30 years...

This next family ( sisters ) had originally gotten photos done while they were all in their twenties. They wanted to do the same thing again for their 30's, this time with all the new additions to the family ( kids and babies ).  One of their requests was that they mostly be in black and white. I had fun creating new tones of different black and white variations for them.

The sisters were so funny, they were laughing together the entire time

And one final burst of color with this fine  lil lady with her big blue eyes and Strawberry hair

Thanks for brightening my day R and family!

M.P

DEDICATION

We got Dion dedicated at our church on Sunday.  It's always a very special day for us.

 We felt so encouraged to do and be the best parents we can for him.  

Next two photos courtesy of Kevin Witmer ( thank-you )

When I looked over at our very large group of friends and family who came to support us, I couldn't help but feel so very loved. 

Saying a prayer for him. We love you Pastor Dean!

  Now moving on to the celebration after at our place. All these pictures were taken in a mad rush before the service. As the whole family is loaded -up in the car my hubby comes in the house and says
 " What are you doing?? - We gotta go!! " 

Ok I'm always late. Today was NOT a day we could be late. We had to save seats for 25 people. And if I remember correctly we were late for Levi's dedication.. 

BUT, I'm happy to report we were at church 15 minutes early!

(- After I jumped into the car and ripped my new dress half way up my leg -  I wore it anyways ;) 

My husband thought I was crazy because I started decorating two weeks before.

                                              ( I live for this party planning stuff ok .. ;)

 Vintage tea cups are on the top of my favorite things..

I was inspired by a blog I came across that had similar colors.. 

When I went to the fabric store and saw the two fabrics in the clearance section for a whopping $3.00 a yard I was pretty darn excited to start creating!! All I did was add little black bobble tassles to the ends and voila!

Poor Levi would wake up every morning and say " Dion's Party! " as he walked past the table, set up with jars full of candy. He's such a good boy he not once tried to get into it...

But on that day when he was finally allowed, I'm pretty sure I caught him at least 3 times in the candy jars..

 These were the favor bags everyone got to take home full of candy.

 I made everything home made, which included: Yellow and white Meringue, Macaroons, Lemon squares, Chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes and the good ol Dream bars

( thanks Mama Lil )

I had the idea to get everyone to write Dion a blessing. Then I would put it in his Keepsake box for him to read when he's older. The only problem - I forgot to get everyone to do it!!!! 

sigh...

 mmm Lemon water in pretty Christian Lacroix glass water bottles.

Thank-you to everyone who was there, and for those who couldn't make it, I know  you were there in spirit!

M.P

These are the good OL days...

Five months. Thats how long its been since my little Dion entered the World. 5 months means he's not brand new and really little anymore, it means he's going to be entering new stages that this Mommy just ain't ready for yet!

I have a problem with change, always have. Those who know me well, know this about me.  And although I know I also wouldn't want time to stand still, I think what I don't like about change - or time moving forward, is that you can never go back. Whats done is done. I will never see either of my babies at this age. Ever. Again.

 I know we have heard it... " It seems like yesterday... " But when I look at Dion and the stage he is at now, I remember my Levi when he was this age, which -

 

 yes, really does seem like yesterday....

 

 I finally got the photo album I ordered today. Its from 2010 and I couldn't believe how much Levi has  grown up! I felt almost guilty because I feel like - maybe I was too preoccupied with being pregnant that I didn't really realize how little he still was. It's funny because as they grow older you think they're " so big!" Its not until you look back that you remember,  just how little they really were.

 I ran into a elderly woman not long ago at the supermarket. And like most elderly Gramma types she wanted to see the baby. She said one thing to me that I think about all the time.
 she said;

" You know back in the day we had a lot of kids, 5 - 7,  it was really busy and now I always  think - Did I hold them enough? Did I look at their little feet?  and touch their little hands? " It was a reminder to me to treasure every moment, savour every mile stone.

  look at their little feet 

and touch their little hands. 

 So that when I'm older I can feel confident knowing; Yes I held them as much as I could, 

I put each little piece of them into the memory bank 

but mostly I gave them every ounce of  Love I had.

 What wonderful words of wisdom...

Why is that whenever you look back on life its always seems better than when you lived it? Maybe its just me, I don't know, but I think this all the time.
But really, THESE are the good ol days! Because I know now when I look back,  I won't remember the crying, the whining, the hard work, the exhaustion...

I'll just remember THEM.

hands, feet and all....

MP

Thats AMORE.....

                                                       

This is my girlfriend Angela. But don't try to adjust your computer screen, she really is this beautiful, Inside - and out.

 This last weekend we celebrated her Birthday by hiring a chef to come over and teach us how to cook an Italian inspired meal. 

We had so much fun! We got all dressed to impressed...

And the table was decorated beautifully 

with little details, and stunning arrangements.

By my talented girlfriend Adrienne.
 See her blog posted below...

http://adrienne-mariedesigns.blogspot.com

These are available to order for a gift or your own special event!

We all wore cute girly aprons.

It was so much better than going out to a restaurant. Not only was the food AMAZING! But we actually learned how to cook it!
Here the girls are making homemade Gnocchi with Basil Pesto sauce

For Dessert:  Chocolate espresso mousse 

With homemade Hazelnut Biscotti.

While cooking we made sure we drank lots and LOTS of wine!

Cindy and Adrienne made a Tuscan White bean soup

"Mangiamo!" ( Lets eat!!) After we made our meal, it was time to enjoy!
We gathered around here for hours, laughing, talking. and catching -up.
  And although I love my boys more than anything else - sometimes a break is just really nice ( and, may I add -  well deserved! )

I just love this plaque, I wish I had one of my own.
The words really hit home for me . It reminds me to not take for granted the good times in life. To enjoy the moment, look at it and really see it.
And I must say I truly do have a grateful heart for the friends God has surrounded me with my entire life.
 Writing this gives me shivers because, without them I really don't know if I could have gone through the things I have, without them.
And I must say I am so proud of all of them. They are inspiring, talented, and - may I add - BEAUTIFUL!
I am blessed to call every single one of them my " Best Friend"

And one more of the Birthday girl, just because she's so Pretty
( Oh, and did I mention - she's single ;) )

If you would like your party, or special event photographed, let me know - I would LOVE to!

Click Here for more information on our " chef " we had for the evening.