words

my perspective

2012-02-07T08:26:00.000-08:00

there have been so many factors into our decision to home educate our son the remainder of this year... and why we will continue next year with our son and our youngest daughter. the funny thing is, when it was first mentioned to me in face of all my sons trials and tribulations within the public system...i laughed. yup laughed at the person who suggested it. me?? homeschool?? are you kidding?? i have no patience, i hated school...i am so scatterbrained and so not geared to teach or attempt to teach math and science...i am a right brainer ALL the way!!

it was from researching and reading what home education really is today that i realized i already am a home educator...and considering what we have dealt with within the public school system, my kids are learning more at home then school anyway. however after pulling my son in june of last year because we were fed up, fully committing to home educating come september, registering with a home ed board...we still gave school a go this year. 2 days before school started dakota mentioned wanting to try it...it was middle school not elementary and a new teacher...maybe it would be better? and i caved...completely chickened out of the home education choice and jumped on my son's request.

my reason? we are so geared to think that school is the only place a child can receive their education. so geared to think that a teacher with a diploma is the only person effective enough to deliver that education and while i do believe there are some truly amazing teachers out there....there are more not so great. and it occurred to me that anyone can get a teaching diploma...what's stopping me from doing so?? but we don't need a diploma to teach. we have been teaching our children for centuries without them. even today we are responsible for teaching our children...we teach our children to speak, to walk, to potty train, say please and thank you, be respectful, to ride a bike, be responsible, the list goes on...but wait!! we don't teach, we guide. when our children are ready to learn these things we help them. we guide them and show them. and that, essentially, is all that teaching is...or should be.

why should school be different? why are we forcing our children to learn things they aren't ready to learn? when if we are patient and guide them, they will get there...without the labels of gifted, average, or below average. i remember when i was potty training my first child and had a moment of frustration, i phoned my mom and asked what i was doing wrong...her words to me were "just settle, it will come when he's ready, it's not like he's going to be wearing diapers when's he 18" huh. it was so easy to get caught up in what "should" happen at certain ages and by certain times. children are not robots. my son was potty trained by 20 months. my middle daughter was potty trained by 30 months and my youngest girl was potty trained by 18 months. all my children also spoke at different ages and learned to walk at different ages.

i, also, am not a fan of telling children they are gifted, or average, or below average and need assisted learning. gifted really these days just means your child is geared to learn the way schools are set up to teach...they are academic. and that is a great thing...but there are very few children in these groups who are actually truly gifted...einstein was gifted. and we all would like to believe we have the next little einstein on our hands, but we don't. average means you are in a group that just gets it, sits at the established grade level and can move on...yay!! and below average means you are not learning at the determined grade level....and the schools want to improve this by giving your child assisted learning, which makes them look good. but in the meantime is saying to this child, you are dumb and are never going to excel academically...so what?? so their brains aren't geared to think that way. what's wrong with taking on a trade? why are we so focused that academic post secondary education is our only option for children?? i know soooooo many people who have created successful lives and have never gone to post secondary. they have used skills that schools don't acknowledge and have created amazing lives and are not living in a cardboard box somewhere.

my son is below average according to the academic system...he requires assisted learning. pulling him out of class to drill into him essential and determined academic lessons he should already have by now. but if you ever talk to my son, you find an incredibly intelligent little boy who thinks like an engineer. the stuff he builds in his head blows my mind away. and no, i am not saying he is gifted, i am saying that he thinks differently and his strong points and talents lay in areas the public school systems don't acknowledge. so i get the privilege of home educating him and guiding him thru tough subjects for him like language arts but i get the joy of seeing it click when he's ready to get it. i get the honour of developing his interests like mechanics and science and math...and i get to be a part of watching him go deep and love what he is learning.

who said education needed to be boring? that our children needed to be zoned out to learn? who decided that kids only needed to learn academically and all the other stuff be delivered in little pieces at short intervals throughout their school careers? why shouldn't education be trade driven as much as academic driven? so yes, for all of these reasons and more we made the choice to home educate. to inspire our children by life. my children won't be 18 and not able to read, write or do math. they will be able to take on in life anything they choose to based on their interests, and if that means post secondary education...then they will be able to do that too. so while i still have moments of "oh my gosh! what am i doing??" and i am still the most scatterbrained, unorganized, and unscheduled person i know...we are managing. and quite well...this is teaching me to be a lot more patient and a little more structured. but the beauty of home ed is that it doesn't need that classroom structure to learn. the beauty is that he gets to learn his way. and the real beauty is seeing his smile again.

"education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire" ~yeats

smoke room

2012-02-06T08:40:00.001-08:00

the weekend past was tough for our family. there has been a lot of stress in our home from an external source and this weekend saw the removal of that...it was not without incident or drama and has now led to the cutting of ties with a negative energy source. but the return of a good night's sleep was the first clue that we did the right thing. the fact that my all the time smile has returned is another reminder. this morning i recharged with a little earth series yoga and am now listening to one of my favourite playlists. i LOVE how effective music can be to our energy. how it can support emotions...lift spirits.

i was asked to share the playlist i have created that i have titled smoke room. this playlist embodies what i loved about living in victoria and spending my evenings in smokey pubs listening to local artists doing what they love simply and honestly. i keep adding to my playlist...but here it is as it is right now...

adelle: someone like you
alexa ray joel: notice me
anya marina: satellite heart
black rebel motorcycle: done all wrong
chris isaak: life will go on
christina perri: jar of hearts
garrett hedlund: chances are (okay this is more country, but i love his voice & the simplicity of words & song)
ingrid michaelson: you and i, the way i am
kt tungstall: black horse
leonard cohen: i'm you're man
leonard cohen: hallelujah
serena ryder: weak in the knees
lykke li: possibility
neko case: magpie to the morningng
chantel kreviazuk: leaving on a jet plane
rosie thomas: kite song
sarah mclachlan: loving you is easy
tara mclean: red
the weepies: little bird
missy higgins: where i stood, they weren't there

what are you listening to?? would love to hear!!

reminders

2012-02-02T13:41:00.000-08:00

somedays it's so easy to get caught up in things that don't matter...or to allow things that shouldn't matter to matter. and today, i really needed the reminder that what matters is what i choose to matter. and it's the little things, the simple things that make my heart sing and put a smile on my face.

like playdough boats

and hand stitched with love by big D zombie bears hanging out

and sensory therapy and creation...cloud dough, found over at tinkerlab and the coolest stuff ever!!

tools of the cloud dough trade...at least when it comes to creating cloud dough continents

and cloud dough continent...upside down of course

see?? instant smile on your face. i love day to day and i love that i know get to share and celebrate in my son's education.

a different direction

2012-02-01T08:33:00.000-08:00

oh where to begin!
most people would say to begin at the start...but i am not sure where that is!!
there have been some pretty big decisions made in our home lately...
homeschooling our son, my starting dayhome again...
our decision to propel our moving from this province to live our dream life at a faster rate...

and this...i am stepping back from my photography as a portrait business.
and i know for a lot of you reading this, this probably seems a bit out of the blue...
especially with how busy i have been lately...but it's not.
it's something i have wrestled with since before christmas...

i love photography...always have...it's been a part of my life since i was a child.
there are actually quite a few reasons as to why i have made this decision...
some of which i will not be sharing....
let me just say that i learned something about myself in this journey...
i just want to be a mom. just a mom. i want to be here for my children...
i am tired of saying, not right now, maybe later...can you leave me alone for a few minutes...
all so i can get some piece of work done for a client...
i have learned that i can do things i love, because i love them...they don't need to become a business venture.
and the most important thing i have learned...it's okay to just be a stay at home mom.
i don't need to do it all...i don't need to have lofty aspirations...because we all know that we are not "JUST" moms.
and that for me, being a stay at home mom IS a lofty aspiration

on the business side i have learned that i hate that part...i want nothing to do with that part.
i just want to take photo's
that that part was making me fall out of love with a hobby that is a part of me.
i am sacrificing time with my family that i no longer want to give up.
i don't want to deal with receipts and marketing and promoting and customer service.
i have given up other things i love for running this as a business
and the list goes on.

that's it...my big announcement...my big decision.
i am not giving up photography. i have photography plans to pursue...creative journeys and shoots i would like to do...because i can, because it will test my skill and let me play and practice.
i will most likely still take on the odd family or child session if contacted because i love family and children photography...
but i am excited to get back to life, landscape, abstract, and architecture photography.
i am excited as i feel the passion for this hobby returning and to see where it goes.

i will not be renewing my site when the renewal comes up...i will be creating another site thru blogger to share my photography and maintain something of a portfolio and for now i will keep my facebook page up as another place to share and a direct link to my new portfolio. once it's live i will share the link :)

THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me in my old endeavor. i really enjoyed all the people i met, the families i photographed, the positive feedback. THANK YOU for making the 2yrs i did this as a portrait business successful. just...THANK YOU :)

part 1: why homeschool?

2012-01-30T21:19:00.000-08:00

i don't believe in school as a system that can efficiently deliver education effectively for all children.

i believe that the public school system is an archaic system in desperate need of a change

and before i go on to give my reasons as to why i believe this; let me first state that this is an opinion and choice, and should be respected and taken as such. this is no less and no more than that. it is not intended to offend anyone or start a debate- this is quite simply an answer to a question. this is our choice...our answer. i am sharing this in the hopes that it may help someone who may be asking themselves the same questions we were about the public system.

here's what i believe...

*all children...in fact...all people...learn differently
*schools are designed to only teach to one learning style
*children are not efficiently engaged in school
*testing is not an accurate measure of how well someone knows the material
*that one shoe does not fit all, so why should education be any different
*that children who struggle often fall thru the cracks and/or are labeled any number of ways, which often is not accurate, but the schools way of ignoring the fact that that particular child has a different learning style
*that parents should have the right to govern the amount of tv a their child watches, that if i do not use tv as a babysitter in my home, then why should i tolerate it for my children at school?
* that kids have huge gaps in their education upon graduation
*that schools do not efficiently or effectively show or teach what the real world is like, life is unfair, there are winners and losers, 3 strikes really means you're out, you do not get rewarded for opening a door or saying please and thank you, etc.

i am the result of a child who learns in a way the schools do not teach. my loss of faith within the public education system came from being someone who struggled with this from grade 3 to grade 12. my grades reflected this...but yet, i am not stupid. huh. i can read...write...add...subtract...but let me say, this was not due to a D received on a exam, holing myself up in my room to study relentlessy...this is due to the fact that regardless of what my grades reflected...i am intelligent person.

i have watched my son struggle with this system since kindergarten. i have been involved with his schools...teachers...principals...t.a's...and still, he has been assessed, labelled, held back, pushed forward, special programs, intervention programs...the list is endless. you would think he's a slow kid. the thing is, he's incredibly intelligent...just not in a way the schools recognize. he has an incredible engineering brain and learns visually and kinesthetically. he is filled with restless energy...this need to move constantly. he needs to feel, touch, move, do to absorb information. but to the schools he is a problem. his confidence has been shot and he has started to feel like there are only certain options available to him in life...he's 11.

why do we measure success by academics at this age? when in the real world we measure success by so many other markers that have nothing to do with the grades they received in elementary, middle, or high school.

so after the last 2 years of the most horrible education received to date at the hands of teachers within the only school in the town we live...the last year being the worst...not only educationally but mentally as well, he was, along with the rest of his class pushed thru to the next grade. after the schools justification that it's not just my son, but the whole class who is behind like this...we decided to take action. my son is in grade 5 and at a language arts level of grade 3. just because his entire class is functioning below grade level does not make this okay!! that is not a valid justification and one i refused to be told continuously.

both my husband and i have been active involved parents within our children's education...this is not a decision that was made lightly but we were tired of seeing our son suffer at the hands of system that was failing in it's duty to him. we decided that homeschooling was the best choice for us.

i could get into details about how bad the teachers and principals and school has been...the political drivel that has been crammed down our throats...the defense of teachers when the teachers have crossed lines...the hypocrisy...but at the end of the day we made a decision based on the needs of our child, where the schools make decisions based on the vote of a school board.

we are starting our third week of homeschooling and i have already seen an incredible change in my son. and all those voices...in my head and from external sources that have had me questioning whether or not i...we...can really do this? and the answer is yes we can. this was a decision made as a family. and we are not alone, the support for homeschool families is incredible. the fact that homeschooling is a huge as it is should say something in and of itself.

i am looking forward to sharing our journey as it goes. it will not be without it's mistakes, frustrations, and moments of madness...but the ups and benefits will far out weigh any of that.

changes

2012-01-17T18:53:00.000-08:00

wow! it really has been awhile since i blogged here!!!
life changes so fast sometimes!!!
and once more i find it changing again...you may have noticed that i combined my photography blog with my personal blog :)
one blog to maintain :P

but the biggest reason for this post was the biggest change going on in not just my life, but my family's life...we have decided to homeschool. we have been incredibly dissatisfied with the school in the town we live...and i could totally get on a soap box about my many other reasons as to why i no longer believe in the school system...but that's a post for another day.

so we pulled our son, our oldest child, from his school and gr.5 class this week and are embarking on a journey that i believe will enrich his education and our lives. we will be finishing this year by traditional homeschooling. my youngest will also be home schooled, but we decided since her education isn't suffereing the way my son's is within the school system, we would ease our way into this experience with just dakota. our middle child so far LOVES school and wants to continue going to school...so, for now, she will. we do wonder, if at some point she will change her mind.

and i'd like to share our experiences through my blog.

embracing the BFF ¦ innisfail & area family & children's photographer

2012-01-12T15:44:00.000-08:00

my daughter has had the same best friend in school since gr.2, the girls just really bonded and with our family's plans to move out of province, i really felt the need to capture their special relationship. so on one of their sleepover weekends, i dragged them out and celebrated their friendship!! they giggled the entire time...what is with girls and the giggles??

did i mention it was cold?? these girls were troopers...the wind blowing across the prairies was not nice!! so i made the girls jump up and down to get warm :P

miss mya...haillee's best friend...and when i asked her to pose for a photo, this is what i got!! they couldn't stop giggling!!!

my daughter's isn't much better...couldn't get one with her eyes open she was laughing so hard...but i guess that is the point of having a BFF, right?

it was a great session and it felt so good to get out and play with my camera and the gorgeous lighting that day!!

enjoy your day!!

grabill family ¦ innisfail & area family & children's photogrpaher

2012-01-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

i was stoked to bring in the new year with a family session on the first of january...and excited that yet another family wanted to brave the alberta cold and snow to do outdoor photo's!! the grabill family were extremely good natured and full of good humor...but wow! it was a cold day we shot on!!
becky was looking to update her family photo's, as the last time they had a family photo taken professionally was 10 years and 2 kids ago...with her oldest son 18 and in college and home only so often...it was now or never!! so on a day that was so cold we probably should have rescheduled we all braved the -20 temperature...even dragging one of their couches outside...in between blanket warm up and hot chocolate breaks managed to get through the session with smiles and laughs...and some pretty great images :)
so let me introduce you to...
the grabill family :)

a fun shot...the family may be moving in the near future and wanted a memento of the snow and canada :)

don't forget to leave a comment to help the family earn a complimentary print, they need 10 comments by the end of january 12th!!

fox family ¦ innisfail & area family & children's photographer

2011-12-29T12:58:00.000-08:00

whew! past the crazy chaos of christmas...finally having a moment to breathe!! just before christmas i had the pleasure of photographing possibly one of the sweetest family's i have had the pleasure of photographing!! the fox family was easy going and super funny...they were easy to joke with and we had some great laughs!!! one of my favourite parts of the session was the fact that they were brave enough to take on alberta winter...and we did the session outdoors in the snow!! so without further adieu, i'd like to introduce you to the fox family...

and i really wasn't kidding when i said they had a great sense of humor...

photography tactic 101 to help the family forget the camera and loosen up...everyone look at each other and make a funny face!! which thanks to bret...had the family laughing and kari remarking..."now watch this be the only decent photo of us!!" and the funny this is, i LOVE this photo!!!

and then i was asked to do something special. kari brought her point and shoot camera and asked if i might be able to take a photo of the family wearing bandana's with her camera for her sister, a somewhat unusual request but she quickly explained why...

kari's sister was diagnosed in June 2011 with breast cancer, had surgery and is now doing chemo. She is keeping a journal (her ABC Journal - Adventures in Breast Cancer). She, of course, lost her hair and wears a bandana daily...so to show support, her family decided for their Christmas picture they would all put bandanas on for the picture and then challenge all family and friends and anyone who wanted to take a picture with their bandanas on, email it to her and she would add it to her journal. It just adds a touch of fun to her fight!!

so here is the fox family showing support for kari's sister's fight...

and in showing support for such a cause...this photo and another one i gifted to this amazing family and i am offering to do complimentary photo's of anyone who would like to show support and add their photo to kari's sister's journal.

i hope everyone had a fabulous christmas!! help this family earn a complimentary 8x10 by leaving a comment on this post!! they only need 10 comments!!

sliva family ¦ innisfail & area family & children's photographer

2011-11-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

over the halloween weekend i had the pleasure of meeting and photographing the sliva family...super friendly and laid back!!! their adorable little 3yr old kept me smiling and laughing...he is certainly a little comedy man. i also had the experience of doing this session in red deer at a fabulous location...one that i have yet to use and have always loved...the pedestrian train bridge.

wanna see some photo's from their session??? well of course you do!!!!

now help the sliva's earn a complimentary print by leaving on comment on this blog post...they only need 10!!!!

happy sunday!!!

rogaczyk family ¦ innisfail & area family & children's photographer

2011-10-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

happy tuesday everyone!!! hope everyone enjoyed their thanksgiving weekends...ours was full of enjoying family, laughter and food!!! i LOVE fall...so pretty no matter what part of the country you reside in...i was happy to take advantage of the fall colours and beauty when photographing the rogalczyk family...i have been privileged to have come to know this family over the last couple of years through dayhome...the whole family was amazing during the session and i was thrilled to finally use the river for location!!
some images from the rogalczyk session...

help this family receive a complimentary print by leaving a comment on this post, they only need 10!!!

jennifer ¦ innisfail & area family & children's photogrpaher

2011-10-10T12:14:00.000-07:00

i LOVE photographing teens...and i LOVE photographing them with the instrument of their chosen passion...in this case a grand piano, an upright piano, and a keyboard...jennifer was a pure joy to work with and incredibly talented with the keys!!! after our session we were thrilled to hear her play a few pieces and to know that i was blessed to have been a small part in capturing something she is truly passionate about. a few images from the session...

help jennifer and her family earn a complimentary 11x14 from her session by leaving a comment...she only needs 10!!!!

snape family ¦ innisfail & area family & children's photographer

2011-09-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

oh monday!!! how i love thee!!! especially when i have photo's to share :) a week ago i had the joy of photographing a family we have come to know thru BMX...a truly beautiful family whose chosen setting has been added to my list of favourite locations!!!

gorgeous family, right?? the location....amazing!!! help this family receive a complimentary 8x10 print from their session by leaving 10 comments!!!

heidi & jade ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

2011-09-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

i have had the joy of getting to know these 2 girls over the last 2 years...heidi and delainey went to play school together and when mom went back to work they became a part of my dayhome. these 2 girls share the bond of sisterhood so sweetly, it was a joy to photograph them!! our session was fun and busy (thanks for that jade!!!) and we managed to get some great shots that capture each girls unique perosnality :)

journey fitness ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

2011-08-22T21:07:00.000-07:00

what a fun time...i had the opportunity tonight to do a shoot with wendy from journey fitness innisfail. she was looking for some marketing images and i loved the idea of a new challenge...and i love the fact that the images also qualify as hibby photo's and shows that just about any hobby, passion, or love can be photographed!!! so thank you, wendy for spending some time hanging out with me :) you can check out wendy's facebook page too for classes she offers...i can personally vouch for them and say they are fantastic!!!

so a few images to share.....

and because i love her catch phrase...making it personal, makes it possible...and fitness is about doing something good for yourself and having fun...couldn't resist adding wendy to the list of clients who have jumped for me :P

i really enjoyed capturing just a small portion of wendy and something she loves...love that it's simply her life photographed :)

have a fabulous night and an amazing tuesday!!

simply grateful ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

2011-07-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

was thinking it was time to have a special...it's been awhile!! and this one comes in perfect time for late summer and early fall photo's...the perfect little session to fit in amongst your crazy schedules!!! so check out the info below and make sure you contact me today to book your space...spots are filling fast!!!

the details:

$160.00 (regular value 190.00)
30 minute sessions that includes:
1 11x14 print
a set of 3 mini accordion albums
web share disk
10-15 images in a private gallery
1 location choice*

for those who book a simply grateful session, i am offering 2 wall design packages at a special discount

simply lovely mantle collection $260.00 (reg. value $290.00)
20x24 print
16x20
8x10

simply featured wall collection $175.00 (reg.value $205.00)
20x20
8x10
8x10

if you would like to add additional prints to a collection or would like to create your own collection, a la carte prints will receive a 15% discount after minimum order is met.

and since christmas is not too far away, add custom designed holiday cards to your order for $75.00/set of 25 (reg. value $115.00)

recently done a session with me?? no worries...you can still take advantage of the wall design packages below with any photo's in your gallery!!! and if that's not enough...refer me to someone who books a session (fees paid in full) and lets me know who referred them...you will receive a $30.00 referral print credit!!!

the fine print

offer is valid for any sessions booked in august and september
no substitutions on sizes for the collection specials
minimum a la carte order is $150.00, minimum is only required if not ordering one of the above collections
session package price must be paid in advance to secure your spot
locations must fall within a 25 mile radius or a travel fee may apply

canola ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

2011-07-19T09:04:00.000-07:00

our family spent the weekend in medicine hat...a city i have fallen in love with. it's pretty and charming...well maintained and a fabulous blend of old and restored meets new and modern. it is a photographers dream for locations and a total surprise since it sits among some of the flattest land out here!!! but it sits in a ravine...or canyon...or whatever one calls it....so it's not as flat as the prairie that surrounds it and creates an amazing contrast!! and did i get a photo of this? no...it was an insane BMX weekend and almost no time to stop let alone breathe!! i did grab some random photo's and since i convinced the family that we should drive home via drumheller...i FINALLY got a chance to take some of the GORGEOUS canola fields that grow out here...

embracing alberta and what surrounds me :)

serious canola love :) and some random images from medicine hat that i love...

yup! semi truck chains...it's what you do when you are sitting at a red light...okay it's what i do :P

incredibly cool and massive building in an industrial section of medicine hat

kohen ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

2011-06-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

good morning everyone!!!
tired of the rain yet??
i know i am!!! i want the sun so bad!!!!
the one good thing about the rain and gloom is that at least my editing is getting done!!
i have another precious little boy for you to meet from my casting calls...
meet kohen...the boy of a thousand faces!!!

the below photo is one of my favourites so i had to share...LOVE sock monkeys and i LOVE how kohen totally abandoned his for the sake of rocks!!!

brae ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

2011-06-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

good morning everyone!!!
i have another session from my casting call weekend proofed and edited and ready to share!!! this little boy is pure sunshine!! i have had the privilege of being able to hang out with him and to have seen him grow from a toddler into the adorable little boy he is today :) so lets meet brae!!!

if you are interested in booking a summer session, space is filling fast and limited, so contact me to make sure you get those summer photo's you've been thinking about :)

o'dwyer family ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

2011-06-14T08:31:00.000-07:00

what a crazy weekend!!! casting calls finally went thru after being rained out last weekend and getting rained out saturday!!! thanks to everyone who was able to reschedule and my apologies to those who were not able to :(

one of my sessions this weekend past was with the o'dwyer family...a beautiful family with 2 of the sweetest boys i have the privilege of knowing.

don't you love carter's face?? it seriously makes me smile!!

summer mini sessions ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

2011-05-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

july is one of my favourite months here in alberta...the canola fields are the BIG reason for that!! i love the contrast of the bright neon sunshiney yellow and the wide open blue alberta skies...so pretty!!! not to mention the fields of wheat and all the green spaces....it always looks so amazing against our amazing skies!!

so in my opinion, one of the best times to get photo's done!! so i am bringing you a summer mini session. mini sessions are perfect for families, just the kids and/or teens, couples, engagements, just the parents (because let's face it...how often do we forget that we should be a part of the photo too??). they are perfect for doing something a little bit different and fun. and they are a perfect fit for busy summer schedules

the date: saturday, july 23rd
location: to be announced

times: sessions will be between 1:00pm and 5:15pm and each session will be 30 minutes and there are 6 sessions available

the details:
$200.00 for a 30 minute session
included in your session will be
1 11x14 print
2 8x10 prints
web sharing disk
5-10 images in your private gallery

the finer details:
*additional prints, wraps, standouts, and albums will be available
*please specify at time of booking if you are booking a family or couples session
*in order to reserve your chosen time fees are due upon booking, your space is not secure until fees have been received
*all images are copyright jessica lute photography

contact me at chat@jessicalutephotography.com to reserve your space today!!

feedback ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

2011-05-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

i am always a bit surprised at how quickly summer comes once it starts teasing us!!! like many families, ours seems to get crazier and more chaotic with the promise of all that nice weather...BMX'ing, football, competitive swim...holidays, day trips...it's insane what we try and cram in, lol!!

which brings me to another addition to my summer...the casting calls!! i am so excited to update my portfolio and play around with some creativity. a big thanks to all the families who are helping me out by supplying models!! so i would love some feedback as i get those sessions prepped and organized....

how do you purchase photo's?

do you like being able to customize your sizes to suit your wall needs with photo's a la carte?

do you like the guess work taking out choosing sizes by having packages available?

or do you like the option of combining both a la carte to available packages??

i would love to hear what your thoughts and feedback are on what works for you and why when it comes to choosing what you display on your walls in your home :)

you can leave a comment here or answer the question over on facebook!!

thanks!!!

round 2 ¦ inisfail & area children's & family photographer

2011-04-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

ready for round 2?? if you missed out on round 1 of the casting call....don't worry!!! it will run exactly the same as round one...but of course there will be a different date and there is a change to some of the categories :) so check it out and contact me via email if you would like to particiapte
how it's going to work:
casting calls for each category will be hosted on a specific date and time and open to new clients
i am looking for 3-5 models in each category
each model(s) will have a complimentary 30 minute session
each model(s) will receive a full private online gallery, a complimentary 8x10 of their choice, and 15% off a print order, 25% off a standout order

what i'm looking for:
children between the ages of 0 and 3,
sibling groups that fall under 10yrs of age
children & their hobby any age
date and time:
casting calls will be hosted june 11th weather permitting and sessions will start at noon

the finer details:
*sessions will be outdoor, location still to be determined, dates are weather permitting. models will be contacted to reschedule in the event the weather doesn't cooperate
*if you have children that fall into multiple categories and would like the to take advantage of multiple casting calls, please include that in your submission
*there are no substitutions on the complimentary images
*all images are copyright jessica lute photography
*images will be used on site portfolio & paper portfolio and may be used for marketing such as, brochures, business cards, online advertising, etc. all models will be asked to sign a model release form

if you are interested and would like to take part in my casting calls, please contact me at
chat@jessicalutephotography.com

sharing easter ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

2011-04-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

we had an amazing easter weekend...simple, close to home, family oriented!! i had the rare treat of hanging out with all 3 of my kids...no dayhome, no school...just me and them!! our weekend consisted of seeing HOP, eating pizza, going for a family walk with pups at the river, my brother visiting, easter bunny, papa coming for a visit, seeing RIO, having a family BBQ with some amazing friends...definitely a good weekend.

thought i would share some photo's from the weekend...

hope you all had wonderful easter weekends!!! check back tomorrow for the second round of casting calls!!!

casting calls ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

2011-04-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

i am so excited to be getting closer and closer to the warmer weather and summer months!! it is so time to slough off the stale winter months...and what better way to do that then to update my portfolio, get out and play with my camera, and host some casting calls?? so here we go...

how it's going to work:
casting calls for each category will be hosted on a specific date and time and open to new clients
i am looking for 3-5 models in each category
each model(s) will have a complimentary 30 minute session
each model(s) will receive a full private online gallery, a complimentary 8x10 of their choice, and 15% off a print order, 25% off a standout order

what i'm looking for:
children between the ages of 1 and 3,
sibling groups that fall under 10yrs of age
teens between the ages of 13 and 18

date and time:
casting calls will be hosted june 4th weather permitting and sessions will start at noon

the finer details:
*sessions will be outdoor, location still to be determined, dates are weather permitting. models will be contacted to reschedule in the event the weather doesn't cooperate
*if you have children that fall into multiple categories and would like the to take advantage of multiple casting calls, please include that in your submission
*there are no substitutions on the complimentary images
*all images are copyright jessica lute photography
*images will be used on site portfolio & paper portfolio and may be used for marketing such as, brochures, business cards, online advertising, etc. all models will be asked to sign a model release form

if you are interested and would like to take part in my casting calls, please contact me at
chat@jessicalutephotography.com

happy wednesday!!

feltie bunny

2011-04-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

one of the best things about dayhome is the excuse to play all day...i get to craft and sew...paint and draw...search for fun projects and crafting books...and spend each day creating some of the projects i come across. i ordered the felties craft book back in january...mostly for delainey and haillee to practice their sewing...they get to make cute things to keep them inspired :) today i made one for devyn and a little pocket necklace for her to carry it in...

sully & carter ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

2011-04-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

on top of my photography, i still run a dayhome. it's a great way to meet new people and have a ton of cute and adorable children to photograph when i feel the need to do random sessions!! i have 2 little boys, brothers, that are super sweet...so meet 2.5 yr old carter and 8month old sully...my camera LOVES them!!!

rory ¦ innisfail & area children and family photographer

2011-04-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

i had the privilege of photographing my brothers senior photo's a few weeks ago...my baby brother!! it's still hard to believe that is he is no longer a baby...but 17 and graduating. he's a pretty cool kid and it's been a real treat getting to know him as a young adult. congrats on your graduation rory!!

i will be posting casting calls soon...just organizing all the details :) i can tell you that i will be looking for models in the following categories...
toddlers, ages 1-3
siblings, no age restriction
teens/seniors, 13-18yrs
children & hobbies
if you are interested then check back...details will be up by wednesday

lightbulb

2011-04-15T12:45:00.000-07:00

thanks to a friend...just had a moment of clarity and self realization. not necessarily a bad thing...until you realize that YOU are not happy with the picture presented but YOU had done it to yourself. a moment of waking up and a moment of accountability all at once. a moment you realize you are not doing what you want to do because you are chicken shit. yup...that's me...chicken shit...oh, i talk a good talk...but suck at walking the walking. i can give you cliche upon cliche...i am the one standing in my way, i am the one who has to make it happen, reach for your dreams...blah...blah...blah... but you know...those cliches have been created for a reason...they are true. so very true. so after hanging up the phone and having the most incredible moment of AH-HA!!! i felt the need for further inspiration and reminders.... and came across these.... "she woke up one day and threw away all her excuses...celebrate her accountability" "she turned her can'ts into cans and her dreams into plans...celebrate her goals" "she went out on a limb, had it break off behind her, and discovered she could fly...celebrate her faith" "she decided to start living the life she imagined...celebrate her freedom" "she took a leap and built her wings on the way down...celebrate her daring" recognize them?? a little book called she by kobi yamada...simple and inspiring. reminders.

spurt blogger...

2011-04-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

apparently that is what i am, lol i blog in spurts... i am not good with random...i really suck with how's the weather convo's :) but it's been awhile and i was feeling like a post was in order today... but what to post about?? the itch for summer?? as we waffle between warm-ish spring days with artic winds? blah...ya'll know that!! it's alberta...it's canada... it is what it is... how about some random photo's?? it seems fitting for a random post, lol... we have really been trying to wrap things up reno-wise around here... it's been even slower since jay went to lloyd...ugh!!! so instead i got bit by the spring cleaning bug... i purged and reorganized haillee's room... snap shot of her collection wall in her dressing area.... as i purged and cleaned the main floor...i decided paint was in order for the living room...this is a testament to how much i dislike washing walls!!! i would rather paint a room then wash the walls :D yeah it's green...2 shades of green in fact...the wall my couch sits on is a darker green...i really love the colours...but i am still unsure of the colours in my living room...it's a lot of colour for me...i am a tone on tone light and bright kinda girl...i like colours a shade or 2 off white...but i was aching for spring so was really drawn to the fresh spring greens...and it at least flows and coordinates better with my kitchen...our previous living room colour really clashed!! but i may paint over it yet with a more subtle green...a barely there kinda green :) and the vintage hand cranked singer sewing machine my husband found and brought home. he gave it some TLC and now it is in perfect working order!!! and further testament of my strong hatred to washing walls...our basement...the forgotten space that i forced my children to play in...ugly...white...half dry walled...no furniture, the floor is good enough for kids, right?? i hated the space...but we aren't ready for renovating it yet...so it is what it is....or is it?? left over paint comes in handy...and childrens art work and an extra bed ;) it's definitely just a temp space...but it's nicer then it was before and it's "homey" enough that the kids enjoy spending time down there now...so yay...mission accomplished!! there are more spaces to show...but if i showed them all today what would i have for my next post to talk about?? so you get to wait on the kitchen, bathroom , and master bdrm photos :) and since the majority of my spaces have been repainted...the walls are freshly "cleaned" woohoo!!! have a fabulous wednesday!!

ready?

2011-02-25T07:35:00.000-08:00

to FINALLY see some photo's from my trip to denver?

okay so i know that a photo from the plane window is a dime a dozen...however...this is my first one...so ya'll get to deal with it, lol!!

saturday found us in an adorable little town, arvada...a photographers dream for locations!!! we toured artisan shops, old fashioned candy shops, spice shops, and music shops...some seriously cool history in every one!!

it was definitely a good day!

and you will have to wait for the rest...i'm squishing in a quick post during a busy dayhome day!

happy :)

2011-02-23T02:28:00.000-08:00

i was asked a few months ago if one of my favourite photo's of miss d to date could be used on the cover of a magazine...to say i was stoked...well that is putting it mildly, lol!!

well the spring issue of the canadian scrapbooker has been released...with my photo on the cover...and to say i am beyond stoked is still to mild. it is a seriously cool thing to see :) so grab your copy and check it out!!!

Technical difficulties

2011-02-18T15:00:00.000-08:00

It's been one after another since getting home from Denver!!! And I so badly want to share photos from my visit with Ronda!! We are on day 3 of no Internet and after day 2 I finally got home phone back...all I can say is thank god for iPhone and the typepad app!!!

As soon as we have internet again I have a ton of photos to share of the fabulous things jay I did and and saw while in Colorado thanks to some amazing friends...

And the only photo I took on my phone was from the plane window on our way home, lol...insert some eye rolling here!

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

2011-02-09T03:42:00.000-08:00

in case you missed the obvious excitement in my title....

let me just say HOW FREAKIN" EXCITED I AM!!!!

tomorrow, along with my husband, i will be winging my way to denver for a little mini holiday...6 days off!!!

and while it's not a tropical destination...a holiday is a holiday in any way shape or form...

and this one i get to spend celebrating my best friends 40th birthday!!

yeah baby!!!

o happy day

2011-02-02T03:02:00.000-08:00

ever have a moment where you realize something big? or not so big...but important to you?? somewhat of a defining moment?

we have bounced around with our ideas for moving...i am somewhat biased on where i grew up, so where i currently reside has never really sat well with me.

but i realized that where i "currently reside" is home. for now. but home either way. and it may be the rolling to flat plains of alberta and not the mountains and ocean i long for.

it may not have that hippie vibe i miss so much...but have you ever seen an electric neon yellow field of canola in july??

or oceans of white snow met by the blue sky?? it's gorgeous.

and i realized that it's pretty here...in it's own way.

and while i dream of moving home...my life is good here. it's happy. it's full of love.

and so in that i can be content. and i am.

this was my definng moment for last week...and i chose to capture that for week 4 of the 52 week project.

where i live doesn't define me...it's not who i am. it's what i do and who i am within the place i live that defines me. and living a happy, good and loved life is all that matters.

creative goodness

2011-01-29T03:44:00.000-08:00

it feels soooooooooooooooooooooooo good to scrap again!!

after taking a 6 months hiatus...i feel completely recharged!!

i still can't beleive it was 6 months of not touching a scrappy thing...unless it served photography purposes or home decoration, lol...

i knew i missed it...just wasn't aware of how much til i actually sat down and created...it was definitely a feel good moment!!

the best part? seeing the insane creative mess all over my living room floor..yeah, i scrap on my floor :)

enjoy your weekend...may it be creative :)

companions

2011-01-25T10:23:00.000-08:00

our chihuahua pups are fitting in so sweetly with our family!!

they have become quite the companion dogs to all of us...

they love to be a part of all the chaos that ensues in our home...

and one of their favourite spots is here...

they are now just over 5 months and pretty much full grown...i love the fact that they will forever be puppy size, lol...and yes! they still fit in a tea cup...well bella does...jasper is a brute for being a teacup chihuahua!!!

where i've been

2011-01-24T12:43:00.000-08:00

a little about my design history. i have been privileged to be a part of these design teams in the past....

i have also had the honour of many guest design spots...

pencil lines sketches

scrap idees, sketch 104, september 21st, 2009

skissedilla

my mind's eye, may 2010, my may contributions found here, here, and here

and have been published in canadian scrapbooker fall issue '09 winter issue '09 scrapbooking basics vol.5 spring '10 issue, was a featured artist in the summer "10 issue, and had a photo publised on the cover of the spring 2011 issue.

blissful

2011-01-24T10:01:00.000-08:00

completely and heavenly blissful

that is what coffee is.

o how i've missed it...

drooled over it...

stood in the coffee aisle at the grocery store inhaling and getting dizzy from the aroma surrounding me...

over the last 4 yrs i have had to avoid coffee...not an easy thing to do at all when you have such an intimate love affair with it ;) but sadly enough, yes...coffee was giving me migraines!! raging-live-in-the-dark-utter-silence-do-not-move-or-speak-ice-pack-on-my-head-shhhhh-kind of migraines. there were a few things i had to give up besides my beloved coffee...but this was the hardest by far!!!

well recently i discovered that coffee is no longer my longed for nemesis...and i am not sure why...or how...or what i am doing different...but i am not stopping too long to ask...i am just enjoying the moment...savoring coffee in my life again :D so it's really no wonder that i celebrated this momentous occasion by it becoming my 52 week project for week 3. o yes! it definitely deserves it moment of recognition!!!

stuff

2011-01-19T05:17:00.000-08:00

it would seem we are coming out of our deep freeze up here...don't hold your breath tho, i am sure we will get some more sub-arctic temperatures!!! the last 2 weeks have been filled with -30 C temps and snow...too cold to go outside and enjoy the snow...but pretty to look at while snuggled up inside with sweaters, throws and a mug of something hot. i, however, did brave the ridiculous cold temps and risked frostbite to get a photo for the 52 week project!!!

last thursday i looked out my window,after having snow envy for gi in new york who was slammed with a snow storm that left beautiful fluffy white snow everywhere, to see beautiful huge fluffy white flakes falling from the sky...normally we get sugary fine snow. but the fluffy white stuff beckoned me outside to brave a self portrait....

and i am glad that i did...i love this photo and i am happy to report i did not get frost bite!!!

moving onto some crafty stuff :) i was inspired after coming upon an etsy shop mandee franee designs, to create my own version of her lens pet....meet ellie elephant and the infamous purple pig, priscilla

they're a bit grainey and blurry but i had to use my iphone to take the photo as my camera was indisposed due to modeling the adorable lens critters, lol.

about me

2011-01-12T05:54:00.000-08:00

hi!
welcome to my blog!
i am a mom of three amazing children
i have been with my husband for 13 years
i grew up on vancouver island and currently reside in alberta
...planning and looking forward to our move back to the island....
i met my husband in a country bar, learning to 2 step...i know!
i am a scrapbooker, something i have been doing for 8 years
i am an artist...tho i haven't really done art in it's traditional sense since college
i am a teacher of scrapbook and craft classes
i am a photographer...an old hobby turned new venture
i am a seamstress and whatever else falls between all this

i have had the privilege and honour of being a part of some amazing things...
i have designed for one little word, just cre8, and currently design for kenner road.
i have taught for an amazing event, scrapbooking crop for kids.
i have recently been published in canadian scrapbooker's fall 09 issue and will be in their winter 09 issue.....
i have met many amazing people online, some of which have become my greatest friends.

i am addicted to yoga
green living and green choices
healthy living and alternate health
homemade and from scratch...i like to know what i am putting into my body

i believe strongly that what you put out there you get back...
i believe that life is a journey that is constantly changing and growing
i believe that smiling will always make your day better, even when there is no reason to smile...smile anyway
i believe my children are my greatest accomplishment in life
i believe i am blessed with so much in my life

lets do 52

2011-01-11T01:23:00.000-08:00

it would seem there are an abundance of weekly photography challenges out there!!!i love it!!! it's a great way to get the camera out and go beyond the typical!!! to push. so project 52 is geared toward self portraits...and paint the moon's lets do 52 is a bit more general and abstract....so i am going to take on both this year :)

week one with lets do 52 was new beginnings...a family goal this year is to be more present...to make it count...to do more together.

and this week, week 2 is metal or togetherness...i went with metal...so far, lol! the week has only begun!!!

really it's any excuse to pull out my camera...another goal of mine this year...pull out my camera more, not just for client sessions...but on a more day to day level.

project 52

2011-01-07T03:24:00.000-08:00

it's been 6 months since i have seriously scrapbooked. 6 months i ended all design team committments 6 months since i moved my entire creative space to the basement. (with the intention of scrapping down there...i hate being in the basement) 6 months of being paperless and dude! i miss it!!! it took 6 months to realize just how much. in those 6 months i have explored other areas within my life... photography.... picked up sewing again... but it's time to introduce scrapping back into my life and i was inspired yesterday in a BIG way by project 52 the perfect way to combine a photographic journey and scrapping!!! (as i plan to create a journal to hold the photo's i take once a week...musings of my life over the year, what was going on at the time of the photo, random thoughts and musings) yesterday was a bit of a difficult day for me emotionally. i was reminded one more time of just how grateful i am for all i have in my life...how blessed i really am.... so i figured it was a good day to start week 1...done. come play!!!

unwinding

2011-01-05T07:42:00.000-08:00

holy hannah it's been a whirlwind!!! insane! crazy! but it's been awesome!!! and now that christmas is over things are slowly settling down and unwinding

i haven't even had a chance to go thru christmas pics to see what i have taken!!!
needless to say it was a great holiday with a ton of family, friends, good food, laughs, and sledding...lots and lots of sledding!!!

and with that comes time for other things....getting all my ducks in a row with my photography, crafty projects, some organizing and early spring cleaning around the house, and sewing

last night, rather spontaneously...i got the urge to sew...so in about 2.5 hours i put together a top for my daughter with a pattern i had purchased before christmas!!! well haya wore it to school today and it was so darn cute that i cut out a second one in dress form for miss d....

adorable hey??? cannot wait to see miss d's version!!! i have a couple more patterns in the mail i cannot wait for!!! you can find the pattern here

to do

2010-10-13T15:47:00.000-07:00

fall is moving in rapidly and it brings to mind cozy nights, crocheted throws, hot chocolate, and lots of crafty things to do.

i have a list building of things i am looking forward to creating this fall/winter...

i have another katy kitty cut from this summer to sew together....jade marie was a HUGE success to the little girl who received her for a birthday this july.

i am crocheting granny squares like crazy...determined to see them become a blanket :)

i have some delicious fabric waiting on me to create...something with it!!! i have a few projects bookmarked, as well as a couple of patterns i ordered from here (tea party apron skirt, frida dress & shirt, uptown girl)

i have a reading list i would like to delve into...

and some upcoming photo sessions i am really looking forward too...

looking at my list of things to do makes me smile

what are you looking forward to doing while tucked in for winter?

things

2010-10-08T04:16:00.000-07:00

working on some granny squares. found the tutorial for this pattern here.

it's about as far as i have gotten in learning to crochet...just not getting some of those single chain pattern for hats and scarves...i always end up with not enough or too many stitches.

i'll get there...one day...maybe :)

in the meantime, i am creating these to turn into blankets & throws. i have a few patterns bookmarked to try after this one.

it's thanksgiving weekend here in canada, we are off to my sisters for a family weekend & supper. looking forward to spending the time with family, chilling & hanging.

hope ya'll have a fabulous weekend!!!

wonderland

2010-10-06T01:06:00.000-07:00

since i haven't had a chance to go thru the photo's from the wedding we were at this weekend past, i thought i would share the wonderland party we hosted for my daughter for her 8th birthday :)

an overall shot of the yard...we hung a deck of cards from our tree with thread, set up croquet, a bubble blowing station, and set a checker board on a tree stump over by our tree. the girls also played charades

the tea party table...had to bring out my kitchen clock to help complete the look!! hung more cards over the table from another tree.

i scouted the thrift shops for random tea pots, tea cups & saucers, and silver pieces. i also used a ton of doilies!!

my garden and gardening bench...where the party favours held court :) and yup! more cards.

party favours...random tea cups with a red heart ring lollipop, alice in wonderland badges, and barrettes tucked inside.

the tea party fare...egg salad & cucumber tea sandwiches. mini cupcakes, homemade white and red chocolate hearts, and fruit (honey dew melon, watermelon, canteloupe)

lots of flowers

drink me potions (pink & yellow lemonade) in little glass vessles

and last but definitely not least.....

the cake...gotta say i love how it turned out!!!! and the best part was my daughters reaction and seeing her face light up...

it was magical...and beautiful...and brought a huge smile to my daughters face. making my daughters day just a bit more special then it already is, is what this is about. it was a good day :)

huh.

2010-09-29T06:11:00.000-07:00

i have a blog. imagine that. and apparently i had completely forgotten all about it over the summer months...okay, i didn't really forget...just haven't made it a priority as of late...it's all good!! the great thing about blogging is it's always here for you...like a cozy couch blanket and steaming mug of tea. yup! that said MUG of tea :)

we are past the BMX craziness, past the back to school chaos, past some photography madness (self inflicted of course, wouldn't have it any other way!!)and into hopefully some quieter and less crazy months...right? no, i haven't been sniffing adhesive...i actually haven't been scrapbooking lately. *gasp* i know, i've shocked you haven't i?? reasons?? none, just haven't.

so i could recap all that has been going on in the lute household over the last few months...but while i like to talk and am good for a good babble...i would rather you stay awake at your computers to read my posts...so, i have decided i might throw in the random tidbit from summer while moving forward onto current going ons.

remind later tho, to share the alice and wonderland party we hosted for my daughter. it was magical :)

we are off tomorrow for a family wedding in kamloops...really excited about it!!! all 5 of us are in the wedding party...so we have an insane amount of stuff to bring with us, but it's going to be fabulous!! while i am not the photographer for the wedding, (kinda hard when you're in the wedding, lol), i do get to bring my camera and photograph the event when i am not involved...really looking forward to getting my feet wet photographing a wedding. and i am looking forward to seeing my brother in law and soon to be sister in law celebrate their love <3 so in the meantime...these photo's will have to tide you over until i post wonderland or wedding photo's :)

so i hope everyone has a fabulous thursday, friday, and weekend!!!

"P" family :: jessica lute children's & family photographer

2010-09-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

warm temperatures and blue skies finally shone down on us!!! and after postponing the "P" family session once...we were excited to get out and have some fun!!!

seriously love this family!!! little mr. h kept us entertained and busy and gave me quite the work out!!! from finding worms and trading leaves....this session was full of laughter and smiles!!!!

fall celebration mini sessions

2010-08-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

hey everyone!!!

can you believe it's august already??? fall is lurking just around the corner and is THE perfect time to add some new photo's to your wall!!! but it's also that busy time of year...back to school, fall registration for activities, school supply and clothes shopping, the changing of the leaves, and all the crazy chaos that comes with that time of the year!!

jessica lute photography will be offering a mini sessions event, quick little sessions that will fit into your busy fall schedule perfectly and allow for you to capture some of your favourite fall moments.

here's how it will work:

dates: september 18th and 19
you choose your day and time!!!
location: to be announced ;)
times: sessions will run every 30 minutes between 1pm and 6pm on saturday and between 1pm and 5pm on sunday

back to school fall mini session

i don't know about you, but i get tired of the same old school portraiture every year and i have been known to forget my camera on the first day of school. this year commemorate your little ones milestone by doing something fun and unique or use these sessions to get some updated photo's of your children...big and small!!!

the details:
150.00 for a 30 minute session.
included in your session will be
1 8x10 print
2 5x7 prints
8 wallets
web sharing disk
5-10 images in your private gallery

additional prints, wraps and albums will be available
custom designed press printed christmas cards will be available
this session is available to children only from playschool to high school, will accommodate siblings
please specify at time of booking if your session will be back to school, first day of school or fall celebration
in order to reserve your chosen time fees are due upon booking

celebrate fall family mini session

the perfect time to get a new family photo and just in time to share for thanksgiving and christmas!!!

the details:
$200.00 for a 30 minute session
included in your session will be
1 11x14 print
2 8x10 prints
web sharing disk
5-10 images in your private gallery

additional prints, wraps and albums will be available
custom designed press printed christmas cards will be available
the session is available to families (immediate family members only 2 adults and up to 4 children) or couples
please specify at time of booking if you are booking a family or couples session
in order to reserve your chosen time fees are due upon booking

contact:
chat@jessicalutephotography.com

or send a message thru facebook

happy monday everyone and enjoy your week!!

engen family :: jessica lute family & children's photographer

2010-07-26T23:26:00.000-07:00

i had an fabulous time photographing the engen family today!!! we hit a great location in innisfail...a great field overgrown with clover and wildflowers!! and completely over run with mosquitos!!! we managed some great shots before switching locations!!

the kids were great...super sweet and totally adorable!!! a few shots from today's session...

you can see a few more over on the facebook fan page

it was a great monday, hope you all enjoy your week!!!

simple things

2010-07-23T01:59:00.000-07:00

we celebrated my beautiful haya's 8th birthday on wednesday....

breakfast waffles...so yummy!!! we had a special family supper that night too:)

we are also full on into bmx'ing....we love it! it gets better with each year!!! haillee wanted to try it out this year...then sorta chickened out...it's all good. i really don't blame her...that start hill is massive!!! along with the jumps!!! delainey, however still swears she is gonna bmx...as soon as she can!!! she found out that she could start as soon as she could ride a bike without training wheels. miss d immediately demanded that we take her training wheels off so she could start learning to ride without them!!!

the best part?? every day she works on her bike. yup! she has been spending too much time watching daddy, dakota and uncle rory working on their bmx bikes...that she "works" on her daily. yesterday was wash day..."to get it all clean and shiny for when i can bmx like dakota"

and the boy who started it all....big d!!

hope you are all enjoying your summers...i know we are :)

over my head :: i heart faces challenge

2010-07-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

this weeks challenge over at the i heart faces photography site is over my head...
it instantly brought to mind my new favourite photo....captured from amelie's photoshoot...

definitely love this photo and the feeling it captures.

hawkins family :: jessica lute family & children's photographer

2010-07-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

i had the pleasure of photographing the hawkins family and their rambunctious boys this weekend past!!! the weather cooperated with us...yay!! and considering how much rain we have seen this is a huge feet!!!

but the sun was kind and the 2 older boys, insanely adorable!!! their newest addition, who i might add a & k were excited to show off, very precious!!

thank you for a fun time hawkins family!!!

amelie :: innisfail children's & family photographer

2010-07-09T15:50:00.000-07:00

meet amelie!! a beautiful teen from quebec who lived with us a summer 2 yrs ago and came back this year to visit....it was such a treat to photograph her!!! so much laughter!!! and some really fun shots!!!

you can check out my facebook fan page for more photo's form amelie's session!!!

ahhhhh summer....

2010-07-07T02:48:00.000-07:00

ice cream cones, sidewalk chalk & splash parks. bathing suits & sunscreen. slushies & brain freeze. bbq's & good friends. hot days & thunderstorms. flip flops & dresses. gardening & bmx'ing. beaches & boating. camping & fires. all the reasons summer rocks and i forget all about the fact that i have this thing inside call a computer....so my neglected blog, you will have to be patient while i ignore you for a little bit longer....

places

2010-06-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

some of my favourite photo's from places i have been are available in print or canvas

start me up

2010-06-12T04:01:00.000-07:00

i was invited to be a guest designer on the new challenge blog, designed to help you get creative when it comes to the male side of scrapping...start me up! patti, aka dawson creek girl, is one of the creators of the blog and someone i have known thru online sites since i first delved into the online scrappy world!!! crazy huh!!! how this world can keep people so connected?? that was 5 years ago!!! so if you are looking for a little spark to get your creative fire going...check out the challenge blog...as part of being a guest designed i was asked to issue a challenge...so.... OH! you thought i was going to tell you what the challenge is?? haha!! nah...you will have to go check out the blog to find out what the challenge is...show them some love and support!!!

week 23 :: play photo challenge

2010-06-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

for the i heart faces weekly photography challenge...my first time submitting...but i thought a great way to start off the new blog for my site :)

small joys...

2010-06-02T21:47:00.001-07:00

in the weather finding it's way towards warmer and longer days in flowers blooming and gardens being planted in bubbles and sidewalk chalk ice cream and ladybugs we are well on our way to a beautiful summer more outside time and less time inside so remember the small joys

small joys...

2010-06-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

mama's day

2010-05-12T03:05:00.000-07:00

i love this day. the day we celebrate across the world the triumphs, sacrifices, love, mile stones, & bonds of mothers. yours, mine...me, you. and while i am insanely aware every day of the year that i am mom...i love that i can take a day to really remind myself of my greatest accomplishments and that of my mom's. and i love that we are really celebrating the children in our lives...the reasons we are mothers. and that is definitely something worth celebrating. this is my gift each year. it's not material....it's not disposable...it's tangible, real and filled with everyday moments that i cherish.

and on my mama's day...i was awoken with hugs and laughter and a chorus of "happy mother's day mama!!" i was treated to stuffed french toast courtesy of my husband and his apprentices and homemade cards and a lot more hugs! we decided to fill our day with a spontaneous trip to banff...

it was a good day. a really really good day!

lifted

2010-05-12T02:02:00.000-07:00

i was approached by claudia a bit ago on behalf of lift this...super flattering!!! they are a digital challenge site that lifts paper scrappers....and they wanted to lift my sisters LO i created for kenner road. so go check it out!!!

my mind's eye sketch challenge

2010-05-10T04:48:00.000-07:00

i keep claiming sketches aren't my thing...i have been known to groan over having to do one...yet, every time i do one...i absolutely LOVE what i create from one!!! i was asked to play along with my mind's eye sketch challenge for this month :)

it was a great sketch!!! this is what i created with from it...
so go check out the MME blog for the sketch and the details on the challenge and prize!!!

victorian inspired

2010-05-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

a cute little mother's day project...simple & quick & up on the my mind's eye blog, courtesy of moi :) i love victorian inspired paper cones. love. so get creative & enjoy your day :)

SHUT UP!!

2010-05-03T12:22:00.000-07:00

said in my best stacey london voice...of course!!! did you hear?? did you see?? i am... DUDE!!! excited doesn't even begin to describe what i feel!!! my mind's eye has been a favourite manufacturer of mine since the good old days of tres joli and wild asparagus lines...it was the predominant product i used when i taught classes at scrapbooker's paradise. their paper is simply put...amazing...so incredible!!! so yup! i am stoked to be playing with my mind's eye this month!!! my introduction went up today....and posted with it were some new projects and...some older ones....eek!!! be kind, lol!!! i wanted to show how far back my mind's eye and i go, lol!!! this one was created with some penny lane and lush...love the lines!!! so go check out the my mind's eye blog and come and play with us this month....some fab projects and challenges will be coming your way!!!

so...

2010-04-28T14:41:00.000-07:00

jessica lute photography has an official website :) excited?? doesn't even begin to define how i feel!!! so check it out!!! tell me what you think :) jessica lute photography and don't forget to bookmark it ;)

dreams reside within a ballerina

2010-04-08T15:20:00.001-07:00

don't you think?? i do...there is just something so magical and whimsical about ballerina's. i had a photoshoot this weekend past in stettler with a beautiful ballerina...and that is definitely the feeling i got.

earth hour

2010-03-23T10:10:00.001-07:00

it's not much...just an hour. an hour to be creative in how you spend your time. an hour to make a point-the earth matters. an hour to see how simple it is. an hour to realize it not that hard to incorporate earth friendly practices into your day to day. an hour to make you conscious. an hour of no electricity. earth hour is march 27th....what are you going to do for an hour??? we are doing a family game night. something we do frequently...but march 27th it will be by candlelight. for the last 2 years we have done earth hour this way and we usually end up having so much fun that we don't realize the time passing....and before we know we have spent 2 or more hours playing games, laughing, and talking....all by candlelight. the computers get shut down. the tv is ignored. the lights are turned off. and we focus on what really matters....family :) it's a good thing. if you haven't registered your family or business yet...what are you waiting for??? find out just how much one person, one family, one business can make a difference by making a conscious effort to reduce your electric consumption for one hour. EARTH HOUR.

haillee

2010-03-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

my beautiful daughter and such a fabulous photography subject. she helped me out with play session yesterday...love just playing with my camera.

where does time go?

2010-03-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

i seem to be asking myself that question more and more...the march reveal for kenner road came and went this past 14th...some great gallery creations!!! make sure you go check them out!!! here is what i created... things are as they always are...crazy, busy, chaotic...but always in a good way. happy tuesday!!!

where are you springtime???

2010-03-05T08:17:00.000-08:00

*sigh* the time of year when the warmer temps tease us, the snow starts to melt...we start thinking...o maybe alberta will be kind this year!!! only to usually end up with winter coming back and haunting us til may. yet, here i sit...still hopefully...still wishing that this is the end of winter and the beginning of spring for us!!! in efforts to bring spring on quicker...i have been crafting with springtime beauty in mind...inspired by so much i have found on line!!! yesterday i made an adorable paper butterfly garland from the kenner road febraury kit to help infuse some spring into our home... it's been posted over at the kenner road blog with a how to on making this little pretty. and since i am so hopeful about springs arrival...yesterday found miss d and i puddle jumping :) have a fabulous friday and a most enjoyable weekend!!

embracing late.

2010-02-17T09:26:00.000-08:00

i am the person who shows up 5-10 minutes early for everything...but yet i can't seem to get it together for sharing things online in a timely fashion!!! ack!! am i allowed to just embrace it, label it as a quirk and move on?? consider it embraced and labeled ;) moving on to what i am sharing belatedly?? photo's from our family session back in january. i hauled my family off to the grainery and the river for some fun!! for my local peeps...i am having a portfolio building sale...50% off your session fees if you book a session with me by march 31st. contact me for more details...i have travel rates for those of you who fall outside my 25 mile radius, so don't forget to ask!!!

a crafty week.

2010-02-12T14:07:00.000-08:00

it's been crazy... busy... creative... and o so much fun this past week!!!! let me show you what i have been up to with miss d and my dayhome kids.... felt hair clips valentines for the kids.... dakota made these haillee made these.... and delainey made these.... felted headbands for a playschool valentines party and lastly...adorable little paper mailboxes for a valentines exhange adorable, right??? they were a blast to make and the kids LOVED them...seriously, hours of occupied time mailing little items to each other!!! enjoy your valentines weekend!!!

tea in paris

2010-02-07T08:56:00.000-08:00

sounds divine huh? can't you just imagine it??? *sigh* maybe one day!!! but in the mean time i can dream and make adorably frilly little skirts that make me think of the romance and whimsy that has become associated with paris....of course it helps that the material had little eiffel towers all over it :) i love how the skirt came out :) this was the first project to complete of my sewing circle. gi, rev, and i joined stitching forces so that we could make a dent in all the ideas we have come across that we would love to do...."someday". so someday is here!!! we used a tutorial for this skirt, you can find it here, but i found the directions hard to follow, incomplete, and at times making no sense. so i ended up going my own way with the skirt. i have been sewing since before i was in school...and had mostly put sewing away. it's been really fun bringing it out of the closet again. so if you give me a few more days, i will have my own version and tutorial posted. since i made one for the 4yr old....the 7yr old wants one too:) enjoy your sunday :)

crafty goods + pear pincushion tutorial

2010-01-25T09:12:00.000-08:00

i am addicted to fabric crafts lately. i put aside my paper crafting and paper scissors and picked up fun fabrics and pinking shears. thanks to a lot of great crafty blogs, i have been kept pleasantly busy crafting!!! i have made a molly monkey from the free pattern & instructions download from the mmmcrafts blog.... she was named billy jean (couldn't resist since she was made from outgrown and holey jeans) and of course, once she was done my 7 yr old was requesting one as well....so i adapted the pattern to make a kitty....meet anastasia... there have been some great projects i have come across over the last few days....ones i can't wait to get too.....this one, this one, and this one for starters!!! i also have been inspired by a lot of amazing handmade jewelry...this girl has some beautiful creations....i just received in the mail the fabulous necklace i ordered!!! but all that inspiration had to go somewhere...so i tried my hand at creating my own. i used some vintage pieces i had and re-purposed some old vintage jewelry to create this.... i keep coming across cute fruit shaped pin cushions...so i decided to have a go at making my own. it turned out pretty well...i made my own pattern, cut fabric, stitched and stuffed...then reworked the glitches out of the pattern....and my second one was even better!!!! so i thought i would share :) cute huh?? i know it looks a bit intimidating...but seriously! it's a 15 minute project!!! so if you want to have a go at this project..... download pattern here download instructions here so have fun!!! any problems, shoot me an email and i will try and help you out!!! and i did stop playing with fabric long enough to create a LO with the january kenner road kit... it's been good crafty and creative fun around here lately!!! looking forward to a new week of crafty adventures :)

10 by 10

2010-01-18T10:13:00.000-08:00

there is something very beautiful in kindness. something very profound in awareness and something magical and hopeful in comittment.... and you will find this and much more here.... 10 by 10: "Share your 10 commitments to change" my 10 by 10

to REMEMBER my canvas grocery bags when shopping of any kind
to EMBRACE the 5 minute shower
to SHARE the 10 by 10 with my children's school and class
SAY thank you in writing
CREATE a photo series to raise money for charity
BAKE homemade treats
TURN OFF the tv and find something new to do in place of watching a tv show
START picking up garbage found on the street while walking
PURGE from my entire house & donate
TELL people about 10 by 10

january kenner road

2010-01-18T08:38:00.000-08:00

one more month... one more fabulous kit! it's scrappy heaven :) don't forget to go check out the kenner road gallery...some fabulous projects for this month!!!! and i promised that kenner road stamp a home....so thank you for everyone leaving me comments....the lucky home is...... krys if you want to email me your mailing addie i will pop that little stamp in the mail for you :) have a fabulous day!!!

choas and crazy

2010-01-14T11:04:00.000-08:00

is exactly what it has been purging and organizing my scrap space. but it's been good. i have a corner in my living room i have dedicated to my creative space. but it was bursting at it's seams with stuff...my whole theory was to only have what my space would allow for stuff...less is more kinda girl :) so when i started to find space in other areas around the living room to house scrappy crafty stuff...i knew it was time to purge.

it feels good. i feel lightened and now i have in my space only what i truly love. things that inspire me. and by not having so much on hand...i am not overwhelmed with all the options and choices...i won't spend so much time looking for things to use....i can just create :) so along with the purging, came the mess...and the re-organization of the stuff i was keeping. and i had a moment...yup, one of brilliance and cleverness that i am now going to share with you. i was sitting on my couch going thru my kenner road past kits and came across a baggie that is filled with all my lovely kenner road stamps...as i was staring vacantly around the room trying to figure out what to do with them, how to store them so i would use them more....my eyes settled upon one of favourite decorative fixtures in my living..... my vintage windows. i love vintage windows. i use them for all kinds of things. one in my kitchen for a dry erase board. 3 on my wall in my living room, one used as a dry erase board that keeps track of my deadlines and projects, another that has had the glass removed and is used as a shelf, and one lonely beautiful one sitting in the middle of the other too....glass in tact, but sadly unused compared to the other 2. i have some block mounted rubber stamps sitting on the bottom sill of the window...but that was it....i asked myself a question. would acrylic stamps stick to glass?? ummm duh!!!! so check out the new home for my kenner road acrylic stamps...

so in love :) but i have one more thing to share with you!!!! as i am cleaning and purging i am coming across all manner of things...i have come across a double in one of my kenner road stamps....would anyone be interested in giving this adorable stamp a home???

well all i need you to do is to leave a comment...yup, that simple. i will randomly draw a name and announce the winner on monday :) happy thursday everyone!!!

wanna sneak???

2010-01-11T12:30:00.000-08:00

of the delicious january kenner road kit??? of course you do...why do i even ask??? i am so excited that i, not only got my kit on time, but early enough to plop some sneak peaks up on my blog!! woohoo!! i have a few more projects on the go with the kit...feeling very inspired lately!!! so...don't forget reveal is january 14th 8pm pacific and kits go on sale at 9pm :)

do.

2010-01-06T07:41:00.000-08:00

my word for the year...my little reminder to DO more. to stop over thinking and just DO. to let go of things. to step out of myself and DO what i normally wouldn't. do you ever feel that you have stopped living?? i appreciate so much in my life...smile at the little things and really try to make the most of each day. but within that i realized that while i trying to make the most of each day i was really only a spectator. watching it all from a safe distance, usually behind my camera. "let's go sledding!"which is really code for...jay and the kids go sledding while i stand at the top of the hill and watch the fun. this code also translates to "let's go to the park!" and a plethora of other fun filled family adventures. so when it was suggested over the christmas holidays that we go sledding/snowboarding, of course, i was all over the idea!! photo op!!! but up on that hill, on my parents farm, up in the middle of nowhere frozen north...my baby brother suggested i try his board and go down!! now normally these suggestion are always met with a thanks but no, i'm taking pics. but after some friendly and gently pushing i found myself strapping myself into my brothers snowboard. yup...and then proceed to attempt the hill. did i fall on my arse?? o yeah i did...jay caught it all on my camera!!! but gosh, it was fun!!! and i realized then, after a few more tries down the hill, that i needed to let go and do more. i have this fear and i let it get to me so much more then i thought i had...i don't DO new things or let my guard down for fear of making a fool of myself...embarrassing myself...it goes way back to elementary school and low self esteem...but at some point it became my crutch. my excuse. so no more...this is my year to DO. DO new things. DO things that scare me. DO what i wouldn't normally. to stop watching and DO. so my year of firsts started with snowboarding....i know a little earlier then the new year...but i am counting it, lol!!! and it continued with playing wii rock band (beatles version) for the first time...i don't play wii, it's for kids, right?? so wrong!!! and not only did i play wii rock band..but i was handed the lead mic...and yeah, i sang!! i don't sing in front of people. yes i can sing, i just don't unless i am by myself. dude! so freeing. so much fun. and so many more great memories...memories that i am actively a part of instead of a spectator. this is the year i stop saying i don't do...and start saying DO

kenner road

2010-01-02T08:48:00.001-08:00

sometimes...okay, a lot... of times i find the mail system where i live completely frustrating and slow!!! so after some major mail delays that had me missing the kenner road december reveal night...i finally got my kit the weekend before christmas!!! and i scrapped my little heart...this kit is heaven!!! pretty sure it's my favourite ever!!!! thought i would share my december projects!!! i am looking forward to just playing with what is left of my kit...and cannot wait to complete my christmas journal!!!

2009

2009-12-31T10:01:00.000-08:00

seriously sitting here stunned that it's the last day of 2009...asking myself all those cliche questions... where did the year go?? do i have any regrets?? did i accomplish all that i wanted to?? to set resolutions or not?? i am huge believer of no regrets...mistakes, yes...but no regrets. my year was filled with happy moments, sad moments, tough and challenging moments. moments of great accomplishemnt and self growth. i made mistakes, i learned from my mistakes...sometimes i made the same mistake twice. what can i say?? sometimes i need to relearn certain lessons in life :) but do i regret any of 2009?? i can honeslty say that i don't...everything that was 2009 has helped create the person that is standing here at the end of 2009 looking thru the doorway to 2010. the person who has goals, visions, and dreams of what 2010 may or may not bring. 2009 helped shape the direction i will start off 2010. but as life is a journey...staying on course and going in the same direction...well i guess we will have to see what 2010 holds for me, won't we?? the new year is a good opporunity to reflect and move on...appreciate the past for what is was and embrace the future for what it will bring... and while i don't set your typical resolutions that come about in the new year...i do have some personal growth goals that i would like to continue with. and am looking forward to seeing where that journey will go. happy new years everyone and may you bring in 2010 with laughter and the determination of making happen those dreams of what will be.

the santa clause

2009-12-07T09:37:00.001-08:00

murder most foul and wicked happened over the weekend. the law firm; lie, cheat & steal hosted their annual office chirstmas party and A. big scam was found in his santa suit bludgeoned to death and stuffed up his chimney. he left behind a grieving widow and many suspicions about his death. laywers and clients put their best faces forward and came to the party in order to enjoy a little holiday cheer amongst the tragedy. well that and....to find out who was taking over for will lie as he retired. there was much speculation on who would get that coveted position. constance cheat?? rumors abounded about how she made partner to begin with...that horrible gossip columnist, gabby gossip, suspected she had had an affair with will lie...so would that brief affair play into his decision tonight?? ben detoy?? a sleazy office flirt who couldn't seem to keep his hands to himself and thought he was all that?? he really gets on constance's nerves, regardless that constance is happily married to igotta cheat, a man much younger then her and has been heard called her boy toy.... will lie, ben detoy, igotta cheat, constance cheat who knows...will lie has been most secretive about who he is leaving in charge. but he also hasn't been known for his ethics...likes to keep his options open. inspector ness shows up at the party to interrogate the murder of a. big scam...it might be a party, but a deed most foul has occurred and since everyone is already gathered...why not?? will lie makes his announcement...ben detoy was named as successor. constance is shocked!!! martha mallow, head of vale pharmaceuticals, client of constance, is seen asking...what is up with that?? she can't focus too long on the big promotion tho...her own problems are too big for that. 2 of her top scientists have gone missing and she wants information. she is a bit annoyed with constance who was hired to look into the matter...but she has yet to turn up any information. gabby gossip is keeping a low profile and writing madly in her little notebook...observing eveyrone's reactions and who is who whispering to who!!! gabby gossip, barbie dahl scam, chip shoulder, shamus steal barbie dahl scam, widow to a. big scam has shown up to the party as well...causing speculation not only with her public display of mourning, but with the fact that she is calling herself ex wife to a. big scam. she is seen with her tear stained face leaning heavily on the shoulders of enid a. drink, the ex wife of seymour steal. seymour steal enjoys defending the scourge of the world. had a mid life break down...bought a convertible, an apartment and was seen to have been sleeping with all manner of bimbos...yet still can't figure out why enid divorced him??? she has her own method of revenge....she believes in voodoo magic!!! carries around a voodoo doll replica of seymour. seymour lost more then just wife tho....he lost his son, shamus steal's respect. but speculation implies seymour doesn't really care...his son defends tree hugging hippie activists and in his eyes...that's not worth much. good morals and values seem to be lost on seymour. but that murderer isn't done yet!!! while inspector ness is interrogating constance...a scream is heard!! frantic yelling for the inspector as ben detoy...newly announced head of firm...falls to the floor!!! sadly it was to late...he is dead...poisoned!!!! inspector ness locks down the building and no one is allowed to leave. this is a serious matter! he has his force working double time and labs are quick to get him the results of any evidence found. who was seen where, when?? who was meeting with who just days, hours, minutes before the deaths occurred??? water stains take a new meaning. and shocking revelations!!!! marsha mallow, seymour steal, constance and igotta cheat, sleuthing...but it was so hard to keep a straight face (enid a. drink, constance, and marsha)!!! a. big scam's will and testament was read bequeathing a $1000.00 dollars to his wife as he believes that is the going rate for ladies of the night. and the rest of his fortune was bequeathed to enid a. drink, who provided him with much companionship and comfort!!!!! a letter adressed to igotta cheat was found in ben detoys suit....a cell diagram and description of conditions the cell can cause. a deadly virus was being manufactured by the missing scientists (one the scientists being igotta cheats father!!!) who worked for vale drugs!!! so who did it??? after going over the evidence and interrogating all who attended the party....an arrest was made!!! inspector ness took miss marsha mallow into custody and charged with 2 counts of first degree murder, conspiracy to commit domestic terrorism, and some lesser charges in food and drug administration and tampering with evidence and framing someone else. marsha mallow's pharmaceutical company was in financial trouble...she was creating a virus to put fear into people in order to make money off the antidote. a. big scam and ben detoy came across some suspicious activity and fell victim to knowing too much. in order to protect her company and life's work she committed her acts out of desperation. all in vain too. her company was shut down and she was handed a life sentence. the missing scientists were located and returned safely home. many lives were disrupted and changed after this night...secrets were disclosed and forced out into the open...many relationships were sacrificed due to marsha's desperation. our dinner murder mystery was a blast!!! everyone had so much fun!! we ordered a downloadable game kit from this site...and i would go back and order from them again!! it was so easy to host and put together!! in fact, we had so much fun, we are having another murder mystery dinner for new years!!! **this was a game...no one was really harmed, no murders really committed, and no terrorism was conspired.

christmas comes...

2009-12-01T22:09:00.000-08:00

early to kenner road!!! kerry lynn has her first ever winter sale going on...RIGHT NOW!!! 40% off all past kits while supplies last!! so if haven't managed to get your hands on a kenner road kit....now is a fabulous time to do so!!! or just add to your collection of kenner road kits!!! so exciting!! december has creeped in on us, once again...and i love it!!! i love the feel of this month....the traditions...the ideas...the love. the giving. so our december preview looks a bit like this.... a murder mystery christmas party ronda and andy are coming from denver to visit....so excited!!! TOMMORROW!!! 2 birthdays...dakota is turning 9 on the fourth and delainey is 4 on the 8th. kenner road december reveal... getting a christmas tree... jay's christmas work party my sister is coming for christmas supper and in between all this is lots of crafting and family time and a lot of sewing and homemade gifts to make :) life is good!!! happy december 1st!

welcome

2009-12-01T12:17:00.000-08:00

i love the simplicity of everyday. the small things. the little things that really make a moment profound. and it is this that i try and capture in my photography. welcome to jessica lute photography.

been crafting....

2009-11-18T08:28:00.000-08:00

getting ready for christmas. we are doing our homemade christmas again...and this year we have decided to revise a few things. so tired of how over commercialized this holiday becomes. how it loses, in the material and monetary side of things, the real meaning. and you don't have to believe in God or Jesus to know that the meaning of christmas is about the giving of yourself to others. with love. with honesty. with sincerity. these are the gifts that really matter. so we are not handing out gifts this year to all asunder unless they are handmade. from the heart. made with love. and that goes for our kidlets too. we have asked for their chirstmas lists and have decided that they will get one santa gift from that list, one gift from us on that list, and then one homemade gift from us. their gifts to each other will be handmade too. so on that note...i have been compiling a list of cool handmade gift ideas. thought i would share one with you today:) my 3 yr old LOVES her kitchen centre and thanks to gi, i came across this blog that offered a tutorial on how to make a felt sandwich (down the side bar). it's adorable. and i decided i had to get on the felt food train. so the idea was born that i was going to make a picnic for 2 for delainey with felt food. i found an amazing vendor on etsy who sells fabulous felt patterns. i bought a few that would suit my purposes for this project. she even offers a few free felt patterns on her blog...including a felt picnic basket!!! the picnic for 2 will include 2 sandwiches, 4 donuts, a variety of fruit slices, a patchwork picnic blanket, and some handmade napkins. wanna see my progress so far???

slices of bread for the sandwiches

and the donuts...cute, hey??

it's been fun...and coming together rather quickly too!!! can't wait to see the entire project finished!!! have a fabulous wednesday!!

kenner road

2009-11-15T17:30:00.000-08:00

so reveal was last night for the november kits...love the kits...definitely one of my faves to date!!! want to see what i created?? now if you haven't made it over to kenner road yet...you, of course, need to go and check out the kits and the gallery...it's stunning!!! kerry lynn has some christmas project kits available that are to die for!!! happy sunday :)

under construction...

2009-11-03T16:17:00.000-08:00

and diving into the world of blog customization and html codes...while there are some very talented people out there that can do this...and do this for a living...creating beautiful custom blogs for others.... i just can't pay the price for something that i can probably figure out myself... so thanks to some determination....google...a lot of frustration and going cross eyed... i am learning how to customize my blog.... so thanks for your patience thru this process...i know i am sadly behind in any kind of update :)

but i will leave you with this little daily....

a little KR love :)

gratitude.

2009-10-07T02:01:00.001-07:00

i find peace,joy, light, laughter, and balance in that which i am grateful for...

(created using the kenner road kits elementary and clean slate)

my word up...i chose gratitude. i chose to document a personal self growth journey that i am currently on. i chose to find gratitude in as many things as i can in my life. i chose to be grateful.

go check out OLW and see what the other CT created...and share with us what you are grateful for :)

gratitude.

2009-10-07T02:01:00.000-07:00

i find peace,joy, light, laughter, and balance in that which i am grateful for...

(created using the kenner road kits elementary and clean slate)

my word up...i chose gratitude. i chose to document a personal self growth journey that i am currently on. i chose to find gratitude in as many things as i can in my life. i chose to be grateful.

go check out OLW and see what the other CT created...and share with us what you are grateful for :)

wow!

2009-09-23T23:50:00.001-07:00

i feeling pretty overwhelmed and loved right now! i was asked to be the guest designer for skissadilla, a norwegian sketch site, this week too...and my apologies to them for my getting my dates mixed up, resulting in my publishing this post late!!!

so i was asked to create a sketch and a LO for them as well!!! and the skissadilla girls did some pretty cool things with the sketch i designed!! so go check it out...there is also a little prize pkg up for grabs for playing along with my sketch courtesy of me for this week!!! so go check it out!!!

and of course...we can't forget about OLW!!! karla's choice in words this round...OPEN. at first i was totally stumped...really?? open?? what kind of word is that?? but you know?? it's an amazing word for of very positive things...and came up with my own little phrase to use on my layout....

quote by me reads: when you open your mind to the possibilities that exist-you are no longer dreaming but living your dreams. and when you live your dreams- you are open to life and all it has to offer you.

figured it was fitting for the accomplishments dakota made while at lethbridge for his bmx finals 2 weeks ago...but it is fitting for so many more things in life too....

what are you open to??

wow!

2009-09-23T23:50:00.000-07:00

figured it was fitting for the accomplishments dakota made while at lethbridge for his bmx finals 2 weeks ago...but it is fitting for so many more things in life too....

what are you open to??

feeling honoured

2009-09-21T00:11:00.001-07:00

i am this weeks guest designer over at scrap idees...a french sketch site!!! and i am feeling a bit awed that scrappers over in france love what i do enough to ask me to be a part of what they do :)

so....

merci tres beaucoup!!! je suis honore et suis ravi!!! (mes apologies d'aucun accent ou ils devraient etre :D)

i was asked to design a sketch and create a LO for the scrap idees blog....check it out!!!

but you have to go and check out what the talented designers over there did with the sketch i designed!!! way too cool!!!

feeling honoured

2009-09-21T00:11:00.000-07:00

i am this weeks guest designer over at scrap idees...a french sketch site!!! and i am feeling a bit awed that scrappers over in france love what i do enough to ask me to be a part of what they do :)

so....

merci tres beaucoup!!! je suis honore et suis ravi!!! (mes apologies d'aucun accent ou ils devraient etre :D)

i was asked to design a sketch and create a LO for the scrap idees blog....check it out!!!

but you have to go and check out what the talented designers over there did with the sketch i designed!!! way too cool!!!

celebrating kenner road

2009-09-15T04:32:00.001-07:00

so kenner road has turned one!! yup...kerry lynn has been pumping out beautiful and unique kits for an entire year!!! and i have been lucky to be a part of it for 9 months as a designer!!! this month's kits are, once again, fabulous...and no, i do not get paid to say that!!! i truly love each month...i always think, there is no way she can make the next month better then one i currently have in my hands...and each month she does!!!

so happy birthday kenner road!!! and much continued success to kerry lynn!! the reveal for september's kits were last night...have you checked them out??? here is what i designed with the main and the main add on kit....

don't forget to check out the DT gallery....some gorgeous stuff going on!!! kenner road also has a halloween project class starting october 1st...more details on that here

have a fabulous and creative week!

celebrating kenner road

2009-09-15T04:32:00.000-07:00

don't forget to check out the DT gallery....some gorgeous stuff going on!!! kenner road also has a halloween project class starting october 1st...more details on that here

have a fabulous and creative week!

today i am invincible

2009-09-09T00:55:00.001-07:00

in love, in life, in joy....in what i choose...today, no matter what...i choose to be invincible....

how are you invincible?? what makes you invinvincible?? go cehck out OLW and share with us your invincible

today i am invincible

2009-09-09T00:55:00.000-07:00

in love, in life, in joy....in what i choose...today, no matter what...i choose to be invincible....

how are you invincible?? what makes you invinvincible?? go cehck out OLW and share with us your invincible

smile today

2009-09-04T03:47:00.001-07:00

just because. today i find myself with a smile playing around my lips....for no reason...or maybe lots of reasons....either way...it's there...full force and lurking....

so smile! why not?

got some kenner road love to share with you.....

i just put this up on the kenner road with some dieas on using and creating embellishments.

i also thought i would share some exciting news.....i got my first publication!!! canadian scrapbooker picked up one of my LO's for the current fall issue....

super stoked!!! here's the LO close up for you!

one of my favourite LO's ever...and made with the november kenner road kit :)

happy friday....have a fabulous weekend!

words

my perspective

smoke room

reminders

a different direction

part 1: why homeschool?

changes

embracing the BFF ¦ innisfail & area family & children's photographer

grabill family ¦ innisfail & area family & children's photogrpaher

fox family ¦ innisfail & area family & children's photographer

sliva family ¦ innisfail & area family & children's photographer

rogaczyk family ¦ innisfail & area family & children's photographer

jennifer ¦ innisfail & area family & children's photogrpaher

snape family ¦ innisfail & area family & children's photographer

heidi & jade ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

journey fitness ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

simply grateful ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

canola ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

kohen ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

brae ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

o'dwyer family ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

summer mini sessions ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

feedback ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

round 2 ¦ inisfail & area children's & family photographer

sharing easter ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

casting calls ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

feltie bunny

sully & carter ¦ innisfail & area children's & family photographer

rory ¦ innisfail & area children and family photographer

lightbulb

spurt blogger...

ready?

happy :)

Technical difficulties

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

o happy day

creative goodness

companions

where i've been

*blissful*

stuff

about me

lets do 52

project 52

unwinding

to do

things

wonderland

huh.

"P" family :: jessica lute children's & family photographer

fall celebration mini sessions

engen family :: jessica lute family & children's photographer

simple things

over my head :: i heart faces challenge

hawkins family :: jessica lute family & children's photographer

amelie :: innisfail children's & family photographer

ahhhhh summer....

places

start me up

week 23 :: play photo challenge

small joys...

small joys...

mama's day

lifted

my mind's eye sketch challenge

victorian inspired

SHUT UP!!

so...

dreams reside within a ballerina

earth hour

haillee

where does time go?

where are you springtime???

embracing late.

a crafty week.

tea in paris

crafty goods + pear pincushion tutorial

10 by 10

january kenner road

choas and crazy

blissful