Merry Christmas and Happy Wedding!

Alexis and Jared were married on the 23rd of December. It was hectic, crazy, but beautiful! I'm so glad I have another brother :) I was clicking my camera like a crazy person! This one is one of my favorites (Alexis probably thought I was being silly telling her to put her flowers in her face but I knew it would be awesome!):

Max and I were able to be in the sealing room on our anniversary. How many people can say they've done that? It was pretty special to be there for Alexis and Jared on our special day/their special day :) Max kept asking me to dance during slow songs. I LOVED it. He must have loved me extra special that night. I can't wait for our next anniversary!

This Christmas season has been kind to us:

1. My family + extended family came into town with all the wonderful little children
2. My little sis was married and I got a new brother
3. 2 year anniversary spent in the temple/dancing away on the reception dance floor
4. Lots of warm savory food + sugary deliciousness overloading
5. Beautiful California weather makes for lovely days outside
6. And lots of traditions!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

P.S. I started a new photography blog. All photos with no text. Yay :)

The Verrrrrry Hungry Caterpillar

Always a sign I'm at work:

Num-Num

 It's not perfect, but it's in it's imperfections that make it mine. I like it. I love it. All I need is the book!

Another blog?

I am thinking I'm going to create another blog for photography only.

No. Not the type of blog where I'm advertising for people to hire me to take their photos.
Puh-lease. I'm not that good. I don't even know how to work the camera confidently!

Which is a great incentive for doing this, no? The more I use this great camera I invested in, the more skills I can acquire in relation to the workings of the instrument. Not to mention, being creative in a way I haven't really explored before!

And...

...we all know I like creativity...

So I'm trying to put together a list. 365 days of photography. Should there be a theme i.e. things I'm grateful for each day? Or a random compiled list of things I should take photographs of i.e. the Temple, Sunset, Sunrise, Family, Recreational activities, Night shots, Portraits, Landscapes, Close-ups etc... What do you think? What are your ideas?! I'd love to hear them.

Hermititis

I'm such a hermit. The only day of the week I am absolutely consistent with grooming my body with my face painted is Sunday. 95% the rest of the time I'm makeup-less, wearing my boots and a sweater with my hair pulled back in a pony. Not only do I dress to please, but I love being home and creating things. Or watching Parks and Rec. Or both at the same time. Dreamy. I really should get a job where I have to face people other than my family...

On to other things... Breaking Dawn? Holy crap, I'm not having a baby after seeing what Bella did. Because obviously my baby will be half human, half vampire. Yes, Max is a bloodsucker. They did a good job of making her look like the baby was literally eating her from the inside out. My body was just cringing. And thanks to being married to Max, I couldn't help but think of him during the scenes I KNEW he would have made fun of had he been present. I've heard some great commentary from that guy! ha.

On to other things... School is over this week. One final left, and I've kinda been acting like I already took it. Christmas-itis? Vacation-itis? I-want-this-class-to-be-over-itis? We all know it's not Senioritis.

On to other things... I don't think I'll reach my resolution this year of getting my black belt. DANG IT! Goal is now set three months from now. I freaking better kick myself if I can't pull it together. I know I blame school, but I could have had it by now if I wasn't full of excuses. I must really like it if I'm willing to be doing it for so long. Can't have a baby if I don't have my B.B. It's my prerequisite to starting a family. It's ok if you don't understand...

On to other things... Alexis and Jared are getting married in 16 days! Better honker down on all the wedding plans. I just finished this for them:

It's a fingerprint tree. Originally it was going to be a guestbook but now we're having it for their families and bridal party. It will be a fun art piece to display in their home.

Back to my hermiting...

Thanksgiving in AZ

Turkey Trot

Making the Indian Shirts.

Card games, music, laughter. Good to be together.

Family Photo Day. We were getting the babies to smile :)

Sisters

 Grandpa Scott taught the Smith boys techniques to perform for everyone. I cried. Their mother cried. There's a clear appreciation for karate and dad and the kids performing their very best in my family. Or maybe we're just emotional ;) He then got Kam to throw her hands up in fighting position and Kiai (pronounced key-eye).

Caleb's hair, longer than ever and so adorable! He looked like a little surfer dude.

Sweet Macky. Cuddle bug.

The kids had a bouncy slide all week. It saved the day! They were out there for hours. And hours.

Singing to Grandma Ruthie

Alexis went through the Temple. Special to have the siblings in there together.

 I love my family and I'm so grateful to have spent a week with them! It's a rarity that we are all together under one roof. Luckily they will be coming out for Alexis' wedding this month. Oh, I love it!