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 →

I met Kimberly through Stacey’s sister, Susan (You remember Stacey). So, I knew she was good people. And I was so honored to photograph her son’s baptism. It is such a special moment in a little person’s life – when family comes together to support all that he is and will become. And Alexander’s family... Read More →

I am launching my photography business this month. I’m pretty excited about it. For those of you who have asked – or have wondered – no, I’m not quitting my day job. But I dream big and have a huge vision for my future. And this is step one. Mini-shoots are 15-minute portrait sessions. I... Read More →

This online class built my foundation in photography. I learned so much. The scope of what is taught is incredible. You get to read her evaluations for all of the regular students’ assignments, which teaches so much. But the best part of this class was the lifelong friends I made. (You may remember my recent visit... Read More →

I walked by the bathroom Monday morning to find Ryan standing on the toilet, head in the sink… I started laughing (of course). “What?!” “Nothing. I just wish I had my camera right now.” “You can go get it.” “REALLY?! Okay, don’t move.”       Read More →

This summer, my family joined my parents for a road trip. It was maaahvelous. I loved it so much I could write a book about it! Here is that book (flash required):   << I swear there was a book here. There is no longer. I’ll work on that! >>   I look forward to... Read More →

While waiting for Tropical Storm Isaac, we didn’t put up shutters or bring anything inside, off the patio. Nope. On Saturday morning, I went to kickboxing with my friend, Lisa. Rene spent the day moving his boat. The kids and I started our Harry Potter marathon – Half Blood Prince (the sixth movie) is just... Read More →

Isabel’s last year in elementary school? What the heck!??! I remember kindergarten. Vaguely. And Ryan is in 2nd grade. In a fancy portable. Taking PE… and Spanish… and Art… and Music. Officially a “medium kid.” (The fifth graders are BIG kids.) While the kids were excited for the new year to start, I was rightfully skeptical. I... Read More →

This past March, my family and I went on a road trip with our Girl Scout troop. We went to Savannah GA, to learn about the Girl Scout founder: Juliette Gordon Low. We visited to her birth house and the nearby neighborhood, which was beautiful. She is truly inspiring, so I recommend reading more about... Read More →

Welcome, visitors from Karen Russell’s blog! Thanks for clicking my link! View more pictures from our trip to Universal’s Islands of Adventure here: My Islands of Adventure Photos. View my Project 365 photos here: http://mariloujaen.com/365/                                            ... Read More →

Me and foosball go way back. My love of foosball started in middle school. (Of course, we weren’t cool enough to call it middle school back then. It was just Jr. High.) I went to a summer camp at FIU for drama. There was a foosball table in the student area; my “crush” would play... Read More →

I loved being at the baby shower – catching up with my dear friend, Carisa. Finally meeting the infamous Michelle. And getting to know more about Susan and her mom – they are amazing women. Love them. But I cannot deny that my FAVORITE was photographing this precious girl! view photos here Read More →