As you know, we moved to Portland recently, and now that we are finally getting settled (I suppose- there’s always so much to do, so when someone says they are settled, does that mean they have nothing left to do? Because if so, we do still have boxes in our garage), I have been working on decorating the house. Of course, this involves photographs of the kids. I must say, I wish I had someone to guide me through the process as I guide my clients- someone to be honest about what will work and what won’t. Looking in from the outside is SO much easier.

As I have been in the process of going through old files and negatives, I’ve found some favorites of my son throughout the years that I would like to share. He turned 7 in November, and is definitely growing up. As hard as I thought he was to photograph years ago, I am so glad I have these memories of him. It’s amazing to go back and remember him at those times. So when people say photographs are priceless- they really are. These are memories that I can only experience through looking at these photos.

Seven years and two kids later my memory is not as good as I would have hoped. I don’t remember my son’s first steps. I don’t remember things that I don’t have written in his baby book  or that I don’t have documents through photographs and video. I remember things vaguely, but when I look through old photographs- the memories come rushing back.

I’d like to share a few photographs of my son from some film I scanned in:

Not film but still worth sharing..he looks so sweet and innocent, doesn’t he?

And this is him now (well, back in November actually):

If you’re thinking about scheduling a photography session, and wondering when- do it now. If you keep telling yourself you need to pull out your own camera or video camera more- do it now. Don’t wait. Keep these memories with you forever, time goes by way too fast.

Here are a few from the session:

Here are a few from the session..

Susan will be having a free workshop in in Seattle on March 6, 2010 that I would like to tell you about. Here’s the info:

An Introduction to Chakras for Children of All Ages

Saturday, March 6, 2010
10:30am – 12:00pm
EastWest Bookshop, Seattle, WA
Free!

Are you ready to release your inner child?

Join Susan Marek in an entertaining and educational look at the energy body and chakras, based on her book, “A CHILDREN’S GUIDE TO CHAKRAS.” Children of all ages will enjoy the meditations and fun activities that explore the chakras and how they play a key role in our energetic health and well-being.

Susan Marek is a life-long intuitive who works with angels, ascended masters, and elementals to provide healing, guidance, and insight to earthly issues. Trained as a Reiki Master and as an Angel Therapy Practitioner® and medium, certified by Doreen Virtue, PhD, Susan uses her knowledge to be of service to others through readings, speaking, and writing. You can also view her website at: www.susanmarek.com.

Right now Photography by Amber is offering a limited special Buy One, Get One: Gift Certificate Promo. For example, purchase a $100 gift certificate, and receive another $100 gift certificate- purchase a $500 gift certificate, and receive another $500 gift certificate, etc. Yes, you read that right.

You can combine the gift certificates for yourself, or give one to another special someone as a perfect gift for Valentine’s Day. This is also a great opportunity for those who are on a tight budget to take advantage of this offer- we all know that every little bit helps, and we need to work together as a community to provide each other with products and services that are of exceptional quality and held to the highest standards.

This offer is valid until Thursday, January 14^th 2010 at midnight. Please e-mail Amber to take advantage of limited time offer.  Also, be sure to share this with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.

I know, I know, we just made it through Christmas, New Year’s, etc, but if you’re looking to get some photos done for that special someone, family, etc, you will totally want to take advantage of this offer

Again, I hope everyone has enjoyed themselves this holiday season, and may 2010 bring only the best!

Zoolights (at the Oregon Zoo)- My husband and I took our kids to see the zoolights last night, and I must say, we ALL had a blast. They have a million lights (literally!) and you walk around this winter wonderland. There are animated animals, the train is decorated for the holidays, etc. Definitely worth going to for children and adults of all ages.

Peacock Lane- Apparently every year (since the 1920s!) this neighborhood in southeast Portland has been decorating their houses for Christmas. It gets very crowded here, so don’t expect to drive through quickly. It’s definitely worth checking out! I know my kids love driving around and looking at Christmas lights, so it’s nice to find a neighborhood that goes in together like this to make the holidays fun for everyone.

The Grotto- We haven’t been to this yet, but I’m really wanting to go. It looks beautiful, and I think it will be enjoyed by all. The Grotto is having their 22nd annual Christmas Festival of Lights (until December 30th).  They have over half a million lights, events, puppet shows, chorus, food and beverages, etc.

The Pittock Mansion- They are having their Tinsel, Trees, and Traditions: 150 Years of Christmas. They have rooms decorated to celebrate the traditions of Christmas. Very interesting, and worth checking out it you can.

The Fantasy Trail (in Oregon City)- This trail is so neat. It’s decorated with thousands of lights, and you walk through a 40 ft castle with holiday scenes. Such fun for the little ones!

Miracle of a Million Lights (at the Queen Anne Victorian Mansion)- We haven’t been to this yet, but I’d really like to go if we can. It looks fun. The mansion is decorated for the holidays (with 2.5 million lights!), and there are 10 uniquely- decorated Christmas trees, homemade apple cider, and more. They have a gift shop with unique stocking stuffers as well.

The Nutcracker (at the Oregon Ballet Theater)- I remember going to see this when I was little (not out here, but back in TN). I was so excited and I’m hoping to take my son this year, as I think it would be a great holiday tradition.

Winter Wonderland (at the Portland International Raceway)- We are actually going to this tonight. It’s known at the “largest light show west of the Mississippi.” It’s a drive-through light show, with over 250 colorful displays and 40 fully animated scenes. Apparently, this year, you also can drive through a tunnel of lights. Should be fun!

There are many more events going on in and around the Portland, OR area as well. Hopefully this list will help you in finding some fun things to do around town. And, as always, if you have any suggestions, please let me know! We love finding new stuff to do around this awesome city!