Red Heart Photography » wedding lifestyle photography in Hawaii

Meet one of my favorite blog readers and most amazing quilter Amber and her family of 6.  She is a fellow mom of 4 and runs her own business out of her home.  Her love for her children and fabric reminds me a lot of growing up with a seamstress for a mom.  I really love her eye for design and her quilts are so beautiful.  In fact, Chunk has one of his very own.

I asked Amber a few questions.  Her honesty is refreshing. Moms of 4 are super.  ;)

How long have you been married? We will be married for 15 years this September – can you believe it?! I have a picture of you at our wedding He really is my best friend and I feel so lucky to be married to such an amazing man…

I have to see that photo Amber!

EDIT!  Amber found the photo!!!

How do you keep your marriage strong? Ha ha – I think being married to such a forgiving man keeps our marriage strong No, really – we have the same values and goals for our family and just keeping the romance and friendship alive is so important. Finding times to get away as a couple, not losing that – even though you have kids…..going on dates, spending time doing things you both love – even if it’s playing a sport you both love – that is so important.

I love that, “keeping the romance and friendship alive”.

How do you homeschool 4 kids and find time to quilt? It’s really a hard balance between finding time to quilt and homeschooling – I never feel like I have the right balance….there are times when we are spending lots of time doing school and that doesn’t leave me much time to sew and other times I’m feeling guilty sewing so much and not spending enough time with the kids so it’s a juggling act that I haven’t mastered!

She home schools FOUR kids!  Can you say supermom!

What’s your favorite family activity? Our family’s favorite activity has to be going to the beach – swimming and just playing in the sand – we are so lucky to live on the North Shore with all these beautiful beaches.

Ours too! You are so blessed!

What is your favorite thing to do for yourself? Hmm…my favorite thing to do for myself – go shopping and get a pedicure…or buying fabric

Hint hint.

Do you have any advice for other mom’s of 4? Sometimes I feel so inadequate as a mom of 4 kids! How am I supposed to raise these little people into caring adults?! I find my strength in God and depend on Him for wisdom in raising them. I make sure to spend time with each of them – I want them to know they are special to me…each of them on their own, not just as a whole. And I want them to know I am here for them – no matter what!

Thank you Amber for your inspiring words and your positive outlook on raising children!

I want to let everyone know I am now taking 10 Family Sessions for 2011.  This is something I had to do some soul searching on, but if every family is as fun and amazing as the Carrillos, I will enjoy ever second.

xoxo, Marina

My kids have been home for over two months now on summer break and I am so ready to send them off to school next Monday. Surprisingly, they are excited.  Soccer season starts next week too.  I have so many hats to wear.

Coming all too fast is the month I have been looking forward to all year.  My busy amazing incredible August.  This month is the one that will either break me or send me off into the stratosphere.  My brain explodes just thinking about it.

The best thing that has happened lately is that, at the ripe age of 7 months, Chunk is sleeping til about 4 am.

Here is our 4th.  Here is my heart.

Up next, this cute couple and their North Shore wedding.

I better get some rest.

xoxo, Marina

Who wants to spend their Mother’s Day at Legoland? Not me.  I rather be on the beach watching dolphins spinning on the horizon (exactly what I did on Friday!). Mother’s Day is just another day. Any day I spend with my kids is mothering day. Since we were in California with plans to go to Legoland, we did.  We had company too.

Bridget Smith, my BFF in California, and her four kids joined us for a fun day of running around. Having 8 happy children in one group is infectious. The boys all got along and little Juliet was my girl for the day.  My hubby had a great time escorting us blondes around too. 

After a full day at LL we headed out for an experience like no other, RUBY’S.  I have never eaten in a diner out in the middle of the ocean.  For a moment I could see the building swaying, just like a ship.  The food was yummy and the shakes were unbelievable.

We took a few minutes as the sun set for photos. 

B, I hope you and yours kids are happy in all your adventures.

xoxo, Marina

P.S. What do you want to see next? UW night shoot or Kona wedding?

In celebration of my oldest son’s birthday we packed up the whole family and headed to California for a 4 day weekend.                            Destination LEGOLAND. 

 My now 9 year old is OBSESSED with legos.  It was our 3rd trip to Legoland but the first time he really got it.  He was interested in examining everything.  He was counting and calculating every structure and build.  It was so rewarding to see him enjoying the experience.

Right across from the entrance to Legoland is a strawberry field.  In the late afternoon light we explored the rows of strawberries.  It was a great way to end our second day in California. 

This last photo may be my favorite baby photo of Riley.  He is at that stage where he puts everything in his mouth. Luckily, back then, his aim was a bit off .  :)

xoxo, Marina