Drum roll please!

On Saturday, I stopped by the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter to present the funds raised from the 2008 Holiday Pet Portraits.

I am very proud that we raised $425.00 - and all thanks to YOU out there!

That equals out to roughly:

28 days worth of food

OR

giving 8-9 sick animals a visit to the vet

OR

providing a spay/neuter to 5-6 animals

Just think - it costs over $400.00 to feed the animals - that's not even for a full month! And, that doesn't include the special diet food that some animals need to be on. I'm sure you can see now why it's so important to give to this organization (or others that your heart is with).

Some interesting information I found on the internet (and all sites varied a bit with the stats but pretty much are all very close in details):

CATS

Average number of litters a fertile cat can produce in one year: 3
Average number of kittens in a feline litter: 4–6

That means in seven years, 1 female cat and her offspring can theoretically produce 420,000 cats.

BY FIGURING OUR DONATION WITH THESE STATS,

WE PREVENTED POTENTIALLY 2,352,000 UNWANTED CATS!

DOGS

Average number of litters a fertile dog can produce in one year: 2
Average number of puppies in a canine litter: 6–10

That means in six years, 1 female dog and her offspring can theoretically produce 67,000 dogs.

BY FIGURING OUR DONATION WITH THESE STATS,

WE PREVENTED POTENTIALLY 375,200 UNWANTED DOGS!

Did Hell freeze over?

Wow, it's cold out there! I don't understand why the dogs keep wanting to go outside either. I think it takes me a good 20 minutes to warm up just from opening the door.

I had planned on posting more since the madness of the holidays is over but then Carver (kiddo) was sick, then I was, then Travis (hubby)...not to mention Dodger (dog) has a ruptured ear drum and now Playdoh (dog) is limping. And just moments ago, Carver says his head is cold. Now I realize it is chilly outside, but when he of all people asks to put something on his head, somethings a'brewin'.

Off for now to try to stay warm and will post more soon!

So you think your kids are bad?

Everyone has their own experiences to share when taking their kids to be photographed. It doesn't matter where you bring them .... if they don't want their picture taken - they will make it known. And let me tell you - a photographer's child is probably THE most difficult to photograph. They've been plopped infront of a camera and studio lights more than the average kid - and they're sick of it!

Exhibit 1: The "Look what I can do!" pose

Exhibit 2: The "I don't want to!" pose

Exhibit 3: The "I don't want to wear this STOOPID hat! Aren't we done yet?" pose

Exhibit 4: The "I can't take it anymore!" pose

See -- I too have that child who doesn't want their picture taken!

Thought I'd share a recent senior session ... Justin and his family were great to work with. His session was a lot of fun and I've got to hand it to him - he was kind enough to hold his laughter until I was gone, I'm sure. You see, we were at the revamped dam and as it's full of huge rocks. It's a very cool place to photograph -- not the best to manuver -- especially when trying not to drop your camera on the rocks. Well, down I went right on my butt and he didn't laugh (not in my face at least!). It was quite amusing and no cameras were harmed - phew!

Rejoice - Hwy 7 is open!

WHOOO HOOO!!!

Thanks to everyone who came out while 7 was closed. No more detours to get to me - finally!

The Emmys

Congratulations to our friend Luke who was part of the team from KSTP who won a regional EMMY AWARD for website design! He is so modest and we barely knew about it.

Here's a huge CONGRATULATIONS to you!!

Web Site Design/Usability – Affiliated"Twin Cities Live Website", KSTP-TV, St. Paul, Melissa Sweeney, Senior Graphic Designer, Project Manager, David Arago, Web Developer, Lucas Tordsen, Web Developer, Don Riepe, Web Developer, Amanda Grosser, Executive Producer, Kate Bendell, Project Manager, Curt Cruz, Art Director, Andrea Creech, Marketing Director, Bill Langley, Director, Information Services

Twice as Nice

These sisters were the epitome of perfection. When we got them snuggled up in this blanket paired with the toasty warm heating pad underneath - they were in heaven.


And can you stand it -- how cute are they! I wonder in 16 more years when they start fighting over boys (oh heck, who am I kidding, probably more like 12!) - if they'll feel that special bond that they were feeling during this photo!??