More Perfect...

I created this digital scrapbook layout of my two boys Connor and Jacob after our night of terror.

Journaling reads:
More perfect
than I could've hoped
More beautiful
than I could've dreamed
More precious
than I could've imagined
I love you more
than I could've known!!!

Kit created by Kim Hill of CG Essentials
http://www.cgessentials.com/


Look at this beauty!!! Isn't she a complete doll!

I love playing with the pictures and changing them from colour to black and white with some hand colouring and my favorite right now is low sateruration (bottom photo). Low saturation just softens the picture a little but still looks fabulous (in my opinion anyway).

Oh mommy, you are in trouble with these big brown eyes!!! I can here her now...please mommy, please can I go to that dance, please mommy please can I buy that!!! Look out world because here comes another teenager - not for a little while but the clock is ticking and she is growing up right before our eyes. Look the eyes are truly the window to her soul.

Oh, this picture gives me goosebumps! She was so relaxed and content. She really gave me a happy, sincere smile...I just love it. I love being able to capture a child's personality! This little gal has a heart of gold and a smile that is going to melt many boys hearts.

Have a great evening.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors - A MUST Have!!

Yeah, a live, snuggling and teasing!
Picture: Black & White with some Hand Colouring



Low Saturation



Colour of course - LOL!



Well, we did not go to bed until after 3:00 am - we were just allowed back in our house at that time...

the fire department was ar our house - NO FIRE but lots of Carbon Monoxide!

Union gas was at our house and NO one has determined the problem...the gas to our house has been turned off. we have called union energy and they will be here today to see if it is the hot water tank - they will be here between 8 & 4....it is almost 3:00 and they have not arrived - oh isn't that funny as I write this he arrives. We he has determined it is not the water tank it is the furnace!!!! The furnace is running at about 500 ppm's. He has shut off the gas to the furnace and we need to call someone else to look at the furnace and determine the problem...ahhh!! Well, we have hot water and air conditioning but no pilot light and gas. Good thing it is summer and not winter.


It was a long night and we are exhausted. Thank goodness for great neighbours. We called Darlene and Scott at about 12:30 to bring our kids there because they needed to leave the house. The fire department said the house was unsafe and we needed to get the kids out!

It all started about 7:00 pm last night - the monoxide detector was going off loud and continuous. I went down, unplugged it and plugged it back in. It continued to beep (3 beeps) every few minutes. We just left it not thinking much of it. It did not stop, so I thought I would look at it again to see if it is the back up batteries - there are none...it is only a plug in. I then brought it from the basement up into the bathroom beside our room to ensure if it changes I could here it. I plugged it back in and hit the reset and left it again. At about 12:00 am I thought I would go to bed. I was lying in bed tossing and turning. My head started to think of all the bad things including going to bed and not waking up...I tend to worry a little - I didn't want to bother the fire department and take them away from what I thought could be more series. I then started to look on the internet for info...My brain really started to worry...I called the fire department....

Thew fire department came and started to say "how it is probably fine etc, etc," then the other fire man walked in with the tester and said "yep I am getting a reading". As he walked to the basement the reading increased and increased....we had no air and no gas but we are alive and fine.

Ryan got home from Montreal very, very tired...he was sleeping until he heard me talking to the fire department...he thought I just wanted to see some hot firemen LOL!!! You know, when you are dealing with something series your mind is not giving your eyes the chance to google or check out the hotties LOL...My eyes were filled with tears and terror. My boys were sleeping upstairs and all I knew is I had to get them out of the house..thankgoodness for the firemen calendars - gives you a chance to have a peek when the mood is a little more relaxed and not so stressful! Our amazing neighbours stayed up with us and let us stay at their house until 3:00 in the morning...there are truly angels out there blessing my family and keeping them safe.

if you don't have a carbon monoxide detector I would recommend getting one...they WORK. We HAVE HAD THE THING FOR YEARS and I just thought it was using electricity...without it, who know's!!! Home depot, Canadian tire, Costco - get it today! sorry for any spelling error I am pretty tired and sleep deprived...my excuss for this time lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Raising Boys

A Little Boy
If you have a little boy
All your very own,
Then you have enough and more
To make a happy home.




Raising Boys
(Roberta I. Teague)

I scrub the wall of fingerprints,
Pick up the mounds of clothes.
I sweep the dirt that shoes track in-
Wish I could use a hose!

Meals are served from dawn to dark,
Dirty dishes crowd the sink.
Just when they're washed and put away-
Everyone wants a drink!

The washer pulls the dirty grime
From pants worn thin and patched.
They look so very neat and clean-
Yuck, look what the pockets hatched!
Broken bones and bloody knees,
I should have been a nurse.
I take it all in shaky stride-
Just grateful it's not worse!

Screams and shouts and arguments
Test the keeping of my cool.
They left the neighbor's faucet on-
See their new front yard pool!

A soothing bath is ecstasy,
A reward at the end of my rope.
Raising boys isn't really bad-
But first I must wash the soap!

A rose can say I Love You,
Orchids can enthrall;
But a weed bouquet in a chubby fist,
Oh my, that says it all!



A Special Little Boy
If he can make you think that he's an angel
while doing things he's not supposed to do...
If he has lots of ways to try your patience
yet charms you with a hug that's just for you...

If he enjoys the roughest games and new adventures
but needs the same old kiss to "make it well"...
If he drags his feet whenever it's his bedtime
but runs to hear the story you will tell...

If he can fill your days with happiness and laughter
and always be a source of pride and joy,
Then he'll be all you lucky parents ever hoped for...
He'll be a really special little boy!

Sometimes or I should should a lot of times my most favourite pictures are the ones when children are playing and really doing what they do best.

I was thinking about what to write today and instead since I was in the company of boys all day and I have two of my very own, I thought I would include a couple poems. I have read these poems many times before and so I thought I would share them with you...you have probably already read them as well, but I thought I would share them just incase. As I sit here and re-read every line I nod my head saying "that is so very true". My boys had a bath tonight and the water was grey almost black - yuck, yuck, yuck but you know what - they had FUN! I always say "if the kids are dirty at the end of the day - they had a great, fun day!" Connor and his freind Drew played in the dirt, mud, rode bikes, jumped ramps, played swords, rollerbladed and ran around having a blast. Just another fun moment in time!!!!

The Simple Charms of Childhood

In an ever-changing world, some things refuse to change - like the simple charms of just being a child. Aren't you glad. Look at this beautiful child. She is full of special simple charms that make me smile with delight. Thank-goodness, some things never change. There is no substitute for making mud pies or lying on your tummy or back in the grass watching the clouds roll by. This beauty loves to look up into the sky and create shapes and things out of the clouds. Sometimes she see's dragons, lions, elephants and snakes floating through the sky. My only wish is that childhood would last much longer then it does. What if we could capture and hold on to pieces of our own childhood. The nice thing about being a photographer or the one with the camera is that I can capture and freeze these precious moments of the children in my life. I can capture the ones I know and even the ones I don't - YEAH.

Gracie is sunshine to my eyes. Her smile fills my heart with laughter and joy every time I see her. She is such a positive little girl, she is always yelling across the street "Hi Kim, Hi Ryan, Hi Connor and Jacob", oh how I hope I hear those words for many years to come. I can be having a bad day and the sound of her sweet voice is lovely music to my ears. It's amazing how a simple smile is free medicine to our soul. I am telling you I could be down and her positive attitude always cracks a smile and giggle out of me. Grace don't ever change because you are a beautiful little girl and I thank you for blessing my life with your great personality!

Speaking about children I know, I know this little man very well as he is my little guy. Jacob is 5 and he loves life and having fun! I take many, many pictures of my two boys. I don't want their childhood years to go by. I'm selfish that way, gosh I love childhood, I love being a mom , maybe as they grow I could un-busy myself and let some of their childhood seep back into me, and maybe for a while we can all roll around in the grass and be kids together!!!

My boys truly know how to have fun and sometimes I forget to join in because I don't want to miss a moment from capturing them on film (well not film anymore LOL).

Have a great evening!

Little Bum Bum's

I have been so busy lately, that I have not even had a chance to post. So, I thought I would upload a few shots from the past few days.



This little monkey was a complete doll. He was full of giggles and smiles. He would follow me around and say "can I tell you something?" soooo cute! I love watching children play, run, climb and have fun. I have a ton of pictures where you counldn't even see his eyes because he was giggling so much. I am so blessed to be surrounded by wonderful children that brighten my day and bring many smiles to my face. Children have an innocence about them that brings happiness to my heart and soul. Thanks little buddy for your amazing disposition. You are a real joy and pleasure.


There is nothing more precious then watching your children hug and smile. There are many times in my household that I need to seperate the two of my monkeys as they are antagonizing each other. A pinch here, a kick there, a grab here and a name calling there...Savor this moment as it is these cherished moments that you want to capture and save forever.



Look at this beauty. Look at her eyes. She sparkles from head to toe...you should see her mommy wooo hoo...you definitely know where these two get their beauty from. This cow girl had spunk, character and pizzazz!!! Go GIRLIE! At first she was a little quiet and reserved and then I showed her this cow girl hat - yeah, she was so excited. This hat went on her head and it transformed her. She suddenly was filled with some cool attitude. She was posing and flippin' her hair from side to side...Look out mommy the boys are going to be banging down your door. (Thanks to my sister Heidi for giving me this hat this very day).





Now my cousins children - oh look at them - sooo CUTE!! I just love the bright colours of this spray painted wall. Bright colours help to make your photographs and children pop! I wanted to photograph Devon against a spray painted wall...one word of advice check the graffiti first...make sure there are no swear words or sexy shaped bodies with big you know what LOL. I took Devon to a skateboard park placed him on one wall, another and another. This one was great but one of the other shots was R rated...it wasn't until I stepped back from Devon and the one wall, looked throught the view finder of my camera and realized his head was next to a big boob OMG...the lady in the picture was holding a cigarette...and here I am taking pictures of children ahhhh! good thing he is related to me and his Dad has a great sense of humour. I was just so excited because the wall was full of colour. I think it might be a good idea to have a spray painted wall designed and created for me LOL!!



Look at this little bum, bum! Oh, she was so much fun to photograph...my aunt was behind me making so many fun sounds. Allysa was mezmorized by her fun personality! Thanks Theresa!

Have a great evening!

Treasure Life and Stay Playful

BOYS, BOYS, BOYS!!!



One thing we need to always remember is to "treasure life". As I watched these 4 boys run and play they really do remember to be playful and treasure life. At first I was posing these little men for a picture and they had a difficult time smiling BIG...I love when one smiles and their eyes twinkle. Of course, we can all smile on demand but is it real...probably not. I know with my nine year old if I ask him to smile his nose flares and he loses the twinkle or magical sparkle in his eyes!



So, I told the boys to head down to the beach and go play. Well, I followed them into the forest area, down to the beach, over a bridge and to my dismay, right into a snake...a real live SNAKE ahhhh, ok I screamed and loud. I ran right out of the trees and "very quickly". Guess what...I captured some smiles and giggles...the things we put our camera's through to truly capture ones real personality. It is never a dull moment in my life...I should be thankful! I am very thankful that their is no camera on me...could you imagine my facial expression after running into a snake...oh my goodness, that thought scrares me!



I was able to watch these 4 boys run quickly and play all over. I soon realized the importance of playing and laughing. Being playful is a joyful quality. Being playful keeps you lighthearted and relaxed (except for when you run into a snake...grrr). Even though it scrared the living daylights out of me I got to laugh right alongside the boys (after the fact). Laughing is something we adults need to do soooo much more. When I watch children play, they smile and giggle so many times while we adults remain serious and worry about life. We need to truly laugh at ourselves and with others to keep our bodies healthy and happy. Tonight, Ryan wrestled and played with Connor. While I was having a hot bath all I can hear was the giggles of a dad with his son. There is nothing more satisfying then listening to the sounds of your family enjoying each others company. These are the things I am talking about. Yes, we need to be a nag to keep our children safe but we need to remember to let loose and have FUN. Kids remember to do this all the time. We need to take a few pointers from the little ones and have fun to. Having fun will bring more smiles and joy into our lives helping us to live a longer, happier life!

Treasure life and learn from the children around you. Sit back at the park and watch them play. Watch them smile and giggle...you never know you might just giggle along with them.

Have a great evening or day!!!!

Live In The Moment

I was reading or briefly looking at a book called "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff with your Family" by Richard Carlson, PH.D. One of the chapters talks about Learning from Kids as they live in the moment!!!

Wow, I thought to myself...how very true. My two boys (above Connor and Jacob) do that everyday! At the cottage this past week-end they truly experienced life in the "present moment". As an adult I don't often know how to do that. I am always placing a lot attention on worries, regrets, mistakes, "what's wrong", things yet to be done , things that bother me, the future, the past and forgetting about the present. The book talks about living life now. If we can do this we will enjoy life and be able to bring out the best in our performance and creativity because we will be far less distracted.

Connor and Jacob will take advantage of every waking moment. They try to do as much as they possible can. At the cottage this past weekend for example, the little beach bums, caught frogs and toads, played volleyball, went kayaking, they went swimming and paddle boating. They went on a boating advenure, fishing with their dad, roasted marshmellows, built sand castles, went on a nature walk, played with their missed cottage friends, cousins and played uno and so on and so on. I sat in a chair for a while watched their little feet run and run and run and felt tired - ahhhh oh and had a couple drinks yeah (but only a few - I was very good! My goal for next time is to run along side them (sometimes LOL and drink a few more...just kidding or not he! he! he!). I guess I did for a while following them with the camera LOL!!!!




Children know how to live in the moment. They get to enjoy ordinary events in an extraordinary fashion. If we can learn from our children we will spend less energy convincing ourselves that right now isn't good enough and more time enjoying the special moments we are in!!! My theory is take lots and lots of pictures and we can freeze the many moments in time so that we can enjoy them forever and ever!!

Each Child Has their own PERSONALITY!

What a cutie patootie! This little angel was so excited about having her picture taken today. She is 3 years old and a ball of fire! She is full of personality and life. She was happily running from one pose to another...I just love, love the sparkle in her eyes. She was on the beach enjoying life and the sun, sand and turf!




Now this little monkey was very busy running and moving like crazy! He loves mighty machines, dirt and just playing outside. He truly is all boy. The old saying holds true with this little fella "a little dirt never hurt". He was picking up all the rocks and jumping in the dirt. He would happily sit on the rock, giggle and smile as long as he could hold a few dirty rocks. A boy truly is truth with dirt on his face and beauty with a cut on his finger. There were no cuts but a whole lot of dirt and messy faces. Although, this little guy just screams kiss my big beautiful checks! Another cutie pie.




This little princess was at at peace with herself. She enjoyed the freedom of the fresh air and the sandy beach. She stopped for a little rest, so I was sure to be there with my camera in hand to capture her unique personality. She is full of love and life. What a beautiful doll.