Not Enough J's

AN ANGEL BY MY BEDSIDE

2009-10-21T18:54:00.000-07:00

I’ve been going through many trails and under a lot of stress these days, one of them being my surgery. I found myself turning to my heavenly father to find my strength again. There are many distractions in life and when things get overwhelming I stop and reflect… to find what is truly important again. I have always been able to turn to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to ground myself and find my footing again. I’ve been witness and apart of the many blessings and miracles within the church. The community alone is no stranger… everyone is family. The past couple of months I’ve been really turning to the church for guidance, support and comfort. I’ve even attended sacrament the last two Sundays. ☺

Early morning on the 20th as Jeb and I wait in the lobby to be shown back to my room before surgery, emotions rise to the surface and time ticks by slowly. Our pager finally goes off and we are greeted by a lovely woman with a warm smile and shown back to my room. As she looks over my information she is struck by something and asks me if I grew up in town. I answer her with a yes and tell her the high school I attended. She asks me if I know who Amber Nelson is. I felt the spirit rush over me… and smiled with a yes.

I’m certain that everyone whom attended high school with me knew Amber. She was truly an Angel sent from heaven and was one of the most pure at heart spirits I’ve ever met. At that moment all my memories of her flooded my head, filling it with joy and love. Her time with us here was short, yet she brought to us all teachings that will last a lifetime. My first memory of Amber was on the bus headed to seminary (we bused over to the Sunset building before Westview had their own). She hopped on the bus with a big smile wearing her cheer uniform and asked me my name; she knew my older brother and I instantly became “the little sister” (her little sister too). Amber held a service at the church to give her testimony of the church and many attended to give their love, support and to say goodbye (or until we meet again). My brother and I attended her service together. As we took our turn to hug her and tell her how much she meant to us… she (whom was losing her hair in her fight against cancer) looked up at my brother (whom had been losing his hair since he was 16) and said to him with a smile “I still have more hair then you”. Funny girl she was. I still carry with me the Book of Mormon handed out at Amber’s service with her testimony inside.

The woman whom brought me back to my room with a warm smile and asked me if I knew Amber was Janice, Amber’s mother. I felt I couldn’t be in better hands. Before she left my room she gave me a big squeeze filled with joy and love, then shortly returned to my room with a small bear and around his leg a hospital tag read “I heart Jayme”. Janice told me not to feed him for he was stuffed (I see where Amber’s sense of humor, warm smile and caring spirit came from).

I feel very blessed to have the most amazing, selfless, caring people in my life. I had the greatest team of people taking care of me. I felt safe and comforted at all times. My parents and Jeb stayed by my bedside. My surgeon was one of the most caring doctors I’ve met and handsome (meds talking ;) and ALL the nurses and staff were genuine and loving.

Most importantly… I had an angel by my bedside. The hospital is a big place and I don’t believe it to be a coincidence that I was to meet Amber’s mother the day of my surgery. May I always carry Amber’s spirit in my heart.

JUST DUCKY

2009-08-25T05:10:00.000-07:00

I have been taking SO many pix and videos with my new iPhone (does that sound funny coming from a pro?)... I just love it!!! I guess I'll use any tool given to me to capture life's little moments. Here is my first project from the footage taken with my phone. It is not the highest of qualities, but none the less it has been very enjoyable to be able to capture the fun times had... when just being out and about.

T, Faith, Ella and I went to Dawson Creek just yesterday to feed the ducks (One of my favorite place to be, near the Hillsboro Airport... just minutes from my home). Always fun for the kids and just SO nice to be outside in sun :)

I HEART VICTOR

2009-07-16T23:33:00.000-07:00

I’m going to pass on through May and June… just wouldn’t know where to begin. Here I am picking up again and starting fresh.

Today was fabulous. Annette, Yvonne, Robbert and I trekked it out to Sauvie Island and had us a good ole time. Took some pix, baked in the sun, drooled over the fresh farmers markets, ate some fresh picked blue berries, and saw me some farm animals. Then headed back into town and enjoyed dinner with the family, edited my pix from today and then headed out to run with Carrie. Good day… good day.

My shopping list from Sauvie’s

Spicy Pickles!!! YUM YUM. For those of you who don’t know Jebediah and I enjoy the spicy pickles. Another bit of info, I LOVE me some pickle juice. Yup, I drink straight up vinegar. It totally grosses Jeb out too.

Walnuts for Baby Bird and yes he can crack those open in seconds.

Fresh, right up from the ground carrots… just because.

Images from blue berry pickin

If you don't mind small spaces... it looks like there are going to be plenty of my berries through the next couple of weeks, as many were still green.

Some farm animals

This is victor. I totally wanted to take him home. Another insider about me, I’d like to own a big Oak Tree someday. An Oak Tree with lots of shade, one that Victor and I could chill under or another friendly goat for that matter. (Oh, maybe one of those fainting ones, they’re cute)

We saw these guys from the road. There horns were just HUGE. Annette pulled over so I could get some pix. As we were walking up Annette said "I sure hope they don't decide to charge us", we found this to be the opposite. As we got closer I pulled up my camera to look at the image through the view finder, they stood up quickly and made a wall between us and the babies and then made there way away from us. This was all I got... not really the shots I was going for and I totally felt bad as they were laying in the shade under an Oak Tree.

WHERE DID APRIL GO???

2009-05-11T16:31:00.000-07:00

Where do I start?...

I. Before & After
Not the most exciting news, but who doesn't like before and after shots. No it's not an extreme make over or a home re-modeling project... it's just my Lhasa’s and their cute new summer cuts.

ESPN and Miss Houston
and then looking ten lbs lighter...

II. Family FUN
Grandma and Papa picked up a "Wii". Enough said.

Classic "waiting for my turn" expression...

III. Ella Goes to Work
My dad has been assisting me on my photo assignments (as most of you may know). My mother runs a day care business out of their house now (as most of you know). Well, every time I pick up Papa for work Ella says, "Papa, I go with you". I finally gave in and Ella (she warms my heart) went to work with us. I knew the clients I was shooting very well and knew Nelly wouldn't mind one bit, so if she was going to go "today" was going to be the day.
On the way home we stopped by a Portland look out point (Rocky Butte) and did some sight seeing. Sometimes people do not tour their own city enough. I found a new favorite place to shoot. The lines, shadows/highlights, texture and richness in color kept me smiling ALL day long. I love the stones and think this would be a great place to dress the girls up in gowns and take (lack of a better word) princes photos. It's like their very one castle!

IV. The BIG Surprise!!!

Momma turns 50... I threw (with the help of my wonderful family, couldn't of done it with out you guys) a successful surprise birthday bash. It was a month of planning and it came and went SO fast. Everything ended out to be perfect, I only wish I had taken more photos... but sometimes you just need to be there.

Everyone pitched in for her gift. We found a basket and loaded it up with "Cindy's favorite things". Above are little hand made plant pots with a special message. There was everything from a homemade book of 50 goofy stories shared with her cousins to gift cards to her favorite places and her favorite candy and frames and photos and artwork and the list goes on... thank you everyone again for ALL your help!!! It was FUN :)

The year THEY turned 50!!!

V. The Coast
Having family come in from Utah for Mom's 50th, was the icing on a cake, the cherry on a sundae... they topped it off. What is a must when out of town family is here? A trip to the coast!!!

He's ALIVE!!!

The kids had fun...

...And so did the big kids. So here is the deal. If you can make it to Oceanside (just outside Tillamook) at LOW tide and I mean the lowest, it is a sight to see. The deal is you have to make it around two points and this doesn't happen often but when you do there is this AMAZING cave on the other side and it is just fun to explore and check out. This day the tide wasn't low enough to make it around the second point... it did not stop my Dad from trying. Nor did it stop me from following. Soaked to my neck and stuck on the rocks... it was worth every minute. The veiw on the other side was breath taking. I shot it using Dad's camera. Becky had mine safe and DRY in her hands... thank you Becky and Destyn for keeping us safe :)

FYI... wet jeans are no fun to rock clime in, but Dad's blue hat is stylin' on me.

Perfcet Oregon Coast shot. The rocks and beach combers in sweat shirts. I think I know these two... :)

Not a trip to the coast unless you feed them birds!!!

VI. THINK BIG! THINK PURPLE!
THE BIGGEST NEWS EVA!!! Jebediah is officially a Yahoo! employee. No more contracts! He went from a blue badge to a PURPLE badge... I'm so PROUD of you Jebs!!! Ok, so I'm a little excited, but he amazes me with his hard work and determination. No we did not have to move to Oshkosh WI or Sunnyvale CA. Jeb, in a time of layoffs and being a fulltime student was able to make himself so irreplaceable that we are now part of the "purple crew". So cheers to Jeb!!!

My favorite is when he received his conversion papers in the mail and opened the purple box it had the Yahoo! yodel... it was great :) (to hear it go to yahoo.com and click the !)

April has gone and went and I’m sure I left out some details, but these were my highlights. Here's to May… now that it's half over too!!!

SHOOT WITH MM

2009-04-04T22:40:00.000-07:00

April 1st was no joke, I was part of an amazing photo shoot that will keep me smiling for a long time.

My good friend Terri Lodge hooked me up with the opportunity to assist Matthew Mitchell (fashion/celeb photographer) on an 8-10pg editorial shoot for a local LA mag "Thirteen Minutes" (May's issue).

I first met Matthew when he interviewed me at WMTG with owner Keri and Clayton Beck (Matthew's full-time assistant) over saw my photoshop test (his talents range from CS3 guru to model... and a great friend). Terri was an agent and is a makeup artist that Matthew loves to use while he is in town (her work is flawless). My work at the modeling agency was short lived, but the people that I have met will stay with me forever. One other talent that I want to mention is photographer Diana Sel l (another wonderful individual that I met through working at the agency), she and I had the pleasure assisting Matthew together.

I cannot say enough good things about everyone I've mentioned, they have all been so nice, welcoming and are truly talented. I am so lucky and happy to have been apart of this Portland project.

Matthew (originally from Portland) wanted to represent everything Portland in this editorial spread, from the models, talent, fashion to the Gordan House (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright).

With Matthew's permission I snagged a couple of shots to document I was there :)

MM setting up the shot on set #3 (can not wait to see his vision in print).

Bryce (set designer) MM and Diana

MM giving the models direction (he is so relaxed and knows the perfect things to say to pull the right expressions from the talent).

Talent on set #3, wardrobe and Shawn (talent from set #2).

One thing that makes for a great photographer (or assistant) is the ability to think fast at solving each problem that arises with creativity and quickness. Story goes... Shawn sat down on set and up goes his pant legs to reveal white sport socks. Where are your dress socks? MIA. Anyone have any that he can use. No extras... wait I wore my boots today and have my black knee high socks on. Off go my shoes and socks. I save Shawn's day... and got to wear his white sport socks. It's the small stuff (details matter).

Matthew humoring me. Thank you!!!

Sweet young talent!!! (Kristi)

Clayton, Matthew, Terri and Me after a ten hour shoot (you all are amazing). The only one missing is Diana (thank you for taking the pic).

Again, THANK YOU to everyone for inviting me to be apart of this FABULOUS project!!!

SPRING BABY!!!

2009-03-26T23:36:00.000-07:00

I’ve always enjoyed this time of year, maybe it’s because my day of birth marks the first day of spring. Or maybe it’s because the flowers are blooming and the birds are singing again. Or just maybe it’s the rebirth to life after a long winters nap. Anyhow, my birthday surly sets the mood for the thaw of winter.

3.21 My birthday. I’m just going to get straight to the point; it was one of the best birthdays I've had to date!!! All I wanted was to enjoy my day with Jeb. Whatever was to happen I just wanted to be in his company and we did just that, hung out all day together.

We woke up early… early enough for breakfast at my folks (mom was making my favorite, French toast with fresh strawberries). What a great way to start my day. I do have to say my parents spoiled me rotten; the very last thing I was expecting was the gorgeous Coach Hand Bag they’d gotten me. To be frank I never thought I’d own one. Then to top off the gift… like it wasn’t gift enough, there was a generous size box of Godiva dark chocolates. WOW. I’m still speechless… thank you Mom and Dad SO very much!!!

Then when I thought things couldn't get any better, I realized Jeb and I still had the whole day ahead of us. First on our list were pedicures. Yes I was able to talk Jeb into getting a pedi and we enjoyed it. Until later in the middle of the night... Jeb woke up with a burning sensation on his leg. Come to find out his right shin broke out in a rash (which he still has to date). Needless to say he’ll probably never go back with me for pedicures again.

After our pedicures we went back to the apartment to check the mail. I look forward to Cher’s birthday love every year. It had arrived and more chocolates for me (or my belly, how ever you look at it)!!!

We headed to the mall for a little shopping before seeing Duplicity and then ending the day with dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. We had both (on accident) left our phones at home, so when I finally reconnected with my cell I was able to listen to all my birthday wishes before calling it a night.

The fun didn’t end on Saturday; we got to celebrate all weekend long! Sunday the Brooks, Heupels and Andersons gathered for dinner and company to celebrate both Tj’s and my birthday. I wouldn’t want to share a birthday celebration with anyone else but T (no pressure, but T you really are a thoughtful gift giver)! More, more and more love. I want to also thank my good friends Annette and Robert!!! The Lathrop’s had us over for birthday dinner Monday night and… again a Godiva’s gift card ☺

So I feel kinda silly going on about my birthday, but these kinda birthdays do not happen often and I tell you 27 is starting off great (even if my mental state is all down hill from here… thanks Dad ;). Plus I hope everyone who may have sent me an email, FB comment, phone call and/or card knows how blessed I really felt this year on my anniversary of life!!!

Lesson learned; I have the most amazing family and friends and somehow I’ve made it clear to all of them how much I LOVE GODIVA DARK CHOCOLATE ☺

BATH TIME

2009-02-10T19:46:00.001-08:00

ESPN and Houston are the two most difficult dogs to walk. They both become complete goobers the second you put their leads on. Both will pull in polar opposite directions, making it nearly impossible to walk them on your own. ESPN will wrap himself around ten different trees in one walk. Houston will run and pull to bark at any other moving object (including bikers). Since there is no way I will ever let her near another dog, she'll bark from a far and then attack her brother (I still have yet to figure out why). When it rains... this daily event becomes ten times more fun. They always try to find the muddiest of spots to drag us through and do their business. On their behalf up until a year ago they were able to take care of "business" on their own... in their nine years of existences they have adapted to apartment living very well.

Missy can usually do okay with out a bath for awhile and just brushing... but buddy is our pig pen. Two days after baths he'll become a complete grease ball. So tonight after a muddy walk I told Jeb to start the water. Houston might be okay with just being toweled off, but ESPN NEEDED a bath. Houston was along for the ride.

Missy just disgusted with her brother.

BLOG BLOG BLOG

2009-01-28T14:04:00.001-08:00

It has been SO long I think I forgot how...

ENDINGS BRING NEW BEGINNINGS

WMTG (the modeling agency I was shooting for) shut business doors at the beginning of December, giving me about 5 days notice. Leaving me with mixed emotions. Sad about the closing of the business and being left without a steady income, yet on the other hand I felt it was a blessing. I'm out on my own building my relationships with my clients and networking like no other.

I was lucky enough to have such great support from my clients at WMTG that we are starting fresh and new with Puddletown (the only agency in town representing kids under the age of 5). Working with PT has been great; the talent comes directly to me cutting out all the middlemen. I've been blessed to have clients I've worked with through WMTG still request me to shoot and I’ve also been blessed to have a new set of clients requesting me by referral from Jason (PT owner). Jason and I have also been working together to refresh the promo pieces for all talent.

I owe all this to facebook. Believe it or not… Jason had seen my work I did for WMTG and was impressed, but doors shut before he could get my info. So he looked me up on the net, FB making business connection worldwide ;)

With this new start to my career I’ve had great support from my family. My father also ending a chapter in his life retiring from UPS has been a huge support and encouragement in this endeavor, becoming my new assistant. I have to say just after our first week of shooting together I’m feeling very pampered having an equipment guy (thank you dad).

So for me 2009 is a year of new beginnings and fresh starts. January has come and almost gone already, but I have so much more ahead of me. If it is anything I’ve learned from 2008, it’s that when something comes to an end in your life it only makes room for something new.

My new promo fliers!!! I've also added a page to Facebook. Search in Facebook "images by jayme". Please help support and spread my name. Thank you!!!

6 MILE WALK IN THE SNOW

2008-12-21T22:27:00.000-08:00

After taking the dogs for their evening walk we decide to head back out to enjoy the snow... and ice. It was a perfect night for a walk. The snow and wind had taken a break, so I came up with is great idea to trek it over to my folks house. We have been bound to our home for a few days now and I needed to get some exercise! My mom is the best. Right when we got in the door she offered us hot cocoa and toasted cheese sandwiches. We enjoyed their company, watched a little AFV and headed back home. The walk was BEAUTIFUL and worth every sore muscle in my ars (I love felling sore muscles after a good workout). Well there were no pix taken of our jurney (I left my equipment at home), so I leave you with a map of our trail.

STORM WATCH 2008

2008-12-20T23:55:00.000-08:00

So... snow hits the valley floor and life as we know it changes! It may not be much to east coasters or midwesters, but THIS snow is a lot to us northwesters.

These next images were from 12/17. The snow was not sticking around and it was already starting to melt a bit.

The next couple of days the snow was not sticking to much and the roads were slushy/slippery, until evening when it would ice up a bit.

These images are from 12/20. The snow has finally arrived!!!

It took most of the day for the snow to REALLY pile up... so I decided to head out after sunset. Me, tripod and camera. We had fun ;) Night of 12/20

Images of our BEAUTIFUL neighborhood in Hillsboro Orenco area.

A BLESSING TO ALL

2008-12-17T14:55:00.000-08:00

December 15th 2008 at 12:55 pm I was witness to one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. The birth of Hayden Brooks. Melissa had asked me to be at the hospital to photograph Hayden's arrival. This was the first time I've ever been in a delivery room at the time of ones birth and it about brought tears to my eyes for a few reasons...

One, what a miracle to bring ones life into this world. Two, Melissa was amazing! Not any yelling and only a couple of choice words (spoken very softly at the end). The atmosphere in the room was indescribable. Three... this was special for me witness because Mel had planned for my mom to be in the delivery room to help deliver (like she was for Mel's first child). My mom did just that. I was so taken back by how amazing my mom was, there for Melissa at every moment and helping hold her up through every contraction.

I came straight home to tell Jeb all about my experience and how amazing my momma truly is.

My favorite pic of Hayden on the day of his birth.

COOKIE COOKIE COOKIE

2008-12-11T22:45:00.000-08:00

My friend Annette has thrown a cookie swap and ordainment exchange party during the holiday season for the last three years. Every year we all try and bring something different. I found a recipe that is quick and easy for all ages (more importantly they taste pretty yummy). I traded out the dark chocolate kisses for peppermint ones (how dare I... I know). I figured the peppermint ones look a bit more festive. So for everyone's enjoyment here is the recipe and feel free to use any kiss you like and I'm sure you could change up the sprinkles as well. Thank you Annette for always such a great time and to everyone for we had a great selection of cookies this year!!!

Super-Duper Chocolate Chip Cookie

Makes: about 40 cookies

Prep: 40 min.
Bake: 8 min. per batch

Ingredients

1 16-1/2-ounce package refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2/3 cup chocolate-flavor sprinkles
2 tablespoons milk
About 40 dark chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a cookie sheet; set aside. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine cookie dough and cocoa powder. Seal bag; knead with your hands until dough is well mixed. Remove dough from bag.

2. Place chocolate sprinkles in a shallow dish or small bowl. Place milk in another shallow dish or small bowl. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Dip balls in milk to moisten, then roll in chocolate sprinkles to coat. Place balls 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheet.

3. Bake in the preheated oven about 8 minutes or until edges are firm. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; let cool. Makes about 40 cookies.

4. To Store: Layer cookies between waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

LIGHTS TIGERS AND BEARS, OH MY!

2008-12-10T20:18:00.000-08:00

This time of year is just wonderful. Who doesn't like the bright glittery goodness of Christmas lights?... and then you add animals to the mix. SPECTACULAR!!! This year Carrie invited me to join her and the family for some Zoo Lights. Despite my on camera flash jamming, I had a fabulous time. I especially enjoyed running around with Gabriel. Oh, lets not forget about those elephant ears either, David and I were SO happy to see they were serving them at night :). Thank you guys for the great memories!!!

GOBBLE GOBBLE

2008-12-04T21:45:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving ‘08

The night before TG, Jeb’s brothers usually head in from Gresham and stay the Holiday weekend with us… it’s become tradition ☺. This year was without Cody (Code man). He is now living in Bend where he is going to school and working for Best Buy. We are SO proud of all he is accomplishing (you were missed). It was also nice to have some brotherly bounding with Joe. I couldn’t ask for sweeter brother in-laws. Wednesday night we headed over to The Lathrop's and enjoyed (as always) Annette's cooking. I think that should be another tradition (Wednesday night before Thanksgiving with the Lathrop's!!!). We always have such a great time with you guys.

Thursday morning we headed to the third annual Turkey Bowl (that we’ve been to). Our friend Robert plans it every year and it’s been a new tradition to go and watch the boys play early in the morning. This year was kinda special, cause my bro T joined us and brought Faith (I’m a girl that likes ALL her loved ones near).

Jeb's catch for a TD!!!

Joe showing off his skills... oh!!!

My bro T and his moves for a 1st. He was catching the most awkward passes for big plays. Not that it matters, but Jeb's, Joe's, T's, Robert's and David's team won.

The cutest Cheerleader I've ever seen.

The plan after was to head over to T and Julie’s and the sibling put on dinner like last year (the parents on both sides have been going outta town on Thanksgiving). We ended up postponing dinner until Saturday for Julie was ill (we later found out she had pneumonia... yikes). It worked out in the end we had everyone for dinner on Saturday including the Heupel and Brook parents.

Plan B. Earlier in the week we were invited to have Thanksgiving at our friends Rafa and Kat’s house. Still invited to share in dinner with them we enjoyed great food, company and games. Thank you guys SO much for opening your doors and having us over. We are thankful to have such great and amazing friends!!!

Kat and Rafael turning the Turkey.

Kat is a pro, you should not try this at home. For real. You can see her in action Monday-Saturday at the Merchant of Venice in Orenco.

MY LOVE

Joe Joe

Sunday came around and we headed to Gresham for our third thanksgiving dinner with Jeb’s side of the family. How lucky are we… really I love the Holidays and everyone in my life.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and thank you to all who posted their stories and Holiday moments!!!

CHEESE CURDS AND RONIES

2008-11-25T20:17:00.000-08:00

Our trip to Oshkosh

Most of you know by now that Jeb and I have decided to stay in Oregon (for a few reasons), yet I still wanted to share with ya all our trip to the Midwest…

Thursday:
Jeb and I left our house at 4am to catch our plane. Our friend Rafael was kind enough to wake up and take us to the airport (there is a whole other post here...). Anyhow, we flew into Minnesota and then took the smallest plane I've ever been on to fly into Appleton.

Small Plane

Once my Dad's plane arrived shortly after us we all headed into Oshkosh. Jeb and I took a look at the University where he would be working for the week and we all got settled in after a bite to eat.

Friday:
My Dad and I checked out places to rent (if we'd decided to move) while Jeb went to work. We were off to a rough start. There is not too much to rent in this small quaint town and really I think we've just been spoiled living where we live now (I LOVE Portland!!!). I was looking forward to seeing this house that sat right on the shores of Lake Winnebago. I dug the idea of being able to look out my kitchen window and seeing the lake...

...But the house had little to desire.

By the end of the day I had narrowed our options down to an apartment right downtown or one just about six minutes away from downtown.

My highlight of the day was having lunch at a place beneath the downtown apartments called "Cranky Pats Pizza". We ordered a sauerkraut and sausage pizza that was new on the menu and we were the first to try it (tasty!!!). There at Cranky P's we also got our first taste of Sprecher Root Beer (Sprecher ended up being a big and happy part to our trip).

After Jeb got off work we headed to dinner and a movie. Thought we'd check out the local theater's opening night for 007.

Saturday:
We were on a mission to find great WI cheese. So we traveled out into the country a bit to find a dairy farm. Mmmm, everything we hoped and dreamed. Union Star Cheese Curds and Beef Sticks!!! (By the end of our trip, I hope to never see curds and ronies again).

On our way back to town we took a detour into Appleton, which is north of Oshkosh and a little bit bigger. Then back to Oshkosh where we spent the rest of the evening walking around their outlet mall. They had an outlet Pendleton Oregon shop... of all things (a little taste of home).

Sunday:
Despite Green Bay playing my Bears and winning by a large margin... I had a fantastic day. When we found out Chicago would be in Green Bay the weekend we were in town we tried to get tickets. This is a huge game and big rivalry, but we didn't have a grand to spend on tickets. So we decided to drive down to Milwaukee for the day and catch the game at a sports bar.

When we got to Milwaukee we did a little site seeing. We got our first glimpse of Lake Michigan. Amazing! It is just like looking out into the ocean. I still can't wrap my head around how fantastic it is.

The homes right on the shorelines are amazing with beautiful stone siding. They looked like little castles (some were castles).

Driving around the city we noticed so many clock towers and spires on some of these older buildings.

I love the lady bugs

My favorite was the Milwaukee Art Museum. Built like a sail it is so beautiful. There at that moment was the first part of our trip when I felt at home.

We made it to a sports bar called Saz’s (most restaurants in WI seemed to be Bar and Grills). There we were able to catch most of the game and Sprecher Root beer on tap!

One of our waitress's sisters lives out in Beaverton herself (truly a small world). She was telling us how she enjoyed her trip to Oregon and would love to live there herself. She wasn't the only, or last WI resident to tell us how wonderful Portland is (was it a sign?).

We decided to take a detour back to Oshkosh driving back up the shoreline of Lake Michigan.

Road Trip!!!

We ended up in this WAY cute little town called Sheboygan. By the time of day we reached Sheboygan the sun was setting (it sets early... around 4/4:30ish). Parking next to this amazing resort we decide to bare the FREEZING cold and venture out onto this huge pier that took us yards out into Lake Michigan. We had a blast! Cold and numb when we returned to the car… that is what seat warmers are for ;)

A birds eye view of how big the pier is. We were on the left one.

Monday:
Jeb headed back to work and Dad and I wanted to see Lambeau Field. So up to Green Bay we went. I really enjoyed the bounding my Dad and I had on this trip. It was really special to share in these moments with him. FYI... he ratted me out to our tour guides and told them I'm a Bears fan. All I heard Monday was how great Green Bay played and it was their greatest win this season. Blah Blah Blah. I sucked it up and enjoyed every minute of the tour. To be honest my Dad isn't a Packers fan either but we were there for the history of the game and I'll have to admit it was cool.

We loved Sheboygan SO much we wanted to catch it in the daylight. After Green Bay we headed back down to Sheboygan. Great town!

On our way back to Oshkosh we got caught in a snow flurry, crazy cool.

That evening we headed to Kodiak Jacks. We heard from a couple of locals that it is the place to eat and it was. The food was great and the service was even better. Sandra Lee was our waitress and she was amazing. I felt like I was a guest in her home.

Tuesday:
Was Dads last day and my last day with my travel buddy. We had been traveling SO much the last four days we put 700 plus miles on the rental. Deciding to keep it local we checked out the Paine Museum. It is a beautiful house with fantastic original artwork, yet I was a little disappointed I couldn't take any picture of the inside.

Met Jeb for lunch then went back to a place called Leon's where they serve fabulous frozen custard. Below freezing temperatures, bundled up and all, we were very grateful they come to your car and take your order to go. I'm amazed at the service they keep when running a frozen custard shop. The parking lot was never empty. Mmmm it was good.

Later that evening we headed back to see Sandra Lee at Kodiak Jacks (and Dad wanted to try their "24oz ground sirloin stake burger").

No... he did not come close to finishing this burger.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday:
Jeb and I kept it low key. He focused on worked and I chilled out at the U and in the hotel.

Saturday:
Our trip home. Again our flight left early in the morning. Making it to Appleton with time to spare we boarding our plane at the usual 20 minutes before take off. As soon as we boarded the plane we un-boarded the plane. The plane had a frozen something of some sort. A delay is one thing but when you have a connecting fight... that is a different story. It makes for muddy waters. I was initially excited that our layover in Minnesota being only an hour, but at this point I knew we were closing down on a very small window of opportunity. After missing two connections to Portland because of the delay in Appleton we were able to make it in time to catch the evening plane out of Minnesota. Jeb and I spent the whole day on planes and in airports. My mother says she is never traveling with me (I have the worst luck with flying and am no stranger to waiting in airports).

Jeb was AMAZED at this electronics vending machine... we found it at the airport.

Side note: Funny thing is, everyone has a recurring dream that haunts them and mine is running late and missing a flight, bus what ever you have it. My dream that is a "recurring nightmare" is not making it to my destination, whether it home or vacation (weird).

All in all it was an experience. The weather is crazy cold and the people are crazy nice. It was a part of the country I have never seen before and blessed to have had a safe and wonderful trip.

SNEAK PEAK

2008-11-16T19:11:00.001-08:00

Picks of Jeb and Jayme at the shores of Lake Michigan

(requested via momma taken by daddy ;)

Sandy shores of Lake Michigan

Dad on the phone with mom. Sharing the moment of seeing lake Michigan together (even though they were thousands of miles apart). We love you momma and wish you were with us :)

TRIP TO OSHKOSH

2008-11-11T13:48:00.000-08:00

We're starting to see our hard work pay off. Three years ago December Jeb and I decided to sell our first home and move back in with the parents. We were “ok” where we were, but we both wanted more from our careers and life. Jeb started ALL over with school and I left the studio I was working for to pursue my own photography, images by jayme.

Just last year Jeb had been hired on at Yahoo! and we moved into an apartment in the Orenco area of Hillsboro. We have never felt more at home then living here.

This summer I started to see my devotion for my craft and hard work pay off. Landing a job with Wilhelmina MTG and 100% client loyalty return. I couldn’t be happier!!!

Now it is Jebediah’s turn!!! He has been working for Yahoo! as a contract worker and has been patiently waiting to get hired on full time.

This summer our world was about to be turned upside down when his manager asked how he felt about moving to Sunnyvale CA. At first thought I was like “no way” (the cost of living is ridiculous). They were looking to get rid of the service desk out in Hillsboro so Jeb might soon see himself no longer working for Yahoo!, but all his managers love his devotion he has for his job and want to see him stay with the company.

Then, we were given the option of moving to Oshkosh WI. Yahoo! has just started (this fall) a new project out at the University of Oshkosh. Where they’re training interns to handle the CareCenter. Another company looking to cut cost, but I have to applaud them for keeping the jobs in the States and not sending them overseas (like Intel and Nike, where their employees end up getting IT support from someone in Costa Rica).

Jeb is amazing at what he does and I want to support him in every way. Even if it means to up root our family to Oshkosh. There he will be able to manage 30 plus interns and over see a huge part of the CareCenter. He has shown great leadership and management skills for Yahoo! and I’m SO happy they’re seeing his potential and are working with him to give him as much growth and opportunity as they can. This would be a huge project for Jeb to be apart of and would give him great experience as a manager with a high profile company like Yahoo!.

So all that said…. we are leaving this Thursday the 13th of November to check out the quaint little town of Oshkosh WI. Nothing has been set in stone and we are still deciding…. BUT there is a large chance that we will be new residents in Oshkosh by the beginning of the year (yes “this” January).

Most everyone has been very supportive and has had nothing but good things to say about this opportunity (our family has been given) and us moving 2,029 miles away. I’m am SO nervous and scared out of my mind, but with Jeb I know we can do this. I hope that when we (my dad included) return from our trip on the 22nd we’ll have lots to share and many great stories to tell.

WE ALL ARE SO PROUD OF YOU JEBEDIAH!!!

WORDS FROM MY HEART

2008-11-05T16:20:00.000-08:00

These past three presidential elections that I’ve been apart of were tough for me. I haven’t ever felt that there has been a clear politician that truly represented me in what I stand for as an American citizen.

ME
I grew up with a great conservative/strong family background and was also taught about diversity and different cultures.

I was taught to except people as individuals and respect them for whom they’re and not what I want them to be.

I was taught that I should have the right to choose (free agency) and I was also taught that whatever I choose there’d be consequences that I’d have to live with (whether they be go or bad).

I was taught to reach for nothing but the stars and to also share with someone whom maybe less fortunate then I.

I was taught to stand up for what I believe in and to not make judgment on others for I’m no better then they.

I was taught that if I had nothing nice to say to say nothing at all and at the same time I was taught to proudly speak my mind.

WHAT I SAW THIS LAST ELECTION
I saw myself PROUD of a friend whom was voting for the first time as an American citizen (even though we were for opposing candidates).

I saw a very divided country (as it has been for awhile).

I saw that the entertainment industry and media had played a HUGE part in electing Obama as our next president.

I saw that if you got your information from the “TV” (example: any of the NBC’s airings) or from the “AP” (example: the New York Times) you were getting very basis information. As the candidates were not held to the same standard (please don’t kid yourselves into thinking they were).

I saw America become very desperate for “change” and not clarifying what “change” is or what it means to them. What is this “change” everyone seeks and why is it made to believe that Obama is the only one that can bring “change”?

I saw myself time and time again keeping my mouth shut, as I didn’t want to offend anyone of my friends and/or afraid of being miss understood. Yet time and time again negative postings all over the Internet popped up, about candidates I have chosen to be the best at representing myself and protecting my beliefs as an American citizen.

I saw great propaganda on BOTH sides of the party lines and hope we all realize this great “change” everyone speaks of is a line handed to us on a silver platter.

I HOPE
I hope for the same as we all do, the best for my family and myself.

I hope that in this change to “spreading the wealth” we DON’T punish those whom worked hard for their money.

"Property is the fruit of labor...property is desirable...is a positive good in the world. That some should be rich shows that others may become rich, and hence is just encouragement to industry and enterprise. Let not him who is houseless pull down the house of another; but let him labor diligently and build one for himself, thus by example assuring that his own shall be safe from violence when built." ~Abraham Lincoln

I hope that in this time of “peace” we don’t disarm our country.

"The right of the people to keep and bear ... arms shall not be infringed. A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the best and most natural defense of a free country ..." ~James Madison

I hope that in this time to get “heath care to our citizens” we leave our doctors the right to practice privately.

"That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves." ~Thomas Jefferson

I hope that now we all have said our peace, we can come together and REALLY except one another for whom we are as individuals.

CHANGE
Do know, that I’m no stranger to change and I too want change (even though it wasn’t my party’s slogan).

I too want to see better education and health care.

I too want to see my children and future generations grow in a country that is tolerant of all individuals.

I too want my character NOT to be judged for having a difference in option.

I too want to see less bitterness, hate and blame. First and foremost... it hurts to hear citizens of America only declare their love for this country when their "ideal" president is in office. We should always be "proud to be an American"!!!

Cheers to Obama and I wish nothing but the best for his four years in office!

LYKKE LI!!!

2008-11-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

A concert I'd been waiting for weeks, had finally arrived. I've become somewhat of a big fan of Lykke Li. I'm not going to go into too much detail... just take a peak for yourself and really listen to the music. I pretty much like everything on her album.

The evening was great! Julie (my sister in-law) and I went to dinner at Old Chicago, headed to bucks for some caffeine and then made our way to the Doug Fir. When we arrived everyone was just showing up and the opening band was about to take stage. We started out on the steps and then made our way a "little bit" closer to the front and sat on the benches that lined the walls.

Friendly Fires

Once Friendly Fires opened up the night with their great energy, I ditched Julie ;) (with her blessing) for a closer spot. I had to be in the crowd with everyone dancing and rockin' out!!!

I met back up with Julie after FF and we chatted a bit about the night... then I made my way back through the crowd and I couldn't of been happier at that moment! What a great show!!! I did look over to see Julie had been standing on the benches to get a better view... I was perfectly content by myself rockin' out! Thanks for being ok with it Julie :)

I took my moms point and shoot so I could get a couple of shots. FYI: they're not cropped in at all. That is how close I was, the grittiness comes from shooting at a high ISO.

In one of her interviews on you tube, she makes a comment about how she writes music to dance or cry to. So you are either rockin' out or feeling great emotions through her music.

Dance Dance Dance!!!

The night ended sooner then I wanted (like always)!!! When I'm out having fun, I'm usually the last one to leave and say goodnight.

Me after the concert outside in the rain. I was all dolled up and didn't take one shot of how cute I looked before rockin' out and getting all sweaty gross. But I do think my eyes still say everything in this pic.

The next morning... the only thing I had left to show of my good time, was my torn up ticket and two fadded stamps on my whrists.

Thank You Julie for going with me. I had fun and next time I'm dragging you into the crowd with me!!!

ROAD TRIP '08

2008-10-31T17:31:00.000-07:00

Already two weeks ago (time flies!!!)... My parents and I took a road trip to Utah, to see our loved ones.

Sometimes when you go on vacation you feel less rested then when you left... but this trip was all about the R&R!!! I love going to Salt Lake and visiting with my family "The Wiscomb's" (plus my extended fam Cheryl, Jared, Kameron, Alex and Kelly) it was SO needed.

Every road trip needs photos taken from the car on the road...

Driver and shooter

My beautiful momma and her curlers

My set up in the back... portable office

If you've ever driven east on 84, you've seen these trees. I enjoy the rows and rows of them that span for at least one mile.

Dragging the shutter and capturing police and truck lights

More of driving at night

Drawing of the moon. There were two things that I realized on the road, I forgot how bright the moon light is and I need to bite into an apple more often.

We arrived in Utah Friday afternoon and went out to eat with family. Then I had to swing by Cher's work (I couldn't of driven that far and be so close and not go see her). Our visit was short and sweet but we got to spend the next couple of days together. Cher, Kelly and the boys picked me up and we headed out to the zoo. Then Kelly had this amazing idea of going to a haunted house!!! We had so much fun. We dropped off the kids with Cher's mom and pick up Jared for dinner and then spent the rest of the night running and screaming at the "Haunted Forrest and Mansion". It was well worth the monies!!!

Picks of babies from our zoo trip...

After spending another relaxing day with the Wrights I headed back to hang with my family... The Wiscomb's are a big bunch and I LOVE big families!!!

Photo of a photo... I have to give the photographer props. I'm also lucky to be able to say that "that" good looking bunch is apart of my family! My aunt Darlyne has this beautiful saying underneath the family pics, "All because two people fell in love". I don't ever want to forget that.

We had one more day left on our short little vacation and we made the most of it. We started out by having breakfast with Floyd and Patty Ray Astin (yes more family of mine that are not included in the photo above). We dined at a cute place called Little America. Then we decided to head up Millcreek Canyon. Mom was talking about how much she loves the fall colors in SLC, so we ventured to try and get a closer look. This was another highlight to my trip. Dad drove with the top down on the car and I sat up on the seat in the back... like I was in a parade. Good times!

A look down the canyon to the valley... bEautiful!!!

Thanks to Destyn... our tour guide and safety man :)

Later in the day we headed over to Aunt Darlyne's where the family was gathering for cousin Jane's 5oth. It was a perfect ending to our trip, getting the whole fam together again (well, as many as we could).

We were SO proud of Bryan. That weekend we were in town he won MVP for his football game. The team has a hammer that is passed around to those players that go above and beyond for their team. GO BRYAN!!!

Ice cream cup cakes, what a cute idea Darlyne :)

Cher, Jared, Kameron and Alex came over to join our family and see me one last time before I left SLC.

I love every single one of you and wish somehow we could all live closer!!!

QUIRKS

2008-10-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

Carrie, I do the same thing when brushing my teeth. Thanks for the tag. It took me a couple of days to come up with my quirks, because these things are usually done with out thought.

A quirk is an odd habit. Most dictionaries list this word's origin as “unknown”. However, as the surname arises from the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, and because the island is somewhat notorious for idiosyncratic behaviors, we may find the word's origins there. Many surnames have fluctuated in their pronunciations and, hence, their spellings. Prior to the twentieth century, the most common variant for this “phylum” was Quark.

Rules: Tell about 6 quirks of yours. Tag 6 fellow bloggers to do the same. Leave a comment to let them know.

1. For as long as I can remember, I’ve HAD to have a glass of water by my bedside before I can sleep. By the end of the week glasses and/or water bottles have multiplied on the nightstand.

2. Ever since I lived in Seattle on my own, I developed a habit of locking “the door” behind me. It is done with out thought at this point. The worst is when leaving a place where I can lock the door from the inside. Not realizing I’ve just locked myself out, until I come back from the checking the mail and don’t have keys to get back in. Then there is accidentally locking my husband out too.

3. When I get excited my thoughts just rapidly race through my head. Left with having trouble vocally finishing my thoughts and my sentences are left incomplete.

4. Another lifer habit… clean hands. I hate sticky/dirty hands. If my spoon while eating ice cream gets sticky somehow and my hands are compromised in the process… bad news. I’ll go through as many spoons as it takes to enjoy my ice cream with clean hands.

5. This next is a little weird… maybe (someone might relate, I don’t know). There is nothing more calming to me then the smells of home. Example: when I’ve had a long day the first thing I want to do is smell my pillows. Then there is the smell of my nieces. Things can get crazy when the whole family gets together and when they jump on my lap and want to snuggle the first thing I do is smell and kiss the tops of there heads. I also enjoy picking up my dogs and sticking my face in their necks and taking a big whiff. The list goes on. It must be a feeling of being home.

6. Not paying attention. I can drift away quicker then driftwood at sea. Whether I’m in a car (as a passenger) or someone may have a long drawn out explanation (witch I’m just as guilty of too), I get lost. I end up in my own world and can’t find my way out. So if you happen to be talking to me and my eyes gloss over… grab my attention again. This happens to be the only one of my quirks that I care to fix, but time and time again I find myself in Jayme land.

I'm sure I have many more that I don't even realize, but it is time for others to reveal their quirks. Cheryl, Annette, Robert, Martha, Angela and Paige! You've been tagged.

EXCITING DAY!!!

2008-10-12T02:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Amanda, Spencer, Rafael and myself put together an amazing shoot. Which gave me the perfect opportunity to finally start a blog for my business. Everything is in progress right now, but it is all starting to come together.

You can check out my first full post at www.imagesbyjayme.blogspot.com

SPACE BOY

2008-10-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

The last 36 hours have been long for our family. ESPN had eye surgery yesterday and while he was under we were going to have his teeth cleaned too. Little did we know how bad his teeth were. They had to extract 4 teeth on top of the cleaning. More importantly he needed to have a cyst removed from his eye (we wont know the results for another 5 days or so). Buddy was out for quite a while and what a day he endured.

When I picked him up from the vet he was so limp and done with everything, plus he had one of those cone collars on.... and does he hate it (I wanted to cry, he was SO sad looking). That evening we gave him a break and let him be with out it, but he had to wear it at night. It's very important that he doesn't scratch at his eye. Jeb and I were up and down all night like ESPN was our little baby... any noise or movement woke us up. Tonight as I write this he is doing better (except for the nightmare he is having), but when we first put the space hat on him all he did was cry, whine and moan. He'd get himself all worked up he'd start to cough... just like a kid. I knew it was all dramatics cause the moment that I took it off he was fine, but Jeb comes running out from the other room all worried for his little man. He has his daddy wrapped around his little paw (Jeb is a very sensitive man when it comes to his animals).

When I got home from my shoot this afternoon he was on the couch. This is a good sign that he is jumping on the couch and moving again with his space hat on (not frozen in one spot anymore). Although he doesn't have a good feel for it yet, he kept trying to get as close as he could to me and ramming the hat into my leg several of times. We love him so much and it is going to be ONE long week for buddy... and us.

This was taken this morning after I gave him a bath. I'm sure he is like "enough people... enough". I only bathed him cause he got so stinky from the vet and his surgery, plus he kept drooling and snotting on himself after he'd get all worked up with his sneeze guard on. I think he feels better to be clean.

This is ESPN putting up with his collar. ESPN and the space suit are all cleaned up resting on the couch, where I'm sure they'll be for the next week.

All this excitement even makes his sister a little anxious. The only good thing to come from all this is his diet of soft dog food for the next two weeks. Houston even gets to ride on that train. Man do they love soft dog food. We love our babies lots and hope for the best when we get our results back from buddy's cyst.

Feel free to send any donations to the Anderson home, for the ESPN Kroy Wen Heupel Anderson Fund. ;)

A GLIMPSE INTO THE PAST... IF WE WERE THERE

2008-09-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

This was entertaining to say the least. I think everyone should try it out and get a good laugh at themselves. This was originally posted on the Dias family blog... too much fun! Thanks Carrie.

Simply click on the title of this post to create you own nerdy fun!!!

ODE TO MY JEBEDIAH

2008-09-27T11:05:00.000-07:00

1. Where did you meet?
Jeb and I met at a sophisticated place called Five Oaks Middle School at the ripe age of 13. Yes, I found my BEST friend and partner in life at 13. I remember in history class when roll was being taken and “Jebediah Anderson” was called… I turned to my friend and said, “What kind of name is Jebediah?” This “Jeb” ended up in math class with me as well, where we were assigned seats next to each other. So I guess when you add Jeb and Jayme together the rest is history. Ooooooh Ooooo

2. How long did you date before you were married?
Jeb and I didn’t really start seriously dating until the end of our sophomore year in high school. We did the off and on again relationship through out school. When we finally realized that no one else and their ideas about our relationship mattered… we were 20. Then we realized that it was only us who need to understand each other and the love we share. That is a 7 years courtship. We took our 7 years courtship, the closest friends and loved ones to Las Vegas where we married at the Caesar Palace Hotel.

3. How long have you been married?
Jeb and I have been married for 6 years this September 19th. September is a big month for us, it’s the time of year we met at school and the time of year we tied the knot. And my half birthday… but lets stay on topic this is about Jeb not me…

4.What does he do that surprises you?
Jeb isn’t much of a surprise kinda guy. Yet there is one thing that comes to mind and I still haven’t really gotten over it. He stole my bird from me… So here is the story, my folks had gotten Cessna when I was 13 (the same year I met Jeb). Cessna like most birds find one person to latch on to. Not expecting it as a kid Cessna kinda became my bird… until Jeb. Long story short he loves Jeb SO much and their connection is so sweet. I’m just happy Jeb fell in love with Cessna too and we have him in our family. Not many people out there are TRULY animal lovers and Jeb wont admit it but he is a natural when it comes to our three. It surprises me every day to see him with them… not just playing but feed, walking… everything but the grooming. Well, there is that one time he bathed ESPN. He truly is my partner in caring for our family.

5.What is your favorite feature about him?
Have you seen my husband… he’s got many features. I love his eyes. They are a tell all. When he is happy and/or flirty they are crystal blue. When he is low in energy and/or stressed about something they are more of a gray blue. I love his eyes and his strong jaw line. I love everything about his face but mainly those eyes especially when they’re crystal blue. He is SO handsome. There is also something about a touch of his hand. When I’m stressed all he needs to do is grab my hand or touch my head and I feel such a calm.

6.What is your favorite quality about him?
He is a natural caretaker and love, but I kinda covered that in number 4. So the next thing that comes to mind is work ethic and focus to get things done. He really does so much for this family to help it run smoothly. I’m so proud of him and all he is working towards. I’m the social, lets hang out and play kinda girl, and he is the one that keeps me on track… I love him so much for that. His maturity and responsibility keeps me out of trouble... most of the time.

7.Does he have a nickname for you?
Yes, many… but they are all not appropriate to repeat on our family blog. So we’ll go with the “G” rated SWEETHEART.

8.What is his favorite color?
Black and Blue

9.What is his favorite food?
Lasagna

10.Whats his favorite sport?
Basketball. Watching him on the court tells a lot about his personality. He’s always looking to move the ball and get it to his teammates when needed. He sees the bigger picture and gives up the ball if it is best for the play. Something you’d see him do off the court as well. I love to watch him play.

11.Who said I love you first?
Me. Those who know me well know I’m the emotional one in a relationship. I guess if you think about it, it’s not really who said it first because actions speak WAY louder than words. So we both told each other long before we new it.

12.When and where was your first kiss?
Too young and where ever we could sneak one.

13.Whats your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Talk and snuggle. Jeb and Jayme are communicators. We are our strongest when we are talking. From day one we were spending hours on the phone…. hours at a time. We’d get into SO much trouble talking on the phone until 1-2 o’clock in the morning. Sometimes we’d just sit there on the phone and watch the same show on TV together. Now our favorite thing to do is talk in the car. I think that is where we do most of our talking. And the only thing to do after a long talk is to snuggle. They go together… Jeb and Jayme. He also gets me laughing like no ones business.

15.What is a hidden talent he has?
He dances. When no one is watchin’ he likes to shake IT! I think it is adorable. We both love to watch so you think you can dance. Secretly I think he would love to dance. Shake it baby.

16.How old is he?
26

17.What is his favorite type of music?
Hip Hop and Electric. It has to have a fast tempo for him to enjoy.

18.What do you admire most about him?
He takes care of me. It can be the one thing that all couples fight about “money” (even us), yet I admire him for always taken care of our finances. It’s kinda funny I get SO mad at times about how frugal he can be but yet I admire him so much for it. He makes it feel like we are never struggling. As a young couple (one still in school) we ain’t rollin but I never have to worry about it cause he take care of us. Thank you.

19.Do you think he is going to read this?
Yes I’m sure he will. Hey honey... look 19 questions that's our number.

I tag everyone who reads this even if you don’t have a blog. It is a very therapeutic thing to do. It really gets you thinking of why you fell in love and why you still love the one you are with. Thank you Cher.

SNUGGLED IN THE KITCHEN

2008-09-25T22:27:00.000-07:00

So we’ve been residents at Seneca Village for over a year now and just signed a new lease for another. With that they clean our carpets for free… YAY. Anyhow I’m sure you all know what that means. Everything gets crammed into the bathrooms and kitchen. We had set it up so I could work in the kitchen and the dogs ended up snuggled in there with me and their beds. Here are some cute pics I took with my wonderful high quality verizon camera phone.

Can you see them?... they're in there. Really.

Oh, there they are. So cute.

ESPN so sad...

Houston enjoying they fresh air of the fans set up to help dry the carpet. She just sat there.

All that stress being shoved in the corner of the house but we did it doggies and we did it together. Really it took like 45 minutes at the most and then they went to my parents to play and I headed to work. What seemed like an eternity to them was entertaining for me. I know, I'm a huge nerd.

WHO IS THE COOLEST KID IN SCHOOL???

2008-09-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

I AM!

Jeb and I celebrated our six years anniversary of marriage yesterday (9/19) and I have to say he out did himself this year. Like always we couldn’t wait to exchange the gifts we got for each other, so… late night on the 18th we opened our gifts.

Yes, I got my husband a manicure set. To my defense it is a very high quality Germany made set and if you know my husband he likes to keep himself nicely groomed all the time. So I thought this were a thoughtful and kind of a traditional gift that could be kept in the family and passed down.

Anyhow, Jebediah spoiled (well loved) me with an ipod Touch… that has now been renamed the “jTouch”. I have already spent so much time playing with it. I love it! I can put SO much more music on it then the jpod, I can check/reply to emails, there is a direct link to YouTube, and the normal things like the internet, a calendar, seven day weather reports for any city and maps with directions… the jTouch pretty much does everything I need it to do except make a call. I’m still so excited about it!

Even tough the manicure set is nice it just doesn’t have the same excitement the jTouch does. Thank you Jeb.

More importantly I feel that on our special day we needed to spend every waking minute together. Jeb couldn’t get the full day off from work, so he worked from home. I made breakfast and learned a little bit of what he does at work on a regular day (way over my head). Then we ran around together, got some errands done, saw the family and went to dinner. Very low key but a very Jeb and Jayme day… just the way we like it. We called it our family anniversary… the day our family began 9/19/02.

One more thing… we got married on national talk like a pirate day. Fitting for a couple that owns a blue and gold macaw.

I love you Jeb and look forward to year seven! (14 years of friendship)

CURE FOR A BROKEN HEART

2008-08-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

When two people are trying to start a family there is nothing worse then being woken up in the middle of the night with painful, can't sleep cramping. Not only is it painful physically but also it is so heartbreaking. Even though I took a test about a week ago... I still hold on to hope until the proof is shown.

Today I had angels watching over me. I wake up (after taking 1200 mg of Ibuprofen at 5am) around 10:30. I returned a missed call from my brother, who on the other line is taking this moment to tell me how lazy I am... and he wants to hear no excuses. My brother and his two girls were out and about and had just passed my home wanting to stop by. So a little disappointed that I missed them the first time around he makes sure to stop by on there way home. To my surprise they come barring gifts. Both Faith and Little Ella come walking in with their little hands full.

MAGNETIC POETRY KITS. There was something special about this gift. Last March I had told my brother the only thing I wanted for my birthday was poetry magnets. He thought sure enough he had it covered. 12 plus stores and days later with no luck... he has found himself on a mission to find these magnets for his sister. He was so disappointed that no store from Target to Barns and Noble carried them. His efforts and story telling of this adventure was not lost on me, I found it very entertaining and sweet.

At last he has completed his challenge and it couldn’t of happened on a better day. T bringing his little angels to snuggle and play with poetry magnets made my day. I love surprises and I love the three of them SO much.

The highlight of their morning trip was Faith blindly putting together a sentence for my frig. She had put two magnets together and asked me to read them…. I did and she finished the sentence with “you”. We couldn’t find just the word “you” but close by was “your heart”. I didn’t quite notice what my 6 year old niece had composed until she had left…..

… very fitting for this moment. Maybe it is my outlook on life but we are all connected and some how the universe knew exactly what I needed.

WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING?!

2008-08-23T22:24:00.000-07:00

Well, no big events to talk about but here are some random bits…

“I live in my own world and everyone here likes me”

SPIRIT- When I worked at the bank we would have the news on all the time. So between the news and just working in the financing industry (with all it’s grim outlooks on rates and the economy) things took it’s toll. I started to think about my future a lot. I prayed about the church (LDS) and the comfort it has to offer in the community. Shortly there after the missionaries called and asked if they could come out and give lessons. Jeb and I were more then welcoming. In the short time from prayers and needing the gospel in my life, we have met SO many great people to call friends and have seen the blessings it has to offer. We still have yet to make it out to church in the 9 o’clock hour but our efforts are getting us closer.

FAMILY- Jeb comes home and the first thing he does is give all the animals love. Our kids. This photo tells it all… Houston, ESPN, and Cessna competing for Jeb’s attention.
The greater family is doing well too. My mother is working on starting her own blog. It has been fun going over to her house and teaching her how to use the computer and internet in a more in-depth manor then just checking emails (she is too cute). Faith has lost her first tooth and starts kindergarten next week! Ella can eat pancakes!

My niece Ella was born with many allergies like corn, wheat and dairy. She is tested every few months at her young age to see if she grows out of it. Last week she dropped wheat and dairy products off her list. She’s down to just corn (which is in so many things on its own). To celebrate Papa made root-beer pancakes. She ate 2.5 of them and Papa makes big pancakes.

FRIENDS- I’m blessed with friends that I could call family. I’m a girl that gives my whole heart to my friends. Friends are the family you choose and I take that to heart. I wish we could all just play and hang out all the time and never sleep!!!

JOB- I never knew happiness like this existed for a career. For those
of you who live under a rock and don’t know yet, I am a photographer and assistant editor for Wilhelmina MTG. They’re a modeling agency for the greater Portland metro area out in the Hollywood district. I don’t feel like it is work… more like playtime all day long.

My highlight so far has been with the baby (5yrs and under) photography. I shoot every other Monday and Friday. I was so excited about one of my first shots of this girl I had to share with my coworker (the kids agent) right away. She took one look at the name and photo then smiled. She told me that I saved her from getting cut. No joke. She had just gone through the baby division stat sheets and wrote drop on her file. She told me never has she seen her look so pretty. I couldn’t have asked for a better complement as her photographer. I’m still riding out this high from my new job and all the excitement it keeps bringing me.

TOGETHER UNDER ONE ROOF

2008-08-11T16:02:00.000-07:00

The family got together again!!! This time it was to celebrate Jeb's Birthday. For the first time since our wedding we gathered Jeb's and my family together. It was beautiful. A whole bunch of people we love under one roof... family and friends.

Finally! A pic with my brother Aaron... :)

Jeb's favorite card of the night... from little miss Faith.

!!MAKE A WISH!!

Mr. Man, baby Robert

We wrapped up the night with my favorite game... poker.

Thank you to everyone who made it out. For those who couldn't make it we miss and love you too!

HAPPY 26th BIRTHDAY JEBEDIAH!

2008-08-05T00:02:00.001-07:00

We already share 13 years of memories together (half of our lives). There is no one else I'd rather grow old with then you!!!

MEMORIES AND PHOTOGRAPHS

2008-08-04T23:34:00.000-07:00

1. Add a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I have shared together. It doesn't matter what it is, just feel free to write what you want!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It'll be fun and keep it clean... if you want. Thank you Cher this is fun ;o)

PS... I write novels...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIE AND ELLA

2008-07-31T22:35:00.000-07:00

Before July turns in tonight, we had a couple of birthday's this month and I have a few cute pics to share.

Julie turned 30. My brother and her family worked hard in making her birthday party a surprise. Julie's mother Minnette put together this beautiful flower arrangement. I justed loved it!

So we needed a pic of the "surprised" Julie... Jeb and I practiced before her arrival. He looks really shocked. I couldn't tell if he knew?.... ;)

What's cute is I have a pic of Julie helping Faith blow out her candles when she was 3. She's only returning the favor.

Ella turned 2!! ... so Jeb and I get there early to help prep and TJ's with Ella at the store. When they arrive I see she is wearing the exact same outfit we are gifting her. NO JOKE. We got her a toy too, so half the present was alright. Also check out the pick on the left... yes folks... it's Christmas in July or it's my brothers wrapping job. Classic.

I don't get too many pics of my brother's gorgeous smile. Oh my, those burgers were SO good. I can only hope we can make them as good for Jeb's Birthday BBQ.

Ella, you are so cute I just wanna bite you. Mmm

Faith and I playing with the party favors. I dragged the shutter on both images, but the one in the dark makes the shot.

Jeb I love you. You are so good with the girls. I just know you'll be a great father someday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL JULY BABIES!!!

MY BIG BUMBLEBEE

2008-07-27T22:55:00.000-07:00

For fun this weekend Jeb and I joined my parents out at the Washington County Fair. We enjoyed everything a fair has to offer: greasy food, snow cones, barn animals (I love goats), rides, games and flying Macaws. This year they had an exotic bird show where I got to snuggle with a cockatoo and received tips on how to teach Cessna to fly. Macaws free to fly are one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen.

Back to the story at hand, what is a fair with out winning a GIGANTIC stuffed animal? As long as Jeb and I have been together, he not once has paid to play a fair game… until now. My dad talked him into showing off his B-Ball skills and my honey won of course. I got to pick my prize and I went with the BIG BUMBLEBEE. He was the cutest. I was pretty excited to have a treasure that Jeb won for me. I always get jazzed about experiencing firsts with my honey… doest happen often anymore.

Yet the story gets better… or longer (however you want to look at it). When we brought our bundle of bee home it was apparent that the doggies and the bird wanted nothing to do with it. Miss Houston started to growl at the stuffed prize. So I had to take it one step further to entertain myself to my full potential. Missy went into the computer room to get away from the buzz but I decided to follow her and quietly snuck behind her with the bee. Oh, we were laughing, she is so cute. GRRRRR.

Houston still wanting nothing to do with him.

But Jeb apparently didn’t want it to stop with Houston. I have been really busy with work lately with trying to catch up on projects, that I’ve taken some of my work home. Not paying attention to Jeb busy in my work, he somehow manages to sneak by me in the front room and hides the bee in our bedroom bathroom. So when I go to use the ladies room (in the dark mind you) I open the door to this bee that takes up half of the bathroom floor. Yes I was startled and gasped and yes he was laughing in the front room.

So, Jeb has found himself a tickle spot and yet… again… with patients he hides the bee. Going with the shower this time to scare me Sunday morning.

The last thing I want to see is something looking back at me when I go to hop in the shower. Seriously Jeb?

Houston putting up with me and my camera moment.

Jeb calls it karma for what I did to Missy… where’s his karma for scaring me twice?

CAMPING 101

2008-07-19T14:15:00.000-07:00

Long time waiting. I've been meaning to post this blog for a week now... as you can tell by the date. But I have been a busy girl and yeah...

So, here is the story. David called us up at about 5 in the evening on the 12th to see if we wanted to join him and a our friends camping for the night at Jones Creek in Tillamook forest. It was a small group, the Lathrop's, the Dias's, Calvin and us the Anderson's. Of course like most things we do I'm excited as all get out and Jeb needs a little talking into the idea. It was my first time camping (besides any church activities) and Jeb's and my FIRST camping trip together.

Our tent! How cute was it!? Thank you to Robert and Annette for letting us use this cozy bundle of love. Jeb and I haven't slept this close since we first got married and owned a full size bed. Now with our doggies I want to upgrade from a queen to a king... Anyhow I loved it SO much I made Jeb get back in the tent so Carrie could take pictures of how cute we look in it. Thanks Care ;)

Some fun night shoots when we first got to camp.

Gabriel helping build our morning fire.

Good morning Robert and my view of everyone at breakfast time. Love you all.

Just down a path from our campsite there was this quaint little river. It was very beautiful.

Thank you everyone for such a great time!

After we left the campsite we headed down the road a bit to enjoy the river. We took turns floating down a small current and jumping off some rocks. My favorite part of our trip.

BAG TAG

2008-07-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

Ok this is Carrie's fabulous tag. Love you Care. I want to make this clear… my bag on a normal day does not have nearly half the crap in it as it did on the day Carrie tagged me to show my goods. I took pictures on the 4th, but had to return to this tag on a later day. I’ll keep you waiting no longer…

THE BAG (my mama gave it to me)

THE CRAP INSIDE (morning of the 4th)

~ Cell Phone: for obvious reasons.
~ My ipod: who doesn’t love music?
~ 2 sets of keys: personal/work
~ 2 wallets: (weird I know) my sweet mother had just gotten me a new wallet and I’ve been meaning to switch out the junk from one to the other.
~ The Articles of Faith card: from the lesson our elders gave us two nights prior. I had a second interview (for my new job) on the 3rd and wanted to keep Faith close at hand ;o)
~ June calendar of events for the Orenco ward: I know June is over.
~ Pocket planner for 2008: I’m pretty important.
~ 3 “Pick of the Week” cards from Starbucks: it’s a great partner ship between iTunes and Starbucks… each card comes with a code for a free song. Raf always grabs extras for me.
~ My debit card: just tossed in my purse, not in its proper place. Jeb would freak if he had to live in my purse. It’s very messy.
~ Playtex tampon case: oddly enough I keep Q-tips in it and not tampons.
~ 2 used Q-tips: littering is bad.
~ A bandage: I’m pretty clumsy.
~ My make-up bag: I had a very important interview and am always running late… so I took my make-up with me on Thursday.
~ My second “employee counseling guide”: no joke I was put on a 90 day probation at work twice in a 13 day period… for only one issue… I RUN LATE. Yes folks I’m not perfect… moving on.
~ My business cards: for J Anderson Photography… need one?
~ 2002 lose penny: yes, I’ll pick up a penny, unlike many who walk by them.
~ 2 Starbucks receipts: I do enjoy a B/W mocha… extra hot.
~ Movie ticket: “The Hulk” at Bridgeport theater, the late showing on 6/27 with my dad.
~ 9 bobby pins: at least they’re not on the floor (love you Jeb ;o)
~ Homework: a music list from Rafael. He has introduced me to some really good tunes. This time he has suggested Kings of Leon and he highly recommends the album “because of the times”.
~ 3 Gift cards: Pacific Beach Tan/Stanford’s/Newport Seafood Grill… I don’t tan.
~ Scratch paper: w/a phone number on it… for my new JOB. Have I mentioned it yet?
~ Mint: anyone?
~ Travel floss: just in case.
~ Emery Boards: 1 full size and a matchbook of travel sizes.
~ Chap Stick Lip Balm: I’m not a lipstick kinda girl.
~ Name tag: for work.
~ Super Sudoku: Raf noticed I enjoy the puzzle of “sudoku” and got me a book. This way if the newspaper gets thrown out at work I’ll still have a puzzle to solve on my break.
~ Tissue: if you know me well, I tend to cry when I get emotional… just a little.
~ New card for my car insurance: I’ll finally get it switched out with the expired card just in time to switch it out again.
~ Ibuprofen
~ A pen
~ And a brush

That was a chore. Just to let it be known, I’ve since cleaned out my purse and less then half that crap went back in.

RUN! Tag you’re it. Cher and Annette, your turn… Oh, and Julie too ;o)

INDEPENDENCE DAY AT THE HEUPEL’S

2008-07-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

My family knows how to celebrate…

First on the list was the pool. My folks just put up a pool this week. Great idea but our 100degree weather was last weekend and we live in Oregon. The cooler weather and un-heated pool did not affect the excitement of one little girl. Faith insisted on getting in. I promised her that once we get warmer weather again, I would be the first one over here to get in with her. Bless my mother and her love for her grandbabies… mom, Faith and Ella chattering teeth and all enjoyed the pool at a cool 70degrees. I love you mom. And thank you dad for the pool can’t wait until the warmer weather rolls in.

Happy kids make for happy parents! I love these SMILLING faces… ESPN loves a little chest rub and his eyes and grin say it all. Faith wants to show off her first loose tooth (congrats!). And Ella, her smile just melts my HEART. There is nothing like getting real expressions of life on film… or a flash card.

Ok, I can’t say enough about the food! If you ever leave a function at the Heupels (or Brooks) hungry or with unsatisfied taste buds, it’s your own fault. My mom and Julie helped with the prep work and both papas manned the BBQ. Julie and Ella have many food allergies. We as a family are learning how to cook glutton free and with out any corn additives. It’s been a blessing because we all could use fewer additives in our diet and I’ve found the food has tasted better. The chicken was amazing! Yes that was my plate and no I did not finish it. Truth be told I didn't eat again until 6pm on Saturday.

So these two yahoo’s ;o)… happen to be two of my favorite people in my life! They bring the entertainment. My brother T can get me laughing like no other person I know and my husband I love him so much. When the two are together… on a good day, it’s a marvelous time. They’re both SO cute I could just squeeze them!

Being a woman in my family I have learned so much from the ones before me about love… especially my mother. Unconditional love for the kids and once a mother always a mother. When the family is together (witch is all the time), we know it’s all about the kids. Love, support and encouragement makes strong independent individuals. For the two little girls that bless us now, they’re very strong minded and independent ladies already. They get their sass from all us women in the Family. I love these pictures; together they explain what I’m trying to say. All grandma’s with the little ones teaching, playing and supporting.

These pictures are priceless, my brother snuggling with his babies. For those who think he’s just a hard jokester. Here is proof of a softer side. He’ll deny every word.

Larry and Debbie made it out as well. I enjoy having them with us and my brother Aaron showed up right before fireworks with a peach cobbler (still warm from the oven). Our friend Rafael made a very fashionably late appearance, better late then never ;o). All in all it was a great day. Perfect really. Hugs and kisses from our family to yours.

JAYME HAS A NEW JOB!!!

2008-07-04T10:32:00.001-07:00

I did it! I got a new job! No more Banner Bank. I will miss my clients and my good friend Rafael, but other than that… no more counting dirty money that isn’t mine.

The last two weeks have been very long and stressful. As you may know from an earlier post I asked to go part time so I could have more time to work on my photography. It all looked like it was going to work out… but then a bunch of drama dropped. It’s a long story and I’m trying to move on… because it don’t matter anymore!

My wonderful sister in-law Julie gave me a great lead on a job with a Model/Talent company. This fabulous new job consist of editing photos, putting together stat sheets for the talent, cleaning up the images on Photoshop, uploading them on the website, photographer for the in-house baby shoots and working with some really creative people! LOVE IT. Keri, my new boss is one of the sweetest people I have met. I’m feeling very blessed right now.

… And it is part-time. Yes, I’m finally in a position where I can work on my OWN photography! I’ll spend 20 hours a week at my new job and have the rest of my time to do my work as a freelance photographer! Get ready for some new fresh images by Jayme (.com).

HAPPY FOURTH!!!

BEAUTIFUL BABIES

2008-06-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

My two favorite ladies... Faith and Ella. Being a photographer, I'm lucky to have the most beautiful photos of my nieces. The only down side is being behind the camera leaves little photos out there with my nieces and I sharing time together.

My favorite part of the work week is going over to my mothers house for lunch and spending time with Faith and Ella (Grandma watches the two). Just last week Ella was suppose to be napping when I arrived but she was fusing in the nursery. I went to check on her and she seemed to be having a nightmare. It just tugs at my heart to hear her fuss like that. I talked softly to her and picked her up in my arms. So my lunch hour turned into a snuggle hour. My moment of the week...

Auntie Jayme and Ella Bell

This makes me think of the times Faith and I snuggled together (she's not one to cuddle so when she does it's very special). Here is our only snuggle on film...

They grow up so quick...

Faith Minette 3rys and 5.5yrs

Ella Bell Birth and 2yrs

I love you two SO much!!!

MOON LIGHT

2008-06-18T23:52:00.000-07:00

I love looking at the sky!

Tonight I was on a mission to photograph the moon. As you might already know the moon was full and low to the horizon. Giving the illusion that it appears bigger and closer when in fact neither are true. A horizon moon is the same distance and size as the moon hung high in the sky.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_illusion

"Experts" say catching the illusion on film doesn't work... something about being an illusion. I threw all that advise to the wind and went out to shoot the moon anyhow. Come to find out there is some truth to "their" advise. This is what I got:

A moon not appearing any larger in the frame...

... but in Jeb's hand, it tells a different story.

LOOKING FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHICS

2008-06-17T22:28:00.000-07:00

So if you know Jeb and I well, we’re very simplistic people. We keep a clutter free home. Neither one of us has a collection that takes over the house… but I have found my collection! I have a small stash of National Geographic magazines (most of which were passed down to me).

I enjoy them and have a few key issues that are just too neat to get rid of. My enjoyment comes from the history each issue holds. Just to pick something up that was published in 1964… doesn’t seem too long ago but the ads are fabulous. You realize how quick life changes when an ad for color TV is the latest new technology.

(Jeb and Jayme in 30 years)

Today when I was at my parent’s house for lunch, I noticed a new issue of NG sitting on the table… YES! I got so excited (I’m a nerd). Anyhow my Dad subscribed to a year subscription of NG. All of which will head my direction (Jeb loves it ;)

It all comes down to this… I’ve decided to get serious about my collection and want to try and at least complete the years that I do have. I’m asking for help and hope someone out their has some or knows someone who wants to get rid of their NG’s to a good home. I’ll even pay for them.

Thank you,
Jayme

NOT SPOILED JUST WELL LOVED

2008-06-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that I’ve been wanting to be a mother since the day I got married 6 years ago… no I’m not pregnant but we’ve been trying. Every time “that time” of the month comes around it’s like sitting on pins and needles. I have my moment where I’ll cry a bit and then… I feel like shopping (weird I know). This last month Jeb and I really spoiled ourselves. (We don’t have kids yet so we might as well spend money on us while we can)

For Jeb I thought it would be nice to update our office. Jeb has been working for yahoo as a contractor in IT as a service desk tech for the last year. (He just got promoted to a supervisor position this last week… I’m SO proud of him!!!) We’re crossing our fingers that he is hired on as a full-time employee next time his contract comes around in August. So, as a tech he has been on call during the holidays or has to work a weekend or two. On these special days he’ll work from home…. This is where the new desk comes into play. Goodbye to hand me down desk, plastic table add-on and plastic file draws and say hello to Jebediah’s new office.

(6 hours of building, bonding and sore bodies)

For me… a new HD Canon camcorder! I’ve taken so much random video. (David Dias has enjoyed the new Canon as well… do to innocent bystanders I’ll re-frame from airing any of that footage. Although I have to give him credit for great commentary and one of the funniest video’s yet!) As soon as we get better software for editing our footage I will for sure share plenty of films… :o)

When the day is over and I’ve enjoyed my “things”, I know our goods will never fill the void of wanting to be a mother. As much fun as it is spoiling myself, I can’t wait until I have the blessing to spoil my own child (as my mama would say “you’re not spoiled, just well loved").

NEVER PUT YOUR DREAMS ON HOLD

2008-06-02T21:48:00.000-07:00

I've decide last week that enough was enough. Our plan was to wait until Jeb finished school before I could leave the bank (my full-time job), but he still has a little over a year left until graduation. Working as a teller 40hrs a week has left little time to run a proper photography business. I started to see my dream slip out from my hands as each day passed... and that scared me. So we've compromised as all good couples do. I'm not leaving the bank yet, but I am cutting back my hours. We have decided that I can take one day a week to focus on getting my photography back on track. I will get up like I'm headed to the bank but instead head to the office. I can not express how excited I am. I need to start taking myself seriously as a photographer before I can expect anyone else to.

First on my list is to change the look of my website and update the photos! Here is a first look at the home page I've been working on...

Just An Update

2008-05-25T21:04:00.000-07:00

First on the list, I want to thank Cheryl's friend Jen. She has introduced me to a whole new world of scrap booking. I've tried many of time to get into the world of digital scrap booking, but could never reach the desired look. When I found out that the cute paper used in Cher's blog was part of a digital scrap booking kit, I got real excited. To top off the high, there are sites you can go to and download free kits! Complete with paper, embellishments and letters. Not only is it free and way cute but it is clutter free. The worst part of clean up is saving your work and closing out Photoshop.

Let's just say my three-day weekend has started out great. A photo shoot with my niece's and some good old R and R on the laptop. Photography and crafty artsy things, what more can a girl ask for. I've been having fun, as you can tell by the new SPICED up blog. I've also added some more tunes to the jpod hopefully it's enjoyed.

Here are the sites Jen has shared with me:
www.scrapartist.com
www.shabbyprincess.com

...And a special thanks to my honey for knowing how to read Html code. Jeb doesn't post, but he helps me out a ton with the technical parts.

An Angel Returns to Heaven

2008-05-18T01:03:00.000-07:00

Last week we said goodbye to the gentlest spirit in our family, my Great Grandmother. My first memories of grandma are from her beach house. Until I was about 9ish I though all great grandparents lived at the beach. Salty air and sandy toes bring me home to her.

Grabbing both my hands gently in hers, standing 3 inches shorter and with the softest voice I've ever heard she whispers "God bless your heart Jayme". That is what plays in my head over and over. Her unconditional love was a blessing to many. She was a mother to 4, a grandmother to 15, and great grandma to 50 plus (I've lost count), and a great great grandmother to 2. What a family she has made.

In all the photos below she happens to be pictured on the right in every shot. The top left she is pictured with her sister. They were always so cute together. The bottom left she is pictured with my grandpa, her son. They both were so close in spirit (kind and gentle); it is truly a blessing to be born unto their family. The right photo shows the beginning of her family. A young mother with husband holding their oldest, my grandfather. Last week that same young family reunited and is together again. I miss them all so very much, God truly blessed their hearts.

YAY FOR G SALES!

2008-05-10T22:40:00.000-07:00

Right next to my folks house, there was this multi family garage sale going on. Oh my! I just bought 9 camera's not to use, but for the novelty of how cool they look. Dated back to the 1950's. The dude said they'll all still work... but I don't think I'll be using them. How cute would they be in a studio?.... VERY.

My favorite deal of the day was the "Kodak Instamatic" Never been used, the film box still in-tack (film dated to be used by March of 1970) WOW. The flash still has all four uses left. I'd be interested to see what kinda color shift I'd get from using the film.... Anyhow, they are beauTiful.

MGMT

2008-05-08T21:01:00.000-07:00

Virgins no more! Jeb and I went to our first Doug Fir concert. I can't speak for Jeb, but I had an amazing time rockin' out with our friends Rafael and Kat. The Doug Fir is a ton of fun, small venue gets you very close to the band (MGMT). Next time I'm rushing the stage with Kat :). "Kids" is my favortie. (listed on the jpod).

This video is MGMT playing their second encore of the night. Sadly the only one that got to enjoy this moment was Raf. Kat, Jeb and myself had left to get fresh air just a little too early. Raf stayed back to try and meet the band and get some autographs (which he did). Thanks to technology now days, we all get to enjoy the band playing one more song for their fans.

MGMT... good stuff.

Time passes...

2008-05-04T23:01:00.000-07:00

Here's to stayin' in touch and sharing memories.

Enjoy the jpod!!! ;)