muddy feet PHOTO

Waiting for the rain....

2012-01-22T22:22:00.000-08:00

They are true California boys. The forecast calls for rain and they are
waiting for the storm to arrive. Boots and all.
PS I promised a pic of the big one by himself...and the last pic is just that.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T10:05:00.001-08:00

So long 2011....Hope everyone had a lovely celebration!

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-11-07T23:05:00.001-08:00

Soccer season is upon us!
I love it.
Big J is liking it.
Little L is loving it.
Henry is loving it.

Hip hip hooray.

**Side note. I promise to get pics of Big J next post. It will have to be sneaky. On the sly.

I heartfaces: let them be little

2011-10-24T20:59:00.001-07:00

Yes, it's Monday and I'm doing a repeat picture. But, the theme this week for iheartfaces.com is let them be little. And isn't that what Little L is doing here?
I seriously look at this shot and laugh out loud.
Every. Single. Time.
So hopefully you don't mind looking at it again with me!

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-10-18T08:40:00.001-07:00

The many faces of Baby F.
Seriously.
I could just eat him.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-10-10T22:44:00.000-07:00

I photographed these kids over the summer. I felt bad I did not share them with everyone. These kids made my camera smile. And they made me smile.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-10-03T23:45:00.001-07:00

The art of making brownies.
At one point when the brownie mix was in his hair
and on his feet
I thought I should stop him. It's a mess.
But, then I thought, how could I take the joy away?
So I let him keep on with his creation of brownies.

Tasting. Is it just right?

More tasting. It's needs a little something...

This big guy joined in the fun in a more conservative way and then sat at the table and traveled to a time period where dinosaurs roam the Earth. He did partake in eating of the brownies when they were done.

Pure happiness on a Sunday morning.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-09-26T20:39:00.000-07:00

Big J went to school today, ran up to his friend
and said,
You're not going to believe this! One of Saturn's moons has UNDERWATER VOLCANOES!
His friend broke down into a fit of giggles
and together they did a countdown for a shuttle launch.
And here I thought he wasn't really paying attention
at the observatory. I knew he was in awe of the big dome. And of the big telescope.
But, he was listening too.
Makes. me. proud.

Little L, Big Dome

Little L smiles with his eyes and his mouth...and it is just makes you want to do it too!

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-09-19T23:37:00.000-07:00

As promised, here I am on Monday night! It feels good.
School has started and I feel like I am at the start line of a long, long
race.
The early hours.
The lunch making.
The homework (for kindergarten!)
The NUMEROUS announcements from both schools.
Trying to keep ahead of everybody by two steps.
In the meantime I'm trying to squeeze out summer for as long as I can.
So off to the beach we go. And Little L was determined to to build something.
His motivation was inspiring.
His drive was inspiring.
And he did it all without a cup of coffee! (I am up to 2 cups now with the early morning wake up call)
Happy Monday to all!

Where have you been?

2011-09-12T23:38:00.000-07:00

Where have I been?
I have been hiding.
I was very faithful to my blog for 2 years.
And then this summer I needed a break. Not sure why. I have a few reasons
that I could probably say. But, I won't.
All I knew is I had a few people ask...and suddenly I was itching to get back.
I was motivated.
Back to Mondays again. Starting next week.

I haven't been hiding....

2011-07-27T22:57:00.000-07:00

just on vacation in Hawaii for my brother's wedding.
No internet, no TV....just sun, sand, reading, family and relaxation.
But, I'm back. Pics to follow....eventually. I need to ease back into the real world.

iheartfaces: a touch of whimsey

2011-06-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

It's Monday....and it's iheartfaces. I'm on a roll!
Here is my touch of whimsey.
This kid's imagination blows my mind. Two years on this earth and
his conversations with sticks, monkey dolls and trucks
is beyond the conversations I have with my own people.
They are passionate.
They are emotional.
They are full of love.
And at times they are full of frusturation.

His words are still few at this stage....but, his intent is strong.

Check out the other whimsical submissions at:

iheartfaces: let's hear it for the boys

2011-06-20T20:08:00.001-07:00

Another two for one.
It's iheartfaces Monday and it's Monday.
The theme this week is let's hear it for the boys.
Seriously.
I love my boys. Passionately. All three of them.
And when I need a break from stinky feet and wrestling matches....I head off
to meet some girls for girls supper club.

I took this pic the same day as below. It was a photo session for my own husband in disguise. I made a photo book for Father's day for him. Plus a sleep in. Plus breakfast in bed. Plus a massage and a movie night out for him. It was a perfect Father's Day for a well deserved Father.

Check out the other submissions at:

iheartfaces: from a distance

2011-06-06T22:12:00.000-07:00

It's Monday. It's iheartfaces.com. I'm combining things today. It's a two for one.
The theme is from a distance. I didn't even know that was the theme until today yet oddly enough that was what I was working on this weekend with my pictures. I love up close...and I do that all day, every day. But, I forced myself to take a step back this weekend. And try to see what I see from a far. It was actually really fun.

And then a blimp flew right by us on this overcast day....and my boys were ecstatic.

Enjoy and check out the other iheartfaces entries here:

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-05-24T21:57:00.001-07:00

Pancakes for breakfast!

I promise the nukie will be gone before the end of summer.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-05-17T21:18:00.000-07:00

I know it's Tuesday, but in my mind it's Monday.
This is not an advertisement for Burt's Bees (although I love them), but
bath time is a favorite in my household.
At bath time my boys become
pilots
scientists
basketball players
scuba divers
volcano specialists
race car drivers
surfers
yellow submarines
and birds in the clouds
I love it when they almost forget I'm there....and I just listen to their chatter while they play.

CHEESE!

His way of "hiding" from the camera.

iheartfaces: motherhood

2011-05-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

It's Monday--so post day, but I am also combining it with the submission for iheartfaces.
This week's theme is motherhood--a day I celebrate for myself. (A massage and movie all.by.myself.) But, more importantly I celebrate who brought me to where I am at now. My mother. My mom. My mommy. Everyday I try to measure up to what my mom did for me and everyday I think....damn it. How did she do it!?
She's a gardener, a reader, a golfer and a crossword puzzle lover. A listener, a talker, a wine and cheese cracker snacker. A loud laughter, solitaire player, a night owl and a worrier. She is soft and hard and opinionated and kind.
And she made me.

Pretty cool to have her hang with my youngest one here.

ps. check out the other entries for motherhood at

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-04-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

I tried taking L's nukie away from him.
This was his reaction.
Sigh.
He is quite opinionated, isn't he?
After our summer trip, there will a be an intervention.
Cold turkey.
Ciao nukie.
I just wanted to see what I was in for.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-04-18T23:17:00.000-07:00

Oh goodness. I took pics of this little girl for her modeling portfolio.
How do I love a little baby girl in a pink onsie and little rolls on her legs!

Oh what a silly Daddy. And see J in the background. He wanted to help entertain with bubbles.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-04-12T21:09:00.000-07:00

One day late with no end in sight.
So...it's "Let's look in the past Tuesday"
Which really means I haven't had time to shoot/download/organize
any of my new photos.

So back in the past we go....
The Cuban part of him is so apparent here!

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-04-04T23:10:00.000-07:00

My friends got married!
It was sweet and simple and beautiful. It put thoughts into
my head that I want to re-new my vows in a similar ceremony.
I could wear my old dress again! It could be motivation
to stay on track of my "get back into old Eva shape."
ANYWAYS....
Here are the pics. This ceremony was what weddings are all about.
The love and the laughter. LOTS of laughter. LOTS of love.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-03-28T21:52:00.000-07:00

It's Headshot time.
You know what I love the most about shooting headshots? Knowing that these pictures
will help them eventually get more auditions.
Here is Megan! It was a lovely, easy shoot!

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-03-14T22:23:00.001-07:00

Sweet family to shoot on a Saturday afternoon. Don't you want his curls?
I could learn a lot from a 3 year old on a late afternoon.
Run with abandon.
Wind swept hair is good hair.
Swing on a branch tree
and
hug the ones you love.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-03-07T21:34:00.000-08:00

So J has never really ridden his bicycle. He has not ridden his bicycle with training wheels because he refused to wear his helmet. I explained to him he can not ride his bike without his helmet. So he chose not to ride the bike.
This has been going on for at least a year.
This weekend he walked into the living room with helmet in hand and said he was ready.
I almost fell off the couch and dropped L.
I said to him, "Great, let's go." Grabbed Henry and L's tricycle and we went on a very long walk/bike ride/run.
On our way back J said that when he turns 5 (which is in two weeks) he would like to take the training wheels off his bike.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-02-21T22:33:00.002-08:00

A lazy day.
The unloading of the dishwasher was about the biggest accomplishment that
I can claim today.
Then we went on an early evening walk.
And yes, I may have felt lazy...but looking at these pics I know I have accomplished something pretty great--my kids! :)

I just know L did something he wasn't supposed to right before I clicked the camera. I don't know what it was...but I know that look. And that look is up to NO good.

It

2011-02-21T22:33:00.001-08:00

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-02-14T21:24:00.000-08:00

L's first haircut!! Oh my goodness. J's first haircut, and many thereafter, were traumatizing. For both of us. So, I entered the hair salon with tissues in hand and speed dial to my therapist. It was that bad.
So what a relief it was when L smiled and looked at me like he had done this a million times.
It even went well with J.
Three cheers for small victories.

Oh snap. I just realized I should say something about Valentine's Day. Happy Valentine's Day! My sweet husband and I went out for lunch and he brought me an orchid. I am grinning ear to ear.

Before....

Before....

After...

First time...trains help.

He's a pro....

After!

GOING BACK IN TIME....J's first haircut!

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-02-09T22:57:00.000-08:00

WOAH! It's Wednesday and posting completely slipped my mind.

I will list my excuses in no particular order.

1. allergies
2. allergies
3. allergies
4. decided to give up caffeine for 21 days. (BAD idea....)

Here she is. Casey....I shot her headshots this past weekend and had a blast. Love her pics!

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-01-31T20:54:00.000-08:00

Today I felt kind of like this...

And this...

And this...

But, I know tomorrow I could feel like this!

And I know I will feel like this!

Side note: This was a spontaneous trip to the beach last Sunday and it was beautiful, lovely, warm and nice.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-01-24T23:45:00.000-08:00

Photographing this little blue-eyed pumpkin made me want to have another baby....

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-01-17T22:05:00.001-08:00

Winter in California means 85 degrees in the late afternoon. It is odd--since all July I waited for the sun to come out.
In the meantime I'll enjoy this weather hiking with the boys.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-01-10T22:08:00.000-08:00

I booked another job! I'm working on Melissa and Joey! Yay! Best part is I'm working with two friends who happen to book the same episode.

I promise next week to have more fun pics....but I have to go to sleep. I'm going to be on camera!

PS Took this with my phone camera. Sometimes it's fun to just snap and be done!

It's Monday....what do I see?

2011-01-03T23:03:00.000-08:00

Back at work and these are the faces I think about.
Off to bed I go--I have a fun, silly audition tomorrow morning.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-12-28T22:24:00.001-08:00

And now it's Tuesday. Tomorrow is Wednesday and then it's Thursday.
They are all blending together.
Hope everyone had a lovely holiday! There was a little bit of sickness, a little bit of allergies and still lots of smiles on our end.
Here is what makes me happy no matter what. My boys.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-12-21T00:06:00.000-08:00

An engagement session! I love shooting engagement sessions! I want to shout out to everyone walking by that love is in the air. Instead, I click away with the camera.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-12-13T21:22:00.005-08:00

So, there is no snow. And it's 85 degrees outside. But, we still got fall leaves!
So outside we play.
And here is one of those "oops" bad parenting moments. I wanted to go outside and got the boys dressed. "J" was complaining he was tired. I told him he had been inside all day and it was time for him to get some fresh air. He whined and complained and said he wanted to lay in bed with Daddy. (Daddy was under the weather and taking it easy). So I say fine. (My ego bruised that he wanted Daddy) I take "L" on an awesome walk and after an hour come back inside the house with leaves in hand to talk about our adventure.
Henry looks at me and says, "I think "J" is sick."
I walk over to him and feel his head.
102 fever.
Bad mommy moment.
I give him a hug. I run around for juice, water, his blankie, a pillow and pop in a DVD for him to watch. His favorite DVD. I rub his hair and hope that he doesn't remember that I made him feel guilty about not "feeling the fresh air".
Sometimes I need to slow down and look at what is in front of me.
In the meantime...enjoy these pics.

It

2010-12-13T21:22:00.003-08:00

It

2010-12-13T21:22:00.001-08:00

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-12-06T23:59:00.001-08:00

It's all about me.Here is my family. We have been hiking a lot this fall/winter and it's been awesome.
I could be grumpy, tired or achy....but two steps into our hike and I feel alive again.
And J gets to be the paleontologist, which is what he wants to be when he grows up.
And since it's about me. I booked another acting gig....Modern Family!! So excited.
I love that show.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-11-29T23:13:00.001-08:00

More family photoshoots! Love them.
I'm working hard on finishing them but here is a peek of one.
They had a tire swing in their backyard and now I want one too. Not for my kids but for myself so I can do this too....

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-11-23T00:13:00.000-08:00

More family photos! I love these kind of photography days. I think they may just be my favorite. And I love this family. We go back far. Wendy and I knew each other when marriage, kids and snotty noses were not part of our everyday life. Yet here we are. Grown ups. Or so we pretend to be.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-11-15T22:48:00.001-08:00

It's family sessions season!
People are wanting to get their
holiday pictures done and I love doing them.
If you sign up with me--it's a play-date in action.
And these siblings. I adore them.
My fave moment during the shoot-- I was laying on the ground photographing the older one and the younger one jumped on my back and gave me a big hug.
I laughed so hard. I think I may have looked like a bean bag. Cozy, warm and squishy.

It's Monday.....what do I see?

2010-11-08T22:22:00.001-08:00

My brother, Jared, has Down Syndrome.
I love him so much so seeing J bond with him is important to me.
After Jared left from his most recent trip I was driving J to school and he asked me:
"Mommy--Uncle JiJay is different. He's a grown up but he's like a kid, right?"
Yes sweetie, I responded.
"Mommy...Uncle, Jijay is a grown up, but he'll never drive a car, right?"
Yes sweetie, I responded."
"Mommy....I miss Uncle Jijay. He's special. I love him with all my heart."
I looked in my rearview mirror and said to him, "I love him with all my heart too."

J popped his thumb back into his mouth and stared out the window. I stared at J long and hard. I wanted to jump over the carseat and squeeze him with love.
(Don't worry Mom. I was at a stop sign and yes I pay attention to the road when I drive.)

Here is a peek of their relationship....before bedtime.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-11-01T22:24:00.000-07:00

Halloween!!!! How could I not post kids in costumes?
J's school had a Halloween parade and the kids made the costumes. It's so fun!
J's class were scarecrows and witches. My son would not paint his nose black, but he did wear his hat for the whole parade! What an accomplishment for him. I still wonder how he is my child sometimes. When I was 4 years old--everyday was dress up. I would be a nurse one day, a princess another. We had a costume box in our playroom. Perhaps that's where I went wrong. I don't have the costume box. Must. Get. Costume. Box.

And of course on Sunday we went trick or treating with one of J's best friend from school. Oh my gosh did J have a blast. They had as much fun giving out candy as they did receiving it.
And L. L did have a costume. I promise you. He was a french painter with a beret and a little mustache which lasted all of 30 seconds. I didn't even get a picture. Oh well.
He was running up and down the sidewalk laughing so hard at everything. He worked this Halloween so hard that he slept until 8:15 AM the following morning. Perhaps I should take him trick or treating every night!

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-10-25T21:47:00.000-07:00

If you had been here with us at the Pumpkin Patch--this is what the conversation would have been like.

"MOM! I have an idea. Instead of pumpkins, let's go on the train ride."

Pumpkin patches are awesome because of the train ride.

"You look this way, I"ll look that way." (How awesome did Henry do on this photo!?)

"Where's J going?"

"I'm going to move one of these pumpkins. I will."

"I can pick one up. I can"

"OR I can ROLL the pumpkin"

"OR, you can just pick up one of these itty-bitty ones."

"Enough pumpkins. Train rides and cars oh my!"

"Let's go!" (My sweet brother visiting me from FL)

"Cars, trains, pumpkins....I'm here for the farm-fresh corn."

CORN!

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-10-18T21:39:00.000-07:00

PUMPKINS. I feel like Halloween just sprung up and literally scared me. Where did September go, let alone August?

Here is my Pumpkin Patch picture. It was raining and my kids were running in opposite directions....
More to come, I promise. For tonight...enjoy this one. After running around, jumping on hay and sliding down dirty slides my J was tuckered out.

It's Monday....what do I see? SORT OF!

2010-10-12T22:40:00.001-07:00

Yes, it's Tuesday. But, I have a good excuse. I was in Michigan for a wedding for my adorable friends Melissa Grego and Bill Escudier.
I had such an awesome time. Not only did I get to witness a lovely union, but I also got to visit my old college town, Ann Arbor and hang with some old college friends.
With my husband and children left to fend for themselves, I managed to resort to "college Eva" in 5 minutes. It was so much fun....and so nice to come home to big open arms when I returned.

Can you see the love? I feel like Melissa is saying...."He's mine!"

Would love to know what sort of secret communication they are doing here....

And here is the bride....and me. Dancing, drinking and loving my friends.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-10-04T23:02:00.000-07:00

The Giving Tree
by Shel Silverstein

A couple of nights ago for story time "J" picked this story to read.
I open the book and it says:
Sinterklaas--5 december 1981
To: Eva
The pages were full of the smells of my childhood home.

I finish and J says, "The poor tree. It has no more branches."
I nodded--too choked up, even though I thought I could read it this time without having a wave of emotions hit me.

The next day we went on a spontaneous family walk. (Love those!)

And J all of a sudden runs over to a tree stump.

He pats the stump. "Hello tree" He sits on it. He sings while he stands on it.
He runs his car over it.

And then he tells the tree we are going to keep walking...

AND THE TREE WAS HAPPY.

As was I.

It's Monday.....what do I see?

2010-09-27T22:49:00.000-07:00

A soccer mom. That's me now. O-F-F-I-C-I-A-L-L-Y
And I'm a little proud of it. Probably more because I'm so
NOT
the soccer mom.
Seeing J run so hard after the ball with shorts that are just too darn big is fun.
Seeing J look at me from the field and wave is fun.
See J smile from ear to ear when he made his goal is fun.
And seeing J scream goal when the other team scored and give the boy...from the other team a high five is fun.
However....one side note. The heat. 109 and soccer is not fun. Hopefully the heat will simmer down a little for the next game. Just a tad. Below 3 digit numbers please.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-09-20T23:26:00.000-07:00

I'm working again! As an actress. I booked a job on a movie of the week
for the Hallmark Channel. It's called Fixing Pete and I'm super excited. Two days of working as "EVA SIMONE FISHER" the actress.

I also am doing a "photography project" that has been taking ALL my time.
My eyelids are closing as I write this because I'm so tired.
I volunteered at "J"'s school to take pictures of all the kids
for the calendar. It's so fun. Obviously I can't post the kids' pics here but I'll post J's since he is my son! I went with Black and White and a simple backdrop....so the focus is the kids! Hopefully the parents like them. And after a couple of days with kids all day.....I RESPECT TEACHERS MORE THEN EVER!!!

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-09-13T22:25:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted headshots in a while....so here are two that I took recently.
Was a blast to shoot both--as always. Do you need headshots? Then email or call me!

And then a little extra little something from my life...
L is thinking here..."Really mom?"
What can I say...paired socks is low on my priority list.

Dance

2010-09-09T23:17:00.000-07:00

If I found simplicity in my life, would I feel like this more often?
Dance my friend. Dance!

It's Monday....what do I see? SORT OF!

2010-09-07T22:06:00.001-07:00

It was Labor Day and we were out of town for a lovely get away in the woods. It was amazing.
Summer is gone.
School starts tomorrow.
Soccer is here. (I'm a soccer mom?!)
The weather is cooler.

Summer is my favorite. I always long for summer days.
But Fall brings new beginnings, new adventures and hope.

Good-bye summer. I'll miss you. One big, fat kiss. Mu-wah!

I Heart Faces Photojournalism Challenge

2010-08-31T10:12:00.000-07:00

This week the challenge is photojournalism. Your photo must tell a story.
As my readers know, the beach with my friends is my escape. I have been going with the same friends (more or less) since before I was married. And now being married, with kids, we continue the tradition. We play volleyball, eat good food, play music, run with the waves.
This is an older pic of J. But I love every piece of it. The sun was setting and the music was starting......

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-08-30T23:29:00.000-07:00

It's my little guy. On this day we were the first to arrive at the playground
and I loved it. It was quiet and the kingdom was ours. Of course J was concerned.
He was very curious on where all the people went. I told him...don't you worry. They will come. And 15 minutes later it was a packed playground and J had some new friends to tackle the curvy slide.
Two hours later, the boys were sandy, exhausted and hungry. My mission was completed--two tired boys ready for nap/quiet time. Now mamma gets her coffee and time to sit in her quiet kingdom for a bit.

I Heart Photo Challenge

2010-08-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

I haven't submitted to I Heart Faces in a while, but how could I miss the Beach Theme? That's all I take pictures of everyday. Today I'm honoring L. And yes it is a repeat, but you can't get bored with this face! At least I don't.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-08-23T21:26:00.000-07:00

Last night my husband had another test screening for his film! Yay!
We had our good friend, Jeff Nimoy, cook the appetizers based on a diet he is doing called the Caveman Diet. Oh scrumptious! Oh my! It's all healthy....read about it on his blog. Everything is organic, natural. No sugar, no salt, no wheat plus a lot of other things. Go check it out on his blog.

http://cookingcaveman.blogspot.com/

Also check out my husband's film and watch the trailer. It's crazy good and I'm super proud!

http://www.thepigpicture.com/The_Pig_Picture/Peek.html

Some pics of the food that we sampled. I wish Jeff could cook for me everyday, all day.

KALE CHIPS

MINI BURGERS w/ HOMEMADE KETCHUP, HOMEMADE MAYO, HOMEMADE THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING

STRAWBERRIES WRAPPED IN DATES, WALNUTS WRAPPED IN DATES

SHRIMP WITH YUMMY, YUMMY SAUCE

ONION RINGS

JEFF AND HENRY COOKING. (Aren't they cute?)

PS On an acting note....I have a fun audition for Law and Order LA tomorrow. Life is good!

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-08-16T22:37:00.001-07:00

It's color this time.
But the beach again.
Have I said how much I love the beach?
I love it.
Other things I love that happened to me this week.
Date night with my husband--we saw The Kids Are Alright
Auditions
Reading a good book. (Eat.Pray.Love)
Getting a new camera lens (From my husband)
Hearing L. say "hot" when he pointed to his food
J. telling me I'm beautiful
Fitting into pants that I didn't think I fit into
Watching the sunset
Going out to dinner for Mexican with the family
And buying a new bra.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-08-09T23:35:00.003-07:00

This is what I do in the summer....hang with my friends and go to the beach.
I was feeling black and white today. So here they are. A little love in black and white.

And here is a one of me. My sweet husband took this one--and my favorite part is L's little arm wrapped around my arm. I could stare at that part of the picture all day long.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-08-03T00:06:00.000-07:00

I love my Monday posts. It forces me to look at my pics. To organize and re-live a moment from the past week.
Trains. Really trains are a part of my everyday life. Two boys and I am destined to make train trips on a regular basis. Luckily...I love trains too. There is something romantic and old fashioned about it. And it's also a time to put up my feet, read a book and look out the window.
When we are not on the big train, this is what entertains my boy while I clean....or as I did this day--snap a few pics and read a book on the couch. (The book I am reading is Eat.Pray.Love. Makes me want to travel on a train even more!)

Middle of the week...

2010-07-28T21:55:00.001-07:00

Since I didn't post a pic on Monday (technically Tuesday) thought I would share with you this little cutie. She is 3 months older then my little one and was adamant about wearing her older sister's hat. She's bold, strong and adorable.

It's Monday...and I forgot.

2010-07-27T22:08:00.001-07:00

How could I forget? Sorry....apparently I've been busy.
Here is a little part of my life.
My husband is a director and I'm so proud.
Here is the trailer of his film PIG.
Enjoy!

http://vimeo.com/13687760

I don't know how to create a link....so just copy and paste.
PS Eva, the old blogger, will return shortly. She lost her mind and sanity somewhere along the road.

The Heat is on....

2010-07-21T22:36:00.000-07:00

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-07-19T21:44:00.001-07:00

The heat arrived! What does one do when it's so hot that the bangs of your hair stick to your forehead? Suck on ice-cubes. Make an ice-cube GOALLLL game. Best of all....momma is happy because she feels like summer has arrived finally. This FL girl is bursting with joy.

Run. Run. Run. With the sun on your back.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-07-12T23:39:00.000-07:00

Exploring. Remember exploring as a kid? I was the ultimate explorer. I can almost smell that FL humidity and the rain that would create puddles of treasures.
I was so lucky with my childhood--I had the opportunity to explore and was allowed to explore and then could return to the warm, cozy house of a happy family. (With the occasional sibling rivalry of course!) I so bad want to re-create that with my kids that I have to remember to just sit back...and let them explore their own childhood. I just have to provide the loving, warm house.

(BTW...notice the clouds and feel the chilly air! It's July!?)

It's foggy and cold....

2010-07-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

But my stinker doesn't care.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-07-05T22:34:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!
I had such a great weekend. It was what I would want this weekend to be about. Swimming, friends, BBQ's, eating, friends, drinking, and more friends. Both boys were so exhausted by the end of the weekend that they slept in until 8:45. And frankly...that was the icing on the cake for me.
Today is the night before the storm though....I feel like there are so many things that I have put off, that my heart is a wee heavy just thinking of my long list of things to do.
But, --I have an audition for Colgate tomorrow. And an audition in this slow time is always a valued thing.

It's Monday....what do I see? SORT OF!

2010-06-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

WOWZERS. Today is Tuesday and my post for Monday came and went.
I'm so busy that sometimes I would like to become an ostrich and bury my head in the sand. I could ignore everyone and everything.
I'm learning though.
I'm learning to say no.
I'm learning to say...i don't need to learn that skill.
I'm learning to walk away.
Yet, last night I went to bed at 1 AM. Even with saying No.
Although....I did have a lovely dinner with Sangria and some lovely ladies.
So, a little magic in my life could help me right now.

Here's J...doing his magic. He just loves to put on a show.
"Keep your eye on the ball mom." "Round and round it goes."

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-06-21T21:43:00.000-07:00

My baby turning one?
We enjoyed a lovely afternoon in the pool, bbqing and eating some cupcake!
And when I put L down in his crib I hugged him extra long and hard...to savor my little baby who is growing too fast.

It's Monday.....what do I see?

2010-06-14T22:41:00.001-07:00

Father's Day is coming up....I think next year I need to have some special package where I shoot Fathers and their kids for a discount.
I am always in awe of Dad's with their kids. I'm sure any therapist could tell you why...
Here is a little peek of a Dad with his adorable little girl. Before K was born Justin would play in the waves with my J over and over again. I knew then that he would be an amazing Dad.

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge

2010-06-14T22:15:00.000-07:00

The theme for I Heart Faces is babies. Babies!? It's what I love to shoot and I thought...which picture should I choose?
L's one year birthday is coming up so I have been looking at old pictures from the few first months of his life. It was such an amazing time. I almost wish I could go back and re-live those moments. Even with the lack of sleep!
Anyways...I came across this photo. J's first meeting with L. And me being nostalgic...i teared up. And thought--okay this will be one I submit. Enjoy the moment. I did.

Check out the other submissions at www.iheartfaces.com

What makes you happy?

2010-06-10T23:47:00.000-07:00

This is what makes me happy.

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-06-07T23:02:00.000-07:00

Today....Smell the flowers

OR....

Eat them

AND

Hug your peeps

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge

2010-06-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

It’s break week at I ♥ Faces. This week they are spotlighting a charity called Soles for Souls. During this week the photo challenge in support of Soles for Souls was to have your photo designed around feet or shoes. And how can you resist the feet of a little one?

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-05-31T22:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Memorial Day!
Thank you to all that have served our country and keep us safe.

www.betterphoto.com

2010-05-25T22:34:00.000-07:00

When I first got my camera J was a little baby and I was stuck at home wanting to figure out how I could still use my creativity. I found www.betterphoto.com and became hooked with their on line courses. Slowly, I was starting to learn how to shoot manually and became inspired by other photographers.
They have monthly contests to enter which I would....and not win anything. Then slowly I started to get editor's pick.
But, today I stepped up a notch and won 2nd place with the picture above! There are over 17,000 submissions!

Here is the press release.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/25/2010 Photographer Eva Barrial of Woodland Hills, CA, has won Second Place for April in the prestigious photography contest sponsored by BetterPhoto.com, the site's founder, Jim Miotke, announced Tuesday.

More than 17700 entries were submitted to the online photography contest, which attracted contestants from around the world and featured 10 separate categories.

Barrial's stunning image, "Joyful", garnered top honors after being submitted in the Monthly Theme category.

All of the winning images can be viewed at BetterPhoto.com's contest page: http://www.betterphoto.com/contest/winners/1004.asp

The contest is conducted each month. Categories include Nature and Landscapes, Animals, People, Elements of Design, Digital Darkroom, Travel and Place, Flowers, Details and Macro, Catch-All, and Monthly Theme. Judging is performed by a panel of professional photographers.

Besides its free, popular photo contest, BetterPhoto.com also offers a variety of services: digital camera reviews, online photo courses, free newsletters, a discussion forum, Web sites for photographers, question-and-answer section, how-to articles, photo galleries, and more.

Photographers can enter this month's contest and learn more about photography at: www.BetterPhoto.com

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-05-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

I love a picture that tells a story. That makes you think.
My lovely friend came over (we met in prenatal yoga) and I took pics of her daughter. In all of them she is laughing and playing and being...well sunny.
But, when I took this pic she was getting tired. And she was barefoot and there were prickly things on the ground. She went to hug her mom. And in that hug....there was such comfort. She laid her head where it fits just right...and I looked at them and thought....click.

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge

2010-05-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

This week the challenge was flowers and faces. Having two boys and getting them to hold a flower was a challenge within itself. L thought the flowers were strange--the texture a wonderment to him I am sure. J....well, J was too busy with NASA and shuttle launches and astronauts to give any flowers any kind of attention. At one point he did nod at me that the flowers were beautiful.

Here L is screeching at the fuzzy stem that this flower had.

I, on the other hand, love flowers. Wild are my favorite.

Check out the other submissions at www.iheartfaces.com

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-05-16T23:16:00.000-07:00

I'm posting early! It's 45 minutes to Monday, but tomorrow I am meeting a friend for coffee and won't be home until late....so I figured better post now.
My camera BROKE. It's so sad and I am in denial. I am sending it to Canon--and hopefully they will take care of her while she is there. In the meantime I have been taking pics with my back-up camera. It was like an old friend. I looked at her dials and knew what to do. She was the one who brought me to this love of photography so I respect her immensely, my little Xti.
This weekend was lovely. Time with my boys. The beach. And washed cars.
And my son amazed me today at bedtime.
"Mom--Saturn has rings of frozen ice." So we took out the Space Encyclopedia to read more. And as we explored space through the book I looked at him and thought...what a little man he is growing into.

It's Monday.....what do I see?

2010-05-10T23:12:00.000-07:00

Emily! I have only just begun going through her headshots--but how amazing is she? And she is such a great actress as well! I loved shooting her and can't wait to go through the rest of the pictures.
Hope you all had an amazing Mother's Day....mine was full of creativty and sleeping in. A luxury! I had a photoshoot and my husband screened a small test screening of his feature film called PIG. It was my first time seeing it from beginning to end and I am so very very proud.

In case you missed me....

2010-05-05T12:23:00.001-07:00

Here is a still from the shoot. Just copy and paste in your browser

Enjoy!

http://www.tv.com/romantically-challenged/perry-and-rebeccas-high-school-reunion/episode/1333160/summary.html

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-05-03T07:45:00.001-07:00

Besides seeing myself on TV tonight on ABC at 9:30??

This picture cracks me up because it's all genuine. I went to one of my favorite friend's birthday party for her 3 year old (more pics to come) and my son and his favorite girl on this side of the Mississippi were hanging out. I love the way they play together and I am sad for the day when they realize that boys have cooties and girls are no fun.
In the meantime enjoy this moment .

Romantically Challenged

2010-04-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

This is a little shout out for myself!
Watch me be romantically challenged on ROMANTICALLY CHALLENGED this Monday May 3rd at 9:30 on ABC!!!
PS I know last night I said I was taking a break, but my episode is airing sooner then I thought.

Procrascination

2010-04-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

There are so many things I should be doing.
1. filling out a rebate
2. order more water filters
3. return a friend's phone call
4. answer some questions my accountant has
5. clean
6. dishes
7. work on my demo reel
8. do I need to go on?

Instead I am practicing my photoshop skills and did this. I'm learning, I'm learning. And the internet is a plethora of information!

Isn't he cute? He's my little old man--and a snuggler to boot!

Hope you enjoyed the many posts this week. I'm officially going to be off after this. I really need to tackle my to-do list.

Stay in bed?

2010-04-28T22:55:00.001-07:00

Today my stars were not aligned.
If I wasn't so frustrated I would have laughed when I dropped the water cup on my foot.
When I missed my hair appointment.
When I did my taxes wrong.
Or when I burnt the rice.

(And now that it is late at night I shall go watch terrible, yet wonderful reality television in bed.)

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-04-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

And here it is Monday again. My little one was sick and stayed home with husband. Poor guy--but he is such a snuggle bug when he is under the weather.

In the meantime....this weekend, when the little one was not sick, I decided to update his photosheet. He's 10 months now and it was time.

This was my favorite shot that I got. It's so playful and yummy.

Of course when I was shooting the little one, the big one was like...shoot my picture. This serious shot was the first one I took. I looked at him and said....want to smile? Make a face? And that's what he did. Which made me smile.

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge

2010-04-25T21:48:00.000-07:00

Yay!!!!

It's that time of week again. Photo Challenge! I'm really enjoying doing this so here I go again. (http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/)

I did this photoshoot for a friend for her Christmas card and I just adore it. This shot didn't make the card but I love it anyways. Hope you do too.

Examples of Kid Headshots

2010-04-23T22:31:00.001-07:00

Here is an example of kid headshots. Enjoy!

OR

It's Monday....what do I see?

2010-04-19T23:17:00.000-07:00

We found the bubbles this past weekend. Bubbles are magical. Even if they are from last year and look quite...nasty. Next Target stop--stock up on new bubbles!

I heart faces

2010-04-19T22:22:00.000-07:00

I recently found this website ( www.iheartfaces.com ) and have been really enjoying it. They have weekly challenges and I decided to play this week. It's collage week--so here is my worm collage. A repeat, pic I know. I will post my usual Monday new pic as well but wanted to get this in.

Boggling

2010-04-14T21:54:00.000-07:00

When did he grow up? I still remember him holding my hands to balance before he could walk....
Well, before I get too nostalgic about it, I'll just appreciate every phase. And every moment. Because it truly has been a fun ride so far.

It's Monday.....what do I see?

2010-04-12T22:51:00.000-07:00

I realized that I say it's Monday....what do I see? But really the pics are from the past week. Well, that's how I roll.
This weekend was interesting. Saturday everything seemed to be out of sorts. My boys would not listen and worse yet...whined a lot. I was grumpy. My husband could do nothing right--in my eyes anyways. I went to bed thinking...what a wasted Saturday. Days that I usually treasure.
Sunday...was a whole new day. It was a day where everything went right. My boys were loving, listening and napping. I adored my husband. I felt happy inside. We went on a very early outing to the beach. We stayed so long because we were having such a blast. Then we ate at one of my favorite old school restaurants and my boys were on best behavior. When we got home--cold and worn out--we relaxed. All of us. It was lovely.
And then it rained all night long while we were cozy and warm in our beds and I realized I. AM. ONE. LUCKY. GIRL.

It's Monday.....what do I see?

2010-04-05T22:29:00.000-07:00

Alas, it is Monday. What a hard Monday to come to when the weekend was so lovely despite the terrible pollen that is doing naughty things to my nose, eyes and throat.
On Friday I left work early and my husband was feeling under the weather. So I took the boys on a long walk and explored. It was spontaneous (which I am not) and fun! Our neighborhood is not really adventurous but we found flowers and sticks and fire hydrants oh my! At times we sat on the sidewalk and sang a song. Or just talked. By the time we got home we were late starting the bedtime routine. But I was okay with it. My boys were too.
And tomorrow, Tuesday, my husband has a very short little stint on NCIS LA. CBS at 9 PM. It's short and sweet...and in the beginning of the episode, but I'm excited for him. He plays a paparazzi photographer.

It's Monday.....what do I see?

2010-03-29T22:14:00.001-07:00

I admit it. I'm addicted to beaches. I can't help it. I grew up with the beach in my backyard. I'm a Florida girl. I'm a California girl. And I'll be a Hawaiian girl if you want me to. So, it seems natural that my boy is a natural at the beach as well. We went for a quick visit to see family and friends in Florida and we of course visited the beach despite cold and rainy weather at times. That didn't stop neither of us from frolicking with the waves ....sand between my toes...salt in my hair...I'm one happy woman.
You know what I hate as much as love beaches? Jury Duty. I have it tomorrow. I know. I should embrace it. Be proud to be an American and able to live in a free country. But, at the moment...it's really dampening my spirits.

It's Monday......what do I see?

2010-03-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

I'm away from my computer tonight so I'm going back in time. May of 2009. I was ready to burst with "L". So I sat on a rock and didn't move. I just shot pictures from where I sat. It was a lovely day. And I remember my thighs got burnt. I put suntan lotion everywhere but my thighs because I couldn't see them anymore. So just to note....just because you can't see parts of your body doesn't mean they aren't prone to a red lobster burn.

And my lovely husband....who I miss tonight!

Two posts in one night!?

2010-03-15T22:55:00.001-07:00

I just downloaded the pics from J's party. We took the train to the beach and had a picnic. It was so old school and so fun. Here he is with his friend digging. They didn't pose. They were seriously digging with determination.

And also my yoga baby....doing downward dog.

It's Monday.....what do I see?

2010-03-15T22:27:00.000-07:00

The lovely Cat. She is someone I met in prenatal yoga so long ago and yet we still stay in touch. We have moved to different cities and had more children--but once in a while we connect again and it is wonderful. I was very excited to take her picture despite being canceled and then almost canceled again by the lovely rain storms we had been having.
Enjoy. Hope all is well. I had J's birthday outing this past weekend with his two best buddies from school. I will post pics soon.

It's Monday.....what do I see?

2010-03-07T23:16:00.001-08:00

Okay, it's really 45 minutes until Monday but wanted to post this early because I have a busy day tomorrow.
Did you watch the Oscar's? I did...and even though I was completely shocked that Sandra Bullock won I loved, loved her speech.
I did a headshot session this weekend and had a blast. I will post some pics later....
In the meantime, enjoy J at the playground. When we told him it was time to go and put his shoes on....this is what he did. One shoe on, and one shoe....Henry's.

It's Friday...

2010-03-05T22:44:00.001-08:00

Thank goodness! I'm looking forward to having a weekend with my family and catching up on life. I'm supposed to do a photo shoot tomorrow...but if it rains it will be canceled. I hope it's not because I have been looking forward to the shoot!

Here is "L"'s first time on the swing. He was so happy. His smile never left his face...and then in midswing...he fell asleep.

It's Monday.....what do I see?

2010-03-01T21:30:00.001-08:00

It's been raining on and off here and the worms are out. J came running into the house to get me and said, "Mom....I got to show you something!" He was excited. A worm. A worm made my little boy squeal with delight. After he showed me the worm and we talked about it he informed me....
"Mom...I'm putting the worm back in the mud because that's where worms live." And yes, this site is called Muddy Feet....and today my boy lived up to the name. And now I have to go wash his sneakers--they are full of mud.