Chia Seeds & Chikapee Flour

Today I spent the afternoon with Kim. Kim is an amazing person. Seriously, like she's basically superwoman in flip flops and skinny jeans. You really have to read her story in her own words, but here's the long and short of it:

Kim is the mother of two beautiful children, Kylie and Jaxon. In February 2008 her daughter, Kylie was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. In August of 2008- 6 months later, she was re-examined and diagnosed "without type 1". Through testing they determined the foods that needed to be eliminated from Kylie's diet in order to rest her broken pancreas cells and start a regeneration process, and they reversed the disease! Kim now bakes with almond and coconut flour and sweetens foods with raw honey, agave nectar and stevia. Whole Foods is a great place to shop for these natural and organic foods.

It was truly inspiring to watch Kim, with her 2 little helpers by her side, while she put together different snacks that were made especially with her daughter in mind. Never before would I have associated chia seeds and chikapee flour with the word 'snack', but these little morsels of healthyness, disguised with a coating of more healthyness- actually tasted good! I know right? Madness! So, even though Kim was told by their doctor that there was no cure, Kim found a cure and proved them wrong. And because of her mother's love and determination, Kylie continues to live a healthy and disease-free life. Imagine being told there's nothing that you, as a mother, can do for your child. Never having been in a situation like that I cant even begin to imagine how I would be affected, but I wasn't in Kim's home more than 5 minutes before this sweet little girl had completely won my heart. I was packing up, getting ready to leave and Kylie ran over to me and gave me the biggest, tightest hug I've ever received from such a tiny body, and it was then that I totally got it. How could anybody NOT want to fight with their entire being for this bright little ray of sunshine? Ok, I know I promised no sappy, gushyness. I guess I lied. MINUS 10 POINTS FOR ME.

But I mean c'mon... Look at her!

Here is one of the yummy healthy creations I got to sample. More to come when I have recipes to go with and descriptions a little more accurate than 'morsels of healthyness'.

Never Been Partial to Manual Labour

Up until today I associated blogging with business. Posting something new on my blog meant having to work. And I'll be the first to admit that I've never been partial to manual labour in any way, shape or form. Work would be something that, if it came in bug form, I would step directly on its little body with all my weight, listening for the satisfying 'squishh' confirming that its guts are oozing out all over the pavement. Then I'd bend over and point at it and be all `HAHA thats what you get for being so sucky, Work`!

That was up until today.

Since recently stepping out into the vast world wide web and exploring other blogs and different social networking platforms that kids these days are using, its occurred to me the blogging can actually be fun. So. From this day forward I vow to hereby henceforth hereafter view blogging in a different light, and such as. I solemnly vow to see blogging as a fun part of life where I can share with the world my meaningless thoughts and daily adventures (which are usually, on a scale of one to ten, like, awesome?) Even if it's simply by posting a photo of what I ate for breakfast that morning. Now you're all, hmmm... UNfollow!

But I promise I wont get deep and sappy or anything like that. That is soooo not me. SO not.

I did not eat this dog for breakfast. I would never eat a dog.

Married - Mike & Deidre

I had so much fun hanging out with Mike & Deidre while photographing their wedding. It was a great way to close the year. Mike's genuine love and care for his new wife and little girl was so apparent all day long. Deidre looked absolutely stunning in her dress and little fur coat, and Addison was cuter than ever! Here are a few of my faves from the first part of the day- enjoy!

Married - Jackie & Russ

When Jackie texted me a week before her wedding asking if I could do their photos I knew right away this would be a very low-key, relaxed day. If there is a prize out there for the most calm and composed bride of 2009, it goes to this girl! Russ & Jackie made a handsome couple and looked awesome standing amongst the freshly snowed-on evergreens. It was a beautiful and happy day and I was glad to have a part in it :)

Canvas Winners!!

Congratulations goes to Heidi & Dedrick for rallying the most votes for their photo, and closing the contest with a whopping 3,012 of the votes! A little hard work and dedication goes a long way :) Thanks to everyone who voted and to those who were respectful and mindful of their comments.

I wish each and every couple could have won, but to those of you who didn't I would like to extend the chance to get your own canvas at 50% off when purchased before January 31, 2010.

Thanks again to everyone for a great year and best wishes to all for the new year!