Busy, busy, busy!

I am not purposefully neglecting my blog, it's just that I have been sooo busy lately. Things at work have become extremely chaotic. Stress levels are through the roof! But it has not been all bad. I've had the opportunity to do some really amazing weddings.
One of the weddings was that of my own Cousin-in-law, Naomi. She as married in the Albuquerque temple. It was a beautiful day, perfect for a wedding. And it was a lot of fun, too. I was a little nervous at first becuase I have never been there, so I really didn't know what to expect. But I have become pretty good at learning on the fly. Naomi was beautiful in her gown, until it got covered in cake, LOL. I don't think I will ever understand that tradition of smashing cake in each other's faces. Messy, messy!

If you would like to see images from all my recent weddings, hop over to my photography blog and check them out!

A kid and a cat

I was trying my very hardest to take pictures of my cat, Ender the other day. Normally he is very cooperative and a real ham in front of the camera, but I guess he was in a lazy mood that day. No sooner had I sat him on the towel I was using as a prop, than he promptly rolled over and went to sleep! Crazy animal. I did get him to wake up and do a few descent shots.



Well, of course Cameron came in, and wanted his picture taken, too. It's been a while since I have taken pictures of him against a backdrop, so I thought it would be a good idea. Cameron really is a ham in front of the camera. I had to do some silly things to get him to laugh, like put TP on my head and make a lot of silly noises, but he loves it. I hope he always does.


If you would like to see more images from this session, please visit my photography blog!

Independance Day fun!!

Even though i had to work yesterday day ( I know! How annoying to have to work on a holiday!), I was still able to have some fun. As soon as I was able, I headed over to Craig's grandparent's house where they were having a big b-b-que with all the family. I love those big get-togethers. Lots of people, lots of fun!

As soon as it was dark enough we brought out the little fireworks. I had LOTS of sparklers. I think they are my favorite becuase everyone can enjoy them, even the little ones (thought very carefully supervised, of course!). Since I have my nice camera, I used it with a tripod and a remote to get some great sparkler art.

We weren't able to go see any big shows, unfortunately, but I was able to go up a hill nearby and take pics of some of the illegal fireworks that were being set off. I liked how they looked with the city down below.

Family Vacation in Utah

It's been a little while since I've posted. I figure I should tell about our recent trip to Utah. We spent Memorial day with my family in Orem. We had a little b-b-que. real Texas brisket! Mm. Mm. Good! Almost everyone was there, expect my sister Jenny and her family. It's so hard to get the whole family together. Anyway, I took the opportunity to do a photoshoot with my lil sis, Amanda. You can see some of the those photos by checking out my Photography blog. One of the most stirring sights was to see all the American flags in everyone's yard. rRows and rows of them! The Boy Scouts put them up as part of their fundraiser.


The next day we went up to Idaho to visit my sister. It was a very short visit, but we were able to ride her horses.. it was Cameron's first horseback ride, and he loved it! He couldn't get enough of the horses. That is, until he found the long grass and discovered how much fun it was to roll around in it, LOL.We also got to play with Jenny's new dog, Itchy. Dang cute little Dachshund! I took lots of pictures of him, which you can see on my Photo blog.


After Idaho we headed down to Bountiful Utah to spend time with Craig's sis, Melanie and her family. We spent one morning at the Hogle Zoo, but our trip there was cut short, becuase Aubrey had an allergic reaction to the sun screen she had on. Still, I got some great pics of the animals:-)
Mostly we had a lot of fun doing absolutely nothing on our vacation. It was very laid back and relaxed, and very stress free, which is just what we needed. And now more than ever we want to move up to Bountiful. Just a beautiful (and much sfare!) place to live.

A Weekend Visit

This past weekend we had a visit from Craig's sister and her little family. They came down to watch Craig's brother, Chris, in his choir concert. The concert was pretty good, but Chris totally stole the show. He has so much stage presence, and a remarkably good voice (I hope I'm not making you blush too much , Chris!). He would be a total shoe-in for the MDT Major at BYU. That kid was born to perform!

Since Melanie (my SIL) was in town, I decided it would be a great opportunity to do a little photoshoot with my niece, Aubrey. She's probably about the cutest thing on two legs, except for Cameron, LOL. But I think they are about equal in the cuteness factor. She's a little bundle of energy, though! We had a tough time getting her to hold still, and had to bribe her with candy;-) She wasn't too thrilled at first, but warmed up when we put her in the teacup. She loved it! And she was such a cutie-patootie, too!
They're visit was really short, and I would be a lot sadder if we weren't planning on going up to Utah next week to visit them. I would love for Cameron to get to know all his cousins. I never really knew any of mine, but Craig grew up with all of his and they were always very close. I want that for my kids, too:-) Here's a pic of Cameron in his shades, just for fun. He is one cool kid:-)
If you want to check out more pics of Aubrey, visit my photography blog (link on the side).

Close to My Heart

I love to scrapbook. I have several albums jam packed with pages that I have done over the years. I guess I have my old roomie Alicia to thank for my obsession (thanks Alicia!). I always envied her fabulous pages. She inspired me:-)

So now I am taking it one step further. I am a HUGE fan of Close to My Heart, a scrapbooking company. They always have the best papers and fun scrap accessories. Now, I'm going to be a consultant. Yeah!! I'm crazy busy right now with my regular job, but I am hoping that soon I'll be able to launch this little business. I'm so excited!

New toy!

We are recently mourning the untimely demise of Com-Pewter, our computer. The motherboard fried, rendering the thing absolutely useless. But, we are a very technical family, and in great need of a computer, so there was no choice but for us to get a new one.

Rather than buying a pre-made comp, Craig decided to build one. And it's a serious upgrade. Here are the specs:

Intel Pentium D CPU 3.20GHz
2046 MB RAM
32 bit OS (Windows Vista)

Let me just tell you, this machine rocks! All of my photos look awesome! Pretty high def, actually, which is great. The colors practically leap out of the screen, and the images are so lifelike you feel you are looking through a window, or that you could just reach out and touch them. AND, it's a very pretty machine:-) Huge shiny black with a clear panel on the side and spiffy blue lights. We named it The Monolith. Here's some photos showing off it's awesomeness and majesty:

An Invitation

If you have not already noticed the link to the side, I have a new blog up! It is especially for my photography, and I invite all my friends and family to view it. You can even leave any comments or constructive criticism if you want (and it makes me feel better when I know people are actually looking at my work). There is not a whole lot there yet, but I am hoping that will change, as more work and more opportunities come my way. Enjoy!

A weekend of concerts

Getting time off work on a Saturday at my workplace is something akin to giving yourself a lobotomy. Challenging, painful, and pretty much suicidal. But I had to take the risk. Why? Because there was NO WAY I was going to miss a free Jon Schmidt concert!

Jon Schmidt has been my musical hero since I first saw him perform at EFY when I was fifteen years old. It was exhilarating to watch him. I loved his energy, his talent, and his music. On our first date, Craig played one of JS's most popular songs, Waterfall, by memory and gave an almost flawless performance of it, too. It was then I decided there was no way I was going to let this one get away! Our "song" is JS's arrangement of Cant' Help Falling in Love. So going to a JS concert is a really big deal.

As usual, Jon played great! Even the technical errors didn't phase him, and he kept playing as if nothing was unusual or wrong. And what a great entertainer! I love watching all of his silly antics. By far the highlight of the evening was his impromptu duet with an audience member, as they played a pulled-out- of-hat blues song. It really brought down the house!

The night would have been so much better if Cameron had behaved. Yes, we brought him. We thought he was old enough to enjoy it. We were wrong. The WHOLE time he was up running around. Craig spent most of the time running after him while I tried to grab some shots (which was really hard because it was really dark and I couldn't use my flash).

That's why we decided to get a babysitter when we went to the BYU Men's Chorus concert the next night. Craig used to sing in the Chorus back in the day. Sitting in the audience listening to those men sing brought back some great memories. I often went with my roomie, Alicia, to the concerts. They even sang one of the songs they had sung that year (Hol' you Hand), and it was even more entertaining to watch this time around (especially since this time I actually got to hold Craig's hand, LOL). By far the highlight of my night was the Disney musical medley. You just can't beat Disney songs (unless you are singing Broadway, but they are really pretty similar).

Yup, it was a great weekend of music and entertainment. Definitely worth leaving work early for.

Big Boy Bed!!

Well, it's official. Cameron is a BIG BOY now, because he sleeps in a BIG BOY BED! No more crib for him! There was no special reason for the switch. He could cilmib out, but rarely did, and there was no baby to take over. We just decided it was time and felt he was ready to make the change.

We decided to go with a space them, becuase he loves the Backyardigans "Mission to Mars" episode so much. He now has over 300 glow-in-the-dark planets and stars on his wall, along with a moon that lights up in it's various phases, a Backyardigans poster featuring the "Mission to Mars", space sheets and comforter, and window valance. We are also recovering the couch in his room to reflect a space them. It's pretty "far out!"

His first night in his new bed was a little rocky. He loved it and went right to sleep, but woke up a little later from a nightmare. He awoke several more times throughout the night, and Craig was a little worried that we might have been to hasty. But the next night he did great, and has ever since! He loves the freedom of being able to get out of bed when he wants (alhtough mommy and daddy wish he would learn to sleep in a little longer). We have a little trouble getting him to go to sleep sometimes, especially naptime, becuase he would rather be up playing, but we are dealing with that.

So it looks like the Big Boy Bed is a success. He feels so grown-up, and often looks it. He's not a little baby anymore. *sniff, sniff* That's okay, I love my big boy, too:-)

How well do you know me?

Another hand-me-down from my friend Alicia:-) I think it was harder for me to come up with questions to ask than it will be for anyone to answer them, LOL

http://www.quizyourfriends.com/quizpage.php?quizname=070213211526-118219&

100 Things . . .

Alicia said I should try it, so I will:-) Here is is nice little list all about me!

1. My favorite color is purple, but black is a very close second.
2. I'm 5' 1" and proud of it!
3. I HATE when people treat me like a kid just because I happen to look like one.
4. My camera is my favorite fashion accessory.
5. My cat and my son are my favorite models.
6. I wish I could scrapbook more often.
7. I wish I was more organized.
8. I wish I had a bigger house so I could have room to be more organized.
9. I REALLY hate my neighbors.
10. I like my steak cooked medium -rare.
11. I hate pork.
12. I really hate cleaning, so my house is always a mess.
13. I have watched every single episode of Gilmore Girls.
14. Our first daughter will be named Lorelei.
15. I think bald guys are hot.
16. Craig would NOT look good bald.
17. But I still think he's pretty hot.
18. I am a photoshop nerd.
19. I would like to learn more languages.
20. I would like to remember the languages I have already learned.
21. I LOVE to read.
22. I think every girl should read Pride & Prejudice and Little Women.
23. I wish we were more financially stable.
24. I really wish my husband could graduate from school already.
25. I graduated with a degree in Wildlife and Range Resources.
26. So far, I have done nothing with my degree.
27. Wolves are my very favorite animal, but I have never seen one in the wild.
28. I have a big collection of wolf stuff.
29. We eat at dinner at my in-law's house every Sunday.
30. It's often the highlight of my week.
31. I'm pretty sure I have the best in-laws in the world.
32. I'm totally in love with my husband.
33. My son Cameron is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.
35. Even though he can sometimes be a pain in the butt.
36. I love to sing.
37. I sing everywhere I go.
38. Some people get a little annoyed when I sing too much.
39. I sing anyway.
40. I can't remember the last time I made my bed.
41. I really hate politics.
42. I can hold my breath for two minutes.
43. I have been to four different countries.
44. I would love to visit Australia or Africa.
45. Steve Irwin was my hero.
46. I love to go shopping, but not for groceries.
47. I think food costs too much.
48. I love do anything artsy.
49. I always have trouble finishing projects.
50. I like spiders.
51. I have been mommy to a hobo spider, a black widow, and a tarantula.
52. I have also had several different species of cockroaches as pets.
53. I have two goldfish (Feather and Firefly) a betta fish (Trogdor), a tarantula (Sheila), and a cat (Ender).
54. I really want a dog.
55. My cat thinks he's a dog.
56. I like video game music.
57. Jon Schmidt and Reuben Kee are my musical heroes.
58. I visit a lot of message boards.
59. I don't write in my journal as often as I used to.
60. My greatest fear is that I won't be abel to have more children.
61. But my greatest joy is the one I have.
62. I am trying to start my own photography business.
63. I really like the Backyardigans.
64. I listen to the Backyardigans cd in the car, even when Cameron isn't there.
65. Pink is an ugly color.
66. Peas should be listed as an inedible substance.
67. I remember things from when I was two years old.
68. I REALLY hate the cold.
69. I can't figure out why we want to move to Bountiful, UT so bad.
70. I would love to take a real vacation.
71. Without my son.
72. I wish more people would send me letters or email.
73. My skin is whiter than anyone else's that I know.
74. I collect carousel horses.
75. I have a really strong sense of smell. Craig thinks I am part bloodhound.
76. I hate the smell of most flowers, especially Lilies. They give me headaches.
77. I love the smell of irises and moutain laurels.
78. I hate perfume.
79. I love the smell of Old Spice.
80. I like the smell of fruits and chocolate.
81. I have small feet.
82. I have a hard time finding nice clothes small enough to fit me.
83. I used to have the most horrible fashion since EVER.
84. In about 90% of my dreams I can fly.
85. Usually I have really big white wings that are soft and silent, like an owl's.
86. In May I am flying to the Grand Canyon in a helicopter to photograph a wedding. I'm super excited!
87. I don't like heart shapes.
88. I love watching shows and movies with my husband at night.
89. I used to be a huge Star Trek fan.
90. Both me and Craig really liked the show Firefly, but it is no longer ebing aired.
91. We love watching Smallville, Heroes and Gilmore Girls together.
92. We like playing video games together.
93. I whoop Craig's butt in Boggle.
94. He whoops my butt in Scrabble.
95. Being married is way better than being single.
96. I've split my head open three times, sprained my ankle twice, broke my finger and my little toe once, and have cracked my tailbone three times. I've also had a major blood transfusion.
97. Some people are amazed I am still alive.
98. I am a master marksman.
99. I'd like to learn how to use a sword.
100. I'm small, but mighty:-)

The Cat in the Hat

I saw a photo by Rachael Hale, the world's leading pet photographer, that really cracked me up. It was a cat with a knit cap pushed down over it's eyes. It looked pretty perturbed, LOL. It was so funny that I had to try it myself!

I have a lot of fun photographing animals. They are a lot like babies, in that you have to have A LOT of patience. They are unpredictable, but each one has their own personality. Ender is such a brat, so this photo suits him perfectly;-)

In Loving Memory

Life is a long journey full of ups and downs, hopes and sorrows. And if we are very lucky, we will get to share some of that life with a very good dog. Let me tell you about our dog Paco.

Paco came to us when he was a puppy, and was arguably the ugliest little dog ever. He was full of ticks and fleas and had horrible mange, but he found his way right into our hearts, and there he stayed. He was always happy and full of life and energy. He was so full of weird little quirks that made him so unique and special.

When we first met Paco he showed up at my parent's lit window late one night. My dad brought him in, but my mom took one look and sent him right back out! But he was still there in the morning, and of course, being kids at the time, we fed him and gave him water and loved him despite his "ugliness". He hung around our front porch for three days until a neighbor came by to pick him up, saying he knew where the dog belonged. But shortly afterwards we spotted the dog in his backyard. instinct told us something wasn't right, so my little bro and sis went to check it out. Our neighbor informed them that the dog belonged in the pound, and had called animal control to come pick him up, and that he was going to be euthenized. That didn't go over well with us, and I guess it went over less well with Paco, becuase next hting we knew he had climbed over the chain link fence into our backyard. Our neighbor claimed my brothers stole the dog out of his yard, and called the police. It wasn't hard to prove their innocence. Paco could indeed climb fences, and since he worked so hard to come to us, we decided it was best to keep him:-)

Paco has been a member of our family for the last fifteen years, a very good age if you happen to be a dog. In the last few years Paco's health has steadily declined. He first went deaf, and then blind, and developed arthritis. We all got together for Christmas, and maybe Paco felt that was his good-bye. After wards his health seemed to take a nose dive, until he finally collapsed. There was nothing anybody could do excpet send him to a better place. He was an extra-special dog, so I guess that makes his loss extra hard. But he was greatly loved, and will be greatly missed, and always remembered.

I always loved this quote, and I think it is very apporpriate now. It's called the Rainbow Bridge.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

A Tandy Family Christmas

Christmas 2006 was spent in Utah with the Tandy family. Everyone was there, and it was very crowded. A houseful of very stubborn and headstrong people is not a good thing. There was much disagreement over the family photo, but we got it worked out. Not what I had in mind, but still not bad. Taking a group photo is a real challenge when you are supposed to be in it. It's even harder to get everyone (including babies!) looking in the right direction and smiling. But I had my trusty little remote (if you look carefully you can see it in my hand, lol), and we miraculously managed to get everyone looking at the camera, or close enough to it, anyway. Amazing. I kinda wish we could all get together when it's a little warmer, though. Brrrrrr, cold!

We had Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve, and yours truely cooked the turkey! It was my very first turkey, and I was very excited. I used hte Stiles method of cooking the turkey upside-down in a turkey bag to drain the juices to the white meat. It was not the best turkey I have ever had, but it was still very good. I also cooked candied yams and cherry yum-yum. Other people chipped in, and there was quite a feast for us. Delicious!

On Christmas morning Santa made his usual visit to the house. Cameron was so excited to see him, he just ran right up and gave him a great big hug:-) Sadly, my camera was packed away, so no picutres of that happy moment. Cameron got way too much stuff, but he loves it all. His favorites are his new Backyardigans video (best children's show, except for Sesame Street) and his Little People farm. But he plays with everything he got, and has so much fun.

The highlight of my time in Utah was when several of us got together aroudn the piano and had our own little concert. My brother Bill, was the piano player, while myself, my other bro Matt and his wife Christina sang along. We started with some Christmas music, which progressed to show tunes and Disney songs. And we made a sartling discovery: Mine and Christina's voices go very well together. So much so that there were times when our voices seemes to become one. I love that. The only down side was that I coud not prevail upon Craig to join us. He has a great voice, but was not in a singing mood that night, due to a cold.

And finally there was the snow. Cameron hasn't seen snow since he was just a teeny baby, so this was really quite a new experience for him. He had so much fun stomping in it, and we taught him how to throw a snowball, which he thought great fun. But we had no gloves, and he quickly tired of cold hands, so we were not able to introdice him to Frosty this year.

It was a short vacation, and we enjoyed seeing the fam, but we are glad to be back to our much warmer home:-)