afterthoughts

WPPI...

2009-03-01T00:42:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas.

Just that phrase conjures up so many different reactions in people. "Sin-city." Casinos. Nightclubs. Bars. Parties. Big Hotels. Entertainment. Brainlessness.

However, Vegas, to me, means thousands of colors, unique backdrops, and exciting opportunities for photo-taking, and learning...AKA...WPPI. Wedding Portrait Photographers International. Thousands of our closest wedding and portrait photography friends descend on "The Strip" every year for a convention that lends itself to making contacts, listening to the greats give their tips and tricks in seminars, and seeking out newest, most exciting equipment. Unless you're a photo nerd, you'd probably be rather unexcited. To those of us who make up the afore mentioned "nerd" catergory this convention is our Mecca. Annually, there is a pull that turns us toward Vegas and pushes us in that directions. Place, train or automobile, we get there any way we can, from all over the world. This year, it was especially exciting to see all the friends I've made over the past few years!Thanks to Facebook, I get to keep up with just about everyone, but for geographical reasons, it's impossible to see everyone!

Katee Grace and I headed to the desert from the OC Sunday evening (the 15th), and pulled into our hotel 4 hours later. After unloading our 18 bags (ok, not really 18 maybe like 5), we headed to the MGM to figure out the lay of the WPPI land. Let me tell you...that was absolutely the longest hallway I have ever walked. And we did so like 10 times a day! I definitely got my workout! We went back to the room, and chatted a bit about weddings, and life, and work. Going to bed on the early side was a perfect call. We were both already so tired.

We got up early, headed to the registration counter, picked up our badges, and then worked our way to David Jay's lecture. He and Ron Dawson talked about using video in marketing. Zach made his way over to Vegas to hang out, and roam the trade show floor with us for a day or so. We also had the chance to model for an awesome group of photographers from all over the country!

I was wonderful to make new friends, and see some old ones! :) Here are some images I snagged from some other people's blogs/facebook...etc...of Zach and me.

Photos Courtesy of Josh Newton, Amanda Suanne, Janelle Bosko, Dylan Mayer, Leslie Roark, Cait Elizabeth, Jacob Preedin, and I think I covered everyone's I put on here....

...

2009-03-01T00:15:00.000-08:00

As off and on as I have been with blogging lately, I have really good intentions! Promise! In the next few posts, I'm going to highlight life in the last couple weeks. It's definitely been a whirlwind!

First up, Valentine's Day!

February 14th and I have never really been great friends. I'm not really a fan of the Hallmark Holiday, simply because I never had a REAL valentine, or someone who would actually do something on Valentine's! That is, until last year! Last Valentines Day, Zach planned a perfect day, and I really didn't think it could get much better. This year, however, I had not just a Zach, but a FIANCÉ Zach...so, of course it was better! We headed out in the early afternoon, and he surprised me with a trip up to Pasadena. We walked around, had dinner at a wonderful Italian place, perused in and out of shops, and went to see a late movie. It was a perfect day of relaxing, romance, and just being us! Thank You Zach!!

(there is a photo, but it's definitely still on my p/s...oops!)

Scattergories! :)

2009-02-25T14:53:00.000-08:00

Rules: It's harder than it looks! Copy to your own note, erase my answers, enter yours, and randomly tag 10 people (including me) And publish it. Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions. They have to be real...nothing made up! If the person before you had the same first initial, you must use different answers. You cannot use any word twice and you can't use your name for the boy/girl name question.
Have Fun!!

1. What is your name: Brittany

2. A four Letter Word: Blog

3. A boy's Name: Benjamin

4. A girl's Name: Bella

5. An occupation: Bug-ologist (ok, so thats an entomologist... O:) )

6. A color: Brilliant Blues

7. Something you wear: Burgundy Ballet Flats

8. A food: Broiled salmon with Buerre Blanc sauce

9. Something found in the bathroom: Bubble Bath

10. A place: Belize

11. A reason for being late: Bicyclist was Bombarded By Bees...

12. Something you shout: Boo-ya!

13. A movie title: Babar

14. Something you drink: Bellini

15. A musical group: Backstreet Boys

16. An animal: Bigmouth Buffalo Fish

17. A street name: Brittany (for real!!! its in placentia!

18. A type of car: Blue Bugatti Veyron

19. Something scary: Boogie-Man

20. Ice cream flavor: Blackberry Cabernet...yum

Las Vegas!!

2009-02-15T15:33:00.000-08:00

Hi all!!! I'm Las Vegas for the WPPI convention and tradeshow! If you're here...give me a shout! If not, I wish you were! :) I'm so looking forward to an awesome week of hanging out with wonderful friends, and making new ones!

Off to bed for a good night's sleep before the craziness begins! Sweet dreams!

Mom and me...a day of adventure

2009-02-09T01:29:00.000-08:00

Saturday, I had the privilege of spending all day with my mom! We headed up to Santa Barbara for a day of bonding. The drive up was wonderful! The mountains we could see from the 57 were stunningly covered in snow, surrounded by a halo of clouds, and bathed in yummy golden sunlight! We hit rain in LA, but by the time we made it to SB, the sun was shining, and the air was clear and cool.

La-La land in the rain!
I think this is part of an art museum....anyone know for sure?
"OLLYWOO!!!!" (anyone remember what show that is from?)
We grabbed Panino, and stopped at Katee Grace Clay's new apartment in Santa Barbara. She is in an old Victorian Style house about 2 minutes from downtown with a few other girls from Reality Carp. The architectural details are awesome! Here are just a few I snapped while eating my sandwich, picnic style on her floor.

One of those gorgeous flowering pear trees.
After lunch, we headed up to David Jay's Freedom house to get in on a few minutes of his Freedom & Slumber workshop. These workshops are an awesome way to connect with other photographers from around the world, as well to learn from one of the best photographers, and businessmen in the industry! When we walked in, DJ was in the middle of a lecture, but stopped it anyway, and introduced me to the group. I ended up having the opportunity to model for them, and we spent the rest of the day hanging out, and learning about each other! Thanks guys for an awesome day!

This is the breathtaking view that my dear friend gets to wake up to daily...pretty insane!
DJ's house was one of the houses on his street that DIDN'T burn in the Tea Fire a few months ago. Thank God! This is the front entrance of what was one of his neighbors homes...(the house in the background was a different property)
Luckily, I brought my camera, and had the chance to shoot a few myself!
Amarillo's own Justin Wesbrooks...
Miss Kristin Renée...
hehe....Mom wasn't too thrilled that people were taking her picture. But she's so pretty! And I kinda "neglected" to warn her that anyone in sight is fair game for photogs.... O:) It was really fun to have her there! She hasn't ever been at a workshop with me, or really seen me model, so it was great!
Miss Ashley Stephen...A new SB local (as of 3 weeks) by way of Georgia!
The infamous DJ... :)
Kristin again

Ahmet Z. Ayyildiz...
Ashley...
The reflection of the blue sky and thunderclouds made awesome colors and reflections on ocean...

The guys shooting us girls...too cute! Troy Grover, Ahmet, DJ, Justin, and Mark Dong
Some lady painting the gorgeous scene in front of her

Josh Newton...ALWAYS on his phone...lol

The wall behind the VW dealership....such sweet textures!

Jim and Amanda... Engaged!

2009-02-09T01:19:00.000-08:00

...a business meeting...

Or so she thought!

25

2009-02-04T23:22:00.000-08:00

So at first I thought this was lame. Then I got tagged in a bunch. Then I thought about it more. Then I came to the conclusion it was kinda fun. And somewhat of a creative outlet.

But I'm not doing this because of the rule. Just cause I want to...
(I borrowed that part from Brian...)

25 things about me...that you may, or may not already know...

1.) I sleep with a teddy bear. His name is Noah. He's a build-a-bear that Zach and I built in the first couple months of "us." If you've seen the notebook...and you know our story...You know why his name is Noah! :) Yeah, I'm 5 some days...but I'm ok with that.

2.) My favorite book is "Bartlett's Familiar Quotations." I LOVE quotes. Not to just randomly spew quotes at people, but to write in notes and such. I love that quotes have history behind them, and are generally so much more thoughtful than today's phrases.

3.) Notes. I love handwritten notes. I love sending notes, and cards to people for absolutely no reason, other than I love them, of course! Emails are great, and instant and all, but there is something so romantic and tangible about a handwritten note.

4.) I HATE my handwriting! A couple of my best friends have always written like typewriters...PERFECTLY! And I love them for that, but it drives me crazy that my writing looks like chicken scratch next to theirs. *cough*megan, lo*cough* ;) So, I generally write in cursive...at least that can look okay a little sloppier.

5.) I am totally and completely in love with Santa Barbara. I lived there for a few years, and would give just about anything to move back. The pace of life, the farmers market, and general local attitude is exactly what I will look for when we have the chance to move.

6.) Farmers markets are a little slice of heaven. I love to eat healthy (albeit not quite as healthy as my future hubby), so the produce, flowers and all-around"organic" lifestyle they promote are
perfect for me!

7.) I sleep with like 6 pillows on my bed, but use none of them. Strange...

8.) When it rains, I'm in paradise. (isn't it supposed to have the opposite effect?) I am enthralled with gloomy weather. The smell of wet pavement, the churning seas, the splashing of drops on my skin as I dance in the street; all these add a sparkle in my eye. The clouds left behind by a rainstorm are always breathtaking, and the way everything sparkles with water droplets is almost as if our whole world has been washed anew. I think I was born in the wrong state.

9.) While I adore Southern California, I would love to move to Seattle for a time, and maybe even San Fran area. The allure of an artsy, big city, but small town feel is incredibly strong...magnetic almost.

10.) whew! I'm only on 10?!? My ring. My engagement ring, that is. Was picked out entirely by the love of my life! He asked if I wanted a say in what he chose, and I decided I'd pick out a couple styles I liked, but leave it mostly up to him. HA! He knew me better than I knew myself! He vetoed my ideas (totally fine), and decided on something much more unique, and more perfect than I could have ever dreamed!

11.) I love jewelry. but only sort-of. I love simple, classy pieces, but in excess, even those can become unattractive to me. I have a few necklaces (a couple from T&Co. ...just sterling ones) that I adore for their simplicity. But I hate the look of being all decked out in bling. YUCK!

12.) I have weighed practically the same since I was a senior in HS. That was a long time ago! The funny part is that although I eat fairly healthy, I don't cut out the things I love (like ice cream), and I rarely excersize! I really should work on that second part though...

13.) Art captivates me. Painting, drawing, poetry, photography, sculpting, writing...I'm fascinated by the people who can see the many facets of one single object. The fact that you could give 10 artists the same object, ask them to capture it, with a medium of their choosing, and have 10 different results is absolutely amazing.

14.) I love to create. I'm artsy. From scrapbooking to perfect bow tying, and from decorating to creating cute boxes, I love the hands on experience and tangible result of creating.

15.) I'm a mac. All mac...all the time. enough said.

16.) I own about 20 different cameras. Half of which are film. Ya know...that stuff that you can't expose to light...you have to take it to a lab to get it processed....etc. I wish I could shoot all film, all the time. Especially with my Hasselblad!

17.) I have been snowboarding since I was in 6th grade. And I used to be really good! Then I got hurt in high school, and my glory days were over. But, alas, these days I only get to go once a year...and I'm lucky if I make it at that!

18.) I have only known my best friend a little more than a year. And somehow, over the last year we have become fast friends. Every piece fits into the puzzle with her! And she is a perfect fit with the rest of my closest friends! I cannot imagine a more Godly, higher energy, more dessert minded young woman as my best friend! ;) (not only that, her husband is my future husband's best friend too!!!)

19.) The love of my love. The man I am marrying on October 11, 2009. has been a part of my life for roughly 10 years. We were best friends in high school, went our separate ways when he graduated, and have managed to find our way back into each others arms again. I remember sitting on the bench in my front yard (in high school), talking to him about getting married someday. And how I couldn't imagine anyone better than him to spend the rest of my life with. As trivial as that seems...(we both went through quite a bit after high school)...it's such a God thing. The reality of the amount of emotion that has been poured into this man is only fitting for a future husband! I love him with all of me!

20.) I love old people. It sounds strange, I know, but really. People that have lived long lives have so much to tell! If you take the time to sit, and listen to their stories, it's amazing what they've seen in their lives. They provide colorful discriptions, and firsthand accounts of things that history books can't even begin to retell as vividly.

21.) If I leave my fingernails naked too long, I bite them. Hence the polish...whether clear, colored, or french tipped, they're almost always polished.

22.) I love my short hair. It's kinda sassy...like me! Zachary loves it too! "it fits her personality," he says!

23.) Fresh cut flowers. I love them. I plan to always have some flowers in our house. They add so much cheer, and life to a room! How can anyone not love them!

24.) Pride and Prejudice may be called the ultimate chick-flick...but it's a pretty powerful story of love, and forgiveness, and first impressions. The book is my favorite, but I love both versions of the movie. And the soundtrack is perfect "studying" music!

25.) As much as I'm excited to get married, and have a wedding. I am most excited about the rest of our lives together; waking up next to the love of my life every morning. That will be what motivates me out of bed (I hate mornings)...the realization that I get to spend the rest of my life waking up next to my best friend, and the rest of my days in the safe embrace of the man who holds my heart.

catching up...

2009-01-11T15:14:00.000-08:00

I am a terrible blogger. It's just fact. But, I'll make you a deal, you continue to read my blog, and I'll write as often as possible. Deal? Great.

Ok...in the 3 months since I've blogged, SO much has happened! There has been Thanksgiving, and Birthdays, and Christmas and New Years, countless high school events...and in case the last post didn't give it away...I have a beautiful new piece of jewelry, and am engaged to my best friend, the love of my life!

I'm not going to run through all the dirty details of everything that's happened, instead...I'm going to post a few pics from each event, and a brief description and consider myself caught up! :) (they won't be in order because I'm not that good!) :)

January 3, 2009...Disneyland for my "sisters" birthday! So much fun with Lo and Meg!

Ice Skating in downtown LA with my fiancé!! :)

Our favorite date spot to catch the Holiday Magic before Christmas!
Studio 22 Country Christmas Party 2008

rolling out 18 batches of sugar cookies! It took 7 hours and produced 783 decorate-able sugar-cookies!
Traditions at Christmas are the best! Esp cookie decorating with Mom, Meg, and Lynette!
(Meg had just attacked me with icing...lol)

Our beautiful tree Christmas morning!
Great Grandpa & Grandma (96 &95) hanging out...waiting for presents to start!
In our PJ's Christmas morning!!!

The day after Christmas, after spending half of Christmas Day & the 26th, with the Steiger's in San Diego, we met Jennifer and Tony for dessert at this AMAZING place... Extraordinary Desserts

We walked around Balboa Island with mom and dad (& of course the amazing red cups)

Although I was off for a couple weeks, I babysat a couple times, so Zach and I took Sid to the Spectrum and on the ferris wheel. It was so much fun! We played pretend family for the day! :) He's going to be such a wonderful daddy! (whenever that time comes! LOL)

New Years was spent, again, on the streets in Pasadena. We learned so much from last year! We were blessed to start off 2009 with our best friends!

While the boys made us breakfast before the parade...we stayed bundled up!

more pics to come soon! and more of a real update on life! :)

November 13, 2008

2008-11-14T10:36:00.000-08:00

Jason & Stephanie...E-sesh

2008-11-14T08:27:00.000-08:00

Ok, So this post is a LONG time in coming! I'm So very sorry to Jason and Steph...I promised I would get a blog up, and a slideshow up, but I really havent been able to do that!

We have hit the point in our lives where all our friends are getting engaged....in rapid sucession!!! It's such a blessing to walk through these times with such amazing friends. Jason and I have know each other since we were...well...since I was born! We actually have video footage of his first birthday party where I was just a few months old! Despite our different colleges, and such, Jason (or J-Le, as a we dubbed him years ago) is one of the people I have remained really close with. So, when we met at chipotle for lunch a year and a half ago and he first told me about Steph, I was thrilled! They had only started dating a couple weeks earlier, but there was a definite sparkle in his eye. I have since grown to adore Steph, (in all her Texas charm) and we have become the best of friends. When I read the text a few Saturdays ago "I'm betrothed" from Steph, I couldn't help but call her and shriek with joy! A few days later, I asked if I could shoot their e-sesh, as my gift to them! Here are some of my favorites!

**click on any of them to see a slideshow!

A couple Sundays later, with the help of a few friends, we threw them an awesome engagement party! 40 college age kids were there! :) It was wonderful to see such an outpouring of love for these two!

...please pray...

2008-09-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

Hi all. For all your photographers and blog readers, please pray for our fellow photog David Baxter and his family. He lost his Grandma a couple days ago, and is working through the grief of losing the woman who practically raised him. They were very close, and he is struggling to push through. thank you!

Jolie & Josh: e~session preview!

2008-09-24T00:02:00.000-07:00

a sneak peak at our e-session from tonight! more to follow!

...I don't even know...

2008-09-22T00:20:00.000-07:00

have you ever felt like you have invested time and energy and life into something you love, something you're passionate about, only to have it stolen out from under you by someone?

how does it make sense to anyone that when you part ways with someone, suddenly all you know and all the connections you've made are hijacked by that other person...especially when its not even truly an interest you share?

I have spent the last 4 years of my life creating connections, and absorbing tips and information, like a sponge, and forging friendships with people at the top of their craft from whom I have so much to learn. and now I feel like that foundation is being yanked out from under me, stolen even, by someone who has no right to do so. how is that fair? (yes, I'm aware...life isn't fair) I continue to glean everything I can from those connections while at the same time feeling stabbed in the back by so many of them. I cannot even begin to explain the hurt, and frustration I feel. it's enough to make me seriously consider where I have placed my trust, and to whom I look for advice, both business wise, and "elsewise..." and the path my life is taking.

***I'm sorry...I really just needed to vent my frustration. It's been weighing on my for a week or so, and I've become a semi-grumpy (mostly just quiet) person because of it.

Happy Birthday to you!! Happy Birthday to you...

2008-09-09T00:32:00.000-07:00

So, today, 2 of the most important people in my life are sharing a birthday! First...The love of my life...Zachary!!! Happy 25th! I am so excited to be a part of what God has in store for you in the next year. I cannot believe how quickly the last 9 months have flown by. It seems like a few weeks ago we met for coffee that fateful day! ;) It's hard to imagine that the rest of our lives are going to get better than this time I've spent with you. Like you said last night, this is our first birthday together in a VERY long time! Like 6 years! Everyone with whom you come into contact is blessed by you, including me, of course! I am constantly reminded of how incredible you are...truly a man after God's heart. Time and time again, week after week, I have the privilege of watching you impact the lives of adults, and young people alike. A pretty awesome accomplishment at 25, if you ask me! :) I am so very proud of the way you treat people, and the way you are a consistent encouragement to everyone around you. You are wonderful, and I am so blessed to have you in my life! Happy Birthday my love!

Us on Valentines Day @ Disneyland

Us @ Ryan (Zach's brother) & Whit's wedding end of July

Steph!!! :) Happy 21st!!! I'm am so thrilled to be able to spend a fun night with you and our friends in celebration of this! Your friendship has been such a God thing in my life! I'm not sure whether its your effervescene, or your smile, or what....but your "joie de vivre" is truly contagious! I love having girl friends like you! You are so very loved. I pray your day is amazing, and your evening even better! ;)

Steph & Jonathan (her boyfriend's brother) @ APU's graduation:

*** I also need to mention that Caeser's (my boss) birthday was yesterday! Happy B-Day C!!! Your love for the Lord is overflowing! I am so thankful that your family is part of my life! You are a blessing to all those around you!

HELP!!!

2008-09-08T16:13:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I'm hoping to go to New York to model for a friend's workshop in october...the only thing is there is no budget $$ for a model! Sooo, I found a cheap-ish flight out and back, I just need someone to stay with! Anyone have any ideas!? please please please let me know! it's be october 19-23

...it's been awhile...

2008-09-08T08:30:00.000-07:00

Wow! I just realized it's been almost a month since I've blogged! I'm so far behind! Since Brian and Britt got married got so much has been going on! Zach and I went to Palm Dessert with Caeser and Linda and the girls for a little bit of a respite in our busy schedules, we went to a rodeo in Norco with Alex & Rachel, and Brian & Britt. We've had dinner with Brian and Britt @ their new place. I went with a friend of mine to pick out possible engagement rings for her. Zach and I went up to Santa Barbara Labor Day weekend to hang out, and spend some us time together...and we even got to see fireworks! We went to an angels game.....and it feels like something else too, but maybe I'm forgetting. Hopefully I'll be able to put up pics from most of those things, but it seems like my p&s is having issues, so we'll see.

I'm really excited! I have a friend with whom I grew up whose engagement session I get to shoot this weekend! Jolie was the winner of the Miss Los Angeles County Pagent, and I went to elementary school with her! We were in Brownies (little girls girl scouts) together, and have all kinds of crazy stories about growing up! I'm soooo excited! I was able to meet her coffee yesterday, and catch up a little bit about the last 8 years of our lives, and we had so much fun! I'm really looking forward to meeting her fiancé Josh.

In Studio 22 at church this fall we are starting a new series called Kingdom Culture....I'm super stoked about it! The high school department is going to to be partnering with the Jr. High and college departments to be a student ministry-wide series. We'll be focusing on Matthew 5 and how we can live out God's desires for us in this kingdom. The high school room is going to be re-vamped into an awesome "urban-esque" mood with photographs, and art and some sweet wall displays. Check back soon for more details, and to see images of the awesome room transformation, and even better, hear (or read) the stories of how God is working in students' lives!

OOO!!! In other news, my new site is up! It's not NEARLY finished, in fact, I haven't even put galleries up yet, but it's up and running, none-the-less! Thanks to David Jay's ingenuity and his Showit Sites team! Special thanks to Andrew Barlow of the tech team! I was having issues, and he worked really hard to get everything solved, and working properly! Zach and I are working on developing a new logo for me...something really reflects my personality. We need to fine tune some of the details, but hopefully the finishing touches will go quickly, and it will be unveiled soon!

I lead the freshman girls in Studio 22 with two other young women, Wendy, and Britt. Well, I still live at my parents house, which means that my house is still a prime target for Toilet Papering! And, leave it to my wonderful freshman, they got me good! I drove in right as they were starting, so of course they scattered like cockroaches in the light, then a little over an hour, they showed up again! I was JUST falling asleep, and heard the faint "ppffftt" tearing of the TP. I got out of bed, walked to the front window, and watched as my front yard was transformed into a world of white. After they left, I went outside and grabbed a couple shots on my iPhone cam of the damage, and cleaned it up before it had a chance to soak up the water from the grass. At least they love me! right? :)

yes, those are post-it notes ALL over the front of my garage...with notes, and all kinds of cute things on them!

Anyway, that's all I have time for right now. Hopefully more will come later!

love love!

B & B Lyskoski...the wedding

2008-08-13T22:45:00.000-07:00

August, 2007...

"Britt, I met the one."

"Brian!!! What?! Where?! How?! When?! DETAILS!!!"

"Her name is Brittney, we met at camp, she was on hos, and she's perfect. I'm going to marry her."

"Ooooo...Well, I gotta meet/approve her!!!"

December, 2007...

Brian - "I'm going ring shopping today!"

"You better let me know what you find!"

(a little while later...over text)

"I got one! The perfect one!"

"Oh my goodness Brian!!! I can't believe it! I'm so excited"

----------------------------------

Brian and I go way back. We have been friends for about 8 years (His older bro and I were friends even before that). We have been through everything together, walked each other through some pretty difficult times, near death experiences, and some amazing ones as well. Always there to lean on each other, and count on the other for guidance. We even went to homecoming together one year! The rollercoaster of high school, and his first couple years of college (he's a grade younger than me).

One night, up at QMC, we were laying in the field with some other friends just staring at the amazingly black ad starry sky. Talking about life, and growing up, and getting married some day...he randomly interjected, out of the blackness "Britt...when I get married...you're shooting my wedding." I sort of laughed it off, while half-heartedly agreeing...

All these years later, the day he proposed I got the phone call..."Britt, I'm getting married! You're shooting my wedding!" I hadn't even really met Brittney yet! After an engagement session at the end of December, and a few double dates, I knew that Brian and Britt were perfect for each other, and was elated at my friend's joy.

Saturday, August 9 2008, my heart swelled with pride, and excitement and love for these friends. I had the privilege (along with the help of my dear friend Katee Grace) of capturing a day full of unbridled love, and uncontainable excitement. I was nervous! It's been a while since I've been nervous before a wedding. The prep went smoothly, the girls formals, and the boys formals all went perfectly. At the church I position myself in the sound booth above the aisle, the wedding party heads down the aisle...the crowd stand for the Bride. The doors open, and my lens is focused on Brian...his eyes adjust, his head tilts back, the movements of his mouth form "WOW" in utter wonderment at the woman walking toward him. Seeing her for the first time that day, and realizing that she was walking to be by his side forever brought tears to his eyes, and in turn to mine. I lost it. The last time I cried at a wedding was Richard and Wendy's about a year ago. But this was so personal, and so very perfect...

Thank you Brian and Britt for being amazing friends, and giving me the opportunity to share in the romance of your day. It could not have been more perfect, and I am blessed to have been a part! Have an amazing Honeymoon in St. Lucia! I love you both so very much!

At rehearsal dinner, Bri gave all the boys converse, the classic black and white ones...these were the ones the dads picked out...

**funny sidenote... Zach was Brian's small group leader in high school, and they became close. So he was in the wedding, which was fun. Brian is actually partially responsible for Zach and me getting togther...haha. long story. but here's a pic from high school...although, I will say that I like the latest addition to the group very, very much! In fact, I can't remember what it was like without her!

the goings on of the next week and a half...

2008-07-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

:) busy busy busy....

thats all I seem to be these days! but most days I love it. I love seeing God work in the lives of my 25 high school freshman girls, I watch Delaney and Sidney become more mature everyday, I love seeing the excitement and anticipation, as some of my best friends prepare to get married aug 9, I love watching my relationship with Zach grow daily in Christ. I love spending time with the Steigers, and doing wedding prep with them for this weekend, and cooking, and baking, and bonding with people that are fairly new in my life. my Daddy made a comment to me the other day, "you fill every spare moment with volunteering, and helping, and socializing." (every spare moment besides those in which I'm working that is!) and he's soooo right! but what better ways to spend my time? :) I love being able to possibly make a difference in peoples lives!

Ok, tonight is Friday...We have rehearsal dinner for Ryan & Whit's wedding. The ceremony and reception are tomorrow.

Then, Monday morning bright and early, we leave for Quaker Meadow Camp. it's about a 6 hour bus ride up in the high sierras. I went to QMC every year from the summer I was going into 4th grade, to the summer before senior year of high school. it's the type of place where incredible memories are made, lifelong friendships are forged, and most of the distractions of our everyday OC life are forgotten for the week.

I can't wait! This year I'm a counselor with my friends Wendy, and Brittney...we have something like 25 freshman girls, it will be amazing!

If you feel inclined to send mail....here's the address! :) hehe...keep us in your prayers!

Brittany Leigh Gebler

c/o Quaker Meadow Christian Camp
HCR 3, Box 601
Springville, CA 93265

have a great weekend!

North Carolina - day 2

2008-07-09T19:08:00.001-07:00

Cindy and Bruce Marshburn, along with their adorable kids (Drew, 12 and Madi, 7) opened up their home in Cedar Point, North Carolina to us for the week! Its beautiful here, and although its 10:30 pm, 80 degrees, and 85% humidity, I love it! Bruce and Caeser have been friends for years, so on this trip to the East, it only seemed right that we spend time with them! They have a beautiful home, and an awesome environment. More photos to come as adventures are had!

my new favorite thing.....a fully screened in back porch! there's a specific seat that I love...the swing. its sooo quiet out here!

Bear....he recently got shaved...
(don't shave the bears...they don't like it!)

Cosmo, the Italian Greyhound...sooooo tiny! twig-like

a few shots from the little town we visited today...

absolutely, hands down, the UGLIEST birds I have EVER seen!

Delaney, adjusting her hairLinda and Sid
a quaint old dock
i'm not really sure this drain is doing what its supposed to
haha, no one wanted to be in the pic
D's choke-hold on Sid
Drew and Madi....looking uncomfortable
what a name! "Salty Sheep Yarn Shop"
Church St. Deli....awesome sandwiches!
only in a small town!
black & tan. 'nough said.
This guy, in a gallery, had his little station where he carved, and painted beautiful wooden birds. Almost decoy-like!
is this not the epitome of the images that comes to mind when you think North Carolina? I LOVE black rocking chairs!
Drew, Delaney, Sidney, and Madi
shes just so sweet!
sisterly affection!
D with her HUGE (and upside down) goggles

cuuuute... lol

The Drive to NC

2008-07-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

comments coming later!

In Caeser's parents cul-de-sac
"On the road again..." We headed out to North Carolina...never been, and SUPER excited! :) It was a 6 or 7 hour drive...

an awesome old canoe....lol...or part of one anyway!

**you'll have to excuse the blurriness, and framing on lots of these! It was tough to shoot from the back seat!
very quickly we headed into some nasty weather
at times, it was raining so fast and hard that we couldn't even see out the windshield. it was pretty scary

i love these trees!

the landscape is just beautiful! grand homes, small run down shacks, and everything in between...but all in the midst of the amazingly green fields!

a drive-thru florist? i couldnt resist

im not sure you can tell here, but in the photo the door is SCREAMING hot pink!
mmm...i love my fire escapes!

"hoggin up the road on my p-p-p-plower...chug-a-lug-a-luggin 5 miles an hour....on my international harvester!!!" ...country song

notice the shed in the left corner....those are license plates!

Real Quick Recap...

2008-07-07T21:50:00.000-07:00

ok, so the last few posts are from my trips in the last week and a half...it's been a whirlwind, but an amazing one at that! Make sure you check out the pics and leave me some lovin! I miss the love of my life terribly though. :( He (and his team of high schoolers) leave tomorrow for Equador. They get back the 17th, so please please please, keep them in your thoughts and prayers! Safety, and health, and that God can/will use them in amazing ways! Here is the link for the Blog that will be updated as often as possible: Equador Blog ...make sure you bookmark it, so you can hear all the awesome stories!

And I will admit, I'm a little homesick. I'm not able to remember, ever in my life, a time that I've been homesick. Part of it is missing Zach (coupled with him leaving the country tomorrow), part is that my Daddy just had MAJOR shoulder surgery while I was at Lakefest, and now I can't be there to help my mom take care of him because I'm all the way across the country! Keep my parents in your prayers too! Daddy's recovery is going to be a loooonnnggg haul...4-6 MONTHS! And for someone who is used to being in awesome shape, and pretty independent, it's going to be a bit of a learning curve!

We are leaving tomorrow morning for Emerald Isle, North Carolina. I'll post more once we're there! Love you all! thank you for your patience with my lack of posting lately! O:)

Great Falls, and Amazing Homes

2008-07-07T21:39:00.000-07:00

Great Falls. Literally! That's the name! :)

We went on a truly beautiful walk/hike to Great Falls. What strikes me about this area (DC/Maryland) is the amazing greenery! EVERYTHING, I mean EVERYTHING, is green! Driving down the road you are entirely encased with green trees, and bushes, and grasses. I love it! It really reminds me of western Washington. The lush forests you drive through. Anyway, here are a few from Great Falls. I ummmm....forgot my Mark III in my room at the house...so these are all p/s. O:) oops! oh well, its a good thing my PowerShot takes decent pics!

anything for the shot...lol

so serene!
he's probably glad he's not the one on our wall! :)
wow. absolutely just wow.

OH DEER!
Can You IMAGINE!?

Fourth of July

2008-07-07T21:25:00.001-07:00

Fourth of July!!
Capital building!
Lincoln Monument maybe? It's kinda blurry for one thing, we were really far, and in a moving car at night!
skyline
hold your breath!
We were privileged to see the fireworks next to the Washington Monument!!!

throngs of people! everywhere! we even just stopped in the middle of the street!

steam in the street! like NY!
raining, 10 pm, shes in patten leather heels and a dress...lol.
some random entrance
the Majestic National Cathedral...looks so crazy at night!
Now I know why Gothic Architecture is kinda creepy looking! The peaks and buttresses make it look like a villain's accommodations!

cute!

ICE CREAM!!!!

beaucoup photos from Lakefest!!! :)

2008-07-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

I don't have time to write a ton....I'll try to do that tonight...but here are a bunch of pics of adventures from the last week and a half! I'm not going to make too many comment, but you'll get the jist! Have a good laugh!

LAKEFEST 2008!

Welcome to SNELLING CA! LOL...

sunset in the field!!

My AMAZING girls in my car! Katie, Kristy and Kayla! (and me and Zach!)

Josh!Glen took these for me! :)

Poor Marissa!
Katie!

Hope and Sam

awwww....WIPEOUT!
Apparently me wiping out was funny to Tyler

Malibu/Cheerleader Barbie! (aka Sam!)
my stud!
Corey and his girlfriend!!! :) Jenni
Miss Delaney Kinne

the boys cooking burgers!!! LOL funny story about that one....

Uncle Brad looking a bit like Grampy....

my studly hero... being goofy

corey!
Cor is an AWESOME wakeboarder...

Annapolis

2008-07-07T20:29:00.001-07:00

The other day, Sunday, we had the pleasure of going to Annapolis for the afternoon! It was great to see some of the history and awesome things the capital city has to offer!! :)

crazy houses!ironic...the rec center on "Compromise St."
straight out of "Step Up!"
sweet old theater building
amazing brick architecture everywhere!
super quaint!
mmmmmm
C, just being C!

awesome Naval Academy campus!

me and my patterns

oh dear...slightly drafty!
sweet dilapidated windy stairs!
mmmmm....*BUCKS!!!! :) (sorry C!)
my letter, and #!

Lime Green Trim! Awesome!

hmmm who can tell me where there's a famous "Green Street?"
my first real crab experience!

O Nuts!Crab Cakes, Maryland Crab Soup, and Boiled Crabs!
"NO THANK YOU DADDY!!!!" ~Sidney

Safe with burgers!
D tried it...and LOVED it! :)

this is Joe...
ewwww...Joe's time on the plate was short-livedhaha utensils? how about fingers!
caught in the act
not much left of Joe

hahahahhahahahaha...crazy tourists!! at least WE weren't that bad!
Whipped cream anyone!?

cool newspaper thingys...lol Such a quaint small town shop!
hmmm..... ;)
purple doors?!?
Trumpets, Violins, guitars...even sitars...all fairly common...but Bagpipes?!
mmm...AMAZING clouds here in MD!

State House!
red doors are EVERYWHERE....(if you don't know I adore red doors!)
?
cute name!
being sisters!

Delaney
silly-faced Sid
Crazy houses that are painted in half, top to bottom, to distinguish the difference! But all one building!

its been forever...again

2008-06-20T00:35:00.001-07:00

so it seems that as well intentioned as I am about blogging...I always manage to fall into these random "blog-less" periods.

I'm in limbo. lol. in a lot of ways. I'll try to to my best to get some older stuff on the board... O:)

Here's my schedule for the next few weeks, so if you don't see blogs....there's a reason...

June 22... S.E.T. after church with high schoolers til 2

June 25-26... (unofficially official) Freshman Girls sleep over at my house

June 28-July 1...LakeFest with the High School group

July 2-12...Washington DC and North Carolina with the Kavadoys

July 9-17...Zach & HS team is Equador

July 26...Ryan & Whit's (Zach's brother) wedding (and rehersal and such beforehand)

July 28- Aug 2...Quaker Meadow Camp with High School Group

August 9...Brian and Britt's wedding (Zach's in it, and I'm shooting)

:) So...if you think I'm nuts...you're probably right. LOL

more later... (hopefully!)

ugh

2008-06-01T00:57:00.000-07:00

I have been SUCH a slacker! Blogs are coming soon! I promise! In the mean time here's a challenge for the day...

Be patient.

If your waiter takes a little too long, or someone says something that makes you want to snap a sassy reply back, or you're stuck in unexpected traffic...be patient. Take the time to think about what you say to the person at whom your first reaction is to snap, maybe they are having a bad day. Smile and seem unhurried when your waiter finally shows back up at your table, maybe there was a problem in the kitchen, maybe they're busier than you think. And be thankful you arent in the accident that may be causing the traffic!

You never know when someone is watching your reactions...so be patient! What's another 20 min out of your life anyway? :)

Lots of love!

6 months later....

2008-05-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

I've officially decided that time flies when you're having fun! Okay, okay, so it's a little cliché...I know. But it's true! when you've had the most amazing time of your life, doesn't it just seem like it buzzes past you like a bullet train!? It's amazing. Adventure after adventure, Studio 22 High School events, Sunday night worship, family parties, graduations, holidays, times apart, new friendships forged...all of these have been whipped into the batter of my life over the last 6 months. Each part adds a different flavor, and while each flavor is great on its own, when combined, the final cake is AMAZING...Life-changing even! Ok, so for those of you who didn't catch my silly baking analogy...while all the adventures and such are great individually, they are made a thousand times better when experienced hand in hand, adventure after adventure, with the one you love.

A few days ago was the 6th month anniversary of our dating life. And although to most it seems pretty trivial, to me...its an enormous milestone. In 6 months we've done everything I could have imagined. And More! We've danced in the rain, we've been to the happiest place on earth, we've frequented the beach, we've made lots of friends, made amazing food, gone on a hundred different adventures, and so many more things, I cannot even describe them! But beyond all that, beyond the giddiness of dating, and the silliness of receiving flowers for no reason; beyond the late nights of movies, and beaches; and beyond the simple thrill of feeling like (and knowing) there is no one else in the world he would rather have his arms around, there is love. Love that seems to get me through the long days, the short ones, and the ones that just won't go quickly enough. A love that is constantly encouraging me in every avenue of life be it, my times with the girls, or my walk with the Lord. When its been a long day, the girls have been in one of those moods, or I have work to do up to my eye-balls, or when its just been a really long day, and I can't quite figure out why... he, and his love are there. I am so very blessed to be in a relationship that makes me feel like no matter what is going on, no matter how frustrated I am with life, or work, or people, Zach is always there to wrap his arms around me, and remind me that he loves me with all his heart, and tomorrow is another day. We've had our moments, and our disagreements (that never really last all that long), but I wouldn't trade even those for anything! We grow closer together by the day, and even more importantly, closer to Him.

This last half a year has been the best of my life. When I was frustrated about finding a job Zach constantly prayed with and for me, and reminded that God had a plan. When the Kavadoy family fell into my lap, it was almost too good to be true, and only could have been orchestrated by Him. If not for Zach's encouragement, I probably would have had something else going on when Caeser contacted me.

Anyway, all this utterance of garbled thankfulness, and excitement is to say that I'm in love. I'm with the the man of my dreams. We have a story that even the best writers in Hollywood could not have concocted, and we are blessed beyond belief in every area of life. I'm so thankful that Zach is there to make me laugh and smile, and even catch my occasional tears. I Love You Zach! Happy Six Months!

Zach had a plan to celebrate on Tuesday, but we decided that would better work out another day when we didn't have other commitments. So, he said he would come up with plan B and all would be well. I was supposed to work from 12-5, and then head up to meet him for our plans. However, Linda's meeting ran long (completely NOT her fault...it was an all staff meeting with LOTS of "tech difficulties" that she was required to attend) and I wound up not actually being able to leave until about 7. Thankfully, Zach is a saint, and completely understood. He was amazing about the whole thing. I finally met up with him about 7:45 and was ready for dinner by 8:15. We jumped in the truck, and while he was peppered with questions about where we were going, and what we were doing, he managed to maintain a secretive smirk, and did not divulge. We parked, walked through the shops and headed down street. As we approached I wasn't really paying attention, in fact, I was probably totally immursed in the monolouge that was flowing quickly from my lips. We walked up to a door, and I looked up at the sign.

"MELTING POT?!?! You're taking me to the Melting Pot? Ooooo! I'm soooo excited!!!"

I threw my arms around him, and gave a little jump for joy/happy dance as he opened the door to my all-time favorite dining experience. We had a fantastic night, and all healthy eating habits went out the door for the evening! :) Here are a few shots from dinner!

we were both getting facials from the steam from the broth...

Thank you babe!!! :)

Delaney's b-day

2008-05-16T00:08:00.000-07:00

Hi all!!! I know, I'm in desperate need of showin' the love to my blog readers! I'm sorry! hopefully this weekend I can catch up!

Today was Delaney's 6th birthday! I was off, but was able to join the fam for dinner at the Rainforest Café @ South Coast Plaza. We had so much fun! More pics and details to come...but here's a teaser! (these were all with my p&s, 3 of us adults at the table own mark III's, but NO ONE brought them...go figure!)

Alexa, Delaney, and Sophia...(Sid was too scared)
sweet butterfly hat from the balloon guy!
MAKE A WISH!
Sportin' Laney's cute new hat! (she's wearing her sweet blue glasses)
ooo....I forgot to mention it was ALL Hello Kitty! :P

Rebecca and Savannah...

Poor Sid was petrified of all the noises!

She even ate with one hand over her ear!

more later!! love love!

Jordyn turns 2

2008-05-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

My sweet friends Lindsay and Steve Reskey have been blessed with a Beautiful little girl. Jordyn was due in August, but born in May 06. She is a perfectly healthy terrific 2 yr old now...here is a slideshow of her birthday party on Saturday! Her amazingly crystal clear blue eyes hold so much wonder it's impossible to not capture the pure innocence of her 2-yr old thought process! Enjoy! (click on the photo to watch the show!)

Shooting with Katie Grace

2008-05-11T21:33:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I had the privledge of shooting a wedding with miss Katie Grace now, as anyone who has read my blog nows, Katie is one of my bestest friends in the whole wide world! So, we turned the weekend into a fun girls weekend, mixed in with a little work!

From the moment I met Becky, I knew we could be friends. And even though we only spent the day of her wedding together, I could tell she was a total sweetheart with a heart of gold! :)

Here are my favorite images from their wedding day! For the pics from the head photog, check out her blog! (click the photo for a slideshow!)

Graduations...

2008-05-07T23:58:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had the priveledge of attending the graduation ceremonies at both Cal Baptist University, and Azusa Pacific University. I watched a dozen or so friends that I had grown up with shake hands with the presidents of their schools, and waltz across the stage when their names were called. I am so very blessed to be part of their lives. Several of us have grown apart, as happens with life, but these will always be people close to my heart. I'm especially thankful I was there to see Lo graduate from CBU, and my sister (Megan...ok, so she's my God-sister) graduate from APU. Both of these girls are amazing, and I am thrilled that we are still close!

Here are the slideshows from the ceremonies/parties.....

CBU's grad was @ 9am on Sat morning...Ryan (Zach's brother) and his fianceé Whitney graduated that day as well as Lo, and her boyfriend Jon. The party was at Whitney's dad's house in Riverside...

APU's grad...
Megan, Jason, Cara, Peter, Zach, Stephanie, Shannon, Deanna, Becky, and several others graduated from APU at 6 the same night...needless to say it was a LONG day. Although well worth the 1300 names we heard called!!! :)

**I know I still owe a few wedding pics from a couple weeks ago in SB...I'll try to do those tomorrow! key word being TRY...lol.

mmmm...

2008-04-28T00:28:00.000-07:00

so, I've decided there is nothing better than listening to the love of my life pour out his heart to the Lord, while singing during worship. It fills me with an unspeakable joy! :)

thats all! night everyone!

**ps...I was in Santa Barbara this weekend to help my AMAZING friend, Katie Grace, shoot a wedding..I'll post more on that later!

a story...

2008-04-26T01:40:00.000-07:00

I know this post has been a long time in coming. I've actually had several people email me and ask what's going on, and why I haven't posted! It's at least a little bit encouraging that a couple people notice! :) Anyway, for all 2 of my loyal blog followers, I'm sorry I haven't been keeping up with it! I'll get better, I promise!

"What's going on in her life that she's so cryptic about?" You're probably wondering to yourself. Let me share a story, and then I'll get to that cryptic part...

**step back with me about 22 1/2 years....

Into the life of a spunky, brunette, hazel-eyed girl about 23 years old. She was in a relationship with a guy quite a few years older than her, she loved him, but they had had their ups and downs, and didn't believe she could ever marry him. While working at REI, and living with her mom and sister, she found out that she was pregnant. The realization that she had not the time, the money, or the opportunities to care for a child hit hard. Her decision to give the baby up for adoption was, although difficult, a courageous one. She read dozens of files on prospective parents...each one containing a couple that were praying God would choose them to parent the child of someone else. Each file represented love, and kindness, and family, but most importantly, God. Slowly, the files were narrowed down to half a dozen, then 3. Each of these couples were interviewed by the girl. One couple seemed off, the father-to-be was a little strange, and while she couldn't put her finger on it, she just didn't believe they would make the best parents for her child. The next couple was...interesting. Again, something was off. (she found out later that they were divorced shortly after she met them.) And again, she decided they probably wouldn't make the best parents for her little one. Which brings us to the 3rd couple. After being married for 10(ish) years, and through years of frustrations, and pain of not being able to have children, this couple seemed right. They loved the Lord, and were starving for the opportunity to bring a child into their home. Couple number 3 were the people the girl entrusted with her childs' life. Over the course of the next few months the girl and the couple bonded over the baby that was growing inside her. September 24, 1986 that baby was born into the arms of her adoptive parents. While the girl (and the biological father) knew she was making the right decision, it was painful to let go of something to which she had grown so attached. She gave photographs of herself to the couple, as well as a letter that she wrote to the little girl that was now this couples daughter.

As the baby grew and molded into this new family she fit perfectly. As years passed, she always knew she was special...different. She knew that God had chosen these people to parent her, even though they weren't related by blood. There was never a sit-down, heart-to-heart, that the child remembered, about being adopted. It was just part of who she was, a part of her story. The curiosity about her birthparents grew with her age, and in 6th grade, she was given the photos and letter from her birthmother. It was emotional, even at so young an age, to realize that it was such a gift of love to be given to someone else. That was the first time it really sank in that she was so loved. Years passed, and the pull to know her origins became stronger. When she turned 18 she wanted to pour her heart and soul into finding her parents, especially her mother. She became so overwhelmed with all the ways to find someone, and everything that went with the search that she dropped it. Afraid of what the results might turn up. "What if she was resented by her birth-parents?" "What if...?" questions ran through her mind daily. And while occasionally she would make a feeble attempt to locate them, the search was delayed indefinitely.

One day, the first week in March 2008, on myspace (of all places), she received a note from someone claiming to be her birthmother. WHAT?!? Could it REALLY be true? Was it someone just playing a joke? The emotions running through her mind would not slow down enough for her to sort them, they just sort of rushed through in one great big river. "What if it really was her?" "What if that insatiable quest to know where she came from actually found her?" After a few emails with details that only an authentic person could know, she was convinced. It was her. The tears, and the nervousness, and the excitement all began to descend on the young girl as she realized that the scene that was unfolding before her was reality. A reality that had been long dreamt about....

------------CUT!!!--------------------

Seriously? This is craziness, right? Like Hollywood style? No. Its a very real story. In fact, (if you haven't figured it out) it's my story. I am the baby that was adopted. My parents are couple number 3. And my birthmother is Jennifer Erwin. We exchanged emails over the course of a month and a half, and on Tuesday, April 15th, we met face to face at the San Juan Capistrano train station. My quirks now have an origin! I can blame her for the fact that I was SUCH a tom-boy growing up! :) (love you jen!) AND that I have such a love for all things critters and creepy crawlies! And my stubbornness and love of guitar music, etc...etc...etc...Even down to the fact that every time I pass a motorcycle, I follow it with my head. (that may have to do with the fact that she rode one until she was 7 months with me!) It was an incredible experience. Most kids look at their parents and can say, "oh, I picked up this from that parent's side," or "I hope I don't have that gene..." Or whatever the case may be. And while I inherited more qualities, and traits than I can list from my parents, there has been something so amazingly fulfilling about knowing that I still do share things with the woman who had me.

my whole life there has only been one person I have really cared to meet. most people want cross paths with celebrities, and or imaginary superheroes, or someone like that. While all those would be wonderful, there is only one person that could possibly have made enough of an impact on my life for me to think about her daily. Jennifer is my hero. Not because I believe she's "god-like," or perfect, nor do I truly have her on a pedestal. But I cannot imagine being so unselfish as to give your own child a life better than you can provide. There is only one greater love that I know...

My parents are amazing. They have helped me grow up to be a woman of God with a firm foundation in all that is right. I'm not perfect, and we don't always see eye-to-eye (in fact, most often we don't), but I love them with all of my heart. And although I have begun a new chapter in life...with future stuff, and work, and of course, Jennifer...They still are, and will always be my parents. My Mom and Daddy. The ones who have loved me, and provided for me, and cared for me above and beyond the best of their abilities. And for that I am eternally grateful!

God is amazing. The way He has designed the intricacies of life (regardless of whether of not you believe He has EVERY SINGLE MOMENT planned out for you) astounds me. The timing, and the mastery of it all is just one more testament to His sovereignty.
----------------
That was it.... the big, long awaited news. And while for some of you, it may hold no relevance or context, it has been a huge thing in my life, and I wanted to share. :) If anyone has any questions, feel free to leave a comment! I'd love to share!

There are many more exciting things going on these days, and I cannot wait to share those too, but that will have to be another night.

Sweet Dreams all.

crazy days...

2008-04-15T01:09:00.000-07:00

do you ever have those days that seem like they will never end, and yet when you finally get into bed that night, it feels like the shortest day of your life? Well, today was that way for me. (actually yesterday...but whatever) I don't know whether it had to do with the fact that I am working real hours now, or because i left my cell phone at home this am, or whether it had to do with me looking forward to dinner with my man and my new family (the people for whom i work), or if it was all based on what is going to be going on tomorrow. all i know is that it seemed like the end of today would never come, but as i drove home tonight, for the duration of the 30-40 min drive, my brain was in overdrive, and i was mulling over everything, and nothing all at once! i know at some point i thought there weren't enough hours in the day today. i was following zach, and poor guy, i don't think i ever went more than 65 mph...he stayed close to make sure i was okay...but my head was just in the clouds! anyway, some interesting stuff is going on in my life at the moment. i'll go into more detail about some of it in the next couple days. but i'm a little nervous about tomorrow. if ya'll could pray for a calming of nerves, that would be greatly appreciated! :) thank you!

i know i've been incredibly lax in posting lately, i'll get back into the habit this week! lots of love to you all! God bless...

quick post!

2008-04-10T19:26:00.001-07:00

Hi!! I know I haven't blogged the last couple days, I've been too tired! :) I'm heading to the airport in a couple hours, and will be home about 5 am (cali time). But, here's a couple pics of me today from Caeser!

This is Delaney and me...on one of the paths at the resort...
my only drink the WHOLE trip! I finally had a Piña Colada today at lunch. I would have killed for a Mai Tai, but ya know, there are more important things! LOL.

ok, more when I get home!

lots of love! ~b

Maui...Day 3

2008-04-08T00:14:00.001-07:00

Today, we went whale watching!!! Sooooo much fun! (minus the tank top tan lines I now have!) lol. Anyway, we went on a boat with about 100 other people...and in the times that I've been whale watching in the past, it hasn't really been anything to gloat about, so I was skeptical. This time though, it was AWESOME! Even the crew members on the boat were excited! Researchers came out to where we were and dove with the whales! There were about 16 whales that we saw, and at one point, there were about 6 males fighting over a female. The the dolphins decided they wanted to hang out with us too! I took tons of photos, and here are a few!

Oh, by the way, we missed our first boat, so we found a starbucks, had breakfast, then hung out in Banyon Tree Park for a while. the first images are from these amazing trees!

the wood in this crook of one of the limbs was sooo smooth from people sitting in it. the rest of the tree looked like the bark of a magnolia tree!

our boat!
Pacific Whale Foundation led the tours.

miss snaggle tooth....her front tooth is SUPER loose, but she won't pull it!
humpback whales

Hawaiian spitter dolphins!

sid...

one of the naturalists on our crew. Steve O was helping us get a shot of one of the whales "breaching."

Delaney and Linda...I love shooting mirrored glasses!
AND we went to Roy's for dinner. It was soooo yummy. I had brown butter glazed opakapaka (or something like that). It was amazing. more on that tomorrow. Plus, we are going to the aquarium in the morning! :) Maybe I'll even get up early enough to catch sunrise! :)

night all! sweetest dreams!

Maui....day 2

2008-04-07T01:45:00.000-07:00

On my way to bed, again. But here are a few pics to keep ya'll in the know of what's goin on here!

land ho! "a pirates life for me!" this is the kiddie pool. it's only 1 1/2 feet deep, which is kinda nice. and a BIG pirate ship in the middle

my girls, Delaney, and Sidney...

the view from the pirate pool

with their mom...

a double rainbow! check it out!!!
home for the week...

this building is ACTUALLY bright lime green...kinda cool in the photo...kinda icky in firefox thoughhmmmm....?
the token old people on the tropical island waiting to go back to their cruise ship...lol
d...
sunset!
more rainbows!!!
Savannah banana...
ummm, the most amazing ice cream ever!!

thats all for tonight! love love!

Mexicali Short slideshow

2008-04-06T01:44:00.000-07:00

here's the short version of the slideshow....if you have 20 minutes, I recommend the long one, but that's just me!

Maui..day 1

2008-04-06T01:29:00.000-07:00

I'm on my way to bed...but here are a few shots from today.

I'm super stoked, Wednesday morning Caeser and Mike(squared) and I are going to go shoot around a bit! :)

night!

long show...

2008-04-05T03:51:00.000-07:00

here's the long version of the Mexicali 2008 slideshow (not to be confused with the one Kiley is making for the services on sat and sun).

This one's about 20 min long..and its all pics...theres 435 of them...so enjoy!

http://www.brittanyleighphotography.com/mexicali08

**a short version will be posted another time!

wow...so much to say!

2008-04-05T01:46:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I'm so very sorry it's taken me so long to get back on this! A whole ton of exciting things are happening in my life right now. I'm going to add a slideshow from Mexicali in a little while (tonight), and try and briefly update ya'll over the next couple days. However, if I don't get to the update. I have a totally legit reason...I think anyway...I'm in Maui. haha. Like I said, it's been a whirlwind!

I'll post more in a bit!

and the winner is....

2008-03-15T23:57:00.000-07:00

UCLA!!!! by a very very slim margin! I honestly didn't know if they were going to pull it out! I mean when your team misses something like 10 freethrows in a row....its pretty questionable!

here are some pics from this afternoon's game, and pre and post adventures! :) enjoy!

We headed up to LA in 2 seperate cars, because Dave was going to leave from there to go back to SB. We followed Rich (driving Dave's car) until we decided he had NO idea where he was going (we were trying to find somewhere to eat, and he got off the 60 in East LA, and we wound up up the east side of the 6th street bridge...pretty crummy area.) From there, we just decided to go park, and try to find something on our walk to Staples. Within our last block we had almost given up hope of anything decent to eat, just about ready to concede to the gross area food again when a small café seemed to beckon us through the tall apt buildings and run down lots. The Liberty Grill is a diamond in the rough...with outstanding food, great service, and a quaint Santa Barbara-esque atmosphere...what more could you ask for? The first few moments of the game on TV would be nice...oh wait...it was on!
the ucla fans next to us left this at their bar-table...
sweet jerseys adorned the walls from all the big sports teams
I had the pulled bbq pork sandwich, and I've often found it can be a hit or miss dish....this one was right on!

this dude had sweet hair! classy and clean dreds are always awesome...the gang...
final score...67 -64...Darren Collinson scored 28 pts for UCLA! amazing!
sweet lines...
when we walked out of Staples, there were water droplets on the ground, and incredibly majestic thunder clouds in the sky!

Doesn't God paint fascinating masterpieces?

meh...the colors are SO much more impressive in camera!

Can anyone see the rainbow? or did firefox's stupid color shifts obliterate the faint reminder of God's promise?

on another note...

2008-03-15T00:54:00.000-07:00

Cheering Crowds. Painted Faces. School Colors. Junk Food. College Basketball.

I got to hang as one of the guys tonight! (granted, they are "older guys," but what's that saying? "Old Guys Rule?") **love you guys!** Where else can you eat a bunch of "awful for your eating habits" food, and not feel guilty? Where else can a girl have a draft in a clear plastic cup and not feel like a hick? haha. Sports games of course!

Slightly more upbeat than the previous post...I was at Staples Center tonight! This weekend is the NCAA Pac 10 finals, tonight were the semi-finals (UCLA vs USC, and Stanford vs Washington State), and tomorrow afternoon is the finals! It was a perfect way to spend a Friday night! (the one and only thing that might have made it a smidge better would have been if my man were with me) Our friend Rich had the good fortune of stumbling upon some tickets that a client couldn't use, so his friend Dave, my Daddy, and I were the lucky ones to accompany him! It was so much fun! I'm tired, and need to be up at a relatively early hour tomorrow, so I'll leave you with some images from the afternoon/evening! Enjoy! More tomorrow!

This guy was hysterical. He totally caught me snapping a few pics of him and smiled and waved as we drove away...

I love the City of Angels! The patterns, textures, and buildings are all so very unique!

random guy in starbucks with sweet maroon Chucks! :) and we must not forget the infamously deep pockets of those in the LA/Hollywood Hills areas! (I could settle for one....couldn't you?)

These funky wire mesh sculptures are the current art for out front of Staples

the standoff of the day between these two colors!
this guy is a nut! security came and talked to him 2xs! Every TO, every moment the band started up, even during games....he was on his feet dancing to his own beat...Never in my life have I seen anyone crave attention that badly!!! LOL
Sam Adams?
Dinner....haha...wow...that's kinda gross looking...
Rich's "tub'o'butter"

something's unusual about this image....anyone notice?
"JUMP BALL!"
while the Stanford band is musically talented, I must say, the classier, more traditional bands seemed to be more together...
I will admit, I'm always amazed at how many guys miss their shots from the line...as such a basic part of the game, you'd think they'd figure out how to get it right....almost every single time!
I'm all about school spirit...but seriously?
My own red Chuck's...affectionately known as my clown shoes!
now even the 76 Co. has a mascot....next thing you know...there will be "Cingular" men walking up and down the court...

(although the guy that won the contest made 2 out of 4 freethrows....and was handed a check from 76 for $38,000! Shoot, to make that kind of money in 3 minutes, I'd BE the 76 mascot!)

Daddy and Dave...playing tricks on poor Rich!
are you seeing a pattern in my eye? *no pun intended! ;)

This is Dave....everyone say "hi Dave!"

I caught Daddy mid-whistleI think I caught Rich off-guard too
This license plate said 9xwchmp...which translates (at least to me) as someone who has won 9 World Champ titles...Obviously it's someone with beaucoup $$ they're being driven around in a Rolls Royce...a newish one...with sweet suicide rear doors! AND the license plate frame is a "Laker" one...any guesses on the car's owner? Mine is good ol' Jack. He's been under the impression for the last 25 years or so, that he is part of the Lakers (and in a way, he is)....so it wouldn't surprise me

power-washing the sidewalks....
stairway too _____?
kinda cool I thought...
on the way home in the car....I wonder if he's ever read the lip on the bottom of that cup?

Thanks for stoppin' by!

...not in vegas this year...

2008-03-15T00:46:00.000-07:00

Hi all...I'm sad to report I do not have the privledge of being one of the thousands of wedding photogs to descend on Las Vegas this year for the annual WPPI convention. :/ Last year was SOOO much fun, and I wish I were there! But unfortunately, I didn't really want to go alone, and I need to be well rested before Mexicali. I know I'm missing all the awesome parties, and the fabulous tradeshows and lectures, but most importantly, I'm missing my friends! I look forward to hopefully being able to hang out with you all next year though!

Have fun for me! And be sure to share all the sweet goings on, on your blogs!!! lots of love!

Mexicali Part I

2008-03-13T00:43:00.000-07:00

Finally! It's almost time for Mexicali! The countdown has begun...8 days til we leave! I think it's about time I let you meet the team! This is my crew for Loma Linda Church. We have an awesome group! Mostly sophomores, with a couple seniors, it will be an amazing trip! I'll highlight each individual, and explain the chicken logo in the next few days...in the meantime here are some pics from decorating shirts at the latest meeting...and some headshots, so you can have a visual as to whose life you are blessing by praying for my team! Briefly, Emma is the daughter of Randy..she's 11, I believe, and we are soo stoked to have her on this adventure! AND Hilda is absolutely amazing! (much, much more on Hilda to come!) She and Randy are the translators, and are going to do a fabulous job turning our words into words that the people can understand! Thank you everyone!

**corey wouldn't let me take his pic...so he got a profile shot. no one took mine, so i stuck in an old candid, and josh's is from another event.

In this series, Jessica and Hilda got in a paint fight...it was one of the most humorous moments yet!

**I blog through firefox....and does anyone else notice the awful color shift on these (or any) images? What's the deal? My friend and amazing OC photog Michael Norwood pointed it out too!

cool new feature!!!

2008-02-28T22:55:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure any of you noticed, but I just added a cool little feature on the sidepanel of my blog! It's called a label cloud...and it sorts the labels you tag your blogs with in a fun unique way! instead of a list, or a pull down menu, you can vary the labels by size, and color! It does them all automatically! Pretty sweet I think...

Blogger Label Cloud Info

click on that link to get all the info! Easy to follow and install!

have fun!

UGH....killer headache!

2008-02-27T00:09:00.000-08:00

Hi all...I had intended to post tonight, but the back right quarter of my head feels like its going to explode. AND this headache has been plaguing me all day long! so this will be short!

but I had to tell you about this...
I was at church on Saturday for a Youth Specialties youth workers training convention-type-thing. Close to a few hundred people showed up to learn how to better impact students lives for Christ. It was great. Really! They had some great tips and such....but the real reason I mention it is because there was a guy behind a table scattered with stickers (shaped like a closed fist) and behind him hung a banner that said "Bite Back." I had to do a double take. Seriously? What on earth was that!? It definitely caught my attention (as intended), but I never really had the chance to talk to him-the guy behind the table, but in front of the banner- because I left early. Zach mentioned it later and clued me in as to the message behind the eye-catching phrase.

A new division of Compassion International, this "Bite Back" campaign basically has an agenda to end Malaria. 750,000 children die each year of malaria in Africa, that's a child every 30 seconds...a simple mosquito net could stop this. Just $10 buys a net that could save a childs life! It's an ambitious goal, but honestly, I believe that we, as Americans, could take a HUGE bite out of the malaria scene. Imagine if everyone in So. Cal alone donated $10 to make a difference in another country. The turn-out would be amazing. People, and kids especially, could have a fighting chance! I don't know about you, but if for three (out of my 8 or so) trips to Starbucks a week I got just regular coffee...instead of a triple grande blah blah blah latte, I would have saved almost $ 10 bucks, and have the chance to help someone! That's not cutting out my caffeine addiction, it's not even depriving myself....and when I think about how much of a difference that could make, it's such an easy decision!

In the time it took you to read this post...3 or four African children have died from this miserable disease...

...so, help end it! click on either of these banners to get to the BITE BACK site...watch the video, read the mission statement...and donate $10 bucks... please? these kids need our help! and if a few dollars here and there is all it takes...why even hesitate?

more is on the way!!!

2008-02-26T00:48:00.000-08:00

Mexicali info is coming...as is a life-update...but not just yet! ;)

In the meantime...here's the slideshow from the winners of the academy awards for Studio 22! Enjoy!

Mexicali: the trip in a nutshell

2008-02-23T00:15:00.000-08:00

Anyone reading my posts over the last month or so knows that over Easter Break (thats my rebellion to the p.c. culture and the title "spring break") I'm heading down to Mexicali with the high school group from our church. Azusa Pacific University has a Mexico Outreach program that has been around for years. Annually, the week before and the week after Easter, a cow field in Mexicali is occupied by the tents of a couple thousand high school students and adults. We are heading down the day before Easter, and spending the entire week loving on the people in some darkened communities of the "suburbs" of Mexicali. Our mornings begin with blaring music from the over-head speakers, a trip-roll of toilet paper in hand-to the banos, grabbing breakfast from the kitchen (usually muffins and cereal for me), brushing our teeth and washing our faces from the water jugs perched on the edge of a table which straddles a 6 foot deep hole in the ground. That's right folks! No running water, no real bathrooms. Sleeping in tents, in the dirt. If you're lucky, you won't be the one with the tent right next to the "spit pit," if you're not, you're awake with the earliest in your camp. For some of the OC high school students, it's a trip of total sacrifice of comfort (and thats all they can think about), for some it's an eye-opener as to the fact that not everyone thinks that staying at a Motel 6 is "roughing it," for others it's a chance to make a difference in the world...but for everyone it is a trip that changes their lives. Regardless of the varietal expectations previously conjured up in the minds of the attendees, each individual comes home with a fresh perspective on their lives, and feeling of humility when it's realized how much a good, long, hot shower actually means.

Here's the breakdown...
We head south out of OC and across the border to Mexico...thankfully, when we get there our tents have been set up and our camp-grounds staked out by the fabulous "tent crew" that preceeds our arrival. We settle in and have an evening of adjusting to the camping lifestyle...

In the morning, after an inspiring chapel service we are ready to roll out and conquer the world for Jesus! Or at least our villages. We pile into our vans, head to our respective villages, and begin the day. VBS and crafts with the kids in the villages, Bible Studies with the adults, and just spending time ministering to, and loving on the people who occupy these areas are our main goals. Endless games of soccer, and tag are played, hours of jumping rope and giving piggyback rides are to be had. Each of the students usually bonds (specifically) with one or two of the children in their village, making goodbyes at the end of the week tearful, and heartwrenching. Often, at some point in the week, we have a meal with the people in our village. Inevitably there is a night, or morning, church service held by the village in which your days are spent. We leave our villages late in the afternoon, with the hope of stopping at WalMart (or better yet, the showers) before needing to get back to camp in time for dinner. Another inspiring chapel service is held, and after a little time of whole team bonding, we hit the hay, or should I say, dirt. Our chapels consist of a praise team that leads us in worship, and a speaker who twice daily reminds us of the love our Savior has for us, and in turn the love we need to bestow upon others. (granted, depending on the year, and the speaker this message is slightly altered...but you get the idea.) Honestly, however good and inspiring, they are difficult to sit through. The morning chapels happen after breakfast and most years it's already getting ridiculously hot when you're sitting in a beach chair under the open sun. The night chapels happen after dinner...and while I definitely always look forward to them, you're tired from a long day, and sometimes, it's all you can do to not fall asleep! The week is long, and dirty, and physically exhausting, but there is not one thing I would change about it.

This year, we are taking about 110 people with RDFC...about 20 of those are adult leaders and translators. The remaining 80-ish are students who have given up their week-long respite from the stresses of student life to serve Christ in another country. We divide up the entire group into 2 drama teams, and send about 15 people to each of our villages. It is truly a life-changing experience. All four years I was in high school, this was not only the means by which I earned my community service hours, but also- and much more importantly- the week when I was reminded how blessed I am. I looked forward to helping change the lives of the people in Mexico, of course, but beyond that I looked forward to the people of my village helping to change my life. I know that sounds selfish, and perhaps, on some levels it is. But honestly, I would come home from Mexicali with a renewed sense of appreciation for what I have been blessed with and the reminder that what I felt entitled to was not the reality.

This year, I am a leader. I'm not going to lie....it's intimidating! There are 12 students on my team, and I'm partially in charge! I don't think I'm necessarily a spiritual leader, I'm not THAT much older than them, I don't even know that I'll have all the answers to these kids questions! But I am willing to try! Thankfully, Jeff Bell is the other leader on our team. He is an incredible man of God, and I am so very excited to be spending time learning from his leadership skills! I have known Jeff since I was in elementary school when he was a youth pastor at a local church...which my best friend's family attended. I babysat for his kids when I was in high school, and am good friends with his eldest daughter who is now a sophomore in high school. Jeff and his wife, Heidi, are on staff at Royal Servants which is a student missions organization. He has 20+ years of student ministry under his belt, and I am so stoked to doing ministry with him! Our team is headed to Loma-Linda Church. I have not yet been there on a team, but am looking forward to it nonetheless. In the coming days I will introduce you to my team members individually, and have specific prayer requests for our trip. In the meantime, would you pray for cohesiveness on the team? As with all teams, each in our group comes from a different walk of life, it would be wonderful if we could bond over the simple fact that we all love the Lord! :) Thank you!

I do believe, however, that I have given you quite enough material to read for tonight. So, sleep sweetly world...more to come tomorrow!

i had a valentine!!!

2008-02-21T22:23:00.000-08:00

I know I said I would write about this a week ago, but I really haven't had time. Lots of new and exciting things going on here, and it's been a lil busy!

For as long as I can remember, I've despised Valentine's Day. I have always been part of the school of thought that says, "it's just another day on the calendar...if you really love someone, you should show them daily...not just once a year!" I will admit that I always secretly hoped someone would sweep me off my feet, and change my opinion of the day of little naked cherubs and candy hearts with sayings the preempted texting slang. So, this year, for the very first time in my entire life, I had a real Valentine! Sure, I had a guy give me flowers a few years ago, he was really more of a friend, and we never really dated, I've always gotten those sweet kiddie Valentines from friends, and one year in high school, I even got a bracelet from someone, but this was different. I have a boyfriend this year, as I have in the past occasionally, but this was different even from other times. He actually planned the day for me, simply because he loves me! It was amazing! In the weeks leading up to the 14th, everytime I asked Zach what we were doing for V-day he would shoot back a comment such as, "when is that again?" or "I don't know, have you thought of anything?" But I just knew he had something up his sleeve, because I was told not to plan anything that day. The 13th, we arranged that he would be at my house about 10 minutes to 9am...(which really was 9am cuz he's usually about 10 min off.). So we parted ways after the first Mexicali Training, and attempted to each get to bed on the earlyish side. I was so giddy, I had no idea what had been planned, (I couldn't wait to find out) but even moreso, I was so excited that someone cared enough to actually think of something creative to do for me. I felt so incredibly loved! I'm gushing aren't I? O:) Anyway, I couldn't sleep. I was far too excited to dream restfully. I felt like a little kid the night before you're supposed to leave for camp, or vacation, or somewhere new...super antsy, and a little nervous, and excited all in one burst of emotion.

BOING BOING BOING...my alarm went off at 7:30 on Valentines morning. I jumped out of bed, straightened my hair, did my make-up, ironed my shirt (luckily I laid out my clothes the night before...otherwise I would have been a disaster!) At 9 there was a knock on the door, I opened it, with anticipation, to find my man, standing there with Starbucks in hand! Not just any Starbucks...one of my most favorite drinks...a triple-grande-nonfat-cinnamon dolce latte!! I grabbed my jacket, and purse and change of clothes for later (as I was instructed), and we jumped in the truck and headed to a surprise destination. **sidenote: Surprises and I really have a love/hate relationship. I love that someone thinks to surprise me, and feel totally loved, and blessed to have people that care enough to surprise me, BUT at the same time, I hate being surprised. I like, okay - love, to be in the know.** By the time we got halfway down State College I figured out we were going to the "happiest place on earth," and was thrilled! Especially since only a couple days earlier I had mentioned wanting to go to D-land sometime soon. However, we were not only headed to Disneyland, but really to Paradise Pier Hotel in Downtown Disney for breakfast! :) It was so much fun! Paradise Pier is totally Cali styled...and the PCH Grille (where we had breakfast) was so much fun! It was a character breakfast, so Lilo, and Stitch, and Goofy, and Minnie, all came out for hula lessons, and to hang with the kiddos. I'm such a little kid at heart, it was perfect! Stitch even tried to tell me he had "off-ed" my man, and was now my date....it was hysterical!!! The food was amazing! Everything you could think of was on the buffet line. Mickey shaped waffles, terriyaki glazed salmon, strawberries and whipped cream, omlettes made to order...yum!! We just sat forever and talked, watching the innocence of the children being enraptured by these real-life cartoons. It was a perfect start!

Followed by a wonderful afternoon! Neither one of us expected the parks to be very crowded, and because we have passes, we're a little snobish as to the amount of time (or lack thereof) we want to spend in lines. We hit a couple favorites, Space Mountain, and Indiana Jones (which was actually working, for once) before the lines got too long, then headed over to CA adventure to make jump on Screamin, Soarin', and the Sun-Wheel (the ferris wheel that has buckets that swing...its great for an unexpected laugh!)

We left before the crowds got out of hand, and ran a few errands winding up back at Zach's house. The original plan was that he was going to drop me off at home, and then come get me like an hour later but, due to outside circumstances, the plan was in need of amending. Instead, he left me in the truck for a few minutes, while he disappeared through the front door (keep in mind I have NO idea what's going on.) Just a few minutes later - although it seemed like an eternity-he came back, grabbed my hand, and led me inside. He had set a table! With red and white dishes and everything! All by himself! I was floored! I'm pretty sure I threw my stuff on the futon and wrapped my arms around him. He had gone, picked out the dishes, figured out how it would look best, and even got me roses. We hopped back in the car and went to pick up our food at Macaroni Grill which he had ordered the day before. (he even thinks ahead!) It was so perfect that we didn't have to wait to be seated, wait to get our food, surrounded by 200 other loud people in love. Valentine's crowds have always been a bit of an annoyance to me. He knows me so well he could order my meal perfectly...even when it was something I had never eaten there. We ended the day in each others arms discussing life and love. It could not have been more perfect! AND, of course, I have pictures to prove it! :)

the colors seem to have dulled a bit on these, but you'll get the idea...they are just from a p&s after all!
yum! my breakfast of strawberries, salmon, pinapple, and an omlette with ham, and mushrooms, and onions, and cheese!
...and then there's Zach...who managed to fill, and empty his plate twice! Aren't the Mickey waffles adorable!?

Such a fun surf-city atmosphere! Goofy...hangin with the kids
my Valentine and me! :) (yes, we matched...we sort of matched. Completely unintentionally....but we decided it was ok. After all, aren't you supposed to wear red on Valentine's Day?)

Stitch was conspiring to be rid of my date!...he thought he won me....no such luck!

Whoever plays Goofy is hysterical! Totally uninhibited!

We have this thing: being regulars of the park affords us the luxury of knowing where each camera sits, and therefore we usually plan our ride-pics when we first get on each ride...key word...usually. I kinda forgot this time...oops! But, I will say, his idea was pretty adorable!

I love Tower of Terror...that drop that jolts your stomach into your throat...even when you know it's coming...
Isn't this adorable!? We had talked about these signs and how perfectly they would go in my room a few days before V-day. He listens so well!!
My roses, a week later, are still gorgeously adorning my dresser as a daily reminder that I am loved!

**to all those guys (and girls) out there that say things like "he's going to give the rest of us a bad name," and "guys like him set the bar too high..." I say that's ridiculous! I was talking to Zach one time about a past experience along these lines and to that he said, "it shouldn't take any extra effort, or really any extra thought to do things for the person you love the most in the world." It's so very true! Seeing the one person you care most about smile, and making their day brighter by going the extra mile, or doing something out of the ordinary just because makes your life that much better! Whether it be writing a note of encouragement, or emailing a silly photo, or even stopping by work, their fav coffee in hand....go make your loved one smile today...just because. Let them know how rewarding it is to have them your life.

"live well, laugh often, love much"

** tomorrow (friday) I'm heading to Disneyland @ 10 to see one of my Mexicali team members, Miss Chelsie Bell, play with her orchestra in Carnation Plaza! More on my Mexicali team, and the upcoming trip over the next couple days! Then tomorrow night it's hopefully off to have dinner and see Vantage Point with Heidi and Tony!

...i'm tired...

2008-02-16T01:08:00.000-08:00

...sooo, I'll post about my Valentine's Day in the morning. As well as the high school event Zach and Mandi put on tonight. :) goodnight all...sweet dreams.

one more thing...

2008-02-13T23:35:00.001-08:00

anyone know what this is? any guesses? :)

oooo...I forgot...

2008-02-13T23:31:00.000-08:00

By the way (and I'll post more on this later), I'm one of the leaders taking a team of high schoolers, with our church, to Mexicali over Easter break (march 22-28). So if ya'll could be praying for the students, and leaders alike, to be completely open to God's voice, that would be very much appreciated! I'll keep you updated, and introduce all of my groups members...just wanted to nudge that into everyone's prayers!!! thank you!

hello.

2008-02-13T23:08:00.000-08:00

Hi friends!

It has been FAR too long since I posted! I don't have time to post now, though, I am going to sleep. I just wanted you all to know that there will be things to post soon! Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, and for once, I actually have a REAL date ON Valentine's!!! I'm soooo excited! Zach has planned something (I have no idea what, he won't divulge that)...and he's picking me up about 9am...I'm hoping I'll be able to sleep! My mind is racing with curiosity, and anticipation!

Have fun tomorrow everyone! And, if you are one that does not have a significant other, remember God loves you! And His love is better than any earthly being could ever attempt to give!

Love love!

just another day in paradise!

2008-02-05T00:55:00.000-08:00

Ok, so maybe it's not quite paradise, but I'd say Santa Barbara is pretty darn close! It's definitely one of my most favorite places to spend a sleepy Saturday afternoon, that is for sure! Zach and I pulled into town around noon, and spent the entire day exploring, shopping, shooting, and just living! We had the Santa Barbara classic, Habit for lunch, then made the trip up to Java Jones for after-lunch coffee. Driving on the wharf was a new experience for the boy, as was the trip to "thousand steps" at sunset! After the sun was set, we head back up all those stairs (there aren't actually a thousand steps), we were off to Carp (to Katie's) for a fun night of fantastic company, very competitive Taboo, and yummy snacks, around 9:30 we excused ourselves and headed back to town to grab a bite at my favorite SB Italian spot before gettin' "on the road again." Smiling and being polite to the adorable older gentleman at the front door of Pascucci's paid off, he let us be seated (even though they were practically closed), and we had a fantastic dinner of their Bellagio pasta, and butterleaf salad. One more stop at Java Jones, a quick drive up in the hills to see the gorgeous lights below, and we headed home. Just in time too! It started to sprinkle on us when we left the restaurant!

Here are some of the pics we both took! Click on any of them for a slideshow!

**this guy was awesome! he smoked his pipe as though he had been doing it for years, BUT afterward, he was coughing like he'd never smoked a day in his life!

***I settled for the song by Chris Cagle for the slideshow because I couldn't find Tim's "just another day in paradise!"

please pray...

2008-02-04T11:23:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I come bearing bad news. Please please please pray for this family!

There is a family of 3 in Colorado in the hospital due to an auto accident. And things are bad. The thing is, though, this family is a missionary family, and they were set to leave on February 12 for Cambodia. Andrea, Scott Sward, and their 18 month old, Issac (and a couple other missionaries, whom I don't know) were in a van on the freeway yesterday morning. There van was side swiped, they rolled, 2 people were killed, and the Sward family were all taken to the hospital with incredibly serious injuries. As of this morning, Issac was taken off life-support...he passed away, Scott is concious, and Andrea is critical, but stable. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers! God is good, and He can do anything, but sometimes, it's a little difficult to completely trust that! Their families need our support through prayers!

here are two articles on the accident, and the most updated information on the Friends Church SouthWest site...

News story on accident

News story 2

EFCSW update

Phenomenal!!!

2008-02-03T23:42:00.000-08:00

ok...so who, besides me, thinks its absolutely marvelous that the Giant beat the Patriots today!?!?!?! I love sports. No matter what every critic and skeptic say, there is always the chance that the unpredictable will happen! And when it does, it's GLORIOUS! :)

More tomorrow! I'll post some sweet shots from our day in SB!

Katie, Clouds, and...Smart Cars?

2008-02-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

After an awesome week at the Freedom House, I was blessed to get to hang out with one of my bestest friends in the entire world! :) We don't have history that takes us back to our childhoods together. We don't share many commonalities in our teenage years, in fact, there are very few things we would have agreed upon in those years. We are from entirely different worlds (OK and CA). Both of us look completely different from each other, but I think of her as a sister. We do not talk everyday, we talk every week, if we're lucky! (Neither of us likes the phone) She lives in Santa Barbara, and I'm back down in the OC...in fact, honestly, I don't even know how we became friends...but for the grace of God...as there is very little in common between the two of us! But, Miss Katie Grace Clay is one of the dearest people I have ever been blessed to know! Her passionate, shout-it-from-the-rooftops love for Jesus is something that I completely admire, and to which I strive to liken myself. Her boundless energy and golden smile are all I need to make my day better! :) And to think, God used HTML, and Marketing classes at Brooks to bring us together! One day, over coffee (for me it was a chai bomb, for her, it was an americano) at my all-time favorite "Java Jones," we chatted about the wedding industry, our mutual love of love stories, and each shared parts of our "stories" in an attempt to get to know each other...Who knew it would turn into a friendship such as this. This girl blows my mind. And I am so VERY thankful to have her in my life!

Sorry, that was a bit of a tangent, BUT there is a point! When I left the Freedom House, my weekend had been wonderful....and it only got better. Katie and I had a blast hanging out. Over nachos and drinks we caught up about our love lives, and business matters, and just life in general. It is so wonderful to share in someone's life where God is working so very vividly! I spent the night at her house, and headed back to the dreaded (except for the fact that my boy is here, that is) OC. Here are a couple shots from Katie's new apt, and the gorgeous sky after the incredibly violent storms...

these clouds are just beautiful! God paints gorgeous skies, doesn't He?

Ok, so I have a MINI Cooper, and I really didn't think cars could get any more ridiculous than that...I was so very wrong. This was the scene as I pulled off the 57 freeway in Brea....

The Euro Smart Cars by Mercedes have finally invaded the US...pretty soon, we're all going to be driving things that look like wind-up cars and Tonka trucks! Out with the Hummers and gas-guzzlers! In with the easy to destroy Hot Wheels! Oh Dear...

Freedom House, pt 2

2008-01-31T03:00:00.000-08:00

One thing I absolutely LOVE about DJ's house is all the little random trinkets laying around! There is everything from awesome marble spheres that look as though they were someone's sketchpad...to trendy light fixtures, and crazy architectural angles! Stick-men are mountain climbing the vertical walls, and unique pieces of furniture adorn each room. Everything is seamlessly trendy and chic to the max. The modern sets of hanging silverware, and the beautiful orchids submerged in ultra-trendy vases are the marks of someone well aware of the importance of chic, but interested, as well, in the comforts of home.

Below are just some of the images that I managed to capture last weekend. No, there are no people in them (well, most of them)...but these are generally the sorts of things that catch my eye in a room, even in the midst of the company that fills the room. Details stand out to me...however large, or small...

the famed David Jay himself!

DJ's AMAZINGLY beautiful, and talented assistant, Crystal. This weekend could not have been pulled off if not for her hard work!
Kenny Kim's awesome brown converse...I'm really jealous! I want a pair!
Gustavo Fernandez and Corey Hage attempting to absorb all the intense knowledge that is DJ.

Kenny, Corey, Andres, and Melanie

mmmm...SUSHI!
DJ!
The talented Mery Donald in all her silliness!
Melanie Merkling, Penny Sylvia, Mery, and Kristin Renee...
Miss New Orleans, Amy Jett.

Gustavo, Melanie, Kenny, Corey and our videoographer for the weekend, Paul Rogers.
Corey and Andres

For some reason, I never caught a shot of Mark Barnes, or Regas Chefas! But I surely did not want to leave them out! Sorry I never grabbed shots of you guys! But I know Kenny did....so I stole his intro grids...

** thanks kenny!!!

Thank you all for an amazing weekend of connections and learning and fun! I am so very blessed to know each of you!

Thank you Mike Larson! He (and his super-sweet wife, Rachel) made a guest appearance on Sunday. Mike talked business, hung out, and even showcased his magic "camera in flight" trick!

**all the shots not taken on sushi night were shot with the famed Canon 50mm 1.0...ya know...the one that belonged to Mr. Denis Reggie himself! :) It's still one of my favorite lenses!

Jesus...and Kenny Kim

2008-01-30T00:13:00.000-08:00

I know, that sounds just a little bit crazy, but it's true!

First... I love Kenny Kim! hehe...he's a stellar wedding photog from the Chicago area. And, I've had the priveledge of getting to know him through various workshops and such. At the Freedom and Slumber Workshop this weekend, he came not only to glean DJ's amazing business skills, but also to document the whole weekend! Check out his blog for a sweet Showit Web Show of the highlights and crew from the weekend!

**sidenote: i know i said i would get images up from the weekend, but i haven't quite gotten there yet! AND i plan to introduce you all the amazing photogs i had the pleasure of hanging with! So it's coming! I promise!!!

Second....but most important, I love Jesus! (sorry Kenny, but really, He beat you out on this one! :) )
He is just so incredible! Tonight, I made dinner for my mom and dad and Zach. (Zach and my Daddy spent the better part of the afternoon and evening being very manly...they were on a hunt for firewood...and seeing as thought a 75ft eucalyptus just fell on someones car, there was plenty of wood to be had, if you wanted to saw it up. and, of course, they did.) My Grammy gave me the most amazing cookbook ever! (I can't think of the name at the moment...) But it's ALL French! The recipes all sounded so wonderful, I had to get started right away, to get through all 120 of them! :) Anyway, I made Coq au Vin, served it over pasta, a homemade dijon viniagrette dressing for the baby lettuce salad with pecans, crannies, and red onions...roasted asparagus and broccoli with browned butter and parmesean...crostini with an olive oil ans herbs de provence topping, and strawberry shortcake with homemade whipped cream for dessert! (it was pretty tasty if i do say so myself!) Anyways, after dinner came dessert and the Laker game. Shortly thereafter, my parents went to bed and Zach and I laid in front of the smoldering fire for a little while (...this has a point about Jesus, I promise!) We talked about life, and work, and us, and all sorts of good things, but in the midst of it all, after a momentary lapse in the conversation, he prayed. Out of no where he began to talk to God as if He were sitting right there next to us. Now, I know that to some of you, it probably sounds crazy. But it is an amazing feeling to be falling in love with a man who is so in love with God first. And to show how much I love someone, I do things for them...I cook, and bake, and think of random things they might like...hence the exciting French cuisine for 3 of the most important people in my life! I am so very blessed. God has brought Zach into my life (again) and through him, shown me what a Godly, mature relationship looks like. Therefore...I love Jesus! :)

That's all for tonight! Maybe tomorrow I'll get around to uploading those photos. Sweet Dreams!

Freedom House, pt I

2008-01-26T14:48:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

I'm working on a new website, so bear with me while I get it up and running!

In the meantime, this weekend, I am in Santa Barbara hanging out at the Freedom House! :) We're having so much fun! It's such an awesome opportunity to connect with these 10 photographers from all over the country! It's amazing to learn from each other and from a master like DJ. The weather is gorgeous, rainy, and dreary, but the sun has broken through the clouds over the ocean...the view is astounding! I'll post some pics tonight...but here are a couple iPhone pics...

here was sunrise this am! I was WIDE awake....everyone around me was snoring...lol

and a few hours later....the gorgeous views!

be back for more later!