Well I am one month into my B.I.G Project and so thought I would collate my daily iPhone photo’s into one image to commemorate the first month. I have really really enjoyed doing this, and am looking forward to seeing what this next month has in store. It really is amazing to be reminded of how much we have to be thankful and grateful for.

For those who aren’t sure exactly what this little project is about – here is a link to the first post which explains it all: http://sharonmallin.posterous.com/inspired-by

After taking a little break over winter, things will soon start to get busy with sessions booked for September and October. After a cold winter, it will be nice to get out and hopefully enjoy some lovely Spring weather!

Last night we joined in celebrating a special lady’s 40th birthday. Colleen was surrounded by family and close friends for a night of ‘Dessert and Dancing’ at the Springwood Sports Club.

As soon as I walked in to the room – I could not help but look around with a loving smile at all of the little “Colleen Touches” ~  lots of  pink  and pearl helium filled balloons, lots of photo collages on the walls (of  the birthday girl showing her journey throughout the past 40 years), pink rose decals on the walls for a little added decoration, and  little pink and cream paper cut-out balloons for people to write individual birthday messages on.

Between the cheese and fruit platters, the very yummy cheesecakes and chocolate mud cakes, the 80′s music, Ali’s birthday cupcakes and the beautiful speeches and toasts made in honour of this amazing lady … I think it is safe to say that there was a lot of fun and laughter had by us all.

Here are a few photographs I took.

Colleen – I hope you enjoyed your special night. Thank you for sharing it with Jonathan and I. We are very blessed to have you in our lives. You are a joy and an inspiration! xo.

I thought I would post a couple of personal photographs that have a special place in my heart.

My husband (Jonathan) and little boy ( Benny) decided to set the alarm for 4.20am and get up to watch Australia’s first game in the 2010 Soccer World Cup. They pulled out the sofa bed, had lots of blankets and doona’s ready and made popcorn and hot cups of milo. Unfortunately Australia lost dismally. When I dragged myself out of bed to come downstairs to have a cup of tea with them (and take some photo’s of this father/son bonding time) – Benny asked me … “Mummy how come Germany are so good?” Even though we lost – the boys had lots of fun, which is the main thing.

This first photo makes getting up in the cold all worth it, and makes my heart sing!

And this is a photo of my darling daughter Jessica – that was quickly snapped in our backyard on Friday morning. There are many things about this photo that make me happy – most especially my Jessie’s eyes!

This afternoon I met this gorgeous family in one of our local parks.  I am blessed in many many ways knowing this family and calling them friends. Colleen is one of the most generous and inspirational women that I know – and so it was absolutely my pleasure to photograph her family today. It was an added bonus that this session was full of laughters and giggles … just the way I like it!

I thought I would share a poem that I recalled tonight when I was preparing this blog post …

FAMILY

Author:  Glenda Campbell

There’s a special kind of closeness
that only families know,
That begins with childhood trust
and deepens as you grow.

There’s a special kind of happiness
in sharing little things,
The laughter, smiles, and quiet talks
that daily living brings.

There’s a special kind of comfort
in knowing your family’s there,
To back you up, to cheer you up
to understand and care.

Of all the treasures life may bring,
your family means the most,
And whether near or far apart,
That love will hold you close.

Scott & Colleen: I hope you enjoy your sneak peek. Your children are gorgeous – as are the two of you!