Playing IN the toy Box

We're missing a USB plug and figure our kids must have put it somewhere, which is often the case. I've looked (almost) everywhere already and it hasn't surfaced. So it was time to take all the toys out of the big toy box downstairs to see if it was at the bottom. Well I didn't find the usb but the kids did have a fun time playing in the box with all the toys they haven't seen in awhile. The whole thing kept everyone entertained for a good hour, not bad.

We tried out the harness on Calvin which made Sarah want to wear it. She even gave me the leash and asked me to walk her. Funny kid.

Sarah's First Barbie

Yesterday our landlords, Lou and Vicky, came by for a little visit. They were so sweet and brought the kids Christmas gifts (we weren't able to get together earlier). Sarah got her first Barbie, she was so excited!

Later that evening, after I put Calvin to bed, I walked into Sarah's room and noticed that she had tucked her Barbie into bed. She was so excited to sleep next to her new Barbie!

Sarah and Michael

Today I thought I would post part of a sweet email from one of the moms at Sarah's nursery school. Sarah has always preferred playing with the boys. Perhaps it's because they're often more energetic than the girls (just like her) or because they play hard and cry less. Whatever the reason, when I pick Sarah up from nursery school she only talks about the boys in her class. Anways, I thought this was sweet.

Email from Michael's mom:

"Michael, the other day....came home and had something in his pocket.... ( a tiny bit of scrap paper ) and I said oh do you want to put that into the garbage? he said......very seriously NO Mom, that's from Sarah! I thought oh, how cute! When Michael arrived at school on Thursday morning....Sarah was SO excited to see him.....it was the cutest thing ever....she was talking with him...and guided him over to the blocks......( ah, I really would love to be a fly on the wall! )"

Sarah's First Time on the Ice

Yesterday was skating day for the nursery school. Since David didn't have class until the afternoon we were all able to head to the rink. When we got there we didn't see a place to rent skates for Sarah...strange. When we asked Sarah's teacher, she told us that she had never heard of skate rentals. The other nearby parents gave us some odd looks and confirmed that there wasn't such a thing. What!?! All my life there has always been the skate rental option.

So it seems that we discovered one more different between the east and west of Canada. People in the east skate so they own skates. You buy skates for your kids and for yourself, after all, the schools take the kids skating. People on the west generally don't own skates (unless you're in hockey or figure skating). The rest of us rent since we only skate about once every year or two.

Since we were at the rink anyways, we just took turns walking and sliding around on the ice with Sarah. She still had a great time, in fact, she probably had more fun than the kids that were on skates since she didn't have to be held up the whole time. Last night we went to Walmart and bought some Bobskates (strap on double bladed skates) for $9 to use for the next skating session.

Valentines Card Photos

I love having little photo sessions with the kids. This one was probably one of our best yet. Normally the hardest part about getting pics of the kids is that they're always running away from the camera. When we were at Walmart (in the States) a couple of weeks ago we picked up these wonderful lollipops in the Christmas clearance area for 50 cents each. As soon as I saw them I knew they would be perfect for a Valentines card photo shoot. The kids had a blast, made a mess and I got some great photos. It was fun.

Under the Basket

Sarah and Calvin have been loving the laundry basket these days. At first Sarah was under the basket and Calvin was standing on top. I went to get the camera and a minute later Calvin was under the basket and Sarah was on top. He was pretty content snuggling his blankie.

The Story of your Life

Truth be told, it's been quite a long time since I heard an amazing captivating and challenging sermon. The kind that keeps your attention every minute (sometimes I think I have ADD when it comes to listening to sermons). Words that are so well spoken that you seem to keep going over them in your mind. The sermon that sparks amazing conversation throughout the car ride home and then again later the following day, etc. When I look back at my church going years I would say there are about five sermons that changed me, truly challenged me and encouraged me to live differently. I've heard a lot of good sermons in between those. Sometimes it's just he right words spoken at the right time. They are always honest and matter of fact. The "nice" feel good sermons are the ones I always forget and do nothing to my life. But those life changing ones, the ones that cause us to think differently and change how we're living are the ones that I hold on to.

Yesterday, we had a video sermon at church. I don't like video sermons. I always feel disappointment when I realize there is no preacher and instead we'll be watching a pre recorded sermon or series of clips. I suppose this is why a satellite chuch doesn't appeal to me at all. Anyways, yesterday's video sermon was wonderful! Once of those captivating, life changing/ challenging kinds of sermons. I suppose I won't give up all hope on video sermons quite yet. I'm not sure if it's where David and I are in life right now (the verge of major changes). Or the fact that we've just had our yearly big chat about the past year in review, goals for the following year, where we see ourselves headed in the next 5 years, etc (something we do each year in regards to marriage, family, spirituality, career, finances, travel, etc). Anyways, this message struck a chord with me.

The message was by the writer, Donald Miller. I had never heard of him before, but I think I will pick up one of his books. The message is all about story, our own narrative by God's design. Every good story has to have a character. All great stories have a character that has to overcome some kind of conflict and the character always wants somthing. We are living in our own story.

I REALLY encourage you to watch/ listen to the video! Below is the link to a similar talk he gave at Willow Creek Church (a huge church commonly known of out here). It's about a 1/2 hour, so make sure you have some time to sit down and listen.

http://www.willowcreek.org/mediaplayer/playerHome.aspx?cid=3&id=14
You will need to type "Donald Miller" into the search box to bring up the correct message.


God put it in our hearts to want something. We have the freedom to please and honor God through our lives, actions, etc. It's what we want that makes the difference. What we want has to be ambitious, connected to love, sacrificial and relational. Are we living out our lifes with this in mind or are we just existing? We will all face conflict, lots of it! Every good story is full of conflict. Will we let it defeat us or make us stronger, bolder, interesting, compassionate, etc?

It seems that so many people blame their troubles/ conflicts on others or an issue in life. Whether it be upbringing, lack of financial resources, spouse, children, etc, people need to take responsibility for their own lives. God gave us the freedom of choice. If we're not living out meaningful lives, we are the only ones to blame.

I like one of the last things that Miller said, in order for us to be living out meaningful lives, we must have incredible fear. This struck me, since this is once again where I'm at. The thought of moving across the country or to a new country to a new city. Not knowing anyone, no friends, family, etc. Lonliness. Planning to add to our family not long after. A new career for David and a growing business for me. All while having two young and VERY busy children. How could I not be terrified? I'm excited for all the change ahead and look to it eagerly with anticipation but it still freaks me out.

It's a good fear. The kind that comes with new things. It reminds me of having our first child, the unknown, the birth, the newborn stage, etc, all scary. But the process has been amazing. Even the labor is amazing in its own way, I lived out and watched a miracle as each of our children were born. Change is never easy, but it brings new meaning to our lives. I have not grown through the joys in my life, I have grown through the conflicts and hard times.

David and I often say to each other how we never want fear to hold us back from something. Whether it be trying something new, risking our finances for what we feel God is calling us to, relationships, careers, etc. I have found that the more I don't give in to fear and let God lead the way, the easier it is to trust and the stronger my relationship to him is. One of the biggest by products is the joy that he continues to give me. I live a blessed life. Not an easy, always happy life, but a blessed one that I am truly thankful for.

So, did you watch the video message? I'd love to know what you thought.

Everyone is a Photographer

Well not really...but it kind of seems like it sometimes.

I see a lot of photos each week. Some are beautiful professional photos, some are good, some are ok, some are point and shoot photos by people that love taking pictures and some are photos by people who don't seem to use a camera very often at all. This post is a bit of a vent, so be warned.

Since I LOVE photos, I've included some pics of the adorable baby Charlie that I photographed last Saturday. At just a week old, she was a total doll! Disclaimer: I am not a professional photographer. I did a few freebie sessions in the fall to get photos to use on my card designs and some other people saw those photos and liked them. I've now had a few "paid" photo sessions. Still not a pro photographer though. I love to learn and love the challenge. I hope to continue to do the odd photo session (family and newborn especially). It's fun, sharpens my skills, helps me grow and provides me with photos for card designs.

I continue to ask myself the question, what makes a professional photographer? It seems that photography is one of the leading types of "I'll start my own business..." types of ideas. This is especially true for moms who've enjoyed taking pictures of their kids and figure they would enjoy it as a part time job. These days I would think that almost everyone knows a "photographer."I know that the "everyone is a photographer" idea is driving lots of amazing professional photographers crazy. And why shouldn't it!?! It's a competitive field and much of the public doesn't understand what makes a pro a pro. In fact, the line is so fine at times that I think many of us are having a hard time with the difference.

I've spent a fair amount of time browsing photography blogs and websites and am continually amazed at the range in ability, level of artistry, etc. The only thing that remains constant is that everyone seems to be calling themselves a photographer. There is no degree program or certification needed to be a photographer, in fact some of the best photographers I've come across are fully self taught or worked alongside a mentor photographer. Anyone can make a website or blog, so no differentiation there. I'm amazed how many photographers don't have a website or a blog. If a "photographer" doesn't even a place where they've showcased their portfolio, you should be leary about hiring them and if you do, the price should be low.

I've learned that "edited pics" can mean a ton of different things. In order to create great cards I found it necessary to take it upon myself to learn more about editing pics (keeping resolution high, fixing white balance, levels, sharpening, etc). I still have so... much to learn but I am thankful that I'm on my way (so much better than a year ago). Even with wedding photos, there is a huge range of ability. I'm amazed how often I see "professional" pics that I can tell haven't been edited at all (or very poorly). This always makes me a little sad and feel sorry for the client.

Just because someone has a "fancy" camera and takes pictures does not make them a professional photographer. This past year I've been called several "titles" that have made me feel a little uncomfortable, probably because I don't view myself that way. I don't see myself as a graphic designer, even though I work with graphics and design. The title just sounds so daunting, I am also not educated in graphic design being all self taught. I've been called a "photographer" several times as well, this one really makes me squirm, simply, because I am not. I fall under the category of being someone with a professional level camera that likes to take photos. I do actively try to improve my skills by visiting learning photography blog sites, practicing with my camera, reading, etc. I have started to charge a nominal fee for photo sessions to cover my time and effort. To do a good job it definetly takes time, to go to the location, plan, edit the photos, etc. Photography is not quick, easy money. At this point I feel like I do have a little experience and have the right to charge something. But I refuse to charge what a professional photographer would charge, simply because I am not one. You never know, perhaps one day, but not today.

One of the reasons I wanted to write this post was to caution people when looking for a photographer. Are you hiring a real professional, a good hobbyist, amateur or someone just looking to earn a little extra money. There are a lot of great hobbyist photographers out there, just be aware that they are not seasoned pros. If you're just looking to have someone take your picture, then someone with minimal experience will likely do the trick. However, if you want your pictures to be more than just a "picture" and a piece of art, then a pro is the way to go. Just remember that just because someone claims to be a professional doesn't mean they are. Spend some time looking on different photographers websites, see what style you like and don't like. Do your homework. Ask for referrals.

One of the great things about so many hobbyists becoming "photographers" is that there is no reason for the average person/ family to get photos taken somewhat regularly. Not that long ago the options were going to a pro or going to a Walmart studio. BIG price difference not to mention quality! Now people can get relatively good, or even great photos for a decent price without having to go to Walmart. I love how photography has changed through the years, much more relaxed and journalistic. Many photographers also sell the disc/ printing rights, which is great.

I feel so thankful to the families and people that have given me opportunities to learn and grow by letting me spend time with them taking photos. It is a learning experience. There are so many amazing photographers that I truly admire. Many have shared their work with me to use in my designs which has been such an honor. I have huge respect for all the amazing pro photographers out there. It is not an easy job.

So much Snow

It's snowed every day for several days in a row now. This afternoon, while Calvin was napping, Sarah and I headed out to shovel the driveaway. This is normally Sarah's nap time as well, but after some quiet time there was no napping to be had. David was trying to get some work done on his thesis so outside was about the only place left to go.

After I got the driveway cleared (good enough anyways) I grabbed the camera to take a few more pics of Sarah. Since I was no longer holding the shovel, she thought it was her turn to get some work done. She's been particularly loving the camera lately, so I figure I should just go with it. When I said, "Sarah say cheese for mommy." She said, "Cheese for mommy." Funny girl.

At this point she had taken off her mittens for easier shovelling (I'm guessing) but wasn't a big fan of snow on her hands.

I wasn't really in the mood for blogging and taking pics after Christmas. But I think I'm back in the swing of things. I did a baby photo session on Saturday (which I loved) and encouraged me to pick up the camera again. I had a fun Valentines photo shoot with the kids the other day as well, which I'm looking forward to posting this week. Now I just have to go back and finish the New Years eve/ New Years posts. Need some time to sit down and gather my thoughts for writing.

Blankie Time

Some kids love a soother or bottle. These two love their blankies and thumb/ finger. This morning they were just laying like this together in the hallway.

Sarah in the Snow

Because he's Cute!

Bring on 2011

saving the post.