Katrina Fricke: Little Sister and Musician

My littlest sister Katrina is a very talented musician. She is a singer/songwriter who has been writing her own songs for years now. This past week I spent a few days with my family in Canada and took the opportunity to capture some pictures of Katrina and film her very first video for her brand new YouTube channel. It had started snowing, and I just love the feeling the slowly falling snowflakes gave the images. I also created a logo for her and a cool header image with some of the pictures we took. 

I am really proud of the woman she is becoming, and I can't wait to see where her music takes her. 

Here is her logo and header image. 

And these are my favorite pictures. She doesn't look 16 years old, does she? She is so beautiful, inside and out. I'm proud to be her big sister. 

And I am so excited to share with you her very first YouTube video: a country version cover of Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off." Such a unique take on the song. 

Please subscribe to her YouTube channel, like her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter. We've got a lot of great stuff coming in the near future, including some of her amazing original material. 

Something to brighten your day

This is my cousin Hannah's sweet baby girl, Harper. She was born with a cleft lip and pallet and has been through so much already in her short little life. I've been visiting them lots lately and Harper is starting to remember me. Her little face lighting up when she sees me makes me so happy. 

A couple weeks ago when I was there to get my hair done the three of us went to the hair supply store together. While Hannah found the color, Harper and I walked around. She picked up a hair brush and carried it around with her until it was time to go. We walked back to the isle where it went and when she put it back in the exact right place I said "TADA" to her. And then she said it back to me with a big grin on her face! "TADA." And my heart just melted. 

You see, because of being born with a cleft lip and pallet she is a little delay in talking. So it was a big deal for her to learn and say a new word. She is so smart! And I was so proud of her. I just had to try and see if I could get a video of her saying it. So once we got back to the house I held her on my lap and tried to get to say "TADA" again. And this is the result. It just kills me!! You'll want to watch it more than once...its gets better and better.

A video posted by Shaina Longstreet (@shadylane_14) on Nov 11, 2014 at 12:46pm PST

I watch this video every time I need a little pick-me-up. It was such a special moment for me to teach her a new word. I won't soon forget this afternoon with little Miss Harper.

Little Baby Austin

I am getting to that age where all my friends are starting families and having babies. And it has been my pleasure to take some special pictures of these little ones. My dear friend Monica, who I've known since we were in grade school, and her husband Josh, who I've known since I moved to Spokane in 2007 welcomed sweet little Austin this summer. Chris came with me and the 4 (and a half) of us spent the day together. I love the images that I was able to capture of this new family. 

Congrats, my friends on a beautiful little boy. It was such a joy to help you celebrate this new life.

My life took a turn

It had been just the three of us for the last 5 years. My mom, my little brother Micah and I. We lived in a little apartment in a tiny town called Fruitvale in British Columbia, Canada. It was a lovely, quiet little life. We rode bikes and roller bladed down the hallway in the apartment building. We built snow forts and made special friends and went in service with Mom. I had the dryer in my bedroom and the deep freeze in my closet, and Micah had a custom bed in the storage room. It was a delightful life.

And then it all changed. It all got better.

Because of this guy.

We met Tim in May of 1995 at the dedication of our Kingdom Hall in Fruitvale. He was the brother of someone in our congregation and she wanted my mom to meet him. I remember waiting and waiting at the Hall afterwards while they visited. We were the last ones to leave. I was 8 years old at the time.

And then they started dating long distance…lots of late night phone calls and surprise visits with big bouquets of flowers. Micah and I went up north to visit our dad for the summer and things got serious. Tim proposed in September and then began the big changes.

One of the biggest things was where we were going to live. Tim was from Omak, WA in the United States and we were from Canada. We were moving to the States! There was lots of paperwork to do, and visits to the immigration office…pictures with no smiles for our cards, and getting used to different money. That’s a lot when you’re 8 years old.

And it wasn’t just Tim we were adding to our family…he had 3 kids of his own. And so once they got married and we made our move, there were 7 of us now. Mom, Dad, me, Micah and our new siblings: Michael, Shelby and Kelsey.

 

And I’ve been his Shadylane ever since. We have developed a really special bond and friendship. He helped guide and mold me into who I am today, despite my “tendencies.” He taught me how to laugh, deep belly laughs and how to grow through trials. He helped me get to know and love Jehovah. He taught me about hard work and led by example. He is the best listener and he loves me like his own.

I am proud to call him my Dad and and so glad that he came into our lives and drastically changed them…for the better.

#blogtember

Day 6 Prompt: Describe a distinct moment when your life took a turn.

Lifestyle shoot with Whitney Lane Photography

My cousin and fellow photographer Whitney of Whitney Lane Photography was kind enough to spend some time with us the day of our 6th anniversary and shoot some special portraits for us. We wanted to capture the moment of our anniversary and also celebrate our progress with our health and the changes we’d made together. I got the images last week and am so pleased with them. I ordered some large prints that just came in and I can not wait to hang them up in our home!

Here are some of our favorites.

I am so grateful to Whitney and glad to have had the opportunity to celebrate in this way…these images capture us so well. Take a peek at Whitney’s blog post here, too. Thanks so much Whit. I love how you captured our love.

How do you celebrate your anniversary or special occasions?
Is photography something you cherish?

This made my day

I got this little video of my nephew Emerson today and it made my day. I love his little “wee?” question before he starts up the stairs and then the “wee” statement once he’s done… almost like, “Yup, that was fun. Lets do it again Daddy!” I just had to share. I’m so glad that technology allows us to have little glimpses into life like this despite how far apart we live. Missing my family today.

What made your day today?

Chris and Shaina 6 years of marriage

We have added another year to our love story… it still blows me away that we have already been married for six years. I love that all of my memories these last few years have included Chris. I wouldn’t have it any other way. We are best friends and have so much fun just being together.

This weekend we are up in Summerland, BC Canada. My dad put us up in the Waterfront Resort again…the same he got for us a couple nights on our honeymoon. And its just perfect timing because its is the District Convention in Penticton this weekend, so all of my Canadian family is here. Tonight they had a special steak dinner for us to celebrate. It felt so good to be surrounded by family and friends on this special day.

We woke up early, exchanged cards and started in on our yearly tradition of saying “Happy Anniversary” to each other way more times than is normal for any other couple. Hehe. We had a great day at the convention. Then my cousin Whitney of Whitney Lane Photography did a mini anniversary photoshoot for us on the dock of the lake. It was so fun being in front of her camera together. So glad her and Kel were able to come over for the weekend too. And then we had a special dessert treat to end the evening.

It has been a weekend and anniversary to remember. I can’t wait to spend the next year and the rest of my life with this guy. Being married to Chris means beginning and ending each day with someone I love. It means knowing there is someone who understands and who’s always there for me. I’m really grateful for the life we share…I’m really grateful for him.

The days that make you smile

I have had a some really great ones lately…days that make me smile so hard my cheeks hurt and pray in thanks of the wonderful ways that God makes things happen.

I am grateful for goose bump moments and connections that you never thought you’d make. For phone calls that change the momentum and direction of life and bring everything into perspective. For visits with family and generous gifts that make a hard thing a little bit easier. And for new glasses….they’re not ‘rose-colored’ but things sure do look brighter as I look through them.

Incredible opera productions are making me happy, and time spent with friends, and the beginning of spring, and eating amazing food, and coming home to a little bit of a lawn started in the backyard. I love grandma’s that bring little puppies new toys and work opportunities that speak to my heart. I savor the chance the slow down and take it all in for just a moment and write about it…these days that make me smile, and…

The way he loves me through it all.

Just about here, Baby

My cousin and dear friend (and hair stylist!) Hannah is due to have her baby girl in a couple of weeks. We got together for some maternity pictures a little while ago and I wanted to share a few of my favorites from her session.

These two were my sneak-peeks that I shared via Instagram, and they still make me smile. I think she is just glowing.

And here are the final images. I love that Hannah’s boy Aiden came with us…he is so excited to meet his baby sister and was very loving to his mama during pictures. We started the shoot at their home in the bedroom that has amazing light. And then we headed to the park in Wenatchee where I’ve taken Hannah’s family pictures 2 times before. I love how these images turned out. Hannah, you’re such a gorgeous mama.

It was such a treat to be behind the camera again, especially on such a beautiful day and for such a special occasion. I cannot wait to meet (and take pictures of) little Harper. Get here soon sweet thing!!

The best part of my day

Is waking up and taking care of this guy. Gibson has been with us for 2 months now, and they have been full of fun, joy, training, carpet cleaning, frustration, lots of chewing, puppy kisses and life! He’s made our life better; that much I know for sure.

I’m pretty much a really proud puppy mama. He is teaching me as much as he is learning from me, and I think that makes for a good lifelong friendship.

Our new family member

So this happened last week…

We got a puppy!! Chris and I have been talking about getting a puppy for awhile. After everything that transpired with the puppy we used to have, Spencer, we knew we wanted our situation to be just right before we moved forward with finding the dog for us. And everything came together this week!

Chris found a local Miniature Schnauzer breeder who had two puppies available. We went and visited them on Thursday night and I fell in love with this little salt and pepper boy. He is so sweet, very affectionate, has the best personality and fell asleep on my chest. I couldn’t get him out of my mind. My parents were staying with us for the weekend and they helped us to make the decision, purchase him and get him comfortable in our house. It was really special to have them here for the whole process. They have a mini schnauzer named Tucker, and he has a special place in my heart and was a big reason why we went with this breed of dog.

We decided to name him Gibson…like the guitar. He is pretty stinkin’ cute!

I’m so excited to have a little one running around underfoot. He’s very playful and comical and cuddly….all the things you’d expect a puppy to be.

He’s been the best part of 2013 so far, hands down! Yay for being “puppy parents!”

I’m looking forward to sharing some good Gibson stories here on my blog. I’m sure he’ll be very entertaining, and the companion that we’ve been searching for.

Thanks for sharing in our excitement!!

Our Island Getaway…

But not the kind you’re thinking of.  

A couple weeks ago we went out to Whidbey Island off the coast of Washington State to spend a couple days with Chris’ grandparents and his parents (who are stranded over there because of the bad forest fires and the smoke hovering over eastern Washington). It’s a nice easy drive through some of the prettiest parts of the state. And my favorite place to stop and take pictures is at Deception Pass bridge that links the mainland to Whidbey Island.

We got to go to my favorite Chinese food place and have the honey walnut prawns that I’ve been thinking about since we had them last time, which was 4 years ago! They’re pretty amazing. And memorable, apparently. We also got to eat at Anthony’s, which is a seafood restaurant serving it fresh from the ocean that you sit beside. Funny thing though, the best thing we ate there was the onion rings. Not that the seafood wasn’t good. Their clam chowder rivals the east coast chowder I had last summer. Chris’ grandparents always feed us good when we go to see them.

We also were able to meet up with some of our friends that live on the island. A couple that used to live here and a friend of mine that I made at girls camp in 2011. We went out for frozen yogurt with Alan and Tonya and had coffee with Ariel and her new husband, Richard. I’m glad that we were able to see them too. It made for a very full and fun trip.

It really was a lovely weekend.

When was the last time you got away?
Where is your favorite place to go to visit?
What type of food do you like to try while you’re on a trip?

Avenue Hair Studio

My cousin Hannah is a regular presence on my blog in all of my “Hair Diaries” posts. She’s been responsible for pretty much all of my adventures in hair colors and cuts. We’ve done my hair in all sorts of locations…a tiny kitchen, a bathroom where we permanently stained the tub, Hannah’s school salon, her new apartment, one salon where she worked, my house…sometimes with a cape, many times with just a towel. Always an adventure! And I’m so excited for Hannah and her newest adventure and space: Avenue Hair Studio on the Ave in Wenatchee, WA.

Hannah has generously opened her salon for me to share with all of you today. We had fun taking pictures and doing my hair one afternoon last week. Welcome to Avenue Hair Studio!

Her and her business partner created a fun modern space with a perfect shade of tiffany blue on the walls and accents of zebra print. It’s a fun, warm and welcoming space.

My current hairstyle really needs regular touch-ups and I’ve loved coming to see Hannah here. We people watch out the big windows and catch up on each other’s lives. This time we added some lowlights to my color and then she freshened up my cut. I love how it turned out. I have another before and after post coming soon.

If you live in the area you should so give Hannah a call and have her work her magic on your hair too. She’s got skills and she’s so creative. I love collaborating with her and coming up with new ideas to try on my hair. Chris really likes how it is now, so the short and blonde might stay a little while longer, though. Its been like this since April, which I think is a record for the last 6 years!

Thanks so much Hannah for sharing your salon with us. And for rocking out on my hair. And for being my cousin. You’re pretty awesome.

Are you loyal to a stylist?
Do you have any fun ‘at home’ hair stories?
What’s your favorite thing you’ve tried with your hair?

Mini Magoo

This little boy has just captured my heart. So thankful for a chance to visit him. And for modern technology that lets me watch him grow up, even though we live so far apart. This was a highlight of my summer.

It is already over 7 months since I last saw him when he was just 9 days old. But I love the age he is at right now. Developing quite a little personality! He’s a wiggle-worm and chewing on anything he can get his hands on. His shirt says “My name is Magoo.” It was his dad, my brother’s shirt when he was little. We used to call him Mr. Magoo. And now he calls his son Mini Magoo. And the shirt fits, which is just perfect. Such a cute little man.

Yup. I love being an Auntie. I just wish we didn’t live so far apart. Glad for the little moments when we get to be together, even for just a few hours.

Who is your favorite little person?
Does your family have nicknames?
I’d love to hear yours! Mine is Shadylane…Imagine that!

What Marriage Teaches

Tonight Chris and I headed to Wentachee to have dinner with his parents for their 32nd wedding anniversary. As we sat around the table at our favorite restaurant I asked a simple, but profound question that had us talking for quite awhile on the subject of marriage and love and what it means to have a partner for life.

I asked: “What have you learned from your years of marriage?”

Mom started things off. She said that in 32 years she had learned that if she wanted to be happy, her husband needed to be happy. And that its important to remember, if you need to lean on your husband, you have to prop him up good too. I loved her reference to the give and take within a partnership.

Dad went next. And in typical Dad fashion (he’s a bit of a booger), he said that he had “learned the importance” of folding his socks. Not that he does. Which indicates the level of importance to him…he knows Mom will fold them for him after she picks them up from the arm rest of his chair. But Mom went on to defend him saying that he is sometimes a good listener and if she asks he will unload the dishwasher and take out the trash. Sounds like they’ve got a system.

And then it was my husband’s turn. We’ve been married only 5 years in comparison to his parent’s 32, but I think we have things of value that we’ve learned too. He took a deep breath, and paused, thinking on the question. His mom started to assume what he was going to say, but I stopped her… I explained that when Chris pauses like that it means he values the topic and wants to think before he answers. Its something I admire greatly about him. He then went on to say that the thing he has learned from our marriage was most importantly to be a good listener followed closely by choosing your words carefully, along with your battles.

We then talked a bit about the words we use with each other and the importance of communication. Mom and Dad quoted Thumper from the movie Bambi saying: “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” But I interjected that sometimes, the hard things need to be said. Its better to have those conversations then to let the hurt fester and cause more problems.

And then it was my turn. The thing I have learned from my marriage is that the best thing is always the kind thing. The Bible says that love is kind, so I always try to show my love for Chris through kindness. And sometimes, kind isn’t what the other person wants to hear. Like when Chris says he wants to stop at Dairy Queen…it’s the kind thing to make a different suggestion. It is also the kind thing to give him space when he needs to clear his head and not take it personally. And to buy the type of toothpaste that I know he likes.

We had a lovely evening with them. I value the example they set as a loving husband and wife team. I look forward to celebrating 32 years of marriage with my Chris.

What have you learned from your marriage or relationship?
Is there a piece of advice someone gave you that just stuck with you?

Sister Day

Yesterday my younger sister Megan came to visit.  She lives about 4 hours north of me in Summerland BC.  It was so good to see her, and definitely something worth celebrating.  We needed a "Sister Day" together. We went for coffee, spent too much time at Walmart (where Meg bought out the M&M display...only a slight exaggeration!), and worked on a big project together.  

Megan and her husband are celebrating their first anniversary later this month.  And Meg, a spectacular planner, of course has something big up her sleeve.  And I got to be in on it!  Once again I served as the shipping depot...housing all the gifts at my house so she didn't have to pay shipping to Canada and could keep them hidden until needed.  Chris and I  had a couple fun days of packages, including a chocolate covered fortune cookie 10 times the normal size, and a 41 inch replica Japanese anime sword!  Yeah, she is an awesome gift-giver.  

All of the gifts she has planned are for a day-long scavenger hunt she's sending her man on.  And I got to help create the clue cards too.  Megan sent me a bunch of pictures ahead of time of the two of them from when they were dating and their first year of marriage.  I put them together and created a card base which we added the clues to yesterday.  We just got them printed at Walmart and they turned out awesome!  

Then, keeping with tradition, we created a box to house them and collect souvenirs from the day in.  These boxes that Meg and I make are pretty precious to us.  I made them as a teenager to collect bits and pieces of everyday life in and passed the tradition down to Megan.  The process includes finding the perfect shoe box with a folding lid, lots and lots of cutouts from magazines for patters, words and pictures, and then special pictures that match the theme.  Then using packing tape we laminate the box to protect it.  We made one for Megan's then boyfriend when she was going away to Australia.  She gave him mementos in it, things to remind him of them, and while she was away he kept all the letters she sent in it.  This guy appreciates these boxes as much as we do.  :)  So we worked on one for the 1st Anniversary. 

This is a time when my fussy cutting technique and scrapbooking scissors come in handy!!  And I'm like a pro at taping boxes now.  :)  Its such a fun project to do with and for someone you love.  It was a privilege to help Megan create something special to commemorate and celebrate her first anniversary.  And to spend the day with her.  That was pretty awesome. 

What do you do on Sister Days? 

Are you able to stay close with your siblings still? 

How do you celebrate everyday together?