In the bath

Dear Maisie, I got a sudden urge to clean the entire house at 11:00 at night tonight. As I was scrubbing the bath, I couldn't help but notice the rainbow of foam letters stuck all over the walls. "O" you say. You pick up every letter and say "O", and we clap and smile and tell you that you are brilliant. I was putting away all of your bath toys and thinking about your small but quick fingers figuring out how to pick them up and stick them on the wall. "O". You are saying so many things. "Daddy wuurk". "hockey" "Uncoooo" for Uncle, although, when you see him, you just yell "Digsy". You refuse to try and say Frank, or Franko. You are attempting words like "blackberries" and "grapes" and pretty much anything else. You've been dancing. Auntie and Grandma crank up "Black horse and a cherry tree" and you are stomping your feet and twirling and so excited for the part in the song when you can start singing "noooo noooo nooo no no no no" with the song.

To me...your face is perfection, your eyes seem more and more familiar to me every day, and your smile melts my heart. You spend hours looking at and reading all of your books. I would say they are your favorite toy. Yes, books are toys. The very best kind of toys. Your heart is pure. You are magic. When you come in for a hug, everything else falls away. "O" you say and point at the S. Yup... "O" I reply.

Our bath is clean tonight, and quiet... but filled with you my girl. Our whole world is. You are precious. A rare treasure. Tonight, even scrubbing the bath, I feel lucky.

Love you girlfriend, oxxo mom.

Theresa and Nathan

You would love them if you met them. They ooze sweetness, honesty and love. She was overwhelmed with emotions... "I'm not a crier" she said. The sun was shining, the families were glowing with happiness and the venue... perfect. Time was tight nearing the end of our time together and I asked Nathan "boats or beach". "Boats" he said without hesitation "I'm a prairie boy... boats". So down to the marina we went. Such a beautiful couple. Such a perfect day. I am honored, always. Flowers: AMAZING Amy @ the Willows Market Ceremony Venue: Haig Brown House Reception Venue: Maritime Heritage Center

Sole and Dan

She stepped out of the limo and literally took my breath away. Surrounded by her warm and loving bridesmaids, she just glowed. Her beautiful mom walking towards us, with tears of love gleaming in her eyes. Sole still seemingly unsure of herself and insisting she wasn't photogenic. Me... beyond thrilled to be a part of the magic.

When you've known a family for as long as I've known this one... you completely "get" it. You know to not pay too much attention to little Juvio at first, because he gets overwhelmed and a bit shy. You know that all it takes for Sole to loosen up and be more comfortable in front of the camera is to tell her to shake those little Chilean hips. You know that it will be incredibly important to the amazing Auntie (Tia) Sole to have images with her beautiful nieces and nephews. You know that it will be your main job to ensure that her father doesn't hijack the photo session. It was all incredible. I had many silent tears drip down my cheeks seeing Sole so happy, seeing Dan full of anticipation. Seeing them both in love, so young, so vibrant, so full of life... getting married, in front of Hatley Castle. It's the sort of thing, dreams are made of.

May your lives be full of joy, adventure and endless blessings. So much love to you both. ox

Jacquie and Pat

Jacquies father spoke about having moments in his life "flashes" that he would always remember. Rocking his baby girl, sun streaming in at a 45 degree angle, walking her down the isle, blue skies set above the people who love them dearly. I believe that those moments are treasures. This wedding was full of treasures. Not only the perfect Jimmy Choo sparkly shoes, or the Tiffany's necklaces, but treasures that have true and profound value. Their August 6 wedding was incredibly meant to be. Everything was beautiful, memorable and infused with love.

They waited 12 years to get married, and they arrived at their wedding full of stories, full of life and swimming with love. There is so much you could say about Jacquie and Pat, but I feel the looks on the faces of those they love and cherish most... say it best. They are loved.

Jacquie is described as being an amazing healer, working as a nurse with children who need her. Pat can make even the most stern face... burst into laughter. I think everyone who was a part of their wedding, and is a part of their lives, know how valuable and emotional their wedding memories are, and will be forever. A true testament to living life presently, in each moment and savoring every delicate, fleeting instant as it happens. When you live with intention and love, your moments will all be treasures.

May you both be surrounded by life's blessings always, and may the universe wrap it's expansive and warm arms around you always, but especially right now. I am forever humbled and honored to have been a part of something so beautiful. In loving memory of June Hole. In Jacquie's words... "She was an incredible woman. She would do anything and give anything to anyone. Her spirit is unmatched. " Savor each fleeting moment.