Matt & Lori {wedding - the first look part}

Lori and Matt decided that since they wanted to get the majority of their pictures done before the ceremony/reception, they would have some first look pictures. These are often my favorite simply because it's just the two of them, and sometimes more emotional than that first look down the aisle. I would say 60% of my couples do this first look.

 

 

Matt & Lori {wedding - the getting ready part}

My cousin, Matt, got married a few weeks ago. It was such a fun day/night and I'm glad they asked me to capture all of it.  Since I got so many pictures, I'm going to break my posts down into separate parts. 

 

{getting ready}

 

 

The Four Agreements

I've been doing some solo counseling for the past few months. It's something I wanted to do on my own to explore my decisions and behavior, which seem to fall into a very specific pattern. While I certainly haven't reached any sort of "solution" or different route to take in my life, there have been moments of enlightenment.  I recently ordered three books to take with me on my trip to Italy:  Receiving Love, Daring Greatly, and The Four Agreements. I can't wait to explore these books on my quest for self-understanding. There was a little blurb on The Four Agreements that really made me stop and think.

 

Be Impeccable With Your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

Don't Take Anything Personally: Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

Don't Make Assumptions: Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama.

Always Do Your Best: Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

 

I'm eager to dig into this book and read more about these four topics.

 

I'm not sure what it is, specifically, that I'm wanting to achieve from counseling. There are times where I really question myself and my choices. I wonder what drives them. Is there an underlying meaning? Is there something missing? Is there something I'm trying to fix? And then other times, I think, you know what? This is really just me. I am who I am, and I really don't need to explain to others why I am this way. I don't owe anyone an explanation. This is MY life. It's something I struggle with on a daily basis. Obviously I'm wanting some sort of answer - I just don't know where it's going to come from.

Independence Day!

Our 4th of July celebration was fairly quiet this year. We hit the parade in downtown Boise and had an absolute blast. This is by far my favorite parade, and the kids have a ball every year we attend - especially with the water fight at the end.

 

 

The kids were excited to see the Capitol Building up close. I told Carter he would probably get to do a field trip to the building in 4th grade as part of Idaho history. We had a few minutes to kill before the parade started, so I took the kids inside for a quick look.

 

 

 

 

 

We timed it just right because the parade started right when we got back to our spot.

 

 

 

The kids scored some major candy this year - enough to fill an entire bowl!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since Eric had the night shift at work, my initial plan was to take the truck and watch the fireworks at the Meridian Speedway. Plans changed, however, and we ended up over at my aunt Brenda's house to help them set off their stuff. We had a great time!

 

 

 

 

I hope everyone had a fun and safe celebration - Happy Birthday, America!

Day Trippin'

Yesterday, decided to day trip it up to Lowman to visit my parents and Rod and Taunya while they were camping. They happened to snag a great spot across from the swimming hole. We left first thing in the morning and spent the entire day in the river. It was hot so that chilly water was PERFECT!  There were several other families who came and went throughout the day, but it was never too crowded.

 

 

 

 

My mom got Carter out near the ledge a couple of times, but he never jumped all the way in. His comfort level in the river is definitely much lower than when he's at the pool for swimming lessons.

 

 

There is no single place on this planet that I have yet to find where I feel more at peace and at home than at the swimming hole. I try to get up there as many times as I can every year. I feel more relaxed sitting at this specific spot than anywhere else. The sound of the water rushing by is the greatest music ever produced.

 

 

 

Carter playing catch with some guys who stopped by.

 

 

Goofing around with Papa.

 

 

Taunya and me

 

 

Kendall eating - shocking!!

 

 

This kid's face, I swear!

 

 

Once we got back to Boise, we had a quick dinner and then grabbed one of our favorite summer treats: