Almost Here

BIG changes coming on Thursday, May 1 - so be sure to check back!!

My kids always like three clues for surprises, so here you go...

1) Yellow
2) A Bright Idea
3) Eden + Madison

Huh? You just have to wait and see.......

Amy's Song

You have to watch this most creative speech to the happy couple! I found this when I was blog hopping - watch to the end (get past the cue cards). I cried, I laughed.. I love it!!!

LINK

Marky Mark

15 years ago this Fall I saw a guy at the bus stop near my college reading a book I recognized from one of my classes. He was cute - so I introduced myself and we started gabbing.

This same guy is downstairs right now pulling his hair out as he does our taxes. I'm trying to stay out of the way.

One thing that Mark does love to do is ride his motorbike he got last year. He got it out this past week and tonight I snapped a few pics of him after church as he rode home. So, in the spirit of stress relievers for my favourite hubby... here's a few pics of him!

Mike & Kristen Engagement

This morning was a perfect Spring morning! So nice to be outside and enjoy the sunshine and the signs of life all around. And even better was spending it with Mike & Kristen who are gtting married this Fall! We met in Burlington and wandered around exploring and getting to know each other better. A fun morning!

The trees were just stunning this morning!





Then we headed over to the Village Square in Burlington - what a great spot! So many neat shops and restaurants!





















Then we walked over to the water - great way to end the morning!









And we saw this bird... is it one legged or just standing on one leg? Either way... what balance!!

Headed home

After my journey to Nestor Falls for Grandma's funeral, I'm on my way home. It has been a great time of seeing family - lots of laughs mixed with lots of tears. The journey to Nestor Falls is a familiar one we took many, many times as a kid. It is my favourite place on earth filled with good memories. It is a place untouched by time or technology where I can still walk in almost any store (of the 3 or 4 there - ha!) and know the staff (and be related to most). Because I look like my mom, I get recognized most places. It is a community that supports each other and considers people who have lived there less than 30 years a newcomer. It's home to my family and I love being there!

Here's a bit of my journey....

Marcie and Eden on their way in the Toronto airport



Got to love planes where we can all watch our own show!



Persians - you can only get them in Thunder Bay and they are heavenly! They are so bad for you - and true Thunder Bay folks make it even worse by frying them in butter. Mmmmmm..... This is one thing I miss about living in Thunder Bay!



Nestor Falls (where my grandparents lived) is 5 hours from Thunder Bay. The drive is pretty barren so you stop where you can. Quetico is always our "pit stop" as it's about half way and there's no where else to stop!





The girls were bushed by the time we got to my aunt and uncle's in Emo. It was good to have a BBQ with the family - they are such a cool family! We'll be back in 3 weeks for my cousin's Kathryn's wedding!


Eden loved the view in the morning - their house is right on the river (with teh USA right across the river)



And Madi loved this dirt bike at Uncle Dave's Kawaski dealership



Finally we got to Nestor Falls - we were fortunate that the Helliar's family opened their resort for us to crash at (they're not open for the season yet). They have been good family friends for a long time - my mom grew up with them.



And how nice to find a stocked fridge - thanks to family in the area!



Marcie and the girls exploring the room and resort







Then we wandered down to the falls where Madi loved the cray fish claws









Madi wanted to make an inukshuk after seeing so many along the drive - she couldn't pronounce it though and called it a "suction cup".



My cousin Ralph is this big tough biker looking guy - who charms any kid. He works in a kindergarten class actually. Within 30 seconds Eden was cuddled into him and announcing she thought he was handsome.





The first night in Nestor Falls the ladies at my Grandma's church did a big supper for all of us.

Here are my mom and her two sisters - still goofs even in the midst of sorrow.



Aunt Marcie and all her nieces and nephews - love how Cohen is sitting away from all the yucky girls.



Some candid snaps from dinner









The morning of the funeral Marcie and I walked down to Grandma's home - she sold it 4 years ago so it lacked her personality. She had flowers everywhere when she lived there and gardens galore - it seemed very symbolic to be back at the house with no flowers or signs of life in sight. But there was still signs of Grandma around... (fortunately there was no signs of the owners around as we wandered the yard!)

The road into Grandma's house



Some of Grandma's things left behind at the house







The view from Grandma's - lots of ice still!





This is the camp my grandparents met at 60 some years ago. It is now owned by a family member - and they opened the camp for us to have a celebration at after the funeral.









I come from a family of bush pilots - always lots of great stories!



And some random candids of loved ones..













Now I'm on my way home today from Thunder Bay. After a long trip emotionally and physically - I'm ready to be home!

Thank You

I am blown away by all the emails and support from people in my Grandma's passing. Unbelievable. Thank you. If you knew her - you would have loved her. If you didn't - you missed out in a massive way.

I will be away most of this week. Grandma is from Nestor Falls which is in the middle of nowhere and the most beautiful place anywhere. We have a flight to Thunder Bay and then 5 hours of driving from there. We will be gone Tuesday through Saturday most likely. Carolynn and Beth are here holding down the fort at KJP.

Anyhow, all the grandkids were asked to share something at the funeral on Thursday if they can/want. I know I'll be blubbering but I wanted to say something. I started to think about everything I learned from Grandma (or GG as most of us called her for either Grandma Grace or Great Grandma to my kids). This is a quick draft, thought I'd share with you some of the lessons I learned... (and am in the process of learning - I'm far from most of these!)

All I needed to know I learned from GG....

GG taught me that it is important to give others the spotlight, and to sit in the audience cheering them on. Being a cheerleader and support is just as important (if not more) than being the star of the show.

GG taught me that love is more than words.

GG taught me the art of remembering.... names, what someone is going through, and what someone likes. To pick up on comments casually said in conversation of something the person needed, and remember it come Christmas. To inquire after people and their specific situation. To remember people by name. To stock the fridge with your guests favourite food.

GG taught me that life is full of simple joys - a garden in full bloom, a shore launch, fresh picked strawberries, catching a big walleye, a walk on a beautiful day.

GG taught me to laugh often and much. But never at someone's expense.

GG taught me I am a part of the world I live in and need to be informed. Staying up to date on current affairs - both politically and culturally... from the evening news to Dancing with Stars.

GG taught me that it is better to listen than to speak. Then when you do speak, everyone is all ears.

GG taught me how to live life to the fullest.

Smiling Eyes - Sharon

Smiling Eyes is a volunteer organization that I belong to where photographers donate their time to family's dealing with cancer.

I had the honour of meeting Sharon and her family today. Sharon had not been home in months and had a day pass for the first time today. What a gorgeous Spring day to be out! She was joined by her three kids, parents, husband, and loved ones.

The beautiful Sharon...





The whole gang surrounding Sharon with love...





Sharon and her three kids



and a more tender side of the kids...



Kids will always be kids...



Three generations of women...



Sharon and her parents...





Sharon and her hubby...





Sharon looking on at her kids...




Sharon's parents were a riot! - the top photo the mom was saying "Don't put your arm around me! Hold my hand!!"The last picture they were arguing over if they had been married 64 or 65 years.

Coffee Talk

Today was suppose to be the coffee talk - but with this morning's news of the loss of my Grandma (see below) I had to reschedule everything. I tried tor each all of you I could by email, but unfortunately I did not have phone numbers. My friend Jen also went down to look for people with cameras. If I missed anyone - I apologize. I would love to do this again - once I'm back from flying up for the funeral and such I will reschedule something. Thanks for your understanding!

Saying Goodbye

This morning I got a call that no one ever wants. One of those phone calls that just the ring alone tells you what the caller is going to say.

Last night my Grandma went to sleep, this morning she didn't wake up.

My Grandma was not your typical 95 year old. The only other time she had been in the hospital was to have kids - over 60 years ago. She was so up on culture - reading People magazine and watching American Idol faithfully. My mom said this week when she saw my mom come in the hospital one day the first question she asked was "Who got voted off Dancing with Stars last night?"My Grandma had a wicked sense of humour. She was one of the most thoughtful people I ever met. If I ever brought a friend to her home for a visit - Grandma would remember them forever after asking about them each time I saw her. Grandma would make sure she kept our favourite foods and things on hand for visits. She hated attention on herself. She would say "we're full of balarney" and give us a swat if we started to get mushy. Everyone who met her adored her. Grandma lived many, many miles away and although we didn't speak often - I always knew she was there loving me and believing in me.

I am also thinking about how glad I am for photos of my Grandma with my kids. They are young enough they don't remember her well - but I want them to know her. As they grow up, I can show them the photos of her and tell them the stories of their GG.

I am reminded again today though to always tell the people you know how much you love them and what they mean to you. Even if they say "enough of that mush!" (as my Grandma would say) we need to let our loved ones know they are just that - loved.

I love you Grandma.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

Earlier this week I had the privilege of meeting Gina and Nikolina. A mother and daughter whose bond was obvious to me the second we met. The love I saw between Nikolina and her mom made me really want photos with my mom. I told them to wear jeans and a tshirt - and they showed up glam, in dresses and heels! I LOVED IT! With the sun just starting to go down, I had fun playing with light and watching these two ladies interact. They were like best friends - and it shows in the photos. We shot around 6pm and it now makes me want to always shoot at this time.




This is them dancing... so fun.

Share a Smile

I just got this GREAT email from Donna - made me day. Made my week! Thanks Donna!! And as you're reading this - you need to know her sons are ADORABLE (see HERE) - would love to see them dancing!


So... I'm reading through your blog (like I do when I want a quick smile fix) and decide to click on the wedding video of Neil and Nicola...

The music came on and Isaiah just started dancing spontaneously with such exuberance it made all of us laugh. Micah (just walking) came around the corner and laughed his little contagious laugh and we all enjoyed a rare moment when both boys have fun together, and I remember why I became a parent in the first place!

Thanks for the moment... I NEEDED THAT!

Learning Together

I get lots of requests to go grab a coffee and talk "shop" with photographers - which I LOVE to do! LOVE.

I thought maybe we could do it together and all learn from each other. Ask questions and just hang out and get to know each other! So if you are a photographer - newbie or old hat - come on out Sat morning!

Thought we could go to Williams at the Hamilton waterfront as it's suppose to be a gorgeous day! A client (and now friend - hi Mary!) introduced me to the new waterfront part - gorgeous! Seriously, nicest coffee shop with a great patio which we can finally use as this nasty winter is (hopefully) gone. Let me know if you're coming so I can watch out for you. So here's the details:

Date: Saturday, April 19, 2008
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Location:Williams Coffe Pub
Street: 47 Discovery Drive

Oh! And if you are a wedding photographer - make sure to mark this upcoming event on your calendar. Two of my heroes - Joe Buissink and Yervant - are coming to Toronto May 12. And if you're going - let me know so I can look for you there!

Walking in your shoes

So, many months ago I got a comment on my blog here from Christine from Click Photography asking if I could do her family's portraits. I went to her website and fell in love with her style also - so we are doing each other's portraits this Spring. This blog comment though has developed into a new friendship with Christine who is such an amazing person. She is the founder of Smiling Eyes and just a ball of fun!

But... now I know how you feel. Sunday we are getting our family's photos done and all I can think about is.... what should we wear?? My OCD is kicking in and it's all I can think about. What type of look do we want to go for? Bright and funky? Natural and classic? All coordinating?

what to do, what to do.....

Monday Mommy Dates

Monday mornings are generally a horrible thing. But the last few weeks it has become a favourite time of the week for me. This is Madi and my "Mommy Date" time. Today we went and had breakfast out and then just did some errands. But we were together. We gabbed. Laughed. Talked about where fairies live, Madi's birthday party plans (in 5 months), wanting a dog, Spring, being a rock star... and life in general.

Best way to start a week!

Vegas Fun

I just found this photo of some of us gals in Vegas from a photo booth - had to share it!

Pictured - Jen K, Beth Smith (who both work and support me - can't do anything without them!) and Christine (www.clickphotography.ca)

Welcome Tobin!

Back in February, I had the pleasure of meeting Kris & Martha as they waited for their son to arrive. Today I got to meet Tobin Oliver (great names!) and he is sweet!!

What a difference a couple months makes...



Kris & Martha are just smitten with Tobin - and the feeling is mutual. So much love!



Kris and Tobin were so sweet together! I always love watching dads with their kids...









And at three weeks old - Tobin already knows (and loves) mom's voice!





I love this photo of Martha and Tobin - such a tender moment between mom and son... those early days of adoration wher eyou just want to kiss them all over and cuddle them!



Kris and Martha were calming Tobin and I just loved how they were all three holding hands so naturally...



Then Tobin decided to pull out his acting skills - from pretending to sleep to screaming!





Mom and dad were holding Tobin - I laugh when I look at the photo of just Kris' hands, it looks as if Tobin is saying "Dad, it's a long way down.... hold on to me!"





Tobin up close



Tobin playing peek a boo



And on the beautiful blue blanket made by his aunt





And here he is giving us the peace sign - "Peace!"

Changes

Tis the season for newness and change. (is "newness" even a word?)

New life is springing up - the first glimpses of flowers, butterflies... and even Robin Redbreasts!

It's exciting! And here at KJP we are also in the midst of changes. Big exciting new life changes that we'll be unveiling soon! Can't wait to tell you all our big secret...

Nelyweds: Neil & Nicola

I woke up today like a kid on Christmas morning.. it was a gorgeous sunny day! Perfect for a wedding!! After such a LONG cold, hard, eternal winter... the warmth of today was a welcome friend. What a great way to celebrate with Neil & Nicola!

Neil & Nicola's wedding was at the beautiful Beverly Golf & Country Club and catered by Pepperwood. They had friends and family who had flown in from all over to celebrate along with them! There was lots of laughter and fun on this Big Day!

Congratulations!

In 2008 we are happy to introduce a portion of all photo sales from weddings will be donated to the charity of the couple's choice. In memory of Nicola's mother, we are pleased to donate to the organ transplant at Toronto General.

Also - if you are a friend or family of Neil & Nicola - make sure to register HERE to see all their photos when they are ready for viewing!

Good Friends

I just found these photos from a dinner out with two of my closest friends a couple days before I left for Vegas. Monica, Cherie and I have been friends since high school and try to get together a few times a year.



We are all photo lovers. In high school (okay - and even now) we get together and do photo shoots - just for fun! Whenever we meet the rule is you have to bring photos. The two of them are amazing scrap bookers and so it's always fun looking trhough their new creations.





This ring here has a story.

In high school I bought it and thought it was perfect. But when Mark proposed, I passed it on to Monica as I had a new ring to replace it. When Mon got engaged a few years later, I got the ring back. I just came across it recently and was wearing it when we got together. Cherie sadly just lost her wedding rings... and was ring-less. So she now is the proud owner of my special ring!



There is nothing better than good friends. We've been through the very good together and the very rough. They are my encouragement and support. I love these gals! They amaze me with their talents and skills.

Hoping you are celebrating the friends in your own life as you read this entry!