Thanks for waiting...here's the vacation pics I promised! Matt helped my step-dad tear down the building they built to live in while they remodeled!
Can't get enough of the beautiful flag!
Here's a few more of kids and my mom's gorgeous location on Round Lake!
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I'm finally back in my room...tired as anything. I get to sleep in my own bed. NO MORE TENTING IN SUB-ZERO WEATHER! I'm a positive person (it's a blessing and a curse) and even though it took us 11 hours to get to Canada I always think it's going to be shorter on the way home. Like we're going to make up time somewhere...we didn't! It was indeed a long drive. My two year never slept...no, not even for a moment! We let her watch WAY TOO MUCH t.v. but, it was survival mode and we will start a new tomorrow!
I have two photo shoots tomorrow and I can't wait! Two families that I've never met but I can't wait to capture them. Good thing I love what I do because I sure do a lot of it!
I know I promised photos from my trip...don't worry, they will come!
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The wonderful thing about being on vacation is that you are away from all the distractions of normal life. Time to read, laugh with family, stare at the stars, and so much more...I had big plans for today (canoeing, hiking etc) but, it's raining! So, we'll have to figure things out and be inside! Yikes. My big mission today is to capture Adriah and her cousins (Jomei and Tayus) so I can print pictures! They change so quickly and I want to remember every stage, every vacation, every moment...it's tough living in different countries from your family!
I can't wait to share the pictures I've taken so far! AND the amazing pictures my brother took of our family yesterday! I feel like I personally know why people pay the big bucks for photographers to capture their families. It's an amazing feeling to have this moment frozen with style;to be cherished forever. I'm so busy taking the pictures I can forget the gift it is! Adriah will never be this age again!
I know I promised pictures but I'm going to have to re-neg (sp?) because my mom has dial-up...and I had no idea that it would take me all day to get the pictures up! So, hold on, I'll put my vacation pictures up this weekend! Thanks for understanding! Today Matt, Adriah and I are going to have a photo shoot of our very own. I've mentioned before that my brother is an amazing photographer and he has volunteered to do a family shoot for us and I can't wait! I know the value of pictures and can't wait to have a few great ones of my family! You'll have to wait on those too...sorry!
I remember when we used to have to wait for pictures all the time. My daughter has no concept of that. I shoot a picture of her and she says, "CHEESE...I see it!" I love it!
by the way, tenting in the great outdoors is going ok. A little cold and damp but, I'm surviving! I feel so hardcore.
This vacation is shaping up to be packed with fun: bonfires (listening to Bryon Reagan on Matt's laptop and laughing our heads off!), long walks down country roads (trying to work off the pounds of "Canadian" candy we consumed during the day), playing games (My sister brought CSI:the game and we didn't finish it because we are all experts and figured out who done it) and eating great food (there's nothing like my mom's homemade french fries!)
Wow, that pretty much sums it up for now. Is this anything like you vacations? I want to hear it! Everyone comment and let's compare notes!
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We made it! We got here last night at 1:30am (12:30am Minnesota time)! Adriah did not nap the whole ride. She normally is in bed by 7:30pm and falls asleep sortly after, but not yesterday! She finally fell asleep at 10pm and that was because I was rubbing her head and tickling her face. And yes, she watched a ton of movies. I lost count of how many! How embarrassing.
To top it off, she ate tons of junk food...McDonald's, Fritos (chili flavor) and the old faithful Fruit Snacks! Nothing like a 12 hour car ride to make you undo everything you normally enforce with diligence. :)
Anyways, we all woke up at 9am, had Tim Horton's bagels and cream cheese; a very Canadian breakfast! Matt and Wayne (my step-dad) have been working all morning tearing down a shed and Adriah went for a swim with her Grandma...life is good.
It's a gorgeous day. Perfect breeze. The kind of day that forces you to stop, point your face towards the sun, breathe deep and smile!
My sister, brother and nephews arrive today! Their driving up from Toronto. So, that makes 7 adults and 3 kids in a 2 bedroom house! We (Matt and I) have graciously said we'd sleep outside in a tent. I can't remember the last time I slept in a tent. I'm praying for no little (or big) critters to come and visit. Â
Enough babbling for today. I'll get some pictures up tomorrow!
There is so much going on in my life right now...it's hard for me to keep up! So, instead of doing any of it, I decided to sit down and blog. The one thing I don't "need" to be doing but it makes me smile! Here's some random stuff I'm thinking about:
1. For all of you faithful readers, (those who have been with me from the beginning) I got my ring fixed! For those of you who are really confused let me explain...I lost the center stone of my ring while I was in Vegas last march. It was one of those heartbreaking moments when you look down and panic; knowing there's no way you can fix it! Anyways, Matt went to get the stone replaced this week and they fix it for free! And they cleaned it too... :) it's the little things.
2. My family is convinced that we (Minnesotans) have the best milk products that they've ever tried...ever! So, I've been asked to bring cheese, sour cream, and Hidden Valley Ranch dressing on my vacation next week. We're happy to contribute!
3. My husband is amazing! Adriah was needing to blow some steam, and he knows how much work I need to do before we leave, so he took her for a walk. I love him for that!
4. The carpet for Ryan and Brianna's townhome was supposed to be laid this week! The move-in date gets closer and closer. I'm so happy for them!
5. We finally broke down and purchased a portable DVD for the long drives to Canada. Adriah doesn't know how good she has it. Now we'll be able to watch: The Wiggles, Raffi, and Barney for hours. Can't wait!
Well, I feel better. Back to editing pictures for your future viewing pleasure!
www.noemiphotography.com
Since the majority of my family lives in the Great White North...we do spend some time up there! Mostly we fly but, once a year we do the 12 hour drive up to my mom's house (just on the Canadian side of Sault St. Marie). It's a LONG ride. Anyone who has a toddler is making a "tragic" face right now...cause you know what it's like to try and contain a two year old, keep them occupied and not give in to the temptation of giving them snacks to keep them quiet. :) I don't usually do that but, desperate times call for desperate measures. Although Adriah is normally a very sweet and obedient child...this week she's decided to test me on everything! And I mean everything. So, we'll see if she gotten it all out of her system. I admit to being one of those people who thought good parenting meant well behave kids. I didn't ever say that out loud but now I know that what I was thinking. Now I know I'm not perfect but, I have read some very good books and thought I could put those things into practice and "my child" wouldn't be the one throwing fits. I was wrong. Very wrong. (Hmmm. I guess that's a bit too vulnerable. Oh well, now it's out there!)
Anyways, all that to say, think of me Sunday afternoon. We'll be gone all week and driving back Friday! My mom's house is on a gorgeous lake...so that means beautiful pictures! I'm excited to see family!
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It's Ryan and Brianna, but if you know them well then you've probably messed up thier names and called them Brian and Rianna...Matt and I do all the time. We've done it so much it's a joke now. (It's just easier to say when you talk as fast as I do!) To answer the question that everyone is asking, "How are they doing?" After celebrating the babies one month birthday...they are doing okay. Life is one big transition AND it's not over. They're looking forward to moving into a newly remodel townhome.
"No Noemi, how are they really?" They are doing as best as they can. Living every day as it comes and goes. Ryan and Brianna are normal people. They laugh, cry, get mad, ask questions...and cry some more. None of us understand what's happened and why, but now there are two beautiful babies and we're thankful. There is always something to be thankful for...sometimes it takes us longer to find it.
Ryan and Brianna are strong and brave even though they don't think so. I'm so proud of them both. AND I'm proud of Lucia and Sylas...they're my little fighters. (Brianna always laughs when I call them MY little fighters!) Against all odds, they continue to fight for a chance at life...and I'm one of many that stands on the sidelines and cheers them on!
Thank you to everyone reading, following their story, and praying for this precious family. It means the world and more!
www.noemiphotography.com
There's nothing like a party at the beach! Have you been to a beach lately? And barbequed hotdogs? And gorged yourself on chips? All the while in your bathing suit splashing in the water with kids? We need it! Get past ourselves...past our maturity and splash in the water. Adriah had tons of fun and so did I! I highly recommend finding the nearest body of water (pool, lake, ocean or even kiddie pool) and letting go!
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I love reading what you have to say about the blogs I write. Seriously, it's so fun! It could be total strangers or close friends and still I'm amazed at your comments...mostly cause I'm always shocked that people are actually reading my blog! Someone said to me this week, "I can't believe how personal and intimate your blog is!" I never set out to have a personal blog. Actually, the personal side came by accident. I was supposed to focus on clients and business stuff but, that's not me. I love people! And telling their story through photographs is what I do so, that's what I blog and why I love it soooo much!
All that to say, keep commenting! It's encouraging. Especially on days like today when I spent most of my time at a computer editing photos. (Not that I don't like that too! But I'm a people person!) The personal touch means everything!
Have a good night. Keep writing. It makes me smile.
www.noemiphotography.com
While up in Staples AJ's Dad introduced me to his lovely little HOTROD! I took a couple of shots as we were leaving. In between the mesquitos drawing blood and the pressure of needing to get on the road I managed to get a few good ones!
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I know I'm a couple days late but, I hope you had a HAPPY 4th! I did! We went on a mini holiday up north with friends. Stayed at our friends parents house in staples. It was absolutely gorgeous! We relaxed with our kids by the beach...the greatest part was that the water is super shallow (never more then a foot deep) by the house! So, watching Adriah go from the beach to the water and back was fun, not the usual stress and following 2 steps behind. All the moms who are reading are smiling and nodding in agreement!
Then we went tubing on the river. This was unlike anything I've ever done before. Basically you rent tubs, get dropped off down the river and drift for hours...literally 4 hours of drifting...it was awesome!
We topped off our evening with dinner and fireworks! It was amazing. Thank you AJ and Micah for the fun getaway AND a special thanks to AJ's parent Joey and Tony for making the couple of days perfect!
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Everyone has been asking "How are the Morrisons doing?" I talked to Ryan and Brianna today, wanting to put an update out for them, and Ryan said he'll be doing his own soon. So, keep checking their site (www.morrison6.com) for his update! From my perspective:
I'm constantly amazed at how this story has touched people from all over the world. Although Ryan and Brianna didn't ask for it...their lives and courage through everything that's happened to them has been a blessing to many. In return, many strangers have blessed them! AND I have been able to sit back and watch it happen...it continues to happen! Here's some specific gifts people have been blessing them with: meals at the hospital, jars of homemade jam, fresh picked strawberries, cards, gift cards for gas, 2 huge bins of treats from TARGET CORPORATION (WOW-ee! :) ) and more that I'm not thinking of right now.
What I've learned:
One of my closest friends told me about this song she used to "bawl" (word used by women who know what it is to cry really hard) while listening to it in College. This was before she was a mom. And the words are perfect for this entry...
Glory Baby - Watermark
Glory baby you slipped away as fast as we could say baby…baby.. You were growing, what happened dear? You disappeared on us baby…baby.. Heaven will hold you before we do Heaven will keep you safe until we're home with you… Until we're home with you…
Miss you everyday Miss you in every way But we know there's a day when we will hold you We will hold you You'll kiss our tears away When we're home to stay Can't wait for the day when we will see you We will see you But baby let sweet Jesus hold you 'till mom and dad can hold you… You'll just have heaven before we do You'll just have heaven before we do
Sweet little babies, it's hard to understand it 'cause we're hurting We are hurting But there is healing And we know we're stronger people through the growing And in knowing- That all things work together for our good And God works His purposes just like He said He would… Just like He said He would…
I can't imagine heaven's lullabies and what they must sound like But I will rest in knowing, heaven is your home And it's all you'll ever know…all you'll ever know…
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 There's a few things you should know about me:
1. I love symbols! I took a symbolism class in highschool and it changed my life forever! I've always loved seeing what's creative and behind the scenes. I think it's because it makes me feel smart!
2. I'm a deep thinker...always pondering life and my relationships! I'm the person who's buying those self-help books!
3. I love Superhero movies...for one reason only...I strangely indentify with the characters. Don't ask!
4. I'm drawn to anything creative. Best example is one my husband often uses to describe our differences. I'm the cook of the family. I open up the fridge and start creating! Often I don't know what I'm making until half way through the process! AND he's the baker. Give him a recipe and he's happy!
5. I chose for our wedding to be on July 1st(Canada Day)of 2000 because: Matt and I are Canadian, I knew we'd never live in Canada again and I wanted to remember our "roots" and three, because I wanted to celebrate our anniversary with Fireworks every year! Plus, I love that the whole country stops to have fun that weekend! For those of you still debating on your wedding date...I highly recommend holiday weekends!
OK! So those of you who are bored with the details of my personality...here's some pictures to keep your interest too!
Introducing "Pheobe Evelyn"...she's absolutely gorgeous! 3 weeks old and a full head of hair!
  
KIDS PLAYING!!!
That's all for now!
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I met with a couple this evening; we worked through the details of their wedding schedule, laughed, looked at albums, talked about pictures, and mostly just dreamed about their day. What an incredible thing that me, a total stranger, gets to play a small role in that! I never dreamed that when this hobby turned into a thriving business that I would love what I do so much! My favorite part is writing it as my profession "Professional Photographer!" Does that just sound cool? A close second is that this career made me start blogging and now I can't stop! I love that I'm still learning from every couple and from every wedding! All that precious knowledge pours into the next couple...it's so great!
Well, I hope I haven't talked all of you into becoming photographers and therefore talked myself out of a job. If I have, see you at the next Pictage meeting. :)
www.noemiphotography.com
It was well over 90 degrees today and I loved every minute! I don't know why I love the sun and being hot so much, but I do! Adriah and I invited friends over and we had a blast on the water slide!
It was so fun to see thegirls go from not wanting to be near the water, to putting in their toes, to getting their hair wet, to sitting on the slide, to sliding into moms arms and then finally getting the courage to do it, "All by myself!" I'm treasuring these moments because I'm realizing how fast they fly by!
I thought these pictures would make you smile! Enjoy!
  
Gotta run back for more!!!
 
 www.noemiphotography.com
Here's the press release from Children's Hospital today... On behalf of Ryan and Brianna Morrison, Children’s notes that their daughter, Cadence Alana, died Saturday morning (June 23).
The Morrisons’ other children remain in critical condition in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Children’s in Minneapolis. As released earlier by Children’s, three sons died within a week of their June 10 birth.
Ryan and Brianna issued the following statement:
“Though our difficult time continues, our faith remains strong. Our families, friends, and churches have provided us with great comfort, for which we are deeply grateful. We continue to express our thanks to the staff at Children’s. Please keep us in your prayers.â€
No further information is being released, at the request of the parents.
No words can describe this loss. So I won't even try. They need our prayers more then ever. Thank you for your love and support for this family as they grieve the loss of 4 precious kids.
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My husband and I love the Ryan and Brianna dearly and through the process of the sextuplets birth and hospital stay we've come to know the Morrison and Balken family in a deeper way! It has been our pleasure and blessing...and Adriah (our 2 year old) loves the attention!
We were at the Children's hospital today visiting the babies and hanging with the family! Adriah had a blast! The hospital is designed with kids entertainment in mind. Attached to the family resource center they have a huge outside play area.
I took some shots of my over-heated daughter...
"TOOT! TOOT! Chugga, Chugga Big RED Car!"
CHEESE!!!
 
That's my update on my daughter...
I know most of you who have been following the Morrisons and their babies are wanting to know what's been going on in the past week. Please continue to keep this amazing family in your prayers.
www.noemiphotography.com
Every Wednesday I meet with some of the young moms of our church and usually we talk about parenting and pray together. Today was different. Without planning it, today was about moms getting together to talk and process everything that's happened to our friends Brianna and Ryan. Mostly, we just admitted that we don't understand and we have lots of questions. I have had countless conversations with women who are trying and failing to get pregnant. Then, more conversations with people who aren't trying but get pregnant anyway. And now, friends have lost children they desperately wanted to love and watch grow. I don't have answers. I wish I did.
I was talking with a friend today about the need to trust in a plan, believing it's good, but I will never see the whole picture. I decided it's better than believing there isn't a plan at all.
Again, thank you to all the women writing on my blog sharing their stories. I'm amazed by your vulnerability and words of kindness for the Morrisons.
You know what's amazing? I started blogging in March to have an easy way to talk to clients and display pictures. Now...it's become my highlight of every day. I love that my friends read it! And that they're smiling now! I never thought it would would be so important to so many but I'm glad it is.
I remember when I went to WPPI this past March I kept hearing about developing a style and "look" that's unique...These past few weeks I've taken pictures of my growing nephews in South Carolina, vacation, the Morrison6, my newborn nephew in Canada and then yesterday I did an engagement shoot. I'm realizing more and more how important pictures are. That's a funny thing for a photographer to say, eh? But, it's the truth! Every stage and the emotions that go with each are precious and pictures help us to hold on and remember. There's something extremely special about capturing a moment that will never be repeated.
I'm honored. The Morrison babies Bennet, Tryg and Lincoln will never be forgotten...and I had a part in that.
I don't know I have completely figured out "my style" but I know my heart is to capture the emotion of the moment. I love seeing people smile, ohh and ahh or not be able to say anything at all when they see their pictures for the first time. There's no better profession as far as I'm concerned.
So, on that note...get out your camera and take some pictures! :) or call me and I'll take them for you.