After living with Jordan for almost 16 years I’ve developed a level of acceptance and detachment that helps me keep the grief at bay. I try not to focus on things she can’t do or is missing out on. Yet sometimes, out of the clear blue, something random will strike at that equanimity and rock me to the core. I’ve learned to handle the big things like birthdays and dances and driving. The little random things? Hmmm. Not so much…

I attended the Lehi Jr production of “The Pirates of Penzance” on Saturday with Jackson for a school assignment. The show was delightful and the highly talented kids did a fabulous job. The male lead was a 7^th grade friend of Jackson’s, and he carried the play very well. What struck at my heart was seeing the performances of the 9^th grade daughters of friends from our old neighborhood who were born within the year that Jordan was. I could not have anticipated the twinge that brought me.

Watching them was very bittersweet. I am so happy for their talent and success. I want to call their mothers and congratulate them on such poised and able daughters. Yet, I ache to have my daughter participate with them. So many emotions swirled through me during the 90-minute play. I know that Jordan has her own unique path, but I miss the normalcy that the school play represented.

Aside from that, Jordan is doing pretty well! We added Abilify to her pharmacology mix in December and it seems to be keeping the intense anxiety in check. Her behaviors at the center and school have really decreased. We had a Parent/Teacher conference with her teacher last week and Jordan is doing well with her tasks at school. She never wants to take a break, just keep working and learning. The speech therapist is trying to get her to use a communication board, but it often turns into a weapon when she is frustrated! We are happy she is finding a more stable place.

PIN UP GIRL COSMETICS

So my husband treated me to some beautiful pin-up/boudoir pictures for Valentines Day.. after the outstanding experience I just knew I had to share this wonderful studio with you guys!

First off; This is FULL-SERVICE hair, makeup and pictures. They also offer wardrobe that you can review if you don’t have the time to get your own but I recommend bringing your own to get your personal style in the shoots!

The owner Kellyn is beautiful, vibrant and upbeat! She made me feel at ease during the shoot and provided hair and wardrobe styling tips. She was very professional, outgoing and you could tell she took pride in her studio. She made me feel good about being there and was a master at styling my hair the way I suggested.

The makeup artist was amazing and really listened to my vision and helped make it come to life.. I was so happy when I looked into the mirror. This wasn’t my first rodeo with someone doing my hair and makeup but these ladies did it with such grace that my eyes didn’t water once and I left without having a headache from my hair being pulled! haha

During the shoot, don’t worry they pose you and find the most flattering angles. As a mom, I have my imperfections but they were easily concealed with the poses I was in. The photographer was very soft-spoken and agreeable and didn’t make you feel weird about laying there half-naked.

I came in looking average and left looking glamorous anticipating the pictures which were to be emailed to me at a later date.

Once I received the pictures I was overwhelmed by how beautiful they were! I knew my husband was going to be so excited about them since I intended on giving them to him for Valentines Day but I just couldn’t wait and had to show him immediately. That is how AMAZING they turned out. I am very anxious to go back again and again..

When booking tell them Adventures With Jude sent you!!

A little Q&A with Kellyn

1. When did you start doing pin-up photography?

I officially took my very first pin-up portrait back in 2001 at a pre-art college program when I was entering my senior year of high school.

2. From the past year, What was a funny mishap that happened on a shoot?

We had a group of girls come in for a shoot and one of them was a little over zealous…She finished getting her hair and makeup done, said she was going to get her lingerie on (but I couldn’t recall what she was set on wearing). The client soon emerged completely topless, jumped right in front of our female photographer and said, ok let’s shoot!!! It was a bit of a shocker but her photos turned out fantastic

3. Are you open to all types of shoots?

Absolutely! We are most popular for our vintage-inspired photo shoots, but we’ve done everything: headshots for professionals, maternity shoots, couple’s photos, in the field photography, men’s portraits, shoots with pets and plenty of shoots with vehicles of all kinds.

4. Are you willing to travel to shoot?

Of course! We just traveled to SpinARella Fitness in Midtown to shoot their Valentine’s Vixen event! Whatever venue we shoot at just has to have hard floors, tall enough ceilings (over 8 ft high, preferably) and a minimum of 12 ft long by 10 ft wide to shoot. We always travel with our makeup artists and hair dresser (I’m both of those as well). We travel for weddings as well. Although we do not offer wedding photography, we do style weddings all-year long. Vintage or modern: we can make your special day beautiful and last into the evening.

5. How many specials do you have a year?

Each year is different. I say at least 4-5 a year. Some may be directly through our shop ad others may be through daily deal companies.

6. Want to offer my readers any advice on booking with you?

Book in advance. Give yourself at least ONE month, on average, to schedule a shoot and get yourself prepared. Some people need more time to book if they are planning a larger event for a group. Not everyone has a full wardrobe that can mix and match between ours and there’s, so take time collecting costuming and feel free to schedule a time to come in a review our costume closet to get better acquainted with what we can provide.

Tips:

• If you are a little shy about stripping down to lingerie.. don’t worry! That is just ONE aspect of pin-up photography that they shoot. Feel free to come in a retro dress or a bathing suit! Have fun with your shoot!
• This place is SO affordable for the experience and quality you receive. They are accommodating to most budgets and offer different packages.
• Street parking only. So I suggest arriving about 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
• Clients of all ages, sizes and ethnicities are welcome and encouraged to come and transform into a Hollywood vixen for a day!
• Only ladies work here!