dear gideon.

This might seem out of the blue.

But I just wanted to tell you how much I love you, and what a lucky duck I think I am to get to have you Forever. Thanks for putting up with me skipping around our small apartment strumming my ukulele to made up songs that usually go to unnaturally high octaves. Thank you for knowing that even though I'm extremely excited about graduate school, I'm also terrified. Thanks for the kind words; for all the encouragement, hugs and kisses.

Thanks for telling me I'm pretty. Especially on days when I feel like a swamp witch. Thanks for sweet nicknames; for letting me be needy when I'm needy, and grouchy when I'm grouchy. I don't know how I tricked you into marrying me, but I'm really glad you did. And when you come across this special post, I hope you know I'm head over heels for you, and I'm never ever going to fall out of love with you. I'm so lucky.
(You are too, but that's not what this post is about.) 
I'm glad you're mine and I'm yours, that's all..

I love you so so much, sweet boy.

weekend status update.

Isn't it funny how facebook has sneaked its way into the culture of our generation? 

And by funny, I mean... 

well, not funny. 

I was looking at a friends page, and noticed status updates every 10 minutes at least. 10 minutes, people! Isn't that crazy? The really funny (again, funny isn't the right word) thing are people like me who read the constant status updates while inwardly swearing that we'll never allow less than a week to go by between status updates (thus preventing people to know that we're on the social network as often as we really are). Husband and I went out of town this weekend, and I kept finding myself making mental status updates that I might put on a personal facebook journal page. They'd look something like this:

Friday May 27th, 2:00 p.m. - "Road trips are the worst."

Friday May 27th, 5:30 p.m. - "Dear Kiwi Loco. I know we just met, but I love you."

Friday May 27th, 6:14 p.m. - "Holy Conference Center, Rexburg."

Friday May 27th, 6:45 p.m. - "The kirkham will always be magical."

Friday May 27th, 11:15 p.m.- "Not impressed, Americinn. Not impressed."

Saturday May 28th, 10:00 a.m.- "Congratulations Dustin and Julia. You're so loved."

Saturday May 28th, 11:00 a.m. - "Eating breakfast with my 90 year old husband at Frontier Pies."

Saturday May 28th, 3:00 p.m. - "Found a new couch! YAAY!!"

Saturday May 28th, 5:14 p.m. - "Road trips are the worst."

That pretty much sums up our weekend. Highlights included us getting a private viewing of the new conference center on BYU Idaho's campus. I persuaded a janitor to let us peek in, and he even let gid and I spend a few minutes alone just staring in awe at the magnificence of the architecture and feeling nostalgic of our undergraduate years. 

Afterwards we visited our favorite building; the Kirkham, naturally. It seems smaller somehow. Its weird to think of all the rehearsals we shared in that building a few years ago. It felt like we lived there during college; it was our life. It seems weird that I worked there; that Gideon proposed there. And now we're just visitors. But still. Even as visitors, the Kirkham will always be magical to us.

Perhaps the best part of the weekend was going to see two of our best friends get sealed in the Rexburg Temple. Such an honor to witness and feel the spirit there. I know everyone is special, but sometimes I think my friends are especially special. At least these two are. 

Oh, and I know finding a couch shouldn't really be exciting (especially compared to the temple), but it was. I'm so happy to be getting rid of our current seating arrangement. Why, you ask? Don't worry, I'll be sure to dedicate a post to that.

Huh. My point was supposed to be that you can update your weekend through several posts every few hours. But I think my lengthy explanation of my posts kind of contradicted that stipulation.

Wow. Scatterbrained post much?

Have a happy day, friends.

old and new...

I bought these sweet old things at an outlet mall about 3 years ago.

 They were such dear flip flops to me. They've been with me to college, to Texas, California, Canada, Oregon, Hawaii, Russia, and everywhere in between. Have you ever gotten so emotionally close to an article of clothing or even a pair of (sniffle) shoes, that seeing them get old makes the corners your mouth turn down uncontrollably? Why do things that I love have to get old?? These little slip ons began to thin about a year ago, but over the past few weeks they've torn enough that you can see right through them almost.

It's time.

I ordered these from a factory site that was ultra ultra clearance.  

I think they're adorable. And I can't wait to bond with them and make new memories until you can't even see where they're from like my old ones. 

Happy Day.



ps- Thanks, bike. For not getting old yet.

Have a Lovely Thursday Friends,

yeah, about that...

Hola Amigos e Amigitos! (Is that even real spanish?)

Remember how I'm leaving for Salt Lake in 2 weeks to start up an intensive dance program that I got a scholarship for?

 Remember how I'm super nervous and excited and haven't even started packing? Remember?!

...yeah, about that. 

I got an email yesterday telling me that due to under-enrollment they're canceling IMS this year. Bummer deal, right? I'm still kind of in shock. I mean, up till about 12 hours ago, I was fully under the impression that I'd be moving to Utah in two weeks. I was preparing myself emotionally to be apart from my husband for about a month and a half, and I was seriously considering conditioning with the shakey weight that gideon got me as a gag gift.

A gag gift that I asked him for. 

In jest of course.

 Come on, I didn't think he'd actually wrap it up and get it for me! 

So I was thrilled. Sue me.)

I'm not sure whether to be majorly bummed or relieved. I mean, being bummed is a little inevitable for a few large reasons the most obvious one being that I quit my job. Uh, now I'm unemployed for the next two and a half months; and I'm pretty sure its going to be tough to find a position that will want me that short term (but if you hear anything tell me). Also- I've been looking forward to this for the past several weeks (since March 22 when I opened up my acceptance letter to be exact.) So thats sort of a bummer, you know? ALSO. I told everyone! So now, when I run into people and they say, "Hey, aren't you supposed to be in Utah right now," I'll just begin by saying, "...yeah, about that."


But lets look at the bright side, shall we? Now that IMS has been cancelled, Gideon and I will be able to spend the fourth of july and my birthday together, which we were super bummed about before. We're going up to northern Idaho for the fourth, and I'm pre-tty excited about it. We're not going to have to worry about living apart (although, I think it would have been well worth it for the IMS program), and we won't have to worry about two apartment rents to pay. I'll have more time to pack up our lives in the most organized and efficient way possible, and I'll also have some extra time on my hands to do things. "What things," you ask? Anything I want (that doesn't cost money of course). I can learn how to play my ukulele and guitar and piano. I can practice new recipes. I'll have all the time in the world to read books, paint, write, go on bike rides, or go to the temple.

I can actually do PHOTOSHOOTS!

I'll have to offer some huge special for my friends down here who have been asking for shoots, cause (giggle) now I actually have time to do them! Best part: I'm registering for two intensive dance workshops during the summer! One is here in boise, and the other will be down in Salt Lake just a few weeks before I start Graduate School. Excitedmuch?

It is a bummer that I have to wait to do IMS (thankfully, they're still honoring my scholarship next year). This morning I just sat in bed in my pjs (with a box of oreos and a squeeze it next to me) and felt sorry for myself. I've so been looking forward to starting dance again. The fact is however, things happen for a reason. And there is so much living to experience while I'm still here in boise!
Wopee. (Exclamation Mark.)

Have a Happy Wednesday, Friends!

Jenephraim.

...So if you didn't notice from the past few posts-- my brother got married. 

www.richmegmedia.com

I don't pretend to be a professional videographer on ANY level, (if you want to see some crazy good videography check out my friend layne's company). In fact this is the first time I've actually used the video setting on my nikon (for some reason using my little point and shoot is less intimidating).

Anyway, I had a lot of fun putting this little wedding video together.

I wish I could have gotten more; but being in the wedding party made it hard to video the actual ceremony (or anything else happening while I was supposed to do something bridesmaidy 

{which is the entire day of the wedding}...). 

So enjoy the video, friends and family! 

I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

www.richmegmedia.com

{Major shout-out to Rich and Meg who were the photographers for the big day. 

They were so nice and patient with my little-sister-who-sometimes-also-does-photography-isms, and they have some truly stunning work!}

Baby Gabe.

I have the sweetest niece and nephew, and as previously mentioned in previous posts I was so blessed to spend some precious time with them and the rest of my family this weekend. Since I stayed with my brother and his wife this last week I had pl-ennnty of time to video and photograph the little cutie. Here's a video we can show to his girlfriends when he starts dating. 

Gabe, this ones for you!

ps- the quality of this video does not do his adorableness justice. Just stating a fact. 

Happy Thursday, Friends!

Dance Log 20

This is ever so belated friends, but I knew some of you would be interested in our final showcase for the Repertory Choreography class this last semester. I hoped to have more dances available to watch, but unfortunately our little digital camera ran out of battery. Tactile Sensations was a pretty fun little production to be apart of.

What talented dancers and choreographers! 

(Especially for a university that only offers a dance minor.)

I was able to be in 5 of the 13 numbers in our show which was super fun. I was really sweaty and tired. I wish I could post all of the dances, because they were all very interesting and unique, but some of the only ones Gideon was able to completely tape were the following. I hope you enjoy them, friends.

Into the Kiln

Dancers: Kelly Saunders, Colette Miller, Alyssa Tolman

I really loved choreographing this piece. Both of these clips were dress rehearsal, so the lighting is pretty off and some of the dancing and sound isn't exactly what it should be, but I'm still proud to call it my own. These dancers are serious rockstars.

Never Again (Solo)

I feel really really lucky that I was able to do a solo piece during the show. As mentioned before this was dress rehearsal, so lets pretend I don't stumble around about halfway through the dance, ok? Thanks. I fell in love with this music earlier in the semester and tried to create movement that reflected my interpretation of it. Very very grateful for the opportunity to perform this one.

Isn't it crazy that the semester is over? Furthermore, isn't it crazy that summer is practically here? (Although, it was strange to go from sunny texas to flying over snow covered mountains in idaho...) FurtherMOST, isn't it super crazy that I'm weeks away from moving to Salt Lake and starting in on a Masters program that up till March 22 was only a dream of mine? (No, literally, I had dreams about the program that convinced me to actually audition again.) Isn't it crazy? Cue crazy music. Today I got an email giving me instructions on how to register for my first semester of GRADUATE school. I guess that means I really got in; it wasn't just some freak mistake that they sent me an acceptance letter.

It's mad, mad I say! 

(I said that with a Harry Potter British accent. Not just british. Harry Potter British. There's a difference.)

Thats all for today friends. Happy Dancing!

treasure.

While I was home I found some old photos that made my heart happy. I wish I would have photographed more to share (since I'm missing several from our little family), but I wanted to share this treasure.

My dad and mom baking bread when they were just starting to fall in love.

Isn't she lovely?

This photograph of my brother josh and I is significant because it was the only one I could find with him holding me where I was not screaming my head off. 

Apparently we got off on the wrong foot as children.

And there's yours truly, friends. 

I think I had just discovered gymnastics.

How I love to be home.

Dear Texas,

Thank you for a splendid week with family. 

Thank you for precious time with my adorable niece and nephew. 

Gabriel Perez, Baby Model, Too Cute For Words.

Thank you for allowing your lovely sun to stay out as long as possible, and for keeping your wind blowing throughout the south plains without so much as a raindrop. Thank you for the photoshoot fun, the shopping, the mani pedi, and the 6 bahama bucks. 

Thank you for the gorgeous day for my brother and his sweet bride's wedding.

Good week, Texas. Good week.

just happy.

Two giants of the workplace left their respective offices last week friends: 

The first was michael scott of Dunder Mifflin/ Sabre. 

The second was myself.

In preparation for my graduate school adventure, I left the office reception position that I've held for over a year. Before I got my acceptance letter, I imagined I'd be so happy to leave; not because it's a bad job- it's a great job- but because instead of worrying about work, I'd be looking forward to a new adventure. And at first, I was so excited to be moving on, but the closer and closer it got to my last day, the more bummed I got, and the more second thoughts came crawling into my head. Boise has been so kind to gid and I. We both have (I guess had) great jobs a spectacular ward, and my favorite apartment I've ever had for super cheap. 

Today is the first day that I haven't been employed in a long time (not including my photography, which actually is fairly consistent), and I anticipated myself being depressed, feeling totally unproductive and worthless; eating ice cream and peeps in my underwear in front of a book, or worse internet TV. Although that wasn't too far from what really occurred, I'm pleased to announce that today has been nothing short of 

phenomenal.

Things that I've done today:

-skyped with my best friend in the world (highlight of my week)

-laundry which makes our house smell fresh and clean

-a bit of spring cleaning

-washed the dishes

-unloaded the dishwasher

-yoga & pilates with Jillian and Bob.

-listened to a few conference talks

-got dinner started.

-took out the trash.

-tried on my wedding dress just because (vintage stunning amazingness)

-edited over 300 images (about time)

-scheduled 2 more photoshoots

-talked on the phone with another friend as well as my mom and sister.

-fine tuned some travel plans for Texas next week.

-ate peeps and ice cream while in a bathrobe (better than just underwear, right??).

And it's only 3:30, Friends!!!!

There's no way I could have ever got so much done on a regular monday with my office responsibilities. I know I didn't earn a paycheck today, but I feel like I've gotten so much accomplished. More importantly, I'm feeling happier than I've felt in a long time. The reality of going to graduate school in a program I've been wanting to be a part of for years now is finally starting to set in, and I'm just so happy about it.

Thats all, friends. I wish you a lovely day.