Out With The Old and in With The NEW!

I can hardly believe that 2011 is almost gone. This year just went by too fast - this month went by too fast!
It's amazing how fast time does fly by as you get older.. not to mention when you have kids!
It's a blessing to me to have the means to capture these moments as they go by so I can take the time later on to reflect on them, seeing that I get caught in the moment more times than I'd like.

This year had more than its fair share of troubles and struggles, more than I'd like to remember really... lol
BUT it had a lot of high points as well and for those I can't say it was a terrible year.
My husband landed a new job, closer to home.
We got a new car.
I started working at the preschool again
My son turned ONE! (I'm still in some shock he's so 'old' now )
I got my camera and have seen and have been so fortunate to meet many families and be the one to caputre the memories they make.
It's really rewarding!

I started off taking pictures for friends and families, experimenting with the camera and the lighting and all the tricks of the trade.
That's how I learned. Trial and error. But I had fun along the way! I still have lots to learn, and everyday I find something new to try or more info to learn. Keeps me on my toes for sure.
I also had the opportunity to be a third shooter for a wedding up in Kelowna with Bella Johnson.
That was fun! I really enjoyed the day and the experience.
I would love to do a wedding in the New Year, I believe I have the skill, the confidence and the ability to make the perfect day PERFECT.
I guess you could say that's a goal I have for 2012! :)

I held mini sessions for the Fall and Winter and wow, I gotta say the costumes that were out were pretty amazing.
I met a dragon, a monkey, a Strawberry and a Tiger, Kitty Cat.. even Mario popped by too.
Lots of fun to be had and LOTS of great families that were met and hopefully I will see again in the future! :)

I also learned too, reflecting on the year - specifically with the business, that I can't "settle" for less that what I believe I'm worth.
I had experiences where people undermined my value and really, I shouldn't let myself second guess myself.
I put my HEART into this, and whatever spare time I have between work at the preschool and with my family is laid out here.
I beleive in QUALITY and taking care of the things I am passionate about.
I've learned that you can't let people push you around - being firm is definitely key.

On a closing note, I don't normally do Resolutions.. but this year I think I need a change.
So I have 6 I'd like to aim for by next year.

1) GET IN BETTER SHAPE.AND LOSE 25 POUNDS
I'm not awful, but I need to sharpen it up..and maybe run 5K too!!

2) BECOME A HOMEOWNER
seriously, I'm surprised we have survived this long in a 1 bedroom suite.. it's getting really cramped really fast.. haha

3) EXPAND MY BUSINESS
I want to reach out more to others, and meet new families as well as reconnect with previous clients :)

4) BOOK A WEDDING
More of a goal, but hey - It's something great to achieve! :)

5) SPEND MORE TIME UN-STRESSED
I need to work on not sweating the small stuff and enjoy what's here and now.

6) ATTEND 3 WORKSHOPS
I'd like to improve on what I know and better myself :)

There were lots of highlights, too many for me to list here, so enjoy pictures of my highlighs and memorable shoots for 2011 !!

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE, AND PLEASE DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!

12 FAVES of Christmas!

You all know the song. and if you don't... you will someday and probably regret it lol
It's one of those... things that get stuck in your head.. kinda like "The Wheels on the Bus"

But, instead of days.. I have things.
My 12 Favourite things of Christmas!


12.

Decorations.
Yes, I LOVE decortions.
I love the festive feel and joy it brings. It's sets the tone.
You don't even have to follow rules! I myself, love the traditional carol cottages, coal trains etc... but not huge on your typical red and green.
Pink, Silver, Gold and Red would be my decorations of choice.. lol if my house would match it.
Maybe next year I'll have a real place to decorate and maybe won't ben torn apart by a certain someone.. :p

11

Stockings!
You could say I collect them.. I receive different kinds every christmas.
Some old, new, disney, spongebob, disney.. you get the idea!

10

Music

what it wouldn't be without music.
I'd seriously claw my brains out if there were no music. It just, fills you up inside.
But I'm talking about the classics... Bing Crosby, Jackson 5, Elvis etc..
Newwer artist, I find... bring a flat monochromatic feel to it *coughTAYLORSWIFTcough*
really, seriously... not a fan of any christmas stuff she does.. Josh Groban however :0)

9

Gift Making

I admit, I need to do more of this - instead I help dozens of preschool children make special gifts for their parents haha
someday, i'll be on the receiving end of that however and I can't wait!!

8

Cinammon, Ginger and Pine

no necessarily all together... but i love those smells!
I miss not having a real tree, but hopefully when we have a better space for it we can again!
Gotta say, our fakey looks pretty amazing!

7

Giving Back

I thoroughly enjoy giving back to others.
Whether it be holding a door, hailing a bus, lifting bags or even making a donation.
I just hope that we can do this more through the year instead of this one special time.

6

The Seeking

I actually like finding all the deals lol it's the mom in me, or maybe even my dad, to find the best prices.
But not just that, but to find what others desire  - not so much for the monetary/material reasons, but to give them a christmas to remember.

5

Ol' Saint Nick

Meeting Santa every year was always such a joy.
He'd patiently sit with me and hear out my christmas list... even if it's wasn't for me.
Now as a mom myself, it's a joy to see my son do the very same.
This year he sat with Santa and smiled.. and waved his candy cane like a champ! I wonder what he may ask for one day :)

4

Taking time to reflect

reflect on what you've been given and already have.
Not just possessions, but the people in your life. So many moments pass where we don't say "I LOVE YOU" or "Thanks" or "Good to see you"
These moments are fleeting as time escapes us.
I can appreciate this time of year, because it reminds me to STOP and think about this more, and implement smaller and yet meaningful things yearly. Not just at Christmas

3

PicturesTruly, I can't get enough or TAKE enough.
I love capturing the moments. The Joy. The excitement. The intrigue. Sometimes, the tears of joy.
It's these that I hold dearest.

2

Humbleness.
Not all gifts are wrapped in bows, or shiny boxes or cost $$$
One gift that was given came in the form of a child.
I may not be as diligent as I should with my faith, and often get lost in the hustle... but I take time to feel humbeled by a great gift that was given to us.
It also instills in me how great of a gift I have in my own son.
He could never be replaced with anything, as he is my greatest gift...

1
Giving.

I look forward to this the most. I love to give more than receive.
It is a feeling I can't describe.
To make someone happy, even a perfect stranger, brings a joy like none other.
It doesn't have to be a gift either.
Hugs
Cards
Photos
Handmade
Kind Words
Baking
Songs

we all have unique talents, and that is a gift in itself!
Share your gifts and talents this Christmas and may you ALL be blessed!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Oh Christmas Tree

I can't believe it's almost Christmas.
Reall, where has this year GONE?!
I blink and my son turns ONE. And now, the holidays are fast apporcihing us.
...
.. have I even GONE shopping?
no
Will I?
I hope so!

This week was INSANE.
A good insane though!
The preschool had their annual presentation and we held a dinner, a raffle draw and they sang their hearts out.
Some literally!

It's such a joy to see children so excited this time of year. Though, I admit I am having a really hard time feeling festive.
So much seems so rushed... even the Christmas music isn't kicking in for me.
Not even JOSH GROBAN(He is my secret husband... just don't tell mine ;) )

But i did find some time to snag pictures of my tree, and some of the special ornaments on it!
some that grudgingly go up to..... and ones before they were smashed by Jarron.... oh well :P