Father's Day...thinking ahead

Father's Day is always tricky when you have a minimalist husband/daddy. My husband likes strawberry shortcake, a new tool, and an awesome card from the kids. I'm trying Shutterfly's cards this year....we'll see how it goes!

Chalkboard Heart Dad Father's Day 5x7 folded card

Send special Valentine's Day cards from Shutterfly this year.

View the entire collection of cards.

JDRF Glow in the Dark Dance for Diabetes

On Saturday May 14th, 2011 I had the honour of attending the Glow in the Dark Dance for Diabetes. This dance was held to support Mikaela's fundraising mission to raise money to find a cure. Mikaela is a very special little girl who has Type 1 diabetes. I have the pleasure of teaching Mikaela how to play the piano every week as well as knowing her family on a personal level.

Mikaela, as well as her mom, dad, and sister invited their family and friends to put on their dancing shoes to support a great cause. The girls were to dress "Fancy" and the boys were to be "Slick". Everyone enjoyed the many refreshments, crafts, face painting with Leslie Wandell from Face It Transformations, dance tunes, and the photo booth (that's me) that the Williams family organized for this event. In lieu of hostess gifts, the Williams family asked their guests to consider making a pledge or online donation towards Mikaela's JDRF walk on June 5th, 2011.

This is such a special event that I look forward to every year. It is my third year participating in such a wonderful cause. Mikaela's mom, Dawn, continues to raise the bar each year. The first year, Dawn and Mikaela hosted a Mother's Day Tea at their family home (see the video at the end of the post). Last year the theme was Skating, and it was hosted at the Rona Room in the Invista center (this video can be found at the end of this post as well). But I think that this year Dawn and Mikaela outdid themselves!! It was amazing to see so many families come together and have such an amazing time, while supporting young Mikaela.

Take a minute to look through the photos from the event. If you wish to make a donation you can go directly to Mikaela's pledge page by clicking on the 'online donation' link above, or by using the button at the end of the video for the dance.

I am donating 25% from each photography package that is purchased to Mikaela's Walk for the Cure. If you wish to purchase a photo package, please choose the JDRF option in the drop down menu under the payment page. Additional information regarding the photography packages can be found there as well.

Mikaela's Story

In October of 2008, on Thanksgiving, Mikaela was diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes. The diagnosis provided an explanation for her constant thirst, need to urinate, and weight loss. After she was released from the hospital her parents, Dawn and Brent became her primary caregivers. Insulin injections with needles, finger pokes to check blood sugars, and carb counting quickly became a part of Mikaela's daily routines. Although not understanding why or when it was going to end, Mikaela continued on with courage, tears, and a brave little soul.

In March of 2009, Mikaela tackled her next step in managing her diabetes and started her insulin pump therapy. Insulin is now delivered through her pump at an infusion site located on her body. Blood sugar testing, set changes and more precise carb counting have become new routines in Mikaela's daily schedule. She is now "pumper" on a mission to raise money for a cure!

On Sunday, June 5th, 2011, Mikaela will be participating in her third annual JDRF walk in Kingston. The TELUS Walk to Cure Diabetes unites communities across Canada to help find a cure for diabetes. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is the leading charitable funder and advocate of Type 1 diabetes research worldwide. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Since its founding in 1874, JDRF is responsible for more than $1 billion in direct funding. Mikaela is the Williams family team captain for this event.

Here is the collection of photos from my photography booth that was set up at the dance:) I hope that you enjoy them!

(Click on a photo to see it in a larger window.)











































Check out Mikaela's JDRF fundraisers from 2010 and 2009.

JDRF Skating Party, May 2010




JDRF Mother's Day Tea, May 2009



I am going to leave you with two quotes...


"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." ~Mother Teresa


"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." ~Mother Teresa

Miss Emma

I have known Karen for a long time, so when she came to me about doing a session with her niece for a 13th birthday surprise I was in! Karen and Emma's bond was so apparent throughout their session. Karen is the mother to two wonderful boys, but Emma is her outlet to all that is 'girly'. We had fun gossiping and doing multiple wardrobe changes, she looks older than 13 don't you agree??!! I hope that Emma will look back upon these pictures and smile when she remembers turning 13. A lucky auntie to have such an amazing niece, and a lucky young lady to have such a rockin' auntie!

Lovely Ladies

I had the pleasure of crossing paths with Kandis while doing one of my most favourite things...getting my hair done. Kandis worked with my hair stylist, the amazing Tamara. Going to Tamara's is like going to the spa! From the minute that you walk into Tamara's salon you feel welcomed and pampered. There is never a shortage of laughs and giggles, and usually a little wine, tea and munchies too. Visiting with Tamara and Kandis was such a treat!

Sadly Kandis and her girls moved to Brockville so Tamara wanted to do something special for her before she left. Tamara asked me to take some pictures of Kandis and her beautiful girls. So we headed out to Lemoine's Point one Saturday afternoon. Kandis' girls are so precious. They were a little shy at first, but by the end they were very giggly and chatty. The perfect end to a wonderful session are the hugs that I often get from the kids. That is one of the best parts of my job.

Don't You Just Want to Squeeze Them!

There is nothing better than when I get to photograph a beautifully chubby baby. Ryker was such a happy boy, and absolutely adorable (he does have to keep up to his gorgeous big sister). He was stuffed full of smiles. It is so evident through the photos that Kristen and James just adore him and Emma.

It has been fun to watch their family grow from Emma's baby pictures, to Kristen's maternity session for Ryker and now meeting the little man himself. One of the best things about being a photographer is the opportunity to get to know so many amazing families and watch their little ones grow from year to year.