Epic Life Photography's First Wedding of the Season...

I had the privilege of coming along with Jessica Bjorn to her first wedding photoshoot of the season this past Wednesday.  She asked me to be her second shooter weeks ago.  I was honored!  It is also good practice, but I was a bit nervous.  I am still struggling with some things, especially composition.  I find myself lately not getting the right lighting either.  But, I knew that I just had to give it my best and that I would at least have ten out of 500 pictures that would be worth printing.  Thank goodness for digital photography! 

The day started very cold, and rainy.  I had prayed that we wouldn't have this by the time we had took take the pictures.  I didn't know how we were going to do it.  But, by late afternoon the sun peeked through and the ocean looked more beautiful than ever.  Oh, the wedding took place in Lummi Island not the Tulip fields in Skagit, like I thought.  This island has some gorgeous scenery.  The couple picked a very nice spot.

Let me tell you...I had the most fun!  This sweet couple was very funny, corky, laid back, willing to do anything and they did!  They were themselves and they were fun!  We hardly had to tell them how to pose or what to do.  They totally set some high expectations for me as a future photographer.  I'm sure all couples will be like this one...RIGHT?  NOT!

We did end up taking pictures about 2 hours later than planned.  The make-up artist got lost finding the Island, and was about 2 hours late.  The couple was very forgiving and understanding.  Amazing!  Anyhow, we ended up taking pictures at about 7pm, which I have yet to be trained to take pictures at this time of the day.  I was really applying all that I had learned so far to figure out how to take pictures with the little natural light we had left and still have them turn out great.  I also had to work on my creative side to get some good shots with composition in mind.  I'm glad I was able to ask Jess a few times where she was on her settings, and I was very close to what she had.  It gave me a little boost of confidence. 

Anyhow, I cannot post many pictures...here is a glimpse at one!

PS.  I really enjoyed visitng with and getting to know Jamie and Michael while we waited.  They were such a happy and full life, couple.  Thanks Jess for trusting me and teaching me so much so far.  You are so very patient with me.  

PSS  Jess also has a sneak peek in her blog of the wedding:  http://www.epiclifephotography.com/

Going For a Walk on a Sunny Day with Friends...

I just cannot express to you in better words how much I LOVE our trail.  This is the trail that started me running again.  It is just beautiful and it goes all along the Lake.  Very inspiring and soothing.  This last Sunday I went for a walk with my VT Friends and Noriko, along with the kids, to go see the Water Fall.  We had a wonderful time.  I tried taking some fun shots and work on composition,which I'm still struggling with.  I did great some good ones though.  But, I just had to share our beautiful walk and friends with you.
Hope you don't mind so many pictures! 
P.S  Melody:  I just love Miles' dimples...He is yummy!  Thanks for the nice visit and walk!

Happy 80th Birthday Grammie Rose...

As requested by our dear friend and adopted Grammie Rose, our girls sang "I Feel My Savior's Love", for her 80th birthday!  They sounded great and did a wonderful job.  We had to laugh because we had just gotten back from soccer games and the kids had to change in the car, as we walk towards Rose's house, I saw Eliza was licking her fingers and scrubbing her knees, I asked her what she was doing, and she then showed me her cute dirty knees.  I love how she can go from being such a tomboy to angelically singing a tender song about the Savior. 
Grammie Rose had friends and family come visit her to celebrate her special day, and many are not members of the Church, so as the great little Missionary she is, she just had to bring bits and pieces of the Gospel to them all through music.  She is a great example to me and a noble woman.  I love her heart and spirit.  She is courageous, determined and not afraid to speak up and proclaim the everlasting gospel and testify of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Thank you Rose for your wonderful love and example.  Hope you had a wonderful birthday!

Celebrating Sophia's Birthday...

Miss Sophia had a wonderful birthday Weekend.  Here are the pictures to prove it! 

I still can't believe she is FIVE! 

She got new shoes and some clothes, some cash, a pink pony and a grey kitty, plus a few more things.  She was a Happy girl!

Vancouver Temple...

I had the most wonderful time being a Volunteer Tour Guide for the Temple Open House on Monday!  I carpooled with our Bishop and a few friends from my Ward.  We left around 6:20am and headed happily to Langley, Canada.  It was a pleasure to be with such wonderful people who are always eager to serve.

Volunteering at the Temple reminded me of the time I worked at the Timpanogas Temple in Utah.  I was there for the Open House and Dedication in 1994.  Then hired to work aprox. 30-40hrs a week as a Cashier.  It was the best job I ever had.  The best 6 months ever working as a Cashier and doing other odd jobs with laundry and cleaning.  The fact that I was dressed in white for about 4-6 hours a day, five days a week, was the best.  It was very peaceful there and joyful.  It was a place of reverence and  

Being at the Temple on Monday for over 8 hours was purely delightful.  One sister told me that by 2:15pm we had over 1,400 people walk through the Temple, Wow!  I had one group at one point that was over 25 people.  Another time Elder Christensen, from the quorum of the Seventies, took over one of my tours.  I was so glad he did.  This group had some folks with really deep questions reagrding Christianity and the Church.  He was able to take time aside for those that had questions. 

I stuck to my guide lines and tried to let them know that at the end of the tour they would have the opportunity to ask their questions, but they had so many!  After my Tour Guide Shift ended (from 8am-2pm), I became the Greeter at the entrance of the Church as they headed to the Chapel to wait for the next tour.  That was FUN, as well!  Heavenly Father sure has a huge variety of children.  I was amazed at the vast amount of faces I saw that day! 

I also got to greet my family as they arrived at 4pm to tour the Temple.  Rob, the kids, Grammie Deb and I took a tour together.  I believe Juliette had the most cutest expressions ever.  She was just stunned with the Temple the most.  She thought it was so beautiful.  Eliza couldn't get over the gorgeous paintings and the crystal Chandalliers.  It was a beautiful Temple.  I'm so glad we were able to take Grammie Deb with us and the kids.  Who knows when we would get another chance to be a part of another Temple Open House?  The Timpanogas Temple was my first, and that was close to 15 years ago. 

If you are reading this and you live near us, or near Vancouver, Canada; please take the time to visit the Open House before this weekend.  I believe this Saturday is the last day to get to tour it inside.  We are going back with our friends the Fisher's this Saturday.  I'm sure it will be super busy and jam packed.  But it will be worth it to go again!

P.S  Rob enjoyed volunteering as an Usher...he got to be the one to put on the white booties that went over the shoes to keep the Temple's flooring from getting dirty or damaged.  He heard some great stories about people and how the Lot for the Temple was chosen.  Pretty neat stuff!  Anyhow, we took some pictures...James was having fun with me camera too!  He really likes it...Eliza as well! 

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY Sophia...

My Baby girl is 5!! I can't believe it!

We enjoyed celebrating her birthday on Sunday night and Monday (her actual b-day) with some friends.  Sunday we had dinner with the Fisher's and had cake and presents.  On Monday, Rob took over the preschool party for me (I went to the Vancouver Open House to be a Tour Guide- post to come) in the morning.  She had a great time with her little friends. 
Then Rob, the kids and Grammie Deb headed to Vancouver to meet me after my shift and got a tour of the Temple.  Sophia wanted to see the Temple on her b-day, so sweet!  We had a wonderful time!  She was so HAPPY! 
P.S  Thanks to all the Grandparents that send her some money and our friends that gave her presents. 

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY Miss Sophia...We are so glad you were born and so very happy to have you in our family!  WE LOVE YOU!!

Highlights From Our April 2010 General COnference...

EPIC LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY Cutest Kid Contest...

My friend jessica Bjorn is having a photo contest.  I'm inviting all of our local friends to enter their cutest kid pictures.  Here is the website to get more information on how to enter.  Have fun!  Can't wait to see who wins!!  Started April 13th ends April 27th, 2010...

ELP's first CUTEST KID CONTEST (CLICK)

MY MAN...

I am so very blessed to have Rob in my life.  Today he did nothing for himself.  He went for a nice short run with me (with his shins hurting), made our bed, fed the chickens, and then served me a nice snack after my shower of plums and tangerines, before he had to leave for work at 10am.  He had little notes attached to each sliced piece of fruit, which depected little sailboats.  One of the notes said "You Float my Boat".  I thought he couldn't get any more creative or corney, but he never ceases to amaze me.  He is my best friend.  I'm so glad he found me and fell in love with me first.  Thank you Rob for being the incredibly amazing man that you are and for spoiling me so much!  I just could never catch up to your selflessness and love.

P.S.  I was reminded this morning of one of the main reasons why I love running in the Pacific Northwest.  As Rob and I hit the road this morning for a short run, we were greeted by the sounds of chirping birds and croaking frogs.  It was soothing to feel the wind on our faces and the sun shining through the trees.  We could hear the water splashing against the shores, the branches of trees creeking, and the smell of sweet blossoms was amazing.  The air was fresh and crisp.  It just couldn't get any better than this!  We are truly blessed to live where we are!  We are truly happy here!

Our Youth's Temple Trip...

Our sweet James had the opportunity to travel to Vancouver, Canada to see the new Vancouver Temple and take part in the Open House with our Ward's Youth Group last night.  He came home amazed and so impressed by all that he saw and was really surprised to see how small it looks from the outside, but once you go in and walk through thte Temple it just seemed Big.  He was so touched by the paintings and amazed with how beautiful it was inside.  He couldn't stop talking about it!!  I'm so glad he got to go with our Youth.  We will be going again this coming Monday as a family and then another time iwth friends on the 24th.  He will get to see it more and create an even deeper impression that will last him an eternity!  Here are some pictures I stole from Facebook from a friend that went with the Youth!  Thank you!

Oh My Juliette...

Alrigh, so I have been complaining about my Juliette a bit much, but that is because her sassy behavior has just caught me by surprise.  She is my most gentle, tender and obedient kid.  All of the sudden NO is one of her favorite words and the tantrums she never had as a toddler, she is having them now.  We have been pretty creative and have had to ignore a lot of the behavior by turning it around with positive ideas, as to other ways to express her feelings and disagreements.  It doesn't work every time.  Thank goodness for bedrooms.  She gets sent to hers most every time, and she does calm downa nd cmoe out apologizing.  Anyhow, the last two days she has been reading her scriptures on her own and I am telling you right now, SHE has had a much softer disposition!  I caught her this morning reading on her bed and I was touched! 
I often find myself worrying about a kid or two and then they turn around and prove me that they are doing just fine, and that they will turn out great.  Juliette proved that to me this morning.  We are doing what we can as parents in raising them in the Gospel.  I just have to keep praying for them and have faith that the Lord will helps us raise these strong kids and help them become who they need to become in accordance to His plan and Will.  I love my kids!

My Latest Find and Bargain...

Jessica asked me to go on a Wedding photo shoot with her next week at the Tulip Fields.  I asked her how I needed to dress and she suggested I wear dress pants.  I told her I didn't own any and that if dark jeans were sufficient?  She said yes.  But after I thought about it some more later in the week, I decided that I would buy myself a black suit for any occassion.  Especially if I'm going to be working with her. 

So, I went to my favorite consigment store first, "Labels".  I find anything, when I need it, there.  After trying on over a dozen pairs of dress pants, and some blazers, I was very disappointed.  They all were not flattering and just didn't fit right.  So, as I was ready to give up, I decided to try looking through the racks of pants again in hopes that I had missed one.  Lo, and Behold, I found the one pair.  They fit perfect and were black.  Now the challenge was to get a jacket that would match perfectly with the slacks.  So, as I handed the cashier the pants and got ready to pay, I noticed this one rack full of blazers.  I just went to the black blazers section and noticed a fitted one that was my size.  I tried it on right then and it was the perfect fit.

I took it to the cashier and we were both surprised at how exact they were.  The fabric and style matched perfect.  I was super happy!!  The best part is that the whole outfit cost me less than $10.00.  YAP!!  Less than $10.00.  I so enjoy consignment shopping, especially when I find great bargains!!  Thank you LABELS!

Photography Lessons Continue...

I have been enjoying my Monday lessons with my friend, the photographer, Jessica Bjorn from Epic Life Photography.  She is teaching me so much and is so very patient with me.  She has me taking a ton of pictures on a daily basis to practice all that she teaches me and also to give me room for improvements.  I am struggling with a few things, mainly composition.  I didn't think this would be a weakness for me, but it is, this I will surely overcome with time and experience.
She has invited me on several of her photoshoots and it is fun to work alongside her and help her.  I'm definitely up for some more experience and I'm offering some free photoshoots to friends and families.  The more experience I gain, the better I become.  Jessica has taken me under her wing and is passing on her great wisdom to me, she will also trust me to be her second shooter next year, so I really need to get seriously good at this.  I like photography and I alwasy have.  This is like a dream come true for me. 
Anyhow, I have been playing with a lot of natural light.  I have not used my camera Flash in weeks.  It is amazing how much like I can actually capture without the flash.  It is a whole new world to me.  This week she let me use some of her equipment and taught me a little about studio lights.  I got some good shots.
My models were her two daughters, but mainly her little cutie pie, that I just love.  She was the most mobile model I ever had.  She was here, and then there, and then somewhere else.  I had to think fast and find my focal points as well as think about my composition in a matter of seconds.  I couldn't move my fingers fast enough!!  It was what I needed for practice.  I also gained more appreciation and admiration for Jess.  She is one fast photographer and thinker.
Thank you Jess for the time you are giving me and the knowledge you are sharing! 

Juliette, My Juliette...

Why is it that when you think you have one kid down and passed a stage or phase another kid starts a new one?  My sweet and tender Juliette has become quite mean and stubborn lately.  She will not take NO for an answer and refuses to do what she is asked to do.  This week she lost a play date that was set up for Tuesday night.  She really threw the biggest tantrum I had ever seen from her and the biggest consequence was losing her play date.  After she calmed down, she begged for it back and we talked to her about her choices and how we had to give her a consequence, as well as how we wouldn't back down and let her get her way.  Well, the great communicator that she is, she wrote Rob and I two notes that went like this:
"Mom, I love you but do I still get to play with Marina please"
The other (this one came bearing gifts with a bracelet and a pass along card with the Articles fo Faith):
"To Mom, From Juliette...To you to shaire...But the play date has to be tomorrow and I love daddy.  But tell me right now.  I'll be awaick.  I promase"
Ah, The Joys of Parenting!

A Nice Sunday Afternoon...

We had a wonderful Sunday.  We had our Easter celebration at Church.  The talks were wonderful and the music was beautiful.  I had the opportunity to help a friend and Sub for her in Nursery.  I totally forgot how it is to be around a bunch of 18mos old thru 2.5 years olds.  I honestly had a work out during the two hours I spent with about 10 toddlers.  I admire every NURSERY leader there has ever been.  I was one, but I was 18 when I was called to serve as the Nursery Leader.  I think I had more energy and was more creative then.  WOW!!  I was pooped by the time I had to go home.
We also enjoyed the company of our friends the Fisher's.  They enjoyed all of church with us.  Rob helped out with singing time in Primary and then they had a special sharing time about Temples.  Kind of going with the theme of our Vancouver Temple.  The dedication is set for May 2nd.  Rob has already served as an Usher at the Open House and I will be a Tour guide this coming Monday.  Pretty exciting stuff. 
Anyhow, we really had a fantastic Sunday.  After church we got together for some bike-riding fun (Sophia and Josh rode their bikes with more confidence for the first time) and then we went down the trail with our friends (walked to the waterfalls) and later we enjoyed some pancakes and eggs for dinner.  Afterwards we set up a campfire outside our house and roasted marshmellows (made s'mores as well).  It was heavenly!