The Mullin Bunch

Monday Moment

2011-04-11T23:10:00.000-07:00

What's a Monday Moment? It's a moment I capture of my kids. Every Monday I'm going to try my hardest to take a picture of my kids doing what they do.
My first Monday Moment is of Kaden. Ever since Kaden was little he has had very busy little hands. He has always enjoyed creating and building things. This year he has learned how to knit. He really enjoys finger knitting and making long ropes. Kaden does very useful things with these ropes. He has made a belt with them, hung forts from them and even tied up his brothers (I think that's his favorite.) It's always fun to see what his next creation will be.

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

2011-02-18T18:31:00.000-08:00

One of Violet's favorite songs is Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. This is a picture of her making the diamond in the sky.

Good Old Comfort Food

2011-02-04T11:49:00.000-08:00

I love getting those rotisserie chickens from Costco. They're cheap, it's already cooked and taste great. I found this recipe which calls for leftover rotisserie chicken. You can find the recipe here. I used 4 cups of Better Than Bouillon chicken flavor in place of canned broth. You can also buy this at Costco. I would also recommend using less salt. I used leftover rice instead of noodles, which I pulled out of the freezer. This dinner took me about 20 minutes and was soooo good!!!

All the kids gave it double thumbs up. And Kaden said, "I wish I had a bigger stomach." Full bellies, happy kids!!!

Photos of Violet

2010-05-17T22:48:00.000-07:00

Trying out a new location with Violet.

Good bye pretty clean dress

Violet's secret hiding place

2010-04-25T22:35:00.000-07:00

This Little Piggy

2010-04-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

I came out into the living room to find the boys playing computer games under their new fort Kaden made. I thought it was cute how all their little feet were hanging out. In the second picture notice how Kaden and Riley's feet are in the same position just opposite.

Violet is tu-tu cute!!!

2010-04-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

OK, so I broke one of my own photography rules. Never shoot when it's nap time. I was going to take pictures of a newborn but we had to reschedule. All my stuff was out so why not take pictures of Violet. Yes, it was her nap time so she wouldn't let go over her bottle and blanket. She still is tu-tu cute to me.

These are Violet new favorite shoes. They are squeaky so I always know where she is.

Photography Workshop

2010-03-07T11:27:00.000-08:00

'Capture Your Life Class'
Click the link above for details

Violet Turns 2

2010-03-05T23:37:00.001-08:00

I took some pictures so I can remember this age and stage in her life. I wanted pictures that captures her beauty, personality and a few of her favorite things.
I love her beautiful blue eyes and smile. And no, I didn't do anything to her eyes, she just has these amazing blue eyes.

She is also feisty. Her three older brothers are scared of her.

She's also just plain silly.

We can't forget to include a picture of her pout.

And of course her very busy, get into everything, climb up on anything, cute chubby hands.

This look I see often. To me this is my little Violet Rose. Her light in her lovely eyes, her innocence and her ability to love unconditionally, is my two year old little girl. Below I've attached a couple of her favorite things. Here puppy that was given to her when she was born by her cousin, Katarina and her new black boots. I wish they made them in my size.

Baby Adelle

2010-03-03T22:52:00.000-08:00

I was looking for some old photos and I found these ones I took of Baby Adelle a little over a year ago. Don't worry Ariann I'll actually get these on a cd for you this time.

My Lil' Biker Girl

2010-02-19T22:20:00.001-08:00

I love her facial expression in this photo.

Cub Scout Sunday

2010-02-15T15:13:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my son, Kaden gave a talk in church for Cub Scout Sunday. He told me he wasn't even nervous. Can you imagine only eight and giving a talk in front of so many people. I haven't given a talk in years and just thinking about it makes me sick. Anyways, I was very proud of him, he was cute and funny. That's my Kaden, he is turning out to be a great kid.

Gabe's Very Grumpy Not So Good Day

2010-02-04T13:55:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time there was a lovable, adorable, four year old boy, named Gabe. One morning he woke up and was having a very grumpy not so good day. He refused to go potty, refused to get dressed, refused to eat and refused to go to preschool.

His mother seeing his displeasure wrapped her magical arms around him. But her hugs didn't work. She sprinkled him with her sweet kisses, but her kisses didn't work either. He was having a very grumpy not so good day. What's a mother to do? The wise mother that she was, bribed him with a twix bar and sent him to school. Surely he will return home a lovable, adorable, four year old boy.

Upon his return from school the bus assistant had to persuade him to get off the bus. He cried as he slowly, unwillingly climbed down the bus stairs. He cried as he walked to the house, he cried as he took of his coat. Gabe was having a very grumpy not so good day. His patient mother that she was, made him the most scrumptious lunch (grilled cheese.) Surely that will make him a lovable, adorable, four year old boy again. He cried because he had to share his sandwich with his cousin, he cried because his sister ate his apple sauce and he cried when his cousin played with his toys. Gabe was having a very grumpy not so good day. What's a mother to do now? Send him to bed!!!

To be continued...

You Know Your Mom's A Photographer when....

2010-01-29T21:18:00.000-08:00

the kids are sick and I still take their picture. I couldn't help myself look at her baby blues.

Me Ra Koh Confidence Workshop

2010-01-20T23:24:00.000-08:00

A week ago I had the opportunity to attend Me Ra Koh's "Confidence Workshop". It was an amazing experience. Me Ra and her husband, Brain are the nicest, down to earth people. They were so funny, they had me laughing non stop. One of the things I learned was finding the artist within me. What about me and my experiences can I bring to my pictures. On Sat. and Sun. we had actual models come. I must admit I was so nervous taking pictures in a group setting. I still struggled with my confidence but I made it through. It was good that I had to stretch myself that's how we learn, right? Oh, and I have to mention that the ladies that I learned with were great. They were all so friendly and helpful. We even started our own FB page. Here are just a few pictures that I took.

I heart faces contest

2010-01-05T22:51:00.000-08:00

I am submitting these photos into the I Heart Faces logo photo contest. By entering, I am granting I Heart Faces LLC permission to consider my photo for use in the marketing and promotion of their website. Yes, I'm entering another contest. This time I could win a new lens. Wish me luck.

Sled Boarding

2009-12-28T22:41:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's a little sad that my kids have to go sledding in the drive way. At least they had fun and Kaden invented Sled Boarding. (ok, I'm sure it's been done before but I thought it was cleaver.)

My Three Musketeers, a rare picture with all of them.

I love this action picture of Riley.

Even sister got into the action.

Will I Soar?

2009-12-24T00:08:00.000-08:00

Many of you know I enjoy doing photography. I've always wanted to have my own business but have worried if I'm good enough. Anyways, on of my favorite photographers, Mera Koh is offering a scholarship for three lucky ladies. The winner gets new camera gear and bag, mentoring, website and blog, business coaching, free software the list goes on and on. It's everything you need to start you business and succeed. So, what are the requirements?

First, you have to fill out an application and submit a 2 minute video. The application not a problem but a video. I don't know how to make a video and I don't have a camera with video, nor video software. So, I decided not to enter but I kept going back to the SOAR website. Three days before the deadline I decided to enter. So here is my dorky video. Yes, I'm in the one in the Santa hat. Please keep in mind I did this all by myself and I had no clue how to edit my video. I just download a free trial. But I just had to try if I didn't I would always wonder. I know it really is a dorky video but if you would like to leave a comment of encouragement for Mera to read you can do that here. Just scroll down and click on comment and leave a message. Don't forget to include my name and number #148 so they know your talking about the dorky girl in the santa hat. Thanks to all my friends and family who have supported me in my photography endeavors. You guys are the best!!!

Meet the Twins

2009-12-15T22:59:00.000-08:00

Ok, these boys are serious the cutiest kids ever. They were so fun and easy to take pictures of. I had a hard time deciding which ones to post, so I guess I just have to post a lot of them. And isn't their mother just gorgeous? I think so and she happens to be a very special friend of mine. I hope you like these, thanks for letting me come to play. Click on the picture to see a better image.

Here come all the B&W I love so much.

Meet Little B

2009-12-14T23:29:00.000-08:00

Today I got to shoot cute Little B., doesn't he have the cutest smile. He sure was an angel. He loved watching his mommy and listening to her voice and he was so alert the whole time I was taking pictures.

Look at these baby blues.

Ok, I'm very partial to B&W photos.

And of course I had to include a foot shot. I love how he is spreading his toes.

Riley Doodles New Hair Cut

2009-12-12T00:32:00.000-08:00

Riley has been begging me to take him to get a hair cut, and boy did he need it. Do you like the red highlights? He picked it out it's just temporary. Riley is so cute when I take pictures of him. He does his own poses, maybe next time I'll include the crazy ones too.

Violets First Pony Tails

2009-12-04T14:24:00.000-08:00

She starting to pull them out.

She's done with them.

I have to admit, I've been waiting 20 months to put Violet's hair in pony tails. This was a very exciting event for me so of course I had to take pictures. Doesn't she look so cute? I think she looks adorable it's to bad the tails only lasted about 10 minutes. Oh ya, if you look closely you can see she put my braclets on her feet. She already loves jewelery

Meet Adelle

2009-12-03T00:26:00.000-08:00

Today I had the pleasure of photographing this little angel, Adelle and her, beautiful mom. Adelle has the prettiest big brown eyes and long lashes. She was so cute with my kids and yes, I took these pictures with three kids running around us. Thanks Adelle for allowing me to capture you sweet spirit. Here are just a few photos to give mom a sneak peek. Don't worry I have lots more.

Don't they both look so happy? Adelle just loves her mommy.

I love how she is holding her hands and playing with her feet in these two.

Riley the Yoga Master

2009-11-30T22:26:00.000-08:00

Oh, my Riley makes me laugh everyday. He told me he wants to get strong, so I found him doing yoga on the wii. I love how into it he is. Hmmm....maybe I should join him.

Sneak Peek

2009-11-29T00:28:00.000-08:00

Today I had the wonderful opportunity to photo one of my favorite families. Is this family not gorgeous or what? Crystal is a beautiful lady inside and out, a wonderful mother and wife. I hope you can see how much she loves her family in these photos, here are some of my favorites. Thanks, Crystal for letting me take these pictures, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Inside Out

2009-11-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, I had to do one more post today. Gabe just got back from Grandma's house when he saw Sister playing in the snow. He was in and she was out. He wanted to play so bad too, but they were just finishing up and Gabe didn't have his snow cloths on. Violet thought she was so funny making faces at Gabe. Finally, she must have felt sorry for him because she gave him a kiss. These two are very sweet to each other most of the time.

The Leaning Tower of Pumpkins

2009-11-27T23:40:00.000-08:00

Today I was collecting all the pumpkins around the house to through away. It's now time to start decorationg for Christmas. I should have know that my clever son, Kaden would do something with the extra pumpkins. I like to call this the leaning tower of pumpkins, I love it when the kids turn my garbage into their little creations.

What Are You Thanful For?

2009-11-25T23:04:00.000-08:00

Watch this short video clip message about thanksgiving here.
My family made a list of things that we were thankful for from A to Z here is our list:
A is for airplanes (so we can go to Hawaii)
B is for books, blue eyes(my children's), boots and beds
C is for church, cuddles, Christmas, camera and cars
D is for Dad, dimples(Violet's) and dolphins (whenever I see one they make me happy)
E is for elevators (Kaleb works on the 15th floor)
F is for food, foot rubs and friends
G is for grandma, guns, gravity (Riley came up with that one) and Gabe's curly hair
H is for hugs, husband, Halloween, Hawaii, house and history channel (Kaden loves watching about history)
I is for ice cream
J is for Jesus and jack-o-lanterns
K is for kisses and kayaking
L is for Lion King (Broadway version) and life
M is for Mom (I made the list), movies, music and milk shakes
N is for nachos
O is for olives
P is for Papa, Prophet and phone calls from friends
Q is for quilt (Kaden has claimed my quilt for himself)
R is for rootbear and rockets
S is for scouts, smiles, slippers, summer and snorkeling
T is for Ty (Kaden's best friend) and TV
U is for UV rays (I don't get enough)
V is for Vanessa and Valary
W is for wife (I made the list again), world, wonderful children
X is for X-rays
Y is for youtube
Z is for zoo (ok we couldn't think of anything for z)
That's what we are thankful for. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Look Into My Lens

2009-11-24T22:57:00.000-08:00

This picture just cracks me up. I read this photo tip from Me Ra Koh's blog. All you need to do is ask your kids to look into you lens really hard and see if they can find you eye. I just love Gabe's expression. He tried so hard to find my eye. Do you think I should tell him I was tricking him? Try this out with our kids and see what you get.

Love Note

2009-11-22T00:50:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a note on a napkin and put it in Riley's lunch. Later that day he made me a note and stuck it by my bed. I love how the message is backwards. Riley is such a sweet little boy.

Kiss Me

2009-11-20T15:02:00.000-08:00

This picture just makes me laugh. I told Gabe that he should give Violet a kiss. Well, he tried but Violet just kept laughing at his attempts. I just love how delighted she is with herself.

2 zombies, 1 bat and 1 cat

2009-11-18T10:08:00.000-08:00

We had our 2nd annual Halloween dinner which consist of chili in a pumpkin bread bowl, witches brew with dried ice (the kids love the bubbles and smoke) and some type of halloween dessert(as if they aren't going to get enough sugar).

The kids got their faces painted by their wonderful and talented grandma. Kaden and Riley were zombies, Gabe a bat, and Violet a cat. All-in-all, the night was a a lot of fun. I'm sure glad my husband has, "The Zombie Guide Survival Book" you never know when you might need it.

This was Riley's favorite. He said, "this is the best dinner ever."

Riley's World

2009-11-14T23:51:00.000-08:00

Those who know Riley, know that he is just a funny kid. He does quirky things and he comes up with the best little sayings. I like this first picture because; (1)he is wearing his shirt backwards and (2)what five year old practice meditation?

He also has a serious side too. He enjoys looking at books especially his dad's Dr. Mcninja comic book. He doesn't know how to read it but by the picture he sure is enjoying it. I love Riley's world it makes my world so much better. I love you kiddo!!!

My Precious Little Violet Rose

2009-11-13T22:22:00.000-08:00

My precious little Violet Rose,
I love you from your piggy toes,
I love you to your button nose.

My precious little Violet Rose,
I love your eyes, how they glow,
I love you smile and dimple so.

My precious little Violet Rose,
I love you so, I hope you see,
In my heart you'll always be.

Did A Tornando Hit?

2009-10-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

I read this quote today and not a minute to soon. Let me me back up just a bit. Last night, I had a wonderful time with my girlfriends but when I got home the house was a major mess. Dinner still left out, dishes all over the counters, dishwasher needed to be started, crumbs everywhere, counters and table needed a good wipe down, books and toys scattered on the living room floor, and laundry wasn't put into the dryer. The list could go on and on.

So, today I've decided to tackle this colossal mess. But while I'm cleaning I can't help but get more and more frustrated. Why can't my house stay clean for a couple of minutes? Anyways, I decided to take a quick email break (I always feel better when I check my email) and found this quote from Phyllis Diller, "Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing." This is just the phase of life I'm in right now. I'm sure when it's over I'll wish there were little hand prints all over my windows again, but for now it's back to shoveling.

Dinner Games

2009-10-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

Pajama Party

The rules for this game are simple. You dress up in pajamas and have breakfast for dinner. We also listened to Chow Down, from the Lion King. The kids favorite part was eating cinnamon rolls.

Dinner Games

2009-10-12T17:49:00.000-07:00

I thought since Monday night is Family Night, why not play a dinner game while we eat. I got this game filled with dinner activities a while back, and the kids really enjoyed it.

Here is the first one.

Someone starts the game by saying a color.
As a team, your family names all the foods they can think of that are that color.
Have a different person pick another color and play again.

Every Monday I'll post a new game so your family can play them too.

Cozmel Dive Trip 2009

2009-10-11T23:24:00.000-07:00

Here's the video highlights of Kaleb's dive trip. Click here. His friend, Aaron did a great job.

10 Things My House Is Overrun With

2009-09-29T14:42:00.000-07:00

*Nerf guns
*Nerf bullets
*Legos
*Books
*Matchbox cars
*Swords
*Laundry
*Bags of items to be donated
*Home school curriculum
*Best of all, 4 boys (including husband) and one precious little girl

Seattle Here I Come!!!

2009-09-22T22:58:00.000-07:00

I love being creative it makes me happy; and when mommy is happy everyone is happy, right? Well, photography is one of my creative outlets. One day, I happened to stumble upon Mera Koh's blog. She is an amazing photographer and so inspirational. After reading many of her post on "Photography Tips for Moms," I challenged myself to take more spontaneous pictures of my kids. I took some fun pictures of my kiddos playing around and emailed them to her. I never thought in a million years that she would actually post them on her blog. You can check them out here: Mera Koh's blog then scroll to the bottom.
For two years now, I have been following her blog and dreaming about the opportunity to attend one of her workshops. Well, the time as come and I just booked the January's workshop. I can't express how excited and nervous I am. I'll be in Seattle for two days learning about photography from one of the best in the industry. I'm really lucky to have such a supportive husband, who encourages me to pursue my dreams. Seattle watch out; here I come!!!

Mommy Monster

2009-09-21T21:41:00.000-07:00

My kids love to wrestle, I do not. I leave that job for my husband. But on occasion, I have been know to turn into the mommy monster. It really doesn't take much for me to turn into a monster...low blood sugar...low on patience...low on sleep. But this mommy monster is a good thing. It's a game I play with the boys when dad isn't home and they need to get some energy out. How is this played? I chase the boys around until I catch one and I pin them to the ground. Now my favorite part. I kiss them all over until they say, "I love you mommy". They really enjoy this game and think that I can't catch them; but I'm just pretending not to. So, whenever I need to hear my three favorite words... boys you better watch out!!!! There could be a mommy monster lurking around the corner.

Five Precious Minutes

2009-09-13T17:58:00.000-07:00

When I think of my boys. I usually picture them wresting with each other, or running around the house trying to shoot each other with Nerf guns. You know the kind of things boys like to do. Mine in particular like to be loud and wild. So, when they were outside playing in the hammock it was no different. I could hear the laughter and the bickering. "Make room for me, where am I going to sit? and help me up!!!" Then to add to the madness Kaden had to bring out the blankets, books, food and drinks. He declared it family fun. I thought to myself, "This is going to last only five minutes. I'm going to hear a "MOM" any minute now." But nothing came not even a sound. Could this be true!!! No, I must check on them. I told Kaleb, "They're being to quiet. I'm sure they're into something."

To my very surprise as I steeped out onto the deck I saw something wondrous. Their was no fussing, no whining, no badgering. Just three little boys cuddled together under the hammock reading a book. It melted my heart and brought a huge smile. I thought, "They do love each other." Ya, it only last a few minutes till their sister came to break up the happy trio but the memory of those five precious minutes will last so much longer.
Oh, yes I do have pictures to come.

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