Where Have I Been?

I have been gone for a while. No, I haven't forgotten about blogging! I just have a lot to blog about. 

My computer filled up, but I finally got my external hard drive, and now, I am just waiting to finish editing everything from recent shoots and from my family vacation. 

However, here are some teasers for what is to come! I am so very excited about everything, and trying to figure out how I am going to get it all done. 

School starts on Tuesday. Holy Hannahs. 

Summer is over.

Receiving My Endowments

I had the wonderful opportunity to go through the Provo temple yesterday to receive my very own endowments. It was something that I pondered and prayed about for months. I finally felt like it was the right thing to do. 

When people would find out that I was going through the temple, they would first ask, "Are you going on a mission?" Then, I would shake my head no, and they would ask, "Are you getting married?" I say no once again. Finally, they ask how old I am, and when I tell them that I am 19 years old, their eyes tend to get real big, and they get a puzzled look. Then, I finish the conversation by telling that I felt like it was time, so I am going. It really surprised people.

People tend to wonder why I am going through the temple, and at first, I didn't really know how to respond. I couldn't quite formulate into words why I wanted to go through, but ultimately, I figured it out. 

A few months ago, one of my best friends got engaged, and I got to go with her family to the Relief Society Broadcast. Her fiance was leaving for the summer to go sell, and he wouldn't get back until right before their wedding. The discussion of her going through the temple came up ad when she would do it. She wanted to wait for her fiance to get back, but her family pushed her to go through as soon as she could for a couple of reasons. First, for her to become comfortable with the endowment sessions before she got married so that it didn't all come at once. Second, she was taking out her endowments for her, not for her fiance. They wanted it to be a special experience for her that wasn't brushed to the side because her wedding was the main focus. I didn't ever add to that conversation, but I did sit and listen very intently to both sides. 

I actually continued to think about it for a few days. I didn't think I could go through the temple, though, so it was more of thinking about what I will do when it comes time for me to go through the temple, whether it was for a wedding or for a mission. I even attended a temple prep class at Institute, and once again, the thought came back into my mind, and my desire to go through the temple only grew. 

That is when I made my decision. I wanted to go through. I felt ready. I was going through for me. I wasn't going through for a mission. I wasn't going through for a wedding. I wasn't going through for my future husband or family. Don't get me wrong, it was definitely something that would benefit my family very much, but I was doing it for me. 

After pondering it and praying about it, it felt like the right step to take in my life. I decided to talk to my bishop about it. We talked for a little while about it, and he told me that he felt as though I was mature enough that it was the right time for me. If it was something that I truly desired, I could do it. 

He also said that one of the biggest struggles of those going through the temple is definitely the modesty. However, I have been raised to dress as if I were wearing garments already. That way, when the day came for me to wear garments, I wouldn't need to get a new wardrobe. That, accompanied with my firm knowledge of who I am and ability to stand up for what is right, no matter what, was my ticket to receive my endowments. 

My bishop handed me the Temple Prep book, told me to read it and come back next Sunday to talk about it. I did just that. The Spirit only confirmed that it was the right decision for me. We set up that actual interview and decided on the date to go through the temple. My entire family would be in town because we were heading on our family trip the following day. 

I also chose the Provo temple because it has been in that temple this past year that I have grown the most spiritually, as well as had many questions answered, fears calmed, and comfort given. It has been such a blessing in my life. There was no hesitation when deciding which temple to go through. It was definitely the Provo temple. 

The search for my temple dress started. I wanted something that no one else would have. I also wanted something beautiful because it was going to be that actual dress that I was going to be married in eventually. I searched and searched and searched. I tried all the dresses in Provo and Orem on, and still nothing. Then, I found it. It was perfect. I ordered it, and we crossed our fingers that it would get here in time. Thankfully, it came just in time. It was exactly what I wanted.

My interview with a counselor in the stake presidency for my recommend was one of the most spiritual experiences. The first thing he said to me was, "When is your wedding date?" I laughed and once again, went through the series of questions. But, it was different with him. I had never met this man, but I felt as though I had known him my entire life, and by looking at me, he knew everything about me, too. I don't think I will ever be able to share what was said or the emotions felt, except with my eternal companion. I wrote everything down so that I would not forget, but I will say that it was definitely more confirmation that it was the right thing for me and it was full of lots of tears. Happy tears.

Then, last week, I was preparing my lesson for relief society when I came across this talk. Literally, it was exactly what I needed to hear and definitely worth the listen. 

Yesterday was my big day. I got to go through! All week I was stressing out because I moved out on Friday, in yesterday, went through the temple, and had to be repacked for our family trip that started today. There was so much to do and so little time. But, it was awesome. 

I ended up going through the same time as another girl who was getting her endowments for the same reason. It was by no accident, either. Her name is Marissa, and we kinda looked alike! Isn't that crazy?

Anyways, it was so awesome. I am beyond grateful that I made the decision to receive my endowments. I am grateful for the covenants I made, and I promise to keep them forever. I cannot wait to go back to the temple to continue learning and becoming more like Him. 

I cannot being to express how gratifying it is to have worked my entire life for this and finally obtained it. It has been nothing but easy to live the commandments, but it definitely is worth it. The road doesn't end here, though. I will continue to choose what is right.

This gospel is true, and I love it so incredibly much.

The Perfect Summer

Back in January when people had started talking about housing for Spring and Summer, I felt a little overwhelmed. It was JANUARY. How was I suppose to know where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do for the summer? What if I signed a contract and wanted something different? I ultimately decided to put it off until March.

I realized that I needed to find a reasonable place to move into the following month. I had a whole list of things I wanted my place to have. I wanted it to be social, close to campus, have awesome people, great ward, a pool, and things to do outside. I started looking around at places and nothing felt right. It was all wrong. I was getting beyond frustrated, and I wanted something different. I remember calling my mom in frustration after every tour and voicing my concern of never being able to find a place to live.

I looked into year round contracts and spring/summer contracts, but I found the perfect house for Fall and Winter. I signed on the house, but still needed a place for Spring and Summer.

Then, as I was going to tour a different place, I drove past this complex that caught my attention right away. It looked like its own little community. There was a pool, a basketball court, volleyball court, and a big grassy area. So far, it looked like it was what I wanted. I noticed the sign said King Henry. Instantly, I remembered everything I had heard about that place. It was extremely social, which was the number one thing on my list. I immediately called and set up a tour.

The next day, I went on the tour. I fell in love with the place. We went into the first apartment, and it didn't feel quite right. Then, we went into the second apartment, and it too did not feel right. But, when I walked into the third apartment, I knew that was the one. It was going to be my apartment. I went back and signed the next day. It felt soooooo right.

I became so excited to move in that I didn't want to wait the 5 weeks left in Campus Plaza. It was literally the longest 5 weeks of the entire year of college. Finally, it came time to move, and I was a little stressed. I had to be moved in and packed to get ready to head home the next day for my wisdom teeth surgery. Moving in was quite a fiasco, too. This was not off to a good start.

Then, there was a fiasco about someone taking my spot in my room, and my roommate wanting her spot, and whatever, so I ended up moving rooms to avoid a conflict. Looking back, I should have stayed in my room, but that is okay.

I immediately went home for a week, then came back to Provo. For the first few nights, I just stayed by myself because I didn't know anyone. Then, we had our first ward FHE, and I met a girl named Cassandra. She took me in under her wing, even if she is only 4'11". From there, she introduced me to what would become the best friends group I have ever had, and pray that I continue to have. Also that night, I met a girl in the hot tub named Khloe, who has now become one of my best friends. I remember sitting in the hot tub not really saying anything because I didn't know anyone, but probably within a week or so, these kids felt like my second family.

I would wake up, go work out, go to work, get home and play with these kids. We would swim, hot tub, hike, talk, watch movies, bowl, play basketball or volleyball, or all go to a party. It didn't matter what we did, it was all so fun. There was never a dull moment. I loved these kids so incredibly much. Kristen even became my coworker!

Cassandra Freeman is like a sister to me, and I owe her so much for all she has done for me this summer. Everything that comes out of Kristen Walker's mouth is golden. Dana Steinhorst is hilarious, and her boyfriend, Chris Lefteroff, make the perfect couple. I love talking to them! Cassy Wingo will light up the entire room. Khloe Arledge has the biggest heart and the cutest personality, and is genuinely an amazing person. Nakia Norman went on too many trips this summer, but I loved every minute I got to be with her! Marc Manuele is a little boy, but in a good way. We all love Marc, and I love our deep conversations we have all the time. Soren Simonsen is a giant teddy bear with the biggest heart. Ryan is a goofball. He makes me laugh! Quinton Wong is intelligent, yet so funny. Josh Millheim is one of the kindest souls I have ever met. Josh Barrett's smile melts my heart, and he is just about the sweetest guy. Luke Johnson goes down in the books as my favorite human being ever. He has been there for me all summer, and I am sure he will continue to be there forever. Jon Heath is a very attractive guy [so follow him on Instagram], but also such a caring guy. He is genuinely an all-around great guy. Jordi Sharp is probably the kindest hearted girl you will ever meet, and I have loved our weekly temple trips. The boys who lived in the apartment next to mine, Harrison, Eric, Tyler, and Michael, you all are awesome. I enjoyed walking by your apartment and you always saying hi or sitting on your porch doing something fun, or the late nights out in the courtyard. Everyone else that I met, I think you are awesome, too!

My ward was literally amazing. I had always heard about wards being awesome, and I always wondered how wards could differ from each other. Well, now I know. My ward this summer was incredible. The bishopric was amazing, their wives were phenomenal. The sacrament meetings always had the best talks, Sunday School the most entertaining lessons, and Relief Society the most spiritual lessons and discussions.

I was able to be a Relief Society teacher, and wow. I have loved that calling more than any other calling I have ever had. It was such a blessing in my life, and I grew to love each of the girls in our ward so much.

I constantly wonder why I felt the prompting I did to live in the apartment I chose instead of the one next door. I may not know until the next life, but I do wish I would have picked the other one. I would have been roommates with Khloe! Either way, I had a strong prompting and ended up right where I needed to be.

The night before last, everyone seemed to congregate in the courtyard for one more night together. As I sat and watched everyone interact, listen to the conversations, and soak in the laughter, I realized just how badly I didn't want this to end. I really didn't want to leave. I wanted that moment to last forever. Yep, I went inside and cried myself to sleep. The realization that summer is ending and we are all going separate ways was too much for me, and it still is. Don't get me wrong, I am excited to move into my new house and meet my new roommates, and who knows, maybe I will become best friends with one of them, but I am going to miss the King Henry life. 

This summer has literally flown by. I am fighting back tears right now. I never imagined moving would be this hard, and I am just moving down the street! Haha! I am going to miss being able to walk out my front door and always have someone to see or something to do. This isn't the end of King Henry and me, because I have a feeling I will always be back over there.

Between the random adventures, late nights, summer romances, drama, friendly people, and everything in between, I really don't want this to end. I don't want to move, but today is the day we all move.

I just pray that the friendships create this summer will last forever. I hope we all stay in touch and the memories continue! Thanks for being so awesome and good to me, everyone! I love you all SO MUCH! Until next summer! [Yes, that means that NONE of us can get married and we ALL have to go back to King Henry.]

kthanksloveyoubye.

Cave-In

I spent yesterday morning at Seven Peaks here in Provo. I bought a pass of all passes this year, and it was a very smart idea to do so. I live just down the street, so I get to go there pretty often. Being there yesterday got me reminiscing about one of my most entertaining moments from this summer. I meant to put this on my blog, and I don't know why I waited until now to put it on. It is one of my favorite memories of Soren.

This is how I remember it.

It was my first time at Seven Peaks for this summer. I randomly ran into Marc, Soren, and Ryan, who are all my King Henry buddies. Soren got two double tubes for all of us to share, so the four of us used the tubes to go down the various slides. We all switched off going down together, and we finally reached a slide known as the Cave-In.

Inside the Cave-In, it is all Black. You can't see very much in the tube, but Soren was set on switching places on the tube while going down. We decided that we were going to do this together. We made the plan. Marc and Ryan were going to go down the tube first and Marc was going to bail off the tube and get stuck so that when we came down, he could jump on the tube with us. Then, Soren and I were going to go down the tube next. As soon as we made the first turn, I was going to move backwards and Soren was going to move forwards. By the end of the tube, we were going to have successfully switched places.

Marc and Ryan went down, and pretty soon, it was our turn. I remember giggling as I anticipated what was about to happen. Hahaha... then we were off! Soren yelled, "Go!" I started scooting back, and he forward. Next thing I know, the tube flips, and I am thrown over Soren and smashed against the side of the tube. I hit my head really hard. Now, when I hit my head, I have a tendency to close my mouth really tight and laugh because I think it is really funny. Only, this laugh isn't like my other laughs. I don't make noise or even move. My body just shakes a little bit. I try to catch my breath, but I am laughing, so it takes a little bit for me to move again or even make noise.

Well, right after I hit, I started the laughing thing. I wasn't moving, and as much as I tried, I couldn't stop laughing. Soren has me in his arms, and I remember him freaking out. He was tapping my cheek with his hand asking if I was okay. Obviously, I wasn't moving or making noise, and the tunnel was dark. He thought I was unconscious. He started saying, "Alice, stay with me. Come on."

While all of this is going on, I am laughing hysterically. It was all too funny to me. I wanted to tell him I was okay, but I couldn't. I tried so hard to stop laughing, but my head was throbbing so bad that I couldn't. After probably 15 seconds of this going on, I finally took a deep breath and shook my head to let him know I was okay. Like it was no big deal, Soren reached over, grabbed the tube and set me on it upside down. Then, he climbed on it, and we finished the slide. Next thing I know, it is all light again because we have come out of the tube. I am still upside down, but eventually we stop. I am able to climb out, and the lifeguard is laughing while giving me the most puzzled look. I didn't really care to explain, so I just walked off.

I was completely fine, but it was so completely entertaining, and still is. I laugh every time I think about it. Don't worry, people. Soren and I are going to go back to Seven Peaks and master switching places.

Kyle + Shanelle | St. George Wedding Photographer

A few of my favorites from Kyle and Shanelle's wedding in St. George last Friday. 

Agnes + Dora

Instagram is my life. Okay, not quite my life, but I love it. With the exception of my blog, Instagram comes in first place for my favorite social media. [Now that I know how to embed a photo into my posts, you can only expect to see lots of my Instagram posts on here, too. Just prepare yourself, people.]

Anyways, a few months ago, my coworker Aricka [let's be real. She is more than a coworker. She is my best friend.] came to my desk and pulled up a webpage with the cutest leggings on it. She asked if she should buy them.

Ok, I am obsessed with leggings. They are so comfy and can be styled so many different ways. Literally, obsessed.

A few weeks later, I went to an Instameet [and Instameet is when photographers meet up and take a bunch of photos together. They are pretty cool] and this company called Agnes and Dora sponsored it. That means that all of us who participated in it got free Agnes and Dora leggings or a skirt.

I picked this skirt. It was a really good choice. I love it.

The moment I touched the leggings, though, my life was changed. People. You think I am joking, but you will understand once you touch them. They are the comfiest things ever made.

Pretty soon, my friends all became obsessed with them after Kristen won some at a concert. 

Then, we found out that Agnes and Dora was having a warehouse sale. [This is a big deal because Agnes and Dora leggings are pretty expensive. More expensive than any jeans I have ever bought. No matter how much I loved them, I wasn't going to buy them full price] We all went, and I ended up getting five new leggings. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. I wear them all the time.

I decided to wear some on my shoot with Meghan. She was kind enough to take a few photos of me, and this is what we came up with.

I put it on Instagram.

And, THIS HAPPENED.

I got featured on Agnes and Dora's official Instagram. I seriously was so happy and felt so successful. [Silly, I know, but it was kinda cool]. I had people that I knew come up to me and say they had seen me on Agnes and Dora's page.

I feel pretty accomplished.

My baby sister rubbed against them this past weekend, and the moment she felt them, she started rubbing my leg. Her eyes got real big as she looked up at me and her jaw dropped. She was obviously in love with them.

Now, go buy some leggings from Agnes and Dora.

Or, just come feel them when I am wearing them. I promise it won't be weird. You may just fall in love, too.

Alicia | Utah Portrait Photographer

Alicia is my gorgeous little cousin.

Her Mom is a photographer, too! [Check out her stuff here]

Mary and I decided to team up and do a photo shoot together.

I am pretty sure this will become a regular tradition.

The Weber Moose

Each year, my dad's side of the family has a big family reunion. It lasts an entire week, and it is always at our cabin in Weber Canyon. We call it the Weber.

For three or four years in a row, there was a Moose that lived down in the brush. 

Sometimes there was one moose, sometimes two.

Each year, we would look for it, and it would only take a few hours before the moose was spotted. 

(To paint a better picture of this, click here to see this years Weber photos)

One year in particular, about four years ago, we all showed up to the Weber. We looked for the moose and couldn't find it. We watched for a few days, and still nothing. 

So, Grace, Sarah, Monique and I decided to go hike through the creek like we had done years previous.

We climbed into the creek, and off we went! I remember being the front of the pack, with the other girls just behind me. The water was really cold, but it only took a few minutes to adjust to the water.

In about five or so minutes, we had reached the beaver dam. We all climbed it, and the water was now up around our waist. I was so excited to swim in it! 

Some of our neighbors were up on the ridge jumping up and down waving at us. They kept yelling something, but I was pretty sure they were just saying hi to us. 

All of us kept waving back, but they kept yelling at us. They must not have realized we had seen them.

There were fish in the pond, and I was determined to catch one with my bare hands. However, our feet were making the water mucky as we walked along the muddy floor of the pond.

I told the other three girls to back up to the side long enough to let the water settle. That way, I would be able to see the fish, and we would definitely catch one. I backed up to the far side of the pond, while Grace, Sarah, and Monique backed up to the opposite end, which was closest to the cabin. We all stripped down to our swim suits so that we could swim.

As I backed up to the very edge, I was very focused on the fish. I heard the bushes behind me start to rustle. They didn't stop. I yelled back to Sam and Matt to stop messing with me. They were going to scare the fish!

I mean, it would be just like Sam and Matt to try and scare us. I could only imagine them back there laughing at us because they thought they were scaring us. 

At this point, the water still wasn't settled, so I backed up about two feet farther into the brush.

Just then, I felt a warm breeze on the right side of my neck.

My eyes grew real wide, and slowly, I turned my head to the right to see what was there.

Literally, within inches of my face was the face of the Weber Moose. 

I think my body shot back out of fear, and simultaneously screamed, "Moose!!!"

Then, my flight mode hit. I took off as fast as I could. I ran straight for the hill, which meant also running through the beaver pond. I could hear the moose coming in my direction. 

My foot slipped, and in an instant, I was all the way submerged in the pond. Only after I had gotten my footing again did I realize I was still screaming. I had inhaled water and was now coughing and spitting up water.

The only thing on my mind was that I needed to get away as fast as I can so that I could live. I had already thought I was going to die.

This all happened in about five seconds. I had reached the other side of the pond and on my way up the hill before it had dawned on the other three girls what was going on. As soon as they realized a moose was after us, they followed in line after me. 

All four of us were screaming, and I was running madly through the brush that reached higher than my head did. There was no path, but I was making one. 

I had to make it. I had to get away from the moose.

My heart was pounding so fast, my lungs stinging from the water and from coughing, but I didn't care. In about fifteen seconds, I had reached the top of the hill. I didn't turn around. I kept running. 

I ran all the way down the road and back to the cabin. I didn't stop until I was safe inside the cabin. 

I am pretty sure I scared everyone in the cabin with my appearance. Everyone just kinda looked at me. It was then that I realized my clothes and shoes were still down at the pond. My legs were covered in dirt and blood from running through the brush and up the hill. All I said was, "Moose."

Then, Grace, Sarah, and Monique came in.

No one quite understood what had just happened, nor will anyone understand how scary that was.

It wasn't until we recounted the experience that we realized the neighbors weren't saying hi to us. They could see the moose, where we couldn't.

Later, we discovered there were actually 2 moose down in the pond, and in the process of running through the brush, we ran right past the second one.

All I can say is that I am glad I lived to tell the story. 

I actually laugh really hard whenever I think about it. I imagine that in heaven, I will be sitting in an oversize lazy boy watching my life from a television, only from the perspective of someone up above. I will get to look down on my life. I will also have a remote that I can rewind. This is one of those moments that I will rewind it over and over again until I can no longer breath. 

Meghan | Utah Portrait Photographer

This is Meghan. 

Meghan and I go back a few years.....in a way.

Meghan was my cousin's freshmen roommate and now best friend.

I had heard so much about Meghan, but hadn't ever met her before a few months ago because she was on a mission. 

Then, we finally met in March.

Shortly thereafter, I walked into my first day at my new job, and she was there! Meghan and I were coworkers!

Now, we have become really good friends, and I love Meghan very much.

I had such a blast taking photos up at Squaw Peak!

We even had a little help from some of our friends...aka some deer!

It was hard narrowing down the photos to put onto my blog. I loved them all!