In June, I sent out a Facebook ‘Bat Call’ for Pokemon cards. A few weeks ago, we got this package in the mail. Ryan… 1) was thrilled to get a box in the mail 2) couldn’t believe it was for him 3) has no idea how to open a taped box 4) was amazed at... Read More →

A few years ago, I was introduced to LaVerne at a Craft & Hobby Association convention. We were kindred spirits and became fast friends. And she kinda changed my life. We were going to Best Buy to get me a new flash, so I could take pictures of the product samples and she told me,... Read More →

December is in full swing. Loads of homework makes staying festive hard work, but I’m trying to keep in the spirit. To help, each day, the elf comes and leaves a holiday activity for the kids to do in our advent calendar. Usually while they are taking a bath. The kids alternate days on the... Read More →

We have been to Michael’s twice in the last 4 days (birthday presents), and will go again tonight or tomorrow for a science project. (Bad planning.) Seeing the pumpkin display, observant Isabel asked me, “What is in the orange paint that’s so special?” We HAD to Instagram that, of course. So we took a few... Read More →

Ryan is my candid subject. He doesn’t notice the camera. He doesn’t pose. I get my most natural shots when shooting him. Well, I used to. Seriously? That is NOT how you were raised. It took a “That’s okay. I’ll go take pictures of Isabel,” to get him to ignore me. Okay, not TOTALLY ignore... Read More →

This week, I’ve woken up to find an extra body in my bed more times than not. He blames the two weeks he spent with his grandparents, but that was three weeks ago. I’m not buying it. On a Saturday morning, I can’t say I mind waking up to this face… But when there’s a... Read More →

I’ve been sitting on some blog posts. Memorial Day, birthdays, a trip to Philadelphia, July 4th, a trip to Utah. Yeah, I’m a bit behind on things. Don’t call me a slacker. I’ve been hard at work, getting my priorities in order. And thinking. About what this space should be. About what my next steps... Read More →

Here’s another snippet of our everyday life. I shot these the same day as these: http://mariloujaen.com/blog/2013/05/23/everyday-life-1/. I realized the kids have both gotten new bikes since I last photographed them biking. Plus, Ryan wanted to ride bike. Win-win. There was some biking. Some van climbing. And more biking. The kids usually bike on our street... Read More →

A recent conversation with one of my besties, Jules, sparked a conversation about being bored of shooting our own everyday lives, but somehow enjoying the images of other peoples’ everyday lives. I wondered if it’s because we LIVE our own lives, so we see the same things over and over – where other people’s everyday... Read More →