The Schmidt Life.

The Thriving life~

2013-05-27T16:47:00.003-07:00

Hi All!

It has been so long since I posted on my family blog! Well here I am giving you all an update on the Schmidt Life. Actually this post is more about me and the future of Adele Bella Photography.

I have been so lucky to gain a few clients and actually have a little more business than I thought I would. I am so grateful to those clients, friends, and family that have been so supportive in the hobby that I decided to go into business with. Yes, it is a part time business, but I am enjoying every second and learning so much. My work continues to grow, but in small degrees.

This is why I have made the executive decision to step back from Facebook for 30 days starting 6/3/2013. I believe that in order for my business to thrive, my skills to improve, and for myself to grow as an artist and a person, I need not compare my work to others. I find myself doing this quite a bit, and feeling discouraged in the process.

I have to get back to what inspires me and the reason I love photography in the first place. In order to bring my clients the best of me, I have to be inspired and ready to receive.

My girls are my inspiration for what I do, and why I love it so much.

I have been watching a few series online by Brooke Snow. "The Thriving Life" has been instrumental in helping realize that in order for Adele Bella Photography to be at it's best, Alicia, has to be at her best. Balance and spiritual guidance in all things are necessary for a thriving life.

I want to give my best, be consistent and bring my clients that same part of me. So if you don't hear from me on Facebook for awhile, I'm still alive and kicking, just reassessing my priorities. If you need to contact me, I will always be available through email or the contact page on the blog site.

Blessings to you,

Alicia S.
Adele Bella Photography.

Saturday Mornings~

2013-04-27T18:25:00.002-07:00

I love Saturday mornings with my girls are my favorite time of the week. Kaylee doesn't wake up until almost 10 am so that leaves me and Miss Kennedy. She always has the biggest smile for me when I walk into her room in the morning.

I'd say her best moods are between 7am and 10am....after that, all bets are off.

Kennedy's 9 Month Photos

2013-04-21T23:44:00.000-07:00

Growth. Independence. Love

Hi everyone! Well here we are again and my kids just keep growing and growing. Kaylee is 6 as most of you know. I remember when she was just 2 years old and now she's going into first grade next year. Amazing.

Miss Kennedy is officially 9 months as of April 20th. I cannot believe how much baby girl has grown up in the past few weeks. Last weekend, Clint and I went to Vegas and when we came back, she was sitting up and pulling herself up on things. We had to lower her crib the day we came back. I went in her room just to check on her during nap time and wouldn't you know, she had pulled herself to a standing position in her crib.

Saturday evening, I took Kennedy out to take some 9 month photos. Its much easier when they can sit up on their own, let me tell ya:) Missy girl decided to be fussy that days ugh. I did the best I could with the mood she was in. Luckily I got a couple good ones.

Check out Kennedy Adele's 9 month photos.....oh and the chalkboard says 8 months, but she was 9 months on that day...silly me:)

Is it Summertime Yet?

2013-04-14T22:59:00.000-07:00

My daughter Kaylee is obsessed with summertime. The cabin in Flagstaff, the BBQ's, the fireworks on the 4th of July.....but most of all, swimming. Kaylee can never be patient and wait. As soon as the weather warms up, she gets her little swimsuit on and one foot already out of the door. And each year her dad and I stop her and say "Kaylee, its not time yet, its just not warm enough" Her long face breaks my heart every time.

Since shes older this year, we decided to go ahead and let her test the water. This year, we have our own pool, so Kaylee is super excited!

So she gets her little swim suit on, one foot out of the door and I stop her to tell her its not warm enough, and she says to me before I can utter a word. "Mom, its warm enough, ill be fine". So I guess this is the point where I have to start letting go, just a little.

And you know I a momtog so I just had to get pics of her first swim this summer that lasted all of 5 minutes. Guess what? Thats right, the water wasnt warm enough:)

Birds of A Feather Flock Together~

2013-04-11T23:02:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't written in so long! March was an insane month. Both of by girls got sick and we were just going going going!

So here I am back again to regal you with tales of the Schmidt life. Last weekend, we celebrated my niece and nephew's birthdays at my sis & bro in laws house. It was a Hello Kitty and Pirate themed birthday. Many friends and family were there to celebrate Lex and Lucas. My sis in law, Jamie, did a great job getting the party together, and my mom in law, Cindy did an awesome job with the cupcakes. I swear she should start a business, she gets better every year!

I had such a great time just being with family. My other sister in law (yes I have a few sis in laws), Amy happened to be in town with baby Marlee (not really a baby anymore *sigh*). We don't get to spend much time with them as they live out of state, but I was happy to see them and spend some time.

We may not be blood, but these people have become my family and home away from home. I am blessed to have such great people around me, even though my own family lives in another state. I am grateful for all those whom I call family. We may always agree, but we are loyal to one another and there is always someone around when any of their family and friends need anything.

My daughters are blessed to have a family that adores them, and for the I am most grateful.

Until next time.....

Change is Good...Right?

2013-03-03T13:42:00.000-08:00

A lot of changes are on the way for me and my family. Kaylee starting first grade next year is probably the most difficult change I will go through as a mother, at least as I see things right now. She is growing older and acting older everyday, in most ways. Her attitude especially is changing. She reads now, so she feels the need to tell us all what to do i.e, reading the speedometer while Im driving. Kaylee peeps her head up out of her kindle and says to me. "The speed limit is 45, why are you going 50? I should let dad know".

On one hand I want her to grow up, but on the other hand, I like having her as my little girl.

Last week, she had picture day at school and I put her in her favorite pink dress and cowgirl boots she she could be really cute. Well, turned out she never got her individual picture taken. I was really upset because I really wanted pics for kindergarten. So we went out and took our own. For the most part, Kaylee is a great little model, but now she's at the age where she is no longer interested in having her photo taken by me. (Thank God I have many more years with Kennedy before she grows up).

So because of my daughter's "feelings" about me dragging her out in "the dress" to take her pic, here is what we got in less than fifteen minutes.

On another note, I have started a blog for Adele Bella Photography. I will no longer post client sessions on this blog. The blog site address Adele Bella is www.adelebellaphotography.blogspot.com. Its not complete but you are more than welcome to check out what I have so far. Hopefully I will have my Prophoto site up by July. Ill keep you posted.

{Pieces of Kennedy}

2013-02-26T19:36:00.001-08:00

As the month of February comes to a close, I have made a decision to really concentrate on improving my photography. As a result, I joined a Project 52 group, by Paint the Moon called {This is Our Life}.
Each week, we are given a new subject, and each week we take a photo interpreting the subject. Week 9, Out of the Shadows, is a tough subject for me. I'm not the best at shooting indoors, but what better way to improve right? So here is a the photo I uploaded to my P52 group this week.....

I also did some more practicing indoors with the little monkey Kennedy. Those of you that are FB friends already saw these:) Anyhoo...Ill keep posting my progress. I am open to suggestions and feedback:)

A Sister's Love~

2013-02-22T22:13:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

A lot has happened in the past couple weeks, sorry it took so long to get a post going with pics. I am trying to figure out the camera I just bought. I jumped ship to Canon, but I will always be a Nikon girl at heart.

The past couple of days, I have been contemplating my girls and their nuances. Its amazing how these little people came into my life and turned it upside down. Amazing how I had a part in creating a little girl with hazel eyes and another one with the eye color undetermined. I am so blessed and in awe that I decided to write a little bit about it.

My girls are the best part about me. They are everything I wanted to be but am not. It is so interesting to watch them interact and watch their little personalities blossom.
Kaylee entertains herself, no friends needed. She is the type of kid that loves to pretend and create different worlds of her own making. Many times I will catch her playing 3 or 4 different characters and having so much fun doing it. Her innocence undoes me, but her knowledge makes me scratch my head in wonder. Some things, a six year old should not care about but she does. Kaylee is a planner. She wants to know when, why and how. If you dont have answers to her questions, she will ask until you come up with one. She's my little pit bull, she keeps me on my toes~

Miss Kennedy Adele is the baby of the family. 7 months old now, but you wouldn't know it. Missy runs things and is demanding to a T. I think she will give her sister a run for her money. Her laugh is infectious and beautiful. Her smile takes up her entire face and now her teeth have come through, she's looking older everyday. Kennedy is a momma's girl, always turning her head to look for me. This baby is special. I cant wait to see her personality come through. Kaylee pretty much gives her what she wants and all she has to do is grunt. I swear those two have some secret language because Kaylee always seems to know what her little sister needs. Kennedy is so enamored of Kaylee. Whenever Kennedy hears Kaylee's voice, she gets so excited, she starts to bounce in the arms of whoever is holding her. We call Kennedy "the wiggle worm".

I am so excited to see the relationship between Kaylee and Kennedy grow stronger. They are sisters. They are family. I pray that Clinton and I teach them that there is no stronger bond than that with family. When everyone else fails, as sisters, they will be there to pick one another up.

These girls will do great things someday, and I hope I am around to see them have families and children of their own. Its a long way off, but its never to early to dream.

Blessings,

The Schmidt Family,
Clint, Alicia, Kaylee + Kennedy~

Moving forward~

2013-02-13T22:04:00.003-08:00

Hi everyone! Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my blog posts every week. I am glad to share my progress and life journey with you all. Speaking of progress, I went ahead and create a website for my business that I am trying to get up and running. I don't know if I mentioned in the previous posts, but I have my business named trademarked by the state of Arizona, so I am the proud business owner of the name Adele Bella Photography. The website is pretty generic in terms of creativity, but I have to save my money to purchase a ProPhoto site. The website for now is
www.adelebellaphotography.yolasite.com. If you are interested, pop on over and take a look. This website gives potential clients and referrals a chance to contact me other than having to pull up my blog. This is just a temporary website and the permanent site will be coming in the spring so stay tuned!

Something Borrowed. Something Blue.

2013-02-04T23:00:00.000-08:00

New Beginnings.

Saturday, I had the honor of taking photos at a bridal shower for a beautiful young woman named Michelle. Her friends and family organized the event and it was absolutely beautiful. Out on the patio as soon as I walked out to where the shower was being held, were photos of she and her fiancé. I had never met Michelle or her fiancé before that day, but I could see the love they had for one another in every photo displayed at the shower.

I was so inspired by their obvious adoration and love her friends and family displayed. The time, effort and love it took to put together something like was admirable. The bridal party did such a wonderful job and they were a fun group to boot! There is nothing like good friends to share your life with.

Below is a few photos of Michelle, her friends and family.

Congratulations to Michelle and her fiance, may they have a long and happy marriage!

Remember, always kiss goodnight~

Ahheeemmm! Your Attention Please~

2013-01-30T20:17:00.001-08:00

Strength. Faith. Courage.

Stepping out in faith is never easy. It takes courage, strength and belief in your own abilities to succeed.

As most of you know, I am a photography fiend. It really started when I was a little girl and saved all of my chore money for a polaroid camera. It has grown into such a passion that I feel the need to share it with others, to give them memories like I give myself by taking beautiful photos of my girls.

I officially own the trade name Adele Bella Photography per the state of Arizona. I finally received my certificate in the mail this week. Now I have finished my logo and business cards. Finally I received my first set of CD's and CD sleeves with my logo. I am extremely excited! I am on my way to hopefully and God willing a successful photography business someday. Baby steps, I tell myself.

Anyhoo...I just wanted to share with you where I am at so far in the process of starting my business.

Thank you for those of you that allow me to practice on you and thank you all for your support and love in the start up of Adele Bella Photography~

Mommy's Little Baby~

2013-01-25T23:28:00.000-08:00

Resilient. Unassuming. Trusting.
Miss Kennedy has been sick for the past few weeks. First that stomach virus that went around, now as of today, she has a sinus infection. Her grandma was kind enough to take her because I had to be at work. Children are resilient, unassuming, and trusting. My baby girl has no clue whats going on with her little body, No way to communicate with me to tell me whats wrong. And let me tell ya, thats the worst part for a momma! Through it all Kennedy is still smiling, laughing and playing. I am so glad she didn't come down with something more serious. But for tonight, I am going to hold her, rock her and talk sweetly in her ear, because she's my little baby.

{A Family Affair}

2013-01-21T22:00:00.002-08:00

Loyalty. Trust. Acceptance.

I had the honor of meeting the wonderful Padilla family on Sunday. Jessica, Jesse, and little Miss DJ, and I spent the afternoon taking pictures and getting to know one another. Jessica aka Momma Bear, was a great sport! I am pretty new to photography but she had a lot of patience and for that I am appreciative. Jesse, 10 years old, enjoys break dancing and being silly after he gets comfortable with you. He is so adorable, momma, you better get a baseball bat when he gets older..JK:) And what is there to say about Miss DJ? She stole the show with her sassy divaness! I absolutely loved her! She made me laugh and smile the entire time.

I am grateful this wonderful family gave me the chance to invade their lives for a few moments.

There is nothing like family. No one accepts you, loves you, and cares about you like your family does.

Capturing Childhood

2013-01-12T15:18:00.000-08:00

Innocence. Childhood. Joy.

Saturday I did a photo shoot with my daughter Kaylee. I think it is really important to capture her childhood because it is so fleeting. Yes, I am a Mamarazzi. I take photos all the time of both my girls. Kennedy won't ever be five months again, Kaylee won't ever be six years old again.

It was pretty cold yesterday, so I knew I had to take the pictures quickly because Miss Bri is a true Arizona girl. 70 degrees is freezing cold to her. I got her hair and make up done so she would feel like a princess. Kaylee did a phenomenal job of charming the stylist. I was so proud of her. Oh and when Stacy (the stylist) pulled out the make up (all pinks of course), Miss Kaylee was in seventh heaven.

So after it was all done, we went home, got her dressed and headed out. Because it was so cold, I decided not to venture too far from our house. I had a feeling this would be a short photo shoot, but I was determined to get some good shots in.

About 15 minutes into the shoot, in true Kaylee fashion, she goes "Can't we go some place warmer? Its freezing". I knew that was the end of it and decided to call it quits. I think I got a couple of good ones and I hope you all agree.

Appreciate those moments with your babies because they won't be babies forever:-)

Enjoy!

Outside the Box

2013-01-09T20:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I started taking a breakout session with Clickinmoms, called Creating and Recognizing Opportunities. I love photography. Its not just for fun, its not just "something to do". For me, it is a way of expression and documentation of life. Memories may fade, but a photograph will be there. This breakout session is really helping me think outside of the box, so I just wanted to share a few photos with you that I took of Kennedy and my guitar. My mother in law gave me that guitar a few years ago and no I cannot play:-) Its on my "Before I turn 30" bucket list of things to do. Someday, I will pass that guitar down to my girls because it belonged to their grandmother. I thought these photos I took was a great way to connect the generations. Its like this. Cindy (grandma) owned that guitar years ago, who gave it to me, who will give to the girls. I will always have these pictures and when Kennedy grows up and learns to play the guitar, I can pull these photos out and tell her it was destiny.

New Year. New Life.

2013-01-06T10:29:00.001-08:00

Love. Life. Appreciation.

The New Year brings seems on a sense of gratitude and appreciation, at least for me. I am always happy to be alive another year. I have appreciation for my friends and family, and gratitude for those who have helped me throughout the years. So I just want to say Happy New Year to everyone and make 2013 count! "If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything", as my grandmother used to say.

I am so thankful for my two healthy and happy girls, Kaylee, 6 and Kennedy 5 months. They bring joy to my life. They also love their daddy to no end! I am proud to have a husband that adores his girls and would do anything for them.

Speaking of New year, I was honored to do a maternity session for a dear friend of mine, Lexi, who will be bringing new life into the world pretty soon:-) For those of you who do not know this wonderful lady, she is the type that would help anyone and bend over backwards (not literally, she's about to pop!) to see it done. I appreciate her friendship and everything she does to help others. She and her hubby Mando were a hoot! A more adorable couple could not be found. I could see there was much more that just a marriage, they seem to have a friendship as well.

Lexi & Mando's session went wonderfully and I am very pleased with their photos and I hope they will be too. So without further ado, here is a sneak peak of the quirky and funny couple's maternity session.....

Lunch with Miss Bri

2012-12-31T23:40:00.000-08:00

Dream. Believe. Acheive.

First and foremost I want to give a special thanks to Bonnie Hussey for helping me put together my blog. She is truly amazing!

Yesterday was my daughter's birthday, and as I mentioned below she just turned 6. Since her bday is so close to the holidays, we end up having her party at the end of January. The day started with my husband and I waking her with a huge cupcake with candles. My husband, Clinton, set a bunch of balloons in her room. That afternoon, I took her out for a mommy daughter lunch at her favorite sit down place, Red Robin. She proceeded to tell me that Optrimus Prime(Transformers) was not the leader of the autobots anymore, it was now so other bot (a name I cannot remember). What amazed me is, she can remember any and everything about the transformers, but she cannot remember when I tell her to place her dirty clothes in her hamper. Selective memory anyone?

I am awed by this little person who seems to know everything about everything and has a answer for it all~a lot of them are hilarious.
She constantly surprises me and keeps me on my toes. I look forward to watching her grow and deveop into a beautiful young woman, but of course Ill be in my forties...wait, I dont want to think about that right now.
I plan to enjoy her childhood and all those random moments.

Intro To The Schmidt Life.

2012-12-30T18:36:00.000-08:00

Imagine. Create. Family. Inspire.

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to my blog about the Schmidt Family. Its a great way to stay updated on the goings-on of Clinton, Myself, Kaylee and Baby Kennedy
I will do my best to post at least once a week, no promises though.
For my family in St. Louis, mainly Mom and Dad, check this at least once a week for updates on the granbabies.

Just a few things: Kaylee is turing 6 tomorrow!!! I cant believe my girl is growing up. im sad and happy at the same time.
Just yesterday, she was practicing her “birthday speech” I posted a few pics below.

The Schmidt Life.

The Thriving life~

Saturday Mornings~

Kennedy's 9 Month Photos

Is it Summertime Yet?

Birds of A Feather Flock Together~

Change is Good...Right?

{Pieces of Kennedy}

A Sister's Love~

Moving forward~

Something Borrowed. Something Blue.

Ahheeemmm! Your Attention Please~

Mommy's Little Baby~

{A Family Affair}

Capturing Childhood

Innocence. Childhood. Joy.

Outside the Box

New Year. New Life.

Lunch with Miss Bri

Intro To The Schmidt Life.

Imagine. Create. Family. Inspire.

Hello Everyone,

Just a few things: Kaylee is turing 6 tomorrow!!! I cant believe my girl is growing up. im sad and happy at the same time.
Just yesterday, she was practicing her “birthday speech” I posted a few pics below.

Miss Kennedy is growing like a weed. Shes eating peas, carrots and green beans now. She also sits up by herself with a little bit of help!

Thanks for dropping by, ill try to post again next week! Until then check out the Schmidt Life below:

The Schmidt Life.

The Thriving life~

Saturday Mornings~

Kennedy's 9 Month Photos

Is it Summertime Yet?

Birds of A Feather Flock Together~

Change is Good...Right?

{Pieces of Kennedy}

A Sister's Love~

Moving forward~

Something Borrowed. Something Blue.

Ahheeemmm! Your Attention Please~

Mommy's Little Baby~

{A Family Affair}

Capturing Childhood

Innocence. Childhood. Joy.

Outside the Box

New Year. New Life.

Lunch with Miss Bri

Intro To The Schmidt Life.

Imagine. Create. Family. Inspire.

Hello Everyone,

Just a few things: Kaylee is turing 6 tomorrow!!! I cant believe my girl is growing up. im sad and happy at the same time.Just yesterday, she was practicing her “birthday speech” I posted a few pics below.

Miss Kennedy is growing like a weed. Shes eating peas, carrots and green beans now. She also sits up by herself with a little bit of help!

Thanks for dropping by, ill try to post again next week! Until then check out the Schmidt Life below:

Just a few things: Kaylee is turing 6 tomorrow!!! I cant believe my girl is growing up. im sad and happy at the same time.
Just yesterday, she was practicing her “birthday speech” I posted a few pics below.