Mike & Ann - Visual Storytellers » Our Life Stories http://blog.mikebuoy.com Orlando Photographers - Mike Buoy & Ann Buoy Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:28:17 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Welcome to Our New Blog!!! http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2010/03/orlando-childre-photographer.html http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2010/03/orlando-childre-photographer.html#comments Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:16:19 +0000 Ann http://blog.mikebuoy.com/?p=3945 Welcome! And thanks for stopping by. This is our newly re-born blog and we are so very excited about it. It has only taken us about 3 years to get here, but hey, who’s counting??

I thought we should start off by introducing who is most important to us- our boys Brooks & Bryce- just in case you didn’t know by now! They are the reason we wake in the morning (literally, because they wake us up!!!) and they keep us really focused on what’s important. They also keep us exhausted, frustrated, confused, happy, thankful, amazed, amused and too many others to mention this evening!!

Buoy_boys-015 Buoy_boys-001 Buoy_boys-002 Buoy_boys-003 Buoy_boys-004 Buoy_boys-005 Buoy_boys-006 Buoy_boys-007 Buoy_boys-008 Buoy_boys-009 Buoy_boys-010 Buoy_boys-011 Buoy_boys-012 Buoy_boys-013 Buoy_boys-014 Buoy_boys-016 Buoy_boys-017 Buoy_boys-018 Buoy_boys-019 Buoy_boys-020 Buoy_boys-021 Buoy_boys-022 Buoy_boys-023

These are images taken by me of our boys over the last 3-4 weeks. I wanted to document their lives in an authentic way- unposed & unscripted- with the messes, tantrums, boo boos and even snot! They are growing up so quickly and I don’t want to miss a single messy moment. I may not like all that’s going on all the time, but I certainly don’t want any of it to go undocumented. And I’ll tell you this- tantrums are easier to photograph than deal with. Just keep clicking and they’ll eventually stop! It’s been working for me :-)

Please leave a comment about the new blog, the boys, us or leave your favorite recipe. I could use a new dish these days!! There’s still more changes and updates ahead, so stay tuned for that and the new main site that we’ll eventually get to. You can also keep up with us on our Facebook Fan Page.

Have a great weekend! ~Ann

]]> http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2010/03/orlando-childre-photographer.html/feed 1 Merry Christmas (Part II) http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/12/orlando-custom-christmas-cards.html http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/12/orlando-custom-christmas-cards.html#comments Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:02:54 +0000 Ann http://blog.mikebuoy.com/?p=2889 We had so much fun with the boys this year making our Christmas cards, even though it was only one week before Christmas!! The boys had been sick for so long that we did it as soon as they were well enough. I mailed most of the cards out the day before Christmas eve, so I’m assuming most of them arrived after Christmas. There are worse things in the world than late Christmas cards!

Below is the full card… Enjoy!
091225-BuoyCard-1Front 091225-BuoyCard-2Inside 091225-BuoyCard-3Back

]]> http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/12/orlando-custom-christmas-cards.html/feed 0 Slowly recovering………… http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/10/slowly-recovering.html http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/10/slowly-recovering.html#comments Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:55:39 +0000 Ann http://blog.mikebuoy.com/?p=2545 Well, I fell off the wagon last week with my “daily blog post” goal. We have all been so sick and are just now getting a little better. It’s REALLY hard being productive and getting much done with two curious toddlers roaming about. Considering how sick they’ve been, they’ve done pretty well. They’re such awesome little dudes :) It’s been nice having them here all the time. The new mountain of work I have is not so nice. But hey, there are worse things in life. I can not complain!!

Just thought you would enjoy Brooks’ enjoyment of the saline and the “booger snatcher” as we call it :) He actually likes it!! It’s crazy, I know.

I’ll do my best next week to get back on track. Maybe I should start with a smaller goal- say 2-3 posts a week?? We’ll see how things go. It’s always so unpredictable here at the Buoy house! Wish me luck.

~Ann

]]> http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/10/slowly-recovering.html/feed 1 Georgia Aquarium Trip http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/10/georgia-aquarium-trip.html http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/10/georgia-aquarium-trip.html#comments Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:16:46 +0000 Ann http://blog.mikebuoy.com/?p=2482 In celebration of the boys’ birthdays at the end of August, Grammy treated us all to a trip to the Georgia Aquarium. It was absolutely fabulous! The boys, mostly Bryce, were in awe of all the amazing fish and aquatic animals. It was so neat to see their excitement and reaction to everything. It’s so great getting to see and experience the world again through my children’s eyes!

We had such a blast and plan to visit again when in Atlanta sometime. There was so much to see and take in that we could have stayed there all day!! Not good for kiddos (and parents) that need naps :)

Here are some of our favorites from our visit.

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Thanks, Grammy, for an amazing time!!

~Ann

]]> http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/10/georgia-aquarium-trip.html/feed 0 First Blog Video- Yeah!!!! http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/10/first-blog-video-yeah.html http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/10/first-blog-video-yeah.html#comments Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:52:46 +0000 Ann http://blog.mikebuoy.com/?p=2285
Ok, so I fell behind over the weekend on my ambitious “daily blog post” goal. So, i’ll just post twice today.  Enjoy this “ride” with Mike and the boys. I LOVE my family. We have a lot of fun together :)
Welcome to our first Saturday Cinema post- even though it’s Tuesday?!?!

I will only be making one post over the weekend and it will be a video (hopefully) of our family or boys doing something. I can’t guarantee that it will be funny, but it will be something!!

Let me know what you think of the Saturday Cinema idea and if you plan on tuning in to each weeks’ episode.  Thanks! ENJOY!

]]> http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/10/first-blog-video-yeah.html/feed 1 Investing In Us :: The ONE Conference – Marriage + Business http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/10/investing-in-us-the-one-conference-marriage-business.html http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/10/investing-in-us-the-one-conference-marriage-business.html#comments Sat, 03 Oct 2009 03:35:09 +0000 Ann http://blog.mikebuoy.com/?p=2268 Last week Mike and I traveled to Washington, Illinois to make an investment in what’s most important to us- each other. Our relationship as husband and wife and our relationship with God comes (or at least it should!) before anything else. When you are with each other all the time, it’s easy to  lose sight of that. “Busy” gets in the way. Life gets on automatic and doesn’t come off. We got off automatic, at least for a few days :)

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The ONE Conference started last year, and I REALLY wanted to go, but I had the just-had-a-baby-and-a-c-section problem. I seriously said to Mike “We can go! I’ll take Brooks (3 weeks old) and just sit there and nurse. No one will notice or care!” I was obviously on serious pain meds and extremely sleep deprived. They had some last minute slots and I really wanted to go. Oh, but there’s the C-section I was recovering from too. Oh well! We finally made it this year and it was amazing. It is put on by Jeff and Julia Woods who are just insanely fabulous. They are so open and giving and caring and not perfect! And, they struggle, just like the rest of us. They shared in a way rarely seen anywhere. Real. Raw. Genuine. Authentic. Life changing. That is them and that was a few days for us.

There were several presenters that were all husband and wife teams at the top of their game in the photography industry. These couples are industry icons, and they’re not perfect. And they’ll be the first to tell you. It was so amazing seeing these couples share themselves and their struggles completely. They share because they care. We are so grateful for all of them.

I laughed, I cried, I listened, I talked (probably too much as usual) and had one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Gosh, I could really go on and on and on about our time there. What it really did was remind me of what an amazing husband, best friend, lover, father, and business partner I have in Mike. He is truly amazing in every way. I wake up some mornings and just stare at him, then I pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. I’m not saying that our life is perfect and it’s a “walk in the park”, because it’s not. We have our own struggles, which are actually pretty small in the big scheme of things. But our love is perfect. I think all love is perfect because it’s love- it just is!! I don’t think there’s really  a wrong way to truly love someone. I love Mike with all I have (which is not much on some days).  He, in return, loves me unconditionally, which is all I could ever ask for. I am so blessed in so many ways.

Thanks, Jeff and Julia, for your selflessness. Who you are and what you do has transformed so many relationships, and we are all grateful.   See you next year in Cabo!!

~Ann

]]> http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/10/investing-in-us-the-one-conference-marriage-business.html/feed 0 Happy Birthday, Babies!! http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/09/happy-birthday-babies.html http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/09/happy-birthday-babies.html#comments Thu, 01 Oct 2009 03:14:28 +0000 Ann http://blog.mikebuoy.com/?p=2207 It was one month ago that we celebrated Bryce’s 3rd birthday (27th) and  Brooks’ 1st (31st). We were in Atlanta for work so we decided to have a joint birthday party with cousin Jade who tuned one on 9/16. It was a blast and so great to have all the kids and family together.

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We all really enjoyed watching the kids dive into the cakes and open presents. Bryce was really into his birthday this year as he now understands that it’s his birthday and he gets presents :) He was so adorable and SO excited about the construction cake. That’s his thing now. I feel completely blessed to have such awesome and amazing children. Oh yeah, I have a pretty AMAZING husband too. Feeling pretty lucky these days……

Here’s a sneak peek at the fun times. I’d like to put together a slideshow, but we’ll see how that goes!

090830_birthday_boys_01 090830_birthday_boys_02 Peeling a banana for cousin Jade's homemade cake. Helping Aunt Jennifer measure ingredients. We told him no beer until he's two. He's a rather defiant little fella! 090830_birthday_boys_07 090830_birthday_boys_08 090830_birthday_boys_09 090830_birthday_boys_10 Jade enjoying her birthday cupcake. 090830_birthday_boys_12 This look says it all!!! Bryce telling Aunt Kristen how old he is. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, POPPY!!!!

Today is Poppy’s birthday. Happy Birthday Poppy!! We love you and appreciate all you do. You’re the best :)

~Ann

Disclaimer: No alcohol was consumed by any minors in the making of these photographs.

]]> http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/09/happy-birthday-babies.html/feed 0 New and Improved :: BIG Changes ahead http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/09/new-and-improved-big-changes-ahead.html http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/09/new-and-improved-big-changes-ahead.html#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:39:29 +0000 Ann http://blog.mikebuoy.com/?p=2188 As most you have figured out by now, I am the primary voice here on our blog. Mike is great at and enjoys doing SO many things. Writing is not one of them. I, on the other hand, love to write and chat and communicate in any way possible with the world around me. As some of you have also figured out, I am a phone person- but I digress (a lot).

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We are going through LOTS of changes around here.  We have been working on a new wedding website with the new URL www.timelessweddingstories.com.  This really describes what we do ( It just redirects to www.mikebuoy.com for now.) We are also hard at work on launching a family stories site. We have had so many incredible sessions with so many families already!! I think we are as busy as we’ve ever been :) Great problem to have. I am SO excited about what we are doing that I almost can’t sleep. Wait, I can’t sleep regardless. Nonetheless, I am very excited!! Can you tell????? Did I say I was excited??

We will be changing our name, too, to more accurately reflect who we are- Mike & Ann. All these changes will be taking place over the next few months and hopefully by the end of the year. Hang in there with us, as it may be a bumpy ride. I may even pick up a camera one day and take pictures. Don’ worry, Mike will always be there.

The blog will also be getting a much needed facelift as well. Wow, we’ve got so much to do. Better get busy!  The blog will also be a lot more active, as I’ve set an INSANE goal (dream) of posting once a day for the next few months. I may just have to post about random things like what coffee I drink or how potty training is going. Yep, ’bout time I got out of diapers! HAHA   You will start seeing more of our children again. They are so cute and so much fun right now. It’s scary how fast the time flies by, though!!

Any feedback you have about anything is always appreciated. We love blog comments and blog love:) We are honored that you would spend time during your day to visit with us. Thank you!!

Our thanks to Jason with Cannonfire Photography for the above images.

~Ann

]]> http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/09/new-and-improved-big-changes-ahead.html/feed 4 Baby Brooks Update :: Almost 9 Months Old http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/05/baby-brooks-update-almost-9-months-old.html http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/05/baby-brooks-update-almost-9-months-old.html#comments Thu, 21 May 2009 10:01:04 +0000 Ann http://blog.mikebuoy.com/?p=1270 Wow!! Where did the time go?? Time flies SO fast with little ones. It seems like yesterday that little Brooks and I were in the hospital being introduced to one another. He has been such a blessing and so incredible! Bryce has been an awesome big brother, too. It’s amazing how so very different they are.  Mike and I are constantly entertained by the two boys. They keep us VERY busy.

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It’s been a challenge working and taking care of the children, but we get it done. Right now, Brooks is up 3-4 hours at night so we are running on no sleep. Good thing it’s okay to be a little late to the office :) It’s so wonderful being able to be here and enjoy our boys every day. We are truly blessed to be able to have this freedom. We have all of you who have chosen us to capture and tell your stories to thank. Thank You!

Here’s basically an update  since he was born. I can’t believe (yes I can!) it’s taken me this long to post this!!!  Enjoy :)

Just a day old! So sweet. Just arrived home :) 080911_brooks_update_07 080908_brooks_update_03 First bath! Proud Daddy! 081104_brooks_update_08 081104_brooks_update_09 Such a happy baby :) Brooks and cousin Jade snoozing on Poppy's lap. Only two weeks apart! Tired from all the Christmas decorating. 081208_brooks_update_16 Merry Christmas! Six months old already 090228_brooks_6mo_05 090228_brooks_6mo_01 090228_brooks_6mo_07 090128_brooks_update_18 090207_brooks_update_19 7 months old LOVE that smile :) Chillin' with big brother Bryce in the yard. 8 months old Just hanging out with Daddy :)

To my incredible husband and wonderful father to our boys, Mike, thank you for all you do. Thank you for documenting the lives of our children so that we may forever enjoy this time. I love you so very, very much!!

]]> http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/05/baby-brooks-update-almost-9-months-old.html/feed 0 The Seven Best Years of My Life :-) http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/03/the-seven-best-years-of-my-life.html http://blog.mikebuoy.com/2009/03/the-seven-best-years-of-my-life.html#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 02:11:45 +0000 Ann http://blog.mikebuoy.com/?p=1311 Well, this past Monday makes seven years that Mike and I have been married. WOW!! Where does the time go?? The past seven years have been the best of my life. Marrying Mike was the best thing I’ve ever done!! I probably don’t tell him enough, but Mike is absolutely my world! He is my very best friend. He is an awesome husband and an incredible father. I truly feel I am the luckiest woman alive!! My wedding day was just about the happiest day of my life. Having Bryce and Brooks ranks way up there, but then there’s the pain factor. I only wish MY wedding images told our incredible love story.  This image is our ONLY “bride & groom” image.  This is why we do what we do.  

Don’t get me wrong….it’s a nicely composed and posed image. However, we are not connected and you can’t see and feel just how in love we are by viewing this image. I sometimes cry when I think about what “could have been” on our wedding day. I will always have my wonderful husband and my memories, which are quickly fading now that I have two kids! I wish my wedding images captured how I felt and who we were together. We work so very hard to do just this for our couples. Nonetheless, I married my prince and we shall live very happily ever after :-)

 

Happy Anniversary, Mike! I love you more than words can express. I thank God for the gift you are in my life. Thank you so much for the most wonderful seven years! I look forward to many, many more joyful years as we watch our beautiful boys grow. Thank you for being you. I LOVE you so very much, and more with each passing year! 

 

All my Love ~ Ann

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