a little space for my random thoughts

2012-01-02T11:19:00.000-08:00

All the best to you in 2012.
I hope you find peace and prosperity.

Our 2011 was full of ups and downs (as is everyones) but in the end, we have and love each other.
We've moved and made new friends.
Life changes, and we change too along with it.
My resolutions aren't huge, but they are hard...
letting go of the people/things are not right for me, and making choices that will help me become the person and mom I want to be.
xo

Our 2011

2011-12-28T00:48:00.001-08:00

It's hard to believe how fast this year has gone by.
There have been some big changes over here.
Our sweet girl turned one early in the year - she is so very sweet.
We love her tremendously.
We packed up our whole house, put in storage for a few months, spent a month in the camper, then moved into our own place.
Then we went back to the camper for three more weeks. It was exhausting, dirty, but really great fun!
The kids had THE best time...hard not to when you are 1 and 2 years old!

Our boy turned three in the fall - he started talking around feb, and his language skills have really taken off. It's amazing how much they both grew over the summer, our girl's hair even grew in!
We had a beautiful fall! Family and friends came to visit. Our first thanksgiving in our own place was pretty nice :)
And before we knew it, it was Halloween!! It was lots of fun spending it with Andrews little friend - for the third year in a row! - but this time in our new neighborhood!
Our girl got the hang of it pretty quick. We played Halloween a bunch after that!
Then Christmas was upon us!!
We had a wonderful Christmas full of so many blessings.
We are so lucky to have so many people in our lives - near and far - that love us so much :)

I hope your 2011 was full and satisfying. And may your 2012 be full of joy and prosperity.
xo

and onto christmas!

2011-11-03T21:19:00.000-07:00

Halloween was great - the kids had such a good time... not sure what was most fun for them...handing out candy, trick or treating, or running around in some neatly raked leaves at a random house...

I'm enjoying the fall weather very much...not nearly as much rain as usual. sweet relief! and in celebration of that, and of the joy that Christmas decorations will bring to our little ones and our home...an Etsy Treasury! Vintage Christmas delights for your eyes....you know, to help you find your {early} Christmas spirit!

Tonight will consist of taking down halloween decorations to make way for all things cold and snowy and Christmassy!

this adorable handmade village is available in {Mary's Workshop} at Etsy

getting back at it

2011-11-02T20:26:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if it's the change in the seasons, or finally being settled after a crazy spring/summer, but I have found myself in a familiar place again....wanting to do photography. So, in an interest in starting anew, I have left my website of madelynherringphotography.com behind, and moving forward with Little Fish Photography. I will still be doing all the same type of photography {engagements, weddings, maternity, babies, toddlers, kids, families + fine art} as before, just a new name.

I'll be posting soon with my upcoming Christmas Session special - just working out the details!

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in other non photography news - my friend Cindy, is hosting a giveaway (of a pattern I created no less!) over at Creating at Home - you only have until November 4th to enter, so hurry! If you miss out, you can still get yourself a copy of this crazy cute hippo in my Etsy shop

Happy Birthday

2011-04-02T13:06:00.001-07:00

Today is my sister Deborah's birthday.
She was a lovely person.
A kind and gentle soul.
We love and miss her daily.

A found memory

2011-02-16T22:00:00.001-08:00

I may not be able to find the pan for my spring form pan, but I did find this. It belonged to my sweet sister. I love finding bits of her life scattered about our home. It reminds that she is never far from my heart.

Happy heart day

2011-02-16T10:39:00.001-08:00

Our Friday

2011-02-11T21:10:00.001-08:00

Bread - my take on the "no knead bread"

2011-01-26T20:17:00.001-08:00

Last night, I spent a ridiculous amount of time over at CSN, they sell everything from furniture to wall art and decor. I had intended to write about the bread I finally mastered - if it turns out 2x in a row, that's mastered, right? - but I guess it's obvious that post didn't happen, so here goes!

Did you know that jarred yeast is to be refrigerated after opening? I didn't. oops.
I also didn't realize that I should be using VERY warm water - as in 55 deg warm! wow.

I guess bread making is a science after all!
what I also found REALLY helped my bread making was allowing the 2nd rise to happen right in this very pot that I was going to bake it in. I sprayed the pot with cooking spray - all over - and generously floured it.

when all was said and done - beautiful, squishy, soft, fresh bread that I made! (and you can too!)
The only (small) glitch is a bottom that is browned more than I'd like, but I'm going to work on that...a over browned bottom is fine by me if the rest is de-lish!

now, here's how:

2.5 cups white flour
1/2 c whole wheat flour (or you could use 3 cups of regular flour)
1.5 c very warm water (55 deg)
1/4 tsp Quick Rise instant yeast
1.5 tsp salt

Mix yeast in with: 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, add salt
Stir in water, mix thoroughly.
Add in remaining flour, stir til flour is combined.

cover with a damp dishcloth, Leave to rise 10 hours - overnight works great - in pre warmed oven (200 deg then turn it off )

when dough is done rising, put on floured surface, flour your hands, turn dough into itself once or twice, cover with plastic wrap, let rest 15 min.

Spray cooking spray to Dutch oven, flour generously (including sides)
Plunk dough in Dutch oven, sprinkle with flour, put dutch oven lid on
let rise in pre-warmed oven for 1 hour 30 min.

Turn oven on to 450 (leave dough in oven as it preheats)

once up to temp, bake 30 min. Take out of pan. Let rest for min 30 min

enjoy (preferably with butter and some soup)

These days

2011-01-22T22:34:00.001-08:00

these days are passing so quickly.

Our dear girl is 11 months old.
I hate thinking "she's almost 1", not because I don't want her to be one. I do, I'm excited for all she's going to learn and see and do.
I just don't want to rush past month #11 to get there.

We (ok, just me) are still enjoying the typewriter. I have been tapping (clunking) out random bits of our sweet little one's days and lives. I like seeing it stamped out there. mistakes and all, no delete key on that machine.

I have finally got all the Christmas stuff packed away from all the "up high" places little hands can't yet reach. time consuming to say the least. I was sad to pack it all away - we had such a lovely Christmas - our first as a family of 4. Our sweet girl's first Christmas was very different from our dear boy's. She was just over 10 months - and "walking" around hanging on to furniture, getting right in there pulling paper and chewing toys. Our boy, well, he was just shy of 3 months at his first Christmas.

The last couple of days have seen our valentine heart garland develop. I've been able to squeeze in a stitch here and there (without too much (un)help from the 11 month old and the 2 year old!) it's been fun to stitch and watch their faces. so full of expression.

I've been making this bread for the last little while now.
Sherrie, over at Twenty Two Pleasant posted it a while back (2009) but I didn't really come across it until about October last year. Every now and then I'd give it a go... I liked it, it was good for soup dipping. almost like a sourdough, But I longed for more of a french bread type texture. this recipe is just so easy, that I kept coming back to it. and a few little changes, I had the bread I have been dreaming of making - squishy, soft, light and so tasty!

Oh yes I did

2011-01-16T01:19:00.001-08:00

Old Christmas 2011

2011-01-10T02:19:00.000-08:00

Moments of Christmas 2010

2011-01-01T20:30:00.001-08:00

a tradition I am going to start right now! I saw it posted over here and love the idea. Mark says I'll need a bigger jar - I think he might be right! I am actually going to go back a few years and (try to) do one for 2008 and 2009 too. here's hoping that happens!

Lachlan's doll - she's almost done, her hair is in the works, and I'm hoping to have it done and sewn on next week - I keep changing my mind on her hair colour - I think it needs to feel right somehow!

Lachlan's first Christmas ornament - hand painted snowman :)

our tree - what a wonderful, full christmas we had.

Some new felted friends have joined our Christmas time family - it'll be hard to put these cuties away!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

2010-12-26T19:27:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, originally uploaded by HighlandGhillie.

our baby is now 10 months old, our little boy is now two.

life has been busy
my wee ones lives are well captured in my photography (though, seldom posted here)

my new years resolution is to take more arty photos - I miss them.

do you have any resolutions?

Welcome Baby Girl

2010-02-26T07:52:00.000-08:00

Nine days ago, we met our new daughter. She weighed 7lbs 5.9 oz, and her name is Lachlan. we have been home for a week now and she has fit seamlessly into our lives. Like she has always been here. We are so happy to have her. Our sweet boy is carrying on as if nothing has changed, but a 16.5 months, he doesn't really 'get' that his life has changed forever. I am so happy that he will have someone to romp around with, and to play and learn with. And I'm sure like every other parent, I envision them being best of friends :)

3 weeks

2010-01-27T20:09:00.001-08:00

originally uploaded by HighlandGhillie - Vintage Baby,

yes, I have started the countdown. Three more weeks and we will be meeting our newest baby. I have plenty of mixed feelings. But from what I hear, they are pretty much the norm... I am partly sad it won't just be me and my boy any longer. I hope he will love being a big brother. I can't wait to hold our new little one, how strange it will seem to hold a tiny newborn again. I cannot believe how fast the time has passed me by, and for all the photos I've taken of my boy, I feel that I did not get enough. I am thankful for the digital age and am looking forward to capturing as many, if not more of his little brother or sister.

Owlet Beanie

2010-01-19T14:06:00.001-08:00

My belly keeps on growing and I am starting to feel the urge to nest and knit, and make things handmade and wonderful for the newest little one.
Here is a pattern I made and knit up for a newborn hat - it's available free for a limited time! it's my baby gift to YOU!

** PATTERN CORRECTION**
should be CO 72!

Little Christmas Girl! {Fraser Valley Toddler Photography}

2009-11-28T19:51:00.000-08:00

what a fun shoot....after it was over, we got to have a play date!

and for fun:

Well, November is speeding by... {Fraser Valley Baby Photographer}

2009-11-27T06:05:00.000-08:00

...and boy is it ever WET. enough rain already. The boy and I are slowly turning the house into a Christmas scene...lights are on (gasp!) and some decorations are up! Gingerbread cookies are being baked and consumed at a high rate of speed and the knitting needles are clicking away...

...and so is my camera!

Another little cutie that I newborn photos of....nothing marks the passage of time like a growing baby! The photo of her and the chair in the bottom right has to be one of my favourites!

November? really?

2009-11-16T11:03:00.000-08:00

What happened to this year?! It certainly has gone whizzing by!

My boy and I continue to grow...him in height and me in belly...the newest peanut will be arriving in just over 3 months...hard to imagine! We are excited, the boy keeps patting my belly...not that he knows what's in there and what that will mean for him and his future!
Anyway....

Remember this cutie? Well, she's almost 9 months old now! She is such a pretty baby...those lips and those eyes! A heart breaker for sure! She was a lot of fun to shoot and I had my assistant (the boy) keeping a watchful eye from the other side of the baby gate...

She always has the cutest little hats! I love these pics and am having a great time editing them!

Baby Boy Gray

2009-10-22T14:18:00.000-07:00

oh my! This boy is SO cute!! I could've just kept him...but then I'd be more tired than I already am carting around a one year old and a 5 month pregnant belly!

Pumpkin Scones!

2009-09-13T17:54:00.000-07:00

These are REALLY really good.

I got the recipe from here. (I used the recipe near the bottom of the page)

The changes that I made are in the icing mostly. I only made the first batch of icing, divided in half. I used the first half to glaze the scones, then added a pinch of ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and a touch of 1/2 & 1/2 to the second half then drizzled on the scones - I had more than enough for all of them...so, I think the 2 batches of icing is WAY too much!
I've made these twice. Once like regular scones, and once in yummy bite size mini scones in a mini muffin tin (if you're using the mini muffin tin, 10 min in a 425 oven is long enough!)
Enjoy!

Pumpkin Scones

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups all-purpose flour
7 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
3 tablespoons half-and-half
1 large egg
6 tablespoons cold butter

Plain Glaze
1 cup plus 1 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 tablespoons whole milk

Spiced Icing
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 tablespoons whole milk
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
pinch ground ginger
pinch ground cloves

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon ginger in a large bowl.

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin, half-and-half, and eggs.
Cut butter into cubes then add it to the dry ingredients, until it is the texture of cornmeal or coarse sand.

add dry to wet ingredients, combine (don't over work)

drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheet (parchment lined or greased) - 1 -inch thick

Bake for 14 to 16 minutes

While scones cool, prepare plain glaze by combining ingredients in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until smooth.

When scones are cool, use a brush to paint a coating of the glaze over the top of each scone.

As that white glaze firms up, prepare spiced icing by combining ingredients in another medium bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed.

Our littlest fish

2009-09-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, I got to have a sneak peek at the newest member of our little family. Andrew was with me, and his eyes were huge when he heard the heart beating and could see him/her wiggling around on the screen. Can't wait to meet this little bean in mid Feb ♥

Chicken Corn Chowder

2009-09-03T06:37:00.001-07:00

This chicken corn chowder was very good. I found the recipe in the May 2004 issue of Everyday Foods. You will find the recipe below. I have only made some minor adjustments! I added legumes to mine, if you are using dried, make sure you boil and boil em first! Or else they are crunchy!

Chicken Corn Chowder
2 tblsp butter
1 small onion - diced
2 stalks of celery - thinly sliced
2 tblsp corn starch - (use flour if you don't have any cornstarch)
1/2 cup of half and half cream
3.5 cups of milk * if you don't have cream, use 4 cups of milk *
1/2 left over cooked chicken (I used a whole store bought/cooked chicken - Bella got the bits I didn't use)
2 cups of 1" cubed cooked potatoes - the kind that hold their shape when cooked, like red skinned ones. sweet potatoes or yams would be good added to this too!
1 cup cooked carrots.
1 can of corn (I would use the PC blue menu no salt added but I had 4 pc's of fresh cobs, and that was plenty!)
1/2 cup of legumes (precooked - so canned might be best)
pinch of cayenne pepper, coarse salt, ground pepper - to taste

1. melt butter in pan, add onion and celery - cook over medium heat 5-7 min.
2. add cornstarch - stir for one min.
3. add milk/cream - bring to a boil, stir occasionally.
4. add potatoes, corn, carrots and cayenne
5. season with salt and pepper
6. bring to a boil again
7. reduce heat to medium, simmer for 5 - 7 min.
8. butter up some toasted crusty bread for dipping!

Yes, it's true :)

2009-09-01T17:43:00.000-07:00

expected in Feb 2010!

What the heck?

2009-08-07T11:50:00.001-07:00

I am trying to learn about "automated queries" I don't actually know what they are, but when I try to view my blog, Google politely tells me my computer or network might be sending them out. I've tried their suggestions, but am still unable to view it... or any other Blogger blog. but I am able to access it through the cached feature of Google search. So, while I wanted to post some great recipes and photos, I have to try and fix this instead....
Annoying to say the least.

Edit to say: It appears that all is right with my blog world again....yay!

Sweet Chelsea

2009-07-10T20:38:00.001-07:00

A while back I did some newborn pics of sweet Chelsea. Well, she's now 4 months (!) old and was back with her big brother for some more.
Here are a couple sneak peeks from the session!

Father's Day pt 2

2009-06-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

I was just sitting here drinking a hot chocolate (**shudder**) and reading a blog {Whatever}. The entry was about Father's day and what she remembers about her Father and what her kids will remember of their dad and their childhood. It made me start really thinking about my dad, and what do I really remember about him?

- his laugh, deep and hearty.
- the smell of paint thinner and plastic buckets used for cleaning his paint brushes.
- washing our dogs in plastic buckets
- running out to greet him after work, shouting 'can I check in your lunch box???!!!' - he always had a sweet snack he never ate.
- watching hockey with him all flaked out.
- cowboy boots
- cowboy hat
- blue button down shirts
- black slacks
- old spice
- bad jokes
- making me a trailer for my bicycle to tow my beloved Sam (stuffed animal) around - it may have been the first bike trailer ever!
- frying polish sausage and kielbasa up in a cast iron pan
- camping & cutting wood
- being small and begging him to pick me up and rock me, over and over. so soothing.
- checking out my first car
- trying to teach me golf in the yard
- his kilt
- mostly, I will remember his music. His fiddle playing, singing, guitar playing.

My dad died when I was 17. He may be gone, but I still hear him almost everyday.
literally.
in my car.
I am lucky enough to have copies of cassette tapes made in years gone by of my Mum, Dad, sisters Deb (sadly, gone now too) and Lisa and various other family members...not to mention random bits of everyday life - me, as a whining, 10 year old on Christmas Eve. And in an effort to keep the fiddle music present in my life and have my own sweet boy fall asleep to the same music and laughter and commotion that I did, I play these tapes in our day to day journeys and adventures. They are becoming the soundtrack for my boys babyhood, and when I hear them in the future, I will be reminded of my youth and of my boy as a baby.
Happy Father's day.
♥

Happy Father's day

2009-06-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

To my sweet boy's dada.

My own dad.

To all dads.

My Sweet boy

2009-06-11T21:39:00.001-07:00

As much as I love {LOVE} photographing other people's sweet babes. I cannot help but love photographing my own the most. (it would be wrong to feel otherwise...right?!)
I have recently made changes to the privacy settings on my boy's photo blog. I've done so for a couple of reasons.
1. He is losing that generic 'baby look', really becoming his own little guy.
2. I don't want to hear about, or read about, or see my boy's photos being used without permission. Read what happened to this blogger to get a better idea of what the heck I'm talking about. It's my job to protect him from any weirdos lurking out there. corporate or otherwise. That is also the reason for the (more visible) watermark on them too.
That doesn't mean I won't be sharing photos of him here from time to time...in fact, I think I should do just that right now!

He's growing so fast I can hardly believe it.

Oh Boy...am I tired!

2009-06-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

but it's SO worth it! I finished up editing and putting together the online gallery for these 2 cuties...

I LOVE doing this, and I get so into it, I forget about the clock and that the sweetly sleeping baby doesn't care if I'm tired - he's going to want to play and eat and crawl and eat stuff he shouldn't be and pull himself up on things he shouldn't. I promised him that I would take him to a drop in playgroup today (as if he'd know if I changed my mind) and we're still going to go...I'll just need coffee when I get there!

Where does the time go?

2009-06-08T19:03:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted here... I've been busy living life, enjoying my sweet boy and the beautiful summer-like days that are here.
I've also been shooting.
A couple months ago, sweet baby Natalie was here for a newborn shoot. She's now almost 3 months!! Well, today She and her adorable big sister Maddie were BOTH here for a session. What a fun time! Both girls are just beautiful.
Here are a couple of sneak peeks! (Click on each photo to view larger)

Now Available:

2009-05-20T06:59:00.001-07:00

Cake Smashes! and a low introductory price of $65! A limited time offer.

Happy Mothers Day

2009-05-14T04:53:00.000-07:00

A few days late? Perhaps. Yesterday, I did my first "Mother's Day" function ever with my boy. We went with his Great Gramma and had a Mother's day tea at her residence. We were served Tea or Coffee in pretty little bone china tea cups.

I had coffee, 4 cups of it. It must of been decaf, because it did nothing for my tired state. He had milk, which did nothing for his tired state either. He hates to miss ANYTHING...what a tired little man. (his 2nd tooth has popped out, and he's looking adorable!)

We were also served Blueberry Chocolate cheesecake with raspberries and blueberries on top, drizzled with raspberry and white chocolate sauce. It was Amazing, and it was all I could do to keep from 1) licking the plate. 2) asking a lady across from me for the rest of hers that was going uneaten. Along with the yummy cheesecake was a cute tiny flower pot with alysm in it. I will be planting mine in the garden and will be reminded of this sweet day all summer long!

Strawberry Coffee Cake Minis

2009-05-04T22:42:00.001-07:00

Seriously. I cannot begin to tell you how GOOD these are. The recipe is from {here}, and you can find it below too. The recipe is actually for a coffee cake, but I decided that little minis would be MUCH cuter (and I was right!) I had some strawberries that I needed to use up before they went bad, so a quick search, then this gem of a recipe. It's SO easy....(would I bother if it wasn't? HECK NO!)
In fact, it is SO EASY, I made some on Sunday, and then I made some on Monday morning. I've eaten an embarrassing number of these....I won't say how many...but over two days, it's MORE than 6.
-
I got this AWESOME (prop) basket at a yard sale on Sat for $1. I thought about painting it white, for about a minute! but I love the look of it....Today the babe and I were at one of our fave 2nd hand shops, I found a prop that I've been wanting for while! it's THE cutes baby scale...complete with "nursery scale" written on it. I Cannot wait to do another newborn session and use this sweet thing! Pics to follow I am sure!
-
ok, onto the (modified) recipe portion of this post!

Strawberry Coffee Cake Minis

1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt - (I used salted butter, so I omitted this)
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 1/2 cups strawberries, sliced

Topping:
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter

Optional: Nuts - I used walnuts in these (well, except for the 4 I sent to {Cindy}, I don't think likes nuts) SO GOOD!

- Sift together the 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.

- Add milk, egg, and melted butter; beat 2 minutes.

- Spoon batter into a greased or paper lined muffin tin.
- Top with sliced strawberries.

Prepare topping:
- Combine 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 cup sugar; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle crumb topping over the strawberries.

375° for about 25 - 30 minutes.
Let them rest about 3-5 min

Is today Monday?

2009-04-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

Because it sure feels like it should be. The boy slept most of the night, he woke once just after 1, which I'm not surprised at, because he wouldn't eat his supper... That kid HATES wheat cereal... I guess I'll be making more baby food then. He LOVED the turkey, carrots and peas. Super easy to do too. YesterdayIn an effort to quell the chorus of "you need to baby proof" I am always hearing, I moved my computer. {Let me just say, I hate cleaning... I love the way it looks after, but the real reason I HATE it so much (besides the actual chore of 'doing') is because I can't seem to process in my brain WHERE the heck I put stuff... seriously... I am going on day 2 of my search for my Win xp disc. } I am now looking out over the deck towards the mountains... I love this view. I had the computer here before, but the cords and crap were more than I (we) could stand. This time, I've arranged it so most of the cords are gathered and bundled behind the tower, out of baby boy view and grasp. It only causes (photo editing) trouble when the sun is pouring through the window in the early morning.
I can also watch the fence progress from here. My fella has been working like a donkey building it after work. It'll be nice to let the dog out and not have to go with her to make sure she stays on this side of the road. There were 2 guys working like donkeys on it yesterday...Scit, {Cindy's} fella, so good of him to help :)

sweetness

2009-04-26T18:50:00.000-07:00

I feel SO lucky to have this sweet thing. I can hardly believe he's ours. He's currently sprouting a wee tooth, and he's been his usual sweet self. in fact, he's been wonderful...he slept through the night last night.. the whole night. it was bright out when I woke up at 5:30 this morning. As soon as I can get him to show is tooth, I'll be sure to let ya's see it!

Frames...lovely lovely frames

2009-04-25T15:56:00.001-07:00

This one was $2.95 at a "not really a dollar" store. I think I should've bought a few...they would make very cute baby gifts.

I love this one, but it took me the LONGEST to fill...I got it from my SIL for Christmas at least 4 years ago...I guess I was waiting for the perfect subject!

This one I got from my MIL..I like that it stands on it's own.

I'm making progress...I still have some frames yet to be filled, but it seems these were the hard ones to fill...because they were multiple openings and odd sizes...but I LOVE how they look.

Love in Bloom

2009-04-24T20:25:00.001-07:00

I love the romance of spring time. The feeling of rebirth and hope that only springtime can bring.

Turkey Pot Pie with Cranberry biscuit crust

2009-04-21T17:47:00.001-07:00

This is TOTALLY easy to make, and it's so good...Seriously, all you need is leftovers, and if you don't have left over turkey, then one of those cooked supermarket chickens works great too (you could have the supermarket chicken tonight, and make this tomorrow with the leftovers!) The recipe is waaaaay down at the bottom.

I've had a camera tragedy...I know I've whined about this before...and I'm going to whine about it again right now! the AF (auto focus) on my FAVE fave fave lens (50mm) is no longer working... well, it IS work...really really hard at focusing...but can't lock on to anything...sigh...and if it DOES lock onto something, I couldn't tell you what it sees, because there's NOTHING in focus... I can still use it in MF, but it's a LOT slower. Anyway, moving on... (for now)
The boy and I were out and about dropping off the disc of this cutie... seriously... I don't think this little beauty could get ANY cuter??
While we were out, I stopped at a "not really a dollar" store. I found a super cute little frame with a matte cut out that spells BABY...and for $2.95, I couldn't resist. I am trying to print and hang more of the photos I take of my sweet boy, his lovely dad and other photos I take. This initiative is a direct result of a nice lunch I had yesterday with a really nice couple that I met through the local baby drop in. I was asked if I printed many of the pics I took or if I mostly left them on the computer... I don't print nearly enough of them...I have lots of empty frames (what else do you give a photographer??) and they are the CUTEST frames ever!! I love getting frames, but I guess it's like the "mechanic has the worst car" thing. so, in the interest of filling those wonderful frames I am in the midst of printing pics of the boy and our daily happenings. and a cute pic I had to share that I am printing for sureHe just looks like such a little boy here.
ok, onto the recipe (what you've ALL been waiting for, right?)

Turkey Potpie

1 Pkg of cream of veggie soup mix (made following directions on the back)
I'm sure you could use a regular can of "cream of veg" but my fella is lactose intolerant, so I use the pkg, so I can use "his" milk.
left over turkey or chicken, shredded - about a cup and a half (or 2)
add turkey/chicken to soup
spoon into ramekins or oven proof dish

make biscuit crust:
2 cups flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt (I never add this...the butter has salt!)
1/4 cup butter
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup of left over cranberry sauce

for nice light biscuits, don't over mix, handle only as much as needed to mix the dough.
mix in cranberry sauce
form 1/2" thick biscuit to fit over ramekins (lay on top of ramekin, not in the soup mix)
bake at 450 for about 20-25 min or until biscuit is cooked through.

enjoy!

Lila - sneak peek!

2009-04-16T18:07:00.000-07:00

Today I had the absolute pleasure of meeting this sweet little girl. What a beauty. Those sweet pouty lips!! Thanks for coming out to visit me and my boy today! It was great to meet you both!

My Boy's first Easter

2009-04-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to all, I hope you had an excellent weekend. We did. It was a dark dark day... BUT! we had a lovely time eating all kinds of goodies... and while I didn't actually try this beautiful cake (I was far too busy inhaling the peanut butter cookies...) It did make for a pretty picture.

Today, we also celebrated a special Birthday - My boy's Great Great Uncle Neil's bday. we had the cutest most delish mini cupcake from TracyCakes
they were really good. and I managed to only (!) eat two! (saving room for more of the cookies....yum!)
Today we are going to have our 'Easter' with turkey and all the fixings..Our first as a family of 3. The boy's sleeping through the night is going pretty good. On Saturday night he ate at 1am (which is fine, because I'm usually up anyway) and he cried for about 5 min at 3 or 4am, then went back to sleep until almost 7. last night he was WIDE awake until 11pm (sigh) then didn't wake until 3:30 to eat, then after that, nothing...not a sound until almost 7:40 am...Progress I'd say. I love this sweet little thing, and he can take all the time he needs to adjust. I don't mind. ♥

Happy Easter. Making Baby Food.... Busy Busy

2009-04-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

The time has been whizzing by. I hate that. I just really want to stop the time from marching forward at such an alarming rate of speed. My sweet boy is growing SO FAST. I can hardly capture it all. But I'm trying. We are trying to let him cry it out in the night...I cave a LOT faster than his dad does... and I think part of me will be SO SAD when he sleeps through the night, as absurd as that sounds... I will miss our little middle of the night snuggles SO MUCH. That being said, I am looking forward to all those sweet firsts he has coming...I'm going to take him to the park on Monday...I was trying to wait for his dad to come along too, but he said that he wouldn't mind if I took him...I'll be sure to get all the fun on video (and film-digital that is- too!)
My boy is napping right now, so I'm just processing some photos from the last couple of days...and getting the kitchen cleaned up for making some Easter treats...surprises for my boys and Unc. N. I'm also in the midst of making some baby food for the boy...spinach. so far, this kid will eat anything...and as soon as there's a tooth he'll be munching on whatever we're having instead of all this mushy stuff...I've really enjoyed the Photo Sessions of the past few weeks, though I think the most I want to do in one week would be 3 MAX. it just takes too much time away from my sweet little man. So, I've decided that I will offer sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. plus 1 Saturday a month (special occasion only) This will also allow me to keep the quality where I want it.
That's about it for now...later, I'll tell you ALL about "The Super Bowl Outfit" an awesome story that will be sure to make you laugh.

Sunday Shoot

2009-04-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

I love the bare feet.

Happy Birthday

2009-04-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

Today is my sister's birthday. I can't believe how much time has gone by since I've seen her. Sadly she passed away in 2002. We will remember, and mark each passing year sister.

Sneek peek of Baby Girl N

2009-03-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

Another little beauty. I can't believe how alert these three little girls are! Maybe it was just me that was sleeping all the time when my boy was that size! This little cutie was 14 days old today. She smelled so yummy.

click photo for larger view.

Baby Girl L

2009-03-26T15:27:00.001-07:00

yet another adorable baby... this one is a month old! still so tiny! Such a nice little family. I only have a quick minute here.. I have to finish cleaning before the 'dreaded' MIL arrives!

click the picture to see it larger.

Sneak Peek!

2009-03-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

Today I got to photograph a sweet little girl. Her and her brother were totally adorable! as promised here is a sneak peak...and since there is now way I could ever pick just 5 photographs for this lovely family...I'm going to give them 10!

I hope they like them as much as I do! click picture for a larger view.

Party Banner

2009-03-22T18:43:00.000-07:00

The past few days have been pretty busy. My Fella's Bday + cleaning + watching my boy grow.
We've also had some sad news - the passing of a beloved family member, a cousin of my hub's family. A dear soul who will be sadly missed.
♥
At Christmas time I got this stinking cute Happy Birthday banner from my MIL (thank you!) and I LOVE it... I couldn't wait to hang it and use it... well, I finally got my chance for my Hub's bday. It's adorable don't you think? and a little while ago I saw this cute 'how to' for making your own banners. They are super easy to make, and there is NO TALENT required... at all... You start with a 5 inch sq pc of fabric {Cindy} - who makes these awesome quilts - was so incredibly sweet and gave me some from a Moda Charm pack (this really makes this craft EASY) all you do is fold the square in half, cut diagonally (ie: corner to corner) and you have a triangle, then using prefolded bias tape (found at any decent 2nd hand store) stick the top of the triangle into the fold of the bias tape and sew away...I just stuck mine in randomly so I have random spacing. I am going to be using them for upcoming shoots. seriously, I love them.
For Hub's bday, we (babe and I) made choclate cake - standard store bought mix - but we had homemade icing - goodness, it was all I could do to keep myself from eating the ENTIRE pot of it.
I ate so many cupcakes, I don't even LIKE marshmallows...I seriously made myself sick..., but really worth it.
The recipe for the icing is from CDKitchens and is as follows

Brown Sugar Marshmallow icing:
12 large marshmallows, cut in small cubes
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter

Stir brown sugar and milk over low heat until dissolved.
Cover the syrup for about 3 minutes
Uncover and cook without stirring to 238 degrees F.
Remove from the heat and add marshmallows and butter

wait for it to cool a bit, then ice whatever you're wanting to ice.

deep thoughts

2009-03-20T10:02:00.001-07:00

Crying it out & Price Adjustments

2009-03-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

and I want to join him. On Saturday night, we put a stop to the soother express.
He was doing really good actually...until about half hour ago... he is SO SO SO very tired...
It's really hard to listen to it. I want to cry along with him (ok, so I did...so what? I'm his mama, and I should be able to make it better) I can hear him starting to give up, then he starts with renewed gusto. oh boy.

In other news, in I've updated my website - I am still trying to get my online Fine Art photography portfolio done. But I haven't had the time to invest in choosing images and building the webpage.
In the interest of keeping things affordable, I have adjusted my newborn/baby session pricing. I know what it's like to have a new baby, little money and still want to have these memories preserved.

One more time...

2009-03-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

Ok people... perhaps I should have used the word FREE instead of GIVE AWAY... but if you'd like to play along... click on the picture above or CLICK HERE.
In other interesting bits of info (well, to some people, I am sure it will be mildly amusing anyway)
The boy and I had our first ever Photo Booth session... he had NO idea what the heck was going on... this is something I'd like to do at least once a month. I wish I knew where there was one that did Black and White... We are going to try out all the ones we see.
We actually LOST them for about 5 min in the Baby Gap, they somehow managed to work their way up onto the shelf where I put a shirt back (I rejected!). Be sure to sign up for the FANTASTIC give away!

Sunshine for my kitchen

2009-03-09T18:01:00.000-07:00

This pretty little gem is a wonderful addition to our dark kitchen. It came with 3 of the ugliest chairs I've seen in a while. It's not actually the chairs that are ugly, it's the covering. Not sure if I am up to recovering them, but I am sure it's a job I can add to my "list" for my fella (or can get his mamma to 'make' him do! lol) Though I got it today, I actually saw it on Saturday when out thrifting with Cousin E and the boy. M thought we needed a bigger table and said I should go back and get it. so back I went!
I found a few goodies on Saturday too...like a lovely yellow chenille spread and wood blocks for the boy.

at the end of our thrifting day, E treated me to a delish cupcake and latte... soooo good....

Give away!

2009-03-06T11:28:00.000-08:00

I am playing along in a fun little swap, head on over to Frenchy's Finds - she makes and sells soaps, and has fun stories and tasty recipes!

The rules are (and I'm copying the text from Frenchy's Finds)

The first 5 people who respond to this post will get something made by me: it will be my choice, but will, hopefully, be something you can use or enjoy for its aesthetic merits. This offer does have some restrictions & limitations...

*I make no guarantees that you will like it!
*You will receive this item before the end of the year (December 31, 2009) or sooner.
*You will have no idea what the item will be, or when you will receive it.
*To participate, you must re-post this on your blog and put together something to be sent out as 5 surprises of your own. These surprises can be anything....a piece of art, a photo, a poem...whatever you choose.

Baby shower invites & cards

2009-03-04T09:34:00.001-08:00

I just LOVE these little planters... my boy has 3 (and all very manly I must say...ok, NOT)
This one has a windup musical feature... plays (what else?) rock a bye baby!
-
This adorable photo is part of an upcoming line I am working on, custom & ready made invites, announcements and gift cards. I am trying to keep them super affordable too!

A Thousand Words

2009-03-01T19:14:00.001-08:00

This photo, taken around 2006 or so. I've had it in my Flickr photo stream before, without much fanfare. Until recently I had a 'free' flickr account, and was restricted to 200 photos. So from time to time, I would cull the herd. Though I loved this one, it got the axe... Then I went 'pro', this came with unlimited storage...Which allows me to do things like rework older pics and repost them. I believe that picture is worth a thousand words. But the timing has to be just so...Every picture speaks in it's own time. And every picture says something different to different people. I love that.

Blog Contest?

2009-02-24T13:11:00.000-08:00

I am seriously addicted to {these cookies}. While I wait for another batch to bake away in the oven. It occurs to me that I am doing what I have always ALWAYS wanted to do - I'm at home baking, I have a guy I love, a little {bad dog} and a {sweet sweet baby}. I hope that it is always this way. That being said, I really want to start getting back at photography a bit more too... I don't want to do (as many) weddings. I guess it's because I recently had a baby of my own, that I want to focus more on the Maternity/newborn/baby side of the 'portrait' world. I now think I should've worked my prenatal class contacts! (lol) I am considering having a blog contest for a free baby session - that is only good if you're local... I was also thinking of doing a blog draw for a custom designed birth announcement...I will have to think that one through more...I would want to use pics I took...lol... any other ideas? comments? suggestions? about anything?
I leave you with a picture of my sweet boy.

Bones and Chocolate Biscoti

2009-02-19T10:54:00.000-08:00

A beautiful day yesterday was. The boy and I had a playdate with a group of local mommy's (and one daddy) and all kinds of cutie pie kiddies. We (the boy and I) made some easy Double Chocolate Walnut Biscotti. The original recipe is Chocolate Pistachio Biscoti by Martha Stewart (who else could it be?) But I have loads and loads of farm walnuts and hazelnuts, so I use them. and I don't bake them until they are as crisp as regular biscotti... I like them a bit cake-y.
I use (this time anyway) white chocolate chunks. the recipe follows. They are awesome with milk or a latte...
After the playgroup we went to the farm for a walk...on which we saw something dead..I thought it was a snake, M said it was a mink or something. Whatever it was.. it was interesting. Doesn't this mink pic make you want to rush out and make the biscotti right away?

Double Chocolate Walnut Biscotti.

Ingredients

3/4 Cup butter, room temperature
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 cup shelled walnuts
1/2 cup chocolate chips (or white chocolate chunks

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. grease a baking sheet
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs; beat until well combined, scraping down sides of bowl if necessary. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Add flour mixture to butter and sugar, and stir to form a stiff dough. Stir in walnuts and white chocolate
Form dough (on baking sheet) into a flattened log, 12 by 4 inches.
Bake until slightly firm, about 25 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes.
Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees.
On a cutting board, using a sharp knife, cut biscotti - 1-inch-thick slices.
put biscotti, cut sides down, on baking sheet, and bake until crisp but still slightly soft in the center, about 5-8 minutes.

Marshmallows, pretzels and immunizations.

2009-02-17T16:24:00.000-08:00

Today my boy had his first shots. Boy oh boy that was hard on ME... he cried and cried and cried... and I couldn't do a thing to make him feel better. that was NOT fun. I was just about crying with him. He got over it much faster than I did, and in no time he was sitting (ok, leaning on me) playing with toys and another cutie named Aiden. We had to hang around for 15 min afterward to make sure there wasn't going to be any allergic reaction (WHAT??) We are to watch for a rash or a fever. ugh... poor little guy...what did we (I) do to you? Once he seemed like he was going to be fine, we were off to our fave Sally Ann, and managed to spend a whole $6.47 - salad spinner, a down throw, roots hoodie for the boy, an old board game "ginnykub" (based on Gin-Rummy) - which I plan to slaughter M with...lol... and a pair of yellow rain boots for the boy... yay!

we headed back towards home (only to stop at our Fave BFM, where we picked up some pants for my niece C. The boy is now semi-sleeping in his swing (gasp...I should put him in bed, but he's just so comfy looking...) and while he napped, I made more of these above!
White chocolate (actually...PINK chocolate) dipped pretzels with sprinkles...

They were so good... I ate all but about 4 of them. and yes, I just said I made more...I plan on eating all of them too...it seems to be all the 'meal' I have time for these days. The other day, I was reading {THIS BLOG} she was talking about how she read about these marshmallow lollipops on another blog and was going to be making them. As soon as I saw them, I thought....hey, I can do that! and so I did. And this is what they looked like... I don't actually like marshmallows *except when it's in rice crispy squares and hot chocolate* but I do like CUTE and these were cute indeed!

Cora Paige

2009-02-13T19:22:00.001-08:00

So sad... I don't know the McClenahans, I found them through one of the blogs I read...
my heart breaks for this poor family. A site has been setup to accept donations toward building a playground in their sweet daughter's memory.
Also, various sellers on Etsy have donated their time and talent with the proceeds of sales going toward this project, click the pink graphic to be taken there.

Sweet Boy. Pile o Quilts. Birthday Cake. Tasty Cookies.

2009-02-11T23:10:00.001-08:00

My dear boy. He made editing difficult today.... Only happy when held. He did NOT want to nap today at all... I am good and tired, but it is SO worth it.

My birthday was last week (ugh...not having anymore!!) and I was given a 'surprise' cake by Cindy what a nice treat! Her husband dropped it off..I was in the midst of changing a poopy diaper when he arrived and when I got to the door, this was what awaited me... YUMMY, and yes, I ate the WHOLE THING.. thx again Cindy!

These tasty cookies are made from the Feb 2009 issue of Martha Stewart Living. I copied it out of the mag at the library (too cheap to take a photocopy...though I guess I could've taken a photo....hmmm) I don't know the name of them, but I've been calling them Cinnamon Bun Cookies - they're dee-lish...

Cinnamon Bun Cookies
::Dough::
2.5 Cups of Flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
8oz of butter, softened
1 Cup of sugar
1/4 tsp orange zest
2 eggs

::Filling::
2 oz butter
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 tsp cinnamon

- Make dough: sift flour, salt & baking soda in a large bowl.
- Beat butter, sugar & zest in a mixer on medium speed til smooth (3 min)
- beat in eggs (I forgot them, and still, they were delish!)
reduce speed, add flour mixture.
- beat until just combined.
- divide dough, wrap, chill 1 hour.
- turn onto floured parchment, roll out to 10x12 rectangle (I found the dough too hard to roll, I let it soften a bit, just enough to make rolling possible)
- trim edges (I didn't... still yummy)
- repeat with 2nd half of dough
- chill 10 min.

Make filling:: Mix all ingredients
- crumble mixture over 2 rectangles.
- starting on long side, roll into log (I used the parchment paper to help with the rolling up)
- chill 1 hour.

Preheat oven 350 deg.
slice dough 1/4" thick
Bake 19 min, til edges are golden

cookies keep for 3 days, covered (ya, like they EVER saw three days..)

Chocolate Shortbread Hearts

2009-02-04T11:16:00.001-08:00

Early Valentine's pressie for myself?? perhaps!

Chocolate Shortbread Hearts
(actually it's Martha Stewarts Cocoa Shortbread Diamonds cut like hearts.... with a few changes...)

NOTE: these are really fragile until totally cooled... even then, handle gently!

* 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/4 cup cocoa powder
* 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
* 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
- mix flour, sugar, cocoa , salt in a mixer bowl to combine.
- Add butter and vanilla, mix until mixture comes together.

2. roll on floured surface - 1/4 inch thick;
- cut with heart-shape cookie cutter.
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes.

Sneak peek

2009-02-02T21:07:00.000-08:00

I had a very lovely belly shoot on Saturday, with the cutest couple.
As promised, here is a peek of what I'm working on. She has the sweetest belly.

wee diapers

2009-01-31T00:55:00.001-08:00

wee diapers
Originally uploaded by HighlandGhillie

I have about 12 or so small diapers that my boy no longer fits into.
So, I heard about someone giving some (they had left over) as part of a baby gift. I've decided I am going to use mine in a similar way, tied with a pretty ribbon and my business card attached for my prenatal and newborn clients. I think it's really cute!

:: Gingerbread Latte and bartering ::

2009-01-28T22:37:00.000-08:00

Today I had made something yummy - a gingerbread latte. It was so good.
Here's the recipe for any of you brave enough to try it (it's so easy, and good)

I read the other day about a photographer that trades her services for, well, other services...I love this idea and while I don't know how I could work it, but I am thinking more and more about it. If you have any ideas of how to go about this (or even something you'd trade, let me know)

Little Boys keep strange hours

2009-01-27T06:47:00.000-08:00

It's now 6:47 am. I've been up since just after 5. The boy is sleeping again, but I have decided to clear some (much needed) space on my computer (sorting old folders can take forever). And while I wait for my dvd backups to burn, I'm reading some photography blogs - One I've been reading lately is {this one} I enjoy her stories about her kids, and crafts. I like her style of photography, it's similar to my own. She made these cute {little hearts} she mentions that she traded a photo session for the felt to make them...what a good idea. It gives me something to think about (in my sleep deprived state) and consider!

I had a very good time when my MIL was here to visit over the weekend (is that weird? any movie I have ever seen that has a "mother in law" she's always evil and awful. I am so glad that mine isn't that way.) We had loads of fun going to all the local thrift stores. we found this adorable wagon at the very first one we went to. I wish she was a bit closer so we could get together more often. I went to my fav one again yesterday (hard to resist when baby clothes are .50 cents a pc) and I got the boy a ceiling light for his room when he's a big boy and has outgrown the adorable {fish light}. The one I got yesterday was $3 and the shade looks like a map/globe thing - pic to follow in my next post (I hope!)

Photography

2009-01-21T12:44:00.000-08:00

Over the last few weeks I have been renovating my {website}
I am glad to be almost done, the only section(s) left to update are the fine art photo gallery and the prenatal online portfolio. I have started accepting session bookings, but my availability is limited to about 4 sessions per week, I will only be available one Saturday per month.
I want to be able to focus on my boy while keeping the quality of my work high.
So, if you are at all interested in booking a session with me, I'd book early (spots are filling up!)

Response has been positive and I look forward to all my upcoming sessions!

Gingerbread and FTP

2009-01-15T11:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday (ok, not just yesterday) I was lamenting about gingerbread cookies.
mmm gingerbread... I ate so many of them when I was making Christmas pressies that I have been craving them. You can imagine my surprise when the doorbell rang and there was {Cindy's husband} with a dish of yummy gingerbread cookies. - I wonder if he made them.
I thought that was awesome! So nice of her! Thanks Cindy! I should've taken a photo but they've all been eaten!

I finally won the battle with my FTP program, well, sort of.
While trying to upload, the FTP program wouldn't overwrite the old file. I wanted to add this photo to my {Services Offered} section of my website. no go.

I ended up having to change the main index page and create and entire new directory, and deleted the old one (boring eh?) Well, it finally worked, and I'm sick of fooling with it. I want to do something more creative than stare at web coding.

Now, I don't have the recipe Cindy used, but I do have the one I use -
I half this recipe, that way I won't eat twice as much!!

It's a Martha Stewart Recipe:

Ingredients

Makes about 16 large cookies

6 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 cup dark-brown sugar, packed
4 teaspoons ground ginger
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ground clove
1 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 large eggs
1 cup unsulfured molasses

Directions

In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in spices and salt, then eggs and molasses. Add flour mixture; combine on low speed. Divide dough in thirds; wrap in plastic. Chill for at least 1 hour.
Heat oven to 350 degrees. On a floured work surface, roll dough 1/8 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes. Transfer to ungreased baking sheets; refrigerate until firm, 15 minutes. Bake until crisp but not darkened, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cookies cool on wire racks, then decorate as desired.

:: Thankful for small miracles ::

2009-01-13T01:40:00.000-08:00

Anyone that knows us, knows we have had a dog (a Craig'sList treasure) for just a little over a year now. We love her so much. When I got pregnant we hoped that she would love and protect the baby. She does both. When we got her, she was quiet (very quiet) well mannered, wouldn't set foot on carpet or furniture... now she's sleeping wherever she wants barking her fool brains out at her nemesis, the birds at the feeders and giving the farm dogs a hard time when we go there. basically, we've ruined her. We don't mind, she's quite a little ham and we love her so much.

Tonight we had a bit of a scare - make that a big scare.
We thought our beloved dog Bella was done for.
Gone.
Not just gone.
Eaten......
by coyotes.

M and Bella did their nightly 'go out for a pee before bed' the next thing I know, he's rushing around looking for a flashlight saying "I think the coyotes got her".
Even typing this out makes me shiver.
He goes flying out the door, I wrap up the boy and go out on the deck and start calling for her.
nothing. Just a flashlight in the darkness.

What I don't know is that before M even came in, he heard her yelping, and coyotes yipping like they do. And he could hear it getting further and further, then nothing.
Bella is a Cairn Terrier, she thinks she's a big tough dog... and when she hears the coyotes, she likes to give them a good barking at.

I put the boy in a safe spot and head out to the back, I can't see a thing, so I head back, and get the truck, throw it in 4x4 and head back to the fields where I give the truck to M and go back to see about the baby. By this time I've decided that I should put something other than my "fresh out of the bath" house coat and slippers, then I scoot across the street and ask the (nicest) neighbors to watch the boy while I holler for B-dog and M drives around looking for any sign of anything.

I was still in the back crying and calling for her when M comes back without her.

she's gone.

I can't quit though. I am now going through the fields behind the other neighbors calling for her...
did I mention the time??
around midnight.
C'mon Bella!
TREAT!! (usually the *magic* word)
we've been at this for about 45 min.

There is nothing. the only sound is M as he follows me up the road.

Then there is nothing. I keep walking, searching, looking. hoping. praying.

Then I hear M say "I have her"

sweet words.
She went right to him, and there isn't even a scratch on her - just mud.

BAD DOG! Electric fence for you.
I wanted to spank her and hug her all at once.

M was embarrassed that I woke the neighbors (though they assure me that they weren't sleeping) We went to get the baby, had a short visit and came home to snuggle our bad little dog.

I know she's "just a dog" but she has wormed her way into our hearts, and we are so thankful for this small miracle.

somebody loved

2009-01-11T12:18:00.001-08:00

somebody loved
Originally uploaded by HighlandGhillie

my sweet boy - 100 days old.

Somebody loved - The Weepies

Rain turns the sand into mud
Wind turns the trees into bone
Stars turning high up above
You turn me into somebody loved

Nights when the heat had gone out
We danced together alone
Cold turned our breath into clouds
We never said what we were dreaming of
But you turned me into somebody loved

Someday when we're old and worn
Like two softened shoes
I will wonder on how I was born
The night I first ran away from you

Now my feet turn the corner back home
Sun turns the evening to rose
Stars turning high up above
You turn me into somebody loved

day 100

2009-01-09T13:33:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe my {sweet boy} is 100 days old. He is currently napping...getting ready for today's photo shoot (lucky boy!)
I have been busy around here - my {website reno} is nearing completion, only the Bellies section of my online portfolio is left to be done - that will have to wait, due to space limitations on my 'puter. I've had to find alternate hosting for all my pics (ie: I had to burn them onto cd) and am still labelling and re-organizing.
In other news, it has FINALLY stopped raining here...nearly 5days of steady rain - we did have some wonderful snow, this is what it looked like when we got home:So pretty...to bad that now it looks like this: The mountains are still beautiful, but the fields are soggy messes. and thanks to all the rain, we are now enjoying a "boil water" advisory...so I had to boil the baby bottles etc and boil up some water for us to drink/brush our teeth with. sure wish we had the snow still.

Website Renovation

2009-01-06T12:14:00.001-08:00

My boy is now 3 months old. for those of you that don't know, I am also doing a {photo a day} blog of my sweet boy. In doing so, it has sparked my desire to 'get back at it' sooner than I thought I would want to... So, between feedings/diapers/laundry/cleaning I am renovating my {website} I love the fresh look of it.Session time slots are limited - I don't want to miss too much of my sweet boy's life! - I am also changing the way I take photos - no more "posie-posed" photos. I am more interested in 'real life' photos - couples hanging out on benches, walking, talking, holding hands... I want to capture little moments and the details of life.
I also prefer to use natural light, so keep that in mind when picking out your session location!

My Very Own WestJet Commercial!

2009-01-05T02:34:00.000-08:00

We started out at 5am on the 22nd for what was suppose to be 7 days on the road (5 days of visiting, 2 days of travelling) we got to the airport to find our flight was delayed for 4.5 hours. That wouldn't have been so bad if it didn't cause us to miss the connecting flight. (can you tell where this is going?) and with it being Christmas time, every single flight was sold out. So, my baby had his first Christmas in a hotel. (insert crying mother at an airport here)
It actually wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. We were given accommodation and meal vouchers and we were put up in a very nice room (I've never stayed at a Best Western that had down duvets before... nice!) It was while we still at the airport waiting for our luggage to surface that I realized the meal vouchers were great for the 2 'grown ups' but what was my 2.5 month old boy going to have...fries? I had packed his diaper bag with enough supplies for the 5 hour flight, and perhaps a 4 or 5 hour delay (if we had to await another flight..yeah right!) but I didn't have anything for 3 nights... So, off I went - babe in tow - to stand in another line to get some vouchers for diapers and formula for him. It was while I was standing in this line that a very nice lady (Gail) that worked for WestJet offered to hold the boy (so I could rest my arms)
After a bit of small talk, she asked me what I was waiting for, so I say my funny (to me) line "what's my boy going to eat... fries?" When she found out that we had limited diapers and formula, she took it upon herself to ensure that we didn't go without. She took the boy and me right over to the Pharmacy in the airport (I never even knew that some airports had pharmacies!) and made sure my baby had everything he would need for his 1st Christmas adventure! Gail even made sure we had something to eat before we left the airport by taking the 3 of us weary travelers for dinner - which turned out to be doubly helpful as it allowed time for our luggage to be found - then she not only arranged for her husband to come to the airport and take us to our Hotel, she came in to the hotel to make sure we were taken care of right away! now that's service! It's hard to be mad at WestJet when they went did so much for us - Everyone I spoke with at the hotel that was a stranded WestJetter had only great things to say about the airline, myself included..
We were even invited to go over to Gail's and spend some time with her and her family on Christmas Eve. right down to sweet pressies for our sweet boy.
totally above and beyond!
It really was an amazing time. and we totally did feel like we were in a WestJet commercial!
So a BIG BIG BIG thank you to Gail and to westjet for taking care of us and our boy - it's truly appreciated and the people we've told about our experience have been telling others about it - great customer service=good word of mouth advertising I guess!

Happy New Year

2009-01-03T20:07:00.000-08:00

We are finally back home.
We had a terrific visit - it was longer than we expected to be away, but it was so nice to see everyone and to have so many people meet our sweet boy.
I have many photos to share and a bit of a story to tell.
I will get to that later. Here are a few pic's from a fun hour at the farm yesterday.
I have just got them sorted, and haven't had a chance to edit any of them yet!

81

2008-12-21T00:27:00.001-08:00

Nowell F.

2008-12-20T17:12:00.001-08:00

Nowell F.
Originally uploaded by HighlandGhillie

I am making progress.... Nowell is almost done...
Time is running out though!! Flight out is Monday 7am (goodness!! That's early with a 2.5 month old baby!! YIKES!!) Today I (we) rec'd a WONDERFUL surprise - a parcel from my beloved family on the East Coast - what a nice surprise. I miss them very much, and feel very blessed that they thought of us and our new baby ♥

3:00 pm yesterday's post turned into 10:49am today's.

2008-12-16T15:00:00.000-08:00

It seriously CANNOT be ~~Tuesday~~ Wednesday!!! I am NOT READY... I am close, but not quite there yet.
I have been working away at editing photos and creating this years Christmas pressies. I am happy to say that very few things are store bought (I might be happy about that, but I'm not sure how the people getting them feel...)
I have really enjoyed doing the handmade this year. Probably because for the most part, while doing the computer work, my boy has either been on my lap, or I was rocking him in his bassinet. I will miss it when he moves into his crib, but that is a little ways off yet.

We managed to get over to Scott & Cindy's place yesterday. Their place was warm and welcoming. And we were treated to a delicious brownie, and a really cool Japanese book - the ISBN number is 'ISBN4 05 402 100 x' - it's a book with instructions for fo9lding paper etc to make wee boxex, envelopes etc - very cool, can't wait to try some out. She also gave us this adorable card - I didn't have the time/patience to even do cards this year (emails for everyone!!)
We had a good time and stayed longer than the hour we were going to - so, the baking suffered as a result.
I only managed to get one batch of cookies done. And if I don't stop eating them, there will be NONE LEFT!

I am just about done this hat for _____'s pressie.
And I'm (we are) just about done with this years balls - they look adorable on our tree, so we're keeping them all ☺ yay!

I finished (for the most part) a big project - just a few minor tweaks left, and another project I finished is the Photographic Alphabet...I am quite happy with the way it turned out, and I don't want to part with it - a sign of a good gift?? I hope so. I spent an unbelievable amount of time on them!
Today the boy and I are enjoying his first real snowfall... gonna head out shortly to take some photos ♥

10:52 pm

2008-12-13T22:52:00.000-08:00

What is with this wind and where did today go?? I must say, I am really enjoying the blustery weather! If I can't get snow in these western parts, at least there is windy weather entertain me.

Today I noticed that my boy looks so different than when we first brought him home. and he's only 2 months old. I am so glad I decided to do the 365 blog. He is just changing so much, so fast, it's exciting and yet heartbreaking at the same time.

I went out for an hour (sans baby) today, the usual places, the library to return (what I think are 1 day late) books - I had a hard time letting go of the cheerful Christmas mags. and then to 2 of my *favorite* 2nd hand stores - one of them has baby clothes for 50 cents a piece ☺

I found (much to my delight!) a half (maybe quarter) size fiddle. $20. Including case, bow and rosin... now, granted the strings are off and it needs a bridge, and the bow could do with being re-haired, but the sounding post is standing and even if it wasn't, $20 is the deal of the century. Now I will be able to teach my boy to play (and I'll have someone to play with ☺)

At the other thrift store I found 2 baby crib sized quilts, one was $3.50 the other was $2.50.

Perfect for snuggling up in, or throwing in the car. They will get excellent use for sure.

Then the rest of the afternoon was spent making Cranberry Marmalade, then cleaning it up. This is where I got the recipe, I did make some changes to suit me ☺
Here's what I did:
Cranberry Marmalade
2 med. orange
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 lb. cranberries (4 cups)
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 cups apple juice (real juice)
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 pkg of pectin *I used Dr. Okter's Jam express*
-
Zest the oranges,
peel and cut oranges up

Combine cranberries, zest, sugar, pectin and juices in large pot and bring to a boil.
Boil, uncovered, until berries pop, about 8 minutes.
add cinnamon and oranges

Simmer, stirring often, until thick, about 15 minutes.

Ladle into jars.
(Made thirteen 125ml jelly jars).

12:10 am

2008-12-12T00:10:00.000-08:00

I should be sleeping... Baby is sleeping, so should I right? I'm tired, yet I am sitting infront of this bloody computer. Why?? A few reasons... Christmas pressies, and editing.
I did a shoot today with my boys ☺
I managed to get 45 min (and almost 200 pics - love digital and the remote) before he started to meltdown. I love shooting babies. I liked the weddings too, but when I start booking them again, I want to gear my shoots more toward capturing natural moments...more photo journalistic less "posie" - I'd like to start shooting more babies and children too...so if you've got em, I want em... - let me know, my prices are reasonable - while I fill my portfolio, then they'll skyrocket! lol.

The baby's room used to be my photo studio, it gets the best light...I miss having all my lighting in there, I find I am still using it for shooting - good thing the little man isn't in there full time yet.
here are a couple. I want to edit them as soon as I am done with the 5 other things I have going on...The boy has been sleeping so sweetly allowing me to craft away ♥

9:49am

2008-12-09T09:48:00.000-08:00

After being up since 4:30am yesterday my sweet fella took the baby so I could enjoy this:
A hot bath, cup of hot chocolate and some Christmas crafty magazines - it was awesome. And I managed to stay puke & pee free for a whole hour afterward - I've still managed to keep the puke out of my hair so far :) - not a great photo, but I was eager to take that bath...

as a direct result of my bath (and the Martha mag) I decided I should knit the boy a stocking for his first Christmas, it's on the needles, but I have so many other things to finish - we'll see how it goes...I envision myself leisurely knitting away on the plane - this is where my lack of sleep allows me to think that I will actually be able to do just that on the 4 hour flight with a 3 month old baby (we are crazy, yes... but it's not as crazy as me deciding to drive across Canada at 7 months pregnant, now that was crazy - fun but crazy)

I would be working away right now, but the little man needed some grub and a cuddle (and I needed coffee...) He's finally into his Halloween sleeper (from his Aunite S) it is so cute, I don't care if it's not very Christmassy... He's wearing it! (click pic to see other photos of this little lamby)I am almost done the body of the WeeWonderful doll I am making I am looking forward to going thru my stash for the clothes, the doll is for my niece's Christmas pressie (was that not clear?) she's 2 already! hard to believe...
Ok, the little man is back to sleep, I've read some of my daily read blogs and I'm almost done my coffee (cup #1) so, I'd best get to the arms of this doll...

9:08am

2008-12-08T09:04:00.000-08:00

My day started at around 4:40 this morning...I've already had a cup of hot chocolate, and am now drinking a coffee/hot chocolate/whipping cream concoction - very tasty (and almost like a meal)
Baby boy and I have been listening to Christmas carols since about 5am. He was not interested in sleeping...I even tried the swing, he'd sleep on and off for about 10 min at a time.
Sleep when the baby sleeps, yeah right. at around 5:30 I thought I was going to get to go to sleep, but then he leak through his diaper, pj's onto me, the pillow and the (ugly-on-the-way-out-anyway) couch, so onto the 3rd set of jammies for the night (must remember to point the fire hose DOWN)
I have a pile of unfinished Christmas pressies to complete.
He's been asleep for almost 30 min now (in a row!) He must've puked on me caz I can smell sour milk... what to do...work on pressies, sleep or take a bath... The choices are ENDLESS!!
as tired as I am, I wouldn't trade my milkbaby and the sleepless nights for anything
:)

Christmas Greetings

2008-11-25T12:03:00.001-08:00

Christmas Greetings
Originally uploaded by HighlandGhillie

A bit early I guess, but I am getting ready to make and write out my Christmas cards Babies are good fun for this. This little man makes me so happy... even in the middle of the night.....

PhotoBlog

2008-10-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

A photo blog for friends and family far and near that are interested in watching our boy grow.
Thanks Cindy for the sweet little boy quilt (and the food, and the pie and the baby pressies... you've really spoiled us - and the boy!)

22/365

2008-10-22T15:32:00.001-07:00

22/365
Originally uploaded by HighlandGhillie

21/365

2008-10-21T11:34:00.001-07:00

21/365
Originally uploaded by HighlandGhillie

we love him

Newborn

2008-10-20T20:14:00.001-07:00

20 days post c-section and I am finding that day by day it's much easier to get around and get stuff done. I hate that I had to have a c-section - it's a weird statistic that I didn't want to be part of - but seeing as there was no other way to get my baby to come out safe and sound, it was totally, totally worth it. I love watching him stretch with all his little boy might.

One of the nice things about getting around easier - besides being able to take care of baby boy :) myself - is having the energy to start taking pictures again.

sweet baby feet

2008-10-19T21:26:00.001-07:00

Baby boy is now 19 days old. Granny left today :( we are going to miss her very much. It's very hard to be so far from loved ones.

On the needles

2008-10-15T07:19:00.001-07:00

Baby boy is eating lots and growing fast. He's such a good baby (so far anyway!) very easy going, and loves a good snuggle. He's been 'helping' me complete UFO's (like this little doll size sweater) the pattern for it can be found at The Purl Bee - it's an easy cute pattern. I (hopefully) am on the mend - it's almost been a whole day with no bleeding from the c-section stitches. I can't wait to get out of the house more with this cute little fella.

12 days of Thanks Giving

2008-10-13T17:26:00.000-07:00

This has been the craziest 2 weeks of my life.
The most exciting and happiest - by far - but the craziest too.
I can honestly say I don't mind the diapers, middle of the night feedings or the crying - not that there's much crying...mostly just me crying... hormones, ya know.
I can live without c-section aftermath... the popped stitches, gushing blood, hospital visits. It is all worth it, but I still don't have to like it.
Yesterday was spent with family enjoying a fine turkey dinner and taking in the beautiful fall day with Baby. He is over 'the jaundice' and is starting to grow good now. He is such a lovable little fella.

Happy Birthday Andrew

2008-10-08T05:30:00.001-07:00

Today is my baby's due date. October 8.
But he didn't quite make that date, he arrived 9 days early. I am thankful that he is safe and sound and at the end of my life I will always be thankful that I got to have 9 extra days with him :)
We finally named him:
Andrew.
Though I can't stop calling him baby boy.
We are as most (if not all) new parents are:
tired, exhausted, happy, and overwhelmed.
We are grateful to those around us that are so supportive. As I type this, at 5:29am I have freshly fed sleeping baby nestled against me, and I am enjoying homemade chicken corn chowder soup - thanks Cindy. With our little Bella Dog sleeping/keeping watch at my feet.
a perfect moment in my life.

17.5 hours old

2008-10-03T05:31:00.001-07:00

17.5 hours old
Originally uploaded by HighlandGhillie

My water broke 10 days before my due date.
An interesting experience.
it was 2:30 am.
I was at home - good.
I was alone - not so good.
Well, alone sort of - I had Bella there.
Bella the dog.
I get myself together,
and off the 3 of us (me, baby belly and bella) go
I didn't have time to take Bella the dog anywhere, so we all went together - I drove.
after 3.5 hours of calling - I finally got baby daddy on the phone at his work. Got Bella to the doggy sitters and after 42.5 hours, much drama, dropping heart rates and an emergency C/Section... here is the much awaited baby boy.
So much for an October baby.
September is good too :)
we are very tired, but very very happy
:)

Goodbye Summer

2008-09-21T10:44:00.001-07:00

Fresh Flowers
Originally uploaded by HighlandGhillie

Today is the last day of summer.
I am sad to see it go, what we had of 'good' weather that is, but I do love those fall soups, stews, sweaters and knitting mitts and hats. Baby is due in 17 days - it's hard to fathom really, It's been just me for so long, then it's been 'us' for the past 7 years (really?? that many already?) and now it's going to be the three (four if you include Bella...and who wouldn't?) as I type this, baby is wigglin' up a little storm...protesting my sitting still no doubt... urging me to finish up with the nesting

The Drawer Boy

2008-09-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

A while back, I was contacted by a theatre group in England asking if they could use one of my photos for their upcoming production "the Drawer Boy" I guess it's almost show time, my is on the production webpage. I'm looking forward to seeing the print material when they send it to me.

Summer's End and Parking Lot Carnivals

2008-09-17T05:08:00.000-07:00

The summer might be coming to an end, but there are other things to look forward to.
I love the changing of the seasons - the smell of a crisp fall morning; fall soups and stews, the first fire of the season, and parking lot carnivals and fairs.
My baby is due in 3 weeks, we are very excited for that - I am looking forward to tying my own shoes again. The past few weeks has been spent getting ready for baby. I think we are mostly prepared (as much as you can prepare for the unknown) I will miss having baby all to myself, but I can't wait to meet him/her and see my fella hold his little baby. I won't miss having to pee every 20 min and being unable to breath because some little peanut is squishing my lungs.

the forgotten wagon

2008-07-20T09:51:00.001-07:00

the forgotten wagon
Originally uploaded by HighlandGhillie

It's been quite a while since I've done any Ttv work - or any sort of photography (other than weddings) I shot a wedding yesterday, the bride requested my viewfinder camera for some of the pics. It's nice to bring out the old Argus again. The little bean I'm growing has been moving around like crazy, he/she likes the wee hours of the morning...

rainy day wedding

2008-07-11T13:00:00.001-07:00

rainy day wedding
Originally uploaded by HighlandGhillie

I actually had two weddings last weekend. Both outdoors * love that * it poured for one of them, the 3 little girls had the cutest umbrellas. The weather was beautiful for the 2nd wedding. I love photographing the pretty details that weddings provide.

25 weeks 1 day

2008-06-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

I love being pregnant, feeling the little creature wiggling around while I think of baby names and the day that I will get to hold and snuggle him or her. I've always thought I wouldn't want to know if baby is a boy or girl, but I find it's driving me crazy... I just want to know. I've been nesting away, and really am enjoying baking and sewing and knitting and crocheting... when I'm not (still) nauseas that is :)

Fifteen Weeks, One Day.

2008-04-29T10:12:00.001-07:00

Fifteen Weeks, One Day.
Originally uploaded by HighlandGhillie

So this is what I've been up to. Growing a baby.
Until about a week ago, I've been spending most of my time sleeping and trying to keep from barfing. nice.
I had an ultrasound a few weeks ago to find out how far along I am.
It was amazing. An ultrasound makes pregnancy real in a way that sore breasts, throwing up and peeing on a stick never could.

sweet, sweet memories.

2008-01-28T21:01:00.000-08:00

I have been traveling through time this past month. I had some [serious] computer issues. They are mostly resolved now, but while backing up photos - photos that I was about certain were lost forever... all of my work from the past year - seeing old photos again makes me a bit heartsick for home and people that are far away or gone from this world. I know it's a part of life, but I can't help but long for them.

Sweet December

2007-12-22T16:25:00.001-08:00

beautiful snow
Originally uploaded by HighlandGhillie

The year has gone so fast.
Today was one of the most beautiful days I've seen in a while...
I love the mountains, but I sure miss the snow...so when it does fall, I am making sure I get out there and photograph it.
I have been quite busy meeting couples and booking upcoming weddings, so it was quite a nice treat to hop in the truck, put on the Christmas cd I rec'd on friday - from my mum - thank you :) - and go out and shoot. another favorite from the day can be seen here in my flickr stream.
I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and the happiest of new years too :)