Quick Update and New Goal!

Man time flies when you are having fun. I have been super busy. I just finished my first semester of nursing school. I was able to work in the photolab while at school....gives me access to all the goodies. I also was working my real job as well. I also just ran the Odgen Half Marathon, my first one and it was a blast. And, on top of all that we have started to finish the basement....on our own.

Everything is going great though. So now that everything is slowing down a little (sort of). I have set a new goal to post a new picture and update at least twice a week. Hopefully that is a realistic. Smack me around a little if I start to slack. Pic of the day: I have had some fun with black and white film over the winter and took full advantage of the lab resources.

The Time Has Come!

Well, the time has come yet again. I start my second year of college in only six short days. It has been an extremely short break. I took a class this summer which gave a couple weeks at the beginning and end with no school.

Honestly it is a little overwhelming to think about school, work, family, and all the other odds and ends that life throws at you. So, today it is all about the reasons to keep going.

First, I am so lucky to have such an understanding and supportive family. It is the coolest thing ever to have a five-year old that is just as interested in learning bones and muscles as I am. Their can't be enough said about my lovely wife. She has to work twice as hard as I do to keep the kids happy and keep the family grounded during all my turmoil.

Second, being a flight nurse has to be one of the most exciting careers in the world. How often do you get to fly on helicopters, ride on hoist, and just be "the man" on any scene (with the exception of the military).

Finally, I know this won't last forever (I hope). I should find out in the next month or two if I have been accepted into the nursing program. My chances are looking pretty good, but you just never know. I will be really happy when I have that letter in my hand. The other super cool thing this semester is I am filling my fine-arts credit with a photography class.

Until next time I will keep dreaming that I was on the hoist instead of behind the camera.

New Arrival!

Ok, so maybe our new arrival isn't as brand new as a new arrival posting should be. Graham Gordon was born April 2nd and weighed 8 pounds 12 ounces. Graham is our biggest baby. He is quite a chunk and to date (he's four months now) he is still huge. We are very excited.

If their really is anyone who reads this I have to apologize for not posting for so long. In fact, it had been so long I couldn't remember my password to update my blog so you almost didn't get an update ever. It sure is a good thing that computers are smarter than I am.

Just to catch everyone up from the summer. We bought a house, knocked out a wall and did some renovations, are officially moved in now. I also took a summer class and received an "A" in an english class for the first time ever. I am not sure if I have posted since I started my new job, which also happened in early spring. I love it. Things are going really great. I have nothing to complain about.

This fall I am taking a real photography class at the college. It should be a blast and, I am hoping, will push me. Like always, I am looking for something to make me better now. Please send me photo "assignments" and I will post them for you. Looking forward to hearing from someone (keeping my fingers crossed).

What kind of dream are you having?

I know, I know....I have been slacking and it has turned into months and months with no update. Not a lot is different. I finished my first semester at Westminster College. Christmas came and passed. All is well, just like usual.

Funny thing happened the other day. O.K. I am going to preface this by saying sometimes the funniest things are also the most annoying. That being said, I was sleeping the other day. I work funny hours and sometimes sleep in the day. My kids think this is the strangest thing ever. Specially if I haven't worked a grave shift in a while. So it is about noon and I am sound asleep and then "Dad, Dad....Dad wake up". It was that distressed, anxious voice that only a five year old can make. Huh, what....as I roll over and my son is in bed with me shoes and all, "What kind of dream are having?" That is all he wanted to know, what I was dreaming about. I thought it was pretty funny. Dreams are great (sleeping ones and real life ones) and I am glad that I have kids that keep in line that way.

So the picture today has nothing to do with anything. I just walked across the street earlier today and took some pics of the pretty old horse there and thougt this one was neat. Oh, by the way, I am thinking of starting a camera club so if anyone is interested or knows anyone that would be let me know.

Later.....hopefuly sooner this time :)

Exhale Time

As busy as I am it finally feels like a little time for some R and R. The wedding is over, I don't feel sick anymore and I am caught up at work and school. One giant exhale.

Things are good. I have taken about a thousand photos since the last time I blogged. It sure makes it hard to pick one or two to put on here. I have had a little photo inspiration. A new "coach" per say to help things out.

As you can see from the pics above the wedding was just horrible (just a little sarcasm for ya). The kids did great and had fun. Kristy and Abe looked good and had a great time. Times like this are always good for me. They remind how good I have it with my wife. It has almost been seven years since we were there in that exact same spot. The great thing is that I think with every day and every year and every new wedding our relationship grows. Sappy, I know, but the truth.

I was able to tag along with real photographer and bagged a few good ones. He was great to let me do that.

So the goal of the week is to find (and read) a book or two about flash photography and maybe some natural lighting stuff. If anyone stumbles across anything of the sort let me know. Also ANYONE that wants me to take their picture let me know. I need all the practice I can get.

In 911 talk.....

I am 10-24 India.... Until next time.....

Um...Hello....Anyone there?

Anyone there? I have been off this blog thing for so long I am not sure if anyone is even there.

Sorry about my not posting. Sorry no pic today, I am work (it is 4:09 am, no sleep for about 24 hrs now).

School is good. I decided that I love to learn and feel very thankful that I am able to study what I want and that, hopefully, someday I will be able to help people.

My wifes sister is getting married this week. Everyone is town. It is fun to see everyone. The bad news...everyone is going to Moab for a mini vacation without me. :(

Nothing to exciting today, just an update.
I am sure tomorrow and the next day I will be busy picture taking and will have something to post.

Later...

Big Times for Small Fries

Yes, I know, it has been just about forever since I have posted on this thing. I have been lazy, slacking, avoiding and just about any other excuse you could dream up.

But I am back. Hopefully for good.

The wife, kids and I went with my mom and sister to a farmers market today. It was a good time. We saw a dancing horse and turqouis jewelry, I guess that just about sums it up. It was alot of fun. I did get some good pics of the kids (one of which is above).

So their are big times for me in the near future. I start school on Wednesday. First time I have been to school full time since high school. Very exciting. Also, I just officially finished training at the new job. I am now a bonefied 911 dispatcher. Good times.

By the way, I am still looking for picture ideas. Anyone willing to give me an assignment, let me know (Loni I know about the ring thing, just let me know when).

Check back soon.......Hopefully I will have been back:)

That's My Boy!

Rock On! I guess we don't have to guess where he got this side of him.

Sorry, it has been a long time. I have no excuse. Just lazy.

All has been well. Work is good. Life is good.

Just here enjoying summer and the "concerts" at our house.

I will have more tomorrow......by the way if any one has any ideas for a "photo assignment" let me know (colors, shapes, people, places..etc.). I think that would be a great way for me to practice and step outside my regular boundries.

Let me know.

Long Time....Sorry

So it has been a long time. Nothing real exciting going on. Taking a few pics and working and playing.

I started a new job about two months ago and have been in training and waiting for my actual schedule to come out. The boss lady finally put it out for people to bid on and it just so happens that I am the last man on the totem pole. So I am waiting impatiently for my schedule.

It wouldn't be a big deal, but I start school in a month and need to buy books and all that fun stuff. I need to make sure that my schedule will work before I spend a million dollars (at least) on books and junk.

So on Monday or Tuesday I will finally have an at ease mind about this whole school and work thing. Hopefully.

Anyways, keep you fingers crossed that I will get a good schedule.

It's a conspiracy!

Why is it that everyone in the world, myself excluded, is going camping this week? Do these people not have jobs or responsibilities? What is it? I need to know.

Everyone I know and have talked to has either "taken their boat for dip" or "ran their jetski's" or something else that involves a camper, camp trailer, 5th wheel, boat, jet ski, tent, camp fire, or something else that makes me jealous. I WANT TOYS and the TIME to use them.

So if anyone knows a magic fairy or magician or a hobbit for that matter that can make this happen for me send me their business card. Someone needs to let me in this conspiracy.

Moving on. So hopefully this week I will be able to take few pics of kids other than my own (not that my kids are bad, I just need variety, my kids will always be number in the photo field). A few neighbors are going to let their kids model for me to help build my portfolio. I am very excited. I just hope that they turn out all right. That would be pretty embarrassing if I botched it.

Have a great week.....

Sun and Fun

Great day today. First, I got home from work very early. Second, we went to the park and had a blast. Third, I was able to finally figure out some picture editing stuff.

So I am new to the whole digital photo world. I have been a film guy for a while. So when I finally converted I decided that I would be a post production minimalist and have done, oh.....nothing to any picture after taking it. Until today. I am pretty excited to be able to do simple fixs and pop a little color here and there.

Big D seen some show with a skate park on it and remembered seeing one by our house and thought he was going to be a skater. Until we got there and he seen how big that stuff really is. So he is going to practice STANDING on a skateboard first, then maybe hit the ramps and rails.

Mine was fun day, hope yours was as well.

I am SPOILED!

As I was sitting in the stop and go traffic (mostly stop) on the way to Salt Lake this morning to a training class for work I was complaining to myself about how bad this sucks and blah, blah, blah when I realized that not more than four months ago I was working 13 hour days with a one hour commute each way. So as I turn up the radio and tell my self to stop being a baby I realized that I am now officially spoiled.

Working forty hours a week and being home by dinner everyday is easy and great. When I first got out of the Army I knew I could do eight hour days standing on my head. And I did. So here it is about four months later and I complain about and extra hour a day. Man I suck.

Point being, if any of you that I know catch me whining...slap me a good one.

I didn't get a chance to get the camera out tonight, so you are getting an old pic today. Hope you like it.

Summer time

So, I just wanted to let you know that summer is officially here. I found it myself. For some unknown reason (which I wish I could figure out) I get sunburned bad once a year, at the beginning of summer. Traditionally I have always called this the start of summer. So, just to let you all know, summer is officially here.

To top it all off as I was doing the yard work which led to start of summer I was also stung by a bee or wasp or some other mean insect and now my wrist is about the same size as my elbow.

Just to explain this pic. Big D figured out how to scratch the inside of his mouth with his finger......through his ear. Pretty neat trick if I do say so myself. He thought it was pretty funny also.

Tip of the day: always put on sunscreen (preferably before outdoor activity) and in my case
BUG REPELLENT!

Peek-A-Boo

So I came to the realization a couple of weeks ago that out house is ran by a 2 year old and a 4 year old. To give them credit they are almost 3 and 5, which I guess would old enough to run a household. Just ask them, they will agree.

Anyway, about the time we realized that we were being overran we decided to lay down the law (ha,ha). Anyone that knows us and our kids would attest that that is a joke. Three or four days down the road funny things start to happen. Big D my four year old switches gears and wants to be the good example (YES!), but Ms. M must of had an epiphany or found herself or something. She 180'd into little mis' thing that is not going to take any crap from any body.

Peek-A-Boo mom and dad here is the real me. Well Ms. M we love you anyway and I guess three is old enough be independent, right?

Hope the pictures are getting better. If anyone stumbles across this and likes them let me know.

Until next time...

Lucky Ducks

We are some lucky people. Just in case you forgot we live in America, which by default, makes us lucky. I couldn't ask for a better place to live. We have more freedoms and rights than another nation or country.

We do not have anyone telling us what to watch on t.v. or forcing us to go to certain church. We often over look the greatness of this nation. This fourth, as with every fourth of July, I felt humbled to be a part of and had to opportunity to serve this great nation and people.

As you walk through the mall or down the street and see all the different races and religions that are able to live in unity here remember those who were not so fortunate. Those who have died because someone believed differently than they did. And most of all lets not forget those who have died trying to give the oppressed a better life.

All in all, we are some lucky ducks to be were we are.

Hope you all enjoyed the fireworks, our little circle was great.

HAPPY FOURTH!

SALSA!

So Moab was really hot. Stinkin HOT. But, I think we got some good pics. It was a ton of fun. I was able to ride slick rock and see all the sights.

Any way here is a small sampling of the soon to be newlyweds. Hope they like what they get.

So my recomendation to anyone thinking about visiting the "Arches" this time of year is pack water like a camel because in the words of a nephew of mine "It is salsa!"

Congrats K and A. Hope you like the pics.

MOAB OR BUST!

Tomorrow I am leaving in a trip to Moab, Ut. If any of you have ever been there you would know that it is one of the most beautiful place around.

It is also great for mountain biking and hiking, which I will be doing ample amounts of both.

The great thing is I get to use my new camera. I am taking pictures of my wife's sister for her engagement announcements. Should be lots of fun.

Due to the fact that I am LAZY my idea of having this blog be my running journal...Has, well, gone out the window. So, I will using this as my daily (or weekly or whenever I get on here) picture posting sight. Hopefully keeping me in tune with my camera.

Hope to have some great pics of Moab for you on Monday, see you then.

HAPPY TRAILS.

p.s. Ms. M is looking cute as always isn't she. (pic above)

Two Wheeler!

So he did it, he finally did it. My four year old son road his bike on two wheels. Pedals and everything. We took his training wheels off, at his request, about a month ago and it scared him to death. So we took the pedals off and let him push it around for a while. "I never want pedals ever again" is what we heard.

Big step for him. Great job Dawson.

By the way I am horrible at this blogging business.

So, since last time I was on here I bought a new Digital Camera. A Canon EOS 30D. It is a little out of my league, but i am very excited. Hoping to get some good shots.

Haven't ran much other than the treadmill. I have been to the gym and on my bike a little more than usaul, which is great.

Hopefully, I will have more for you soon.

Great Job Big "D"

I'm Back!

So I actually did it. I got out and ran today. It felt great. I haven't ran for about two months and before that it has been hit and miss for a year or two. I did thirty minutes today, maybe two and half miles. I'm back!

Long hair?

So I have been in the military for 8 years. Just got out. Well, "technically" I am still in, just on terminal leave. Coincidently for the last 8 years I have had short hair.

I am now stuck with the decision of growing my hair long. I am not sure it would look well or feel well or that I would even remotely like having to deal with it, but for the last 8 years I have had no choice. Their is just that little rebel inside that is screaming "you can't stop me now!"

Changing gears, here shortly this blog is going to become by running journal. I need to find people to read it and hold me accountable. If you happen to stop and would be willing to do that let me know....Thanks.