Digital Scrapbooking II

Okay, so way back in March I wrote this post after dabbling a little bit in digi scrapbooking.  I have had lots of emails in response to that original post, and would like to finally answer a few questions.  I use Photoshop CS3 for all my photo editing and digital scrapbooking.  PS can be overwhelming at first, but that leads me to my next recommendation:  take a class.  Believe me, you're going to get a lot more out of it, a whole lot sooner if you take the plunge and sign up for Jessica Sprague's "Up and Running" class.  It's a great class and you can take it at your own pace, which is great for people like me who often don't have time for it until 11:30 at night.  ;-)  And to top it off right now she is offering it at 20% off.  Here are a few of my recent layouts, some from Jessica's class and some that I designed myself.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me or post a question in the comments section at the end of this post.  I'd love to hear from you.          

Tom, Alice & Boys

A beautiful day in the midst of a whole lot of rain.  Just what was needed in order to capture this easy-going family.  Alice suggested a place just 5 minutes from her house, and it felt like we were in the middle of nowhere.  (Which was exactly what we were going for.)  Thank you Tom & Alice and your fun-loving boys.  I had a great time hanging out with you on that gorgeous, albeit chilly fall afternoon!
    

Creative Time.

  
 
Here are some samples of cards I've made recently.  I find that lately I am re-using the same sketch or design over and over again.   It's nice to have a template, and then simply combine different paper/stamps/elements to get a totally different look.  I love the simplicity and colors/vibrancy of these cards.  I really enjoy making cards, it's a great way to outlet some creativity and have something to show for it in a short amount of time.

Wim, Jocelyn and Family

It was lots of fun taking pictures for this gorgeous family.  Jocelyn had scoped out the perfect little spot while going for a walk one day.  The only problem was that it was in someone's yard.  So, she called ahead to ask the owners if we could do the photo shoot there.  They were very gracious to allow us to use their property for the shoot.  And, just as the sun was starting to go down we captured some gorgeous "glow".  Hope you like the sneak peek Jocelyn!
  These girls sure kept me on my toes! Bursting with energy, but when Kylie discovered a beautiful butterfly, they all had to stop to look.
   

Blake Levi Devisser

Our newest nephew Blake was transported by helicopter to Vancouver Childrens Hospital on Friday night.  Here is an excerpt from the latest update Erik sent us last night:

"Our little guy is doing great. We were just informed they will try and remove the oxygen to see how it goes. He is using very little now.  He will most likely get the IV line removed from his belly tommorrow morning and we should be able to hold him then!! No new news regarding the possible aorta problem. There is no real evidence of that problem, but they don't want to take chances.

Jete and I have been doing great. We had a awesome day today, with many supportive visitors. As we look around the NICU (Neonatal itensive care unit) where Blake is staying we feel so very blessed. So many of the babies here are in much more serious conditions than he is. With all the positive news we've heard, we are thankful and humbled how God has been so good to us."

(from email sent on Nov. 15, 2008 @ 11:29pm)

Last night Tim (Erik's brother), and his wife Alice, and Cori-Anne (Erik's sister) and I drove out to Children's Hospital to support Erik and Jete and swoon over our newest nephew.

We went to Boston Pizza for dinner with Erik & Jete to give them a break from all the "hospital stuff" they've been surrounded by for the last 2 days.
 
And then it was off to visit our handsome little man.  He truly is a treasure.
    
Having gone to visit Erik, Jete and Blake I am inspired and amazed at their faith in our awesome Lord.  They give all the glory to our Sovereign God and are thankful to Him for bringing their precious "treasured" son Blake safely into this world.  Their positive reaction and true and honest testimony is humbling.  Although they realize there will be challenges that will be faced in the road ahead, they rest in the peace of knowing that everything that happens is God's will.  Praise God....Praise God!

New Baby cousin

This morning Blake Devisser entered the world.  We got the call at 7:35am that he had been born just after midnight, early this morning.  I took the boys and we visited Erik, Jete and Blake.  Lucas was very excited to go to the hospital.  Since I told him about his new cousin Blake, he can't stop asking questions about him.  Blake was born with Down Syndrome and there are some concerns about Blake's health.  At the moment he is on oxygen and IV, and has been transferred to Children's Hospital.  We just hope and pray that everything will be OK, and Erik & Jete may bring him home soon.  If you read this, please say a prayer too for our sweet new nephew Blake.

Chilliwack Family Session: Alida & Family

Recently I had the opportunity to take photos for Alida and her children & grandchildren.  I loved taking these pictures.  The colors of fall were so vibrant, and the location was just WOW.  Here are just a few of my favorites.
         

Comfort Monday.

 
Boys and I slept in this morning.  So grateful for this easygoing Monday.  Laundry is going, my passport came in the mail today.  Coffee tastes extra good today.  Just so thankful.  Had an incredibly inspiring weekend.  Thanks to the ladies who made it extra special.

Change

 
Let me explain this photo.  Yesterday morning I grabbed my morning coffee and went to the CBC website to listen to the acceptance speech from President Obama.  We don't have cable TV and since I like to know what's going on in the world, the computer is my only porthole to political events.  It was playing on the PC when Lucas walked up and asked me, "Who is that Mom?"  I explained to him that it was President Obama - the new President of the United States of America.  "Oh... i see" he replied.  "Can i watch it?" Sure,  I thought... no harm in that.  Well, I was shocked to see that my three year old could sit still for an entire 17 minutes and literally hang on the words of Barack Obama's victory speech.  Every time the crowd cheered and clapped, Lucas cheered and clapped.  When Obama exclaimed, "Yes we can" Lucas responded with "Yes we can".   

I believe this man to have a gift of speech, that's all i can say.  What kind of President is this, that has been able to captivate my three year old?

A few things...

As you've probably seen recently from the posts on my blog, photography has been earning most of my free time lately.  This has been the biggest blessing I could ever hope for or imagine.  The possibilites and opportunities photography has opened for me are simply well, awesome.  As much as I'm passionate about photography, I'm also passionate about my family.  So, in order to keep a healthy, balance between the two, I have to limit my creative time.  I am currently fully booked with photography sessions until 2009.  If you are interested in having me take photos for you in the new year, please send me an email and I will contact you with my availability and pricing.

Lloyd, Wendy and Crew