oh snap!

Ally: Senior Session

2010-05-12T22:11:00.006-04:00

-fishers, in-

My little sister graduated from Ball State on Saturday and my family and I could not be more excited for her! Just a few days before graduation, we met up to take some "senior pictures" in celebration of her college degree! Ally, we are so proud of you and I hope you like the pictures! You are beautiful and so smart and you are on your way to many, many great things!!!

With lots of love! Your Big Sister =)

Engagement: Jennifer & Shane

2010-01-10T22:04:00.005-05:00

-indianapolis, in-

Todd and I met up with Jennifer and Shane downtown around the Canal and Indiana State Museum. I just want to tell you how they were troopers! The temperature was a high of 17 degrees and it was snowing. I've never been so bundled up in my entire life but it was SO worth it! We made our way from the Canal to the Circle and then to the Central Library. They were so much fun to work with and we cannot wait for their wedding in July! Thank you for having so much fun with us!!

Procelli Family

2010-01-04T21:20:00.007-05:00

Happy New Year!!

It has been much too long between blog posts and I'll do my best to keep it up this year! I was able to spend a little time with the Procelli family on Christmas Eve, Eve (yes, that is a real day!) and had such a good time.

Susan has 3 boys, Michael, Tom and James. Michael has just (and by just, I mean within days!) returned from Navy boot camp and is now a Naval Pilot Officer Candidate. Congratulations!! From the sound of it, it's just been too long since the family has been together and had a few pictures taken. Susan, you are a great mom to three very handsome boys and you guys couldn't have been much nicer to me! Thank you for letting me into your home and capturing these special moments with you and your boys!

I want to wish Susan, Michael, Tom and James the happiest year yet!!

Below is James, Tom and Michael.

I think this next one has to be my favorite. They were "fake laughing" but in reality I think they were really laughing because they thought I was crazy for asking them to "fake laugh" Oh well... it is still my favorite!! =)

Thank you Procelli Family!!

little ones: kaedon

2009-10-28T20:28:00.005-04:00

-indianapolis, in-

At the end of August, I met with with long-time pal, Krystle, and her son Kaedon. We thought it would be fun to get some pictures of Kaedon because he just turned 5! He's growing like a weed and turning into such a wonderful young man. We really enjoyed our time at the IMA and I hope Krystle, Kaedon and family loves the pictures as much as I do. Krys, you've got quite a model on your hands!

p.s. everyone be ready for blog upload overload... I'm on a mission tonight to get more caught up!!

Enjoy!!

he just loves to cuddle with his momma...

Thank you both for such a fun day! I'm glad that Todd and I (you know, my man-friend) could help and enjoy a lovely day with you both! =)

Summer 2009 - An Update

2009-08-20T21:57:00.002-04:00

So here we are, its August and it is time for an update on what we've been up to this summer. Here is a review of the last few weeks... in my favorite form... photos!

Todd is so cute... He just turned 28 on the 17th... happy birthday honey!!!

Todd and his twin, Carrie. Nice smiles!

The Monster.

Just playing around... I love these flowers in our front yard. They have been blooming off and on all summer. I'll be sad when summer is over and the flowers are gone.

Happy Birthday to me! My parents sent me a little gift in the mail for my birthday. I'll have to post a picture of the cute little necklace that I found inside. Thank you both!

Playing with the Lensbaby...

Ally got me a book that describes what our dreams mean. This is my new "dream journal" to write down what I was dreaming about the night before. That way I'll remember them and be able to look them up in my new book! Thanks for the wonderful birthday gift Al! I've already remembered 3 dreams!

I love this. I want to blow it up and hang it in our living room.

My grandparents met us at PF Changs for lunch last Saturday. The meal and the company was pretty great. And I made them get their photos taken before everyone left. I always do!

One word... yay...

One of the many cute cake toppers on my birthday cake...

More cake... ice cream cupcakes from Cold Stone Creamery. Thank you Todd!

Todd and Carrie's birthday cake. All lit up!

Ally. I love this one.

I hope everyone else is having a wonderful summer!

The Big Day: Annie and Tyler

2009-08-04T21:22:00.000-04:00

- Kokomo, IN -

I cannot even begin to explain how much fun I had spending the day with Annie, Tyler, their friends and family. Annie and Tyler are about the coolest couple around. Even though the day started with some not-so-great weather and was a little wet, they were more than happy to step outside and take lots of pictures. How cool is that?! I want to thank Brooke from Brooke and Pedro Photography for letting me be a second shooter that day. I learned so much and can't wait to team up once again! Thanks again to Annie and Tyler for being the coolest people around! I wish you both the very best!!!

The sun decided to come out that afternoon :)

This one has to be one of my favorites...

my happy life.

2009-07-18T23:25:00.000-04:00

- Fishers, IN -

Just a quick post to say that I love my life. Here are a few things that I love.

Bella helping me take some photos...

Pink flowers in my front yard...

My cute hubby...

More pink flowers...

Oooh. Purple flowers...

More cute hubby... and Bella.

Hooray. Just wanted to say that I'm happy for my life and for summer :)

Workshopping

2009-07-18T23:08:00.000-04:00

- Indianapolis, IN -

I had the opportunity to spend a few hours with the wonderful Brooke and Pedro. I learned so much and was able to snap a few photos of them. They were nice enough to be our models and I think they look fabulous! We spent the day at the IMA and it was the perfect location. Check out their blog and their amazing photos. Thank you Brooke and Pedro!

Brooke actually took this shot with my camera and one of her lenses. I love it. I think that I need this lens now :) And... my ring looks so pretty!

Thanks again to my new friends Brooke and Pedro :)

Adventures in Gardening...

2009-07-18T22:32:00.000-04:00

- Noblesville, IN -

We have been helping out with the garden at church. I can't say that I'm exactly a "green thumb" but I enjoy going out there with my family. Here are just a few photos of our recent gardening adventures.

My darling husband.

My little nephew, Landen. He was obviously out there to help us.

Landen's favorite boots.

Mom at the garden.

Another favorite... Mom holding a chicken. Priceless!

I just love the weeds!!

Todd and the lettuce. The first veggies ready to be picked!

The chickens!

Ally holding a chicken. This is my favorite. I can't not laugh at the look on her face.

4th (actually 5th) of July!

2009-07-18T22:10:00.000-04:00

- Indianapolis -

Sunday, February 5th, we headed downtown to watch the fireworks. The actual 4th of July fireworks the night before had been canceled for the first time (that I'm aware of) due to rain and wind. It was actually a pretty cruddy day but the 5th turned out to be gorgeous and lots of fun. Here's us playing around downtown!

Barb, Carrie, Ally and I. We had good seats for the fireworks. We used my parking pass from work to go up to the top of one of the parking garages. You'll probably find us in the same spot next year!

Isn't my baby sister so pretty?!

Sisters :)

This is Ally's first photo with little Molly. She was so excited to finally meet her.

Our nephew, Jacob, making "scary" faces at the camera. Good job!

Ally with her sparkler. We love sparklers. You may have noticed this already!

This next one is a bit blurry (we were having focus issues) but I still like it. Oh and Todd is trying to look shorter so that Ally didn't feel the smallest :)

I know it is a bit late but I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th (or 5th!!) of July

Melissa and Alex

2009-06-28T16:21:00.000-04:00

Indianapolis, Indiana

Todd and I were able to shoot our very first engagement session. The lucky couple? His younger sister, Melissa, and her fiance, Alex. Here are just a few of my favorites. Many more to come... Melissa and Alex, I hope you like them!!! Did I mention that we are now big fans of all of the wonderful gardens at the IMA?

Indianapolis, Indiana

Molly Update

2009-03-26T21:46:00.000-04:00

So I've really been trying to work on the photos of Miss Molly from last weekend. I want to try and get them to the happy family a.s.a.p.! Molly is so cute that I can hardly stand it. Here are just a few of the many great photos from last Saturday. I really hope that The Brink's love them as much as we do!

Our First Baby Shoot

2009-03-22T21:27:00.000-04:00

Todd and I had the pleasure of photographing Molly Jean on Saturday afternoon. She was just 13 days old! We had such a wonderful time and I'm so excited with how the photos turned out. The photos above are two of our favorites. Thank you David and Megan for letting us capture these special moments!

welcome to the world, Molly Jean!

2009-03-10T12:03:00.001-04:00

"A new baby is like the beginning of all things-wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.", originally uploaded by ashlye nicole.

"A new baby is like the beginning of all things-wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities."
~Geda J. Le Shan

Molly Jean Brink
Born 3.08.2009
8pm (ish)
7.02 lbs.
19 inches

Needless to say, Sunday was very exciting!

party of almost 10...

2009-03-08T17:32:00.001-04:00

party of almost 10..., originally uploaded by ashlye nicole.

I know... I'm terrible. I haven't blogged in a really long time! Since I've been done with project365, it has felt pretty good to have a little bit of a break (and not have to pick up the camera, if I don't want to). Anyway, Todd's brother and his wife are at the hospital awaiting the arrival of their baby girl. I couldn't be more excited. I can't wait to go to the hospital and meet this precious little girl. Anytime now!

forgot his pants...

2009-02-19T20:27:00.001-05:00

forgot his pants..., originally uploaded by ashlye nicole.

Just a random note. I thought his little t-shirt was too funny not to share. Is it bad that we dress our dogs like people?! I've always wanted to do that... please don't think I'm strange! He really doesn't mind!

Get Lost!!

2009-02-19T13:41:00.001-05:00

, originally uploaded by f letter.

I found this on yet another blog...

Just love it. Makes me want to "kidnap" my husband and take him on a fabulous vacation where we can relax in the sun and not think about work, chores, basically anything that's not relaxing and fun.

love... again today!

2009-02-18T09:48:00.000-05:00

I saw this on Blah, Blah, Blahg and it made me smile. This basically explains how I feel about my loving and supportive husband and family. They can make any "rainy day" better. And, how appropriate, it is quite dark and gloomy today in Indianapolis!

just a thought...

2009-02-17T10:37:00.000-05:00

Taken from a new blog I found called oh, hello friend.

love list.

2009-02-17T09:36:00.000-05:00

So I like to follow a really cool blog called Operation Nice. Every Monday there is an "Nice Assignment" and even though I'm a day late, I'd like to participate! Check out the original post Operation NICE: NICE Assignment: Make a Love List #4'.

Here is my love list "places":

I love my husband and would rather be with him anywhere, no matter where he is! I love Hawaii and I miss it dearly. I lived there for a year when I was 10 years old and my heart aches to go back there some day. I love Jamaica because that was where Todd and I were married and it now holds such a special place in my heart. I love going to my parents' house for dinner when the whole family is there and I can watch my little nephew run around like crazy. I love the little Mexican restaurant near our house where they recognize us and I always get the same dish (chicken nachos!) I love Arizona... I seriously want to do whatever it takes to be able to live there in 5 years or less. I love my house, especially my bedroom and my bed. It is the best place to relax and take a nap... in my bed, bedroom and house is where I truly feel "at home" and safe. I love IKEA. There are no words to describe the amount of fun that I can have in one store! I love the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. It never gets old! I love the zoo and would love to thank my parents once again for getting Todd and I a membership for Christmas. Speaking of Christmas, I love going downtown to the Circle and walking around the Monument... even if it is cold, it is still quite beautiful! I love going to bookstores and wandering around. We always come home with bags of books and I'm yet to catch up with any of them, but I just love books. There are so many places that I love that I couldn't possibly mention them all at this very moment. I'll have to update if I think of something that is amazing but forgot to mention.

Melissa from Operation Nice was right, once you make a list of all of the places you love, you can't help but smile and be happy. I'll try to keep that going for awhile!

Love Day.

2009-02-16T20:54:00.001-05:00

Day #357 (02.14.2009), originally uploaded by ashlye nicole.

I hope everyone had a very Happy Valentine's Day!

My husband is amazing. He made me the most delicious dinner... appetizer, meal and dessert! It was so good and the night just kept getting better. We enjoyed our dinner and some wine before playing Yatzee and cuddling up for The Dark Night. It was great! Those are my favorite kinds of dates. I hope that everyone else had as great of a love day as I did!

Whew....

2009-02-16T20:26:00.000-05:00

So we made it home from Arizona... but not without having lots of adventures!

Day 1: Thursday, February 5, 2009
Woke up at 2:45am in order to leave our house and meet at my parents' house by 4:15am. That was an early morning! Travel the entire day was amazingly smooth and easy. We arrived in sunny Scottsdale around 1pm, just in time for lunch. We ate delicious sandwiches at a little Bistro and it was wonderful. That afternoon we lounged by the pool... because it was 83 degrees! Only about 83 degrees warmer than Indianapolis when we left... darn!

Day 2: Friday, February 6, 2009
Got up early and enjoyed breakfast at Butterfield's Pancake House. So scrumptious! Thank you to my friend and co-worker Mrs. Funke for recommending such a yummy place! Then it was to the car for a 3 hour drive to Tombstone. To see those pictures check out my Flickr page. We had lots of fun and I think Kris was basically in Heaven!

Day 3: Saturday, February 7, 2009
After enjoying another tasty breakfast at Butterfield's (yes... we had to go two days in a row... it was just that good...) we had to sit through a sales presentation about the resort and Westin hotels, resorts, etc. Only 2.5 hours later and we were free! Then it was back to the resort to lounge and just enjoy the fact that we were in a place almost 80 degress warmer than home and also that we weren't at work. It was great! Saturday night we had wine by the fire, outdoors. Can't beat it. I need to move to Arizona. Anyone know of any jobs in research?? :) I need it. I need to get there.

Day 4: Sunday, February 8, 2009
Traveling home. Boo. Remember how I said the trip there was easy? Not so much on the way back! The plane we were supposed to leave on had been struck by lightening. Needless to say (although no one was harmed) there were some electrical issues and they didn't want anyone else using that plane. So luckily the airline was able to find us another flight but that didn't put us home in our beds until about 4am on Monday morning. I slept-in until around 2pm :) Don't you just love vacations?

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the trip. Again... I need to move there...

Just one more day...

2009-02-04T09:39:00.001-05:00

Day #346 (02.03.2009), originally uploaded by ashlye nicole.

Until we are on a plane and heading to sunny Arizona. Did I mention that I am sick of Indiana weather and the snow we just keep getting? Tomorrow is going to be a really good day!

Snow Day!!

2009-01-28T16:11:00.001-05:00

Today was pretty wonderful. I woke up and then found out that IUPUI had completely closed the campus and that not only did I not have to go to work, I still get paid for staying home in my bed! Here are a few photos from my little snowy adventure I took around the neighborhood this afternoon...

First I enjoyed a little bit of coffee in bed and watched some garbage on television (don't hate me for loving Real Housewives of Orange County. Don't even say it... I already know...

Why does it seem like I might get in trouble for that?! Oops!

All I can say is "hooray for snow days!!" Stay warm friends!!!

2009-01-23T17:37:00.000-05:00

Le Love

love.

2009-01-23T17:34:00.001-05:00

Day #334 (01.22.2009), originally uploaded by ashlye nicole.

The weekend has begun. It is going to be a good one.

happy friday.

2009-01-23T17:33:00.001-05:00

daisy., originally uploaded by ashlye nicole.

Work It Out

2009-01-20T12:17:00.001-05:00

Day #99 (6.11.2008), originally uploaded by ashlye nicole.

Just an update on my New Year's Resolution #1 of working out 3-5 times a week. Well the last couple of weeks have been on and off but I'd like to report that Todd and I have already been to the gym on Sunday and Monday... and it's only Tuesday! We already have our workout planned for tonight too. I need to get on a roll with this and I'll be much happier and motivated.

Speaking of motivated... check out this blog. She helps me to be motivated... I'm thinking of doing a weekly update to follow along with her idea. It is good to know that people may be out there reading this and looking forward to what's next and accomplishments... I think it will really help to hold me accountable. I need other's to "kick my butt". So, please do!

2009-01-16T16:39:00.001-05:00

Happy, originally uploaded by ashlye nicole.

Happy, Happy Friday!!!

2009-01-15T20:41:00.001-05:00

, originally uploaded by ashlye nicole.

I can almost feel the sun shining on my face! In just a couple of weeks, I'll be taking my honey to sunny, warm Arizona! It may only be about 70 degrees but that is about 70 degrees warmer than it is here today!

I am loving the palm trees... I can't wait!

Snowy Wednesday

2009-01-14T12:34:00.000-05:00

Photo by janoid's

Happy Hump Day!

Too bad it is a snowy mess out there and everyone I know was stuck in traffic for at least 2 hours on the way to work today. Isn't winter in Indiana just wonderful? Unfortunatly I did not have my camera with me today (of course) and when you look out the window it feels as though you are living on the inside of a snow globe. Since I cannot share photos showing my own experience, I found this really cute photo on Flickr and I just wish I was loving the snow as much as janoid's is! Her photo is wonderful though... I wish I was playing and not stuck in my office dealing with everyone else's issues.

Why is that everyone needs "something" at the same time? Are there more than 24 hours in a day so I can get all that I need (and want) done actually done? Enough complaining. Enjoy the lovely photo! Stay warm and safe those of you experiencing the same (if not worse) weather as we are!

2009-01-14T08:32:00.000-05:00

So yesterday I was surfing around Flickr as usual when I came accross this wonderful artist/photographer/scrapbook maker, Elsiecake. Then I realized that she has an Etsy shop and I think I'm in love. Wouldn't this 8x10 look great in "my office"?! Check out Elsiecake on Etsy here... but don't buy this one because I'm going to try and talk Hubby into it for myself! ;)

Yikes.

2009-01-06T11:20:00.001-05:00

Ashlye in the cube farm, originally uploaded by I'll Follow the Sun.

Today is rough. For some reason I'm having a hard time being motivated to stay at work and actually do work. Don't get me wrong... I am quite busy today and am crossing things off my list. However, I decided that I want to go part time. The husband shot that idea down pretty quickly. Dang economy! I hope Nichole won't mind that I used her photo... just wanted to show everyone my working conditions and maybe then you'll understand my lack of motivation to work (here mostly) and desire to be out taking photos! =)

Check out Nichole's Flickr page here.

This is how I feel today...

2009-01-05T21:11:00.001-05:00

oscar, originally uploaded by ashlye nicole.

Even though I did really well with my eating today (minus some peanut M&Ms - but do you really blame me?!) I was too tired to even think about heading to the gym tonight. Today was the first day back after 4 days off. Those were 4 wonderful days if I might add! Now I need to get back into the routine of getting to bed at a decent time and eating better. I love my new Biggest Loser Family Cookbook! I'll have to post some photos of the food... it is actually pretty delicious and really healthy! Until then... It is back to being lazy. The couch is calling!

Goodnight!

Crossing things off my list!

2009-01-02T16:53:00.001-05:00

Day #314 (01.02.2009), originally uploaded by ashlye nicole.

Today I took vacation from work to enjoy a 4-day weekend. Good idea, right?!

Well I cleaned house all day and exactly at this moment I am in the process of putting together a list of chores to be completed everyday, every week and every month. Ya'all think I'm crazy, I know and I agree. But as I said previously... I need lists in order to see what I'm getting done and what remains. I'm a planner and I cannot help myself. I just love the feeling of getting things on my list crossed off. Such a relief!

Today the office was cleaned and organized and I'm in love. I think I found my new favorite room in the house!

goodbye 2008!

2008-12-31T22:56:00.001-05:00

Day #312 (12.31.2008), originally uploaded by ashlye nicole.

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man."
~Benjamin Franklin

new year's resolutions

2008-12-31T20:32:00.001-05:00

sky concert 13 , originally uploaded by ashlye nicole.

I know, I know...

It seems like everyone has the same kinds of resolutions. I have been known to do the same thing. This time I am really going to my best to set goals and turn those into realities.

So everyone, wish me luck!

New Year’s Resolutions 2009

1. Work out at the gym 3-5 times per week
(Todd and I have joined a new gym and had 8 sessions with personal trainers. My trainer, Lara, helped me to get stronger and lose 3% body fat. I want to keep the momentum going in the new year and keep seeing progress... I am really excited!)

2. Pay off credit cards again
(since Christmas is over, pay off those bills!)

3. Save money for Jamaica trip in 2010
Todd and I thought it would be a good idea to take another really good, all-inclusive vacation -the spot we spent our honeymoon- once again before children are a part of our future. I think it is a wonderful idea and now we're on a budget to make it happen! Jamaica here we come again!

4. Volunteer to help others
(I am a social worker at heart and other than photography, I find extreme joy in helping others. I really have a need to do more of that. I need to get involved.)

5. Start a blog about photography and life
(Wow. Already got started... that is exciting!!!)

6. Take lots of photos and do as much as I can get to get the “business” going.
(My dream job would to be a photographer. I need to get myself out there and start shooting! Anyone need an amateur photographer that is incredibly eager to learn???)

7. Eat more fruits and vegetables
(Sounds silly doesn't it? I am usually pretty good about making good food choices but I really struggle with eating enough fruits and veggies... I want to do better and tomorrow is a great day to start!)

8. Spend more time with my friends
(The last year has been busy and I love being a newlywed. I just need to learn to fit more time into my schedule with my friends. I miss spending time with them and I miss their smiles. I will have to do better in 2009.)

9. Clean my house!
(Okay... so our house is not horribly dirty or anything but we need to come up with some kind of plan to keep things in order around here... we have some organizing to do! I am the total planner and I need to write things down and check them off of my list. I need to make that list!)

10. Be nice and really appreciate what I have been blessed with.
(Sometimes in our everyday lives we can forget how truly blessed we are. I want to really make an effort to appreciate those around me and the many things that I am thankful for. I am a lucky girl and I need to remember that more often.)

It is still New Year's Eve so I'll update if there are any more that I can think of. Here's to a fabulous new year!!!

Here we go...

2008-12-31T19:43:00.001-05:00

Day #311 (10.30.2008), originally uploaded by ashlye nicole.

It is December 31, 2008 and it was one of my new year's resolutions to start a blog. Within the last couple of months I have felt such a strong passion and desire to pursue all things photography. I don't want anyone to think that I am not thankful for my job and all that comes along with that... however... I've always loved photography and would love to turn the dream of being a great photographer into a reality. That is my new year's resolution. I might be a few hours early in getting it started but what can I say... sometimes I can be an over-achiever!

So please wish me luck and check back often! I'd love to hear from you. I plan on blogging my photos and just documenting my life in general. I want to look back in a few years and remember all of the wonderful people and experiences that I have been blessed with.

Here goes nothing!!! Happy New Year to you and yours!