As parents we see endless emotions in our children. We know their quiet look. We know their mischievous look. We know that smile that says, “Momma, I wanna marry you.” Who better to take their photos then us.

One of my favorite parts of my week is getting emails from moms and dads. I may not be able to respond as much or as quickly as I want, but I love seeing what you are all shooting of your little ones. It’s amazing to hear that after watching DVD 1, Refuse to Say Cheese or attending a workshop “this” is what you caught. And then some of you connect with the blog, and I’m so honored that you share your most treasured images with me.

Simply put, your images move me.

I opened this image from a wonderful woman, mom and former workshop attendee, and I teared up. I’ve never seen an image express such quietness before. You can almost hear the child quiet breathing. Look at those soft, long eyelashes.

Then Kari sent me this image, and I busted up laughing! Kari is also one of the Running On Empty winners. Doesn’t this image make you smile! Look at Ty’s face! Love it!

And this image says something totally different than the first two. Jessica caught a moment with her son that will forever be with both of them. I love how her toning work by changing it to black and white accentuates the emotion and thoughtfulness of her little guy.

We’re all busy here at the studio, gearing up for our Mom’s Workshop this Saturday. And as we’re putting the final details in place, I look at these photos and think, wow, what better thing can you spend your time on then documenting your little ones life.

Update on DVD 2, Beyond the Green Box:

For those of you who have loved the first DVD, Refuse to Say Cheese, we want to thank you again and again, and also update you on DVD 2, Beyond the Green Box.

I found out yesterday that I’m supposed to be getting the final copy this week to review before it’s manufactured. It’s been held up way longer than I had ever planned, and this process has almost broke me. But we are making it through, and DVD 2 is coming to us. But when? Can I keep you updated as we go on a week by week basis? I feel like so much of the process is out of my hands, but I know many of you want to know the updates, so I’ll be sure to post something every week on the blog over the next couple weeks.

It’s not so much the wait that has bothered me as wanting to respect your belief and support in this project. We haven’t released a national campaign for this series, so you are our first customers–most treasured customers of all. We want to honor you more than you’d ever know.

I’m a people pleaser to a horrible fault, so when I called a mom in CA to tell her why DVD 2 hadn’t shipped yet, I felt horrible. She was so gracious on the phone and encouraged me to hang in there and keep going. (Annette, you have no idea how much you gave to my soul this week.)

But not everyone may feel this way, and it’s totally fine. If you are wanting your money back until DVD 2, Beyond the Green Box, is shipping, please email us and let us know. We would totally understand! If you are okay hanging in there, man, what can we say. You are amazing.

We’ve decided to not allow any more sales on DVD 2 or the Set until the manufacturers are done, and the product is shipping. Only DVD 1 will be available for the next couple weeks. Also, our shipping procedures are totally changing, and in the next couple months customers will have tracking numbers and all that other good stuff so you know what’s happening at any given moment. Such the learning curve. Your basically our guinea pigs, and hopefully your not feeling skewered in the process!

All that to say, we are planning a big Release Party for both DVD’s–thinking November. Anyone interested in coming? 🙂 When this project is over and available, we need to have a SERIOUS, SERIOUS, SERIOUS celebration! 🙂