This blog schmog

Sometimes I really don't know what to post on this thing. Kelly got into the facebook scene, but I just can't bring myself to do it. I figure if we haven't talked in ten years, then why bother. There must be a reason for it.
Anywho, what have we been up to. Well there was the Cook Family pictures in Idaho. Which was a first for me doing a big group. I can't say I am 100% satisfied with the outcome, but I guess there is a first for everything. Not to mention I just got my new camera and didn't really know the ins and outs persay. I will post those on my photog blog. PS it snowed the morning we left. Lame
Then there was the ultimate girls night. So Amanda had this wonderful idea of going to a haunted house. Well we ended up going to two that night. I must say it was pretty fun. I often wonder what I would be like drunk, but I don't need to wonder now because I downed a Rockstar(which I hardly ever drink caffeine) and was on a sugar/caffeine buzz the rest of the night. We made some friends at the Haunted Mansion. One was a skeleton and another was a weird kid with chains thinking he was all scary. Well he wasn't until I told him Amanda and Lindy's name. The best was watching him chase those two around the care while I sat by and just laughed. The night was still young, so we partied on down to Nightmare on 13th. That haunted house was pretty good. Some points scared me pretty good, but the best part was making a clown scare Amanda and watching her fall on the floor. Yes!! All in all a good night, till I came home and couldn't fall asleep till 6 in the morning. No more rockstars for me.
In the meanwhile, Kelly and I went for a photography date. We did night shots of the Oquirr temple and I offended a couple who just came out. Then we went to an overpass and did night shots of the freeway. Pretty Freakin cool what my new toy can do!! So I am stoked now that I know how to work it. So let me know when I am doing pictures for you ;)

Lindy's New Boyfriend

Me talking to Skeletor  

                         

Taking the Plunge

Alright I did it. I created my photog blog. It is a work in progress and I did just create it Saturday while waiting for Kelly. I named it Blur Photography. The link is in my list of links.
I'm just going to put this out there so I can be done with it. Here goes. I know this sounds like Eyore but I feel like I am joining some kind of club. You know everyone is doing it, photography that is. I have never been one to follow the crowd if I could help it.
But I am tired of sitting around and waiting for things to happen in my life. So this is just another step toward doing what makes me happy. (not to mention all the cool swag that comes with this hobby *cough *canon 7D*) So what if everyone and their dog is doing the same thing. I am hoping that theirs won't last long and they will realize it's not what they really want to do. Endurance has always been my strong point. I lasted four years at Icon Customer Service. That's a long time.
So I have asked this of you before, but I need support. I'm not looking for compliments (although they are much appreciated) just encouragement and maybe mentioning my name if someone asks (no pressure. don't go campaigning for me on the corner or anything). Thanks as always for your friendship.
Anywho not much else going on in our life. I do get my new camera this week, which I am totally stoked for. Who else is excited for colder weather coming next week? I totally wore my cardigan already. But it turned out to be a warm day so it kinda put a damper on the whole experience. The primary program was last Sunday and I got stuck with the Spawn of Satan sitting by me. He was jumping on his chair and got his foot stuck in those fold up bottom choir seats you know. I half considered leaving his foot in there, but then he started whining loudly about it, I had to help. Finally his parents got full view of what we deal with every week. Needless to say they didn't bring him to class last week. It was a nice break. Well that's about it for now.
You stay classy

Laborious Labor Day

Labor is a day of rest. But not for me. I shopped and shot. There were some pretty great sales out there, so I got in on it. Too bad for all the sweaters on sale that I wanted but can't wear till it gets a little colder. I love summer, but am torn now because I want to start wearing my fall clothes. Anyone else feel that way?

Later on the day of Labor, I got to do a photoshoot for Lindy and Maddux. Dang that kid is cute. Amanda came with me as my designated "bag girl" (thank you for helping by the way). We went around Morgan and found some really great places. I will have to come back to these spots as they are in a word "ideal". So today I "worked" by editing pictures all day. I loved the colors we found on commercial street. It was hard to decide what should be black and white and what to keep color. Luckily you can have it both ways. Whatever.

Update on our primary class. They finally split us so now we have eight kids on the list and between four and six come everyweek. Much better. We still have the wild child who I had to chase all around the church building on Sunday. Truly he makes me hate children. Don't judge.

If I may send something out there. I love photography and pretty much everything about it. However living in Utah, the self-proclaimed photography studio-in-your-basement capital, I am hesitant to actually start doing this as a business. I feel I would be jumping on the bandwagon so to speak. Should I A) just keep doing it free for friends and family because I love it so much or B)start making money beccause I will never get a real job in this economy.

As always let me know what you think.

Oh the Joys of "Shooting" People

Last Saturday, Kelly and I ventured up to Wellsville/Mendon to do a shoot for our wonderful friends, the Andersons. I'm not gonna lie, it was challanging. Trying to get the kids to smile at the same time as Genna and Devron. Getting them all to look the same way. But it was good practice. I had fun, plus we got steak afterwards! Thanks Genna and Devron!!

I hope they turned ok. They knew of some really awesome places to go which I hope to make it back to some day. What better than some old shot-out car in the middle of a field?

Well tell me what you think.

Happy Late Anni!!

So I am late on updating this thing. But last Thursday was our 4 year anniversary. Wahoo! Great, wow! I know right. I think back to other anniversaries and can't remember what we did. That's how you truly know you are married.
It was Joseph Barth (whoever that is) that said "Marriage is our last, best chance to grow up." I could not agree more. I am not the same person I was before marriage and I am sure Kelly isn't either. It took me four years to realize that I am a different person married than I was single. Change came whether we were ready or not. Together we grew up and still have much more to go. This past year has not been an easy one. Another example of life not going according to plan. Kelly has been by my side and has supported me in my "I am going to get a job", "No, I am not going to get a job", "What if I just get a part-time job" phase. He taught me that it is not the job that defines me.
Anywho we went camping Thursday night at Mirror Lake in the Unitas. It got pretty cold that night. I know Harley was warm all snuggled down in the blankets. I did get cold however. Friday morning we got up early (well early for us) and looked for a great hike. We decided on Bald Mountain. Two miles, steep and rocky. That's all I have to say. If you want to know how in shape you are go for a hike. I was taking it slow while Harley pulled Kelly up the mountain. She loved it. People were amazed a small dog like her could fair so well up there. But getting to the top was worth it. The view was just breath taking. We were able to see all these lakes in the surrounding area including the gorgeous Mirror Lake. I am always amazed at how awesome the mountains are.
This is the part where I say how grateful I am for Kelly. And I am. He makes the small moments the best ones. Love ya Kel-Kel!!
As always a few pictures.

Starting the hike. Notice we are smiling.


One of the many lakes. View from somewhere in the middle.


Harley the mountain goat.


Made it to the top. Yeah!! Notice not really smiling, much.


I freaked when Kelly took this picture. Now I know now how moms feel when their kids get near the edge of things.


Mirror Lake. Very Pretty. View from the top.

I have the Best FRieNdS EveR!!

So awhile ago I asked Amanda if she would want to be a model for me so I could get some practice at just taking pictures in general. Well she got her friend Stevi in on it and what turned out was well..... freakin amazing.

Stevi shows up with this suitcase full of clothes and accessories. In my mind I was just thinking maybe an outfit or two and make it quick you know. Nope this was like a two hour event with changing in the back of my car. Amanda shows up in these long eyelashes and bright red lipstick. I can't lie, I had a blast. Those two were creative and just willing to go with whatever. It was an adventure in the backyard of Chase's mom's neighbor. I fell on this wood stack and almost got a rusty nail up my butt. We wanted to shoot longer, but alas our light was setting. Bummer.

I won't post all the pictures, but here is what I have edited so far today. I have been editing all day and am tired. I have about 25 pics edited and about 25 or so to go. I took lots. So if anyone is daring enough to be my next models, it will be fun.

I call this my Urban Farm phase. Enjoy

Introducing...

My newest niece Morgan Sophie. She was born on July 21 (I think). She is already a little princess, I can tell. Unlike her big sister, likes the color pink, perfume and make-up, but is a lover of bugs. Go figure.

This photo shoot was a little challenging because the kids were just squirmy. None of them wanted to have their picture taken. But they endured because kit-kats were on the line. Morgan loves to have her arms and legs stretched out. I guess after 9 months being couped up in the womb who wouldn't want to stretch out. Well here are my favorites. Enjoy and let me know what you think.