Simply Towers

Birthday...Thanksgiving...Fun

2011-01-02T15:32:00.000-08:00

We celebrated many this in 2010 but in the month of November we always celebrate Ben's birthday and Thanksgiving. Ben turned 33 this year but we didn't have 33 candles nor did we have two number 3 candles. So as ghetto as it sounds Ben (in images) will be 34 in 2010 and 2011. :) We had a wonderful time with family, ate cake, played games and Ben opened a few presents. Ben got everything he wanted...that being a iTunes GC, a sander and some candy. :) He is always saying, "I need some chocolate"...I am beginning to wonder if we are more alike than I had thought in the past. :) The boys also each got him a picture frame in which they helped me put their school pictures in. He now has them on his desk at work to look at everyday.

We also hosted Thanksgiving at our place this year. The house was full to say the least...thirteen people total. :) My family, my parents, my brother and his wife and their 4 kids and Emily's Aunt Anita. We ate lots of great food, and of course had tons of leftovers. Love the holidays...they truly are my favorite time of the year. I am so grateful for all my many blessings. Life is wonderful and fun of great experiences.

Ben beating the turkey into submission. :)

Turn That Frown Upside Down

2010-12-27T09:31:00.000-08:00

Although I didn't win yet another contest I entered for the Kelly Moore Bag giveaway...there is but another chance and I know that they will continue to be available in the future. :) No worries. Work of Heart photography has been doing many great giveaways during the month of December and this week (included with many other great prizes...is a Kelly Moore Bag. This is the final chance to win one of he giveaways as it is the last week in December and the contest will be ending. So take a chance and head on over to the Work of Heart site to enter for yourself...http://www.soulographer.com

Hope you all had a wonderful and Merry Christmas!!! :)

A Little Christmas Craftiness...

2010-12-14T09:45:00.000-08:00

I was going through all my MANY emails today and saw one from The Crafting Chicks. I follow their blog regularly and love all their great ideas. I thought that I would write a short post and share with you their most recent entry because...well it's the holiday season and everyone is looking for different ways to save a little money whether it be to have more for presents and all the many festivites or whether it's simply because...well things are tight and you have to get creative. :) I thought this crafty idea was cute and very inexpensive for those of you out there that want to give your Christmas tree a little something new but don't want to spend a lot doing it. :) Check out this post and maybe it will spark even more creative juices for you this holiday season. Merry Christmas to all of you!

Here We Go AGAIN...

2010-12-06T19:18:00.000-08:00

Here we go AGAIN...yet another blog post about the A...wait for it...mazing all in one camera bag. That's right, camera bag. It's not just a lens bag. Not only are ALL these bags simply gorgeous but they are extremely functional too. I would be so happy to own any one of them. Kelly Moore really out did herself when she thought up and designed each of these bags and she never ceases to amaze me (nor any other fans) with any of her NEW designs. There is a bag for all types of users. If you love a clutch she's got it. If you want a big bag that fits every single piece of camera gear you own...she's got it...and everything in between too. :) Here's to hoping I finally WIN ONE. After all, I have entered just EVERY single giveaway she has offered in the last several years (with no luck I might add). Maybe this Christmas will be it. You could make my Christmas this year Kelly!!! No pressure. :) Eternal Reflections Photography is based out of Canada and they are the ones hosting this giveaway of the Kelly Moore Bag...so check out their fantastic photography work while you are at it. All the photographers involved are amazing. Props...Radelle. :) Take a good long look at these great bags and enter the awesome giveaway by clicking the link below:

http://www.eternalreflectionsblog.com

If you want to do a huge favor for a girl to help her get one of the things are her Christmas list...please feel free to check out my Facebook header and follow the 2 steps to complete. Then go to the Eternal Reflections Photography blog (3rd link in my facebook header) and leave 2 separate comments stating that your entry is in behalf of your friend Rebekah Towers. Thanks so much! Merry Christmas everyone. :)

Christmas Giveaway!!!

2010-12-06T10:25:00.000-08:00

Okay so this is by far the BEST Christmas giveaway I have seen this year! Although most things included are for photographers or photography hobbyists everything is still great. Be sure to click on the link below and enter yourself in for a chance to win a great prize for yourself or someone you love that loves photography. :) Soulographer is a great website for photographers to follow. That have amazing posing guides, workshop workbooks and photography helps available. Much thanks goes out to all the wonderful vendors that have gotten involved in this great giveaway. I would feel very lucky to win any of the things offered.

http://www.soulographer.com

First Day of School {2010}

2010-11-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

Braden started 4th grade this year and Ryan started his first real day of school. Kindergarten! They both were so excited for school to start and quite frankly so was I. :) My first year since I had them that I finally have at least 2 1/2 hours to myself. I started out just getting a lot of house cleaning done, then got really bored because I didn't have a car so I ended up signing myself up with a gym membership. Yay!!! It perfect too because the gym is right across the street from the school so I can take them to school in the morning and then work out until Ryan gets out of school. Of course the house work is slacking but I am finally able to do something completely for myself each day.

As for the boys, they are loving there teachers and their friends and all the cool things they have been learning. Braden is writing book reports regularly, memorizing poetry and reciting it to his class, writing in cursive and many more crazy things. He is reading chapter books like Harry Potter, Leven Thumps. I don't remember reading that thick of books when I was 9 years old.

Ryan is reading books, knows the sounds to all his letters, recognizes them and can write all of them. His teacher said that he is so bright, has great handwriting and that he is a very good listener. We were all shocked by this at first because at home he never stops talking and never hears what's being said because of it. So glad he is at least doing it at school. :) He also get done with his work quickly and his teacher says that he goes above and beyond to help those around him after he is done and they are not finished. What a sweet heart. :)

We are so pleased with how well our boys are doing in school and LOVE that they both LOVE school. I am looking forward to both being in school all day next year too. I think I would have a harder time letting go when my kids go off to school...but they have never really had separation anxiety very much. It is so nice to know that they can be dropped off and know that in full confidence they are looking forward to all the new experiences they will have without me. What am I going to do with myself with all that extra time? Probably end up having another baby or putting more time into my business. :) We will see which one comes first. :) No I'm NOT pregnant! :)

I only have one picture of Braden on here right now because I couldn't find my camera the day he went to school. Ryan's first day was a week later. So I had a neighbor take pictures of Braden instead and they are on Facebook. Does anyone know how to get images off Facebook to use in other places, if you have been tagged in the image?

Bobcat Award

2010-10-24T16:40:00.001-07:00

These pictures are so old but I haven't kept up with my blog since I sold my camera gear. The pictures below are from the night Braden received his BOBCAT badge in Cub Scouts. He has since received his WOLF badge and other achievements. He worked so hard and continues to do so as he works now on his BEAR badge. He is loving scouts and all the friends that he has made. We also enjoyed having Grandpa and Grandma Biddison there that night to watch him get his award {aka Gaga and Minga}. Note that the boys called Grandpa "Gaga" way before Lady Gaga ever made it big...no relation whatsoever. :) These names were made up by the boys when they were much younger and couldn't pronounce Grandpa and Grandma that well. Although Grandpa and Grandma love the names and wish that they would call them that for eternity...lets hope that the boys grow out of it before they get into their teens. :)

I was painting Braden's face in this first picture, not sure why my head is cut out of it but that's what's happening. Braden got a big kick out of the whole ceremony.

Here's the one picture that turned out from the night Braden received his WOLF badge. So glad we got at least one.

Ryan's 6th Birthday

2010-10-18T15:55:00.000-07:00

I am trying really hard to catch up on past events and blogging them so please bare with me if some stuff is out of order. I am just blogging things as I find all the images that go together. Ryan had a great 6th birthday...filled with friends, family, fun and of course presents. I have gotten into cake and cupcakes decorating recently and had a lot of great ideas planned but the day crept up on us and I found myself, yet again, rushing around to get everything done. So I went with simple white butter cream frosting and sprinkles as usual. :) I did change things up and use a frosting tip this time to make things look really nice. I noticed I should have turned the 6 around on Ryan's cupcake, but I didn't cause I'm cool like that. :) Boys didn't care one bit what they looked like of course...but it made me feel more crafty in the end. :) I should also mention for my own benefit really that all images from this day were taken on a point and shoot...oh how I hate them with a passion. :)

We had the party at the park next to the boys school. There is a great church pavilion there which is awesome for parties with lots of shade and easy clean up (+) and the park is right there too. Lots of Ryan's friends showed up and even one of Braden's...and of course mom and dad's friends too. Both sets of grandparents came but I can't find pictures of everyone that was there. Ryan got a new scooter from mom and dad, a light saber toy that can also be used as a night light, transformers, a basketball, handmade cards and a few other fun toys. Gotta love birthdays.

Grandma and Grandpa Biddison got Ryan a Lego Batman video game that he has really been wanting (ever since he and Braden scratched up the 1st on). Grandma and Grandma Towers gave him a twenty dollar bill and took both boys on a camping trip right after the party. Can't get better than that. It was a great present for mom and dad too. :)
Ryan was so funny when Grandpa Towers told him that he had money in his hands for him. He asked Ryan how much he thought was inside and Ryan said, "I think it's $50!" My little moocher. :) He has a way with batting his eyes at you to get what he wants too. :)

Lovin' the CRAZY EYES Elden. :)

Looking Back...

2010-10-13T12:06:00.001-07:00

I just realized that I NEVER posted pictures from last years Halloween festivities. I guess that I just uploaded some images to Facebook but never got any further. So here's a look going back to last year and I while try and be better with this years images. So the boys decided they wanted to be zombies this year (2009). They wanted to be very scary looking but I think they turned out pretty cute instead. They both really got into playing the part of "zombie". These first few were taken at grandma and grandpa Biddison's house. They were trying to scare them but melted their hearts instead. :)

Can't not add this one in the bunch...Ryan got a pair of vampire teeth while trick or treating and he came home to put them in. Let's just say they were a little too big. The look on his face is hilarious. I laughed until I cried. :)

These last two are of a office worker at Braden's school who dressed up and was scaring all the kids. She would walk up behind a student...tap them and then rest her head on their shoulder. Gave them quite the scare when they turned around. :)

She scared me a little too...

Happy Halloween everyone!!! Can't wait to see all the fun costumes that everyone will come up with this year. I am stumped as what to dress the boys up as this year. Ben and I feel like it is much more fun to make their costumes versus purchasing those thin pieces of crap at the stores. Hope we can figure out something just as fun as last year.

A Closet Full of Happiness

2010-05-29T19:11:00.000-07:00

Okay so can I just say if I had the money my whole dress portion of my closet would be filled with these dresses. I have completely fallen in LOVE. Check them out...
http://www.shabbyapple.com

Also check out this blog out for a giveaway: http://thesuburbanjungle.blogspot.com

Sold

2010-04-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to write a quick post and let everyone know that all my photography equipment has been sold. This whole thing has been pretty bittersweet. Although not having my camera equipment is allowing me to get a lot more done around the house and with the boys...I am sad that I will not be taking pictures for awhile. I will have to save up again for new camera equipment but am still looking forward to all the new and better changes that are in the future with my business. Thanks to all of those who have helped us out by purchasing all this different equipment. :)

For Sale

2010-02-16T13:42:00.001-08:00

It’s about that time! Time for a long awaited and needed upgrade. I have learned so much over the last year with my business and have so much more learning to still do. If a photographer ever tells you that they know everything there is to know about the art…um well what can I say. Everyone needs to continue with learning and growing in the process. I thrive on this and am very excited to learn more over this next year. It has come time for me to part with my first dslr. I have decided to branch out of my comfort zone and focus more on weddings, while still doing a portrait session on the side. I am so excited for all of the new experiences to come from this change in the future. So excited to take part in amazing people’s…amazing day. :)

I am selling my Nikon D70s camera body w/strap, 18-70mm lens w/hood (good condition), 50mm 1.4D lens (Like New), camera bag with lots of panels and pockets, tripod, (2) EN-EL3E Li-ion Battery, an SB-800 (taking $100 off cost for minor repairs) and a 512mb CF Card . All for $1000! I also have a few different fabric backdrops that I will not longer be using and are in Brand New condition…for an additional $20 and a little less than a year ago I purchased a Gary Fong Lightsphere Clear/Cloud, Inverted dome & Amberdome for $100 (Like New, used less than 12 times) These will not longer fit my speedlight upgrade but create amazing results. Made to create same lighting as a full studio set up with out the cost. :) This camera has been a great camera for me, very user friendly. Great camera for anyone who is just beginning in photography. I am needing a full frame camera now that I am branching out more into weddings.

If you are interested in this deal or know someone who would please feel free to contact me ASAP in any of the following ways:

Leave me a comment here after this post, email me at bekahtowers@gmail.com, contact me on Facebook, or call me at 801.687.4519.

Be the BEST Self YOU can be!!!

2010-02-09T18:35:00.000-08:00

I love this quote...don't know where my friend and fellow photographer found it but I love it. Thanks Shari for the great words of wisdom. We are each children of God, we are each special, we have our own gifts that we have been blessed with. Each has been given to us not only to better ourselves but to also bless others. Don't hide your gifts away where no one else can be blessed by learning from you or have the enjoyment of seeing your gifts brought to light. Be YOU, yourself. God created each of us a little different for this reason...don't compare yourself to others because you will always be disappointed.

Blessings

2010-01-21T11:02:00.000-08:00

So I was a little frustrated when the cold weather came because I knew that it was again time for a lull in my business. Unless people are just cold weather lovers not very many are willing to brave the cold for a photo shoot...especially if there are kids involved. I totally don't blame anyone for feeling that way either because, even after over 10 years of living here, leaving sunny California has it's effects...I am still VERY MUCH not used to the climate change. :)

This break or lull has been such a blessing though because like the majority of other photographers out there, when it's your passion...you become very quickly obsessed with everything photography. :) I feel like I was starting to fall into the same trap and my family, my home and the spiritual things in life seemed to start suffering. When I started the whole process of beginning my own business I said to myself...I am first a wife and mother and that I would not let my business take top priority over that. Even though it hasn't in a physical way (that much :)) I have been feeling lately that even when I am spending time with my family, cooking for my family or cleaning...that photography is on the brain. :) For this reason I am extremely grateful for the winter time off. By no means am I saying that I am not working right now...I am just saying the break with no sessions has been well filled with important things at home. So if you are wanting to brave the cold I am more than willing. :) For those of you who are following my photography blog and work...please be patient with me. I am still working and I am still extremely passionate about my work and those that let me into their lives and their special days. I have many new and exciting things in the works. But everything has a process so again I ask you to stay tuned, it will be worth the wait. :) Sure love ya. :)

I feel that I have been blessed with this time to grow closer to my Savior, my family and those that I have been able to serve and serve with. I have learned so much about how much the Savior loves each of us and how God also loves his children. To those of you that I have been able to serve in my church calling and who I have been serving with... I say a very heart felt thank you. For just being you and for your example. You have taught me so much. I know that all this sounds very cheesy but it comes from the bottom of my heart. I have had many friendships throughout my life who have done the same, who have lifted me up when I needed it and because of that I will never forget you and I feel that there is a special bond with each of you...then there are others who I thought were great friends and in the end realized that they were only in it when it was good for them. Those that are your friend when they need help, or they need to talk...the one's that you drop everything for when they are in need because you love them. But then when the time comes they really aren't ready or willing to be there for you when you need it. I know many have felt this too. To you I say...in life I have learned that certain people are brought into our lives not for a lifetime but for a moment. This may be to teach you one simple something or for you to teach them something and that's all...and that's fine. Learn to let go. I have always tried to be one who puts everything I can into a friendship and don't expect the exact same in return but when it is seldom reciprocated, it so takes a toll. I have been taught and have learned that when you care about someone you show it and don't just expect people to know it. And I definitely don't take advantage of the knowledge that a friend is always willing to help out at the drop of a hat. You can't force people to care, you can only be true to yourself, right? I don't say these things to boast in myself, nor do I feel that I have always done my absolute best with all friendships...so please do think I'm being preachy in any way. Not meaning that at all just simply expressing my feelings. :)

I am so grateful for the Savior and the confirmation that he has given me to know that it is okay to just let go. It is okay to be friends with people and not have it be forever, it is okay to get hurt even though it sucks. Most of all that these things happen so we can grow. After all that is why we are here is to learn to become more like Him who sent us here and we cannot grow without the trials the hurt, the friendships etc. Thanks for letting me ramble and get my feelings out. I hope that maybe I have even helped some of you a little. I finish this post with one of my FAVORITE quotes ever:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." - Nelson Mandela/Marianne Williamson

Remember you are special, that you a child or God and that no matter what others say you are worth MUCH. :)

XOXOXO
Bekah

Silverlake Sledding

2010-01-14T10:21:00.000-08:00

We live in the absolute best location for sledding!!! It's in Eagle Mountain right at the front of our development. The crowds are crazy but if you go at night there is hardly anyone there. Shine your car lights up the mountain and your ready to go. :) Santa got Braden a snowboard this year and Ryan a sled and they certainly have been using them. Here are just a few of my favorite pictures from their first sledding experience for 2009. Braden for some reason was not into the camera this day, so the only one I have is of the back of his head. Ben was a trooper...sledding with the boys and then carrying them back up the hill cause we all know that after a few treks up a steep hill that the kids are done. :) I didn't sled this day because days earlier I had fallin' hard on a sheet of ice and literally felt like I had been hit by a truck. Pretty sad I know. Is this a sign of getting old? :) All in all it was a fun time and we will have many more to come...especially since it's so close to home. Looks like I also have some issues with centering my images when I upload pics through photobucket. If any of you have suggestions on how to fix this...please leave a comment. Thanks! :)

Saying Goodbye to 2009

2009-12-30T13:10:00.000-08:00

I have a ton of pictures from the holiday festivities and decided to just make a few storyboards with most of them to finish off the 2009 with a bang. Please forgive the lop sided storyboards...I just couldn't figure out why they wouldn't center and decided to give up. These aren't all of them of course but some of our faves. Best Wishes for the New Year. :)

This first storyboard is from Christmas Eve at Temple Square. We always love going to the square each Christmas because it is so magical and it reminds us what Christmas is really about. Our faith and our family. :) This is one of those times when I am actually willing to brave the cold.

This one is from my birthday. Not to fond of the numbers on the cake but just wanted to show the cake or CHEESECAKE. It has been a tradition for as long as I can remember. I have always loved cherry cheesecake and when I got to be a teenager I got over the whole cake with frosting thing and so we decided to do this instead. Now my brother's wife Emily makes it from scratch...YUMMM! Way good. Thanks Emily. But this year I guess my mom tried her hand at it too. Thanks Emily and Mom! :)

{Family Night}

2009-12-07T19:17:00.000-08:00

Tonight we had a really fun FAMILY NIGHT outing. We all went to see "The Christmas Carol" play at the Hale Center Theater in Orem. It was so much fun and a bit scary according to the kids. :) My parents, my brother and his family also came, so that we could make another...out of many future fun family memories. All the actors were so great and I think everyone will remember it for quite sometime. The moment I will never forget is when the GHOST of Christmas Future came creeping out of the dark. My boys eyes were so big I thought that they might pop out of their heads. Ryan covered his face as if it was going to suck it off. :) Too cute! Of course...they are my boys and I had issues until I was around 10 years old. I remember climbing up my fathers body every time someone in costume would come near me. Still don't understand why to this very day, but it happened and I'm not proud of it. :) If you haven't seen it yet...It's well worth the $5 per ticket for the Children's Version. We thought for each of the actors being under 16 years old, they did an amazing job. So gather the family together and make a Christmas memory! :)

{There's Something Magical...}

2009-12-03T17:35:00.000-08:00

For as long as I can remember Christmas has ALWAYS been and will ALWAYS be one of my all time favorite holidays and times of year. There is simply something MAGICAL about it and the memories are unforgettable for me. Even though I hate the cold weather...something about the month of December makes it all okay. :) I can remember every Christmas like it was yesterday, which is funny because I have a hard time remembering EVERYTHING else in my lifetime. :) Since I served a mission and am now a parent Christmas means EVEN more to me. I love to see the excitement and anticipation in the eyes of my boys because it takes me back to my childhood. I only wish that I had understood what I do now about this special time of year and I try very hard to share all of these things with my children. My boys have always been so happy and grateful for whatever they have been given and I know that they love to give to others because it makes them feel so happy inside. That is truly all that I can ask for!

It's fun to get the gifts and all but we are constantly reminded of the real meaning that we celebrate this special time of year and are very humbled by it. I love the spirit of Christmas, the smells, how happy everyone is, and how MANY spontaneous acts of kindness happen throughout the holidays. I love to listen to Christmas music and sip on a big cup of Stephens hot cocoa...for those short moments the world is perfect and all it good. :) I love to decorate my home for the holidays and daily am reminded of the TRUE meaning of Christmas as I walk past my nativity scene throughout the day and think of that special day when Christ was born and wonder what it would have been like to have been there. I know that I would no be able to speak, because NO words could express the experience to it's fullest. I feel so extremely grateful for him in my life and know that he loves all of us more then we will ever be able to comprehend.

May you remember HIM this Christmas and find opportunities to serve others as he did. :) Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Love you all. :)

{Check out my DECEMBER DRAWING}

2009-12-03T06:20:00.000-08:00

Hello there! I am planning on holding a monthly drawing from now on and there will be 2 lucky winners each time. There will be a Grand Prize Winner and of course a Runner Up so feel free to enter every drawing for more chances to win. There will also be multiple ways to enter with each drawing...so be sure to check back often on my Photography Blog for new updates. :)

There is a link to my Photography Blog on my menu bar above...You can't miss it! Hope you enjoy the giveaways and contests that I will offer. If you ever have any great ideas or thoughts on possible giveaways or contests...feel free to leave me a comment and let me know what they are and I will definitely take them into consideration.

Love ya all! :)

{It's Finally DONE!}

2009-11-13T16:41:00.000-08:00

Okay so my website is officially up and running! It has literally taken forever to get to this point because I have been learning all the technical stuff along the way. I might add that there is STILL so much to learn too. And those of you that know me well...will not be surprised if the look of the website changes here and there. I love so many different styles and don't just have that ONE favorite one that I know I'll stick with forever. But none the less, please take a look around the new site and tell me what you think. I am so passionate about my business, not only because I love to take pictures. But i have loved every minute of meeting new friends through this venture and love all the knowledge that I am gaining about people, life, photography and myself. I just want to thank all of you out there who have been there for me through all of it. I have a wonderful, supportive and loving husband who has been there for my MANY stresses and breakdowns...YES breakdowns! You cannot do this business and breakdown once in awhile. A business that you have put all of yourself into, your love, passion, time, talent, sweat, tears and blood...yes blood! Sometimes it's necessary for that perfect shot. :) I love what I do and I hope that you can see that in each picture that I take. I have a lot of learning and growing still to do but I am willing to do whatever it takes to reach the goals i have set. Those of you that have allowed me to photography you and/or your families...I thank you for trusting in me and allowing me to be a little part of your lives. :)

http://www.bekahjeanphotography.com

My Photography Blog address is now: http://www.bekahjeanphotography.com/blog

{special giveaway}

2009-11-11T12:50:00.001-08:00

This is officially my first CONTEST GIVEAWAY and I am so excited to do it! It starts TODAY and I will be drawing the WINNER at random in two weeks...on November 25th. I will be posted the WINNER on MY PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG and posting other giveaways in the near future, so be sure to check it often.

You must be a Utah resident living in Salt Lake, Tooele, Davis or Utah Counties to WIN, unless you are willing to travel. Please still feel free to add my button to your blog(s), become a fan of my Facebook Fan Page, or subscribe to my Photography Blog. There will be other CONTESTS and GIVEAWAYS at later dates in which everyone can take part.

{What you will WIN if your name is drawn}

- one FREE Portrait Session with up to 2 hrs. of shoot time.
- one FREE high resolution CD with 20-25 artistically edited images.

There are 3 ways you can enter:

{ONE ENTRY}

- Add my "Photography Button" to your own blog(s). Then click on my "Photography Blog" link on this site. Check out my photography blog and leave a comment to let me know you have been there. Then feel free to come back often to visit. Be sure to leave me your blog address within your comment and your email because of course I will be checking.

{ONE ENTRY}

- Subscribe to my "Photography Blog" by clicking on the link and then check out my blog. The subscribe button is in the menu bar.

{ONE ENTRY}

- Go to my "FACEBOOK FAN PAGE" and become a fan. Leave a comment to let me know that you were there. Here's the link:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1137260782#/pages/Bekah-Jean-Photography/100971406373

You must be a Utah resident to WIN this giveaway. Please still feel free to add my button to your blog(s), become a fan of my Facebook Fan Page, or subscribe to my Photography Blog. There will be other CONTESTS and GIVEAWAYS at later dates in which everyone can take part.

{day of amazement}

2009-11-08T13:38:00.000-08:00

Okay so let me just start out by saying that today was an amazing Sunday. :) At first, I was just excited that it was fast sunday because I was planning on sitting back and enjoying the spirit that is felt when others bear their testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ as I usually do. That all changed VERY quickly and I found myself at the pulpit blubbering like an idiot. :) Something happened today that I didn't see coming for quite sometime from now. Braden leaned over to me and said, "Mom can I bear my testimony?" Can I just say that I had to pick my jaw up off the chapel floor and then told him "of course" as I wiped the tears away from my face. :) As Braden got up BY HIMSELF and walked towards the pulpit...Ben asked me where he was going and I told him that he was bearing his testimony. Then after Ben picked his jaw up off the floor he simply said, "WOW". For those of you that don't know Braden, he is a very fun loving and energetic boy, but when it comes to asking him to stand up and do anything in public he has always curled up in a little ball and refused. Today was a milestone and quite a break through and it knock both Ben and I for a loop.

It has been quite awhile since I have shared my testimony in sacrament meeting and I could not hold back today. I am kinda embarrassed that it finally took my 8 yr. old to get me back up there. But I am so glad that I did! :) It really is silly how scared we can allow ourselves to get over something like this. We know that our ward families love us and still we hold back ourselves and the blessings from sharing our beliefs from them. If you haven't shared your testimony lately I challenge you to take the next opportunity you get to do so. Nothing bad can come from it! :)

I am so grateful for the true gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and the peace, knowledge and blessings that come from living it. I know that our Father in Heaven and His son Jesus Christ love us and are always there for us, if we will but take time out of our busy lives to make it a priority each day to have some quiet time where we can truly stop and listen to His still small voice. :)

{okay so i'm back}

2009-11-04T15:16:00.000-08:00

So several months ago in my last post I said that I was going to get rid of my family blog and just combine my personal and professional posts onto my photography blog. Well, after several months of trying to keep track of friends and families blogs without the quick links on my sidebar...I was lets just say "going crazy". So I have updated the look of my family blog to blend well with my photography blog and hope that you will enjoy checking back often for updates on both. Life is crazy right now but good! :) I was recently called as the 2nd Counselor in the Primary Presidency, right after a ward split. The majority of our primary leadership and teachers are now in the other ward so we had to start off from scratch. I am over baptisms and cub scouts, which has been insane but things are started to mellow out a little now that the main part of the cub scout leadership has been put into place. Did I mention that the WHOLE cub scout program came to a complete halt with the ward split because the entire leadership is now in the other ward also. Yeah! I've been busy! :) Even though things have all been crazy and I am trying to continue on with my photography business amongst all of this too... I am loving the calling and the opportunity to serve. I love the other members of the presidency and have really enjoyed working with them so far an learning from their examples. It's amazing what each individual brings to the table and how all of our ideas just seems to mesh together.

As far as my photography business goes... things have slowed down a little since I got this calling but I am still continuing to take on shoots and weddings and loving every minute of it. I am in the process of saving up for a much better camera and some lenses. I am a little frustrated because I always want things RIGHT NOW even though I know it takes time to accomplish goals that you set. I am amazed when I sit with Ben and talk about the beginnings of my business. We often look through old images that I took when I first started and reflect on how far I have come. I still have so far to go when I look at where I want to be... and sometimes get very frustrated that it's not happening faster, but then I look at other photographers work and feel so inspired to keep learning and growing. I a so grateful for the talent my Father In Heaven has blessed me with in the arts and try with each shoot to improve and share that talent with everyone I can, whether it be by capturing their family in images to keep forever or simply sharing information or techniques I have learned with others that share the same passion as me.

{so long...}

2009-08-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

Very soon I will be unveiling my new photography website so my current professional blog will be turning into a collection of both personal and professional updates, so I will be shutting down this personal blog. You can view update on my family etc. by going to: http://www.bekahjeanphotography.com. I will be sharing moments from my life, my love for my children and my love of capturing special moments in their lives through photos and hopefully some words that inspire. There will also be sneak peeks from sessions with clients and upcoming specials or deals. Feel free to add the address to your blog list or even subscribe to my blog so you can check back often and see what is going on in our lives. My email address is still the same: bekahtowers@gmail.com. Look forward to keeping in touch! :)

{new house}

2009-07-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

Okay so I have gotten off posting on my blog lately and I am having issues with my design of the blog also. So don't get thrown off by the weird look of the design of it. So there has been a lot of you who have been asking to see pictures of our new place. We finally got the yard put in and everything, so I finally took pictures. We will eventually be adding the nice stamped/designed curbing all around the flower beds which will finish the whole look off. Ben's brother and I did the whole laying of the sod and planting of the flower beds in one day together. Was a lot of fun but hard work and I hurt for a few days after. I'm starting to realize that I am actually getting older and my body doesn't handle things like that as good. :) Enjoy the pics. I'll take some of the inside and add them also very soon.

{7 days with 6 kids...insane i know}

2009-06-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

Sorry. I have no clue why my text is looking like this but oh well.

So I had a crazy last week to say the least. I watched my brothers kids and my own for 7 days. Tempers flared, personalities clashed but all in all we all had a great time. We went on bike rides to local parks, school playgrounds and to see horses in the neighborhood, in the process a blew a tire and a couple of kids had melt downs. We also went to a neighbors house and the kids played on a cool rope swing. We had several movie nights...which was great for the younger ones cause all I had to do was carry them to bed already asleep. :) One of the last days there we went to a fair and had a ton of fun even though it was raining like crazy. Here are a few fun pictures from our time together. Oh by the way...I will NEVER have 6 kids!!! :)

Braden was actually really excited to try to rock climb. Which I was very pleased but shocked at the same time. He really doesn't try new things very often so I was pleasantly surprised. He did so good for it being his first time too. Yeah Braden!

So after the fun day at the Biddison kids church fair we decided to take a drive to Liberty Park and play. Mind you it was raining so it made the whole thing that much harder, but still enjoyable. We decided it would be fun to take some head shots of each kid and some others of the fun day at the park. Here are just a few!

Allie 10

Braden 7

Tyler 7

Amber 5

Ryan 4

Jake 3

Amber and Jake on the tire swing...they had loads of fun on this.

Amber and Ryan on Teeter Totter...they wanted me on one side but we all know what trouble that caused. The kids just stood there in mid air not moving at all while I stood there looking up at them. :)

All the kids took turns being statues on different stands. Of course everyone did the same pose as you see Ty doing here. They are all obsessed with the silly quote off the new "Night at the Musuem" movie... they just kept saying..."Boom Bang Firepower" all day. Kids. :)

And lastly, Ryan decided to fall in the pond. I have one of him crying as he came out of the yucky and cold water, if you can call it that. I'm sure he swallowed a bunch of that lovely green algae hanging from his hand while he was down there. He scared me half to death but when it was all over we were all laughing of course. Fun Day!!!

{goin' back to cali}

2009-06-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

Well I'm heading out to shoot a wedding in Fresno with an amazing friend and fellow photographer this weekend. I'm so excited to be going back to California! The last time I was there was right after Braden was born, when we went back for his baby shower to visit all of our friends there. I'd say it's about time to go back now, don't ya think? Wish me luck...and I'll be back Monday to edit and post some of the sneak peeks from the session. Have a great weekend everyone! :)

{i'm making progress}

2009-06-09T16:29:00.000-07:00

I have finally figured out how to center everything together but still need to make everything smaller so I can eventually add a background to the sides of the blog. Any suggestions are welcome...hint hint! :) I am liking the new look though, what do you all think? Super simple and uncluddered, right?

{technical difficulties}

2009-06-08T14:35:00.000-07:00

For now I am have a few technical difficulties with changing around my blog layout, so please bare with with me. Sorry things look really funny right now! :) I am trying a completely new style so there is no friends lists shown nor are there any of my favorite links listed. This new style will be strictly me and my family and journal entires or news about things that are going on in our lives. I am trying to make my family blog tie into my professional business look. That way if clients would like to get to know me a little better they can do so but in a more professional manor. If anyone knows a great site to go to that explains in great detail how to change things in the html around, I would really appreciate the link. Thanks! :)

{fellow bloggers}

2009-05-30T17:46:00.000-07:00

Those of you that follow my blog...if you could do me the simplest of favors I would really appreciate it. If you are also a Facebooker could you please go to my profile and on the left hand side of my page half way down or so there is a link to two pages. One is my personal family blog link and the other is my professional photo blog link. Click on both of them at different times and while you are in them confirm me as the author of both. For some reason I can do nothing else wit them until I have like 9 confirmations that they are indeed my sights. Thanks so much! And have fun looking around both blogs. Have a great day! :)

{another logo}

2009-05-21T11:38:00.000-07:00

Okay so tell me what you guys think of this one! Kind of a mix of the two logos before. Still have a flower design but used the colors from the other logo. Do you like these colors better than the blue and green? I think I should add a little more brown to the background just a tad.

{photography logo}

2009-05-20T17:19:00.001-07:00

There are friend and my most recent attempts at choosing a new photography logo for my website. Anyone feel free to leave a comment and tell me which is your favorite. If neither tell me that too. I am still up in the air with the whole thing, so ideas are welcome also.

{when pigs fly!!!}

2009-04-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

People have said that we will have an African American President... when pigs fly. Indeed, 100 days into Obama's presidency, SWINE FLU! :) Tee hee. :)

{tweets!}

2009-04-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

Okay so I finally took the plunge and decided to see what all the hype is with this Twitter thing. As far as I can tell, so far, not much. It's just another way to get into everyone's business. But that seems to be the IN thing lately. I'll admit it is kinda fun to be able to know what your friends are doing throughout the day without having to use a ton of minutes on the phone. But then, of course, nothing can truly substitute for good ole' friendly communication. Not only is it more personal but you can just express your true feelings better when you can hear the person. Well, at least that's how I feel. :) If any of my fellow bloggers are on twitter be sure to check my profile and feel free to follow me. See ya tweets! :)

{towers family "spring break" campout}

2009-04-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

We went to Arches National Park near Moab to camp with Ben's whole family this spring break. Mom, Dad, Ben, Me, Braden, Ryan, and Ben's 5 other brothers and sisters and their children and spouses. We missed Ben's youngest sister Anna who lives with her husband and 3 girls in Georgia. We all spent Friday, Saturday, Sunday and part of Monday there and had an absolute blast... other than the day and a half that it rained on us. That was a sight to behold... cooking in the rain with dutch ovens and camp stoves. Needless to say, the tarp that should have been put up over the cooking area was put together the next morning. We got the most perfect 2 campsites right next to each other and all the kids got covered in all that lovely RED sand. The kids also enjoyed climbing on the rocks, having an easter egg hunt, dying easter eggs and roasting PEEPS, yes I said peeps. They liked them but the adults stuck to the good ole' ordinary marshmellows. :) It was great to spend time with family and enjoy the beautiful outdoors and many wonders of our creator. On easter we took a family hike with all 18 people (including the 3 yr. old and the infant) up to Delicate Arch. Okay so the hike was less than appealing and most of us were panting like dogs by the time we reached the top. Couldn't imagine being one of the guys who carried the baby on his back the whole way up. Nor the one who carried his 7 yr. old daughter half the way. What! Crazy dad... she has him wrapped around her little finger. :) I will have to add another post, as a continuation of this one, after we get moved into our house cause I can't upload the pictures right now. Over all it was a great extended weekend and we all looked forward to getting home to our showers and real beds.

{accidents happen...}

2009-04-15T15:11:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have had me on your blog lists and are private... could you please send me your blog addresses again and if you need my email address to add to your list here it is: bekahtowers@gmail.com. I recently changed my template layout and in the process accidentally erased my whole blog list. I am going crazy trying to re-add everyone, hoping not to forget anyone in the process. Those of you that are private please let me know. :) With us moving I want to make sure I keep in touch with everyone still. Hope all of you are well! :)

{waiting games are always FUN!!!}

2009-04-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

So as most of you know we are in the waiting game while our house is in underwriting. We are currently living with my parents in their unfinished basement until the house deal is complete. Although it is tough on everyone, including my parents to have our lives all on hold and schedules mixed up... we feel extremely blessed to have family that is willing to help out. We are also so grateful for Ben parents who are taking care of our dog and letting him run free in their backyard, while all this is being finalized. We will be so glad to have a closet again! :) Living out of suitcases suck! But then again we do have a roof over our heads.

Braden has started school at Pony Express Elementary, not sure what kind of name that is. :) But he is really enjoying it. I am so glad that he has adjusted well, especially since we have had to move him so much in his short life. He has an awesome principal, full of life and loves his job... you can totally tell. We arrived at the school to register Braden and Mr. V (the principal) came up to him and introduced himself right away. Mrs. Hartley is Braden's new teacher, who he also really enjoys. Braden has made a lot of new friends but can't seem to remember any of their names by the time he gets home. :) I told him my assignment for him was to remember a new name each day, so he can tell me about new friends.

Ryan is out of preschool until we get settled in the house, so I can ask around the neighborhood for recommendations. He is of course enjoying the freedom. Me... not so much! :) Miss my few hours a week to do things without him needing my attention.

Ben has become the new Utah County independent canvasser for American Exteriors. This is so great because he doesn't have to change anything about his schedule. He is still able to set his own hours and locations like he did in Logan, just down south now. My businesses are on hold for now, other than Scentsy orders, until we get settled in the house... due to me not having my Mac set up and no photoshop for editing photos. I am so excited to get settled and get them both going again. Looking forward to more photo shoots and parties. :) For now though we are dealing with the Limbo stage and will update more after we are in our new home.

{love is in the AIR}

2009-02-10T10:48:00.001-08:00

Love these most recent pictures of Ben and I taken by my amazing friend Ashley. Valentine's is on it's way and I am pondering about all the things that made me fall for Ben, almost 9 yrs. ago. How very very much do I love him I and am grateful for him in my life. Thanks so much Ash for this shoot! Love ya.

xoxo

{apollo}

2009-01-16T11:44:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more pictures of our puppy Apollo taken by my friend at our New Year's Party. Thanks so much Ashley they are too cute.

"Puppy Love"

{christmas eve with the towers}

2009-01-02T11:42:00.000-08:00

We spend Christmas Eve with Ben's family this year and had a blast... while there we all went sledding at the local hot spot "Happy Hollow". Just took a few pictures of everyone while we were there that I really like.

Ben's sister Becky's husband and little boy.

Becky's daughter Ani

Ben's brother Nate and friend Kelli

It's as if I gave him the kiss of death or something! :)

Me and Kelli

{opps!}

2008-12-04T15:24:00.000-08:00

Ok so I'm having issues! Thanks to Shari I will now post the address to my website. So I'm a little stressed... if you haven't figured it out by now. I am a perfectionist when it comes to things like my business or crafts and things, so I am actually really freaking out about allowing people to see the site already. It is not quite how I want it yet and there are things to still fix on it, but I really need to get my name out there. Here goes: www.simplysweetlife.com

{photoshoot}

2008-12-04T12:26:00.000-08:00

Okay it's official! My website is up and running. Although there are still a few things that still need to be tweaked here and there. Pricing, pull down tabs and a few other small things need to also be added. Please bare with the construction process when milling around. Feel free to check out the site and see some of my work. These pictures are a few of my favorites from the most recent photo shoot I did. Such beautiful little girls and fabulous nieces! :)

Amber

Allie

Thank you girls so much for the great shoot. It was so fun to hang out and be goofy together. You both are so beautiful and take amazing pictures. Thanks again, Hugs and Kisses.

{my NEW favorite thing}

2008-12-04T11:19:00.000-08:00

One of my new favorite purchases. Don't you just love this warmer? It is so cute! I just got and it is perfect in my house for the holidays and winter time.

{mmm yum}

2008-11-17T20:35:00.000-08:00

Well, if there wasn't already enough "Scentsy Candle" consultants around our neck of the woods... Now you can add just one more to the bunch. Yep you heard me right ladies... I am officially a new Scentsy rep now. :) Feel free to leave me a note, call or just plain stop on by and take a whiff of my stash. Although, if you choose the latter you may have to deal with a messy home but a good smelling one at that. :) Or if a party sounds more like your deal and you want some discounted or possibly FREE product... we can work something out.

I am so excited!!! I have always loved Scentsy scents but was completely heads over heels when I recently realized they now had ceramic plug-ins for bathrooms etc. What more could you ask for??? Now I will use up the rest of my other candles and stick just to these. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! Nothings better than wonderful smells in a home with one girl and THREE count em' THREE guys. Yikes! Anyone who has boys can vouch for me when I say..."who knew smells like that could come out of something so small." Tee hee. :) You know.... that smell that hits you in the face when you open up the door to their bedroom in the morning. UGGH! I truly believe we were blessed with candles and other amazing scents so that we can really enjoy our little ones without having to worry about little things like that. The simple things in life are so wonderful. Life is short and sweet, so life it well... and a little sweet smells to pleasure the senses couldn't hurt along the way, right? :)

{becoming someone else for a day}

2008-11-11T19:25:00.000-08:00

I guess is really the only time each year that we get the chance to be anyone we can dream up. For the kids it usually is a hero or someone that is strong and cool and adventurous. Someone who we would love to be but are a little to cautious to attempt. Well at least for my boys that's what it seems. All in all it is one of my favorite times of the year besides Christmas. Unfortunetly Ben and I didn't dress up this year but had a ton of fun anyways. Here are some pics from our day/night.

So I can't find the cute picture that I took of Braden alone in his Jack Sparrow outfit but it is also on my Facebook site, so if you want to check it out you are welcome to do so.

Shiver me timbers... it's the "Gorgeous George's". Hope you don't mind that I've plastered you on here but you guys looked so cute. The whole family dressed up like pirates including the family dog.

Ryan has been totally obsessed with how cool Indiana Jones is lately, so of course who else would he choose to be for Halloween.

Braden, Ryan and Nathan (neighbor friend) at the Truck or Treat.

Charee McClellan at the ward truck or treat... the coolest neighbor and friend ever! If you don't know her... well shame on you. You are missing out. :)

{christmas card time}

2008-10-27T21:30:00.001-07:00

As of November 1st until December 6th I am offering great deals on pictures to put on your Christmas cards. For $50 you will get approximately a 30 minute photo shoot with a CD of all edited proofs. You can at that time choose to go get the cards done on your own time or for a small additional charge, depending on your order, I will be pleased to take care of the printing of your cards myself. I will have examples of card choices available at the time of the photo shoot.

The price for the cards also includes envelopes:

$15.00 - set of 30

$20.00 - set of 50

$30.00 - set 0f 100

Please call ASAP to schedule the best time for your family. Remember I am a mother and wife first... so my schedule fills up quickly. The earlier you schedule the easier it will be for everyone. Editing and printing takes at least 2 weeks so plan ahead now so you can have things ready to go for your cards before Christmas.

There will be a small additional travel fee for shoot locations outside of Cache Valley.

You may contact me via facebook, email, blog or telephone.

http://www.facebook.com

bekahtowers@gmail.com

http://simplytowers.blogspot.com

(435) 228-8157

{just a little FUN}

2008-10-27T20:17:00.000-07:00

Copy and paste the words. Bold the things you have done...

1. Started your own blog 2. Slept under the stars 3. Played in a band (if H.S. counts???) 4. Visited Hawaii 5.Watched a meteor shower 6. Given more than you can afford to charity 7. Been to Disneyland 8. Climbed a mountain 9. Held a praying mantis 10. Sang a solo 11. Bungee jumped 12. Visited Paris 13. Watched a lightning storm at sea 14. Taught yourself an art from scratch 15. Adopted a child 16. Had food poisoning 17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty 18. Grown your own vegetables 19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France 20. Slept on an overnight train 21.Had a pillow fight 22. Hitch hiked 23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill 24. Built a snow fort 25. Held a lamb 26. Gone skinny dipping 27. Run a Marathon 28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice 29. Seen a total eclipse 30.Watched a sunrise or sunset 31. Hit a home run . 32. Been on a cruise 33. Seen Niagara Falls in person 34. Visited the birth place of your ancestors 35. Seen an Amish community 36. Taught yourself a new language 37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied 38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person 39. Gone rock climbing 40. Seen Michelangelo’s David 41. Sung Karaoki . 42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt 43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant 44. Visited Africa 45. Walked on a beach by moonlight 46. Been transported in an ambulance 47. Had your portrait painted 48. Gone deep sea fishing 49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person 50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris 51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling 52. Kissed in the rain 53. Played in the mud 54. Gone to a drive-in theater 55. Been in a movie 56. Visited the Great Wall of China 57. Started a business. 58. Taken a martial arts class 59. Visited Russia 60.Served at a soup kitchen 61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies 62. Gone whale watching 63. Got flowers for no reason 64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma 65. Gone sky diving 66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp 67. Bounced a check 68. Flown in a helicopter 69. Saved a favorite childhood toy 70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial 71. Eaten Caviar 72. Pieced a quilt. 73. Stood in Times Square 74. Toured the Everglades 75. Been fired from a job . 76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London 77. Broken a bone 78. Been on a speeding motorcycle 79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person 80. Published a book 81. Visited the Vatican 82. Bought a brand new car 83. Walked in Jerusalem 84. Had your picture in the newspaper 85. Read the entire Bible 86. Visited the White House . 87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating 88. Had chickenpox 89. Saved someone’s life 90. Sat on a jury 91.Met someone famous 92. Joined a book club 93. Lost a loved one 94. Had a baby 95. Seen the Alamo in person 96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake 97. Been involved in a law suit 98. Owned a cell phone 99. Been stung by a bee 100. Talked your way out of a ticket.

Now it's your turn!

{growing up}

2008-09-27T16:37:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ryan!!! I can't believe that my baby is already 4 years old! Ryan was born on September 20th, 2004 at LDS Hospital. I remember it very well because I actually felt contractions the whole time this time. I felt like 1 contraction with Braden and then got an epideral... I know wimpy wimpy. LOL. But I started having contractions with Ryan several hours before heading to the hospital and by the time we actually got there he was ready to come. I can remember my legs cramping up so much that my toes were going crazy in ways that I didn't know they could. He almost didn't wait for the doctor to arrive before making his debute. Poor thing had to deal with horrible acid reflux for the first 6 months of his life, but still had a smile on his face as often as possible. We love our little Ryan and feel so grateful for him and his older brother Braden in our lives.

It was September 11th, 2005... Ryan was almost 1 yr. old and we had a September 11th catastrophe of our own kind. Okay so this face says it all!!! What trouble a little 1 year old can get into. How he got it out I'll never know cause it was well out of any child's reach, but Braden managed to get ahold of my black toll paint and after he had created a piece of art himself... he left them out!!! Ryan got ahold of the paint next and well... the pictures that follow say it all, but in a few short words We SCRUBBED and WIPED and SCRUBBED and WIPED so more... it wasn't pretty! This picture of Ryan was taken after he had been partially cleaned off. Need I say more?

Happy little Ryan! He has always had this same cute smile since day one.

Now he is all grown up... Well at least HE think he is.

{commercials}

2008-08-28T20:18:00.000-07:00

Okay so Ben, Ryan and I were at Walmart today while Braden was at school. That in and of itself was a miracle cause Ben hates Walmart so it was amazing that I got him to go willingly inside. While shopping Ryan was on Ben's shoulders and he kept rubbing Ben's short beard that is growing in. He kept saying something and then laughing but neither of us could understand him. After a a few more attempts to figure it out... I finally heard what I thought sounded like "daddy you are like Bach Obana" while continuing to feel his hair on his face. I was trying to figure out how Ben looked or was like Barack Obama in anyway possible. I asked him again who he was talking about and he said " You know... my name is Bach Obana and I approve this message, that guy". I am still trying to figure out how the two are alike as well as what the scruffy beard has to do with it. I don't ever recall Barack having a beard of any kind. But it was absolutely hilarious and Ben and I laughed until we cried. Just goes to show that are kids are sponges and they listen to everything that is on TV... even the commercials! LOL. :)

{TWILIGHTERS!!!}

2008-08-19T15:51:00.001-07:00

We now only have to wait until November 21st to see the movie! Check it out here:

http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1592949/story.jhtml

I am so excited!!!

{reflections}

2008-08-14T13:30:00.000-07:00

So I just realized I hadn't added an entry about Braden's last birthday. Braden is our oldest boy and he just turned 7 yrs old on July 29th. I can't believe how fast he has grown! He is very much a people person and those of you know that cause he never stops talking. He loves to share everything about himself and our family all within the first few minutes of meeting you, I might add. Yikes! I know sometimes that just isn't safe but he just can't help it. He is very energetic and full of love and loves to play video games and legos. We are so grateful to have him in our family. Happy Birthday Braden... We love you!!!

Our first few years of pictures of Braden are all on film so unfortunately I don't have baby pics in the computer to add.

Braden in his "Flashdance" stage... LOL! Boy did he love his daddy's socks.

{opening ceremonies}

2008-08-12T15:41:00.000-07:00

So they just said on Olympic coverage that the cute little girl that sang during the Opening Ceremonies wasn't actually singing at all. There was another little girl off camera actually doing the singing instead. Why you ask? Simply because they said that the little girl with the great voice wasn't as cute as the one that was chosen to be on camera. What??? They said that it was in China's best interest to have a cute child shown to the world. Ouch!!! Poor little girl, what kind of message does that send to her and all other little girls in China?

{perfection}

2008-08-10T20:40:00.000-07:00

WOOOO HOOOO! If you didn't see the 4 x 100M Men's Relay you need to watch the recaps. Oh man... it was the absolute PERFECT race. Not much else you can ask for. It was so close it almost looked like a tie. Only .08 of a second difference. While beating the French team they set a new World and Olympic Record. The French team was even favored to win. I have nothing against the French team, but they were totally cocky and the U.S. guys ended up blewing em' out of the water. I LOVE OLYMPIC SWIMMING...well okay... swimming in general. LOL! :)

{swim...aholic}

2008-08-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

For those of you that don't know, I have been swimming since I was about 5 yrs. old. I started with swim lessons and before those were even done my teacher told my mom that she should put me into the city swim team....Marlins. I did that for quite awhile and then when I got into high school I joined the High School team and swam all 4 yrs. and off and on for the city team. I have always loved the water and the thrill of the swim competitions. Not to mention the fun of being with friends and traveling to other schools. My events that I swan all the time were 200 IM, 200 Freestyle, 500 Freestyle, 100 Butterfly and 100 Backstroke. I also was in the Freestyle Relay. I would put pictures from my yrs. of fun but they were all taken on film... I really need to scan them into the computer. I am so excited about watching the Olympics... especially the swimming. I am partial to Michael Phelps and Dara Torres but love to watch everyone. Michael has already won his first Gold for these Olympics and plans on getting 7 more, which would make 14 total. Also beat his own Olympic record time. CRAZY!!

Dara Torres is someone else that totally inspires me. She is 41... twice the age of most women she is swimming against and has just had a baby. She is amazing... just look at her. She trained throughout her pregnancy and right after she had her baby she was back in the water. I am routing for her to get a Gold this year because she said this is her last year and if she doesn't become the 1st Gold medal winning mom, she is done with her Olympic career. She is ready to be a home an that is even more admirable. Go Dara!

{good reads}

2008-08-08T19:09:00.001-07:00

"It takes a special book(s) to keep me interested. And I have to say that Stephanie Meyer's books have done just that as they have for many other woman. My husband probably wouldn't admit it himself but he has even gotten into them. She really has a way of pulling the reader in and addicting them to her stories. I am currently reading "The Host" so I am kind of behind on the "Breaking Dawn" craze that everyone is going through. But I'll get there sooner or later. I have my copy waiting at home in UT for when I return. So if you have read it... I beg you not to ruin it for us losers who haven't camped out at Barnes and Noble and read the book that same night. LOL! You know who you are. :) I probably would have gone too if I was caught up on the story line. Can I just say I am soooooo excited for the Twilight movie. Ben and I went to see "The Dark Knight" and we saw the trailer. I screamed out so loud that there was no one in the theater left who didn't know of my excitement. I could just see Ben shrinking down in his seat. But I secretly know that he will be more than willing to be there beside me on premier night. I didn't even realize it until tonight while searching for stuff on Photobucket that there are supposedly one or two more books besides "Breaking dawn". Am I just really behind on things or what?

{from the mouths of babes...}

2008-08-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

So at bedtime tonight Ryan told me he was scared. I told him he didn't need to feel scared because Heavenly Father is watching over him up in Heaven.

Ryan..."Mommy when we die and go to heaven to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus will we dress like they do?"

Mommy..."Sure!"

Ryan..."Will we even wear wings and carry arrows?"

Ha Ha. LOL! I told him that those were cupids and that angels were just like you and me. He said, "Oh! Okay" and then gave me a big kiss and rolled over and went to sleep. Boy do I love little moments like that. It's these moments that make all the hard times of parenthood totally worth it.

{gimme some love}

2008-08-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

The boys sure love their daddy and every moment with him is treasured. These are just a few pictures that I took of them playing with him during our Sunday family drive around Lubbock.
Even though Ben has been working 6 days a week this whole summer the experience of traveling somewhere new each summer excites us.
We feel so blessed to have Ben in our lives. He is a very dedicated and hard worker in no matter what job he is involved in.
With him working almost everyday it has reminding each of us how blessed we are to have each other. It has reminded us of the small things in life that mean so much.

I sure do have three handsome guys in my life.

{crazy huge park}

2008-07-31T20:24:00.000-07:00

This park in Lubbock, TX. is huge! At it's highest point it is 3 levels high. It also has 4 seperate sections to it. A few for the older kids and a section for smaller kids, then the swings, sand boxes, playhouses and musical instrument section. For those of you who have been to Ryan's Place Park in Providence, UT. this park is way bigger. There are so many little nooks and crannies that it can freak any mom out, but it is sure a blast for the little ones. Secret passage ways and tunnels to keep every kids occupied for hours. The boys had a ton of fun and ask me just about everyday if they can go back and play there.

Peek-a-boo

Ryan totally got major air on that jump.

Look at those happy faces...

{family day in lubbock}

2008-07-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

I have slacked on adding things lately but we have been doing alot. A few Sundays ago after church we went on a family drive around Lubbock. We had alot of fun taking pictures together and just spending time as a family. This was very nice considering it was one of the first times in a few months that we were able to. The boys sure have missed spending time with their dad and it was great to see their big smiling faces all together again. Here are just a few of the pictures from our fun day together.

Spinning in circles with mommy.

Family pic. by Texas Tech entrance.

Ben doesn't look very happy but he really was, I swear.

Our posing boys at the Texas Tech Campus.

Windmills for miles...love the way the sky looks in this picture.

Boys in enormous "Buddy Holly" glasses at The Buddy Holly Center. Since it was Sunday we decided not to go inside to see the museum but we definitely plan on going back before heading home.

As you can see we have been having fun here, but we are really excited to get back home to Utah.

{trippin'}

2008-07-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

Ahh! My gorgeous wife on a day trip out to Texas Tech. We had a good day, and took lots of pics. but I'll let her post all the pictures of the kids, Prarie Dog Town, the park, the American Wind Power Center, and Buddy Holly Center later. I just know Bekah will hardly ever post a picture of herself and that's a shame. Of course, I'll probably hear it later!

{splish! splash!}

2008-07-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

Today the team got together at the apt. pool and had a "Penny Dive". Scott "Regional Manager" through 1,000 pennies into the pool. This whole activity was just some extra incentive to sell more. The more systems you sold the day before... the long you got to be in the water. Each penny was worth a dollar in cash, so it was pretty funny to see the guys scrambling under water and then coming up for air. After that APX provided a pizza lunch and we had a short swim party. It was a blast... and a few of the boys decided to have a water wrestling match. Our boys sure loved that! They said it looked like Super Mario Smash Bros. from the Wii. Need I say more? That is literally all they talk about anymore. It was a great few hours just to relax and take a load off after all their long hot days of knocking doors.

What a great little swimmer.

"I don't think I like this chair mom".

Braden loves to run and do cannon balls into the water.

Ben coming up for air.

{texas or bust}

2008-07-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

Ben was introduced to APX Security Alarms Systems sales about 4 months ago by several different people. We talked about the possibilities for awhile and decided that all around it would be a great opportunity. Not only can it bring in great money but he only has to work 4 months out of the year and able to finish up school much faster. So as of the 30th of April Ben headed out to Texas. The boys and I stayed back in Utah so Braden could finish out his last month of school. Let me just say it's not a fun thing and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

On the 21st of June my dad, the boys and I got into our Pacifica and headed out for a long drive to Texas to be with Ben. Little did we know it would turn into a 21 hr. trip. I guess I should have expected it with kids and all. We made it save and sound and we weren't actually very tired... probably from the excitement. We spent a week or so in Amarillo where we were able to meet some of my extended family for the first time. My dad's niece and spouse live 3 miles from the apartment we stayed in. We also met my dad's sister Janet and her husband Glen. It's always great to meet new people especially family.

We are now living in Lubbock, home of Texas Tech University. The boys and I have had alot of fun!!! We spend most of our days swimming and playing in the sun and warm weather. There are several other girls here with there husbands and families, so we are able to all hang out everyday. We are really excited for future years... to see where APX will send us next. It is a great way for us to see many places as a family. They are even opening offices outside the United States.

Ben's goal this first summer is to sell over 100 systems and then he and I will be able to go on a cruise with the other couples that do the same. The company pays for it, so we are looking forward to a wonderful second honeymoon.

Links

2008-07-06T16:38:00.000-07:00

These are just a few of MANY websites and blogs that I just LOVE or am simply INSPIRED by... Check them out for yourself and tell me what you think. :)

These first two blogs inspire me to be a better person, a better mother, a better wife, a better daughter and a better friend. :)

These are some that I love and am inspired by for the crafty side of life...plus I always enjoy a good giveaway now and then:

Grab My Button and Get $10 Off Your Next Session:

2008-07-06T15:24:00.000-07:00

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{INSPIRE ME}

2008-07-06T14:42:00.000-07:00

About Us

2008-07-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our family blog! Here you will get a little peek into our lives and all the our fun and a few "crazy" moments. We feel that family is such a blessing. Life can get so busy and we all can get a little side tracked here and there, but in the end it is the small and simple moments that matter most. Please enjoy reading posts and looking through our pictures and memories.

Ben {the dad}

Ben loves to read and not only does he read alot but he remembers the things he reads forever. I think that is an amazing gift. He also loves hiking, mountain biking and in high school was in wrestling. He has plans to bike to Canada with his dad and brothers at some point before long. CRAZY if you ask me! :) Ben is an a great father and an amazing husband...rarely thinking of himself. We feel very blessed to have him in our family.

Bekah {the mom & photographer}

I am a water lover, photographer, photoshop junkie, and perfectionist to all things crafty. I love life and all the many simple things in it. I was in ballet for about 7 or 8 years and loved to perform. I think my favorite thing had to be the costumes for sure. From a very young age and on into high school I was on swim teams...a bit water logged. :) I love being a mom. I said from day one after starting our family that I wanted to be home to witness all the many milestones of my children and even though motherhood is tougher than I thought it would be I am so glad that I have stuck with that choice.

Braden {the 8 yr. old}

Braden is a very determined soul. He is always doing his best. I'd say he is a bit of a perfectionist and gets frustrated with himself a lot. He has such love and compassion for everyone around him. Of course he has his moments as every child does. He loves video games, riding his bike, collecting rocks and playing with his friends. Braden is very excited about his newest venture into Cub Scouts and is looking forward to all the fun things that he will learn.

Ryan {the 5 yr. old}

Ryan is our VERY energetic and happy child. He is always keeping us on our toes. He is very frustrated that Braden gets to go to school right now and he doesn't. He loves to be around people. We are sure that with all of his jumping and tumbling craziness that he would really enjoy gymnastics someday soon. Ryan loves video games, toy guns, Dinosaur Train (cartoon) and comes up with the funniest theories. Sometimes we are actually taken off guard because the things he says are very educated and we know neither Ben nor I have taught them to him. Hypothesis is his current word of the day! :)