Temple Lights

My cousin Madi, who goes to school in Idaho, came to visit for Thanksgiving. This was kind of a big deal because her family lives in another state so we don't see her very often. When she comes to town, we always try and get together. We went to the temple lights the same night they were turned on. This is a big deal just because I either don't see the lights till two days before Christmas, or I don't see them at all. The lights this year did not disappoint.

Walking around temple square will always be one of my favorite things to do downtown.

Here is a list of why I love looking at the temple:

-to admire the work of our ancestors

-to remember the covenants I have made

-to remember the first time through the temple

-to count my blessings and count the temple twice

-to remember God's hand in my life

and

-to help keep an eternal perspective.

Madi, Heidi, Jennie

Selfie with the temple.

Jennie, Madi, Heidi

One Nation

A few weeks ago, history was made.

I don't do politics, so I am not going to say anything on that subject.

But I will say that my social media hasn't been pleasant. It has been a lot of finger pointing and name calling. It is extremely negative and I don't like it. We are all so blessed to live in this nation where we get to vote. It is awesome that we have a say in our leaders. But over this past month, I have felt like we are divided as a nation. I feel like both political parties are being the stubborn spouse who doesn't want to compromise in the relationship.

With this state of mind, I attended a concert that was put on by the American Heritage Lyceum Philharmonic. It is a group of the elite high school kids in the orchestra world. I walked into this concert knowing it was going to be patriotic but that was it. I didn't have any expectations passed that. The concert was called "One Nation." It was put on to honor the Veterans for Veterans day. This concert took place during the Civil War. There was five singers and the orchestra. There was a beautiful story line of two brothers fighting on opposite sides, a woman whose lover was fighting, a woman whose son was fighting (in the south), and a black man who wanted to join the fight.

Even though this concert was taking place during the Civil War, I found it extremely applicable to this day. We aren't in the extreme situations of the 1860s but we are divided as a nation. We need to remember that we are one nation. We need to fighter together not against each other. The cliché saying "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all" is true! Our country is strong, no matter who is leading it. It isn't our leader that defines us. It is WE who define this country.

So listen to this song.

It is sung by Roderick Covington, who preforms on Broadway. He is currently the head hyena in The Lion King. (HOW COOL IS THAT!? HE LEFT BROADWAY TO SING IN THIS CONCERT!)

His voice. The emotion. The music.

I can't stress enough the feelings I felt during this concert. I wanted to shout from the rooftops for everyone to go and see this concert. We can all use a reminder of how great this nation really is.

BONUS: I met him and got to tell him how amazing he was.

Heidi & Roderick Covington

He even offered his comp tickets to see the concert again. If time was on my side, I would have. In a heart beat.

Girls Night Out

A few weeks ago, I was at my night class. I was feeling downtrodden. It was just after midterms, and I was exhausted. I needed a break. A moment to get away. So I texted Jennie asking if she was down to leave the city with me. She quickly responded yes. I started planning, during my class. Months ago Jennie and I talked about doing a night at Snowbird. This seemed like the perfect opportunity. I looked up the deals they had on their website. We booked a room at The Inn. We spent roughly 22 hours on a mini vacation. No homework. No responsibilities. Just the two of us, food, and lots of Netflix.

When we arrived, we checked in, got settled, and off to a photo shoot we went. Since we were in between summer and winter, it was a ghost town. Most of the people we saw were workers. It was a huge contrast to when we go up with our family (during Oktoberfest). I kept nerding out over the lighting. We didn't have a lot of time to play since the sun set so quickly but I still got some of my favorite images.

For example:

  Once the sun set, we got hot chocolate and went back to our room.

The lighting was interesting, so I told Jennie to sit in the car and just chill. This is what happened:

Of course it isn't a perfect photo, but I was just playing. It was so much fun to shoot for fun. I don't get the opportunity to just play with my camera. So this weekend was needed for my mental health but also to help unleash my artistic side.

 Back to being outside, look at the views.

Nature is seriously amazing.

The world around me is a huge testimony builder. (Side track to our first snow storm this year. The mountains being frosted with snow is my favorite! They look majestic and the snow gives them dimension.)

The rest of the night was spent watching Netflix and eating a lot of food.

The goal was to spend the night living like a Gilmore. I think we lived up to that goal.

The next morning, we had breakfast at The Forklift.

Holy it was delicious. And because it was the off season (look at all the empty chairs), we got our food with very little wait time. I think I am still dreaming about the French toast and bacon that I had.

After breakfast, we went back to our room and started watching Christmas at Cartwright's on the Hallmark Channel. Even though I could guess the plot line, it was still cute and I am slightly sad we didn't finish it. But I got a new pick up line that I am going to have to try ;).

All in all, it was the perfect 22.5 hour vacation. I wish we could have stayed longer, but we are adults and have to act like it. Hopefully we can do another getaway soon.



My Photography

I am feeling extremely blessed!
I need to express my gratitude for photography and how it has blessed my life.
Ever since 6th grade I have loved photography. I was lucky to grow up with a Grandpa who loves photography as well. He has taught me so much through the years. I love his hand-me down photography equipment, and being able to borrow a lens or too.

Jennie at the Exchange Place, SLC, UT

This passed year, I have had amazing clients. They have been patient with me and my learning curve. I wouldn't be who I am as a photographer if it wasn't for them.
I am proud of the work I have done. Looking at my growing portfolio gives me this sense of accomplishment. It is exciting to see the growth from each session.
I have grown so much as a photographer in the last nine years. Photography has been a great artistic outlet for me. Besides, it is still my dream to grow up to be a stay at home mom while running a photography business.

Music and the Spoken Word

I am a choir nerd. I know, surprise surprise.

I got an email from my subscription with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir saying they would be preforming at the new Eccles Theater. This was some very exciting news. 

I immediately texted Jennie and my Mom saying that we should totally go! 

And they agreed.

This theater is beautiful. And MoTab was amazing.

I know the chances of me attending this theater again are fairly slim. 

(Believe me, I looked at tickets for future shows.... I can't afford that.) 

But I am so grateful I got a free look at this venue. It was a perfect combination of modern and classic. The starry ceiling was a nice touch.

All I can say is, if you ever get a chance to go to Eccles Theater, go.

*Bonus*

MoTab sang this song today (obviously not this video) and I just loved it. It is a great reminder that we should appreciate the beautiful world God has given us.

A Sunday Mini Road Trip

Melissa came home from her mission!

If you need a Melissa refresher course, she was my roommate my freshman year.

She is originally from Smithfield, so this meant a mini road trip for her homecoming. I asked Jennie to go with me so that I didn't have to drive that entire way by myself. It is always more entertaining to go with someone. We listened to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for the entire drive. There may or may not have been Christmas included in the music selection.

We hit some heavy rain traveling both ways, but with a prayer in our hearts and MoTab on the radio, we kept driving along.

Of course you can't travel up north and not visit the Logan Temple.
(One of these days I'll actually do a session there).

Jennie & Heidi

Heidi & Melissa

Beautiful fall colors across from the Logan Temple

Logan Temple

Jennie & Heidi ft. Logan Temple

Logan Temple on the hill

Happiest News

Guess what everyone! I am graduating!

Ahhh!!!

Let me explain my excitement.

A few months ago I logged onto my graduation track and saw that I was at ninety-two percent. This was exciting because ninety-two percent is so close to one hundred. But I was worried about tying up those loose ends. I had it in my mind that I needed eight classes till graduation. This was never a correct number. I kept telling people that my pending graduation date was in my May but I might have to take some summer classes. 

I went to create my fall schedule and I found the most glorious surprise.

Six classes.

Six classes was all I needed to reach the end of the college tunnel. Six classes is doable in one semester. That meant that I would not only be walking in May but actually done in May.

Now, I just need to get into those six classes at the times I have arranged and we will be home free.

So wish me luck!

P.S I get giddy every time I think of May 2017.

Goodbye September, Hello October

Wow.

Where in the world did September go?

Now that we are almost half way through October,
let me catch you up on September. 

Lagoon Night. 

Cannibal was amazing. Nerve wracking and just enough butterflies to make you want to do it again. I am total adrenaline junkie.

I have some serious heart eyes for Utah. This shot is from Silver Lake. I was scouting out photo locations and fell in love with this mini forest.

Concert at the tabernacle with Jennie. Not pictured Mom and Dad.

Hale Centre Theatre with Mom for her birthday present. We have awaited this night all year and we were not disappointed.

In September I ditched the android train and jumped onto the apple bus. I was worried I wouldn't like the switch but I am three weeks in and still haven't had buyers remorse. I would say that is a good sign. 

And of course, here is a little Beckett dose for you.

This little guy lights up my life. His smile melts my heart every morning before I have to go to work or school. I love waking up knowing he is at my house.