OK…..so I am a BIG procrastinator.  Tomorrow is the last day of the Valentine’s Mini Sessions and I am just now, the NIGHT BEFORE!, posting the cards!  Geesh!   Better late than never????

And to make up for being such a slacker…..here is a “mini” sneak peek from a mini vday session!!!    This darling custom 12×12 heart print is yours FREE! with the purchase of a digital collection at your Valentine’s Day Mini Session!  

xoxoxo

staci

Yesterday was the first round of the V-day Mini Sessions and so FUN!  I love my clients!  I am so excited for tomorrow’s sessions!  I still have a couple openings left if anyone is interested….

WARNING!  Before reading the post below….please know that this is just me and my kids….weird and crazy as we are.  If the photos and infomation below scare you in any way, please rest assured that this post by no means reflects on how YOUR session will be with Staci Bailey Photography!    So please, read with a light heart and enjoy above all else! 

The Out Takes……all the one’s that didn’t make the cut to show clients.    But since I am my own client in this case….I suppose it’s OK to share with you my own personal out takes.  Which unfortunately as weird as it is, are one’s that I love and have to be printed.  Because they are usually the one’s that show my kids as is….and I wouldn’t change a thing.  Nothing fake, no poses, no nothing….just their weird little selves that I adore.

And since tomorrow is the first day of the Valentine’s Day Mini Portrait Sessions…..I thought I would share the out takes from the original  trial run….all the photos that I didn’t want to share when advertising in the first place……not because I didn’t like them, but fear of scaring you and letting you think by me taking your children’s photos they would metamorph into crazy, goofy kids like the one’s you see below.  Don’t worry!  Please!  Don’t worry!  I promise your kids will not metamorph into strange tiny humans like these kids by me taking their pictures!  However, I suppose if your babies have weirdness in their genes like mine do, there is a slight possibility that I could capture a few photos like these …but really it won’t be my fault!  But I promise you this….I will do my best to capture your little angels personality….whatever that may be!  And trust me I am pretty sure what you are about to see is rare and won’t be an issue at the coming up V-day sessions!  So enjoy….and while you are chuckling at the hooligans below…..smile and be proud that YOUR little angels are nothing like these bafoons…I hope.

The tiny miniature little beautiful doll at 2 years of age that looks like she is going on 15 and about ready to drop kick you for not getting her way. 

Another lovely photo of the tiny toddler that looks as if you have ruined her life by simply taking her photo….again…2 going on 15.

Then there is the angel baby that was so perfect….seriously this kid was an angel….blond fuzzy hair, big blue eyes, and sweet as can be…….and somewhere along the way things changed and went down a road that led to “weirdie-land”.  Not that he is a bad child….just a goofy child….and although the sweet angel baby comes out here and there….this strange, odd, weird man/boy blesses us with is presence more and more each day.  

But as his mama….I love every phase….so far.

Ahhhh….the rare sightings of our premature teenage girl has gone back to her cave and the spunky little girl we know more is back.  And I must say I am liking the pink hat much more than this one.  But, since brother had it on….so must she….that is the way of the younger sibling.   DANG!…this is one GOOFY photo!

And although we see the rare glimpes of the premature teenage girl….and then the spunky fun girl……we also see the weird, strange, girl that she can not help but be.  Her and her brother are blessed by what is known as “the gene pool”….and it has been passed down from generation to generation.  And if they didn’t have these “gene pool” characteristics I would be so sad.  But really….this?  This is borderline creepy.    We had to take the mannequins out of the window at Fairytales for the trial run photos…..and Bella found her new “best friend”.   She loved her!  Danced and danced with her singing the theme song from Sleeping Beauty…….”I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream”…..all the while twirling herself around and becoming so overwhelmed by how much she loved her new best friend….that she felt the need to hug AND kiss her.   And not just once mind you!  EEK!  Does this mean I need to set up more playdates so my daughter actually knows what a “real” girl best friend is?  Maybe.   But………I chalk it up to that “gene pool” thang…..and if you doubt it…check out her brother below.

Why?  Why?  Why does my son pose like this when I am trying to get pictures to advertise to parents that have normal kids?  Parents that have nice, well behaved children that wouldn’t even think of making crazy faces like in the above photos or posing LIKE THIS!  Lesson learned….maybe for my next mini session adventure I will do a casting call so I don’t hurt my business.  But then again…maybe my clients like my weird kids because then they know theirs are normal because they don’t do this!  Or maybe because they know theirs are normal because they do act like this!  If that’s the case….don’t leave me hanging…..am I really the only mother in the entire world with children like this? 

Well…there you have it….the out takes.  At this point I am sure you are either laughing yourself to tears or very, very frightened.  I am sorry for either reaction….but I do want you to know….these are the “out takes”….so at your session, photos like these if there are any, probably won’t be shared….but then again…..if you are crazy goofy like me I would be happy to include them!     I am really looking foward to meeting, seeing, and taking pictures of all your little angels at the Valentine’s Day Mini Sessions this Thursday and Saturday!    See you then!

xoxoxo

Staci……

Last week I was referred to an oncologist for some health/immune system issues I have been having.  Yesterday was my appointment and THANKFULLY I was referred wrong!  YES!  Having cancer once was enough…..and being referred to an oncologist is not fun.  But it was a pleasant reminder of who I am and why.  I am living on my “2nd chance” and loving every minute of it.  And that includes getting to take pictures of my babies just for fun.  No real reason other than to play and have fun.  Beauty and I had 5 minutes to spare before an appointment last week and so I got my camera out and just played.   I love every face my children have and feel so lucky that I am here to enjoy them and document them.  At the end of this week I am going to have my first sessions of the year!  WOO HOO!…..so until I have those done and edited, you are going to be overloaded with pictures of my stink pots.  Lucky you!  But at least it won’t get stale over here! 

Posting this picture so big, I see that it looks like she needs some chapstick on.   Burt’s Bees is my favorite chapstick and at least Bella calls it chapstick….Owen calls it lipstick.  Hmmm…..so many things that boy still needs to learn.

Sissy’s new “funny face” ……the pictures never do it justice as if you saw it in person…..we crack up laughing everytime she does it….our little clown for sure. 

Big stuff with brother’s sunglasses on……upside down of course….she insisted that is how they went and that was the “right” way.   And she thought she was so sneaky with Owen in school and she had on his sunglasses….”ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!” she yelled once they were on.  ”Ha Haaaaaaaaaaaa” is both of their new favorite in your face slams….ha haaaaaaaaaaa take that!….yes such a slam……aren’t they brilliant?  hee hee.  No, just weird like their mama and daddy…..no chance at all for them to enjoy a normal life.

Just so sweet, my girl.

Had to post my favs big above….but put all of the photos into a collage for a page in our 2010 photobook. 

Happy Day!

Today my Lovie took the munchkins out of the house and left me at home!  WOO HOO!  A day all to myself…with no demands…no children…no interuptions….no nothing…nothing but me and my computer!  Oh yes….definitely a luxury!  I got 6 full hours of alone time and it was awesome!  I posted on my personal blog which I used to love to do…but it has been seriously neglected!  I edited a TON of our family pictures!   Finally!   I got all of Jan done to date…minus one day…..and got all the prints ready to print and my pages made for my photobook!   Now, the challenge will be to keep this up and not let months go by with no editing! 

Just going to share some of my green house today….it is coming along nicely and I am so excited for spring to get here!  These first 2 are from back in October…..the beginning….

Daddy’s helpers…..

These next four I took last week……it was 35 degrees outside…..and almost 60 degrees inside!  AND the greenhouse is not even sealed up yet!  Halfway done….

Isn’t it beautiful?  I think so.  Thank you Lovie!  It is wonderful!  Will post more when it’s finally finished.

Spring just HAS to be right around the corner!

 Hi!  Thanks for coming back and checking out the info on the awesome fund raiser going on at Schweitzer next weekend and how you can help find a cure for Cystinosis!  Not only will the team relays be super fun, but there will be lots of amazing items to bid on at the auction to help donate money!   I am not sure if mine is amazing….but I will be donating a session for up to 4 people to the auction this weekend to help with Hank’s efforts!   Hey…every little bit helps!  

Schweitzer Gears Up for 24-Hour Benefit Ski Event

 – Participants and volunteers needed Jan. 22-23 –

 SANDPOINT, Idaho – Jan. 8, 2010 – The (ski) race is on to help Sandpoint resident Henry Sturgis, a three-year-old boy with a rare, fatal disease called cystinosis that affects only 500 children and young adults in the entire country, or just one in 600,000 Americans.

 “24 Hours of Schweitzer” is a team relay for skiers, telemarkers and snowboarders beginning at 10 a.m. on Fri., Jan. 22 and ending at 10 a.m. on Sat., Jan. 23.  Participants raise pledges and see how many runs they can ski in 24 hours.  Skiers, telemarkers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities are welcome as solo racers, or two-, three- or four-member teams.   Teams will ski and ride on intermediate runs for prizes, bragging rights and most importantly, fundraising for cystinosis research and Henry’s future.  The ski relay is followed by an auction/awards party that is open to the public.

 The event benefits 24 Hours for Hank, a local nonprofit organization established to generate awareness of cystinosis and raise money for research.  Funds are passed on to the national Cystinosis Research Foundation to help find a cure for this extremely rare, genetic disease that eventually destroys the organs in the body including the kidneys, liver, eyes, muscles and brain. 

 “North Idaho and Spokane area residents really stepped up to the plate last year, helping us raise $75,000 in our quest to help Henry and find a cure, and making our event one of the mostsuccessful cystinosis community fundraisers in the country,” said Tricia Sturgis, Henry’s mom.  “Henry is a very courageous little boy.  We are more inspired than ever to do all we can to enhance his quality of life and provide hope for other cystinosis families.” 

 Following the ski event is an auction/awards party from 6-9 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 23 in the Caribou Room in Schweitzer’s main lodge, which is open to the public.  Lots featured in silent and live auctions include a Sun Valley vacation package, lunch with Ben Stein, Salmon River rafting trip, Fischer skis and bindings, and a Schweitzer corporate pass.  Auction tickets are $25 and available at www.24hoursforhank.org. 

 During last year’s inaugural ski event, a total of 7,183 runs were made by 112 participants over 24 hours, totaling 6,987,292 vertical feet skied.  Skiers ranged in age from seven to 70, with one individual participant skiing a record 175 runs by himself in 24 hours.  This year’s event will feature awards for youngest and oldest skiers, most runs skied by an individual and team, and top fundraiser. 

 Participants, volunteers and sponsors are needed.   For more information on the skiathon and auction, to register, or to make a donation, call 208-610-2131 or visitwww.24hoursforhank.org.  Major sponsors include Schweitzer, Fortrust LLC, Litehouse, Raptor Pharmaceuticals, Panhandle State Bank, EzyDog, Sandpoint Sports and SimulStat Incorporated. 

 About Henry Sturgis

Henry was born in July 2006, a healthy 8½ pounds.  His tumultuous journey began as early as two months old, when he refused to bear any weight on his legs.  At six to nine months, he was losing weight, had trouble sitting up, and wouldn’t crawl.  By 12 months, there were more signs something wasn’t right, but the problem remained a mystery.  At 16 months, he had fallen off the growth chart.  After a blood and urine test, Henry was diagnosed with cystinosis, Fanconi Syndrome and rickets.  He began a rigorous schedule of five medications every six hours, and multiple physical therapy sessions.  Eventually, a G-tube was inserted into the wall of his stomach to help deliver medications and extra calories.  Despite his challenges, Henry continues to be happy, lovable and full of spirit.  He does not yet know what his future may hold – painful eye drops to prevent blindness, kidney transplant, heart problems, stunted growth, and other organ and muscle failures.  His parents hope a cure will be found that will prolong his life.

 About Cystinosis

Cystinosis is a rare genetic disease that affects just 500 people in the U.S. (mostly children) and only 2,000 people worldwide.  The fatal disease causes the amino acid “cystine” to accumulate in the cells of the body, which over time damages various organs including the kidneys, liver, muscles, white blood cells, eyes and central nervous system.  Other complications include muscle weakness, growth loss, difficulty swallowing and developmental delays.   Although medication is available to control some of the symptoms, cystinosis remains incurable.

 About 24 Hours for Hank

24 Hours for Hank is a nonprofit foundation established by friends and family of Henry Sturgis to raise money for cystinosis research.  To date, through local ski and bike benefit events, the Sandpoint-based organization has donated $100,000 to the national Cystinosis Research Foundation supporting medical research to improve treatment and ultimately find a cure for the terminal disease.  For more information or to make a donation, visit www.24hoursforhank.org.  All gifts are tax deductible.

Media Contact:    Tricia Sturgis  858.997.3850

Kathrin Youngberg  208.946.0914

And as promised…more of handsome Hank!  He is just too stinkin cute! 

xoxoxo

This is Henry…aka Hank.  Isn’t he absolutley adorable?  I think so. 

This little guy goes to my son’s preschool and even though he looks like a healthy 3 year old….he really isn’t.  Hank has cystinosis, a very rare, incurable disease and every day he is battling for his life.  You would never know it though….he is quite the charmer!   My heart did a pitter patter just taking his photos!  

Just one for today….but please come back tomorrow….not only will I have more pictures of this little angel….but I will have details about an awesome fund raiser going on at Schweitzer next weekend and how you can help find a cure for Cystinosis! 

Today kicks off Sandpoint’s annual Winter Carnival!   There are so many fun events going on this weekend….you won’t want to miss it!   This year I teamed up with my girl friend Camille from Fairtytales to participate in the Winter Art Trek.   I will be displaying quite a bit of my work at her store and she is having some awesome sales!  We will be part of the Art Treck this Friday evening from 5-7 and Saturday from 11-5 so please stop in to Fairytales at 105 S Main and say hi!  There will be drinks and snacks to enjoy….lots of fun photography to look at….and lots of great sales on beatiful children’s clothing!!!   AND if you are on the trek….don’t forget to go to the Power House….I also have some darling babies on display over there at the “Our Town” art display!  I have already gotten a sneak peek at some of the artwork around town and it really is going to be a beautiful and fun event! 

Just a little sample of the clothing at Fairytales….I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this dress!   Will be posting more pictures tomorrow….but had to share this one tonight!   I bought this beautiful dress for sissy for this years Christmas dress and for family holiday card photos…..that mini session was a bust…my kids are over photographed and were being rascals that day!……..so today I took her out a little bit for some pictures and a few fun games of chase!  Not feeling well today Bella was not real happy about wearing her dress this morning….and actually told me, “I don’t want you to ever talk to me again!  EVER!”  But knowing that she was tired and under the weather…AND a volatile, emotional miniature female (I can hardly wait for teenage years!)….I kept it on her.  I was so glad she had a change of heart……she did cheer up for pictures and ended up being happy that she had her “princess” dress on…she loves to twirl her dresses.  This gorgeous dress and so much more are all 40-50% off!   Like I said…..awesome sales going on…..come check them out!  Just WAIT until you see the dress I am posting tomorrow!  I seriously, just now, wiped the drool from my lip writing about it! 

Until we meet agan……..here are the links to the winter carnival site and the list of events!  I hope to see you there!