J Cooper Photography

Occasionally, it seems like a good idea to load up the younger two and accompany my eldest on a class field trip….especially when the trip involves an excursion to the local petting zoo.  I typically kid myself with happy thoughts of my perfectly behaved children frolicking through fields of dandelions and squealing with delight over newly hatched ducklings while graciously sharing a nutritious bag of whole grain pretzels.  You know where this is going don’t you?

Exhibit A:

The only image I captured of my eldest.  Don’t be fooled by the mother trying desperately to navigate the crowd with her giant camera bouncing wildly around her neck, a stroller, a preschooler, and a group of wildly out of control first graders.  Don’t be fooled by this one sweet smile I captured.  It was quickly replaced with the “death by glare” after I reprimanded one of her friends for running full steam ahead of the group into a over populated mob.  From that point on I was completely “uncool”.  Until it was time to leave at which point she sobbed uncontrollably that she wanted me to stay for lunch.

Exhibit B:

Seems innocent enough right?  If you look closely though you’ll see her swollen, puffy eyes that are evidence of the “I’m going to die” screams she let loose when she got trapped in the goat pen and several (ok…at least 10) baby goats ambushed her and her $1 bottle of goat milk.  The screaming and shrieking that ensued literally had every mother within miles running to the goat enclosure for fear that there had been a rebel goat mutiny.  I, mustering every super womanish inclination I have, jumped through the crowd and snatched her up and over the fence screaming and kicking.  Moments later she was found lovingly feeding those same rogue goats through the safety of the fence.

Exhibit C:

This appears to be a simple profile of my dear youngest happily watching his siblings run and play.  But don’t be fooled.  He is merely refueling for his lung busting “I STUCK, I STUCK, I STUCK” shrieking that accompanied most of the 2 hours we spend at the zoo.  Oh and there was lots of grunting and heaving and generally grumpiness too.  I wouldn’t want to forget that.

Exhibit D:

The only little ones that truly welcomed my camera and were quite content to frolic in a field as happy little campers.

As a mother:  a morning I wouldn’t trade for the world.

{and a little birdie filled us in on our unofficial numbers as well:  BOY 4 and GIRL 12}

So close

{edited to add:  Make that #3 on the BOY LIST.  WHOA!!!}

1.  The spring cleaning continues.   Yesterday I touched up all of our white woodwork.  Today I cleaned all the blinds.  Be careful…I may show up at your house with my toilet wand in hand.

2.  The spring activities have all culminated this week and I am going cross eyed trying to keep it all straight:  3 birthday parties,  1 soccer practice, 2 soccer games, 3 photography sessions, 1 church function, 1 field trip, 2 violin lessons, 3 appointments.  Is school over yet?

3.  I need to take my kids out for a spring session.  I keep saying that.  Maybe I’ll squeeze that in this weekend too

4.  When Mr. P is out of town I eat horribly.  Ritz crackers and french bread constitutes dinner, right?  (and before you call CPS…my kids ate well)

5.  Less than a month and I will have a 2 year old on my hands.  And he knows it.  And he is bound and determined to prove it!

6.  If you purchased items from my big purge-a-thon last week you should receive it shortly!  Everything has been shipped!

7.  I am in a period of testing, waiting, and refining.   And while I understand that The Refiner’s fire is hot for a reason I could really use a break   My lifelong lesson is patience.  What’s yours?

8.  We have new official numbers.  And they are good…really good.  (How’s that for a teaser?)

9.  For all your locals.  Did you know Mi Ranchito does $1 tacos on Tuesday nights?  I’m eating there every Tuesday for the rest of my life.

10.  I obviously have very little of interest to share tonight.  Maybe a few hours of sleep will provide some more entertaining material for tomorrow.

HAPPY TUESDAY!

We celebrated Mother’s Day all weekend.  The festivities included dinner out, a visit from my own Mom (and Dad), a little shopping therapy, and culminated in the girls’ end of the year violin recital.  Having grown up as a violinist (Mr. P too) makes this day even that much more special for me.  I remember EVERY.SINGLE piece they play.  And while those little bodies play with concentrating brows…I’m singing and fingering each piece in the pew.  I am so proud of their progress and willingness to learn.

It has been said that music feeds the soul.  I love that my children have the opportunity to never experience hunger in that way.

Happy that it is almost her time to play!

A nervous smile   I am amazed when I think about the confidence it takes for a 5 year old to stand on stage in front of an entire sanctuary full of people.   What fantastic life lessons she is learning.

Jules gets a turn to lead the group on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Then A takes a turn leading the bigger kids in The Two Grenadiers

I’m so proud of you two girls…thank you for making my Mother’s Day extra special!

I’m lucky to have a mom that made me want to be a mom.  Over and over and over (and over) again.  Because being a mom is about the best thing I can think of.  Being a mom pretty much just rocks.

I’m lucky that my mom is also my best friend.  That she can’t make it down the driveway after a weekend visit before the missing starts.  That I can always go home.  That she’ll tell me when a pair of jeans make me look fat.

I’m lucky that she was mom to two other girls who turned out to be my other bestest friends.

I’m lucky that she married a guy who turned out to be a pretty amazing Dad.

I’m lucky that she was honest, creative, encouraging, persistent, and present in my life (and still is).

I’m lucky that she passed on a faith to me that has become the core of who I am.

I’m lucky that she knows how to navigate a good Gymboree sale, build Victorian houses out of popsicle sticks, and remember the intricate details of the games “puppy” and “knock down” with my kids.

I’m lucky.  So lucky.

I hope you have someone like my Mom in your life.  I hope I can be that someone for my own.

Happy Mother’s Day Mom.  And a happy day to all my mommy friends and family.  Moms Rock

It took driving to a park on the other side of town, battling hundreds of prom going teens, and getting lost for us to realize we live in the SAME neighborhood   My goal was to get these California transplants in front of one of the Kansas City fountains…and although we had to fight the mob…I think we did it!

And after all that mess getting started…the night couldn’t have been more perfect!  Beautiful light, a fun loving family, gorgeous kids…what more could I ask for?  And now I have a new friend in the neighbor to boot.

Family sessions can be a struggle.  Don’t get me wrong…I LOVE photographing families.  But it does take a bit of work to get that “mantel shot” that everyone is hoping for.  But these kids could not have been more cooperative and eager to please…a photographers dream!

Thanks for a fun night, friends.  I think I owe someone an ice cream cone

Inside every person is a story.  Sometimes it just takes a few extra minutes to let the story unfold.  I’ve been trying to make time for those extra moments in my day…because beauty surrounds me.  And I certainly don’t want to miss it.

I’ve driven by this house a thousand times since we moved here and never realized what treasures were “hidden” right in front of my eyes.

We just don’t take the time to listen.  Sometimes it’s just a whisper and you have to quiet yourself to hear the call.  Sometimes the moment is so fleeting that the wind carries it away before you have a chance to grab hold.  But beauty can always be found in the silence if we remember to hold still and wait.

Life is beautiful isn’t it?   I love that my camera lens allows me to tell a story…and in doing so…remind myself of the precious gift of the every day….and a new friend.

Listen closely….a story is waiting to be told.

(More on these images to come.  I’m excited about a new venture and a special collaboration with one of my favorite people.)

Sometimes when life grabs hold and things start to get a wee bit crazy….I purge.  And it feel SO GOOD!  Fortunately I got rid of most of the outgrown clothing at the garage sale last weekend…but a few pieces are still lingering.  I’ve made a large basket to take to the consignment store or Goodwill.  But there were a few pieces that were too cute not to offer here on the blog.  These are technically the cast offs (minus the Matilda Jane items) but everyone loves a good cast off right???  Descriptions and price will proceed each item.  PRICE INCLUDES SHIPPING. First come first serve…if you want it email me at info@jcooperphotograpy.com

Size 4 lot:  $80 shipped or $70 local SOLD!!!!

(clockwise from top left corner)

1.  Carters skirt set with vintage floral skirt, sweater tank top and cardigan – Size 4

2.  Genuine Kids polka dot halter dress – Size 3T (ran big)

3.  Carters lime and chocolate play set (on of my favorites) – Size 4

4.  Gymboree light blue dots swing top and capris – Size 4

5.  Gymboree island swing top and floral skirt – Size 4

6.  Gymboree mermaid dress – NEW with tags (bought ahead and missed the right size) – Size 5 (seems small to me)

7.  Gymboree Asian inspired top and capris – Size 4

8.  Gymboree brown floral swing top and capris – Size 4

9.  Gymboree apple swing top and capris.  Top is a 4T and pants are a 2T.  We wore them as capris and they fit like a 4T.  Includes matching headband

10.  Gymboree Parisian set:  polka dot swing top 5T, Eiffel Tower pants are size 2T that we wore as capris, lavender knit jacket 4T, matching headband

11.  Genuine kids embellished jean jacket – 4T

Hanna Andersson Play dresses – Size 90  $25.00 shipped

Patchy Top (made by me) – 3/4 – $15 shipped  SOLD!!!!

Matilda Jane Hotline Knot Dress- Size 4 – $35.00 shipped  SOLD!!!!

Matilda Jane Westside Fern Knot Dress – Size 4 – $35.00 shipped  SOLD!!!

Matilda Jane Bettie Dress – Size 4 – $30.o0 shipped  SOLD!!!

Matilda Jane Claudia Cardigan – Size 4 (will fit up to a size 6)- $25.00 shipped  SOLD!!!

Ruffle pants by ebay seller Honey B Kids (adorable with pink or white sun top!) – Size 2/3 – $15.00 shipped

Strawberry Euro Hoodie Dress – made by me – Size 5 – $25.00 shipped

Tote and Tee Initial tee – FREE TO GOOD HOME   Just pay shipping – $3  SOLD!!!!

Kandy Kisses Twirl Set – Size 4/5 – $35.00 shipped  SOLD!!!

Lelli Kelly Shoes – a bit of wear but will still put a smile on any little girl!  Size Euro 28 (like a 10 I believe) – $15.00 shipped  SOLD!!!

Pipsqueak shoes – quite possibly the cutest shoe ever made- Euro Size 28 (like a 10 I think)  $15.00 shipped

Brown and Pink Chucks – laces are dingy but shoes are still fine – Size 10 (run on the bigger side) – $8.00 shipped  SOLD!!!

Bear Feet White Sandals – still in nice shape (I believe Bear Feet run one size big) – Size 8 – $10.00 shipped  SOLD!!!!

Bear Feet Play Sandals – we love this style and these were worn A LOT – the tops are still fine but the bottoms are black and the foot bed is worn (I believe Bear Feet run about one size big) – Size 6 – FREE TO GOOD HOME just pay shipping – $3

Coco Jumbo Pumpkin Orange T-strap Mary janes…our FAVORITE style!!!  Little to no wear on leather – Size 10 – $15.00 shipped  SOLD!!!!!!

That’s all for now folks!  Awwwww….now that feels good

Life is a delicate balance of reaching deep and reaching out.  It takes one to do the other.

It’s not enough anymore…the digging deep…the fertilizing of my own roots.  I’m yearning for my branches to stretch a bit more.  I’m waiting for those tiny buds to flower and some day strike out as branches of their own.  It’s a new kind of reaching.  It’s uncomfortable and scary.  But the harder I reach…the deeper my roots grow…and the stronger my faith.

“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.”  Amelia Earhart

of a 3 year old   That just might be my favorite age to photograph (but don’t hold me to it as I am pretty fickle and will likely change my mantra by next week).  But there is something pretty awesome about this age bracket…when else can you photograph the entire gamut of emotions in one 20 minute session?  This little one in particular has a special little spark and I am always just thrilled to get her in front of my camera.

content. happy. chill

thoughtful. contemplative. making wishes

intent. curious. inquisitive

playful. silly. funny

serious. soulful. gorgeous

Oh to be three again!  Thank you “Miss I” for a little peak into your world.  It is a beautiful place full of rainbows and twirly dresses and make believe.  My camera loves you little friend…come play again soon!

(On a side note…I hope to be back to sharing some photos of my own brood soon.  We have been battling the ickies at our house for a full 2 weeks now.  Ear infections, high fevers, and now a sinus infection.  My camera has been sadly neglected between client sessions…hoping to remedy that soon!)