Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Happiness in pictures + Robin Williams

Yesterday, I photo-dumped my vacation, and I have to say, those pictures make my heart so happy.

But there have been other photos from the past few weeks that I haven’t had an opportunity to share yet, so forgive me one more day of reminiscing with pictures!

As you all know, I celebrated my 31st birthday while on vacation, and after returning from the camp that week, my family gathered at my sister and brother-in-law’s for a BBQ, games, DQ ice cream cake, presents, and just spending quality time with some of my favourite people.  My sister-in-law Amanda has recently discovered a passion for photography, and she captured this shot from that day:

Jill and kids 2

My favourite place to be – with my arms filled with my favourite little people and a big smile on my face!  This was right before they brought out the cake and sang happy birthday… you can just see the anticipation in their eyes, right?!  Love it!

(Oh, and PS – for those of you wondering how I did with my “Birthday Wishlist” – I was surprised and thrilled to receive a George Foreman grill from my mom, a vegetable spiralizer from my sister & her fam, and a gift card for H&M from my brother and his fam!  I was stoked!!)

Another happy occasion that took place recently was the baptism of one of my besties babes… Lindsay & Ryan’s son, Samuel, was welcomed into our church family of faith on Sunday.  Sam’s grandpa also happens to be a very talented photographer, and he captured these happy moments that I was thrilled to be part of!

Sam's baptism 2014

Sam's Baptism 2014 3 

Sam's baptism 2014 2

Sam is such a cutie, and he was such a good boy on Sunday – he didn’t even cry when Rev. Nancy put the water on his head.  I love him dearly!

As you can see, the little ones in my life are very important to me and I love each of them so much.  So is it any surprise that I was thrilled to welcome a new wee babe into my life yesterday?

Baby Ariella 2014

My friend Brenda’s daughter, Brittany, was the first child I was entrusted with to baby-sit as a 10-year-old, but Brittany was far more than just a kid I looked after from time to time.  I spent countless hours at their place with her (and, subsequently, her brother and my Godson, Cowan) – and somewhere along the way, I began to think of them as “mine”.  They have both always held a very special place in my heart. 

Britt made me feel very old when she announced that she and her boyfriend were expecting their first child.  When I received the news yesterday that their little one had arrived, I couldn’t wait to meet her.  I hurried up to the hospital after work to hold Ariella Hazel, all 6 lbs and 13 ozs of her, and it was instant love.  She is beautiful!  Congratulations to Brittany and Brandon and their families on the new little bundle of PINK!  (I guessed right!! hee hee!)

Despite all of the happy in this post, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the sad news that I was hit with after leaving the hospital last evening.  I was quickly scanning my Facebook newsfeed on my way to the car when I was shocked to discover post after post after post from my friends sharing the tragic news of Robin Williams’ apparent suicide at age 63.

Robin Williams

I can’t say I’ve seen every movie he’s ever been in, but I remember my cousin Patti taking her boys, my brother, and I to see Mrs. Doubtfire in theatres when we were kids, and it was pure movie magic.  I’ve seen in countless times since.  In fact, I watched it again not long ago, and thought to myself, “That man really is a genius.  This movie just never gets old!”  Aladdin is one of my favourite Disney flicks, and I thought he was fabulous as the Genie.  I’m also a big fan of Good Will Hunting and the more serious, Oscar-winning performance he gave in that movie.

At the end of the day, it makes me so sad to know that a man who brought so much laughter to the world was trapped in such a dark place himself.  A place from which he could see no way out.

I hope he has found peace.  He will be missed.

Genie, you're free

Genie.  You’re free.

<3

6 comments:

Stacy said...

Great moments to capture! I was not a Robin Williams fan, only enjoyed Mrs. Doubtfire...but it's def sad!

VandyJ said...

Those are some wonderful pictures. Such little cuties!

You should check out some of Robin Williams stand-up comedy--he really was a genius, but be warned, it can get graphic.

Unknown said...

zawix

Nancy said...

It was such a delight to baptize Little Samuel, what a great little dude he is. I wet his head pretty well, and he didn't mind at all. its so tragic that Robin Williams killed himself. He was bipolar, which of course strikes fear into my heart, as my daughter is too. Lots of prayers being said.

Nicole said...

So many kiddos in your life!

Mrs. Match said...

I love all your sweet pictures with your favorite wee ones. You're looking amazing too I might add!!

Robin was one of the greats. It makes me so sad that he was in such a dark place. It's so hard to understand how someone that could be so funny could be so sad. I hope he is at peace too.