my busy life

I feel like I can't keep up with my life lately...I just need to make it seven more weeks. I can do this, right?

want a photo shoot for $1?

Would you like a photo shoot with us or another talented photographer in the area for $1? The Student Social Work Organization at University of Washington Tacoma (of which I am on the board of) is having a panel and fundraiser to promote veterans awareness and support for vets in the community. We will be raising funds for Veterans Independent Enterprises of Washington (V.I.E.W), a sheltered workshop for veterans who come out of treatment centers. "Veterans Independent Enterprises of Washington is a non-profit organization committed to helping disabled and homeless veterans by providing a variety of services...Our services for veterans include work adjustment training, work therapy, job placement services, transitional employment, emergency housing, transitional housing, and independent living services." This event takes place on April 29th at 6:30pm at UWT Carwein Auditorium. Even if you can't come to the event, you can purchase a raffle ticket from me for your chance to win a photo shoot, a Nintendo DS game, gift cards, an Uppercase Living wall transfer, a t-shirt, among other things (donations are still being added). You need not be present to win, although you might want to be. This event is going to be pretty awesome. Aside from the panel and raffle, we are showing part the movie The Corporal's Diary, which is an account of the video diary and written diary of a solider who was killed in Iraq, Jonathan Santos. His mother is traveling to Tacoma to be one of our panel members.

So who has a dollar for a good cause?

*If you have something to donate, let me know (this could promote your business if you have one).

easter

Um, hi. I'm still here...I've just been extremely busy. I have so much pulling me in so many directions. All of these things are good things but sometimes I wonder if I am making room for the most important things to me (which probably means that I'm not). Really spending time studying the scriptures, writing in my journal, keeping our house clean and organized. Balance is something I struggle to maintain. In many ways I am looking forward to June 12th (my graduation). I think it will be good to have some time this summer to "regroup" and get my house in order (both physically and spiritually).

A few random things I've been up to:

1. I went to VegFest in Seattle with Jessica a few weeks ago. I felt like a little kid in a candy shop. Jessica told me that there would be samples but I didn't expect to get full. I love living in Seattle where there are entire pages of menus dedicated to vegetarian dishes, there is a focus on healthy eating and there are vegetarian festivals. I don't know if I could ever move.

2. I wore a size 2T (as in toddler) dress in a youth talent show recently (not that it would zip up and I think I ripped it a little...). As young women leaders, we did a little baton twirling routine in silly outfits / accessories to make the youth laugh. I pretty much couldn't breathe but it was fun.

[Aleisa, Me, Tami, Heather and Christa. I love the tutu Aleisa is wearing.]

3. I finally finished editing these. Jackie and Tommy are beautiful people.

4. We had Easter dinner today with our friends, Adam and Doddie and their extended family. It was a beautiful meal and we had a nice time. We feel blessed to live in such a great area and have good friends.

As it is Easter, I have been reflecting on my Savior. I know that He lives. That is a simple thing to say but it changes everything. It gives meaning to life. It brings hope where there was none. I know that I will be resurrected as well, which is so comforting. I feel peace knowing that death is not the end but that everyone will be resurrected because of Jesus Christ. I found this compilation of photos representing His life called Reflections of Christ that I want to share. The photos in the video were taken by Mark Mabry, a very talented photographer (he actually served in W's mission). They are set to one of my favorite songs, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Enjoy!