I would say this year was pretty monumental. It was the year of having 2 crazy beautiful girls as apposed to one. My new passion and family photography business began with the most incredible families who took a chance and believed in me and my work:D After my mat. leave ended, I returned to my full time job as an elementary teacher and continued to take photography work! Lon has continued to venture on with his new businesses and has ended our time at Mosaic Baptist in search of new beginnings.

Yeah, you can say that we’re ‘busy’. But for me, I want more. This year, I’m committed to doing more of what I love and also spend more time with the precious ones I love so dearly. Both Lon and I are at the crossroads and there are many paths to turn and take. Many thoughts to consider and reconsider. I truly long to make up my own rules to this game called life. To redefine what it means to work, rest and play. Valuing and soaking in each day as a gift, rightly so.

Yes, it’s January…obviously I didn’t get around to posting my fam. photos back in October…when the weather was in double digits!! Picking pumpkins in shorts and t-shirts!?? Well, let’s enjoy and reminisce. finally.making momma proud:)lil’ Gem crackin’ jokesthe girls hangin’ out at brickworkswhat.what.yup, she’s a natural.he’s been complaining of having neck problems and thinks it’s his pillow… word.goodbye 2011, hello to the new year.

daniel. on the run.stunning. marco you’re one lucky guy.When I first met Annemarie, Marco and Daniel, I knew it would be a super afternoon. It was chilly out, but they all braved the cold and managed to still stay warm with lots of baci(kisses) and hugs. Daniel loves to be active and leads the family into his fun and games. Annemarie gives her all to her favourite two boys:) She amazingly keeps up with little Daniel’s pace! Marco ties his family together–he does everything and anything for them. Love.

Alyssa and Avery are always surrounded by fun, creativity, super tunes, fine baking, fine foods and of course tons of love. Alyssa’s sweet, playful and loves to groove to the beat. Avery is one chubby puppy dog–you just wanna snuggle up with him all day and night. Viv’s a triple threat: beauty, brains and fully embraces her inner artist! I’m also envious of her flawless skin:P Jensen’s a real dude. He works super hard but also knows how to fully let loose. Love their love:D

GQ GemEvery time we read The Paperbag Princess, Stellar is reminded of how not to marry “a bum.” She quickly figured out that the only way to prevent this from happening is to marry her little sister Gem. Yes, she’s a genius. So this pre-wedding session is fully inspired by her brilliant idea:) Needless to say, daddy Lon approves. Gem makes for a beautifully handsome groom and of course Stellar is a natural blushing bride. They’re looking forward to their honeymoon at the nearby public park. As their parents, we couldn’t be happier:D

Janey is nothing but a gorgeous bride…Norm cleaned up pretty well too:)Here come the kids…Yes, it’s Lego time at the wedding banquet!Getting our groove on with bubbles:DYoung ladies and gents busta move with the hip hop instructor.Music class in session.Mad scientist demonstrating a little magic:PMmmmm…and now for the epic finale.best.wedding.ever.WOW!!! What kind of people hire awesome entertainment for kids of ALL age groups and a photographer dedicated just for the kids?! Janey and Norm were beyond amazingly thoughtful for all the parents and kids who joined in celebrating their monumental day. Yes, it was monumental. I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with the kids and capturing their incredible experience. When Janey first described the outline of the day, she mentioned the words ‘running/chasing after the kids’. Luckily, my legs were spared with minimal running. I did however experience some soreness due to bending down to their level–lol!

Needless to day, the kids and parents LOVED the overload of special programs that continued non-stop throughout the night. Stellar usually doesn’t move a leg, arm or eyebrow when other kids dance in public. I was completely shocked when she was moving and grooving along with the special musical entertainment. It was THAT good! It’s just too bad the kids will be expecting the same level of entertainment at their next wedding:P

Okay, so this post is soo long overdue!! I’ve just officially finished my first 2 weeks back as a teacher and I’m already worn out:P Seriously, my brain isn’t used to this great amount of stimulation after 16 mths of maternity leave–lol! So, the story is that I was supposed to take some newborn photos of sweet Breylin…but obviously, I missed the boat. She’s still super crazy cute 7 mths+ later:D Being 3rd in the family and a girl, she’s adored beyond belief. Her high energy brothers, Tobin and Mathis just can’t get enough of her. They have mini-battles over who gets to hold her hand and give her kisses. What.a.life. They’re obviously are having a blast being best buds. You can rate how much fun they have just by how tired Tim + Jo get each and every day.

Tim and Jo are awesome people. They both have their own fair share of fun and crazy. Their kids are constantly surrounded by top notch food and non-stop activities. This family is constantly surrounded by big love and an even bigger community. Life is definitely being lived.

meet mommy fabulous:)the fab fam.Cherry’s family is the biggest one yet. 5 ppl + lil’ Maggie (the furry member). It’s true what they say…the bigger the family, the bigger the love. JC, Jazzmyn and Jahzara are an amazing trio. JC is a ‘tween’ but his maturity carries him beyond his years. He’s such a chill dude with the biggest heart. Jazzmyn is a young budding artist. She loves dance and using her hands to create masterpieces. Jahzara is a performer. Without any directing, she was twirling, swirling and really working the camera:D

Cherry is one amazing woman and mother. I’m in awe of her unending labour of love. Even having gone through the uphill battles for her health, she manages to press forward and continue to provide all the love and support for her family. Sal ensures the kids are at their best. Most importantly, he makes sure Cherry receives the utmost love and care. Big love lives here.

Just seconds after I met Abby for the first time, she gave me the biggest smile and an even bigger hug. I knew from that moment on, the rest of the afternoon would be nothing short of amazing:) Abby and her sister Maddy are girls who just wanna have funnNN!! Abby’s smile are accented by her cute lil’ dimples. She loves to entertain and chat up a storm. She’s also a young budding photographer. Her dad sent me a photo she took of me that day–lol! She takes her work seriously. Maddy loves to snack–who can blame her? Her eyes makes the shape of crescent moons when she giggles…aawwww.

Mike and Ada are yet another pair of amazing parents. Mike invests all that he has into his family. Daddy’s girls for sure! Ada’s a super momma. She keeps a watchful eye on her babies while loving them silly. Loved her taste in styling too! Doesn’t hurt to have a little glitz and glam on those shoes:D Famjam at its best:)

It’s been quite the wild and amazing journey creating my budding family photography business during these past months. It’s been challenging to find time and reflect upon all that has been happening. I guess that time is now. I’ve been fortunate to work with the most incredible families. Each family has their own special dynamic and are inspiring in the ways they love. They’re all the real deal. Parents who are devoted to giving their all and more for the fam. Kids who are having a blast being kids. I truly feel honored to be capturing their cherished moments.

The 3 words that has kept me moving in this business/craft is well…do.the.work. It’s so easy to get caught up in the millions of thoughts that ‘i’m not good enough’ or ‘he/she is better than me so why bother’. All people who are involved in any art of creating struggle with it. It’s enough to have anybody quit. Nothing gets accomplished. No one becomes inspired. Steven Pressfield’s previous book, ‘The War of Art’ is summed up by the title of his new book ‘Do the Work!’ Actually, I gained more insight than that, but that’s what sticks. Have I read the new book yet? Nope, cuz I’ve been busy practicing the title:P

Summer is coming to an end so that means it’s back to school. Maternity leave is officially done. I’m returning to my current day job of being an elementary school teacher. I do however intend on continuing with my family photography business as well. What will that look like? It will depend on how my teaching and being a mom schedule goes:P The last thing I want to do is quit. Onward we go.

Owen has the kindest soul. He readily shares about his most precious things and thoughts of life with a big grin on his face. Being a firefighter is one aspiration. It’s hard not to be drawn to those big red trucks! There’s no doubt he’ll have the strength and stamina with the way he eats:P Gotta love Lauren’s bursts of laughter and squeals. She’s gonna be a heart breaker. Good thing big brother Owen will be there to defend and protect his lil’ sis.

Julie has a definite zest for life. She can easily find the good in any challenging situation. Julie does a lot on little sleep. She makes sure to pack each day with fun for the kids and providing enough food for her big eaters, all 3. Fred is amazing with Julie and the kids. Owen and Lauren both have a great dad who will always love and lead. What more can you ask for?