Merry Christmas!

Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas from the Pohl Family. We had a wonderful Christmas eve and day today with Brian's family, eating, talking, playing games - what we do best! Hunter got a horse that's up on those springs. As the men put it together today I relived memories of my childhood. My cousin Stacey had a horse like that when we were little. I remember jumping on it so hard one of the springs came off and we went flying. Or getting fingers pinched in the springs. Fortunately they've come along way. There are safety straps to keep the horse upright if the spring comes un-done as well as covers for the springs. Hunter has already had a blast on the thing. He gets on and yells "yehaw" and gidduhh - I think that means giddyup lol. Anyway he's thrilled. Adelle has several new things including a new dolly she loves. I got a bunch of photography equipment. At least I'm easy to buy for - although expensive haha! And Brian is happy in his new Christmas sweaters. God has been so good to us. A year ago we had just received news that Brian had gotten the job with intuit and his 4 month unemployment stint was coming to an end. What a relief. It's been a challenging year in many ways but regardless we've seen God's faithfulness to us again and again. It will be interesting to see what the next year has to bring.

Well I'm off to design a new logo with my new tablet which lets me write whatever I want electronically. Merry Christmas one and all!

Today I fought the hussle and bustle of downtown and went to city center to pay for and pick up my business licence. This was really the last thing that needed to happen for me to be "official". It was fun to walk around a downtown mall. It's got it's own Christmas spirit I find. I'm done my Christmas shopping (thankfully!) so it was nice to just meander rather than feel the pressure of needing to stand in line and fight the crowds.

Had an interesting chat with my mom about something many churches are doing this year called the "advent conspiracy". Now I dont' know that much about it but the way I understand it is basically saying "no" to a materialistic christmas and really coming back to the reason for the season. Now I am a big believer in a simple Christmas celebrating the birth of Christ but something about this just strikes me funny. I see alot of Christians (myself included) that quickly hop on board this train for the 4 weeks of Christmas. After all - it's a good feeling this self righteous feeling that I am turning my back on the world and for this christmas (at least) living the simple life. Oh yeah and celebrating Jesus. What happens when Christmas is over? What about next Christmas? I find that I really respect those who have made this a quiet part of their life rather than a one-time following of a fad. Maybe I'm being a little rough on this idea...perhaps it's just that I recognize the pharasaical tendancies in myself...

A change up

Since I decided to run with my photography I have let this one die however I will be picking it up in the new year as my personal family's blog. A place to post pics of my adorable awesome kids and various happenings in our family.

The biggest news right now is that I finally have a website! www.constancepohlphotography.com! It is my greatest joy that I can do something that I love so much for other people! Thank you everyone who has supported me.

And finally I leave you with all the cuteness that is my children!

My parents live by example... Happy 40th Anniversary!

40th anniversary, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Last weekend my parents celebrated their 40th anniversary. It's not the only couple I know to have been married that long, but they are the ones I know the best. I've always known that my parents love each other and love their kids. I can't remember harsh words or lifted voices ever. Now that's something amazing. Not to say they didn't have their issues. But both have given more than their 50% in the marriage. Words like "I cook for your dad and someday you will cook for your husband" were often repeated at meals I didn't like so much. Of course in my teens I groaned when my dad would come home from work and they'd spend a few minutes loving on each other, but now I so appreciate how affectionate they were with each other even after years of marriage.

In the last few months my son has really become more aware of the relationships around him. When my husband comes in the door, he'll often pick Hunter up in one hand and turn to kiss me. Hunter grins. I see the sparkle in his eye and I know what's coming...he grabs the back of his daddy's head, and the back of mine and forces us together for another kiss. He giggles, pulls us apart and forces us together once more only this time with HIS head in the middle. We each plant a kiss on the cheek we're pressed into and I think of my parents and the love they showed me by loving each other. I only hope and pray my kids will experience that same kind of love as I follow the urging of my son to lean in a kiss my husband one more time...

No Mama No!

No Mama No!, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

So obviously the son of a photographer! Today was so fun! First of all we were treated to an omlet breakfast made by my wonderful husband. Then we packed up the kids, camera, and snacks and headed down town to the legislature grounds to play in the fountains and so that I could scope out some good places for pics. Hunter was NOT into it at all. I managed to get a couple good pics of him but this one makes me laugh. I can't wait to go back!

Blowing out candles

Blowing out candles, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

A quick snap from Hunter's birthday party. I even attempted a puppy dog cake for him. Didn't turn out amazing but it was cute I think. We had a blast with friends yesterday and family on Sunday. I feel so blessed.

Portrait of a Two year old

_MG_3145_chocolate, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Not a technically perfect picture in any way but this snapshot makes me smile every time. My little boy turned 2 today! I still remember like it was yesterday him being placed on my chest immediatedly after being born and his tiny little cries. What a blast we had today. We decorated the house in balloons and Happy Birthday paraphernalia. He had a pancake breakfast this morning and lunch at Wendy's. Then is favorite people in the whole wide world - Oma, Opa, Grandma, Pawka, and Uncle Andrew and Uncle Chris came over to help him celebrate his birthday with a Steak dinner and cupcakes. I love how this picture captures his boyish delight in things. This wasn't taken today but it really encompasses how fun a day we had. More pictures of his birthday to come...

3 months of smiles

_MG_3120, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

How lucky am I to have Adelle in my life. I think back to this time last year when I had just discovered I was pregnant and grieving this accidental pregnancy. Never a fan of being pregnant (carrying a baby for 9 months just doesn't agree with me), I was only just celebrating my son's 1st birthday and upset that I was robbing my young son of the next year. Yes it was a sacrifice, as I spent the next 6 months puking and working to get another maternity leave but I am just overwhelmed with the goodness of God. Adelle wasn't planned by us but planned by God. I believe He has a special purpose for her life.

Summer Silouettes

_MG_2935, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

We went to the farm for the July long weekend and what a blast! We swam, we ate, we relaxed! Just playing with some silouettes on the hill overlooking the river!

Hunter

_MG_2835, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Hunter

_MG_2852, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Hunter

_MG_2877, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Hunter in his lederhosen from German - passed down from his Uncle Matt

Adelle

_MG_2643WEB, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

My fairy princess - dressed in a tutu I made.

Juleya

_MG_2636 web, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Juleya

_MG_2600 web, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

_MG_2561

_MG_2561, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

This is Juleya. Sweet sweet baby girl at 1 week, 1 day.

Oh good grief - I knew this would happen. Totally fizzled on the one picture a day. I think I have a pretty good excuse though...lets see. Got very very sick at the end of a difficult pregnancy, bought a house the day before giving birth, sold my house within 3 weeks of giving birth, moved within 7 weeks of giving birth and I'm really just starting to pick up my camera again in the last couple of weeks. However I have a new passion for photography that was just never there before. I loved it - but now I LOVE love it. I want to do it all the time. So buckle up folks - this blog will be updated shortly with some of my recents!

Day 29

1-30, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Missed another day yesterday. Hunter's been so sick. I don't even want to get his face as it's pretty snotty. This is him cuddling with his bear in the rocking chair after a nap.

Day 27

1-28, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Polar opposite from yesterday's - I LOVE this picture. Wish I had gotten a little more of the mug and his chubby little fingers clutching it - but I love his expression

Day 26

1-27, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Missed Day 25 (boo)

I hate this shot but I wanted to get something by the end of the day. So boring!

Day 24

1-25, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Missed the day before - a little McDs

Day 22

1-23, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

First head wound

Day 21

1-22, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Quick snap before bed

Day 20

1-21, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Getting molars in!

Day 19

1-20, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Story time before bed

Day 18

Day 18, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Little boys and technology

Day 17

Day 13, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Working on my black and white/sepia conversions.

Day 16

Day 12, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Well I didn't snap this one - DH did but I set it up so I figure it counts! 31 weeks pregnant.

Day 15

Day 11, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Another speedlight practice shot.

Day 14

Day 10, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Working on dragging the shutter technique. Getting more consistant results with my speedlight!!

Day 13

Day 9, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Moments before bed

Day 12

Day 8, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Quick snapshot in the car. Practicing getting some good catchlights with my speedlight.

Day 11

Day 7-ish (my bad again), originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Tried some different editing with his eyes - I'm thinking they look a little two blue although I didn't do anything other than a levels adjustment to just the eyes.

This was Daddy's birthday party...

Day 10

Oops - missed another one...eep!

Day 9

Day 6-ish (oops missed a couple days), originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Another Loki picture since Hunter had gone to bed. Just a quick snapshot before bed.

Day 8

Oops - my first miss!

7/365

7/365, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Loki makes himself comfortable in my temporarily vacated seat.

6/365

6/365, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Ok I know this is a "bad" picture - but I love it - it makes me giggle. He was being so difficult and I couldn't get anything good of him. This one reminds me of his favorite game..."PEEK!"

5/365

5/365, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Hunter's Karaoke mic from his Oma and Opa. He'll often offer it to one of us to sing into. When I snapped this picture he was offering it to the "baby" to sing.

4/365

4/365, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

First time we've ever dressed him up warm and headed out to play in the snow. He wasn't sure how to walk in it - he's getting better though!

May I help you? (3/365)

May I help you? (3/365), originally uploaded by Conch0608.

2/365

2/365, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

All day he was getting into everything. I felt like a broken record saying "Don't touch" every two seconds.

Day 1 - Blowing Kisses

IMG_0855_edited-1, originally uploaded by Conch0608.

Starting Jan 2nd I am attempting the 365 day challenge where I get a picture everyday. I thought I would post to my blog as well. I love this one I got on my first day of the challenge. He was blowing me a kiss with his little intense expression.