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Mexico 2008

By Christine Lee Smit...

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Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Palm Springs

Ahhh - refreshment is good for the soul.

I spent the weekend with my family in Palm Spring; we had such a great time! It was nice to get away, relax by the pool and hang out with family.

Of course I didn't go camera-less, so I brought my trusty Olympus 790SW. This camera rocks! It was my first real chance to test its limits since I received it last Christmas. The camera is waterproof and shock (aka. drop proof). I kept it with me in the pool the whole weekend and had a blast with it!

Check out some of my favorite moments:






Hit by Matt's Noodle-Water-Gun!

Noodle-Water-Gun on display.

Parcheesi night! Of course Matt won.



Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Where in the World was Christine - this Time?

August 2-8 I was in Ensenada, MX with my hubbie and our youth group SUSHI, from The River Church, as a part of the Mexico Outreach program hosted by Azusa Pacific University. (Wow, that was a lot of links).

This year was our third summer trip out - and I must say it was my favorite so far. We had an amazing team that worked so hard together.

Once again, we were able to partner with the same church in Ojos Negros, MX, with Pastor Eber, his wife Zenida and daughter Aris. It was such a joy to see them again and get to minister to their community's children through VBS.

I'm so excited to share these images - not only because they turned out so beautifully - but also because I had two amazing photo assistants, Campbell & Jarae, who shot for me throughout the week. Take a look at a few of my favorites below or on Picasa by clicking on the slide show above.









Above image photographed by photo assistants Campbell & Jarae.

Above image photographed by photo assistants Campbell & Jarae.

Above image photographed by photo assistants Campbell & Jarae.

Above image photographed by photo assistants Campbell & Jarae.






Above image photographed by photo assistants Campbell & Jarae.

Above image photographed by photo assistants Campbell & Jarae.


Above image photographed by photo assistants Campbell & Jarae.

Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Twitterific

Recently I discovered the amazing world of Twitter. After listening to countless podcasts from the guys at Simply Youth Ministry I had to give it a try.

So, I did and I'm loving it.

Why it's so much fun to update the world on what you're doing every day, I have no idea. But it's fun and addicting.

If you want to join in the fun check out twitter.com or follow me by clicking here! You can also follow me on Twitter via our blog - just scroll down and look to the right hand side for the green box.

See you around the Twitter world!



Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Computer Drama...Llama?

So, how many of you have had computer problems before - raise your hand?

Now that your hands are all in the air - like you just don't care, as a mater of fact - I'd like to join you.

For the past week our DSL (yes, I know...I know) has been acting "goofy." It would connect, then disconnect, making it quite difficult to get photos up online and emails returned in a timely manner.

So after haggling with Verizon's Customer Service reps for two days in a row (now how many of you try and fix the problem yourself? Yep, me too) I got desperate. Not just frustrated I'm moving on - but literally crying in front of our computer with modems, routers and wires in my lap. It was not one of my brightest moments.

My hubbie lovingly coaxed me away and encouraged me to seek help - not the mental kind, although at that moment it may have been helpful - but technical help. I made the call at 9:30pm that night.

Less than 24 hours later Jason, owner of J.A.C.E. Computers, was over with a new router and installed it lickety split.

What amazed me - aside from his computer genius - was that during the hour he was working away I got more done around our apartment than I have in a long while. I mean I cleaned the kitchen up, did the dishes, started on a project for Tuttle Cameras (info coming soon Lightroom fans! Watch for details), dreamed up some fabulous new marketing ideas, etc.

It made me realize how wasted the nearly two-hours I spent crying and on the phone with Verizon were. Jason completed in one hour what I wasted nearly twice as long trying to accomplish. Wow.

And it taught me a very valuable lesson: pay the professional.

So, Jason - if you read this - thank you. Refreshed and re-connected to the internet world I look forward to paying your invoice; it was worth every cent!


Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

On the Other Side...

So a few weeks back a photographer friend of mine, Curtis Bailey (website coming soon), helped me out by recreating beyond fabulous head shots for me.

I've been wanting to redo the head shot that was forever on my website - the one my loving hubbie took last year. And Curtis was the only photographer I considered when I was preparing to go behind the lens.

Here are the results - photographed and retouched by Curtis Bailey.








Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Kids Adventure: "Super-U"

Monday started the beginning of our third annual Kids Adventure (aka. VBS) program at our church, The River. In years past we've been disappointed with small turnouts, but this year God did something big - we had over 40 kids show up the first night alone.

Our week long program is amazingly created by Kidmo, a company that specializes in creating excellent Bible teaching DVDs for kids. Children's Director Lisa runs the program with energy, excitement and a passion that I've yet to see replicated by any children's program director.

"Super-U" is this year's theme and it focuses on teaching kids how to Choose Wisely, Trust God, Live Life on Purpose, Hang Tough and Take Risks for God. The programs main character Johnny Rogers uses a multitude of kid friendly (and lets be honest, adults dig it too)graphics, cartoon, live action, and even puppetry - reminiscent of a homemade Mr. Rogers Neighborhood - when it's called for.

What's so exciting this year is not only the number of kids lives will be touched with the message of Jesus' love for them, but the number of quality adults giving of their time, talent and treasure to serve every night this week. We have engineers, teachers, nurses and more professionals serving kids in K-6th grade; wow, what a blessing.

So, because I rarely post without some photography included, here are a few of my favorite photographs from the past few nights. Enjoy!














Blessings,
Christine Lee Smith

Our Anniversary

Our third anniversary is coming up. I can't believe how fast the time is flying by - but that's what they all told me would happen. :)

The past two years we've taken quite a little trip for our anniversaries (a week in San Diego and a few days in Carpinteria, CA at a little B&B). Well, this year in particular has (and will be) amazingly busy. We're shooting more this year than in the past two combined. Wow. So, I wasn't sure how much of a getaway we'd get. Not to mention Matt spent his two-weeks vacation while we were abroad a few months back.

So, last night my wonderful hubbie comes home and says, "Let's talk about what we want to do for our anniversary." We've chatted a bit back and forth - but with no concrete decisions up till now.

We sat and chatted and came to a wonderful conclusion to spend a night at The Historic Mission Inn in Riverside, where I just recently photographed Mike & Angel's wedding. I can't wait! It's so beautiful and relaxing - and if I play my cards right we may make a trip to the on-site spa.

Yahooie!

Justin & Jessica's Wedding

What a wild and fun day! Saturday I had the privilege of photographing my sister-in-law, Jessica's wedding. She and Justin married at the Centennial Heritage Museum in Santa Ana, CA.

Both Justin & Jessica looked amazing in their wedding clothes; it was so easy to take amazing photographs of them.

Congratulations you two!

Photo Essay: After the toasts had been made and the dinner hour was coming to a close these little girls decided to let loose and have some fun. They played for no less than 30 minutes with this poor little stuffed penguin - tossing him about, tackling one another to catch him - all on the dance floor for all to see. I had so much fun photographing them. My hope is you'll enjoy these photos as much as I did taking them, and remember that sometimes it's okay to laugh and dance around.

Ade's First Birthday

For those of you following along, today completes Ade's first year of life. I've had the privilege of tracking her journey on camera (benefits of aunt-ie-ship). :)

Yesterday we got to celebrate this milestone with her at her circus themed birthday party! Below are a few of my favorites...

Happy Birthday Ade!

Train cake compliments of mommy.

Yum!




Sugar low...


Proud mommy.

Where in the world was Christine?

Well, last month I was traveling the Mediterranean.

I believe a photograph is worth a thousand words, so I'll be brief. I had the privilege of traveling through Greece, Cypress, Turkey and Israel. It was so overwhelming to be in these Biblical places, following the path of Paul's first missionary journey. I can't believe I walked where Christ once did. Wow.

Okay, now on to the photographs. Just click the first image to view our full album on PhotoBucket. Otherwise, enjoy a few of my favorites posted below.

Please comment if you have any questions, or comments! :)

Duck Hunting... Ade's 9.5-Month Session

Today I went hunting for ducks in the park behind our apartment with my little niece, Ade, her momma, Sheryl, and uncle/ninja Matt.

We had a blast and that little cutie pie was all up for feeing the ducks (and herself).

I enjoyed getting some outdoor shots for her 9.5 month session - the third in a series of four to document her first year of life.

Hope you enjoy these as much as this proud auntie does!

Messie's Manual

Okay, so this book is changing my life - one trash bag at a time.

I've never considered myself a messy person. I have neat little "piles of organization," as I like to call them. The piles comfort me that I truly know where everything is. Well, that is until I found an $85 check in one of them from about three weeks prior.

Thankfully, a good friend of mine lent me a book (the one that's changing my life - one trash... yeah, that one) called "The Messies Manual: The Procrastinator's Guide to Good Housekeeping." Since I've never thought of myself as messy - or a true procrastinator at that - I wasn't so sure what this book could do for me.

Then I read the first chapter.

I couldn't put the book down, until about chapter four. Motivated with inspiration I set the book by my bed then dashed to the kitchen for trash bags. Within minutes of visiting the kitchen I became a ninja of organization. Literally, I cleaned out 6 to 8 tall bags full of clothes that night. Then I moved on to shoes, books, DVDs and...the filing cabinet (dramatic music cue).

That two drawer operation took three days to get through - but I did it.

It seemed impossible that a book of all things could inspire such freedom, such organization and order. I'm so visual I thought it would require a personal assistant to help me get rid of, well, anything.

But the key in this book (and what unlocked the light for me) is understanding why you're messy (even if it's only a little messy). I've been saving papers, notes, bedding, sweaters, shoes, movie stubs, magazines, etc. - all for different reasons specifically, but generally because I attached a sentimental value to them. And then I became chained to not forsaking that "memory."

I learned that is not good. That creates clutter.

Some things are valuable and sentimental - that is okay in and of itself. The problem occurs when everything becomes valuable or sentimental. It doesn't leave room in your life for the present, or future.

I learned to let things in my life have a lifespan. They served me well for a time, but now it's time to let someone else benefit from them.

Just today I cleaned out our CD collection. It felt great. I think next I'll clean out our office closet (aka. my creative storage unit).

So if you're like me and creatively messy - please read this book, your future spouse will thank you!

If Oprah can do it...

Okay, so recently I got to thinking about some of my favorite things. Random stuff I use around the house, or my favorite gadgets that help navigate me through my day (basically, non-camera related stuff). So, for those interested, here are a few of my favorite things...

1. My husband (sorry, this one isn't for sharing) :)
2. Rachael Ray cook books/magazine/morning show.
3. "The New Messies Manual"
4. iPhone
5. Clinique makeup
6. A good pair of jeans (my shameful favorite jeans secret exposed; my new favorite pair "Stella Boot Cut")
7. Converse
8. Buffalo Exchange in Long Beach
9. It's A Grind
10. My amazing Associate and Second Shooter, Emily.

My Personality Quiz

You Are Bert

Extremely serious and a little eccentric, people find you lovable - even if you don't love them! You are usually feeling: Logical - you rarely let your emotions rule you (hmmm...?) You are famous for: Being smart, a total neat freak, and maybe just a little evil. (I swear, I'm really nice!) How you live your life: With passion, even if your odd passions (like bottle caps and pigeons) are baffling to others.

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

Take the quiz and post me a comment on your results!

Isn't he...?

So today I found myself a bit nostalgic and rummaging through old photos on our computer (a night at grandma's has a tendency to do that to a person). I found this jem of a photo of my wonderful hubbie. Isn't he a cutie? I sure think so.

If I have a moment later on I'll have to scan the recent baby photo his dad handed over of Matt at 1-week-old (also, very adorable).

Have a wonderful New Year's and don't forget to tell your love how much you appreciate them!

Ade's 6-Month Session

Yesterday Matt and I got to spend the afternoon with our little god-daughter, Ade. We had a blast hanging out and playing; and she even let us take a few pictures!

Here are my favorites...

Faith In Action 2007

Last Sunday our church did something amazing. Check it out!

Boo!...Halloween

What a wild and crazy Halloween it was! This year Matt and I spent the evening with our students from the youth group, SUSHI, at our church, The River.

Here are a few of my favorite photos/costumes...

Andrew as a 300 Gladiator. Nice.
Self portrait...

My "TMNT" hubbie, Matt. (FYI - TMNT = Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). Note turtle sticker on the t-shirt.

A fearless volunteer leader, Trina.

Virgil "Boom Boom" Cannon in his grad garb with me.

An awesome student, Jarae, as the new Willie Wonka.



(L-R) Jordan and Bean.


"Halloween 1-2-3" game. Note: The ninja can't be caught.

Once again, Jordan and Bean.

Thanks for a great night you guys!

"Jesstin's" Engagement Party

Yesterday my husband, Matt, and I had the awesome privilege to attend Jessica (Matt's sister) and Justin's engagement party. Yea!

It was so much fun being with friends and family to celebrate their love and upcoming wedding - June 14, 2008.

Congratulations you two! We're so excited for you both.

I couldn't help but shoot a few photos of the festivities... take a look!
Aunt Jan making a toast.
Brian (my father-in-law) cracking jokes during said toast...
Kip (my brother-in-law) making a toast "to love."
The cute couple! Jessica and Justin = Jesstin or Justica
Our "Rock" aunt Annie during her lovely ceremony to remember Darlene, Jessica, Matt and Kip's mother. Thank you Annie for leading such a beautiful remembrance and for sharing Darlene with me through cherished memories and stories.

Adorable Baby...and a Birthday Party!

Wow! What a great (and busy) weekend. So amazing in fact that it requires three posts (two now, one later).

Saturday afternoon we got to hang out with some friends we don't see often enough - Kai and Kandy - to celebrate Kandy's birthday. It was a lot of fun to see them and other friends that we don't often get the chance to be with.

We went to the restaurant Los Cojitos in Garden Grove to meet up with everyone and catch up over lunch.

I brough my camera and grabbed a few fun shots - the first is of Kai's dad. The rest are of an adorable baby (one of a couple who were there - unfortunately only had the chance to catch this little one on film); who belongs to friends Tae and Brian. SO CUTE!

Happy Birthday Kandy!

Back from Mexico

Yea! So we're home from Mexico.

Despite being grateful for daily showers and not living on a dirt field, I miss it already. We had such an amazing time (and team) - couldn't have asked for more.

This year we were blessed to visit the same church as last year with Pastor Eber, his wife Zenida and daughter Aris. Our team of 15 trekked the hour drive every day from our camp in Ensenada to paint the exterior of their church and run a VBS for the kids in their local community.

Talk about stealing your heart... man. One little girl in particular had mine at day one. Her name is Dulce (which means sweet) and she was the most loving, adorable girl. Every day she about knocked me over for a hug (I was almost always on my knees bracing for it!). You'll see her pic towards the bottom of this post, on my lap and holding my old faithful Canon AE-1.

We're already beginning to plan for next year and can't wait! Wanna come?

Until then take a sneak peak at a few of my favorite pics that my fellow shutterbugs took while we were "down in Mexico."

Only 3 Days Left!

I can't believe it's only three days until we leave for Ensenada! We're leaving Saturday morning with seven teens and six leaders (up from the fantastic four!) from our youth group, SUSHI, at the River Church.

Last year was amazing, so I can't wait to see what God does this year.

If you're not familiar with Azusa Pacific University's Mexico Outreach check out the posted links. It's an amazing ministry with a passion for serving and loving the people of Mexico through service projects, construction projects and kids VBS programs.

The blog may go a little quite for the next week or so - but we'll be back soon!

And We're Off!

YEA! Our much needed time away together is finally here.

Matt and I are escaping to a land of no cell phones or email for 3 days, starting tomorrow, to celebrate our second wedding anniversary. We've found a great little B&B up near Santa Barbara near the beach. Ah... the beach.

I'll report on the B&B once we get home.

Miss you all - see you in a few days!

Hot! Hot! Hot!

No, I'm not talking about our latest head shot session... just the weather.

Thank God for free wi-fi and air conditioning at our local It's A Grind. I'd be at home sweating it out without you.

I remember the first time I went to a Starbucks to meet with a client. Brought all my samples, brochures and a trusty laptop to show them our newly updated website. I was so excited - for about 5 minutes - until I got my non-fat raspberry mocha and opened my Power Book. Safari (the web browser) directed me to a T-Mobile login site. That's when I bitterly learned that Starbucks doesn't offer free wi-fi like me beloved It's a Grind. They charge you, per minute no less.

To access the web you have to sign up and get a login account. From there you pay into it like a pre-paid cell phone. What's our world coming to? We've exchanged free refills for common courtesy. Nothing's free anymore (not even extra sauces at McDonald's) - just our refills.

Okay, sorry for the rant - it's hot, hot, hot and my peach iced tea is just settling in and cooling me off.

Ahh... much better. :)

Hughes Promotion

Today Matt and I got to attend the Hughes Middle School promotion ceremony, where most of the eighth grade students from our youth group SUSHI (where Matt is youth pastor) attend. It was a lot of fun to see our students pass from middle school to start preparing for the big wide world called high school.

Congratulations you guys! You did it - and we're so proud of you!

Here are a few of my favorite shots from this morning...

Ratatat - My New Soundtrack

Okay, so it's been a while since I've found a band that I've been really excited about. Then the other day while preparing to shoot at Tuttle Camera's studio one of the other photographers, Curtis, had Ratatat playing.

I was instantly hooked. It's different than most other music I've really gone for, but there's a relaxing "jive" to it that makes me bob my head while walking around, plugging in strobes or sitting at our desk returning emails.

So give them a shot - you just might like them.