Zander & Breck Photography

2010-08-10T08:59:00.003-04:00

I Wanted to let you all know my new blog address. I am still learning the new site. The new addess is http://zanderandbreck.wordpress.com

Thanks for all your support!

Moving on...

2010-06-14T18:21:00.001-04:00

I am working on a new blog and will soon be moving to that one. I will update you on the new address when I am finished.

Please Vote

2010-05-03T18:18:00.003-04:00

Our Home Team at church has recently started to volunteer our time and resources to this great cause. The woman who runs this makes 40 kids supper 4 nights a week and much more. What a HUGE task. So our home team divvied up and helped make a meal every Monday for a month. And hoping to continue this fall.

They have run out of space and so if you could vote for this cause they would have a chance at winning 250k to find a bigger place, feed these kids...but also mentor to them.

You can vote everyday! So please vote!

Updated Look

2010-04-17T20:56:00.004-04:00

Well, its been quite a while since I last posted. So I thought it was high time to get a new post on this thing.

You might notice a few changes. This is my free version of a new look, maybe someday when I feel like spending the money I will have a nice blog. But until then, this will have to suffice.

I did make some recent changes to my website though! Something I have been meaning to do for months now. I still have several more images to upload, especially to my family gallery, to add to on the site. But I hope to get those up in the next couple weeks.

But here is a preview of the new face on my website. www.ZanderandBreck.com

Happy Birthday My Sweet Boy

2010-03-02T22:02:00.005-05:00

My baby is two years old! And I attempted to be domestic and creative...well...it looks more disastrous then anything but it still tasted yummy. (If you are trying to figure out what it is - its Mickey Mouse...)

Cohen had to help a little - Landen's blowing was all downwards, lol.
And yes - we hit terrible two's! This is what I found shortly after breakfast the next morning...he managed to unsnap the container, get a spoon - and yes, dig in! Here is the guilty look! Caught!

Here is the aftermath....

Cohen's Room Redo

2010-02-15T22:04:00.006-05:00

I was bored Sat. and decided to tackle Cohen's room. I mean, besides the fact that the walls are FILTHY...no boy should be sleeping in a light pink room. Sorry bud.

So here is the before...

And here are the afters...( we are doing a super heros room...without over doing it.) The photos dont do it justice - maybe if I get some good lighting I will take a better after pic. But its still an improvement from the top photo!

Happy Valentine's

2010-02-15T21:51:00.003-05:00

So yesterday Aaron and I realized we didnt have buns for lunch. So a quick stop to Krogers and 2 entries later...we won this!

Came with 2 $50 bottles of wine/champagne, $100 worth of roses/stargazer lilies, Chocolate covered strawberries, chocolates,and $30 worth of prime rib steak...of coarse in the shape of a heart :)

So pumped! Total worth $250.

Before & After...

2010-02-08T15:43:00.003-05:00

So I finally have a couple before AND after photos...lots of before photos of everything. Hate to say it, not so many afters. Possibly because there are no afters on many of them.

But my loving father helped build me a GORGEOUS mudroom. Yes I am a northerner...we like our mudrooms. Whats not to like? I have learned that people in the south dont even know what a mudroom is. Not even the term mudroom. Haha, so sad.

Here is what it was....and what it now is. :) STORAGE, HOLLA!

And I also have 3 dressers to work on, one rocking chair, a desk(almost done), and a cute table. Not to mention I still have to paint 4 bedrooms, one stairway and hall. Paint the mudroom, office, and 3 bathrooms...so I have a LOT to keep working on. All in due time.

Here is the before and after of my $10 tv cabinet I found at a local thrift store.

Old Town Spring Session

2009-12-15T18:02:00.005-05:00

I had the chance to photograph the cutest little girl, whom I might add is packed full of energy, spunk, and even a lil sass. You can't help but feel complete joy and amusement with her. What a ball of energy. And she had the most gorgeous mama! Might I add - totally jealous of her hair! Such a fun photo session! Well, I could do without the freezing temperatures! Even my speech was slurred due to the coldness. I moved from MI to the south with hopes of leaving such horrid weather. And it found me!

Either way - I was introduced to this cute family and the cutest town called Old Spring. Here are some photos.

Save the Date Workshop

2009-11-17T10:40:00.006-05:00

Just a warning, this will be a LONG post due to too many photos posted.

I am also so proud of myself, I finally took the time to learn how to make a storyboard with my logo on it! Woohoo! Makes uploading WAY easier!

(I apologize I am a stream of conscience writer - whatever I am thinking I write with very little thought to the fact that it NEVER FLOWS! Must be the A.D.D coming out. Please bear with me as I struggle to learn better writing habits)

So here is what I did Sat. besides the amazing shoot with Matt & Jill's Family. I did a workshop! First one ever. It wasn't the type where they teach you the whole time but rather had models and location. But we had a chance to learn new lighting techniques and poses. And I learned a very important lesson with my camera! YEAH! Should help me in my photography.

We had several models but for whatever reason I kept changing to different locations and getting the same 6-8 models. And these were my fave images so that's all you're gonna get to see :)

Some of these images are a bit different then I have done - but it was nice to have something to add to the portfolio that wasn't like all the rest. Hope you enjoy!

**click images to enlarge**

Matt & Jill Family

2009-11-15T17:32:00.004-05:00

Its official - I need to do back exercises! Between shooting an AM session yesterday and then shooting from 2pm-dusk...my back kills! But it was definitely worth it!

Matt & Jill are friends of ours we met at our church when we joined a hometeam. We had only been to the church once (and only lived in TX one week) and hometeams (small group) were starting! Well, Aaron and I talked about it and said...we need to join b/c we dont have any friends, and connecting with the church will be a good start.

I went home, searched groups in our area roughly the same age as us with kids. God is nothing short of miraculous when we selected Matt & Jills group. Of the 7 families it consist of almost all little boys roughly the same age as ours. It has been such a blessing getting to know all of them as a group and individually. I can remember the first meeting alone with them...I felt so much like an outsider! Now 10 months later I can say that they are my closest friends and would call them for ANYTHING!

Well here are some photos of their ADORABLE family! Their oldest boy happens to be Cohen's best friend as well. We see him often...church, school, hometeam. :)

Enjoy!

New Location...

2009-11-13T14:32:00.004-05:00

The search was on! I needed some new spots to shoot - because who wants the same location for all your shots. Not me!

So I packed up some basic gear...which included the kids! And we headed to the town south of us. Its that old late 1800 - early 1900 look. Totally love! Unfortunately some of the great spots are better for evening shoots instead of my morning one tomorrow. But no worries we still found some cool hidden places.

Well, the have a train museum there, so of course the boys insisted we start there.

We then headed down an ally or two....loved those spots! My fave photo is Cohen sitting on the wood looking down. So sweet. He really was just moping..."no more Mom!" "are we done yet?"

One more photo...ok one more. O, I need one more. Sorry this is the last one! Poor kids. They are not going to learn what one more means when I actually mean 20 more! Hmm, note to self. Get better at saying what you mean...kids might learn bad habits.

Yes this is my attitude baby. Well, I take that back they BOTH have more attitude then one should be allowed. I didnt know so much personality could be packed into such a little boys. And they are both mine! :)

God Blessed Texas...

2009-11-11T09:21:00.004-05:00

God blessed Texas. I have now lived in Texas for 10 months. I now love it and can't imagine living anywhere else. Texans have a certain way about them. They are confident people whom don't really care what the rest of the world thinks. They are who they are, and they are proud of it. They dont need to tell you this in so many words to just know. You know.

I recently learned Texas has every right to secede from the US. They voluntarily joined, and they can unjoin themselves if they so desire. And they know this and love this. And I guess, now that I live here, I too love it! I'm growing a heart for Texas. I love their attitude, their weather, and its just so BIG! So how long must one live in Texas before they can consider themselves Texan? I'm afraid they will always call me a "damn Yankee." But I am working on changing that.

What is the difference between a Yankee and a damn Yankee you ask. Well, I was informed a Yankee visits...a damn Yankee stays. Hmmmm. So working on my Texan drawl to at least convince them is what I will do. If you're from Texas, you better believe I am listening to every word you say and how you say it.

This is what I have learned so far:

You do not say "you guys" it is "y'all" I have this one down pretty much.

You do not say "I'm going..." you say...yes I love this one..."I'm fixin to go"

"Ain't" usually replaces "Isn't"

"Who would have thought?" becomes "Who'da thought?"

and "Probably" becomes "Prolly"

Basically talk hill billy :)

And HEAVEN FORBID you ever say Pop! When at a restaurant you dont not ask what kind of pop they have. They will look at you with a blank stare of complete confusion. They dont even know the term! You may say a variation of this: Soda, Coke, or the exact beverage name.

Here was my mistake when first ordering at Wendy's:
Me: I would like a medium pop.
Order taker: Ugh......
Me: Oh, sorry I mean...soda? A Coke? I want a Root Beer Coke?
Order Taker: So you want a root beer or coke?

AGH! I still dont have this one....

While we are talking about Texans...they call this great state the Lone Star State. Do they like stars you ask? YES! How dare you live in Texas and not have a star! Almost every overpass (well the newer ones) in Houston has a star on every pillar. And have you ever noticed their sports teams? This just makes me just laugh. If your a team playing for TX you will probably have some sort of star on your logo.

Hows that for educational? Probably not very - but what can I say...my life is boring right now! And this is all I have to talk about :)

But I assure you...this weekend is gonna be packed with great photos!

Y'all have a great day! I'm fixin to go head out for a bit!

25 Things About Me

2009-11-04T13:55:00.003-05:00

I didnt know what to do for a blog today. So this is what I did today...25 random things about me. Probably a real Zzzzz for most of you but hey..its a post!

1. I love living in a warm state! Michigan was too cold!
2. I love garage sales. I could furnish my whole house on garage sale stuff..redone of course!
3. I want to road trip with no destination in mind..just drive.
4. I love showers, I could stay in a shower for 30 min or more.
5. I dream of traveling with world.
6. I can bend my fingers back on a 90 degree angel..without force..grosses ppl out.
7. I lived in Costa Rica for majority of 2008.
8. I always thought I would grow out of my "messy" stage..nope. My house looks like a teenage pad.
9. I love the sounds of my kids laughing.
10. I hate cooking...I recently went 48 hours without eating a meal cuz I didnt want to cook (dont worry I did feed my kids)
11. I lose everything. Even when buying a movie ticket I can lose it before we get to the entrance.
12. I love sleeping, but I never take naps or go to bed on time...hmmm.
13. I secretly am a Brittany Spears fan..shhh dont tell!
14. I love to dance...all the time. Yet you wont catch me doing it usually.
15. I got married at 19.
16. I had my first kid a couple months after turning 21.
17. I have lived in 6 homes in less the 4 years.
18. I love to stay up late and sleep in late. I would rather work at night. Which is an issue with kids. So now I stay up late and get up early. Bad combo.
19. I dream of being a singer...even tho I dont think I can sing well at all.
20. I absolutely LOVE living in Texas!
21. Please dont ever ride with me. I'm embarrassed how messy it is!
22. I am obsessed with music...ALL music...yes sad to say, I even like some rap.
23. I love laughing. Certain people can make me laugh so hard it hurts. ie. my brother and uncles.
24. I use to want 5 kids...HAHAHAHAHA
25. I love Mountain Dew...but it makes me really jittery..for hours. I'm talking like 8 hours. lol

Twitter

2009-11-03T14:21:00.001-05:00

I know I said I added twitter to my side bar...but it keeps malfunctioning..so I am working on it. in time I will figure this out! :)

If you want to follow though its KariWieringa yes boring I know :)

3 Day Marathon

2009-11-01T15:27:00.011-05:00

I know I said I was gonna post more - but this week kinda ran away from me and I have been crawling and pulling my battered body to keep up with it...fail.

My brother made an unexpected trip to our house last weekend. Which was fabulous - but definitely threw out the window my plans of catching up. But never would I choose catching up on housework over catching up with family and friends.

We joke that our house is the next Holiday Inn.. maybe I'll call it Hotelinga. :) Since we have moved to Houston, family and friends have been here non stop. There were some months were we didn't have one weekend to ourselves. It was really crazy. And I am not a very good house keeper nor do I enjoy cooking. Well I have had to do my best to pretend to be domestic, look that is. But if you do come, I promise to have clean sheets, towels, and something to eat. My house may not look like Martha Stewart...but y'all are always welcome here! And if you come in the summer months, which seems to be April - Oct. the pool is always a nice feature!

My crazy week consisted of working my kids Halloween party at school on Thursday, followed by lunch with a fellow photog who gave me great advice! Then ended with a meeting downtown with more amazing photogs and an Album co. that I cant WAIT to print with.

{Here is Cohen and his best friend Luke :)}

Then I finished processing two sessions the next day, followed by a pumpkin carving event at our friends. The boys didnt get to bed until 10:30! Yikes!{Aaron LOVES when I take his picture...good thing his wife is a photographer! Haha.}

{Aaron's first deer of the season,unfortunately his only one..}

{Here are all the pumpkins made!}

Then Saturday I had 2 sessions, and then a Halloween party at our friends where the kiddos watch Monsters Inc on a large screen outside. So much fun. Landen did his stealth move and found the Oreos...and yes...ate several. How many, not really sure. All I know is Sunday morning he didn't feel so well and I had laundry to do...yuck.

{Landen watching Monsters Inc in the driveway on the LARGE blowup screen}

Here is my first session with the fabulous family of Jonathan & Jana. Their boys are so stinking adorable, and SO sweet. But of course they had energy, they are boys after all :)

Second sesh was with the fabulous family of Scott & Lindsay. They have a one year old girl who was on the move! And she has the prettiest little face you ever saw! Saw Precious! I had fun exploring some new locations with them..I had them up and moving the whole time..but we got some great shots! Here are a few!

Hope y'all have a great week! And if you ever want to see more images I put more on facebook. You can friend me if you'd like :)

Whats in a Name?

2009-10-26T16:34:00.006-04:00

This week I was asked several times how I came up with my business name. I really struggled with a name for my company. I wanted it to sound professional, yet unique. I didnt like my name, it just didnt flow the way I wanted it to. Also, having grown up in a home where my father owned his own business - I learned that if you use your own name its really hard to sell it someday if it ever grows large enough. Not that that would be the case for me especially with photography. But non the less I was gonna take all the advice I had learned and go with it.

My first choice (not using my own advice) was Kari Wieringa Photography. Hmmm - didnt like it.

Second choice (which happens to be part of one of my email address unfortunately) Karinga Studios. Which was a blending of Kari and Wieringa smashed together to form Karinga..kinda creative I thought - it flowed better...but I still didnt like it. So I thought some more....

And then it hit me. I LOVE my kids names. Hence why I named them what I named them.

Cohen Zander & Landen Breck.

Now I didnt want it to be associated with them directly, so I used their middle names. I now had Zander & Breck. Flows well I think, and unique that is for sure.

That might have taken way too long to come up with and way too much brain power, but I am happy with it and thats really all that matters. And if I have more kids someday...too bad for them. I wont be renaming my company. Sorry possible future kiddos.

Here is a random photo from back when we lived in Costa Rica, great story that goes along with this photo/trip. Maybe I can blog that one later. Miss Costa Rica SOOOOO MUCH. I can't wait to go back soon...I hope...

WARNING: Park At Own Risk!

2009-10-19T15:10:00.004-04:00

This is a warning for family and friends - please no parking at OR near our house. With less then 4 months under our belt here at our home, we have had two crashes, one being a hit and run. Our poor friends come over for a nice dinner and end up dealing with a hit and run...lovely! Then my dad squeezed his "new" truck into our driveway (which fit all the way without sticking out) to ensure he would not get hit...even going the extra mile to remove the hitch, you know...just in case!

Ha - well he has a plane to catch, so he is out the door at 5:45am...he makes his way down the driveway with luggage following right behind. Stops, looks at his truck...says to himself, "hmmm, did I park like that last night? I dont remember. Why would I do that?" proceeds farther down the driveway..this is where the other car is hiding. Out comes a man with note in hand - yes he had walked home got his wife and was about to leave the scene by leaving us only a note...Does his car look drivable? Antifreeze all over the place...

When he hit the truck he managed to DRAG the truck 20 feet, leaving but one tire in our driveway, dang! How fast was he going? And I bet that cigarette was definitely worth bending down for.

Well police came (as I, unfortunately, have to now drive my dad all the way to the airport...which means no more sleep) come to find out...yes story gets more interesting...he works for the DEA with drug enforcement. His car is an unmarked car - cant find anything on ins. or license. Just one more thing to deal with....

Funny side story... Police and State troopers are outside with Aaron, Cohen comes out with two donut holes...which I NEVER buy...ironically enough I did the night before. Cohen proceeds to asks the cops "do you want a donut? There are some inside!" HAHAHAHAHAHA. I thought I was gonna die of laughter when I heard that. They got a good chuckle too I guess. So funny!

Here is a photo of the aftermath...kinda hard to tell in the dark...

Same day: Aaron found this lil sucker in our POOL! WHAT! Look at the size of that baby! Or should I say daddy! I dont understand why God thought this would be a cool insect to create. Personally I could have done without...extinction...I am ALL for! That thing could eat my children! I think I will call the zoo and let them know one of their spiders got loose. Yuck...yes I have arachnophobia, and snake-aphobia (whatever that one is called)

Here is the sucker....

Moving forward

2009-10-17T22:09:00.005-04:00

What a gorgeous day for photos today! And a couple new locations...which were AWESOME!

My first session with the wonderful family of Jared & Becky was a high energy shoot! It was deja vu with their boys...so much energy packed into one little kid - its astounding! I get tired watching, cuz I know exactly what she deals with each day. And what is it with children refusing to look at the camera? Its like they have this secret code of NEVER looking at the chic with the camera...its every session with a kid. If you have tips - please advise...I've tried about everything! We even hauled out the of so fab iphone to play sounds to get the baby to look...which surprising enough was the most helpful tool so far.

Here are a couple photos from Jared and Becky Fam.And then we had Vim & Sarah fam today. The kids energy...in check, Vim's energy...well he makes up for both kids! And it was a riot...they were all into trying different poses, which is wonderful for the photographer, I just snap away as they come up with cool ideas. So if you have a location and you have a pose you want to do - fire away, I am ALL for it!

I did wear my high heel boots up to my knees today...grasses up to my waste, abandoned school house, plus Texas = snake infestation??? I would imagine and I was NOT taking any chances...so I trumped around in high heels just so I could feel safe. It was all mental - but hey, I mentally felt better :)

Here are a few from the session...
If you want to see more from the sessions you can go to my facebook account and just search my name, you may have to friend me to see them though.

So on a side note - I bought a new lens yesterday! 50mm 1.8, GREAT reviews and only $100. How awesome is that. The only thing though...which is freakin me out...you cant zoom in and out with it. 50mm - thats it...and I feel like I am forever away trying to get the shots. Then again - it is a portrait lens. But I'm excited to learn, just gonna take some getting use to. And I found my new camera...so hopefully someday, sooner then later I will be investing in it! Fingers crossed...

Shooting ADD style

2009-10-15T15:20:00.005-04:00

Family photo shoot tonight! Score! I am so excited for tonight's shoot, they have two little boys like us whom are SO adorable! I'll post pics, hopefully tonight! I am begging the sun and heat to just not be this intense at 6pm though! 90 degrees on Oct 15...I was not expecting that.

I also have another shoot on Sat. with the most fab location!!!! Love having new locations to shoot at. My clients pick such great places to shoot! Cant wait to post photos from that session either. :)

I decided that order was in great need in ALL of my life. I suffer from a bit of ADD...I cant start 100 million tasks - but to finish one of them, nearly impossible! I have doc.s all over my house, my car is a mess, my house is...well a mess...even my computer! But not anymore. I spent the last day sorting and filing and purging.

Wow does it feel so good! I love organization - but yet I fail to ever do it...hmmm how do those two work together? My poor family.

And they say ADD is 80% inherited...my POOR FAMILY! Cohen..I am about 99.9999999999999% sure he has it. ADHD?? I know so many people frown on the idea of a 3 year old being diagnosed by it - but if you are a parent and you are dealing with a child with it - it is SO hard. I find myself finding ways to not ever have to be with him. Nap time..all day long if we could? I put him to bed earlier and earlier. I get so frustrated with him b/c he cant focus. I begin to feel as though I dont even want him around. How can a mother feel that way about her own child!!!??? I feel AWFUL! And that is being painfully open...judge me however you feel, but my life and how I feel is real to me along with my experiences...

So we have decided to get him tested. Not necessarily drug him - but to find out if this is the correct diagnosis. This way we know what we are dealing with and can get a professionals opinion and help. Unfortunately the test is a whopping $250. But worth it we believe. So we shall see...I just pray that Landen doesn't have it or any other children that we decide we want...It might be a crazy house!

Lets just say we will never lack entertainment here...whatever it may be...

I will post an update eventually...once we have scheduled and completed the testing.

Have a great day!

Oh yes and a pic....Let me go search through my so very organized computer for a photo for today...

Did that taste good?

2009-10-13T13:26:00.005-04:00

Last night Aaron and I went to a little photography meet and greet. (which by the way was hugely beneficial to me! Possibly even Aaron??) But anyways...my dad watched the boys while we were gone. Yea to free babysitting! :) We walk into the house - I ask my typical mom question. "How were they? Where they good? Did the go to bed ok?" Ok so more like an interrogation...but moms gotta know right? He proceeds with "Kids where good, went to bed ok...but Cohen ate a penny..." A penny! Every time I leave my kids with my dad Cohen does something bad.

First time he smeared poop all over his bedroom walls. I was out of state so my parents had to clean it. I was more then overjoyed that I did NOT have to clean that mess! I'm sure there are a bunch of other fun little stories...which just makes me laugh because these are all things that could easily happen to me! But they dont...just my dad...hahahahah!

Needless to say he was traumatized and wont be doing that again...thank heavens! Could have been so much worse! But it wasnt so I'm not gonna over dramatize what did happen.

On another note - I have been starting a list of places I dream to visit. Not sure how I came across this photo - but check it out, is it not GORGEOUS! Def. added to places to visit! Cant wait!

photo by:Frederic St-Arnaud

so my DH thinks this is fake. ( I know the building is real, but maybe not the landscape. I sure hope its real!)

Oh How I Love You!

2009-10-11T15:51:00.004-04:00

I am sucking up as much info as I can these days! I cant seem to get enough of it - I've joined forums, social photography groups, contacted photographers near me (some not so near), I've ordered books, printed FAQ on blogs and highlighted all the info I wanted to learn! I'm like a sponge! But I am SO EXCITED!

I was so mixed with what I wanted to do - move here, move there...this way, that way. Sell this, new job. AGH! I just wanted to scream. I began to feel I was losing who I was and what I wanted. I was becoming Aaron's wife and Cohen and Landen's mom. Which I LOVE, but I want to be Kari too. I needed something that was mine - something I could focus on and be passionate about. Something I could define who I am through.

Photography was my hobby - mainly I kept it a hobby because I was scared. Scared of failing, scared I wouldn't be good enough, scared people wouldn't like my work, scared to be me! I said "Oh if I just keep this a hobby - then no one will criticize me." But - I LOVE photography. I love the way it makes me feel when I get to a shoot - this rush of excitement for what I would create next! The progress I would make each time I shot. I would come home from a shoot and say "Wow..I just went to work, and it didn't feel like work at all! I LOVE my job!" Thats what I want. :)

I have so much to learn, and always will. And I have some distractions and obstacles to overcome (can we say kids?). But I am committed to this passion and dream of mine - with much enthusiasm! So get ready! Here I come!!

And whats a post without a photo? Here are a couple of my favorite shots of the boys last week. Don't they look so sweet and innocent? Bahahaha!

Merry Christmas to me!

2009-09-16T18:22:00.006-04:00

HELLO CHRISTMAS!

Ok , well thats what it felt like today!!!!! I LOVE designing business cards - takes me FOREVER, but I love the final product.

Well, I designed one for my dad and this co. allowed me to have the same front with multiple back selections on them! Cost well slightly higher but so worth it! The quality of these cards is amazing...I seriously am dying to make new ones for myself now! Just I cant justify it...yet!

Here is what they look like - the seven photo ones are the different backs. Then they all have the same front (one on the right)
On another note (Christmas feeling like as well!) The boys are in "school" again! Well couple days a week. Cohen is in class with his best friend Luke (they are part of our church home team on Sundays, Sunday school on Sundays, MOMS group on Fridays...and now MDO Tuesdays & Thursdays) Needless to say they see a LOT of each other! I cant get Cohen to leave any of the classes anymore...

Landen is doing well in class too - he is the oldest and quite determined to have his way. No naps for him in class either (which I am thankful he doesn't cuz he sleeps 3 hours for me when we get him hehe)

Here are a few photos of them off to their first day...(Landen almost toppled over his bag was too heavy from his lunch hahaha!)

I think I found it!

2009-07-20T16:51:00.003-04:00

So Aaron and I bought a house a month ago...and guess what...I JUST FOUND IT!

I have been unpacking and purging like non other! I am almost officially settled in. So I took a few photos. I have all of them on my facebook so you can click this link to see them all you can go to this.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=92275&id=500513159&l=09b277f3fd

here are a few if you have troubles viewing them on that link....

Golf: Where the ball lies poorly, and the players well!

2009-06-18T16:23:00.004-04:00

So we took the boys out for their first mini golf session! We see it across from our house, and well, we had to try it out once right? And I had a coupon for a free game. :)

Cohen thoroughly enjoyed his golf game. We stopped keeping score after the first hole for him though. Picking the ball up and placing it within one hit of the hole was how he preferred to play his game. But then again dont we all?

It was a good lesson in learning to wait our turn, or was it? Well, regardless it was fun. And WAY too hot. We waited until it was 7pm to go when it was only 89 degrees and humid. But much better then the 97 degrees and humid!

Here are a few photos of the boys in action!

Savannah promo

2009-06-06T14:17:00.005-04:00

I had my second photo shoot in TX! And yeah to amazingly gorgeous girls here! They seem to grow on trees here. And they all look like celebrities! First we have Mariah Carey...and now I'm thinking Catherine Zeta Jones?? :)

She was so incredibly nice, both her and her mom! I loved working with them - and they had some great photo ideas also, always nice!

Here are a few photos to preview.

Kelsey Sr Promo

2009-06-06T14:03:00.003-04:00

I had my first photo shoot with Kelsey - grad. 2010! We had such a blast - especially when she showed me this old abandoned part of town with this awesome track! I was so excited!
She has such a great personality, and really easy to take photos of - as you can tell. (I thought she looked like Mariah Carey sometimes..she apparently gets that quite often! Hmmm...wonder why? Wish I had that problem!)

Anyways here are some photos of the gorgeous and talented Kelsey!

Escapee!

2009-05-08T16:51:00.005-04:00

Yes I am still alive! Just MIA. Havent had much time to care about my blog...but I'm just not really a good blogger anyways. So you get what you get. At this rate...maybe 12 blogs a year! Yikes thats sad. Eh, but I'm over it.

Not really gonna get into anything much except this...

Landen is such a stinker!

He climbs everything, even manages to get into sinks! (with help from Cohen that is) He works the system by throwing himself all over the floor to make a scene. He cries whenever Cohen is near him just to watch Cohen get in trouble.

Over all he is just a big stinker.

Well here is the scenerio...

I cant see my dining table from the kitchen. I leave for all of 20 sec. and hear this from Cohen

"Mom! Landen is getting out!"

And I'm thinking...how can that be...he is pinned in his high chair. Well wiggle worm got out all right, I guess I have to strap this one in from now on!

Here is what I found! Glad I had the camera handy this time!

(keep in mind...he is not getting INTO the high chair...this is getting OUT of the high chair)

Enjoy :)

Website Launched!

2009-03-26T15:50:00.006-04:00

Many of you probably didn't even know I was launching a website! Well I am proud to announce it is officially launched! I'm really excited to see what will happen next with my photography. It's been an interesting road to say the least, but I'm glad to be doing something I love!

And since I just finished creating the site (with two small boys constantly fighting for my attention) I may have spelled a thing or two wrong...So, if you notice any corrections that need to be made please don't be shy! Better to take criticism then to look like a fool!

Well I hope you enjoy, and a HUGE thank you to all who have made it possible to getting me to where I am!

Here is the website: ZanderandBreck.com :)

Cohen's "first day"

2009-02-03T17:01:00.002-05:00

Well long story short - we moved to TX a couple weeks ago. And that's about all I am gonna explain at the moment, it deserves its own post someday when I feel like it.

But, Cohen did start a 2 day program called Mothers Day Out. Both boys are in their own classes from 9:30am-2pm Tues and Thurs. This is much appreciated since we have no family or friends in the area. And i think it is good for them to interact with other children.

Today was p.j. day hence why he isn't dressed for school. He was so excited to use his new backpack! And we got lucky and found a Thomas the Train backpack being that it isn't school season.

Here are a couple photos of him ready for school.

High School Musical

2008-12-04T17:31:00.001-05:00

So Aaron and I performed with the High School Musical group! Check it out, it was amazing! Time of our life.

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OVER A MONTH!

2008-11-17T22:30:00.003-05:00

I cant believe I haven't posted i a month! Life has been so so so so busy.

We are currently redoing, hmmm, like the WHOLE HOUSE and Aaron is back and forth, so its difficult.

But here is a few photos of the adorable triplets

Road Closed to Airport!

2008-10-16T11:57:00.005-04:00

So I just found out that they closed the road due to flooding and washouts....perfect! 9 days before I go home (and desperatly want to) it decided to down pour! Grrr!

Here is a video of the place next to us...not too bad but defintaly alot of water!

Here are the danger zones, yup we are basically in that red one on the coast.

If I have to drive 10 hours to go around to get to the airport...I WILL!!!

Manuel Antonio

2008-10-06T11:05:00.011-04:00

So on Saturday the family..along with the auntie...decided it was time for a little adventure. So they packed up the kiddos and half of the condo and took it to Manuel Antonio.

Here is the hot sexy momma, whom is wasting time because she had to send her hubby back to the car since she cant remember where she puts anything! So he went to go look for her wallet while they goof around waiting.

Here is Auntie Gwen, whom the family conned into staying for two weeks. Cohen looks pleased as always.

On the 5 minute walk...which turned out to be more like 20 minutes of hiking with two kids and half the condo... they encounter their first creature. A howler monkey.

they continue their journey, and I kid you not it was a journey...not that they were smart to learn from the first hike that you dont wear flip flops! Anywho...they come across what looks to be bamboo! Enough bamboo to make a few hardwoood floors I would say!

Almost....there....

White sand! They have found white sand! Its a miracle! But the 2 year old is still aprehensive of this thing they call ocean.

from the looks of it, there will be no convincing him to go in.

They plop themselves down in the water, and after one wave they are done.

Suddenly out of no where a huge snake is apon the dad and the boy! They run for their lives but they just arnt fast enough, soon they find themselves in the back of a brocken down truck with 2 flat tires headed to the nearest hospital that is 4 hours away up hill both ways!

No actually, let me look closer, oh good! I think it is just a branch. For a minute I was scared for the family. Nice set up on the beach, no people side by side.

But it does look like the raccoon wanted a piece of them. And shooshing it away isnt gonna work with this one. Good thing the family didnt head to the ocean with the baby in the tent!

And then we have the Aunt laying out doing nothing of course. All she ever does is lay around eating our food, and taking up vaulable condo and beach space.

Then there is the mom again, and from the looks of it you would have thought...hmm whats in that milk? But really I think he is just resting

Oh sure enough, up goes that lil head.

Oh, and now he's in front. I do believe that was a sequence shot, that is how fast that baby is. He went from 3 totally different positions in a matter of 3 sequential shots. Amazing, how does she do it I ask myself?

Oh, what a mess. Good they they choose to do white sand this time...at least you wont be able to see it in his hair. Yum.

What a sexy couple. What more can I say.

Can we say Iceman? He shoulda casted for Top Gun. Definitely would gotten the part.

So apperently it looks as though the two year old would prefer to just hang out by himself.

Got sand?

Look at those hot babes! It was like stinken paparatzie followed them all the way to the beach, cameras with flash going off everywhere trying to capture the beauty of them. It was almost too much to take. but they handled them selves ok, they are used to the attention.

I believe they chose this photo to put on the cover of Sport Illustarted Swimsuit Edition.

Apparently Aaron aimed the camera too low and missed the great scenery!

They encountered many crabs along the walkway back to the car.
And also a couple sloths.

The Aunt made out well on the way back, a tiny backpack and the tiniest kid, thats it! How did she con her way into that small amount while mooching off the family for two weeks. I cant beleive they let her get away with it!
Then to their amazement they come across a small deer. Funny thing is, all Aaron can dream about is killing a deer, and here he finds himself petting and making friends with what is supposed to be his prey!

Again, another sloth at the resturaunt.

Yes, she looks slightly wet from her suit, how uncomfortable.

They had some nummy slushie drinks at the resturaunt, and a very nice view I must say!

*side note, total slander about Gwen! She really is more helpful then what appears in this blog* :)

Photo Filler

2008-09-22T12:40:00.012-04:00

Thought I would fill you in on the last 3 weeks! I thought it was going to go slow this time, but after i got through the first week - it has been flying by! So here is a mini story book...ok more like a picture book! haha!

It was a hot, muggy night. Cohen and his father were swimming in the pool. Suddenly they see lizards running along the edge of the pool. They snatch them up, and the tails fall off! Ewww. Then they bring them upstairs to show mommy! Major ewwww! THEN, believe it or now. The 2 year old asks "Eat?" Causing his father to say " No No No!" Major, major ewww!

The next day Cohen and his family go swimming at the pool. His parents think to themselves that we need to try the swimmies and vest again. Will it work this time? Will the child freak out like before? We shall see!

He does it! Yeah! Freedom to swim on our own, its a miracle.

Then there's the 7 month old boy, what does he do you ask? Well, he for one sits by the pool in his new bumbo and if its shallow enough even in the water. He is a little water rat when he gets the chance. He is also crawling now so his parents have to contain him now. They get very tired and frustrated watching two active boys all day long!

The ticos have a holiday, their Independance Day. So the family heads to town for the parade! Yeah something to entartain their children with! Wait, it starts at 7:30am! Who starts a parade at that time, oh yeah, its too hot to do it later. This is what they think is the reason behind the early time. So they head into town. Thankfully someone offers them a ride, it was much farther away then they planned, and WAY hotter then they imagined.
They wait, and they wait, and they wait some more. Cohen is crying and being difficult. Landen is sweating profusly. The parents are annoyed and aggitated it is now 8:15am, and it has yet to start! So they watch it in fast motion walking against the crowd headed BACK to the condo. They almost died, but thankfully they didnt. (side note: the reason it "starts so early you ask...because they cant get it organized faster then an hour and a half!)

Later that week they decide to try cheerios for the baby since he got his first tooth that week. Maybe if non the less it will entartain him! Sure enough, he love sto play with it.

Landen also went from not being able to get up on his crib to in 24 hours trying to climb the crib! Thankfully he has to grow a little more before this is possible, but a new crib is in dire need!

And then! Yes, it gets entertaining at this point. We all know Kari's fear if snakes. Deathly afraid if you didnt know. Well we are going to as they are told "drive up and look at some land" so to them they think drive means we will be in a car. Nope! Wrong, they will be hiking a mountian! 8 football fields in length to be a little more specific. What did they wear you ask? Well let me tell you what they wore. Sandles, and shorts! Ha, great gear for hiking undeveloped land where snakes are prevelant! So the alternative, stay in the car for 2 hours with kids and wait. I think not! They will take their chances with the snakes.
So with kids in hand(or arms more or less) they hike through the muddy wet tropical rainforest.

But the kids dont seem to mind in fact I think they like the laziness of no walking and the cool view! Even though the parents are slipping and sliding all over. Feet covered in red mud, clay. Whatever it was.
Then they must cross a river, Kari's father offers to carry her across - but, she is already out of her comfort zone might as well go through it on her own.

Then it got kind of interesting! Horses wandering around the path and forest. Cohen thought this was really cool.

Once they reach the top there is a couple men working. Two cattle, a dog, and an intersting cart.

Soon they head back...

Aaron lands in a ton of mud and goes back to the water to clean it off, leaving Jay and Kari with two kids and a camera and TONS of slippery mud! Finally Jay takes both kids for a short stint. Wussy Kari coudnt handle the heat and holding a kid. Ha, get in shape I say!

The End! Until next time!

We're Back!

2008-09-07T23:05:00.005-04:00

So I am back in Costa Rica....and should have a lil more time on my hands to get my blog up and going again. Only problem...my computer crashed 2 weeks plus ago and I am still waiting! Ugh! So my blogging is really bad. I also did 7 photoshoots while I was in MI and that was enough to make me go crazy then to have my comp crash during it all...Not cool at all.

Hopefully I get it back this week. But my loving hubby has allowed me to use his comp occasionally so I will add a few photos from Aug. More to come obviously when my comp is back in my loving arms haha.

My bro waving to someone, but it just makes me laugh when I see it. Hahaha.

Of course another great photo that just makes me laugh again...hahaha!

But this photo takes the cake. My dad is wakeboarding! I about died!

Favorite photo of the summer. Maybe of the year! Two of the best things that ever happened to me...makes my heart melt when I see them smiling with each other. This photo was not prompted either!

Pathetic Blogger

2008-08-06T17:15:00.004-04:00

Yes, life has taken over and I forgot about my blog. Sad maybe...but I'd like to think I am enjoying life so there isn't much time to sit at my computer.

I have a ton of photo shoots while I am home...thankfully this keeps me occupied at night for I might be bored otherwise.

The boys and I have been from one cottage to the other and then some....but getting much playtime - and it was much needed! Interaction is key right now.

Well here is a photo shoot of my husbands cousin. He wanted some Sr photos on the wakeboard. Here are a few...I will get them on my www.karingastudios.smugmug.com I will add them to that after our downtown session. Here are a few I really like:

My Little 4x6 photo calendar

2008-07-18T20:11:00.002-04:00

I am always looking at my computers calendar for dates i am home or need to schedule fights ect. So I thought! Why not make a cute calendar of 4x6 photos. Here is what i came up with :)

SNAKES

2008-07-17T10:03:00.004-04:00

This is one of the things I think God could have done without. And i now think they should be extinct. Well any poisonous, body crushing types...

I just thought I would share this with you all....as some of you know...I am DEATHLY terrified of snakes...ans spiders! Almost to the point I want to throw up just thinking about them....literally! I was recently told that in the event you get bit, you must find the snake and bring it to the doctor so they can give you the right anti venom! WHAT! WHAT! You have GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! What scares me even more is if my child got bit and I didnt know it was a snake and then you have to go find it! WHAT! Okay - so maybe I am over reacting. But the possibility is still here as long as I live here. If I ever live in the country side believe me you, Our "yard" will have NO vegetation or at least very little on it. AND it will have a large stone wall around it!

I have yet to research spiders...but the more I learn the more scared I get, so maybe being nieve is good?? I dont know. But I like Michigan b/c it has nothing to fear.

Here is a statement I read on a blog:

"Still, caution is always the watchword. Never reach into holes or under rocks, debris, or forest-floor leaf litter without first checking with a stick to see what might be quietly slumbering there. And remember that many snakes are well-camouflaged arboreal creatures which snooze on branches, so never reach for a branch without looking. You should even be cautious when peering inside bromeliads: the dark-colored chunk-headed snake likes to doze inside the moisture-collecting plants during the dry season." ecointeractive.wordpress.com

And a lovely video if you dare watch it!

Photo time!

2008-07-17T01:29:00.007-04:00

So here is the last 2-3 weeks of photos I negelected to post. Finally, finally, finally!He's so stinken big! I can't believe he is five months old!

Here Cohen, Landen and I are at Bubba's..yum! Our friends Hundley's thought we should try it. Yup they were right its awesome!

Cohen and Parker at their own lil table.

Ya, Cohen climbed in this on his own...little big eh?

The bridge you have to cross to get to Manuel Antonio....well the first bridge like this. Ya, I couldn't believe we did this with 2 kids in the car. But then again, notice the large truck ahead of is....he made it, we should be able to right!?

On the bridge...yikes!

After the bridge we came up to a few palm trees...., no MILLIONS of palm trees. I have never in all my life seen so many palm trees. Row after Row for 20 minutes of driving. I guess they use it for lumber? I think at least.

Yes, thats ALL palm trees...hard to see though.

Landen and Aaron, chillin at the beach in Manuel Antonio. It was gorgeous there. Definitely recommend visiting it if you go to Costa Rica. There is actually white sand! (well whiter then Jaco!)

Here we are at El Avion. The brought an old military plane up the mountian and have it hanging over a cliff, its a resturant. It was pretty cool. Amazing view too. Great entertainment for Cohen to say the least.

Ya I dont know what we was doing. Being crazy.

Another great thing to visit if you go to Costa Rica. Vila Caletas. Its absolutely breathtaking. I have never seen so much ocean as I did here. It really puts in to perspective how massive the ocean is and how awesome or God is! This picture dosnt even come close to the incredible feeling you get being their.

Well, I hope you enjoyed...thats all I have for now.

2008-07-16T23:55:00.003-04:00

Here is 3 videos into one. My blogging has been bad - but I just haven't had the time. Sorry. And since I have soooo many photos I should upload...i went the easy route and just did video. The video isnt the greatest of quality cuz i didnt feel like waiting 10 hours for the good one to upload.
But here you go!

House for Sale/Rent

2008-07-04T15:06:00.003-04:00

So our house is for sale/rent. So if you know someone interested let me know!

Here is a link of photos:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27958&l=33a4c&id=500513159

and the link to the GRAR listing:
http://public.grar.com/public/pubrecn.mac/start?MLS=722150

Mommy Calling Card

2008-07-02T18:56:00.004-04:00

This seems to be getting quite popular, mommy calling cards. At first I thought, why in the world would a mom need a "business" card. Then the more I thought about it, in this day and age..EVERYONE should have one. How many times do you write you phone number or email for someone! Maybe I just do a lot, but as a mom I can definitely see where this would be so handy. So, here is am example calling card...If your interested in purchasing some let me know. (If you would like a different design I am working on more.)

$30/ pack of 90
$40/pack of 180

karingastudios@gmail.com

Thanks.

Lack of Blogging

2008-07-02T10:54:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the lack of blogs, I have been super busy and just too tired to work on photos or post new blogs. This week should be better :)

Thanks,
Kari

New Business!

2008-06-28T19:06:00.006-04:00

I wanted to announce to everyone that I am going to start creating custom cards such as birth announcements, thank you, graduation open house, wedding invites, christmas...ect.

Its something I can do from Costa Rica and have printed in the states and shipped directly to your house. So then only way to get a hold of me will be through email, but I am working on getting a bunch of templates up so you can choose the one you want. Simple enough right?

Here are a few examples.
So let me know if you are interested. I will try to get pricing up soon.

Thanks!
Kari

You have a baby!....In a Bar!?!

2008-06-21T22:02:00.006-04:00

Some photos from this week :)

Playing soccer with the Bartender! Thanks Keiler for entertaining him!

Got dirt?

Mmmmmmmmmm.....

Cohen busting a move!

Ooo, sexy legs! haha, we were dying! He was dancing away on the bar!

Boys getting jiggy

Obsession!

2008-06-14T18:10:00.013-04:00

I cant stop taking photos lately! Yikes! And I just want to show everyone what all we have been doing. So, here are a ton of photos from today. My poor camera, and family haha!

Good job Aaron! He apparently has been watching how I take photos and was getting creative.

Me and the honey...It was so hot we went for a dip before our "siesta!"

Another great shot by the hubby!

Our new little tent thingy, so much sun, and it moves so quickly that by the time nap time is half way through the sun is getting to him. Not good.

So serious.

He looks like he should have a drink in his hand...haha!

Looking for "colonies" in the pool. Thats Costa Rican money...

There's the 20 colony coin...guess what that equals in US money....$0.04 Everything is in the millions here. $1,000 in colonies is equal to $2.00 in US.

My hoard of crap by the pool. When I said I took everything with, I ment I took everything with! Haha. My philosophy...if we are headed down to the pool, we make one trip!

He is giving me some great shots lately. I can not complain :)

Aaron hiding from the camera...grrr.

Gotcha! Finally he smiled!

This is my fav. view of the pool. My butt sitting on a chair, Landen sleeping, and Aaron playing with Cohen. And please don't get it in your head that I get to do this often. In fact this NEVER happens.

Series shot of Cohen's daring back fall!

Until tomorrow! :)

All in a days work...

2008-06-14T01:45:00.008-04:00

Here are some photos from today :) I actually have more I want to upload from last week - just haven't gotten to those yet. I also have been trying to find a font for my photos with my name...trying this one out - my fav so far.

Cohen and his love for trains!

Daddy and his boys.

Trying to work with Landen...hmm how did that work for ya?

Agh! Mom with the camera again!

Checkin' things out.

He couldn't see the helicopter it was so bright out...so here he is sporting my hot sunglasses. Cool dude!

LOVE this photo!

Super Man!

Awe, mom's favorite! Nap time by the pool. Doesn't get much better then that.

Dancing...to what music I'm not sure...

Thanks Grandma for these lovely ribs I inherited!

Oh! Are we screaming AGAIN?!? When does it stop.

Attempting to take a photo of us...I think I did ok this time around.

My sweet baby boy.

Pool time after supper. Teaching him to jump in. He's getting better, he fell into Dad backwards tonight, now that is trusting! I dont think I would do it. For good reason too!

Say "Cheese!"

Video

2008-06-12T14:49:00.004-04:00

Here are a couple videos for the family back home :)

Gwen making Landen laugh so stinken cute! Too bad you cant hear the thunder in the background!

Cohen being crazy and jumping on the bed, and trying to make Landen laugh..again..

A Day in the Life of the Wieringa's

2008-06-09T17:04:00.005-04:00

So many people wonder what all we do down here...well to be honest not a whole lot! We 'have a car yet, and even if we did...Aaron would have it for work. So during the work week when it is just me, Cohen, and Landen this is what we do!

8:00 get out of bed (yes I know I do not get up easily, but if the boys sleep, I sleep!)
Feed Cohen and myself.

8:30 Get our bathing suits on and lather up with lotion pile all the pool toys into the stroller along with towels, hats, sunglasses, 2 rafts, water, diapers, wipes.... (we are the third story up so I have to be prepared so I don't have to come up all the time!)

9:00 head to the pool kids and junk piled on the stroller. We then play with our new buddy Saoul (he is 17 months - lil Costa Rican who lives at the condos) And Erika, Saoul's mom, helps me watch Cohen while I deal with Landen. And we tried to communicate with what little spanish and english we know together.

10:00 Landen falls asleep on a lounge chair in the shade...all by himself! So nice! So Cohen and I play in the pool at this time...

11:00 Feed Landen by the pool. While Erika plays with Cohen.

12:30 Head up to the room for lunch (Landen quick cat nap)

1:00 Clean up after lunch, pick up the condo, and yes...believe it or not I make food for later that day! (Today was guacamole and jello...not much but its a start for me!)
Meanwhile Cohen plays with his trains and sometimes watches Thomas the train.

2:00 Feed Landen and Put Cohen to bed. (Cohen we struggle to keep in bed sometimes..) I put Landen down as well, and he falls asleep on his own! YEAH! Both sleep till 5:00

Meanwhile during this time...I sit on my butt! Haha, this is when I catch up on emails, work on photos, munch on food, drink my juice, and watch a movie...while trying to learn spanish from the subtitles.

5:00 Boys up, feed Landen. Change diapers...and if dad is home (usually is by this point) we head to the beach and watch surfers. An occasional swim on those much too hot days.

6:00 supper (typically Aaron cooks. I hate to cook!) Haven't found many things to make yet. There is limited supplies at the grocery store and when I find the section I need I cant always read it. So I have learned to type my grocery list and translate into spanish before I go so i can find what I need easier.

And if you have any meals I can make with very few ingredients let me know! I need some more! Chicken meals are good - ones that don't require a grill..if you have any email me at karingastudios@gmail.com Thanks!

Occasionally for supper we head into town. We have found a few places to eat and with a whole meal with drinks cost only $8.00! Crazy I know. Makes it easier to go out.

We find things to do till bedtime...such as play with Saoul down by the parking lot. They are learning to share....well trying to teach anyways.

8:00 Bath time....

8:30 Feed Landen get boys ready for bed

9:00 read books to Cohen and have him in bed by 9:15 While getting Landen ready for bed and him also in his crib.

*sigh*

Then...for maybe an hour Aaron and I lay in bed and watch the first half/middle/end of a movie...never the full thing :)

And to bed by 10:30! (Its dark here by 6:00 so you get tired here early...and its light by 5:30!)

So anyways thats what our day is like!

And...we're back!

2008-06-03T19:36:00.008-04:00

Thought I would share some photos, I neglect my blog when people are here visiting. Which has been 3 weeks out of the 4 that I have been here! Haha. Enjoy the photos :)

Here is one of the spectacular views we have on our way to Jaco

Attempting to entertain the child by the pool....doesnt last long.

Moping around, definetly was in a mood today.

Leaning in for a kiss from Aunt "Bwen"

Cohen and I floating in the pool, I know you all think this is all I do all day...but this was a rare moment. In fact if was over as soon as we started! *sigh*

A photo of how I feel most days...(and NO i am not really strangling my child, I would never really do it)

Landen being his cute self.

Laughing at Aunt Gwen being silly, and looking as stupid as she sounded haha.

And our suprise for Cohen, oh he was soooo excited. So were we! Occupies him well.

Costa Rica here we come again...

2008-06-01T22:45:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone,

So we made it yet again! And this time our second flight was a flight of bliss! two sleeping kids the entire way. and I mean the entire way! Wonderful!

Its quite humid here, but it didn't rain till today. We missed two tropical storms that collided and rained records amounts of rain. Unfortunately my poor bro and his friend had to endure 3 days of it. Yuck.

Tomorrow we head to Palmeras to look at homes. Find a little house to rent there. Cooler climate at night and a playground of the kiddos? And hopefully a fenced in back yard! that would be a dream. We shall see, they say there are homes to look at, but you never know if they actually will have it set up to see. "tico" way of things I suppose.

Well, I haven't been here long enough to have a ton to write, just wanted to quick update. :)

Have a good day.

Porcelain Doll

2008-05-24T16:07:00.004-04:00

I recently did a photo shoot of an adorable 2 1/2 month old. She looked like she could be a porcelain doll. Here are some of the photos from the session.

All Natural

2008-05-17T15:46:00.004-04:00

I'm forever in love with natural lighting. You cant create the real thing. Its been so nice and sunny and with our huge sliders all over the house I have been taking advantage of it. Here are a few of Landen on our bed this afternoon. (Cohen was with Gpa & Gma so we had all the time we needed for the photo shoot)

Boys will be Boys

2008-05-17T09:18:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I headed over to my friend Tara's house, and she has a boys dream house...trucks everywhere, and they had just bought at a garage sale this lovely yamaha "gator" the boys were in love. Good thing it didnt go too fast.
Here Cohen is steering and someone else would have to push the pedal. Usually Christian from the other seat. Quite comical if you ask me.
Oh look! Cohen smiles for a camera! I dont know how you did it Tara, but good job!
Oh and look...she gets him to smile again! Maybe its just me he wont smile for...hmmm.

Garage Sales...

2008-05-15T22:12:00.003-04:00

Me and the boys headed out for some garage sales today...my favorite (cant wait to do it WITHOUT them though) But in the horribleness of taking them in and out of the car we found some pretty sweet deals! Cohen's favorite would be the three loaders we found. They move and make noise, very loudly...but I don't care - they entertain him! Thats all that matters now!
He even fell asleep in the car holding one of them.I also hauled out the exersaucer for Landen. propping him up and he sits pretty good in it. He is SO strong. He held his head on his own most of the time without wobbling. 2.5 months, that's pretty good I think!

So Big!

2008-05-12T10:45:00.004-04:00

I cant believe how big my boys are! The first kid grows fast, the second grows faster! Cohen isnt my little baby anymore...and I'm afraid I will blink and Landen is going to be Cohen's size.

Landen's 2 Months

2008-04-28T10:11:00.005-04:00

I wanted to get two month photos with Landen, and I wasnt going to spend all day getting it set up. So I took a couple this morning...also for Aaron since he cant see the boys. Here ya go babe :)
Cant wait to see you!!

Nap Time!

2008-04-26T14:06:00.002-04:00

Cohen was mad at me for locking him in is room. This is were he gave up and took his nap..lol. Right behind his door. And Landen enjoyed Ben. Both cashed out on the couch. Sleep equals peace!

Aaron's Boys...

2008-04-25T13:59:00.003-04:00

Here are some photos for you Aaron :)

Landen sleeping away ...yeah!

And Cohens new garage sale purchase. He's in love with it!

High Tide

2008-04-19T23:39:00.007-04:00

Doug ..aka..."boppy"...headed out to the ocean to play in the waves! Cohen thought it was great...asking "more" The pictures show a better job then I can tell. So I have posted WAY WAY WAY too many photos :) (if i counted right...25 photos! The most ever!)

Enjoy!

Our "home" away from home

2008-04-15T19:15:00.007-04:00

I know lots of you are curious what our condo looks like so here is a bunch of photos of our condo unit. Its a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath 1,820 sq ft. The only thing with that though is they count exterior terraces with that.

Here is a floorplan of our unit.

Definitely not the cupboard space I have at home!

Dining rooms are outside...and if you notice the railing is NOT up to US codes. We stapled mess to it so my children down fall 3 stories.

Where the magic happens...haha...

Master bath...not very to give kids baths in but oh well it works.

I had to downsize on closet space. But you dont need much clothing here!Cohen's bedroom - the bottom of the bed pulls out into another bed, we pull it out half way so if he falls he at least lands on another bed. The beds are SO high.This was mine and Aaron's room for the first week. Crib is in this room, its kinda the office to. I am currently typing in this room :) Bottom right corner is a desk.The crib that was made f or Landen. Drawers are awesome in it! Why dont they do this in the states??Our view, not the greatest...but then again we arent out there that much.

Krusteaz!

2008-04-15T19:09:00.003-04:00

I have a difficult time getting Cohen to eat much for breakfast, well when Landen was born our Pastors wife made some coffee cake and Cohen LOVED it...so I started to buy Krusteaz Crumble Cake for Cohen's breakfast. Not sure how healthy that is - but I figure its healthier then not eating at all.

Well anyways, we were shopping last night at one of the many grocery stores here in Jaco and low and behold I find Krusteaz! YEAH. I was so excited. Good thing I have made a few batches before though because they had a sticker over the directions and ingredients all in Spanish. So between understanding a little Spanish and memory I was able to bake it. It smelled like home today in our condo :)

Surf's Up Dude!

2008-04-15T10:58:00.004-04:00

A couple whom we know from back home in MI was down the same week staying at our condo resort.

Their kids borrowed our surf board and headed out to the ocean to try it...well of course I wanted some cool surf photos. Here's Tyler getting the hang of surfing. for some reason surf pics always look cool.

I love this photo! I think it looks like a Hollister photo.
Cohen is in love with the board! He booked out as soon as he knew he could make it without getting dunked.

A place of our own

2008-04-12T17:39:00.008-04:00

We finally have the condo to ourselves! Yeah! It is a world of difference 4 people in a 3 bedroom vs. 7 of us. I couldn't even judge how I felt the first week b.c there were too many of us on top of each other. Cohen did better with more space today - I think we all did.

Well I'm not much for words lately, maybe when I get a chance without chasing kids I can sit down and write a little more, but for now....

...here are some more photos!

2 year pictures

2008-04-11T18:00:00.005-04:00

I haven't had many photos of Cohen because he is horrible at sitting or smiling or anything! But i finally have 2 year pictures of him. Granted he isn't looking, but I thought they reflected him quite well :) Enjoy the collage.

Another Hot Day

2008-04-11T14:38:00.005-04:00

Well, I seem to be taking more and more photos! AGH! Maybe too many? I've decided my photos look better in a warmer climate. Haha.

So I better post what I have today or I will have too many by the end of the week.

Here is what we have done today in a matter of....the last 3 hours!

Cohen posing for me - wow he smiled! Kinda.

Me and the boys - I think Landen was actually sleeping here.

Oh this is classic - me chasing Cohen with a baby in my arms...this is my everyday!

Cohen running like the wind...everywhere we go he run run runs.

Mom pushing the boys on one of our walks. It was cloudier today, but way hotter then it has been...or at least much more humid. We didnt walk very far needless to say.

Dogs are everywhere! On the beach, streets, allies, resturaunts. Kinda creeps me out with the boys.

A quick update of photos....

2008-04-10T19:22:00.005-04:00

The boys very first plane ride - went very well. Actually the plane ride so far has been the easiest part. Cohen asked today if we could go home...oh break my heart. I felt so bad.

All four of us - Landen is hiding under the cover though...

Cohen learning to jump in the pool. He has gotten better I will say!This is what we do all day - sleep, which is great b/c I am chasing Cohen that whole time.
People comment on how tired I make them by watching me.

Look how far away we are from the condo...and this was only half way to the water.

Aunt Heather playing soccer with Cohen - I think she is ready to kill him. They share a room and he is constantly hopping in bed with her and waking her up early. Lets just say she is ready to go home and dosnt want to come back this summer.
This is how far it is to the water - yes that is my sleeping baby in that stroller a LONG ways away. Dont worry even at 10am the beach is always this dead.

Here my precious is sleeping soundly :)
Until I have more I hope you enjoyed!

Hola!

2008-04-06T16:25:00.003-04:00

So we are here finally.

The past six weeks, since Landen was born, might as well have been 2 days. I about blinked and here we were.

The trip down went amazingly well. Cohen was compliant which was a Godsend. Landen literally slept the WHOLE way. Woke only to eat, but never even fussed. Hallelujah. I did however use a pipe for Cohen. Ooops. But you know what, it was so worth it.

It is very Hot here. So hot that I haven't been able to keep Landen asleep during the day. The condo is small with 7 of us in it - Cohen is feeling cramped so he wants to be outside 24/7 but Landen doesn't like the heat so he wants to be indoors. Greeeeat!

Here are some photos I took this morning on the beach. I have some from the plane I will have to put on later ( they are on another camera)

*My three boys, what a beautiful sight!

*This is our condo we live at, for now at least.

*I think this photo looks like something out of the movies or a dream or something...I love it!

More to come soon!

Another Love in my Life...

2008-02-29T08:13:00.005-05:00

So I promised some photos of the newest lil one....here are a few but they are also on my karingastudios.smugmug.com plus more :)

Landen Breck Wieringa

2008-02-25T13:38:00.004-05:00

Aaron and I had our baby boy!

He happened to make is due date by 3 min!

His name is Landen Breck
Born on 2.22.08
at 11:57 pm
He weighed 8lbs 5 ozs (yes i like to have big babies...)
He was 19 1/2 inches

I was so glad to actually VBAC! Almost didnt happen - but am grateful it did.

Here are a couple photos - more to follow someday soon :)

Needed a lil laugh....

2008-02-07T16:17:00.000-05:00

Here are a few cartoon pregnancy laughs for readers out there...if nothing else I feel better reading them :)

Moving to Costa Rica

2008-02-04T15:57:00.000-05:00

Well Aaron and I have a new announcement. April 4 we will be moving to Costa Rica! Its been in the works now for a while - just everything has finally come together and are now able to tell everyone.

I will be back and forth a bit - but having two little boys might tie are hands a little bit on how much we travel...

We are really excited and anxious now. A new baby and a new country all in a few weeks! This is potentially only temorary (5-10 years) But we will just take one year at a time and see where the Lord leads us.

I would give you more of a job description - but I dont really know exactly what he will be doing - he has a better understanding then I, so when I figure ut out I will explain more :)

Well I hope you all have a great day. Please pray for us in the upcoming months as we have a lot of adjustments to make.

Thanks!

Here are some photos:(Here is the beach we will be living on)

(another photo of the beach/town)

(The condo we will be living...gorgeous!)

(and the gorgeous pools at the condo)

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction

2008-01-26T11:08:00.000-05:00

what is that you ask....well...lets just say it HURTS LIKE @&##!!!!!! Cohen decided to crawl under a gate that had only a half foot large opening. So immeditaly I knew I could not get him if he suceeded to get under. So I quickly lunged (stupid stupid stupid!) to get him. Resulting in this horrible pain...I thought the baby would drop right out. I could no longer walk or move.

So you ask, what did you do? I separated my symphysis bones I can no longer hardly walk, roll over in bed. I cant stand on one foot. But instead of getting better, its expected to get worse since the babies head is resting on it and he is getting bigger by the day.

Here is a photo of the lovely structure....(the bottom one circled is what is separated)

Simply Adorable

2008-01-17T08:29:00.001-05:00

I recently took on the task of doing a photo shoot this past weekend. I had agreed way back before I had taken a break...but some issues popped up making it difficult. So we did it when he was 3 months old. Isn't he precious! Watching him made me SO excited to have mine...having a lil one that cant run from me all the time :)

Here are a few of my favorites. The next baby photos posted will be Baby Wieringa :)

Haute Mama :)

2008-01-07T21:16:00.001-05:00

Aaron's cousin Kelsey is starting to get into photography....well she wanted some practice - so I offered to be the "model". Help her start her portfolio. I wasnt sure how I felt about a maternity shoot, but I will admit I really like the photos! She did so amazing, I would never have know this was her first photoshoot.

Thanks Kels! Cant wait for some photos with the baby when he comes!

This photo makes me laugh - he was kicking me SO hard and she caught a photo of it! Love it!

And this photo here ...haha. Aaron was being annoying and watching and I was being stupid - and of course Kels caught that on camera too. Ha. Too fun.

Christmas Photos

2007-12-29T11:07:00.001-05:00

Here are some photos from Christmas this year...I have a whole album on my karingastudios.smugmug.com if you want to see more. Located under the Family file.

We had a busy year! Especially with hosting 2 of the 7 Chritsmas parties we had. Cohen didnt quite get the whole gift thing quite yet. But that kept all the many presents under my tree safe for yet more more year!

I just LOVE this photo of Aaron reading "No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed" Priceless :)

Oh what a cute girl he would make..haha. Sorry Cohen Aunt Gwen coudnt resist.

"Bounce Bounce Bounce" Ha - an almost naked baby with a Santa hat and a pacifier riding a horse...again Priceless.

Hope everyone has a great New Years!

Let it Grow... Let it Grow....Let it Grow...

2007-12-28T15:39:00.001-05:00

Here is a photo of my ever changing body. Don't critic the photo too much - I attempted to take it myself ha ha.

It is pretty amazing how it all works....but I will admit I am one of those women who would like to just go pick up my baby from the hospital and not have to endure the 9 months of torture. Sad - but honest.

I currently have 56 more days till my due date...and yes...I am counting now. Cant wait to show you all the newest cutie of the family :)

Have a good day!

Oh Baby...

2007-12-27T12:48:00.001-05:00

I tried to quickly capture a few photos of my crazy 21 month old son! He is a difficult one to take photos of...this was about it for the session. Cute non the less I thought.

Vote for your Favorite

2007-12-03T14:58:00.000-05:00

I will be hanging a large photo above my mantel for Christmas. Help me choose which one! :) Thanks!

Just post your vote in Comments :)

Photo #1

Photo#2

Photo #3

Photo #4

Photo #5

Custom Cards

2007-11-28T13:44:00.000-05:00

I've been starting to design custom cards recently. At first I couldnt believe how long it took to do one! Now I am starting to get the hang of it. Maybe I will have to do this on the side when I am bored :) Let me know if you want me to create a custom card for you.

Here are a few I have worked on...

Pura Vida

2007-11-18T08:09:00.001-05:00

Here are some photos from my current view at the condo in Jaco, Costa Rica. Bahia Azul. This is what i saw every morning as I ate breakfast, rough huh?

My dad took us up a mountian...which barely fits a car let alone an SUV! Thought we might go over the edge a few times! But this was the view from the top! They will be building more condos that will have this same view. Nice.

And here is Bahia Encantada - we will be moving my dad into this project later today. This one will have an elevator..yeah! I am sick of steps with this fat ol belly! Isnt it gorgeous!

Ya the pools are awesome too! I think Cohen will be a water rat here!

Costa Rica

2007-11-10T10:29:00.000-05:00

So Aaron and I will be headed to Costa Rica to visit me dad this coming Wed. So excited. Its hard to picture someone down there when you haven't yet seen it for yourself. So we will be there till the following Mon. Yeah for warm weather! Not that I will be laying out :)

When I get back I will post some photos of the place :) So I hope all of you have a great cold week!

I also cant beleive Aaron and I will be having our 3rd Anniversary this Monday the 12th! Wow does time fly. One wedding and two kids later(almost)...here we are!

Well have a great weekend everyone!

Here are some nice photos I found online of Costa Rica....mmmmm so nice!

What To Do with Myself...

2007-11-10T10:23:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone! So I am down to one more indoor photo shoot after this! I'm actually finding myself saying.."what should I do today..." So I better get my butt in gear and get this house semi in order before Christmas parties and the baby comes...let me tell ya - behind closed doors and cupboards its NOT a pretty sight! It seems more stuff gets brought into this house then gets taken out! AGH!

Well here are some photos from the last photoshoot I did. What a cutie. She was very quick too!

Amazing!

2007-11-02T16:31:00.001-04:00

I do learn something new month to month on photography...and I can see an improvement in it month to month. I look back at old sessions and think.."Man! I wish I had known how to do that better!" But I guess thats part of the learning process.

Let me show you an example..i post process EVERY photo I give to people. I am obsessed with it! But I have gotten quite fast at it now...here is an original photo, the same photo of how I would have processed it yesterday, and the photo of how I WILL be processing every other session.

You will also note...I learned how to make watermarks for my photos :) Now when people steal them - it will have my name on it.And yes...I spelled "improved" wrong - to lazy to fix it. :)

To see photos larger just click on it.

8th Grade Graduate...

2007-10-31T21:45:00.001-04:00

Thanks Carleigh for the great session :) I had a lot of fun - too bad it was SO cold out! You did awesome - thats why i think they turned out so cute. Few years we might have to do a Sr session?? :)

Friends Engagement Session II

2007-10-31T21:37:00.001-04:00

Thanks guys for having me do session no.2! Had so much fun. And Ashley - you did much better not talking too much this time! :) Thanks again guys.

Sisters

2007-10-31T21:33:00.001-04:00

This was a challenging photo shoot...between the ages of 1-2 can be a challenging age - I know from my own! But I think overall we got some good shots of the cuties :) Aren't they adorable!

Oh so Big!

2007-10-31T21:30:00.001-04:00

I did a photo shoot for my friends son - I have taken his photo a few times now, I cant believe how big he's gotten! He definatly has a mind of his own - which was great for where we were - I just chased him with the camera :)

Fall photoshoots..

2007-10-31T21:23:00.000-04:00

Adorable family I did this fall - the backyard we went to was awesome! No matter where we went we had great backgrounds! My favorite - especially with little kids! Here's some from the shoot.

Shiver Me Timbers

2007-10-31T21:19:00.001-04:00

Cohen did cooperate a lil for this mini photoshoot. Here are a few photos of him in his costume...not the greatest photos - but we take what we can get with him :) (click on photo to enlarge...the site is having issues and wont let anything larger - sorry)

Happy Halloween

Another Blog....

2007-10-23T12:46:00.000-04:00

http://www.dekleinefamily.blogspot.com

for anyone interested in keeping up with my imidiate side of the family. Since we are quite a few miles away at the time....note - some of the post may be similar to what I have done on my blog....

Thanks to All!

2007-10-23T12:44:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who has used me for photography or referred me to someone. It was much appreciated!

I also wanted to let you all know that I am done with photography for now. Its been a really busy summer and fall - and between my "real" job and taking care of Cohen and getting ready for baby no.2, I think I am going to have to take a break.

I will continue to post on my blog about things going on at our house - and also post more from previous photo shoots and the few I still have to come.

Again Thanks!

Kari

We Got Meat Again!

2007-10-22T14:41:00.001-04:00

Aaron shot a buck this weekend :) More meat for the freezer...yeah!

For all you hunters out there here are the stats for his buck: Main frame 9 4x5 with a one inch kicker. 11 .5 spread G-2 7'' Weighed 155 lbs dressed.

Ok for all you NON hunters this is what he got! A rack with 9 points - 4 one one side 5 on the other. With a mini spike on one side. The rack was 11.5 inches wide. The longest tine was 7''. It weighed 155lbs after it was gutted.

And for all of us who still dont understand - here is a photo of it :)

Its a BOY!

2007-10-09T19:49:00.001-04:00

We found out yesterday we are having another boy! Oh mama...whatever will I do. Its gonna be a busy house thats for sure.

We are excited though - a lot less work for me to do - I have the clothes and toys!

I know some poeple may be really grossed out by this - but I am gonna post it anyways...we think he already looks Cohen...but who knows.

Trashings

2007-09-29T09:12:00.000-04:00

So I am still doing trashings, we just try to avoid water when its this cold out! My husbands cousin wanted some trashing photos for her sr pics - so we did a mini session. Then a girl I graduated high school with wanted to do one - I tried a new location, and I LOVE it! You may be seeing more photos soon from that barn :)