Before we even met you, you were loved...

I photographed my Brother and Sister - in laws maternity photos at the beginning of this week. Although I really do hate to add the " in - law" to sister and brother because we are family now and nothing about our relationship spells out" in - law."

Anywho, we worked together - well me and Jess did;) thinking of some ideas, trying to find the right props and outfits that would fit both their style and personality, I think we succeeded!

And let me tell you, these two have chemistry!!! They have been together for  12 years now ( yes, high school sweethearts ) and with a little one on the way they are in LOVE more than ever!

But I don't really need to spell it out, or even use CAPS to proclaim their love because the pictures reveal it all...........

Tim, you still make me laugh by not saying anything at all, Jess you are a beautiful Mama and you both will only shine when you become parents.

I cannot wait to meet this little one and spoil them with love just as you have with mine. 

Enjoy these last weeks of just the " two of you" but it really only gets better.

LOVE LOVE LOVE you both.

First Birthday Fire fighter party

I  photographed this fun fireman party this weekend. You may recognize this lil mans pictures from the cake smash photos I did not long ago.

Mom put a lot of work into it, and it turned out AMAZING! She had so many ideas and details and it will be a very nice memory for her lil Man when he grows up! 

My kids loved it, especially when the Fire truck came! 

The weather couldn't have been better, it was the perfect day start to finish.

So Proud of you BFF! You did it! Your lil Man is a year old now!!

 You are an amazing Mama and he is lucky to have you forever. 

Field of dreams...

I had many visions for this maternity shoot and I had fun planning it with my Mom to be girlfriend. 

I am so happy with how they turned out and I hope she is too! 

These two are gonna be wonderful parents and I can't wait to find out what this baby finally is!

J and K thank -you for being such troopers and for being " perfect" models.

We had quite the experience in this field. While laying in the tall grass, trying to get that " perfect" shot. I looked down and saw spiders. Not just a few, but thousands ( seriously ) black ones, some with silver backs. I tried not to freak out. ( Joni at this time was sitting in the chair - thank - goodness ) So I got -up thinking I would find another spot. But no. The field was infested. It was arachnophobia all over again. We pursued for a couple of more shots, Kevin being our own personal spider coach, ensuring us they couldn't get inside our shoes,...they were harmless... But I had the heeby- jeebies so bad that I could barely concentrate. Miraculously Joni who was just as freaked out as I was pulled it together and gave me some awesome shots. But neither of us could calm down. So we finally travelled to my favourite field where I live.

Kevin, you are a trooper! Never have a met a man be so patient and easy - going in a photo shoot. Just adds another to my " favourite " list ;)
Joni, not much longer Mama! You look beautiful and you have provided a lovely home for your unborn these last months.
Looking forward to exciting times to come!
I heart you both.

So I was pretty excited to spend some time with my lady friends for my Birthday. 

Last night I did just that.

I knew they would make it a good time, because spending time together with them is always a blast. But my breath was taken away when I walked in the door. They had planned a colour theme, a menu, and so many beautiful, thoughtful ideas. Then I instantly felt a pang of guilt  as I  imagined all the busy Mamma's, working so hard trying to make food, put together floral arrangements,  pick out gifts, outfits, make martha Stewart cupcakes.. etc.. etc..  some while trying to entertain little ones,  others in between working full time, preparing for a new baby, planning a first Birthday, and studying for final exams.. yowza. 

But then I realized - it's ok. Because I know I would do the same for any of them . And that sometimes, once and a while, it o.k to be celebrated, recognized and shown how much your friendship is valued.

 So I stopped feeling guilty ( sort - of ) and took it all in, cherished our time together ( sans kids ) and ate, drank and talked the evening away...................

Cindy slaved over the Martha stewart meringue cupcakes, they were AMAZING! plus - I LOVE french Macaroons and turkish delight ( thank-you Cindy! )

Joni is due in 3 weeks - such a trooper!

 Sangria

Girls - 

you out - did yourselves once again. I am so thankful for all of you and your hard work and effort.

Love you all, it was a night to remember.

Next time- no ghost stories, I was jumpy all night;)

XOXOXO

It's my Birthday and I'll wear a dress - cuz I want to!

So tonight- it's all about me. 

It's only allowed once a year when it's your Birthday, so I'm gonna soak it all in. 

My girlfriends have planned a bash for me at my friend Adrienne's house. We are gonna drink wine, have appy's,  go in the hot tub,  eat cupcakes and well just enjoy each others company.

My friends really do know how to throw a good party  - so I know it will be a good time :)

I love getting together with these girls, and I have been looking forward to this all week.
And because I love any excuse to wear a pretty dress, tonight I'm gonna do just that :

Oh and since it's my Birthday and I got spoiled with Gift certificates I went to the mall today and bought meself these:

This is the Hudson Bay point blanket. I just love it! I have been ooing and aweing for a while. This is the fleece version ( $35 ) But the one I reaalllyy want the wool one is ( $275 ..eek)  So until Christmas I am happy with this one!  P.S I so wanna throw this on a big black and beautiful horse's back, put on my breaches and boots and prance around Thunderbird one fine afternoon. ok,  sorry got lost in my " old" life for a few minutes there...

Hudson's bay tote bag. A.K.A - summer's pool bag

O.K went a lil crazy on the Hudson bay stripes, but it just looks so cute in my umbrella stand right!?

O.K and just a few more of my previous Birthday celebrations earlier in the week ( I have to admit, I have been having  " it's all about me " time quite a bit this week ;)

And of Wednesday morning opening my pressies with my boys -

Spoiled I tell ya! A new Jamie Oliver Cook book,  frying pan, Amy Butler beach  towels ( that Steve ordered online may I add - that's a big deal in our marriage bank ;) and something that's coming in the mail........????

Well better go get ready, it's  a hour till go time and my " last nights hair" is shoved in a pony tail, I haven't showered, and I have a zit that needs some major cover-up help. 

Lord knows I'm always late, but tonight - I can't be!