{merry}

Christmas card 2009. Printed at WHCC on 5x7 pearlized card stock. I was so very pleased with how they turned out. It is a fun, happy card... makes me smile.

*family photo by kelly mccaleb

holiday whirlwind: take 2

My dad, my brother David, and David's girlfriend Mary came into town Monday 12/29 to kick off our new year's week.

First item of business when they got here was to deal with the trampoline. My dad and David took down the mangled trampoline and helped me return it... Walmart DID take it back- without a hassle. Thank heavens! Now I just have to order a new one, and Paul has to put it together!

We had another round of Christmas with my dad, David, and Mary.

The girls were delighted with the face painting kit they got. Avery did a beautiful masterpiece on herself and Finley when no one was looking.

We watched the Oregon Ducks play in the Holiday Bowl where they beat Oklahoma State 42-31. Everyone in our house was happy with the outcome! Go Ducks!

New Year's eve came and went for us quietly. We played Apples to Apples and watched the ball drop then went to bed. We are quite the wild bunch! Regardless of our lack of fanfare in ringing in the new year, we welcome 2009! We have a lot to look forward to this year.

David lived here in SLO for 5 years while going to Cal Poly, so he had favorite places he had to eat at (Firestone), favorite places to go (Pismo Beach), and things to do (hike bishop's peak)- all things that Mary had to experience while she was here. We tagged along for a few events (like ONE of the 4 trips David took to Firestone). But, call me crazy, I didn't attempt the bishop's peak hike being pregnant with 2 other little ones in tow.

While David and Mary were off experiencing SLO to the fullest, my dad was busy with projects. He always brings his work clothes, boots, and gloves when he comes- all set to do whatever projects we have need of. We had big plans for him to help us get the irrigation system for the yard all set up and ready for us to put in grass, but we had an unexpected project that needed immediate attention. With the rain over Christmas, a leak developed in the downstairs studio. On New Year's day, instead of the grassy yard I was dreaming of, he helped Paul fix the leak in the downstairs studio and build a retaining wall to help divert the water away from the foundation. He planted some flowers above the wall- it is not green grassy beauty, but it is our first (and only) landscape improvement thus far!

The girls loved having Poppi and Uncle DayDay around and kept them busy with hide and seek, puzzles, face painting, and other activities. I used the extra time I had while having extra playmates on hand for the girls in the house to finish up the another round of homemade gifts. I made half aprons for a few more gifts (which I didn't get a photo of), but they turned out cute. I also made a family tree for my grandma- complete with 7 kids, 15 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. It was by far the tree with the most leaves that I have done. I was pleased with the end result. My dad took it to her on his way home.

I was also busy with a couple of photo shoots. My dad came along with the girls as I did photos for Paul's brother and family at the beach...

I also had another family shoot downtown on Friday. I have been busy processing and editing ever since!

Dad, David, and Mary headed home Saturday, January 3. We were very sad to see them go! The girls really miss the constant attention. We are now just in recovery mode, coming off our 3 week holiday whirlwind.

Happy 2009!

experience wanted

I recently posted photos that I took for my dear friend Melissa Benson, as seen HERE, as she was getting her dessert catering business up and running. I had so much fun taking the pictures and have received some amazing feedback. So, just as I encouraged Melissa to move ahead and pursue her talent and gift of cooking and baking, she is in turn encouraging me to pursue mine.

I do not consider myself a professional photographer by any stretch of the imagination, but photography is something that I love. I have a good camera (which helps) and I think I have an eye for capturing the joy and beauty in everyday moments. I have had a LOT of practice taking photos of my own girls (I may be a little biased, but I think they make pretty adorable subjects). I have also had a few opportunities lately to get some good practice on friends and their families- SEE HERE. I am looking to get even more practice, if you will, in an effort to further develop this passion of mine. So, I am offering my services at a very reasonable rate... just in time for the holidays!



Here is how it works: for $50 you get an hour long photo session at a location of your choice (I can give you some suggestions), post-editing of images, and 2 CDs (one color and one b&w) of full resolution images to use as you please- print them as much as you want, in whatever sizes you want, from wherever you want (I can suggest a few of my favorite services), post them on your blog, use them for holiday cards, make a photo book as a wonderful gift for family.... the images are YOURS.

Call (805) 459-6719 or email me at melissawhitephotography@gmail.com to schedule your session!