Changes

So, I know its been a while, and even last time wasn't very exciting. But I do have things to say now, so pay attention... lol. For the past couple of months, Nicole and I have been working out the details to combine our businesses, and start something new. This business will be mainly a photography business with new products and services. Nicole and I will both be photographers, and we will both be Heritage Makers advocates! Nicole is currently learning the ins and outs of photography, and is doing a fabulous job too! We have decided that our niche in the market will be convenience for the clients by our portable studio and yearly subscriptions. If you'd like to learn more, please visit our website at: www.inspired-photos.com. It is still under construction, but we've added new pictures, and we are planning a complete makeover, hopefully this next week. Here is a sample of our spring special:

I need your help!

Okay, I need everyones help! I have designed a few business cards (front and back), and wanted to know your opinion. Just leave me a comment and let me know! Thanks!

Sample One
Sample Two

Sample Three

Sample Four

a new experience

So, I hope that you never have to experience what I experienced today. Though it was my choice, but nonetheless, I hope you don't have to. Today, I visited a friend in jail. About 3 weeks ago, I was told that a friend of mine, Nate, was back in jail due to a DUI. Now, from the beginning... About a year ago, I met Nate and we became friends. I learned that he had just been released from jail from a DUI, and was on probation. He was working really hard to live day to day, but still wanted to have fun while living. We saw each other every once in a while, and developed a good relationship. Well, right before Christmas, Nate was drinking, and driving, and wrecked his car, again. He is lucky to be alive. It broke my heart to hear a friend of mine would be so wreckless. It took me a few weeks to decide to go visit him. Well, today was the day. I went. It was a new and different experience for me. I of course was naive to the entire process. It took about an hour to actually get into the visiting area. Once I got there, I walked through a door, and saw a bunch of "booths" which I had to walk around to find Nate. I finally found him, and he seemed really excited to see me. There was a glass door between us, and I had to pick up a phone to talk to him. Just like the movies. We had one hour to visit, and I had to stay the entire hour. At first, I was worried I wouldn't be able to fill that hour, but once we started talking, it was easy. I don't know what I was worried about. He told me that he was over the drinking, and the problems that come with it. He knew he had a drinking problem, and was ready to face it head on. He wants to get into a rehab once he gets out. I saw the sadness that such a life had passed over his eyes. He told me that he was reading The Bible again, and can't wait to start over. I felt the desire in him. I could see the happiness coming out of him when he talked about his new life.

I can't stop thinking about how blessed I am to be free of such addictions in my life. Growing up in the church, we don't really get exposed to situations and "friends with situations" like others do. These "situations" are such a stress and headaches in lives, that it just doesn't make much sense to me. I have been blessed with wonderful parents to teach and show me the way. I have been blessed with wonderful sisters that set such a great example to me. I have been blessed to have the knowledge of the gospel that teaches me from right and wrong. I have been blessed with friends that have made it easy to choose the right.

Thank you all.

Finally

So, I finally got my computer back :) I was the unlucky recipient of a virus. Yes, a nasty, unwelcome, spineless, and horrible virus. I have no idea how I got it, but it destroyed my computer. From the very smart mouth of Rithavy "This is the smartest virus I've ever seen". This virus hid from any attempt to find it, it blocked any attempt to download an attack! But thanks to Rithavy, he was able to wipe my computer clean, and I can start over. Now I just have the wonderful task of trying to put my programs back on the computer that I need. Gosh, what a chore... So, here's whats been going on...

First I am returning to school. I've decided to go back to school and get my Bachelor's Degree in Business, with an emphasis in Small Business. I chose to go with the University of Phoenix! Everything about this school and this opportunity shouted: HELLO, THIS IS PERFECT! So, what more do I need?! It will fit very well into my schedule, I can focus all my classes to my business, thus improving my business, AND, I only take one class at a time, so I won't be too overloaded! I am very excited about this. My first class starts at the end of this month on the 26th. I can't wait to gain more knowledge to expand my dream!

About a week and a half ago, I was invited to see my Grandfathers Headstone. It was such a touching site. This headstone was like none I've never seen before, it was truly a work of art. The intricate detail was amazing, and I was moved by the beauty of it. Here it what it looked like, so you can get a feel for what I saw...Wow. I am still awe struck from the details. My grandmother is such an amazing woman. She went to the temple the day before, and then we had a wonderful afternoon with family having Chilli and Chocolate Cake, a Dunn Tradition! It was very delicious!

My photography business is slowly growing. I am getting my name out there without too much trouble right now. Right now, I have about 3 weddings on my book, and trying to get a few more! If anyone knows of someone in need of a photographer, please send them my way! I have updated my website, and it looks great (I think, as much as I can do). Click here to view it!!
I hope everyone has a wonderful day, night and Valentines weekend!!

A New Year, A New Resolution

I can't believe that I haven't posted since July... Okay, so maybe I can believe it. I vow right now to post a little more often, especially since i have the time, and I can't really make anymore excuses. I find that making New Year Resolutions are a little....whats the word.... Repetitive... I like the idea of the resolution, you know, making new goals, planning out what your going to do. But the problem of making New Year Resolutions, is that it is expected, promoted, overused, and underutilized. It is a great way to look back on what you've accomplished, and decide what you want to accomplish for the new year... What is it that you want to get done in one year? Can you make goals that are only a year long?

This year, I have decided to apply to be on The Biggest Loser. This is a big step for me, mainly because it is a huge commitment. I have to get through the application process (trust me, that is a big accomplishment in itself), I have to be willing to show the world how I have failed myself. Can I trust myself to see it through? I think with the support of my family and friends, I can make that commitment. I have been lying to myself for far too long. It is time that instead of being behind the camera all the time, I need to step in front, and take a good look at what I've become, and look into the future at what i need to become. I can make this commitment. I will commit myself. Somehow, I will get the motivation I need to see the future me, become the present me. And if that motivation comes from NBC, then I will be ready.

Maternity Pics

Hey y'all! It has been a while! Things have been pretty busy lately with work and with the photography! WOW!!! Here are some few pics of Nicole and her beautiful belly! We had some fun taking these pictures, and hope you all enjoy them!

I have updated my Pure Photography website! Go check it out!

An Update

I know, yet again its been a while since I've blogged. A lot has been going on. First off, I went to go see Cirque du Soleil!! It was amazing as ever. I didn't like it as much as the other ones I've seen, but it was still incredible. I went with Mom, Grandma and Grandpa, and the kids I watch! They all had a great time! I am so happy! I just hope it was all that I said it would be! This time it was more like a circus, than any of the other ones I've been too. I wish I could've taken some pictures, becuase it was a great first time for everyone but me! lol. Afterwards, I spent a wonderful evening with mom. We went to dinner, and then we had to go to the mall for bra shopping. Man I hate shopping, but with mom, it was nice! We didn't get out of there until close to 9, and by then it was too late to go to the Digi Party! Nicole had a Digi Heritage Makers party, and I heard it was fun! That would've been nice to attend. Sorry Nicole!

Well, the next thing is my business. I am starting to work on building my Photography clientle, and by doing so, I have starting a few new things. First of all, I started my website/blog for Pure Photography (the company name), you can look at it at http://www.purephotography08.blogspot.com/. I have designed the logo's, and made some business cards (so yes, you can have some to hand out to people!), and also I have joined a wonderful printing company, that will print my photos, with excellent quality! Lastely, and am in the process of copyrighting my photos, so they will be legally "mine"!!! YEAH! I am so excited for the new things to work out, and with these new things, my "system" will be changing, and my photography will get better (i hope! lol). Anyways, those are the major things going on.

Oh, and of course Izzy is growing like mad! She is getting bigger every time i turn around! Here is an updated picture of her (taken 1 week ago at the Residence Inn BBQ)! A couple of days ago, I did go and get a collar for her, and a little tag with her name on it! It is too big for her right now, so I had to improvise! It was fun trying to get her to sit still so I could fix it! She can be so hyper sometimes!

Anyways! Thats all for now, my fingers are getting tired of typing this much! Just kidding! I hope everyone has a wonderful day, and ttyl!

I know, its been a while

Sorry, all! I know its been a while, but things have been pretty busy lately. I have been enjoying my new job. I work quite a bit, but its nice when i get some time off too! I have been getting in the groove of things, and then new things happen! For starters, I have got a new puppy! I decided to get a dog! She is a mix between a Pit Bull, and a Lab. She has beautiful markings, and she has grey eyes. Here is a picture of Izzy (short for Isabel)

Right now, she is going on 8 weeks old. She is growing fast. She's already eating solid food, i don't have to soften it up!

I made Nicole's recipe for Potato soup tonight, and everyone absolutely loved it! That recipe is so good! Thanks Nicole for a great recipe!

Well, as for my photography, I am trying to set up my own website. I want to set up a website outside of the blogger, and possibly one in the blogger site. If anyone has any suggestions, please feel free to share!

I really don't have much else to talk about. I know its been a while, and lots have happened, I just can't think of anything to say right now. So, tah tah for now!

A stormy day

So, today turned out to be somewhat of a stormy day. It was cold and chilly this morning, and got nicer in the afternoon, but as soon as 4:00 hit, the weather turned south, and got stormy very fast. Can I just tell you how much I LOVE this type of weather?! There was some sleet, and lighning, and thunder, and it was MAGNIFICANT! When I got home (around 6ish), I decided to take a walk. What a lovely walk it was, and shortly after i started on my walk, did I realize that this might be a great opportunity to take some photographs. So I did. And I wanted to share a few of them with you. I hope you enjoy them, as I do, and please let me know what you think. I always needs some constructive critisism! I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

the changes

well, there have been some changes to my life. First of all, last week, I got the unfortunate news from ket that I wouldn't be able to work for him. :( Somehow, and for some reason, someone wrote in the handbook that you're not allowed to hire your sister in law as your front office manager (i'm sure it doesn't say that exactly, but you get the idea)!!! Anyways, so there goes the entire reason I was going into the hotel business! Anyways, so I got to thinking (and remember this is just me thinking, so hang in there), maybe this isn't such a bad thing. Yeah, it screws up my plans, but there's gotta be something different/better for me. Low and behold, Ket tells me that I will get a call for the Assistant General Manager position at the Residence Inn West. Hmmm, I think to myself, that sounds like a good position. So I wait, and I wait for this call for an over-the-phone interview from Gayle (the regional), and finally on Saturday she calls me. First of all, let me explain my saturday to you...IT WAS BUSY! I went to work, and we had a full house the night before at the hotel, and to put everything frank, EVERY SINGLE BED WE HAD WAS USED! all the pull-outs, the double beds, and even the rollaways, they were all used. Now, normally that wouldn't be a problem, in fact, normally that would be a great thing! But be as it is, I WAS RESPOSIBLE FOR THE LAUNDRY! And even better, our great hotel does not have enough laundry to handle every bed being used! So as the laundry was sent down to be washed, I was supposed to wash, dry, and fold the laundry, so that it would be ready to be put back onto the beds! And on top of that I still had to watch the front desk when we had a full house. So after about an hour at the front desk (around 11-12ish), I went back to do some laundry, only to find the laundry shute piled up to the ceiling! UGH! Anyways, now that you are astonished by that responsibility, I wasn't really feeling in the mood to have an interview, but after I got off work, I prepared myself (by taking a power 20 minute nap). Well, we finally got to talk, and she offered me the job!!! Oh, gosh, that really woke me up and got me excited! I didn't expect her to offer the job to me right away, I figured she would say, she would call me next week, and be that as that! But NO, she offered it to me, and of course I said yes! So, now I am in LIMBO....meaning I am still at the Fairfield Inn (with my notice in), and Jennifer (the GM at the Residence Inn), is anxiously waiting for my start date with her (and so am I really). So, to make a long story, somewhat long, that is what happened with the changes. So here is what it looks like now, my schedule will be from about 10am to 6pm at the hotel, then I still have to go clean the seminary building after that, so by the time I get done with both jobs, I will be home just in time for the girls (and Erick) to go to bed, and Erick (Sr.) go to work. Then it will start over the next day. La De Dah! I am sad, though, cause then I won't be able to see the kids as much as I used to (well now), and that will make me sad, I already know it! :(

Cirque Du Soleil

HOORAY! Cirque Du Soleil is coming to town in May! I AM SO EXCITED! For those of you who don't know what they do, click http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/, and see for yourself! I don't even know how to describe them! I was first introduced to them in Orlando Florida. That show was La Nouba, and it was amazing. Because I worked for Walt Disney World, I got a discount on the tickets, which was a blessing, so i went and saw them at least three times (over the two years I was there). One of my good friends in Florida, was actually a performer for them, and so after the show, I went backstage to meet up with him, and I met the other performers, and saw his dressing room, and much more! What an experience! Well, the first opportunity I had when I went to Las Vegas, of course I wasn't going to pass up a chance to see another one of their shows (they have I think 5 or 6 shows in Vegas). So I went and sawKA! When I went, I was expecting something just as spectacular as La Nuba, but it tured out, it was better! (I think it was better in my mind, because it was newer to me) Anyways, it was amazing. Then the next show i got to see was in Las Vegas again (on one of my working trips), and I saw
"O". When you visit their website, i highly recommend looking at those three shows (obviously, since I've seen them ;P) So, when mom called me earlier this week, and said "Guess who's coming to town? Cirque Du Soleil!" I WAS JUMPING UP AND DOWN (you can even ask the girls i live with, they'll verify i was). Anyways, so this show that is coming is Saltimbanco, and it looks like it will be just as fantastic as the rest! So if anyone would like to come, please do! We've already got a big group going (so far about 10 of us), and you know what they say,

"The more, the merrier!"

In Memory of...

Today we have recieved some terrible news. My cousin, Andy, has been killed in a car accident. My heart go out to his family during this difficult time. As I was told what happened, all I could think about was his family, and all the memories growing up with him. I can't even imagine how his twin sister is taking it. The twin bond is (as I've been told) one of the closest bonds two people can really have.

One particular memory that stands out was a general one. Whenever we (myself and either one or all of my sisters) would come and visit them in their small village of Oxbow, we would go downstairs and play games with them. I specifically remember playing Sonic on their Nintendo (at least thats what i think it was). I don't know why this memory stands out at this time, but I do know that those were some really great times with the Stenbergs. The last time I saw him was at the hospital, on Grandpa's birthday. I remember thinking, how did he get so tall?! He certainly had grown up without me even seeing, and now he is gone. Goodbye Andy. Thank you for some memories that will always be with me. I know that you are in a better place, and until we meet again...

Lets see....

Okay, an update. Our beloved prophet President Hinkley has passed away at the end of last month. I have known President Hinkley since i can remember, and it is hard to think that he really is gone. I am going to miss his guidance, and the love that he has shown throughout the years as the leader of our church. I cannot express the graditude that i have for his words and for his powerful proclemations. He has touched so many lives, and has blessed many. Thank you President Hinkley for the wonderful counsel. President Thomas Monson has taken the position of prophet of our church as of Monday, and I am so excited to hear him as a prophet, and to be guided by him. He is so passionate about his work, and I can't wait for his counsel.

I have decided to take another job. This one will just be a part time position, to get some extra money in. I will be cleaning a seminary building for just a couple of hours a day. Thankfully, i will be able to do this whenever it is convienent for me, so it works with my schedule really well.

On a different note, everything else is going really well. My living arangements are working out well for me, and the kids are wonderful. They are such a joy to be around. I have taken them swimming at the hotel a couple of times, and they just love to be able to come over and swim (not on school nights of course). I am trying to help out a little here and there, so i have decided to try and make dinner at least once a week, to take the responsiblity off of Erick (the dad's name). I've made dinner twice now, and they seem to love it. Last night it was Impossibly Easy Cheeseburger Pie (The girls voted for this one), and then we made Peach Cobbler for dessert. It was yummy!

Well, thats all for now. I hope everyone is having a wonderful day! Thanks for stopping by! LOL.

Movies

well, there isn't really much new at this point. i did go see a movie with Nicole the other day, and it was really good. It was P.S. I love You. It turned out to be more emotional for someone else (wink wink), than for me. I almost cried at one point, but then i heard sniffles from the audience, and it took that urge away.
I don't know what is wrong with me when i watch movies. They just don't impact me the same way they do others. For example, I don't like to watch horror movies, or scary movies, just for the fact that i DON'T get scared! What is up with that?! Yes, I do "jump in my seat" every so often if I am caught off guard, but I'm not scared. I think I will have to blame dad for this one. Everytime we would watch a movie (way back when we were younger), he would always do TWO things. First, he would always try and scare us at the most opportune time during the movie, by coming up behind us and throwing is hands onto our shoulders, or like place, and yelling AHHHH! From this, i have learned to be aware at these times of the movies, as to not jump and give dad the satisfaction of my reaction. Second, once dad saw for a fact that i was scared, he would always profess this statement " It's not real, it's only a movie" then followed by a smirk. So i have put it in my head this truth of reality.
As for sappy movies, sometimes they make me cry, and sometimes, they just don't. So, I guess it's not as bad with these types movies, but it still makes me question, WHY?!

Merry Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful christmas day! Right now, i am patiently waiting for my relief to come to work, so that I can enjoy Christmas with my family in Ontario. I am so excited to get home and see everyone, and everything that they got for christmas from santa (meaning the kids). What a blessing it is to spend christmas with the ones you love! I hope everyone has a great day, and may the new year bring even more blessings!

A decision

Well, I can't believe the umbelievable power of my Heavenly Father. I am not perfect, in fact far from it, but He seems to bless me anyways. I, of course, have to move out by the end of the month, and I have been led to a great opportunity. I will be living with a family of 4, and making sure the kids are tucked soundly in their bed at night. Eric, the dad, works overnight at The Idaho Statesman, and he needs someone to be at home while the kids sleep, and in exchange for this, I am going to be living there, rent free. What a blessing this is to me. And the timing couldn't be better. This will not be a permanent situation, but at least for the next few months or so. He has 2 beautiful daughters, and one wonderful boy. I want to move over there by the end of next week, if possible.

I decided to get a storage unit, put most of my stuff in there, and only take the esentials with me. So I will be packing, and moving, so Wish Me Luck, and if anyone would like to help the day of, I would be happy to accept the help. I want to move on the 28th, which is a Friday.

Thank you all for your support and love, I really appreciate all my blessings in life.

new happenings

well, the latest news is. i am moving, again. ugh. both of my roomates are moving out, leaving me in a 3 bdrm apt. i can't afford that on my own, and i don't really like the area enough to try and find 2 others to come to my rescue, so i am looking for another place. i want to live closer to the meridian area (for several reasons), so the search begins again. for some strange reason, i feel like i just did this whole thing. thats life, i guess.

i can't wait for christmas, it is going to be so joyable. yes, i will have to work, but i am okay with that, this time around, anyways. it is automatic overtime, and that means more $$$$! lol.
thats really it for now.. other than.. any suggestions on my page? I am trying to find a look/style/song that fits, so if there are any suggestions, that would be nice.

HAPPPY HOLIDAYS!

A Great Weekend

This is our cabin! My dad's parents own this beautiful cabin, and we were lucky enough to occupy it during Thanksgiving! Thank you grandma and grandpa!

Wow. What a weekend that was. I can't believe it is/was Thanksgiving already. I must say, i have enjoyed this holiday season ALOT better than last year, or the year before. What a joy it was to be with my family, and just get to spend time with them. I can't believe what i have been missing all these years, and to think, i could've had more opportunities like this one! To start off, on Thursday, I had to work, so i didn't get to start my time off until 3pm. But as soon as I got off, i came home, packed, and headed to Nicoles house to meet up with Brandi, who is a wonderful sister, that came from Ontario to pick me up to go to Cascade. When we got there, we were greeted by Papa & Tutu, and Nicole's family. The cabin isn't very large, so we had a wonderful time filling up the entire space! Krystal and her family were going to join us on Friday (we really celebrated thanksgiving on friday), so for the rest of thursday, we just relaxed. On friday, krystal came with her family, and we had a delicous dinner prepared by ket. I can't believe the talent he has with food. Yes, I am a picky eater, but what I have had of kets...well lets just say YUMMMM.

After we had our wonderful feast, the next task on the agenda (while checking things off in my head) was to take family photos. I started with Krystal and Robbie and the kids, and got some exquiste photos from them, and then it got too dark to do anyone elses. So we finished up the picture taking on Saturday afternoon. It was a perfect day for pictures (other than the coldness coming out of our chattering teeth while smiling). Here are a few of my favorites from the family.

What a georgous family i have. I can't believe how lucky I am, and how loving they all are to me, and to each other. I had such a great time taking these pictures, and watching each family interact with each other. here is our family picture of all of us.

Don't we all look so great! I think so too. The rest of the weekend was just as wonderful. The best part for me...Not a single worry! I was able to leave all my worries behind, and just relax, and have fun. I wouldn't trade that for anything.

Here are some more of my favorite photos! Enjoy, and Happy Holidays.

Hairspray!

Wow, what a fun filled day it was yesterday! For starters, I went to my nephew, Alec's, birthday party at Chuck-E-Cheese's! It was a blast. I was running around helping my sisters out here and there with their kids, and getting some good pictures too. speaking of pictures, here are some from the birthday party:

Then after we had so much fun at chuck-e-cheese, I went the mall and helped brandi with her kids while she took some pictures at kiddie kandids. I NEVER RECOMMEND going to take pictures of you and your kids without some help. seeing many parents come into the portrait studio and try and do it alone, i just feel for them. and then i helped brandi yesterday, and i see it from a different perspective! The picuters did turn out cute. I could tell they were all really exausted from the excitement of the day.

Then, after being really tired, Nicole and I decided to go to a movie. we decided to go see HAIRSPRAY!! It was such a hilarious movie. I definately recommend this movie. I didn't think that it was going to be that funny, but i couldn't stop laughing throughout the movie. Nicole leaned over to me at one point and said she felt like getting up and dancing. I felt the same way.