Life's Tough Lessons

About one year ago my computer had a falling out, so we paid the computer guy Jeff :) to fix it. At that time he told me that I needed to start backing up all my files. Fast forward...to this last weekend. I now have hundreds of family pictures, my entire business portfolio, and my Quickbooks. Well, I HAD this, until my freakin computer crashed again and I lost everything :( I seriously cried all day Sunday, and have been trying to figure the life lesson that coincides with this incident (besides backing up). I just know that there must be something that I need to learn from this. Maybe it is that I need to know that the most important things in life are not on my computer. I know this sounds funny, but I have neglected my family trying to keep everyone else happy. I truly am thankful for Ben and the kids, and I often take for granted the fact that I get to stay at home with them. This all reminds me of the following quote, "the most important work you will ever do, will be within the walls of your own home." I want to put this quote in vinyl lettering above my computer desk to keep me on task. I would love to post a picture, but I don't have any!!!!

My First Bridal Session

I was really excited about doing a bridal session, so I offered this bride a deal :) I took all of her pictures for free so that I could use them for a portfolio. I ended up with 23 pictures that I loved. Anyway, here are a few of my favs. What do you all think? I value all opinions and construcive criticizm (spelling??)

O' Christmas Tree, O' Christmas Tree

My fellow bloggers, I must first make a public apology for having a life outside of blogging lol! What started out as a on the side hobby, has consumed my life. The photography business has grown far beyond any expectations that I had. I actually did 6 sessions in one week (never again!) I was up in the wee hours of the morning editing pictures. I love it, but I love sleep much better :) Anyway, I decided to post these pictures of the Christmas tree hunt. I love Jesse's Charlie Brown Tree. We let the kids pick out trees for their room, and you can see what they picked. I had to post the snowball fight as well. I think my mom meant business.

Bad Boy Jesse James

Ladies, I must send out a fair warning for my son. Keep your girls far away from him. Yesterday, he was watching a movie with Paige when he came to tell me that a girl and boy were kissing. I said "that's gross"! I assumed that is what he was getting at until he quickly replied, "that's not gross momma, that's pretty"! Now I know why you must worry when you have little girls. He must have got that from his father, because all I hear about is how "wanted" my man was back in the day. I seriously beg him to put on those tight wranglers, but he won't! So I guess, I can look at pictures of the mullet and wranglers and dream lol!! I must clarify that Ben did not give me that info. I hear from all the young girlies :)

Whitney Bug!!

While babysitting my little Whitney Bug, I was able to get these pictures at her mothers request. She is 18 months old. I had to share them, as I can't get over how cute she is. I know you are all wondering why she has no shoes, but you will have to ask her mom lol? I still love them and character is always better! For those who don't know, this is Dusty and Michaela Wiseman's little girl.

Cheney's

Just wanted to post my last photo opportunity. I know I am not a pro at this yet, but I am learning everyday. I just want to thank those individuals that are trusting me with capturing their family. Thanks Lindsay!

Sweet Baby Jensen

I LOVE HER SO MUCH!!!!

Happy Birthday Jensen!

This week has been sad for me. I had to hand over my mother of the year award due to my ignorance and lack of priortizing! Jensen turned one on November 2, and I did not even buy her a present. I also did not dress her up for Halloween. I know...I am probably going to get turned in to DFS (I think that is what it is called) anyway the place that takes your children away. I truly do love her and she has been an amazing child. Right from the start it was all good! I pushed once and there she was. After the first two labors, I deserved an easy one. She has been sleeping no less than 8 to 9 hours a night since she was two months old. At 10 months she just started walking around, it kind of freaked me out. Anyway here are some pictures of my little Jensen. We love her vibrant, fiesty, personality.

James' Believe It or Not

1.Ben was walking through the airport sporting a pink camoflauge backpack!

2.Ben's wedding band is still in Florida :(

3.Upon returning to the resort after a long day at Disney World, I realized that I left my camera on the tram that took us to parking. I, of course was a frantic mess. I convinced Ben that we needed to go back and try to find it. He really did not want to. Amazingly I walked right up to the guy that found my camera on the tram. I really had to contain myself from giving him a bear hug. I don't think he will ever know how happy he made me!

4.After returning to the SLC airport, we gathered our luggage then Keith and Ben were headed to parking to get the vehicles...well that was the plan until Keith realized that the key to the car was still in vehicle that we rented in Florida! Which leads me to #5.

5.Ben drove a mini-van around Florida, you heard me right, and not only that... he stated that it had more get-up then my Yukon!

6.The drive home was so long. We were completely exhausted but did not want to unload all of our stuff and get a room, so we decided to head home. I can't sleep while others are driving because I have a fear of them falling asleep. I kept asking Ben if he was alright, and he reassured me every time that he was OK. I leaned my seat back, but never took my eyes off of the road. I all of a sudden saw the Yukon heading off the road. I started screaming Ben, Ben, BEN! He had fallen asleep. I was freaked out!! This is seriously one of my worries, and it was coming true. He could not believe it either. Needless to say, I drove us home. It was not easy, and we learned that the risks are not worth it. If you are tired...DO NOT DRIVE!!!!

7.Last, but surely not least. They talked me into entering the hula hoop contest at the pool. I made it through round #1 with a breeze. I had to add a hoop for the second round and I fell apart. I can't believe that I am posting this picture, but you gotta love the stance. I meant business!!!

Disney World

I was the most excited about our venture to Walt Disney World. It truly is the happiest place on earth, and I explained thoroughly to my children that there were no cry babies or whiny kids allowed there. It must have worked because they all spent 8 hours at the park and enjoyed every minute of it. Disney holds a magical spot in my heart...I will confess...I LOVE IT!!!!

Blizzard Beach

We spent one of the days at Blizzard Beach. I am not sure who had more fun, the guys or the kids. My kids are waterbugs and would live there if I would let them. Ben, Keith, Kaleb, and Nicholas took there brave souls to the top of Summit Plummit (the name gives it no justice), by the time they hit bottom they were traveling speeds of up to 55 mph. The waterpark wedgie is free with admission!!! Ben said that his butt cheeks were burning. I could not get myself to experience such a sensation due to the fact that there are a lot more places for my swimsuit to hide than in the younger years if you no what I mean. Instead, I merely laughed at them!

Florida

I know you all re expecting some fabulous pictures from our family trip...but I left my fourth child (Nikon D80) at home. I decided it would be too much to try and carry around. I convinced Ben that we needed a smaller, more compact camera to take with us on these occasions. Lucky me :) we stopped and bought the Nikon Coolpix camera to take on our trip. It is cute and fun...but not the D80!!! I will first share the fun...then the, let's just say, it all can't be great. We stayed in a presidential suite at the Wyndham resort in Walt Disney World...oh yeah!!! I am having technical difficulties trying to place the pictures where I want them. Anway, these are the pictures of the what the kids called grandma's house. It was four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and decorated to the hilt (2500 square ft.) On each side was a master suite with jacuzzi tubs. I know what you are thinking...Paige, Jesse, Jensen, and me all in the bubble bath...exactly!!! I would do anything to take my own bubble bath, but instead I have kid(S) asking me questions, and telling me things that are rather insulting.

Beanies For Sale!!!!

I had this great idea to order 100 beanies and sell them to make some money to start paying off some of my photography debt. I had great intentions of making the flower clips to add to them! Well, now the rest of the story. I am exhausted and cannot find any extra time to worry about making flower clips and I know they are for sale at numerous places. So I have decided to just sell them for a great deal. They are super cute and can be worn dressed up or just casual with braids. I have dark brown, black, white, and three shades of pink. If you buy three or more you can have them for $5/each instead of $7/each. So please spread the word!!!

My Nephews

My sister bought her first house here in Milford and I am so happy. It has been a blessing to have her and the boys close to me. She asked me to help her decorate her home, and I thought what better way than with pictures (of course). I took these today and the ones of them together are going to be printed on a double matboard so that you do not have to use a frame (way cool).
P.S. I can do so many different things through my printing company, and I am more than willing to share with friends and family. If you would like to print your own pictures with some of my finishing services give me a buzz!

Unconditional Love

The last couple of days have been hard for me. I find it amazing how harsh individuals can be, and I sometimes wish I could find the time to worry about all the choices that others make. I have always loved people, and have given every person that I have met a chance to share their story with me. I myself have made terrible decisions throughout life, but I have learned so much. I was looking through my pictures and I came across this one in particular. It touched me so much. I remember feeling so alone and empty during the trials that I have faced. Since I have learned about the gospel, I feel so much gratitude to be able to teach my children about the savior and his unconditional love for each one of us. I don't ever want them to feel alone and empty, and I want to make sure they know to reach out to those that hurt and search for the good in every soul.

Major Trauma!

Yesterday evening we were having dinner with the missionaries at Keith and Beth's house. I showed up early because the kids had spent the day at grandma's. As I was lying on the floor, Jensen came up from behind me and cracked me in the face with a willowtree figurine. I literally felt my tooth shatter. For most it probably would not have been a big deal...but for me it was HUGE. I seriously bawled for 30 minutes. I immediately called Dr. Howard because I realized at this point he was the most important person to me! I was crying so hard he could hardly understand me, he thought there was a death or something. It was much worse (jk, but I felt like it at the moment), the one thing that I really loved about myself was my smile and it was now ugly! Fortunately I work for Dr. Howard and he spent 2 1/2 hours fixing my tooth last night :) It will never be the same to ME...but my husband has informed me that I am overly obsessed with teeth, and most people would never notice.

Music

OK ...I have added to my playlist. I know some are probably wondering what the deal is with the old stuff, some think I am weird, and others are containing themselves from dancing around in front of the computer. Those would be the friends that really know me. I have always loved music (mostly 80's). There is a memory linked with most of these songs, and I love to reminisce (spelling ?, but sounded good lol) about the past. I hope these songs will bring back memories to everyone!!

Happy Birthday Paige!

Paige's birthday is tomorrow and I cannot believe that it has been five years since I first felt that unbelievable bond of a mother and child. I remember being nervous and excited as Ben and I were about to experience parenthood. So much has changed over the past few years, but I will ever be grateful for the journey that began with Paige. I am so thankful for this beautiful, smart, young girl. Paige is now the big sister/mother to Jesse and Jensen. I have to inform her frequently that she is not the boss! She politely tells me that I am not the boss either, but Dad is! I guess I will let her find out on her own someday that that is not the truth :) I decided to put several of my favorite pictures of Paige. Enjoy!