Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Natalie is One! | Peek

I recently got the privilege to take pictures of miss Natalie - a spunky, adorable, fun 1 year old! I got to see her as a wee babe and it's amazing how much changed in 1 year - talking, walking, facial expression, personality! So much fun. And she has wonderful, gentle, calm parents. Thank you guys, for letting me enter your home and life. 


Saturday, July 10, 2010

Baby Callen | 3 Months

This is Callen. He's 3 months old and adorable! He's so easy going and laid back and it was so much fun to be able to get out and practice with some new props and new ideas! Kassi, his mom, is amazing and I am forever thankful that I've been able to meet and know her. 
Callen is their second child and second boy and I'm so thrilled beyond belief that he's actually going to be a big brother, already! :) 












My Favorite Family | G Family

My favorite family, after my own that is! This 3/4ths of the G family. I have known them since I was 14 and Jana was my small group leader in youth group. Talk about history and knowing my skeletons! She's one of the few people who has seen my highs and lows, failures and victories, flaws and growth. She could ruin me in one second. Haha. 
This woman is one of the most beautiful women I know - inside and out and she radiates joy, laughter, and fun. When I'm having a crappy day she is who I know to call! 
And her boys - handsome as ever and such a hoot! Her Bazz is my Emma's future man, seriously. 
Henry:


Bazz:


Brothers:


Family:
Isn't she gorgeous?


Henry snuggles miss Clara:

Thank you guys for letting me have fun capturing these pictures! I love you! 

Thursday, July 01, 2010

Come and Get It: Granola!

I heart granola. Almost passionately. I really hope there's granola in heaven. We had a bake-athon a couple weeks ago and made granola and this is what we do! 

Master Granola Recipe:
2 Cups Old Fashioned Oats (or steel cut)
1/2 Cup Wheat Germ

2 Tb Dark Brown Sugar
¼ tsp Salt
1 Cup Extra Ingredients
¼ Cup Maple Syrup
3 Tb Vegetable or Canola Oil
1 Tb Water
Flavoring: ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp almond extract, 1 tsp vanilla extract
Extra Ingredients: Chopped nuts, sunflower nuts, flake coconut, sesame seeds, mini chocolate chips, dried fruit.

 My modified recipe:
4 Cups Old Fashioned Oats
1 Cup Wheat Germ
Flaxseed (I dump a bunch in)
4 Tb Sucanat
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
2 Cups Extra Ingredients: sunflower seeds this time - but I usually also add almonds
1 Cup liquid: I mix molasses, honey (I do raw), & syrup (pure is best!) 
3 Tb Canola/Olive Oil: I keep it 3 because I haven't found it necessary to have 6Tb even though I double everything else
3 Tb Water: I do add a Tb here.
Flavoring: I just add in a bunch of cinnamon, some vanilla, and some almond - I don't measure. :) 


Mix dry ingredients in large bowl.

Place wet ingredients, including flavoring, and heat on low heat until combined.

 Add heated wet ingredients to dry ingredients ...

... and stir until all combined. Let cool slightly. (10 mins)

Add the best part: mini chocolate chips! Yum. Totally optional but really, why would you ever want to omit them? I just throw in what looks good.Mix well.

Place on greased pan. 
Bake at 275* for 30 minutes. Add dried fruit, if applicable, and then bake additional 15 minutes. Check after 45 minutes and if not crisp/lightly browned then continue to bake until browned.
It says to make clusters but I usually don't! I just dump it on the greased pan and bake. 
Tips:
 Make sure you bake at that low temp. 
Wait to add the dried fruit.
Choose the right oats - old fashioned or steel cut taste better.
Create clusters - a smidge of water helps.
Use dry (brown sugar) and wet sweetners (molasses, syrup, honey, etc). 

And finally ....
Eaaaaaaaaaaaaat! Yum.