Whimsy Cookies are yummy.

I can't remember if I've told you about Whimsy Cookies before, but oh my gosh you really must have one of these during your lifetime. Laurie made these for Audrey's party. All we said was that we needed something summer party-ish and here's what she came up with. The cookies are beautifully packaged in a bag, and that's what we used for our goodie bags. Our guests loved them and I didn't have to go nuts trying to put together treat bags. We had leftovers so I'm eating one right now. And if you're in my neighborhood, stop by and I'll give you a sample!

New albums available | Memphis Family Photographer

I've recently made some changes to my pricing structure and have been on the lookout for a new album company. I'm no longer happy with press printed books. I've decided to go with a flush mount album -- these have actual photographic prints adhered to thick pages (think sort of like a child's board book). They are durable and beautiful, and I've finally found the ones I want to offer. In fact, I'm working on my own samples right now. In between trying to get the girls to go to sleep. Right now all I have are some sample images from the manufacturer. Click the image to make larger. And tell me what you think. Are they gorg or what?

Happy Birthday, Nutjob!

I totally love this kid. She's completely nuts. Sweet. Crazy. Imaginative. Angry. Lovely. Incredibly smart.

Today is her actual birthday, and by the time I finish this post, it will be right around the time she was born (5:16p). She barreled into this world with her own ideas and she's still that way. I'm hoping that she'll never fall victim to peer pressure. And that she will use her powers for good. Sigh.
To kick off the celebration, we went to a Redbirds game last night. Thanks to a friend, we enjoyed the air-conditioned comfort of a suite. Which really is the way to go. We also had a friend staying over with us. We refer to her as our "third daughter". She's awesome.

And even though we had AC, we spent most of the night in the outdoor seats (with the AC blowing on our backs). The girls were alternately interested in and the game and not. Sometimes snuggled on daddy's lap. Sometimes not. Playing with the other kids. Eating hotdogs and ice cream. And otherwise being sweet.

Today was Audrey's party. An event that was held in intense heat and humidity. She wanted the same backyard party we have thrown for the past few years and that's what she got. John worked like a dog to get the slip-n-slide and baby pool ready. He even bought and set up luau decorations. I grocery-shopped, cleaned up the house, caught up on laundry. Thank goodness my mother-in-law showed up to bring us lunch, straighten up the playroom and otherwise help. Usually I'm pretty into the party planning but I think I've been so busy lately that I just had to let something things go.

While dishing up ice cream, I told a friend that this was my worst party ever (referring to my own disorganization). One of Audrey's friends piped up: "No, it's not. It's the best party ever."

And for a bunch of kids who got to play in the water, run around in the grass, blow bubbles, eat cake and brownies and drink juice pouches for two hours, it probably was.

I have not given up blogging.

I feel like I have to have a photo with blog posts, and honestly? I only have client photos right now. Work has been wonderfully busy (and difficult, with the girls at home) and my days have been a blur. I thought summer was all about relaxing. Right now, John is laughing about me writing about relaxing.

I'm in the midst of updating my website, editing sessions and picking a new album vendor. As well as keeping the little girls entertained and happy. It'll all get done (because it always does) but I'm beginning to wonder how. And once I wrap up a few more sessions, I'll be posting a series of client photos. I think these have all been with my new camera and I'm really pleased with the direction I'm going.

In the meantime, I stole this from Ali Edward's blog and have updated it with my answers.

Outside my window...it's hot. And humid. But I'm trying not to complain.

I am thinking...about how to fit in the work and the fun.

I am thankful for...my happy family.

From the kitchen...a bagel right now, fabulous risotto last night, a big salad with chicken tonight.

I am wearing...U of M t-shirt and yoga pants.

I am creating...photo session edits that make me very happy.

I am going...to take the girls for haircuts later.

I am reading...photography magazines, mostly. But would like to choose which book I'm going to start next. Life of Pi? The Memory Keeper's Daughter?

I am hoping...that my mom's birthday present doesn't show up too late (but I do think it's going to be late).

I am hearing...NPR, with the sounds of Nickolodeon bursting through.

Around the house...are piles of things out of place. Many things.

One of my favorite things...is feeling accomplished, crossing things off the list, getting it done.

A few plans for the rest of the week...work and haircuts today, lots of work tomorrow, pick up a friend for a Redbirds game and sleepover on Friday, Audrey's party on Saturday, a shoot and another party on Sunday, more work on Monday.

Feel free to post your own list, in the comments or on your blog.

I've got a secret | Memphis family photographer

One of my absolute favorite photography resources is Design Aglow. I can't even remember how I stumbled across it, but once I did I was hooked. I check out the blog every day and have bought a few things from the shop, from online magazines to digital elements. Everything they do is beautifully conceived and produced.

And when they announced a little contest recently, asking for photographer's secrets, I sent one in. Guess what? They chose to include it in the most recent magazine. Needless to say, I was thrilled to be in good company. The magazines are pdf downloads, and completely ad free. Yes, they are a little pricey, but they contain a huge amount of useful info for photographers interested in improving skills and business. If that's you, consider picking up a copy or two.

Want to know my secret for getting kids to smile? Well, uh, looks like you are going to buy the mag or call me for a session...

Two beautiful weekends.

Just a quick note to say that the Lamberts have had two great weekends in a row. Despite the awful storms Friday night and Sunday morning, we never lost power. John worked on a Habitat for Humanity house Saturday morning, while the girls and I cleaned this mess of a house (okay, I had to bribe them with money). He was so glad to come home to a pretty house. Later, I finished editing a photo session that is truly one of my favorites. Later this week I'll start posting some recent sessions.

We did a few errands in the late afternoon, then had dinner at Huey's. After the girls went to bed, John and I started watching The West Wing, beginning with the pilot. We picked up the series a few years before it ended, but have never seen the early years. I'm totally hooked. Want to watch more tonight.

Today I shot two "Beautiful You" sessions (my name for boudoir photography). It was so wonderful to work with beautiful women who were open to the possibilities of a session that really celebrates them. I took a quick peek and there are so many gorgeous images. John worked on removing storm debris from our yard, while I went to the grocery store. And in a few minutes we are sitting down to a dinner of salad, cherries and watermelon.

If I can do a little planning for the week tonight, I think this weekend will qualify for perfect.

Here's hoping you can read this.

Yesterday evening John and I had flashbacks to "Hurricane Elvis" five years ago. Back then, it was early one morning and I looked out the window and made a comment about the sky being green. John ran to the front door to check and within seconds he had all of us (Margret was two; Audrey was three weeks) under a mattress in the hallway. It was about 15 minutes of straight-line winds (think tornadic forces without the swirling columns) that wreaked havoc on our city. The short version is we were without electricity for two weeks and we ended up moving around to three different places while John continued to work 14-hour days at the Redbirds. It was just an incredible time, and I don't mean that in a good way.

Friday night I kept hearing weather updates on the radio and I was glad when John came home from work a bit early. We were sitting and talking when the rain hit. I looked out the window and while it wasn't as bad as the other storm, I could see rain blowing completely horizontally.

Captain Safety John hustled us all into the hallway again (no mattress this time), where we spent a few minutes talking about our day so we could take the girls' minds off why they suddenly couldn't watch SpongeBob anymore. The storm passed quickly, but once again our yard was a wreck with branches and leaves.

Luckily, we didn't lose power this time. But over 130,000 homes did (including friends one street over) and there are more storms predicted for the weekend. Keep a good thought for us.

Hey, look. It's some art.

Yes, I still sometimes do some art. This is a 3x3" stretched canvas. John was in charge of a co-worker's birthday and I suggested he do something a little different. Mr. Fudge (yes, that's his name, don't wear it out) is a graphic artist by day, painter by weekend. A store-bought card just wouldn't do. So I painted a little canvas and told John to have everyone sign their name around the edge. By the way, those are his cupcakes below. Word is that both the food and the canvas were a hit.

Mad icing skilz | Memphis cupcake photographer

Remember my cupcake situation? I took your advice and got a Pampered Chef icing decorator thing. And I was in the mood tonight to whip up some cupcakes. If you are keeping track, it took two cans of store-bought frosting to cover the 24 cupcakes made from one store-bought box of mix.

And I was pretty much able to load one can at a time in the dispenser. It's very easy to use and I frosted these in just a few minutes. And now I'm forever spoiled. Lambert cupcakes will always be done like this. Amen.

As a side note, we have something wonderful to celebrate today. I took Audrey for her annual eye exam (she sees an ophthalmologist since she has had two eye surgeries). Dr. Fred pronounced in the top 1% of kids who have had two surgeries -- she's regained depth perception and she's unlikely to need corrective surgery in her 20s, as we had anticipated. He went so far as to call her normal and I told her he was quite mistaken. She's not normal in any sense. But now her eyesight is. Amen again.

Holy cow, that's a lot of grey.

I knew this day would come. I am grey. Seriously.

I have noticed random white hairs for years now. But they were never much of a problem. Until they started inviting friends over and having parties on my head. I'm definitely a "less is more" type of girl: I don't wear a lot of makeup. I rarely wear jewelry other than my wedding rings. And I shop at Target and TJ Maxx. I do my own pedicures.

I do go to a nice salon and pay $50 to get my hair cut. I cannot imagine how much it costs for color. Or how often I would need it. I've managed to live for quite a while without needing color. But now I need it.

So. I want your advice. Salon color? Keep in mind that I hate spending time getting my hair cut. I always wash it myself before I go because I don't enjoy having someone else wash my hair. Color at home? How hard is it? I use to help my mom but totally hated doing it. Sorry, Mom. Will I be able to find the right color? Should I go red? Ha. Just kidding. Should I do nothing and go all grey? Ha! Just kidding again. Not an option right now. I don't want to be mistaken for my kids' grandmother.

Let's have it: leave a comment and help me through this crisis. Quick.

Guess where I've been | Memphis cupcake photographer

Yep. Those are Muddy's cupcakes. Two Prozacs and a Cookies & Cream. A perfect afternoon snack with friends.

We met up with our buddy, Ella. And yes, that's a Capote in the to-go bag for John. We always bring him one. We also bought cupcakes for our neighbor who's having a birthday.

Just because I can, I tell the girls they can't eat the cupcakes until I've taken photos of them. I kinda like having that power.

Finally, I release the hounds. Audrey dives in. The icing is her favorite part of any cake.

Margret takes her time, savoring the little cookie.

They look sort of bored, don't they? Within minutes they were asking to play outside. After they had eaten the cupcakes, of course. Yes, that's a heart sticker on Audrey's forehead. I have lost all control.

Finally, here's mine. Chocolate on chocolate. It was divine.

What was even better was the conversation with Ella's mom. I should have taken her photo, too, as we sat outside in the shade and talked non-stop.

Mommies need playdates too. Especially ones with cupcakes.

OMG. Is there anyone left reading this?

I thought once I got through the end-of-the-school-year mania I would be able to settle into a lovely routine, which would include daily blog updates. Instead, I feel insane. And I'm barely blogging.

We rush off to swim lessons in the mornings, then back home for baths and lunch. Some days the girls have Pottery Camp (let me know if you are interested -- I have a friend teaching classes in hand-building and glazing). I've had a dentist appointment. There's a photo shoot (no, wait--two) scheduled. And we are having a yard sale this weekend.

Did I mention I have four sessions to edit? And that I'm always a little nuts when feeling like I'm running behind?

I also want to start planning for the fall photo season. It's always really busy, and I intend to ramp it up a bit with some fresh marketing ideas.

I'm optimistic enough to think that once we get through the sale, life will settle down a little. At least the house won't look like this. Which I'm not even showing you because it looks so bad.

We do have a fun little outing planned for later. I'll try to snap a pic of that. So I can have something interesting to post.