I miss my family so much! I cannot wait to see them tomorrow!!! It’s been sure lovely to hang out with other people’s families, though!
It’s been a week since I left with Flurry and my sister to travel to Seattle and Fort Worth to take pictures of blog readers. Based on some different gals’ time constraints (the one who asked me to come to Seattle is from Norway, so I had to come during the time window when she was going to be in the States and the one who brought me to Texas moved today, so I needed to come photograph her before then), I had to do these trips back to back.
My next few trips will be shorter jaunts, though.
I’ll be in Tampa, Florida in January, in Houston, Texas in February and in Charlotte, North Carolina in March. If you’re interested in a possible shoot with me, email me at contact (dot) mckmama (at) gmail (dot) com. Please put the name of the appropriate city in the title of the email and include some identifying information about yourself. If you have already emailed, you will be hearing from me again with the final details soon now that I am done with my latest photoshoots.
Oh my word, this little guy’s sweater and shaggy haircut just about did me in! The cuteness!
Today in Fort Worth it was much chillier than yesterday! It was yesterday when I photographed this adorable dude, who ate grass, dirt and bark while I photographed him. “Yeah, we don’t believe in the germ theory,” his mother told me after I mentioned how similar her laissez faire attitude about nature nibbling was to mine.
I mean, really? What’s the deal with not letting our children put dirt and grass in their mouths? I wrote about babies eating dirt and grass a while back right here. It would have been funny if I’d titled my post Let Them Eat Dirt. But I didn’t think of it back then. Yes, I believe that letting our MSC eat dirt is healthy. Did you know that there is a train of thought that says babies go through the put everything in their mouths stage so that they can get used to the germs in their surroundings? Makes total sense, yet lots of folks anti bacterial handwash away all those germs we should actually be letting ourselves get exposed to.
Anyway. This little girl broke my heart into a zillion pieces with how adorable she was. Sigh.
When I meet new people because of my blog, the most common thing they ask me is, “What is it like meeting people who feel like they know your family but you have no idea who they are?”
What is it like?
It’s wonderful. And not as weird to me as it used to be. It’s really fun!
I have friends (and family!) who have met their spouses on the internet. And I am so thankful for the chance to meet wonderful people around the US. Lovely people I also have connected with on the internet.
Lovely. Literally!
Flurry is awake now, because when I put him down to bed at 7, he apparently thought it was a nap. An hour later, he was awake, cooing. Now he’s making raspberries at me and watching my sister and I watch The Office in our hotel room.
Big Mac lost his tooth the other day! I’ve been Skyping with my oldest four children while I’ve been away and have even been kissing them that way. Have you ever Skype kissed? It’s fun! Uncle Duke is at our house! Yes, he flew in from Japan, where he is stationed with the Marines, and is going to be with us for Christmas! And today is Big Mac’s sixth birthday! The last time I talked to him, he and the rest of our kids were getting ready to make a cake with Daddy.
Tomorrow can’t come soon enough. This has been a fun trip, but there’s no place like home!
My favorite photographs are the girl with the striped shirt (3rd photo) and both of the ones with the boys lying on their tummies. I think it’s the camera angle that makes these ones so intriguing to me. Great work!
I used to read your blog every single day (starting when you were pregnant with Stellan), but I’ve been on a bit of a hiatus. I’ve been reading this week and really miss it! I can’t believe you were in Fort Worth and I didn’t know. I’m really, really sad about it!
BUT, I’m glad you and your brood seem to be doing well. They are precious!
The pictures are beautiful as usual…
I wanted to leave this poem for you. It brought me to tears the first time I read it. I like to share it with mommy’s every year. I hope you have a very blessed Christmas and the New Year brings much love, happiness and good health
It was the night before Christmas, when all through the abode
Only one creature was stirring, and she was cleaning the commode.
The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
While visions of Nintendo and Barbie, flipped through t…heir heads.
The dad was snoring in front of the TV,
With a half-constructed bicycle on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
Which made her sigh, “Now what’s the matter?”
With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs, and saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes and soot, which fell with a shrug.
“Oh great!!” muttered the mom, “Now I have to clean the rug.”
“Ho-Ho-Ho!!” cried Santa, “I’m glad you’re awake.
Your gift was especially difficult to make.”
“Thanks, Santa, but all I want is some time alone.”
“Exactly!!” he chuckled, “I’ve made you a clone.”
“A clone?” she asked, “What good is that?
Run along, Santa. I’ve no time for chit-chat.”
It was the mother’s twin.
Same hair, same eyes, same double chin.
She’ll cook, she’ll dust, she’ll mop every mess.
You’ll relax, take it easy, watch the Young and the Restless.”
“Fantastic!!” the mom cheered. “My dream come true!
I’ll shop. I’ll read. I’ll sleep a whole night through!”
From the room above, the youngest began to fret.
“Mommy?!? I’m scared, and I’m wet.”
The clone replied, “I’m coming, sweetheart.”
“Hey,” the mom smiled, “She knows her part.”
The clone changed the small one, and hummed a tune,
As she bundled the child, in a blanket cocoon.
“You’re the best mommy ever. I really love you.”
The clone smiled and sighed, “I love you, too.”
The mom frowned and said, “Sorry, Santa, no deal.
That’s my child’s love that she’s trying to steal.”
Smiling wisely Santa said, “To me it is clear,
Only one loving mother is needed here.”
The mom kissed her child, and tucked her into bed.
“Thank you, Santa, for clearing my head.
I sometimes forget it won’t be very long,
When they’ll be too old, for my cradle-song.”
The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, “It works every time.”
Love the poem!
Totally unrelated to the post, but I thought this was pretty awesome
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiAh3lYo6k4&feature=player_embedded#at=109
pretty pictures.
safe return.
enjoy your holidays.
Precious pictures. You capture the essence of each person – God has blessed you with a wonderful gift. Every picture stands alone as unique. I didn’t get to Seattle to meet you but I am as grateful as your photo subjects are: That you are willing and excited to come to them and embrace them, their rain!, their worlds, their families. Thanks. I think the baby clinging to the tree is delightful!
And I know Hil has been having a ball sharing this adventure with her sister!! Happy, Happy birthday Big Mac – and on into the Sensational Sixes you go! Losing teeth and growing up is wonderful. Travel blessings and mercies on your return home. You are a lovely woman and I am thankful to call you friend. Love and prayers, Annie
sigh. you have such amazing skills. i don’t want a photoshoot. i want to be your apprentice! i’ll even make woodland creature food!! i’ll be happy to be your photoslave in charlotte. seriously.
and i’m a firm believer in the 30 second rule.
if we drop it and it hasn’t been stepped on or carted off by ants in 30 secs… it’s good to go.
when’s the last time we heard of someone dying from a horrible disease they got from a little bit of dirt??
Dirt has iron…When I was pregnant with my first. The Dr asked me if I had any crazy cravings. I told him I was craving dirt. ( I never ate it.) He said oh…We better check your iron. Sure enough, I was very anemic. So don’t think dirt doesn’t have value! Again…I wouldn’t eat it!
Hello!
Oh my goodness! That little baby in the tree looks like a giant baby trying to eat a bite out of an itty-bitty tree! Too funny! Love all the photos!
Thanks for sharing.
Love that picture too! They’re all great (of course), but I LOVE that one!
I agree with kids being kids, and being a huge lover of nature, would like my kids to experience as much as they can. That being said, there are some reasons why eating dirt could cause a problem. Some “germs” can actually be parasites. Microscopic eggs from Baylisascaris Procyonis (raccoon roundworm) can be found in the soil, and in an unnatural host like a human being, cause some major problems. There are a good few zoonotics out there which can have some nasty effects, so letting your kids eat dirt is just fine, just make yourself aware of the species living around and what hazards they can potentially pose. (sorry, just the fish and wildlife tech in me coming out).
Ok, I’m not a mom that cleans a pacifier every time it drops on the floor, but I’m sure as heck not going to let my daughter eat dirt! Just because kids in 3rd world countries do isn’t a good reason to let mine!
Love the photos, looks like a great trip!
Any plans to head up North to Canada? We’d love to have you here! (although not warm like Texas)
PLEASE come to Long Island NY
I totally agree with letting kids get down and dirty outside. I do want to make one point about a child eating dirt though. I worked in a public health department, specifically on childhood elevated blood lead levels. Pica behavior (a child consistently eating dirt, like actually eating) is very serious because this most likely means they have a high blood lead level, which could cause brain damage and other damage to the child. If your child is eating dirt, next time you go to the doctor, just get a blood lead test to make sure that your child doesn’t have an elevated level. This is something that is completely preventable and if you want more info there are tons of websites that talk about it. Okay, that is my plug…beautiful pics! I wish you were coming to Colorado!
Love the photos! If you ever come to Maine I would love for you to photograph my family! Maine is beautiful in the summer. ( hint hint)
Any chance you will be coming to Chicago this year? I love your photography and would love to have you photograph my kids!
How about coming to Albany, NY …or somewhere nearby?! Pretty Please? Ok, here’s my idea. You and your clan come up this summer to Lake George, NY for a little vacation! Great. I’ll see you then!
Love these pictures!
I think my fave is the one with the 3 sisters in pink/black plaid dresses and the little brother with his hands over his mouth–precious. Of course I love all of them. Glad you had a good trip. I know you’ll enjoy the weekend with your family. 
Great pics! Come to Louisville Ky please!!!!!!!!!
I second that!!
Just wanted to bring up something you mentioned about germs in your post. For me, there is a BIG difference between being laissez faire about children being ONE with nature (which means letting them get dirty, eat dirt, bugs, etc.) and being mindful of sick germs (when out in public, etc.). I definitely am a “clorox-wipe-toting” Mama, which means I wipe down a lot of surfaces before my kids eat (in public places) and I’m very diligent about making sure they wash their hands plenty throughout the day and even change their clothes after school. Also, I’m a Mama who has no problem with my kids running arond outside, getting into mischief, eating dirt/sticks, catching bugs and letting them crawl wherever. I should mention one of my favorite and most oft-quoted book is Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children From Nature Defecit Disorder by Richard Louv. Just wanted to make that point to see what you think about the difference…
Oh, yes….there is a difference, to be sure! Thanks for the reminder!
I have read and re read Louv’s book and even met Richard…..great book…..I am sold out to “No Child Left Inside.” Thanks for mentioning the book!
Thanks again for taking the time away from your family to photograph ours!!! You could have just come and gone but you took time out for us! I really do appreciate it. As everyone else says, your pics are gorgeous! Happy Birthday BM!
I never get tired of looking at your awesome photos.
Any chance you might be coming to Northern California in 2011? In particular, the Bay Area? (San Francisco/San Jose/Oakland).
Cheers,
Shari in Cali.
Big Mac shares a birthday with my granddaughter, She is one today. So happy Birthday Big Mac and B.
Praying for a safe return. I bet you can’t wait to get your arms around your MSC.
All of the photos are beautiful but the little boy hanging out in the tree is too cute for words! Have a safe trip home, Jennifer!
Happy birthday, Big Mac, and a happy BIRTHday to your Momma!
Amazing, as usual!! Come to Pittsburgh, PA!!
It’s kinda funny seeing myself here in a photo I’ve never seen before. I usually threaten people of they tag me on fb. I guess that’s why I don’t have many photos of me and the kiddos. I like seeing us all together, “so that’s what we look like!”
my hands do look kind of full! I always wonder at that remark. Thanks again I just have one question. When on earth did you find time to use the bathroom today?
totally agree with the “let them eat dirt” – I do draw the line at sand from playgrounds (ick) and things that are choke hazards (and wood chips – sorry kids, but momma doesnt want to have to remove splinters from your lips)
LOVE LOVE LOVE the pic of Asher!! That’s totally being blown up!!! We are SO excited to see the rest of them.
Thanks again and keep up the healthy germ exposure!!
I have to say, you take FABULOUS photographs. You really capture great spirit in your subjects.
beautiful photos! I find that I am a mix between the germaphobe mom with purell, and the laid back mom who let’s my kids eat everything. I don’t mind the germs in nature; it’s the germs in the public restrooms and handles on the walmart buggies that do me in. I fear what other people do (or don’t do) more than what he could come into contact with that is God-made.
LOVE our photos!! {shaggy boy with the stripes and baby in the stripes with me holding him our mine}
so thankful to have met you in person and am honored to have our family photos taken by you!!
Can’t wait for the rest!!!
Your children are beautiful!
I’m “Nana” to those two adorable boys … BEAUTIFUL shots … thanks!
thank you!! We are really blessed with wonderful kiddos!
Hi MckMama!! We had so much fun meeting you today. Thanks for posting one of Lucy…can’t wait to see all of them.
i just saw that someone else posted about “babies”…you really should check it out. it will make you laugh and cry and want more babies. i watched it one night when my husband was gone so i could be free to react in whatever sappy way possible.
I would love it if you came to NH. I take a lot of pictures but I would love to have you photograph my grandson. Gorgeous pictures!
that last picture is just positively divine. what a sweet girl. so purdy.
i share your germ philosophy and especially became more “lax” with my kids once i watched the babies documentary. i found it quite fascinating to see the babies from different cultures thriving with NOTHING…playing with sticks, stones, in the streams.
it made baby yoga of the u.s. seem absurd.
i am a laid-back mum; with 2 babies 21 months apart, it was inevitable.
safe travels (oh, hi from kansas).
Have you ever thought about coming to New Mexico? Our beautiful mountains and Spanish buildings would make for some wonderful pictures. Would love for you to come.
First, you are such a great photographer! I’m amazed each time I see your photos! I just love that one of the little girl with her mom blurry in the background. Just adorable! Also, is that boy who is eating bark hanging from the tree? He looks like he’s climbing the tree! Happy Bday K!!!
Lovely pictures! But I have to know! HOW did you get that baby to stay in the tree? Am I missing something or is my blonde hair showing through for real?
Beautiful photos! Do you have a favorite lens that you used for most of the photos?
i’m gonna take some tips from you on how to make my eyes look more unreal.
great job!
and what’s with the blurry backgrounds?
sigh*****
That picture of the little blonde girl and the mama in the background is one of my favorite pictures you’ve ever posted of one of your photoshoots. What an awesome shot!!
I was just getting to the comments to praise that very same picture! Beautiful!
I love that little baby in the tree! Priceless!
Happy Birthday to my Birthday Buddy Big Mac!! What a great day to be born!
Great photos! Have a safe trip home tomorrow!
We had so much fun meeting you today! Annie is still talking about “mckmama”. She giggles everytime she says your name. Can’t wait to see the pics!
. Wishing you safe travels!
My grandmother craved and ate dirt while pregnant. Not sure what that means…iron deficiency maybe? I’m not sure I would let mine eat dirt, but I certainly let them eat food that has dropped on the floor. Just today I was fishing carrots from under the car seat so my son could finish his carrot, hummus, peanut butter sandwich lunch in the car!
Have a safe trip home. Hope you all manage to fly together this time!
so excited your coming to NC, I am loving these pictures. I bet you do miss your babies and 10 minutes after being home it will be like you have never left. how is your sister feeling? You are doing a amazing job on these pictures
Happy birthday to Big Mac!!! I know you are missing them a whole lot!!! The pictures are breath taking. You have such an awesome photographer!!!
Question–how much do you charge for a photo shoot?
I hope you and your sister have a safe flight home tomorrow!!!
Great pictures – everyone is beautiful showing everyones personality. How about a picture shoot in Niagara Falls New York! Safe trip home tomorrow even without a carseat. LOL Jennifer I travel a bunch with my children which happen to sit on my lap also. I just wish people who have to make trouble or put a person down say nothing at all! love your blog and read daily!
I lived in Niagara Falls, NY up until a year ago. That would be an awesome place to do pictures!
The 3rd pic down is my favorite! She’s absolutely adorable!
Flurry’s raspberries are the cutest thing ever though…
Holey Moley that last one is stunning! She looks like Rapunzel!
Awesome pictures! I love the one of the little boy laying on his belly on the bridge! I need to find a spot like that:)
Remarkable photos! You surely have a gift for capturing your subjects’ personalities!
I wish the three of you safe travels tomorrow. (all together now
)
Congrats to Big Mac on the Birthday and the tooth!
Thank you so much!
beautiful pictures!!! i know you miss your little ones! any chance you’ll be in New Orleans any time??
Good question! I’d love to have her photograph my nieces.
Is it a prerequisite of yours that your photographees wear bright colours/ stripes/ polka dots or cute hair bows? More great photos, you are quite talented! I’m sure having adorable subject doesn’t hurt either. Happy Birthday Big Mac. You now have a ^ year old! Time flies doesn’t it. Have a safe journey hope. Try to bring your sister with you too. Photo #1 looks like she could be Stellans twin.
I mean 6 year old!
Yeah, I just smile so big when my readers/photo clients walk up in stripes and bright colors!! Makes my job that much more fun!
I hadn’t realized it until reading your comment, but yes the little girl in the first picture DOES look like she could be Stellan’s twin from that age!
Nice pictures I know the feeling is mutual with your kiddos in their missing mommy and flurry. Have a safe trip back.!!!
I love the little bark-eating guy! So cute! PLEASE let me know if you’re ever in Albuquerque! I’d love to meet ya!
About the nature germs thing – have you seen the documentary, “Babies”? After watching what the African babies put in their mouths, I’m a little less worried about germs!
No, I haven’t seen it…but I want to!!!
Oh my gosh, that documentary had me flipping out every ten seconds!
It’s amazing how coddled our immune systems are.
Love the pictures! You are phenomenal! Have a safe trip home and Happy Birthday to your little man!
Thanks, Iris! Oh, and by the way…I got your text!!
Happy Birthday, Big Mac! I have a couple of 6 yr olds my self…it’s a great age! Have a safe trip home. Oh, and I’m watching The Office, too!