Cha Changin'.

It's that time. Changes are coming I tell yah. The reason...well...I am just not lovin' the limitations of blogger. So, I am going to try another route! Yay. Very excited and will be working on a new look in my "free time". Hoping to debut it sooner rather than later...

Oh and for those who know how often I change my mind. I am only talking about the blog...dont worry...I am still totally loving my logo!

I am aware that some people are having issues commenting and I am sorry for the frustration is causes. I know it would drive me nuts! No idea why it happens...but I am working on the solution.

Thanks all. Always appreciate the blog love!

Of course, a photo is a must...

beauty. inside & out.

I love everything about summer. The sunshine. The beaches. The smell of Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen. My birthday week [yes I said week]. Its the time of year that just brings a smile to my face and I wish it would never end.

Of course it is also a reminder of change. The kids finish school, graduate a class and move forward. This year was a big one for our oldest girl as she graduated grade 5 and is now heading to middle school. She will no longer be able to walk down the hill as she did this year or call me for surprise lunch dates [they will be missed]. So much change in so few days, but I really cannot help but be excited for what the future holds. Haley, you are an amazing young lady. We are so very proud of you and all that you have accomplished. Your "G's" were the icing on the cake. We just adore you.

I was able to snap this one as she was rushing in to grab her shoes for the big day. I begged her for a quick moment in front of my camera. I received a sweet smile and nod...then rushed to capture her in all her beauty. Six photos were taken. This one I love.

man baby.

This "growing up" thing is getting a little old. ha.

Simon graduated (hehe) from his first year of pre-school this past Tuesday. I dont even know how we got here so quickly? But I do know that I am insanely proud of him.

Things started off a little rough. Tears were shed and leg grabbing was frequent. I of course was sad for him. As the time passed it turned into quick kisses and smiling waves, I of course was sad for me. The little boy who needed me so much was growing up.

On Tuesday I stood alongside my husband as we both beamed at all that he had accomplished. He walked into the room with his class, spotted the brother that he so adores and made a run for him! He was not in the least bit shy or nervous. The time came for the class to show off their singing skills and he belted out Herman the Worm like no bodies business. He skipped on the next song and then rocked his Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. We smiled.

Thank you to Miss Heather & Miss Kirsten from Learning for Little People for allowing Simon to be a part of your class. I have watched him change so much over these months. He truly enjoyed his time with you.

Of course, here are a few snaps of the man baby, one of his many nicknames. If only we could freeze time.

**on a side note...the top two photos were taken while holding our youngest on my hip. I was pretty happy all things considered!**


spotting his big brother. it totally made his day!

the best parts of me.

Are these tiny little people that we created. Yup. I look at those faces and could not imagine my life any other way!

Many things have reminded me these past few weeks of how fortunate I am to have all that I do. To take a moment and really appreciate it all, the good and of course the moments that we could all do without. I wish I took more time to really enjoy those good moments as they seem to pass so quickly and before you know it, the days turn into months and you flash back wondering where the years went. Luckily, these little faces have reminded me that it all goes too fast and although you never know what tomorrow might bring...today is what really matters...




**while your here...leave a little love, i always like to know who is stopping by!**

michele & her girls.

Beautiful dresses, perfect light and three amazing girls. What more could I possibly ask for?

While we ventured out for some photos of Isla on her birthday, it only seemed natural to take advantage of the situation and grab a few of Michele with her little ladies. I do wish someone would have captured a behind the scenes as my birthday girl was 10 shades of angry and grabbing at me with all her might. hehe. Can you say diva? But these girls did not let that phase them, and although Miss N was not feeling up to being in front of the camera, I am thrilled with the results.

Hope that you like them Mish. You are one stunning mama...inside and out. I am so fortunate to have you as a friend and of course to be a part of watching two very precious young ladies grow. [Yes, I had to get a touch sappy on you.]





Had to add this one. Our baby girls....sigh...

three.

I never imagined how quickly the years would pass. The wee little baby that I brought home from the hospital is already THREE. It feels as though I have only blinked and poof...the years are gone.

How would I best describe this wee wonder? Hmmm. All boy and full of mischief would about sum it up. Three has already brought us a nail polish incident [which fortunately was kept to only his body], a climbing mishap which left all of my folded laundry in a heap on the floor and the mister on a high counter. As if that wasnt enough...it seems that a sampling of Grumpa's [our version of Grandpa] deodorant was required. So he quite aggressively applied that to his torso and was left weeping for band aids.

The best part...

That was all in ONE day.

I am sure that three will bring far more challenges than I can even imagine or prepare for. Truth is, I am ready to embrace each and every one of them.

It seems I just cannot help but love this face.

nearly three.

I have no idea how I got here? The mother of a near three year old boy. I can say one thing for sure...those years when by in a blink. Sigh.

This face is now a rare occurrence on my blog...not because I want it to be, simply because he has it out for my camera and trickery. hehe. I felt it was time to give him a little blog love so that he does not one day look at my work and wonder where he went! Does he look like a big boy or what...

my big girl.

Its not that I dont try to get photos of the older kiddies...they are just far less willing participants in my photo set ups! Do this, do that, turn your head, move into the light...I am sure they are thinking "is she ever NOT bossy?" ha.

The girls of this house are always my most willing by far. Of course, I am excited for the weather to change so that we can get back outside and into fun outfits, cherry blossoms and open fields. Spring cannot get here fast enough!

In the meantime, I was able to wrangle this one in for a mini shoot to show off her new cut. We are totally loving the shorter hair! Although...it sure does make her look so much more grown up...sigh...

a bit of simon.

**Disclaimer** If the interesting habits of a near 3 year old are enough to put you over the edge...skip this post. hehe.

How best to describe Si? ALL BOY! Yup. That covers it. I adore this little man...regardless of how much he drives me crazy. His face lights up a room, the gap between his teeth melts my heart, and his strong will inspires me to be that little bit tougher. He is mine.




cause he just cannot help himself!

michele & miss n

We always chat about having sessions together with the kids...however it rarely happens. Truth is, when it does...its CHAOS! Michele & Miss N came over today for some girl time in front of and behind the camera. Now I know all you ladies are going to ask..."where did she get that shirt"? Oh yes, I am in line to get one as well...and when you find out where it was purchased, you are going to rush out and get one for every little girl you know [hint hint, I would like it in a 1 & 2 if you are asking...our store was all out]. Note that I am looking for blog love in order to find the store location. Shameless I know!

Of course we had fun, but man oh man...when little ones are involved, practically no light is available in the bedroom and you are attempting to hold a reflector with your toes...things become work in a hurry! By the time we were done, the bedroom looked as though a group of toddlers had been left to their own devices. hehe.

I have not had much of a chance to go through everything from the day...but at first glance I found some that are very much loved and couldnt help but share. Now dont be surprised if a few more surface over the next few days...

So here are my beautiful models for the day...

Be sure to head over to Michele's site and check out the Miss & I in front of the camera.








*note* the belly photo was edited by Michele. Loved her edit so much, I decided to use it!

they just grow up too fast.

I have been very sick, so a few days have been lost in the "flashback" of the year. Of course, I now have a little something new to share...

Here is the young man of the house, being just that...a young man. How fast they grow I tell yah!

those days.

We have all had them. The ones that just dont seem to go quite right. Today I must admit, I am not in the best of moods. Woke up feeling horrid, tried to keep up with a crazy toddler and sad baby miss all day...and well, I am just plain worn out and having...

One of "those days".

Just when I think the day is a total write off...I look up and see this...



What is it? Just a little boy trying to bring a smile to his mommy's face. I could not stop laughing. Funny how someone so very small can remind you to shake that feeling and take a second to enjoy all the day has to offer...

classic.

I am sure many photographers would say the same...photographing kids is not always easy. The toss to keep ratio is HIGH! Children have their own agenda and more than likely, you are not top of the list.

I find with my own children, its far worse...they just love pushing my buttons...

I set up for a few photos of the wee ones last week in order to get that one amazing shot to send to all the fam of them in their Christmas gear. It didnt work so well...but I was able to scoop this oh so classic "help my brother is mauling me" photo. Have a few more to share, but they will not surface til the new year as I dont want to ruin any Christmas surprises!

all that was old is new again.

The chairs...oh the chairs. I cannot tell you how much I love them! I have two and they proudly sit in my great room. They belonged to my grandmother. They are a fantastic golden colour. They are spectacular! They could use a little love...but I just cannot seem to bring myself to changing a thing about them...okay maybe the sharpie mark that Simon tagged the one with during our move...boys...

Looking back has totally warmed my heart! I adore going back through photos that were once passed over, tossed a side...simply "didnt quite make the cut".

I have an obsession with holding onto photos...if they are not a total toss, I will often keep them. At times I have what looks to be 10 of the same image...but I just think of how i may see it in a different light a few weeks later. I am sure that this also comes with developing a style. I will often have an idea, snap the shot, not totally love it....but something tells me to keep it. At times I will then go back and think "how could I have ever pass it over"!

Had to add the last one as it is so very Simon...

tis' the season.

I have been a little scarce lately...it is that time of year. My days are spent chasing the little ones, all the while trying to get a large variety of things done. The nights are spent cleaning, wrapping and trying to figure out what on earth made me think I could pull off a party before Christmas? Maybe Mom is right...I am crazy!

I was hoping to post some photos of my older kids this week...but the eldest fell sick and we just could not seem to get it together. So I leave you with a little something of the wee ones...have you ever attempted a photo of a 6 month old baby and a 2.5 year old with ants in his pants?

For the photogs who wonder what all that chat is about Nikon's at high ISO's...well...here is a little example of the noise, and I was not even that high! Anyone want to get me a D700 for Christmas? hehe.

back to reality.

I arrived back to the wonderful reality of my little ones late Sunday night. It was fantastic to be home and I was far too excited to see the kids...[although I did restrain myself from waking them].

Montreal was beautiful! For those who have never been...it is most defiantly worth the trip. Although, I would suggest a little more than a day & a half of "actual" time in the city. We did not make it to Old Montreal other than for a dinner [amazing]. Thank you to our wonderful friends Stephan & Maud for the company and "quick" tour of the city. Hopefully they will now forgive me for any name misspelling and the lack of correct accent. I am afraid I did not become fluent in my very short trip...I did however have far too much fun!

I had hoped to get some photos, but honestly my camera hardly left the room. We were too busy rushing around to get in all that we could...that and it was FREEZING outside. Not one to post without a photo, I thought I would leave you with a little something I was able to grab of the young man in the house the day I left. He was not thrilled at the idea and had just woken from his nap, but I am happy to share as he is growing far too fast...

better late then never.

I find that I often get so involved in my business edits, that the family stuff falls down the list. It does happen...it just takes a little longer then I would like!

I recently got around to the birthday party of Miss H...she turned 10 this past summer and we had a fantastic little spa party at home for her and a few friends. It was planned in 24 hours...yup, I am one crazy lady. Thanks to Michele for helping me pull it off and to all the girls for being able to make it on such short notice.

We love you Miss H, you are an amazing and beautiful young lady. Your love for the world, beautiful and free spirit are what makes you a truly unique gift in our lives and to this planet. We know you are destined to do amazing things...

Miss H is on the left in the photo below. This so makes me want a cupcake!

all mine.

I have been working hard to catch up and get my business organized, so I have not been seeking much in the way of work. I would love to get things in order first...its coming, but its slow. I will be making some big changes over the next few months and cannot wait to share...

In the meantime, a couple of my favorite models will be frequent faces here...

LOVE EM'

jellybeans + monies

A few more from our little shoot last night. I have been working tonight, so I selected a quick few that I had the chance to edit last night. I must say, both Michele and I sure are fortunate to have such wonderful little ones. Not only are they adorable [slight bias]...but they are even somewhat co-operative. Hey, you can get a wee one to do a lot for the promise of jellybeans [in Si's case] and "monies" [in Nevaeh's]. Whatever it takes!

I hope that you dont get too bored of these...I have more that I know I am going to love!

On a side note...I know Mama thinks she looks a little stunned in the one of miss "N" solo...but I adore how she looks so angelic! Its art...its subjective...hehe.

love?

Maybe one day! As of right now, getting these two near each other can be quite a challenge. Getting them together and looking at the camera...good luck. Although, I may have one or two that can pass...we will see.

Michele and I took the kiddies out to Summerland this evening and let them run around for photo ops. The light was not our best friend, although beautiful...we were chasing it. Luckily, Michele knew where to drag us all and I believe I was able to get quite a few favs. Tonight I will share one that makes my heart melt. Just a moment of peace...who knows, maybe one day it will be love. Don't worry...I will raise him right!