A new year

December 30th, 2008

2008 has been an interesting year, to say the least. It has definitely had it’s ups and downs I’m sure like anybody’s year but this year will definitely be a memorable one that will not be easily forgotten. This year started with the challenge of having a child in Kindergarten. My first born child. It was pretty emotional for me at first. I was leaving her for 2 1/2 hrs in the care of someone I didn’t know at all. I had to put all my trust in the school system and be comforted that she was getting the proper teaching and emotional/mental stability from a lady she would call her teacher. A couple of months I was put at ease and knew that she would be ok.  Her Kindergarten year was a good one. She loved going to school and if she was ever home for a long period of time ie: sick days or holidays she would complain that she wanted to go back to school because she was bored at home no matter what kind of fun I provided for her. I’m just hoping this attitude lasts well into highschool. Ha. Who am I kidding. Apart from the emotional ties that comes along with sending your first born off to school there’s also the challenge of getting her there and back with 2 other kids in tow. If you talk to any mom with more than 1 child  they’ll tell you how they dread the Kindergarten year. Having to pack up all your kids to get them to school and then back again to pick up your child 2 hours later is pretty taxing. Especially in the winter months. I get exhausted just thinking about having to do it all over again with my other 3.

Next in the year was Carson’s forklift accident. That has been the true challenge of this year. I have gone through so many emotions I can’t  even express. Carson wasn’t the only one who broke a bone this summer two of our girls broke their arm within weeks of each other. Thankfully they only had their casts on for a few weeks so they were still able to enjoy water type activities. I have learned a lot about the character of myself, “friends” vs. true friends, relatives and the church  through experience-good and bad. In the end I walk away with a deeper appreciation for my husband, family, and faith. 

A few months before my husband’s accident we found out I was pregnant with our 4th child.  We talked about #4 but didn’t know when it was going to happen. A surprise for sure but definitely a welcomed one. We found out we were going to have our very first boy and I was so excited. A little brother for my girls. The only hard part of this pregnancy was the stress I was feeling trying to cope with the affects from Carson’s accident and the guilt I was feeling for having two kids with broken arms.  Thankfully, all was good and I delivered a healthy,beautiful baby boy in October. Levi was definitely the best part of 2008. 

Another upside, this business. I have so much to learn so I am truly honored when a bride asks me to photograph their wedding or I get a call from a mom wanting me to photograph their family. There are no words to express what it is like to be taking baby steps towards your dream. I’m not there but I feel like I’m on my way.

This year I had to see my mom and step-dad move further away from us. They were living in Alberta and decided to make the big move to Newfoundland. As I write this I get teary-eyed because I know that seeing them is not going to be easy anymore. Alberta may be a days-drive away but it can be done a few times a year and it felt so close. But Newfoundland, it’s so far away… I understand why they decided to move and I support them but it’s hard to see (or not see) your family as often anymore.

There are more good and bad experiences I can share but needless to say I’m ready for a new year. I’m sure 2009 will have it’s own set of challenges but I’m praying and hoping for an accident free year. I’m  looking for the good in things, going to trying to step out of my comfort zone more and  try to find the positive and finding ways that my family can all be  in a better place. I’m looking up now.

 

Happy New Year!

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Renata and Jamie

December 11th, 2008

Renata and Jamie got married in September on a beautiful sunny at Elysium Gardens. I had a great time with this fun couple. They spent their special day surrounded by friends and lots of family members who traveled from all over for their wedding. I’ve never been to a wedding with so many family members! I have a funny story to tell you involving a trellis but it  can only be told in person so make sure to ask me if  we see each other.

Thanks guys for letting me share in the beautiful day with you.

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Elysium Gardens Wedding picture

 

elysium Gardens Wedding picture

 

elysium Gardens Wedding picture

 

kelowna wedding picture

 

Okanagan valley wedding picture

 

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kelowna wedding Photographer picture

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Love and Fun

November 11th, 2008

I had the honor of photographing old friends ours. I met Heather and Hugh 10 years ago at college. Wow, I just realized that it’s been 10 years! Hugh and Heather and Carson and I started dating around the same time at school and we’ve created some fun and memorable memories while were there. We’ve kept in touch, we’ve been out of touch but whenever we see them after a long period of time there is always laughter and honesty. Heather and Hugh were in Kelowna visiting family when I had the opportunity to photograph their beautiful family. I had such a hard time choosing which pictures to put up here but here they are! Thank you  guys for letting me capture the beauty, love and warmth that is your family. We love you guys!

kelowna family photography picture

 

Twins!

kelowna family photography picture

kelowna photographer picture

kelowna family picture

kelowna child photography picture

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Beautiful family of four

November 7th, 2008

I had such a good time photographing this beautiful family. The girls were so cute and did very well despite a cold and windy day. I was 9 months pregnant when I did these family pics and I was happy that these little girls weren’t into running around and taking off from us or I’m sure I would have gone into labour trying to keep up with them! ;) Thanks for such a good day!

 

bertram creek family picture

bertram creek family picture

bertram creek family picture

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Miann and Lindsay

November 6th, 2008

Miann and Lindsay are another couple from Vancouver that I met early on in summer. I photographed their wedding while I was 7 1/2 months pregnant and it happened to be the hottest day of the summer. I can’t even count how many water bottles I went through. Their wedding party and friends were so wonderful making sure the pregnant lady was doing ok. Such a thoughtful bunch they were.  Lindsay and Miann officially married in Victoria a couple weeks before their Kelowna wedding but they still had the nervous wedding day jitters, it was so cute and you can just  feel the deep love between these two.  I had so much fun working with Miann and Lindsay and all friends! 

Enjoy!

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summerhill winery wedding picture

okanagan wedding photography picture

bertram creek wedding picture

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