Dear Jacob

Dear Jacob,

I still remember running down my apartment stairs and there you were, standing in a blue plaid shirt, jeans, and your skate shoes with the biggest grin on your face. You opened every door, laughed at my dumb jokes and made me feel important, like I was already at the top of your priority list. And then you pulled out your guitar and I melted. You sang your original songs and Hear You Me and I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. 

Four years later you still make me feel important, like going to Deepwater Horizon late last night even though you had an early morning today. And I still get the butterflies that come along with it. You never cease to amazing me with the selflessness you show when friends call at 1am to ask for help fixing a car and you do it without hesitation, the talents you pick up within just one day, and the patience and support you have with me and my big dreams. 

Thanks for always cooking the meat in our house, driving blizzard conditions to get me to sessions, getting me Wendy's Chili whenever I have a cold, forcing me to be quiet about my gifts so we actually have surprises for Christmas morning, but most of all, supporting me in my business. JayCee Photography would be nothing without you behind the scenes. 
Happy Four Year Anniversary. 
I love you most,
Jay

With Grateful Hearts • Thanksgiving Wrap Up

Christmas was my favorite holiday growing up. But since going to college I reconsidered and it has changed to Thanksgiving. Family is a high priority to me and since thanksgiving is all about family and being grateful, it aligns perfectly with what I love. And with time away from my business, I was able to contemplate about the things I am so grateful for. Along with family, my faith, and my husband, here are just a few things that have really stuck out to me this year.

Laughter. I'm thankful God gave us the ability to laugh. And I love hanging out with people who have that contagious laugh that gets me laughing for no reason, which happens to be quite a few of my Bride's. Whether it's playing a hilarious game with family, or laughing at myself for my dorky mistakes, laughter makes everything that much better.

Hard Work. It used to be something I dreaded. But now I can appreciate it. After 8 summers of hard labor and construction work, I can finally say I worked my way to have my dream job and it was the farthest from easy. Truth be told, I still have to go home and work a few weeks of construction out of the year because my job doesn't actually pay all of the bills. But because of my hard work, I can appreciate the things I've worked for.

My Clients. I sincerely appreciate my sweet bride's, seniors, and families for trusting me with their important memories. One of my favorite things about my job isn't actually shooting, editing, or blogging, but the friendships that form with my clients. When I say I have the best clients, it's honestly an understatement. I couldn't do this without them! 

A Colorado Thanksgiving

On Wednesday after catching up with Cafe Rio, we did our family photos on The Monument. Kaden and Keely's Proposal was done here and I knew it'd be the perfect spot for updated family photos while we were all together again. Then we hung out at Grandma's and caught up with everyone who arrived. 

How hilarious is this?! My brother Jacob put on Jodi's floral crown and she mentioned he looked like Sid off of Ice Age. We busted up laughing and once I pulled up an image of Sid to compare later on, there was no stopping it. But seriously, take another glance.  

One thing that's awesome about Colorado is that there's always something eventful and adventurous to do. Thursday morning started with Get Air. I loved being able to literally jump everywhere, and the dodge ball torment following was pretty epic as well. 

Thanksgiving day was my favorite day of the trip because of the atmosphere. The Case's love full heartedly and you can feel it the entire time you are there. Everyone is uplifting and sincerely happy and interested in you. As we went around the table saying what we were grateful for, I realized I have the best family I could ask for. I strive to be more like this amazing family I am surrounded with. We also played Watch Ya' Mouth and I highly recommend it if you want to pee yourself from laughing. 

Darcy hosted a baby shower for Jodi Friday morning. Then that night we had a "Feast" with food and the scriptures. And life sized Hungry, Hungry Hippo may have happened as well. 

Before ending the night, Jenni said we each had to tell an extremely embarrassing moment. The stories were ridiculously funny and everyone was tearing up from laughing so hard! Ending our trip on laughter was amazing and has Jake and I looking forward to future Thanksgivings in Colorado. 

23 Things You Probably Don't Know About Me

This weekend I turn 23 and it's kind of blowing my mind. Especially since I can't break out in T-Swift. But since I'm going to be 23 here's 23 facts about me, and most of them have nothing to do with photography!

1. I love movies that connect in every way possible and completely blow my mind. A few of my favorites include Inception, Source Code, Selfless, and the Divergent Series.

2. My living room is always the cleanest room in my house. My bedroom is the messiest.

3. Moving to Idaho was a major adjustment for me and I was actually scared of being home alone all day. That's when Jacob said I could get a cat. Simba is my business partner who mostly sleeps on the job, but he can stand, high five, and shake. Here's a video if you want to see him in action. 

4. When I was 7 I was in gymnastics and loved every minute of it. 

5. I'm cold blooded and still wear sweatshirts throughout the summer.

6. If I need to vent, I call my mom and sister. If I need a good laugh I call my brother. And if I need expert life advice I call my dad.

7. Just about every weekend of the summer you could find our family camping up at Fox Park. Some of my favorite childhood memories are from those weekends spent away from the real world.

8. Mornings are not really my thing, but 9:00pm to 1:00am I can accomplish anything!

9. When I was 12 my parents sold their old house we got a "happy day" and I chose a camera. My dad bought my the Canon XTi with a zoom lens. I've been in love with photography ever since.

10. I moved schools my Freshman Year and without knowing anyone I tried out for the Cheer Team and actually got on. 

11. I definitely have a sweet tooth and would eat desert for every meal if I could.

12. My sense of direction is absolutely horrible and I'm so thankful for modern day technology that allows me to have Maps anywhere I go.

13. I'm an introvert which may sound crazy being a photographer. Slowly I am being more interested in parties as long as there's someone to talk business or photography with. 

14. One thing I wish I was better at is dancing. I have zero talent when it comes to tempo and steps so hopefully this year I do something about that.

15. Dying my hair is an addiction of mine! Since becoming a professional photographer I try my best to hold back from dramatic changes so clients can recognize me, but I'm feeling a change coming on...

16. I will do anything to avoid taking medicine of any kind along with the fact that I dread doctors.

17. Jacob, my husband, is the reason I went full-time in my photography business. The first month in Idaho he would not let me get a job until I had tried my photography business full-time. Here we are almost a year later and I have Jacob to thank for that!!

18. I am extremely sensitive and soft hearted. When I was 3 years old my sister was getting her shots and I cried outside the doctors door. Your pain is my pain.

19. For some reason I can't justify spending any amount of money on myself, but I will buy anything for my husband and cat.

20. Originally I was Business major when I decided to stop at my Associates Degree. Marketing still really interests me so I hope I can work a marketing job one day in a big company.

21. I believe everything happens for a reason, whether I understand it or not.

22. My ears aren't pierced and they never have been.

23. I love every single one of my clients and I am so excited for what's in store with JayCee Photography for the next year!