to him.

But when he does smile, he can just melt a heart, can't he!
It's always fun to get these kinds of shots for clients of mine that I might not know as well....but, getting a shot like this for a good friend....there is so much more to the story. There's just something about this shot that pulls at my heartstrings. I know you are a proud papa, and you should be!


As he was heading out the door I got one last series of him playing with Jamie's hat:) Can you even stand those locks! Thank you Courtney and Pat for your visit. You were a breathe of fresh air and I still feel like it was just yesterday that you were here.

And I can't forget a pic of Keeta's first friend, Macy! She was so patient with her and amazing with the kids. You've done good you two, you've done good;)

He's too young!

"Jake...go...hurry...he's just a boy!" In light of the post below, you now understand why I was freaking out when I saw Tré attempting to walk the dog on the beach alone. Don't worry, we remedied the problem before someone called CS on us. You understand as well as I do, how dangerous this could have been. They both could have been seriously injured do to the mobs. Whew!

The Right Breed?

I'm going to pass on some valuable information that I am going to ask Cesar Millan to put into his second edition, maybe even a whole book dedicated to this serious topic. When thinking about bringing a dog into your family there is careful consideration for picking the right breed. We thought that a Dane's energy would fit us appropriately and we are a fairly tall family that would want our dog to match. What I didn't consider was the "rare beauty" factor. She looks innocent enough above, right? We did a little test at the beach a couple weekends ago, that has be in a tizzy. We noticed Keeta getting a lot of attention right away...I mean A LOT! So I sent Jake for a sexy, McConaughey-style run on the beach by himself to test some concerns....no reaction.

Then, just a sexy stance with his locks blowing in the wind....maybe a look or two, but really nothing again.
Now bring in the Show Stopper. You may be thinking to yourself..."ahh cute, a man and his dog".
Next level..."Wow, a hot dad and his show-stopping dog!"
"Ah, she sits and stays...look at that stance."
Now for the serious problem at hand that I didn't see coming. The lethal combination that we have brought on has created a frenzy around us.....Cesar, what do you do when you bring a "GIRLY-GETTER" into your lovely marriage. This is serious you know...just look at this woman's gaze. I can see your giddiness underneath that scarf you know!I am pretty sure that scene below would have dramatic music playing as this dangerous combination of awesomeness walks down the beach, making necks snap as people turn to get a glimpse. Have you ever seen such a site?So when considering a Blue Dane, please know that there is much more to the innocent question, "Is that a Weimaraner?" Because what comes next after you say, "no, Dane" is "Oh, well, I should have know, just look at those HUGE paws!" I am onto you girls...I know what you are really thinking;)
So as you sit there innocently, Keeta..just know that I am onto your little games. I'm watching you! You'll be taking walks with the Alpha and that is ME, you got that!"Who me?"
"Yes you...don't give me that innocent look!"