Today is Avery’s birthday.

She is thirteen…..a teenager!

Av is the helper in the family, anyone needs help she is usually right there!

She loves to bake!

I thought she would grow up and be a chef, she wants to be a doctor……….

She wants to work with Doctors without borders.

She is a giver, not one to complain much.

She has the best giggle ever!

That’s actually what we did this morning. I woke her up and we laid in her bed giggling, probably too long, should of been up doing this and that. but didn’t. my girl turned 13 today, time is flying, I am going to enjoy every giggle and snuggle.

Happy Birthday Avery!  Keep dreaming big, you can accomplish anything if you throw your heart into it!

You can change the world, you go babe!  xoxoxoxo

Our “My Mom Rocks” Contest had an incredible amount of nominations! It is so fantastic to see all the respect and love everyone has for their Momma’s.

Weeks ago when the contest started, I had an entry the very first day…. I sat down at night to read it…. here it is….

“My mom is AWESOME!
She is such a kind person, she is very creative & loves to help other people.
She constantly has a smile on her face. She makes the best out of every situation. She is always there for my sisters & I. My mom drives my sisters & I to dance 6 days a week without complaints, she makes sure we are always happy & having fun. My mom has a great sense of humor & can always cheer me up. My mom really is a “super mom” When i’m older i hope i can be just as awesome as her.”

I few sentences triggered some familiarity in my life. So I scrolled down to see the person who submitted the nomination, was Shelby, my oldest daughter.  She nominated me!! Obviously I cant’ win, but I will tell you. It is totally these little moments that confirm whatever I am doing, I am doing something right. lol 2 of my girls are teenagers and living a rollercoaster of emotions, , It is nice to read this and yes they do appreciate our effort, time, awwwe  they really do love me! lol

Anyways enough of my very proud mommy moment (I could share my mother’s day cards but I will leave that for another time).  Choosing a winner for the contest was hard, very hard!  I ended up recruiting some family & friends to read the entries and help decide.

We are so very excited to announce the winner is      ”Rochelle VanDerwater” and she was nominated by her daughter.

We are really looking forward to scheduling this special family portait session with this family!  Happy Monday everyone!!!!

You see this girl……

It is her birthday,
and there are a few birthday’s that rock my world.
this is one of them.
my introduction to motherhood.
my amazing first born.
the leader of my pack.

she is turning “14″ today. Getting ready to graduate public school.

this is a girl with big dreams, great determination and a heart of gold.

Keep your eye on her, she is going to soar!

I am so very proud to be her mama!

Happy Birthday Shelb, i am honour to watch you grow and shine. Follow your dreams, never settle and go change the world!
I am so proud of you. oxoxoxo

With my oldest getting ready to graduate grade 8. I realized I have been making lunches for 10 years!!

The dreaded job of making school lunches! The excitement for summer holidays ~ a break from making lunches. Each week trying to think of new and exciting heathly snacks for lunches.

Well Jamie Schultz from www.thislunchrox.com is helping our house have yummy, fun healthy lunches! So I thought I would share her website with all of you!

So go check out Jaime’s website and let us know what you make!

“My Mom Rocks!” Mother’s day Portrait contest.

We want you to tell us why your mom rocks!

This Mother’s Day ~ give your mom a gift that will be cherished for years to come.

Tell Julie Rhodes Photograhy why “My Mom Rocks!” Nominate your mom and tell us why she deserves to win a family portrait session!! Get mom out from behind the camera and in the portraits on the wall!

Click on the link “My Mom Rocks” and fill out the form to nominate your Mom!

Contest Details:
1. WHO: Open to anyone with a mom. You may enter on behalf of a child to young to write, just enter that info in the required spot on the form.

2. HOW: Use our form and write alittle about why your mom rocks. Please limit your entries to 500 words so the judges won’t have a hard time.;) You will receive an email confirming your entry has been received within 24 hours of submitting.

3. WHEN: All entries must be submitted by 11:59pm, Sunday, April 24, 2011.
and the winner will be announced right here on Mother’s day, Sunday, May 8, 2011

The winner will get a FREE on location family portrait session and a $100 portrait credit. The portrait session must take place by August 1, 2011 and within Chatham Kent.

4. QUESTIONS? If you have any questions, please email us at julie@julierhodesphotography.com

Finally the snow is gone, and spring is fast approaching! Little bits of green are popping up all over the place.
I can’t wait to feel the warm sunshine!

It’s time to start thinking about your Spring Portraits!