hocus outta focus : the hocus focus blog

Inspiring Moms

I recently attended a Her Life Magazine cocktail party at Cafe Trio where I was introduced to Amy Davis of Inspiring Moms.

Last week Amy graciously invited me to attend her Inspiring Moms seminar. 

A mother of seven children, Amy realized after having her first child that college prepared her for lots of careers, but motherhood was not one of them.  Amy said she remembers her friends and family telling her she would be a great mother and that she was bound to be "a natural".  Amy also says that good wishes and best intentions only take you so far and that most people's natural instincts don't tell them how to juggle real situations like trying to wrangle a toddler on the go and comfort a baby who screams every time you put her down for a nap.

Amy began to think of motherhood as a profession.  Her practical parenting experience, extensive research and education have led her to what she calls her "eighth child".  Inspiring Moms - Raising Success & Happiness.  Amy says that when you approach motherhood like a profession, you will grow in confidence, control and happiness.  And Heather says, "when Momma's happy, everybody's happy."

Amy points out in her seminar that Starbucks provides something like 3 weeks of training for their baristas.  We're talking about people who make coffee for a living.  And you all know how serious I am about my coffee so I'm NOT knocking that profession AT ALL, but I do think it's a bit easier to screw up a child than my non-fat caramel latte.  Being a mother is THE most important job a woman can have.  And what kind of training do we get?   It's kind of a joke if you really think about it.

What is no joke is the amazing information and motivation I got from the Inspiring Moms seminar.  Amy has an amazing energy with which she approaches life and motherhood and it's contagious.  I walked away from that seminar with a new outlook on motherhood and even more important - practical ways to effect change in my family.  What I love about Inspiring Moms is that isn't not just another motivational speech where you get all hyped up and then do nothing about it.  Before the seminar you take a quick online assessment test.  Those results are given to you at the seminar and based on your personal results Amy works with you to create a plan of action finding simple, effective ways to enjoy your "career" as a mom and raise a happier family.

Whether you have children or you're expecting them Amy's seminar is a MUST!  Once you've attended the seminar you can attend one of Amy's Best Practice Workshops, where you and Amy, along with other moms, discuss simple, yet effective ways to make your job as a mother easier and more enjoyable.  And let me tell you Amy is a GENIUS when it comes to raising children with success and happiness (and not pulling her hair out along the way).  Now that I've taken the seminar I can't wait to participate in one of the workshops. 

Amy, thank you from the bottom of my heart for having me at this seminar.  (My husband and daughters thank you, too!)  I feel blessed to have met you and will definitely see you soon at a Best Practice Workshop.  Success and Happiness, here I come! 

Much love,
H

I Never Thought I'd Say This, But...

I'm a Soccer Mom.  Now don't get your panties in a wad and start thinking you'll see my driving a minivan.

Not.  Gonna.  Happen.  But I am loving this new role.  The Ruler had her first game yesterday and she TOTALLY ROCKED! 

I think Chris and I were just as (if not more) excited about it than Rilee was.  This is her first team sport.  She had a great time, ran like crazy and even braved the freezing cold and windy weather we had that day.  Her coach said she played well and fit right in with the rest of the team.  Check out our little superstar in action.

Warming up at practice. 


Getting a few tips (uh, secrets) from her best buddy. 

WOO!  HOO!  Score for the Tigers!





Rilee sat with me while I downloaded the picutres.  We were talking about how to play soccer and when I told her she was supposed to run ahead of the other team and get the ball her response was, "Mom, that would be cutting.  That's not polite."  I love that innocence about her.  Then I told her, "Screw polite, honey.  This is soccer.  Get out there and kick some ass." 

Not really.  But, I had you going didn't I?  I actually told her she did an awesome job and that I was super proud of her. 

A quick hug after a teammate scored a goal.   

And my absolute favorite of the day.  Snuggling up with Daddy on the sidelines.  I think she's the sweetest soccer player ever!

A Wickedly Creative Family

I just love this family!  One of the many reasons is that they're all super creative...including the kids.  They give me such creative freedom and they're not afraid to think outside the box.  We recently sat down for their ordering session and this was the wall collection we came up with.  I'm dying to do one of these in my house.  It's definitely not your typical cookie cutter photo wall.

Three vertical 10x20s.  Most of the time I do a 10x20 as a horizontal storyboard, rather than a single image.  Not every image will work as a 10x20, but when it does you'll get a very modern feel from it.  I can't wait to see the finished product once they're hung on the wall.   I just might have to do one of those in my house.

And while I'm at it, here are a few other faves from their session.



I loved this old bus we stumbled upon.  Wish it was still there!










I had a blast shooting you guys  and can't wait to do it again.  It was great to see you last weekend and thanks for the Chef Burger recommendation.  We loved it! 

Chef Burger is located at 1350 Walnut in the Power and Light District.  If you've never been you've GOT TO GO!  Awesome gourmet burgers (I had the Hawaiian and Chris had the Texan), they make killer sweet potato fries and milkshakes.  We didn't have time for a milkshake (God forbid we show up late for Disney on Ice), but we're definitely going back because Bryan and Felice told me they do spiked milkshakes for grownups.  WOO!  HOO!

 

Happy Friday, everyone!
H

It's Just Not Possible

Now that Mom has seen her gallery (and I won't ruin the element of surprise) I just had to share a few more favorites of Gabby. 

I don't think it's possible for a three year old to be any cuter than this.  And she's ALWAYS happy!  (Mom might disagree with me, but I'll never believe her.)  Every time I've worked with Gabby she's just been an angel! 

Kristina told me that Gabby sometimes asks, "Where's Heather?"  How sweet is that!!!

Have a great Wednesday!   
H

I've Lost Track

I've lost track of how many times I've worked with Gabby and her mom.  I know it's at least five, maybe six.  We began working together at Spoil Me Rotten when Gabs was 9 months old and she recently turned three.   It's been so much fun watching her grow up.  And isn't she just the most gorgeous thing ever?

Have a terrific weekend, everyone!  Happy Easter!
H

Everybody Needs An Enabler

So, after my little breve latte rant, Miss Monica sent this from her phone.  She cracks me up!   (Hope you don't mind me sharing, girl.  I thought everyone else would enjoy the laugh, too!)

And this was her message:

suck it, morrow...you've tainted my indulgence.  :o)  i ordered a venti out of rebellion.  47 grams of fat never tasted so damn good!

Seriously, I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants.  Everybody needs an enabler in their life!

Happy Tuesday!
H

Why On Earth Did I Even Google It?

This is one piece of information I would have been better off not even knowing.

(Click the image to see it bigger...but only IF you're brave.)

Look Who Fell Asleep On the Sofa

As a mom, these are the moments I don't ever want to forget and I couldn't resist sharing this one. 

Lucee + Eggo = BFF  (Yes, we really let her name her kitty Eggo.)

Happy Sunday,
H

Oh, Yeah...

In case you hadn't noticed, WE HAVE A BRAND SPANKING NEW WEBSITE!  It's been a long time in the making and I can't take credit for it, but I'm beyond thrilled with the way it all came together.

I'd love to hear your thoughts so take a peek, see if you recognize anyone and drop me a line to let me know what you think.  And check back often as I'll be updating the galleries on a regular basis. 

Have a terrific weekend!
H

Suh-Suh-Suh-SEXY!

I've had so much fun shooting for the covers of Her Life Magazine, but this one takes the cake!  One of my first shoots after returning to work was for the April cover of the magazine.  I got to shoot THE Jenny Matthews from Mix 93.   

Jenny is just as sweet as she is gorgeous.  She's incredibly fun to be with and up for anything.  She braved the chilly weather in amazing clothes from the infamous Molly's Jayne's.  (And y'all know how much I love shooting the clothes from Molly Jayne's.)

We started at the studio, crashing in on Michelle while she was on the air.  (She was so sweet to let all  SEVEN of us barge in on her!  Thanks, Michelle!)

After the studio we headed out for some fun, urban shots.  Let me just tell you guys, Jenny is fearless!  And sooooooooo easy to photograph.  Can I seriously call what I do a job?  I loved this old school desk.  The second I saw it sitting by the dumpster I knew we just had to use it.  (You should have seen my hands after wiping it off.  And would you believe that Jenny, the only non-mom there, was the only one with wet wipes in her purse?  Thank God.  My hands were COMPLETELY BLACK!)

This is one of my favorites...told ya she was fearless!

And you know I couldn't resist busting out the zebra!

We gave Jenny my iPod so she could rock out for a few shots.  She listened to everything from Hey Mickey to Hip Hop Hooray.  Although it was a little tough to give her direction while she was jammin'.  I just had to TALK. REALLY. LOUD. And use hand signals.  *wink*wink*

After the zebra chair we headed out to our last location for one more wardrobe change.  The sun was starting to set and the air was getting a bit chilly, but Jenny never complained.  She did everything we asked of her and looked amazing!  At one point I was giving her some direction (not that she even needed it) and I said something about being sexy when Jenny said, "Sure, Heather, I'll be suh-suh-suh-sexy!"  Poor thing was shivering, but you'd never know by looking at these. 

Listen to Jenny Matthews on Mix 93 weekdays from 10am-3pm and watch for her on the cover of Her Life Magazine in April. 

Thanks, Jenny, for an incredible afternoon!  It's definitely one I won't soon forget! 

Much love,
H