Let the Games begin.

I turned in my letter of resignation on Tuesday morning! My boss flipped his lid a bit, looked at me and said "are you serious?" Um no, sorry, ha ha ha it's all a joke, teehee. Ya dude I'm serious, who turns in a fake letter of resignation? So then he proceeds to give me the 5th degree trying to get information about where I'm going and why. I tell him to a better paying job, with no commute, 100% paid medical and tuition reimbursement. So he tells me that he has to go upstairs and talk to the big boss about that and to be prepared, she's gonna want to talk with me about this. I sit there thinking - what's she gonna do, not let me quit? Ha!

He comes back downstairs and calls me into his office to ask me if I'd reconsider. We sit there for a few seconds. I respond with a "reconsider, hum, so what are you offering?" To which is reply is "well there is nothing I can offer you, we just want to know if you'll reconsider quiting." What the hillbilly hay is that? Um ok, never mind more money and less commuting - sure what the heck I'll stay. I inform him that my decision is final and I'll be leaving December 14th. Then he has the gall to ask me to write an email to the office that he can send out from him explaining my departure. Fine, whatever, can I get you a cup of coffee and have your car washed too? Seriously I often have to check to make sure I'm not wearing a poodle skirt and see if my computer has morphed into a typewriter since he is very much stuck in the 1950's frame of mind - "hey sugar when you get a second would you come on in here?"

I spend the rest of the day answering questions and receiving congratulations from my co-workers and dodging dirty looks from the managers (except from my previous manager who was very excited for me.)

Yesterday was my day off so I returned today to find out that they are announcing my position for applications on Monday. Holy cow I should have quit two years ago and got my promotion this way! The talk of the office is all about who they'll get and when they'll be here, yada, yada, yada. The managers are all over in my office looking around and seeing if they can upgrade the furniture and get the new person a better computer, yada, yada, yada! Some of the girls are mad at me because they didn't know before I turned in my notice. Other girls are mad because I'm getting a better job. My 'Jim' keeps telling me I'm pulling a Stanford move and the branch will close in less then 6 months - thanks for that nasty thought. My office Dwight has already put post-it's on the office supplies he wants. We don't have a woman Angela, we have a guy so he's our Mangela; he's not speaking to me. My boss is moping around here like someone ran over his puppy on his birthday talking about loyalty. Seriously I'm just waiting for my calculator to be in jello on Monday.

But I'm getting a farewell lunch at Fuddruckers so it's all good right?

Mmmmmmm Smores

The Friday after turkey day I got up before the sun did to join my friend in the shopping madness. I have only done this one other time and swore that I would never do it again unless the deal was too good to be true. Well Best Buy had 2 gig memory cards on sale for 24.99$ where they are usually 89.99$! Talk about a deal - I got two since I'm shooting my first all digital wedding in February and I usually kill over 700 photos at a wedding. Though this is my first full LDS wedding and I know that at the previous LDS wedding I've shot there were many ring ceremonies which are at least 200 shots so maybe this won't be so big? Who knows at least I'll be prepared right?
We had started out at Toys R Us about 1 & 1/2 hours after they had opened and it still took 45 minutes to get inside! But there was a crazy good deal going on and she got a redesigned PS2 bundled with 3 free brand new games. Great deal with a savings of over 100$. The Best Buy which we walked right into but waited for 25 minutes to check out. And the last stop was Walmart for a new sewing machine on a killer sale. Not only did we walk right in, we walked right up to a cashier and was back on our way home within 15 minutes! Holy Cow that was easier then a normal day at Walmart.
Then I came home and was able to take part in a discussion with my neighbor Nicole. She had the missionaries over and they asked if I would come join in the talk. I loved it and really enjoyed my time there. She is such an amazing person and so super sweet. Her husband has been deployed to South Korea for the past 10 months and when he left their children were 2 and 3 weeks! She is truly amazing and after you hear all the horrible trials she has experienced this year then hear her sweet love of her family and the Lord and how she is not angry or bitter for these trials! I'm so excited for her!
After that 3 hour discussion I came back home and pulled out some Christmas decorations and my favorite holiday movies. I was halfway through The Muppet's Christmas Carol when I stepped outside to take a look at something in the front yard and saw this amazing color in the sky! That is the moon rising in the photo, so pretty!

Then at 8pm we headed over to our friend Summer and Shawn's house for game night and dessert. We played a great TV theme song game where the tune was played and then you had to yell out the show. It was some serious fun! Kim and Geo were cracking me up, they kept looking at each other and saying "we really don't watch enough TV." But it was TJ and Jamie who dominated with their cunning use of TJ's extensive 1980's TV knowledge and acute psychic abilities (at one point Shawn informed us that everyone should be able to get the next tune and TJ screams out 'I love Lucy' - before the music started - and it was).
After a little break for some of Kim's killer pot stickers and TJ's seriously yummers hot wings we gathered at the table for a rousing game of Tripoly. Oh so much fun!!!!!!!!!!!
Next it was time for us to bundle up and head outside to roast some snores and talk. Here's Summer all cozy in her blanket. It was so windy that the cold was quite impressive for AZ.

Kim also bundled up and leaned into the fire to warm up. Would you look how gorgeous this woman is! She is super sweet too. If you haven't yet been blessed to get to know her you should, she is so genuine and nice, I really enjoy being around her :-)

Out came the marshmallows.
And the good times.
We hung around the fire roasting and gabbing until after midnight. Such a great time! I can't wait to do it again. Thanks Summer and Shawn for letting us come over and hang out. Thanks TJ (and his mom)and Jamie for teaching us all about the wonders of Dallas, Falcon Crest and The Fallguy - hehehe. Thanks Kim and Geo for your hilarious stories and impressions of each other, I'm still smiling.

Twas a Happy Thanksgiving

As I was doing most of the cooking I didn't get to many photos of our Thanksgiving day. So this will be more of a highlight of the Holiday. My hubby and I arrived at my mother's house early Thursday morning. We prepared the bird with a little assistance from my mom, it always helps to not have to try and salt your own hands after they have been in the bird :-)

I made my favorite yummy veggie, Brussels sprouts. I tried really hard to get everyone to be grateful for their presence at our feast, however, on my grandmother seemed to appreciate them. I mean come on, Brussels sprouts roasted with bacon, shallots and pecans -yummers!
It's a bird! it's a plane! Nope it's my husband holding a 20 lb naked bird.
On to the grill. By the way have you ever BBQ'd a turkey before? So good, oh so good. The bird is moist and juicy and the skin is crispty crunchie!
Here's looking at ya kid. See ya in a couple hours and don't forget your sunblock.
My dad emerged from his cage after we'd been there a couple hours. He had to go work that day so he forged for food, said his hello's then his good byes and was off to protect and serve. This is his widely know "don't mess with me kid I'm looking for my breakfast" look.

The pies were done, stuffing made, green beans heating, yams ready and cranberries marinating. Turkey still has two hours to go. What to do, what to do?????

Think I'll step outside and enjoy the beautiful 85 degree day. Dip my toes in the pool and soak up some sun.
Oh then go check on the turkey. Oh looks good!!!!

Time for the in laws to show up. Meet my mother-in-law, she really must be experienced to understand the hilarity of this photo.

Before we knew it dinner was ready. Oh boy do I love this holiday. We filled our plates and mossed outside to enjoy the afternoon sun and beautiful waterfall. Oh Heavenly Father, I have so much I'm thankful for!
The day ended with my husband, my mother and myself enjoying a little Survivor and CSI together, along with some stuffing of course. Over all it was a wonderful day! Hope yours was just as cozy.

Woo Hoo

I get to photograph a wedding here in January! I'm so excited. It's going to be amazing!!!!!

So cute!

This princess made me want a little girl so bad I could taste it! Meet Lulu (well Lilian to be proper, but I just love her as Lulu) she is a happy and much loved 18month old princess. Her mama, NatMat let me run around with her and take some photos to commemorate her 18month old look and life. She is just the most precious thing, and you have to hear her little laugh, so adorable. Thanks Nat for letting me capture your precious baby!

Your life is an occasion; rise to it.

To celebrate my new job and the fact that DJ was off last night we did something we love to do and never get to do anymore, we went to the movies! I had some money left on a gift card to Harkins so we treated ourselves not only to a movie but not a matinee - I know, I know talk about feeling spoiled right? So as soon as my DH suggested it I blurt out "We are going to Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium right?" He laughed and said "as you wish", he really is my Wesley/Edward/Will :-) So we ran off and settled into the theater 15 minutes before the show so we could listen to the trivia and music. Let me tell you it really was my night, all 4 songs were some of my favorites and I sang along out loud since there were only 7 other people in the theater with us, seriously I'm only going to movies on Tuesday's from here out.

Oh then the movie started and I was just in heaven. This movie is so amazing I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful, whimsical and awe-inspiring (sorry I couldn't some up with another w). So let me say this; don't go see this movie if you-

-hated Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

-toys scare you

-the words predictable, practical and plausible cause your heart to swoon and feel like home

-you stopped believing in the idea of magical wonder and having faith when you were 6

So if you answered yes to any of the above situations steer clear of this movie. Otherwise, gather the kiddos, stuff your purse with candy and treaties, then enjoy the beauty of this amazing story.

This is next on my list of must see movies! So excited. And if you all don't mind I really have something to say about this movie. Hold on I'm climbing up on my soap box, sorry it's kind of tall , really should install some steps or something. Whew - OK I'm there.

There have been a lot of emails going around about this book/movie and how it should be avoided due to the writer's religious belief/disbelief and some of the ideas presented in the plot. This disappoints me deeply coming from people who are taught the danger of judging others and the importance of free will. I ask you how can you pass on an email completely bashing something you have not taken the time to read? Is that not the absolute epitome of judgement? How would you feel if you opened up an email that stated not to read the Bible or Book of Mormon because of the stories in those books are false and they should be destroyed - and the person who sent it to you has told you they have never once read the scriptures? Would you not feel that you had just been judged? Should we not be teaching others with our actions? How does that act portray anything but negativity? I simply ask everyone to remember that there is always two sides to every story and your words will always linger longer then you can imagine so make sure they are positive and uplifting!

OK thanks for letting me get that out. I pray no one thought I was being judgemental - I just needed to share.

The Song

This song has been running through my head for a couple of weeks now. I just love the beat, but hate the video so I found this clip that only shows the cover to her album but plays the song. I humm this song all day after I hear it and was driving people crazy a couple of weeks ago. So please won't you join me in a little addicting Fergie music.

Drum roll please..................................

I got the Job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't have my start date yet but it will be in December. I'm very excited and just a little nervous. I'll keep you all posted with upcoming details. Thank you for all your prayers and well wishes, I truly appreciate everyone of you :-)

3 ladies and a camera

OK Christy here are a few from the shoot. I had so much fun with you girls running around all those houses. For those of you who don't know these lovely ladies let me just say you will never find a mother who is more loved then Christy. Her two girls just can't wait to crawl into her lap and cuddle in for a cozy time. I got to run around for 2 hours with these three ladies and take a ton of photos of them. Hope you enjoy the couple I have decided to share here.

Time to laugh

Saw this today and about fell off the cough laughing. This week can be crazy for a lot of us. So if things get tense come here and watch a little turkey humor. Remember to take a little me time this week :-)

Miss Bennet

Saw this on Sher's blog and just had to give it a try. Sigh...I miss reading Austen novels and I might even miss writing papers about them. We should have a Jane Austen book club meeting in January. We can have little cucumber sandwiches, scones with jam and hot cocoa; discuss the book and then watch the movie. Oh lets do that ladies.......pretty please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Take the Quiz here!

You are Elizabeth Bennet of Pride & Prejudice! You are intelligent, witty, and tremendously attractive. You have a good head on your shoulders, and oftentimes find yourself the lone beacon of reason in a sea of silliness. You take great pleasure in many things. You are proficient in nearly all of them, though you will never own it. Lest you seem too perfect, you have a tendency toward prejudgement that serves you very ill indeed.

Happy Family

Here are a few shots from Amie's blog candy winnings. I had fun following these energetic boys around the park, and I just adore how Amie and Danny are so in love :-) . Thanks for letting me do this for you guys - you're my peeps for life!

I'm just going to upload photos here from now on, couldn't seem to get any interest in my photoblog and I've decided to just not pursue the whole business side right now. I'm going to work off of word of mouth and friend referrals. I'm still in the wedding business if anyone wants to pass along my name, it's always appreciated. There are just too many other photographers around right now, I don't now how to use Photoshop, can't afford a class and with working a full time job already I'm not available in the day when many people seem to want the photos done. It was a valiant effort. Any-hoodle here are photos from Amie's shoot, enjoy.

It's almost turkey time

and that means stuffing!!!!!!!!!! Here is one of my tried and true stuffing recipes that I have served with turkey, chicken and pork. It always gets rave reviews from the family and doubles nicely for large groups or potlucks. Since there would be a mutiny on my hands if my Thanksgiving table did not also include cornbread stuffing I ended up creating this recipe so that the two stuffings were distinctly different in both flavors and texture. The stuffing works best with sourdough bread, but if you cannot secure some true sourdough you can substitute a solid french bread in it's place. I hope you enjoy!



Sourdough-Sausage Stuffing
2 lbs Italian sausage (not in casings)
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 cups chopped onion
2 cups chopped celery
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons dried rubbed sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 cups (1/2-inch) cubed sourdough bread (about 1 pound)
1 (16-ounce) less-sodium chicken broth
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; add sausage, and sauté 5 minutes until browned, stirring to crumble. Add onion and celery, and sauté 3 minutes. Stir in parsley and next 5 ingredients (parsley through pepper). Place sausage mixture in a large bowl; stir in bread and broth. Spoon stuffing into an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F. for 15 minutes. Uncover; bake an additional 20 minutes or until golden brown.