"Its Beginning to look a lot like Christmas..."

What better way to bring in the Christmas Spirit than hanging out with friends.. laughing and making Gingerbread House's.. well I'll tell you. Put all that together and make it a competitive contest.. so we did just that. We all gathered over at the Melynchuk's the other night to brag about our creative ideas and watch eachother make some of the biggest messes and masterpieces. The rules: Must be in teams of (2). All ingredient must be edible.. and 2 Hours to complete. The awards... "The BEST" "Most Creative" & "What the CRAP is that??" Game on!!

Yah!!! Our House Won "THE BEST"

.."Most Creative" went to Jacob and Madeline.
..."What the Crap is That??" went to Kyle and Amanda.

Overall we had a great night.. cant wait till next year. Merry Christmas.

Jon & Christine

So I not only have the privilege of being able to photography my amazing cousin and his even more amazing fiance for their wedding in 2009, but I also got to collaborate and come up with a unique and adorable photo concept for their engagement/save the date pictures. You know those ideas that come to your head and you cant wait to fulfill them and see the outcome.. this was one of those shoots. It all started with the inspiration of Fall. After getting our Christmas Trees we were driving along side the road and saw an entire sidewalk full of yellow leaves, so we of course HAD to take advantage of it and do a mini photo fun shoot. Then the idea only grew further.. Christine and I drove all around Saratoga raking up front lawns, sidewalks, street corners of all these amazing leaves... I think we ended up with 7 ful garbage bags containing some of the most amazing fall colors (red. orange. yellow. browns. purples and greens). We then took these bags to a park and made the magic!!

Here is the final product (there are of course a million and one more.. but these are my ultimate favorites!!!)

Thank you guys for choosing me to help celebrate this amazing time in your lives.
Love you both!!

Thankfull

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

First and foremost I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving.. spending it with loved one and enjoying time and laughter together.. what else could you ask for.

A Few things I am thankful:
God - For him giving his Son to die on the cross for our sins. For his care and passion for my life. For his concern for my fears and feelings. His love that is never ending. His support when I am down. I could not thank him enough.
My Family - They are always there for me.. Through thick and thin, hard times and great times. They are the one thing besides God that will never ever leave me.. they are going to be there forever. You can choose your friends but you cannot choose your family (and I got lucky and got a pretty amazing one) Mom and Dad: Thank you for trusting me in everything I do. Thank you for setting an example of Godly parents and loving eachother enough to make me want a marriage exactly like yours. Kyle: Thank you for being you. You are an amazing brother and friend. I can never truly apologize enough for the things I put you through when you were younger.. but now that we are older and more alike.. I am truly sorry for it all (now will you please stop hurting me physically to show everyone how macho you are..lol).

My Friends - You guys are my life. You have stuck my side through it all. You are all so amazing and I dont know what in the WORLD I would do without any of you. You are all so special to me in such unique ways. Ambies: Thank you for being my other half, my inspiration my sister that I never had. Thank you for letting me be such a big part of your BEAUTIFUL daughters life. Jon: Where do I even begin for you.. THANK YOU!!! Thank you for dealing with my insanity of relationships, and giving me the most amazing guidance, and for being 100% true and honest with me about it all.. I am so lucky to have my cousin be one of my best friends. Becca: Thank you for being there for everything. I know we got blessed with this amazing frienship that isnt something that will blow out over time.. we will truly be friends forever. Domi: Thank you for being you. Thank you for setting an amazing example for me to follow on how to serve and follow God. I cant believe that from Africa we have grown the closest. I love you and cant wait to see you (1 more week!!!!) All of you and MANY others.. thank you for being who you are and letting me be who I am with you. I am beyond blessed to have some of the most amazing bunch of friends.. others should be jelouse for what I have :)

I am thankful for my house that keeps me warm and dry.
I am thankful for my full and smelly garbage cans, cause that means I have eaten well.
I am thankful for the running water in our house to keep me clean.
I am thankful for the perfectly good car I have.
I am thankful for the job I have.
I am thankful for my life, for every breath I take.

During this Holiday season I hope each and everyone of you can enjoy life and appreciate life as much as I have come to realise. It is not the material things that you have that you should be thankful for, but for the everyday, extra ordinary daily life events you should be thankful for... The red lights that we get angry at when we are in a hurry, those keep us from millions of car accidents a day... the taxes we pay; be thankful you have a job. the electricity bill; be thankful for the roof over your head.

I can go on forever, but I will come to an end. The luxuries in life may come and go, but the lasting relationships you have made with friends and family are never ending.. do not take advantage of these relationships, charish them.

Again.. Happy Thanksgiving :)

::UPDATES::

So yes.. I have been the ULTIMATE slacker when it comes to my blogg.. I dont even honestly know if anyone out there reads it.. but I now feel guilty for not posting ANYTHING for over the past month.. wow.

My last entry was a little more on the serious side.. and is something I am still dealing with in my life. It has become something that I now. I am on a mission to find myself.. through God. I want to be one with him.. give everything to him, every worry and every fear. Its been a huge struggle.. its weird. You grow up knowing what you need to do, but you avoid it.. and when you finally grow up and know what you need to do.. you still cant do it. Ugh.. So yah.. life besides that is amazing. In the past month I have never felt so uplifted.. more like me than I have in a long time. The ability to put God first in my life.. closely followed by my family and friends is amazing... which who by the way are the most AMAZING people in the world. I couldnt ask for better friends.. they have been my life support these last few weeks... special thank you too Amber. Becca. Jon. Johnny. Loni. Auntie Sheila. Elisia and even Domi (yes all the way from Africa I have support) I love ALL of you more than you will know and have honestly been a huge help through all this...

Okay now onto the FUN from this past month.. here are some montages of events that have happend in the past month, that I once again apologize for not updating you earlier...

(click on pictures to make bigger)

Mini Day Trip to LA to see ELLEN!!!
... I took a quick flight out to LA for one night to not only get quality time with my Amanda (who I hadnt seen since I moved back to San Jose) but to also go on the ELLEN Show.. It was amazing. During our adventures we went to the WB Studios and went on a tour and to top off the whole trip, we got to sit on the Central Perk set from Friends!!!

Will & Lauren Laing's Wedding
...by far the cutest couple...Had a blast dancing with my girls (and boys) enjoyed catching the BOUQUET!! better have something in it for me this time..lol


One of MANY movie nights
...this particular movie night brought MANY laughs, johnny's shake-a-face to be precise..lol


Apple Hill for Grandma's Birthday
...tradition is for Grandma's birthday every year we do a day trip out to Sacramento to go to Apple Hill.. buy random crafts, eat a lot of yummy foods and just have quality time together celebrating my amazing g-ma!


Sharks Game with church.. It was also Nicole's 1st Game :)
...self explanitory..lol


Johnny's Birthday
...a fun suprise party for Johnny's 24th birthday involved a fun night of Pictionary and oh to many memories of people's drawings.. Richards imparticular. lol


Halloween
...Candice and Lee threw such a fun party.. costumes were a MUST!! Appearances included: Fred Flinstone, Shaggy, King Kong, 70's Dancers, A Daisey and mannny more.


Domi's Birthday!!
.. so yah.. if you dont know the full story, bascally Domi is in Africa and for her birthday we made a carboard cutout of her and took her EVERYWHERE for her birthday.. we got a lot of wierd looks, but overall, we dont care. lol... Shes almost home!!


Jason Mraz.. (Johnny's Birthday Present!!)
...for Johnny's birthday I got him tickets to our most favorite singer...Jason Mraz. We took the day and drove out to Berkely to the beautiful Greek Theater and enjoyed a rainless day and lots of memories...


Beach Day (Pelican Rock)
... 80 degrees in Novemeber, how can you not take advantage of that. A few of us took a drive out to Davenport to go to Pelican Rock. We got there about an hour before sunset.. watched one of themost beautiful sunsets I have seen in a long time.. navigated though the mini tad pools... and yet again.. made lasting memories.



... so thats been life over the last month. Made some amazing memories and cant wait for the next few months to make more... I promise I will update more.. Just got out of the groove and lost it.. but Im back.. I promise :)

night.

Growing Up

There are many choices you have to make when you change from a child to a teenager to finally an adult. What school am I going to go to. What do I want to do with my life. Who will I marry. Where will I live. And the most heart wrenching one.. who am I. All these questions not only help answer the way of life you will live, but how you will grow as an individual. How you will carry yourself and how others will perceive you.

My heart and my head have been telling me two different things for the past few months, and I finally took control of it all, even though it hurt someone else.. and of course myself, I had to do it because it was best for ME. I have to give myself a chance, my thoughts a chance, find out who I am as an individual person. It isnt an easy move, to hurt someone, but it is something that needed to be said and done to not prolong the pain.

I have taken a leap of faith.. one that I pray everyday will grow me more in God and to see what his will is for me. Some might say I made the biggest mistake of my life, but never have I trusted in God so much to do what is right for me. Its hard, its lonely, and is painful. But having a smile back on my face says a lot.

Lets see what the world has for me... im ready :)

veronica.

Im trying to build up my portfolio by shoot a bunch of different people in many different environments to show my versatility. I asked my wonderful friend Veronica if she would be interested.. she jumped right on it with excitement (that always helps when your model is actually willing to help instead of being forced). I had asked her because she has such a fun and energetic personality with such a youthful spirit.. I just wanted to have fun on this shoot.

I wanted this to reflect my vision as a photography not a clients. This is my style and I love doing it. Thank you Veronica for 1) being open to trying new things 2) being so flexible with my weird and insane schedule 3) for being you :)

enjoy.

Thank Heaven for little Girls

On Sunday I was able to go spend some quality time with my 'niece' got to talk with her, make her smile and just stare at her beauty. After a quick diaper change, she was laying so relaxed on her changing table, so yah... i took advantage of it and grab a few shots :)

...Nicole Taylor Sullivan...

7lbz 6oz 19in of a miracle.

Shes here, she is finally here. 9 months FLEW by. 15 hours of labor and shes here. She is perfect.. not to brag, but she really is. Her little turned up nose, and her daddy's lips, and the perfect little fingers and toes... those two have made a beautiful baby. Amber did amazing. I am so proud of her, she was exhausted, which I mean of course most moms are when it comes to that time to "PUSH!" but she did it.. and with no complications. We waiting and waited to get the text that said.."We Parents!!" and at 2:54pm on September 18th... we got it!! The entire waiting room was filled for this baby, she is going to be so loved, its incredible. Pictures to come, don't you worry, just the perfectionist in me has to upload them, edit... approve with 'mommy' on which ones can be shown and then post.

"Mommy" so odd... My best friend is a Mommy, Amber 'Stefani' (Sullivan) is a mommy. I am so proud of her... after everything she went threw, she didn't even look tired or as if she had been in labor for over half a day. We know she was alert cause when we walked in to see them, she was texting away sitting Indian style.. lol.

Baby Nicole... I cannot wait to see that things this world has in store for you. Who you will be in years to come, what your little voice will sound like, which boy you will have a crush on first (we will keep that a secret from all your uncles, they might want to hurt him) but always remember, I am here for you, you can come to your mommy, daddy and I for anything. love you so much baby and I have only known you for 10hours :)

Wake-Up Calls...

Usually the late night calls equal something bad; someone is hurt, in trouble.. the things you DON'T want to hear about at midnight. Tonight I got one of these calls..only its been one I have been waiting for, wither it be at midnight or 3 in the afternoon... the phone call saying "Were on our way!!!" or better yet "She's on her way!!!" Its 12:10am phone rings, I answer "hello??" David replies with "its time...were on our way to the hospital, our baby girl is on her way!!!"






So now, I sit and wait..until baby Nicole Taylor Sullivan comes into the world
more to come, when she arrives :)

Pack Rats

How many times have you said to yourself..."Ill wear that again?" I say it A LOT and today I found that out. We had a garage sale and after selling over $200 of what I might call JUNK... it doesnt even look like there was a dent in the driveway.. there is SOOO much more left. As I hang the shirts that I have said the above question to a million times I think Why? Why did I keep the furry angora candy apple red turtle neck for ALL these years? Why did I ever in my right mind weat that leather flower painted choker? and best yet.. why do I have a million and one random books in boxes and boxes when I dont even read??? They always say one man's junk is another man's treasure.. and man is that true. Usually when I have garage sales we get a pretty good outcome but not so much sells.. this time a MILLION things to sell and a MILLION people buying.. it amazing me watching them buy my crap..lol. I love to people watch and see how people react in situations.. I mean seriously, I think a never used mini cupcake tin being sold at $1 is a gosh darn good deal... but it seriously amazes me when someone is trying so hard to get me to go down to $.25 just cause its a garage sale and they can... They want it THAT bad.

So yes, with all the money we made and all the people we met, there is still sooo much stuff that needs to be sold, or better yet, needs to get rid of.. we will attempt it tomorrow. Another day, new buyers, more money!!

Never Forget

With all the craziness in the world, it seems that no matter what everyone has on their plates; today, September 11th, is day that everyone in America gathers together and remember the tragic day we all experienced 7yrs ago. Its weird to think 8 years ago is when all the craziness we are experiencing now started..and soon hopefully to be over with.

I got an amazing email from a number of people today titled: "Meet ME In the Stairwell" it made me think about all the people that were caught in the tragedy and lost in the rubble. People who might not have known God in that time of their life, but turned to him in the last moments of it. It amazing me at how many people might deny God throughout their whole lives, but when they have minuets or even seconds left in their lives they turn to him, and no matter what God listens. Please take a moment while reading this and take a moment of silence for those who we have lost and the families who have lost loved ones and especially for the soldiers who are fighting for our lives at this exact moment, and to never forget September 11th.

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were
when you heard the news On September 11, 2001 .
Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room
with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.'
I held his fingers steady as he dialed.
I gave him the peace to say,
'Honey, I am not going to make it,
but it is OK..I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast
to their children. I held her up as she tried to
understand his words and as she realized
he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor
when a woman cried out to Me for help.
'I have been knocking on the door
of your heart for 50 years!' I said.
'Of course I will show you the way home -
only believe in Me now'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest
ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven.
He heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes,
in every seat, with every prayer.
I was with the crew as they were overtaken.
I was in the very hearts of the believers there,
comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face.
I knew every name - though not all know Me.
Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them
through the smoke and flames;
'Come to Me.. this way... take my hand.'
Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.
But, I was there.

I did not place You in the Tower that day.
You may not know why, but I do.
However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time,
would you h ave reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001 , was not the end of the jo urney for you.
But someday your journey will end.
And I will be there for you as well.
Seek Me now while I may be found.
Then, at any moment, you know you are
'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God

Life is turned crazy

WE DID IT!!!!!

We graduated.. its over, and yet I still feel like im enrolled in school, on a week break and will have to drive back on Sunday.. but NO!! Im back in San Jose FOR GOOD!!! Saying goodbye to my girls was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I know they are friends for life, and I will see them again and again... Future Ellen Trips and NY Trips are highly awaiting us :) So yes, life is crazy right now.. moving is horrible. I have boxes and bags EVERYWHERE... Today is sorting day, that should be like Christmas all over again..lol. I am planning on starting work again sometime next week, have to talk with Deanna to sort a few things out, but Im ready for work!!

THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me during this experience, I had an amazing college experience. and you all were help towards that. There will be a party in the next few weeks, and will be posted on here when, if you are able to make it, I would greatly appreciate spending time with ALL of you and thanking you all.

My Support Group

Its weird.. its all coming to an end. I knew it was happening, and I knew it was happening fast, but it really is here, its all over. 2 more days and I leave... I leave my life I have been living for the past 3 years. My friends... I cant even imagine life without them.. the nights of endless laughter, the days of stress and tears... all of it, and they were there always..Amanda and Marlena... how am I going to live without you girls. Tonight we ALL went out to dinner.. My family, Marlena's family and Amanda's family.. we went to a restaurant that accommodated all of our needs.. yummy food.. PLENTY of space for the 25+ people eating and of course the amazing site of the shores. Memories shared, laughter spread and new friends were made within families, it was a great night. We had a mini gift exchange between the three of us, we wanted to be able to actually enjoy opening our presents without the rush and pressure at Graduation, so we did that tonight too. It was such a fun night.. here are a bunch of pictures to capture the moments...

You girls are AMAZING and I am going to miss you more than you will EVER know. I look forward to our mini trips to LA and to NYC to go ice skating :)

Boxes. Boxes and More Boxes

With the countdown down to 7 days untill family arrives, 10 days untill Graduation and 11 till the cars are gassed up for my last road trip down the 101 to move back home, I started packing. I have about 10 boxes done including items such as: Kitchen items, toiletries, random books, old assignments, a million and one slides and 4x5 film from the first year at brooks and of course a million and one pictures. I discovered I was a pack rat.. I have a MILLION things I remember buying saying to myself at the time "I need this" or "Ill use this" but no.. never touched it.. good thing the bulk of it was either dollar bin finds at target or random nicknack's from our golf land and arcade ticket winnings. Lying in my bed, at this very moment, I look around my room and it looks untouched.. sad isnt it. I haven't even touched my closet.. im afraid to go in there. I know there is a million and one things that I haven't worn in the entire time I have been here at school, but once again will pack it in the keep box instead of into the one labeled with pink duct tape SELL!! You would think that living in such a small space would limit your spending and what you own, but no, it didn't stop me. I found pom poms, sequence handbags, every possible selling item from Bath and Body works, binders and page dividers, sleeves and a shelves worth of paper from Calumet. I always though I had run out of paper and ran out in a frantic to buy more... instead of checking under the couch or on the side of my dresser, I would not only spend more money on gas, but on another box of $50 paper, that a week from now I would also think was lost.

Even with all the stress of packing, making sure you've got it all, I have actually enjoyed it all. All the assignments I crammed up in the corner of my closet so I could get the horrible memory out of my head forever, was a BLAST to scan through again and realize all I have accomplished. It feels good to graduate.. it feels productive to pack.. it even feels more amazing to know Ill be back in San Jose in just a little over a week!!

Mr. & Mrs. Yoder

They did it.. they tied the knot, and it was the most beautiful wedding at that. Set in the hillside of Gilroy, Ca.. we gathered at the Guglielmo Winery. Surviving the heat, Kendall and Dusty shared their vows, prayed for eachother and kissed as husband and wife!!! When the reception started we ate amazing food and danced the night away... and I mean we danced the night away. With the live band singing the most diverse selection I have ever heard at a wedding: ACDC, Journey, The Hit Crew, Kool & The Gang to Frank Sinatra and Conga Lines...it was amazing.
Here are some pictures of the night!!!

Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs. Yoder!!!