I started writing this blog post in January and it is now Feb 15th and I’m ready to post.

At the start of 2011 I created a list of resolutions, goals and aspirations.  I didn’t complete every one of my goals for 2011; however I did come close.  As I sat down to begin my 2012 list I found myself listing very vague goals.  Listing such vague goals wasn’t something that was helping me; it actually was frustrating.  I had to come up with a more specific list.

I believe strongly that in order for me to complete my “Bucket List” I need to first reflect on where I have been, where I am and where I want to be.  Once I have done this I can set SMART goals.

I read somewhere on the internet about SMART goals, I can’t take the credit for the term SMART, but I agree with the theory.  This is how I determined what should be on my 2012 Bucket List.

S-Specific

M-Measurable

A-Attainable

R-Realistic

T-Timely

I prefer to change the A from Attainable to Accountable.

I also believe (very strongly) that you should actually write down and share your Bucket List with someone to hold yourself accountable.

So here goes….My 2012 Bucket List
No real order of importance; simply listed in the order they popped into my head.

• Buy a new camera
• More me time – this is one of the vague goals I mentioned
• Blog – 10 photos minimum of each session (5 photos for mini sessions)
• Attend 2-4 workshops
• Schedule less individual sessions and more mini sessions
• Have Jenn take pictures of David and I with our cows – don’t laugh!  Jenn knows what my vision is:)
• Canvass print of David and I from above photo session
• Eat healthier – Ugh…I had to write it down.
• Less “internet surfing” time each day.  Commit to less than 1 hour per day.
• “Exercise” 3 times per week. (Must be 30 minutes to qualify)
• Read 3 books
• Continue to volunteer
• Put $### into a savings account each month….Yes there is really an amount there….I’m bashful and don’t want to share
• Learn more about off camera lighting
• Create a portfolio and album for wedding meetings
• Go to a movie in a movie theatre
• Create Animoto videos of seniors and weddings.

There it is folks!  I’m printing this out and will be revisiting as often as needed.

Within the next week I will be working on a personal blog post for 2012.  I have spent the majority of the past few weeks catching up on the last-minute items of 2011….and reflecting on my 2012 goals.  I started out with very vague items on my 2012 Bucket List and decided that vague items on a to-do-list were not going to cut it….so I have chased down more specific goals.  But I don’t want to take away from my 2012 blog post so I must cut to the chase……

Until a week ago I was going to cancel my blog…Blogging is one of the things that I struggle to keep up with.  But I’m really going to make an effort to catch up and keep myself motivated to blog this year.

So.Here.We.Go!

Earlier this year I held mini sessions – the only issue I had was, where to hold my mini sessions….Along came my hero Scott Wilcox.  His wife Liz, booked a family session months in advance and Scott picked out the Bangor park for their session and when Liz explained the details of the park I knew this was the place I was looking for.  I know…I know…probably seems very strange that I didn’t know about this place (considering my sis-in-law had her wedding pics here) but I had NO idea how awesome this place was.  I was smitten upon arrival.  Thanks to Scott for hooking me up with another local favorite place!

Not only was the Wilcox family as sweet as pie, they were a photographers dream.  They had ideas for family photos, and allowed to me work my magic so we could get the photos they wanted and then some!  AND….they brought babysitters and entertainment along!  Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!  Enough rambling already and on to the pictures of the Wilcox Family.

Link to the entire post.

http://marandaschreier.smugmug.com/Family/Wilcox-Family/19339827_wLN2jq#!i=1511424633&k=V5qbb8M

Our nephew Jackson spent the weekend with us right after he turned 3. I had to take a few pictures of him. I can’t believe that he is 3 already; I still remember the nervous Aunt Randa that I was the day that he was scheduled to arrive. I have never been more relieved in my life to see his mama sitting there gazing at her new baby!

This is one little boy that has captured my heart and has carried it in the palm of his hand since before he was born.

Family photos are something to treasure…even more when you can have your family photos taken at a special place.  About a month ago I had the pleasure of taking family photos for the Helgerson Family at Jenn’s family farm.  Those of you that know me, know I’m a farm kid at heart and a sucker for cows, barns, and kids….so when Jenn said that they had a place they spend a lot of time at their farm I said “Let’s Do It”!!!!

So here we go!

When I see this photo – I see a big canvas!!!

Thanks again for letting me take your family pictures!

When I said let’s go down to the old corn cribs – I think the kids thought I was a crazy!

This image is my new FAVORITE!!!

It has been more than a month since I had the privilege to take photos of the Rood family.  Every baby is a blessing and a miracle.

These little guys are no exception and they hold a special place in my heart.

I have to admit Mom and Dad are amazing!  I’m not quite sure how they keep up with the boys.  One is a runner and is CONSTANTLY on the move.  The other is an explorer and is always stopping and checking everything out.  They are not quite two yet, but they have that two-year-old spirit.

This one is my favorite family photo.

It has been a month already since my best photo friend in the world, Jenn and I attended the Do What You Love Wedding Workshop and I’m finally doing a blog post.  I have to warn you it will be jam-packed full of photos because every photo I have is a favorite.  The workshop was AMAZING.  Everything about it was wonderful.  Thanks to Krstyal Mullenberg Photography and Dani Stephenson Photography for taking their idea and turning it into a reality.

Ok – so here goes.  Krystal and Dani had planned a mock wedding, and not one detail was missed.  There was a getting ready session, ceremony session, wedding party session, couple session, dinner, and of course ”detail shots”  throughout the day.  I learned so much from these inspiring women and can’t wait for the next workshop.

Enough rambling – Here are some pictures!

The following photos are the “details” of the day.  All details were provided by Sarah Dreyer of On Solid Ground Rentals.  Please check her out on Facebook.  Her stuff is the coolest!

The next photos are of the beautiful volunteer bride and groom Megan and Tyler.

The flowers were clay flowers handcrafted by Keepsake Blossoms.  My brother and his wife had clay flowers for their wedding and they look amazingly real.  You have to see them to believe them.  I strongly suggest checking her out on Facebook.

The cake was made by Kristi Schlaefer of Kristi’s Cakes and Pastries in Wilton, WI.  Not only does it look great….it was very tasty!

I hope you enjoyed the images and please check out the vendors that helped make the workshop special.