Catching up and cleaning up...

I've been neglecting my blog again..I think it's because I've been a little preoccupied with Twitter. That thing is too much fun...not to mention I end up chatting w/ my bestest friend Tina at Belle Adorn on there every day. But not just that..I actually follow the news stations updates there(something I never did before..watch the news) and enjoy all sorts of tips and recommendations.

But seriously..I need to get focused here. Today I started cleaning up my studio/office..amazing how many bead supplies pile up and how many receipts and papers. Oh and the dust...ooops..it's been a while since I dusted this room..yikes! I'm not even near done but already it feels so much more inviting to work in. And I need to get this place ship shape because spring is always a busy time for me. For one it's wedding season!

Photograph by Aihara Visuals

Wedding season is a really fun time because I've usually got lots of wedding custom jewelry orders. It's doubly busy though because there is the not so fun compiling of the tax totals for both hubby's business and mine. I never learn my lesson either and I'm always behind on the bookkeeping. Waaaay behind. I'm hoping I did a little better this year though. Honestly I was doing okay the first part of the year..but when Cameron got sick I kinda lost track of it all. Some things are just more important..and that includes your kids.

Speaking of Cameron..he's definitely made progress. He's not 100% but he's definitely more his old self. He still deals w/ nausea every day and so doesn't really like to leave the house. But many of the other symptoms have gone away. Some have returned if he eats the wrong thing...like heart burn or being short of breath. It's all a trial..trying to figure out what food intollerances are causing his discomfort. He's gained back about 7 pounds from the 20 he lost. They came back quickly and he hasn't gained anymore back in over a month..but we are just happy he's not loosing.

And we got him out for an evening! He went to the big babyshower party my sister threw our brother and sister in law. Here he is w/ some friends and his cousin. He's the one in the hat.




The babyshower was a lot of fun...one of the first for our family that I was not involved in. It was nice and relaxing..but felt strange to not be involved in the planning and whatnot. My sister Kimberlee and her sis in law Raylene did a good job though! It was a surf theme...here are some of the decorations..





Here is yours truly w/ her new little nephew Hanalei..(it was a bad frizzy hair day..wish I could have borrowed his hat!)




And of course we have been working on puzzles for family time. I've missed taking pics of the last two we did..but here is the one before that.

Images By Desiree - an artist showcase

Meet my cousin-in-law Desiree...a very talented photographer. Des has been busy capturing moments with a camera since highschool I believe but has been taking snapshots of life with the blink of her eyes since she was a little girl(so cute!). Her expertise is obvious when you look at her work Images by Desiree. She's definitely got an eye for capturing those special moments.






I love the fresh and sometimes quirky look she has on life..real life moments ya know...




(I love this one..it reminds me of Doctor Who lol!)




It doesn't stop there..just check out her site Images by Desiree and her blog Images by Desiree's Blog, there are pages full of incredibly touching photography and beautiful happy people. Lots of babies too..she loves taking pictures of the babies!

If you are looking for a photographer in the southern California area..I highly recommend Images by Desiree.

My Sister, the Wedding Photographer

My sister is Kimberlee Aihara of Aihara Visuals. She used to make jewelry with me..but really doesn't have much time anymore as her other love has taken off and basically exploded. I'm not suprised..just look at her work here on her blog. I could sit here forever and look at her pictures..she's amazing!

Here she is working....



and here are a couple of my new favorites I snagged from her blog. I was so overwhelmed with favorites..it was hard to choose!






If you are planning to get married in Hawaii and need a photographer, you NEED to contact my sister...she's the best! And her dates fill up quick..so don't procrastinate!

Aihara Visuals