This Sucks!!!

I have a KAJILLION (well, not quite that many) photos to show you and my normal computer that I use is not working, and I can't upload my pictures! I haven't blogged in forever. I haven't even shown any photos from Christmas and it's almost February! I spent the last month in the desert escaping the winter and have lots of awesome things to show you from that too! I miss blogging, and sharing my photos!!! Hopefully SOON I will be able to show you what I have been up to. Thanks dear readers for waiting!

Longest

I do believe this is the longest I have gone without blogging. I gave been enjoying my new year! How is yours treating you? I will be back to blogging soon with all of our adventures!

2011 theme: Strength

As I have previously stated, I love to share a personal side with you on my photography blog.

I've never really been too keen on setting new years resolutions. I've always kind of thought that they tend to set you up for future disappointment or when setting them, you can be too hard on yourself. So instead of resolutions this year, I have decided to set a theme. This year's theme is "Strength".

Last year, I spread myself far far far too thin and committed myself to too many things. And they were all things that I had to give 100% of myself to. This left hardly any of myself for myself, and it wore me down. So this year, particularly in these early months, I want to build back up my strength in many ways.  And I'll tell you what, these past couple weeks off, have been just blissful!

* I vow to hopefully never spread myself that thin again.

* In case you didn't know, I have struggled with insomnia for years. It's the pits.  I would never wish it on anyone! I want to take care of myself physically by exercising more so I can sleep better.

* My yoga instructor said something that really struck me. She said that in your late teens and all through your 20s is when you build bone density and strength to draw from for your entire life, and that it's critical to build it up during that time. I was like, "goodness gracious! I need to exercise more!" I want to be a capable old lady who can lift her gallon of milk so I better start building up my bone density now!

* I of course want to become more spiritually strong this year so that I can hopefully better oveercome my weaknesses. More regularly attending church (Yay for the schedule change!) and by doing things on my own to help build up that strength. A church leader of mine also said something that really stuck with me. He said that often times the Lord won't take away your burdens or hardships, but instead when you rely on Him, He will make you STRONGER to better withstand them. I need to become stronger.

* As hard as it is for me (because I honestly love everyone and want to be everyone's friend), I need to put a little distance between myself and those that tend to bring me down. I had a couple people this past year who really brought me down. As much as I would love to be best friends with everyone, I need to remember what a wise older gentleman said in church yesterday, "A true friend is someone who makes you feel good about yourself when you are in their presence."  Dear friends who are so positive and great, I love you! And hope that I have expressed my gratitude to you.  If not, I resolute to show more appreciation this year. :)

...Thus, I will become stronger. :)

What is YOUR theme this year? What do YOU want to do to make 2011 the best year yet?

And because a post is no fun without a picture, here is me and Brant when we went whale watching in Maui last month. :)

2010 in Review

Disclaimer: This may just be the longest blog post known to man. 

Every year just keeps getting better and better.  This year was no exception.  I cannot believe all that I was able to do/see/accomplish/learn this year.  2010 was full of special little moments with my family, and some bigger memories too.  I probably took more trips and vacations this year than I have in any other year.  I don't know why, opportunities to go somewhere fun kept arising!  All in all, I am so grateful for the experiences this year has brought, I am thankful for my wonderful family and the love we share and look forward for all that 2011 has in store.  Here is my year in review:

What better way to start of this post than with this cute face! We didn't do much in January. Isn't it such a boring month?  Just tried to stay warm inside. :) Highlight: Raising this beautiful girl.  Lowlight: Still winter. UGH!

Late February, My mother in law and sisters in law and I all took a girls trip to San Francisco.  It was so exciting for me because I had never been before! We had the most memorable time!  Highlight: Japanese tea gardens and eating fresh crab.  Lowlight: Literally seeing a man jump off of the Golden Gate Bridge on our bay cruise.  "Worst cruise ever!"

In March we took our first little family trip to St George over spring break to visit family.  Brant and I did a little hiking in Zion National Park, and Claire got to play with all her Pease cousins.  It was wonderful to get out of the cold and into the sun!  Highlight: Sunshine and warmth! Lowlight: We had to come back home to winter.

In April, it snowed.  Winter lasts for.e.ver. in Salt Lake! But then thankfully Spring finally sprung and we went outside as much as we could to have some fun! Highlight: Planting our garden! Lowlight: Spring didn't come sooner than it did.

In May, Brant had a birthday, Claire and I went to Texas to visit my sister and Grandparents, and Brant and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary.  Highlight: May is one of my favorite months! I loved when Brant took me on a hot air balloon ride. It was so fun!  Lowlight: I honestly can't remember any! :)

Ft Worth Texas

5 year anniversary at the Canyons in Park City

June: We went on some family hikes to the mountains. The farmers markets opened!  My mom, sister, and I went on a lovely girls trip to San Diego. Claire turned two! My parents came to visit for her birthday which was extra special! Highlight: Oh I loved every memory from this month! Lowlight: The month went by toooo fast.

July: We took Claire to see the fireworks for the first time this 4th of July.  She loved it!  The Dunn family reunion was held in Bend Oregon.  We stayed in Sun River, went to crater lake, and just had an absolute blast with the family!  We enjoyed playing in the back yard and swimming, bbqing and all the fun things summer brings.  Highlight: The Dunn family reunion and everything about it.  Lowlight: We drove to Oregon in the middle of the night so hopefully Claire would sleep, and guess what? She did not sleep one single wink.  The child will not sleep in the car to save her life!  And, I got knocked on my butt with a really bad cold, in the middle of summer!

Sick!

Oregon

August: I had a birthday! But honestly, I do not remember what I did for it!  In the beginning of the month I went down to Vegas to attend Skip's Summer School.  Claire started preschool! She's such a big girl. Highlight: Skip's summer school and all the amazing people I was able to meet. Lowlight: I was too dang busy for my own good!

Driving to Vegas

September: We had the most beautiful month! The summer seemed to last a little longer which I eagerly welcomed.  We went to the State Fair which was a blast!  Highlight: Claire's face on going down the big slide (see below).  Lowlight: Summer coming to a close. :(

Hilarious!

In the end she loved it!

October: I think we went to Logan to visit Brant's family and for other occasions 3 times this month.  One trip, Brant took me on a drive to Tony's Grove to see all the beautiful leaves. I went to Moab with my friends Hayley and Sarah for a photography workshop.  We hiked to delicate arch and got caught in a scary flash flood.  We also had our family pictures taken.  Highlight: Beautiful fall foliage, and Halloween with the Pease's.  Lowlight: Brant's Grandma Pease passed away.

November: It was only a month ago, but it is such a blur! I can't remember much from it! This just goes to show how busy I was! We spent Thanksgiving with my in-laws in Logan.  We had our first big snowfall, and my parents came to visit.  While they were here, we took Claire to the planetarium.

December: Christmastime! Christmas tree, and more snow.  Brant took me to Hawaii which was amazing!  When we got back we took Claire to see the lights which she loved, and we spent Christmas with my parents.

I feel so blessed to have such a fulfilling year.  It was so fun and amazing.  I hope you all have the best 2011 EVER!!!