The Best Christmas Gifts

I spent a morning this weekend with another fun family. Ella loves gymnastics and Jesse loves to climb trees.

It was yet another reminder of the most precious gifts this Christmas season, our children.

Take the time to make some memories this year!

My Heart On My Sleeve

Today's photography challenge was "What I Wore Today." It seems lately I've been wearing this quite a bit. My heart on my sleeve. Crying at Christmas concerts because I miss my sisters, worrying all morning about my little trout getting a needle . . . Today was no different. A single tear shed for the atrocities some people must endure.

"Tis not long after

But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve

For daws to peck at . . ."

Shakespeare's Othello, 1604

A Self Portrait

So, I finally get around to doing the 30 day photography challenge. Here's Day 1. A self portrait. A pretty time of the year to take photos for sure.

A Close Knit Family

This weekend I had the pleasure of photographing a former social work classmate and her family. It was one of the easiest photo shoots I've done! They were all naturals! Even you, Alex! This is obviously a happy, close knit family. Hugs between sister and brother, tickles from Mom and a delightful sense of humor from Dad.

Here's a sneak peek!

Master of Social Work! Really?

Convocation 2011 with a Masters Degree in Social Work! Going back to Grade 9 when I decided to become a social worker, who would've thought I would go this far! Today has been a very special day!

I know my parents knew I would go far. And for that unfailing confidence in my abilities I thank them. I have to give them some of the credit. :) My Dad for being the special father that he is. My Mom for being the example of the dignity and worth of people. A core value of the social work profession.

And I also thank my husband for his 100% support. Working full time and caring for 3 active little boys while completing a university degree requires all the help one can get! xoxo

The proud moment! My biggest worry was that my hat was gonna fall off! Thankfully, it did not!

Now for some leisure reading! I forget how to do that I think!

Thankful Beyond Expression

October is a time when we officially make time for giving thanks. Of course, I am thankful all year round. How could I not be? I'm relatively healthy, I have a handsome, responsible husband, I have 3 healthy, happy boys, and I have everything I need and more besides.

Yesterday was a gorgeous day here in Newfoundland. A cool fall day. Time for relaxing around a fire in the backyard and taking pictures of my little treasures. Well, not so little anymore. This weekend Carter and Caelan got toast and juice for themselves for breakfast! They're speeding ahead and Mom is having trouble keeping up!

Take a look at the cutie pies! :)

Yeah Mon!

October 2011!! I can't believe it! Isn't it still supposed to be summer?

We're just back from a fabulous vacation at the Gran Bahia Principe in Runaway Bay, Jamaica! Yeah Mon!!

Here are a few shots from the relaxing week. Above we are posing outside the Orchid Restaurant with the Entertainment Team. We all got to know each other and have some fun together. Terry even reminded them of the history of where the national Jamaican dish originated! Ackee and saltfish! Newfoundlanders would trade saltfish for the Jamaican rum! We were a little sad to say goodbye and exchanged hugs 'til next time! :)

This next photo was taken while relaxing around the pool which we spent a large percentage of our time doing. No better way to stay cool in Jamaica.

This is a man who entertained us while touring a pottery shop. I pointed to my camera asking his permission to take his picture. He was happy to oblige and struck a pose. Then he boldly pushed his hat towards me on the floor. Hmmmm! I guess I had to pay to take his picture! lol Jamaicans are well ahead of their time! :) Why didn't I think to have people pay to take my picture? lol

Here's my handsome husband relaxing in the lobby of the resort! Isn't that shirt sooooo his colour? He looks like a tall, cool glass of water! :)

I think this next one is my favourite. The sun setting over the beach with the palm tree and its coconuts silhouetted!

These Jamaican colored hats were the product of a friendly Jamaican craft vendor around the pool. She obligingly fixed them so I could photograph them. The colours of the Jamaican flag are green, gold and black. Green representing the lush vegetation, gold the ever present sun and the black the strength and creativity of its people.

Doesn't this one just invite you to forget all your responsibilities and soak in the sun, surf and sand?

And lastly, the beautiful colours of the Carribean Sea as seen from our plane.

All in all, a fabulous week! Can't wait to go again!! Yeah Mon!!