It's 2008!

I was talking to my mom yesterday and she told me 2008 is the year of new beginnings on the Jewish calendar. I had never heard that before but I love new beginnings so I'll take it. 2007 had so many really high "ups" and really low "downs!" I love the new year because it's great to think ahead, plan, dream, organize...I love it all. I'm very thankful to be starting off this year with a short vacation. Especially since the day we land in South Carolina it's supposed to be 69 degrees. WOW! For Matt and I, that's a dream come true...well, it's an improvement anyway, no sunburns or bathing suits but no need for winter jackets either. It'll be nice to be with family.

I'm starting to think about starting to potty train my daughter. Yah...that's a new beginning! I don't think either of us is too excited about this venture but with little brother on the way we're gonna do it. I've listened to friends theories and tried some but nothings really worked. Adriah is one of those kids who's not easily persuaded. I got a couple of months to figure it out. I know a lot of moms read my blog so I thought "why not ask for help?" I'm definitely open to your suggestions...what worked for you?

Don't worry I'll still be blogging and checking email and booking consultations...that's the amazing part of modern technology!

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Christmas pictures!

For my family...Adriah and her cousin Dylan rockin' out on their new Christmas musical equipment!

Adriah opening presents...

Cousin love!

AND then for my big finale...this is what we did all Christmas afternoon! Played with my nephews new "American Idol" PS2 game! You sing with the machine, into a mike and get critical remarks from Randy, Paula and Simon.

We had tons of fun! It's weird how you don't take a ton of pictures on Christmas (even though you want to for memory purposes) because, as the parent, you're too involved in the present opening process!

Thank you to all our family for blessing us the way you do!

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Christmas report!

I can't believe that I made it through the whole day without even turning on my computer!!!! It's a proud moment for me. Our Christmas was perfect! We celebrated with family and Adriah had a blast! It was funny to me that she would've been happy to stop after she opened her stocking! There was enough little toys in there to keep her busy all day! At her age (2 1/2) everything is amazing and "Wow!" I loved seeing her open her presents.

Matt and I didn't do too bad either. Being pregnant meant he needed to be creative, instead of buying the usual clothes, he got me MAC gift sets of lip gloss and eye shadow! They are so pretty! I don't know why but, I've always loved hair and make-up stuff. Probably because I'm drawn to anything and everything creative. MAC is my favorite...probably for the bold colors and cause it lasts forever!

Now everything needs to shift towards christmas clean-up! It's weird how there's so much build up and then...it's over.

There's lots coming up. I have a wedding this weekend and next weekend! I can't wait to capture winter weddings. Aughhh...it's going to be cold but, we have to get some outdoor shots! Then, after these 2 weddings we're packing up to head to South Carolina for a couple of weeks. Hopefully it will be sunny warm but one thing's for sure...it will definitely be warmer then here! For all you brides who I'll be booking consultations with...don't worry I'll be back on the 22nd of January! Can't wait to meet with you.

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Stay safe on the roads. Don't forget to glance at the snow and breathe in how beautiful it really is...especially from your warm car or home!

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Merry Christmas Eve!

I have great news for you! Well, it's actually great news for me and I want to share it with you. As most of you know, I'm 22 weeks pregnant and we found out that we're having a boy!!!! We're so excited. We would have loved to have another girl but, we're delighted with a boy. Here's a couple of pictures from the ultra sound! Don't worry it's not too graphic...just pictures of his hand in one and his foot in another:

Of course now we really need to get serious about finding a name for this little one! We're working on it. If only we weren't so picky...at least we have some time to figure it out! And lots of great suggestions from all of you!

Blessings through this season of love and joy! We are all blessed in one way or another!

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MY NEW WEBSITE IS LIVE!

I used bold in the title cause I'm beaming with excitement and feel like shouting! Hope you like it! Isn't the music nice? Check out all the new galleries on top of the pictures in wedding and family! I've been blessed with work and I can't wait for what 2008 holds! Noemi

This is Christmas weekend!

Isn't it great that Christmas vacation kinda starts tomorrow? Remember when you were in school and you got a couple of weeks off to celebrate Christmas and New Year's? I loved those days. It can feel like we get ripped off as adults sometimes but, not this year! Four days in a row! (Well, sorry for the people who still have to work Christmas Eve...but, really how much will you work on Christmas Eve? We all know it's all about the cookies, chocolate and office parties!) My advice for everyone...take what ever time you're given, sit down, breathe, smile, soak it in and delight in everything you've been given (even before you open your presents). Christmas is a special time of year. I pray yours is filled with love, friends and family!

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Just thinking...about Canada and Christmas w Family

I just laid my daughter down for her afternoon nap/quiet time/play in a dark room in your bed and make tons of noise for an hour and a half...it's different every day! And I poured myself a cup of tea (cause I'm still Canadian at heart and tea warms my soul.)It's a Tim Horton's mug and anyone who's been to Canada knows Tim Horton's is the best coffee/tea place around AND it's on every corner, sometimes twice on the same corner :) Hmmm...thinking about Christmas...it's the little things I do in this season: listening to Christmas music, looking through my photo albums, walking through snow, seeing my breath in the air, looking at stockings hung, being quiet and watching the lights blink back at me from our tree, smelling pumpkin candle burning, reading cards, opening packages and putting gifts under the tree...everything leads up to a very special day and reminds me of family and home. I guess it's the feeling of being loved.

I've tried to combine Matt's traditions, my traditions and new family traditions we like to make Christmas ours. You know? I'm growing into an adult but, still wanting to be taken care of like when I was a kid. Christmas lets me do that. Am I weird? probably.

I guess I'm feeling reflective today. Must be all those Christmas/winter pictures you sent. They got me thinking! Thanks. Remember the voting ends tonight!

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Christmas Cards!

Every year I put together a picture and newsletter for our friends and family...it just so happens that being Pastors of a church means a have a lot of friends and family. So, it becomes a huge process (picking the pictures, printing them, writing the newsletter, printing it, buying envelopes and stamps, addressing or handing out the envelopes...whew!) It might sound like I'm complaining but, I actually love giving and receiving pictures and letters. There are tons of people that only hear from us once a year and I'm still not wanting to let go of those friendships...it's the perfect way to catch them up! AND whether It's people I see all the time or not, it's a great way to have their faces on my fridge! It's a great tradition! Lots of work...but worth it!

Do you put together a Christmas card? How big is your list? And when (realistically) does it actually get into the mail?

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Christmas Shopping

I've always prided myself on being a good shopper. By "a good shopper" I mean that I usually get everything on sale, if not clearance, and I delight in the game. It's heartbreaking for me to miss a sale or not use a great coupon! Matt used to get a little embarrassed when I'd pull out a coupon every time we'd go out to eat and now he loves it! We eat out for half the price but the food tastes the same...if not better! I only have a couple of gifts left to get...a couple for my nephews and stocking stuffers for Matt. The snow has kept me out of the malls. But the relentless storms and dangerous roads have to let up sooner or later and when they do...I'll be back out finishing the race.

I love the feeling of thinking about a person and finding the perfect gift. Something to make them smile, cry, laugh out loud or wonder what I was thinking...I've given gifts that have brought about all sorts of reactions. Sometimes I hit the nail on the head and other times I miss it entirely. I love a challenge.

Shopping for a toddler is easy. Anything princess-y, pink, big sister or food related...she loves to cook! I'll be sure and take pictures of Christmas morning. I can't wait! I don't usually sleep much the night before cause I get so excited! I'm just a kid a heart.

What's your take on the shopping at Christmas? Love it? Hate it? Favorite time of the year?

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Another Confession...

As you may know I do most of my editing in the afternoons while my two year old is "sleeping" (I like to call it that but, she rarely sleeps...it's more like "quiet time to play in her bed") The last few days I stumbled onto a new reality show called "Australian Princess." It's an elimination show about girls from all walks of life learning to be a princess according to the standards of an English panel of experts. I've been sucked in! I love the dress, jewelry, parties etc. I guess it's normal but, I feel a little silly! Anyways, just thought I'd share. Has anyone else seen it? Have you been sucked in too? Come on time to confess! OR is there another show that's caught your eye instead? I'm interested in hearing about it!

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snow, Snow, SNow, SNOW!!!! Seriously.

I can't not believe the amount of snow that has been dumped on us over the past couple of days. There are huge drifts on my deck and mounds piled in the wake of the snow plows! It's amazing and soooo beautiful! I guess I feel like if it's going to be cold, it might as well be snowing! It's impossible to not get excited for Christmas! Not that you could go shopping if you wanted to :) it's too snowy!

Have you seen the musical/movie "White Christmas?" My husband and I always sing "snow, snow, snow, snow" when it's snowing outside and the other day Adriah looked outside and sang our little ditty! It was so cute! It was a "family" tradition moment!

Got any snowy stories you want to share?

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Wow! Ladies you are amazing!

I can't wait to find out what this little one is so we can throw your names into the mix and see what new masterpiece we come up with! You have amazed me...I can't believe how much time you put into my question! I love it! Having said that, how often do people let you have a say in naming their kid!??? LOL. Thank-you! Thank-you! Thank-you! We hope to find out the sex on December 20th...what a great Christmas present! I'll keep you posted but, until then, keep those names coming! Remember it has to pass all the different tests and Matt hasn't seen any of them yet!

Have a wonderful day! It's kinda gloomy here but I'm not letting it decide my mood for the day! I'm going to the mom's group at our church. We meet every week to talk and pray about parenting and all that that means! I love it! Then, I have a friend coming over to teach me pre- and post-natal strengthening exercises...Lord knows, I need it! Then, I desperately need to get groceries! Aughhh...the life of a stay at home mom!!! It's great!

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Playing the name game???

Okay...I've had a couple of questions and I wanted to answer them as you continue to think about the perfect name for us! Someone asked about my maiden name...YIKES! It was Albojer pronounced (elbow-her) not something I want to pass on to the next generation. Although I love my jewish heritage, I don't need to prove it by passing on a name no one can pronounce! But, thank you for the suggestion...I love the sentiment!

There's tons of names I love but, Matt doesn't. Isn't that the worst. For example: Marcus (Matt, knew a bully in his elementary school) or Justice (one of our very close friends used it) or Lincoln (also used by a close friend) or Sophia (used by someone in our church and I'm a big advocate for a unique name) or any name that ends in "ia" cause it's to close to Adriah's name!

I should also mention that I'm drawn to royal, regal, strong sounding names.

Maybe these hints will help us narrow it down! Thanks for playing!

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Name game...

In a couple of weeks I hope to find out if our baby is a boy or girl...I can't wait! There are so many cool names out there but, Matt and I are really picky. Here's our rules: 1. We both have to like the name.

2. We both have to like the meaning.

3. We both have to the flow of the first to second name.

4. The meanings have to compliment each other!

5. AND It has to sound good with our last name "Hedrick."

This is no easy task! So, I thought to myself why not get some help? Any cool names with even cooler meanings? How cool would it be if I use the name you suggest!

Our first daughter names took us months...

Adriah Liberty Hedrick (meaning: Adriah "Love of Life", Liberty "Freedom")

Her name literally means "Love of life and freedom." I still love it!

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Thanksgiving dinner and more...

There's so much I want to say...where to begin. I've been thinking a lot about how blessed I am to have the family and friends I do. I think about people don't have what I have and it makes me want to share it somehow. The amazing thing is it can't be captured...well, except for the occasional perfect photo :)

I wanted to share my smile with you. I feel an incredible sense of peace right now (that might also be because I'm exhausted from getting up at 5:30pm to shop like a mad woman!) No seriously, I'm truly thankful. After a year of tons of ups and downs I'm learning to stop, smile and enjoy everyone around me. Drink it in and tell everyone how much they mean to me.

Having said that...there's nothing like having the perfect meal with people you love! AND we had the perfect meal! Everything was so great! If I do say so myself.

Here's our beautiful turkey and more:

Isn't that a pretty bird? I knew Dave's mom would be proud of her baby/top chef son!

This is the reality of thanksgiving at it's height!

Of course, we can't forget the kiddy table! Like I said...it was perfect!

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It snowed this morning...Thanksgiving is coming!

There's nothing like the feeling of rolling over, opening up your eyes (just barely), and seeing the snow slowly fall to the ground. Although I know that there will be plenty of snow in the months to come...I love the beginning! It's another story when it's still falling at the end of April but, we'll cross that bridge when we get there! The weather is totally complimenting how I feel...leading up to the holidays I get so giddy and smiley and nostalgic! I love a holiday that makes you reflect, slow down and remember to be thankful for everything you have. Not just cause there are so many that have less but because it's peaceful to be content and soak in todays moments. I hope that makes sense. Everyone can complain about something and everyone can be thankful. I'm choosing to be thankful.

I'm thankful for my family, friends that act like family, dark chocolate, a warm home, cars that work, food and the incredible variety we have in this country, turkey dinner, accessibility of medicine and doctors, clothes, computers that work, redbox dollar movies, coupons or any kind of good deal, thriving photography business, relationship with the Lord...it is my saving grace and last but not least Matt and Adriah...and the new little one growing in my belly! I'm 16 weeks (Surprise!) Blessings during this amazing season!

I hope it snows again soon.

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Pictage PUG

For all you photographers reading the blog because you're looking for tips on developing your business...here's the link to the notes from my last Pictage PUG meeting. The PUG meets once a month and discuss different business and photography topics! I've grown in leaps and bounds just by rubbing shoulders with these gifted artists!

enjoy...PUG notes!

The Bethany Women's Retreat!

It was such a sweet time! There's something so special about women and their willingness to be open, cry, share, and just get to know each other. We did all these things! I was amazed over and over at the amazing women I rub shoulders with weekly. I didn't take many pictures but here's a couple...

A few of the girls went on an hour long hike all over the Kiononia grounds.

I could tell you so many precious moments but some are too precious for words. I'll just keep treasuring them in my heart and looking forward to the next women's retreat.

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Touring Minneapolis!

The end of my sister's visit was a blast! I took them to the Stone Arch Bridge (one of my favorite places ever!) and we read all the historic signs and took the path into the ruins of the old mill. They loved it!

If you haven't been...what are you waiting for?

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Bethany Women's Retreat!

A few months ago I got the idea that I really needed a weekend away. Just to re-focus and re-group and re-lax! And then I thought...why not organize it through our church and create a "break" for women of all ages! So, after months of thought and planning we leave this weekend for Kiononia Retreat Center in South Haven, MN. We'll be leaving our families and doing some serious "Girl bonding!" AND TO TOP IT OFF...I have my sister here! This is my time to get quiet and here the Lord for myself. What does He have in store for me? I'm excited to ask and listen. It's going to be great!

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