Every day is Independence Day.

A little bit of everything

You know those times where you know you should really stay on top of things, and keep with your schedule, but life throws a curve-ball and you just need to step back, and take a break? I just had one of those times. And the "break" period lasted about a month. 

There are those times where you should just do life anyway and push yourself even if you don't feel like it. But I tried that. Tried to just tough it out and blog and just do life. But when I tried, nothing would come of it. No words. So I chose to rest. Taking a time to rest isn't taking the "easy way out" but simply stepping away from everything, letting things in life mesh back together and resting. 

When life throws you a major curve-ball don't be afraid to rest. Then get back in the game.
 

During that time, I sure did wish I had minions of my own to take care of lots of things I let sort of sit there... I would prefer cute ones like in "Despicable Me"... 

And OH MY, this little image from Pinterest has me wishing they would make a movie staring Minions! And no short films. A good long one...  I just love them!

So lately I'm being reminded more and more about how blessed I am to have the freedom that comes with being an American, maybe its more on my mind because of a 06'-08' TV show "Jericho" that my husband and I have been majorly into as of late. Good thing Netflix is going out the door soon, but that means no more Jericho!! ah!

But seriously, I am so thankful for the freedom I enjoy every day. Having my own little chunk of land to call home, getting to do what I want with what I earn (well almost all of that, lol), and the freedom to have and share my faith.

 

To me, every day is independence day. 

Have a happy Thursday!

Remembering.

Personal

Today I am thankful to those who go into harms way to protect family, friends and strangers. They fight to ensure freedom that I so often take for granted.  No matter what is going on in my life, I know that is it small compared to what these men and women, and their families, face daily. 

Today we honor and remember you for your sacrifice.

http://easyandelegantlife.com/2012/05/in-memorium-this-memorial-day/

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." – John 15:13

A Minnesota Wedding

PHOTOGRAPHY

It had been five years. I felt a little rusty, but was really excited to try it again.  We were rushing home from work all in hopes to get on the road to the airport and miss rush-hour traffic. Well, we did it. We definitely missed it. In fact, we sailed through the carpool lane and arrived at Seattle INTL. airport with 2 hours until boarding (that never happens). So we made it fun, with Starbucks and chatting.

Joey was the best man in our good friend's wedding, being held in Minneapolis MN. And I was their wedding photographer.

We arrived with lightning and pouring rain right outside our airplane window. I was glad it was not a sign of things to come. sunshine 80 degree weather was greatly appreciated by us Washington folk!

The wedding week was a blast! Seeing so many old friends, and hangin' out with the awesome bride and groom...

I personally loved popping in at the two houses holding all the bridal party as they got ready for the big day just 10 minutes away from each other. After chauffeuring the stunning bride to the pre-wedding photo location, we snapped some awesome shots in a whimsical forest, and found the bridge in which we would wait for her groom.

I cannot tell you how much I LOVE "First Looks"!!  If I only needed one reason to photograph a wedding, then photographing a "First Look" would be it.

Bryan and Rachel are an incredible couple, whose hearts are steadfast in following the Lord and loving each other. They were so chill I was amazed. I watched as they both interacted with all their friends and family at their rehearsal and groom's dinner, and appeared to be SO relaxed it rubbed off on everyone..  They truly wanted to enjoy their day and allow everyone else the joy of a stress-free wedding-- (Well they scored on that one!)

Their wedding was full of fun surprises... From Chuck Taylor's for all the wedding party, an open mic for guests to sing songs with lyrics including "kiss" in them, to cutting the cake with a sword, it truly was a memorable day for all.

Rachel, you are a stunning bride. Your carefree and sweet spirit are infectious.  

Bryan, you rocked the tux!

 They're so fun together!

 

I love the color choices! Awesome. 

 

Bryan & Rachel, I am honored that you would ask me to be a part of your most special day. I wish you all the best!!  (Ahh, You're MARRIED!!!)

He's Twenty-Three!

PERSONAL

Throughout my life I have been blessed with many good friends, many great and true friends… All across the country they are scattered, and I miss the times I’ve created memories with them… But of all the true friends there is none truer, [on this earth] than my best friend. My husband. He is strong and gentle, kind and trustworthy. He couldn’t miss my faults if he tried, but even then he loves me more than anyone else.

Many years ago as a young teen I noticed this guy named Joey… He was cool, funny and pretty darn cute! Although he was two years older than me, and I was sure every other girl had a massive crush on him… (Not a chance for this freckled face girl). Fast forward 10 years and he comes to my rescue after being slammed to the ground in a football game- resulting in a broken wrist, a trip to the ER and a pretty big surgery for me... I’ll never forget his surprising me with a head of broccoli as a get-well snack, (Broccoli makes your bones stronger you know… or so I hear.)

Two weeks later after a breakfast outing with my dad, (to ask for permission to date me- because he's such a gentleman), Joey & I were walking in the rain talking about life, maybe not the best for a first date, [FRIZZY HAIR ALERT] but it didn’t matter then. Because we both knew this was it.   

15 months later we became one. And every moment, hard or just plain fun has been worth it.

Here’s to a zillion and one more moments with my best friend, and the love of my life.

I love you, babe. Happy 23^rd!

New Beginnings

Where to begin?  This is the question I've been asking myself a lot lately as I've contemplated starting over with blogging... I've had a lot of time to mull over what my blogging is going to be about, and am really excited to get started fresh! Like Febreze fresh! ha. Completely eliminating my old way of thinking, as far as blogging goes... ;-)

The last few months I've been doing some intense re-evaluating of life, work and my pursuit of photography, (did anyone else just have a mental image of Will and Jaden Smith walking the streets of San Fransisco with suit cases too?).

I'm very excited to be bringing some fun things to my blog. I'm totally a DIY type of girl and really love dreaming up how to do things in my own creative way and love being inspired by others.. So we'll be seeing some of that around here... I'm also a h.u.g.e. coffee drinker, and have some fun ideas with that I'll be bringing to the blog about that too! And Of course, you'll hear all about whats going on in my corner of the photography world, and lots of other sweetness!

For all my fellow bloggers who have followed me in the past- You're all gems!  And for anyone new to my blog- Welcome, I'm glad you stopped by!!

I have always loved blog posts that include a photo or two, and what better way to introduce the blogging world to my baby than with one in this post!  

Here is Munchkin, my little Shih tzu. Yes, her name says it all- bummer I can't take the credit for that one... She's 9 1/2 and has been my constant shadow for the last 8 1/2 years. I just love her little furry face to death!  (And don't worry, she'll be making many appearances on here.)

Stay tuned! There are all kinds of beautiful images coming to the blog very soon...

  
 Stay cool and have a Happy Friday!