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?

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.

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…

I love doing these local business features! It's so great to get a glimpse into the lives of the people in our community, and of course, I also love buying local!This month's featured business is The Happy Baby, owned and operated by the lovely Mary Jo Clements. She super pretty, funny, and never seems to run out of energy. If you haven't been to her store yet, you're seriously missing out! It's amazing, and already a favourite of all my clients with little ones.

I remember what it felt like when I had school photos taken. I hated the fact that I had so little time, but also could not wait to get out of that chair. I had to sit so stiffly, and my hair had to be just right but I was too young to really know what that meant so it wasn't. I remember one year the photographer parted mine right down the middle and I looked ridiculous. It is still in my childhood photo album.

Before I became a mom for the first time, I realized that raising children would involve many emotions - joy and happiness, sadness, confusion even. What I didn't realize is how young they would be when I actually had to let go. In my mind I figured this moment would be like in Gilmore Girls when my 18 year old daughter went off to college but she still came home every weekend for Friday night dinners.

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.

How many images do you have of yourself and your family where you're all just sitting there, side by side, attempting smiles on your faces but your heart isn't really in it? One of the hardest parts of being a photographer is getting everyone in the right frame of mind, educating clients like you on what to expect when you get to the studio, and then helping you to forget the camera is there and just having a great time together as a family.

If you are not having fun during your annual family portrait sessions, then, my friends, you are not doing it right! Fun is a must have during all Reflections of Life sessions. Fun brings out real emotion and expression, smiles and laughs. Fun creates the memories that we want to last a lifetime.

Recently my family went through a very difficult time. We've been torn apart, and I don't know if we'll ever be able to rebuild what we've lost. At first I kept most of it to myself, but now I realize that being able to talk to my close friends, and asking for help, has made a huge impact on how I'm dealing with it all.

The story of love is one with many different main characters, settings and languages. But the central theme in every variation is love, sweet love. Each version is filled with laughter and smiles, kisses and snuggles. It is the story that warms your heart and touches your soul.