Tips for Moving Cross Country

Hindsight is always 20/20. As we get ready to make our second cross country move (kind of). I thought I'd share some of the do's, do not's, and the unexpected of a big move. At least from our experience.

One of the biggest mistakes we made the first time around was moving ourselves. You guys, so many things broke. So. Many. things. A lot of my favorite pieces of furniture were now unusable. The antique sewing machine my grandma gave me, done. My favorite entry table that was so perfect for storage. done. Legs on tables and chairs were now wobbly, despite our best efforts to preserve them. Things shifted, things broke, other things were stained. It was a devastating blow in a new unfamiliar place. We remained positive, but decided next time we moved, we would sell everything, and move nothing.

As we get ready for our second move we now realize that is a little bit unrealistic (clothes, memorabilia, etc.) However, we are taking this opportunity to get rid of what we don't like or want anymore, and start over of sorts. We have been married for 14 years and a lot of our things are worn, outdated, hand me downs, or are just flat out overdue for replacement. This time, however, the company is paying for relocation services, with professional movers and insurance. I wish someone had told me YOU NEED THESE if you're moving across the country. If the company doesn't offer it, I would highly suggest you try to negotiate it. It's a small price for them to pay for you uprooting your entire family and moving across the country. Starting over in a new foreign place, with a moving truck full of broken and unusable stuff, is really no way to start over, if you can help it.

What are your best moving tips?! I'd love to hear them in the comments. 

Fly Little Guy: Boys Style Blog

I'm super excited to announce my newest project! Fly Little Guy is a blog dedicated to boy's styling! The idea was born from this post, and I've put so much love and care into its creation! I couldn't be more proud, and I'm super excited for all the things in store! There's new content posted Monday-Friday with everything from fashion inspiration, styling tips, and even giveaways! You can often catch one of the Calhoun Boys modeling! Here are a few examples done by yours truly!

Please come on over for a visit! Also, don't forget to follow Fly Little Guy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest! I want to say thank you SO much to all my friends, family, and clients who have already shown their love and support! It really means the world to me!

A Birthday Shoot & Special Announcement

Earlier this year, I photographed this sweet little two year old! I've been so blessed to be able to do her newborn, family, first, and second year photos!

I'm beyond blessed to have some of the most amazing clients! The kind I get to call friends...It was certainly an unexpected bonus to doing this amazing job! It's why, with a (somewhat) heavy heart, I announce that the Calhouns will be moving this summer. We are relocating to Cincinnati, Ohio where my husband has an incredible job opportunity! He gets to do what he loves and the opportunity for him to grow simply outweighs any reservations we have about leaving. I'm extremely proud of him, and, although we will miss our family and friends, we are looking forward to a new adventure and all the opportunities that await us in Cincy. We will be back for regular visits, which will most likely include a few photo shoots (wink)! And, you can always keep up with us right here on this blog!

XOXO Lori

3 of the best things that ever happend to me

Notice I said of...because truth be told I have an amazing husband, parents, siblings, friends, and clients. But, honestly, this post is about them, and, quite frankly, they deserve it!

Sometimes I feel quite unworthy to hold the title of Mom. I'm not sure what I did in a previous life to deserve to call them mine. I stayed up late the other night thinking about it. They are seriously one of the best things that has ever happened to me. They make me feel more loved than I'll ever deserve. Not a single day goes by that they don't tell me. Whenever I walk in the door from being gone, they shout hoorays and run to give me hugs. The cuddle me, hug me, kiss me, hold my hand, and tell me I'm beautiful more times in one day than I can even count. They really know how to make a girl feel special!

Yesterday morning they brought me breakfast in bed that they had made all by themselves! They wore the biggest smiles as they shouted HAPPY BIRTHDAY! It was a great start to my day! Daddy was in the office yesterday, but, no worries, they took great care of me!

Thank you boys! Mommy loves you more than you will ever know!

The December That Dashed By

In early December, Richard went with Jace on his school field trip to Tolmachoff farms. Here's the "vegetables" of their labor. Get it?

Richard and I celebrated our 10th Wedding Anniversary.

Andrew Thomas Mechup came to visit. Horrible pic, wonderful memory! The boys were definitely wowed when he snuck their balloons!

Santa Clause came to visit Tate's Preschool and they sang us some cute Christmas Songs. Nana and Papa came to watch too.

We went horseback riding and I didn't forget my camera. But, most of these weren't taken by me. Still glad I have them anyway!

Christmas came and went, and I hardly have any pictures to prove it.

And, lastly, we rung in the new year with deliciousness and sparklers.

Circus Theme Birthday Party

For Tate's third birthday we had a Circus themed birthday party! I whipped these invites up really quick in photoshop.

We had an awesome custom made cake! Cotton candy, pop corn, hot dogs,circus cookies & peanuts too! 

When the kids arrived they decorated their own clown hats!

There was even a special visitor! She showed us magic! 

And, made balloon animals, and face painted too!

I think it's safe to say Tate had a blast! Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with us!

"They Found Me"

They were words of despair (don't worry I already know I'm being dramatic). See, I had locked myself in my office, just a few minutes to myself was all I needed. Actually, they didn't even have to be to myself; just a few minutes to relax would have sufficed. I had scheduled it after all. Yes, I have to schedule my time to relax. After being at school all day, coming home, lending a good listening ear to my husband, hearing all about my children's day, handing out snacks, and some very wise council, digging through backpacks trying to decipher the important from the not important, I then cooked dinner. After which (lucky me) I played referee to "he hit me", and my favorite, "he called me stupid", and then all I wanted to do was relax. That was the plan. I wanted to sit on the couch and watch reruns of Keeping up with the Kardashians, or, whatever non educational but very entertaining show happened to be on. However, it was short lived, and I soon found myself upstairs locked in my office trying my darnedest to "relax". Then..."they found me". The last words I uttered before writing this post.

*sorry unedited*

I couldn't even make this up if I tried...

A while ago, our family went into the city. We happened to be driving through are old hood and the following conversation ensued.

Richard-"Boys look! That's were daddy used to play flag football...every weekend!"


Boys -"Wow, right there? That's cool!"


Richard-"Yeah, right there's where I held Mommy's hand for the first time..."


Me-"Right there, next to the table with the homeless man on it."

Not even kidding. I love memory lane. In fact, you can hear my version of the first time we held hands here (it just so happens that it was 11 years ago today)!



Happy Thanksgiving!

Spread the Love: My Eulogy

This past Tuesday I attended Spread the love with Justin and Mary Marantz. It. Was. Fabulous! I loved every minute of the 5 (yes 5) hours they spent talking. In fact I think I could have listened for 5 more. Three quick words I would use to describe spread the love.

1. Emotional


2. Intense (actually this one is theirs, but I couldn't agree more.)


3. Informative

I'll give the low down on why I choose these 3...

1. Mary had me chocked up with in 30 seconds. I am not even exaggerating. Her emotion and passion is contagious. B-T-W, it wouldn't be the last time either.


2. The five hours was jam packed full of information. I have 12 (half) sheets of notes, and I feel like I still missed some things.


3. Well... if the 12 sheets couldn't prove this one. How about the fact the it was all pretty much brand new information.

What was really neat was that it wasn't specific to just photographers. While I think every photographer would benefit from it. Anyone could attend, and there life would be so much richer.

Toward the end of the night they had everyone wright there own Eulogy. Then if you wanted to read it you could. There were a few brave souls. Me, not so much. But I did want to share it on my blog. Lucky you!

If Lori was here with us today she would have told you that she probably couldn't even spell Eulogy. If she had to take a stab at it she would have guessed u-i-l-o-g-y (I really had that). She knew in her heart of hearts that she would never work a 9-5. Once in a Sunday school classroom full of teenagers the teacher asked each individual what they wanted to be when they grew up? Most of the children listed very respectable professions. Like teacher, doctor, and lawyer. When it was Lori's turn she didn't even hesitate to answer Mother. The other kids snickered, and she didn't care. There was nothing she looked forward to more than finding the man she would spend the rest of her life with, and mothering his children. Only a few short years later Lori married at the ripe old age of 20. Almost two years later her first son was born. Followed closely by their second son just two years, and one day later. It would take almost another 3 years for their third son to be born, and complete their family. Lori loved to stay home with her children, and was very thankful for her husband's hard work and sacrifice. In the months that would follow an unexpected love would enter her life, and it would change forever. She fell in love with photography quickly, and whole heartily. She put her heart and soul into Calhoun ink while still maintaining balance in the other aspects of her life she was already so proud to have accomplished. She passed her love for people and capturing them with the camera onto her husband, and three son's who still run Calhoun ink today.


That was pretty much as far as I got. It's not profound, but it's me. I think I'll take it.

Lori

Why choose custom portraits?

Have you ever wondered why custom portraits are so much better? Well I'm going to give you my opinion. Take it for what it's worth. I am a bit biased;)

It all started about 4 years ago (I can't believe it has been that long). A friend from church asked if she could take pictures of my boys. I was much obliged, and the pictures were beautiful. I was hooked! From then on I could never force myself to go back to a studio. Here are a few reasons why.

• Same=boring. Custom portraits are just that. Your portraits will be custom to fit you and your family. They will capture your unique style and personalities. In the best way possible. None of that posing with the hand on the chin around here.
• Relaxed. You session will be relaxed and painless. Nothing will be forced and will go with the flow. Sometimes the studio experience can be stressful. Having your child sit still in front of a white piece of paper and asking them to say cheese...Well...I don't have to explain all the reasons why this is so dreadful. For you and your child. Your custom portrait session will include, love, hugs, and laughter.
• Choices, choices, choices. When it comes to the location of your shoot the possibilities are endless. I've done shoots at beautiful parks, on train tracks, in junk yards, in the desert, in quaint neighborhoods, in a clients home, at historical sites. Honestly, the possibilities are endless.
• Price. Depending upon your needs a custom portrait session is typically right around the same price, and sometimes even cheaper then a studio. Like I said it depends upon your needs. If your thinking "but Lori I have a coupon". Let's talk about that in the next one.
• Selection. Studios typically limit you to 5 or 6 poses, and then charge you (a huge mark up) for prints. With custom portraits the number of poses is not pre set. As many as we can fit into a 60-90 minute session. The average is typically 15-20. But can even go up to 25.
• Rights to print. Having the rights to print your images when, where, and how you want offers you flexibility you can afford. (Pun definitely intended;)

All that being said custom portraits are a luxury and an investment. Take the time to plan you photo shoot. From the style, to the location, to what you will wear. Save for the investment. I suggest having your portraits done at least once a year. Make it a tradition, and celebrate afterwards. (This will help your family look forward to your photo shoot all year long.) Don't forget to mark the special milestones in your life. Calhoun ink offers portrait shoots for; maternity, newborns, birthdays, seniors, engagements, and just about anything you can think up.
...and because what's a post with out a picture? Don't answer that. Instead take a look at this cute guy who is currently learning body parts. I kept it clean for ya;)

What Adoption Means to Me

Before I get into the awesomeness that is this post I wanted to give you a little background. I am the oldest of 3 daughters. My father adopted my sister and I when she was 5 and I was 9. Unbeknownst to me this was probably one of the single best moments of my child hood. Almost three years later my baby sister was born, and our family was complete. Here we are Christmas of 1996.


In case your wondering which one I am. I'm the oldest and if that still doesn't help I'm the one standing on the left:) I can admit that most of the time I was a bit of a brat. I honestly had no idea how lucky I truly was. I had a family. I had a father that loved, cared, and protected us. Most importantly he loved our mother.

You would often times catch him coaching one of are softball games. Or cheering us on at are swim meets. Don't hate on that sweet stash. Or my sisters awesome tan line. I'm thankful since then I've learned how to smile. My point is, my life was truly blessed when this man entered are lives. I'm thankful that even though it wasn't the traditional way, he is my father. I truly believe with all my heart every child deserves a family. A mother. A father. Warmth, protection, and love. I am a huge fan of adoption for obvious reasons. I also know so many who have blessed by this awesome act of love. With all that being said. I'd like to announce what I was originally so excited about! Calhoun ink now offers free adoption profile portraits. For more information click here.

Just for fun one more.