Stacey Haslem » Portraiture & Fine Art Photography

In the middle of the one of the many trips to pick up and drop off kids during the day I looked into my side mirror and saw “stop” in the mirror. It reminded me of my kids. I have four kids and three of them have different school schedules right now-its always go, go, go. Drop one off here, pick up there, time to put Leah for nap, wake Leah to pick up so and so… I’m sure most of you can relate! BUT ‘stop’ written on the road grabbed me. It made me think ‘stop and PLAY!’ I can’t change their school schedules, but I can wait to do the dishes for a little while, I can edit pictures later, and the laundry isn’t going anywhere. My kids, they are a different story. They are going to grow and get older whether I stop or not. Its up to me to make my time with them count. So I took these images to hang in my home to remind me to ‘stop!’ and play! Don’t they look like fun playmates?!?!

We hit the road in February to celebrate me getting one year older in Reno, Nevada. It was SO much FUN! We visited good friends that fed us until our stomachs almost exploded, kept us up all hours of the night, and provided non-stop entertainment for the kids. I haven’t really spent much time in Reno, but this trip made me love it. Our friends live in a quiet court that is met with a walking path and stream with mountains in the background. Heaven. It reminded me so much of growing up in Wyoming. I loved the gorgeous mountains, the fresh air and wide open country. Plus, it had two of my favorite places to eat just down the road-P.F. Chang’s and Texas Roadhouse.

The kids loved Reno too. I don’t think they could ever get enough snow. Top that off with great friends and this was their best weekend ever!

I really miss holding little newborn babies! This is one of my last few sessions of 2010. I think I am going through newborn withdrawals. Everywhere I look I see cute blankets, props, baskets, etc. I have a strong urge to buy them and I then I have to talk myself out of it because I am not taking any more sessions. Then I see these adorable pictures and I miss holding little ones, bouncing them in my arms, shushing in their ears and capturing this special moment in time. Maybe I should just have another baby……………………not! Anyway, I have worked with the family of little m a few times. They are such a special family and little m is no exception.

I have been sorting through last year’s images and I found this little gem. This was taken on the spur of the moment. I was setting up to try out a new prop. Collin is always willing to help me out so he sat in for two shots while I adjusted lighting. It took a second look to realize the great capture I had here. I love his fun, sweet expression. As Josh and I would say, “it is totally Collin!” I also love his fair skin, even with a farmers tan. I just LOVE this little boy!

These pictures were attached to the Valentine’s my boys handed out in their classrooms! Happy Valentine’s Day!