Here We Go Again!

Some of you know already, but we're moving again! I know, I know... we just moved to Kansas City six months ago. But the opportunity presented itself and we couldn't pass it up.

We're moving to TUCSON, AZ! 

Alex got accepted to the University of Arizona (!!!!), and after lots of thinking, praying and planning, we know that Arizona is the right place for us. He starts medical school on Aug 1st. We're in the middle of packing right now and plan on moving out there this next week. Crazy! But it's the right fit for our family and we couldn't be happier!

So long Missouri (you've been good to us and we've made some amazing friends)...
...Hello Arizona!

What's in a Name

I had one long name growing up -  "Janet...Ladell...Steven...Ronnie...SHAUNA"! I never understood why in the world my mom couldn't get my name right the first time. She always seemed to list off three or four other names before finally reaching my name.
Well, now I understand. I always do it to Lucy. I'll accidentally call her by the names of my twin sisters... Laura or Teeny (Christina). I always correct myself quickly and I don't think she really ever notices or even understands anyways... until this morning.

After finishing off her morning milk, she ran over to the sink and threw her cup in.

"Thank you Laura...Lucy"

She responds, "Thank you Teeny....Mommy" 


My eyes immediately filled with tears from laughing so hard.
What a little smartie pants! She's not even 3 yet!

The Ellis Sanders House

While in Nauvoo, we stayed at the Ellis Sanders Bed and Breakfast. Staying in this home just added to the whole atmosphere and really enhanced our experience. What was special about this little quaint house was that Joseph Smith actually stayed in the basement while in hiding. It was special to have walked where the prophet had walked and stay where he had stayed. Lucy couldn't wait to get back after a long day to sleep in her "big girl blue bed"!

 

On the Way to Nauvoo

My parents arrived late Wed night, and early the next morning we were off to Nauvoo. On our drive, we took a little detour to Adam-ondi-Ahman.

We plan on coming back someday... :)

I'm So Embarrassed

As mortifying and humiliating as it can be in a moment of embarrassment, those feelings shortly turn into a comical outlook of what just happened and there's nothing left to do but laugh at the foolish thing you did.

I'm not quite there yet... I'm still pretty darn embarrassed.

A few months back, I was asked to donate a photography session for my church for an auction/fundraiser for the youth going to girl's camp and scout camp... Absolutely! I was happy to help. Just a few days ago, I got a call from the lady who bid on my service and we set up a date and time to meet so I could take pictures of her family, including a sweet new 3-week old baby girl. While talking on the phone, we brainstormed ideas of poses and locations, and the excitement in her voice was apparent.

"Alrighty! See you Friday at 5:30!"

Friday rolled around and at about 4pm I started getting my gear and props in order so that I could walk out the door, stress free, ready to make some magic for this little family. Camera, check. Battery charged, check. SD memory card....? What? Where was it? The only memory card that works for my camera is usually only ever in my camera or on my computer, and now it was gone. It couldn't have gone far! I searched and searched, tossing toys and clothes into the air seeing if it was hiding underneath, and an hour later I was still searching.
"Oh crud...." It was 5pm and I was supposed to be leaving soon to meet with the family. While still maintaining my composure and trying to mask my frustration, I called my client and told her the situation. I asked if she had an SD card that she could possibly bring to the photoshoot as a backup plan if I still couldn't find mine.

I got to her house, empty handed. But thankfully she had a card waiting for me to try. I was already so embarrassed that I came to the shoot so unprepared and asking for this favor. She pulls out a brand new card that hadn't been opened yet. Surely this would work! I told her I'll buy that card off of her, because I need a new one anyways.
But you guessed it... still no luck. What the fritz?!?! UGH!!
"Why don't you guys go ahead, and I'll meet you at the park. I'm going to run to Walmart and buy one really quick."

I zoomed over there as fast as I could, knowing that my clients were probably thinking what a total spoof I was and regretting every moment of bidding on my photography service. I ran to the back of the store to the electronics... it's sure not easy running in flip-flops. After speaking to several people and trying a couple of brand new memory cards in my camera, it still didn't work! After being in denial for a while, I finally consented to the fact that something was wrong with my camera.

I slowly started walking toward the exit of the store, took a deep breath, and called my patiently waiting, all dressed up, client. I tried to make light of the situation, apologizing profusely, and thanking her for understanding. I promised her that once I got things working again, I'd make all of this hassle worth it for her and her family.

Holding back tears, I called Alex who was at the park with the kids.
"I'm so embarrassed!!!" ... and the flood gates were opened. Oh well... what's there to do. Just fix my camera and try again, I guess.



Well, that was therapeutic.... maybe I'll be able to laugh here pretty soon.