Somebody must really love me,

because it was in the 60's today during my fun photo shoot today in Ogden! Can't you just feel the sun in this picture? I didn't even wear a jacket. Also, I found the most fabulous children's boutique on 25th st. afterward. A kindred spirit from Orange County in the owner. Amazing clothing with a splash of decor. Plus, she is interested in displaying some of my photos in her store! Lucky me! Check out Little Cherry Blossoms next time you're in the neighborhood. It won't disappoint! Hopefully more to come in the future on this fabulous little shop!

on my mind

one. I saw Dan in Real Life for the first time last night, and I'm pretty sure it has become my new obsession. I love everything about it, the house, the beautiful Rhode Island scenery, the filmography is amazing. Some of the shots are seriously genius. I love when a movie inspiring emotionally as well as visually. Steve Carell is of course rediculously good (as always), but I must say the best part of the movie was the tomatoe red mercedes station wagon. I kid you not, I have been looking online for one non stop. I am in love with that car, the way I have never loved car before (except for you, Rav4. My first car in High School, whose trunk housed many a student sneaking off campus for luch ...Sabrina!!). I must must must find one. So friends, be on the lookout. I would be willing to repaint the exterior, but gotta have the tan interior. For those of you laughing, this is no joke. I will find it.

two. celebs are clearly stalking my blog. First, Trista and Ryan name their little boy Maxwell. Then, Miss Aguilera's baby Max. And now, JLo and (shudder) Marc??@! Not not not not not cool. So, I am praying that this new slew of child star Maxes does not turn my sweet Max's name into the name du jour. Say it isn't so. So JLo, if you're reading this, quit copying me. And your twins are funny looking. Take that.

three. Tonight I made carrot cake from scratch for Easter dessert tomorrow. I have never done it before, so I hope it turnes out well!

four. Can not stop thinking about painting my house. Can. Not. I just can't seem to commit! There are of course a jillion different ideas I entertain involving my house at any given time. Why, why, why must I be cursed with the most eclectic taste, aka decorator's schitzophrenia.

five. I would give it all up to move to the pink brick turn of the century house from this week's mini sessions. Which went fabulous! Such darling kids. Pictures coming! Promise.

six. I have got to get my act together. No more skipping spinning and just going to yoga (which I must say, I am so crazy about). And after tomorrow, no more eating crap. It's gross, and bathing suit season is right around the corner.

Which brings me to seven. Spring. Would you please come to stay? I am anxiously awaiting your warm rays on my back. Sunglasses. Open toe shoes. Taking Max to the playground without shoes on. Flowers. No more snow. Evenings outside. So many things, so don't take your time. I'll be ready.

sorry so absent...

I have a lot going on this week! I am getting all my pictures caught up so that I have nothing to do other than focus on the WEDDING I am shooting this weekend!! AHHH! Jessica Kettle, the wedding photographer. Who knew? I am not going to lie, I am nervous. Really nervous. I know it will all turn out well, its just the anticipation of it all and the stress of the big day! Wish me luck! =) Hopefully I will think of something good to blog about soon. =)

a great man

Gordon Bitner Hinckley   1910-2008

A Prophet of God. President of  the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

How does one express their feelings at the time of passing of this great man?

First, there was shock. But he wasn't sick! Was something wrong? How could this happen? I wasn't ready. I think our beloved Prophet, despite his 97 years of age, was somehow a timeless, indestructible, immortal figure in my mind.

Then sadness. Sad that I would never hear his voice at a Christmas devotional, conference address, or temple dedication. Sad to see an end to an era. Sad that the prophet of my youth would not be the one to continue guiding my life through young motherhood. Sad that my Maxwell would not remember him in life, but in his legacy. Sad to say goodbye to the man I met as an awestruck fifteen year old after attending his ward sacrament meeting in the Joseph Smith Building while visiting Salt Lake. 

Next there was joy. I am so happy that he is reunited with his beloved Marjorie.  I am happy that he was not sick and that he passed quickly. I don't think he would have wanted us to know what was coming, dreading the inevitable. He was too vivacious, too full of life to be remembered as a sick old man. I am happy my mom encouraged me to approach him a second time, as he was about to leave, just so I could shake his hand. So I could say I have touched the hand of the prophet, the very man who communes with Jehovah. I am happy to be a member of this church, to know that God has a plan for us, for ME, for MY FAMILY.  I consider myself so blessed to know that although President Hinckley is no longer living on this earth, he lives. And will live eternally. 

Last there was gratitude. I am so thankful to have known and loved this great man, to know that he was called of God, to know that his words are true and inspired, that if we do as he asks, we can have joy. I am grateful that throughout my life, even when my testimony has wavered or when I have doubted, or when making the right choice is difficult, that I have always had the faith and knowledge that President Hinckley was a prophet, a modern day man of God.  I am thankful for his influence in our lives. He will ever be remembered for it. I will remember his love of the people of the world and of his work, his smile, his humor, his sweet voice, his mission, his message. I will remember him.

As requested, Here is a picture of me at the store last night.

and yes, my body looks JUST like that. I work out now. enjoy.

Funny? I guess so. Embarrassing? DEFINITELY.

So. A couple nights ago after Danny got home from work, I ran out to Robert's to pick up craft supplies for a birthday banner I am making Max. Earlier that day, I met with a client, so I thought I had at least better put on something other than my SAH-mom-in-the-winter clothes (comfy sweats). I pulled out this oh so chic little blouse I just got anthro and a black cardi. perfect. I realized shortly after, that the buttons were just not quite big enough for the holes, and while I held max, his weight tugged at my shirt and I was constantly rebuttoning. ugh. But all that was forgotten in my hasty drive to get to Robert's before it closed and my sheer bliss at going somewhere ALONE. I was perusing the scrapbook paper isle. I had been there a good 15 minutes. After picking out the perfect blue and orange paper, I looked down. My shirt was unbuttoned all the way down to my belly button.  For who only knows how long. Who said the life of a mother wasn't glamorous!