Christy's Doings

Loved October

2011-11-01T20:10:00.000-06:00

What a great month! It's just not fair that my favorite month flies by so quickly! Some of the highlights were the weddings...so much fun. If I was a true dyed-in-the wool blogger, I would put them all on my blog, but since I spend most of my time editing, sorry, I just don't get them up.
Another highlight of the month was having long time friends and clients, Collette and Ashlyn here from Arizona. It was time for their annual portraits and C decided we'd do them in Park City area. We ended up having one of those beautiful October days that you pray will never end.

Great Job Ethan!

2011-10-07T00:03:00.000-06:00

Ethan, had his Bar Mitzvah in September, making his family and friends extremely proud!
An avid ski boarder, pianist and an out right great kid, he also proved to be an outstanding public speaker. Ethan impressed everyone as he lead the congregation in the service. He practically blew me away as he read from the scriptures in Hebrew and concluded with an amazing talk about how to apply the scriptures to one's personal life.
As I photographed this two day event, I just fell in love with Ethan's family. He has the most amazing parents and WONDERFUL grandparents. His brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends from around the United States, gathered here to help him celebrate this special time in his life.
For all of you Utah people that don't know what a Bar Mitzvah is, let me explain.
"The Bar Mitzvah (for a boy) or Bat Mitzvah (for a girl), is one of the most traditional and momentous of Jewish symbols and rituals. To become a "Bar/Bat Mitzvah" literally means to become “one who is responsible for the commandments”. At the age of 13, Judaism considers children as becoming responsible for their own religious and ethical obligations -the commandments. Although a Jewish child becomes a Bar/Bat Mitzvah just by reaching that age, it has become common practice to formally recognize this occasion by having the Bar/Bat Mitzvah lead the congregation at services for the first time as a fully responsible Jew." (Thanks to Beth Shalom for the information)
Thanks Ethan for letting me participate in your special day! What a joy it was for me to document your accomplishment!

A New Life

2011-09-02T11:06:00.001-06:00

Many kids have their senior and graduation portraits taken, but this August I did numerous "going away to college" and "going into the Military" portraits. Whenever there is a big change in our lives, it is a time to document with photographs.
I have been photographing Cam since he was knee-high to a grasshopper.
I found this old picture of him in my files and almost cried! Where has the time gone? He is now off away at college and his mom is going through empty nest syndrome.
We already miss you Cameron!

A Beautiful Couple

2011-08-27T16:37:00.000-06:00

In this day and age, we hear a lot about divorce and the so called, collapse of marriage. It is often quoted that 50% of all marriages break up. (By the way, that is a fallacy) More than ever, people are living together without the benefit of a legal union and many will have several partners throughout their adult life. If one was to believe what the tabloids say about marriage, they would be tempted to throw their arms up in the air and say, what's the use!
I however, tend to disagree that marriage, commitment, love and sacrifice are on the way out.
This summer in my photography travels, I have often been reminded that marriage is alive and well.
A prime example is a great couple I photographed in Jackson this week.
Annette and Bryan have been married forty-nine years. They have known each other their entire lives and were childhood sweethearts. Its easy to see that they are still madly in love.
As I began our photo session, I made a mental note to ask them when we were finished, what their secret is for a happy marriage, but I didn't need to because I could see by the way they treated each other why they are still so happy after all these years.
Here a just a few things I observed in their relationship:
Their mutual respect for one another
Their trust
Their sense of humor
They support each other in their individual interests
They are proud of each others accomplishments (I just loved to see the proud look on Bryan's face when Annette told me that after a career as a dress designer she had returned to school in her forties to become a CPA)
They still have that twinkle in their eyes that I often see with newly weds (She absolutely adores him)
They are pleasant with one another
They have common interests (just take a look of this yard that they have designed!)
They are best friends

What an honor it was for me to be able to spend some time with them.
Thanks Annette and Bryan for your great example!

The following link has portraits of couples that have been married for over 50 years.
These portraits are incredible!
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1879220_1845015,00.html?artId=1879220_1845015?contType=gallery?chn=photoessays

Bear Grylls, Look Out

2011-08-03T15:02:00.000-06:00

There is something wonderful about having a house full of boys. There is never a dull moment because they ALWAYS have something cooking. This last week the boys had their First Annual Survival Shelter Competition.

Each boy constructed his own survival hut out of whatever he could find. I have to admit though, that Carson went the extra mile to make sure he had food.

"Potato bugs taste quite disgusting but they will keep you alive in case of an emergency."

Great Job!

2011-08-01T10:22:00.000-06:00

When Blake was still in diapers and could already ride a two wheeler, I had a pretty good idea that he was going to be an athlete. This week he ran his first race in Utah and did very well! Way to go Blake!

Assignment: Alaska

2011-07-24T22:23:00.001-06:00

The W Family has just begun a new life in Alaska and wanted something special to document their new lives. Luckily, they thought of me and I was able to fly up there to spend a week with them. Since they are one of my favorite families, this was an amazing trip.
When I got there J and I went for a walk to scout out photo opportunities. Less than a half mile from their home, in just a very ordinary neighborhood is a reserve. It looks like any regular green space, but as you follow the path through the trees, you come to a beautiful meadow full of wild flowers that overlooks the bay. It was breath taking, as so many of the sights are up there in the far north.
Thanks to J and D for a marvelous week!
Here are a few images that show the fun we had!

A Summer Break

2011-06-27T22:20:00.000-06:00

What a crazy month I have had. Weddings, weddings and more weddings! I have been having such a great time not only photographing but designing wedding albums, so when my photographer friend ask me to go to the airshow in Wendover on Saturday (I can't believe I actually had a free Saturday) I immediately declined thinking I have too much work to do before the big trip to Alaska. After a little persuasion I agreed never dreaming that I would not only have such an incredible day out on the airfield...but ended up in the air. I don't know when I have had so much fun!

You've got to see this!

2011-05-13T12:39:00.000-06:00

Fantastic!

2011-05-11T11:15:00.000-06:00

Last night I participated in my quarterly piano recital. This recital is dear to my heart because the participants are my students from the Inner City Mission.
Not very many people in Latin America have the opportunities for piano lessons that many of us have had here in the USA. My mission has been to teach those who are interested in learning. Because of this mission I have gotten to know some amazing people! I know that music can take us to higher heights! I have personally seen the difference that music can make in a person's life.

This amazing little boy is actually a violinist. One can plainly see that as a maestro he feels the music in every fiber of his being.
Watch him. This will make you laugh and cry. This boy is darling!

Circle of Life

2011-04-25T17:03:00.000-06:00

I witnessed another miracle the other day.
What a joy to have Rob and Jenn come in with their brand new baby girl. I have not spent any time with them since their wedding so it was not only fun to catch up but to witness for myself that little miracle that transpires when I see one of "my couples" turn from newly weds into parents.

Excuse me if I brag!

2011-04-18T21:06:00.001-06:00

Since I'm not athletic, I have to live vicariously through those people who are. What a thrill to watch all those who particiapted in the Salt Lake Marathon on Saturday, especially my daughter Katie.
She had an amazing race and beat her personal best by 20 minutes! Her goal was to do it under four hours and she did it in 3 hrs and 52 minutes, and this is only her second marathon!
Great job Katie!!!!

One Year Old!

2011-04-02T19:06:00.001-06:00

How wonderful to get together with D and J today. I did their wedding a few years ago and today we did their daughter's First Year Portraits! She is just about as cute as a baby can be!

Just an Artichoke

2011-03-25T14:10:00.000-06:00

The other night I was taking a quick run around the block and happened to see my Aunt Gwen through her front window as I as I passed by her house. I decided to pop in for just a few minutes and visit.
There is something very comforting about going to her home, a place where I spent many happy hours in my childhood; sleeping three in a bed, eating her amazing giant hotcakes and just being in a place where I always felt loved. Aunt Gwen isn’t actually my aunt but my mom’s best friend, and I didn’t discover that we weren’t really related until I was well into my childhood.
Over sixty years ago, my parents decided to line Gwen up with my dad’s best friend, Dean. As fate would have it, they quickly fell in love and married. Our families have been close ever since.
Uncle Dean passed away just a year ago. I miss him. He was the type of guy every child should have in their life.
I remember one day when he piled about eight of us kids into the caboose; that’s what he called the back seat of their old station wagon, and headed over to the location that would become Sugarhouse Park.
He drove that old wagon slowly up the sleigh riding hill; I’m sure the hill was twice the size that it is now. We giggled with terrified anticipation; I couldn’t have been more scared than if we were driving up the face of Mount Olympus. Upon reaching the top, he turned the car around to face down that huge mountain of a hill and we just sat there in silence, letting the tension build. We felt as if we were on top of the world! My heart started pumping faster and faster as I realized that this was the most reckless event of my entire life! Suddenly, Uncle Dean let out a whoop and a holler and pressed the pedal to the medal, leaving behind a cloud of dust as we zoomed down that sleigh riding hill at top speed, all of us screaming with delight!
I’m sure that jumping out of an airplane would pale in comparison to the ride down the Sugarhouse sleigh riding hill that afternoon.
Anyway, when Aunt Gwen and I visited, I asked how things are going and she cheerfully said “Just fine!”
She is just a great example to everyone. After Dean died she just took the bull by the horns and got on with life. I think she told herself she was going to be happy and she is.
I asked her though, “Do you get lonely?”
“Oh yes.” She earnestly replied.
“Is it mostly at night when you are here all alone?
“No, I miss him all the time.”
And then with a tear in her eye she said, “I saw the loveliest artichoke the other day and I said to myself, ‘Oh, Dean would love this.’”
Just an artichoke, but it meant so much.

Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." Author Unknown

The Commission on the Status of Women

2011-03-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

You must be the change you wish to see in the world
Mahatma Gandhi

When I asked WOW’s past president, Susan Dayton why she was always so excited about attending The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), she said, “What it boils down to is rubbing shoulders with such amazing women!” This is my second year attending and I could not agree more!
There were many amazing sessions covering a myriad of important topics such as Maternal Mortality, Hunger Eradication, The Power of Motherhood, The Empowerment of Rural Women, but Wow’s panel discussion on Women in Society-Achievement in Science, Leadership and Humanitarian, is what touched me most deeply. Why? It was because of the women that participated on the panel. It wasn’t so much of what they said, but because of whom they are, and, the reminder they gave me that, just one individual literally has the power to change the world.
I met Becky Douglas last year at the conference and was thrilled when I learned she was one of this year’s panel participants.
When Becky returned from her first trip to India, she couldn’t sleep.
Becky, a professional violinist and mother of seven had originally traveled to India because of her oldest daughter Amber who had lost her seven year battle against bipolar disease. After her daughter’s death, Becky discovered that Amber had been sending money to an orphanage in India and thus began Becky’s journey that would not only change her own life and help her to deal with the loss of her beloved daughter but would literally change the lives of thousands.
While visiting India in 2000, Becky witnessed human beings in deplorable conditions. Worst of all were the Leprosy beggars who approached her at every stop begging for help. Even though Leprosy is now completely curable, the stigma is still there; its victims are considered by many to be the scum of the earth, rejected by society, they are forced to live in leprosy colonies. Traditionally, Leprosy patients have survived by begging. They leave the colonies for two weeks at a time to travel to the nearest city where they live in the streets as beggars until they collect enough money to return back to the colony where they can sleep on the dirt floor of their own home for a few days. Then it's back to the streets again. It is common to have the entire family on the street begging. I am sure that most of these people feel there is no other choice.
Of that first trip, Becky said, “I had a man that put his hand out to beg that had maggots crawling through his hand; and honestly, when I got home I was just haunted!” Becky decided that she could either lose sleep or do something about it. That “something” became Rising Star Outreach.
Rising Star has given hope to hundreds of families; it is educating the children and getting them out of the beggar mind set. She showed us the picture of a beautiful child, Jennifer that had the onset of leprosy as a preschooler. The disease was arrested with $1.50 medical treatment. This child now has the hope of a great future.
Rising Star has given micro loans to women who now have flourishing businesses, a decent standard of living and in turn, are improving the lives of the entire community. Becky related another story about a man who was refused a loan until he quit beating his wife. He stopped the abuse (some people will do anything for money) and now the man’s family has a successful business.
One beggar, who used to be chased away from begging in front of the tea store, is now invited in for tea. You see, he now sells the tea to its proprietor and is a respected business man. The stories are endless; and all this because of one woman’s desire to get a good night’s sleep.
I think Becky would describe herself as just an ordinary woman, a mother, a housewife and musician. She does believe though that God had a higher calling on her life. She said even out of the worst things, God can bring meaning.
Thank you Becky for your incredible example of the power of one!

Please go take a look at Rising Star website at http://risingstaroutreach.org/archuleta
For a mere $30 a month, you can educate a child!! Just think of what that would mean!

New York City

2011-03-08T22:06:00.001-07:00

This has been a whirl wind month!!! I have traveled from coast to coast to coast!
This session was taken in Manhattan. I once again had the opportunity to photograph at the United Nations, The Conference on the Status of Women. It was a wonderful experience for many reasons. I will write more about the conference later, but I just thought I'd post a couple of my favorites. It was bitterly cold, quite dark and miserable and I literally had one minute to take these portraits. Lucky for me these girls were so photogenic. At 15, they were probably the youngest presenters at the conference, speaking on the importance of mothers. They both did an excelent job. It is easy to see that they are taking after their wonderful grandmother, Carol Ugachucku

Love in Galveston

2011-03-02T14:29:00.000-07:00

Gone To The Birds

2011-02-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

Although we are still in the middle of a cold dreary winter, life is anything BUT dreary! Between fun winter photo sessions, catching up on designing wedding albums, and traveling, life is very busy here at Christy’s Photography.
I am currently looking outside at a raging snow storm so it is almost impossible to believe that yesterday I was walking on the beach in Coronado!
What a great week we had in California. Some of the highlights:
Eating fresh oranges
Eating fresh strawberries
Discovering new bakeries...I have got to find a recipe for that chocolate bundt cake with the dulce de leche filling and the key lime cake
Discovering sweet pepper hot sauce
(You may be asking yourself, did Christy go to California to photograph or to eat? Don’t worry, this is me…I took plenty of images.)
Sitting in on a catalog shoot (that was so much fun. It made me jealous though. How would it be to photograph with four assistants?)
People watching (I'm sure that California must be the honeymoon capitol of the world!)
Bird watching (I spent an entire afternoon just watching the comings and goings of pelicans, (they scare me because they remind me of those terrifying monkeys in the Wizard of Oz) the gulls actually have quite interesting personalities, and I was most amazed by the choreography of the sand birds. Did you know that they march in unison?)

Houston Adventure

2011-02-15T21:55:00.000-07:00

I just had one of the most fun birthday's I have ever had! I got to celebrate it with the Rasband family in Texas!
As most of you know, once I do someones wedding, it makes me related to them. Since I did E's sister's wedding a couple of years ago, I think that means that I am now her "aunt."
So last week, I flew with her parents to Houston to do her bridal portraits. We had the best time!
E was gorgeous and her dress was absolutley exquisite and not only looked like it was designed for her but also the location. I had wanted to photograph the portraits at Rice University because I think some of the buildings look like they are European. I was having so much fun photographing that I didn't even notice the cold until I saw goose bumps on her arms and it dawned on me that the poor little thing was just freezing to death. What a pro she was just taking it all in stride.
It was also wonderful to meet her fiance Andy and spend a couple of days with them sigh seeing...so much fun.
Her family was a great host and made sure that I was well fed and took me to the most amazing resturants! I fell in love with Texas Barbeque and Thai food.
Not to mention the most incredible dessert place in the world called The Chocolate Bar. (If you haven't had chocolate rootbeer or white chocolate lemon ice cream, you don't know what you are missing!)
Thanks so much Rasbands! You are wonderful!
PS, I can't wait for the wedding!

Freedom!

2011-02-10T08:52:00.001-07:00

Ahhhhhh, the inexpressible joy of your first set of wheels! The freedom of exploring the unknown, going wherever you want, doing dare devil tricks,feeling speed for the first time,hanging out with a special friend and no parents to drive you. Life just doesn't get any better than this!!

Re

TRUE LOVE!

2011-01-31T19:58:00.000-07:00

LOVE! I see it every where I go. After all, as a wedding photographer I am surrounded by love. (I could even say that I am in love with love) It is exciting and touching for me to have the blessing of photographing a couple as they begin their life together.
So, you know what is even better than photographing a young couple in love? A couple who is not so young; whose love has been tried and tested and who is even more in love than on the day they married.
On Monday, my friends Judy and Fran came into the studio for their Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary Portrait. I had been looking forward to spending some time with them but had no idea that it was going to be one of those experiences that won’t be forgotten.
To be with a couple that has not only spent the last fifty years together but are truly each other’s best friend, can finish each others sentences, laugh over their own inside jokes, continually build one another, are as different as night and day…(except for their strikingly beautiful white hair) but glory in those differences, would trust each other with their lives and treat each other as royalty, was absolutely one of the most beautiful and poignant experiences I have had in a long time. As I photographed them, we had to frequently stop because one of them would get the giggles and they would laugh and hug each other. There were even a few tears as they reminisced over their past. Fran would look at Judy with such love and admiration that it made me long for what they share.
I felt truly envious of them and their history that has brought them to this point in their lives.
Is their life perfect? Far from it; life has recently dealt them a harsh blow and now more than ever, they cherish each moment that they share.
I love you Fran and Judy,and thank you for letting me into your lives and seeing a true example of eternal love.

Warning: Don't Watch if You're in a Bad Mood

2011-01-31T19:19:00.000-07:00

I just saw a fun blog, A Little Bit of This and a Little Bit of That, and watched this absolutely crazy video. After editing all day, it is just what I needed! It is so funny!!

Imagination

2011-01-21T16:12:00.000-07:00

At five, I loved Superman, but not like Lois Lane. I mean, I loved him so much, I wanted to be him. I'm sure that this was because of my greatest wish; I wanted to fly. I used to jump off the top stairs in the basement to try to catch some wind, but always ended up in a big heap at the bottom. However, when my mom fastened a towel around my neck with a giant diaper pin, I would run around the yard as fast as I could, and that old, ragged towel would fly out behind me. I could actually look down on all the houses, people and cars. I WAS FLYING!!!
If you haven't hung out with a pre-schooler lately, you really should. There is nothing better than a child's imagination! Maybe that's why I love photographing this age group, because when you are four, five and six, (before school takes away your innocence)the world can be exactly what you want it to me.

Not any work here on my part, but his imagination is so big, I had to put this one in.

Kate the Great!

2011-01-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

If you know me, you know that I love a beautiful, tradional, studio portrait. BUT, that said, a tradional portrait is not enough. There is nothing more fun than documenting the "real child".
Do you think my girl Kate can sit still for more than two seconds? Not on your life! And that is why we had such a fun photo session. Her mommy just loves these!

Do you have any pre-schoolers at home? January is the perfect time to bring them to the studio for some fun! Call me and ask me about my January Pre-schooler Special.

Honoring Susan

2011-01-06T19:00:00.000-07:00

Women came from as far away as Africa and Switzerland to honor and celebrate the life of our dear friend and past president of WOW, Susan Dayton who passed away December 30Th 2010.
True to form, Susan had her funeral all planned. She had even purchased the sheet music for her WOW and PTA friends so we could sing a beautiful arrangement of, As Sisters In Zion. I don't think there was a dry eye in the Primary room when we practiced.
It is hard to believe that this time last year Susan was getting ready for our big meeting at the United Nations. I have a strong feeling that she will be there with us this year, at least in spirit.
She is sorely missed! Our condolences to the wonderful Dayton family.

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Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T21:33:00.000-07:00

Christmas Spirit

2010-12-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make. I'm not a Christmas decorator. I am usually so swamped with Christmas orders that Christmas comes and goes before I have a chance to even enjoy it! Sometimes I even pray December passes quickly and make no effort whatsoever to decorate! Last year my daughter Katie had the nerve to question what kind of grandmother doesn't at least decorate for her grandchildren, so when my neighbor threw out her tree a couple of days before Christmas because they were leaving on vacation, I gladly accepted her offer of a free tree and got it up for Christmas EVE. This year I decided that no matter how busy I am, I will enjoy CHRISTMAS!! My sister Charlotte told me I HAD TO DECORATE...so I did. I spent two days shopping for decorations. I was in agony! (I wonder if I am the only woman in her fifties that doesn't have boxes and boxes of decorations) It was worth it, the house looks pretty good actually and although I am one of the few homes without Christmas lights, I am proud of the cute little Christmas tree in the faux lepard skin pot that I put on my front porch.

I must admit that after decorating, making ginger bread boys with the grandkids, attending a couple of parties and going to hear the Tab Choir with David Archuleta last night, (by the way, I was skeptical of him being their guest artist, but he sang like and ANGEL!!) I am REALLY in the Christmas mood now! Another thing that has helped is driving by my neighbor Rob's house. I purposely drive out of my way to pass by his home. The other night I just parked in front of his house and felt merrier by the minute as I watched his lights change colors as they blinked off and on. He is a decorator and did a lovely job this year!

CHRISTMAS! BRING IT ON!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-03T17:23:00.000-07:00

It is still not too late to book your family's Christmas portraits. Take advantage of my Christmas Specials!
This year as a gift to my previous customers I am offering free outdoor sessions! So pull out your parka's, Norwegian sweaters, hand knit gloves, snow shoes or whatever you need for fun in the snow and lets head to the mountains! (I only have a couple of slots left so call me ASAP!)

JFK

2010-11-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

Friday November 22, 1963
Dear Diary,
President Kennedy was killed today. Someone shot him. No one knows how I felt when my school teacher told me he was shot.
Mom and Dad are not Democrats but you wonder how some one could shoot the President. He was shot in the right temple. He was shot in Texas.

I remember that cold November day when Mrs. Paulsen the school secretary barraged into our classroom right before lunch. Her face was all red and she looked like she had run up the entire flight of stairs to get to our classroom. “President Kennedy has just been shot!”
Mr. Libbert stared at her in disbelief as he marched over to turn on our classroom radio.
“In case you are just tuning in, let me reiterate that the President of the United States of America has just been shot in Dallas Texas.” We heard the announcer say. “At this time we are unsure of the President’s condition and we are currently awaiting news from Parkland Memorial Hospital.”
Sitting on his desk, Mr. Libbert seemed to be in a trance as he listened for the updates. The classroom turned into a carnival-like atmosphere and all thoughts of regular classroom activity went out the window. It is really true that there is nothing like a disaster to bring people together. It seemed as if we were all friends and equals as we mingled discussing this shocking state of affairs. After the bell for lunch sounded we straggled down to the cafeteria.
I was on the staircase when the news blasted through the school, “President Kennedy has died from a bullet wound in the head!”
Upon returning to our room, with tears rolling down his cheeks, Mr. Libbert told me what I feared. It was true. The President was dead. Glancing beyond Mr. Libbert, I saw Robyn sitting in the window sill quietly sobbing. Her parents must be Democrats, I said to myself. Looking around the room I saw that she wasn’t the only person with tears.
Mama had long ago nicknamed me Hard Hearted Hannah, because she thought I never showed emotion and I guess it really was true because even though I felt shock and disbelief, tears weren’t even close to the surface. In my state of disbelief as all I could think about was, How could someone shoot the President of the United States?
When I got home from school I saw it all over and over again on our television set.
President and Mrs. Kennedy riding in the back seat of their presidential limousine; the happy Kennedy’s waving to their adoring crowd. Suddenly the president’s head is knocked backwards towards his wife. She stands up and crawls out onto the back of the limousine to retrieve part of his brain.
A couple of years before, my cousin Clara had given me Jacqueline and Caroline Kennedy paper dolls for Christmas and I wondered what on earth could possess my aunt to buy them for me. We weren’t Democrats! However, as I cut those dolls out, I had to admit to myself that Jackie; everyone called her Jackie, was beautiful and Caroline her little girl was just that, a little girl just like my sister Charlotte. Now beautiful Jackie was widowed with two little children.
I went to bed that night with visions of the Kennedy’s waving to the crowd. How quickly the world can change in the blinking of an eye.

A New Life

2010-11-15T20:32:00.001-07:00

This week our family was blessed with a new member. Tyler Vern Cunningham arrived on November 10th weighing in at 7 pounds 2 ounces.
I am so blessed to have Jenn for my daughter-in-law for many reasons but I especially apprecitate her because she has always invited me into the delivery room to photograph.
I can't think of anything that could give me greater joy than witnessing the birth of my grandchildren.
Here Jenn is moments before the delivery. I couldn't believe how perky she was throughout the entire delivery!
Tyler's grand entry!

Codye holds his son for the first time.

Thanks Jenn and Code, I love you guys!

Goodbye To My Friend

2010-11-13T20:52:00.001-07:00

Today my dear friend Margaret was laid to rest.

Maybe you are blessed with one of those rare friends that maybe you don't get to see very often but you can always pick up right where you left off the last time you were together. That's the kind of friend she was to me.

The last time I saw her, her eyes lit up and she said,"Okay kid, just tell me everything, I want to hear everything that has been going on in your life!!!"

This week I received a special gift from her even after her death. I got a call from her son-in-law informing me of her passing and then he said, "You were on her list of special people and the family just wanted to let you know." When he said, "her list of special people" I felt so special and could imagine Margaret's loving arms around me saying good bye. Then I had a little chuckle as I envisioned that list. In my mind's eye, I saw this huge long list of names written on an adding machine tape (kind of like a list Santa might have) it went clear to the floor and rolled out the door.

She had the unique ablity to make each of her friends feel that they were her favorite and you know what, I think we all were her favorite. If all of us could love the way Margaret did, this world would be such a great place.

Tonight on my walk, I had a thought that I wanted to share with her and suddenly remembered that I couldn't. I miss her!

Happy Birthday Little Miss Olivia!

2010-11-11T15:26:00.000-07:00

What a joy it was for me to get to know this little sweetie. I photographed her parents wedding a couple of years ago and now they are a family of three. It is really beautiful to see a wonderful couple turn into a family.
It was so fun to be apart of her first birthday celebration!

Happy Halloween!!!!!

2010-10-29T22:41:00.001-06:00

If you think I had fun with these children, you're right!!! What could be more fun than spending time with my darling nieces, nephews and grandchildren!

Congratulations!!!!

2010-10-08T22:58:00.000-06:00

I am simply amazed at what these kids have to know in order to have their Mitzvah.
Today was LT rehearsal and tomorrow is the big day! Congratultions LT! You have been so much fun to work with.
I know you are going to do a GREAT JOB!

Little Miss Emma

2010-10-01T15:34:00.000-06:00

This little girl is so precious! Just look at those curls!

Summer Highlights!

2010-10-01T12:53:00.000-06:00

Okay, I am starting to mourn the loss of summer. Don't feel too bad for me though, I go through this every year. However, I do admit that it is fun to look back on some of the highlights.
I am the first to admit that I am not a true blogger. I wish I had time to put up every single wedding and every single session I photograph. There have been some wonderful sessions this season...here are just a few.

After Heather's Bridal, I felt like I had been on a trip to Italy. It was so beatiful up in the foothills and it was the perfect place for Heather, she is a natural beauty and an outdoors girl. I loved her bridals as well as her wedding.

I have seen a lot of flying veils, but Catherine gets the prize for highest and longest flight. I thought it was going to fly right over the church office building. (and grandpa's hair along with it.)
This couple lives in Boston and I wish I had there permission to relate their love story...so if you see them, ask them about it.

One could write a book about this couple...when the groom met Joanna in high school he got a job where she worked so he could get to know her and in the end and several years later, they fell madly in love!

This is cute Natalie; Janet and Jeff's daughter! I have to admit that I felt veerrry old photographing Natalie. Her dad is my baby cousin. (He and his twin Hal, ruined my first trip to Disneyland when I was ten. But that story I'll save for another day.) I can't believe he has grown kids now.

Mackenzie and Rob had a beautiful celebration! Mackenzie gets the award for "The Most Loyal Flowergirls!" They hardly left her side!

Lindsey and Ryder

2010-09-14T14:48:00.000-06:00

These guys have been so much fun! I can hardly wait for their wedding!

Everything I know about Endurance I learned from LOTOJA

2010-09-12T19:19:00.000-06:00

I love SEPTEMBER! I think that I live life to the fullest, but since I am not an athlete, I have to live vicariously through my brother-in-law David and cousin Greg, to participate in LOTOJA! It is held the second week in September and Riders come from all over the country to participate in the longest one day bike race in the USA. This 206 mile race from Logan,Utah to Jackson Hole,Wyoming covers some of the most scenic landscapes in the world but at the same time, it is also one of the most grueling races climbing 3 mountain ranges in the first 110 miles. Just watching what each of these riders go through makes my bones ache! But what an inspiration they are to me!

"I learned that if you want to make it bad enough, no matter how bad it is, you can make it."
Gail Sayers

Lots of fun with Benjamin!

2010-09-12T16:42:00.000-06:00

I just love this little guy! What a joy it has been documenting his life from birth to 18 months!

Summer of 3 year olds

2010-09-09T23:51:00.000-06:00

If you ever feel like life just isn't that much fun, you really need to spend some time with a three year old.(That is, unless you are a mother of a three year old and you need a break) Adam and I had a blast at the park celebrating his third birthday!
If you see him, you need to ask him about his flip flops. I think he sleeps with them. He found them at his grandma's garage sale. They belonged to his uncle Brady who is now serving a mission.

It is not too late for Portraits in the Garden

2010-09-09T23:25:00.000-06:00

Little Miss M and I, as usual, had a marvelous portrait session. When she arrived she was Alice (As in wonderland) and entertained me with her perfect English accent. We spent the morning in search of the White Rabbit; unfortunately we never found him but we sure had fun looking!

A powerful reminder about perseverance

2010-08-26T12:32:00.000-06:00

My "friend" Kim Komando has this on her website under "Perseverance" I would put it under, "Love of a Parent" It is worth watching!

TVKim- Watching: Kim's Picks- A powerful reminder about perseverance

She's All Grown Up

2010-08-20T08:36:00.000-06:00

I first got to know my niece Mackenzie when our family moved to Utah. She was three years old at the time when she got into my purse and ate my fertility pills! Since then she continued to keep our family entertained with her various antics. When she was fourteen we got even closer when we traipsed through France together. Now she has met wonderful Rob who she married last week in the Salt Lake Temple. I couldn't be happier! They are amazing people and are going to be a great team.
What a thrill it was for me to shoot their wedding.

Oorah!

2010-08-15T08:40:00.000-06:00

While visiting the Quantico Marine Base, I overheard a conversation between my daughter and her son’s baseball coach. He had asked her a question and when she answered, his eye brightened and he said as only a marine can say, “Oorah!” Now, I didn’t know what this meant but I knew that whatever it was, she not only had the right answer but he was really pleased with it. I have since learned that Oorah is a word that can be used several ways and it can’t truly be translated into English because there is more emotion to it than a definition. Some use it as a motivational cry, some to answer in the affirmative or as a cheer to signify that a Marine is ready for action! Some Marines shorten it to a growl, “Er” , or “Rah”, but nevertheless, the meaning is the same. I also like the Hebrew definition, awaken. I have adopted this word into my thoughts and given it my own variation and meaning.
To someone who has gone beyond the call of duty, to someone who lives passionately, to the person who is really trying hard but needs encouragement, to a job well done, and most importantly to a person who pursues excellence, I say Oorah!
This morning in the park, I passed by four hefty young women who were out walking. I say the word “walking” loosely because their lackadaisical stride actually made me laugh and I wondered if these girls thought they were working out. Suddenly one of the girls broke into a slow jog and tried to get the others to follow, but with shoulders slumped they just groaned. One of them, with a pained look on her face exclaimed that she just couldn’t go any faster, she was just toooooo tired! So the jogger walked back to the others and once again began to mosey on along with the other three. Well, I must at least give them credit for walking in the park at seven am. I thought to myself, but wondered if they thought that going through the motions of a supposed workout was going to reduce their spare tires and do them one bit of good. They had already accomplished the hardest part of getting themselves out of bed at 6:30 am, if they would have exerted just a bit more effort they could have accomplished something more. Sometimes that’s all it takes, just giving it a little bit more umph!
This made me think about life in general. How many of us go through the motions of life but don’t really live it? We need more Oorah worthy lives. There are a couple of statements in the Marine Manifesto that could be taken to heart.
… You will be measured not by what you have but how much of yourself you’re willing to give. Not by your ability to pull yourself up, but your commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder. Not by your strength, but your honor… Our title is earned, never given. And what’s earned is yours forever.
The world could use people with more commitment, more excitement and more pursuit of excellence.
My step dad Howard is an example to me. He often greets strangers with “Hello, isn’t it a beautiful day!” He really means it. At 83 he lives life with gusto!
Well, it’s time for me to go start my day so I say to you and to myself, OORAH! Make it a good one!

Chad's Amazing Vacation

2010-07-15T10:45:00.001-06:00

Do you know how it feels to be unabashedly adored? I do. I am so loved that I have absolutely no excuse for ever feeling sad, lonely or depressed. I have Chad in my life.
He calls me at least one to eight times daily. (I think he loves my sisters even more, Cynthia once got seventy calls in one day) When I pick up his calls I hear on the other end, "What's up?, Are you bored?" or "Watch the news huh?" He doesn't linger on the line, he just goes through the list of asking where each family member is and what they are doing, then says, "Cccchhriiissssty, I love you." or "Love you babe!"
Well, for the last month and a half the topic of conversation has changed. The question has been "Moab?"
Every year I take an annual trip with my mom, step dad and his son Chad, when he has his annual vacation from Burger King. This year we headed to Durango Colorado and vicinity. It was fabulous!! It was surprising to discover that Chad really loves to study the Utah map and then demands that we head to Beaver, Price, Richfield, Moab, or any other place that strikes his fancy at that moment. I have to admit that I told a down right lie. We were in the middle a Mesa Verde and he wasn't happy because he wanted to go to Beaver, Utah. (I don't think he liked the idea of being outside of Utah) I told him we were in Beaver and that seemed to take care of that for a few minutes. I also realized on this trip that he is definitely a city dude and not a country boy. He needs his pizza hut, Chinese food and "pit stop!!!!" places and the evening news. He was not a happy camper in our rustic cabin because his routine was broken and he could not watch the ten o'clock news. I was awaken several times in the night by his pacing back and forth mumbling, "I'm outa here!!!!" and his flashing the lights off and on. (If you want to want to experience a little of our trip, you really need to watch "The Rain Man".)
But that said, we did have an wonderful trip. Chad is really very entertaining. When traveling down the freeway, he loves to yell out the window "Happy New Year!!!!" This trip however, it was "David Boren, what you doin' here? CALL ME!"
To be honest, sometimes Chad is just a pain in the neck, but on the other hand, when he looks at me and flutters his eyelashes with such innocence or when he pats me on the head and says "apple pie" he is so endearing and I realize that knowing him has enriched my life. Sometimes I wonder who Chad really is and what it will be like to know him in the next life.

Think Not Only Upon Their Passing, Remember The Glory Of Their Spirit

2010-05-30T17:55:00.000-06:00

When Dad came home from the navy after WWII, he brought with him a black and white photo, 10x19 inches. In it, six rows of sailors, twenty men across. On the top row in the center is a man holding a flag that has the number 460 on it. The photo was taken August 4, 1943 in Farragut, Idaho, where the U.S. Naval Training Station was located. This was the 406-43 regiment.
When I was a little girl, I would often look at the picture. Sometimes I would count all the men lined up at attention. I liked to find my dad’s face in the crowd. He was easy to spot. He was the tallest. He held the flag. Other than that, the photo held no significance to me.
About forty five years later I moved into my parent’s home. Cleaning out the basement I chanced upon this photo.
“Wonderful!” I said to myself, “This would be great with my décor.” The bright yellow wall going into the basement was decorated with black and white photos. I added this old photo to the collection.
Then, one day last week as I bounded down the stairs to retrieve fruit from my storage room my eyes landed upon the photo as if for the first time. I gazed at the faces. I was stopped cold. How could this be? I asked myself. I studied the faces I had looked at as a child. There before me were one hundred thirty three faces. Mere BOYS! Boys that didn’t even shave yet; standing at attention, straight and tall. Boys with young innocent grins who had not yet tasted the agony of war. Did they have any idea of what lay before them? I’m sure not. But I do know that most of them joined the navy because they wanted to keep our country free.
My mind went to my grandmother. She sent my father, a hundred and thirty pound seventeen year old off to the war. (Dad joined a week before his eighteenth birthday.) I think of my nephews Sam, Cameron, and Brandon who are in their teens. All they have on there minds is playing sports, dating and having a good time until they go on their missions. I can’t even in my wildest dreams, imagine sending them off to war. How did grandma do it? Was the war constantly on her mind? Or did she keep busy with the other children and just prayed that her son would come home?
How many of those boys actually came home? Which of their mothers and sweethearts received the fateful telegram?
Those boys of yesteryear are now in their eighties and nineties. They are dying at the rate of a thousand a day. We are losing one of the greatest generations who ever lived. From now on as I walk by that photo I will offer a prayer of thanks for those one hundred and thirty three men in that picture.

This is the American Cemetary in Normandy. When I passed through the gates, I was overcome with emotion when I saw white crosses for as far as my eyes could see. I was literally speechless. Visiting this memorial was one of the most sacred experiences of my life. While the French tourists were running and goofing around laughing, Americans moved about somberly with tremendous respect for the unbelievable number of dead soldiers. I found the sheer number of graves to be overwhelming. Thousands upon thousands of American dead, most killed in June or July of 1944.
We lost about 3,000 soldiers in the first 3 hours of the Battle of Normandy. Most of them lay in this place.
When I returned to the bus, our French guide told us that France will forever be in debt to those men in that cemetary, along with thousands of others who fought for their freedom.

Oorah Katie!!!!!

2010-05-17T22:02:00.001-06:00

My daughter Katie just competed in the Marine's annual half marathon in Historic Fredricksberg Virginia this last weekend. This is a race that is run by civilians as well as Marines. Many of the runners did this race in memory of their fallen marines, it was very touching.
Katie ran an incredible race especially considering this was her first one since elementary school. (I must brag that she did run in the famous Butterdome in Edmonton) She did really well too, ranking in the top 13 percent!

Here are her boys watching for their
mom to make it across the finish line.
Were they ever happy when she did it in under 2 hours.

Way to go KATIE!!!!!!
You are such an example for setting goals and REACHING THEM!

Wonderful!!!

2010-05-10T22:22:00.000-06:00

"It's the little things that make life big!

Spending time with two of my favorite children in one of the most beautiful Spring gardens in the world is just about the most wonderful thing I can think of!
A is a such a cutie and J is just one of those happy spirits. Even at this tender age she radiates JOY!!!

A Mother's Day Remembered

2010-05-09T10:33:00.001-06:00

Today is Mother’s Day. At church, all the children came to the front of the chapel and began to sing, “Mother Dear, I Love You So.”
My mind drifted back to those long ago days when I was a young mother. Strangely enough, my thoughts turned not to my own children but to Eric, a child who one day entered my life and then suddenly left it, but in so doing, left an impression that will forever stay in my heart.
One day Codye came home with his “new best friend.”
Eric was a blond, freckle nosed, kid that lived in some condos up the street from us.
I didn’t know much about him except that he lived with his father and a brother a bit older than him.
Codye and Eric became inseparable. He spent so much time at our house that I felt he was just another member of our family. It was if I had another son. Since he didn't have a mom, I was extra nice to him and wanted him to feel special in our home.
Eric would often seek me out in the kitchen while the other kids were down stairs playing. As he sat at the kitchen table watching me bake, he would innocently reveal to me the details of his life.
Erik’s dad was a somber German. I think he was probably a good man but seemed to rule his family with an iron fist. Spending many hours away from home trying to provide a good living for his sons, he didn’t have much time for his very lonely child at home.
I assumed that Eric’s mom had passed away. He never talked about her until one day it was brought up nonchalantly in conversation that he did indeed have a mother but she was living with her boyfriend and his kids. She in fact was raising a boy the same age as Erik.
In his eyes, (and mine too) she had chosen another boy over him. This was perplexing to him and I was flabbergasted that she didn’t have much of a relationship with her beautiful son.
I wanted to lash out at his mother, to tell Eric that there is a special place in hell for women like her and that he didn’t deserve that kind of treatment. I kind of wish I had, but I just fed him cookies and told him his mom loved him in her own way.
One day Eric came over, he seemed to be in a daze. He sadly announced that his mother had died. She had awakened in the night with an excruciating head ache. A few hours later she was dead from a brain aneurysm.
It was heartrending to see Eric mourn. Before her death he accepted the life she had chosen for herself, but at the back of his mind, there was always the hope that someday his mother would come home. That dream died along with the woman he called mother.
One Friday he came home from school and very shyly handed me the typical hand made crayon drawn, construction paper card. It read, “Happy Mother’s Day to my mom.”
He timidly asked if it was okay if he gave the card to me because he didn’t know who else to give it to. I was so touched and readily accepted his gift. He then merrily went off to play. At that moment, I couldn’t have loved him more if I had given him birth.
Suddenly, one day he stopped coming over. He started hanging out with another kid in the neighborhood. He not only didn’t want to come to our house but he didn’t want to play with Codye. Not only was Codye's grieving almost more than I could bare but I wondered how Eric could just walk out of our lives. A short time later, we moved away from his neighborhood. One day I saw him once more riding his bike and he briefly acknowledged me and was then on his way.
The days went into weeks and I gradually got used to his absence but I have to admit that for a long time, there was an empty spot in my heart.
That was over twenty years ago. Today Eric is in his thirties. I would love to see the man that he has become. I wonder if he is married, if he has children, if he is happy. But more than that, I wish he could know, that today on mother’s day, I remember him with love and the beautiful card he made me and how grateful I am that for a brief moment, I was his mother.

Quantico

2010-05-07T21:52:00.001-06:00

I just returned from a marvelous trip to Quantico Virginia. This is the headquarters for the Marines and it is my third trip there. After getting to meet quite a few women, I have really gained an appreciation for the Marine Wives who live there. OORAH!!! Many of these women are young mom's who have to hold down the fort. I don't know what their men would do without them.
I did few photo sessions with some of these families and had an absolute ball photographing some really cute kids!
Here is just a sample of some of theses beautiful children.

Hooray!!! It is Spring!!

2010-03-20T22:19:00.000-06:00

I hear that Spring has arrived out in Virginia. Hopefully it will be coming to Utah soon.
Today I went to a Women's Conference and came away very uplifted. The famous John Bytheway was the speaker and he did a good job as usual but it was his mother's talk that really hit home with me. She spoke about the difficulties we are facing in today's world and then she shared this thought from President Hinkley.

"It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. If you do your best it will all work out. Put your trust in God and move forward with faith and confidence in the future."

I love that. It kind of reminds me of my mom. She is very pragmatic about life; takes whatever comes her way be it good or bad and just keeps going. One day years ago when Katie was a toddler, she fell out of the car as I was making a left hand turn in a busy intersection on 7th east.(Before you judge me too harshly, car seats hadn't been invented or at least, we didn't think they were important back then) I panicked and in my mind, I was sure she was dead. Then I did the worst thing possible; I just kept on driving. That poor little thing just picked herself up off the pavement and chased after the car. Suddenly I came to my senses,got her into the car and drove over to my parents house. The minute I saw my mom, I burst into tears. (It doesn't matter how old you get, you can always fall apart with your mom.) I didn't think I could ever forgive myself for almost killing my baby. Anyway, she let me cry for a while and listened to how rotten I felt but later that afternoon she interupted me and said, "Okay, that is enough of that. Focus on something else." I have always appreciated her good sense and example of how to get along in life.
Anyway, todays conference was great, and I too have found "it all works out" sometimes even better than expected. The sun is shinning and I am happy that it is Spring!

Taylor is Eight!

2010-03-20T18:12:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite guys turned eight!
Taylor it seems like yesterday we were dashing up to the hospital for your birth and now, it is time for you to get baptized!
I am so happy I was able to spend the week with you in Virginia. I especially loved going to the antique shops to pick out your birthday present. You are probably the only eight year old who owns a 100 year old mallet.
Remember that Grandma Kitty Kat LOVES YOU!!

I Love Marine Families!

2010-03-20T15:23:00.001-06:00

I met Crystal and Rich in Quantico.
I was thrilled when they let me tag along on a family outting to Fredricksberg. This is such a delightful family! I am so happy that they are a part of my grandchildren's lives. Children never can have too many good role models and people who love them. Don't you agree?
A note to the grandparents of these beautiful boys. When I was photographing the boys, I couldn't help but think of you who live so far away. I hope that when you see these pictures you can live vicariously through me and pretend that you also spent the day with theses little darlings.

The Commission on the Status of Women... Stranger, Friend, Sister

2010-03-16T22:38:00.000-06:00

You must be the change you wish to see in the world
Mahatma Gandhi

That was my personal theme for the Conference. I saw it happen over and over again...Stranger, Friend, Sister.

If I could only use one word to describe New York City, I would say it is thrilling. The shopping, sights, sounds, smells and Broadway Shows never cease to delight me, however, I knew this trip was going to be different than my previous trips because I was there to suport WOW.
As Patti Liston and I quickly walked down Lexington on the way to our first meeting in which Patti was going to do a presentation at the side event at the UN, we were in deep conversation when a beggar brushed past me and asked for a hand out. I swat her off like I would a fly, not even really paying attention. Suddenly, Patti stopped in her tracks and asked this filthy, toothless woman if she was hungry. When she replied that she was very hungry, Patti gently touched her arm and cheerfully exclaimed “Then lets get you something to eat!” As we entered a warm, steamy deli, our noses were assaulted by the most delicious smells that you can only find in New York. With red chapped cheeks, the tattered woman rubbed her hands together to get warm. Patti demanded that she order whatever she wanted. Patti’s new friend ordered a scrambled egg and then quickly added, “make that three scrambled eggs!” Turning to me she said with an impish grin, I am going to give the left-overs to my kids. Patti paid for the meal and then with arms wide open, pulled the women close to her and gave her a big squeeze. Now this wasn’t the kind of hug you would normally give to a stranger, (because you usually don’t hug strangers) it was a was a cheek to cheek, I love you because you are my sister and a special child of God kind of hug. I hope I never forget the look on this suddenly beautiful sister’s face, a look of absolute happiness and sheer delight.
I was so humbled by this act of love. Patti was in a hurry and probably more nervous than I could imagine because it isn’t every day you give a presentation at the UN but she gave her precious time to take care of another human being. Suddenly I realized just how different this trip was going to be than I hade ever imagined. Here was a woman who lives what she preaches.
Was this story unique? No, I found myself in absolute awe of each woman from our group. I was literally in the company of angels and I didn’t want the experience to end.

One night I sat on the floor of our apartment (actually it was a hotel, but it felt like a really cool, old, classy apartment) I just listened to these women and their conversation; the exchange of ideas and listening to each other. Will you think I am really horrible if I admit that a lot of the time, I don't enjoy being in the company of women. I like women one on one or groups of two or three but never a big group. This was totally different. Their dialog was so uplifting I felt like just sitting at their feet and learning from them.
I attended several very interesting classes on how to help the women in the world, but the living sermons of the women I was with taught me more about how to change the world, than any class or discussion panel.

Susan Dayton is our President. Wow! (WOMAN OF WONDER!) A woman of great class. She is a DOER. She has incredible organization skills. I would give anything to be like her. Her organization of this conference made it possible for all of us to have the best experience possible.

Pattie Liston is with Reach the Children. I call her the Doer of the Word!

Suvi Hynynen an amazing girl! (I shouldn't call her a girl because she is a woman but anyone under forty is still a girl to me.) She is the type of person who works quietly in the background making things happen. She cares deeply about the environment and has been involved in many humanitarian projects.

Alaska Turner was so fun to meet. When I used to get emails from her, I wondered who on earth is this Alaska person. She is an attorney who is presently staying home with her kids and making a huge difference in the world. As I watched her I was very impressed with her talents.

I first met Carol Ugachucku last October. She was my room mate and I just love her! We had so much fun walking the streets of New York. She has got a unique talent and just makes me laugh. She is from Nigeria and is making a huge difference in her world. She is an advocate for educating the women in Africa.

Bonnie Ballif-Spanvill, what a brillant articulate woman. She just blew away those who heard her speak at our side event. She made a huge impression.

Afton Beutler, What a sweetheart! I am so glad I got to know her better. She is our liason to the UN in Geneva. She is so sweet and giving. WOW couldn't do the amazing things they do without her.

It is interesting how every once in a while certain people are put in our path and you know isn't just a coincidence. Valerie Anderson was one such person for me. Valerie has been involved in Rotary International, is a photographer and gifted writer, and all this is wonderful but it is how she lives her life that made such an impression on me. This amazing women taught me some things that I won't forget.

Ezinne Akudinobi is a high school senior from California who is already getting involved in hunmanitarian projects. She is also a wonderful sport. When she came down with the flu I asked her why she just didn't go to bed she replied that she didn't want to miss anything. Ezinne is Carol's grandaughter.

Becky Douglas is the President of an absolutely wonderful organization Rising Star Outreach, is a kind a gracious woman who I would like to be like when I grow up. As I was walking with her to the UN, I decided right then that my life won't be complete until I travel to India with her and see the country through her eyes.

Diana Haskins was another one of our presenters. She is the current directore of Afghan Academy for Hope. She is someone who gave up something she really wanted for something that would benefit a lot of people.

I had been hearing about Gwen and finally got to meet her just before I left town.
She is an attorney living in Texas. She is one of the board members of WOW. Fun, girl! I look forward to future contact with her.

I met Jacki Hunlow last year when she was honored by WOW at our Weber State Conference. She is the founder of the Mothers’ Legacy Project a living collection of written, oral and visual stories honoring mothers. She is an acclaimed artist that has creativity oozing out of every pore. I loved listening to the history behind some of her works. I wish she lived by me, I would love to go to lunch with her on a regular basis just to pick her brain.

Tiffany Stanley is our WOW Intern. She made our beautiful brochures and the great business cards. She resides in Provo, Utah

And here I am standing across the street from the United Nations!
As I was working on this post, I realized that there are a few people who attended that I wasn't able to photograph including WOW's treasurer who resides in Utah, Abbie Vianes.

The following pictures are just some of the highlights of our meetings and of the trip in general. You ladies who want to download your pictures from this blog, go ahead and do so.

THE UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION ON WOMEN

2010-03-16T10:36:00.001-06:00

Can you imagine how excited I was when I got my clearance to attend the annual Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations! The exciting thing about it is I will be photographing and I can hardly wait!!
So, I am off to New York to support this incredible organization of which I belong, The World Organization of Women. We are one of the Non Governmental Organizations (NGO's) that has status at the UN where we can participate in global policy making and support women's grass roots efforts. It sounds important doesn't it! Well, it is. They are an amazing group of women from all over the world. You have got to check this organization out! http://wowinfo.org
Susan Dayton of Buffalo New York is currently the President of WOW and when she asked me last Spring if I wanted to become involved with the organization and be the photographer, I couldn't say yes fast enough.
I'll post later and let you know how things went.

*This was written in Feb and the conference took place March 1-12. I am a bit behind on my postings.

McKenzie Y Julio

2010-02-27T23:01:00.001-07:00

Mckenzie and Julio are dear friends who will be getting married next month. What fun it was to do their portraits in almost balmy weather! You'd never dream these were taken in February. I never get tired of being with couple so in love.

Alissa

2010-02-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

Alissa is a miracle child and just another word for happy. This is the happiest, most content child to photograph. It always just kind of makes my day whenever she and her family come for their photo sessions!

Gabby is Eight!

2010-02-10T21:38:00.001-07:00

I met Gabby before she started kindergarden and now here she is eight and baptized!
You are beautiful Gabby, thanks for letting me do your portraits!

Jane

2010-02-10T18:54:00.000-07:00

I have got this thing for tutu's lately. Brittney made this cute one for darling Jane. Isn't she a little doll! We kind of neglected Adam this session because us girls were having so much fun, but he is getting his turn soon.

Mary Ann

2010-02-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

Do I have the best job in the world? YES!!! This little darling is one of the most interesting children I have ever met. You haven't lived until you have had a conversation with a child like Mary Ann. I wish I was half as smart as she is! And what FUN!

Little Ben...not quite as little

2010-02-10T16:40:00.001-07:00

Ben and I became friends almost a year ago and since then, I have had the joy of documenting every month of his life. Needless to say, I have developed such a love for this little guy that I feel like I should be his grandma or at least his auntie Christy

Kate and Macy

2010-01-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

I can't believe these little girls are no longer babies! It seems like I just did their newborn portraits, and now they will soon be the big sisters to their little brother.
We had so much fun with the tutu's!

Strong in Spirit!

2010-01-18T10:25:00.001-07:00

I photographed an amazing women a couple of weeks ago at her 100th birthday party. I left the celebration feeling so inspired. She proved to me that even though the years may slow down the body, they don't have to alter the spirit! As I photographed the event I watched the guests pass through the reception line and I could see the reason she is so loved. She was truly interested in each guest. My goodness, she even made me feel loved and I was just the photographer!
AND...since I am so concerned about turning into an old lady, she was proof that you can still be beautiful at age 100!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOIS DAYTON!!! Thank you for your example.

Speaking of old age, my friend Sterling Ryser is in his 90's. Some of you may remember that he recieved my "Man of the Year Award" a couple of years ago. He has been such a great example to me and others about how to age gracefully and keep a positive attitude. Life sometimes doesn't go the way he wants but he just makes the most of any situation and goes forth. He is such a wonderful example of chosing to be cheerful. He gave me this great thought and I wanted to share it with you.

"The 92 year old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with her hair fashionably coiffed and make-up perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. Her husband of seventy years recently passed away, making the move necessary.
After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready. As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window. “I love it!” she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight year old having just been presented with a new puppy.
“Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room, just wait.”
“That doesn't have anything to do with it. Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged...it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it, It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice. I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift and as long as my eyes open I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away just for this time in my life.”
Old age is like a bank account...you withdraw from what you put in. So my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories."

C & J

2009-11-27T12:44:00.000-07:00

Why We Need Dads

2009-11-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

It seems like no matter how old you are, you still need your dad. Mine has been gone for quite a while now, but I still find myself wanting to ask him a question, tell him about something I know he would appreciate, or get his perspective on whatever it is that is going on in my life at the time.
Growing up, dad had all sorts of games that he used to play with us. (They were different than mom games; mom's don't rough house) Every Sunday upon returning from grandma's house, just as we drove in the drive way he would holler out, "I can beat you getting ready for bed!!!" My brother Paul, sister Charlotte and I would tear into the house, disrobing along the way so that we could be the first to get our pajamas on. Dad would often try to catch us and pull us away from our rooms so that we couldn't beat him getting ready for bed. (the tricks some parents use to get their kids to do things when they really don't want to do!) How we loved that game! Our favorite however was, I touched you first. Or I touched you last, depending on if Dad was leaving the house or coming home. In the evenings when we could hear his car pulling up the drive way, we'd feel giddy with excitement as we would run to hide somewhere in the house so that when dad came in, we could jump out and touch him before he could touch us. This may sound like a silly little game, but it was serious business and required strategic maneuvering in, out and around the furniture through the kitchen and living room. We absolutely loved it! This game carried on for years and continued not only with his grandchildren but with the families he visited for home teaching.
You may ask yourself, why is she writing about dads? It's not even Father's Day. Well, I have been photographing some amazing dads lately and it gives me so much joy to watch the special relationship that great dads have with their kids. It makes me realize more than ever how important that wonderful relationship is in the lives of children and what is lacking in our society today.
I think if I could change one thing is this world, it would be that every child would have a dad who would play silly little games, rough house, give horsey rides and just be that special guy in their lives. I thank the Lord that I had such a father.

I would like to share just a few quotes that I really liked:

My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, "You're tearing up the grass." "We're not raising grass," Dad would reply. "We're raising boys." ~Harmon Killebrew

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. ~Clarence Budington Kelland

A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty. ~Author Unknown

My father, when he went, made my childhood a gift of a half a century. ~Antonio Porchia, Voces, 19

Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad. ~Author Unknown43, translated from Spanish by W.S. Merwin

Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever. ~Author Unknown

Old as she was, she still missed her daddy sometimes. ~Gloria Naylor

Fathers represent another way of looking at life - the possibility of an alternative dialogue. ~Louise J. Kaplan, Oneness and Separateness: From Infant to Individual, 1978

There are three stages of a man's life: He believes in Santa Claus, he doesn't believe in Santa Claus, he is Santa Claus. ~Author Unknown

Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope. ~Bill Cosby

When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years. ~Mark Twain, "Old Times on the Mississippi" Atlantic Monthly, 1874

There is nothing more fun than watching
a dad who loves being with his kids,
except maybe photographing them!
This great dad is Gary with his
son Carson.

Remember the Angel?

2009-11-16T20:29:00.000-07:00

I just spend a wonderful day with Matt and Cass in Virginia. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw how much Nancy had grown. It was so much fun to be with one of my favorite families.

My Favorite Princess

2009-11-08T16:43:00.001-07:00

My very favorite girl, Kate, is one of the reasons I LOVE being a photographer! (And a Grandma!)

Most of you are too young to remember but for those of you that do, couldn't this be a scene from Green Acres?

Rocio

2009-10-12T08:49:00.001-06:00

Melissa

2009-09-26T18:28:00.000-06:00

Big Change Coming

2009-09-24T22:37:00.000-06:00

As many of you may know, my son-in-law Casey is now an officer in the Marines. He has received his orders to report to Virginia on October 20th, so the Boardmans are heading off to Quantico. (I am just trying to figure out how I am going to survive without four of my six grandchildren close by.)
Last week we decided we had better head to the studio so I could do portraits of each child with their dad before they leave. The boys knew how important these portraits are going to be and they really cooperated. I was thrilled that we captured their real smiles.
Of course, I am not a bit prejudice but I think those boys look like the angels that they are.

Please, tell me it's not true!

2009-08-31T23:45:00.000-06:00

How can August be over? I live for summer and here we are at the end of it, but what a summer it was. I had so many amazing sessions these last few weeks. I wish I could blog them all, but since I am a one woman show, I just have not had time to do much blogging.
Some of my personal highlights were going to Toronto to photograph Larry and Chie's family, my son Codye's family moving in with me, Casey my son-in-law graduating from Officer Training, my nephew Spencer's wedding, a few hikes up in our wonderful Utah mountains, Codye's family moving out, and lots of other fun things.
The one good thing about the end of summer is LOTOJA, the bike race from Logan to Jackson in September; I can hardly wait! (No, I don't race, I photograph!)

What a Surprise!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-31T23:28:00.000-06:00

I am not exagerating when I say that this was one of the most touching moments of my life.
Beau decided to propose to Sarah and he asked me to photograph it. After his cousin Spencer's marriage in the Salt Lake Temple, he ask Sarah if she would like to walk around the temple grounds. She said "No, my shoes hurt." She wasn't making this easy but he was persistant. Low and behold, they ran into me. I ask them if they wanted their picture taken and they readily agreed. I posed them and just as I was ready to snap a picture, Beau said "Just a minute!" He then pulled out a diamond and asked Sarah to be his wife. She was in shock. I think I was about as emotional as they were. I could hardly hold back the tears. It was such an honor to play a part in such a sacred event like that.

Rocio and Ivan

2009-08-31T22:56:00.001-06:00

I think I have the best job in the world. I can't believe how blessed I am to be able to photograph such wonderful people. I must say that I had such a great time in San Diego with them and their incredible families. After photographing at the temple we went over to Torrey Pines. What a view! It over looks the ocean. As beautiful as it was though, I can't believe what good sports they were. It was so rugged and dusty but Rocio was so willing to do anything just to get some good shots. (By the way, her dress is one of the most beautiful dresses I have ever seen!) It wasn't until after I got home and saw the pictures that I noticed the "Beware of Rattle Snakes" signs.

How to Read a Book and Other Fun Things

2009-08-31T22:46:00.001-06:00

I can't believe Adam is almost two! I had so much fun with him the other day. He came over to have a picture taken of his Kitty and was more than happy to join in on the session!

At Last

2009-08-31T22:39:00.001-06:00

I have wanted to do a portrait of my little darlings forever! I am so excited to have this one. I can see each personality in every face. Every time I look at it I laugh! How wonderful it is to be their Grandma Kitty Cat! (When Taylor was learning how to talk he called me Grandma Ditty (for Christy) and then he changed it to Kitty and it stuck...and I am not even a cat lover. (Well, maybe a little.)

Gracie Marries Her Prince

2009-07-25T17:35:00.000-06:00

2009-06-27T15:21:00.000-06:00

RC

2009-06-22T20:22:00.001-06:00

C's Family

2009-06-15T12:19:00.000-06:00

Bettinson Family

2009-06-07T16:06:00.001-06:00