Can friendships last forever?

Sixteen years today I started at Sigma and it was today that I would meet Kristen. We are polar opposites to the core...I think sometimes she looks at me in total disbelief (like I can't believe you just did that) and other times I make her laugh uncontrollably! If you spend anytime with the both of us...we are the odd couple - quiet and shy - loud and obnoxious.

Not having a sister I do not know what that bond is like, but what I can imagine is that the relationship would mirror ours. There are times that we have thrown stuff at each other, slammed doors, called each other names, walked away from each other...but we never miss a birthday together, have spent every Christmas, been in each other's weddings, held each other's hand through the birth of our children, cried when we are sad, above all just loved each other the way that a sister would.

We spent some days up north picking out the venue for our next work conference and it was just sooooo much fun! Spending the night on the island at the Grand hotel, riding the boat, drinking and eating...perfect girl's trip! I waited until now to post this for my 16 year anniversary, the day that I was hired at Sigma...the day that I met Kristen.

The little boy who made me Super Aunt Jen

Here is my first great nephew...Conner :-) Love him soooo much that I want to squeeze him everytime I see him. From the moment he was born I became Super Aunt Jen...well Great Aunt Jen just makes me sound old...and I am far from bring old!

He turns 2 in December and we were able to find a great afternoon with some perfect fall weather to snap some shots of him. He kept saying "all done, Aunt Jen?" nope a couple more as I ran after him trying to snap all of his fun as he picked up sticks, threw stones and stomped on leaves. All boy he is and all mine as this little one has Colpaert blood running through him which makes him so special to me...I am so glad that Bobby met Renee at college, but hopefully they are the last of the Bacarella/Colpaert marriages :-)

Pictures for the grandparents

Two more photo shoots with good friends and adorable children :-)

The Dennis grandchildren on a 40 degree day with a windchill that made it feel like 30 but with bright colors we were able to get some cute pictures in 20 minutes as the kids were way cold and the thoughts of McDonald's was running through their head.

John, Dana and the girls were so much fun. Mara and Sloane are like these little mini-me's of them and there were so many fun shots it was hard picking my favorites :-)

Jen Bacarella Photography

So just when my life can't get any busier...I hang my sign out to start taking some pics of people I love! People actually had faith in me to take their family pictures, and it felt amazing to be creative as I am not a very creative person. I have an imagination that would stop a roller coaster but expressing my talent has never been my thing. So I have posted a few of my favorites and am very excited about my new hobby :-)

Taniesha, Adam and Austin...she is gorgeous! Knowing Taniesha since she has been in her early 20's I have never seen someone want to be a "Mommy" as bad as her. To see her grow into this beautiful woman, wife and mother has been a journey that I love being part of...so excited for the new baby boy and I get to rub her belly everyday. Adam should be happy that they have boys as a little girl would create quite a handful for him!

My Livi and beautiful Jocelyn...I was there when these two beautiful girls came into this world and I have been there every step of the way. To have a best friend like Kristen, who I met 16 years ago this month, makes you feel blessed to have two more children in your life who call you "Aunt Jen". The beautiful Lilly is also pictured here, always a smile on this child's face...I practically melt whenever I see her.

Soccer season is over....

Cam was a Michigan Tiger this year as he joined a new club...in the end it felt more like a family! 9 year old boys have a way of just getting along, they all have their different quirks but for some reason they are so welcomed to find a new teammate. Love the parents, Love the kids, and LOVE the COACH! I felt like we had the Coach that other parents on the opposing team wish they had. He was spirited and demanding...the kind that ran up and down the sidelines and the boys heard their name the first time he called it. When the boys would come off the field he would shake their hand or put his hand on their shoulder and tell them great job...Cam loved Minem...Tony and I loved Minem. Life was good this year watching my first born grow up and become a better soccer player. Cam is just one of the greatest kids, with a heart the size of a beach ball and the deepest soul. I often look at him and wonder if someone wished in their next life that they came back as a kid who loves unconditionally and over thinks everything...but someone who can steal your heart in a second. I see the way the Grandma's love him and I was responsible for that...I can tell you there is no better feeling!