Sunday, July 15, 2012

Seven Beautiful Grandsons

Before meeting the Lessard troop, I thought
my mom had a lot of grandsons! {5} These lucky 
grandparents have even more. The amazing thing is 
they are each gorgeous and very well behaved.
I had a very easy and fun time doing their portraits
at Gemini Springs. So a big thank you to all the boys
for making this so enjoyable for me, and to Lisa
and Susan... thank you for coming 
and enjoy your photos!





Saturday, July 14, 2012

A brand new love... {my nephew}

The Richards and Petit families have been blessed
with such a beautiful new addition. (and probably
my mom's last grandbaby) Luke Calvin was born on
Wednesday, and I got to meet him today. He is just the
sweetest thing ever.  His big brother Landon is doing
very well with welcoming a new baby into the family.
He did exceptionally well during our shoot. 
I have a lot of photos, but these are four of my
personal favorites. A big thank you to my brother Vince,
and my sister-in-law, Ashley, for allowing me to come
over so soon to get some photos. I can't wait to
keep editing!





Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Baby Kason at home!

After a tiny bit of a rough start, baby Kason is
home and doing fabulous! I really enjoyed
my shoot with him this week. We got lucky and had
beautiful window light right before a HUGE storm.
I've been trying to do this "head on arms" pose for 
so long, and I think this is the best one yet. 
Big brother Karter is just figuring out 
this could be a great new toy to play with....
A big thank you to Julie and Kory for allowing
me to photograph Kason. 
Congratulations to you all !



Sunday, July 8, 2012

The Perfect Hummus {Creamiest ever!}

Ok, First-borns don't typically like to share, however, I will step out of my comfort zone because I must share with you the best hummus on the planet! It's really so simple to make, the perfect snack and so healthy. If you are lukewarm on hummus (like I was) this recipe will turn you into a human garbanzo bean.
So here's what you do:
First get your supplies:

One bag of dried garbanzo beans
One lemon
1/4 cup of Tahini ( I get mine at World Market, keep remainder in fridge)
One large clove of garlic
One ice cube
1/2 cup of good Olive Oil
1/8 teas of cumin
1 teas of salt

Keep in mind that every ingredient is "to taste" So if you like garlic a WHOLE lot, you might
want two cloves, etc. For example, I'm a little shy of cumin, so I only use 1/2 of what it calls for. (normally 1/4 teas)



Ok, so the first part is easy. (well, it's all easy)
Put about 1/2 the bag of dried garbanzo beans in a bowl of water on the counter and leave overnight.
(they expand quite a bit)
Next day, put them in a pot of water and cook until tender. I usually bring them up to a soft boil, then back down on my heat for about 35-45 min. Just check them now and then, maybe stir once, and when they squish fairly easy in between your fingers they are done. Take them off heat and let them cool. If you are ready right then to make your hummus, you might want to cool them down by straining and rinsing under cool water. But make sure they aren't super cold. The BEST thing about this hummus is that you make it a little warm and it's so delicious that way!

Part Two.
 Put your garlic, lemon juice (juice of one lemon, no seeds) and 1 teas of salt in the food processor or blender. ( I just got a Cuisinart, and its the best thing I ever bought!) Pulse it up.

Next add the remainder of ingredients: 2 cups of beans, 1/2 cup Olive Oil, the ice cube, the cumin, and the Tahini (stir it up in jar before measuring out)  Let it process for a good minute or so...add Olive Oil if it looks clumpy. You can always drizzle some on top when serving.

Don't ask me about the ice cube, but it's pure magic. A gentleman from Jordan online suggested it, and
it's amazing. He said it makes it creamier, and he's right on.

Well, that's it! I always taste before taking it out of processor. Add whatever you'd like to change it up.
(spicy red pepper, roasted red pepper or peanut butter for the kids!)
I'm finding I like mine plain these days, with Stacey's Simply Naked Pita Chips. they are a bit pricey but WELL worth it!!

Good Luck, and please let me know if you try this!

By the way, feel free to double this recipe and make the whole bag of beans. This recipe makes about 2 cups.  Perfect for a small party or gathering. Or enough to last just myself  about 3-4 days.






Wednesday, July 4, 2012

A time to remember {Shreveport, LA}

Our family recently traveled to Shreveport, LA for a 
very special memorial. While we were there we visited
with many relatives, some of whom we had never met.
The kids had a blast playing with all kinds of cousins/second
cousins in their age group. The kids ranged in age from 
"still in belly" to 15!  Well, as you know it wouldn't have been
a complete trip for me without some photos of all those beautiful kids!
So enjoy looking at these gorgeous faces. (and to all the moms....
don't worry, there are many more to edit and order for you!)
This is just a little Sneak-Peek
Love you guys......Shawna

(click on photos to see them larger)