Three short  years ago, a little girl came into my life that would change me forever. Her name is Erin but we call her Sissy. Sissy is my younger sister’s little girl and she honored me by entrusting  me to be  her Godmother.  I don’t know how it is in other cultures but for Hispanics, being somebody’s godmother/godfather is a big deal. She calls me “Tia Mama” which translates to Auntie Momma, a name which we made up letting her know that even though I’m not her momma, I’m the next best thing.  I adore her, just like I do the rest of my nieces and nephews but it is quite nice being almost as good as her momma:) Happy Birthday, my darling.  Thank you for blessing me with you!

Erin Isabella….even her name is BEAUTIFUL!

Sissy, Dora, and Tia Mama. Say Cheese!

Sissy and her real Momma…isn’t she wonderful!

Ok, so part of my duties are to bake a cake for Sissy’s B-day. This year, I bought the cake mold as usual except it was missing the cute little photo that showed what the cake is supposed to look like when it’s done. All I can say is that Dora the Explorer got into something she shouldn’t have! Kids, don’t let this happen to you!

Erin’s brother, Aiden.  He calls me Tia Mama too! It’s good to be loved:)

The Usual Suspects. 

 While it is good to have friends, it is even better to have friends who are involved in their community and who feel strongly about making a difference. I have such a friend; her name is Jan Stephens. She works for the Inland Empire Labor Management Cooperation Committee, a job that keeps her uber busy though that didn’t stop her from volunteering to chair the Inland Empire Women’s Conference for this year!  The event took place at the magnificent Mission Inn in Riverside, Ca. The IEWC ’s motto is “Today’s Strength, Tommorow’s Legacy” and is geared toward empowering women financially, spiritually, and healthwise-ally(!). I’m the committees official photographer plus I also sat on the logistics committee.  I have to say that I have never sat with a more impressive group of women before and often found myself wondering if I had walked into the wrong meeting! Thank you ladies for the pleasure of your company. It was a lot of work but I think the conference was amazing! And Jan, you are a Rock Star!!

Here is a photo of my vendors booth.  My wonderful friend Lisa and my awesome son Peter helped me thought the day since I had to shoot the event. Good thing I wore flat shoes!

I took quite a few shots of the event and have compiled a couple of the highlights from the day. Not only was it fun and informative, it was also a great opportunity to make new friends.  My new best friend is the guy at the registration  desk who was  kind enough to give me a band aid for  my blistered heel.  Thank you, whatever your name was, you’re my hero!

Aren’t these a great looking group of women? Rock and roll ladies, you inspire me:)

Aside from the speakers, breakout sessions, awards ceremony, raffle, and expo, there was also a fashion show featuring Coldwater Creek  clothing plus a Zumba exercise dance demonstration. If that wasn’t enough, we had cream brule for desert! All in all, a very good day:)

I finally got the slideshow of my adorable babies up and running! Check it out and bring a tissue……so sweet!

Here is the link:   www.photoartbymarie.com/stewartbabies