I'm alive

I guess it took me a week to recover from my trip to WPPI...this is long over due. I just downloaded my images last night and thought I would share a few of my faves. Most of these are straight out of camera.

Don't let the blue sky fool you...it was not that warm. But it was pretty.

Leigh and I:

We stayed at the MGM Grand and this was the view one morning as we woke for a workshop before the sun was even up. There was actually snow in the mountains from the day before...it was cold.

Later that day we went on a little photo safari down the strip. I loved these red balls at the Bellagio.

The Venetian was my favorite. We had a great lunch and enjoyed the sights. Since we both had been to Venice, Italy together, it was fun to see this re-creation. Luckily, this water didn't smell like rotten eggs. I am not sure if my stomach could have handled that. By the way, for those of you that have not been there, that is not a real sky, it is the ceiling. It is all indoors.

Mmm...gelato.

We had a great dinner with these two jokers, Rick Trummer and Michael Barton.

Unfortunately, I don't think I can look at sushi again for the rest of my pregnancy. Although I did not eat any, my sense of smell right now could give a Bloodhound a run for its money, and it was a bit strong smelling for me.

I wasn't too fun the rest of this night and Leigh and I headed in a little early. My nausea got the best of me and the only thing that made me feel better was going to bed.

Dessert was good though...goofballs.

The next morning we caught Bambi Cantrell's presentation which was super fun and inspiring and totally worth waking up for. We also saw some other awesome speakers including Elizabeth Messina, Audrey Woulard, Jerry Ghionis, Jeff & Julia Woods, and Jessica Claire.

We did manage to make it out on the town the second night and hit the VIP Bludomain party at Body English at the Hard Rock Hotel. They had go-go dancers, karaoke and a fun photo booth.

The bathroom was super fancy ;)

As I waited for my last class the next day, I was able to spend an hour sitting by the pool. Although I was not one of the crazies that actually got it the water, it was nice to relax and get a little sun on my pasty skin.

Looking forward to next year :)

Vegas Baby

Well, I made it. My first time ever in Las Vegas. I met my best bud Leigh here this morning and we have been on the go. I already bought a new shootsac cover. What do you think?

More adventures to come...

Saving my butt...many times over

So I mentioned the computer problems I have been having, but now that those are hopefully in my past, I have to give a huge shout out to the peeps that made that happen. Charlie Klemm and Chris Klemm at ConsultNet, Inc. rock my world. This is not the first time I have called Charlie, near tears, pleading with him to reassure me all was going to be ok. My home desktop crashed in a major way about a year and half ago. All my precious memories of Brynn's first year, all my music, all that is important to me...GONE. It was truly touch and go for while, but Charlie pulled out all the stops and hooked me up like no other. I am forever grateful for these guys.

If your personal computer or your business computers need any work done at all, give these guys a call. You will not be disappointed! They are available 24/7 (although I do try to wait for business hours to call and harass them).

Here are just some of the services they provide:

Common Services for our Business customers:

Computer and Network Maintenance
Hardware and Software Sales
General Tech Support
Secure Remote Access
Virus/Spyware Solutions
Security
Domain Registration and DNS Hosting
Web Design
Email Hosting (yourname@yourdomain.com)
VPN Solutions
Network Printer, Fax, and Scanner Install

Common Services for our Residential customers:

Virus and Spyware Prevention
Hardware and Software Sales
Operating System Maintenance/Upgrades
Software Installation/Repair
Internet Setup (SBC, Comcast, etc.)
Home Network Security

They are located downtown Geneva, but you can check them out here or give them a call at 630.208.1918.

Thanks again Charlie & Chris!!!

Silly Smiles 2009

It's that time of year again!!

Spring is around the corner and with a great new season comes a wonderful time to reflect on our families and those around us. It is also a great time to give back to people in need. As a special fundraiser, my studio has joined forces with many studios around the country to make a difference for families in need.

On March 7th, 2009, studios around the country will be holding a “Silly Smiles” event. Each year thousands of children around the world are diagnosed with the kidney disease FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome. If untreated, it can lead to kidney failure. This disease can require staggering amounts of medical treatment with equally staggering medical bills. Each year numerous people of all ages are diagnosed with the same medical condition yet there is so much more to learn including the discovery of a cure. Not being a physician I am at a complete loss of vocabulary or technical knowledge to describe the effects of this disease so I would strongly encourage each of you to visit the following website:

http://www.nephcure.org/

Know that as a community, we can do more. On March 7th we are happy to provide an opportunity for change. Between 10am and 3pm, each family in attendance will be given a 15-minute “Silly Smiles” session. The session is simple, make funny faces at the camera and let us do the rest! We are asking for a minimum donation of $40 for those who attend. For your minimum donation, you will receive a special 8x10 print with 9 of these one of a kind “Silly Smiles.” We will also have special discounts available on additional special event products. 100% of your $40 donation will go to cause. In addition 25% price of all orders will be donated.

Don’t wait, space it limited! Please contact me asap at kelly@kellyvanderploegphotography.com or 630.253.2939 to reserve your time slot today. Your session will take place at Indigo Photographic, located at 117 S. Batavia Avenue, Batavia, IL 60510. Together we can make a difference and have a blast doing it!

For more information on the Silly Smiles Foundation please use the information below.

Silly Smiles Inc.
117 S. Batavia Ave
Batavia, IL 60510
http://www.sillysmiles.org/
630-761-2990

Dead in the water

First of all, I have to thank all of you for the kind comments and emails of well wishes I have received over the past week or so. Some of you came out of the woodwork...I didn't know some of you were Vander"blog" readers ;) So thank you thank you!!!

But, I know, my loyal blog readers, I have been M.I.A. I have many, many good reasons...for example, I feel yucky; I have cabin fever; not feeling very creative; and, the most important reason, my computer has been on the fritz again. What do you think...should I go Mac?

I have so many images to edit, orders to place, interesting topics to blog, and emails to return. I thought this was supposed to be the non-busy time of year. You should see my to-do list. It keeps growing.

Due to the impending arrival of a little, bundle of joy this September, I have been forced to take a look at my schedule this year and limit my availability for regular photo sessions somewhat. My calendar in all of May and early June is completely booked with local and destination weddings. Still no Mexico on my plate, but nonetheless, very cool weddings that I am totally stoked to be a part of. Holli & Barry in Williamsburg, Virginia, Ashley & Marty in Buffalo, New York, and Megan & Jeff in Dallas, Texas. I can't wait!!

So, needless to say, if you would like to schedule a shoot this spring or summer (especially on a weekend), give me a shout as I am already booking through July.

So that's it for now...I need to go to bed. I haven't stayed up past 10pm since I have been prego. When is this winter going to end???