Life in Pictures

I discovered Bentley Waters, a photographer whose style I just adore...

This shot is brilliant.

May have to do something similar with my cute neighbour boys.

Here is some inspiration for the mommies to be, and just pure eye candy for the rest of us...

Love this nursery for a little boy. Its modernly traditional, if that makes sense. I love the contrast of the dark and light furniture, mahogany floor boards, plush rug, old-school slanted walls and giant giraffe. It's comfy but still whispers lovely style. Click on the image to make it larger. The details are uber cute.

This is little Devon who was the lucky bub to win a interior design prize of having her nursery decorated by New York IT Firm, Lavender and Plum. She and her room are precious. Reminds of pink lemonade. Isn't she sweet?

Those curtains rock. Love the camel pic too.

The pink and yellow combination is totally delicious.

Love this angle and those baby legs.

I love the striped rug, yellow lucite chair, vintage heater, and big comfy rocker. The room also boosts good bones which always helps to enhance its fabulousness. It doesn't get any more fresh or pretty than this. Enjoy sweet Devon. Lucky girl! Check out Bentleys other work at www.bentleywaters.com, it's perfection.

Little Dream

So, I kind of have this little dream....

Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of a cottage in the woods next to a little creek. Kind of like the one Sleepy Beauty gets taken to by the three good fairies. There, I would mix my healing potions and live amongst the birds, berries and bunnies. Fantasy? Maybe, but funny how its kind of coming true. Well except the little creek part, we may have to build that pretty baby ourselves.

Brydon and I just bought a little bunkhouse from his Aunt and Uncle at the lake. It needs some work to say the last, but once its done it'll be cute as a button. No, this isn't it (I wish) but I'm using it for inspiration. I'll post pics when it gets attacked by my faboo wand.

Morgan would hammersmash this in a second,

and then it would hammersmash her!

Maybe a project for retirement?

I love these floating slate steps. The greenery is to die for too. Looks very BC to me. Oh BC, you are so freakin lush and beautiful. Oh prairie Alberta, you are so dry and crusty. (Sigh)

Charming lanterns are a must in my garden oasis. Love these ones made out of old mason jars. I see these accompanied with balmy lingering evenings with close friends, yummy food flavoured with spices from the garden, spiked lemonade, and warm vanilla cake topped with fresh berries and a drizzle of the finest maple syrup. Who's in?

May Long 2010

Plenty of food, fresh air and love, love, love...

Something about barbwire fencing and grass.

So pretty. So summertime.

Brydon's mom, Cathy and Auntie Karen hosted Lindsay's bridal shower at the lake's clubhouse. The spread was abundant and delicious as usual, and the room was filled generations of strong women, witnessing and celebrating another about take the scared plunge.

Morgan and Ava happily played in the window.

Ava couldn't stop giving Morgan hugs and pats on the back.

All smiles on the kitchen floor, nap deprived and all.

The bride showing of her shower bling.

The next morning, my chipper hubby got up bright and early to start breakfast on the fire grill. After tasting its yumminess, I don't think I can ever have a kitchen breakfast again. It was amazing!

The non-cookers enjoyed the sunshine and steamy mugs of Baileys

and coffee, the Johnson's classic lake morning treat.

I love this pic of Morgan and her Uncle Jarod.

Nanabelle with her girl.

Mrs. Spidey's comfy abode.

Beautiful Samson, the lake's 'white wolf'.

A gentle giant fur-ball of a pup.

Mommy sneaking a morning kiss.

She doesn't look too impressed, does she!

Pretty old tap.

"It so good Nana, I gotta hang on!"

Jeff and Christy's doggy, Pheonix.

Phoenix tried to sneak a kiss too!

Oooooh yeah.

I loved driving home and admiring all the baby calves. Its that time of year. They are so adorable, I almost loaded this one in the back of my car and took it home with me. I'm sure Morgan wouldn't mind sharing her crib with this cutie-pie.

On the zoom home, I turned into a sleepy little town called New Norway. It consisted of one street really. I tried to imagine what it would be like to live there...sleepy. Maybe I'd get into making honey or something. That would be cool. Oh, and I'd definitely have a kick ass garden. I can see my kiddies spending hours in the raspberry patch, all stained up and red tongued. Oh, and I'd do a lot of pickling and jam making too. Yessssss, I can see it now. I also managed to snap these sweet pics while still in the driver's seat.

I got stopped by three trains on the way home, but I didn't mind at all. Their bright colours flew past me, as if to say, 'catch ya later Albertagator'. It was quite spectacular, and I'm kind of a sucker for cabooses. They're so charming and represent the end of something so rich with storybook history. Can't get enough really.

What a lovely weekend spent with family. I feel so thankful. I had some good 'me time' too. Morgan's coming home later with daddy. The drive home was peaceful and not rushed.

Butterfly Flap Your Wings

Love is like a butterfly, it goes where it pleases and it pleases wherever it goes...

It was Morgan's official 1st birthday today, May 18th. It was so hot out so my girlfriend and I took the b-day girl and Suz's little one, Nathan, for a swim, walk in the river valley and then spent some time at the park. We nibbled on cold watermelon and our favourite Cosmic Cookies from Organic Roots, then for the first time I put Morgan in a big girl swing.

Nothing would have felt better than that cool breeze whipping through her little bit of hair. She smiled with bliss as she flew through the warm air like a little butterfly zooming to and fro in the sun.

Flap your wings wee ones.

I have always loved butterflies. They are a fluttering glimpse of earthbound heaven. Growing up, my family used to spend many summers relaxing on the beach while visiting my Uncle Barry in Penticton. I'll never forget when a Monarch butterfly gracefully landed on my flowered one-peice swimsuit. It was a magical moment for me.

Butterflies (great word, by the way) are so delicate and perfect in every way. It's funny how you can never catch them when you're actually chasing them, but in their own delight they'll come and perch on your shoulder when you least expect it.

.

Although Morgan just had her 1st birthday today, I think I already know the theme for her 2nd. Can you guess? BUTTERFLIES. Check out these lovely pics from Martha Stewart for some inspiration.

I can't wait.

"How does one become a butterfly?" she asked. "You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar." -Anonymous

Happy 1st Birthday Morgan

I can't believe she's one...

She showed that cupcake who's boss.

'Follow the pink and brown ribbons to our secret place by the lake.' The boys found a killer site nestled in the trees in front of the lake at Hawrelak Park. There was the perfect amount of sun, shade and grass. It was quite secluded in the woods, so we had to paint the back window of my car to point our guests in the right direction. A fun clue for a fun party. I just hope it comes off!

The weather was stellar. Spring buds everywhere.

Follow the pink tulle.

Practicing her b-day strut with Auntie Bianka.

What a view!

Mommy and daddy showing Morgan how to blow out her candle.

'Come on baby, let's boogie.'

Ready to be beautified!

Grandpa Ken and Grandma Bev having some love time with Morgan.

Leala's beautiful girls, Indigo and

Anika painting up their gorgeous creations.

The sparkles were a big hit thanks to Martha Stewart.

BBQ Picnic heaven.

Mmmm. Everyone loved the cupcakes

topped with mini clouds of cotton candy.

Maddy, the heartbreaker.

Grandpa Gary getting in his birthday girl snuggles.

The gifts were so thoughtful. Thanks everyone.

Beautiful mama Suz and adorable Nathan.

Can't go wrong with gumballs.

Jarod (aka. Uncle Manny) creating his masterpeice for Morgan.

What a sweetheart.

Tutu dancing in the breeze.

Mr. Gerber Baby himself, sweet sweet Conner.

Happy 1st Birthday darling.

She celebrated in mommy's old highchair, just like mommy did!

Just a few of the masterpieces.

We love Levi.

The fam. and lovely Anika.

Anika shocked us with this stunner for Morgan- truly amazing.

Indigo helped open almost every present,

she was a wonderful de-wrapper.

Linus rocking a yellow bow.

And that's a wrap. Nighty night sweetpea, we love you to bits and bits. It was such a perfect day. The only thing that would have made it better is if my mom could have been there. She would have loved it. She would have added so much to it. I wore her gold cuff with the big turquoise stone to remind me of her all day, to have her there in some way.

The tragedies in our lives make us so much more thankful for what we have. The love and support in our life is phenomenal and very much appreciated. Morgan's first year has come and gone, and what a year it was. She is so loved, so treasured, so Morgan.