Calgary newborn, baby, children, maternity and family photographer

Smokin HAWT ~ Calgary maternity photographer

2011-02-20T22:25:00.000-07:00

That is what this momma to be is!!!!
Being pregnant is such an exciting and overwhelming time. Being pregnant with your first especially so!! You wouldn't even know it if you met R. So relaxed, and just gorgeous. It is not fair at ALL for women to look this pretty pregnant! We had a super fun session at their house and BRAVED the cold for a few shots outside! When I say braved, that is what it was. It was so cold and windy out... we kept having to warm up! Not the time you want to be caught outside dressed for fashion instead of function! But they pulled it off without complaint. Even holding their breath on the count of 3 so we wouldn't be seeing it in the pics ;)

Such an awesome couple... they are going to be amazing parents. What a lucky baby.

Just posting a couple... I am going to get my monitor calibrated before I carry on on any pictures. I am totally scared my colors are off and I like knowing they are bang on. So if anything looks off - rest assured it will be fixed tomorrow. Having a calibrated monitor will give me peace of mind to fly through all the photos I have waiting to be edited!!!

Who DOESN'T want a wall like this??? I asked if she could please come over to my house so I could watch the baby, while she ummm organized and decorated mine. Even warned her it might take weeks. She never did answer me......

I love this... because he busted out talking to the baby :)

Reality Rocks session #1 ~ Calgary baby photographer

2011-02-19T12:38:00.001-07:00

It was so much fun to get together with this family again!!! I did their newborn session (twice) and was totally pumped to hang out for a lifestyle session. She had one of the free sessions during the Reality Rocks contests and we both were very happy!! I know how hard she was trying to win!!!

I haven't gotten through them all, but I did want to post a few as I know A really wants to see some ;) With switching computers it's been a little slow going now, but it is going to be totally and completely worth it. The actual editing time is so much faster and once I get the keyboard, commands and stuff down I know it is going to rock out!!

We got some pretty fun pics of little miss L. Ones that just make you smile. I am trying to get used to lifestyle vs posed which I thought would be easy, but once I get to people's homes I realize I do need some practice with it! I am so used to posing people! But it was an awesome session full of gorgeous images. I hope to do so much more of this... LOVED it and I LOVE the pics!

I need to apologize for the watermarks..... I have had to reset all my actions and putting the watermark on I didn't lower opacity enough. Fixing it!

We did this exact same shot with her as a newborn!

Coming to you live.... from my new mac!

2011-02-16T23:49:00.000-07:00

Well.... it was decidedly cold here today. And my kids were decidedly whiney. And grouchy. Sick... one has a fever and sore throat, and the other has almost lost his voice. Not enough to make us happy! Fighting all day. Nothing was good enough. Nothing was fun.
They were taking turns hitting timeout all day.

To try and break up the day I decided to take them outside. That was before I realized how cold it was outside!! Of course Ro had no issues with the cold, but Kade was having meltdown after meltdown. Then Rohan had a meltdown because I made him come inside.

It was just one of those days. One of those days where, as a parent, you are glad everyone lived, everyone ate something, and you managed to get them all to bed.

So here I sit trying to organize my computer (which my pc brain is actually having troubles with!) and revelling in its speed.

As it was quite frosty out today... it was perfect for a few macro shots. Except it turned out to be too cold. My fingers were sore and my hand was shaky from shivering. I was forced to give up! Now... I am still learning how to do this, so keep that in mind ;)I am still learning the computer so progress is slow. This mouse kind of stinks so I will have to get another to do proper editing. I really wanted to practice and get all my actions sorted out.

LOVE LOVE this!!!

hooked | Calgary children's photographer

2011-02-11T22:27:00.000-07:00

It only took about 3 seconds. In that time I took this.

I have taken many many poor man's macro shots. So many that I decided to try out a real macro. So I decided to try the 105mm 2.8. Seriously sharp lens. Can be very slow... wouldn't recommend to shoot someone's soccer game... but when it's on it is ON. Kade's picture? iso 3200 f3. Not great lighting... I just opened it up and wanted to try. And hello lashes and eyes. That sharp at 3200? Game on.

They hate the park. Seriously.

Need a hand? Here let me stand by you and make it look like I dragged you down the slide.

These next two are my fav's from the day. Just monkeying around. As usual.

What I get when I BEG for a shot by the blue wall.

What I get when I BEG for shots of them together. Kade is all ok, let's hold hands Rohan. And Ro is all no freaking way! Let me shove you to the ground while I yank my hand from yours.

I don't know how I managed to get any smiles really.

And now... for the finale.... more reasons to love this lens......

Good times. Good times. *sigh*

Baby, it's cold out there!!!!

2011-01-30T10:34:00.003-07:00

Lately I have been having a hard time.... everything just seems sad right now.
My sister and her family (with whom we are EXTREMELY close with) moved to PEI. It's such a great thing for them and while I am totally happy for them, I am completely sad for us.

I haven't wanted to see my camera. Never mind pick it up and use it. I was taking too many 'this will be the last time we _ or the last time they _' pictures. I can't even open them to edit right now. Which is why my 365 is behind. I have taken the pictures, just can not bear to deal with them right now. My sister said her move felt like a divorce. Which it really does. We are so used to talking all the time, exchanging kids, and hanging out together I am a little like a lost puppy right now. As do my kids.

BUT..... life does go on. And fun can happen (even though I was sure it couldn't).

It snowed. A LOT this weekend. And we took the kids outside to play. For hours. I did not think they would last that long, but they did. Ro was of course the last one standing. As I was approaching frostbite I made him call it a day. Super fun... so glad we spent a couple hours not thinking about everything else going on... it has been a rough stretch.

Might as well get them used to working hard now... I don't want to be shovelling forever ;)

Hey... we told you there are NO coffee breaks in shovelling!

Daddy made Rohan a nice little tunnel/cave. It was a cave first, then when Ro's shovel came through the other side it was a tunnel they played in. Eventually Rohan also built a huge sunroof in it ;)

*love*

Good thing Daddy is a good sport ;) That Ro really gets into his 'work'!

The amount of ice and snow buildup on this kids hat is HILARIOUS! He didn't care at all!

Brrrrrrr

And they are spent.

And then..... hot chocolate time. And time for a discovery. For anyone with kids that drink soy milk only... Kade for once LOVED hers. Hot chocolate powder with soy milk is a BIG HIT!

So so pretty out. Too bad Santa didn't deliver me a macro!

It's a ZOO out there! | Calgary children's photographer

2011-01-22T22:40:00.000-07:00

I am sooo finding out the cost of doing a session at the zoo if there is one. The number of different backdrops there is amazing, and the fact that the kids are out and having a blast just makes it that much easier!!

My friend and I wrangled our animals and met up for a whole afternoon of zoo fun. It was super... and totally what I needed right now. Our family is going through some changes which I am not ready to actually deal with yet and as usual T picked me right out of the crying mess that I am right now. And everyone had fun. It was warm enough to hit the playground and walk around (yes D chinooks are nice once I am done with the chinook migraines) with all the good stuff indoors too.

I especially had fun... I mean I had 3 kids willing to look at my camera!!! We were just messing around, but I assure you the possibilities there are completely endless.....

Went to see the butterflies (which weren't there) and it was SO HOT in there!!! We were pretending to be vacationing in Cabos.......

Hello. My name is trouble. What's yours?

Gorgeous. She sure is growing up!!

Someone's looking for a boy.... in a red coat......

The only pics my kids would let me take of them. Sheesh.

My friend's daughter asked me to take pics of the hippo. So I could 'put it on my website so it would be famous.' LOL There you go hippo!

Most fav pic of the day. For reals.

this is it!!! The last contest for a free session!

2011-01-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

Be the first to comment here to snag the last free session! Be sure to put in those proper sentences!

Thanks to everyone for playing!

A smashing good time!! | Calgary baby photographer

2011-01-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

Oh my how I love 1 year olds!! And cake. Put the two together and it is a session in HEAVEN! Mix that up with someone whom I have taken photos from since before he was born... and it was just pure sweetness.
Love this cute little baby boy :)

While there are still tons of pics to go through the smash ones were just too sweet to pass up! Thanks so much C for bringing him over and saying yes to the smash!!! He is over the top cute and as always it was an extremely fun sessions with you!

So.Much.Fun.

This one cracks me up. Every time I look at it!

The problem when mommy is an extraordinary baker is.... betty crocker just doesn't cut it ;)

Everyone together now. Awwwwwwww.

What a good sport. Gushing cuteness.

Reality Rocks session 3 contest!!!!

2011-01-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

Here it is!!! Be the first to post the magic sentences here and you will win a free session with me!!!!

Reality Rocks session two

2011-01-15T12:34:00.000-07:00

Here it is post away!!!

Make sure to include the sentences

*The photos taken during my session can be put on your blog, website, and facebook.* *I want a lifestlye session. I am not looking for the perfectly posed shots, I want shots of my family living life. Having fun.*

Ready set go!!!

1st Reality Rocks contest post

2011-01-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

This is it! This is the post!!!

Be the first to comment on this post and you will win the FREE SESSION (photos not included)!!!!!

You must include these sentences
*The photos taken during my session can be put on your blog, website, and facebook.* *I want a lifestlye session. I am not looking for the perfectly posed shots, I want shots of my family living life. Having fun.*

GOOD LUCK!!!
Kathy

realizing my love of lifestlye

2011-01-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

The quirky smiles. Goofy grins. Messy faces.
Kids covered in paint. In glue. In dirt.

Running through sprinklers. Trying to tie a shoelace. Eating cereal for the first time.
A baby's smile. Sitting up for the first time.

Mushy hugs. Messy kisses. Crazy hair. Crazy outfits.
Baking. Drawing. Playing. Singing.

Laughing. Dancing. Playing in the snow.
Painted nails. Hair done up. Dressup clothes. High heels.

Baths. Trying to dress themselves. Stealing cookies from the cookie jar.
staring out windows. Hitting the park.

My favorite pictures. The pictures that upon backing up my blog yesterday were the ones pulling at my heart strings. The ones I had to keep yelling to everyone 'Hey come look at this one!' until they just ignored me :)
THESE are why I started to get serious with photography. THIS is why I continue to do it.

The moments. Never wanting to miss one I started learning a camera. Wanting to capture a moment the best way possible I continue my journey. REALIZING that I want to give everyone pictures like these.

The other day I took pictures of my nephew. He's eating food now!!! And holding on to toys... smiling and I swear saying hi to me.... I took them as he was. In his house....in a bumbo, his playmat, Kade's arms, his mommy's arms. And fell back in love with why I started this. Because I wish I had been doing this when my kids were this small... I have pictures but they are not like the pictures I take today!

besties. Well she loves him. And right now... he puts up with her ;)

I think this was his second or third day eating. He's a pro!

I begged Auntie Mel to feed him so I could take pictures ;)

LOVE this!

This is probably her most favorite thing in the world to do.

It is a big deal when they can start holding toys on their own!!! The concentration on his face... love it!

He looks SO MUCH like Ro did as a baby in this pics it is unreal!

Lunch time :)

Chillin with mom. Super sweet.

So.... as part of my realization that I still truly love lifestyle photography.... there are going to be some pretty fun session give aways on my fb fan page. If you are not a liker already... I suggest you go and like! If you know anyone that is into lifestyle photography... please send them to my page! This is going to be super awesome and I can not wait to get started!

LOVIN the snow photos

2011-01-04T20:41:00.000-07:00

Who knew??

Today was a very difficult day in our household. Ever parent has those nights. Sick kids. Kids peeing in the bed. Kids crying. Parents simply falling asleep to be woken up to a kid screaming that they aren't paying attention to them. You know those nights. They suck. And leave you feeling as strong as a wet dishcloth. It seems especially bad when your kids have alternating growing pains nights and one is night training (Kade is - we just went through it with Rohan. Once he was dependable we started on her), then one gets the flue then a few days later the other does. I am not sure my body would know what to do with 8 hrs of sleep at this point!

Rohan is sick. It started around midnight and well about an hr we found out it is still ongoing. Kade woke up before Ro's action crying. I went to her and got her back to sleep and went to bed. Then it was Rohan. What a mess. Complete nightmare. Ro went downstairs with Dion. He threw all Ro's sheets in the wash. I went back to bed. Kade then woke up as she peed the bed. I got up with her and fixed her up and changed the laundry. Then dealt with a 3 yr old temper tantrum. Really... Ro was up why couldn't she be??? so I took her to bed with me and watched mindless tv. You know... weeeeeee threeeee weeeeee threeee we three! Who thinks up these poor excuses for kids tv shows anyways? She had exhausted the sheets and Rohan's were also in the wash so options were limited! And we have no plastic sheets on our bed so I was spending the time a little nervous. Dion had to stay on the couch with Rohan...... ahhh life in the fast lane!

I could hear everything going on downstairs and quickly counted my blessings I was chillin with the princess.

Kade was talking in her sleep, thrashing, kicking - I clearly was not going to be getting much. I e-mailed my client who was coming over for a shoot at 10 saying we would have to reschedule. Then Dion came up. Exhausted. So I went downstairs. Oh my. drama drama. Around 6:30 I was really starting to worry... poor kid :( Around 7 Kade came downstairs and I saw my hope of a little sleep quickly slip away. Ro took off to bed around 8 and slept until noon. And I drank 8 cups of coffee. lol. Again... why can I NOT make a decent cup of coffee?????

The rest of the day revolved around the sickie. And our tiredness. Finally I knew Kade was going to have to go out. So I took her over to the park for an hour. On the way home Dion had phoned... Ro was sick again. So we boogied home.

The kids are in bed now. I am crossing every finger in the hopes they stay sleeping. All night. I am so tired. Dion is so tired. We need sleep. So I am off to get some much needed work done and an early bedtime!!! Because really.... sleep may again be hard to come by!

After the last maternity shoot in the snow I realized outdoor snow shots are phenominal. For real. Especially just before sunset. I highly recommend a shoot in the snow. With the right clothes and accessories it is magical. A bright pink jacket.... well maybe not so much ;) lol

Her version of smiling and posing. Notice anything weird about the boots?

gummi bears ;)

Gosh look at this light. GORGEOUS sunset action. You should get in on this beautiful light!

HIGHlarious.... as my sister would say

2011-01-03T21:26:00.001-07:00

Today was the first day since holidays I had Kade all by herself. We did a ton of running around. Stuff I had been avoiding doing while Rohan was home. Because... you know..... taking him shopping and running errands in incredibly fun (can you hear the sarcasm?).

She was so stinkin cute!!! I was shocked... she stayed fun and cute the whole afternoon. Never complained, never whined, never wanted to go home. Just happy to be out (of course renting yet another Strawberry Shortcake movie ensured the mood) and having fun. I love love taking this girl out. She is just so funny and sweet, and makes me laugh. I totally forgot that I wanted to get home quickly.. and had stuff to do. I forgot because I was too busy skipping down the road singing with my princess. I was too busy singing in the car watching her dance. I let her have a treat at Starbucks and watched her laugh like crazy while eating her banana bread. I played silly high five games at the bank which helped to pass the time in a long line up. I had FUN. And more importantly so did she. The holidays have taught me to spend more time having fun. And we are ROCKIN the fun scene right now!

Once we got home I had to run and get Ro and Kade was beat. She almost never misses going to get Ro, but today she stayed home with Daddy. Good thing. School can put that boy in a MOOD! I don't know why but it is sometimes torture picking him up and the hours afterwards.... he finally started perking up about 10 minutes before bedtime. JUST in time for me to finally WHOOP his but in Candyland. TWICE in a row! Ya baby!

I wanted to practice some flash action and the kids were pretty agreeable... I wanted to put a couple up just because.... just because they make me smile. I was taking a few pics for my NEW 365. Yes you heard it. I stopped my old one at just over 300 days... and have been kicking myself ever since. It just got to be too much - I was doing way more than a picture and then was telling stories... plus working and everything else. If you want to follow it it is truly ONE pic a day. Cell phone or my baby... it doesn't matter. It is one pic. True to the day, and of something that I love. I post them on FB on my fan page here. If you haven't already... like the page and it will keep the updates of the pics as I go along!

I don't think I have smiled so hard and giggled so much opening a picture of either of my kids. This is SO HER.

Oh my word. What will this kid be like 10 years from now!

He LOVES taking pics. This was one of his presents. This camera ROCKS. In case anyone is wondering. It is shockproof (can be dropped from 3 feet and be fine), waterproof (oh ya baby! I do still freak just a little everytime I see him put it under though!), and freezepreoof (for our balmy winters ;) ) I highly recommend it for young children that are into pictures. He loves it and has used it every day. It is a FUJI finepix xp10. I bought a silicone case for it just for extra protection.

LOL As I was posting this I noticed I picked the one NOT in focus. Well I guess his ears are! Oops!

Oh ya..... she remembered she was tired ;)

on their way to a family of 3 | Calgary maternity photographer

2011-01-02T22:04:00.000-07:00

There must be something in the water in Calgary these days!!! Another maternity shoot today!!! And another stunning mamma to be. Seriously. She was doing YOGA. And she is pregnant. I can't even do yoga NOT pregnant. Although her husband did try and show me a stance :)

This couple was amazing to work with. Really fun and daddy to be was right in there with the poses. and smiling all around. This baby is definitely something that has them over the moon!!

She was so adventurous we convince her hubby to head over to Fish Creek as it was a little warmer than it has been the past few days. Warm enough for five minutes of posing and clicking!!

Thanks so much for the times.... can't wait to hear when this little one is born! And to get through these photos... they are gorgeous!

Of course we did do some in studio.... ok a ton! But I really loved the outdoor shots so I chose those for the sneak. Here are a couple from indoors.

I wanted to give this one an older feel... something about the textures just led me there. So beautiful!

Even though it's difficult.... I will forgive them for THIS. Cute though hey?

on they way to becoming a family on 5 | Calgary maternity photographer

2011-01-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

They are on the way to their 3rd baby!!! And she is absolutely gorgeous and radiant! I took this family's photos in the summer you can see them here. They are such a fun family and I had such a great time taking their family photos I was THRILLED when she told me they were expecting. AND wanted more photos!!

Here is a sneak of the maternity photos... they are all literally from the first 5 min of the shoot! They were all so happy and fun it is going to be hard narrowing the gallery down!

Next up for this family.... newborn photos! You better believe this baby is going to be gorgeous - just like everyone else in the family!

He was more than willing to help me set up :) Testing testing... ok we're good to go!

How could this NOT make one smile? Cuteness overload.

This kid is going to be one of the BEST big brothers around. He even wants to share a room with the baby... totally CUTE!!!

The very best Christmas present | Calgary newborn photographer

2011-01-01T22:04:00.000-07:00

Someone had the best present present EVER for Christmas!!! And they both knew what they were getting...... about 9 months ahead of time ;)

This little guy was just the cutest little bundle with AMAZING eyes! He was born just over a week early and was such a good baby his momma and I were sure we were going to get some awesome pics!!!

As we was born at Christmas we got some very unique and special pictures of this little guy. BUT.... he had other ideas! He decided on his 9th day to be awake... for 4 hours!!! We tried and tried but there were no sleepy pics for this little one. He even blinked his eyes at separate times so I couldn't even catch him looking asleep! Of course once I was unpacking and he was all wrapped up snuggling mom on the couch it was lights out for the little guy.....

I am so excited to spend a little more time with him, and am also excited to get through the pics we did take. His eyes are just beautiful.

Hello boxing day!!!

2010-12-26T20:54:00.000-07:00

While I go through the hundreds of Christmas photos and try to pick my very favorites to put up here... I decided to jump RIGHT to the boxing day fun we had today!

I have a whack of photos I absolutely love from Christmas. We had family visiting and it was just so much FUN. Just a couple to prove it.....

Wine. Need I say more?

awwwww... so few and far between are the pics of us!

3 generations of girls :)

But for now.... we'll stick with boxing day :)
It was absolutely gorgeous out today. The kind of day that doesn't just whisper in your year... one that SCREAMS "hello time for toboganning!" So off we went.

And it was perfect. Even Kade made quite a few runs down the hill before happily calling it quits.

With the promise of hot chocolate ;) (which shockingly she actually drank the whole cup. Random.)

What is this? A smile? From Kade? In the snow? So happy it was warm out for this. Or she would have been OUT OF THERE. lol.

bliss.... can it be made up?

2010-12-22T01:46:00.000-07:00

The memories I want to keep. The look of concentration on my daughter's face as she tries to draw an octopus. The beautiful warm colors indoors on a cold winter's day.

The way she sticks out her bottom lip when she is working on something.

her pretty pink nails.

Spending time with grandma. Just hangin out and coloring.

How very proud she is to display her final image.

I want to remember every bit of these moments.

How hard he tries NOT to smile.

how much she dislikes snow. and cold. and may have been born in the wrong country? lol.

I want to remember how much he LOVES to be outside playing.

and that she actually stood still IN THE SNOW in her snow bunny outfit she put on and let me take a picture.

I want to remember how happy his smile makes me.

WHICH IS A HUGE PROBLEM..... because right now all I can remember is.........

how long I had to spend at the mall. With two kids. Running around, hiding, screaming and having to go pee at the most inopportune times. Holding on to 2 parkas, having mitts thrown at me, glasses left behind in stores we visited. Trying to pick out clothing while holding my purse, the parkas, the mitts and the glasses. While also holding a bag of returns I already needed to do! Listening to them begging to leave, then finding stuff they wanted me to buy..... oh the joys that is last minute Christmas shopping!

Hope you are all ready for Christmas. And can enjoy some beautiful, fun and relaxing moments before Christmas. While I keep running around like a crazy person. Taking pictures in the hopes that the memories I want to keep just take over the memories of the CRAZY mom chasing her kids round the stores ;)

tidbits for the Christmas season

2010-12-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

Christmas Break. Some parents dread it. Some parents fear it. And I embrace it. I love love having both my kids at home. They drive me crazy, they drive me nuts.... but I want them around ;)

Christmas Break means a few things.

1. It really is definitely time to mail presents for all our family spread from BC to Manitoba. As it is Christmas break already it means they will have to go Express. Which is the story of my life. AND considering some of our family lives in the boonies... I doubt express will even get it to them in time. Again... story of my life.

2. If it is time to mail the presents.... I guess I HAVE to get on buying them. I guess #2 needs to go in front of #1. However... it is the realization of #1 that forces me to act on #2.

3. If it is Christmas Break, and I have to buy presents and mail them... then it is time to get the teacher's present. Which means.... shopping with Rohan. Cue music please. DUM DUM DUM.......

4. I have to clean my house.

(ok #4 is always around. Christmas or not. Just wanted to portray a sense of urgency.)

So once I really truly realized Christmas was coming and I was totally unprepared (thank Wednesday), I started to prepare. And in 3 days I learned a few things....

-taking 2 3yr olds to the mall when one of them is Keagan is not a good way to accomplish things. But it makes for super cute lunch date at Starbucks and some most excellent entertainment.
-do not book haircuts directly after school. Something always happens to make you have to super rush. To be late.
-my sister is awesome. She took Kade a few times and I got more accomplished than I ever could have otherwise. (of course I already knew she's awesome ;) )
-the post office being open until 9pm rocks. And super sweet post ladies pretty much make a person's day. Because people like me need that. 2 days in a row ;)
-I'm not really down with baking at 9:30 at night. Especially when I am so tired all I can do is make rice krispie squares. That make us late for school the next day because Kade hides them behind the couch before we leave. That are not red and green squares like we wanted because Safeway only had plain (shame on you Safeway). That didn't get eaten at school anyways because someone had a way cooler mom than me and actually had red and green rice krispies!
-jammy day at school is pretty much the coolest day ever for a kid. BUT it requires buying said kid new jammies. And then you have to buy the other one a set too. Cause it is jammy day for both even if only one is in school! The stuff part though... could be left out. 5 min searching for puppy. To not find puppy, to find George then to realize at school George had been forgotten. Also attributed to us being so late to school we needed a late slip lol.
-I was totally right about taking Kade to the dr. she hasn't been in well over a year. But after about a week of complaining about her ears and not being able to hear well (which also means she was talking LOUD)I took her. No infection. Her ears are blocked with wax. So we are putting oil in them. After having to pin her against me and hold her head down just to check her ears the dr said I would need backup to pin her if they need to be flushed. We could barely hold her down to have him look in her ears - never mind flush them! Here's hoping the oil works!
-Tim Horton's donuts really do make everything better when you are 3 and had to go to the dr's.
-Superstore is my nemesis. But if you read my blog you already know that.
-you can get a lot of things done with kids. Even in winter. When dealing with parkas, mitts, scarves, hats, puddles, slippery ice, bathroom breaks, falls, and tantrums. But you are going to need wine, bandaids, advil, and you are going to be very.very.sore. And a touch grouchy.

There are a few other things I experienced that need to be shared.
I spent a couple hours in Ro's classroom. EVERYONE should do this. At least once. No really. You should do it. Because you will gain knowledge and appreciation for what teachers go through every single day.
We are extremely lucky. Rohan has an awesome teacher. He adores her and writes her about 20 letters a day. So many we have had to start putting them in boxes. My kids play pretend and Kade plays Mme Simmons ever day. It has been the best possible experience for his first year of school we could have asked for.
And I watched her in action. She is kind, patient, and a ton of fun. I can NOT imagine going through all she does in a day and still smiling, hugging her students good bye, and telling me she has the best job in the world when Jax went up and told her he loved her :)
I saw her open Ro's carefully picked out present. Ro is the kind of kid that gets just as excited (if not more) GIVING presents and WATCHING other people open theirs as he is getting them. I mean he's not some crazy kid that doesn't have a list a mile long or anything. But he absolutely loves picking things out for people, and watching them open presents. The sales lady was just loving helping him shop for the perfect jewelry. She thought he was so cute and kept saying how great it was that he loves his teacher. The next day he ran right into his class and gave her the present. It was a ring. It was perfect. And he was so excited to give it to her. It made his day she put it on right then ;)
So.... take some time to thank your kids teachers. They deal with SO MUCH. Every single day. The patience they need to have is UNTHINKABLE. And appreciate them. I see what kind of influence she has on Rohan and it is amazing. He loves to go to school. Loves to learn. And she makes that a great experience for him every day.

(excuse the photo - I also learned school light... kind of ruins pictures lol)

Even though I am running around every day. Trying to get everything done. Make everyone happy. Through all this I realized that I should be grateful to have all this running around to do. Because our family near and far is amazing. To have all these people in our lives that all bring so much joy and happiness to our lives is a wonderful thing. So the end result is worth all the work.

And then... there are these faces. Faces that are SO EXCITED for Christmas. Little people who are counting down the days. The ones who about burst picking out a Christmas tree. Who are planning on catching Santa. Little people who can melt your heart in a moment and who make Christmas perfect.

And. On a completely unrelated note but I have to share cause it is THAT cute. ro got a haircut. He has wanted a real mohawk forever. He has had the fauxhawk since he had hair - but the last time we tried the real one is flopped. His hair is curly so it kind of flops. BUT I gave in and let him try it again. We went for a wider strip this time and it looks so good!! He looks like a little toughie.... I just love it! (although I will miss all the curls!)

Hope you all are having fun preparing for Christmas!!! After all it is 'the most wonderful time of the year!!!!'

oh baby! | Calgary baby photographer

2010-12-13T00:21:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of photographing this little girl when she was just a teeny tiny little squishy bundle. Her session is here . She was not sure about getting her photos done then... but finally gave in.

Today she was a little rockstar!! She was smiling and talking.... I can't believe how much she has grown already! She still has that super adorable smile though :)

Thanks so much for bringing her back! I am super excited that I will be getting to spend a few more sessions together! It is fun to see all these babies grow up :)

She had definitely had enough at the end of the session... hope she didn't cry all the way home!

Just love this family. So fun. And their little girl is so loved :)

LOVED the bucket! Talking and smiling away.... such a cutie!

This coat was over the top cute!!!

the difference between being thirty something and being three

2010-12-10T21:53:00.001-07:00

is what you can get away with eating.

This is where my daughter lives.

No really it's true. Ask anyone in our family. This kid is a machine. 2 breakfasts is normal. Followed by a snack. And then comes lunch. Maybe once, maybe twice. Then a snack. Or two. Or three. Because by this point, who's counting anyways? She helps herself to the fridge, to the pantry. Which is fine by me... I get tired of catering to this little diva. Then it's supper. Thankfully she is usually tired of eating by then ;) The upside? She really likes a lot of healthy food. So I am ok with it. And she is a perfectly normal size so I am not overly concerned. But it is absolutely amazing to see how much this kid can pack in. And I do mean pack in. She stuffs her face like she has not eaten in weeks. EVERY TIME.

But then she looks at me when she is sneaking things.... or trying to

Busted. Like a kid in a candy store. And you know what I feel? Jealousy. I am thirty something. The weight is getting harder to take off. I make an attempt.... then get discouraged.

This week I had the bright idea of doing the cabbage soup diet with my sister.

Here is my NUMBER ONE tip when it comes to this diet:

DO NOT ATTEMPT.

No really do not do it. Don't even read about it. Don't google it. Don't give it another thought after you read this post. Seriously. So gross it is disturbing. I will spare you the gory details, but I will just say by the third morning.... looking at the soup was enough to gag me. There was absolutely NO WAY I could swallow any today. I thought maybe I could get by eating the fruits and veggies and try again tomorrow. But I was oh so hungry. And I had things to do and places to be. So.... at lunch time I threw in the towel. BEST COFFEE EVER.

That was my first ever diet... and my last. If the soup would have been good it would have been great... but seriously, who likes cabbage ANYWAYS????? Seriously. still.shuddering. And while I was choking down some soup and starving myself I was preparing food for the never ending hungry monster. Drooling over the sandwiches. Wanting to steal her lunch.

My sister gave it up not long after me. Just for the record. She thought she could hold that over my head, but went through the same thing as me on her last bowl.

The upside? I started working out again. And now I know I have to get cracking. This weight isn't going to lose itself. In fact it just keeps multiplying. And I am sick of it.

I will need some encouragement.

And plan on living vicariously through my daughter. She does, after all, eat enough for two!

I am such a lucky Aunty!!!

2010-11-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

Because I have ADORABLE nephews!!!

I had 2 of 3 over today after school and Ry was happy.... so I quickly (and I MEAN quickly. Do you know how hoard it is to set things up while watching 3 other kids and PRAYING your daughter doesn't smother the baby in the meantime is?) set up and snapped a few. Which was HARD. All the other kids were competing for his attention. We all just love him SO MUCH.

I was scared to look through the pics... my setup was ghetto, and he rarely looked AT me. Plus the other kids kept getting between me and Ry. But ooooh I love these!!

The post with no good title

2010-11-25T22:58:00.000-07:00

I have written this post like 3X.
Each time coming up with a different message. Each time not really hitting it. I'm tired... cut me some slack!!!

I have been up since 2:30am. Ro got the stomache virus. So now I've had it, Kade's had it and he DEFINITELY had it.

I wanted to be witty. Funny. Sappy. All these things. Because as it is now 10:30pm and I am still up.. emotions are at a premium people!

My kids were troopers today. Both of them up at 2:30am. One of them putting on quite the show. When it comes being sick - Ro takes the oscar in this household! He was fine one minute, crying the next, sick the next, back to fine.... it was quite a ride. The kids watched movies on the couch. I was scared to sit down. I went to bed around 11 so I hadn't gotten much sleep. And I didn't want to fall asleep. Cause it just SUCKS to be woken up 5 min later :)

Ro didn't want any cuddling. So I took to cleaning to stay busy. I cleaned ALL DAY. I have 3 disinfected bathrooms, my floors have all been handwashed, toys are disinfected (as are toothbrushes and brushes, doorhandles and light switches). I did over 7 loads of laundry. I was a machine! And in between all that I looked after the sikko and tried to occupy Kade's mind and energy. I also had to go over the fact that Ro was NOT going to school way more than once. He really does not want to miss school. At all. Ever. FINALLY Kade zonked around 7:30. She slept for 2 hours. Ro zonked the MINUTE Kade woke up. And there went my hopes of a nap ;) He woke up an hour later... still sick. Didn't take long to figure that out!

In the later afternoon though he just perked right up. And spent a huge chunk of time coloring and playing. He was so sweet... it is so weird that this day... this LONG drawn out day turned out completely awesome. Besides the sick part ;) We got some good playtime in and had a lot of fun today.

And I got a ton accomplished. I was so scared to sit all day I just kept moving. Might do it tomorrow again. Just for fun. Apparently I should go to bed early and get up at 2am. WHO KNEW I could get so much done???

See... still ends up not witty. I was felling so witty today. and heartfelt. I think.... exhaustion may be creeping in. But I really wanted to put up the pics. Because.... well because... I love them. I may be a tad over emotional though. I just cried watching a video I took today of Kade dancing around in my heels. (I know... I said no more and then she went on the hunt for them!) She was saying... OH... these shoes are KILLING me!!! So flippin funny.

FINALLY... getting a little sleep. Poor kid. It is the hardest things to watch your kids when they are sick.

From that to this... kids are so resilient. He took a lot of comfort in coloring today. And telling me I am 31 and his teacher is only 20. NICE one Ro. He can write so well now, and his drawings are changing...

It's funny... the amount of concentration he puts into writing!

Little ray of sunshine....

One of my fav pics. I love that he was laughing SO hard. It makes me smile.

Feeling much better!

Just because.... these braids were SO CUTE!!

And yes we were in jammies ALL DAY. What better excuse than we were not going anywhere. Everyone showered/bathed and put on a clean pair. Bedtime.... was a snap. I think they were both asleep before I got downstairs ;) So... it was a great ending to such a crazy long day!

it could ALWAYS be worse....

2010-11-17T23:10:00.002-07:00

I could have 4 kids 5 and under!!!!

Let's recap the day.

Wake up. The day starts off great. Feed the kids breakfast. Listen to some tunes and dance around the kitchen with 2 of my little besties. Shower, give the kids a bath. Have a nice relaxing cup of coffee. I know... you are all jealous right?

Then. Oh then. Pull out the parka. the mitts. the scarf. the boots. the shovel. the scraper. and enjoy the frozen north. By that I mean shovel all the snow. I also had to search out my car. And shovel the street. We seem to have a TRAILER that is NOT going to be used ALL WINTER taking up my parking space. So I have to shovel the street... just so my kids can get in the car without getting a boot full of snow. About an hr goes by and my kids come out. Dressed in their full on winter gear ready to play. Kade lasts about 5 minutes. And heads back indoors. She has NEVER liked the snow ever. Rohan lasted the whole time I shoveled and stayed out while I got his lunch packed and called my sister to see when she would be arriving. And yes.. he was a popsicle by the time he got to school. I am sure he was a little wet in school today. But he doesn't care. That boy loves the outdoors in any weather!

Because.... I watched 2 of her crew today. Which means she drove my car and I got the van. Good thing, RIGHT? Or not. Because 4 kids under 5 means 4 buckles. 4 FREAKIN BUCKLES!!!!

So anyways... she arrives. We switch the car seats and I take the older boys to school. (after pinching Kade while trying to buckle her in to the car seat. Which resulted in a COMPLETE breakdown and a flood of tears. Car seats and winter apparel. What fun.) Which means me crawling into the back of the van to unbuckle 2 the 2 at the back. put hats back on. putt mitts back on. Awesome. So somehow I get the kids there in one piece. With the help of another mom. You see.. these kids are opposites. Mine take off running as fast as their little legs can go and Jenny's stop to check everything out. You add to that the waddle of the snowsuits, sidewalks that are not shoveled and cars everywhere and you get one frazzled mom!!!

So then I take Kade and Keag back to the van. Rebuckle. Go to Blockbuster. Unbuckle. put hats back on. put mitts back on. Go in to the store. Grab movies and head out. Rebuckle the kids. Drive home. Unbuckle the kids. put hats back on. put mitts back on. Head inside. Grab snacks. The kids play and I do a bit of cleaning.

Then it's time to pick the boys up. Seriously... kindergarten is a freakin PITA!!! Dress the kids up. Go to the van. Buckle them up. Get to the school. Help the boys get dressed. Go through the same ordeal with running/waddling children. Back at the van. Buckle everyone in. Drive home. Unbuckle everyone. Get everyone inside and settled. Head outside to shovel again.

And then it continues... there is still supper, cleanup, laundry.... and now it is 11pm and I just want to be in bed and my comforter is STILL IN THE DRYER!!!!!

So as much chaos as my life is AS IT IS..... I am always reminded. It could be worse. I am EXHAUSTED. I don't normally complain about snow - I mean why bother. It is still going to snow. Plus I really love it.

But snow+children all who are to young to dress themselves totally and buckle themselves....that have to get to kindergarten..... I AM NOT DIGGING IT. But I wouldn't have the day any other way. I love love all the kids together and they had so much fun playing today. TOTALLY worth the effort. I just now *get* how hard life is with kids. And snow. tricky tricky!

I had planned on getting to a park today to take pics. But it was actually quite chilly out. And my daughter... well she doesn't really love winter. And honestly... just too much freakin WORK! So I went to the backyard!!!

Suddenly.... two kids that can get into the car themselves and generally buckle themselves and get out themselves is looking like a cake walk!

well.... this is rare.

2010-11-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

I have been enjoying some time off. While it is not really off... I have been taking some time off sessions. There are going to be some pretty major (and FUN) changes coming.... I will be working hard to get things going again in the new year!

In taking time off.... I have not really picked up my camera. Today I did. And my kids smiled. And had fun! I wanted to take some pics of a headband I have been working on. I ordered patterns months ago and never had the time to figure them out. Slowly I am getting through the patterns and discovering I have to order many more supplies of etsy. Our stores here don't have exactly what I need of much at ALL. What is UP with that here anyways??? EVERYTHING I want I end up having to order. But I made do with what I had... and for my first attempt at a more difficult one..... I LOVE it. And Kade thinks she is BEAUTIFUL in it :)

So I got to work grabbing some pics and Rohan butted right in asking if I wanted some of him.

WOW. I guess if I stop shoving it in their faces.... I will get much better pics!!!

Hopefully you'll be seeing a lot more of these headbands... I am on a mission!

Melt my heart.

I don't know what is is with looking away pics... but they fascinate me.

Seriously.... has potential right?? I love the textures and unique looks - no 2 will ever be the same!

This made me think he was kidding.... and going to get me all mad he got my hopes up!

But then.... the moment hit.

I am just the luckiest mom.... look at this face!!!!!

Divine | Calgary maternity photographer

2010-11-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

Absolutely divine.
Fab fall weather... check
awesome couple.... check
baby bump..... check

What a perfect shoot. I am just in love with this session and all its possibilities. In fact.... I want to post them all. VERY HARD decisions to make for this post. We hit so many awesome places and the lighting was just sweet.... the process of culling and choosing for a blog post seems IMPOSSIBLE.

But here are some of my favs..... and they are NOT in any order... as you may be able to tell ;)

I can not wait to meet this little baby.....

This may be one of my fav mat shots I have ever taken.

This is my fav alley I have ever found. Such possibilities with the lighting!

Their shoot was on October 30th :)

Isn't she just too beautiful? Love this!

Loved this shirt!!!

I love when daylight savings time is OVER!!!

2010-11-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

Because it brings about the time of year photographers DREAM about. Sunset. At a decent hour. Before it is freezing cold and totally miserable.

TODAY I finally got to take my kids out. And they were happy. Not overtired and crazy. LOVE IT. Wish I had planned a real session for my own kids today! We went out and met up with Gram then went back to her place.... such a nice day!

It was beautiful out and we had so much fun out with Gram. This is the best fall ever!!!

I had some fun with some flare... I just love flare :)

See what I mean? He sat and posed. And held a smile. And nope I didn't care that I had to get the leaves in the shot. per him lol.

I got two poses out of him!!!

As we went to pick up some Subway the sun was setting... and I grabbed my camera. THEN I made a sidetrip before going to Gram's.... out to the country to really see the sunset!

We were too late lol.... that is the problem with sooo many hills around! But it was still gorgeous!

You're beautiful...... You are treasured....... and you are loved

2010-11-06T01:00:00.002-06:00

Today Kade got some gorgeous dresses that a friend sewed just for her!! They are beautiful and I can not thank you enough!!! Kade... full of surprises lately asked me to take her pictures. Bragged to Daddy I was going to take her pictures... she was DEFINITELY making up for yesterday ;)

But hey. I'll take it!

Anyways... after a day of reading a few very awesome e-mails, comments and some phone calls I have become a little more sane. Thank you to all who responded in comments and e-mail... I appreciated them ALL. After dumping all this on a mom I barely met at Ro's kindergarten class... and grandma it was pretty clear. Time to let go. Yes she wants to dance. She asked today when her next class is (SERIOUSLY???? COME ON!!!). We will not be making any more attempts this year. Mommy and me classes here we come!! Clearly she is not ready. She wants to desperately... but she is not ready. And I do not want this to negatively affect her. Neither of us do. So we have decided. NO MORE.

Then on the way home tonight a song came on the radio. I found a you tube link to it here. There are more of them... I just put one here. *note* it is a Christian song... just sayin ;) You don't have to click lol.
Anyways... this song struck me tonight.

She is beautiful. Just the way she is. Whether she ever gets the courage to ever dive in with the other kids... whether she ever walks in to another dance class... whether she freaks out on me like that again... she is our treasure. And beautiful. And sometimes.... sometimes that just needs to be pointed out. And remembered. Because life is hard. And sometimes....it gets forgotten to just slow down. And focus on how beautiful our children really are. No matter the quirks.

Anyways..... I agreed to do her pics (surprise) and she was all over it.

No really... she was totally into it

Seriously... she gave me her BEST

And then some....

Really... this is what I have to work with people....

Then came along my favorite shot.

And then there were these.

And my ultimate fav of our time together

And a few attempts at putting three fingers up (you know because she's three lol). Who knew it was THAT hard?

And then she was spent.

Kade. You are beautiful.And we all love you. The way that you are. Less the tantrums ;) Muah. I had to get that in there!

This too shall pass.......

2010-11-05T11:17:00.001-06:00

Do you know what happens when you are SURE of something as a parent? Life teaches you a cruel cruel lesson.
As many of you all know... I have pretty stubborn, headstrong, independent, loud crazy children. Which has given me some pretty incredible life lessons in humility and patience. BUT... the other day in talking with my mother in law (and I do appreciate those talks SO MUCH - she gets me completely) I told her that after Rohan I was pretty sure nothing Kade could/would could ever compare to Rohan. She has her moments for sure - but Ro took the cake for behaviour issues. I mean he had his whole fear of cars so I could rarely go out for a few months, his complete inability to deal with change, his wild and crazy tantrums, the fact that he never forgets ANYTHING you say or do.... he was definitely a difficult child. And too smart for his own good.

Yesterday I was proven wrong. AGAIN.

You may remember Kade's excitement for dance class . She decided she wanted to go and I signed her up. Her idea. She wanted to do it. I was hesitant as she is incredibly afraid of strangers still, and does not like being the center of attention. But she did it. And for the next 2 classes after this post she went into class all by herself. I was sure we were making progress in this shy little girls life.

The thing is she isn't shy really. At home, or aunties she is loud, bossy, right in the middle of every ruckus. She is outgoing, a tattletale.... you would NEVER think she was shy at all seeing her in her comfort zone. But put her in public and she shuts down.

This ismy recent post that details the last 2 weeks of class and my near tears experiences. But she keeps wanting to go. She keeps telling everyone how much she loves it. Keeps practicing at home. She gets dressed happily, into the car, runs into the building and up the steps, sits patiently waiting for class... then she freezes.

Yesterday was the worst. I think it is over. I can not deal with this. I don't understand her. I was never this kid and just don't get it.

Yesterday she went into class with me. Parents are not really allowed.. but I did. I though wahoooo the right track again. But no. She wouldn't let the teacher come near her. Hid behind me. Wouldn't go participate with the other girls just sat with me. I had Ro and Jax with me waiting in the waiting room so I told her about 1/2 way through with no progress we were going to leave. I just said - it's ok Kade. You tried. Now we have to go home. I can't see the boys and need to find them. So we leave the room. She then bursts into tears.. I want to go to dance mommy. I want to go. So I say ok - go ahead and I'll find the boys. No mommy I want you to watch. OK Kade I will. So I go in with her again. AGAIN she sits with me and will not join in. So I tell her we have to go.

The tantrum started. Screaming, clawing, kicking, going limp (her signature move), the throwing herself around. I picked her up, took the boys and ran for the door. I had to put her down to grab my purse and she ran SCREAMING back into the waiting room. Horrified I had to grab this kid who was completely out of control in front of these parents.......

Made it outside where she bit me so hard I dropped her. She ran into the street. Thank goodness the boys were staring in horror watching this... I didn't have to worry they would move!!! I was crying at this point. Grabbed her and literally had to hold her by a leg and an arm - whe was flailing and going limp so much this was the only way I could hold her. Had to put her down to get the keys and yep she ran right out into the parking lot.

Everyone was crying by this point. The boys just wanted to go home. So did I. But I could not physically keep her in the van. I would cram her in her seat, buckle her (which the fact that I could is amazing. She was crazy. Like possessed) then run to the front to get in my seat. She would already be out and right behind me.

Crying I had to phone my sister to bring me my car so she could take Jaxon home. So she did. And I bawled some more.

We got home and Kade went straight to bed. Exhausted I fell into a TV coma. Thank goodness for Thursday night TV!!!

Now... I need help. We don't know what to do. I am cancelling her enrollment. This is too much.
But she LOVES LOVES dancing and I want her to have a GOOD experience..... I need recommendations. We need to know what we SHOULD do.

Poor little girl....

So. This morning she was up early. So we got up and came downstairs.

And then we watched this together.

And for a moment all was right in the world again.
And I remembered... this too shall pass.

And then 2 hrs later my phone rang. It was the school. Looking for Rohan. I thought he had the day off. I was wrong. What else is knew????

365 day 302 ish..... my halloween

2010-10-31T23:39:00.001-06:00

They were dressed for the occasion.

He wore this the whole night. Impressive. He had a nice red mark on his forehead from the foamy piece resting on it!

If I edited her messy face.... noone would recognize her ;)

Cool face painting... right?

Ahhh the lil devil..... one pic iof 10 in focus. He was RARING to go!

Kade took a few minutes to sing and dance. HIGH-larious as my sister would say. Top of her lungs belting out a crazy tune and watching herself dance in the window. Lurve that kid.

They were raring to go. And go they did. Every year we start at our house. Go up the block. Then back down the other side. This year... they made the WHOLE loop... and back up and down to hit the *SCARY* house.I was terrified of Kade going near it as the man at said *SCARY* house scared the crap out her last year and she had trouble sleeping for almost a month. But none of them were really scared and we carried on.

Oh Gram....

The loot was quite astounding from one looped block walk. Who needs that much candy anyways????

And then... time to wash that nasty smelly colored hairspray off and off to bed bed bed!!!!!

bump....bump....someone has a baby bump!

2010-10-30T22:47:00.000-06:00

I was so excited for this shoot. Over the moon... could barely contain myself. First of all.... it was for another photographer. And really.... getting contacted by another photog feels pretty awesome.
Secondly... the weather (although recently was scaring me) was PERFECT! It was a gorgeous day out. Which was a major plus, because this mama to be wanted an outdoor session so bad we did it a few weeks earlier than normal.
Thirdly.... well the photos will tell you. They are gorgeous. Inside and out. It was like talking a walk with good friends. They were probably terrified I wasn't going to let them leave without planning a night out with them or something ;) There are so many beautiful photos from this session... you'll be seeing more soon!
I just can't wait to meet their little one....

This may just be my fav maternity photo I have ever taken. The textures and the outfit and the light.... delightful!

Stunning.

I do believe outdoor maternity has become a favorite of mine!

365 day 301... is it dead, I almost cried, I need advice, and I almost peed my pants laughing

2010-10-29T09:00:00.000-06:00

I don't know if I can catch up. So many posts behind that I just want to say screw it, I can't.
But then I am SO CLOSE... and I hate that I haven't been able to do it.

I can NOT stand the fact that I started about 4 projects this year and never got them completed. Whoever said working from home is a GOOD way to spend time with your kids and make money needs their head examined ;) I have been so busy this whole year.... I feel like a top spinning out of control!

Anyways... I did take some pics last night. Despite all the drama that was yesterday.

Our dog Myra is sick. Again. Abcess anal glands. sounds awesome doesn't it? So she is on painkillers, some other medication that I can't think of right now, and I have to soak her bum at least once a day. I know you're all jealous. She would be fine and the painkillers actually get her to sleep a lot... but my other dog will NOT leave her alone. My day is filled yelling at him and swatting him away from her. I mean he is NOT helping like he thinks he is! Anyone want a dog for about 6 days? I can't take it anymore! I tried splitting them up, they just both go on their sides of the doors and scratch and whine... SO ANNOYING.

Rohan had halloween day at school. Which is GREAT. Except he was so excited he was asking to go around 8am until he actually went at 12 every 5 freakin minutes. That was spectacular. NOTHING took his mind off it.

Kade fell down the stairs. The reason she fell is quite funny. The fall not so much. She lovers her winter boots. She wore them upstairs and went to the bathroom wearing these huge honkin boots. Then when she went to go downstairs... well she fell at the top and kept going until she landed at the bottom. As if that wasn't enough drama... she came back from dropping Ro at school begging to go to the play place. Crying.. throwing a fit... I was ready for a stiff drink at that point!

And for the finale of the day:
Kade will not go into her dance class. This is her second week. I don't know what to do. She is excited all week, and on the day asks a hundred times if it is time for class yet, gets in the car, runs up to the class.

THEN FREEZES. She can not physically go in. She was FINE for two classes going in on her own before this. I thought we were past all this stuff (not past it exactly, just a bit better). Then she cries. I try to put her in the room with grandma in it yesterday and she grabbed the doorway and started screaming for dear life.... so once again we went home. Without dancing.

I need to know... what do you do when this happens? I am at a complete loss. I don't want her to quit. She is the one that wanted me to sign her up, it's not something I chose. I am a big believer of following through. If she was older I would put her in and close the door lol. But she is only 3. And she has issues. And I just wanted to sit in on the floor and cry with her last night. I don't understand this. This was never ME as a kid, so I don't get it. PLEASE SEND HELP. She is already asking me today if she has dance class... and telling me she is going to go in all by herself. Ya... I heard the same thing LAST WEEK Kade.... and she loves showing off her moves to people that come over and practicing at home - I just don't know what to do.

After the drama died down.... we were home again. And Rohan stepped away from the action, went to the living room and played. By himself. I had to grab a camera because his whole life I have been hoping to see this. And he is FINALLY doing it. amazing.

Weird how something small like that can take you from wanting to cry on a dance class floor in front of strangers - who cared at that point....... to wow this is totally amazing I am so proud.

On a completely funny note to show I am not some weirdo freak that never has any fun.... when Ro was getting ready for bed this is what he announced to Gram. 'Hold on a sec Gram, my stinger is sticking out of my underwear!' OMG. Boys are Hysterical!

It was Halloween day at dance class too. Kade had trashed her dress by the end of the night. How surprising ;) This is her smiling.... can you tell? Well she SAID she was smiling!

What happens when I try for one nice pic of Kade.

This was taken right before bed. She may be the mechanic in the family. THIS was with my camera's highest ISO setting. Take THAT canon ;)

I shot a Stampeder | Calgary photographer

2010-10-27T09:07:00.000-06:00

OK I actually shot his whole family ;)

When I met up with this family at Confederation Park I was instantly amazed at how well these two little boys could throw a football. They could kick it too! And at just how attached to their footballs they are. So I mentioned my amazement to mom... and she casually replied oh their dad plays for the Stampeders.

And my jaw must have dropped a foot lol.

I feel like I got to hang out with a celebrity family... and take some absolutely gorgeous pictures too. You have such a beautiful family - thanks for sharing the day with me!

what the boys were doing while we had a couple minutes of grown up time. I guess it is the same in EVERY family ;)

some recent newborn ultimate faves!! | Calgary newborn photographer

2010-10-27T08:35:00.000-06:00

I have been busy busy busy.... almost caught up on sessions and my laundry is caught up. Never thought I would see this day!!!
When I posted the most recent sneaks I didn't get time to go back and put up all my faves from the sessions. And as I can't resist newborn squishy baby love I thought I should take a moment an put up some of my ultimate faves from the last 3 sessions.

They are all too cute and adorable.....

You can find more of this session here

More of this cute little guy is here

More from this pretty little girl is here

he can't be almost one!!!! | Calgary baby photographer

2010-10-25T23:05:00.000-06:00

I remember photographing this little cutie when he was just a sweet little bundle of newborn squishiness!!! And now he is almost ONE!!! When his mom called I heard the message and thought NO WAY have I been doing this long enough that little man L is one! But he is. Still as cute as ever. But just a smidge more active ;)
We sure were put to the test... both mom and I and even dad had to jump in once in a while!!!

This was an amazing opportunity for me. I really really want to get into lifestly photography. Going to people's homes and really getting those personal shots. Catching kids doing what they love... playing, reading, snacking, coloring... I am all for it! These kind of pics are what I love of my children. Really getting them in their environment. Working with the natural light and making it all come together... I really love this whole process of shooting at someone's home. Thank you so much for this opportunity - can't wait to get through the pics! I am VERY proud we got some photos with eye contact - because that was super tricky! This is just a tiny glimpse.... just one part of the whole session... isn't he just over the top cute!!! And little boys playing with thomas the train..... absolutely what memories are made of!

365 day 300.... thank goodness for Keagan!!

2010-10-21T20:40:00.000-06:00

The day was hot. Big kids were in school. The park was yelling our names.... not one to disappoint off we went!!!!!
He loves me. AND still loves my camera. Keagan.... you are so cute. and I love you. xoxoxoxoxoxo

hahahahahaha

He's 3 now!!!!!

365 day 299 today we said goodbye to some friends

2010-10-21T09:24:00.000-06:00

Life. It's complicated. Busy. stressful. A juggling act.

I am failing miserably. My work is so behind.... and my computer problems are just making that much more evident every.single.day.

We have had a few people out to visit in the past weeks. And birthdays. Dance class. School. Work. I am thankful for all the above... just still learning how to balance being at home with my kids, the cleaner, the cook, the taxi driver and work. It's a work in progress :)

Two of my sister and I's friends came out.... one stayed at her house and one here. Well the kids are COMPLETELY devastated to be losing their McCool (as she is called around here). Kade has woken up asking me to go pick her up oh about a hundred times already. And Rohan was so upset she wouldn't be here when he woke up.

ALL our kids love these girls... as do we. A visit from them is heaven. I just wish I could have spent more time with them.... thanks computer for that.

Yesterday my kids were playing with McCool and the sun was just setting so I quickly fired off a few pics. I have been so busy the past few days my camera sat full of pics and I had no time to upload.... CRAZY!!!

You can see how happy they are with her... Kade even said she would go stay with her for a week. So you know it's love! This morning she looked at one of the pictures and said 'I love you McCool'. Makes me want to pack up and move home.

SO HOMESICK right now.

How can I resist someone I don't have to bribe??? So pretty... and compliant lol. The only problem was.... Kade wanted to be in ALL the photos lol.

it's definitely fall out there! | Calgary family photographer

2010-10-16T21:41:00.000-06:00

I had spent a lot of time discussing this session with mom..... we were pretty excited for this session. Too bad it snowed the day before :( Considering we were wearing shorts the day before that!!!

But... it all worked out and we were out bright and early at one of my favorite spots.... and it was a BLAST!!!

Here's your sneak peek!!!

newborns just melt me.......

2010-10-16T00:11:00.001-06:00

And this is why

Oh my. She was just the SWEETEST little thing!!! The sweetest!!! I seriously luck out with beautiful clients and gorgeous babies!!!

Little Miss E may have drank up a storm.... but she was oh so ready to start her modeling debut.

Normally my sneaks have mostly all baby, but this family is so gorgeous and I KNEW the black and whites would just be breathtaking so I wanted to put some up! They must have thought they entered the crazy photog's house today.... The sun was ALL OVER THE PLACE... shining brightly, hiding behind clouds... I was moving the baby, having them hold up my reflector, moving from living room to kitchen... shooting under a table - it was CHAOS!!! But all this for some gorgeous pics with all natural light. Which I LOVE for the fresh little ones :)

Seriously gorgeous.... I am just fighting the baby fever right now!!!

Enjoy!

365 day 298 I feel like bustin out some Christmas tunes

2010-10-15T13:49:00.001-06:00

cause it is SNOWING!!!!! It is so pretty outside. I have two kids that are playing together... a cup of coffee... prepping for a newborn session..... it couldn't be more SWEET!!!

I love snow. So pretty. And the best part? It's melting! We all know it's not here to stay quite yet!

a 60th wedding anniversary surrounded by love and laughter

2010-10-12T11:07:00.000-06:00

This past weekend I had a wonderful opportunity to take pictures of an amazing family. The grandparents were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. 60 YEARS together - how amazing and wonderful is that?!!!!

They were such a great family... and she had this wall that was perfect for the photos in their home. It was such a fun session... and they were very patient with me as I have never *lit up* that many people indoors before :)

Thanks so much for letting me be part of this special time in your family's life... your family is amazing.

The wonderful couple!!!

12 people is NO JOKE!!! But they were troopers and we got some great shots!

grandparents and grandchildren....

Grandparents and children......

Can you tell they are sisters ;) So beautiful!

All the pretty ladies!!!

365 day 297 some days leaving the house is just too much work.

2010-10-11T12:28:00.000-06:00

And there are sooooo many reasons for this.

one of them is Rohan and his shoes. They have to be on perfectly. Straps lined up, tongue just so... this process can take one try or 20.

one reason is bathroom breaks. Someone ALWAYS has to go when we are leaving.

one reason is shoes, for an entirely different reason. There always seems to be one missing. Or they can't find the pair they want to wear.

one reason is just getting them dressed takes away my desire to ever have to leave the house. Matching socks? Who does that anymore lol.

another reason is forgetting something. you think you are out the door and you forgot to fill up juice cups. Or they forgot them. Or Kade has forgotten the 3rd baby she wants to bring. Or the DS's are somewhere in the house and we have to find them.

On this day.... another interesting reason popped up. After all the drama of getting them dressed and braiding Kade's hair she had a meltdown over hair gel. She wanted some that I was putting in Rohan's hair and I said no. So... while I did Ro's hair she went upstairs and came down looking like this.

She was trying to convince me it wasn't that big of a deal. Ya. Right.

I honestly do try to at least LEAVE the house with clean kids.... but even that is really hard to do!!!! I mean I am sure when people see me in public they think wow can't she wash her kids clothes or keep them clean lol. Kade is the messiest kid on the EARTH. 3 seconds and she's dirty. I try my best. Obviously she is completely against the theory of clean.

365 day 296 park days continue....

2010-10-11T11:49:00.000-06:00

I know I promised no more. But that was when I thought we had no summer so there wouldn't be any more park days. KIDDING! But this was the highlight of our day. And Rohan's hair is too fun. And I LOVE random park equipment pictures!!!!

Playing at the park really tires a kid out heehee!!!

365 day 295. Mornings should NOT be this hard. EVER.

2010-10-11T11:40:00.000-06:00

You know those mornings you wake up... spend 5 minutes doing your morning thing and then realize that day has a very high chance of SUCKING??? This was me the other day.

I am a pretty routine morning person.

Kade wakes me up (she is better than an alarm clock - very good at her job). We go downstairs. I start coffee, get her cereal, and then get mine. Then it's COFFEE TIME oh yeah!!!!

This particular morning coffee was NOT my friend. And as it is the first thing I do that does NOT bode well for the rest of my day. I shudder to think what a day without coffee would be like....

It went like this. I opened the can of coffee. Hoping there was enough in there for one more pot. There wasn't. OK - no big deal Kathy. You can do this. I grab the new tin of coffee. Get the can opener out. Something else fell out of the cupboard (it's over the microwave). Great. Grab that and put it back. I am now in a cold sweat.

Tim Horton's cans and my can opener hate each other. So much my can opener loses sight of it's job and never opens the can the whole way. No matter how many rounds that can goes it NEVER opens the whole way. My can opener has a hate on for it. It opens everything else. Just not my coffee. In retrospect maybe it has a grudge against me? Perhaps hiding it away when all my other appliances are out in the open is giving it a complex.... interesting.....

Anyways... so I plug the can opener in and give it a go. 3 rounds, 4, 8, 10... and I give in. It's not going to open. Out comes the butter knife. Well... that didn't work either. As much as I hate to do it I try bending the lid with my hands. Nothing.

Now I am fuming mad. I just want my freakin cup of coffee. And it's ruining my routine. And I do NOT want to see my day start without coffee!!!

So I grab the hand can opener. Which hasn't been used (or cleaned apparently - but hey that is aa entirely different post. and my cleaning or lack thereof is NOT the point of this one) for about 10 ish years lol. Well.... turns out I don't think that one even works at all lol. The spinner sharp circle doesn't turn at all. (aren't I technical bwahaha).

Now what???? It's either get dressed, dress Kade and run somewhere or die trying. I dug my heels in. I have never had a can actually win this war - but this one was sure coming close.

So I thought about it and decided. It was open enough to pour the coffee out into the old can. And then the angels sang! So I took it and dumped it. Upon dumping I realized the coffee is tightly packed in those cans.... cause it promptly overflowed. All over the counter and floor.

Great.... just when I thought I was nearing some yummy coffee goodness I had to go and grab the broom and dustpan. SO SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN DRESSED AND GONE OUT. Then I had to fight Kade for the broom. She can be helpful. Or messy. But when you are totally frustrated and needing your coffee for your routine to go on as normal.... there is no patiently waiting for your 3 yr old to sweep around the crumbs trying to help!!!

Then. On to the coffee.

Oh how I wish the end went like this. 'After all that I was rewarded with a delicious hot cup of coffee. I sat and snuggled Kade on the couch watching cartoons slowly sipping on the goodness that is coffee.'

Instead... I made a pot of coffee no person in their right mind would drink. It was horrid!!! Why on this day did that one random pot of coffee had to be made?? UGH.

And then..... I was out of filters.

So I did what anyone else would do. Grabbed a cup of water and gave up. Coffee. You won this round. But there will be many many battles. And I am relentless.

Maybe I should ask for a new can opener for Christmas?

coffee that did not fit. grrrrrrrr

FINALLY.

365 day 294 someone's in the kitchen with gramma

2010-10-11T11:16:00.000-06:00

Gram let the kids bake with her in the kitchen the other day. I had some work to do so I went upstairs and started on that.... but there was so much giggling and laughing going on I had to run down for a few pics.... my kids sure do love helping out in the kitchen!

And.... that usually means there are a lot less cookies that actually get to be baked - a bit of the cookie dough usually goes missing. Wonder where?

no fun at all. Sheesh Gram....do they ever have fun with you?

Eyeing up the dough.....

Someone is quicker than she is!

Being told.... NO MORE DOUGH!

Concentrating.... getting the dough off spoon is a VERY hard concept. When it is not going in the mouth!

I just love her concentration face. The lip. It's sweet.

let me tell you. Those cookies were GOOD!!! Do you know in the States they have cinnamon chips (like chocolate chips)?? SUCH good cookies.

365 day 293 man fall is HAWT!!!!

2010-10-10T22:51:00.000-06:00

I love weekends. I love hanging out with the kids... no rush for school. Hangin out in pj's half the day.... then heading out to grandma's to go down by the river!!! It was so beautiful out... seriously this fall is SO MUCH better than the rest of this whole year has been!!!! I absolutely want to soak up as much time outside as possible. Because once winter hits.... well it'll be over lol. And living here - it could happen tonight or after Christmas... you just never know ;)

So we went out today and had a great time. Despite the fact that I did not realize it was going to be so hot. So dressed as we were and with my brilliant self leaving all the drinks in the car..... we were SO HOT and tired about 3/4 through the walk.

Two out of four ended up in the river. Just to cool off! This province has the craziest weather anywhere - I swear. We also saw a bridal party getting their pictures done. Cutest Kade moment of the day. She was convinced the bride was a princess... she wanted to go say hi!

I wanted to get three pics today. And hired gram as the photog. Good thing she's cheap ;) I ended up getting one. Not realizing my outfit looks TERRIBLE sitting down lol. It does look good standing up hahahaha.

Plus we just got there and were already dirty. Thanks to my clumsy children ;)

Clearly... the good one was NOT this one..... I was trying to get them in the mood. Cause they were NOT feeling it!

This one was my fav! Thanks Gram!!!! I gave up after this. They are just so bratty!!!! Too bad my shades were on. I threw them off after this shot and by then they stopped looking AND smiling. Boo children.

So incredibly gorgeous out.

Poor Kade. Her shoes got taken (we assume an accident) after ballet class. Her brand new very fav (and only) runners. We are waiting to see if they are returned next week - so for now she has only sandals. Which she is completely miserable over. And it makes for really awful attempts for walking at a rocky beach :(

Cool off time!!!

HEE HEE!!!!!!

Seriously... he was dumping water from his shoe. Over his head.

Love. love.

Every time I go to Okotoks I admire this view. Today I finally stopped. Just gorgeous. I love seeing the mountains in the distance. My fav part of living here for sure.

2010... fall in Calgary ROCKS!

2010-10-09T12:05:00.000-06:00

Something to love........ fall in Calgary in 2010!!! The sun, the heat, fun families and cameras!! Nothing screams perfect day more than a setting sun, tons of gorgeous colors, and a family full of smiles!

This session was so much fun.... and there are so many pictures to go through.... it's going to be hard to choose!

Thanks for letting me be a part of your memories.... I had a ton of fun and you all rock!

The perfect moment......

These boys LOVE their footballs! Don't let their size fool you.... they are pros in the making! Which isn't surprising considering who their dad is!

365 day 292 Ro is 5!!!

2010-10-06T22:59:00.001-06:00

The day started out early. WAY too early for a momma that went to bed early thinking I was ready to have a nervous breakdown and ended up with Kadence crawling into bed with me. Then once daddy came to bed she kept laying sideways between us. With her feet in my face. And my back. My stomache. She kicked me all night long. I kept flipping her and she just kept flipping back. Lucky me.

And then... before the sun was up.... Rohan was. I promised him he could open the present from Grandma C and Grandma Barb when he woke up as it was sitting on a table taunting him for 3 days ;) So he was raring to go. And so off we went to open a present. TOTALLY WORTH IT. He loves it! Thanks grandmas!!!

This birthday is completely random. It is the first one he has really been aware of having a birthday and it NOT falling on the day of his party. We usually downplay the birthday and save everything for the party. Because it was Dion's 40th I planned his birthday stuff for last weekend and though I would just push Ro's bday to this coming weekend. COMPLETELY forgot about Thanksgiving. So his bday party is being pushed to the following weekend. OOPS. So not wanting him to feel like it wasn't something to celebrate we had a little something. And he enjoyed it all. Even the part when he was yelling at everyone to stop playing with his toys. LOL. I guess school and a little party with a week of very little sleep and a lot of sugar may NOT have been the best combo ;)

The rest of the day was a total flurry of activities. Baths, making Rice Krispie squares, taking them to school, baking cupcakes, picking him up from school, having Auntie and fam and Gram over for a bit to eat and presents, then cleaning up, a bit of play, bedtime, work and more cleaning... it is non stop over here!!!

He had a great birthday and my baby is now 5! UNREAL. Happy Birthday Rohan! I love you :)

Early. Early. Early.

Yep. There's the yawn.

The usual suspects!!!

He wasn't having fun.at.all.

Awwwwww so pretty and cute!

My sister took this :) Notice how awesome my sister looks. And the mess I look. LOL.

Gram's present of a SPIDERMAN coat got him really smiling!

365 day 291 Poppa was in town.....

2010-10-06T22:38:00.000-06:00

and is already gone! And the kids LOVED every minute of it. The miss him already.... the visit was MUCH too short for them!

Then it was time for Daddy and some fun with chalk. It was a VERY busy day that ended in tantrums and mommy almost going insane. Worth it for this day though :)

So so serious about hew drawing. Check out her lips lol.

365 day 290..... SURPRISE!!!!!!

2010-10-03T21:05:00.001-06:00

Dion's 40th bday is TOMORROW!!!!!
So his dad, mom and I conspired against him ;)
His dad flew in from Victoria on the sly. It was a TOTAL surprise!!! On the day of his arrival he totally thought I was getting him furniture. OR a surprise party. Nope not even close! He was all grumble grumble I don't like surprise parties. It better not be a surprise party.... hahahaha. Then I was being threatened over buying furniture. I mean everyone KNOWS how much we detest our furniture we just bought from Ashley's.... but I would NOT buy any more without him being there! At least then we half the blame for crappy couches ;)

So happy we pulled it off!!! Wait for the surprise he will find out about tomorrow!!! wahoooo I LOVE LOVE surprises!! The kids got in on the surprise about a 1/2 hr before and could barely contain themselves.... barely. They helped with the surprise and made daddy close his eyes when he got home and led him to the kitched where Poppa was *hiding*.

THEN... I had a babysitter lined up which went WAY more fantastic than I could have hoped for. Meghan was a dream and one kids was even asleep when we got back from the awesomeness that was our night out with real grownups!! She was amazing and we are looking forward to going out a little more :)

Happy pre birthday D.... Love ya xoxoxoxoxo

The moment he saw him.....

Just look at Kade. She has been talking about poppa and drawing pictures for him for the last few weeks. She was so stoked to see him she gave him a huge hug and tons of snuggles since. She loves him :)

Wasn't happy to see him at all ;)

the newborn squishiness continues.....

2010-10-03T10:01:00.000-06:00

Oh this little man was SO cute!!! And he was such a little trouper! We tried some more difficult poses for him which in the end did not work out but he was so awesome he just hung out and let us try them. I was so disappointed I could not get the shots mom wanted - but we really gave it a good effort. And then.... we brought out some of my new props and this guy was so into them! He was posing and happy and we got some really great shots to make up for the missed poses!

He was really too cute... I wanted to take him home. For some reason his parents didn't go for it.......

365 day 289 my little ballerina

2010-10-01T22:59:00.001-06:00

'Kade - you look BEAUTIFUL!!! Like a real princess dancer!!!'

That was Rohan's reaction to Kadence when we arrived at school to pick him up yesterday and he saw her for the first time in her little dance outfit.

'No that's ok Auntie.... I 'm going to watch Kade dance like a ballerina.' Was his response when Auntie offered him a chance to go to them park with her crew while Kade went to dance class. WHAT? For real? Yep - we were all that excited to see our little girl go off to her first class that she was so over the top excited for.

Kade has been dancing around the house the last few days, telling everyone that she is going to dance class. And how excited she is. She says she is excited, but will probably be a little scared of all the people. (anyone that has followed my lil girls fear of people and shyness knows this is serious ;) )

We spent the day shopping... the whole day. Finding ballet and tap shoes this time of year can be very time consuming. And involve a few stores ;) Thankfully we found both shoes and a super cute little ballet outfit. Kade's color of choice? Take a guess. We ran into Gram and Auntie Debbie on the way to the last store and Kade was pretty proud showing off her outfit and her little special dancing bag. It was definitely a great day for her. She was so excited for Dance she let a girl help her try on some shoes at Bodythings. That alone is worth the $$$ for the class. It has never ever happened before... I tried to keep cool but I wanted to cry I was so proud of her for talking to this girl and doing as she was asked. BIG MOMENT.

After an insanely fast paced day that involved cleaning/dropping Ro at school/shopping/picking Ro up from school/quick snack break we were off to her class. Daddy got of work early so he came too!

She was pretty nervous at first. Hiding behind my legs, not wanting to join in... everything we expected really. But I kept encouraging her, holding her hand and her teacher was really great at trying to include her. Our hard work paid off. By the end she would even hold a girls hand in the circle! (not the boy beside her lol - she made me hold his hand!)

After class we went to the pizza place that's in the same building as Rohan and Dion were starving. Where BIG MOMENT #2 happened. Kade ordered. By herself. Another huge leap for Kadence. *SOB*

After that we dropped Ro and Dion at home and took off to the fabric store. It was late... but we got through it. Got home and powered through bedtime which was HOURS late.

The last few days have been a blur... no time to get most things done. Falling behind. Stressed out. I have 2 birthdays coming up this week, sessions booked, the life of a mom with a kid going to kindergarten, dance classes, and projects everywhere. Toss in a house to clean, meals to cook, well... I'm trying to get it all done!

I am SO PROUD of you Kadence. You are just turning into this pretty little girl with such a sweet little attitude. (normally. Notice I never said always. lol) xoxoxoxoxoxo

Just before leaving for class!!!

Walking with daddy to the class! She slept with that backpack and her shoes on last night. Reminds me of her brother!

Those shoes are SLIPPERY... fell in 2.2 seconds lol. She was checking out the room before class started. She was a lot braver when it was empty!

How cool are those mirrors Kade?

She thought this was the coolest thing ever.

SO EXCITED.. clasping her little hands. Worst comp of a pic ever - yet it is my favorite from the day!

looking in at her room - dying to get the class started!

nervous habit.....

in her little line up

rolling like a pencil

tired right out... fast asleep.

not even a week old

2010-10-01T15:52:00.000-06:00

Hello newborn sweetness!!! This little girl has hands down the most amazing hair. On top of the gorgeous hair she has the sweetest disposition. She was just a little joy to be around..... she must get it from her parents! They are amazing and little miss A slept through almost my entire time there! She is absolutely precious, thanks so much for a fantastic morning!

They are also from Manitoba..... the awesomeness factor was EVERYWHERE today :)

Seriously... just look at this gorgeous hair! I totally get why mom is hoping it doesn't fall out!!!! stay in pretty hair!

You have to grab the sweetness when you can... even when the baby may be tiring of her photo op! What an amazing couple. You could just feel the zen in the house. Really... I wanted to move in ;)

365 day 288 my baby and her bruise

2010-09-30T11:21:00.000-06:00

I got a super awesome delivery today for some newborn props.... and while Kade was busy playing with the props and her baby I was busy taking some pictures of her!

I have seen some photos where I love the lighting... but haven't yet been able to pull it off. I tried again yesterday and did not like my results much. Normally I shoot with flat lighting or just slightly turned - but seeing different lighting positions has me really wanting to try it out.

I ended up with some really red skin. Not sure what to do with that. This is why I try everything out on my kids before clients! Need to perfect it! So I will go back and read up some more - I really want to get it right because it is SO PRETTY. I edited these to look a bit more like my normal edits instead of what I was really going for. I just couldn't figure it out! Or.... the other option is that maybe I am not used to seeing how it looks on my own photos. I could have done ok - it could be all in my head ;)

Check out Kade's bruise... this is almost a week later. She fell on her window sill. Looks like a football player!

Heehee I love this face!

Isn't this just awesome? Everyone needs a pic of their kid doing this at least once. Fills us with so much pride ;)

365 day 287 a glimpse into my housekeeping skills

2010-09-28T20:02:00.002-06:00

This may or may not be saying something about my housekeeping skills. This is what I found when I finally got around to cleaning behind the couches. Even the dragonflies want out of this mess!!

Don't judge. I am a busy momma!

The situation has now been taken care of! Thanks for taking Kade for a few hours Jenny!

365 day 286

2010-09-28T08:25:00.003-06:00

I am going to be catching this 365 up FOREVER!!!! Maybe I need to face it - I just keep falling further behind! A major problem I have been struggling with is my computer. It is SO SLOW. A few days ago I couldn't even get it to open a program. So I have been painfully defragging, running virus scans, and cleaning it up. When I threatened my computer with it's life over the internet via ipad it must have been listening because it finally opened. Too scared to turn it off I have been in the process of backing everything up (so my new dvd burner is getting a workout) just in case it does not turn on. EVER AGAIN.
The cd player randomly whirring and opening up is also a good way to freak a girl out late at night.

While going through this I have had sessions, am still designing my new website, I have a little boy turning 5 and my man is turning 40 (both birthdays in one week), kindergarten, playdates, and the sun is SHINING finally. So who wants to be at home?

So I will catch up. I still am taking the pics.... but I need to pull myself together. Life is so wonderfully complicated right now :)

The wonderful chip lines are courtesy of DADDY... who else gives chips right before supper ;)

These 2 play so well together. And are just fun to be around. They crack me up constantly... I love when they get the chance to hang out together!

I find it hilarious to watch kids take marker lids on and off. Oh the concentration and frustration... and the joy when the lid id finally OFF!

Park date after supper. This never happens for my kids. And so of course it ended badly lol. TOO late!

After our park date it was pitch dark outside getting the kids ready for bed. Which almost never happens lol. I took the chance to use the highest ISO setting on my camera and take some pics with them being lit up by the ipad. Watching a documentary on Netflix. Dion's newest addiction!
Now having netflix has completely confused us. We signed up on the ipad and can NOT figure out who to contact to get the disc so we can use it on our Wii. We also don't know if we can stream it from the ipad directly to the tv for now (besides doing a jail break. Why DOES Apple make the ipads/pods so frustrating!). Also.... do Canadians really get anything worthwhile other than documentaries??? Seem Americans get some pretty awesome shows and movies we can't find. Would LOVe to get the discs like they do!!!! If you are in the know.... let me know :)

family sneak peek at gorgy confederation Park

2010-09-27T11:30:00.000-06:00

I love this family. They are so fun! Up for whatever..... and this mom is absolutely amazing.
It is always a good time getting together. Although this timme it was a great motivator for me to remember to get my runners back out of hiding. Because her baby is not even a year and she looks so fantastic!

How cute are these kids???? They are totally adorable! And so much fun :)

I have photographed him with this bear a few times. It is starting to look small!

I told them to kiss someone beside them. Dad totally got shafted!

newborn sweetness

2010-09-25T17:39:00.000-06:00

I had posted a few sneaks of this session a while ago and now it is DONE :) This little girl is just too pretty and her mom was so into getting some uber cute shots - it was really a pleasure hanging out and taking some gorgeous pics! Enjoy!!!

I LOVE this purple blanket!!!! So soft and sweet :)

365 day 285 my little fashionista

2010-09-21T21:43:00.000-06:00

Calgary. Beware. Kade is breaking in to fashion. Setting the trends.

And the trend for 2010 is

color -PINK. When you think it may be too much, add more to your ensemble.
accessories - shades. Always. Even though the sun never shines. She can not go ANYWHERE without the shades. won't even let me start driving the car without breaking into hysterics that she's not ready if they are not on.
also on the accessories list - cabbage patch doll and baby carrier. There is nothing cuter. Trust me.

Go to school like this to pick up your brother and you will put smiles on everyone's faces :)

My view looking down. I love this view :)

So happy after school. He loves his teacher. And his class. Kudos to all teachers out there - I can NOT imagine what you all go through in one day. Never mind a week. And to be so fabulous to have students really really like going to school and learn? AWESOME.

365 day 281,282,283, and 284Welcome to Forks

2010-09-21T14:10:00.001-06:00

Calgary is the new Forks. at least I hope so. Because I really need SOMETHING to look forward to if this is going to be our weather from now on.

You take away my sun? I at least want the excitements of vampires in town. Give us something to talk about. Something that makes this depressing drizzle worth it all.

Ever morning I wake up to drip.......drip...........drip.drip.drip......drip and just want to crawl back under my covers and sleep it away. But I can't. Because I have kids to look after.
Then I go to imagining a nice warm fire and a delicious vat of coffee ready with a good book in hand. But I can't for a few reasons. The first being our house may burn down if the chimney doesn't get cleaned first. And although we spent 1/2 hr in the chimney cleaning section of Canadian Tire we walked out with nothing as Dion thought he might be able to borrow from his friend. And then it has been forgotten ever since. So there our chimney sits..... begging for a cleaning.... and me begging to use it. Another reason would be where the heck do you get firewood at a decent price? Without buying a cord - really where am I going to put that much wood? I can't even park A CAR in the garage... never mind storing all that wood somewhere around here. The other problem is..... sitting and reading a book while drinking coffee in front of a fire SOUNDS ideal..... but realistically my kids would NEVER let me be that relaxed!!!!

THEN IT HITS ME. This could be snow. Noooooooooooo. Please no. So then I jump out of bed and race to the window. Once it has been snow. The rest - still rain.

Every morning it is the same. And the blahs set in again. And my headache starts all over. This has been life for the last how many weeks????

I can't even get motivated. Part of me doesn't want to. I just want the sun. Please please let the sun come back to Calgary.

I love this picture. About 5 min later we were running for cover. Lightning, thunder and hail. Typical. But what an awesome picture!!! This was taken the same day as 280 so I didn't count it :)

SERIOUSLY???? A slug. On our front steps. I have NEVER EVER seen one before. day 281

Our worms are turning into snakes. *giggle* day 282

AND.... we have a nice healthy mushroom patch growing in our FRONT YARD. Which is a sloped front yard. That is now so soaked your foot sinks into it when you walk. It's awesome. Cause the bottom of your pants are soaked by the time you get into the house. day 283

AND THEN.... on really lucky days..... it SNOWS. awesome. day 284

Mother nature hates Calgary. And now off to buy some Vitamin D. I need to find happy.

sneak peek of a beautiful newborn

2010-09-21T09:36:00.000-06:00

This sneak peek isn't so sneaky anymore! It has been a long wait for a sneak for the parents of this gorgeous baby girl!!!! I had so much fun photographing this little beauty. She was a fighter, but in the end her mom and I won the battle and she finally fell into a sleep for some adorable pictures!!!

There is no better sneaky sneaks than pictures with a pretty hat that was a gift for miss L. It fit her perfectly and she looks so sweet in it!

LOVE LOVE this picture!! I can NOT wait until mom sees this one :)

Some more sneaks of a rockin family session

2010-09-18T08:51:00.001-06:00

You may remember a few sneaks of this hawt family but I HAD to share more :)
This location happens to be one of my favorites. And the family is too ;) There was just too many awesome pics NOT to share more! Thanks for the times.... it is always fun! I can't wait until you get to see them all!

How cute are these kids?????

I LOVE this one!

taking some steps already!!!

Thank goodness there was a lady there ready to make lil man C smile... who knew umbrellas could be so handy?

I was waiting to get this wagon shot FOREVER.... and it looked promising until......

it was over. there went my great idea!!! This one was 30 seconds after being put in the wagon!!! He was DONE with it!

see? kids do love me lol.

I am crazy over these freckles.... so cute!

Super fun family!!!

Noone was forced to try to get a jumping shot....... noone ;)

I shared this one before in color. Can't resist the black and white!!!

365 day 280 I had big plans... so of course it just rained HARDER

2010-09-11T23:52:00.000-06:00

Today I had big plans. For the last few days I have not really been able to be at the computer. There is something funky going on with my left eye. It got all swollen and red and every time I blinked I felt it down to my cheekbone. Nothing seems to really help it.... and although I thought it could be a sty it just never seems to be one.

So I took the kids out to Inglewood. I had seen some pics of an old barn and I really wanted to find the best spots to go shooting.

Problem 1.. as USUAL it was raining. A light drizzle but still raining.
Problem 2.. it was RAINING. full on thunderstorm with lightning and thunder.
Problem 3.. then the hail came and I KNEW it was over.

Which brought an end to the excitement quickly.

I found so AWESOME spots though..... just need a sunny day for ONCE to really get exploring. Please please... let the sun shine SOON!!!!

365 day 279 and now RO is an official school kid!!!

2010-09-08T23:56:00.001-06:00

What a whirlwind the last few days have been.

Last night I had an awful headache. I was in bed at 8:30. Which was fine. Until I woke up at 11 and then was in a constant state of freaking over kindergarten, getting my website done, with a bit of sleep thrown in here and there.

This morning = me a wreck.

But we got through it. And took Ro to preschool. Getting ready was an event though ;)

As usual we were running just a little behind. Kade can really slow a person down ;) So it went down like this.

me- Rohan and Kadence get your shoes on we have to leave NOW.
them - we are mom
daddy - Kadence where are your socks?
me - I gave them to you when you dressed her. then running upstairs muttering for the 100th time over how I can't believe it is raining and that I will get no good pictures.
me again after coming down from upstairs - Kade sit down and let me put your socks on. NO! Sit down. OMG Kadence - you are a mess!!! I can't get you dressed like this! muttering under my breath as I had JUST given her a bath.
Dion - why is she a mess?
me - She took her sandwich apart and has jam all over her face, hair and hands! muttering while I go to get a paper towel. and again when I see we are out downstairs. and some more as I stomp upstairs to get a new roll. and again when I come down and noone has their shoes on YET.
me - GET YOUR SHOES ON!!!
the kids - WE ARE!!!!
Dion - here Ro let me help with your shoes.
Rohan - ok. No not like that daddy. When you do up my shoes I like it PERFECT. Dion muttering while he perfectly aligns the two velcro straps on his shoes about how much of a perfectionist our son is...
Me - Kade I need to wipe you off. You need your vest on it's raining.
Rohan (standing at the door ready to go) - I am ready I'll be outside!
Me - no - you need your coat on.
Rohan - no I don't.
Me - yes you do it's raining.
Dion - Get your coat on!
Rohan -OK OK.
Me - Kadence come on. put your vest on. LET'S GO!!!

end scene. fast forward to us walking to the car.

I am taking pictures. SHOCK.

Dion - really? stop taking pictures
Rohan - GRRRR No more pictures!!
Me - Oh I don't have my keys! Do you Dion?
Dion- Really. You remebered your camera and forgot the keys to the CAR?
Me - Ummmmm. YA.
Dion - muttering while trying to find his keys in his pockets - Kade stop playing in the puddles! and he gets the doors opened.
Ro - CLOSE MY DOOR MOM!! I CAN BUCKLE MYSELF!!!!
Me - no I have to put my bag in there.
Ro - ok NOW close the door! and he closes the door.
Me - Get in your seat Rohan!
Ro - Close the door!
Dion - Rohan get in your seat!
Ro - is now in his seat and muttering under his breath about me NOT closing the door.
Me- see? Just wanted to put my bags in.
Ro - Close the door.
Me - seriously... let me help you buckle.
Ro - I can do it MYSELF.
Me - Fine. muttering as I get into the front seat and AGAIN have to ask Dion for the keys to start the car.
Ro - UGH!!!! These straps are too tight! UGH! ACK! GRRRRRR!
Me - oh do you need some help? muttering as I get out and go buckle him in.

End scene. fast forward to school.
We arrive. We park and get out of the car.

Rohan runs WAY ahead of us. Yelling the whole way. COME ON!!! COME ON!!!!! HURRY UP!!!
No time for rainy pics. No time for ANY pics!!!

once we get close to the door where he is waiting.
Me - Rohan. You were in such a hurry you forgot your backpack!!!
Rohan - OH NO!!!!
Dion - I will get it.
Me - Rohan wait for daddy to get back before going in. Let me take your pic here by the door :)

as a mom I know from Rohan's preschool walks out in tears. OK Kathy.... check yourself. Focus on the pictures.

And we all go in. Rohan found his hook and TOOK OFF! No hugs, no kisses... he ran into his room calling to his friend from preschool. With us watching and yelling ROAHN GOODBYE!!

Without turning his head he waves at the door and calls goodbye to us.

Well. At least there wasn't time for tears.

My baby. Is in school. well sort of. Have you checked their schedules? They RARELY get a full week in any month!!!!!

Sidenote - picking up your kid from school is NO JOKE. When you drive. OY. I want the van with the DVD player! You have to be there EARLY... or you walk in the mud when it's raining!

Mommy making him pose at home inside. Because it was RAINING.

See? Grrrrrrrr

The rain sure made her hair look awesome hey????? She was LOST without him. Every 20min at home she asked if it was time to go and pick him up!

See? Didn't even turn to look. LOL.

365 day 278 Jax is off to KINDERGARTEN!!!!

2010-09-08T10:45:00.000-06:00

I am so lucky to live so close to my sister and her family. Having our kids grow up together is really really cool! The fact that in this huge city our kids can go to the same school is a real bonus.... because for every fun event it is twice the excitement and twice the fun!!!

Yesterday we met up so I could watch the kids NOT going to school and Jenny could walk Jax into school. So I took a few of his last pics before turning into a school kid!!!!

He was SO EXCITED........

So excited... he could barely stand still!

Wonder where she's hiding her kleenex ;) SERIOUSLY... she JUST had a baby!! Does she not look FANTASTIC!!!

And they're off!!!

And my sister took one of me!

365 day 277 wow.... my 365 got a lil boring

2010-09-07T15:31:00.000-06:00

LOL. In doing my 365 I usually did my posts every day. BUT as I fell behind I am doing al these posts at once. And noticing we go to the park. A LOT. Which is ok - but I guess for my 365 a little boring. So I promise the rest of my 365 is going to get a little more creative and exciting!!!!

This park day was special. Cause Daddy actually got to come. Wahooooooo!!!!

Took a while to get this! And I was more than dizzy once I could finally stop.

RACING.

Why it`s great to have a cool dad.

364 day 276 some park.... a storm.... now THAT'S hail!!!

2010-09-07T14:04:00.000-06:00

Taking the kids to the park is probably my fav thing about summer. I love love letting them run around and play. Now that they are getting older it gets to be a little less work for us parents too :) Which does make it more fun!

This summer.... if it was nice out we went. No question. As you may or may not notice from all my blog posts! Because the nice was usually short lived and did not happen all that often. Sometimes.... we were racing a storm.

On this day....... we almost got caught in it! And judging by the size of the hail - that would have hurt.

One way to make the swings more exciting.....

And another way. I tried doing this with them. The swings are NOT as much fun as I remember lol. The older I get the more my stomache and head dislike this. I AM THAT OLD.

Hey Keag..... do you like going to the park? hahahahaha

We figured it was prob best to leave when this arrived.

This is prob one of my fav pics EVER.

This happened about 2 min after we got home. My CF card was full - so I was quickly trying to upload some pics so I could take some of the storm. It was SO SLOW I figured I would pull out the d80 and take some. WELL. Forgot how to use and find half the options. So I let my camera upload some then stopped it. Had to get some pis!

It was so windy - our get opened. freaked us all out!

Dion ran out to grab a piece..... and we froze in in the freezer while the camera finished uploading the pics lol.

365 day 275 guess what we have?????

2010-09-06T21:50:00.000-06:00

Do you know?????

I know. You're all CRAZY jealous. Now everyone's going to want one. I love starting trends ;)

365 day 274 smiles sludge slime and a few cuties thrown in

2010-09-06T21:30:00.000-06:00

A day down by the river is VERY exciting for our crew!!!
This day was no exception.... Uncle Troy had a bit of time and was taking the nephews down to the river so we went along with them for some fun.

Thankfully.... the mosquitoes did not wage a FULL on war with us and we had a great time!

My most willing model of the whole bunch..... I can ALWAYS count on him!!!

Only my kid would find a way to make a mud puddle at a rocky beach. lol.

There may or may not be something amiss with this outfit ;)

She was cleaning her shoes.......

Care for a swim????

Masterminds at work.

oh yum. A lesson in algae. Or as Rohan says - allergies.

Uncle Troy's version of a nice leisurely walk. Um ya... or not so much!

Sweetness.

You sure we have to leave?????

365 day 273 one of MY fav suppers

2010-09-06T12:21:00.000-06:00

is BREAKFAST.

Seriously. Love it. the end. And now? I want some.

365 day 272 another reason I want a 70-200.....

2010-09-06T12:10:00.001-06:00

It would sure kick butt for moon photos!!!
One night I got up around 2:30 to let the dogs out and WOW the moon was just awesome. Full and bright - what I wouldn't give to have a decent zoom to get a better shot!!! It was so bright I didn't even need a tripod!

I mean really? I have 85 at THE MOST.

Does NOT do justice......

SOOC at 85mm

cropped to 100% - this would be sweet SOOC ;) I keep hoping if I drop random hints here and there I will find a 70-200 VRII in my stocking for Christmas.... anyone?????

365 day 271 something came in the mail

2010-09-06T11:45:00.000-06:00

Can you guess what it was????? Kade asks all the time now.... Do I look pretty?

ROFL.

It's getting dark early again... had to dig out my flash once more. Clearly... more practice required!

Kade's version of posing. Always looks tortured.

She also took over Ro's car. So she got 2 presents lol. Thanks to the grandmas in our lives.... for sending random gifts 'just because'. The kids find it very exciting and fun to get stuff in the mail!

365 day 270 the most desired timbit

2010-09-06T10:29:00.000-06:00

in our family is the sour cream one.Well.... besides daddy. His is chocolate. And as far as the kids care... he can have them ALL!!!

Meanwhile... whenever we get timbits the fight for the sour cream ones IS ON. And Ro loves to brag when hets the last one!! He will tell me hey mom... your favorite timbit is in here...... then he will eat it. LOL.

But when it comes to the park... it is only Kade that will break for food. Even if that food is timbits.
And she.got.them.all.

take that Rohan!

365 day 269 girls change everything......

2010-09-06T09:53:00.001-06:00

Rohan is SO funny. I mean RIDICULOUSLY funny. So funny we have to just shake our heads.
Since meeting his new friend L he has been in a constant whirlwind. When he thought I lost her number he went from super excited to devastated. Then I found the number and he was fighting me for the phone. Then he phones her and he sets up little 'dates' with her.

He now ASKS me to do his hair. his exact words? DON'T FORGET TO DO MY HAIR MOM!!!!! and he may be starting to notice the differences between boy and girl friends (besides obvious ones lol). He told Kade yesterday that she is really pretty. JUST LIKE his friend L.

The first playdate Ro set up with L over the phone one was the park. I wanted to record the call SO BAD... but the video recorder was dead. As per usual. I don't know why - it rarely gets used! He did really well - left her a message and everything. Apparently his courage has gone up a few notches as well. The second one? And actual real live dropoff playdate. Which I have never done before. Except with my friends. I have never done this with a friend of his choosing.

The night before he packed up some stuff to bring with him. He couldn't sleep. SO EXCITED. When he was finally out around midnight I went to check on him. He had fallen asleep WITH HIS BACKPACK ON.
I went to take it off - must have weighed 10 lbs. He was drenched with sweat he was so hot! Not to mention he had tied the backpack around his stomache so I practically had to wake him right up to get it off. The straps were soaked as were his sheets. He must have been REALLY excited to fall asleep with that thing on :) When he woke up he kept his pack close to him and BEGGED me to let him call her. As it was 7:30 I didn't think that would be a good idea. I had him wait until around 9:30. Well - you would have thought I was TORTURING him! He kept asking every 5 minutes... when he finally got the go ahead - the look on his face was priceless. Joy joy joy!!! Then when L's grandma said 10:30 was a good playdate time he was over the moon. UNTIL he realized that meant 2 shows he would have to watch to get to 10:30. Again... every 5 min he was hounding me... IS IT TIME TO GO YET?????

And then... 10:30 came. Little L opened the door when we got there squealing with delight. And Ro took off running. And never stopped - not even to say goodbye lol. They have a really great connection those two! So Kade and I went off and rented a girls movie and got some treats and came back home for a couple of hours while Ro was on his 'date'. We picked him up in the early pm and he was having a blast. Little L and he had a great time and are already planning their next adventure. Little L clobbered Ro with a hug and they both went crashing to the ground where she banged her head. didn't help she was already starting to cry over Ro having to leave ;) Apparently it goes park date, house date, then sleepover.

HA. And so it begins...... my baby is turning into a boy right in front of my eyes. I am happy, I am sad, and everything in between. ETA.... I should say I don't think he is over the top excited because she is a girl.... it is probably really because this is a friend HE has chosen and LOVES to be around. The fact she is a girl... well it changes some of the things he does - like his hair, or complimenting Kade lol.

365 day 268 gorgeous family session

2010-09-04T22:56:00.000-06:00

I have taken little man C's pics since he was born. He is so so cute and I just love hangin with his mom. Today we did our first family photo session!

S you have such a fun spirited beautiful family.... I had a TON of fun!!! And the pics are so gorgeous and fun... stay tuned! Here is a little sneak!!!

lil man C totally cracks me up.

AND my fav pic.... S you were right - bes UNPOSE EVER!!!!!!

365 day 267 hanging on to summer.......

2010-09-03T23:53:00.000-06:00

BARELY. just barely.

We hit the park once it warmed up and the clouds cleared out..... with the cousins. Where Rohan met up with the girl he met yesterday. She was so excited to see him it was crazy cute. She also brought 2 waterguns. AWWWWWW.

When we were leaving we got her number. Rohan also got his first kiss!! One the cheek. I about died. Thank goodness we gave her grandma our number too as me being me lost theirs. Seriously... I lost it between here and the park!!!! Hopefully she will call... and not wait for him! Poor Ro was fighting me for the phone as soon as we walked in so he could call her and ask if she could play tomorrow. Only to find I had lost her number :( they grow up so fast ;)

When she was getting in the car she told her grandma 'when he left he broke my heart'. I can't stand it. CUTE.

Some played in the water.... some played in the park...... and it was so nice to hang on to summer just a little longer.

And one started the day with a crazy dooooooo!

Ro's girl.

AWWWWWWWWW. The kids are getting SO BIG. TOO FAST.

Jenny brought chips. Kade, being Kade, found a bonus sandwich and helped herself!

Remember when they were so little.... we used to have to slide them down the slide..... now look at these lil monsters!

the one who still loves my camera.

crack me up.

and he's spent.

this one... never lets me get pictures. HA Jax.... got you here!

Is there a better way to end the day than watermelon? OUTSIDE in shorts? I think not.

those kids running in the water park in their underwear.....

2010-09-02T22:52:00.000-06:00

MINE. lol. Yep. I mean really.... what kind of parent lets their kids run around like that? ME. Well not normally. Not normally OUTSIDE of our house. Because my kids were born to be naked it seems.

We went to the park to meet my sister. And today was surprisingly warm!!! So warm that after being at the park for an hour the kids took off off to the water park. The same water that we had all talked about in the car when we saw it was on. In disbelief. I mean it wasn't even on all the summer it was so cool here. And then it was on today?

Well..... the kids were hot. The water was on. Clothes came off. And fun was had.

VERY sad I didn't bring suits... as it got later in the day the sun was gorgeous and the pics are awesome... but no suits no posts lol. This weather drives me nuts... we have a car full of mittens, hats and vests because it has been SO COLD and my kids end up at a waterpark running around in underwear. Only here ;)

I had a ton of fun photographing water though.... there were barely any kids so I could get closer than normal. Hope it's on again tomorrow! Ro has a date with a little girl if it is nice ;) no really he does... you tell a kid they are going to big kid school and they just jump right into dating...... lol.

What a gorgeous day. Please please let our fall be like this. Or winter too. We deserve it.

SO COOL. I got a ton of random neat shots :)

SO MUCH FUN!!!

What an awesome grandma. Happened to have a blanket in the car. It wasn't THAT warm out lol. the kids got cold pretty quick. But a little dry off and they were good to go again!

He was so sad his little date was leaving!

Lady GaGa in training. As per my sister. LOVE IT!

365 day 256 I'm taking a course and I took my kids out for a shoot!

2010-09-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

So I am in the first week of a four week photography course. I love taking photography courses. I always strive to be better. Shoot smarter. Edit better. So taking courses are super exciting for me!!!!

I let the kids stay up until sunset. MY KIDS. The ones that wake up at 6:30. It went ok. Kade was totally into it. She wanted them done was modelling her new clothes. Ro was.... the complete opposite of that.
Add to the drama.... the storm clouds rolled in and WHAM lost the beautiful sunset light. So it was NOT the best night for pics.... but I had to make do as it rained for the next two days and my assignment was due!!!

They still turned out fab... and I am happy. I actually had a planned shoot. With my kids. Dressed up all cute. Although... it actually got pretty cold - so they ended up un hoodies and vests.... not at all what I envisioned!!

For the record. They never slept in either. And went to bed at 10. grrrrrrrrr.

So ready to get some pictures! How cute is this!

How she REALLY feels ;)

This was the VERY end of the night... we lost the light and the kids lost their *happy* LOL

I love this picture. Too bad the light was sooo not there. Or it would be HUGE. on my wall. DARN STORM CLOUDS!!!!

LOVE LOVE the field shots here - Good in early morning and sunset :)

Love these shots!!!

Just a SMALL sample of how many pics I have to take to get one of her smiling.

This one... OK mom I will look at you. THIS IS me smiling MOM. No really mom I am saying SMILE right now. She always says smile... and frowns while doing it!

OK OK I will smile... but will look away.

And now I will look the other way.....

Oh... what's that down there????

ARE WE DONE YET????

And the end result. COMPLETELY worth it.

more of the ever adorable baby B

2010-08-30T11:14:00.000-06:00

Such a sweet sweet lill man! and his sister is so cute too!!!
Just wanted to share a few more from their exciting session!!!

love love sweet little newborns.....

2010-08-30T10:55:00.000-06:00

Here are a few more of baby L. I can't help myself. I just love these photos!!! She is so gorgeous...

she was SO SMILEY!!!

I LOVE how humongous soothers look on newborns!

The headband I made..... I LOVE it!! Will be posting pics of different kinds soon... I am pumping them out now ;) And they look great on babies and older kids!

365 day 255 mission accomplished. almost.

2010-08-28T03:26:00.000-06:00

'Mommy!!! We are almost done getting me all ready for SCHOOL!!! All we have left is my eye exam, my shoes and my haircut!! Then I am ALL READY FOR SCHOOL!!!!!'

Too bad my son's enthusiasm isn't catchy! He may drive me crazy.... but I am going to miss him! I get all weepy just thinking about it. If your kid goes to my my kid's school... seriously don't mind me the first few days. I am totally prepared to be a blubbering mess! But he is STOKED. Enough that we got through shopping today. Which IMO makes the day about as perfect as you can get :)

Jenny took Kade (BTW everyone say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my very beautiful sister!) for a couple hours in the hopes I could actually get some shopping done with Rohan. And.it.worked.
SWEET!!!!! We are almost all set!

BUT....... while waiting in line at Sears Ro got a free eye exam. Which has resulted in an eye exam tomorrow am. Please please cross your fingers we do NOT have to get glasses for him!!! While he is excited he may need glasses just like Jaxon... I have honestly hoped and wished EVERY day that our kids do NOT need glasses. I can not tell you how much I can NOT stand having to wear them or contacts and really hope my kids do not have to. NOT TO MENTION.... they would cover his beautiful lashes (how vain am I lol). I just hope that it doesn't happen. We will see tomorrow I guess!

So with Ro almost all set I got to snag the baby and take he and Kade out to Grandma's while Ro got spoiled with a movie with Aunty and the boys. Then grandma snagged the baby ;) I took Kade to the park and she had a BLAST. I am actually very excited to get to spend some time just her and I while Ro is in school this year. She is SO FUN!!!

Once we were home Ro raced to show her some of the stuff we got her. And oh.my.word. She fell in love with a hat and matching mittens. SWEET. Cause I totally fell for them at the store! They are just awesome and I hope we get a lot of use out them - SO SO CUTE!!!!!! She was modelling. UNTIL Ro mentioned he got a new water bottle. Then.... bring on the tears. She wants one too.

Singing. At the top of her lungs.

Playing with trains and barbies. With mitts. LOL.

How do you like that messy face??? Bleeding nose, strawberries.... classic Kade ;)

Seriously.... CUTE HEY???

REALLY not happy with Rohan. Or his cup. And is demanding to go to the mall THIS MINUTE.

365 day 254 BEACH DAY. A REAL BEACH TOO!!!

2010-08-26T17:28:00.001-06:00

Alright my 365 is ALL OUT OF WHACK.
And so will the posts. I am going to catch up - just work has got the best of me!!!

We went to Sylvan Lake yesterday. 4 kids are a LOT of work. Head counts all the time... and someone is always missing!

We took grandma and Jax and Keags with us. As we couldn't all fit (even in a van) I drove the kids in the van and daddy and grandma took her car. The way there was uneventful.. but I did learn a couple of random facts.
-When you give someone a drink or food... you have to stop. You can not get it to the back and neither can the kids directly behind you.
-Learn how to use the DVD player and get a movie in BEFORE leaving. Very important.
-buckling kids in the back row STINKS
-driving a van is like floating on air - AWESOME.
Once there is was PARTY TIME!!!

The boys got real brave. They are just getting so big and independent! They took those boogie boards and went out pretty deep. Tried picking up a girl too ;)

Everyone had so much fun! It was the perfect day.... I just wish there was more beach there!
Can't wait to hit it up next year! And hit the waterslides!

The drive home was more eventful. Many tears (Kade) and sore everythings (Kade and RO) many stops requied (there are SO FEW easy stops on the QE2 BTW) and much more hunger and thirst to deal with.

And here I thought they would sleep the whole way home!!!!!

She put mascara on today. Can you tell?

shhhhhh don't tell daddy....

2010-08-24T13:14:00.000-06:00

what happens when I get the kids ready for bed by myself!!!!!! Rohan's hair was getting so long, and I mentioned it might be long enough for a pony. Ever up for the challenge Ro wanted me to try!
Of course it was fun..... until I wanted a pic lol ;) he may know I am going to use these pics later in life......

He was more than happy to smile after taking them out though!!!

ooooh she's a fiesty one! and not even 2 weeks old! | Calgary newborn photographer

2010-08-20T00:33:00.000-06:00

Two days ago I set off so excited to meet this little tiny bundle of joy! But.... she TOTALLY wasn't diggin me. Poor little girl was not in the mood for photos... mom, dad, and I all put forth a strong joint effort - but this little girl has some SERIOUS staying power!

So I did get some really cool lifestyle shots up in her nursery when mom was trying to calm her down and we crossed our fingers for the best.... but we decided a reshoot was definitely in order.

So today she made the trek to my hothouse studio. And slept!!! She doesn't really like to be handled much though so we didn't fuss with her too much - we definitely didn't want to upset her again :)

Here are a couple from her nursery... and one from today. Oooooh the ones from today are simply GORGEOUS!! She is so precious... and mommy and daddy are definitely going to have their hands full with this fiesty one!

This little girl is SO lucky. Her mom is sooo fantastic at decorating. I want her to decorate my house. Seriously.

And shots from today..... look how much they love this little Miss....

ahhhhhh total sweetness.

365 day 252 | a trip to Wonderland

2010-08-19T19:31:00.000-06:00

Could a 3 yr old ask for a better party???? I think not! My friend V decked her house out with Alice in Wonderland saying, props, shaped food, a rabbit hole (that seriously was a hazard to our health. That's why I didn't go through it bwahahaha) and a bit of a pool party going on in the back yard.

It was sunny and hot (so rare here this year - she must have had some good karma on her side!) - perfect for a princess at her party!!!

Such a fun spread!

She may or may not take more pictures than me.

the one and only man on the scene. heehee

Boys will be daredevils *ummm* boys lol

These girls are just so so pretty.

birthday girl blowing out her candles!!!

today we went school shopping for Rohan

2010-08-17T22:23:00.002-06:00

Man I saved SO MUCH money. Check it out.
We came right home and put the bags down..... look at all his loot!!!!

OK... not on the counter.... must be on the floor.

OK... coffee table?

Front entry????

Want to know where it is??? At the store. Because we left Chinook without buying one single thing. Not even socks or underwear. I went for school clothes and ended up spending 30 bucks. At the MOVIES!

You see... I never take Rohan to the mall. Well never is a stretch. But I really try not to. He, since birth, has hated shopping. SINCE BIRTH PEOPLE. I have friends that can vouch for this. This was different. He asked me if we could go shopping. He is so excited to get school stuff and start school he was really excited about going.

I had a pitstop to make at fabricland to meet a friend who is going to be doing something GREAT that willo be showcased right here!!! I was late. Both of my computers have now decided to completely stop burning discs. Completely. And I was supposed to give her her pics! Frustrated and beyond mad I left the house with the kids.... to find my car still packed from the shoot yesterday! Dion had gotten home late and I was too tired to empty the car then forgot about it! So we had to haul everything in before we could leave. So I was already in a FABULOUOS mood ;)

His excitement lasted until we walked into a *shudder* STORE. It was busy. Crazy busy. And there was barely anything in his size. After a few rounds in his dept and chasing kids, counting to 3 for kids to GET BACK HERE, and coming close to storming out of a store we went to the change rooms. Upon our arrival Kade had to pee. Being the doting mom that I am I made her hold it while Rohan tried on clothes. And only 3 things fit (insert VERY LOUD SCREAM HERE). He was sick of trying on clothes, falling over, mad, and I was not too far behind. And Kade had to pee.
So we went to the washrooms. And found a *SORRY WASHROOMS ARE OUT OF ORDER* sign. SIGH. Ok - we will not look for more clothes, but pay for these three things and get out of here. The out of order sign sparked 10 MINUTES of Rohan asking why the washrooms were broken, what happened, when would they work again, what did someone flush down there, who broke it, did they get in trouble inquisition from Rohan. It does not work to make stuff up with him - he just gets more inquisitive and you end up having to make up more stuff. Finally I was THAT mom..... ROHAN PLEASE STOP TALKING!!!!!Upon arrival at checkout we found an ungodly line. And poor Kade was practically jumping around like a little jumping bean. And Rohan was still peppering me with questions about the washrooms. I THREW the clothes down and we left post haste.

I was in a really fragile state. My nerves were raw. 15 minutes in the store and I want someone to hold ME lol. 15 MINUTES!!! And Kade still had to pee. I made a split second decision. We were at Old Navy. Shopping was obviously out. I was DONE. We needed a bathroom.

OK kids - to the movie theatre. We are going to a movie. And we did. What a gong show. Needed luch, drinks, popcorn, I needed a coffee, tickets... I could have used someone to hold stuff for me lol. I even walked away from Tim Hortons SANS coffee and had to go back for it!!!!
Then in the theater.... balancing all the food and drinks, spilling coke on me, kids losing 3D glasses, and kids needing to pee and wanting another drink.... oh my word. Going to a movie with kids is not really relaxing lol. Rohan had to leave to pee 3X!!! So we all had to truck back and forth......

Then Kade fell leaving the theater. About 10 kernels of popcorn fell out. Well... She cried for those 10 kernels like it was the END OF THE WORLD (she stilll had like half a bag!). Wouldn't put her shoe back one. I couldn't carry her - I was LOADED with all the junk they wanted to take home. Oh my. Embarrasing much?

Then we had to stop at Safeway. Oh yes it gets better. Rohan of course had to pee again. So a trip to the washrooms. Have I mentioned my dislike for public washrooms? And how much time you spend in them when you have kids??
We quickly got the milk and raced for checkout. Ya checkout. You know. Where they put all the candy.... gum.... chocolates... magazine's. To TORTURE PARENTS!!! Rohan asked and asked and kept pulling things out.... FINALLY I snapped. and made him hold my hand the rest of the time in the store. Serves him right. I HATE those stands!!!

And then... Kade made a break for it. Outside right off the sidewalk into the parking lot. Not a care in the world but to run free. Thankfully a gentleman stopped her. She immediately stops when strangers talke to her lol.
Made it home. Supper came. Bedtime came. Not sure when the recovery will start. I am scarred from this trip.

On another note.... Despicable Me. Totally AWESOME. We all loved it - and Kade even wore her glasses the whole movie!!!!! That is amazing! Go see it. Good times :)

One more funny thing...... my threat to Rohan is this.

Rohan..... we are going to try shopping one more time tomorrow for school clothes. If you misbehave I will take you to a store EVERY SINGLE DAY until school starts. We will not buy anything. But we will check out clothes and you may have to try some on. But we won't buy it. Sounds like fun hey? Hopefully... it will go better!

365 day 250 kids sure can cheer a girl up :)

2010-08-17T02:06:00.000-06:00

It's been a long day! My allergies are raging out of control beings lol. I even had to make a side trip to double up my dosage today. WEIRD how I grew up with cats my whole life, yet once I moved out I could never go near another one again. I remember going back to my parents place after I moved out and after playing with Cozy (our cat) in the backyard I came inside.... only to find myself covered in HIVES! All over my face... everywhere!

Anyways..... side note - I would rather poke my eyes with toothpics than drive Sarcee again. SERIOUSLY. Someone get US a ring road already! Construction after construction.... I do not know how people do that every day...... no thank you!

I got to meet a sweet little newborn today.... but she was already playing diva and I get to see her again! Funny how girls get that attitude so young ;) She was having none of my camera today so we are going to meet up again.... and I am determined... so she better bring her A game ;)

Once I got home the kids proved to have given Grandma and Deb a run for their money.... they needed a drink. STAT. After they left, I brought the kids in and we started to watch Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
OK really? Did anyone actually LIKE that movie? We shut it off. I have no desire to watch it when the kids are in bed either.

So Kade wanted to cheer me up. And wear on of the headbands I made today. Yes I know.... just one more thing I have added to my must do list lol. So she let me take some fun pics of her. I wish the backdrop didn't suck - but all my props were still in the car and I had no desire to be dragging them in right then!

Hello eyelashes!!!!

Ahhhh the light in the kitchen in the afternoon is heavenly! Oh my messy child... I love you.

Best I got of him lol. ZERO cooperation!

See? Happy girl!!!!! The headbands I made are for newborns... but she wanted to try one on, so I said yes!

365 day 249 finally a little heat

2010-08-15T22:06:00.000-06:00

Sheesh. This summer has got to be the biggest letdown EVER.
Today we did catch a break and it was warm enough to trek down to the waterpark!! Daddy had most of the day off, and Jenny brought her kids - so it was bound to be the best time!

Well... Rohan the clumsy fell on the concrete. Not once. But twice. Scrapes on his chest, his arms, and all over his knees. Swell. If you live in Sommerset and heard a kid crying... odds are it was him. He likes to let EVERYONE know he's hurt. And.... heaven forbid he should actually look at his owies and see blood. It just gets louder people.

Kadence clumsy #2 fell off the slide. At the regular park while we were at the water park side cleaning up. She had taken off with Keags while we were cleaning up. We could see her playing so we didn't rush over. No need for the spanish inquisition people... she fell off a slide. We weren't like at home having a beer.... but we did have to trek all the way to the other side to get her. And it looked like she was playing... not hurt - we couldn't hear her! (this is in response to some guy giving D the gears it took too long to get to her. Must be nice to be a perfect parent. insert sarcasm here.)

Despite the owies... a great time was had by all. Maybe summer is on the way?????

Little heartbreaker. Glad ONE of the kids loves the camera. Although... there is still hope for Riley. Right?

my sort of willing subject. HAHAHAHA love you :)

The fights over this ball are amazing. I remember when taking the ball to the park was actually fun. LOL.

simply sweet session....perfection

2010-08-15T11:52:00.000-06:00

Ahhhhh to be young and carefree again... running through a beautiful garden at sunset... and a crazy photographer chasing you lol ;)

I had so much fun at this session... I posted a few sneaks before and wanted to share some more. Because they are awesome. I had a super hard time narrowing the gallery for this little beauty..... enjoy!

Check out her poses lol. Practicing to be a teen already!

LOVE this.

Noone has fun on a photo shoot with me.... can't you tell?

I love this picture. Pure sass.

Oh how beautiful that light was :)

365 day 248 THE GIGGLE FACTOR

2010-08-13T22:53:00.000-06:00

HAPPY FRIDAY THE 13th!!!!!

Friday the 13th usually mean a great day around here ;) After all Dion and I DID get engaged on one Friday the 13th! Today was heavenly. I haven't ever experienced anything like it.
Kadence and Rohan played. all day. together. laughing, giggling, a little fighting but not much, talking,pretending..... they were soooo cute! I just cleaned and read, cleaned, cooked, tore them away from playing to feed them and went back to cleaning, and reading! I did NOT try to work though... because of course they would instantly break out fighting or something if I actually tried to accomplish something ;)

They didn't even trash anything! They were so into playing pretend.... they probably didn't realize they were getting along so well ;)

If only ALL days were like this..... I didn't even go out to the places I wanted to go to get some things done... I was totally enjoying watching and listening to them play.

AMAZING. These are the days we as parents live for. The days we can say I love my kids. Without having to count to 10 first ;)

And now.... just sharing a little of my giggle factor. Go ahead and giggle. You will want to!

Showcasing her woggle goggles. Gotta love imagination movers!

Can't.Stop.Laughing.

sweet sweet newborn session | Calgary newborn photographer

2010-08-12T22:06:00.000-06:00

This little man was sooo alert and really gave us a run for our money. Or should I say gave DAD a run for his money??? I have some pretty funny outtakes that I really want to share.... can I????
He was a total ham - this family is in for it! But he was all over posing. Ever so cute! Mom and Dad were just in love with him.... every little face he made just brought fresh excitement and more snapping! His big sister miss O was totally into him too.... even grabbing a few kisses here and there.

Such a beautiful family.... now of FOUR!

It is just so amazing when a baby locks focus with mommy.... complete love and trust captured.

I swear... he's smiling!!!

Really.... WHAT could be cuter than this?????

365 day 247.... reaons I am an awesome mom. er D is an awesome dad

2010-08-12T15:00:00.000-06:00

Breakfast the other morning = cupcakes.

I was all Nooooooooo..... daddy was all Yesssssssssssss..... and I could see he was right. Everyday? No.
That day? Yes. Why not really?

Then I thought I would jump in on the fun... back to the fridge mine went! A little too sweet for first thing in the morning for me ;)

Lucky kids!

She still does not like cake. BUT would never say no to icing!

Give him a cupcake for breaky and STILL no smile. grrrrr

I seriously love this.... even though he is doing his best NOT to look at me!

365 day 246 kids are sooooo expensive!

2010-08-12T11:56:00.000-06:00

I have gone through countless tales here over Kade and Ro getting into things they shouldn't. Dumping thing, wrecking things.... whatever.

Now..... Kadence had been sent to bed. She didn't want to read the story Ro was getting and I was home alone with them. So I sent her to bed to wait for me. She was really really tired - so I actually thought (oh silly mommy) that she had fallen asleep.

Really................... she had gone and grabbed my clinique lotion. and dumped almost ALL of it all over her bad self and the floor. AGAIN. This is I think her 3rd time... and that stuff is not CHEAP! She had covered herself in hairspray (I can't even count what number this act is up to) and my hair gel bottle also was laying empty on her floor. After getting what was coming to her she fell asleep.

Later on............... I found a bottle of lotion. What was left in it was covered in water. AND 2 empty toner bottles. Seriously... both empty but still in my bathroom and my sink was dry. WHERE had she dumped them? never found out. Did find out what had happened to the rest of my lotion though.... Rohan was trying to clean all my stuff Kade had dumped for me. And was trying to clean the inside of the lotion bottle.

Oh BROTHER.... being good or bad............ kids are EXPENSIVE! And now... I must get lotion as my face is peeling off already lol.

beautiful family..... great session

2010-08-11T12:48:00.001-06:00

Just wanted to put up a few more pics now that I have gone through them all and put up a gorgeous gallery.
I loved getting together with this family.... they are so fun!!!

365 day 245 | Calgary photographer

2010-08-09T20:44:00.000-06:00

Exhausted. Allgergied out. Kidded out. Whine whine whine.

I am trying to get back on the sleep train. My kids are making it hard...... and I am failing.

Now...... I need to catch up on quite a few blog posts. So I am going to lump them all together.... except for this one.... because of how much I lurve this photo and how much we love this pretty lady :)

So here you are grandma...... popsicle and all ;) Thanks for the day today. The kids are beat and sleeping. Well Ro went to sleep right away. Kade felt the need to empty my shampoo bottle into my contact solution and coat her head with hairspray first. Bet you're glad they sleep here!!!!

365 day 244 a little edgier | Calgary children's photographer

2010-08-06T23:26:00.001-06:00

Edgier.... or more urbanish. I'm trying to push my comfort level a little. Today I finally got my walk to Inglewood in!!! I went with my friend T and all our kids. Walking in Inglewood with 5 kids just for fun..... is not really something I would advise. The sidewalks are narrow and kid friendly restaurants with bathrooms (lol) were not really on every corner! Not to mention there were soooo many shops T and I wanted to stop in. But with our troops that was not going to happen!

But I must say it was fun. We stopped at Inglewood Pizza. Which was AMAZING. Such good pizza. Definitely go there. We went to Starbucks... and we found fantastic photo spots and the BLUE WALL I have been searching for. Unfortunately we didn't actually make it to the wall... but hey we found it!!!

I got some GREAT pics of some beautiful girls. Little Miss T.... you are so pretty. and sweet. and smart. and loved. You are growing up sooo fast and I am so happy I get to be in your life. You are an amazing kiddo with such a fantastic life ahead of you..... thanks for letting me take your pics today. And little Miss R you are just sweetness. You just strike a pose for me on request..... and you make me laugh all the time.
T- you have some amazing kids on your hands.... which just shows everyone that you are a wonderful mom (and possibly a great dad in there too ;). We love love spending time with you guys and wish it could be more often! So move already ;)

Some of these are processed a little differently than I would a client.... I take every chance I can to learn and grow - and these kids were so willing so I had to play around with them! And I know their mom won't mind!

365 day 243... or is it | Calgary children's photographer

2010-08-06T01:16:00.000-06:00

OK. I just need to stop. And admit it. This cold plus allergies has really taken everything out of me.
I wasn't taking pictures... and my posting is behind. So I must get caught up!!!

Today... I took enough pictures to last a week. If only that was the way a 365 worked ;) What a great day! It was so nice out (hello rareness) and we went over to my friend V's to check out her new (and awesome) digs and play in the backyard. It was so much fun!!! Can't wait to cram in more friend time before dum.dum.dum. SCHOOL!!!!!! Hopefully this time we can do it without a flooded toilet due to Addy's obsession with flushing things she shouldn't lol. And causing a leak right to the basement ;) Although.... where else would we find such excitement?

I took too many pictures today. I filled my CF card. Which means over 300. It was just so fun to hang out and snap pics of the kids. How will I EVER choose what to show here????? Oh the stress......

The usual suspects......

Hello Miss Snow White. You are too cute for words.

*melts my heart*

He's getting a little too brave.... I smell broken bones if he doesn't start slowing down!

I love water shots. LOVE.

Some of the slide action.... completely wore Rohan out. Completely. pure bliss lol.

What else would make the perfect treat on a hot day???

heehee giggle *snort*

V tricked her to look at me. Using food. Of course ;)

So she won't go near the pool in her swin suit.... but put her in a dress and.......

365 day 242 when the light is sweet | Calgary children's photographer

2010-08-03T22:26:00.000-06:00

When the light is sweet the pictures SING!!!!
Little miss B..... how I love taking her pictures! I took them twice last year (indoor and outdoor sessions) and they were GORGEOUS. This year... they are just amazing! We went to one of my favorite gardens... the light was fabulous and she was in a fantastic mood! Her parents were totally into it too.... so it was a really fun night!!!
Thanks for the times..... here are some sneaks! There are a few - that lighting was so awesome... I am in awe! This is why I recommend sunlight/sunset times.... seriously rockin!

As soon as I clicked it, I knew it was magic! This girl was FAST.... and kept me moving. The fact that I got this shot made the whole night. She is just beautiful.

She was really loving this ring. But was concentrating hard on where to hold her arm for the pic ;)

No really.... she WAS having a good time!

There are no words. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

She was having soooo much fun. Just hanging out with the parents and playing around! So much fun to shoot!