LOVE

Check out this sweet snap I came across when tidying up some files from 2010 of my friend's (now) 5 year old, and their 3 week old newbie.

Perfection in brotherly form!

TIME AWAY FROM THE SCREEN

Hey you. Yes YOU! How are you doing today? I'm so freaking excited to see you here :)

I've been taking some time away from the key board. I've played in the ocean, basked in the sunshine, drank wine, detoxed from drinking wine, spent time with family, friends, my finance and our gorgeous son. I hope you've been doing the same.

I just wanted to let you know that I'm back. 2011 is the year to make things happen. In life. At work. Everyday. So what are you going to do this year?

RAW, UNTOUCHED - NATURE NATURALLY

When I was little my Mother said to me, "Ain't Mother Nature something? You can choose to look or not. She doesn't care. She just puts her best foot forward and then does it all over again tomorrow." Mum, this one's for you. Completely, and utterly untouched (except for the logo. It would be a bit Narcissistic to think that might hover in the sky).

DID YOU MISS ME?

Lordy, Lordy...It feels like only yesterday I was tapping out for a few days. A lot can happen in that time. My "surprise" get-a-way (which for those of you interested, was Rotorua) feels like ages ago, but more on that later. 

Most importantly, Merry Christmas :) 

For those of you reading this from the Northern Hemisphere I hope you had a spectacular White Christmas, wrapped up snug in the company of good friends and family. Experiencing the joy of a White Christmas is on my bucket list, although many people assure me it's a bit wetter and colder than the Christmas cards depict. For those of you in the sunny Southern Hemisphere I hope you made it to the beach :) We did, although it was an effort to roll ourselves off the couch after all the food we "forced" down. 

More updates soon, but for now here's an over-the-shoulder pic of the Munchie trialling the backpack. Awesome.

TAPPING OUT FOR A FEW DAYS

I've just woken up and been told to pack. We're heading away for a few days. I've got no idea where. I have a love/hate relationship with surprises, so I'm off to pack. I don't think there's internet where we'll be headed so wish me luck and i'll make sure to take lots of pretty pictures while I'm away for you to look at.

Check out the chunky monkey this morning. Sure loves his Marmite toast.

Stay safe and I'll catch you soon. 

Jacq 

x

WHEN IN DOUBT...BUY THEM YOURSELF!

I love Scott. Scott is an Engineer. Scott is an Engineer in the Military. Military + Engineer = Zero romance factor. This does not mean he's not a fantastic partner or father. It simply means that the significance of a bunch of Hydrangea's in full bloom is entirely lost on him (after all "flower's die Jacq, why would I give you something that was going to die?"). So here's some flowers I filched from my neighbours garden down the road. Thanks neighbourino, i'll be back for more later!

WHERE'S MY PIXMA?

If you're reading this from NZ no doubt you've seen the Canon Pixmar - Clive Aged Five commercial. Will and I did some finger painting of our own today for some presents. Check out this creation by Will Aged Six (Months)...now if only I had a Pixma.

A VERY MERRY GENTLEMAN'S CLUB

I just HAD to share this picture I took of our coffee group babies. I hope you like it as much as I do!!! 

More to come....for now this is the gentleman's club (From L - R: Jai, Kody, Harrison, Kip & Will)

PS - Check out Kip's thumbs up. What a rad little dude!

IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS TODAY YOU'RE IN FOR A BIG SURPRISE

As a girl that grew up in rural New Zealand (and once upon a time Warkworth WAS considered rural New Zealand), the city was my mecca. It was bright, busy and most importantly didn't shut up shop at 5pm. In short it was everything the country was not. To cut a long story short, I've had the good fortune of living in and visiting a number of big cities throughout the world over the past 8 years but my heart belongs to the country. The purpose of this ramble is to introduce my lovely friends Sarah & Mat and their gorgeous daughter Maddison who I had the good fortune of photographing today. We relaxed by the pond on their beautiful property, laughed and broke hammocks. Thanks team, it was absolutely fantastic!!

WELCOME TO MY WORLD

I had the pleasure of taking pictures of this little gentleman yesterday morning. James, is nearly two weeks old and was practically perfect in every way. He slept more or less from beginning to end, waking only to give us some great family shots. More to come on this one but I had to share this gorgeous snap. Thanks for having me along guys!!

THIS LITTLE PIGGY'S GETTING MARRIED TOMORROW!!!

This is my beautiful friend Sacha who is getting married TOMORROW!! 

When I first met Sacha her wedding date was this mythical day way off in the future. Don't you love it when time goes and sneaks up on you?! We celebrated her Hen's night in style yesterday, and given how she rocks the cream-come-neon pink creation we put her in, I just know she will make the most stunning bride. 

To my dear friends Sacha and Nathan, may you share everything with one another....including the housework ;)

THE ACE OF CAKES

Check out my very talented friend Mrs Kelly Butler (sorry she only got married 3 weeks ago so it's still novel), who has just founded Kelly's Cakes - creative cakes for any occasion. She's entered the blog world and is open for business. 

The site is being built so bear with her but I can personally vouch for her delectable creations (they are responsible for at least 2 of the 3 kilos I have left to lose ;) ). So if you're in the Auckland area and need a perfect cake for your perfect occasion check her out at http://kellyscakesnz.blogspot.com.

 

GIVE ME WINGS AND I WILL FLY

I snapped this fella at Butterfly Creek today, thought I would share it with you. On that note what a great place to take kids! If you're ever flying in to Auckland, or just in the area I highly recommend checking it out, it's right beside the Airport http://www.butterflycreek.co.nz/

OUR DARKEST HOUR

I felt compelled to write something tonight.

Since last Friday, 29 West Coast coal miners have been trapped underground following a gas explosion. We didn't know if they were dead or alive, but we hoped. New Zealand stood shoulder to shoulder with these families and we hoped with every fiber of our beings that they would be found. Bruised and muddy. Shaken up. Alive. 

This afternoon a second, larger explosion extinguished all hope that even one of these men would walk out of that mine. 

I didn't know these individuals or their families, but my heart aches for their loss. Tonight I lit a candle (of the electronic variety) that will stay here glowing, and will never extinguish as a tribute to these men, and the families and communities they have left behind.

Wherever you are reading this from, I hope you have a safe and happy life! 

x

TO MY SON - IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

To my Son. One day you will be a big boy. One day you will look back at this picture, shake your head and wonder what on earth I was thinking. One day I will have absolutely no control over what you wear. Right now you are a little boy. Right now Mummy gets to pick the clothing. Merry "First" Christmas William. All our love Mum and Dad xoxox

STAY RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE...DON'T MOVE AN INCH

Ahhh Summer...where have you been all my life? I'm not sure whether it's a first time parent thing, or that for the first time since I was 4 that I actually have nothing better to do than go to the park and play but this year Summer seems extra magical. I have every intention of enjoying every single last drop of this golden weather, because like  everything in life, all good things must come to an end. I've almost reached the half way mark of my parental leave and all too soon will be heading back to work. But for now it's just me...Scott...my friends...my little man...and my camera! Bring it on.

Here's some pictures from life lately:

In short:

1) My friend Robyn's dog Mabel relaxing with us at a BBQ

2) My gorgeous friend Tina & her son Ollie

3) A few snaps of Ollie & Tina

4) Elsbeth the monkey

5) Caitlyn...the brownie monster

6) Eddie the swing king

7) Edward "butter wouldn't melt in my mouth" Barrack

8) Mr Will-I-Am

9) A self taken Will & Me pic...I want his eye lashes!!!

MY LITTLE SURFER BOY

Check out these gorgeous snaps of my friend Luana and her beautiful wee man Jai. Talk about camera naturals! Luana even tried to tell me that she didn't take a good photo...yeah right! 

Next time we'll leave the kiddie-winks at home and hit the surf my dear!!

DA DA DUUUUMMMMM

Just a quickie to apologise for the lack of posts. Scott Someone blew our internet cap so it's my worst nightmare come true...dial up internet speed! In fairness dial-up is still faster than running down to the library and checking out an encyclopedia (and I'm fairly confident that even the most up to date encyclopedia is unlikely to contain a plot synopsis for heroes).


Hoping to post some more pics soon - hope you're having a WONDERFUL WEEK :)

Jacq

FUN WITH THE MEADS

Helen, I had to post some sneak peaks for you quick smart. I really hope you like them. 

Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting the Mead family, and taking some family snapshots in their home. Thank you so much for having me along guys. The love between siblings always blows me away. Stanley was such a doting older brother, I love the picture where he's looking at Harper. Bliss!!

Check out the amazing mobile in Harpers room, isn't it glorious?!

YOU CAN TAKE THE GIRL OUT OF THE COUNTRY, BUT YOU CAN'T TAKE THE COUNTRY OUT OF THE GIRL

My favourite place in the whole wide world is the Airport. It's a little cliché, it's a little cheezy and to me it's 100% awesome. As a family of 5 international travel was a little out of our price range, however as a special treat Mum & Dad would load us kids into the Corolla and take us to the Airport (in the same way you might take kids to the zoo). Thus the Airport took on a somewhat magical quality with people coming and going never to be seen again...and I got McDonalds (not every story in life needs a moral).

I suppose it's only fitting that 20 years later I'm getting ready to marry an Airforce Officer, and get to live beside an Airforce base where I can plane spot to my hearts content. The point of this waffle is really just to say that living in Whenuapai is the bees-knees. 

Enjoy :)