Another Year

Hard to believe another year has passed us by. My baby celebrates his 5th birthday today. I'm a proud Mama! Of all my boys! I think they're the cutest ever! :)

Something Green

The next challenge is to photograph something green. Just about everything green was covered up last night here in Newfoundland with a pure white blanket of snow. Little bits of evergreen peek out from under their winter coat. Very pretty indeed! Looks like it will actually be a white Christmas and not too green! Merry Christmas all!!

So, Day 3 of the photography challenge was to photograph clouds. Wouldn't you know that Day 3 brought a blue sky with not one cloud to be seen! And since then we've had nothing but grey, overcast skies. This morning brought an opportunity for a brief moment that just had to be captured. I debated whether or not to save this one for a future challenge like "sunset." Here it is, categorized forever under "clouds."

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!!

It's All About Ella

One hardly needs to say a word to describe this photo shoot. It's all about Ella, so sweet Ella! Wouldn't you agree?

50 lbs Lighter!

I promised I would write a blog so that my sisters who are living away in Ontario could see the new me. So, here it is . . .

It's been a year and a half and to date I am 51 pounds lighter than I was. I have a goal to lose approximately 30 more. It's been a journey and one that continues!

Not only am I lighter physically, but psychologically. You knew you were gonna get that from a social worker, right? :)

For all of you who wanted to see my skinny self . . .

45 lbs lighter.

Along with my handsome husband, all ready for Casino Night at the Sheraton.

The journey continues as I am in week 3 of Tely 10 Training. Woo hoo!!

:)

Mother's Day . . .

Really enjoyed my Mother's Day this year. I always do. It's forever a blessing to be the mother of the three cutest boys in the world! :)

This morning I was pampered and enjoyed breakfast in bed. Of course, I had to share my strawberries with Caelan and then Carter. But that's what mothers do, right?

Then I came downstairs only to be surprised with some beautiful blue hydrangeas. The best part was spending the afternoon with my family having a fire and relaxing in the back yard. And I still have lobster to enjoy for supper!! Yum!!

Happy Mother's Day to all the special mothers I'm blessed to have in my life! My mom, my mom-in-law, my sisters and an abundance of friends! Hope your day was as pleasurable as mine!

Finally Spring!

Man, spring has been cold in Newfoundland! We're sooooo ready for some sun and warmth! Still, every opportunity we get to go outside, have a fire and roast weiners and marshmallows, we take advantage!! Today was one of those days.

Of course, a cloudy day is a perfect day for photos of my boys, too!! No matter what the weather, they're cutie pies!! At least I think so! :)

Love Is In the Snow

I'd like to introduce you to Leanne and Trent and welcome you to their winter engagement photo shoot. This was a first for me and a lot of fun!

Sorry if I made your hands cold making you hold the snow Trent! Luckily it was 3 degrees and not too windy! Unusual for St. John's for sure!

A sweeter couple you won't ever meet! And their newfound love for each other brings with it many dreams! I have no doubt their dreams will come true.

Thanks for letting me have the opportunity to do your engagement photo shoot guys! You were the most easy-going and adventurous ever! Great qualities to have in a marriage!

What's a Little Storm?

You can always count on a good subject when you're photographing nature. Any time of the year. It's amazing how things can change from one day to the next. Or here in Newfoundland, from one minute to the next!

The picture below was taken one day in January when there was the tiniest bit of snow on the ground. There was no wind and the result was a perfect reflection in Windsor Lake.

A day or two later the first real snowfall of the season happened. What a difference a day makes as they say!

Of course, you know I have to apply that sentiment to life right? What a difference a day makes! So, don't worry too much if today is not the best of days. Who knows what could happen to make the next minute, the next hour or the next day a hundred times better. And besides, is a little storm really so bad! I believe there is good in everything and a reason for everything. We just have to find and learn the lessons that are sure to be there. How's that for a dose of philosophy today?