No pictures, just thoughts

So, I've been thinking a lot lately...probably too much. I haven't been out for a while to take any really good shots. I have been taking a few snapshots of Eden, but am still so preoccupied with other "issues" that photography has been put on the back-burner. Aside from the fact that I don't have extra money right now to splurge on a good lens or a good editing program, I feel a little overwhelmed right now. I really feel like I have a deep passion for it, but wonder if it is a good use of so much of my time. It's all about balance, I guess.
Most of you who look at this blog know me well enough to know that we are living with my parents right now. We have been here for nearly 7 months! We moved back from Texas after only 6 months there because of Jer's unexpected job changes. We really do feel so blessed to have been there even though it was for such a short time and I do miss it at times. I miss the people that we became friends with and that were in our wonderful ward there. I miss having a house of my own, but that is not a big deal, just an inconvenience. However, Jeremy loves his job and they love him. Also, we are incredibly relieved because we finally are closing on our house in TX this week. What an answer to so many prayers.
It has been such an odd time for me because I am back in the home that I grew up in, resisting the temptation to slip back into childhood habits, trying to establish some sort of routine....which is all but impossible in this crazy house where there are always people coming and going and multiple plans attempting to be achieved. We haven't felt settled for what seems like a long time. Although my parents are so easy to live with and we are so grateful for their kindness and love, I am definitely looking forward to having my own space and routine where I don't have to worry about imposing on anybody.
I am just rambling now....sorry! Jeremy is out of town for work and he is usually the person that I ramble to. So much thinking (too much!) I have to have an outlet, I guess.
Anyway, that, among other things, has been keeping me from some of my interests such as photography. I will say that it has been so fun to spend so much time with my sweet Eden. She is just growing up so fast, learning something new every day it seems. We have been laughing so much these past couple of days. She really has such an imagination! She is always telling me stories about her dolls or about something that she did a while ago (which is always "yesterday"). Her new thing is that when she sees a toy that she wants, she says "Maybe Christmas could bring that to me!" I could go on and on about the funny things that she says and does...I will spare you. I definitely am so blessed and so grateful to be a mother. What an awesome responsibility! Overwhelming at times, yes! But wonderful! It really gives me a daily opportunity to have a glimpse into the eternities and into how our Heavenly Father feels about each of us. What an amazing gift! I am so grateful for her and for Jeremy, who works so hard so that I can stay at home and fulfill that role completely. Although life has its trials and unexplained challenges, I wouldn't trade it for anything!

more baby pics

One of my best friends that I grew up with and lived with at Utah State came to visit her family last week. She has a 6 week old baby girl who is so beautiful (not a surprise since Emily herself is gorgeous!). We did a little photo session in her parents back yard while she was here. She is such a good baby. So patient with us while we dressed and undressed her and kept snatching her pacifier. It was so fun to see Em as a Mom. I miss you already Butler! Thanks again for letting me practice on you. I will share some of my favorites, although there were so many good shots to choose from. She is so sweet.
Check out this baby girls' hair and cute chubby cheeks!

Another sweet newborn

One of my best friends little sister (who is like my little sister too) had her first baby a few weeks ago. She let me come over and practice on him. I was a little frustrated with myself because I was so not feeling the creative juices flowing. I think I was a little burnt out from doing the bridals, but my friend helped me with ideas for composition. I think they turned out pretty well. I still need to work on getting things in focus, because some of my best pictures are ruined because they come out a little soft. Still learning. Isn't this little boy so sweet though? It makes me even more baby-hungry....if that is possible.

Aside from the obviously adorable baby, isn't she gorgeous?!!


He was such a trooper....Thanks Cynthia!

Bridals....first attempt!

I had my first experience doing a bridal session. My cousin got married last Saturday and she let me practice on her. I have decided that I don't really want to do weddings or bridals very often. It is way too much pressure and stress for me. They turned out very nice for my first time though. Some better than others, of course. Isn't she gorgeous though? She had a beautiful dress. I was a little disappointed because I should have corrected for how white her dress is, but haven't quite figured out the gray card thing yet. Oh well...it will come. Enjoy the numerous photos.

All grown up!

My Aunt is in town for my cousins wedding (BTW, I'm supposed to take bridals for her.....ahhhh! never done that before. Sooo nervous!) and she has some lenses that fit my Canon. So, I decided to take Eden out and finally do some realy 2-year -old pictures. Isn't that sad: she turned 2 in January and I never had real pics done. Better late than never, right?
I am starting to realize how much she looks like a little girl now instead of my baby. It's crazy! She is beautiful though. These are some of my favorites. I had a problem with camera shake because I was using a telephoto lens, so that was a little annoying. I don't like using a tri-pod though, so I am going to have to learn how to not shake, or increase my shutter-speed...one of the two. Let me know what your fav's are though because I need to get some printed.

Speed Session

So, my brother and his family came to visit last week with their 3 kids. We had a lot of fun, but it was sure crazy! We kept talking about going out somewhere to take family pictures for them, but never got to it. So, instead, we did a mega-speed session before church on Sunday. The pictures turned out pretty good considering the lack of good light and good back grounds. I am actually not posting their family shots because I didn't like the background it them...way too busy. The rest of them turned out okay, but I would definitely like to have some more time next time around so that we can get some good lighting and good backgrounds going on. Aren't they cute though? We will just have to have you come visit again, guys! Thanks again for letting me practice a little on you.






I am also signed up for some Photoshop classes and am getting my hands on a version of Photoshop (I'm not sure which one yet) from Jer's sister. So, hopefully I can learn how to post-process outside of basic Picasa. For now, this will have to do.

Summer Days

Ahhh, the days of summer. Kids running around half-dressed, covered in stickiness from whatever they deem worthy of their indulgence, and parents stressed about getting them to bed in time and finding a moment of peace to themselves.
My brother and his cute family are here visiting from Seattle. So, we decided to wear them out yesterday by taking them downtown to the museum and the fountains. Then, we topped it off with a mini-family BBQ at my sisters. The kids were exhausted and the parents could barely move. It was worth it though (or so we keep telling ourselves). Seriously though, it was fun and we have had so much fun having them visit. I need to get more shots of their kids, but these are a few from the last week.
If you can't tell, I was in the mood for black and white, and just messing around with the coloring. Still no Photoshop (which is fine because I am not disciplined enough to learn how to use it right now), but we try.

One of the best things about summer: bare feet!
I was going for the old-school look here....what do you think?


This is one of the first shots of my niece where I realized that she really is growing up and is not a toddler anymore. Crazy!
Could you enjoy a Popsicle any more than this??? Thank goodness for a hose at times like this.