{A Day In The Life} May Morning…

When I woke up this morning at 6:40 to the sounds of my daughter and son needing my full attention, I was a little less than thrilled.  And I know there are some Moms out there that jump right up at the crack of dawn and can’t wait to hold their little ones.

I, on the other hand, cherish my sleep.  Big time.  After I have my first cup of coffee in me, I am all hugs, trust me!  But 6:40am is not my brightest time of the day. 

So, I opened up the blinds after getting cups and bottles filled to find that the entire valley was covered in a thick mist.  It’s a rare occurance here, and I didn’t even take any photos of it, but it made me want to get outside and take a few photographs.

Once the Bunn (Coffee maker) had dripped enough for my first cup of the morning, I grabbed my trusty Nikon and slipped out on the porch to capture a few shots.

That’s the thing.  I was only outside for five minutes, took only a few swigs of my joe, and by the time I came inside – I was ready to be “Mom” again.  Sometimes it just takes a few moments to remember what you love and who you are, so that you can return to reality and be your best self for the ones that depend on you. 

Ahhhh…A Day In The Life.

 

{A Day In The Life} To Chico We Go!

I can’t even really remember when I was at Chico last.  All I know is that it was when my Dad and brother were still alive and it was well before I turned into a lovely form of “teenager.” :-) So really, I am thinking, it must have been in 1997-1998.  14 YEARS AGO.  Wow!

We kind of planned this trip to Chico out of the blue, and I am so glad we did.  The Hubby and I went with our friends Tony and Donna Smith for a *much needed* overnight of rest, relaxation, laughs, and of course – AMAZING food!

After a drive complete with snow, sleet, and icy roads, we arrived at our little bungalow more than ready for a drink or two.  We met with Tony and Donna and headed down to the dining room where I had the BEST (Seriously, the BEST) Bruschetta I have ever had.  Ever.  Of course the rest of the meal was absolutely divine, but I swear I can still taste those roasted tomatoes at this very moment. 

Really, people go to Chico for all sorts of reasons.
The location…
The food…
The atmosphere…
But most of all…for the pool.

After eating myself silly at dinner, we all dawned our suits and sat in the 96 degree water where we laughed and talked shop.  When my skin was wrinkled like a raisin, I got dressed and walked the same hall to the same lobby as I had so many years ago.

Its funny; returning to a place after so many years of being gone, and it still feels the same to me.  It’s like my own private little sanctuary, which is odd because I have shared it with so many thousands upon thousands of people that I’m sure feel the same way that I do.  But when I went to turn the door knob heading out to the pool for the first time in 14 years, I realized - that is the same door knob.

The same door knob that my Dad and little brother turned so many years ago on our little retreats to the mountain hideaway.

It really made me smile

So even though I returned later in life after a husband, two kids, and so many moons later – I am glad to have spent the time there again with the people that I did.  I had a blast and felt like I had finally recharged my battery for a bit!

Here’s to making Chico a tradition in my life once again.

Ahhhh….A Day In The Life!

(Note:  This trip took place in October 2011.  I have only now had the time to sit down and blog about it!)

 

{The Fun Stuff} Shiva Kameanie!

Block.

Bout.

Fresh Meat.

Jammer.

Rink Rash.

That’s right.  I’m talking about Roller Derby people!

Being a Derby Girl is no small feat.  You don’t just sign up and join the team.  You learn it.  You work for it.  Your body takes the hits.  You earn your way into the group.

And this is an amazing group of women…strong women.  Women that will stand up for you.  Women that want what is best for *each other.*

Women that come together and rock it in the rink!

I have known Dayna for so long…I don’t even want to go back and try to figure out how many years it has actually been!  All I know, is that she was meant to be a part of this.  She was born to be a Derby Girl.  And you know what?

She makes it look good.

Lots of love to you my friend!  I can’t wait to see you in Bozeman in a couple of weeks!

{Families & Children} Brennan

Just a few weeks ago I held my first ever Spring Photo Contest on Facebook!

We had two lucky winners – and Mr. Brennan here, was the big winner with…get this…253 VOTES!  So even though I’ve already said it, Congratulations again you guys!!

They showed up yesterday just when the heat was starting to get nice and, well, uncomfortable.  Like, sweltering!  (Mind you, this was only 10:30 in the morning.  Are we sure it’s only Springtime?!)  We meandered on down to the river and Brennan was already smiling, being his adorable two year old self.  :-)

I mean, this little kiddo…is straight ADORABLE!

His Dad is a Fly Fisherman so I was thrilled to see that he had brought his fly rod with him.  Brennan was equally as thrilled, let me tell ya!  Watching him and his Dad cast together was so incredibly special.  This is a memory that Brennan himself may not remember years down the road, but I am so thankful to have captured it for him.

So here is your little sneak peek of my time with Brennan and his parents.  I can’t wait for you guys to see the rest!

{Families & Children} The Draper Family

I have only known the Drapers for a few years, but it feels like we’ve been a part of each other’s lives for…well…ever!

They are the kind of people you wish you could have live next door.  Living a good hour from eachother doesn’t do us justice, so I’m thinking I may just have to move near by just so I can laugh and share their good company on a daily basis!  So start looking for available lots you guys…

And their boys – well, lets just say they are both charming, and have *quite* the sense of humor.  (You know who you are…DYLAN!)

Not to mention that…
Seriously…
Those boys are HANDSOME!

All in all, saying that I had a wonderful time with them doesn’t even begin to touch how great it was to reconnect!  Honestly, I wish nothing more than to spend a weekend camping with them in the Beartooth’s shady pines, sitting next to a warm fire in the very near future.  Set a date guys – I can’t wait!

{Spring 2012 Photo Contest!}

I have had this idea on my mind for quite some time now and have finally decided to give it a whirl!

The Spring 2012 Photo Contest has officially begun!

Post your favorite picture of your kiddo(s) (or pets, since they’re our kids too!) to At Rivers Edge Photography’s Facebook Wall and the one with the most “likes” by April 7th at midnight will win…

A FREE Session and $150.00 print credit!

The Rules:

Post one photo (only ONE) to the Facebook Wall.

I will then upload the photo into the Album titled “Spring 2012 Photo Contest”

At this point, you will have to round up all your friends and family to make sure they go “like” your photo to make sure you have a chance to win!

Best of luck to everyone, I cannot wait to see everyone’s images!

~Ashley~

 

{Specials} Announcing…Spring Mini Sessions!

There are a lot of fun things happening around here lately, this post being the first of many!

It’s that time of year again and I am so excited to be able to announce Spring Mini Sessions!

Just like every other Mini Session, they tend to fill up quickly so make sure to email me as soon as you can to reserve your time slot!  Oh, and just in case you’re a bit confused, the $50 session fee will count toward your Mini Session this time around.  Yes, that means, that it’s only $150 TOTAL for the disc.  I know, I know, what a killer deal!

I cannot wait!  This set of Mini Sessions, I just have this feeling, is going to be my favorite yet.  I have all sorts of ideas and intend on having quite a few different “sets” set up.

*rubbing hands together*….so excited!

UPDATE:

The 11:00 slot has been claimed.

The 4:00 slot has been claimed.

|Families & Children| The Combs Family

It is hard for me to describe in words how happy I was to take these photographs.  I have known this family for, well, almost my entire life.  They knew me when I still had buck teeth, short blonde hair like a boy, and still thought I was cool despite all that.  (Well, maybe not “cool.”  Cindy babysat my brother and I s0 she didn’t really have a choice.  LOL!)

We’ve all seen each other through elementary school, junior high, high school, graduations, marriages, and now babies.  Though we may not be related by blood, I am honored to be able to call them family.  So honestly, to be able to do this for them, was really a treat for me.  And in the end, they have a memory that will be shared for 20…30…even 40 years from now.

So thank you.  I know it sounds cheesy, but I love each and every one of you and hope you had as much fun as I did. 

[Newborn Photography] Miss Alyvia

When I found out that Miss Alyvia had entered the world – my heart sang.  I knew that Amanda and Nic were going to be great parents well before she made her grand appearance.  After today – my thoughts were affirmed.  They were made to love this little girl.

She couldn’t have been happier for our session.  Couldn’t. Have. Been. Happier!  This little one just hung out, comfortable.  A little princess soaking up the hot studio air and all the clicks of the camera shutter.    Talking about making my job easy!

Over the years, I look forward to watching Amanda and Nic witness all the joys that children can bring.  But most of all, I look forward to watching Miss Alyvia make her personality known in the world – and loving that I have the opportunity to be a part of it.

Thanks you guys.  She is already after my heart!

[Recipe Share] Nacho Casserole!

I can’t even believe that I haven’t posted anything in…well…I don’t even know how long.  The hubby has been working out of the state all week long, so that’s my excuse.  Being at home with two kids 24/7 without him to help has been beyond exhausting.  It looks as though there is a light at the end of the tunnel though, so hopefully I will pick things up and lead right were I left off!

This recipe comes straight from my newest obsession.  PINTEREST.  If you don’t have an invite yet, email me (atriversedgephoto@hotmail.com) and I will send one to you.  It is amazing.  AMAZING. 

I have to give props to the original person that posted the recipe.  I haven’t had much of a chance to check out the rest of the blog, but if it is anything like this recipe, I am sure there are all sorts of surprises and goodies to be had.  http://blogchef.net/mexican-casserole-recipe/ 

Now onto the show…

[Nacho Casserole]

Tortilla Chips
1lb. Ground Beef
Taco Seasoning
Approx. 2c. Shredded Cheese (I prefer the Mexican blend)
Refried Beans
1c. of your favorite Salsa
Green Onions
Black Olives
Tomatoes

First of all – bust out your knife.  As you can see, I sharpen mine every time I use them.  It’s worth it.  Who wants to try and slice into a tomato with a dull blade?  Not me!  Don’t know how to sharpen a knife?  Learn. 

Cut your green onions and tomatoes.

Begin to brown the ground beef.  Open up the can of refried beans and warm them on medium heat.

Once your ground beef is done cooking, add the taco seasoning and follow the directions on the back of the packet.

Once your refried beans have warmed up, pour approx. 1c. of salsa and 1c. of cheese into the beans.  Mix until blended well and the cheese has melted.  (I always add more cheese.  Do you see that beautiful mount of goodness?  Nom Nom Nom Nom!)

Now onto the fun part!

Start with a layer of tortilla chips on the bottom of a 8″x11″ dish.
Add the refried bean mixture.
Top bean mixture with all the seasoned ground beef.
Add a nice handful of cheese on top of the ground beef.

At this point, add another layer of tortilla chips.
MORE CHEESE. 
Sprinkle black olives on top of the cheese.
Add green onions. 
(Wait to add the tomatoes until after the casserole has cooked.  The flavor is much brighter.)

After cooking in the oven for 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees…this is the beautiful ending! 
I love it, hubby loves it, Kiddo loves it, and I am sure that if Noodle was old enough to eat this type of food, she would love it too!

ENJOY!