SMILE

Its been my biggest craving for about a year now, a camera. My phone get the job done but I want to explore more and capture the most beautiful things.

 

I will have one of these in my hand this weekend and I am beyond ready to start. It may just be a hobby or it could turn into more. I love capturing precious moments for people and I have lucky enough to be in on some shoots! Our memory can only hold so much, with photos, they can tell a whole story.  My life is a story for me, so forgive if at every event I attend I want to snap a photo. No, I am not trying to "show off" by any means, I just want people to see the light and life through all the smiles that are in my life.

 

If you ever get a chance to read from the beginning, my life turned upside down about 3 years ago. It is not perfect and I am not perfect. Taking pictures is magical and relaxing, the prints are forever yours.

 

I am so anxious to get started with a camera in my hand. The joy of something that can have a clearer view of the world than yourself.

my blessings

Summer has been in fill swing and I still have my head attached, thank goodness. Being home has been such a great thing. I get to spend more time with my family, loving my job and love being able to see some of my bestest friends in the world more often then not. I find myself capturing more of life happening for me, being humble about all the blessing in my life. Also, slightly pointing out I am enjoying life to the fullest with no man to my right or left.

 

 This is my one true super hero, my grandpa. He lost his hand at the age of 18 and now is rockin 88. He has been through more than anyone I know. He is the happiest person in this world and I could not be more proud to be his granddaughter.

 Fathers day selfie with Dad, beautiful evening.

 Grand Old Days was a blast. Enjoying it with some of the biggest hearted people I know.

 A friend who I've gotten to know over the years and she will make you pee your pants, you must have a friend who can do that for you :)

 Ms. NC was back home for the weekend and dedicated it to her. Our great guy friend tagged along as well. The people who just get you and accept you for who you are, never let them go.

 Wedding fun with my auntie, we always manage to take on the dance floor at all weddings.

 This has been my biggest project thus far and must I say I gave my self a pat on the shoulder. Planning a bachelorette party for this bride to be! Being the MOH is a big deal and I didn't want to disappoint. It was a rockin weekend with all the girls and a definite success. I also go inspired and made that banner in the background, another proud moment.

 Country life, is the pretties of all.

 My beautiful mother. She wanted a random selfie before she was off on her trip to celebrate the big 5-0 with her best girlfriends!! This women has become one of my best friends and now we are roommates again! I thank her for all I am and the way she raised me. She continues to be the biggest support and fan still in my twenties. I don't know what I would do without her.

This picture says so much... my Dad. One of his super hero powers besides being there always to fix whatever is needed, is his million smiles he has. He thinks its funny because he has such a hard time trying to smile, only God knows why. This is also my ham of a brother taking pictures always before anyone is ready. Love the men in my life!

 

 

Cheers to another week, make sure to count all your blessing!

here comes the sun!

 Do you have a place where all worries of the world just wash away, where you see God all the time with the beauty he created and the amount of conversation with friends and family is just priceless. This is my cabin where I love to spend the summer. The lake has so much beauty and the town is always fun. Small towns are the best towns, I think. We couldn't of asked for better weather last

weekend and I hope that Summer telling us its going to be a great one this year :)

 

This past weekend I also got to hang out with my bride to be cousin, again I am the MOH (still feeling honored) and sit on the dock at our grandma and grandpas cabin and tan. Seriously the best medicine ever. I got to pick up my brides maid dress and it was fabulous.. all becoming more real and close to the date! We are just a grade apart but almost two years age difference. We have a big family but we are the closest and I thank God for not only that but also blessing me with a best friend who is family.

 

 

Enjoy today, its beautiful!

home for the summer

One of the reasons I am most excited about moving home is the gem above ^^^. That would be my brother if you didn't already know and he is three years younger than me. (WHOA), I know. Over the past few years we not only share the same blood and parents, but we now share a friendship. We talk just about everyday and I usually have to dial first but he always picks up. We have been through a big life change together and we just had each others back constantly. Now growing up into our twenties we have can relate to more life situations and celebrations.   I am so proud of the great young man he is turning into. He teaches me things more than I teach him to be honest. I am so blessed that God gave me a brother, the coolest one I know :)

beautiful morning

On days like today I wish finding inspiration, sending a kind message to someone or making a strangers day could be my career. Truth is, it can be I just need to invest my mind more into it. Don't get me wrong I worked hard for the degree I have and enjoy my new job now, but if I could help create sunshine in someone else's life constantly I would.

 

This morning is so perfect. When I see the sun shining I instantly thank God for this beautiful day. He knows its a gift for me when the sun is shining. I have my 12 year old Golden sitting at my feet and a good cup of coffee to my left. Summer I believe is my second favorite season and I am just so excited for the sun and water.

 

One thing I love about summer is the sun rises and sunsets. My camera is constantly filled with those images and I not one is the same, which is the beauty of it all.

 

In my devotion today is read: Remember that I am with you. Talk with Me, and listen while I talk you through each challenging situation. I am not a careless God. When I allow difficulties to come into your, I equip you fully to handle them. Relax in My Presence, trusting in My strength.

 

Lately, I have to constantly remind myself of this. Trusting his plan over mine. So many exciting things are happening in some of my best friends lives and its amazing to see us all growing up. Then I get excited for when I reach that stage in my life, but patience because I have no clue when it will come. I will struggle always with many things, but God will always be a step ahead of me.

 

I simply find the biggest excitement thinking about the cabin and running and jumping off the dock like I am 10 years old again.

 

Cheers, XOXO

one last hurrah

 This past weekend I celebrated all that Menomonie has taught, given and brought me. I have gained so much of who I am now from this small town and I am forever grateful.

 My roommates this past year! We have come from all over and sure had many laughs this past year. I hope to stay in touch and cant wait to see where they all end up!

 To the mom that's been the coolest since 1990. We celebrated her and everything she has taught and gave up over the last 23 years. She will be my new roommate for the summer but I am looking forward to being back with her again. Not only is she my mom but also my best friend. My brother will also be home this summer and I can't wait. In life there is nothing better than your family, your biggest fans for life.

 

We also had some fun Friday with a family friend who I met through my job I recently left, she is starting out as a photographer and she wanted to practice on Kayla and I! I think she did a wonderful job. Brings me back to taking senior pictures!

one week..gasp!

 

Today marks one week. One week until I start a new chapter in my life. Turing the page after 5 years. I got to thinking last night, how do I pack 5 years up and move on... maybe its the whole bittersweet and excitement for change. I haven't cried, but I'm not concerned because as I have grown I have learned to handle change in a more positive note.

 

I came across this quote on Pinterest and I thought it couldn't fit my life more. I am not a mess, perhaps I am extraordinary. My life forever will be changing for many years to come and some of it completely out of my control and that's where my undying faith comes in. I am so grateful to have that relationship, to grasp onto something better and bigger than myself. Someone who has had my life planned for me since day one.

 

I am journeying through some of the greatest years of my life, my twenties. Everyone who I share my story with constantly reminds me that I am young.. I have so much time to focus on myself and make myself happy. I have to remind myself of that often and try not to get to wrapped up in other peoples lives or trying to please people. My courage has grown so much this year and I am so pleased with that. In life a lot of decisions take courage to make and its something I continue to pray about.

 

Wrapping up a 5 year chapter is such a blessing. The memories, the people, the family, the friends and the jobs that have made me who I am today. Truly an amazing place to have a family and memories forever. Everyone is going in different directions and its time I go as well. Once I leave my life is really living day to day not knowing the next step, But I am okay with that. I am embracing the unknown with faith and open arms. Change is the only thing we can depend on and must welcome it with open arms.

 

That's a wrap

XOXO