Loughview IPS

I was recently doing mini photo sessions at Loughview IPS and although I always find these evenings quite exhausting (particularly after a day of teaching in another school!) I always enjoy meeting the familes that come into my "studio". I met some wonderful families at Loughview and really had great fun with them. From wrestling to singing to tickle-monsters and even a dog thrown into the mix. Thank you Loughview - great school, fab people!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

We braved the crowds of Belfast to experience St. Patrick's Day in Belfast today - thank God for the help of my three lovely helpers - Tara, Anna and Steph! A set of shoulders for each child and an extra set just in case! We had grand plans to continue to the concert, but Avoca was calling our names and I was more than happy to leave the crowds behind! After Emma asked why that boy was puking we figured it was time for us to head home...and the bus ride is half the fun. We are now having quiet celebrations in the house...and leaving the international au pairs to enjoy their first Irish St. Patrick's Day! I hope it lives up to their standards!
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IRISH BLESSING
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May God be with you and bless you:
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you

A piece of our February...

Although we have some wonderful paintings in the house - this is one of my favourites. I was so excited to get it framed and put on the wall. Emma's Primary One masterpeice of her family. I love it - and quite proud of the detail such as Daddy's green eyes -albeit below his nose..This is us through her 4 year old eyes.

And our happy chappy Ben. SOOOO cudly and kissable!

Speaking of kissable - I love when these two get along (though it is usually to cause mischief together - such as this time in the bath when they chose to pour all our shampoos into the water and turn on the jets. Holy Bubbles! )

Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world. ~Virgil A. Kraft
Ahh, the first bloom of the season - a bright pink bud in our back garden. Temperatures are slowly rising (it was 13 yesterday and sun shining!) the dafffodils are sprouting and it is beginning to feel a bit like spring is around the corner. Finally. I LOVE SPRING IN BELFAST!

Birthday boy Jack - 3 fabulous years today!

You don't raise heroes, you raise sons. And if you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heroes, even if it's just in your own eyes. ~Walter M. Schirra, Sr.

My hero Jack - he makes me smile with his cheeky grin, heart-melting eyes, his never-ending amounts of enery, the witty little things he comes out with and his forever cuddles. He is 3 today. I remember him in my tummy and the day he was born. His first tooth (bottom left), his first steps (on the beach in Kerry), his first scar (split his forehead at the dentists) and his first word (ball). Since then he has grown into such a funny little character and the most lovable boy ever. Joack I ADORE you - everyone does and HAPPY BIRTHDAY GORGEOUS BOY! Love you forever, xoxox








Please don't grow up too quicly my son...

Aibhlin melting my heart

A daughter is a day brightener and a heart warmer. ~Author Unknown
Look at how absolutely adorable little Aibhlin is - with a cheeky wee grin and a twinkle in her eye - you gotta love toddlers! It was fabulous to meet this little treasure and have a bit of fun with her in the studio. Turns out, she wasn't shy at all! Thank you to the Doherty gang- the rest of your photos will follow shortly on my website, but enjoy your sneak peek!

If you're happy and you know it...

There's that twinkle in the eye...

A lovely, happy family - makes my work easy!

The beautiful, gorgeous, amazing Kate O'Neill

A new baby is like the beginning of all things-wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities. ~ Eda J. Le Shan

I LOVE having newborns in the studio - there is something so special about a baby who is only weeks old -from the look fo wonder in their eyes down to their amazingly perfect miniture toes. It is even more speical when it is your beautiful neice! Kate and Sarah were up visiting from Kerry - both baby and mum looking as fabulous as ever...

...the sleeping princess

there really is no denying Kate is the image of her daddy!



and full of smiles!

She is one adored baby-from one end of Ireland to the other!

Having a Happy Heatherington Holiday

With dropped temperatures and trecherous roads we've been pretty well stuck inside, but it's been a lovely holiday (minus a few ailments and less sleep than we'd like...)








And a happy 2011 to everyone!!