Lisa

Feb

22

The Autism Chapter Pt 2

Photo Shoots  Posted by / 7 comments
lisa-marie-photography-2012-8578

How do I even begin… I can NOT believe its been just over 6 months since we got his diagnosis and I was sitting here still in shock writing that first blog, reaching out to my amazing network. I have wanted to post an update for ages now, but life has been kicking my ass a little this past year. Not a lot of time for personal posts, and to be honest I was struggling on if I should be posting about my sons diagnosis again. It was brought to my attention about 6 weeks after my blog that a mutual friend and colleague was speaking out (or gossiping lets be honest) by saying that my son was not autistic (in her apparently highly educated opinion after meeting him on sparse occasion) and that this was an attempt on my part to get attention. Yes. She. Did. Ill never ever understand how anyone could be so insensitive and cruel, but thats something I have decided I don’t CARE to understand.  So maybe this incident had me a little insecure about who I was reaching out to for a while but THAT was only until I met my new friend Felicia in early October…. :)

I was booked to have a meeting with a new social media company who wanted to offer me some assistance with my networking and a few other cool business tasks. I had never met Felicia before, but had met her business partner Jessica in a workout class a few months before. We met at one of my offices haha, —> (ok Starbucks lol) and started out just chit chatting about my company and how things have grown, what I’m about and who my clients are…. we talked a lot about being moms and working at home, some of the challenges, it was great! At one point in the meeting Jessica got up to grab a new cup of water for her tea, and Felicia looked at me square in the eye and said, “Lisa I read your blog about your son…“She teared up and went on to say “Its like I wrote this or you were talking about us, I was so moved by your blog and had related to it so much that I sent it to my husband and he encouraged me to talk to you, would you mind Lisa can I ask you a few things? We are so worried about your little boy”… I just reached out and said, “Of course you can!”

That conversations led to a very hard phone call that Felicia made the next day, and a little boy who was in fact diagnosed with ASD just this past November. Of course we are not saying this is a good thing, but its just that “it IS what it is” and if my little blog helped to have  just one little guy get the help he needed maybe a little sooner then if I had not. Well that’s enough for me. I am not here to prove to anyone what, or who my child is. I’m just a girl, a mom, a mother who is JUST like everyone else and loves her children JUST like you. I may be in the public a little more then some, and I’m learning that it comes the  extra opinions and or as my teen says ‘the haters’ but….as my new friend recently said when I asked her if I could post about our story, she replied; “ I have nothing to hide”. Our children…., well, they have autism. So what!!

I may have let ONE negative comment sway me slightly for a second, but I have about 100 more positive comments, emails, and messages about the blog that helped others like Felicia. Not only that but…. because of your support and love for my baby and me, we have managed to build the most AMAZING team for little J. This was 100% because of that blog and it was my hope when writing it that using this network, and reaching out, I would maybe utilize that and know what??? IT WORKED!!blog1

I can tell you building a therapy team for a child with ASD is no picnic. The funding you get is just not enough for the recommend therapy our children need to make a difference. So we crunch and we budget and we learn to do a lot of the therapy on our own. The first thing you do when you get your diagnosis is finding a Behavioural Therapist who will develop all the programs that your team will be working with. She is the top of the chain lets say… after that its up to you to advertise and build your team that will consist of about 3 BI’s (Behavioural Interventionists) that will cover 7-10 shifts per week… this is probably the most daunting of the tasks. But this is where you came in. I posted after I wrote that first blog that I was looking and you sent me the contacts that changed my life. I was sent an angel (no really, I have dubbed her Angel in my contact list) named Catherine. Catherine and I connected and she rode in on her white horse (ok it was a white Honda Civic) and waved her magic wand of AMAZINGNESS and took all the worry away. This woman who is my Senior BI is my Teams manager. Catherine is 100% responsible for the kick ass team we have and I will never ever let her go…. EVER (yes Catherine you can run but Ill find you!!) Our team was assembled and we began the training process. I began the renovating process, since we don’t have any more rooms; we turned our living room into Jakes Therapy room, which now is covered in chalkboard paint!! LOVE IT!

254595_384963088250667_1479730719_n

It’s been 5 months since our team was trained and began, only 5 months but they are part of our family. Any parent with a team like this can relate, we just adore all of them. And best of al,l they adore our son. Scratch that, they LOVE him. In the beginning he did struggle with having lost control of his situation, and with J he has a bit of a different approach then ASD kids. He does not get mad, hit, or tantrum, he gets sad. Really sad and it just pulls at your heart. I sat outside the therapy room for hours and hours and listened to him cry that first month, just wanting him mommy, it was horrible. I wanted to just run in every second and steal him away and make this all disappear. They would walk out of each session and I would go in and debrief with them, bring Jake back in and have them all hug it out, I know it was just as hard for them as it was for us to make him stay and get him accustom to this new routine. We all cried those first few weeks…. that I know. But we got through it. And now J is actually really enjoying his “big friends” and all his “work” he does. The team that consists of, Michelle, Kim, Catherine, Rebecca, and Elbert has impacted our family and J and is going full steam now. When I’m downstairs shooting I know lots of you clients have heard the BANGING and JUMPING above while he doing his “ big boy work” . Seriously these guys are the silliest group (and remarkably good looking as you can see) and LOUDEST, but they LOVE him and I won’t have it any other way

So, in a nutshell, we are on track. Mr. J is getting the help he needs and we are really happy about that. Things are changing, as life does and we are changing with it. I knew in my heart I would rise to this challenge and now I’m feeling it. I have yet to reach out to some cool support groups, I’m not quite ready to extend my bubble just yet, but I am getting there. My next hurdle is J starting Kindergarten in the fall of this year!! I. AM. PETRIFIED. I can’t even lie at all!! I just recently got a (gasp) mini (MOM) van and have decided I will be camping out in the back, hiding like some lunatic while he is at school. So far that’s my plan but its possible the principal will now see this blog and be onto me, so I may need to get more creative!

Thank you again for ALL of your support and messages. I’m here for anyone, anytime, EVER, if you have any questions. I don’t know a lot about what I’m doing most of the time but if I can help you, I will. I don’t know if your child has ASD, only someone with the proper training can tell you that. ASD is different for every child, so just listen to your gut. There is no doubt now that J’s diagnosis was 100% accurate, its been nothing but a blessing to have the last piece to that long puzzle we could not figure out. The piece we have knowing and ending that constant “I don’t know” battle is worth it all.

My only advice is exactly what I said to Felicia. “It is scary to make that call, but wondering will ALWAYS be worse then knowing”. If you have concerns, don’t wait. Get answers. The waiting times in our public health system are INSANE, so if you can somehow afford it, go private. I know, I know… it’s a lot of money if you don’t have extended health care like us. But let me tell you, the only regret I have about all of this is not finding out sooner.

 

 

~XOXO

~Lisa Marie Johnson

Proud mommy of 3 amazing little humans, wife of one adoring husband and photographer to the BEST clients EVER!!

Feb

19

Sweet Spring Mini Sessions

Photo Shoots  Posted by / 14 comments
header

 

 

 

It’s that time again!!

I for one am really excited to kiss this winter goodbye and say HELLO to SPRING!!

As so many of you requested I have decided to add a spring mini session to the year calendar again and have designed the sweetest little set. It took me a little while to come up with the idea but with the help one of my good fiends and new seamstress Sarah, I think I have got it, and its going to be CRAZY cute :)

SO….. Let’s *hop* to it once again and *spring* into the next mini session of 2013! Lisa Marie’s Sweet Little Spring mini sessions!

When: March 15th, 9:30-5pm, and 16th and 17th from 9-5pm both days.

Where: Lisa Marie Photography Studio (address issued with invoice)

Cost: $55 plus tax (add sibling $10 each up to per session 3 in total MAX)

Includes a 15 min session, plus the best 5 high res images issued via email in a downloadable gallery.

Dress: Think spring, not too fancy, keep it light and fun Head accessories and bow ties to match if wanted.

Add a custom made spring themed Facebook time line with 3 images $20

Example of custom Facebook time lines from valentines mini session event, The spring ones will be designed to match the SPRING event!
(my boys are the super models ;)

 

TIMELINEMYBOYSSM

 

Ages: 3m-12yo (younger babies, please note there is a limit on time and poses, but all babies are welcome, with older kids please note the session is designed for the little’s, older children are welcome if they are not too “cool”.

The Set will be as usual a *surprise* but handmade, the back drop will be blue sky and the rest all neutral.
Cute hand held Easter and spring signs. Handmade head bands, and bow ties to match for the kiddos!

AND if all goes well in bunny land, we will be blessed to have the cutest little (LIVE) Easter bunny on hand and fresh picked carrots for the kids who would like to have him in their photos!
Looking forward to see you all once again!!

~disclaimer~ Parents please understand, these sessions are not guaranteed in anyway. They are mini sessions and if your baby/toddler is not cooperating, and to my best efforts will not take part, I cannot guarantee anything. I will ALWAYS do my best to have you leave with a few great images but realize, babies and toddlers are unpredictable and in my opinion even pouting and acting silly is part of the process, if you want perfectly posed kiddos and air brushing I am not the photographer for you. All images receive a light edit but these are not fully retouched images. Thank you for understanding ~

 See you all soon!!
XOXO
Lisa Marie & Team :)

 

 

 

 

Jan

11

Vintage Valentines *mini* sessions

Mini Session Events / Photo Shoots  Posted by / 8 comments
LMvalentine header

Set for February 2nd and 3rd hours from 9-4pm both days.

The set will be a bit of a *surprise* but something sweet as candy and special as kisses  Accents and colours will blend well with most outfits, we are sticking to Reds, whites and the rest will be wood and natural. Maybe a little pale pink, so if your trying to coordinate then feel free …. I will have little bow ties for the boys, and matching head,  hair ties and clips for the little girls made with the pattern from these sets :). I would suggest dressing your boys in some cute white shirts and jeans, suspenders!! Im looking for page boy hats to so if you have some please bring them! These will not be OVER the top valentines like, but super cute and photos you would hang year round :)

These are a few fabric samples you can coordinate with if you like :) SO CUTE!

These are a few fabric samples you can coordinate with if you like :) SO CUTE!

 

 

All little ones are welcome, this is for Kids only up to age 12. Please mommies with little ones younger then 3 months, its a bit more challenging to prop your babies up but we do our best, as always, no child turned away ;)

 

 

Whats included?

-15 min photo sessions in the studio with amazing sets and handmade props.

-5-7 high res, edited images sent via download by February 7th and IN TIME for printing.

*free Bonus adorable custom made for these sets…Valentines Day

Timeline image!!!

Made for Facebook timelines, so you can show off all your little lover faces  (you can choose what photos and how many,)

 

 

COST: $55 each session, Add a sibling for an extra $10 each, up to 3 in a session. If you have more then 3 children please book two times. Its a better out come for all the kids involved and more photos.

Please email Kass at bookings@lisamariephotography.ca
Please let her know what day and a few times that work for you and she will hook you up

Cant wait to see you all again!

(Mini sessions vouchers, you may use them at this event!)

*Remember sessions are all pre paid and non-refundable*

XO

Lisa

Jan

10

Valentines Boudoir *mini* Marathon

Boudoir / Photo Shoots  Posted by / 0 comments
lisa-marie-photography-2012-0411

Welcome ladies

 

I am for the first time ever offering a Boudoir event in my newly-renovated natural light studio in CLOVERDALE!!!!

 

Just in time for Valentines Day giving. Perfect for anyone who’s ever just wanted to try a little slice of Lisa Marie Boudoir, but not quite ready to dive in for a full session. Once again we will be treated with the sexy, classy stylings of hair and make-up Artist Gaby Ramirez and her Team. All sessions include full make-up, gorgeous luscious lashes, and that sexy bedroom hair…just because the event is *mini* does not mean any short cuts to your look.

 

Once you have been styled by the team in the lobby, you will have a 5 min consultation with Lisa, we will go over your wardrobe, and then you will go through all my favourite poses and make some boudoir magic. Then on February 7th you will have the best 5 images sent via email to you, full re-touched, high res images, ready for print! All this for a one-time payment of $250.

 

You will also have the option to purchase more afterwards.  You can decide at the time of your shoot and we will book a showing with a full gallery where you can pick your own photos, this showing time is $45 and will include one free bonus image. Any further additional images will be $25 each.

 

You will be given 2 outfit change options. You will provide your own wardrobe and may bring more options to show Lisa to get some advice for your shoot. Props are always welcome, and I’m very open-minded to listening to your thoughts and wishes.

 

At $250 for full hair and make up by the best team around and ME for 20 mins, this will be AWESOME!!

 

Book this asap, as sessions will sell out quickly at this rate; every previous boudoir event has sold out.

 

Dates: Saturday the 26th and Sunday the 27th, shooting times from 10am-2pm. Hair and make-up times are about an hour before, but all that info will be sent to you at time of booking, along with the studio address.

 

*ALL BOOKINGS ARE PREPAY and NON-REFUNDABLE ONLY* Sessions not paid within 48 hours will go to the next in line on the waiting list.

 

PLEASE Email: bookings@lisamariephotography.ca WITH your preferred date and approximate time and we will do our best to accommodate you.

 

Call me (Lisa) (604)8091885 if you have any other questions!

 

Call me (Lisa) (604)8091885 if you have any other questions!

*PLEASE NOTE this is a special event, mini event gift holders, this does not apply to your certificates)

Check out Gaby and her Team at: http://www.gabyramirezmakeup.com/index2.php

XOXO
Lisa

 

Sep

05

Melanie + Aria (and me!!)

Weddings  Posted by / 0 comments
lisa-marie-photography-1003

SO this wedding blog, well its probably not going to be like other wedding blogs. 1st, I’m not exactly like all other wedding photographers, and 2nd Melanie, Aria and I have a very special story. This wedding blog should be like 10 blogs with so many different angles but since this is my web site and my blog I’m going to do what I think is best to tell the story as I know it :)

I thought long and really hard about how I was going to present myself this year, this 2012 season was going to be all about really establishing myself as a wedding photographer. My technical skills were ready and I felt very confident that this year was my chance to prove myself. I was going to try and maybe get published, just like I see so many of my colleagues do in the wedding magazines, and blogs. So I thought… (for a second or two) and don’t get me wrong, THAT would be amazing :) But the more time went on, I realized that, well first off, I just don’t have a lot of time to seek out and even figure out how you go about doing that, submitting all these weddings in a certain format, theme, etc etc. So then I figured, I should still blog, I would just do what I know, be who I am, and share my wedding journeys the only way I know how. In my own words, and in my own time!

As it turns out, and to my surprise, I don’t want to seek out a certain clientele for profit. No matter who believes this. I want a certain clientele that appreciates what I bring to one the most important days they will have. I say this to every bridal meeting I have, and I truly believe this. If you do not feel that your wedding photographer will not only compliment your day but enhance it, if you don’t feel truly comfortable then you need to find someone else. TO ME, comfort level and connection come first, and then skills come second. You can’t get the images and moments I believe you would cherish most, if you are not feeling the best, inside and out. You may end up with SPECTACULAR images, yes, but if you have no connection to them, I just don’t see the point. Not on a day when its all about love. BUT that’s just me. AND if you don’t agree, and you want the name that comes with so many amazing well known photographers (whom I happen to love as well) then I am not the photographer for you! Easy peasy :)

So here is “our” story, my Melanie and Aria……

On November 15th, 2011 Melanie emailed me after seeing a family session I did for a friend of hers (thanks again Cristina!). She was inquiring about engagement photos. We chatted back and forth via email and she explained to me that her and Aria had met at a Vancouver Canucks game at Rogers Arena and was hoping to do the e-session there. I was super excited as they sounded like lots of fun, so we booked for December the 10th, just a few weeks later. Well as my story goes, about a week after we booked I came down with pneumonia, and not your typical pneumonia, but a very bad case and got quite sick, was in ICU for a few days and was consequently put into a medically induced coma. This happened crazy fast and at the time I was unable to contact any clients and post pone sessions, Melanie and Aria being one of them. Thanks to Facebook and my iPad I was able to make a post on Facebook explaining that I was very sick in hopes that everyone got to see. As it turns out, they did :) When I was released, I got in touch with Melanie and Aria, who to my surprise since they had never met me, were willing to wait for me. They were willing to wait until I was recovered… In Melanie’s words

We really want you to do it, so we will wait for you to get healthy :)

WOW, (sniff)  and know what?  They waited. And I’m happy to say we finally got to make it to Rogers on February 12th, 2012 and we had an absolute blast. Melanie and Aria were up for anything and I have to say, completely hilarious! Aria has the most amazing expressions and Melanie is an absolute doll.

 

During the sessions they told me how they were actually going to ELOPE this coming June! How exciting?? They explained they had booked this resort on the Sunshine Coast called The Rockwater Secret Cove Resort. How it was just going to be the 2 of them and they had this really cool tree house suite, it sounded amazing! Then at the end of our session, they wondered if I would possibly consider coming to the resort and shooting the elopement for them. Hmmmmm, this was a NO brainer for me, and I was SO honoured to be asked to be part of something so intimate and so personal.

 

 

(And that’s me exactly when they asked, so lucky to have had a photographer with me at the time!! ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

So June 9th, 2012 was the date and just a week before I was to head out, I made a split decision to head up a few days early. I was super behind in editing and had a few days free and REALLY needed a little time away for a few reasons. To be honest I had not stopped going since I got sick, never wanting to look back to that scary time. The recovery was rough both physically and mentally and I just wanted to pretend it never happened. I had never gone anywhere alone like that like most moms, and felt VERY guilty for going, but at the same time I knew I was not doing anyone any favours staying and stressing out over my lack of time and pile of work. So, I went…. I headed to the ferry, it was torture trying to get out of town for a few days, I got all the way to Vancouver when I realized I forgot my key board and mouse for my computer (which I needed SO BAD), I turned around, missed the 1:30 ferry, got home and RACED (within speed limits of course??? eh hem…) and actually MADE the next ferry by 2 MINUTES!! There was no turning back after that boat left, it was like exhaling. I was determined to make the most of this trip or die trying. I had 40 mins on the ferry and did some damage at the gift shop. I bought a wicked rain coat (just in case right??) some nice lotion, (not sure why lol), and a CD of relaxing celtic music (I was going to try anything), the book “The Happiness Project” and of course candles! Its funny to arrive on the sunshine coast, I don’t remembered ever going before, and its like another planet. Instant calm, and fresh air. First stop! Beer and Wine store, (what? Its a mom/work retreat??) Then grabbed a few groceries and arrived at the resort around 6:30pm. I was greeted by some amazing staff, who went above and beyond to make my stay exactly what I needed, bringing in a special desk for my massive  iMac (no lap top at the time). My room was ADORABLE, the sweetest set up I could have asked for. Right next to the main hotel, right beside the pool and SPA (YES!!), I had a little fire place in front of my bed, and of course a HYDRO THERAPY TUB!! made for 2, but just for ME!! First thing I do at any hotel is make myself at home, I unpacked and set up my new little home for the next 4 days. I was giddy, guilt was ALMOST gone…. I went upstairs had an amazing dinner, had a luxurious bath, started MY Happiness Project, drank a little wine and turned on my fire place and fell asleep.

Over those few days, I worked, HARD. I tried to find balance. I got up, and started working, I ordered breakfast, had a bath, read and I worked. I would take a walk, and work. I would go for a massage and then dinner and then work LATE. I did that the first 2 days,  but on day 3 it was raining and I got a little carried away and worked the entire day away and into the night, and I started getting anxiety. I knew I was blowing the whole point of coming up and trying to unwind. For some reason i think I have to finish everything before I can do that. I know it will never all get done, I should know that by now right?? 3 kids, a house, a few businesses thrown in the mix, nothing is ever done! I knew my bride and groom were coming the next day, I had one day to myself and then I was shooting the wedding and leaving the same day. So I phoned my husband and told him how I was feeling and he suggested I stay one more night. I don’t know why I never thought of that, but that’s what I did. That night and the next day I wrapped up all the work I came up with, I was UP TO DATE!! Just before Melanie and Aria arrived I went into their room and was able to grab a few pics for them of the tree house suite they booked and then after they got setting in I was there to greet them with a surprise sun set champagne toast photo shoot, (clearly I was so excited to see them!)

 

 

After the shoot, we went our separate ways for the night and the next day I was SO PUMPED! I was relaxed and ready for this wedding. Melanie and Aria are two of the most amazing people, both so kind and so in love. They both realize what is important to them and it shone through on this most special day that I had the privilege to witness.

 

 

 

 

I had some life changing moments when I was away. I came wound up tighter then you can imagine. I can’t say enough of what the staff at Rockwater did for me, in the Spa, in the dinning room and just how they all run that place. And then to be a part of such love and peace, it changed me. I am truly blessed to have had Melanie and Aria choose me, and I hope they know how much I adore and appreciate them.

THE END!! (yeah right!)

 

NOW, what I forgot to mention in all this LOVE and AWESOMENESS is the PARTY!!!

 

Of course just cause you elope does not mean you don’t get to party!! Melanie and Aria have 2 amazing families and a gazzilion friends who love them so there had to be a party :) SO it was off to Granville Island on July 6th with my assistant Megan to continue what they started…

And that’s our story, one I think will be continuing for years to come (I hope), possibly with little Melanie and Aria’s!!

Megan and I had a blast at the wedding and as you can see below PHOTO BOOTHS ROCK!!

XOXO

Lisa Marie

Aug

29

Back To School Mini Sessions

Mini Session Events  Posted by / 4 comments
back2schoool

After acquiring the most sweetest little vintage desk, i knew I just had to rescue us all from the boring old school photos :)

Im SO excited to offer back to school mini sessions. With the session you get 15 mins with me and all access to my vintage school props! Each child will get a head shot done as well with real rustic wood back drop. You will get your choice of 5 images that you get to select, from there you can download these high end images and also order any sizes, including wallets right from your gallery at a cost I’m sure is less then ordering from your schools.

Each session is $45 per child. If you have more then one school age child, each additional child is $10 extra and you will receive one more bonus image per extra child MAX of 3 (siblings) in one session. A recommended 2nd time slot for 3 siblings or more. Just less stress and more fun for everyone.

Sessions are perfect from pre-school right up to grade 7 (and beyond if you like ;)

Locations in Stewart Farm House apple tree orchard. Located at 13723 Crescent Road, Surrey BC. PLEASE bring a donation of $2 per child with you for the farm house, it is an amazing place and they share it with all of us at no charge, I would like to start donating to the up keep since I love it so much :)

Sessions are SEPTEMBER 15th from 10am-3pm ( I MAY add another day if there is enough interest)

You Must email bookings@lisamariephotography.ca to book your session, sessions are PRE-PAID and non-refundable.

$45 per session gets you 5 images. Each additional sibling you want added is $10 to a MAX of 3 siblings.

We will see you at the farm house!!

XO

Lisa

Aug

05

The Autism Chapter-a personal note

Personal  Posted by / 0 comments
lisa-marie-photography-8385-2

Life is full of so many chapters. So begins another one for our family….

On this past July 26th, 2012…. my heart broke. It really did. I thought I was prepared for any outcome but I wasn’t. When our son was 2, his paediatrician had concerns as he was not speaking at the level he should be, and she had a hard time getting him to pay attention to her, she wanted to rule out Autism. We did all the right things (so we thought), went to the next level after level and were told he was ok… that it was just a speech delay, and maybe possibly ADD, but that was too early to tell. Then after a year of pre-school, and waiting over a years wait to have him further tested in the public system, we decided to pay privately and go to the Able Clinic. Last week to my surprise, we were given a diagnosis of Autism for our 4 year old son.

Specifically PDD-NOS. Its still very fresh, and I’m not sure why I’m blogging about this quite yet since I really have no information, nothing useful to help anyone, or maybe I do? Maybe you are going through something similar or have a friend who is? Maybe sharing with you that we are just as confused and upset as you will help you not to feel alone. Or maybe this is the best way for this to come out to our family and friends. In the past year I have become a bit public, my little biz has taken off like crazy, my entire business is run by word of mouth. And one thing I am known for is my connection with my clients and fans, something i cherish. Something that has become such a big part of my life actually. You may feel like I make you and your families feel special and loved, but you guys, all of you make ME feel loved so, i need to share this on my own terms. My own way.

Just over 6 months ago I became very sick. I came down with a weird, rare, deadly form of pneumonia and was induced into a coma. A lot of you might not know this since its not something I talk about very much, its not something I want to dwell on, but it was then that I realized how many of you really cared about me as well. I woke up to hundreds of messages and well wishes, meals made for my family, flowers and support like I have never seen before. Im truly blessed and have never forgotten.

As I sit here today typing this I am tearful. My chest is weighted. Im mourning the dreams I had for my little boy. I am feeling guilt and anger for not knowing sooner and not pushing farther…. Im mad at myself, and so unbearably sad for him. I know me well enough to know this won’t last. Once I wrap my mind around and learn more about his diagnosis and what our “action plan” will be, I think I will feel then like i have SOME kind of control on helping and raising my baby. Frankly hope and me are BFF’s. It would take much more then this to take us down, but this is a game changer, and its my boy I want to protect. Its what HE will have to face that I can’t stand. We all want our kids to have an easier life, a good, happy “normal” life. There is not a parent on the planet who does not plan and dream of their babies futures, right from conception. What will he be? Maybe a hockey player? A doctor? A teacher?? No one wants to think their kids will be on disability, and not be able to get married or might not have kids, its just not what you dream.. and I think we get to mourn that dream. NOT that I’m giving up! But I need a chance to get there, its just that no one wants their kids to have struggles and feel “different” By no means am I forgetting how lucky i am to have healthy kids, and my heart goes out to you families who have to carry a much heavier load…. your strength astounds me.

What I have learned the last few days is that, Autism is so extremely complicated, (or maybe my brain is far too simple). PDD is under a lot of scrutiny. For some reason its been deemed a “mild form” of autism by some, but I have recently found out through the physiologist and reports that usually means it just looks like that when they are just kids, and as Adults it does not mean much different….. Its no easy answer, or no answer at all. And for the love of god people, its not a “good diagnosis”. Part of me is writing this blog also so that I can address many people at one time. Telling a parent of any child who gets a diagnosis of any kind, is not going to be happy about it for any reason, especially right away. Of course things can always be worse, but this is our CHILDREN, anything that effects them and their futures renders us feeling so helpless. I have heard this LOTS since we got this diagnosis that we should “be happy” its ASD, since we will get SO MUCH FUNDING! Well, right now, I’m not. Not even a little. Dollar signs are the last thing I’m thinking about. The fact that he has to undergo constant therapy is not comforted by the fact that we have been allotted a budget by the government. Im forever grateful for the parents and ASD associations for fighting the fight so when we are thinking that way, it will be less of a stress over the next few years. Im just not there yet.

The funny thing is I thought that it would be good to know, to have closure. I kept telling everyone, I don’t care what it is, just as long as I know how to help him…… but it turns out i do care, and I’m not as brave as i thought. Im not ready to be mighty and take the sword quite yet and lead the next army. Right now my heart hurts and I’m confused from trying to understand what this all means… and I just want to raise the shield.

I could sit here and lie and tell everyone how amazing this is going to be and that this changes nothing, but those of us who are going through this and as I have been learning, we know this is a lie. This is a total LIFE changer…Our children have to undergo intense therapy every day, they have to learn how to behave in “our world” (this makes me sad, all I want to do right now it crawl into his world and be with him) we have to fight to keep them present and we have to fight for them everyday. Now, the fighting part I can handle. The second the Able Clinic said they were giving an ASD diagnoses, my back went up. I was instantly was ready to blast anyone who dare said one thing wrong, who looked a fraction like they were even going to mention anything negative about my baby…. Yeah, this might have happened once or twice already…. and I’m not so sure this is a good thing. But for now its fuelling me to kick Autism’s ASS. I have done the check list, got everyone in motion who is going to help with our little guys future, (thank god for the thousands of parents who have helped pave this laid out road) and of course it being summer, things are a little slow but thats actually pretty good news for us, we have a couple weeks before things get crazy and so that just means we get to forget for a bit and just have fun. (currently sitting at the Great Wolf Lodge with my get up, after the day in the water park wore out all my kids, so I’m typing this while my babies, all 3 of them are napping lol) <--ok I have a Mojito in hand too, nap times are the best!:)

Yup, the next few weeks are going to be spent having fun and making sure we remember our boy is just the same as he was last week. Our boy, the same guy who wakes up every morning and afternoon nap and comes to my office crawls onto my lap and says, “morning mommy, I had a good sleep :)” and gives me a big *squeeze*. The same little guy who signs “you are my sunshine” with me every night before he goes to sleep, and if daddy puts him to bed, has to play the animal game :) (seriously the cutest game ever… its *home made* lol), The same Kid who comes running if his baby brother wakes up crying to let us know, or of he gets hurt he goes and digs into the cupboard and sticks bandaids anywhere he can think to make baby feel better. He loves his little brother, and life is just not the same if he’s not around, and that makes mommies heart warm.
My boy LOVES trains, and angry birds, he LOVES LOVES LOVES water slides we learned this week :) He absolutely HAS to wear PJ’s to bed no matter what (so he now has a little AC lol). His blankie (ok BLANKIES (plural) is his life line, ok he has 4 blankies… lol Im a sucker :P

Now to all my friends and family who are reading this, do not worry, we are surrounded buy an amazing support team. I am so so so lucky to have the friends I do, the doctors and therapists, the teachers and aid workers, and all the connections I have made even shooting for different charities and meeting so many other kids. I have now a ton of great friends who I can go to. Its ironic that I am a photographer for non-profit agencies who fundraise and hook me up with families with kids who have had a rough time, and now here I am. SO many things have led me here…

For example a few months ago we were invited to a friends daughters 16th birthday party. It was a family dinner that was going to be held in a club house. We didn’t know anyone but the immediate family and I politely declined. But they would not take no for an answer. I told them that my boys are a handful and are into everything and that we don’t find it very easy to attend functions like that, but they INSISTED, so we went and gave it a try. Both my husband and I were very nervous. The minute I walked in, i was greeted by the entire family warmly with hugs and was put at ease…… we were introduced to a few other parents with small kids and my boys quickly started playing with all their toys (I stupidly forgot forgot to bring any!!). They had THOMAS the tank engine toys so our boy was in his happy place. I noticed another mom was hovering like me, carefully watching and waiting to pounce if needed, and we instantly started chatting, I commented to her how smart she was brining 2 exact thomas trains, as that would have been a battle for our son, as he does not really understand “sharing”. This mom opened up to me and said she has the same issue, and that her son was on the list to be tested for Autism…. I could see the fear and sorrow in her eyes. I had not really told anyone but really close family about our son also waiting on the list, but I did tell her that night. It was actually nice to share with someone else who was feeling the same way. No one, even with all the good intentions in the world can understand that feeling. The waiting, and the wondering. But the wanting not to know too. My new friend and I have kept in touch and become fairly close. Her son was diagnosed a few weeks before mine, both having been given the ASD diagnosis…. so fate brought us together. This I am sure of.

I want to leave you with a few things that might help you, your family or friends maybe who are going through anything similar. Its a couple of blogs my new friend found, and shared recently on Facebook. Both of these will help good intentions that might be misunderstood. I know its hard to know what to say to a parent who has just found out we have, its a very delicate circumstance. And with Autism, since every child is so different, every child looks different and some don’t look like they even have Autism at all so its hard to know what to say, here is a few things NOT to say… 50 things you should NOT say to autism parents. I had a family member tell me last week that the reason I felt so guilty and did not have him diagnosed earlier was because i was in DENIAL? The things people say are incredible….

And of course if you want to know how to help, check out 50 things you SHOULD say to autism parents. Both blogs are written by Christine, blogger mom and founder of musing of a busy mom living on autism island.

Maybe in a few months when I get a handle on my “sword” and am feeling better prepared I will share a few more of my feelings on this. I am still the same Lisa, I have a wonderful team in place and things with my biz are going incredible, that won’t change too much. I am very lucky i can make my own hours, have an amazing assistant who has really offered to step up and help with anything I need, and my job allows me to work around any new therapies….. If I had not picked up photography years ago and kept doing construction project managing I would have had to take a leave from work and that would have crippled us finically with 3 kids, but thanks to you all, and your continued support and referrals we will make it work and thats just how it was suppose to be… (hugs)

So, thats it. Here we go….

Ready? (not really, but i will be)

Set? (not sure, but I’m working on it)…

Go…...

XO
Lisa Marie

Aug

02

SANTA IS COMING!! Mini sessions :)

Mini Session Events / Photo Shoots  Posted by / 3 comments
Kennedy

Thats right!! Santa is coming to Lisa Marie’s Studio and is so excited to meet you all!!

Lets change it up, no waiting in lines at the mall! Come have a play date with Santa :) For all ages! Props, Santa and your little ones in a less pressure environment. And quite possibly not as threatening?? Altho i have to admit I have a really great crying one of my little Jake and love it :)

Santa will be all yours for 15 mins, dress your best, or wear your christmas jammies as I will have some adorable ideas up my sleeve and the will all be ready for print By Dec 10th.

Sessions dates are Friday November 30th, Saturday December 1st and Sunday December 2nd. All sessions are 15 mins long. One child is $45, 2 siblings $55 and 3 siblings is $60. You will have your choice of 5 high res downloads that YOU get to choose. They will be sent out by Dec 9th midnight.

TO BOOK: email bookings@lisamariephotography.ca with your preferred time and day (the sooner you book, the better chance to accommodate you) Names and Ages of your children and your phone number. You will be sent a pay pal invoice and have 48 hours to pay or Im sorry but your session time will be released.

All sessions are Pre-Paid and NON-refundable.

(seems weird to be planning this in July but so many of you moms have already been asking so I’m sure you know these sell out fast)

See you all when Santa comes!!

XO

Lisa

Aug

02

Fall Family Mini sessions

Mini Session Events  Posted by / 1 comments
blog-size-Ryanleafs

This weekend is my busiest mini session event. Catering to all families! I LOVE FALL!!!

Lisa Maries Fall Mini sessions will be held November 10th and 11th at the Historical Stewart Farm House rain or shine! (there is lots of covered areas!).

There are limited times for this event and sells out every year FAST, so I’m posting this now. These are for IMMEDIATE families only (5 MAX, $20 per person after). If you want to include grandma and other extended family I highly suggest booking a full session.

Session are $75 each and include 20 mins, a gallery of the best images fully editing and you can pick 5 for high res download with the option to buy more, or print whatever you like :)

I really look forward to this season, its my fave!!

.

Super easy to book, EMAIL bookings@lisamariephotography.ca with your NAME, PHONE NUMBER, number of family members (5 MAX, additional costs $20 per person) preferred time and day and we will try our best to accommodate you, BOOK NOW to ensure your space THESE WILL SELL OUT.

*note* sessions are pre-paid and non-refundable.

Cant wait to meet you!!

XO Lisa

Aug

02

BOO!! Halloween/Pumpkin Themed Mini Sessions!!

Mini Session Events / Photo Shoots  Posted by / 6 comments
© Lisa Marie Photography -1672

Grab your little trick or treaters and pumpkin baby, its time for Lisa Marie’s Halloween/Pumpkin Themed Mini sessions!!

October 13th and 14th the studio will be all set up with hay, pumpkins, and a few fun props just for the little ones to celebrate the up coming halloween!!

Sessions are 15 mins, and you may bring costumes or just some CUTE little fall outfit. I will have a few things on hand for dress up too :) YES there just might be a pumpkin or two to put your babies in!!

Sessions are for all ages, $45 for one child, $55 for 2 and $60 for 3 siblings….. up to 3 siblings per 15 min slot MAX, additional slots must be purchased of more then 3 siblings. Your session includes a gallery of the best images, and YOU CHOOSE 5 for a quick high res download!! (with the option to print if wanted)

All session will be ready for halloween!

Email bookings@lisamariephotography.ca to book your times today!!

Cant wait to meet you!!

XOXO

Lisa Marie