Moments – Page 2 – ALLYSON ELL PHOTOGRAPHY

June 25, 2015

Letters to my Littles: June

Welcome to my monthly Letter to my Littles. After you enjoy my letter please continue on through our blog circle to see what my wonderful friend Melissa has written to her littles here. Keep reading through the circle – it’s a wonderful glimpse of motherhood from various corners of the world. This month is dedicated to my oldest little one.

Dear Caleb,

This month I am celebrating you and the things that make you an amazing kid. It’s so hard to believe this little squishy here…

,,, is now this kid here…

Today is your last day of grade four… in September you will be in your last year of elementary school. How in the world did this happen so fast? You celebrated your tenth birthday this month. I can’t believe it has been a decade since you made me a mom – the most incredible title I could ever be given. The time has gone by so fast.

You are still my sweet little boy yet you have matured into the incredibly caring, empathetic, kind soul. These last few weeks especially, you have shown maturity and bravery that has made me gasp. A few days after your birthday, your great-grandma – my grandma, our poh-poh – lost her battle with cancer. She passed away only a few minutes after you kissed her goodbye. As the oldest great-grandchild, the two of you had a very special relationship. She was so proud of everything you did. She loved having a part in your growing up. For four years she took care of you a few days a week while I was at work. And you have grown to love our Sunday dinners at her house as much as I do.

But I think what she would be most proud of, is that you volunteered to speak at her service. You wrote a little speech and you read it out in front of everyone. You spoke with such clarity and warmth about what you loved about poh-poh, and how you are going to miss her. Watching you deal with her death has shown me how much you have grown up. How emotionally mature you have become. Through your own tears, you have brought me so much comfort. You offer me hugs and have done your best to help all of us. I’m so proud of you. Great-grandpa is proud of you. Poh-poh is so proud of you. You are an incredible boy.

Are you sure you are only ten?

Ten has brought some big responsibilities. You have trained to be a lunch monitor at school next year. Ten is also the age that your dad and I felt that you were mature enough to have your own ipod touch. I love the texts you send me when you are connected to wifi.

You are loving being a Cub Scout, and have finished your second year of Cubs with an armload of badges. You are ready to take on a leadership role in your final Cub year. I love how much it has helped you become more confident.

You had a Minecraft Wild Play birthday party this year. I chicken out at Wildplay. But you… you were up in those trees ziplining with your friends, running across plank bridges and climbing ropes. It’s hard to believe in the first five years of your life we had to work so hard at physiotherapy and occupational therapy to get you learning how to move your body through your environment without falling into things. You used to be so scared to try things. Now you are confident and adventurous.

You have a real zest for life right now. You love to read and will read to me at bedtime. Years ago we struggled to get you talking. It’s amazing to hear you read passages from Harry Potter to your dad; and hear you chat about Diary of a Whimpy Kid or the Origami Yoda books. You are always reading these days. You are also doing incredible artwork. Your teacher has been so impressed with you. In fact she said it best in her write up to you in the school yearbook: ” You have the force in you Caleb”. Indeed you do – the force is strong in you. It is helping to lead you to do so many good things for yourself and others.

It has been my honor to watch you grow up these last 10 years. I am looking forward to the bitter-sweetness of the next ten years. No matter what you will always be my squishy. The one who cuddles with me, rubs my back and tries to make things right and fair in the world. You are a wonderful son, a patient brother, a loving grandson and great-grandson, and a true leader to your little cousins.

I love you Caleb! I will always be your biggest supporter, your loudest cheerleader… I will always be your mom.

Love,
Mom
xo xo xo xo xo xo xo xo xo xo

May 25, 2015

Letters to my Littles | May

Welcome to my monthly Letter to my Littles. After you enjoy my letter please continue on through our blog circle to see what my wonderful friend Allie has written to her littles here. Keep reading through the circle – it’s a wonderful glimpse of motherhood from various corners of the world.

Dear Caleb & Liam,

It’s been a very busy month for us all! But we’ve had some great family time together.

Now that the weather is nicer, we are embracing the outdoors. We have gone on a fabulous, and also harder hike through part of the Finlayson Arm trail. You were both troopers!

We have also enjoyed going for more family walks. This sometimes involves food trucks and almost always involves ice cream!

Caleb you and Dad went to Minecraft Wolf Howl camp with all the Cub Scout troops. I love that you are really into cub scouts now, and that you are working hard to earn your badges and to learn. It’s been so great to watch you and dad do something together that you both enjoy. You are off on one more camping adventure this weekend – and it requires a 40 minute hike to and from the beach you will be sleeping on. You are so excited to do it.

Dad and I went to see U2 in concert in Vancouver. You two spent the night with grandma and grandpa. While we were gone we did a trip to Ikea and finally bought you a proper bed Liam. It was a group effort from all you boys to follow the pictoral instructions and get it assembled. At first you were just really wanting the boxes to build forts with, but then you loved your new bed.

Both of you are also back into swimming lessons and you are both loving it. You are both so active now – the bikes and scooters are still always going. The climbing and “parkour” has also begun.

Caleb you balance your physical activity, screen time and socializing well. You are also super into reading right now – and I will often catch you will a book under the dining room table or while you are supposed to be cleaning your room! You are also really into art – and I find origami, drawings and doodles everywhere. You make my heart smile with the beautiful cards you made for Mother’s day. You made Poh-Poh’s extra special.

Liam we are going for your kindergarten orientation in a few days. I’m still in awe of the wonderful, inquisitive and charming little boy you have become.

Thank you both for making me smile all the time. I love how much we laugh together. The two of you bring you dad and I such joy. I can never thank you enough for that. You remind me to slow down, to enjoy the little things and to make time to play each day.

mothers day

Love,
Mama
XO XO

April 25, 2015

Letters to My Littles | April

Welcome to my monthly Letter to my Littles. After you enjoy my letter please continue on through our blog circle to see what my talented friend Christine has written to her littles here. Keep reading through the circle – it’s a wonderful glimpse of motherhood from various corners of the world.

This month’s letter is dedicated to my little Liam Bean.

Dear Liam,

I’m not sure how it happened so quickly, but you are now five… five!!! That’s one whole hand. How did you go from this sweet face…

…to this one so quickly?

You are so full of life! You have a joy and mannerisms that people gravitate too. You have become this kind, compassionate little boy. Recently you had a trip to the ER after having a bad reaction coming off your asthma medications. When you got a sticker, you asked the nurse for an extra one to bring home to your big brother.

Your life has been quite an adventure. You started out so sick with reflux as a baby. Then you had such a bad respiratory illness at a year old, it has done some permanent damage to those lungs of your’s. You now require seasonal inhalers. You are also one of those kids who is deathly allergic to peanuts – you manage this so well. You are so good at reminding others about your allergy and checking in with grown-ups before you eat anything. It breaks my heart to see how sad you get sometimes when you can’t have the cookie or ice cream at a party. But you very seldom complain. You are my tough kid. And my little kid. The steroids for your lungs, and likely the cream for your eczema, have stunted your growth a little – you are in the 3rd percentile for weight and height, and have low iron levels. So you truly are my little bean. But you don’t let your size stop you from trying everything!

For your birthday you asked for a bike – and you are so excited to now graduate from your strider to a pedal bike with handbrakes! I know that you are going to get the hang of this bike in no time!

It is such fun being your mama and watching all the wonderful things you do. It magic for me to see the happiness you have in everyday moments, the wonder as you discover things about the world, and the connections you make with people in your life.

My birthday wish for you is that you will always go through live with your positive, energetic and caring attitude.

You are going to go far my sweet little Liam Bean. You were born with such tenacity. Your first five years have been incredible. I know the next five and beyond will be amazing.

I love you – for always!

Love,
Mama

XO XO XO XO XO

March 25, 2015

Letter to my Littles | March

Dear Caleb and Liam,

March has certainly been a busy month for us. Spring has arrived and with it, spring break – which this year was 2 whole weeks off of school. (Liam you did not get 2 weeks off from daycare, much to your annoyance!) We have really been trying to focus on spending more family time together – unplugging and enjoying new places or exploring the great outdoors.

We took another trip up to “the mansion” at Morningside Estate with Poh-Poh and everyone. It was nice to have some quality time with you Liam- we went exploring, tried to catch a humpback whale and find the koala bears and pandas that you swore were roaming in the area. We also snuggled together at the campfire and roasted marshmallows together. And Caleb you caught 16 fish! You got to fish with great-grandpa and it sure made him happy (even though he didn’t catch anything!) We got to eat the lingcod you caught for dinner. It was delicious! I’m so happy you both ate it. How fantastic is it that we made dinner from something you caught Caleb!

We have been trying to make use of Daylight Savings time. It is wonderful to come home after work, school and daycare, and have it still be light out. We have been trying to go for walks or scooter rides.

During the first week of spring break, I took a few days off work and we kept you home from daycare a few days Liam. The three of us went and had a picnic together at Beacon Hill Park. I discovered that you are officially the duck whisperer Caleb. You called out to the ducks and they all crossed the street and came over to stare at us. It was pretty awesome! Then we went to visit the goats at the petting zoo, and had a run through the cherry blossoms before finishing up at the playground.

Caleb, you and I had some quality time together on our Mommy-Caleb day. We don’t get these very often. We went to the library, had lunch together, and then went for a walk through Sea Bluff loop. We did some photography together. You are slowly learning how to compose and set up your shots. I love how much you want to learn photography.

The three of us had one more special day together. We went out for Mexican food – which you both loved. Then went to the Lego exhibit at the Sidney Museum. Of course all you wanted to do Liam was play with the duplo. Caleb, you were all over the scavenger hunt, and pointing out every Lego Star Wars set you were hoping to one day own. I think we have enough Lego to start our own exhibit!

photo (37)

We then stopped at the book store and toy store where you each got to spend your money on a few things. Liam you insisted on getting one of those grabber toys. You then proudly used it to pick up all the fancy rocks and pieces of sea glass from Sea Glass beach. We finished this day with a walk along the pier, and of course an iphone selfie!

photo (38)

I am so glad I got to take a few days away from work to spend with you boys. I know it’s hard to have a mom and dad who have to go to work everyday. If I could pick you up from school every day Caleb, I would. If we could spend your finally year before Kindergarten together, Liam, I would be with you everyday. But the reality is, mom and dad have to work for all the things we have – our house, our car, and all the things inside. We want to give you both the best lives possible. So although we don’t get as much time together as we would like – I’m happy the time we have a good times, fun times, quality time!

I love you both!

Love,
Mama
XO XO

February 25, 2015

The Q Family | Day in the Life | Victoria BC Lifestyle Photography

In the fall I had the pleasure of photographing the Q family – in their home, with the kids doing what they loved: playing with their trains, jumping on the bed, snuggling with their parents and walking around outside. What made this session wonderful for me was that the kids were relaxed, and the smiles were real. Mom and dad really love these boys, and the love they have for these two really shows. The love they have for each other shows too. I hope when they look back on these images, they remember how fun their kids were at the ages of 2 and 4, and despite the hard times, the busy schedules, the long list of appointments, and the stress of being working parents – they were also four people who love one another, love to play together, and love to laugh together. Thanks for sharing a morning with me Q family.

I’d love to capture your family this way too. If you are interested in booking a family playtime session or a day in the life of us session please contact me. I’d love to help you showcase the love you share with your family in your everyday moments.

February 10, 2015

Life in Black and White | February

Once again I am participating this year in my Life in Black and White blog circle with an amazing group of photographers. After looking at my post please following along in the circle to my friend Pamela’s blog post for a glimpse into her monochromatic life.

This past weekend my boys learned some fishing tips from their great uncle. They had a great time out on the water, and my oldest even caught a ling-cod. I’m so glad they get a chance to have this connection with their extended family. (More photos from the family day weekend to come).

December 9, 2014

Life in Black & White | December

It’s hard to believe we have reached the end of the year already and December is upon us. This December is different from last year… we’ve recently lost a loved one, and will be losing another in too short of a time. So this year we are trying to cherish each moment even more. In many ways, though, this December has been much like the others. We have our family traditions that we do, and our holiday routines. As I have gotten older and become a mother, I have learned to really appreciate the significance of tradition. This year my children seem to really value and appreciate it too. And while we may see the same Santa at breakfast each year, and my children will always order the same things for breakfast, there are so many other little details that I can see within the sameness. Each year, I will see my children physically growing bigger. I will watch their mannerisms as they eat – how they start to refine their grip on their forks, how they sip their drinks, how they order their meals. I will watch as the magic gets questioned, as they seek to find the truth and hold on to belief. And I will watch as they bicker and bug each other. As they try to push in each other’s photos and compete for our attention. But I know that my children watch too. They watch how we do things, and remind me when I forget things. They tell me about the traditions they find important. They remind me that these traditions are creating lasting memories that they love to share with others, and that they will grow up to cherish as much as I do.

Thanks for following the Black and White blog circle with me this year. I have truly enjoyed it.

Please follow the circle to Jennifer’s post.

October 14, 2014

Thankful | Life in Black & White | October

It’s time for another glimpse of my life in black and white. Since yesterday was Thanksgiving, I decided to share about how thankful I am for the life I have. The last two years have not been easy. Our family has faced the loss of life, life changing illness, mental health problems, marital issues, job loss, and a car accident. There are times where my husband and I have hit rock bottom, sometimes individually and sometimes together. But through out it all we have managed to hold on. The ability to support one another, and to gain strength from one another is something we work hard at. I am so grateful to have the love and support of my husband, and my whole external family network. But mostly I am grateful for my children. They have been the light and joy in my life that reminds of all the good there is in the world. Their smiles, hugs and innocent view of the world, has kept me grounded and helped me to survive being an adult. They remind me daily to slow down and focus on the little joys of everyday moments. And throughout all the stresses, they have remained calm, happy and loving.

I am thankful that they have sat patiently and offered love during a few too many hospital visits to see family:

I am thankful that they have have given me hugs and wiped away my tears as we remember the little brother or sister that they lost. My four year old even offered his loving and gentle perspective on life when he and I recently visited the Little Spirits Memorial Gardens to remember his lost sibling:

I am thankful at the maturity my oldest has shown as he has persevered through missing a month of schooling. Now that grade four has officially started for him, he has taken on his studies with such a quest for knowledge and eagerness to learn:

I am thankful for the way my youngest keeps us laughing with his wonderful personality. No matter what happens he is the one we can rely on to make us smile:

I am thankful to be a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, a friend, a documenter of all the things that make up our life. I am thankful that I am reminded daily by my boys to stop, pause, breathe and just be.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Please follow the circle to Vanessa’s post.

September 3, 2014

Embrace. Life. Moments. | Victoria Storytelling Photographer

Dish duty – Liam, age 4… also known as the day he spent 40 minutes happily scrubbing out silcone muffins liners, plastic containers and my French Press until they were all super extra clean (along with his shirt and the floor!) He was so proud of the work he had done. I was proud that he had learned a few life skills. My husband was happy he didn’t break our coffee pot. His big brother was happy he had 40 minutes of uninterrupted time. Mostly, I realized how much my baby was growing up, and becoming a contributing member of the family. He is on the bridge between young child and independent boy, and time seems to be moving at increasing fast intervals. I can’t stop time, but for a millisecond I can freeze it into a thought-provoking, life embracing moment that I can look at and revisit over and over, and we can all remember those 40 minutes.

week5

During the last several months I have been on a journey to take my photography to the next level. As I gain a deeper technical skill set, I’m also working on deepening the meaning behind my photography on a personal level. I don’t want to just capture smiles in my photos – I want the smiles I get to be from looking at the moments I capture. I want show a glimpse at my life now, so when I look back I can transport myself right back to that moment, those feelings, those sounds and smells, and emotions.

I also want to do this for you. If you are interested in having personal, meaningful, memorable moments of your life preserved – send me an email. squishy.prints@gmail.com I want to tell your story.