I'm Forever His and He's Forever Mine

Time for another post I suppose

2010-04-13T22:49:00.004-08:00

Again really nothing interesting other then my photography and even then it may not interest everyone. I've got several weddings and photo shoots this summer that Im excited about. Im really excited about Ladies Retreat, Camp and Convention this year but even more so I'm SOOOOO excited about the Assembly it seems so far away and in reality thats okay.

My life isnt all that exciting so heres something to look at that truly excites me- my favorite photos from the last two months

I've Been Told I Need to Post

2010-02-27T18:28:00.003-09:00

I was reminded that it was not Christmas anymore and I need to change over my blog. Now please dont take this as deciding I'm blogging regularly now. I personally love facebook and its easy mobile access between that and my photography website there is no keeping up. I knew it would happen sooner or later that I would lose interest in blogging. I still read regularly though even if I dont comment.

So that all being said I figured what better time to change over my blog then now. One can not possibly get tired of looking at that precious sleeping face.

Thats right thats my beautiful niece. Savannah Lynn- life seems a little sweeter with her in it. Which is funny that even after hearing her test her lungs late at night that I can say that. There is no denying how adorable and precious she is.

Outside of the fact that Savannah entered the world. Wed. was quite the adventure as Dad, Levi, Jes and I waited in the waiting room from 2:30am to nearly 2:30 pm. Every aspect of that day will forever be a memory to cherish. Once things get a little more normal I'll take some more pictures and try to remember to post them for those in blogville to see.

Merry Merry Christmas to All!!

2009-12-24T07:44:00.001-09:00

I Just Wanted to Wish One and All A MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Just Call Me a Slacker

2009-12-15T21:20:00.002-09:00

I've got 4 folders of pictures to share

~ Our Winter Wonderland Jake Frost style

~ Youth Christmas Party

~ Christmas Dinner at Church

~ Work Christmas Party (The Formal Daddy Daughter Date)

but none of that tonight... Tonight I've got a reason for slacking- a migrain. Those things don't fight fair ...

So tonight I'm just asking for prayer and hopefully tomorrow Ill win and be able to share quit the busy last couple weeks with you

A Grown Up Christmas List

2009-12-03T20:43:00.007-09:00

It seems this sickness is a national thing. Yesterday start with a headache (which is not uncommon for me) and then this morning it was a headache w/ sinus pressure but worse was my eyes. They were swollen and sore and I wanted to scratch them out of their sockets as they were so dry. As the day went on the achyness set in and the sinus pressure built up. I got off work an hour early and just in time as the chills set in. Matt came over and jokingly put his ice cold hands around my neck. Man did it feel good but he didnt keep them there long as he said I was burning up. I thought it was just me. All in all I just feel miserable. With the lack of energy and motivation to move my lame self off the couch I did some Christmas dreaming. I've realized my Christmas list has gotten rather grown up and with uh I guess grown up prices. Actually beyond most grown up prices.

In no order of importance or amount of want.

I need a new point and shoot. Mine faced the brutality of my drivers seat. It feel under it and the screen must of gotten crushed when it got adjusted

This is one of those things that dont come with a high price tag I've just had a hard time finding. Its a high def. lens filter. Average filter size is 55mm or 72mm but mine is a 62mm and either Im not looking in the right places or they just arent as popular. But this is near #1 on my list. The enhancement on a picture from it is awesome.
This is both a want in a need. It will help improve indoor shooting. A huge assist when it comes to the Assembly.

This is a Jill-E camera laptop bag. Can we say totally cute. I love my shoulder sling for my camera but there is nothing feminine about it. Its trendy and yet practical. It will hold one body, four lenses, and a plethora of accessories AND up to a 17" laptop. The best part it has four small wheels and pull out handle so it can go from a shoulder bag for the first day of the assembly and a roller for the next 4 when it becomes annoying to carry around all the time. Its is nearly perfect !!! Only thing is this bag is about $300.00 :-/ Yeah I wont be getting this for Christmas haha
Then something Ive been wanting for the last two years. Last year I bought my camera instead and then this yrs pfd bought my phone and paid bills. The price on this beauty is nearly $2000.00 again NOT GETTING THIS FOR CHRISTMAS but I can dream can't I lol . In case someone isnt familiar with this wonderful piece of technology its the Apple Macbook Pro- oooh the photography editing I can do with this *sigh* someday

Yup thats my Christmas list and haha none of it will be under the Christmas tree. Oh well

Winter Wonderland

2009-11-30T18:04:00.009-09:00

Wednesday night brought the snow. We came out of the restaurant and the snow was falling hard and fast but it was still so pretty. I love it when it snows here as it usually means its warmed up. Like right now its trying to snow and it 31 degrees. I love it.

Anyway we came back to the house to play some Wii games. Matt got a little feisty and thought it clever to throw a snowball at me. He'd have regretted it had it hit my camera :P

This was actually Friday the pictures got out of order. I woke up to feeling like I was living in a snow globe. The snow was coming down in large flakes that fell so gracefully.

This was Thursday. After a large yummy meal Matt, Mom and I went for a walk it was a bit nippy but so beautiful.

I excluded this one because its just too funny. Mom decided she wanted to go over to the play ground. I turn around and she's laying down on some snow covered steps. Matt took my camera and hopped up on the hand rails and stood over her to take the picture. Just watching the two of them was hilarious its probably one of those you had to be there moments.

Youth on the Hunt

2009-11-24T21:18:00.003-09:00

November was my month to plan the youth activity and so I put together a photo scavenger hunt. They were given a scripture and they could take it literally or figuratively but they had to use their creative to find an object or subject to take their picture with. It could not be in any house hold and could not be on any team members body. We split up in two teams and headed downtown to have some fun.

The first one:

John 12:23
And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

Nate is standing by the Railroad Clock

I messed up on the scripture for this one when i did a search it changed statue to statute and so I just wrote Psalms 81:4 without double checking and wrote statue on the slip as it was suppose to be mine but ended up trading with someone. So Joleesa took her pictures with a statue of one of the founders of Anchorage.
Isaiah 22:19

And I will drive thee from thy station, and from thy state shall he pull thee down.

Here is Nathan and Joleesa at the bus station. This one is posed a challenge for Mom, Matt, Nathan and Jo as nothing is called a station anymore its all Fire Department, Rail Depot ect. so they final called it good a the Bus station even though its not really called that.

This was my team and let me say that three photographers on one team ment a lot of fun but also pictures of EVERYTHING lol. Team 1 had taken 12 pictures Team 2 (which was Micah, Megan, myself, Tim and Levi) took 72 hehe

This was Tim's slip

Hebrews 12:2

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us

Incase it doesn't look familiar this is a statue of Butto the lead dog of the first great race. The Iditarod! This is where the ceremonial start takes place every year.

This was my slip and I was rather happy with getting it as it ended up rather random. I've been wanting to play on this train but never have.

Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Luke 14:23

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Haha here mom is pointing at the dead hedge

This was Micah's which this is my second favorite of the night. His is a little more interpative then the rest. His scripture was..

Isaiah 60:8

Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows

We represent doves in the windows lol like I said we had fun.

This is my favorite this was Levi's

Scripture: Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

This is the Anchorage's town square per say. It decked out with beautiful lights, a large less beautiful Christmas tree and a skating rink that circles the park. Its so pretty I love it
This is Matt's his scripture: Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Here is the angel they were entertaining hehe
This is a two part picture: you can't appreciate the funness ( I know not a word) of the first one without seeing the second one.

This one is Megan's

I can't remember for sure what her scripture was as I had changed it several times.

I believe it was Luke 21:1- and he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

And how fitting but a penny press. The gift shop was about to close up and we begged to get a picture with the penny press. The guy looked at us a little weird and said most people ask to take a picture with the large bear. We unpuzzled him and explained the scavenger hunt.

The weather was great. Not to chilly and not to busy downtown. We ended the night with homemade pizza and a movie that had us all laughing. I think everyone had fun and we've pretty much decided come April we'll have to do something similar but maybe with a little more of a challenge

All Things Pretty in Pink

2009-11-23T21:57:00.004-09:00

most days (not resent days) I love my job but there is NOTHING I love more then to be given something that I can shut work out of and escape into a side of me that has no limits and I can be as creative as I want.

Last Tuesday was Joleesa's baby shower. Hehe oh boy did I have fun with it. It was exhausting but so fun. From the little details all the way to Joleesa's exhausted happy face when the night was over. Mom will say I went over board and I probably did. It'll be PB&J sandwhiches for lunch for several weeks lol but it was worth every penny and ever second put into.

It started with the invitation which I actually got paid to create. One night I did a coat check for a Governors Award Banquet and it could have been 6 hrs of boringness if I hadn't had my computer. By the end of the night I was well please both with what I was able to put together and the tips I had in my pocket hehe....

Then came the baby shower. Sis Mack had done a diaper cake for Lillian's baby shower and it was so cool. So I googled it and realized these things are insanely popular and actually sell for maga $$$. So I googled some more figuring there had to be instructions of some sort out there to create this fun center piece. Directions in hand I went to work... quickly deciding I didn't like the way the instruction was leading I ventured on my own and I have to say I'm rather fond of the final out come. Every cake needs a topper and it seemed rather fitting that the baby's first bear top it.

It sat in the middle of the table. Pictures I've taken through out her pregnancy so far (along with a 4D framed ultrasound picture) flanked the right side and pink and white plates, cups and napkins were to the left. Holding the utensils is a little red wagon that say's ITS A GIRL. ( there was a flower arrangement in it that was delivered to Jo the day after she found out the gender)
A party needs balloons and when it comes to baby themes they sure do have a collection of fun ones. My favorite is the big pink foot print. (the bear holding the balloons is from Jessa)
Here is a close up of the diaper cake. This is 80 diapers each individually rolled and tied off with clear stretchy craft line. The diapers are fittingly baby Winnie the Pooh.
Our house has such warm lighting that everything either looks so pale or very orange ( the wagon is actually red and the ribbon a bold pink but oh well)
Every party needs streamers so going across the room was 3D hearts, paper flowers and butterflies
Matt and Nathan came by to whisk Dad away for some male bonding. Which apparently consisted of streak, chicken, shrimpp and abundance of other food lol
Every party needs games. We had peoples water breaking (melting ice to release a pacifier), passing a box left to right to right to right as mom read a story about the Right family. Here is a picture of one as Dallas's mom had to guess how big her baby bump was and got it right on the dot.
Then it was present time and boy did this little one get spoiled with some pretty cool and creative gifts as well.
here was a gift from Dallas's mom- an umbrella wrapped in receiving blankets and filled to capacity of lots of cute girly goodies
I remember when gifts use to be wrapped but I have to say the bags are getting just as fun as the actual presents and just as expensive lol
Every baby needs needs noisy toys *whispers* so do big kids Matt rather enjoyed playing with it when he returned hehe
This was Megan's gift that was sooo cool. It was a laundry basket filled with clothes but not just simply folded in the basket much more creative then that.....
She created what seemed like a never ending but totally coool clothes line of cute baby clothes
These type gifts are so fun but you almost dont want to take them apart
a friend of mine and Jo's that we use to work with stopped by. This is her little girl. Who I absolutely love and think next to my future niece is the most adorable little girl (Im sure some will disagree :-) which is okay hehe)
In the end while all of use were tired to the bones Megan had a burst of energy and so all the baby clothes from the shower and what was previously bought came out to be organized and put away. I do think this little angel has more clothes then I do which is simply shocking lol

I Got Mail!

2009-11-16T22:48:00.003-09:00

and it wasnt an email! There is something so fun about getting mail but there is definitely something even more fun and thats getting a fun card made by Sis Emily from Sis Becki. I dont think I deserve such a fantastic thank you it only took forever and a day to for the dvd to get to her. Well at least the second one the first one got sent to the same address but different city because the duffus of a Fed Ex clerk put down the wrong zip code :-P I guess he was feeling creative because the zip code doesnt exist and so whoever was on the New Mexico side had to get even more creative in trying to read the clerks mind as to where it was to go... when from the beginning they could have just read the package that I had nicely written the correct address with a real and right zip code but I guess that wouldnt be as entertaining. Hope whoever in Sandia Crest is enjoying a DVD of nearly 1,000 pictures of people they have no clue who are hehe. (Sadly unless the recognize the flag I dont believe they'll know its from The Church of God. I don't recall any pictures in which I zoomed out that the banner showed. Oh well )

The funny part is Dad took it to Fed Ex the second time and sent it Expedite Air which means it would be on the next FedEx flight out the package went flying on the 12th and promptly arrived on the 13th. Now according to the envelope Sis Becky was very prompt in sending a beautiful "Thank You" in return on the 13th. For 44 cents it arrived with in two mailing days lol. Got to love living in Alaska the mail is just as unpredictable as the weather.

It was a wonderful way to end a very long and busy day. Normally the mail has already been gotten by the time I get home or Dad calls me on my way home from work that he hasn't gone out to get to pick it up before coming in the house (yes its just at the end of a short drive way :-P) Joleesa, Mom and I were talking about the shower tomorrow and made me remember that one of our aunts had let me know she was sending a card in the mail for Joleesa (which was mail from MN on Tuesday and arrived today -told ya its random) and I was thinking it odd that it hadnt arrived yet as usually for a standard letter its 4 mail days max. and thats when we realized that the mail had been neglected. So here at 11pm Joleesa and I both get to joy of opening beautiful cards :-) I love it

haha I just had a whole blog about mail and the one before that was about the weather :-) wondering why people read this :-D

GOOOD Night

Got to Love Technology :o)

2009-11-11T22:43:00.004-09:00

Wahoo I figured it out... So it's been about a month now sense I've gotten my iPhone and could figure out how to blog with it. I can take pictures edit pictures post pictures receive pictures and a whole load of other things but I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to blog. Other the my professional pictures and any designing I do I really don't get on my computer much these days so if it can't be done with my phone It probably gets neglected. So we'll see how well I blog now. Let see how truly wonderful my phone is and see if I can post pictures from it. Oh well it'll have to wait I got a connection error. Maybe next time I got some pictures from the snow storm that blew into today. I'm sadden by the fact that I actually don't find the aspect of winter pretty anymore. I know 6-7 months of it lay ahead and that just depresses me. I'm going through a phase where I've got an itch to move. Well actually it's something I'm praying about if this itch is really God pulling on me I don't want to neglect to do His will just because in my eyes I see so many reasons to stay. Then I look outside and just dread the winter ahead :(

I need to go out with my camera and remind myself how beautiful winter is here. I see things so much clearer through a camera lens

SNOW!!!

2009-11-08T20:51:00.002-09:00

and lots of it... before I would be jumping for joy and giddy like a little kid but now adulthood has corrupted that excitement :-P I dont have my studded tires on my car yet and it has me nervous. Now I know plenty of people drive (especially in the lower 48) in snow with out studs but it just goes to show how the unfamiliar makes some uncomfortable.

I've got so much to blog about as my weekend was actually productive but I am feeling quite miserable I dont know if I'm coming down sick or if my body is just craving more sleep... I dont know but I'm going to give into that craving and head to bed

Procrastination, Pictures, and Prayer

2009-10-31T23:43:00.004-08:00

So mom is going to kill me I put off my laundry again- though I'm sure instead of killing me she'll just say I told you so. I hate laundry its not something I can start and be done with before moving on to another project. No I have to stop what I'm doing and go back to it. I can multi-task like no other but I HATE doing it. If I had my way if I start something I don't go on to something else until I finish it. Which is why I always get frustrated when mom or dad or someone asks me to stop what I'm doing to go do something else. Today I figured out a little bit why that is. When you are doing something creative and all that inspiration is flowing from who knows where you don't want it interrupted.

Anyway so I ditched doing laundry to take Joleesa's 20 week pictures at 21 weeks :P I love my little niece :-) yup I my birthday present (or I suppose if Jo is like Mom and delivers 2 weeks early it could be Jessa's birthday present) is going to be a baby girl. I've never seen an ultrasound done before (outside of fake Hollywood ones) and I stood in that room staring at the screen in awe struck wonder at how fearfully and wonderfully we are made. This little one is just barely 12 oz and yet we could see her little eyes, ears, nose and lips. I thought I was going to have to use my imagination to figure out what she (I was convinced it was for sure a he-I was wrong hehe but I'm okay with that) looks like. With todays technology no imagination needed I almost felt like I met her.

As I was taking pictures today and looking at Joleesa's expanding stomach I stood amazed that that little life I got to see was in there. When we found out she was having a baby girl I stopped at the store as I wanted to get something for Jo (hehe I've bought alot of somethings for her) and I saw these little shoes she's holding in the picture. Shoe's this little one will never walk in but I pray every time I see them (as they've been sitting on the coffee table) that where those little feet take her that she leave an imprint on the lives left behind - one that will speak of God's love and grace because I pray this little one will know it in abundance.

Of all the things I've bought for my niece nothing excited me as much as when I found they were still printing the baby book "I'll Love You Forever, I'll Like You For Always" Mom and Dad bought that book for me one year for Christmas and its is my alllllll time favorite children's book. Well my little niece I may not be your mommy (you've got a pretty wonderful one) but I'll love you forever and I'll like you for always ..... for as long as I'm living

:-)

Please be in prayer for Joleesa as the ultrasound tech did not get a good picture of the baby's heart. God's got His hand on this little one and I know everything is alright but our human nature fears the worst and on Tuesday she goes back in for another ultrasound and I heard her cry yesterday as they had to postpone it (she was suppose to have it on thursday, then moved it to Friday and now Tuesday). The unknown usually fuels fear but God knows and gives peace.

Oh the Things That Entertain Us Sometimes

2009-10-27T23:22:00.002-08:00

I was playing with my phone at work (oh yeah btw I am now a happy owner of the iPhone- which this picture was taken and edited on then uploaded from my phone) and someone through the candy at me and the eyes landed like that on my desk. I dont know how many have seen the annoying Geico commercial but when I saw the eyes and went in search of someone with some cash to recreate the money saving Geico friend.

Here is the original Geico money friend- I have to say I rather like mine better

Just Can't Seem to Blog

2009-10-24T20:53:00.002-08:00

I think I've succumb to what many have- I've lost the whatever it is that enjoys blogging. I've sat down a couple times to tell about things going on. My life feels so busy like there such be so much to blog about but at the end of the day it all just doesnt sound interesting enough lol but I'll give it a shot.

I figure if it doesnt sound interesting to me then why would it be interesting to anyone else. Now this is NOT a oh woe is me complaining about no comments :-P lol....though I do miss them- miss the encouragement.

I just thought about something- when I first started blogging I depended so much on the support and encouragement I got through this blog. Now its more that I dont want to blog unless I can be an encouragement.

So much has changed...

and so much continues to change...there is a new season in my life coming up ( in regards to my walk with the Lord) that I see God preparing me for. He's dispelling fears I've had and giving me a spiritual boldness and confidence in my ministry that I pray I can be effectively used by Him. My heart is full of excitement as I've gotten to use my talents in such away that I never imagined. Our Sunday School lesson for tomorrow (which Im now teaching) has me excited- a Call to Commitment - Here I am Lord- Use Me.

Didn't Know I Could Love So Much

2009-10-10T18:07:00.002-08:00

I've had a lot on my mind the last couple months but for some reason this week its nearly consumed it. So much so that I even spaced out mailing Sis Becki's DVD. I'm passed even asking for forgiveness because its unforgivable. I can't even use the excuse that my dvd drive went out because thats been replaced a week ago :( I will however express my sincerest apologizes.

There is something I've been trying to figure out how to blog about but couldn't seem to find the words. The things on my heart seemed so private and personal but yet feel like if I don't express them in some way it all will bust open at some point.

This news is no secret Mom has shared it on her blog, Joleesa has shared it on her facebook that in March Joleesa will be a mother....

Joleesa is my baby sister- I never really tried to protect her like Jessa did. LOL Mom and Dad would have to punish Jessa in order to punish Joleesa but I did try to be the example. I did expect so much from her. My desire for her was to be the best person she could be. When she told us the news. My heart broke. Not because of what she was telling us but because I felt I had failed her in some way. May sound crazy but in my own way like Jessa I thought I could shield her in some way but I can't. I've not failed at loving her, or being there for her but I have failed at putting her in God's hands- I tried to be responsible for the burden alone but its not in my power to do so. I can't touch her heart like He can. I can't move in her life like He can. I can't carry her pain like He can. Oh how I want to I mean she's my baby sister and just being there do

esn't seem enough but He is more then enough.

So in just under six months this little one is going to enter the world ( the due date is my birthday March 13) Haha you think I love my little sister I haven't even met this little life insider her and my heart is over flowing with love. I can't wait to see if it has Joleesa's soft blonde hair or Dallas's dark tan skin. I want to see it's little fingers and toes. I can't wait to hold the little precious life God has chosen to give this family. I've ordered it a little sleeper that has a camera on it that says "Future Photographer" hehe - this child will be loved in abundance (the word spoiled is not allowed to be used)

Joleesa and I went through all the baby stuff thats been bought *blushes* I have indeed loved this child in abundance and we haven't even found out the gender (11 more days)

Oh little one I pray you know God's love so real and rich in your life. I'll always love you precious one.

I think I'm going to love being an Aunt :-)

Maybe now that I've shared this I'll feel more like blogging... :-)

Sweeeet!!!!

2009-10-01T07:45:00.002-08:00

I love getting up in the morning to good news. My boss is in CA on personal business and she emailed me this morning asking if when she got back if I could a family shoot (there's the brutality again)

Thats an easy answer :P

Nice way to start the morning ...... Except now I have to go to work boo hoo

Rewinding back to the Assembly

2009-09-30T18:07:00.008-08:00

I ate something today that my body definitely didn't like. Today is one of those days I wish I had that little bit of extra energy to push myself to go to church tonight. My body aches and I feel so warm but yet my feet are cold. So very odd in my mind. I'm stretched out on the couch and wondering why I'm blogging. Though my body feels like its rebuking me for whatever reason my mind is very in tune and functioning fine. I know some probably question the truth to that statement :P I do plan on pulling my sorry self off the couch at 7:00 and close myself off in Dad's off (the only place that will hold no distractions) and spend time in pray and studying my Sunday School lesson. The Devil isnt going to rob me of my time in the Word and with God just because of some dumb chicken I ate.

In the mean time though I figured I'd put my active mind to use and blog about the assembly. Not really sure where to start. The beginning makes sense but if I start at the beginning and dont finish it in one blog then it will be backwards. Hmm-I guess it'll be like rewinding in more ways then one.
Tuesday (Sept 8th) brought the Fields of the Wood service. Last year was my first year to go and after seeing the plane sweep over the fields I think I had a lot of great expectations for this year. Though it wasn't all that I expected I was by no means disappointed. As I've already said I've enjoyed the History lesson's that are shared (thank you Sis Washburn for sharing a more personal history into the ministers of that time I love it) Just stepping on to the grounds of Fields of the Woods always makes me long to see it as it was again. You know I don't know if I've ever even saw it how it was originally I think I have- there is this vivid picture in my mind of walking up Prayer Mountain and reading every last etched stone but I dont know I ever have- I'll have to ask Mom. The plastic coverings where they've attempted to cover the truth breaks my heart but that doesn't change what happened on that mountain or the part in church history it holds. The stones maybe covered but thats okay because the truth is etched where it really needs to be in my heart. Needless to say I truly enjoy the service held there. (even though the trip out there and the heat are something this girl has a hard time dealing with :P )

I am

hoping that the Field

s of the Wood service is included on the DVDs as I struggled in following Bro Oscars preaching. I've never heard anyone translate for themselves before it was rather cool but also distracted me to pieces so I don't think I got all that I could out of his message. This year I sat in the pavilion in order to get better pictures and it was so

cool to look out and see the church people spread out around the pavilion. There was one thing though in most of the pictures looking out the back- a certain flag appeared in the corner of several of the pictures it was dull, faded and lifeless. I about rejoiced in cropping it out as that flag does not represent Christ's church any longer- the singing, the preaching, the devotional in that Fields of the Wood service is a testimony to that.

After a shower, uploading FOTW pictures to the website and even a nap it was time to head to Abba House. My

parents were so wonderful as they were willing to go early so I get my camera adjusted to the lighting. The place is beautiful and comfortable. I took me a little bit to adjust to the blue background lighting. At first I must say I wasn't fond of it. Everything I did made Bro

Smith look orange ( and a bit Willy Wonkaish :S ) and the musician's nearly impossible to shoot ( hmm- no matter if I use the word shoot or capture it all sounds so brutal) I mean photograph (ha there we go) as it was so dark in the corner. UGH was my reaction at first but then tweaking here and there all the problems were solved except for Bro Smith still looked like an Umpa Lumpa. I through up my hands in defeat and just decided to avoid getting pictures from that direction which was okay because the glass pulpit he stood behind was almost as tall as him (and I say that with all respect and love lol)

Bro Fizzels message was wonderful and thanks to modern technolog

y I've actually been able to listen to it at work on my ipod. I'll side step to a new subject for a second. The media department has been able to do so many things that will advance the outreach of the Church via modern day technology. I'm part of a generation that is propelled by technology. Between my phone, my computer and even in some ways my camera. So much is instantly at my figure tips- in the world that we live in though that also means so much evil can be consumed at a press of a button. What better outreach is there then taking that step to replace that evil with the truth. Instead of unedifying music being projected at such loud volumes form the head phones of a teenager or young adult ( or that of those hard of hearing :P) its Biblical truths being preached as it passes their ears praying it goes straight to their hearts.

I can tell you this sense I got to be the ginny pig and try it out last week to see if it worked I've had the opportunity to listen to the messages from the assembly at work. By monday

I had listened to all 18 messages. On Tuesday afternoon I lent my ipod to our head baker Joe- the other day he was listening to Joel Osteen preach and I asked if he was interested in hearing some messages from some different preachers. He said sure- yesterday afternoon I went to get my ipod from him and Bro Ard's voice filled the back hallways of the hotel. T

his devout Catholic has expressed interest- oddly not so much in the church but in the preaching but thats so much more then I can expect- "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit

saith.." If you doubt the outreach that this can be or have fears that the Church is becoming to modern please don't I beg you. This is just the beginning of reaching a world full of truth deprived people that are hungry and they don't know what for. If it can feed my soul and be a refreshment to me what more can it be to the starved.

So anyways :-) I'll get off my soapbox and get back to what I was saying. Bro Frizzel br

ought the first message reminding us of the spirit in which we are to pray. It was a wonderful prelude to an hour spent in fervent prayer. After time spent listening to good preaching and in prayer it was time for what Church of God members are real good at eating and fellowship. If I remember right thats a story all its own that I'd rather not share as I realized I maybe old but not to old that my parents still can't embarrass me :P

It is time for me to go so check back tomorrow for a rewind on the Wed. of the Assembly

Church History- I Love It!!

2009-09-26T14:00:00.002-08:00

So last year it was the plane flying over Fields of the World this year it was Bro Mcgriff. I love the glimpses back into the history. Now I will say I felt horrible for him there is no way that uniform was cool.

I always enjoy the FOTW service but I serious did not enjoy the ride up there. Which was sad because I was looking forward to the road trip. Either it was the car or just not being use to the all the driving. I got seriously car sick.

For Sis. Becki

2009-09-25T22:17:00.012-08:00

These pictures are ones no one has seen yet. I must have changed memory cards at the last minute when I realized Katie was getting baptized (which blogger got the pictures in order but not in order hmm- or it could have been me) as these never made it the website- which is not the worst of things. I try to be careful with what I put up on such a public access especially when it comes to children. Which you maybe wondering why then I'd put them up on here- the answer I get about 10 views a day instead of the 1,000+ that HQ website is getting with the broadcast archives being available.

Obviously these are on the master dvd that is now in the possession of the media department. The dvd ended up with I think 1,020 pictures give or take a few. Anyway

I wasn't prepared for the change in how they did the healing line and so it became a scramble for me to find a location high enough to take pictures- the end result was standing on a chair in the media booth and still being to short. I finally gave up and went up into the choir loft to take pictures of the baptism and then use the zoom lens from there. I will say that I was not expecting for it to be so hot up there. I was about to head back down. I opened the door to stairway out of the choir loft and saw Katie and Sam. I got back just as Katie was walking into the water. Sis Becki your DVD will be in the mail on monday I just finished it last night. (wahoo all the pictures and DVDs are done- everything else is now being channeled through the media department haha hehe) I need Dad to get back so I can send it FedEx as our postal service here is HORRIBLE.

Not quite sure what the look means but I got a laugh from it hehe

I snapped the picture a second to soon as she sweetly gave grandpa a kiss on the cheek

I know just about everyone who reads my blog was either at the assembly or was able to watch but I think I'll still share my favorite moments and my favorite pictures in the days to come.

Summer to Fall to Winer in a Month

2009-09-22T22:04:00.004-08:00

So when we left for the assembly summer was still present though fall temperatures were starting to make an appearance. When we left though everything was still very lush and green. When I came home I was greeted by crisp fall air and the golden colors of an Alaskan fall. On Friday Jackie and I went for a hike around the base of Flat Top- also known as Power Line Pass. The colors were breath taking and the view humbling. I still stand in such awe at what my Master has created. (both in me and in this beautiful state) It makes so many of my trails seem so trivial when standing over looking the such a master piece. If He can create all this majestic scenery then why do I question wither or not He can carry me through my trails. So humbling. Reminds me of the message dad preached on Faith on Sunday and the Assembly theme. I can't do this by my might, or by my strength but by His Spirit :-)

I got a little of coarse but I'm sure thats okay. On Friday everything looked like the pictures below on Monday morning when we got up the air was much chiller and the mountain tops were snow covered. The termination dust has coated the peaks of the mountains and this morning it didnt look like a coating but a caking of it. Winter isnt far away. How sad it feels like summer just came and went but what a beautiful perfect summer it was. I'm hoping for an equally great Winter but that would mean it needs to hold off longer in arriving. I want it to fall out during Thanksgiving :-) not that it matters what I want but its nice to dream.

Note: the picture of Jackie sitting wasnt do to a fall or laziness. She opted to sit down while waiting for me to get done taking pictures hehe

Mission Program

2009-09-20T18:25:00.000-08:00

This Means Almost Done

2009-09-17T07:47:00.004-08:00

I've got one more day to sort then I'm done- I needed a break though from sifting through hundreds of pictures. I was listening to Mighty to Save by Hillsong on my iPod and went to turn it up and noticed the album cover. The light bulb of inspiration went on *Dink* (sorry Jared couldn't resist) and ta da- I think I'm going to tweak it a little because the date and theme arent on it- All work and no play is no fun- this playing I LOVE :-D

Another Assembly Gone By

2009-09-13T17:46:00.002-08:00

Oh what a joy this assembly has been. But oh its been a tiring one but so worth it- I wouldn't give up the fellowship or the photography for an extra hour of sleep or sitting down for an extra little bit. There is so much the Lord has opened my eyes to. So much that I now have to pray about and seek His perfect will for the direction in which I'm suppose to go. I have a greater desire to work harder, delve deeper, walk straighter then ever before. I also realized that there is a generation of young people coming up that need Godly young men and women to look up to. My prayer is that I dont fail that responsibility. Thats the serious side of things.

I dont think one realizes the sheer massiveness of Abba House until you are moving from side to side, front to back over and over again. This morning when I checked the pedometer on my phone I had managed to walk 5.2 miles yesterday. I paid for it today though- my feet are so sore they hurt to touch- but thats after wearing heels all day and standing in the parking lot talking with friends.

My favorite part of the photography was selecting several pictures from each session for the media department to turn into slides for the big screens. I'd give them on average 2 or 3 pictures that were cropped for wide screen use and let them select which ones worked best. anticapation It was always so exciting to see what ones they choose. The first couple days it was so fun to watch peoples reactions. No one knew who did them and I would just sit back and enjoy it with everyone else. People started catching on and the compliments started coming- (which of coarse I'm not complaining) but then so did all the requests- Can you make sure you take a picture of this person or a picture of that or this. I would tell them that I take pictures of everything and then a short selection for the website as it would get overwhelming to put everything up. They'd understand that then ask how they could get them. Thats when I stumbled around as to what to say finally had to say they needed to contact the media depart as a master copy will be turned over to them. :-S hopefully Bro. Grayson doesn't kill me :P

Speaking of media- I was blogging while pictures were loading now I've got to upload them to the website- I'm behind :S

This Is Me Not Stressing

2009-09-05T21:06:00.002-08:00

Im sitting at my gate- we board in 90 minutes- Even though Jessa and the ticket agent both said that a 6 open seat and 4 non-rev ratio isnt bad I'm nervous. Im trusting God that I'll get on this plane- and I know that means not worrying/stressing and so I'm trying real hard not to.

God's already shown himself today (not that I needed Him to know that all would be well). I was praying real hard (and I know my family was to even though they are 4 hrs away) that not only do I get on this flight but that my bags would get checked all the way through. Us Airways charges $15-$20 for any checked luggage. I know coming home I'll have to pay but any way to save money I need too. The ticket agent was so nice and managed to get them check all the way to Chat. My concern was my 6 hr layover- a lot of time they make you pick your bags up and re-check them which would mean a luggage charge. Thank you Lord for this small saving.

In other news thanks to Sis Smith my photography blog should be grammar error free. So last night while procrastinating more I updated pictures from the newest shoot.

so check it out :-D

Can't believe I get to see so many people I have seen in a year + in about 48 hrs. Thinking about that and praying what the Lord has in store for this assembly is enough to make this 18hr trip worth is :-)

Well I'm going to risk losing my comfy corner at the gate to go and search of some Fiji water :-)

This is Me Packing

2009-09-03T21:02:00.000-08:00

:-D

Okay so no packing yet...hehe... but I do have laundry going so I'm not being completely unproductive or procrastinating completely. Okay so I am procrastinating but oh well.

I had the post-session meeting with Billy and Lauren today. They met me at the hotel after work and it was nice to sit and talk. They actually had dinner in the Whales Tale which is one of my favorite restaurants in the hotel (there are 4). Time quickly went by and I had to go. I left feeling so thankful for God giving this to me. Billy and Lauren wanted a out door wedding but ended up raining buckets and so they got none of the pictures they so desired. Last night I printed my top 20 for them and it was so exciting (thats not even a good adjustive) to watch them look through each picture. There was one she got to I heard the slight intake of breath and I looked up at her face and her eyes were glistening with possible tears. Thats when I realized how much these pictures ment to them. I realized what I gift I had was able to give them and it felt rewarding. Yes its exciting to get paid but the real reward the real payment was their pleasure- :-) I left them speechless- how cool is that hehe.

I pray it always feels this way- that its never an obligation- its never redundant- there is always that flutter of excitement.

After meeting up with them I went over to Megan and Micah's to pick up the lenses I had lent them. I rarely use them (hence why I could lend them to them for the last 2-3 months) because I've got a wide range lens (put both lenses together and you have the one I have on my camera now) but just in case the worse happens and something happens I'm not without back up.

Anyway I went over there and she feed me :-) They picked on me at work that I sounded like a bachelor :P needing someone to cook for me and catch up on my laundry. She fixed yummy enchiladas (which I had never eaten before) and we sat and talked for about 2 hrs. (thats not procrastinating its fellowship :P )

Now I'm home and Jo and Dallas are watching some movies and I really am procrastinating now hehe...

Okay time to print my stencils for the VLB banner I'm making and to switch laundry...

really I'm going now because my plan is to be in bed in two hours

Trash The Dress -Alaskan Style

2009-08-30T23:15:00.010-08:00

I havent done but a general look through of the pictures. These are just a few that I had to do a minor color adjustment or nothing at all and they were good to go.

this picture is one she wanted- they wanted to recreate their cake topper. They had an Alaskan fisherman's theme for their reception and the cake topper had the bride on top with a fishing pool having hooked the groom at the bottom of the cake. So this first one was of that... its a little hard to see the line but I think they'll be happy with it

are several in between these too that ive got to adjust lighting and a couple i want to do some filtering and playing with
The day was perfect- actually it was a bit hot- ok so under the sun with no breeze it was a lot hot. I think God is just wanting to prepare me for the assembly. They were great sports and we actually hiked the falls to the bridge. I was just going to take them around but she was wearing mud boots and he was wearing dress shoes and both were okay with it. It was definitely different from shooting people I know- it took a little bit to get a feel for their personalities. He's a bit cheesy (in an adorable way) but also shy so it was more him then her that I had to figure out but with in a few minutes it was just going with the flow and I think the flow was rather smooth. I'm meeting up with them on Thursday at the hotel and we'll see what they think of their pictures. In that time I've got to edit the 300+ picture taken and do up a video slideshow for them. I predict last minute packing and laundry lol typical of me :-)

Hope you enjoy (disclaimer: remember I have no control over the modest of the dress- all I can do is make sure I dont make it worse :P)

6 Days

2009-08-30T00:22:00.002-08:00

That is 6 days until I leave Alaska, 7 Days until I'm in TN- ugh seriously it never seemed like it took forever when we drove or seemed that tiring granted there are a lot of different factors. We were in the car as a family- always someone to entertain or be entertained by and could sleep whenever you please cuz dad did the driving, dad made sure everything was okay and set- all the stress was on him :P so of coarse it seemed all grand. I'm taking a red eye as I always get this idea in my head it'll be easier to sleep because it'll be quitter but never fails that it ends up not being so. I'm actaully planning on claiming some seats in the Chicago airport and taking a nap. (thats after I kill two hours, go pick up my luggage and re-check it as Im going to assume they'll tell me they can't check it all the way through and luggage can't be check more then 4 hrs before departure and I've got a 6 hr layover but we'll see)

So this week will consist of work, packing, and editing the results of tomorrows shoot- which btw I feel very prepared for and Im excited for it- which you already knew.

Today was insane- I got up went to Fred Mayers to get the fruit for my fruit salad for the potluck that was tonight (ended up buying a fermented watermelon- yummy! just kidding) and got side track as my new shoes after a couple minutes of walking in them gave me blisters on my big toe and heel- so sad - I went and found new ones (like I need more) then waited for mom to get done with her shopping, came home made my salad, did a quick shoot with Joleesa, did some basic touch up to those, worked on my CPMA service until people started arriving for the Potluck. Ate sum very yummy food which I will not describe as it's prayer and fast day for the church now (being Sunday), we watched Bolt (a Disney movie) and then played a game of Bible Outburst- the Nowling/Stephan team beat the Peter team :D it'll def. be a game we'll play again. Then we sat down and watched a couple episodes of NCIS and while that was on I finished up my CPMA service, did some research for some additional ideas for tomorrow, talked online and now its a little after 12:30 and I'm calling it a night. I've got to get up early tomorrow morning to get a DVD burning for Bro Grant while I get ready, got to pack up my camera equipment, pull together a change of clothes for about 8 hrs of none stop activity.

Oh and some where before midnight tomorrow I need to do the church books :-S

I'm tired lol Good night

Have I Mentioned I'm Excited

2009-08-26T22:19:00.003-08:00

First about the assembly- as I posted the link yesterday this years assembly's web page went live last night. I'm so excited about it. Not only is the video awesome but Bro. Grayson programed the photo album to instantly show any pictures posted the image manager- in the past I not only had to wait to upload to the image manager but also for Grayson to the programing. So the plan if you check after each session you'll see stills from that session (probably more like check before each session to see stills from the session before)

Speaking of the link- its insane how much work went into a 3 minute video. I know Bro. Grayson put in not only a lot of hours but late nights putting it all together. Even what little I contributed took considerable time and late nights (if its a late night its even later for him) as the video is done in HD so it involved finding non-copyrighted photographs that were a substantial size- while also taking into consideration every picture would reflect on the church in some way. It got to the point we had to search outside of the easy free stock photo sights and do an extensive google search. It just opened my eyes even more of the great work the Church has ahead of her as we bring the word into ALL the world. The immorality that plagues this world is not only sickening but heartbreaking.

I'm very thankful that Sis. Johnna did not desire to kill me for turning the picture of her in the Parade of Nations over to Bro Grayson for the web banner- its totally his fault though for the way its cropp

ed :P which I think looks amazing on the web page.

I leave a week from Saturday :-) and my how God is so good. Normally I'd be in super stressed mode but really I'm not. The A/R department is terrified of my leaving for a week and not being able to reach me (I refuse to answer my phone and with a 4 hr time difference its not even an option during business hours). So they've been helping me make sure I have nothing pending on my desk while I am gone. I was actually bored yesterday at work as I got ahead of our data entry clerk so I had to wait for money to be keyed into the system before I could proceed. It was a nice change :-D

I've got a couple projects that must be done by Friday for people for the assembly and then the other thing I am excited about.

I've gotten several emails from the couple I'll be doing the photo shoot with on Sunday. They sound sooooo cool.

Their wedding was very formal- her dress is gorgeous and he's renting his tux again which has tails and includes a top hat and cane. Along with that she has a beautiful cathedral veil. Plus from the pictures they sent me of their wedding these two look like tons of fun. We're going out to Mchugh Creek- which Ive been wanting to actually shoot there sense we've done so much hiking in that area. Im expecting very whimsical, romantic fun pictures.

Again God is so good- the person who refereed them to me was told a lower price then what I have posted on my photography blog which I was willing to honor but she wants to pay the correct price :-) God blesses in an abundance.

BTW I dont want anyone to think I am hiding something- I'll share it but please know I threw it together in about half a day and I know there are grammar errors galore as I've not taken the time sense to go back through it. The intent of it worked so Im not going to be embarrassed. I'm an accountant who loves photography not an English major/teacher.

so just click on this link Photography by Jenna and you can check it out. REMEMBER is to was to showcase my photography quickly not my grammar skills because well one is definitely better then the other.

So I think that sums it up for tonight

Check This Out!!!

2009-08-25T19:48:00.005-08:00

The Church of God, International Offices | General Assembly

Shared via AddThis

This is an example of the talent the Church has been blessed with. Click on the link to see the promo video for the 104 General Assembly and while there check out the rest of the page. During the assembly along with the live broadcasting- after each session you'll be able to see a selection of photographs taken.

So CHECK IT OUT!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Again

2009-08-25T19:15:00.000-08:00

This time to Bro Smith

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Happy Birthday Levi

2009-08-24T17:51:00.001-08:00

This is a bit different for me I now have a brother-in-law to say Happy Birthday!! to so Levi in true Jenna fashion :-D

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!!!

Im so Excited I Feel Like Giggling

2009-08-23T21:58:00.004-08:00

So after I did the photo session with Jes and Levi after the wedding I started the process of a website- after a couple hours of frustration and a recommendation from a friend I opened a word-press account and began creating the basic outline of information and a simple showcase of my favorite and recommend choices of pictures. I never really 100% completed it as things got a little crazy but I gave Jes the permission to give the address to some people at work that were interested. I think about a month has gone by and I hadnt heard anything until today.

A couple is wanting to book a Trash the Dress session for next weekend- at first I was thinking ARE YOU SERIOUS thats like next week (dur) but then I realized thats all thats available for the next three weeks. I emailed back and confirmed times and details. I'm so excited! Every little bit of extra money right now counts with the assembly. As I went into work today I was thinking and praying about offerings and what to give as I know in my head its going to be tight. If nothing falls through the shoot what I get paid from it I plan to give back as I know God has given me this opportunity.

Its been on my mind as I prepare for the assembly the parable of the servants who were given talents. Two came back having multiplied i

t for the their Lord and one barried his talent. All I desire is to give back to the Lord the talen

t He has bestowed upon me. I don't seek gushing praise (:P its nice sometimes I wont lie heh

e) I do it because I love it. Some may think me silly but for me its a form of ministry. Lord when everything is done and over with, when the cameras stop rolling, when memories start to fade let my photography be a ministry- when it all becomes history let it still speak your truth, your love, let your spirit be felt even in the silence of a picture.

Oh how I love a camera in my hand- Wither its to capture the affectious laugh of a child, the silent look of love passed between a couple, the adrenaline pouring out of an athlete, or the anointing of the spirit over a minister - as soon as the shutter clicks the moment has become a part of someone's history that will never be forgotten. How can you not love that :-)

A Real Post

2009-08-20T18:05:00.003-08:00

It should come as to no surprise that I've become a Facebook addict. When I tend to get into something I neglect prior things I obsessed about- so any way- work has been INSANE- the economy has affected the hotel considerably that the president has all eyes on his money- which means constant collections trying to get every penny possible out of people. It gets old and stressful and you start to feel like the bad person but I suppose its life. Also due to the economy they've cut the hours of the attendants in the both clubs to the point we lost one to many attendants in the women's athletic club that for the last couple weekends I've filled in. Wonder if they'll return the favor while I'm on vacation hmm- doubtful lol

I got my tickets for the assembly- yes tickets-I looked for the cheapest possible way for the flights I needed. I did not want to come in last minute on Tuesday and I did not want to miss any part of the assembly on Sunday. Sooo going I'm flying Anchorage to Chicago- Chicago to Charlotte and then Charlotte to Chattanooga. It'll be 18hrs of flying/airport time but I dont care. I arrive a day early- :-D no rush to FOTW from the airport for me this year. :-)

Then home- I dont leave until Monday so again no rush :-D Chat to Chicago- Chicago to San Fran then San Fran to SeaTac and then home- surprisingly home bond takes less time but more stops go figure.

This year I'll also be getting my own car (unless something changes) I plan to be relaxed as much as possible this year. My camera equipment is ready, my computer is ready, I'm ready- well I'm ready for it to come in two weeks. I've been reviewing pictures and video clips of the Abba House and I'm beyond excited that we have a location that has a good lighting (I know such an important feature lol). I look at pictures and I get giddy inside over it- I know silly but I spent so much time last year editing and correcting lighting and even had to scrap pictures that would have been great had I known how to deal with the dark orange lighting in the place. Also excited there wont be a staircase right in front of the pulpit lol. I am still trying to figure out logistics of needing to be in two places at once- I need to get pictures of the Children's Assembly as well this year but such good things going on while its in session-but its a def. need- I completely spaced this last year so the website lacked desired pictures. I'll figure out- a challenge isnt always bad- it motivates one to learn and become better :-)

The only bad thing about the assembly is I'm back on a shopping ban- I got a little to excited over new shoes and clothes hehe but its all good one can always use new clothes right :-)

Add in ready a few really good books, cleaning/rearranging my room and destroying it again lol that pretty much sums things up.

How is this for a post ( i didnt post pictures- Im told thats all I do so ...)

I'll quit my rambling and call it done :-)

I'm Posting w/ Pictures

2009-08-18T21:21:00.019-08:00

Going back to July- It was Jo's birthday- which ment Benniha - oh the food is so good and its always entertaining

here we have everyone contemplating the menu

and what a beautiful menu and yummy selection they have
aww its Levi and Jessa
Matthew and Jo
The whole family - it was a nice fun relaxing dinner - in which we left VERY full
and some of us even got a little goofy- Ive refrained from posting pictures of mom - i value my life
Then came the Pirate theme Car Wash- in which the Peters were our Pirates

Tim was def. our marketing piece- his goofiness brought in every car

Then it was revival w/ Keven Lewis- we took him south of town and out at Belgua point were some wind surfers - it was sooooo windy- I was already under the weather and I think the cold wind did me in as the last two days Ive been stuck in bed with a horrible head cold and sinus headaches
Keven playing around on the rocks

randomly the sun came out and the wind died away for a few minutes and it just lit up the water - looks like a sea of sparkling crystals - it never fails to take my breath away around here

Buh Bye Golden Locks

2009-08-05T22:40:00.006-08:00

Oh boy I dont even know where to start- actually I started this then lost it and now I'm just going to share a picture AGAIN sorry- I just dont have the gumption to do it again.

Next post I've got Jo's birthday, the car wash and I think something I dont remember now

But for now I'll explain the picture- it started with a conversation with Jared about his hair and some how the end result was me cutting mine. First it was just a new look- new layers and a trim was what I had in mind. Then he kept showing me pictures of short hair and I was like N to the OH NO -then he mentioned something that always gets me - Locks of Love- One of my favorite features is my hair but I appreciate it so much more after going to school with a girl who had a rare form of cancer. I watched her loose her hair but not her precious spirit. I remember when she came back to school and she had the most beautiful white blond hair in soft wavy curls and she was just beaming. She had just received a wig from Locks of Love. So once he showed me a short cut that I actually really liked I said why not. Shed the old and bring in the new and give a wonderful gift to someone while at it. I cut off 12" of hair for Locks of Love and lost 1" in the layering of the cut. I love it- I dont know if I feel older but paired with new clothes for the assembly and work I feel like the frump part has been cut away and welcome a clean, classy, fresh look :-)

My Brother-in-Law

2009-07-31T22:55:00.003-08:00

Levi at his finest- I have more pictures but this will have to do Jessa

Happy Burfday Joweesa

2009-07-23T23:56:00.002-08:00

To my precious baby sister I LOVE YOU!!

Happy big 2-0 Jo

Special Special So Special

2009-07-21T21:05:00.002-08:00

I'M BORED!!!!

I've got pictures to edit and post- I noticed I still haven't posted camp pictures but today it just doesn't do it for me. I actually dont think anything has the ability right now to get me out of this blah bored mood.

I did enjoy work but not because of work- I got some IMs that had me rolling laughing and continued around the office. When they say smiling and laughing is good medicine its so true.

I'm so thankful for my special friends- and I do mean real special- though after such texts received today I was starting to think of a short bus style special :-)

Thank you Lord for such special gifts

One Last Birthday Wish Before the Day is Done

2009-07-18T22:25:00.001-08:00

HOPE YOU'VE HAD A WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY

MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU IN THIS NEW YEAR IN YOUR LIFE

HAPPY 22ND BIRTHDAY MEGAN

just for Paul

2009-07-17T16:57:00.000-08:00

Trashing the Dress

2009-07-12T00:01:00.022-08:00

Oh today was so much fun, and so beautiful. We finished up Jes and Levi's wedding pictures today up at Hatcher's Pass- We were worried at first because of how cloudy it was in the Valley but was hoping that once we got above the clouds it would be beautiful and beautiful it was. I think everyone should have a photography session after the wedding. Put that dress on one last time before taking it to the cleaners. This time you don't have a million in one important thoughts going through your head. No Nerves, No concern of the dress- just straight up beautifulness to photograph. I LOVED IT!!!

We were up there for 2 hrs and then came home and ordered pizza and then I took cut Levi's hair for him. It maybe just me but I think his face looks thinner lol- Jes has pictures on her blog of me taking the blades to his head lol. They left and Micah, Megan and Nathan came over and we played some Rummy Cube and then watched a really weird movie. Now that pictures are all done (color corrected, edited and stamped) I'm ready for bed. I was going to finish watching Paint Your Wagon but I forgot how long it was- I've changed my mind and now I'm going to publish this and head to bed. The temp. has gone down at nights which I like (nice in warm during the day and cooler at night) making it easier to sleep. I'm going to go enjoy some of that. Hope you enjoy the pictures

Gone International

2009-07-08T22:10:00.002-08:00

I haven't checked my analytics in awhile and was shocked at the sudden international infiltration. I don't know what suddenly changed but its cool.

other then the United States and Canada - Ive been visited by

Indonesia

Hong Kong

France

United Kingdom

Brazil

Germany

Poland

I was looking at all the things Analytics detects and its pretty cool

Big Struggles and Big Guns

2009-07-06T22:04:00.030-08:00

Matt and I were talking about how bored I am- how I'm tired of just coming home from work and being on my own. ( I have mom but I revering to getting out of the house). He and I talked about different ideas and none of them seemed appealing if I was doing them on my own. For some reason this last week I have felt so lonely- so left out as I'm now the only one single -truly single as I'm neither married or in a relationship. Which I truly am fine with as I know that this is what God has for me right now. I have made the choice in my life to limit the number non-christians I interact with outside the work place as not to give the Devil any foot hold in my life. Even then the person in my life that I've allowed myself to get close to moved to Iowa after getting married in May.

I cherish Grace to pieces and wish so deeply that I could have her near by to truly experience having that special girl friend around but never the less God has called me here to Alaska thousands of miles from my dear friend. The result has been some lonely nights. After much struggle and prayer over this feeling of loneliness not being of God I began the search to find what there is for me outside of my job that I would feel comfortable on my own doing. I think I've found it. There is no denying the fact that I'm crazy silly about photography- its the one thing I enjoy doing on my own but that there are outlets in which to share it with other people. Mom and I talked about photography classes- actual classroom time- I have a full time job and am dedicated to my commitments to the Church that I feel that would be more of a stress at this time then a pleasure. So the google search began and I found a photography club :-) It is at my discretion to what I partake in. There are wonderful seminars to go to, workshops and outings that I can pick and chose to my liking. When I found this club an excitement arose in me and so my prayer is that not only that I enjoy it but that it maybe a way to minister. You can't reach souls if you never leave the 4 walls of home, work and church. I've always said Lord help me find away to use my photography for you. I want to be the servant who God has given a talent to and comes back having multiplied it. There is no reason that this just isn't a sanity saving outlet for me but a soul saving one.

There is a seminar at the end of the month and the next meeting is the beginning of Aug. :-) . I feel an excitement and a peace. It may seem so small but God is in the small decisions too.

Another thing I hope to get active in doing is target shooting. I really enjoyed it when we out a couple weeks ago for a late father's day. Now I'd def. not be doing this alone but hopefully with Dad, Matt and even Mom. I maybe a good shot with a camera but a hand gun is another story. I wasn't bad but there now is that challenge to improve. Here some pictures:

As we headed out Wasilla I kept myself occupied while Nathan and Mom slept and Dad drove

The location was AWESOME

The weather was fickle as it couldn't decided wither or not it wanted to be sunny or if it wanted to pour down rain. I put the hood on my lens, cut a whole in the bottom of a plastic bag to poke the lens through and covered up my camera and took picture. Got to keep the camera safe :D

In this picture you can see the rain coming down

Dad was afraid of getting wet I guess as he pulled out the umbrella while the rest of us just pulled up our hoods and proceeded to get soaked and have fun

Matt is a fantastic teacher- he displayed such patience with us and made it simple to comprehend.

Dad and Tim stood back and watched

Once we got our quick lesson on the 22 and the guys shot a bit with Dad's 44 the target was shot up so we pulled out cans and Matt pulled out the big gun :-) oh this was so much more fun to shoot.

Dad shot 4 holes in his can in a perfect straight line- I know I have a picture of it but could find it to post.

Matt was the last one to use the bulls eye target in which he shot up the middle very nicely

I never saw him with a gun while he was in the Marines but I can just picture it now.

It was intimidating for me at first but Matt displaying such patience put the gun in my hands gave me some instructions and was excited to try it once Tim had his turn.

Matt filled Tim's can with water so when Tim shot it blew up. I love his expression- pure joy at hitting the can and he looks totally redneck lol

he hit it at the base and sent it off the ground- he looks so proud of himself :-)

I bravely turned my camera over to Tim so I could shoot. Here I'm waiting for Matt to place the can for a target thus the reason the gun is pointed down as we forgot to place it before we loaded it.

the wind blew the can over and so I ended up putting a hole straight through the bottom of it. May seem cheesy by I kept my can- I was rather proud of my first attempt

Dad clearly enjoying himself which was the whole point of the day.

It was Nate's turn

Even with the weird weather the area was still amazing

Now this may surprise you but Mom even took a few shots with the semi-automatic and made Dad proud.
She got up on the back of Tim's truck in order to have extra support to make up for her bad arm. Got some couching from Matt

and pulled the trigger
Doing some awesome damage to an AMP can

Living here in Alaska there are two pictures Ive been wanting to get but never seem to have my camera on hand and thats a picture of a private plane flying over the mountains and then the big fighter jets that love to fly so low. Where were shooting was next to a public private plane runway and at the end got to watch a couple take off and land.

Photo Editing

2009-07-05T12:59:00.008-08:00

Here is the original picture- nothing really wrong with it but wanted to enhance it

After

Before

After

The Before

Katie doesn't really like her expression lol but hey want can I say I wasn't the photographer

After

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-03T23:34:00.000-08:00

I'm So Horrible

2009-06-25T17:51:00.002-08:00

I'm such a horrible daughter. I didn't forget Father's Day- the day started out rushed and then it just went down hill from there in the making it special for Dad as he went to bed after we got home from church and then it just left me that it was Father's Day.

So Daddy This is for you. I'm so sorry but know that everyday I love you.

I know God has a man out there for me that will love God and me as much as you do!

Its All in the Details

2009-06-22T23:13:00.005-08:00

A Bride puts so much into the little details and often times they can go unnoticed. I've always felt it is then the responsibility of the photographer to capture those details to be forever remembered. Due to the logistics of it all I couldn't be Jessa and Levi's photographer and be in the wedding. That didn't keep me from playing a roll in the photography aspect though. I knew what Jessa cherished and made sure that it was captured never to be forgotten. Wither it was picking up my camera when I wasn't in the picture or making sure it was in the hands of someone that could. Also the joy of her flowers being silk one day I ran over to their apartment and got her shoes and began to play. Due to the photographers son needing to go to Seattle for a special surgery we will be awaiting on the pictures but at least Jessa and Levi have something in the time being.
These are called storyboards and I don't know how they'll print as I was trying to do true to size but I'm not sure if it worked. I've got two more to do but I need to take a couple more pictures- if the props for them were kept and I can recreate it well enough. I love photography for this reason- a memory captured is a memory not forgoten

2009-06-22T11:43:00.001-08:00

Correction report says 5.3

2009-06-22T11:37:00.001-08:00

Just had an earthquake-less then a minute ago- 4.5 is what the radio just said:) this is the third one i've felt and the longest...being in the hotel is so weird as its built to move with it so i watched
The walls move its weird and cool this one though for a second was a little scary

Classic

2009-06-19T20:43:00.006-08:00

Right now we are watching Apple Dumpling Gang

:-) We also have 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, Roman Holiday, and Two Mules for Sister Sarah

now I haven't seen the last two but I love watching the old movies :-) The best part is having Matthew and Nathan here to watch them with. I love my family but after nearly 3 weeks of having people in the house it got lonely this week- :-) I love having people over. So its a Family night with Classics :-)

My Eyes Behold Such Beauty

2009-06-17T23:44:00.005-08:00

This was taken just just after 11:30 at night- I'm laying on my bed working on camp pictures and I turned to set my camera on my end table and saw this- if it ever looked like got had a paintbrush in His hand and working on a masterpiece its now- if I took another picture you'd see a completely different picture- its now dark blue and purple and the clouds are glowing- so breath taking

The Fun of it All

2009-06-16T22:00:00.012-08:00

With all the tears of joy- there were lots of laughter- and you'll see why

Bro Anders really humored us young ones- though once the comment was made that he looked like a Rabbi he thought that it was so funny

Micah was the source of LOTS of laughs- this is one of my favorite pictures- Joleesa is just cracking up lol

This flower basket got a lot of attention from the guys- its started holding all the boutonnieres and then became an accessory for several pictures

It matches his out fit
Jessa's shoe came unclasped so Joleesa had to go under to fix it lol
I honestly dont remember what the deal with this was but just as the basket got passed around so did our bouquets
Its Micah what more needs to be said- I love that you can see Jes in the background laughing
Micah was rather attached to our pom poms

Here They Are

2009-06-15T23:25:00.014-08:00

Here are some pictures from the wedding- I don't have any of the ceremony but I'm sure someone does- I'll post the goofy ones tomorrow- but I wanted to show you to see how beautiful it was first- Jessa was breath takingly beautiful- Levi eyes just glowed with love. Joleesa and I both had fun being all dolled up and looking mighty nice- and the guys looked great!!! It was a beautiful day- with wonderful people coming together to laugh, and to cry (its Micah's fault!!!- I'll share that story later) and to celebrate the union of two people who left no doubt that they loved each other but more importantly loved God.

CAMP FUN

2009-06-11T10:54:00.009-08:00

I ONLY HAVE TIME FOR A FEW QUICK PICTURES- THESE ARE OF EVERYONE OUT ON THE LAKE- LOOK AT THE BEAUTIFUL DAYS WE HAD :-)

I'm In

2009-06-10T17:27:00.002-08:00

So I'm finally home- I ran around with Jes taking care of details with her. Like ties for the Ushers and personal things for her, we finalized flower details, rental details and even ate lunch.

I'm EXHAUSTED!!! Camp was AMAZING- NO AWEsome- actually neither of those words do justice. I'll let mom put camp into words and I'll do what I do best- speak with pictures... as in a lot of pictures- as in 4GB of pictures- lol lots of work

2009-06-10T10:30:00.001-08:00

So i'm sitting on the front porch of the house ...we arrived home 2 hrs before we needed to from camp. Bro. Anders is driving my car home from camp as i rode with jes. weeeell i forgot one thing when we left to detach my house/work keys from my car keys. So the reason i'm sitting on my porch is i'm locked out and killing time before i have to go get jes. I'm hoping Levi will have a ladder or something amongst the odd stuff he brought because Superman Matt is at work and i can't get into my opened window alone. Yes i know whats the point of locking the doors when you leave windows unlocked that can be opened from the inside

For Becki- BTI '06

2009-06-05T06:52:00.003-08:00

I only have time for what I could quickly grab online but I was looking at Becki's blog and I got to laughing somethings don't change through the years. I almost said from one generation to another :P But I'm not that much younger then Becki lol- Things are still the same- people this year will end up with the same pictures

You meet new people that will become old friends- some you may not always be in touch with but when you do see them there is probably going to be a conversation that starts with "remember that year at BTI..."
Girls still have good clean fun :-) at the mall- I don't think I went one year without making a trip to the mall- wither it was I forgot something or to just go and have fun
and the guys are still weird.
VERY weird

Bridal Shower, Rehearsal, and Wedding

2009-06-04T18:13:00.045-08:00

I really shouldn't be on here- there is so much today but I'm just brain dead so I'm taking a break. So here's pictures lots of pictures. Okay this was uh two weeks ago but here are the pictures from Katie's bridal shower, the rehearsal, and the wedding...

Can't have a bridal shower without cake
I printed a bunch of pictures of Katie w/ friends, Dave and Family- I suppose you can't have a shower w/ out some happy tears :-)
And of coarse you can't have one without lots of laugh w/ friends
After the shower- Us young ones as Katie's mom put it went out for dinner- it was so nice to relax and and enjoy the time w/ friends- the night ended at 3am after several hours of girl talk in front of a bonfire

The Rehearsal/ Rehearsal Dinner
We practiced on the front lawn of Katie's mom's place as the wedding was just going to be in an open section on top of a mountain. Here the Best Man (Nick) and Cody a groomsman were giving Dave "advice"
Alisha trying to take off w/ the Bride LOL
Alisha doing the mommy thing- multi-tasking
Here is Nick doing a practice run of his speech- for an English major he did well lol
Katie and Dave laughing during the speech- they look very happy :-)
Some Bromance going on- Dave and Nick having a moment- they are childhood friends

The Wedding Day
This is Dawn- she's Katie's sister and the amazing women who did all of our hair. Plus the one who I'll be doing a family shoot with. I love this picture - she was so frazzled about using Katie's iPhone- called it stupid technology but was so happy when she figured out how to use it on her own hehe
The bride all relaxed- getting feed and hydrated
The salad wasn't enough for her so one of Katie's friends and I snatched up the bikes and rode a few blocks to a subway to make sure she ate. Ryan Katie's brother picked up my camera and caught us coming back
Taking a break to feed the faces
Roxy one of the two photographers showed up just in time for us all to get dressed
Here's her dress and mine hanging in the window- no need to put them on until necessary
Dawn done with her break finished up the Matron of Honor. I sadly have no pictures of my hair being done but it looked GREAT
Katie trying to figure out how to get into her dress lol- I love this picture- well minus the hand that i just now noticed is in the corner of it
Mom and Ellery helping get the her in the dress- our dresses were to fluffy and got in the way but a great moment none the less
Roxy all morning had been trying to get a candid of me but I'm so in tune to where a camera is that she took it on herself as a challenge once I got a good candid of her :-)
Here is how we got to the top of the mountain- the guys had way to much fun in the big trucks flying up and down the mountain lol
here we are waiting for the grooms men to come back up- they went down not realizing we needed them for pictures - they just wanted to play
Here is Alisha "taking a picture" why I dont really know lol- but thats Adam behind her- I think he's the best looking guy the I've ever worked with. He works in one of our resturants at the hotel
These two aren't the most flattering pictures but here we are on the ski lift chillin why yet again we wait on one of the groomsman. But we weren't bored cool dude Nick looks to be keeping us entertained
Oh here you can see my hair- kind of- more sitting and waiting
The guys finally arrived looking goooood like they're suppose to
Nick climbing around- trying to get a better view
*KISSEY KISSEY**
Dave helping his soon- to- be with her dress

more *Kissey Kissey*
The studs just chillin out
The wedding party w/ Katie's parents. The guys trying to figure out how to look coool lol
I love this picture- Dad with daughter and groomsman- the best man stillin a kiss (a decent one)
The guys had no problem holding her but she was laughing so much that she was skirming I standing to the side praying they wouldn' drop her.
We attempted to do the same but all we succeeded at was getting a funny picture
Family pictures (both above and below)
Reception
Alisha enjoying a moment with her daughter
Mom giving Katie a hug - they had to leave in order to make it to church
Me with Bug- (Adalaina - about 8 months ago I took a picture of a co-worker pregnant well this is the little angel baby wearing the dress I got her when her mom first found out she was pregnant I was so sure she was having a girl :-) now she's a 6 month old little charmer)
They tastefully (haha) shoved cake at each other
Cody caught the gaurter and there was no way I wanted to catch the bouqet- not because of Cody but wasn't sure of what they would suggest afterwards so I pulled Katlin in front of me and she caught it ;-) which made for such cute pictures LOL
and to end it all is the cutest picture- there really wasn't much dancing other then the First Dance and the Daddy Daughter dance. So considering the floor was rather empty Anthony took is little lady bug onto the floor for his own daddy daughter dance :-)

2009-06-03T12:51:00.001-08:00

Just to inform i attempted to post the boat load of pictures last night but blogger would have none of it. If time allows i'll take a second go of it tonight

2009-06-01T10:11:00.001-08:00

What a week....i'm so thankful that it was a short week. My day off didn't really go as planned having to do a dress fitting in the middle of the day through things off for me. I know have to leave camp several hours early as to be back in ANC for my final fitting i'm not to happy about it but there is nothing i can do. The good thing is i maybe able to get a nap in before everyone else gets back lol. Back to this week- def. don't have to be uh older to have sore muscles- by the end of sunday muscles i haven't used in to long burned from use. Also i pulled something in my shoulder- not suprised there. That being said if i hurt this much and i'm this tired then i can't imagin what the guys, mom and dad feel like as they all were like super machines this weekend. I've got pictures of the finished rooms that i'll post but i've got to finish the church books and do a deposit first. Last night i got the idea for my cpma boost so thats good- thankfully i don't feel stressed but i do have alot on my mind and heart

Video Tour by Joleesa

2009-05-26T22:18:00.000-08:00

Its Almost Time

2009-05-26T20:54:00.016-08:00

Okay so I think I need this a little backwards. We got the keys today- or rather Mom and Dad got the keys today and Jo, Mom and I drove over to refresh our memories on what the house looked like. This first picture is of my room- which Im thinking why did I take it standing in the middle of the room hmm- behind me and to the left are two windows that look out to the back yard- its smaller then my room now but its all good- I'll make it work. Simple is better

So this is my favorite part of the house- this is Joleesa's and my bathroom- is it not beautiful and relaxing- reminds me of a spa :-) I love the blue and the tile

Coming out of the bathroom to the left is Joleesa's room which is just slightly differen't layout then mine- and has an organized closet unit- the picture I took doesn't display it well. Then to the right is my bed room. You walk out and you have the kitchen, dinning room and living room. I LOVE the colored walls in this house

Of the dinning room is a deck that over looks the backyard- an amazing backyard if I made add- has tons of bird feeders and its just so peaceful out there
here is the view of the kitchen and dinning room-which the furniture will look so nice in there
Here is the T.V. that has a six speaker surround sound on it that we tested out lol
Here is the view from the top of the stairs of the fireplace- the wall with the shaded window on it has windows going all down that wall- I personally LOVE!! it but I know mom is a little disappointed about not having wall space
Going down stairs- I forgot to take a picture of the split level stairs and basement hall- the tile is so pretty. So here is the office- Joleesa pulled the murphy bed down and was testing it
Heres the closest - i don't know if you can tell but it has lots of storage space
Our large laundry room is actually just before the office- right at the bottom of the stairs to the left of this would be the garage but it wasn't picture worthy
mom and dad's room is downstairs as well but needs to be painted- which we'll do tomorrow and I forgot to take a picture of the bathroom.

Heading outside- here is the front
This is the side yard is this not just beautiful
This is the view of the backyard- I got up on the hill to take it- don't recommend doing that in hills- I'm uploading a video tour so you'll get to see it all better - get a true before and after :-)

The Weekends Gone

2009-05-25T18:19:00.002-08:00

The wedding was beautiful- the whole weekend was great. I've got tons of photo's to go through.

A highlight is that tons of people loved the pictures I took and Dawn Katie's sister wants me to take their family pictures. :D I love taking pictures of kids and they've got 4 :D

This picture I LOVE!!- This Ellery a friend of Katie's from Utah. She's totally AWESOME! and the angel she is holding is Charlie Dawn's baby girl :D This was at the rehearsal dinner

more to come...

Day Two

2009-05-23T16:07:00.003-08:00

I hope I didn't sound like I was stressed yesterday. I was just energized. I found my self doing everything at top speed until dinner. I'd do anything for Katie and Dave and Jessa and Levi-its not about the money or time put into it- lol there sure has been a lot of both invested but its been a joy- a stress and an honor- I love Katie dearly she and Dave are wonderful friends and Jessa is my sister there is no question to what I would do for her. Its not even because they are my friends/my sister that I do it though I do it because I love them. Its such a joy and a blessing to see the Bride feel so special. Its worth every crazy second of it all. The energy is definitly fueled by excitement and the love.

I did take a deep breath and enjoyed the rest of the evening. Once we got to the restaurant I throttled down to relaxed mode. After dinner we went back to the MOH house and some of the girls pulled out rock band while Katie, myself and Ellery (a child hood friend of Katie's) went outside and started a bonfire. We were cold but relaxed before we knew it it was 1am and the guys were came over and joined us. Talking about everything from politics, to fishing, to losing weight and something about socks. I finally left at 3:00am- I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. I got up at 9 and headed out for my hair appointment. It was kind of funny the lady sat me in the chair and was running her fingers threw my hair and said oh please say you just want it trimmed. Here i was thinking my hair was fried but not so it just need a trim to get rid of the dead ends and I need to use more leave in conditioner- cool I can do that.

Then it was off to David's Bridal to pick up the Jessa dress- the dress is a bit big on top so it'll need alterations I'm hoping because its the same style alteration that they had to do for me on Katie's dress that it'll be easy for them and after the last time I hope they take the care to do it right the first time. The people aren't horrible they are just over worked and under paid. The place is always busy and the alterations part is booked. I thought about taking my dress else wear to get it done but this is just easier even if they give me a headache now and then.

I'm going to try and take a quick name before heading to the rehearsal I think it'll probably be another late night- but this time I think it will be a pajama junk food night- no complaining here :-)

Let The Craziness Begin

2009-05-22T16:18:00.002-08:00

Tonight is the start of all things Katie and Dave

I've got everything I was suppose to do for the Bridal Shower done

I've got my camera equipment ready to go

I've got to clean out my car and run and print their engagement pictures and then it'll will be a night of co-hosting the bridal shower and then off to dinner at a snazzy restaurant.

At 7:00 I've got to sneak out and go to my least favorite place in all kingdom come- David's Bridal for my second final fitting- the first one they did a shabby job at the tucks on the bust- (I looked like I had growths or something on top) so I've got to pick that up- praying its perfect. I've also got to pick up the shawls for me and the MOH (yes I've started using abbreviation) and a hair comb for Jessa's wedding. Head back over to join them from dinner.

Then tomorrow I've got to get my hair trimmed and layered, pick up my dress for Jessa's wedding (PTL it came early) and pray that it fits and needs no alterations.

Then I'll be available for Katie with whatever she needs- Rehearsal is at 6:30 and a BBQ afterwards.

Then its an early morning Sunday- ( :( I sadly will be missing church- who gets married on a sunday anyway -they're weird) I don't know what time I've got to join them but the wedding is at 4:30 and then the reception is at the Hotel Captain Cook

One would think then I would get to enjoy my day off but NOPE

Monday is backing all my stuff -clothes everything- from the apartment so that it can be loaded up on thursday-friday- or saturday of the move.

Work is going to be crazy this week but I thank God for the abundance of energy and time He's supplied- the days seem to be going by fast but I'm getting everything done that I need to.

I'll have boat load of pictures come .... well :S when they come :D

LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

My Favorite Pictures From This Weekend

2009-05-18T22:12:00.004-08:00

I have more pictures to post but I need to go home- with the long days I'm finding it hard to force myself to go to bed- today I'm being a good girl and going to be in bed by 11pm. Thank you for your prayers I haven't had a headache in several days and I thank God so much for it.

I'm trying not to stress- I've got a lot accomplished and it feels good but I have so much still to do. I just need to get through this week and through Katie's wedding and then its getting through the move, then convention, then camp and then the shower, and then the wedding and then a BIG SIGH OF RELIEF!!!! :-) I'll make it through it all and I'm going to enjoy every second of it and not stress.

More to come - good night

2009-05-16T07:35:00.001-08:00

It's 7:30 on a Saturday and i'm re-thinking not sleeping in but we're doing something i haven't done in a really long time - going to a neighborhood garage sale :) and its time spent with mom and dad...so instead of sleeping i'm enjoying the fresh air and my parents

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-15T19:56:00.010-08:00

Behold Beauty

2009-05-15T18:41:00.013-08:00

A Walk in the Park

2009-05-15T17:50:00.010-08:00

Sis Tammi I use the Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II w/ a polarized filter - well most of the time- I haven't used my standard lens or my telephoto in months. If I could afford the upgrade of this i'd get it cuz Tamron now makes there lense with an image stablization on their lenses

Oh Please Pray

2009-05-14T23:32:00.003-08:00

The last two weeks I've been getting really bad headaches. Normally I dont wake up with them but after a couple hours at work and I'm ready for a head transplant. I know some would tease me and agree it would be an improvement :P but seriously Monday I even went home early because it hurt so bad to hold my head up, only the slightest relief came when I closed my eyes. I was a bit worried as you can't really drive with your eyes closed. I got in my car and prayed for the hand of protection and for some relief. I got a good bit of sleep and I think that helped. I got a wonderful reprieve on Tuesday and Wednesday as thankful no headache but I feel like I need so much sleep even though I've been sleeping well though I know I need more. I love all the sun light buts starting to mess with already. Matt keeps telling me to drink water and so thats all I've been drinking and feel like I'm a walking lake-lol the reprieve lasted until around 2 today when that annoying throb started again. I don't know the reason for it but I'd love to have a permanent reprieve.

On another note I got the materials needed to make the favors for the shower. This will keep me busy this weekend. I'm hoping Joleesa will help me as its possibly going to be a two person job.

This weekend -well before Sunday- I've got to get the books together as we're having a belated business conference, a CPMA service to plan as Katie's wedding is next Sunday, I've got to design Jessa's wedding program so that she can get them taken to Kinkos to be printed- or at least I think that was the plan. At some point I have to get with mom as I've got the banquet to do for camp. Her and I need to go shopping as I think we've got the details figured out to what we want to do. That means another project :-) I love this stuff- but its no wonder Im having headaches- I'm spinning in circles with all thats going on. Just kidding I love it wish I had more time but I love it.

Thank you Megan for taking the picture of me. We discovered that I have a sad few pictures of me that are actual pictures not crazy self shots.

Maybe tomorrow night I'll upload mother days pictures here- I uploaded them on Facebook and intended them to be put on here but had to deal with some issues in a long and frustrating email to my landlord. Now I'm burning a quick cd for my car and I'm going to get that much needed sleep. I'm so happy tomorrow is Friday *big sigh of relief*

Bridal Shower

2009-05-12T23:10:00.003-08:00

Its finally done- finally planned- All I have is a couple little things to decide but its done. If you'll be in Anchorage on Friday June 12,2009 and I have your email address :P You should have received this by email. If you are going to be here and did not receive it it just means I don't have your email address and this is a plea for it so I can formally send you one :-)

I'm so excited people are voting in the poll- I showed Jessa and Mom the two idea's I had for my hair and my opinion and theirs differed so I thought I'd see what you all thought. I dont want my hair curly because curls always seem to fall out. I dont want it to look soft and pretty- which is a good way to describe Jessa's wedding. I personally love them both so I think the winner I'll do for Jessa's wedding and the loser (which in my mind isn't really a loser) I'll do for Katie's wedding :-)

I breath a sigh of relief when my bridesmaid dress for Jessa's wedding arrives and Katie's wedding is past.

Okay I'm insanely tired- I'm heading home- no more thinking tonight

before I go though

Thanks for all the comments on the pictures- I truly love Alaska- sometime I just want to pack up and leave but it has nothing to do with the Beauty God has placed me in but the frustration of being so land locked and so far away from all the things I miss so dearly.

I've got more pictures from Friday and Sunday- I didn't realize I had jumped to the middle of all of them. Hey I tend to like the middle so no surprise there :-D

Good night and God Bless- I love all in blogland so dearly :-)

Sis Smith is SOOOO Right

2009-05-11T19:50:00.011-08:00

There is no doubt, no argument that Alaska is truly one of the most- if not the most beautiful states. Makes me wonder to what Heaven will be like if Alaska is this Beautiful. If you still think after these pictures Alaska isn't beautiful then you need to come visit. Smell the fresh air, hear the rushing rivers seeing its crystal clear waters. Stand at the foot of a mountain and be humbled at how small we really are. Everyone needs to come to behold the true beauty of all God has created.

Sorry Didn't Mean to Tease

2009-05-09T22:44:00.009-08:00

Last night I texted my post while we were waiting for our food.By the time we got home it was almost 11 and I was having an energy crash. So I went home and went to bed- thus why no pictures were posted. I can't go to bed with my hair wet as it makes my head itch and I really didn't have the energy to take a shower anyway lol so I washed up and got as much grim off and then zonked out. More pictures to come- just not tomorrow- maybe Monday- Matt and I climbed around the river and took tons of pictures- Lets just say I won't forget how cold that water was

This is the top of Hatcher's Pass- behind me there is the old mining camp and here before me is a "resort" with rental cabins. I love this picture it looks old- In order to get the mountains in the background to show I had to drop the saturation to nearly none and then decided just just make it B&W and now I LOVE!! it
We stopped at the rest point just before the top and Matt and I crawled up on this HUGE! rock and Mom stood below

Hurah!! I'm one tough chic LOL

We're tough stuff hehe The Machine and the Rat :-)

What Do you See ??

Look! At What? I Don't Know

Isn't this beautiful

2009-05-08T21:41:00.001-08:00

I just had an amazing evening - what fun and adventure and AMAZING pictures all to come as soon as i get food and a shower oh and get home we're in Palmer :)

2009-05-07T08:13:00.001-08:00

I'm texting my post as i wait for Dad and Matt to get here. Here being the auto body shop so that my car is no longer illegal with its studded tires that had to be off last Friday. There is plenty i'll do with out dad's help but anything dealing with cars I fear doing on my own. So here i sit patiently waiting slightly fearing i have the wrong place but very happy i'm not at work right now :)

Now Thats a Plethra of Pictures

2009-05-04T22:10:00.002-08:00

So i'm backing up my pictures on my external drive to move off my computer. I've got 15,497 pictures from march 2008 to dec. 2008 that are being backed up right now so i'm testing blogging by texting

I Want I Want

2009-05-02T20:30:00.002-08:00

So with the new house comes a new room for me- the closet doors are antiqued looking- I want new bedding as it will be a guest room and my current bedding really wont give the room the look I desire. I've been looking all day online for an idea as to what I want and I found it :-) and the price is perfect. So when payday comes on Friday I'm ordering this if we've gotten the approval on the house :-)

Month Report

2009-05-02T16:28:00.002-08:00

I've had analytic on my blog for a long time now but stopped looking- until a couple months go when people were reporting the hits- like Sis Tammi said on her blog its fun to see even when you know no one is commenting. The part that I think is funny is when I go without blogger or only do a written post I'll get a few hits but as soon as I put pictures up the hits double. Now thats not why I've stopped really posting-it just seems when I sit down in front of my computer to blog- I can't think of anything anyone would read. Average hit stays on my blog less then 20 sec. lol- What I'm curious to is who is from New York I know that seems to be the common question but to rank #5- now i'm REALLY curious.

1.	Alaska	168
2.	Tennessee	56
3.	Virginia	36
4.	Washington	33
5.	New York	23
6.	New Mexico	20
7.	Montana	19
8.	Arizona	18
9.	Colorado	17
10.	Kentucky	14

Ok something to read- I dont remember if I mentioned that with the new credit manager they've rearranged job duties as we are not able to hire another employee- even though the office is short 3 accountants. I got effected by it the most. I am now handling Hickel Investments property management or what we call Real Property on top of the athletic club. This means I'm billing the tenants their rent, their portions of the bills and any work orders they have done. I really enjoy it and Im doing my best not to get all stressed out over it as we're still in the process of converting the Athletic Club into the new system.

On a great note is that our raises FINALLY got approved- they will be affective on this coming paycheck with retro pay back to April 1st. Those skunks they just didn't want to pay retro pay on all of over time that conveniently for them ended mid- march :P haha Im not complaining though I'm happy for what we are getting. At this rate as I watch the hotel function on the smallest summer crew I've seen sense working there I'm very thankful for my job.

Dress one for wedding #1 is getting altered- the dress fits me great all around but the bust- they actually have to redo the top of the dress which made the alterations end up costing $160- can you see my eyes pop out of their sockets- THATS INSANE- but there is nothing to do with so Im done venting. I just wish this was a dress I could wear again but its totally not. It reminds me of Belle's dress from Beauty and the Beast just a pool blue color. So its fun to wear but it'll go in my closet until I can figure out what you do with dresses like these. I dont know how many of you have seen or heard about the movie 27 Dressses- its about a girl who has all these friends and has been in all these weddings and she's held on to every single dress. In the end when it comes down to her turn to get married she has all of those friends wear the dress from their wedding in hers- its so funny. I joke and say I'm only 23 dresses from that point. I dont know what I'm going to do- its not a dress I can cut shorter and wear again as the saying goes haha.

I've got Jessa's bridal shower to finish working on- we are going to have a garden tea party of sorts- I'm hoping to actually have it outside and Ive got an idea as to where I just need to find out about renting it. If not I've got a plan set up if we have to have it at the church

I figured I'd take advantage of mom and jessa's tea cup and tea pot collection and have it be really pretty and relaxing. Its going to be a lunch the day before and I love the idea I have for the center pieces. The whole thing is totally Jessa which is surprising Im having such an easy time planning it as Jessa and I are truly opposites but I think its going to be great. I'm working on really cool email post card invitation as we're running out of time and I hate mailing things :-D so as soon as I "mail" it out I'll post it for everyone to see- if Jessa is okay with it that is.

I think thats all- other then the craziness of two weddings, moving, camp and work I think this sums up the more eventfull stuff

Ive Got the Joy Joy JoY

2009-05-02T15:16:00.002-08:00

So if you keep up with mom's blog you'll know we've been house hunting and we've found the one thats just right for us. :-) I'll truly be happy when the lease is signed and its officially ours. I'm excited- I can't wait to take pictures of the inside when its ours :-)

I Think...

2009-04-26T21:19:00.005-08:00

I just took a quick picture before I left for church its not the best. I think it went really well- I planned four puzzles with one quick round and a devotional. They wanted to play more so I did another puzzle with a quick puzzle. Using scriptures such as "Write the Vision and Make it Plain Upon the Tables..." and "Who are these that fly as the clouds" the quick round was Airplane.

My devotional was on By Faith we'll endure through Victory. I had fun making it and from everyones participation everyone seemed to really enjoy it.

I'll probably use it again :-)

Micah, Matt and Megan are over for a bonfire so I'm going to go join them outside and see if I can get the victory over this headache.

Wheel of Fortune

2009-04-26T17:23:00.002-08:00

Tonight is my CPMA service and I wanted to do something different. It seems like whenever I come over after work Dad is watching either the news or Wheel of Fortune. I got to thinking how I could work the game for a service. The hardest part was figuring out how to make the wheel turn smoothly. After some frustrating attempts I finally got. I hope the people will have fun with it tonight. My CPMA service is on being overcomers and holding on to the victory. In this life its not about earthly possessions so on my wheel of fortune there is no trip to Hawaii or a Million bucks but there is Love, Humility, Patience, Joy, Grace and Victory (they all have corisponding points for the sake of the game) along with a spot were you loose your turn (hey its a game lol) and a spot where you backslide but dont worry there is also Mecry on the board that gives you another spin.

so we'll see how it goes- I've got enough time to take a power nap :-)

Sigh of Relief

2009-04-23T20:42:00.002-08:00

So dress crisis has been resolved- Davids Bridal ordered a new one- in my size and we'll do an exchange. Pray though its scheduled to come in June 2 :-S that 9 days before the wedding and there is a change it'll need altering- Please pray it comes in early or is a perfect fit.

Oh No! Oh No!!

2009-04-21T18:38:00.002-08:00

This can't be happening !!!

So both weddings are 4 weeks and 6 weeks away. I picked up the dress for Katie's wedding today and tried it on and though it needs a bit of alterations- taken in on top and hemmed a few inches lol one of the first times I wish I wasn't short- a little bit of money will fix it.

I've had Jessa's dress for about 3-4 weeks but she's had it in her car. I thought I had tried it on but apparently not. I looked at the tag and a size smaller was ordered. Why didn't I check? Why didn't I try it on? GRR!! I've got to call tomorrow and see what they will do- I would have never ordered that size but I did sign a waver that all sales were final. *hitting head against the wall* If sucking it all in :-P It will zip but its horribly uncomfortable. I wish I was half an inch smaller. In theory I could probably lose the weight for it to fit but I know how much stress work is right now and to add trying to lose 10-15lbs I'm afriad it will back fire.

Ugh- if alterations can be done to make it fit that would be great I'll have to wait for Jessa to get home.

I will not stress about this- I will not stress about this- sigh :-)

Youth Fun

2009-04-20T17:59:00.009-08:00

We had our first Spring youth activity. Micah was in charge and chose for us to play capture the flag. Now this game is on the bottom of my lists of enjoyments but I love being outside and being with everyone . Here are some pictures

Its always a surprise to see what Josh will do- this is his stealth mode
Micah and Megan all cuddled up in their camo
Matt and the Rat :P I'm not a big fan of this picture because I look like I'm bald but its cute all the same :-)
Silly Boys lol
My team- getting a game plane
Stealth
Game Over
I dont know the reason for this facial reaction but I laugh everytime I see it

Easter

2009-04-19T17:44:00.014-08:00

I'm a week late but I suppose thats better then never. Here are some pictures. I have to say Lillian was the attention getter that morning during breakfast. Its so cute to see her personality shine. She's a little doll- so thats why you'll see several pictures of her

The table settings was great- dyed eggs as table favors- this was mine- I thought it was cool
Only Dad would have a cup match his tie :P
Micah made yummy blueberry pancakes :-)
I love this face- like I said she's just to adorable
Matt enjoying his egg

Our next piano player- look how excited she is lol

I'll have more Lillian pictures on my photo album in a couple days

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T21:08:00.000-08:00

So Cool

2009-04-07T18:35:00.003-08:00

So I get a text yesterday that said " Jenna I have some news... :-)" I grabbed my phone and headed out of the office even before she could text back :-) I had to laugh at Erika's comment on Gracie's blog because that was the same thing I said- I'm going to be an Aunt-lol :-) that was after I made sure she wasn't playing a late April Fools joke considering we had just been talking about this very subject a couple days ago. By the time I got home I thought I was going to bust with the news and was so happy when I checked her blog and saw she had spared me from keeping the lips sealed for long lol

I also found out yesterday that we will be getting our raises in May- the raise we were suppose to have gotten in January. I'm shocked we are getting one considering all the cut backs though I have a feeling it wont be made retroactive but I'm thankful for whatever I get.

Also we had an earthquake today- its not the first one I've felt but it was by far the larger of the ones. The way the hotel is built if you are inside it you can actually see the walls move during an earthquake as it was built to shift. I was standing in the middle of the room and was thrown off balance it was the weirdest feeling.

So far Im really liking my new boss- she gets right down to business- its nice for a change to have things go good- I know its probably a temporary thing as nothing ever goes great for long- wow there was nothing optimistic about that lol

Photo Shoot W/ Jessa

2009-04-06T20:42:00.006-08:00

Didn't Forget!

2009-04-04T17:03:00.003-08:00

I texted her yesterday to wish her a wonderful 20th Birthday. I was so tired though after work I went home to bed. So here's what I should have done yesterday.

Gracie Girl- my dearest friend- here's wishing you a wonderful year filled with lots of laughs, lots of love, and a vacation LOL

I hope we look this good 10 yrs from now :-) So here's to getting older, wiser, and boring- jk :-)

Love you girl! So glad you had a great birthday

On another note- We met our new Credit Manager- aka my new boss- yesterday. I don't want to go into details mostly because I don't know the details but my previous boss Rhonda who I had gotten pretty close with got fired- and from the sounds of justifiably. I was worried we'd go quite sometime without a new manager but they didn't drag their feet and so far I really like her. She was born in Minnesota married a man from Alaska- he had joined the marines and was stationed in CA in which she has built up an awesome resume. She has been married 7 yrs and has 3 boys- 5yrs old, 2 yrs old and 4 months old. They've moved back just recently and her hobbies are reading and photography- HOW COOL!- her father was a professional photographer- specialty in film photography- I'm not sure if he passed away or if he just down sized but he gave her all his equipment that is compatible with her digital camera slr- she's got some lens to drool over- thousands of dollars in lens- and which she said all I have to do is ask and she'll let me borrow- THANK YOU GOD! hehe

There maybe hope for my job to improve after all- though I do need your prayers- I've got my right hand in a brace as either I've got the start of carpel tunnel or I've got strained tendons in my wrist - i'm thinking the latter and as long as the brace is helping I'm not going to a doctor to find out. I'm trying to get rid of bills not get more :P

So that sums up my week- I need to stop procratinating and get to work on the church books :S

Just Playing

2009-03-30T21:10:00.002-08:00

Just playing around with my blog- it'll probably change again- I dont put much into it as I use to- Maybe I'll change that- blogging isn't what it use to be like but there is still a purpose for it.

Redoubt Sends Ash Our Way

2009-03-28T20:43:00.010-08:00

The day was so beautifully sunny out and then I noticed that it was starting to cloud over. I was bummed its so nice to see the sun. Then I realized that it wasn't a cloud but a haze. I was on the phone with dad and he said that Redoubt had gone off again and that the ash cloud was hanging over anchorage- thats when I noticed that the air was thick and my car was caked. I didn't bother to change out of my sweatpants and sweatshirt and loaded the car up with clothes for tomorrow, the case of bottled water and my camera. It was so eerie out everyone was driving so slow and it was like driving through one big dust cloud. I got to Mom and Dad's and we got the cars covered and now we're all cooped up and ready to stay in for the night.

Here's the haze around the sun- its just a little after 6pm in this picture and even though its march we've had daylight until about 9pm now so this is way to dark for this time of day right now.

Once I got my car cleaned off using a soft rag I got in the car to head out and this what my windshield already looked like
by the time I got to mom and dads, got my car unloaded and front windshield covered this is what my back window looked like- ITS NOT SNOW
I cleaned some of the ash off my car and put it in the jar- between all the cars I could have filled this but even with a respirator on its hard to be out there. Your eyes start to feel gritty and the taste of dirt gets in your mouth. My hair feels like i've been rolling around in dirt
This is about two hours later- the sky getting dark from night but the cloud still visible
Dad, Jessa and I went out to get her car covered up and I took this picture for memories sake. We' smiling hehe

Update- Redoubt

2009-03-26T10:46:00.001-08:00

Redoubt has erupted for the second time this morning (March 26) with a huge explosion at 9:24 that sent a cloud of ash to 65,000 feet above sea level.

The National Weather Service is issuing an ash advisory for the Kenai Peninsula, from Ninilchik south.

A light sprinkling of ash from an earlier eruption this morning is expected to dust Homer later today.

Dialed back to code orange yesterday, Redoubt exploded this morning at 8:34, according to the Alaska Volcano Observatory. As a result of the two eruptions, the National Weather Service says Homer residents may get some ash fall in four to six hours, according to Todd Foisy, a Weather Service meteorologist.

Winds were likely to carry the ash southeast over Cook Inlet, away from Anchorage, he said.

Early reports say the latest eruption sent an ash cloud to at least 30,000 feet above sea level but that it contained less ash than earlier large explosions.

"This event is bigger than the ones from yesterday but smaller than the ones from Sunday and Monday," said Dave Schneider of the AVO.

Winds were likely to carry the ash southeast over Cook Inlet, away from Anchorage, he said.

Alaska Airlines said they are still evaluating whether any flight cancellations will be necessary. Travelers are advised to check the status of flights before going to the airport.

2009-03-24T18:51:00.006-08:00

From ADN.COM

2009-03-23T00:00:00.003-08:00

Mount Redoubt erupts

Published: March 22nd, 2009 11:33 PM
Last Modified: March 22nd, 2009 11:53 PM

Long threatening Mount Redoubt erupted about 10:38 p.m. Sunday sending an ash cloud an estimated 50,000 feet into the air.

For two hours, prior to the eruption, scientists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory had noticed seismicity at Redoubt has increased significantly and reported at the heightened levels of seismicity, there could be a quick escalation to eruptive activity.

The volcano had been on Orange "watch" status for most of Sunday after activity had begun increasing Saturday.

Location:West of Cook Inlet, 103 miles southwest of Anchorage
Type: Stratovolcano
Height: 10,197 feet
Last erupted: 1989-90

---------------------------------------

I was just about to head to bed as the dumb movie I was watching at the apartment was over. My phone started vibrating -I hate getting calls from anyone after about 11pm because its never good- expessially when its mom or dad. This call was from dad- he's at the airport with first hand notice of the Redoubt eruption. Purpose of the call- true to pattern not good- he proceeded to lecture me about no having an air mask with me- then I remembered out of the blue that one was in my car from service tonight- such a random thing- but thank God for plan b for my service. Dad in his freak mode (love you daddy) told me to go to the house. It was an eerie drive over as I only saw a couple cars but the sky is clear and the winds are in our favor. The reality is that the winds shift ever so slightly we'll be affected to what to degree depends on the wind. I know who directs the wind- He'll keep us safe.

Right now I'm comfortable at mom and dad's place- and wondering if I have to go to work in the morning. The responsible person in me praying that I can go. The 23 yr old in me is excited about a day off work and is in denial that it'll be without pay.

Neighborhood Guest

2009-03-22T16:36:00.007-08:00

That Thing They Do to Walls

2009-03-21T17:33:00.006-08:00

People get inspirations from anywhere and everywhere- this editing technique reminds me of what Sis Smith and Sis Becki have been doing to their walls. I think its call faux painting- is that how you spell it- anyway I had some extra time and thought I would play with a couple pictures- make a good picture become a WOW picture- I think I succeeded. It was fun thats for sure

Family Time

2009-03-20T22:52:00.003-08:00

Or part of the family. Jessa is working and Joleesa is out with some friends. As I mentioned Dad and Mom for my birthday gave money to my JAG fund- that is the fake fund to purchase season 8 of this military series JAG about Navy and Marine lawyers in the Judge Advocate General Corp. that aired from 1995-2005. During a time when prime time t.v. had yet to be turned into shows that should have an NC-17 rating.

I love the comedy, suspense and overall acting in this show. I owed 1-7 and picked up season 8 last night as it came out on DVD.

When I got home from shopping for wedding invitation with Jessa. Dad asked me to put an episode in. I was excited to sit and actually watch something with Dad- we don't normally enjoy the same shows so I jumped on it. One episode turned into two and before I knew it it was midnight. Now tonight we sat and ate dinner then watched a movie and now a few hours later dad and I keep saying 1 more- just one more episode- :-) Good clean family enjoyment. I love enjoying something I love with my family. There isn't anything more enjoyable then watching them enjoy it as well- much better then being alone with chocolate peanut butter ice cream. LOL- now he's demanding pop corn maybe its more peaceful at home- just kidding

So happy its Friday- even though I'm working tomorrow for a short time I think I'll enjoy it-no stress, no phone, and I'll get something accomplished which is already rewarding. Then its youth night so I'm sure we'll have some fun. I also have to pull my thoughts out of my brain to put them into notes for my CPMA service. Its been in there awhile so I dont think I'll have a probably putting it all together.

Yes this is going to be a good weekend- eventful, accomplishing and relaxing :-)

Really Long Post- Beware :-)

2009-03-14T20:57:00.006-08:00

Thank You !! so much for all the birthday wishes. I laid in bed last night trying to think of a birthday that I had that was more fun and enjoyable.

I probably wouldn't have thought that had I been 13 instead of 23 but I've come to realize as you get older you appreciate the real important things about a birthday. Those you spend it with.

I told Mom and Dad that the only thing I wanted for my birthday was to have everyone over- I did not want to spend it alone- lol I've realized a new fear I have- spending my birthday alone- I figure at some point in my life and praying for never that there will be one day that I'll have to but I'd rather not.

So I asked for homemade pizza, games and cake. Between mom and I we got the message to everyone.

But let me rewind to the beginning of the day. I woke up at 7am and my phone was going crazy- I got all excited - my email was blinking and so I checked it and found loads of facebook messages that people had commented. Everyone from a friend from school, to one of my cousins and loads of church friends. Something so small but yet made me feel so special. Then there were a few from myspace- Sis Tammi, Mom and Jess. I had to force myself to get ready for work and read mom and jessa's blog while I walked from my parking spot to the hotel.

Waiting on my desk at work was a gift from one of my co-workers and a card and TONs of cholocate(in which I gave away most of it- everyone was happy I shared hehe)

The day went by rather fast- half way through the day everyone in accounting came into my office and gave me a card signed by everyone and a bouqet of tulips that smelled so heavenly of spring that I just beamed :-)

Through out the day I was reading posts to face book and then gracie's blog and texts (shh don't tell hehe)

Katie and Dave stopped in and Dave invited himself to my birthday party- no objections here- I was more then happy to have them come- maybe if they meet our other youth and have fun I could get them to come out to other activities.

I was about leave work when I got a call to come to the mens club- this was odd as I've only actually gone in there once- and it takes so much work to get it all cleared out and to make sure I don't see anything that will make me want to claw my eyes out that its never worth it- they always come to me- plus its on the other side of the hotel so its not my first choice of places to head lol.

I took the employee hallways to get to the other side and as I opened the employee door that would bring me back to the public part of the hotel Whitney and Erik were standing there looking rather sheepish with a bouqet of pretty pink roses (I know where they got them hehe) it was soo sweet- I'm not sure if they are just from the Mens Club or if they are from both. They wished me a happy birthday and I was out the door for the weekend :-)

I got home and got my roses in a vase, and set them and my tulips on the table and then made sure the house was picked up. Dad had done so much already but I made sure the table and chairs were cleaned off of laundry that got left behind. Mail and such off the coffee table and towels in the bathroom.

Then started the pizza's- people started showing up and it was so great- first Micah and Megan- caring an awesome birthday box- I decided then in there that I loved the box as if it was gift lol- the gifts inside were great too. Then Tim and Becky came in with more Birthday wishes. Katie and Dave followed not far behind as Tim, Becky and I were heading out to make a run to the store.

We got back and the place was full of laughter and talking- the best gift

I didn't think Larry was going to come because of somethings that came up during the day but when I went outside to get some games he had just pulled up. I was so thankful he came.

The pizza turned out great. We pulled out the Wii to show Katie some of the games and were laughing at Mom, Joleesa and then myself as they watched us holahoop hehe

Matt came over at that point and I got a wonderful hug from him. He came still in his work clothes so I knew he was tired but he stayed for awhile which ment ALOT to me.

At one point I got a kick out of how the guys were standing in the kitchen talking about guns then Dave telling stories of his time in the sand box and Matt telling of his time in the military. While the girls sat in the living room laughing over the Wii

We then pulled out Mad Gab- which by the way is the best group game ever expessially if you have Tim in the group. At first I didn't think we'd get Larry, Dad, and Dave to play but it took less then one round to peak their intrest and join up one on each team.

Teams-
1) Larry, Tim, Becky and Megan
2)Matthew, Joleesa, Mom and Micah
3)Myself, Katie, Dave and Dad

When it came to my teams turn we'd have to tell Dad and Dave to pause in their converstation to help the team lol

Thats right I got Dad to play a game :-D YAY!! and I think he had fun too.

This is proof :-) See how he reacts makes playing the game even better :-)

I can only upload one video clip at a time so the one of Tim will come tomorrow along with pictures.

I was overwhelmed feeling so special and loved- I wouldn't have traded yesterday of anything :-)

Oh and if this isn't just the best mom and dad are adding to my JAG fund for Season 8

Today all I've done was sit around in my pajamas and read- I love Mary Cathy Hake :-) and then I got off my bum threw some clothes on and went out into the beautiful sunny day- not warm- just sunny- to David's Bridal to order my bridesmaids dress for Katie's wedding and picked my dress for Jessa's wedding. Oh how I wish I didn't have to go back there AGAIN but I see in the future at least 3 more times- to pick up the dress, fitting for jes's BM dress, and fitting for Kat's BM dress - CRAZY and its not even my wedding lol

I got shoes and some necessities to go with both dresses so everything but the jacket to go with Jes BM dress- so that may equal another trip.

I've decided if I ever get married we're all just wearing jeans -JUST KIDDING :-)

*sigh* I feels so good to relaxe

A Whole lot of Boring

2009-03-09T20:16:00.002-08:00

My weeks been very boring but its okay- sometimes thats what one needs- simple, slow, boring :-) when life gets to complex, trying and hard.

My highlights -is I took a new profile picture of myself (I laugh just saying that), I cleaned out my car today as we got a spurt of warm weather (31 degrees above hehe)I evicted all of the garbage and bagged up my clothes that never made it into the house in hopes that it'll finally make it there tonight. Gathered the books accumulating in the back window and stashed them in my laptop bag. It now looks like when I bought it- smells good and looks good :-) It needs a bath on the outside but I need it to warm up for that.

The low end of the last week or so- My boss has cancer- she doesn't remember telling me (side effects of medication) and so I've watched her get sicker by the day and I know all I can do for her is pray. I know that shouldn't be considered ALL I can do but when around her it feels like its not enough. At first it was so overwhelming I didn't know how to take it but now I just well I just don't know how to help. I desire your prayers for sure.

On top of it- I've been so sick of winter- I've never been one to be affected by the seasons but i've got such a bad case of Cabin Fever. I'm counting the days until I go to Montana in April to spend time with Gracie- I need to get out- I haven't seen in over a year now and I miss her dreadfully.

I'm hoping Friday will be fun- not because its my birthday but because I need to be around people, to laugh, to have fun - I could careless about getting older but if its necessary I want to share it with friends.

I know totally random post but thats just the way I'm thinking these days hehe