if you have followed along since the start you know I am awful at blogging.

I can post sneak peeks like a champ but to actually sit down and blog about each session seems to get away from me.

Like I always say..better late than never!

Maybe just maybe this will be the year I blog most of my sessions or maybe even 1/4 of them...only time will tell, LOL

Well, it has been a year, huh?

I started off February of 2020 flying along sessions starting and booked for the next months and then bam it all shut down.

I was so nervous that not only we were living in a pandemic but that my business that I worked so hard to create would be left in the dust.

I mean who would want to book sessions during all this uncertainty...and when all was said and done... 

you came back to me

and you booked your sessions

and you kept me busy again

and you kept my little business,

my passion, the job I love so much, alive....

and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

​​​​​​​Thank you for sticking with me when we are in a sea of

other wonderful photographers...

thank you for choosing me over and over to capture all the special moments of you lives.

I am truly grateful and blessed to  be 

doing what I love to do.

I will never take that for granted.

​​​​​​​With all that said please take a look back on most

(not all, some are social media shy and I may have missed a few in my haste to get this up) of last years amazing sessions.

Here is to a new year of fun and to capturing many more memories for you all!!

xo~

Arlene

​​​​​​​Thanks for reminiscing with me xoxo

​​​​​​​

Week 8

We started the week with a visit from The EMS doing a drive by celebration for

Wyatts birthday later in the week! 

Makenzies Dance teachers also did a drive by visit to say hello

to all their students ( so sweet of them and she was very excited).

I never thought when all this started that we would be still 

staying at home for Wyatts Birthday but here we are, lol.

He had a fantastic birthday and was so excited to see his friends and family

if only for a quick wave and hello from a safe distance.

He said it was the BEST day and well  all I could

ask was for him to have a great day!!

Success!

Happy # 8 Mr Man!!!

It was filled with projects and Donut kits, blanket forts

and training the dog off leash in the yard...

all fun things to keep us busy..

I took less photos and thats okay

because some days you get it all done and some days you don't ...

We are so enjoying the  sunnier days that we have been 

having and continue to hope for less rain and cold!

The sun has sure made a difference when 

we are staying at home :)

Week 6

 We started our week with virtual field trips

and donut making

( they did not turn out great so we will have to try again, lol)

Try, try, try again...and that means 

I get to eat more donuts ;)

The weeks are both dragging on and flying by...

Its hard to believe that all this time has passed since

 the kids have been in School,  March seems like so long ago...

that we haven't spent actual time with our family and friends... 

seems like its been an eternity...but here we are day by day plugging along.

Laughing and having meltdowns...because while we are having fun one moment, another one hits thats hard and not knowing whats next is rough and scary....

Explaining to your kids that you don't have the answers they want or need to hear..

just hugging them and telling them its ok because we are safe and healthy and together

but knowing they just want their normal life back...

​​​​​​​This too shall pass...its what I tell myself when things get rough...

I long for the day when we can look back at this

time and remember all the happy moments of being home together.

I am so ready to get back to even a little bit of our old normal...especially seeing family and friends.

SO far now we will continue to to count on those happy moments, the laughs and the snuggles 

Till next time 

xoxo, 

Arlene
 

The kids went Turkey hunting with Daddy and had to get camp painted up! They got up at 430 am!!!!

Week 5

Ok I know I am behind on posting, I knew this would happen, lol

Great at taking the photos not so great about the blog posting...

Its all about balance right??

This week started with Easter Sunday..

Much different than past Easters but like everyone else, we rolled with it.

The kids had a blast looking fro eggs, Their competitive nature with each other in full force..

However they did keep it mostly fair :)

IT was a nice quiet day and my Husband even encouraged the kids to get dressed up so I could

 take some n ice family photos...thats true love for a guy who does not like me taking his picture lol!

Enjoy!!!

Easter 

Photo shoot time 

Baseball time

We attempted to make cinnamon buns, it was not a big success but

we will attempt again lol

Going old school on the Wii

Just a crazy little bit of snow and ice!

xoxo, 

Arlene

Week 4 of Staying at Home

ONE whole month of Quarantining, staying at home, trying to do our part

in flattening the curve and praying that things get better sooner rather than later.

The week before Easter is usually a bit hectic with school finishing before Spring Break

and getting ready to color eggs with family and have our Easter celebrations.

Well it was much less busy this year and we certainly missed our families so, so much!
It was nice to hang out and take the day slow but it didn't really feel like Easter.

It felt like a nice Sunday in April but somehow for me at least, like every other holiday in our family involves just that family...loudness, kids screaming and laughing, burning the crescent rolls because we are too busy talking.

We were able to do a little zoom meeting with some friends and some family over the week and that was 

definitely a nice distraction from what has become our new normal.

I am so very thankful for this time spent with my little family

but I sure do miss my sisters and brothers (in laws included), 

my nieces and nephews, my mom and dad in law, all of our friends and my father.

(And it goes without saying, Target, lol) 

I definitely will not take those get togethers for granted because now 

I know what its like when you want to see everyone and you can't...

Ready for a nice big get together when this is all over and all is clear!!

Any way here was our fun from Week #4 :)

​​​​​​​Mystery Science Live with Doug 

​​​​​​​Morning snuggles and a movie with Drake

Taught Wyatt how to address an envelope..big things happening over here lol

Sharing pets with the 4th Grade class, Peaches was very good for her Zoom debut

Drake contemplating life in his favorite spot....

​​​​​​​Making an unused Gingerbread house Aunt Gigi gave them, they ate it all...

​​​​​​​This guy was sooo excited to get a letter from hi awesome teacher 

​​​​​​​Easter egg coloring time 

​​​​​​​We found a recipe for Disneys Jack Jack Num Num cookies, they were just that delicious!

Our crystals grew!

The kiddos got an awesome surprise from our neighbor, they got to decorate their own

​​​​​​​delicious cupcakes from Mackeys!!

Im not gonna lie I decorated and ate one too and it was amazing!

Till next time 

xo, 

​​​​​​​Arlene

we are still here plugging along and the kids are faring pretty well.

I mean they miss their friends and really miss school,

mom as a teacher is not that great I guess lol.

I  often hear that is not the way my teacher taught us,

she would never make us do it that way...blah blah blah

Their teachers are great so I get it, but listen up kiddos, 

you are stuck with us mamas stepping in and helping out 

so get used to it, lol!

The kids have loved being able to use zoom to talk with family and friends, Kenzie can still take ballet and they get to see their class which is pretty awesome!
If this happened when I was a kid, it would have been way less interesting, thats for sure!!

I hope you are all holding up well and trucking along like we are.

Stay healthy and safe and enjoy a peek into our 

Week 3 on quarantine :)

Starting the week with a soccer facebook live from England

A little PE with Joe on You tube

We put them to work measuring the trampoline mat because

it has a tear and we have to order a new one (math lesson for the win)

One of their fave things to do is the art class they do most days with McHarper Manor

Tap class on a piece of wood Hunter cut for her :)

Drake still  not sure why everyone is always home has found his hideaway spot in Wyatts bed

Science experiment time~ Tornadoes in a jar

Hunter is putting a deck around the pool so of course we have to put some handprints in the footings

Drake bring out his new 50 ft leash

Journaling

​​​​​​​Wyatt made his super cool Ninja robot with a mustache out of cans and art supplies

​​​​​​​Going fishing :)

Still life drawings of bunny and my moms teapot 

Wyatt made a banana and deer skull drawing, lol

Seeing his class on zoom for the first time, he was soooo excited!!

Visting Papa from outside the door

Visiting Grandma and Grandpa from the road

Practice, practice, practice

Week 2 of our Corona Quarantine

Ok so we are all going into week 4 of staying put, but of course,

I am being in posting here.

 I am great at taking the photos its the blogging them where I lack, lol

Oh well at least I got them up and I may have week 3 up by the end of this week, fingers crossed :)

We have had both great days and not so good days but

 we keep plugging along.

I have found the key to our success has been 

to keep busy.

​​​​​​​Now don't get me wrong we have plenty of down time and 

plenty of Mom will be right back and I go hide in my room until I hear 

the fighting and bickering break out....sometimes I hide

longer and somethimes I break it up...its all 

about balance right?

Either way I do love having my babies home with me everyday.

​​​​​​​They miss their friends a lot and to be honest 

I REALLY miss my friends too..

​​​​​​​The kids were super excited to get a package in the mail from Aunt Peg and Todd

It completely made their day!

Kenzie had her first go at Online dance classes 

It was pretty great to see her do her thing and grab some photos, we normally do not get to watch so I had to sneak a few peeks 

​​​​​​​There have been plenty of game nights here and Taco Takeover is one of our faves!

​​​​​​​Oh you know just doing some work while on a overboard...our new normal 

Poor Drake cannot figure out why these kids are home all day, everyday...he spends a lot of time staring out the window

Some fun shaving cream art with Mcharper Manor

Putting this guy to work cleaning off Dads tools, he needs to earn his keep ;) 

This boy loves when he gets to chat with his friends, its fun to listen to them and also breaks my heart that

​​​​​​​they cannot see each other face to face3...agian so thankful for our current technology!

Full on Ninja Warrior mode

More Zoom Dance classes...contemporary  

​​​​​​​Getting all their work done, in every room of the house lol

​​​​​​​This adorable but very fresh dog decided to give me heart failure as he took off in the woods behind our house 

and chose not to come back..he was a mess when we finally got him, thankful that he at least listened when a stranger called him over.

Apparently its a fun game fro him to run as soon as we get close..... 

They got to complete some Kiwi crates they had been working on, these are such fun kits, my kids LOVE them!

Friday was a beautiful day to get outdoors, so after Drake was cleaned up we got to hang outside and chill... 

This pup was so cozy he didn't mind wearing the mouse ears while the kids

watched some virtual Disney rides

We also tried out Princess Tianas recipe for Beignets and they turned out pretty fantastic  

This kid sure does a lot of flying through the living room...I already told him about a million times

that he is not allowed to break anything because there is no way we are going to the ER.

Thanks so much for following our adventures of social distancing and for continuing to support my photography business!
Make sure to follow me on facebook and histogram, I am currently running a photo a day challenge and all that participate will be entered to win a free summer mini session with me!!!

For many of us we are well on our way into week #2 of our venture into temporary homeschooling.

I decided last week to document our time at home for a number of reasons.... First, I love taking photos, we are home and I have the time to take those everyday shots,  the photographer in my is crying inside because I can't do what I love

and this right here is history, what is happening right now will be talked about in schools to our childrens children.

Why not give my kids something that captures this time in their lives.

They are 9 and 7 and when they are in High school or College

I am sure that they will have forgotten much of what happened. 

I am truly interested to see what they recall from this time, what they remember and how it affected them.

In the meantime, I can soothe my creative soul by putting my photography skills back to work and

take some lifestyle/ documentary photos of my own family

( although Im sure there will be very few of my husband because he has an aversion to being in photos, lol)

Thank you so much  for following along and thanks for always supporting my small business, this mama truly appreciates it!

When all this is over and I can get back to work, be sure to look out for some specials!!

So here we go....

Week one 

The Adventures of The Guiles Kids

#stayathome

Working hard and not wearing pajamas to start out the week...you will notice that changed and she has pretty much been wearing pjs them since LOL

Well my dining room has never seen so much use....

Some down time ;)

The dog wondering where his quiet time is...and why are these kids still home? 

Self portrait drawings

Listening along as the author Dan Gutman of The Weird School Series reads from his book

(Side note :What an awesome thing he and so many others are doing to help these

kids have fun learning during this unprecedented time in our lives )

Putting this girl to work ;)

I feel ya buddy,  I feel ya

The kids decided on making Magic Ooze for our experiment and lets just say the amount of food coloring was excessive and they both needed showers to scrub the green off LOL 

Drake still can't figure out what is happening...

Learning how to draw Grumpy Toad from the author of Pete The Cat

We discovered McHarper Manor during this week as well and it has been awesome! I you haven't found them yet, its a must, they are a small studio in Ohio that started doing Facebook Lives for their local customers and well it blew up!! She offers wonderful art lessons for kids everyday at 1pm. She just committed to doing a 4th week as well (in week 2 now). What a wonderful thing they are doing for our kids! Mine look forward to "Art Class" everyday :) 

Sloth Painting

Kenzie is learning about Tornadoes so we found a simple experiment for them to try 

Chalk Pastel Galaxies with McHarper Manor 

Oh you know just dirt biking down the street in pajamas and rain boots 

Wyatt was doing a Mystery Science lesson on Frogs and their sounds so Kenz joined and

GASP  they worked together to figure out the different noises without fighting....

its the little things 

More fun with McHarper Manor 

I also started following Raddish Kids, she did a Facebook live on Friday afternoon and made donut holes, the kids LOVED following along and of course eating them !

They spent a ton of time outside whenever possible, they even came up with their own Ninja Warrior course, it was really fun to see them working together and cheering each other on. My kids are 2 years apart so much of the time is spent bickering with each other, lol 

Nothing but AIR

These shots are by far some of my fave from the past week and the kids loved them because it looks like they are flying lol 

Even Peaches got some fresh air this past weekend!

(also this is evidence that my husband does like her too, that would be his handing petting her, lol) 

Of course they got bored and asked for a treasure Hunt (thank for goodness for pinterest!) 

Week One is done and we survived! I have to say I have been looking for the bright spots during this extremely scary time in our world. I have found so many of them...just being together, not rushing from one activity to the next, playing games together and watching the kids learn, and sitting down to dinner together are just a few.

I am constantly praying for all those who are essential ( my husband included) that have to be out there right now in this world doing their job. I pray for all the healthcare workers everyday that they will be safe from this virus and have access to the protective equipment that they need.

Stay safe and healthy everyone!

Thanks so much for following along on our journey through this quarantine.  

Happy New year to all my wonderful clients, all those who support me

 in my business, and those who are just in my life!!

2019 came with many ups but quite a few downs as well!

I started out the year on crutches due to a 

side effect from medicine I was on for Lupus.

Unfortunately, the 2 months of crutches didn't do the job and I had to take a break from

my business in June to have knee surgery.

I was totally bummed and so nervous that it could put a big

damper on my business.

There are soooo many photographers out there and so many wonderful

options, so taking so much time off was nervewracking .

However, I was so unbelievably thankful and humbled that you all stuck

around and continue to book your sessions with me.

I love being able to freeze these amazing

moments in time for you all, I am definitely blessed to be doing what I love.

This past Fall has been one of my busiest seasons yet and coming off surgery

and readjusting to my new knee, it was amazing to come back with a bang!

Thank you all so much for following me as I pursue my passion, for

sharing your photos, for recommending me to your friends and for choosing me!!!

I hope to see many of you if not all of you this coming year!
 Here is to a fabulous 2020!!!

2018

It was a year that started off amazing for my business, so many newborn sessions right off the bat, which made me fuel my love for those sessions even more!

I met so many awesome new clients last year and was able to see so many of my amazing  repeat clients who continue to choose me to take their photos. I had some top notch family sessions, super fun cake smashes and sweet maternity sessions.

I photographed a few really fun weddings, I limit the ones I take but truly love being able to capture such an important

day for a couple in love <3

I went into my busy season full force with Fall family sessions, followed right behind with the busy Christmas season.

However, late November met with a slowdown due to an injury and forced me to take a few steps back in December and January. I am slowly getting back into the game though and cannot wait for all the new sessions lined up already this year!

I  have some fun new mini sessions in the work for Spring and Summer, so make sure to stay tuned!!

Lastly,  I would like to thank all of you for supporting me and my little business, those who have been with me since day 1 and those who have joined along the way.  

I am blessed beyond measure to be doing a job that I truly love.

It has been the best rollercoaster ride and I am so thankful that I have

such wonderful clients to share this journey with!!

Enjoy a little glimpse into some of the incredible sessions I had the privilege of photographing last year!

Happy 2019 to all of you.

XO, Arlene

It was a simply gorgeous day and a serious amount of laughs were shared!

What a fun day with some pretty awesome people!

Thank you so much letting us capture this time for you!

I don't often travel this far for a wedding but I am so beyond glad I did.

The location, The Winery at Bull Run 

was absolutely gorgeous and it fit so perfectly with Kristen and Chris' style and

their travel themed reception.

Here are just a few of my favorites from their day ....

I'll never let you down. No matter what you do. If you just walk with me. And let me walk with you.

— NEIL YOUNG

This had to have been one of the most FUN sessions to date! 

Anyone that knows Miss Charlotte knows just how much she LOVES to eat.

She is the tiniest little peanut but has the biggest personality and the best love of all things food.

Her Mama had the best idea for her Birthday session (yes we did the traditional birthday photos and cake smash but we wanted s

something different for this little monkey)!

What an incredibly fun way to spend an afternoon, watching 

a one year old smash a pizza (she actually devoured it)!

So for my first blog post of 2017 I give you Charlotte Mary and her

 Ninja Turtle Pizza Session!

ENJOY!!!!

Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions

Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions Charlottes Pizza Smash1st Birthday themed sessions

I just can't take the cuteness!! Now that is how you eat a pizza!!

Just like that 2016 has come and gone! 

I cannot thank all of my awesome clients and all those who have supported my little business and helped it to grow. 

I cannot do this without you all and to say I feel honored that you choose me is an understatement.

Thank you all from the very bottom of my heart!

Here is a look back at 2016 and I cannot wait to see what 2017 will bring!!

Little Miss K was all smiles for her newborn session last summer! 

I cannot believe I just set up her 1st Birthday session.

Getting to see these little ones grow over their first year is

such a fun part of my job, I love to see what little personalities emerge

from those sweet sleepy babies. I cannot wait to do a side by side of her newborn and 1st Bithday shots!!

See you soon Miss K!!

I love going back to update my blog, because I find all these

fun sessions that I get to revisit!

These cuties just got to play and read books with their 

mama, what a better way to spend an afternoon in Spring :)

​Now they have added a mother sweet little girl to the mix, stay tuned

for her newborn session on the blog, hopefully sooner rather than later ;)

(Ill try to have it up before another year passes !)

We got some awesome images of Mr A for his 1st Birthday as well as some 

of my favorite family photos ever!!

As I play the ultimate catch up on my blogging, enjoy this gorgeous session.

Bonus I get to see these guys soon for another session :)

I am bringing you back to last Fall(one of my fave times of year, just look at those colors!!)

These two were patiently waiting the baby boy on the way ( you may remember the reveal they did to their girls with the Thing 1, Thing2 and Thing 3 shirts(way cute!).

It was the perfect afternoon for this session and we got fabulous shots of this beautiful Mama (and dad too)!

Enjoy!

​I am getting around to blogging his newborn session! Better late than never right?!?!

Thanks goodness for social media so I can keep up with my client sneak peeks :)

This little guy was amazing for his session and his big brother was such a gentleman

and so very helpful.

I love looking back at older sessions and reliving them, makes my heart melt that 

so many of you let me into your homes to capture these precious moments in 

time for you.

xoxo

Little Miss N was the perfect little lady at her session back in the summer, 

she slept peacefully nearly the whole time!

I can't believe all this time has passed and I haven't shared these adorable photos here yet!!

Over the summer I had the pleasure of being there 

while Kelly and Baron told the girls

they were expecting a new baby!!

OMG it was the best to see how happy they were.

​I love fun family sessions and then to top it off with an even funner surprise, 

well it was perfect!

Since this, I have photographed their Maternity session as well as 

the newest member to the family, a precious

baby boy!!
SO as I play catch up on my blog, and slowly make it to that adorable little guys newborn session

take a look at his super cool family!

Back in the summer I had the best time photographing this ridiculously fun and messy paint session.

This family is announcing baby #4 in the most fun way! 

Cant wait to meet the newest addition to this family!!

​There have been some amazing things that have happened and my business continues to grow with the support of my amazing clients, friends and family.

Without all of you encouraging me and continuing to choose me to  chronicle the milestones

in your family's lives, my business would simply not flourish the way that it has.

I am extremely grateful from the bottom of my heart for your support!

This past year brought so many firsts for our family, Wyatt started preschool, Makenzie started kindergarten and 

we bought a new home( which took 8 months to close on, that was some journey)!

We took the kids to the Natural Museum of History for the first time and they rode the subway which they were

so excited about and we took a super fun trip to Virginia Beach!

​With all greatness comes moments of sadness though and this past July I lost my mom, she was the most amazing lady who overcame so many obstacles over the past 10 years since her first stroke, to stay in our lives.

I will forever be grateful that when we moved back from Ma., 3 and a half year ago, 

that we lived with my parents. 

At the time I thought moving back in with your parents until you found a new home

was a setback but I have discovered that everything truly does happen for a reason.

My kids got to grow such a special bond with both their nana and papa, that I hope 

will stay in their hearts forever.​

For me, I was able to spend a million moments with my mom that I would have never had, if 

we were not living there.

Although they drove me absolutely insane at times, I am forever blessed because of 

those moments that I had with my mom.

So I leave you with this...treasure each day with the ones you love, do not take them or life in general for granted.

For one day you will look back and wonder where all the time went

and I hope when you do you are met with happy memories .

Hug a little longer, call your family, eat that extra cookie, do something every day that makes you happy, 

​and live life to the fullest :)

Thank you all for reading my words, I don't write often in my blog but It means a lot that you take the time to check  it out!

Here are some images from most of my 2015 sessions(my website cut me off from adding more photos, lol)

Enjoy!
 

Here is to a fabulous 2016!

I photographed this little man when he was just 1 day old in the hospital, followed up with him 2 weeks later in his home with his family and now he is ONE!

What?!?! How is that possible??

I LOVE following along as my itty bitty clients grow up and I am so thankful

that I have so many families that keep coming back to me year after year, milestone after milestone.

I am blessed and am thankful for this wonderful job I have 

and all the amazing families I meet along the way just like this pretty awesome family!

Thanks for a super fun session!!