I know I love it when I get inspirations thoughts, ideas and websites. Do you want some today?

Well, a friend sent me a link to an inspirational movie clip from this site www.simpletruths.com and I watched the video she sent and was moved to tears. So I went to their site and checked out a few more of their inspirational movies. This was my favorite I think. Probably because of the underlying message of “memories” that it tells of. I love that he was looking through old albums, and it reinforces how important capturing memories of our family really is. But more so the message of how a child’s perception can be so different from our own adult perception. How we think we know how they feel about something or what lessons they take away from a situation, but do we really know what they are thinking? How they see us, and the world?

Watch the show, take a minute. There is certainly a lesson for each parent to learn from the message in the video.

Then when you have a chance, watch a few more here.

And the one my friend sent me. This is great!! It truly is the little things that make a “big” difference.

Have a great week!

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Made this with Jack’s images.  He is graduating this year and is just a fantastic guy.  A very talented pianist and had a very cool mountain bike!

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I know I share my daughter here alot on my blog.  That is a reflection of her age and willingness to have her photo taken.  I am under no disallusions when it comes to realizing that she will some day rear at the idea of having her photo taken… so I take advantage of her willingness now.

How do I know she will not love it one day… well if my son is any indication of what happens when they get a bit older then I am basing it on my experience with him.  Age 10 and for the past few years has really not wanted his photo taken or been a very willing participant.  I can’t blame them… they see the camera way too much to have any wonderous awe over it.  It is ok… and I often find myself not taking enough pictures of my family when we go places in order to have a break myself from my “work”.  Allowing me just sometimes to enjoy the day with them through my eyes… logging it to memory vs. through a lens to remember later.   I love taking photos but it is ok once in awhile to put it down and just “be” with your family.  And then there are times I am sooo glad I brought it along.  Rarely out of my own hands but this weekend at the apple orchard, way up high on the hills overlooking this wonderful farm we visit yearly… I handed the camera to my husband to take some images of me and the kids.  I encourage you mom’s to do the same.  To hand over the camera and make sure you get a picture with your children.  It doesn’t have to be a group shot rather an image with each of your children is a treasure.  I would have loved to have something like this of my mother and I.  A pose of just the two of us when I was young.  We mom’s need to stop worrying about our hair, the way we look and if it isn’t a perfect shot.   Would you have cared if your own mother looked perfect?  Would a hair out of place or lack of makeup meant you wouldn’t love the image of the two of you?

Do this for your kids.  Get over your own personal insecurities and give your children the gift that they will always treasure.  A picture of you with each of them.

Here are some taken (by my husband) of myself and my beautiful son.  Growing up into an amazing young man.  Generous, caring, thoughtful, talented, funny, smart and mine!

And few quotes for the day

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We as mom’s try so hard to make things run smoothly and efficiently in our homes.  Back to school brings even more stress and the need to be organized and there for our kids.  I often think that we are too hard on ourselves and worry about things that often end up turning out fine, especially when it comes to our kids. I am a self professed worrier and obsessive when it comes to wanting things to go smoothly, who can quickly fall to pieces when things aren’t going well.  I get mad at myself for not using my time better or being more efficient.  I take on the problems of the world and think they are mine to solve.  Yah… I know… we mom’s have no pressure.  :)  So I thought I would share a few UTube video’s I found very very funny and can help bring a bit of lightness to the role of being a mom with kids. See them at bottom of page! ( you may have seen them)

And of course some recent images!Deline had her session last night and will be shocked that I put a few up already.  But I am trying to be better about my proofing now that the kids are in school and I have more time.  Well… actually my son is home sick yesterday and today! :(Deline, I will share more soon but had to share a couple here.  Found a secret place in the country that we had a fabulous time taking images.  Now I just need to find out if I can buy the land for a studio!  ha!  :)  Thanks Deline, Gary, Mr. M and the girls!  I loved seeing you AGAIN!!

Mr. M turned three the day before this session.  I have known this little guy since the first few weeks of life when I did his newborn images.  I just adore seeing these kiddo’s grow!   What fun.  And a new bike for his b-day… battery powered.. and the coolest kid and shades.  Do you not just love his hair!  *sigh*.

he isn’t all about the smiles all of the time… but this look makes my heart go pitter patter. 

and two gorgeous older sisters!  What a lucky little dude to have these two amazing girls as his older sister.  They were incredible with him!  Ummm and gorgeous!

And a few more from recent sessions I didn’t have a chance to share here yet.  Another great mom and her kids.  Andrea and Jason and the boys were so much fun to hang out with and sooo laid back.  These two boys have it made with these parents.  I’m impressed how much energy mom still has after a playdate with these guys.  They are busy but she rises to the challenge!  Dad was super cool as well.  Thanks guys.

This one totally cracks me up!  There are a series of these funny ones.  Brothers are the best!

Big eyes… sweet boys!

wonderful Dad… super family!

Don’t forget to check out the video’s for a laugh.

ANSWERING MACHINE MESSAGE AT SCHOOL

THE MOM SONG

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My daughter has begun grade two and I have such a hard time wrapping my mind around it.  She is growing up so fast and turning into a beautiful young girl.  She will begin walking home with a friend soon, and she goes on her bike all by herself to her friends in the neighborhood.  She cares about shoes and clothes and looking fashionable at just age seven.  But then I come home tonight around 9:30pm after being out all day playing in a charity golf tournament to find her still awake, and visibly upset and in tears.  She tells me how she misses me when I’m not here…. how she didn’t get to give me a hug when she got home from school and that her heart isn’t “OK” until I am back home with her!  *sigh*.  Yes… I love her and her sweet gentle heart.  I love her for beginning to show signs of a beautiful young lady and at the same time still wanting to stay my sweet baby girl.  I got to lay with her until she fell asleep and there truly isn’t anything in the world that makes my heart lighter then to be there for my children.

a few I took last week in the early evening as we raced to the park before the sun decided to set way too early.

in black and white and color… I can’t decide which I like more.

and her silly self.

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Well… I am finally wrapping up Amanda and Derek’s wedding images.  I proofed this today.  I had it in mind when I shot this… consecutive images of them approaching each other.  I love how it turned out.  Amanda has become very special to me.  She is adorable and so easy to care about.  You just connect with certain people.  I love that she is having a chance again at true love.  Avery, her daughter,  is so very luckyto be blessed with so many in her life that love her!

I love this quote!

Yes they are in love and they are so very cute!

I love the feeling this evokes!

and this is fun!

I love these stairs!

and the street at dusk.  A one way!  we managed.

She is adorable!  Thanks Amanda!  I am so honored to have done this for you!

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