Our House

Since we moved I have not shown any pics of our new house. Well, that was partly because it was buried in snow and was rather blah. Now, with spring here in full force, everything is green (even though the lawn is more weeds than grass, lol), and the flowers are bursting. Actually, that was a very pleasant surprise. We had no idea we had so many tulips. They are EVERYWHERE. Sometimes in odd places. We think the seeds must have been spread. It is so much fun to see all that color.

We will likely be changing the garden quite a bit next year. I want lots of purple and gold tulips, irises, daffodils, daisies, lavender, and maybe some pansies or violas. I am a big fan of flowers:-) We are also putting in a vegetable garden in the back. The plot is already there, although it is very weedy. We are going to extend it out a little further. I plan on putting in raspberries along the back fence, and then the garden itself will have strawberries, bell peppers, jalapenos, carrots, onions, cucumbers and maybe a few other things.

Some people love cooking. I love digging in the dirt. For me, it is sooo therapeutic. I love being out in nature, seeing all that it has to offer. I love the smell of freshly turned dirt, and newly mown grass. You can never find those as candle scents, lol. The best smell? The smell of the earth right after it rains. Mmmmmm.

So, a few more changes you might see in the future: We are taking out the tall aspen in the front. It is already half dead due to bug damage, and I do not want it falling on my house. We are also taking out a bunch of trees in the back because they are interfering with the power lines.

We do plan on replacing some of the trees (because a yard without trees is just boring). I really wanted to put in a weeping willow. I have always LOVED those trees. But even though we have a large yard, those trees can get enormous, both in heighth and width. So, I am considering a weeping dogwood instead. Not quite the same, but still pretty. We want to add some cherry trees, and a blue spruce or two, and possibly some lilac. I would love to have some Texas Mountain Laurel, but not sure how it would fair up here. The blossoms look like bright hanging grapes (they are purple), and they smell like candy:-)

Yup, lots of plans for our yard. In a couple of years, it will be transformed into an oasis of color and peacefulness:-)
We don't have a lawnmower yet, so our yard was very ovegrown. It is mostly various weeds, most of which are dandelions. LOTS of dandelions. We did borrow a lawnmower today, so it is not quite so bad looking now, but still not great. The lawn we are saving to work on next year. It needs so much work, we just can't do what we want to do with it this year. Still, even dandelions can be pretty in their own way.

Nieces and Nephews

I have a new nephew! Baby Austin was born on April 17, weighing only a sleight 6 lbs 12 oz. That's kind of funny, considering that his big sister, who was born a whole month early, weighed nearly that much when she was born. We expected Austin to be a bit bigger. But tiny is cute:-)

Austin is the spitting image of his daddy, just like Aubrey was. Guess he's got some good genes:-) I love his great big eyes.

Here's a couple pics of the newest member of the family.


We also have a new little cousin, Chloe, who was born on the 14th. She lives down in Vegas, though, so no pics of her.

And here are a couple of cute ones of Madison, our "niece". She is really a cousin, but we think of her as our niece, and we are Uncle Craig and Aunt Sarah to her. And we call her parents Aunt and Uncle to Cameron as well. We are pretty close with them.

Madison is so cute with her great big eyes and her adorable curls. She is talking more and more, and is so expressive. We love spending time with her and her family.

Infertility Breakthrough!

As you know, I have been diagnosed with Unexplained Secondary Infertility. In almost three years of trying, I have not been able to get pregnant even once, even though by all accounts Craig and I are "super" fertile. In my doc's own words, "All the tests indicate that you and your husband are both so fertile you should have been able to get pregnant on the first try." No one could tell us what was wrong, and the only "advice" we have gotten is "Just relax and keep trying." That is terrible, unprofessional advice in my opinion. I mean, it's not like you would tell a cancer patient to "just relax" and then they will magically get all better!

We were thinking very seriously about adoption, but when my Craig lost his job, that dream got put on hold. We can't adopt until he has good job security.

So, I have been doing some research, and came a across a book by Dr. Alan Beer called "Is Your Body Baby-Friendly?" It talks about how our immune systems play a significant and even vital role in our fertility. Women who have any autoimmune diseases, or have a family history of them, are at risk for infertility. Basically, an autoimmune disease puts the immune system out of whack. In some cases, the immune system could be acting so aggressively so as to prevent a pregnancy from ever happening, or attacking the embryo, so it dies before it has the chance to implant. That totally blows my mind, thinking that I could be conceiving over and over, and yet my body is attacking the embryos.

I know I am at risk for this, because autoimmune diseases run in my family. A lot. In fact, I am beginning to develop arthritis in my hands and knees, and arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Believe it or not, there is a connection between that and infertility. Almost all autoimmune disease start the same way from the same cells, they just attack different parts of the body. People who have one type of autoimmune disease are at risk for developing other types. Thus is the case with infertility.

This is not to say that ALL infertility issues stem from an autoimmune disease, but many do, and I would not be at all surprised if such were the case for me. The great news is that it is treatable. I can undergo immunotherapy to help me conceive and bear a child. The clinics that do this say that a general success rate is to get pg within 3 cycles of starting the therapy. The down side is that the clinics are in California and Chicago - not exactly nearby.

I am not sure when exactly we would be able to get testing done and possibly start treatment. Craig just barely got a new job (yay!) so we will need to save for a bit. But I am hoping that by this time next year I can be pregnant:-) It is such an exciting thought! Finally, I may have found an answer, and a solution to go with it!

Update on Craig & Sarah, too

As some of you are aware, I recently lost my job at Lifetouch National School Studios. While I was sad to leave, I was also a little bit happy at the thought of not having to get up so ridiculously early in the morning, and also having my car to myself again (as it was previously loaded with all my equipment). Things were tight for a little while, and then I got a new job. With Lifetouch Preschool Studios. The irony is killing me. Now I am back to early mornings and car full of equipment. But so far I like it. Working with little ones is lots of fun (usually). And I get paid more, which makes me plenty happy.

So, we thought we were going to be doing pretty well, when out of now where, Craig lost his job, too. It came as a completely unexpected shock, and a heavy blow. They closed his whole branch. He is currently looking for new work, and hopefully he will be able to find something that will be right for us.

In the meantime, he is starting training to become and actuary. I am not exactly sure what that is, but I know it has something to do with economics and statistics, which is what he really likes to do. Once he gets a job, it pays quite well, with the potential to earn more if you take certain tests. We are really excited about it!

I am also continuing to work on building my photography business. I am doing everything I can to get my name out there. New clients are rare right now, due to the economy, but when it turns again, I want people to remember me first when it comes to finding a photographer.

We love living in our new house. Having a house is soooo much better than an apartment. Now that the weather is warming up, we are noticing flowers coming up in our yard. There is a little plot in the backyard that I plan to put a garden in. Garden fresh veggies - yum! Cameron loves visiting the park and the library, which are both next door to us, and I love having the mall and shopping centers close by. Seriously, I think we are in the best location ever!

Well, that's the news. Wasn't all great, but we are hanging in there. Times are tough for a lot of people, but it just makes you stop and realize what is really important in your life.

A little bit of Cameron

Cameron has become quite the little chatterbox lately. For so long we were worried he would never learn to talk. Now we are worried we will never get him to stop, lol. Here's a few fun things he has been saying lately:

Today Cameron got out his tool set and was banging on the walls with a hammer (don't worry, it was plastic). When Craig asked what he was doing, Cameron responded, "Don't talk to me. I'm very busy!" Such a hard little worker!

Cameron: What's that on the wall?
Teacher: What? This? (pointing to a fire extinguisher)
Cameron: That's a fire ex-ting-wish-er.
Teacher: Wow! How did you know what that was?
Cameron (very matter-of-factly): Wall-E has one. It made him fly.

Cameron came downstairs the other day to find me on the computer and said, "Mommy, you have to get off the computer so I can check my email." Ah, they start so young!

Cameron just visited the Pedi of his annual check-up. They wanted to check his vision, and asked him what a series of shapes were on the wall (instead of the letters we normally use). When she pointed to a + symbol, Cameron immediatley resonded, "A plus sign". The nurse was pretty surprised that a four year old knew what it really was. Most kids guess "T" or a cross. How did Cameron know? There is a little + symbol on the Wiimote. He knows all things video games:-)

Earlier tonight Cameron was playing with his lightsaber, and asked Craig to "cut off his head". When Craig did so, Cameron stopped and bowed his head. When we asked him to come over to the table to finish his dessert, he said, "I can't, because my head is cut off and I can't see!" Then Craig "cut off" one of Cameron's legs. Cameron lifted it up and balanced on the other leg, but Craig cut that one off too. At first, Cameron wasn't sure which leg to stand on, but finally he dropped to the ground (because he had no legs). Then Craig "cut off" Cameron's arms, and he put them behind his back. Then he started rolling around on the ground trying to get to other places. One thing is sure - this kid has an active imagination!


Some other things to note:

Cameron got a clean bill of health from his Pedi last week. She was concerned about how much time he spends playing videos, but since he is running around playing the characters more than he is actually playing, I figure no harm is done. She also told as that Cameron should have a bike. We agreed, so the next day we went and got him one! I haven't been able to take any pictures of him riding it yet. He loves it! He feels like such a big boy riding a real bicycle:-)

Cameron is a great lover of books. From the time he was a baby, we have always read books to him every day. Now he is learning to read by himself! He knows almost all the letters and their sounds, and is starting to learn how to put the sounds together to make words. Just little ones right now, like CAT, UP, CUP, BALL, WALL-E, WII, and CAMERON. He also recognizes words like METROID PRIME FUSION, MARIO, and ZELDA. I told you he likes video games:-)

Not too long ago I took Cameron with me to scout out a new location for a photoshoot I had coming up. I decided to test out the light and location by using Cameron as my model. He LOVES having his picture taken, and sometimes I let him take a picture of me. I got some great images of him while we were there, and I will post some of my faves here. My problem is that I have so many great pictures of Cameron, and no walls to put them!

Aerospace Museum

On Saturday, Craig and I took Cameron to the Hill Aerospace Museum. It was great family fun, and didn't cost a dime. Woohoo!

Seeing all the different kinds of aircraft, from the Wright Brother's first airplane, to the fearsome jets we have today, was really cool. When you put it in years, we have really come such a long way in only a very short time. Orville and Wilbur were excited to fly 20 yards. Now we are sending people to the moon and we have jets than can travel from New York to London in less than two hours!! I think we are truly blessed to be living in such an age of technological advancement.

Of course, who would I be not to get some great photos of some of those cool planes? Here are a few of my favorites from the day. I was having so much fun with the planes, I think in the few hours we were there I took over 100 pictures, and there was still so much I did not get around to shooting. Another time, perhaps.

A replica of the Wright Brothers' plane. The light from the window was hitting him just right. Love dramatic lighting!!

Doesn't he make the cutest little astronaut! He thought he was going on a mission to Mars:-)
Tom Cruise, eat your heart out!
Cameron's first experience with a flight simulator. Let's just say I am glad it was only a simulator;-)
Big fancy planes everywhere, but all he really wanted to do was play with the toys. Go figure!
One of my favorite shots. I love the flag hanging behind this jet. I think it might have been a memorial as well - notice the folded flag in the cockpit.
I'm not sure what it is, but I find this image very moving. Perhaps it serves as a reminder that even the great shall fall. Or maybe that despite their beauty, machines such as this were designed to fight, and to defend. Many people have given their lives for the freedom that we enjoy today. May we never take it for granted.

New Family Members

We have two new members of the family!

Those who know me, know that I am a great lover of animals. Recently, my beautiful betta fish, Rajion, passed away. Two moves in barely over one year's time was just too much for him;-(

Although I mourn his loss, I was anxious to get a new betta, as they bring me so much simple joy. So off the the pet store I went! I had in mind a nice golden or yellow male betta, and I found two very nice specimens. Just as I was about to make my final decision, I happened to glance over at the section of female bettas. And that is when I saw her - perhaps the most beautiful little she-betta I have ever laid eyes on! Her scales literally sparkled!

In keeping with the theme of dragon names (because Bettas are truly the dragons of the fish world), I named her Saphira, for her bright sapphire scales.

Not long after Saphira came into our lives, my SIL asked me if I wouldn't mind taking her Betta, Julio. She is expecting a new baby soon, and the tank upkeep was becoming a little too stressful for her. I was more than happy to take her little fish. Sadly, Julio has suffered from some sever fin and tail rot, and a loss of appetite. Fortunately, I have been treating him with medications, and he is doing much better. He may never again have the same splendid fins he once had, but my hope is that he is just happy and comfortabe.

We also gave him a new name, as we felt Julio was simply not a fitting name for any fish, LOL. Again, in keeping with the dragons, we named him Kokusho, or the Evening Star (those of you who play Magic: The Gathering may recognize this name). This seemed an appropriate name for an older fish past his prime.

And here is a pic of Kokusho when he was younger and healthier. Such a pretty fish!

In other fishy news, we recently had a scare with our two goldfish, Feather and Firefly. Moving fish can be so hard on them, and they became so stressed that they became very ill. One day, i found Firefly floating upside down in the tank!!! Feather was also floating, but not quite as bad. I was in a near state of panic, as I have become VERY attached to my goldfish. I immediately did a 50% wate change and fasted them for several days. Then I fed them a strict diet of peas (I, myself detest peas, but the fish love them). Peas are very healthy for goldfish, as they help clean the body of toxins, while adding vital nutrients to the body. And they are like candy to a fish - a very special treat! At any rate, I am happy to say that both fish are doing quite well now, much to my relief. Feather still gets a little floaty after he eats, but that is just him.

So, if you have any fish, and are in need of some guidance, feel free to ask me any questions! I'm always happy to help my little fishy friends:-)

A lil bit of Christmas

Ah, finally a moment to sit and blog about Christmas! Well, technically I still have LOTS more to unpack (I HATE moving!), but I am taking a little time out today.


This was really the first year that Cameron has really been excited about Santa Claus and presents. I thought about taking him to the mall, but I did not want to battle the crowds. But he was still able to meet Santa at the ward Christmas Party. What did he ask for? A new Lightsaber! Cameron is very big into Star Wars:-)


Even though we knew we were moving, we still decided to put up our own Christmas decorations. Christmas is my favorite holiday, and I like to do it up right:-) We still have the little tree that I have had since my college days. Next year I plan to get a real tree, and then hit the after-Christmas sales for a nice pre-lit tree (do you have any idea how painfully annoying it is to string lights on a tree?).



We spent Christmas Day at my parent's home in Price, UT. Craig had to work both on Christmas Eve, and the day after Christmas, so it was a very shot trip for us. But since we still had so much packing to do, we felt it was probably better this way, anyway.

The guys had a lot of fun on the computer. They seemed to be glued to it almost the whole time.


It is rare to have everyone together. All the kids, in-laws, and grand kids were present. While the boys were busy on the computer, the girls were busy trading off who got to hold the newest addition to the family:-)

The Loot. And was there ever a lot of it! Granted, more than half was for my sis Jenny and her family with four kids. Makes sense. Still, it is fun to see so many presents under the tree. Adn that Tree! That is the only tree I can ever remember having. I think my parents got it when I was about 6, so it has been around for about 23 years!!!! Seriously, it looked like it was about to fall over. Time to get a new tree, don't you think?

And what did Santa bring Cameron? A new Lightsaber, of course! He was sooo excited to get it. He has hardly put it down since:-)

We had to leave before we could eat the Christmas Dinner. We wanted to make it out of the canyon before it got too dark. As it was, it was stil dark, and snowed a lot, but we took it easy and made it through okay. Cameron was so tired from the day that before we had even made it out of my parent's neighborhood he was sound asleep, and slept the entire way home! Unfortunately, that meant he was awake for a while after that.

It was a good Christmas, and it was great to see family again. Now I am looking forward to a new year full of new adventures!

We have a house!

Sorry I have not updated my blog in so long. It's actually kind of funny and ironic. I visit quite a few blogs, and sometimes I get annoyed or sad when people don't update their blogs often. You'd think I would learn to take my own hints.

So, the big news is that we are in a house! Our very first home! We moved in this past Saturday, and already we are in love with it. We now live in Layton, near the High School. At first, I was o sad to leave our apartment. We had so many good memories there, and I was sad to leave behind some good friends and a great ward.

But from the moment we moved in our new neighbors have been great. They are helpful and friendly, which is great. We had a slight hangup with the furnace. It is really old, and we discovered that it had a couple of little leaks. Nothing too serious, and the gas company was able to patch them right up. But one thing I notice is that the house is much colder than our apartments, probably because there is so much more to heat. The basement is like sitting in a refrigerator, which wouldn't be a problem normally, but we are using it as my studio and office space, so it needs to be warmer.

And yes, I know have space for my studio! No more rearranging my living room to put up backdrops! Now I can put them up and leave them up! I have TONS of room for the camera, lights, backgrounds, props, and people! I am uber excited about it!

I would show some images of the new house, but I haven't taken any yet (werid, i know!). As soon as I do I will post a few.

I will also address the subject of Christmas as soon as I get all those images onto the computer, so stay tuned!

Super Mario Bros II

I finally got around to doing the "professional" photos of Cameron in his costume. I remember a time when I could stick him in spot, and he would just sit there until I told him to move. Not anymore! He will not sit still for anything, and the madder I get, the more he thinks it is a game. GRRRR! As a result, a lot of the images were out of focus, the the focus just feel somewhere else other than his face. Still, I think they are really cute (mommy goggles on, of course!)
I also did a couple of him without the accessories. I like these so much I think I will use them as his four year old portraits!
And finally, I have to show off my four year old's skills with a camera:-) After we were done shooting him, I asked if he would like to try taking a picture of me. I don't think he has ever taken a picture of anything before, so this was a first. I showed him how to hold the camera and look in the little window. And this is what we got! Check out the focus and composition! Yup, I'm a PROUD mommy:-)