andrea's blog

Birthday Cards

Saturday i spent the whole day crafting with some friends, it doesn't really get much better than that.. ;)  I had some paper to use and with lots of birthday's coming up on both sides of the family, it was the perfect opportunity to whip up some cards.
This first design was an idea from the Papertrey Ink gallery, the stamps used are from the "Women of Life" stamp set, which i absolutely love!  It's so nice to be able to personalize a Birthday card for Mom, Sister, Daughter, or Grandmother.  (There's even an "in-law" stamp to really personalize the image).  I also used papers and ribbon from Close to my Heart, a mini corner rounder and hole punch.

I needed some girly girl cards too, so I used the new Stamp of the Month from Close to my Heart called "Piece of Cake", which you can find here.  The cupcake on the very left is from an old hostess set from Stampin Up!  Once stamped i colored in the images with a blender pen and ink.  The ribbon is also from CTMH.
This last card was made by my friend Christina, (also my CTMH consultant).  She made it for me since I had to miss our stamp club last week.  I just had to post it here, I think it's adorable, especially the ruffle at the bottom.  TFL!

[b]ecker photo

First official maternity photo this pregnancy, and it's shot by [b]ecker!  How lucky is that?  ;-)  I have an idea to make a mini album for this pregnancy, which I'll hopefully get time to work on soon. 

Saturday I spent the entire day scrap-booking with three great friends.  Thanks Christina for hosting, it was a blast!  Christina recently got the Cricut for her birthday, so I had a chance to give it a whirl, and woweee! that is one cool contraption.  (Just might have to add it to my birthday wish list, hehe).  I accomplished four double page spreads and eight cards, which I'll hopefully get a chance to take some photos of and post on here soon. :) Tonight I'm off to my friend Leanne's for a Close to my Heart party, should be fun!  ;-) 

Yesterday i spent the day in Vancouver at Becker's [b]school workshop.  I drove out with Kristy, Alyssa & Rachel, and it was just such a great day.  He had some great nuggets of wisdom to share, and my head was spinning last night as i was trying to fall asleep.   It was a great way to network and spend time with other friends who are photographers, & chat about the business.  We had a seriously yummy lunch thanks to Tracey and her very talented hubby.  The space where the workshop was held was the studio of blueolive photography.  Seriously, such a great space, and relaxed atmosphere.  It was great to be motivated to streamline things in my business, and work smarter.  As you know I'm taking a little break from photography, and expecting baby #3 in the Spring.  Hopefully I'll have the opportunity to implement some changes to my business in the meantime and have things running smoothly when i jump back on the scene in the Fall of 2010.  Here a few snapshots from the workshop yesterday.  It was a perfect cloud covered day.  God Bless! 
[b]ecker.
the lucky couple.. can't recall their names.. but seriously cute.
this last one is courtesy of my friend Kristy, it's becker clicking a photo of me, thanks Kristy!  I can't wait to see the maternity shot becker got. =)

Christmas

It was a reminder of the ultimate gift to us.  Jesus born long ago in a stable in Bethlehem.  "That's the reason we give each other presents", we told the kids.  So thankful for the blessings and magic that Christmas time brings.  Here are a few photos from our own family gift opening we celebrated together on Christmas Eve.  One of those times when life seems so full. :) the boys tackling their stocking stuffers :)
more knights & horses for lucas
i love Nathan's expression here.
and here.
Lucas' prized present, the "hot rod" track, as he calls it. ;-)

Still here :)

Wow, it's certainly been awhile now with no update here, sorry to keep you waiting. :)  We're doing well, I had a real kick in the pants from a not-so-dear friend named "morning sickness", and finally seem to be over that.  Thankfully.  I didn't even know it was possible to be that sick with pregnancy.  Let's just say I was very blessed with the boys and did not have that side effect while pregnant with them.  Speculation says that perhaps it's a girl?  We'll have to wait and see, actually we only have to wait until next week.  :)  We have decided to find out if we need blue or pink sleepers to bring to the hospital this time.  With the boys we never found out, and that was great, but truthfully it's purely practical reasons why we're wanting to find out this time.  I'd like to get things ready before baby comes and if it is a girl, gift all my boy stuff to my sister who just recently had a boy, after having three girls.  Having had two boys, we would love to add another sweet little guy to the family, on the other hand a girl would be unique, now wouldn't it?  Not sure yet if we'll be making a public announcement, but if we do, you can be sure it will be here.  This fall has been difficult for me since I've been sick, and photography has taken a back seat due to this.  I will only be taking limited bookings until baby arrives in May, and will also be taking a maternity leave of approximately 4-6 months (maybe longer) after that.  I've already had to say no to a few weddings for next year, although it pains me to do so, but I know that this time with a new little one is precious and an overextended mother won't be any help to my family.  Thanks everyone for your phone-calls, emails and well wishes, we are super excited about this big step to "family of five".  Your prayers and support mean so much to us.

And of course since no post is complete without a few pictures, here a few of the newest member of my family, my niece Meagan Elisabeth, who was born on Nov. 18, and baptized yesterday.  Such a precious bundle, so soft and sweet.