Walworth Family

Happy Birthday Grant...

2012-01-15T22:34:00.000-08:00

Grant turned 3 on the 29th...He had a Curious George party!

Birthday breakfast = pancakes with a candle

Playing "Find the Bananas"

The box is still more fun than the present!

Poor guy fell asleep before the party was over (silly mom scheduled the party during naptime...)

Grant has changed so much this year! He is adored by his siblings and really seems to be the glue that keeps them all getting along together. He is way OFF the charts for height and weight. He knows most of his colors, he recognizes the letters w, p, x, and t. He knows what a circle is. He is super shy and still loves to cuddle. He loves to play basketball and soccer. He is great at feeding our dog. He went to Sunbeams the first day but hasn't wanted to go back since. He has NO interest in being potty trained.

He has learned the ABC song...

He thinks "Itsy Bitsy Spider" ends with an AMEN...

Merry Christmas

2012-01-15T22:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas was great this year!!

Happy Turkey Day!

2011-11-26T14:06:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun at Grandma and Grandpa's house this year. So grateful that we could be with family!! It was fun to see our kids playing with their cousins.

The table was beautiful...

A little fun in the kitchen...

My beautiful sisters....

Nina with Great Grandma...

The whole gang...

After dinner the kids played...this marble game was a hit...I remember playing with it when I was little as well...

While the kids played...some of the adults napped...

After dinner and naps Grandma and Grandpa helped the kids put on a play about gratitude...

We have so much to be thankful for...

If you haven't got enough pictures yet...click on over to my photo blog to see the cute pics I got of my sis and her fam...

www.noisysmiles.blogspot.com

A Look Back...

2011-11-17T09:25:00.000-08:00

I have loved taking the time to think back to each of our kids' adoptions. It seems so long ago...but at the same time just like yesterday...

Matthew was adopted on August 3, 2005...he had been in our home for just over a year...He was 5 1/2...It was such a great day!

We were sealed in the Mesa Temple on August 6, 2005...What an emotional day! We were blessed to have a room full of family and friends...Matthew's favorite memories of that day were the mirrors and the toy room...He remembers bowling :)

Christian was adopted on National Adoption Day, November 19, 2005. He had been in our home for just under 6 months...He was 2 and a ball of energy! The courthouse had a lot of fun activites...balloons, clowns, cake, etc. Such a fun day!

We were sealed in the Mesa Temple that same night. It was a small and short ceremony...perfect for Christian!! Matthew was also there all dressed in white...

Nina's adoption was final on August 4, 2007...she was about 2 1/2...(It was also our 6th anniversary!)

We were sealed in the Mesa Temple on August 11, 2007...What a special day...lots of family...even my parents were able to get permission to leave their mission to come! Matthew and Christian got to be there as well.

This picture was taken before Nina was part of our family...

Here is Nina in her beautiful white dress...

And all three in their whites...

I am SO grateful for adoption...but even more grateful for the temple. I know that our family is forever...

Happy National Adoption Month!

2011-11-07T15:02:00.000-08:00

I love adoption!! My life has been changed FOR . EV. ER because of adoption. We adopted our 3 oldest through the foster care system in Arizona. We know that our family wouldn't be "Our Family" without them. We know that they were meant to be part of our forever family. We are grateful for the challenges they have faced, are facing, and will face. These challenges make them who they are and make our family who we are!! Love them...

love Grant too!! :)...How blessed we are to have 4 miracles!!

Check them out!

2011-11-01T15:42:00.000-07:00

I just posted new sneak peaks of some fall mini-sessions...
www.noisysmiles.blogspot.com

I have 2 spots left...Hurry and book yours now!!

Christmas Card Mini Sessions

2011-10-12T13:45:00.001-07:00

Don't miss your chance for affordable custom photography!! Book your session now!

SNAPSHOT of July

2011-09-20T09:06:00.000-07:00

July started with us waiting in the rain for the Angel Moroni to be put on the Brigham City Temple. It actually got postponed so we didn't get to see it, but made some fun memories waiting for it.

Next up....Hyde Park Days complete with pizza at the park, bounce houses, rock climbing, fireworks, homemade icecream, and a parade!!

We celebrated a lot of birthdays...

Gabe and Kent had a batman and robin birthday party...

I celebrated the big 33 and got season tickets to the Hale Theater!!

We also celebrated Grandma's birthday with a bbq at the park.

a SNAPSHOT of our summer...starting with JUNE

2011-09-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

To kick off the summer we had an icecream party...30+ people came with all the icecream fixins...so fun!!

Next up...California!! We spent 3 days at Disneyland and 2 at the beach. We stayed at an amazing hotel with bunkbeds!!

We spent a day in Salt Lake. We went to the Church History Museum and ate lunch at the Spaghetti Factory.

Fishing off Nephi's ship

Fixing dinner for the missionaries.

Matthew cross dressing and learning the mexican dance...

Christian and Grant driving the delivery truck and running over a goat!

Next up we went on a weenie roast in Mantua with the family to celebrate father's day.

That sums up June...So much fun and great memories!! Stay tuned for July and August!

Take me out to the ballgame!

2011-07-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

Christian played machine pitch baseball this year. To say he loved it is an understatement!!

Happy Father's Day

2011-07-02T13:26:00.000-07:00

This video is a tad bit long, but it was fun making it for the Grandpa's for Father's Day....I got the idea from this blog.

Grandma B

2011-06-23T20:20:00.000-07:00

My Grandma passed away yesterday. I am going to miss her so much, but I am so happy that she is finally with my Grandpa again. Grandpa passed away 5 years ago. Almost every time I talked to my Grandma after Grandpa died she would say how upset she was at him for leaving her. She always said that when she got to heaven she was going to punch him before she hugged him and I am sure she did...Grandma was spunky like that.

I grew up thinking that everyone had grandparents like Grandpa and Grandma B. It wasn't until much later in life that I began to realize how lucky and blessed I have been to have them in my life.

We spent a lot of time at their house. We would have several sleepovers at their house every summer. The girls usually slept downstairs and the boys upstairs. 10+ grand kids could cause quite a ruckus, but G-ma and G-pa never complained (well not too much anyway!) Before going to bed at these sleep overs we would ALWAYS play a game with Grandma. I think her favorites were Phase 10, Skip Bo, and Dominoes. I think my favorite was Skip Bo...I especially loved Grandma's special rules. If you had a skip bo card on the top of your stack you could peak at the next card.

Whenever we would visit Grandma and Grandpa's house they always had their downstairs freezer stocked with cheese sticks and popsicles. I remember that you never had to ask permission, just help yourself. Grandma LOVED coke. I loved how she called it "Shame-Shame."

Every summer Grandma and Grandpa would also take all of the grand kids on a fishing trip. They would take the girls and boys separately. Fishing with the girl cousins in a treasured memory. I had no idea how much work went into those trips until I took my own family camping. Grandpa would get a little grouchy sometimes, but Grandma was always happy. I later learned that she didn't love going out in the boat on the water...she was a trooper!!

Every Christmas she would make all 25 grand kids AMAZING gifts: bear rugs, stuffed animals, doll houses, quillows, cross stitched animals on sweatshirts, just to name a few. As I got older their house became a half way point when I would travel to and from SUU. I LOVED staying there. I knew I didn't need to call ahead. I was always welcomed and we always played cards.

Grandma started teaching me how to quilt (I still have the quilt we started...) She always had an Easter egg hunt and a huge picnic. We had tons of water fights at her house. Grandma and Grandpa served 2 missions and several years as temple workers. I am forever grateful for their examples. I am so grateful that I was blessed to have grandparents that went way above the typical grandparent requirements. I knew they loved me.

Family was so important to my Grandparents and they worked very hard to create amazing memories and traditions that we still carry on. I remember writing a paper..I think it was in high school. The assignment was to write about our hero...I wrote about Grandma B...she is my hero and I hope I can grow up to be just like her.

I love you Grandma!

Happy Easter

2011-05-23T13:34:00.000-07:00

I am a little late, but we had a great time hunting eggs up in Logan with cousins, Grandma and Grandpa and Great Grandma and Grandpa...

WENDY and MAYLEE MACK Obituary

2011-05-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

WENDY and MAYLEE MACK Obituary: View WENDY MACK's Obituary by Deseret News

Wendy's family could use any help that we can give them...due to a heart condition that Wendy had as a child she was never eligible for life insurance... Donations can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank under the name "Wendy Kimball Mack Memorial". Please spread the word.

Prayers

2011-05-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I found out that one of my mission companions Wendy Kimball Mack passed away. I am still trying to wrap my head around it as I am slowly finding out the details of her sudden death. I loved her so much. Please remember her young family in your prayers. She was an amazing wife and mother. I am grateful for the knowledge that I have that families are forever.

Craft-a-licious

2011-03-09T13:16:00.000-08:00

So...are you sick of seeing these pictures on my blog??? Well, now you can see them on my wall!!

They are HUGE and I love them soooo much!! I have been known to sit in my front room admiring them after the kiddos are in bed!!

I mounted them myself on particle board and mod podged over the top...if they were professionally mounted it would have cost over $200...a little DIY and it cost about $40!!

My next project was the other wall in our front room...I bought a gorgeous mirror for our bathroom a while back from Home Depo...I left the project unhung for too long and Grant tipped it over on our hardwood floors...so mirror no more! :(...I decided to use the frame from the mirror and a huge paper mache "W" that I sponge painted to make a wall hanging...not sure if I love it, but I definitely like it....

And today's project was a "spring" wreath...the jury is still out if this is adorable of terribly tacky...It is made out of fake grass that I found at Hobby Lobby...

What do you think...adorable or tacky???

What they're sayin'

2011-02-22T20:11:00.000-08:00

Today Christian came up to me and said, "Mom, I think Dad married the best mom in the whole world." (melt my heart!)

Grant likes to say, "push it" really loud when we push the stroller or the shopping cart...unfortunately it sounds more like, "bulsh it" (say that fast a few times...)

At church on Sunday the bishop was talking about the importance of telling your kids you love them. Matthew leaned over to me and said, "I know you love me because you always tell me you love me after I get in trouble." (good reminder to say it more often!!)

Nina has really struggled with letter sounds this year...I busted out Zoophonics from when I taught preschool...She has learned 10 of the sounds in the last 5 days and she is actually retaining it!! I am so excited for her!!!

Love is in the air

2011-01-24T20:08:00.000-08:00

Click here to check out the new post on Noisy Smiles Photography and Design blog.

Click here to show some love on facebook.

First Knight

2011-01-16T19:59:00.000-08:00

I found this movie on last night while channel surfing...

Oh how I LOVE this movie!! My roomates and I watched this movie over and over again!! We actually wrote down quotes from it and posted them on our fridge..."I take the good with the bad...I don't love people in slices..." "The law will judge you..." just to name a couple favorites...My husband wasn't as fun to watch with...but he liked it! I made him watch the kissing scene 3 times (no where near the times I rewound (is that a word) it with my roomies!!) Here it is for your viewing pleasure!!

I have let my husband know that this is the PERFECT valentines day gift...(the movie not the kiss that is!)

Go Ducks!!

2011-01-13T09:49:00.000-08:00

Monday night was the big Oregon Ducks game!! Ben is a HUGE fan so we had an "O" party...so fun even though they lost :(

"O" shaped meatloaf with yellow and green squash. (I know my sister will appreciate these pics of our food...)

Lemon and lime slices in our drinks with green straws...

Yummy cupcakes with green sprinkles...

Ben's parents sent us all our oregon attire for Christmas...so fun!!

Girlfriends

2011-01-11T09:39:00.000-08:00

This year I decided it was important to reconnect with friends from my past...Over Christmas break I hosted a "girlfriend party." Hopefully this will become an annual thing. We had so much fun. We rented a suite for the night and partied and reminisced. Some of these crazy girls stayed up all night!! It was so fun to catch up. I brought my yearbooks and scrapbooks and we laughed a lot!! I love these girls!! They have definitely helped me to become the person that I am...I know I wouldn't have survived without them....most of us became very close in jr high and high school...but some of us have been friends since preschool! Everyone was there except one girly who is pregnant and lives in Missouri...we missed her...hopefully she will be able to come next year!!

This is us our junior year...I am loving the fluffy hair...AWESOME!!

Happy Birthday Grant

2011-01-01T17:03:00.000-08:00

I CANNOT believe our baby is 2 years old!! Time flies!! We love him so much and his personality is so fun. I don't know what our family would be like without him.

A few facts about Grant:
*He LOVES candy!! We call him our junk food junkie
*He loves to play with phones, but doesn't really like to talk to real people on them
*He is super shy around new people
*He can point to and name most of his body parts
*He talks a lot...his new favorite phrase is..."GIVE IT!!"
*He loves to play basketball
*He just got rid of his binki!!

We had a lot of fun on his birthday. Just a mellow day with the fam opening presents eating cupcakes and lunch at Chuck E Cheese...so fun!

Opening presents in the morning...

Trying out his firetruck tent...

Shooting hoops at Chuck E Cheese...

On the way home from Chuck E Cheese...very tired birthday boy!!

Birthday "Tie Dye" Cupcakes

Merry Christmas...homemade

2010-12-29T22:41:00.000-08:00

This is the before of Nina's Kitchen...$5.00 nightstand from the DI...(I forgot to take the before picture before we cut the hole for the sink)

This is the after...a favorite for all the kids on Christmas morning...they were still fighting over it this afternoon!! It was great to see them love their homemade gifts so much!!

Chrisitan's train table...he and Grant are loving it!

Matthew's nuts and bolts chess set...so cool!! He has tried to teach me to play Chess...played for my FIRST time on Sunday!!

Grant's hammer and peg board...don't look to close...it's special...but he loves it!! Who knew a homemade gift could be the loudest :)

I have so much more to post...including Grant's birthday today...Can't believe he is 2!! Time flies!

i'm dreaming of a HOMEMADE christmas

2010-12-13T21:27:00.000-08:00

As I said before...this year we are trying to do a lot more homemade...it is A LOT of work...but so fun!!

These adorable magnets are gifts for Grandparents...each one will have a different saying...they turned out really cute...I am actually selling them at my etsy shop...

I have made a total of 8 capes...4 for my kiddos and 4 for neices and nephews...I love them and I hope the kiddos will too...

I also made power wrist bands...

Christian designed mugs for everyone in the family (sweet deal at Hobby Lobby...only .87cents!!)

Excuse the shirtless photos...Nina and Grant painted tithing boxes for everyone in the family...Grant was so careful and particular about his painting...I need to let them paint more often!! They loved it!

Matthew is working on some cute bookmarks for everyone...I will get a picture of those as soon as they are done!

Ben and I are still working on a cute kitchen for Nina made out of a nightstand, a nuts and bolts chess set for Matthew, a train table for Christian, and a hammer peg board for Grant...12 more days....YIKES!!

COUNTING DOWN!!

2010-11-30T22:39:00.000-08:00

I am super excited for Christmas this year. We are doing mostly homemade gifts, which is a lot of work...but so much fun! The kids are so excited and are working on their homemade gifts for each other. Our countdowns start tomorrow...

I made a new "advent wreath"...it is an idea I have had stewing in my head for a while...it still needs some tweaking, but it will work this year. Each box has a magnetic piece of the nativity which will go on the magnetic oval that is hanging in the middle of the wreath...does that make sense?? Each box also has a scripture to read and some candy to eat...should be fun.

We are also continuing an older tradition. I have wrapped up 25 of our winter/Christmas books. We will unwrap and read one each night. The kids love it...it is a great way to end each night and they love being able to unwrap some presents early.

Oh by the way...don't you LOVE that wrapping paper...I got it 50% off at Hobby Lobby a couple weeks ago...huge rolls of super thick, super cute paper...I love me a good deal!!

Christmas Card Designs...

2010-11-30T17:52:00.001-08:00

Check out some of our card designs at

www.noisysmiles.blogspot.com

Sweet Girl

2010-11-22T18:40:00.000-08:00

I love this girl so much!! Yesterday at church they announced that the DI was in need of donations so they would be prepared for the Christmas season. Last night we decided to sort through our disgustingly large collection of stuffed animals. Although the kiddos hadn't played with them for ages, they were suddenly super emotionaly attached. We talked about how great it would be to donate some and how another boy or girl would love to get one for Christmas. The boys weren't buying it at all...but sweet Nina started hugging and kissing her favorites telling them good bye and putting them in the big bag...It is amazing that such a tiny girl has such a big heart!

New Posts

2010-11-18T10:05:00.000-08:00

Check out

http://www.noisysmiles.blogspot.com/

for some new pics of my kids and clients...

Brand Spankin New

2010-11-05T14:22:00.000-07:00

I am back behind the camera and I am so excited!! My new company is called Noisy Smiles. I am only doing children's photography (with families on a limited basis). My pricing has also changed...I have made it my goal to make custom photography affordable for EVERYONE!! My new blog and website went live yesterday...I already have a few inquiries!! Check them out and let me know what you think!!
Spread the news!

www.noisysmiles.com

www.noisysmiles.blogspot.com

I am planning on keeping this blog for family stuff...so check back here for family updates...

JUST LIKE HIS MAMA

2010-11-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

I got Grant and Nina Wendy's kids meals today for lunch...they get a small frosty with the meal. Grant started dipping his fries in it...just like his mama!! I guess the fries weren't getting to his mouth fast enough. He dumped all his fries into his frosty cup and started drinking it...needless to say Grant had an afternoon bath today!!

Happy Halloweener

2010-11-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

Some fun pics to prove I am not a total Halloween Scrouge....

Pumpkin Patch...

Carving...one of the easiest years so far...Matthew did his own and Christian did a lot of his...

3 ninjas...

1 fireman...

Halloween Dinner

Monster Mash(ed potatoes)

Meatloaf Mummy

Holy Pictures Batman!!

2010-10-28T12:23:00.000-07:00

So I just uploaded over 600 pictures from my point and shoot camera!! I guess that is one of the downsides of having a huge memory card...oh and I guess that would be one of the downsides of being a procrastinator!...Oh well...I won't bore you with pictures from the last year and a half!! But here are some recent snaps...

Matthew had his last pinewood derby this month and he won!! It was so fun to see his reaction...and also to see what a graceful winner he is...

Above is his reaction after he won his first race...priceless!!

He painted his car gold and put skull stickers on it...Pretty sweet ride!

It was so fun to have Grandpa and Grandma B here to witness his win....

Christian Funny

2010-10-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

Today at dinner the following conversation had us all laughing....

    Dad: Christian, what did you learn about at church today?

   Christian: Jesus washing the apostles feet

   Dad: Why did Jesus wash their feet?

   Christian: Because they were dirty!

**Also...I made cinnamon rolls today....SOOOO GOOD!!**
here is a link to the recipe
http://www.food.com/recipe/cinnabon-cinnamon-rolls-76864

running?!?

2010-10-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

So..I have been trying to do the running thing...it has been off and on for about a month...but today I am making it official!! I started a program similar to the "couch to a 5k" program...This week's assignment is....

RUN 2 MIN WALK 4 MIN FOR 5 CYCLES

I did it today and I am feeling great....supposed to do it monday, wednesday, friday, and saturday...wish me luck...and join in if you want!!

Crafts for Christmas

2010-09-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

I have been working hard on some homemade gifts for my children and siblings. After putting the work in...I decided to share my ideas on etsy...Check out my projects...they will make fabulous christmas gifts for anyone on your list!!

http://www.noisysmiles.etsy.com/

CANNING

2010-09-26T17:07:00.000-07:00

I don't know if living in Utah gives you the guts to try canning but...we did it!! 10 quarts of tomato juice and 14 quarts of grapes...

They looked so pretty sitting on the counter, I was almost sad to take them down to the basement!!

UNCONDITIONAL

2010-09-17T12:12:00.000-07:00

un·con·di·tion·al [uhn-kuhn-dish-uh-nl]

not limited by conditions; absolute; complete, unqualified

I might be biased, but I think I have the most amazing kids!! I was recently reminded of this fact (not that I need reminding...I live with them!) Yesterday I received some upsetting news...I was hurt and upset...The kids were at school and Grant was happily playing...I had a small meltdown...tears and all. Grant quickly stopped playing with his toys, climbed into my lap, put his head on my shoulder, started rubbing my back with his adorable chubby hands, and said "Sawee" in his sweet voice!! My meltdown was over pretty quick...things were put back into perspective...I can't let other peoples poor decisions decide my happiness...I have SO MUCH to be happy about!! I am so blessed with children and a husband who love me UNCONDITIONALLY!! That's what being a family is all about...no matter what mistakes I make as a mom...I know they will always love me...and no matter what mistakes they may make...I will always love them...UNCONDITIONALLY!!

Cute Cousins

2010-08-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

First Day of School...

2010-08-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

I can't believe school started!! The kids were so excited!!

Christian looking studly on his first day of first grade

Grant was almost as excited as I was for the kids to go to school :)

He ended up sleeping the whole time!! Lots of quiet time for me...almost too much

But I was able to conquer this mountain while Grant slept...I have no problem getting the clothes washed...the clean ones just keep piling up...I HATE FOLDING LAUNDRY!! I must say it is much easier to do when I am by myself!! I was also able to read, write in my journal and shower before noon...pure bliss!!

Nina was so excited to start Kindergarten...they have a wonderful program for her here that we are so excited about!!

She even gets to ride the bus!! She rode it home today and I think it was the highlight!!

They had all the kids outside waiting to go in...the boys were not to excited about me walking them to their classrooms (sniff...) so I took advantage of the photos outside.

Nina was all about the pictures...

What an amazing young man he is...So handsome!!

I can't believe all three of them are in school all day (this week is 1/2 days)

Matthew is a fifth grader!!

We live close enough that the boys will walk together...it was fun to all walk together today...Matthew seemed to stay a couple of houses in front of us the whole way...is he just excited or embarrassed to be walking with his Mama???

By their FRUITS you will know them

2010-08-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

We had a family reunion up in Park City last week. It was super fun and I was reminded again how amazing my family is!! My parents are the greatest...I hope that as one of their "fruits" I can make them proud and let everyone know how wonderful they are. They have always taught by example. I learned early on what selfless service meant. They taught me not to judge and how important it is to think of others before myself. They truly live what they believe. I love them so much!! My siblings are also amazing "fruits". They are all working hard to raise their families. It was so fun to hang out with them and make awesome memories. It was great to see all of our kids having fun together. One day while we were there Matthew said, "Nathan (his cousin) is my family and he is my friend....he is my family friend!" It is so nice to have "family friends!"

click on the photos...they are way better large!

In other news....Matthew and Christian found out this morning that they passed their karate test and are now sporting their YELLOW belts!! Super exciting!! Also...I have to admit that I am a little excited for school to start!! 7 days...not that I am counting down! Matthew, Chrisitan, and Nina will all be full day (Ben too) ;)... I have loved this summer, but it is always nice to get back into a schedule and routine.

WHAT'S NEW!?!

2010-07-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

Warning....updates to follow with lots of cute pictures...

The kids started karate...they love it!! It has been really good for them...keeps them active and helps with focus and coordintation..I highly recommend it!

2010-07-07T11:18:00.001-07:00

2010-07-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

We got a trampoline...so fun!! The kids love to jump with the sprinklers on...Mom and Dad even join in on occasion!

2010-07-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

We moved to a new house...super close to Ben's work and the kids will be able to walk to school next year. We have amazing landlords...which is a huge blessing!!

We got a new dog...he is a scottish terrier...his name is Miles...He is SO low maintenance!!

2010-07-07T11:13:00.000-07:00

This little guy just turned 18 months old...Can't believe our baby is getting so BIG!! He tried nursery for the first time and lasted about 20 minutes before rejoining mommy and daddy in class. He cuddled right up and fell asleep...no complaints from me!!

He loves to play peek-a-boo and just this week started saying "BOO!"

2010-07-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

So much fun up in Morgan shooting these photos. Loved the location and love this family!! Thanks Aunt Ruth for asking me!!

We finished off the eveing with dinner and a jump on the tramp with GREAT GRANDPA!!

Spring has FINALLY sprung...I think!!

2010-05-17T19:33:00.000-07:00

Since taking these pics a couple of weeks ago it has snowed, rained, thundered, lightninged (i know that's not a word...) been super hot and super cold...Spring is crazy...but I would take it over our 120 degree weather in Arizona any day!! It is so fun to see everything coming back to life after winter...all the blossoms and green...gorgeous!!

Happy Mother's Day....to me!!

2010-05-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

This has become a tradition that I love...New family pics for mother's day!!

Matthew took this one of Ben and me...quite the budding photographer!!

2010-05-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

My Cute Kids!! I am so grateful to be their mom...

senior pictures

2010-05-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

CLASS OF 2010

2010-04-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS GREAT DEAL!!
click to enlarge

Finally!!

2010-03-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

These two were married 3 months ago...Luckily they are family and won't fire me because it took so long to finish editing thier pictures!! This is why I don't claim to be a wedding photographer...I think I have adult ADD...I can't handle 600+ pictures of the same people...no offense...I just get bored :)

I loved the pics of them cutting the cake...hilarious!!

BEFORE....

DURING...

AFTER...

Can't Wait

2010-03-02T09:45:00.000-08:00

Can't wait for these to come in the mail. I just ordered them and I can't wait to see them on my wall!!

storyboard

2010-02-08T13:56:00.000-08:00

a few more "peaks"

2010-02-02T17:31:00.000-08:00

I rented a wide angle lens for this shoot...so fun!! I am grateful I can rent...but I am definitely adding this one to my wish list!!
Such a cute Grandpa and Grandma!!

Sneak Peak for the W Family

2010-02-01T15:27:00.000-08:00

So much fun with this family on Saturday...I have just begun the editing process, but wanted to share a sneak peak!!

Life comes at you fast!!

2010-01-22T12:25:00.000-08:00

Here is just a quick peak at Grant's 1 year old photo shoot...I haven't even scratched the surface of cute pics from his session...but I couldn't wait to post...

I can't believe he is one!!
I have SO much editing to do and a big family photoshoot next weekend...It feels good but overwhelming to get back into this...I am realizing how VALUABLE my time is...

Sneak Peak for Paul and Nadine

2010-01-18T11:15:00.000-08:00

Such a fun wedding to shoot...such a beautifully happy couple!!

It's all about FAMILY...

2010-01-13T19:38:00.001-08:00

My favorite people to photograph are by far my family!!

All the Walworths together in one picture!!...soooo grateful for this one!

So grateful for these two people...they raised an amazing son ;)

2010-01-12T09:47:00.001-08:00

I have so much to post!! More to come....

GOBBLE!! GOBBLE!!

2009-12-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

THANKSGIVING IS BY FAR MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY!! THIS YEAR DIDN'T DISAPPOINT!!

good eats...(my crunchy carmel apple pie)Family (grant with great grandma w.)

fun games...

Awesome traditions...dipping chocolates...Quick photo shoot with my cute nephews...

Seriously the cutest baby ever...

2009-11-06T06:38:00.001-08:00

This little guy is such an angel!! He loves to smile and is so sweet....I had so much fun with him out in the backyard while the other kids were at school...Enjoy his 10 month photo shoot...I can't get enough of his big blue eyes...He was totally obsessed with the leaves... He is quite the mover...he loves being outside and anytime a door to outside opens he crawls so fast to try and escape and then screams when the door is closed...Look at those chompers...he has two on the bottom...

Can't say enough about how much we love this little guy...Time is going by WAY TO FAST...he loves to jabber and gets really loud when he is trying to get his point across. He is a great sleeper as long as he doesn't loose his Binky...He loves to be tickled...He loves when we sing to him and will put his ear right by your mouth and snuggle in to listen...He loves pillows...he flops on our couch pillows when they are left on the ground. He is learning to enjoy table food and seems to be quite done with the baby stuff...we just have to work on the chewing so he doesn't swallow stuff full...He is a big boy and is on his way to quickly growing out of 18 month clothes...I have wanted to get him "my first" Halloween, or Christmas shirts but they don't come in his size!!

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T19:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to Ben's school for the costume parade...most of the teachers dressed as rock stars...this is Ben's version....Tonight was the trunk-or-treat

Halloween Dinner...

Mummies Guts

and Eyeballs

Scroll down...I posted more!!

The Great Pumpkins

2009-10-31T18:43:00.000-07:00

Fun times picking out pumpkins at Black Island Farm with cousins and Grandpa and Grandma...(i love living close to family!!)

Gutting and Carving

The Finished Products...

The little one is the one she carved at school with the help of her Great Grandpa (again...I love living close to family!!)

Showtime!!!

Happy Halloween!!

My favorite time of year...

2009-10-26T15:33:00.000-07:00

TOP TEN THINGS I LOVE ABOUT FALL

(IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER)

1. Crunching leaves...my all time favorite sound (just ahead of chewing marshmallows, turning book pages, and the sound of smiles :))

2. Homemade Carmel Apples

3. Cooler Weather

4. My kids warm pj's...they are so snugly!!

5. Leaves changing colors

6. Playing in the leaves

7. Wearing sweaters...(they totally hide the blubber!!)

8. Picking out pumpkins...I hate carving them... but picking them out is fun!!...pictures to come...

9. Drinking Hot Chocolate..my parents gave us a machine called the Cocomotion...we didn't use it much in AZ but we have used it almost daily since it started getting cooler...

10. Thanksgiving...seriously my favorite holiday ever!! So excited to spend it with family this year!!

Fall Sessions

2009-10-22T13:10:00.001-07:00

I LOVE FALL!!!
Don't forget this amazing deal!!

No TRICKS...just a TREAT!!

2009-10-12T14:06:00.001-07:00

FALL SPECIAL....GREAT FOR CHRISTMAS CARD PHOTOS!!

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Fun locations...and a few more favs...

2009-10-09T13:29:00.001-07:00

Since moving here to Utah I have been on the lookout for great locations. I was so grateful to Paul and Nadine for letting me drag them ALL OVER to try out a few spots I had seen...I can't wait to do more pics at these places!!

Cute Family

2009-10-08T10:58:00.001-07:00

It was so fun to photograph my sisters family at the annual peach days celebration!!

Paul and Nadine engagement...sneak peak!!

2009-10-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

I had the wonderful opportunity this weekend to capture some "TRUE LOVE" with my camera...

Memory Walk

2009-10-02T21:00:00.001-07:00

My family and I participated in the 2009 Memory Walk to end Alzheimers...My husband and I both have grandparents who suffer from this terrible illness...It was fun for us to participate as a family. Many of my extended family members also donated. My aunt and grandma also came and walked the walk...

At the end of the event our team one third place for non-corporate donations!!! We got an EXTREMELY LARGE framed t-shirt that is now displayed at Grandma's house :)

NEW WEBSITE!!

2009-09-15T13:47:00.000-07:00

Check it out...It still needs a little work...but I can't wait to share it...

http://www.walworthphotography.com/

Spread the word...I am ready to do business!!

First day of school...

2009-09-08T13:51:00.001-07:00

MATTHEW STARTED 4TH GRADE...MAN I FEEL OLD!!

CHRISTIAN IS IN MORNING KINDERGARTEN...HE LOVES IT!!NINA STARTED HEADSTART TODAY!!!

8 months old...and mobile

2009-09-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

ON AUGUST 29TH GRANT REACHED THE 8 MONTH MARK!! I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW FAST HE IS GROWING. HE IS STARTING TO SHOW SOME REAL PERSONALITY..IT IS SO FUN TO SEE HIM INTERACT WITH HIS SIBLINGS...HE LOVES TO PLAY WITH THEM AND DEFINITELY PREFERS THEIR TOYS OVER HIS OWN. ON THE 25TH GRANT STARTED CRAWLING. HE IS GETTING BETTER AT IT EVERYDAY...HE ESPECIALLY LOVES TO FOLLOW THE KIDS AROUND.
HE IS NOT A FAN OF BEING PHOTOGRAPHED WHILE CRAWLING...

One year old and couldn't be cuter!!

2009-08-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

My sweet nephew....

and a fun storyboard...

6 months old...

2009-08-13T11:12:00.001-07:00

So I am a little behind and Grant is now 71/2 months old...but these pics were from the good old days of 6 months old...

I can't get enough of those big blue eyes!!

Showing off his sitting up skills...they are getting better everyday! Such a happy baby!! He is so close to crawling...

He is good about letting us know his true feelings...."no more pictures!!!"
I was able to get him in for his 6 month appt right before we left Az...here are his stats:

Height 27 1/4 inches

Weight 19lbs 14 oz

He is HUGE!! I love that being huge when you're a baby is a sign of good health...enjoy it while you can Grant :)

We made it!!

2009-08-05T14:56:00.001-07:00

I have SO much to post...but for now...

WE MADE IT!!

We are officially Utahns...never thought I would see the day...but we are loving it. The kids don't start school until the end of August so we are enjoying the sights and just hanging out. Grant is now 7 months old...I have 6 month pics to post...but that will come later. Nina is loving our house...lots of stairs for her to practice on...We are still working on getting her registered for preschool. Christian loves being able to play outside...such a change from the blistering heat we are used to. Matthew has made serveral friends in the neighborhood...they play together almost everyday...and I don't even have to schedule a "playdate"...I love that he can just walk down the block and knock on the door!! Ben starts school on the 17th and I have already had a couple of photoshoots....(ok...one was for my sister...but still :)

On the other side we do miss AZ a little bit...especially our wonderful friends!! We are counting on them to plan some fun roadtrips to come see us!!

Change is HARD!!!

2009-07-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

...but exciting!! We are in the thick of this move....Oh how I hate packing boxes!!! We have lived in this house for about 7 years. I had no idea how much STUFF we had accumulated until we started trying to put in all in boxes. I think we have personally restocked GoodWill and the DI with all our donations...but yet it doesn't feel like we have put a dent in the amount of STUFF we have. I am at the point of putting stuff in boxes and labeling them "random" or "misc." or "bedroom/etc." Guess opening those boxes on the other end will make it feel a little like Christmas...I always love surprises :)...The kids are doing great with all the chaos and changes...they are so excited to get to our new house. It will be so nice to live in a home with space for everyone and everything. We will be in Layton Utah...it is only about 10min to Ben's work and really close to cousins, grandpas, and grandmas, aunts, and uncles...I am beginning to realize how much we have missed family as the anticipation grows to be close to them again. We will miss our arizona "family" though...we are so grateful for the friends we have made here...they truly have become family...We hope that they know they are always welcome at "Hotel Walworth" when their travels send them our way...
I hope to never have to move again...this packing business is not my strength and I find myself blogging when I should be packing some more "random" boxes...Off to pack...the truck comes tomorrow and we pull out of this driveway for the last time on Monday....Ready or Not!!

4 days old

2009-07-01T11:57:00.001-07:00

What a blessing to photograph sweet baby Dallin when he is so fresh from our Heavenly Father. He was awake the whole time and did't fuss once...what a priceless miracle he is!

Photo Party

2009-06-27T14:39:00.001-07:00

I loved photographing these three families...The three sisters/moms worked hard on hair and clothes in one room while I photographed in another...It was great!! These are a few of my favs...

At the end of the session we braved the 100+ degree weather outside for the last few shots...I was reminded how much I love shooting outside in natural light...but I was also reminded how much I hate the heat of the summer here!!

Schema

2009-06-25T18:21:00.000-07:00

While I was going to school to get my degree in Elementary Ed the professors were always talking about schema...I guess it is just a fancy way of saying background knowledge...anyways...last week while we were in Utah...I learned a lot about my kids' schema...

Christian, Nina, and I were on a walk with G-pa and G-ma....Christian spotted an old tree...most of its limbs were cut off so it was just a large, tall trunk with a few large stubs of branches (can you picture it?)...Christian shouted... "Hey look at that cactus!!"

When we told Matthew about the house we will be living in up there we told him that there is an upstairs and a downstairs...He was beyond excited...He said, "I can't wait to tell my friends at church that our house has an underground level!" (instead of basement...in case you weren't following the theme...:))

My sister was holding Grant and he spit up on her...She said it was gross and went to get a rag. Matthew said, "Hey that's nothing...are your kids adopted...because that is just what babies do..."

And then just a funny from Nina...
We were at church...and she was NOT being reverent. The lady in front of us gave her some paper and a crayon to draw with. She said no...so I asked her, "Please Nina, won't you draw me a pretty picture?" She looked at me, handed me the paper and crayon and said in a very sweet voice, "No...you do yourself."

{Brehen Family}

2009-06-22T18:41:00.000-07:00

Before our trip to Utah I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph this amazing family!! It was a refreshing change to work with older kids that I don't have to chase :)

storyboard

2009-06-07T17:00:00.001-07:00

Click to enlarge...

Slippin' and Sliddin'

2009-06-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

FUN in the SUN with FRIENDS

Crazy Christian!!

2009-06-03T18:36:00.000-07:00

There is never a dull moment in our house...largely because of CHRISTIAN :) We love him dearly...he keeps us on our toes and keeps us laughing...these are just a few of his funnies from the last couple weeks.

Grandpa: "Christian do you know what PB and J stands for?

Christian: "Ummmm...yeah....Choose the Right!"
.........................................................
Grandpa: "Careful Christian...you just socked me in the kisser!)

Mom: "Christian what happened?"

Christian: "I just kissed him in the socker..."
........................................................

Lately we have been counting to 3 a lot with Christian...it gives him a chance to "rethink" his choices. On Sunday he had a suggestion to make our counting more effective/enjoyable. (He was totally serious when he said this!)

"Mom when you count to 3 why don't you say..."one....two....three....READY OR NOT HERE I COME TO PUT YOU IN TIME OUT!!"

5 months old {sniff}

2009-05-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

Today Grant is 5 months old...I can't believe how fast he is growing!! Our family wouldn't be the same without him!! We didn't get alot of smiles in these pictures, but he really is such a happpy baby. He just goes with the flow and loves to be where the action is. He loves to stand up on our laps...He thinks he is such a big boy...I just want to tell him to SLOW DOWN and not grow up too fast.

new fav of my favs

2009-05-27T22:57:00.001-07:00

Love, love, loooove this picture!!

Mother's Day Wish Come True...

2009-05-24T23:31:00.000-07:00

I have been going through some serious photog withdrawals...Don't get me wrong...I needed to scale back for the sake of the fam...but my one wish for mom's day was a photoshoot with my favs....I started editing today and had to post a few...I haven't even edited half of them...I am trying out some new color stuff...not sure if I love it...but it is fun to play around with it...I am such a purist when it comes to editing...I can't stand overedited stuff...but I got a little sucked in with trying to make these "urban" looking... what do you think..? Sometimes I wish I would have upgraded and got the higher level of photoshop so I could just buy someone elses actions...but I like to figure stuff out on my own...I think :)

How much is that doggie in the window?

2009-05-19T17:20:00.000-07:00

Absolutly FREE!!(to a good home)

So if you haven't heard...we're moving to Utah this summer!! We are so excited that Ben got a job up there!! The only downside is Buddy can't come with us :(....He is a wonderful dog...but we will be renting and it seems most people don't go for pets...

Let me share a little about Buddy. We adopted him from the pound about 3 years ago. We figure he is about 4 years old now. He is completely house trained (with or without a doggie door). He is crate trained and we have a large crate that will come with him to his new home. He prefers to be in his crate at night and when we are not home...he seems to get a little anxious without it. He does well with kids. He likes to torment our cat...but they have learned to tolerate each other. He is a good guard dog and very protective. He barks at strangers, but is quick to warm up to them if we show him that we are ok with them. He seems to think he is a lap dog and loves attention, but doesn't demand it. He knows basic commands and can play fetch. He likes to play, but his favorite is to lounge..he is very mellow!! He doesn't walk real well on a leash, but we have been using a gentle lead that seems to help (also comes with him to his new home). He is a big dog....they think he has some lab and some Australian Shepard. Please spread the word about this wonderful dog...If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about Buddy please email me....

walworthphoto@cox.net

So good with kids...

This is what he does most of the day...super mellow....

DEATH by chocolate!!

2009-05-18T16:25:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY BEN!!

A FEW SNAPSHOTS FROM OUR LITTLE POINT 'N SHOOT OF BEN'S MONSTROUS CAKE!! AFTER WE CUT IT IT FELL APART AND ENDED UP IN A BIG BOWL...WE CALLED IT MUD PIE...YUM!!

Happy Mother's Day...

2009-05-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

"If we could have but one generation of properly born, trained, educated and healthy children, a thousand other problems of government would vanish. We would assure ourselves of healthier minds, more vigorous bodies, to direct the energies of our nation to greater heights of achievement." -President Herbert Hoover

For mother's day we made our moms and grandmas little "cookie cookbooks"...they turned out pretty cute if I don't say so myself :)....We let each of the kids choose their favorite cookie recipe (Matthew picked oatmeal chip, Christian picked peanut butter, Nina picked Snickerdoodles) and then they made it and I took pics...we put the pics along with the recipes into a small photo album and sent them a container of cookies with the book... Here are a few of my favorite pics...

RICE CEREAL

2009-05-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

SO, LAST NIGHT WE GAVE RICE CEREAL A TRY...GRANT DIDN'T LOVE IT, BUT BY THE END HE WAS ACTUALLY SWALLOWING A LITTLE. IT WAS FUNNY, BECAUSE EVERY TIME WE EVEN BROUGHT THE SPOON CLOSE TO HIS MOUTH HE WOULD START GAGGING :)

I LOVE GRANT'S FACE IN THIS NEXT ONE..."PLEASE DON'T MAKE ME EAT THAT!!"
CLICK TO ENLARGE

4 months old!!

2009-04-30T12:13:00.001-07:00

We just got back from Grant's 4 month check-up...First of all neither of us cried near as much for the shots this time. I can't believe he is 4 months old (sniff)!! He is such a fun baby. His personality is starting to shine. He loves to be around his siblings. He always has to know what they are doing and he loves to smile and giggle while watching them play. He can roll from his tummy to his back. He LOVES his hands (see picture below). He is so fascinated by them and could stare at them and eat them for hours. He is a great eater. The doctor gave us the go ahead for rice cereal today...so that will be a fun new adventure. He is sleeping wonderfully!! He takes good, long naps (yep that's napS...plural) during the day and he sleeps through the night...just waking once around 3:00 for a feeding!! We are so lucky!! We are pretty sure he is about to cut a tooth...chewing on everything and slobbering like crazy. He loves to talk and is very animated when he does. His little eyebrows and hands get into the stories he tells.

4 month old stats

Weight: 16 lbs 4 oz (75%...he has more than doubled his birth weight!!)

Length: 25 an 3/4 inches (75%)

Head: 42cm (50%)

THESE ARE JUST SOME RANDOM PICS FROM THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS

Scary Easter Bunny

2009-04-20T17:09:00.000-07:00

This post is a little over due...but it was too funny not to share...
Just a little background: This year on Christmas Eve we told Nina that Santa was coming...she was beyond excited!! Christmas morning she came out of her room and was super disappointed that Santa wasn't at our house. She thought he would be there to play with her...So the day before Easter...being the "wonderful" mom that I am...I thought I would avoid the upset by telling her that the Easter Bunny would come while she was asleep and leave candy for her. I was totally surprised by her reaction...She cried and said "Easter Bunny Scary!!" She kept saying it over and over again...along with "Easter Bunny no come!!" She was basically hysterical about it and wouldn't go to bed...she was so scared. We finally had to have her watch us lock the front door and we let her lock her bedroom door so she would go to bed. I guess if you stand back and think about it a strange creature sneaking into your house at night hopping around and leaving things is kind of scary. The next morning she was mortified to find baskets of candy at our house. Granted...she had no problem eating the candy, but she still thinks the Easter Bunny is scary and should not be allowed in our house.

"Weird Smell"

2009-04-10T10:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday after Nina got on the bus to go to preschool Christian and I were walking back into the house when the following conversation happened...

Christian: "I can't wait until I go back to school so I can ride the bus again..." (He rode the bus with Nina last year)

Me: "Yeah...the bus is fun isn't it..."

Christian: "The bus has a weird smell....I REALLY LIKE that weird smell..."

If you're happy and you know it...than your face will surely show it...

2009-04-08T09:49:00.001-07:00

Tiny Miracle...baby {L}

2009-04-07T15:07:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun with this little guy...he was actually born 2 days after Grant...but he was born 6 weeks early. He may be tiny, but his little personality is huge. Thanks for letting me capture all his sweetness!!I just love how he closes his little eye whenever he smiles or yawns...too cute!!

Happy Happy Birthday Matthew Dear....

2009-04-06T14:32:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I have a 9-year-old!! Matthew turned 9 on the 25th of March. He is an amazing boy and we are so happy that he is part of our family. He is a wonderful big brother...always willing to help with anything. He plays so well with his younger bro and sis even when they are not always the funnest to play with. He is very responsible and mature beyond his years, but he is still definetaly a 9-year-old boy. He says the most random things sometimes...we always say he must be in Matthew World. He does so well in sports, school, and scouts. He gets his bear award tomorrow night!!

My baby loves American Idol!

2009-04-01T10:22:00.001-07:00

First of all...Hope no one minds that this is becoming a family blog along with my photography blog...

Secondly Grant turned 3 months on Sunday...I can't believe how fast he is growing...no longer a newborn...He is really starting to show some personality. We can't get enough of his smiles...unfortunatly I have no photographic proof of his adorable giggles...the second I bring out the camera he turns into Mr. Serious... I think his siblings have clued him into the secrets of getting mom to stop taking your picture...little do they know that it is a lost cause...I can't help myself...they are all to stinking cute...serious or smiling!!

Now for the title of my post...This morning as I was feeding Grant I decided to cue up the DVR so I could fast forward through American Idol from last night (I can't handle watching it live, because I HAVE to fast forward through the annoying parts...you know what I am talking about right?)...Anyways...As we were listening to the first few songs Grant became so excited he couldn't eat...he actually turned his head and became mezmorized by the lights, sound, and movement on the TV....it gets better...he then started kicking his feet and waving his arms and "singing" right along with all his cute baby noises...It was so hilarious!! After a few songs he became disinterested...or maybe its because he is not a fan of Scott Macentire (I have to agree with him there...)

Happy Birthday Nina

2009-03-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

I am a little behind in posting...since we have a few March birthdays...better late than never...Nina turned 4 on March 13th. She is such an amazing little girl...our little survivor...She has grown up so much in the last year...most of that growth has taken place since Grant was born. Her speech has improved and she is becoming even more independent (if that is possible). She is well on her way to being potty trained!! She loves to play with her brothers (even if they aren't always super excited about it!!) She loves to help me in the kitchen and with the baby. She is a very gentle big sister. She loves school and loves riding the bus. She loves to dance and sing...I think she gets her moves from her dad!! :) Some people might say she is stubborn, but we like to call it determined. She loves to do things her way. We love Nina so much and we are so glad that she is part of our family.