Merry Christmas!

It feels like our first real family Christmas since baby boy can actually open presents this year. The last year has flown, and I'm sure time will keep going faster from here. Here's the Christmas card we sent this year, along with a quick recap of the year.

Snowflake template from here.

Christmas & Pinterest

Anyone else out there addicted to Pinterest? I've actually followed through on a few DIY projects in the last few weeks, beautifying my home for the holidays. Here's proof.

Tree skirt. Mason jar soap pump. Card display.

Get in on the action: follow me on pinterest!

Reminder!

Today is the last day to enter my photo session giveaway! Head over HERE to enter!

Decking the Halls 2011

Decorating for Christmas is one of my favorite things to do each year. It's amazing how adding a few small things really changes the feeling in our home. I like to add one or two small but meaningful decorations to my stockpile each year, in hopes that one day my home will be fully flocked like my mother's.

I finished off a roll of film capturing a few of our decorations, and I'm determined to go back and recapture everything in color. Until then, here are a few items making our home festive this year.

This little tree, our Charlie Brown tree, acted as our only Christmas tree for our first 4 years of marriage. It has a special place in my heart, and it is now perched on our kitchen island.

I "wrapped" the door to our basement. Once holiday cards begin arriving in the mail, they'll be pinned to the ribbon and taped to the door. It's a cheap, fun way to showcase our holiday greetings.

Nutcrackers are big in my family--my parents have dozens. When I was twelve, I danced in Ballet West's production, and we went every year as part of our Christmas celebrations. I don't have any of the "real" ones yes (someday!). But for now, these little ones bring fond memories.

Kato Family Portraits

With Christmas just around the corner, what better than another holiday family session full of delicious kids? You may remember these beautiful kids, as I've been photographing them since I started this business 4 years ago and this sweet girl was just a baby.

Every family likes images of everyone smiling, but my favorites are the images of kids being themselves. Enjoy!

Looking for a great Christmas present? Consider giving the gift of memories--imagine your loved ones' surprise when they open a gift certificate toward a portrait session of their choice! Gift certificates available in any amount and may be used toward any session or product.

Photo Session Giveaway!

Just in time for the holidays . . .

It could be your lucky day! Today I'm giving away a photo session over at the Good Life. To find out how to win, go HERE.

Baby Kai | NICU Hospital Portraits

This family is so awesome! Mom and Dad are total rockstars who do hard things (like having a baby during law school, graduating at the top of their class, and then having another baby in the NICU) and make it look easy breezy.

Baby Kai was born with some pulmonary problems, but he is doing great now! I photographed him on one of his last days in the NICU. This is my favorite type of shoot--one where I can just let the family love on a new little baby and document the interactions.

There is truly nothing like parents' love for their new little life. It's magical.

Oh, and in case you missed it, these images were featured on Let the Kids Dress Themselves this summer.

Are you having a baby soon? Let's talk about documenting the birth with a birth story! Leave a comment, email (alli@allismiles.com), or call (801.232.7572)!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Far too much to list here. I hope your Thanksgiving is joyous, filled with loved ones and overeating. Mine certainly will be.

Smith Family Portraits.

Here's another great family session from the archives. This cute little family now has another darling little boy! I've been photographing this family for a few years now, and it's so fun to watch the way they change and grow. Little Tucker was brand new the first time we did family portraits, and now he's a great big brother. Kids are so fun! What are your kids doing right now?

Let's schedule some fun family portraits and capture your kids' personality before they all grow up!

One year ago today.

I know every mother out there says it, but it's true: where did the time go? I dare say it flew right past me and left me a mess of jabbers and diapers and all things drool-covered.

One year ago, this very minute, we welcomed this sweet being into our arms, lives, and hearts.

One year ago, our world as we knew it unraveled and started anew.

One year ago, I became a mother, a title I will hold near to me forever.

One year ago, we learned what it means to be truly exhausted.

One year ago, we learned what it means to love unconditionally.

One year ago, this baby stole a piece of me and filled me a thousand times over.

One year ago seems like yesterday.

Happy birthday, my baby bear. I love you itsu made mo. Or in our language: a deeky deeky deek.

All images by Kim Orlandini.

Pettit Family Portraits.

These images are from our fun session this time last year. It's amazing to look back and see how much and how quickly the little ones change. These kids have so much personality and spunk, and they definitely give their gorgeous parents a run for their money.

Let's play in the leaves and create memories for your family. Contact me!

alli@allismiles.com

801.232.7572

On stress.

Sometimes it's easier to focus on the storm clouds and ignore the surrounding beauty. I'm grateful for my faith that helps me through the hard times.

"When in situations of stress we wonder if there is any more in us to give, we can be comforted to know that God, who knows our capacity perfectly, placed us here to succeed. No one was foreordained to fail or to be wicked. When we have been weighed and found wanting, let us remember that we were measured before and we were found equal to our tasks; and, therefore, let us continue, but with a more determined discipleship. When we feel overwhelmed, let us recall the assurance that God will not overprogram us; he will not press upon us more than we can bear." -Neal A. Maxwell

11.11.11 | A Day to Remember.

Many thanks to our troops, past and present. America is still the greatest country in the world.

Remember, book a session today (think, what a great Christmas present?) and get 11% off the session fee.