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and dependable.  Not just when it’s convenient.  Or when you have nothing else is going on.

Always.

8 years and 3 beautiful daughters…

Thank you.

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I was tempted to write “Two Names’sss” in the headline, I was.  I am confident with the fact that it would have made for a good laugh.  My husband calls Brian Pahl, “two names”…because he has two first names.  Such a guy thing, but I have heard it so many times that when I go to talk to him I have to remind myself that his name is BRIIIAAN.  Ok, trying to be professional…moving on

This is a looong overdue family session.  We have had to cancel TWICE due to me having a back that left me completely immobile.  Like, I have taken pictures under some of the worst physical conditions, we all have, in fear of disappointing our very excited clients.

However, there was no moving for me.  No.  Moving.

Of course they were awesome, and patient, and wonderful to hang out with for the afternoon.

Guys- thank you so much for the sandwich, and fizzy orange juice/pop/stuff that I now love… and hugs, and laughs.

I love your family…you’ve got the goods.

Michelle

xx

{a wee peek}

OH…some of my most favorite times during sessions are what happens in the “in between”  oh the laughs…

I couldn’t resist.

{every little girl needs a daddy who’s not afraid to get a little pee on his shoe}

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It seems like just when I’m on the brink of packing five little suitcases, getting on an airplane (because in this fantasy it’s that easy) and moving back to the West Coast where I sometimes think we belong…I open the front door to find that some amazing Albertan has done something to make me feel right at home.

Lucky me, and now lucky you…GO BAKE THESE!!

M

xo

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Oatmeal Cherry Walnut Cookies
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 large egg white
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup dried cherries
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup sifted cake flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt

Mix together and bake at 375 for 7-8 minutes.

I’m gripping on to these last few weeks tightly, not wanting it to end.  Enjoy the rest of yours, I plan on spreading mine thin!

This makes me happy…

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DIRTY, STICKY, WET, SKINNED KNEE, MARSHMALLOW MUSTACHE, WILD, GOOFY, MATTED HAIR…HAPPY CAMPING KIDS IN THE SUMMER!!

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Hello again, ya it’s really me!!  I’m so sorry that it has been so long.  Necessary, as I was changing over web hosts, and that was more of a tackle than I bargained for.  I imagined posting Sofia’s first Birthday on the 3rd of July.  I imagined posting it with glee, going over the pride I was feeling that this celebration was exactly how I had hoped it would be for her.  Even though we were told by that time, it probably wouldn’t be.

I’m not ready.  I’m not ready to recap on how hard it was.  I know one day I will, and that it will be good for me to do that.  Maybe after a few more big appointments pass.  In the meantime, I’m just happy living, in the meantime.

Lately I have very strongly been advised by my inner intuition (he he) to let go of those who I don’t really feel give two pennies about me…or us.

Regardless of who they are, and of what relation.  Surround yourself with those that you know love you.  Make room for new friends, as they can be  as good as the oldies.  Beware though, because there are lurkers…and I’m not sure why they lurk when they don’t give a dang…but they do.  Let em’ go.

Beat to your own drum.  Have fun being you.  Those that follow, are those you want in your life, because they love you for you all your beautiful crazy ways.  You grow together.  With support, love, friendship & a strong appreciation for who each other are.  Sans drama.

I’m choosing my posse.  Oh yes I am.  You should too!  Old, new, near, far, many I haven’t even met.  {you photogs know what i’m saying}  I’m happy moving forward this way, to live the richest life I can.   I guess it does point back to my miss Sofia, I really thank her for opening my eyes.  Without going into her story, I thought instead I would share some summer bits.  A lovely day, with a few keepers.

TALK TO YOU GUYS SOON, I promise- {bad blogger}

Michelle

xx

35 years ago my parents lost their second child due to Spinal Meningitis, they lost her fast.  Her name was Chantelle, and she was 18 months old.  She was sweet and petite and angelic, she was dainty and fair.  She was the older sister I never met, but sometimes feel like I know.  My mom was three months pregnant with me when they lost her, and when I was born, all 10 chubby pounds of me hardly resembled Chantelle.  I was all that she wasn’t.  Of course, we’re all different, so as difficult as that might have been at first, I was far from NOT being doted on…maybe a little much.

The moral of my story is a funny one, not a sad one.  You see, I was told for years by relatives that I was an angel.  I know they loved and protected me “a little extra” when life is put into perspective, it would be hard not too.  However, my mom swears I was, well, rotten.  Everyone else denies the fact, and honestly I never remembered being…rotten? {insert angel face}

She said I just had an edge. I gave her that look, and went about my sassy ways.  I remember table manners being extremely strict at our house, so when my brother showed me this picture years ago, I was horrified that that was even me?  I mean, it looks like we were camping, but still?  Anyway,  I totally forgot about it.

We carry some heavy table manner rules as well, but the other day we both popped up from the table to do something at the same time, and when I walked back into the room I was stunned. Noa was jumping on the couch with a hot dog wiener hanging out of her mouth. WTH?  Who’s kid is this?

Before I could say a thing, I grabbed the camera.  Ok Noa, just so you know, SO not cool!  -Then I snapped away-

While I was dong that, that dreadful picture snuck back into my head, and I almost dropped my camera.  I couldn’t get the story out quick enough to Darren…what a coincidence.  My mom always said Noa “was just like me”  and it wasn’t till that moment, that I knew she was right, and I realized that the only difference between the two pictures below, were Bi-Products and Tofu.

A funny reminder to accept our children as individuals, and to not ever expect them to be someone they’re not.  I’m so grateful for the three different & unique individuals we have.  Maybe not taken so easily 35 years ago, I would like to think that people see their children through these eyes today.

Not last night but the night before, the night before her 4th Birthday, Noa crashed hard. Within minutes on our couch she had a high fever, eyes rolling back in her head, working hard to breath and hallucinations.  It all happened fast.  It felt really wrong, and all I could think about…was Chantelle.  Darren called an ambulance, and long story short, she was home 10 hours later after being treated for an attack caused by a viral infection.  Home with us, safe and sound…our, Noa Chantelle.

Happy Birthday yesterday my sweet feisty girl.  I’ll love you forever for just who you are.

Mummy.

Last week, we met with the talented and fun loving  Dana for our photo shoot.  Finally it happened, and… At. Such. The. Perfect. Time. For. Us.  She had great ideas, and I wont blow it…but needed a field.  I had taken “the storm shot” of Gracie there, and had been back a few times since then.  However I wasn’t sure it could deliver what she had in mind.  Let’s just say, it did (i think, i hope, so did it Dana? hee hee)  It was like it knew we were coming, and just turned itself into a little piece of heaven!  I took Gracie back the next night for some sweet light, and a little reunion.

As for Dana’s ideas and shots…well, we’ll just have to wait.

~Happy Drippy Summer Sun~

Michelle xx

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I’ll be on a jet plane by the time you read this, I’m sure.  However, I’m wishing you the happiest birthday, and “almost birthday” EVER!  Smooch girls, (our girls)  and have a wonderful time!  See you in four days. xx

M

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