Meet Kaileigh Reese

Introducing Kaileigh Reese Maxey!

 Big brother Kamden

So tired.  Photo shoots are alot of work!

Dear Santa

It is better to give than to receive...

I'm sure that someone profound or even famous said that and I wholeheartedly agree.  I absolutely love to be the giver of gifts as opposed to the receiver.  I actually get anxious when people start asking about what I would like for my birthday and especially Christmas.  So, I'm channeling the 8 year old version of myself that used to make Christmas lists and writing down my ultimate wish list. 

1. Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 in theaters NOW as opposed to a year from now. 

2.  Every awesome photo shoot prop that I think I can think of and convince myself that I need

3. An awesome logo for Sew Snappy Productions

4. A limitless gift card for one or all of the following stores: 

         Banana Republic, JoAnn Fabrics, Home Goods, Hobby Lobby, and Target (duh!)

5. My very own Baby.  I just figured it would be easier and faster to ask Santa.  I mean the man gets stuff done, right?

Say, "Christmas Card!"

A few favorites from the Kalins Family Photo Shoot.  

Can't wait to see which ones end up on the Christmas Card!

Naughty or Nice?

 Santa Baby

  

What a good lookin' family!

365: Week 47

365: Week 46

Twihard!!

Hi, my name is Mandy and I'm Twihard and member of Team Edward.

For those of you who don't know, my love for all things Twilight goes pretty deep.  And just so we are clear - I'm talking books & movies.  What you don't know is that it is more than just dreamy vampires, teenage angst, and choosing which "team" you are on.  It is about building friendships and enriching my sisterhoods.  You would be surprised how many friendships have sparked because of my love for Twilight.  Honestly, it is how Sarah Thakur and I first connected.  I pretty much forced her to read all the Twilight books and almost instantly we became BFFs because we realized we had so much more in common.  I may have swayed her by buying her Team Edward shirts, Edward action figures, Twilight bookmarks, and a board game or two.  But, hey, the end justified the means.  My sister in law Dina & I have many things in common but one thing that we whole heartedly agree on is our love for Edward Cullen.  Throughout the last few years, we have enriched our sisterhood by being lovestruck Twihards together and simply enjoying this fun part of our friendship.  I actually spent a whole night at a wedding reception recounting Breaking Dawn for Dina.  No big deal, glad to do it.  Not many people will see Twilight in the theaters multiple times with you but Dina did.  Again, I may have fed into her obsession by showering her with Team Edward paraphernalia.  I got her everything from Maternity Twilight shirts to ornaments to Twilight-themed onesies for Alex.  I would also like to believe that I played a roll in my friend Jodi becoming a member of Team Edward and my very own sister.  This is what I call commitment - not just to my Twilight obsession but enriching these fun parts of some important relationships in my life.  

 What should I wear?

This weekend I saw The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 1 with Sarah and my sister in law Dina.      It was amazing and we can't wait for the final installment of the Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn Part 2.  Too bad we have to wait until November 2012.  Is it weird that I already have a countdown?

365: Week 45

Love what you do

The only way to do great work is to love what you do.  

If you haven't found it yet, keep looking.  

Don't settle.  

As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. 

I found this quote a few weeks ago and I can't remember where I got it from but I find it be 100% true for me.  I've given this same advice to various students that I come across - find something that you love to do.  I love what I do - working as a social worker, channeling my creativity through crafts, and developing my photography.  Of course, the latter has been bringing me the most joy as of late. 

  

365: Week 44