I know I’ve been REALLY slacking on the blog.  Like a million years worth of slacking!  That isn’t good.  I know… I have personal goals set to avoid blog slacking, but eh… stuff happens!  haha  :)

So, here’s the deal… I’m going to blog more.  I want this blog to showcase pictures like it used to. 

For those of you who have followed this blog for a while, you might know about my new gallery site.  I have this set up for both professional and personal photos.  I was becoming overwhelmed with requests for photos.  Due to the amount of post processing and their size, requests were tough to fill.  The gallery is my solution.  For a small price you can download photos that you like, or have them printed and shipped directly to you!  (see, isn’t that MUCH easier!!!)

This past weekend my parents, brothers and I met in Richmond, VA for the gubernatorial inauguration of Bob McDonnell.  It was a fun day!  After the National Anthem (sang by my high school friend Jeanine McDonnell, daughter of VA’s new Governor), and God Bless America (sang by my first vocal coach), there was a short swearing in session for Gov. McDonnell.  Governor McDonnell then gave a really great inaugural speech.  You can see the text of that speech here.

The Capitol is really beautiful.  The VA Capitol has been the setting for some amazing history - to quote the new Governor, ” This is the cradle of democracy for Virginia and America.  Governor Thomas Jefferson designed this Capitol building.  Governor Patrick Henry came here for the laying of its cornerstone. I am humbled today to follow in their historic footsteps.  The General Assembly first convened in this new building during the first term of America’s first President, Virginia’s George Washington.  Behind me, in the Rotunda, are the busts of the eight Virginians who became President…”  Sheesh!  That is amazing!!!  The history of our nation would be completely different were it not for VA!!!  :) 

 After the inaugural address there was a parade.  Everyone from the Virginia Military Academy to the Redskinettes alumni group were in attendance.  My favorite group was my high school’s marching band!  aren’t they cute! 

After the parade, we ran into my high school friend, Jeanine and her dad, the new Governor of VA!  :)  Aren’t they cute!

Did you know that Chihuahuas make you smile?  :)

Here is my family  :)  We found a really nice man to take our picture.  Thank you, whoever you are!!!  :)

 Ok, so if you want to see more pictures from the inauguration or check out any of my photos, head over to my gallery site - http://galleries.jenniferfaatz.com (or click on any of the pictures I included in this post - it will link directly to the gallery.)

See you again soon….  :)

Today is the one year anniversary of my grandpa passing away.  Today is a sad day.

We all miss you Gramps!

So most of you know that I switched jobs recently.
I didn’t change companies - - just contracts.
Well this past week I got to go back to my old job for the day.
I really miss my coworkers!!!
We were really close - like a little family.
We had a super set up where we all worked together at the end of a dead end hallway.
It was awesome!!!  It was great to go back for the day and see my buddies.
Here are the pics of our adventures!!!!

We had some mexican food for lunch!  YUMMY!!!  :)

JB, Mika, Brandon, Jen :)

Soooo… on the way back to the office, Mika gave me a ride on her moped.
I thought I was gonna die!!!!!  Those things go FAST!!!!!!  :)

Watch out world, here we come on the MOPED!!!!!

My friend Ben Arment from Virginia Beach, VA is planning an event called “Story” in Chicago.  For those readers in Chicago, you should go!!!!  (or heck, if you are looking for a trip to Chicago!)  There are some awesome speakers planned. 

Check it out!  :)

This past weekend I photographed a beautiful, fun wedding.  Cindy and Ryan tied the knot this past Saturday in Virginia Beach.  Here is a SMALL sample of some of the pics from this weekend.  I took over 2,000 photos in 6 hours, so there is more to come as soon as I can sort through them all!  :)

Keep your eyes peeled at http://www.jenniferfaatz.com for the full gallery

Love is a gift
Isn’t this a beautiful present! 

Ryan’s Wedding Band and Cindy’s Engagement Ring

The beautiful couple - You may now kiss the bride!

The new Mr. and Mrs.

Bridesmaids

Ryan’s Family

Cindy’s Family

Ok, so Dirv and I really like Mexican food.  Yeah, we eat it a LOT.  Well the other night I got some fajitas and after eating my bodyweight in yummyness, I found my plate was still full.  I felt badly throwing that good food away, so I brought Monty some a treat.  Here is Monty the English Bulldog (he belongs to my roommate, by the way) eating a Fajita with refried beans, steak, chicken, onions and peppers!!! haha :)

Here is a super adorable pic of my favorite 4 month old - Logan

He is learning to smile.  Holy cow!  How cute!

Here is Heather and Baby Logan!!!  :)  What a happy mamma!!!!

Dirv and the lil’ man hangin’ out.   Scout is chillin’ too!

Um.  How precious!

When D and I went to Va Beach the other weekend, we got there just in time to cook my momma some breakfast (Dad was in the Ukraine).  As you can see we made waffles with homemade mixed berry topping and these new chicken apple sausages that were at Weggies.  It was a really yummy breakfast!!!

Here is a close up of a SUPER YUMMY bite of waffle!

So we stayed with Heather and Mike while we were in Va Beach… Mike and his dad restore old tractors.  If you need one, they are the guys to call.  Here is a pic of a super old Ford tractor they restored a while back. 

Here is a full pic of the tractor.

Mike is also building his own chopper.  The thing is still in the early stages of development, but it looks great!  Here are a few pics of his creation.  :)

I do have some pictures to post from our hockey game the other day.  We had a really fun time!!!! :) 

January 25th, is D’s birthday.  We had a really great time.  We went to a restaurant called Rosa Mexicano at the National Harbor.  YUM.  Rosa M. is an upscale Mexican Restaurant.  D and I both heart Mexican food, so this was a great choice for a birthday dinner.  If you haven’t been to the National Harbor yet, I encourage you to go!  It is beautiful.  The Gaylord Hotel is so cool and the shops and restaurants in the area are top notch.  Once the weather gets a bit warmer, I expect the Harbor will be HOPPIN’!  :)  What a fun place.

One of the specialties at Rosa Mexicano is the guacamole they make tableside.  You can request light onions or super spicy or double tomatoes… whatever you want!  As you can tell from the bowl, D and I hated it.  It was all we could do from licking the bowl! haha :)

Here is a pic of D and one of his birthday presents. 

Here it is!!! The present!  RED WINGS HOCKEY TICKETS!!!!  D’s favorite sports team is the Red Wings.  We are going to the game tomorrow!  Both of us are REALLY excited. 
The game has been sold out for MONTHS!!!!! 
The Verizon Center is going to be busting at the seams with excited fans!  We both have our Red Wings Shirts and are ready to go cheer!!!  :)  The game starts at 12:30 tomorrow, but I think we are going to get there early to watch the teams warm up.  I didn’t know this, but this will be D’s first time seeing the Red Wings play!  It should be a good time.  He really liked his present!  :)

Here is D with his birthday cake… it wasn’t quite German Chocolate Cake, but it sure was yummy! 

What a sweet boyfriend!  :)  <3 

This picture isn’t from his birthday, but I had to add it in this post.  I came home the other day to a designated parking space for baby, my car.  I thought it was so awesome, I just had to take a picture! 

ps- i still have pictures to post from our trip to VaBeach during the inauguration.  I still have them, I’ve just been slacking.  I’ll get them posted soon!!!!  :)

Beginning the New Year in Kansas!  :)

I went to visit Dirv and his family in Kansas a few weeks ago (I’m sorry this post has taken me SOOOO long to put together!).  I really had an awesome time.  They are all so very nice!!!

Check out some of the fun pics below:

Dirv spending some recreational time on the computer.  :)  Boovera!!!  Boovera!

Soooo… the BIGGEST GRAIN ELEVATOR in the world is about15 miles from D’s P’s house.
Here it is in the distance.  The elevator is over two miles long!!!!
It doesn’t look that big in the photo, but believe me, it is HUGE!!!!!

The same elevator from another angle.
Please excuse the telephone pole that wanted its photo taken. ;)

Dirv’s nephew Noah and his new HUGE, SPARKLY, BOUNCY Ball!  :)

Dirv’s family - so very nice!

Noah and his train tracks.  Having so much fun!

Good Uncle D with Nephew Isaac and Niece Isabella

Misty, Noel, Cecilia, Dirv

Givin his momma some love ;)  What a good son!!

D’s Sister, Misty and her daugher Isabella

HAPPY (early!) BIRTHDAY DIRV and NOEL!!!

Nice Uncle D playing with Isabella!

Rubber Ducky (that lights up) you’re the one!!!!  You make bathtime so much fun!

I said, “Can you smile for the camera, Isaac?” this is what I got…  SO CUTE!!!!  ;)

Even cuter!

This was my favorite picture of the entire trip.  What a happy baby!  And so sweet!
The little tooth kills me!!! haha

I had fun taking pictures of Dirv’s mom’s cats - they liked to pose (between cat naps, of course) for pics.
Brogan, Cameo and Gilly -really pretty ragdoll kitties!!!  They are just begging to make it to icanhascheezburger.com!!!  I gotta think of some good quotes!!! hahaha

Sunrise from the plane window was gorgeous!  What colors!!!

D, Thanks for inviting me to Kansas!
I can’t wait to see Kansas again soon!!!! :)

Merry Christmas to all!  The Faatz family had a great Christmas this year!  We hope your family did too!

Here is the fam after Christmas Eve service.  We are lookin’ sharp!  :)

My candle at the Christmas Eve Service.  :)

Momma can’t get her present open!  I used a lot of tape I guess!!!  :)  Momma got some new pots and pans!  YAY!

Dad and his new sport coat from George!

Crystal came home a day early to surprise her momma!  Look how happy!  :)

Sis waving in an ornament!  Are my hands really that big?  ;)

Merry Christmas to all and a happy new year!

Stay tuned, next week the pictures will come from KANSAS!  :)
I’m going to meet Dirv’s famly!  Should be a good time!!!!!  :)

 Welcome to the world little Noelle!  Congrats to Tiffany and Carl on their second child.  Congrats to big brother Quentin on your new sister!!!  YAy!  Little Noelle is so cute!  Just check her out!  :)

 Peaceful Sleeper

I don’t remember what was so funny, but it must have been something good!

 Noelle is waving to everyone!  Hello world!

 Sleeping Beauty!

 Big Brother Quentin

 Smiling Big Bro

 Aunt Heather was being so SILLY!  :)

 Momma and baby girl!

 Um CUTE!

 Pretty Pink Princess

 Momma, remember how tiny my hands were?!

 Noelle’s wall decorations.  So cute!  Pink and sparkly!  Is there anything better?

Have you ever seen a more perfect baby room?!

Tiff even had a super pretty Christmas tree… here is just one of the ornaments!  :)

Merry Christmas to al!