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 →

Some days I am in the mood to shoot a ton of photos (see here and here). Other days, I’m in charge of making sure a group of girls have the most fun possible at a crowded theme park (while staying safe). This was one of those days. And I ended up with about 30 photos... 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 →

Random Thought #1 Last night, this tub stopper arrived. Seven year old Ryan showed it to his dad and said, “If you don’t like romance, I’m sorry. Because this says (pointing to the OXO in the middle), ‘hug, kiss, hug.'” #lovethatkid He was pretty excited to be able to take a bath again. Our tub... 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 →

I love it when… it’s finally pool season! (And not JUST for the pictures.) I could not be more excited that the weather is finally warm enough for me to throw the kids outside for some swimming. Something about the pool puts them in a good mood (and wears them out for bedtime). When I... Read More →

Rene busted his butt last month fixing up our playground set. It was lopsided, and the kids barely used it, so we had to decide between demolishing it or fixing it. I was glad to be able to convince Rene it was worth saving. But MAN did fixing it up take a ton of work... Read More →

Too lazy to edit… and too lazy to write (much). I’ll let the photos speak for themselves. Presenting, Thanksgiving at my parents’ house. Also known as, ‘the house where I grew up which has since been remodeled.’ Not waiting for the chess game to end… Side note: I gave that chess set to my grandfather... Read More →

This was the third weekend in a row where Ryan had a birthday party to attend. Usually the social events fall under the ‘Isabel’ category. You won’t see Ryan complaining, though. Then again, who would complain about glow-in-the-dark soccer? Ryan had a blast. Isabel had a blast. (She’s screaming on the inside.) ALL the kids... Read More →

It feels like most weekends I have an activity to take Isabel to… whether for Girl Scouts or just a party with friends. It was nice for Ryan to get a day out for a change. Man, he’s a chatterbox when he gets some one-on-one time. He can talk your ear off! And he really... Read More →

This was the first party they took themselves to – it was across the street. I saw Ryan standing here. Waiting for Isabel to get ready. And a vision hit me of his 15 year old self, waiting for his 18 year old sister. And I knew I had to take a picture. Of course,... Read More →

I love it when… my kid pushes through frustration, keeps trying, and hits the bulls eye. (@ the super cool Everglades Archery Range) Way to go, Isabel! Lookin’ pretty good yourself, there, Rye Pie. Read More →