show and tell

I bought a flash from someone on craigslist.  I am SO happy!  I couldn't sleep because of the excitement.  But now, I'm sleeping even better knowing I'm all set to shoot Kate and Henry's wedding this Saturday!  I'm starting to feel like a real photographer with this bad boy atop my camera!  Hooray!

I survived boot camp!

I just got back from Lindsay Jane Boot Camp which was SO much fun!  We were in gorgeous Utah!  Utah really is my happy place. I can't help it!  The air feels so great and the mountains and scenery are so gorgeous!  Staci was teasing me for liking sagebrush.  Staci is the blonde in the picture above.  We had a photoshoot everyday Mon-Thursday.  Lindsay taught us all her tricks.  She's making some kids laugh!It was so cold Lindsay was using her nose to control her phone!
Todd, Lindsay's husband, made us all laugh with his laser.  He always had it handy!  He does all the business stuff, and had a lot to teach us too.  They are such a sweet couple and really fun to be around.  We even watched their babies 3-D video while we were editing on the last night.  They are going to be the cutest parents! 
The photographers there were Staci, Natalie, Evaly and me.  This is Nat.  She has the cutest engagement story of all time.  Seriously, it should be a movie. 

We will all have our LJ blogs and websites up pretty soon.  I will let you all know when they are up!  Except for Evaly, who is already a seasoned pro.  As you can see she will go to any lengths to get a great shot!  The last day we were there the weather was HORRIBLE.  We're talking freezing cold rain and gushing wind!  Anyway, Evaly had no idea her wind had ruined her umbrella until she noticed us laughing and clicking away!  I LOVE this picture. It makes me giggle every time.  I'm not gonna lie, it was hard to leave my family again so soon.  But I didn't have an ounce of regret not once while I was there.  I like to work hard and be busy.  And we were for sure!  I learned so much!  And being on a photo shoot is one of the most fun things I have ever done. I love it!  Also, I learned so much about photoshop.  If I start looking incredibly gorgeous in my pics from here on out you will all know why!!!  None of these have been photoshopped, though, they really are that gorgeous!  And even more important really good people.  We are all moms and we had a lot in common.  I SO needed girl time!  So that was fun, too.  

And none of it would have been possible without help from my parents (and Chris and Christina).  My mom sent my dad my way (again) he helped watch the kids while I was in Houston, too!  Thanks Popo you are the best!  Popo is his grandpa name, my crazy little sisters made it up.  Perfectly silly, and fitting for him.  Luckily he can bring his work with him.  Hopefully he was able to get some done!

I also got a quick visit with my Aunt Darcy and Grammy in the airport before I left.  Which was great.  And I finished Persuasion on the plane ride.   Love that book!  

I'm thankful to be home, for family, and for this awesome experience.

And for sagebrush in all it's glory!

Hello Nashville!!

To greet our new town we have been doing LOTS of exploring!
Partly to get to know our new town...
And partly to scout out future photo spots.
Photo shoot locations are needed when you are training for your NEW JOB with Lindsay!
Wish us luck!!  I am SO grateful to have this new opportunity to LEARN!! 

I am also so grateful that miss Chickie's new school experience is going very well!  I really didn't have high expectations at all.  Her last school was just so amazing.  However, I am blown away!  And we can walk to school since we only live .3 miles from it.  The girls in her new class shouted with squeals of joy when she was introduced to them.  (what a relief!)  AND the best news yet...we only live 3.5 miles from the temple! I seriously get chocked up every time I think about it.  What a huge spiritual opportunity! yay!

Oh, and one more thing...we rented out our house today! What a blessing and a relief (yes, another).   

Day 3--Photo Challenge

So now that the photo challenge is official, I started to get nervous.  What am I going to take a picture of?  I tried a new bread recipe today.  It turned out REALLY bad.  Can you tell?  Uggghhh.  I was really hoping this wouldn't have to be my picture for today.
So I went outside and took a picture of this flower.  Not bad, I guess.
Then Bentley started washing his own hair in the bathtub.  SO cute! I found my winner!
He is discovering the bubbles.
And his belly provides a little modesty.
We have surprisingly good lighting in the bathroom.
good night!

The rest of the week I will be getting ready for a garage sale. Beware!

Today I'm so thankful that Chris is home from Nashville.

Yay!  It was only two days, but that is two days too long.