There is something about gratitude that is transforming. There is something about gratitude that multiplies our hope. There is something about gratitude that shifts our perspective from ‘what we don’t have’ to what we do. It is almost like when we start saying what we are thankful for and when we start seeing the beauty in our lives, we can’t stop. Suddenly, it is everywhere we go.

Life is one of the greatest gifts and the future can be one of the biggest distractions from our today. Whether we are dreaming or worrying, if we let it, those things can steal from the moment that God has given us right here, right now. And in these now moments are treasure to be discovered. This is where life happens. Here are seven simple reminders that can pull you into your today.

Family photos are truly timeless and such a great keepsake for future generations.  Getting the family together to take those perfect portraits can turn into chaos if not approached correctly. There is usually a lot more to consider when it comes to a family photoshoot since there are members of all ages, which means that there is some extra coordination involved.

There is something about fall that feels like a new beginning, that makes us come alive a little more. One of the incredible things about what I do is being able to go on location. I have had the most amazing experiences with families, whether we are running through a field, walking down a path or dipping our feet in the cool lake water, it is a beautiful thing to see families come alive in how they interact with one another, how they are in their very element.

We live in this culture of “get it done” and “do it fast.” We hustle and run through our days while our to-do lists outstretch our minutes and our days become like flurries. Have you felt it? Do you know it? Do you know the pressure to be all things to all people? And have you felt the fast-paced busyness of life get heavy on your soul?

They say you sound more friendly on the phone if you smile when you answer, and that you’re more approachable with a smile. In today’s world, it is so easy to rush, reaching to cross the next thing off the checklist that it is easy to forget the little things. It is so easy to even forget the joy of a smile. When you’re with your kids, when your husband comes home from a long day, when you feel frustrated, when nothing seems to be going right; just try to smile. 

Family is likely one of the most powerful forces in the entire world. And there are things about it that make it that way. Though for each of us, family is different; it is still home, it is  a place to belong and it is that place where we fit in perfectly.Family is knowing that no one could ever take your place. It is that spot where you are completely irreplaceable. It is that sweet place where you belong in all of your heart and personality and spunk; where you get to be unashamedly yourself every single day.

In everything we do, we are creating legacy. In everything we do, we are writing a message.Guaranteed, there will be days where we don’t feel that, but how we live our lives and the priorities we make create a declaration to the world. It's a message that declares what we believe to be valuable, what we believe to be true and what we believe to be precious. It is filled with our stories and our courage and those subtle nudges of advice; how we would do things just a little bit different.

Local businesses are a big part of what make the Niagara Region an amazing place to live. I love driving through town and seeing which shops have updated their window displays and take great care of their buildings. There is so much available to us.What we often don't see is the many businesses that are within people's homes. The shops handcrafting baby toys, clothes and so much more. Kaitlin's K Kraft Handmade Children's Items is one of them, and here's a bit about her.

Every year I get in front of a camera lens. I do this for many reasons. I having my family documented and the connections we have to each other, I love to compare the portraits and see how much my children are growing.

What does happiness mean to you? Maybe it's pay day. Maybe it is when all your kids are at home. Maybe when you’re sitting with your husband on the couch after a long day. To you, maybe happiness is a good conversation. Maybe it is doing something you love…

When it comes to photographing in your home, there are endless possibilities. Every room has it's own unique qualities and unless there are no windows at all, you can utilize the natural light in those spaces.