This is what Canuck game nights look like at our house.  

One of these two looks happy and the other unimpressed.

Day 5.  Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.

The phrase "made your heart come alive" could only be applied to one person - my Jody.  I fell in love with this boy many, many years ago by accident.  Throughout my life, although I was always surrounded with amazing people, I never felt as though I measured up - intellectually, physically, emotionally, aesthetically.  Then I met someone who loved me, truly loved me, for me.  It sounds so cliche to say, but it was the first time in my life that I felt whole, complete.  Because of his unconditional love and acceptance.

Day 6.  Jaded beauty.  Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?

For a long time.  Because I'm not the idealized beauty standard in North America... I'm short, round, and must faithfully attend to my body hair.  But, I have come to appreciate my quirks and flaws, which are many.  They make good material for jokes.  Plus, because I know how to stack coupons, I get shaving cream quite cheap.

This is what happens when you realize you have photobooth...

me & the snugglebug after our morning walk at the beach.

its perfectly cold for this wintery day.

he looks like such a big boy to me.  ohmy. 

classic baby snort face.

i wish photobooth had a sound button so you could hear it.  

its priceless.

:: The Children of the World ::

Did you know that:

• In the world today, there are 143 million children who have lost one or both parents. That is almost one half of the population of the United States.
• Every 14 seconds an Aids death leaves another child orphaned.
• Every year 12 million children become orphans.
• 87.6 million Orphans live in Asia.
• 43.4 million Orphans live in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• 12.4 million Orphans live in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• In Ukraine and Russia 10%-15% of children who leave orphanages commit suicide before age 18.
• There are 30,000 waiting children in Canada, through the Foster Care System.

The statistics above were posted on a friend's blog recently.  These numbers are staggering and heartbreaking.  It is so easy to see these numbers and think of them as  only that, but each number is a child, a person, a need.  And they matter.  These friends are launching an orphan ministry; they are going to do incredible things.  And, more and more, I wonder, what is our role in all of this.......

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress ~ James 1:27

Day 4. Style 31. Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.

Well, I've been really horrible at keeping up with Celebrate Beauty (31).  After a few sleepless nights of flu-like illness, I fell into a lazy blogger haze of tiredness and laziness.  But I'm back.  And blogging away from home tonight.  So, instead of posting a picture of MY favorite outfit, I'm posting about a blog that inspires me fashion-wise as I struggle out of my lululemon-loving, all things comfy life:

JenLovesKev.

I didn't think I was in a fashion rut until watching Jen remix her summer dresses with tights and sweaters and still look fabulous on freezing cold, sit by the fire kinda days.  Then I realized that I had been living in my comfy clothes and not giving much thought, time or effort into my everyday appearance.  And, after 'trying' hard one day, Jody commented on how nice I looked.  I appreciate compliments as much as the next girl, but it just reaffirmed my laziness of the past few months.  So, as we press forward into 2011, I'm trying harder.  To look feminine, to look put together, to try on a daily basis.  For me, for Jody, for Judah.  And because mom jeans suck.

:: Baby Isaiah ::

I had the privilege of taking pictures of this little man last week.  This photo session was so much fun!  Isaiah was a complete angel throughout, falling asleep so easily and letting me try out all my new photography hats.  I've been slowly building my collection lately, with the help of my mom's crochet skills and etsy, and Isaiah proved to be the perfect model!  He has such a gorgeous completion and is covered in baby down, just like Judah was.  Ooooh, he was pure yumminess!  (And, yes, yumminess is a word.)

I think this one is my favorite.

Throughout the shoot, Isaiah's big sister, Nevaeh, kept me entertained!  Ohmy, I love little girls!  She talked throughout the entire shoot - yes, the entire 2 hour shoot.  And, not just talked, but talked in baby babbles.  It was priceless.  Isn't she a gorgeous little thing!?

Speaking of gorgeous...

Oooh, this might actually be my favorite.  

:: B & E :: Thank you for letting me come into your home and capture these first moments with Isaiah!  He is a true treasure; you are blessed.  And, Nevaeh just made my desire to have a daughter of my own even stronger; she is beyond cute!  E, it was great chatting and getting to know you more.  You are truly beautiful inside & out.  I'm going to have to crash one of your dates with Marie. :)  xo*m

Day 3.  Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?

I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many amazing women in my life, women who make me want to be the best mother, wife, and friend I can be.

One of these women is Shawna.

I met Shawna a very long time ago at the bible study I attended.  This bible study included a bunch of girls from my high school, our super cool older guy friends (who we all secretly had revolving crushes on) and a bunch of random people who joined along the way.  We met faithfully once a week to pray, laugh and mingle around the kitchen island.  And then usually spent most of the weekend together too.  It was our crew -  full of fun and innocence and teenage emotion.

One day, this whirlwind strutted in, smelling like coconut lotion and exuding confidence.  Within weeks, she was dating a boy I have been 'secretly' in love with for a year.  I was heartbroken. 

But over the blonde last few years especially, I have come to know her more and more; she has become a dear friend.  Without her knowing it, she encourages me to strive towards becoming a Proverbs 31 woman - a woman who works hard for her family, to provide for them and meet their needs, to work diligently both inside and outside the home, to be a faithful steward of our finances, and to make our house a true home.  Through her transparency, she inspires me to live my best life.

She tells a wicked joke, laughs loud & often, and always looks stylish (usually for less than $10!).  She's in constant motion and, if you can pin her down for a phone call, she will keep you laughing for a least an hour.  Her frequent texts make me smile.

Shawna, I am honored to do life with you.

All the love in the universe.

-m

Day 2 :: What makes you uniquely you?

Hmmm, this one definitely made me think.  And, admittedly, stumped me for a few minutes.  Its almost like that awkward interview question, when they ask you what your strengths are and you stumble through an answer.

I am a complete tomboy and enjoy everything from watching hockey games to digging in mud (while dodging any type of insect) to wrestling with my younger brothers.  Yes, still.  But, at the same time, I am a complete girly girl and adore dresses, manicures and gigantic headbands.

I obsess about health foods but will still eat chocolate for breakfast.  And lunch.

I wrote love letters to my future husband for most of my teen years and prayed for him almost nightly.  I was terrified of falling in love with the wrong boy and having my heart broken.  I knew my Prince Charming was out there.

I am resilient.

I have a wicked sense of humor that is often dry, usually loud and almost always self-depreciating.  I have learned laughter makes basically every situation easier and more bearable.

I rescue earthworms.  Slightly embarrassing to admit, but they get trapped near our front door and I feel bad for them.  Each morning I scoop them up with my keys, careful not to touch them, and then fling them back into the garden.  Just call me Mother Teresa.

I am clumsy.

I adore my brothers.  More than the general familial love between siblings.  I really ADORE them and think the world of all three of them.  I am fiercely protective of them, even though they are all a foot taller than me.

I have plucked my eyebrows since I was 10.  I'm Italian & French.  And unibrows really aren't attractive.  No matter what your parents may tell you when you are only 10.

{Last summer, when a wasp stung my lower lip as I painted the fence with my iPod on.  I almost fell down a hill trying to swat it off and get my earphones out, while simultaneously freaking out about what-the-heck was grabbing my lip.  I went to the ER, just in case.  And a crying girl stopped crying long enough to laugh at my fat face.  True story.  I live to make other people smile, what can I say?!  This is me.}

 

 Day 1.  What does beauty mean to you?

My definition of beauty has changed over the years.  Years ago, I may have said something more superficial, aesthetically based, the idealized beauty of the world.  Now that I am *ahem* in my last 20's (I can say that for a few more months...), I see a deep beauty in sooo much.

I see beauty

:: in the milky breathe of a dreamy newborn.

:: in faith and Jesus and love.

:: in laughter over a glass of wine & a board game.

:: in the embrace of my love as we watch Judah on the night vision baby monitor (not as creepy as it sounds), laughing at his antics.

:: in the wisdom of my elders & stories of the past.

:: a dinner recipe that actually works.

:: discovering who we were made to be.

:: education and intelligence and thought.

:: watching babies grow and seeing life through their eyes.

:: in my family becoming grandparents, uncles, aunts and our friends becoming mothers and fathers.

:: when veggies and flowers survive my gardening skills, surprising me with their resilience.

:: in photos that capture the moment, to be savored and remembered and enjoyed.

 Beauty... is the shadow of God on the universe.  

~Gabriela Mistral, Desolacíon

Last weekend, I had the privilege of taking maternity photos for Melinda & Jon.  Melinda is the younger sister of one of my best friends on the Sunshine Coast, Judy.  I had met Melinda before in my 'real' job and was excited for the opportunity to spend time with her again.  Its hard to believe Melinda is due in just a few short weeks - she had a bounce in her step, rocked some saucy boots, and radiated with pregnancy glow.  Its no surprise that Jon looked completely smitten and proud with her the whole time.  We spent most of the time talking about all things baby and pregnancy related, but Judy told me the story of how they met... Its a very sweet story of Jon stalking Melinda at the gym and her salon until he got her attention.  I love when men know what they want and go after it!  And, obviously Jon's instincts were right - these two seem like a perfect match.  They obviously adore each other & their little one is going to be so well loved and cared for!

Their adorable first 'baby', Molly.

We had to get some pictures on the bluffs in Sechelt.  Its the same place where their wedding photos were taken a year and a half ago.

I was trying out my posing skills on this one.  They are laughing because it felt so cheesy.  But I actually love how it turned out.  

Melinda & Jon, thank you for such a great start to 2011!  I had a fabulous afternoon with you.  Please tell Charles that I did, in fact, let you talk too. :)  *m

While pouring over my Google Reader tonight, I stumbled on a new blog and fell in love with a project that the author & fellow bloggers are working on.  Its called "Project 31" and is "a collection of thoughts, ideas, and women who portray beauty in a inspired way.  "Project 31" is you celebrating your God given beauty, and celebrating the beautiful women around you."  This embraces the ideas behind Nurture, an amazing book I recently read. I am surrounded by so many amazing woman in my everyday life and absolutely adore anything that will help me uplift and celebrate them to live their best life.  The meaning behind Project 31 is taken from Proverbs 31:

Proverbs 31

    ¹⁰ Who can find a virtuous wife? 
      For her worth is far above rubies. 
       ¹¹ The heart of her husband safely trusts her; 
      So he will have no lack of gain. 
       ¹² She does him good and not evil 
      All the days of her life. 
       ¹³ She seeks wool and flax, 
      And willingly works with her hands. 
       ¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships, 
      She brings her food from afar. 
       ¹⁵ She also rises while it is yet night, 
      And provides food for her household, 
      And a portion for her maidservants. 
       ¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it; 
      From her profits she plants a vineyard. 
       ¹⁷ She girds herself with strength, 
      And strengthens her arms. 
       ¹⁸ She perceives that her merchandise is good, 
      And her lamp does not go out by night. 
       ¹⁹ She stretches out her hands to the distaff, 
      And her hand holds the spindle. 
       ²⁰ She extends her hand to the poor, 
      Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. 
       ²¹ She is not afraid of snow for her household, 
      For all her household is clothed with scarlet. 
       ²² She makes tapestry for herself; 
      Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 
       ²³ Her husband is known in the gates, 
      When he sits among the elders of the land. 
       ²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
      And supplies sashes for the merchants. 
       ²⁵ Strength and honor are her clothing; 
      She shall rejoice in time to come. 
       ²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom, 
      And on her tongue is the law of kindness. 
       ²⁷ She watches over the ways of her household, 
      And does not eat the bread of idleness. 
       ²⁸ Her children rise up and call her blessed; 
      Her husband also, and he praises her: 
       ²⁹ “ Many daughters have done well, 
      But you excel them all.” 
       ³⁰ Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, 
      But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. 
       ³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands, 
      And let her own works praise her in the gates.

And the challenge?!  To blog everyday for 31 days.  I'm in.  Starting tomorrow!  Tonight, after an amazing meal with friends and a new card game (Played 'Golf' before - so fun!), my bed is calling.  But, having read Proverbs 31 numerous times and been inspired, challenged and slightly intimidated by this amazing woman of God, I can't resist this challenge.

THE LIST:
Day 1.  What does beauty mean to you?
Day 2.  What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3.  Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?
Day 4.  Style 31.  Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 5.  Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.
Day 6.  Jaded beauty.  Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?
Day 7.  Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.
Day 8.  Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)?  Share, please!
Day 9.  What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10.  What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)
Day 11.  Post a recipe.  Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12.  Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13.  Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.
Day 14.  Style 31.  Post an outfit pic!
Day 15.  Write to encourage a friend.  Inspire her beauty.
Day 16.  Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life.  Tell her what beauty means.
Day 17.  Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18.  Describe your personality.
Day 19.  Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)
Day 20.  Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.  
Day 21.  Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband.)
Day 22.  What are some needs that need to be met in your community?  Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.
Day 23.  What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses?
Day 24.  What is Jesus teaching you presently?
Day 25.  Style 31.  Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26.  What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27.  Write a blog to encourage someone and build their confidence!
Day 28.  Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29.  Write about "a day in the life of me."  (Pics are great!)
Day 30.  Who is your role model as a woman?
Day 31.  Write about your dreams and goals as a beautiful woman!
another blog.