Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Grandma Robin & Ray

The rain won't stop us. Back up to the winery I went except this time I brought my grandma and her boyfriend Ray along. We snapped some shots before it started to rain harder. They are so adorable!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Monday

Feeling my heartbeat pick up speed as my legs move through the air, my feet rolling along the pavement, I jogged around the neighborhood trying out my new running shoes. Something about brand new sneakers makes my toes go numb and the bottom of my feet burn. I'm not sure why and it's not the most pleasant feeling. My feet are very odd shaped though. My arch could be mistaken for the Gateway Arch. Anyways, hopefully my future running experiences will be painless!

My espresso maker has sat in the hall closet way too long so I whipped it out this morning. Carly and I read through all of the directions and made 4 shots. I poured half of it into a mug, added a little creamer and hello super strong coffee. It filled about 1/4 of my cup and I drank it like so. Not until Carly read on google that you have to add water or steamed milk to the shots did we actually make a decent cup to drink. I'm very glad I figured that out before I take it up to school with me. Actually, with the complexity of it this morning I'm not sure if I even want to drag it along.

Once again, the truck was full... Karli, Kailee and I headed out to the Pasco airport to welcome Victoria and Nicole home. Victoria was 3rd runner up for Miss America! It was fun to see everyone and welcome home such an amazing friend. Oh and while we waited, the Miss Washington Recruiting team was waiting for her arrival in the lobby as well so they tried to talk us into getting involved with the pageant. I was laughing inside. Never would you catch me up on stage being in a pageant. They were very kind though so I give them credit.

Lately, I've been very busy taking and editing pictures. I've spent a good portion sitting on my bed, making my butt go numb and editing photos. Engagement has been the project for today but I love it. Again I just find myself constantly smiling. Love is such a wonderful thing.



Before long it was time for my Aunt's family pictures. Seahawk football was the theme! Alex, my little cousin, was full of energy, like always! It made for entertainment and lots of repetitive snaps to get one where he was looking.



Sunday, August 29, 2010

Gregg & Ashlynn

Today was my first ever engagement photo shoot. Also, my first time ever taking pictures in an orchard. I found myself smiling the whole time behind the camera. Something about watching two people in love makes you smile. Gregg and Ashlynn are a young, cute couple who have the years ahead of them to grow and learn together. That gives me hope for my future, that someday I'll find the right person to grow old with. All in all, I'm super excited for them and I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to take their engagement photos.





A heart that loves is always young.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Garage Sales, Balloons and Photographs

I really enjoy garage saling. My sister and I found some great finds this morning. I came home with a pair of pink vans sneakers, blue corduroy shorts and some old fashioned jars with orange screw top lids all of $3.75.

I climbed badger mountain with my mom again today. We talked about guys, of course, and that I just need to be patient and keep my priorities straight and God will bring me the right man. Mothers are always filled with such wonderful insight.

I took Tiffany and Brittney Hoppe's pictures this evening. They wanted some sister pictures before Brittney heads off to college. Tiff brought some balloons and we had some fun.





Friday, August 27, 2010

Thursday, August 26, 2010

tomorrow's a new day

Today was not the best day being a baby sitter. I used at least a quarter of gas driving around every possible place in the tri cities. The fair is officially one of my least favorite places to be. I like animals but not when tons of them are cooped up in cages completely covered in flies. To make it better I found a postcard from my best friend on my bed when I got home. Gosh, I sure do miss her.



I saw two of my favorite teachers today. They both have inspired me to be a better person and every time I see them I instantly feel refreshed. They give me hope that someday I could be that kind of teacher that will encourage kids to be something great.

God also blessed me with tons of butterflies today. Little white and black ones flying all over the place. He has surly created some beautiful things.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

John 13:15-17

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Jesus has set a clear example of how we should treat others. Even though he was betrayed but every single one of his friends he still humbled himself to the lowest position and washed their feet because he loved them unconditionally. If that's not a perfect image of how we ought to act towards the people of this world that I don't know what is.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

15 miles on a bike

I spent 90% of my day editing pictures. I got a lot accomplished so I'd say it was worth it. I did take a little break to lay in the hammock and read my book though. Nothing can quite beat that. Matt and I decided it was a bike riding night so we parked by Anthony's and biked for 7.5 miles. We biked until there was no more trail.

We discovered new territory of the great Tri Cities,
saw the biggest spiders.. enough to give me chills,
saw a 60 year old lady singing a popular rap song,
witnessed a cat and dog jump out of a boy's backpack,
sat outside Starbucks for an hour in the dark,
and
listened to 50's & 60's music on the radio.

I'd say it was a great adventure. There's never really a dull moment with that guy.



Monday, August 23, 2010

Pretty Little One

Tiffany Mickalson.
Short, cute and spunky.
We had fun with her pictures tonight.
I think we got more Lady Gaga poses than anything else.





Oh and this boy in the photo was at the same location we were at so Tiffany couldn't resist. They just had to get a couple together. They might have even exchanged phone numbers before we left ;)

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Friends

God is making a cross stitch with our lives. He's only showing us the back, the crazy chaotic side. Sometime during our journey here on earth He will turn his masterpiece around and show us the beautiful work he's had planned for our lives.
I really liked that analogy pastor Dave gave this morning. Wisdom is worth more than any other pursuit in our lives and Jesus can give us that. If we are disciplined we will reap the fruit.
You who are simple, gain prudence;
you who are foolish, gain understanding.
Listen, for I have worthy things to say;
I open my lips to speak what is right.
My mouth speaks what is true,
for my lips detest wickedness.
All the words of my mouth are just;
none of them is crooked or perverse.
To the discerning all of them are right;
they are faultless to those who have knowledge.
Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,
for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Proverbs 8:5-11

I spent some time shopping with Carly today. We hit up Target and VV. Two sweaters, a pair of running shorts and a cute little pair of white slip on shoes made it home with me today. On the way home it started pouring down rain and we were greeted on the sidewalk by my dad with a giant umbrella... how sweet.

The Dunn's, family friends, came over for a BBQ. Gregg is engaged to his girlfriend Ashlynn and he brought her along. They've asked me to take their engagement photos and I'm so excited! I just love weddings and now I get to be a part of bringing them one step closer to being together.

I then headed over to Andrew's house for Breanna's going away party. I wasn't there for the surprise part but it was so nice seeing everyone. I'm really going to miss that girl.. she really has become one of my best friends but I know God has such incredible plans for her in Portland. Erwin's house was next complete with games and laughter. A lovely day to say the least.



Saturday, August 21, 2010

Today I Enjoyed...

Hiking up Badger Mountain with my mom while talking about things and people that mean a lot to us. She's the best person to talk to.

Reading my book in the hammock in the back yard. I just love reading and when I have a good love story to engulf myself in it makes it so much better.

Washing my truck with my dad.

Baking mini muffins.
Reading my book on the kitchen floor while the muffins were in the oven.

Eating pizza with my parents.

Taking senior photos that will last a lifetime.



Singing awfully loud in the car with the windows down.

Hanging out with lovely girls who make me laugh and smile.



Sitting around a campfire, making smores.

Pulling pranks on silly boys.

Curling up in my nice warm bed complete with tube socks.

Friday, August 20, 2010

My New Drinking Cup

In the cupboard I found a clear glass jar with a handle. It's my new favorite. I had a glass of orange juice in it today.



My sis and I climbed badger and had a nice talk. That hike always makes for some good conversation. God is really working in her life and it really is cool to watch. I'm so excited for some opportunities God is giving her.

Breanna and I ventured off the mall to pierce holes in our ears! We each got a second cartilage piercing above the ones we already have. I was so indecisive but I finally just went for it and now it's growing on me.

Charlie St. Cloud was a great movie. It was surly confusing in parts but the sailboats, the love story and the coast were perfect. While watching the movie I was envisioning my life in a couple years. I could see myself near water, with a charming man to take me out on a sailboat. Yes, I'd like that very much!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

4 things to count.

First thing, my cousin who I never see came over and gave me a photoshop lesson. It was super helpful and not to mention fun. She got married earlier this year and has a darling new haircut.

Secondly, I took another nap today. Those feel good.

Third off, Taylor Esvelt's senior pictures were taken tonight. We had a good time! She is such a sweet girl and I think I got some really great photos of her.



Fourth, I finally spent some time with Kailee, Kristi and Demie tonight. Some much needed catch up and laughter went down. I seriously have missed those girls. We watched The Last Song... again! Only this time every aspect of the movie was critiqued... Oops! Kailee made us all amazing scrapbooks from over the years. Tons of memories came flooding back to my mind. It surly will be weird not going to school with the three of them anymore.



Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Pillows.

With the help of my sister I recovered three pillows that I keep on my bed.
I like them a lot more now.



Laurel and I had a skype date. I suppose it's not as bad as I thought it would be. It's like she was just sitting right in front of me. I even got a tour of her dorm room. Soon it will be my turn for that!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Goodbye

Well, goodbyes are almost always emotional and rough for me.
Laurel and I sat on her bed, our arms wrapped around each other and cried.
It didn't hit me until this morning how much I'm going to miss her.
She is seriously my other half.

We decided that this is just the second stage of our friendship though. After the college stage comes the marriage to handsome men and living next door to each other in cute little houses. Skype, texting and phone chats will just have to do for the next three months. God brought us this close so it can only get better from here.







P.S. We have matching cord Toms now! :)

Monday, August 16, 2010

Best Friends

I can't say it enough...
I have the greatest best friend in the world. God has seriously blessed me with a beautiful friend who loves the Lord, inspires me and encourages me to be a better person.

Laurel, Meryn and I went on a photo shoot this evening. They wanted some sister pictures and I wanted some best friends pictures. It was lots of fun, but it couldn't have been anything other than that. They both make me laugh more than anybody I know and I consider both of them sisters to me.







We saw some friends tonight that I haven't seen in forever. It was such a blessing to see all of their smiles. Hugs and laughs all around.

Two words... Star tripping.
Directions: In the dark, spin around in circles while looking at the stars, particularly one star. After 20 seconds someone will shine a flashlight in your face. You will fall down.

This is a crazy feeling, let me tell you. I felt drunk. Not that I would know what that feels like but it is so hard to stay on your feet.

Three words... The Last Song. Laurel and I checked the red box at 12:05 and guess what? They had it! I jumped up and down, that's how excited I was! Miley and Liam couldn't be any cuter.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Cows... lots of them!

On our way home we were slowed down by a multitude of cows in the road. We all opened our windows and said our hellos as the baby's trotted along right next to their mamas. It was quite a neat sight to see them being herded from one area to another. At the very front of the pack were four people on horses leading them in the right direction. They waved. Friendly people make the world go round. It made me smile.



Saturday, August 14, 2010

New Things.

Well we packed up, said our goodbyes to the rest of the family and were on the road early this afternoon. We drove a little ways and came to Virginia City, Nevada. It is an old mining town that is now a very popular tourist attraction. We spent a couple hours touring the streets visiting the old Catholic Church, a museum and the town cemetery. Apparently there were seven different cemeteries all divided into groups of people. It was quite an interesting experience.



We also went into an antique shop. I picked up a cute little green book titled, The Girl Scout Handbook. I opened it up only to find a four leaf clover neatly pressed between the pages. I excitedly showed my sister and she opened up the book to a completely different page and found another one. She said, "This must have been one lucky girl."



The next couple of hours I was fixated on my book, The Last Song. I really hope to someday have a love like Ronnie and Will do in the story. I know it's just a story but I know it can be real too.



Someone who will love me for every imperfection and weird thing about me. Someone who's beliefs and interests are compatible to mine and someone who will go for walks with me on the beach :)

Friday, August 13, 2010

Proverbs 3:11-18

My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor detest His correction;
For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.

The Lord brings discipline into our lives to better fit us for life.
Discipline may be a tool to strengthen what is correct.


I'm really enjoying this new devotional book, Discovering the Bible. It gives great insight and is really making me think about the Lord and how he works in our lives and how incredible He is.

My mom and I went on a pretty lengthy hike today to Skunk Harbor. We got loads of sand and dirt in our shoes but once we made it there, we hopped into the clear water. It was a beautiful sight and well worth the long trek.





Thursday, August 12, 2010

Paddle Boarding, The Beach & Senior Photos.

That is pretty much what my day consisted of.
I've decided that paddle boarding is the best thing to do in the water!
I really struggled at first but once you get the hang of it, talk about peaceful.
The water is so clear here and it's absolutely beautiful.



Also, laying out in the sand, feeling the sun tanning your skin and reading a love story... quite possibly one of the most peaceful things to do.



I took my cousin Alex's senior photos tonight.
He is really one of the tallest people I know but he is definitely turning into a handsome young man.
His friend Phil has been here for the week with him so he came along too.
I snapped a couple shots of them together.





My uncle made dinner and we ate it on the beach while the sun went down. It was some of the best chicken and corn I've ever had.



Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Give Me Desire

Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
Matthew 10:32-33


Workers should be bold and should stand in awe before God.
There is no place for timidity.
Eternity is at stake.

For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
guarding the paths of justice
and watching over the way of his saints.
Proverbs 2:6-8


If we really desire to know God with all of our hearts He has promised results for us.
Why would anyone settle for less?



Now time for the play by play of today...
We went shopping this morning. I bought a rather expensive sweatshirt from The North Face store. I know it will come in handy for all those cold, blustery days ahead of me at Central. Plus, it's really cute. It was really windy again today so we all just layed out in the sand and read our books. The white capped waves weren't very inviting to say the least. I did finish my book though. The Ishbane Conspiracy is the name of it. It gives a very interesting perspective of how demons try to mess with your life. I recommend it to anyone. I had a veggie burger for dinner, we played a couple intense rounds of cards and then some more lounging on the couch. That seems to be one of my favorite spots these last couple of days.