jill + spencer +2 = family

While I was in Heber for the wedding shoot- I had the pleasure of meeting some of Nicole’s family (she was the bride). Her sister and her family were there and I was able to do a mini session for them. We literally spent maybe 20 minutes…..the wind was so bad and baby Logan was just a little grumpy (he fell fast as soon as we were done taking pictures ) Not only that, but the wind was blowing like crazy- so we had to be fast! Both of their children are so adorable and really fun to be around. And how about Jill- isn’t she gorgeous- beautiful eyes and a wonderful smile! I really am glad we were able to capture some images of them.

Some of my favorites are the ones of Avery playing the piano- we had this perfect light spilling in from the skylights (or windows above!)

It is time to say goodbye

To my hair that is! I figured I should join the ranks and chop off my hair. I have been wanting to for about a year, but my hairstylist would always tell me I should wait (she loved my previous hair cut!) this time around, I went in there with my mind set and she said ok- the whole time, I know she was dying! LOL.

So here it is-

Good-bye “Reese Witherspoon”…..hello?????

I guess I need to find a new celebrity look alike.

Since Chad is in Texas, my lovely father in law took these images for me with his point n shoot.

We had a breakthrough

Yesterday, Chad comes back from taking Calei (her new way of spelling it) LOL! from school and he said he had something happen this morning that has never happened. And then he stands there, not saying anything and of course I am thinking, well what was it. He then proceeds to tell me, “This is a first-” ok already get on with it - tell me! He said that after he parked the car and was walking Calei to her class (something he has to do EVERYDAY! because she is a little too shy to go out and play with her friends.) she stopped before they got there, hands him her backpack and lunch case and starts to run off- yelling out, “Bye! I am going to play with my friend Sage!” So, Chad walked himself to class to drop off her bags and he walked back to his car happy as a clam. And where did that saying come from? Are clams really that happy?

Yeah for your K-Love! Mom and Dad are so proud of you! Even if there are only 17 days left of school- that is 17 more days of freedom from your fearfulness you will have! Let’s see what this morning brings.

Things are changin’ around here

Haircuts that is. So, the other day, Kalei tells me that she wants to get her haircut (which is odd to me, because she has said for a long time that she wants to grow her hair long like her friend Sendona’s) well, wouldn’t you know it, the second Sedona gets hers cut, Kalei decides she wants short hair. So I take her that night to cut it- because if I would have waited, she surely would have changed her mind like 5 times! ( I have no idea where she gets her indecisiveness from ) It looks so cute on her and everyone keeps telling her how much they love it- I think she likes the attention- which for her is a good thing.

And for those of you that know me, know that I have never had a boy cut on my sweet precious boy Brighton. He has always had a long hairstyle- even before it became popular. I did it because his Daddy had long hair when he was little, and I just loved to see it on Brighty- he always looked so cute (except for when it would get too long and really shaggy) Well, now that he is 5 and people were STILL calling him a girl (we would be out and about and other people would greet us and say hi girls!- and he would get so frustrated and say I am not a girl! LOL) he decided he wanted a hair cut so that he can stick it up like Daddy’s. Well, I am not a huge fan of the buzz cut and clippers, so when I took him to have it cut- I said there are a few rules, I don’t want the clippers to be used, and it has to be long enough to stick up higher than an inch or so.” I really couldn’t watch, I had to just let Chad’s aunt cut away….and when she was finished I was so happy. And Brighton was too. In fact, everyone LOVES it. It was so funny because as we drove home, Brighton says, “Mom, I am so excited because now I can really keep my eye on the ball!” (He plays on a t- ball team. He is just so cute.

Here is Kalei before her haircut- with one of her most favorite people in the world- her cousin Alayna

Here she is after (with all her fun clips in her hair- she likes to do her own hair  I love this picture because it is the day of Brighton’s haircut and as I took this picture, he was trying to brush his hair out of his face.

Here is Bray before his cut.

Right after his cut (we now style it a little different- but he is so funny, because he is always checking to make sure it is still sticking up!

 

 

Heber was Beautiful and so were Nicole and Chris

***UPDATE**** I just retyped quite a bit (I am sure the first time around was much better) but this will have to do! *****WARNING IT IS A SUPER LONG POST-BUT WELL WORTH THE READ!********

Friday night as we drove, I was amazed at how green everything seemed. I always remember that drive to be dry and a little ugly. This time though, it seemed more beautiful than I remember , the blooming cacti, the sun setting and reflecting on the red rock, and the birds floating and soaring off in the distance. We were following Kathy and Barry (the brides parents- and her brother Brett). We had decided to stop at Payson- just a pit stop for the kids, a time to get out and stretch their legs and go to the bathroom. Our youngest, just turned two a few weeks ago, but it toilet trained, so we have to be sure to stop. I took Kalei into the women’s bathroom and Chad took the youngest two with him- he is such an awesome dad and a huge help! After we came out, I was standing in the parking lot with K, and we were just chatting with Kathy and out come Chad and the youngest two- so we decide to get in the car and get going. As we all hop into our car, Brighton says, that was really strange. So, I asked him what he was talking about. And he told me, Reesie just threw up like three times!” I looked at my husband and said really? We were both just happy that it didn’t happen in the car.

Shortly after, we were in Heber. We turned off at a small road that soon turned into a windy dirt road. It was dark by now, and with all the dust from the car we were following, we could barely see anything. As I was sitting, focusing on what was directly in front of me (so I wouldn’t get sick) I say to Chad, “What if they are really taking us to a spooky old house and put on a murder mystery?” He just laughed at me, but in my mind all the different scenarios played out. After what seemed like an hour, I can see a glowing light up a head and to the left. Immediately, I could feel the large Cheshire cat grin come across my face. It was such a beautiful site- the gorgeous lit up, beautiful, massive lodge. As we drove thru the iron gates, I thought to myself what a blessing it was for me to be hired for the job. We parked the car, and set out to meet he rest of the gang and have the grand tour.

As we walked around I could feel my face hurting from smiling so much- I could feel my skin stretch from ear to ear. Everything was so amazing and grand. I was truly amazed. The history alone was so fascinating. Each room had a theme based on the history of a certain family in their family tree.  So, for instance, the kitchen was decorated in roosters because the family name that was dedicated to the kitchen was Peck. I was not the only one that was so thrilled to be offered this experience. Kalei, who is usually somewhat quite and to herself around strangers, said out loud- “This is the best day of my life!” To hear her say that was such a great moment for me- it is usually our son (who happened to be sleeping thru all of this) who expressed himself so easily. It was getting late, and we decided that we should put the two girls down for bed- although they were having such a great time. Once we got them settled, I was able to relax on the couch near the massive fireplace, and chat with Nicole and her mom. I was so happy to have this time. I love to hear people’s stories and what their life passions are and as we chatted- we all shared a little bit of what made each of us who we are. Meanwhile, Chad and the other guys started a game of Settlers- it was Chad’s first time playing- and even though he is not a night person, he seemed to enjoy himself.

Saturday morning came way too fast when all the kids were up by 6am- excited and ready for what adventures might be coming there way. We started with a delicious breakfast. We then followed with a little mini shoot of Jill and Spencer and their adorable little family. ( I hope to blog some of those images soon.) IT was so windy outside, that we didn’t really stay out too long….it was just too much for the little ones. Chad took my kids exploring and down into the basement- where their favorite things were- these giant LoveSacs that served as seats in the stadium basement theatre. I am telling you- this place was amazing.

While Nicole was getting ready- Christian and some of the other guys went out to ride on the zip line, and I of course was capturing some of the detail shots. It was so nice to have as much time as we needed, no rushing, no stress, just time and peace of mind. I would love it if all my couples would be able to set aside time for images of just them- either before hand or even a day after- it really makes the whole experience much more enjoyable.

Once everyone was ready, we began inside where the lighting was just amazing in several different locations. And Nicole looked amazing and Christian didn’t look to band himself ( I just LOVED how through out the day Nicole kept telling Chris how hot he was). The whole lodge was made out of trees and in the center of the lodge is a giant tree that spans from the main floor up to the second floor, and then beyond that to the super high raised ceiling. Again, everything was so grand! After we got all the inside shots we wanted, we headed outside to take some pictures utilizing the beautiful surroundings. It was a little bit of a challenge because we had crazy blowing winds- and we had to position a lot of the images to accommodate mother nature. Nonetheless, the images turned out beautiful and every once in a while, the wind gave a nice effect. We stayed out almost the whole day. We did come in side late afternoon for a snack break and to rest a little before the sun began to set- when we were going to head back out and enjoy the yummy golden hour. Nicole and Christian even stuck it out long enough to capture some awesome images of the moon, while they cuddled on the couch outside.

The day went beautifully and I was so happy that I was able to capture these images and moment for Nicole and Christian to enjoy for their lifetime together. Everyone called it a night fairly early ( I think we were all tired and we knew the morning would come soon enough once again).

On Sunday, Chris and Nicole had a 16 hour drive to Idaho- so they were up early and ready to go. As much as we had wanted to stay and enjoy Sunday, we decided it would be best to head home and get things situated. Saturday night, Kalei had woken up saying that her tummy hurt- so we figured, we should all just get home and get ready for the week ahead. On the way home, we stopped in Payson to have a little breakfast or lunch- maybe we should say brunch- we got some Chicken Noodle soup from Safeway’s deli and sat inside to eat it. When we were all done, everyone seemed to be doing better- their moods were chippers and they were excited to get home. As we drove along, Reese kept pulling in her ears and crying and calling my name. I kept reaching back trying to comfort her and assure her that we would be down the hill soon and that her ears would feel better. Then all of the sudden, she looked a little funny and then started throwing up again. The poor thing! I just know she wasn’t feeling 100% along with having a little bit of carsickness. So, we pull over to clean everything up and within a half hour, we are on our way home again. We did arrive safely and spent the next two hours cleaning out and disinfecting the car, washing the car sears etc…. but everyone was feeling good.

What a fun trip, and even though the kids were acting a little whinny and unruly, I am so glad that they got to come with me and share the experience. We are so grateful that we were invited to this wonderful place and we appreciate that Nicole’s aunt and uncle let the whole family join in the fun! I couldn’t go without saying a huge THANK YOU to Kathy (Nicole’s mom) for helping out so much that day- she was definitely a life saver and it was awesome to have an extra set of hands!

heading up north

I am so excited for this weekend.  I will be heading to Heber, AZ to stay at the Legacy Lodge.

Click on the link on the bottom right hand page of the article for more pictures and information)

Nicole (the bride) had found me at the Bridal show I did in January.  When she and her mom came into to meet with me, I could tell that she was so passionate about having beautiful and unique wedding images that she would treasure for a life time.  I could see the excitement sparkle in her eyes, I could hear the magical wonder and anticipation in her voice, and at that moment, I just knew that this girl was meant to be one of my brides.  I loved to hear her talk about her groom to be and how much he knew the pictures meant to her and that he was happy as long as she was happy!  After talking for a few minutes, Nicole told me that her and Christian were LDS and would be getting married in the Mormon Temple.  Naturally, knowing that there is no photography during a Temple wedding, I wondered where I would fit in……then Nicole’s desires were revealed to me.  She wanted to hire me for a day (other than their wedding day) to go out and take some fabulous images.  She continued to tell me that there were a few locations she had in mind, one of which was her aunt’s lodge up north.  So, the planning began and this weekend her dreams will come true (for the second time- since she was married to Christian last Saturday.)

Another exciting part for me, was that she and her family actually invited my husband and three children to come up as well.  We are honored by their gracious offer and we are all heading up this evening.  Tomorrow the “dream” wedding shoot will take place!  She has taken the time to plan each small detail.  Her hair and make-up are being done by a make-up artist that is a realative, she ordered her bouquet from my dear friends at ZUZU’S PETALS and she is bringing her favorite parasol that she has had for years!  It will be absolutely magical!

Stay tuned for the big reveal next week!

day 5 of getting up and out

So, when we purchased our house, on the the big selling points for us was that our yard backed up to a canal and then one of the City of Mesa Parks, which is always kept green and beautiful- not to mention is has a nice little pond- all which is visible from our kitchen sink.  Shortly after moving in, we discovered that the dust from the banks of the canal, sure kept us busy sweeping and hosing the backyard.  Well, during the past few months (mostly while I was not feeling so great) I noticed a ton of extra traffic back there- not just the usual runner or bike rider- but a ton of SRP trucks.  Well, to pure delight, they paved one side of the canal (the  side that is closest to us) and we have noticed a huge difference in the amount of dust.  Not only that, but we are now able to ride our bikes along the trail.  For the time being, I walk on the unpaved side, as the dirt seems to be better for a person’s shins or knees ( I am not getting any younger LOL!)  

Every time I go out and exercise, I see something different.  The other day, I saw a turtle in the canal- which was a first for me.  I always see fish skimming the surface of the water, until I get a little closer and they disappear to the dark shadows below.  And I see the ducks here and there- but never a turtle. I always wonder why these animals live in such a dark murky place???  

Today was such a windy day- as the days have been lately, and I was cold.  Now I am a girl that must have her warm, inviting sunshine in order to be completely happy.  As I began my warm up- walking toward the bridge of the canal, I closed my eyes and felt the warm sun beat on my face which was slightly hidden by the rim of my cap, I titled my head back just enough to feel it full on- and boy did it feel great!  There is just something about the sun that can make a girl feel good all over.  Today, I really needed that extra boost as this past week has been a little difficult for me- once again I have not been feeling 100%- my energy levels are way down and I have been having quite a bit of discomfort. Nonetheless, I knew that if I could get up and out- how I would feel a little better.  And I did.  

As the wind blew, I saw a hawk far off in the distance, just gliding and soaring so free and I thought about Chad and how he has always said that if he could be anything, he would be a bird- and how he would love to be able to fly.  The more I thought about it, the more I realized that he is very much like the brds- he is always happy- singing a tune, or humming one along, and he doesn’t worry about too much….he seems to always know that things will work out just as they are supposed to.  Now, if I can only figure out a way for him to “fly”!

The wind was to my back as I started out my journey and was much easier to deal with, until I turned to head back north, the wind hit me hard, I could feel the resistance and I could feel the dust in my mouth- not enough to leave that gritty feeling in between my teeth, but enough to bug me.  It reminded me of when Chad and I were volunteers at the 2005 Arizona Ironman.   What an  awesome experience that was.  We were positioned at the bike aid station- the last one of the riding part.  Which meant our jobs were vital- because it could be the last chance for the athletes to get their energy or hydration supply for quite some time.  As they would zoom by on their bikes, we had to run yelling, “goo! goo!” (no not go, but goo as in sticky yucky stuff)- it is an energy substance that come in a little tiny pack.  Or for those more fortunate- like myself, we were yelling, “Banana! Banana! Banana! ” as we held out small pieces (thirds) of bananas.  we never knew what they were going to take, but we did know that we had to hold on tight to the item until we knew that the athlete had it in his or her hand.  Again, all of this is happening as they zoom by on their bikes.  It was all very intense and every once and a while, the goo or bananas would get dropped and you could feel the frustration from the athletes.  Some were even so kind as to voice their anger verbally  Every April when the IronMan is held, the winds seem to be roaring thru and sometimes the temperatures reach close to one hundred.  That is why this year, there will be two Arizona triathlons, because they are switching the dates to permanently be in November from now on and this is the first year they will have it then.  I am sure the contenders are happy about the switch as the wind has really been an issue for them the last three years.

And just so you that do come to read this blog, don’t get completely bored, I am including a few pictures from the Ironman race that we volunteered at in 2005- after our shift was over, we came back with the kids to watch some of the action.

day 3

Well, yesterday was supposed to be day three of the tri training……but between tball pictures, super fun girlie birthday parties and a super hot t-ball game at the hottest part of the day- I just didn’t fit it in.  While Sunday is supposed to be an off day, I decided I better make-up for yesterday by going tonight.  So we got home from my in laws house and the kids to bed and out I went.  I LOVE LOVE to exercise and night but lately, I am a little creeped out- always wondering if someone is coming up behind me.  I wonder if it is possible that night or day- that they are both equally dangerous.  It seems as though the night time brings out all the weirdos (yes I can proudly call myself one of them! But  I am talking about those that are up to NO good.  Tonight I saw my share of them.

A quick run down of the days so far:

Day 1- felt pretty bored, I had left my MP3 player at home.  I had decided that it was time for some of my own quiet time, a time to reflect and meditate.  What was I thinking???? I was bored out of my mind and kept checking my watch for the amount of time that passed.  I swear I was checking EVERY minute ( turth be told- after I checked the first few time it was more like every 30 seconds.  The time could not go by fast enough.  

When I got home, my legs were quite a bit twitchy, and my hands a little tight.  Nothing too major though.

 

Day 2.  This day went much better- i had my MP3 player and listening to the radio as I went along, made ALL the difference in the world.  Today I saw a turtle in the canal and meet a few friendly labs along the way.  I just love labs and retrievers.  I am always impressed with their loyalty.  The sweet and loving disposition they share with all their human friends.  

Day 3- night walk.  Tried to pick up the pace, and it felt great.  30 minutes seems like it is only a warm up….but I have promised myself to follow the program and not try to over do it.  I cannot wait for day 4.  

I did forget to mention

I was recently sparked to do something as my health has been suffering lately.  And as an update, I want to let everyone know that I am doing much better and am pretty much back to my normal self.  I am not a 100%, but I am thinking it may be a while before I reach that point because I need to learn to handle my stress better and make exercise part of my everyday life once again !  Thanks so much for your prayers, and your positive thoughts!

why not tri

From the moment I could walk (9 months old) I was always on the go.  My mom said that I would climb onto the countertops just to stick my tiny yet chubby fingers into the stick of butter that lay on the butter tray.  One day, she said that I was on the counter, trying to get onto the top of the fridge as she walked into the kitchen and rescued me.  At an early age, I was involved in gymnastics, soccer, volleyball, softball and track and field.  The only sports that seemed to stick with me through out the years, were soccer and gymnastics. From age for to 18, I was in one or the other (some recreational leagues, some via school).  I loved every minute of both, but I must confess that soccer was my favorite. At times, it was somewhat awkward, because I was a loner- really.  I was never one to be in a click or hang out with a group of girls and talk garbage about others.  Nope, instead, I was a tough-tomboy- not so girlie girl that had a mouth that even the boys couldn’t keep up with.  Something I am proud of- certainly not.  I cannot even mutter the smallest of a cuss word.  Why did I ever do it?????  It is beside me.  But that is beside the point.  Back on track- so I was always very active.  My senior year in high school and my First couple of years of college, I found a new love of running.  

It was strange how it started.  I was at soccer practice, and we had just finished a two hour practice and running suicides (if you don’t know what this is- just ask) and EVERYONE was complaining and acting like the world was going to end and some were evening barfing- if you want to call it that (rolling my eyes as I think about it.)  And the coach smiles and utters the words “ok ladies twice around the school!”  We all stood there and paused-and stared at the coach.  Well, always being the odd one out- I thought, some of these girls ma have more confidence and better skills than me, but I am going to outrun them (not sure how- but that is what I set out to do)  So, I started running- just as we were told.  As I ran away, my heart pounding, and my face burning from the respritory exahaustion, I could feel the other girls staring at my back.  but I just kept running- soon- everyone followed, some I lapped on my second time around the school- others not too far behind.  

That is when I realized that I LOVE to run.  Fast forward a few years, and I live in Marietta Georgia while my husband is attending Chiropractic college.  Running was still a passion for me, and I wanted to take it a step further.  I found the Team in Training and began training for a marathon.  I loved every minute of it.  Although, I never made to the triathlon (as Chad proposed to me and or wedding interfered with the date of the marathon.  But none the less, I was running about 50 or so miles per week.  Crazy I know.

Fast forward another handful of years, and we have our first child and well, I think I became lazy.  Not in the way that I sit on the couch and watch TV for hours on end, but lazy in that I stopped exercising on a regular basis.  Sure I do get involve from time to time here and there. But I am tired of being tired so I have decided to train for a triathlon. My husband, has competed in two and ever year, I say I am going to do it with him.  So this fall, no more excuses- I WILL be doing it with him.  

So, here it is- tomorrow is day two of training for me (if you can call walking for 25 minutes training.) Trust me, I have learned to come back slow- in order to void burnout or injury.  I wanted to post about it and invite everyone to join me.  I know, I know- you are thinking, I can’t do that- I am a terrible swimmer, or I don’t have a bike and I hate running.  but I am here to tell you that you can do it! I found a program that I am going to use and change it to suit my needs to suit my needs and do the training.  I am planning my first Sprint Triathlon in October or November.  That gives me (or us- if you want to train with me) 30 weeks.  I am going to be blogging about it as much as I can and want to get people involved.  So, if you want to join me, post a comment and we can use the blog as a support and a place to check in.

Tomorrow, walk for 25 minutes.  Again, I am choosing to start out slow- and for the first 6 or so weeks, I am focusing on walking and jogging.  If people are interested, we can even meet-up for the walks/runs.  Just let me know. 

Here’s to us “tri”ing.