Moab!

What could possibly be more fun than camping?! Yesterday, We came to Moab with my brother and his family. Last summer, my dad bought a camper- and we are using it! I haven't slept in a camper since I was about 10 years old... and this has been a fun adventure!

We spent some time in the swimming pool at the camp site, and today we are going to take off for a couple of short hikes. Zane has never seen Delicate Arch- so that is where we are going to start. After that, we are planning on spending the rest on the day in Arches National Park. I am positive there will me TONS of pictures to share- so that will be something fun to look forward to!!!

We love birthdays!

We always love celebrating birthdays! This week, our favorite Buddy-Do turned 8 years old! That means he will have the opportunity to get baptized soon. Wow, I can hardly believe it was 8 years ago this sweet boy came home from the hospital wrapped in a blanket... where has the time gone?

We know there will be many more fun-filled days and celebrations ahead of us! I love you with all the stars!!

A Special Angel

A week ago, a special angel was sent in to my life- a young woman who had lived a difficult life. Her family had put her out in the street with no where to turn, and it was clear to me she had some very special needs. This beautiful angel spent nearly a week in my home. My friend and I felt very strongly she needed to be closer to her family in Idaho, so Friday afternoon we packed our car for an up and back trip. Whe we arrived in Idaho, all avenues seemed to come to a dead end. She wasn't able to live with her family there, either, for various reasons. As we continued to seek, we continued to find more and more dead ends.

We got in touch with a bishop from the LDS church, and he helped us get in touch with a social worker who would be able to help her... Monday morning. It was Saturday, and we were running out of options of how to help her. My thought was we would be bringing her home with us again.

Zane's sister lives about an hour away from where we were... and graciously agreed to allow her to stay with her until Monday when the social worker could help her.

Then a miracle occured. My special angel has an aunt- whom we had been trying to contact- that lives about 3 hours from Zane's sister. She returned my call. This aunt had been praying that God would put someone in to this young lad'y life that would help her get to her aunt... which will be happening tomorrow!

There are those who may doubt the existence of God. I am not among them. I know God lives. I know he is my Heavenly Father, and He loves me. I know he knows each of us personally- and He hears every prayer we pray. He knows our hearts, our desires, our pain. He loves us. He answers prayers and is our guide, our light and our hope.

I know this special angel- who was sent in to mylife for a brief moment- is His daughter. He loves her and will protect her. I am so gratful to have had the opportunity to meet this special angel... and have her touch my life.

Zoo day!

Our family tradidion... the birthday child gets to pick a fun place for the family to spend time for their birthday celebration. This little aweetheart chose the zoo! We had a great time Saturday morning- on a beautiful spring day!

There is nothing like spending time with my favorite nieces and nephews! They make my heart feel so happy!

Some of the animals even obliged for a few fun-filled pictures!!

The birthday!!!

We always have a fun time at grandma's house when there is a birthday!

Happy birthday to one of the sweetest little guys I know. He is definately one of my favorite nephews. We love to spend time playing Mario Kart Wii and Super Mario Galaxy with him... he definately kicks my tail in both!!

I'm not sure, but I think he likes his new "soft blankie"!

Look at that smile- it completely melts my heart!!

A Dream Come True!

Last Friday, I found a place I really belong. On facebook, I had seen an ad for the "Art Institute of Salt Lake City" so I asked for information about the school. They offer a Bachelor's Degree in digital photography... what better fit for me?! I went in, had a short interview... and my heart and sould knew that I belong there!



I shared my portfolio, and wow! I know I am doing the right thing! There is an admissions process, and I am in the middle of that right now- but if all goes well, I will be able to begin classes on May 14th- I will become a profesisonal photographer by the time I graduate!!



For anyone who knows me... you know this is a perfect fit!

This is one of my most recent favorite photos!!

The Bronze Star

Sunday evening, Zane was presented the Bronze Star that he had been awarded while he was in Afghanistan. There are only 2 awards that are higher ranking in the Army... the Silver Star and the Congressional Medal of Honor. I know he did an excellent job during his deployment- he always does his best. It was wonderful to have the family and friends come would could.

It was amazing.

We all love you, Zane!

Beauty all around...

It neve ceases to amaze me the beauty our Heavenly Father has given us to enjoy. I love the moments when I feel at peace, knowing He has given me all that I have. I am grateful for the gift of being able to enjoy his beauty, and be able to share it with others through photography. My heart feels happy to know I can.

Trail under construction

Last week I had the opportuinty to go to Moab and spend some time hiking and taking pictures. I spent a lot of time alone, and had the opportunity to think about a lot of things. The sign along Delicate Arch trail in Arches National Park really made me think... Trail work ahead. Isn't it true? In life, thre is a lot of trail work ahead...

There may be storms, but wothout them, how would we ever appreciate the sunny days?

Without the sunset, what would every day be?

There are so many wonders we rarely pasue to see.

It's all about perspective. The river has washed away so much... yet in doing so, created a natural beauty unseen anywhere else. The water flowed in the path of least resistance. Do I do the same?

Or do I stand, solitarily, and do what I feel is right at times when those around me do not?

Days, nights, storms, sun...

It's all about perspecive.