Merry Christmas

This year was different than others. The main difference was the number of people in our Christmas photo. With the Christmas season, it feels more and more official. We got them lots of kitchen items for there new life together. We figured it couldn't hurt to start on there Wedding registry. Mine and Courtney's relationship has had a very rough start. But the more I try the fake it till you make it technique the more it feels real. Yesterday she came into our home and I yelled "Merry Christmas Courtney" and for one of the first times it felt sincere, and I was truly happy to be spending Christmas with my whole family, including her. I have finally accepted that they are going to be married, and she is going to be my sister-in-law. Its even a little exciting. I have even started to feel offended when people say mean things about her or talk about how she is a mistake in Dirks life. Only I'm allowed to think that. :) So here is my new Family.

Merry Christmas! I hope everyone in this Christmas Season can love a little more, and remember everything our Savior has done for us.

Christmas already?!

Whaaat!? haha so as some of you may know. Its CHRISTMAS next week, this year is the first time EVER that Christmas has snuck up on me like this. I have been to busy to realized its Christmas! That's just silly. But I still don't feel quiet in the Christmas spirit. I have been to two ward Christmas parties, made several wish lists, and gone to the Christmas tree farm. The only think I haven't done at all this year is gone to the mall and done the BIG Christmas shopping. In previous years its been like a tradition to go with the whole family. We spilt into teams and shop for each other switching parents when we need to get something for the other. Then we take turns wrapping like crazy alone in a room. Then walla we have Christmas! Well the plan is to go tonight after eating some Indian food! Yum. Maybe I'll eat a Candy Cane while I shop that should help. Any who I'm really excited I love presents, both for me and other people!!! Wish me luck.

Here is some Eye Candy, for all you love lovers:

Lots Of Love

and

Happy Christmas, (yes I'm a fan of Europeans)

Martha Mae

photographers

So I'm kind of in love with photographers.

Example: missionary don't remember his name came into the store and was talking to me and Emily. And told me he is going to be a photography major, and he suddenly became like way more attractive and interesting. haha I know I'm a crazy.

But photographers are always talking about seeing the beauty, and especially wedding photographers. They can feel and photograph the love between people. I love that. And I love feeling like I know people just because I looked at there photographs. And I love seeing different styles from different photographers. I want to be a photographer so so badly. I feel like I could have a crap desk job, a tiny apartment, and drive a death machine. If only I could keep doing photography. But then the other half of me keeps saying, you're not good. You're just a stupid

little girl who happens to have a slightly nicer camera than most people. Great photographers,

are rare. It also doesn't help that I'm in love with Portrait photography, meaning I need people models. So I end up suckering other people into my silly little fantasy. Well another thing I love about photographers/ their blogs, is they are always featuring others. So I've decided to share some of my new finds.

Here is Kate Harrisons work. http://khpblog.com/engagements/index4.html

she has a kind of messy style, which I'm now kind of in love with.

And this is Yan, haha I don't know what her name is actually. http://yanphoto.com/blog

But she seems to be based somewhere in Idaho/ Utah so I found some fun LDS weddings. Which are always fun to see.

I'm also currently in love with Simply Bloom Photography, mainly because its two friends. And that's adorable/ going to be me and Alexis in a few years.

http://simplybloomphotography.com/blog/?p=1552

They like very sun washed photos.

your photographer wanna bee friend,

martha

Engagement

So today we went to the location for Dirks and Courtney reception. Or at least this is where they are hoping to have it. Its really pretty, on the river in Lake O. It was freezing, but extremely sunny. So the pictures didn't turn out good, but we are going to take more so don't worry. I'm not letting any of these go on a invite. Also I have been more accepting of everything now that it is official. Well here they are.

Love,

Martha

REALLY!?

Just watched SNL today and the first thing that came to my mind when thinking about writing another whiny blog again was REALLY?! I really have a pretty ideal life, parents that love me, friends that care and surround me, and some pretty sweet jobs. But I find myself, constantly trying to change something in my life. I'm headed to Rexburg for the next two semesters and that is pretty final. And there is nothing wrong with that. But what to do next fall?!?! The only thing I have decided is that I can't come back and live here. Unless I'm married and both me and my husband are going to live here. :) not likely. So I'm trying to figure out what’s next for my life. I would need to work. So just touring Europe isn't really an option. Kat is off Nannying in Europe which I would absolutely love to do, but not sure that’s the best way to make money. So I considered going down and living with all my best friends in Provo and working there. However the more I think about it, I'm not sure that’s the best option either. My mom just lectured me about how I should just apply to Provo if I need to be with my friends so much. But I feel like that would be extremely unproductive. Once again not all my credits will transfer and that might mean doing another semester or two of school that I wouldn't have needed. And there is also the fact that I might not get in, again! Also I love BYU-Idaho, I'm just whiny. But there are really so many good things there. There are also so so so many good things here, and I love my Bridger, my Primary Class, and all the other children I get to hangout with, but I'm not sure it’s enough. The only thing keeping me sane right now is my lovely Alexis, and Emily.

Well that’s more than enough complaining.... give me your thoughts on what I should do in the fall.

Super Sharp

Well here is my highlight of last week. It was such a wonderful opportunity to do a family shoot. The Sharp boys, are nothing less than there name. Exceptionally sharp! I love having Haydn in my primary class, and it was super fun to get to know the rest of the fam. Favorites of the day.

Well here is me wishing I was a real photographer.

xoxo Martha

p.s. Also found a sharpening tool on my new editing program and its so fun. I love it.

Meet My Man

In YW's it was like a an annual thing where we would have a lesson on marriage and then we would write out our little list of qualities we want in a future husband. And since I am no longer in Young Women's, and I think I have a better idea of what I want now, so here it is.

My Man:

Adventurous Eater

Generous

Caring

Funny

Beautiful

Born to be a Father

Dresses with Style

Return Missionary

Can cook, clean, and change a diaper

Has friends, and his own hobbies

Enjoys outdoors,

but also enjoys snuggling up and watching a movie.

Makes traveling a priority right after Church and Family

Dreams big, and follows them.

Loves to laugh, and does it often.

Has the same standards, in all areas.

Priesthood Holder

Can charm my mother, and yet truly cares enough to watch my sisters dance performances.

Responsible

Dedicated

Enjoys the Arts

and is taller than me.

To much to ask? I hope not!

Love,

Martha Mae

p.s. For now, he has my heart.

Meh

So I really don't know what to blog about. I told Alexis I would post some of these photos I took tonight so that's what I'm going to do.Also the Mormon Bachelor Pad thing, gives me more insight into guys than I normally want. They basically sounds like a couple of total Tools, that think they are super awesome. I also don't understand why they think its okay to make everything into a total joke. Patriarchal blessings, not a joke. Also do they really think its anonymous with the kind of details they give? Basically I don't approve, and yet a still hit follow. Which makes me kind of a tool. Oh well.

Also read a blog today, of a man who does photography for a living, but never wedding photography. And at first I thought that was just not his style, but in today's post it was a wedding, and it was good. However he explained why he rarely does weddings. The Pressure. Which is so so so true. I'm stressed about just taking some family photos for Christmas Cards, where I can recreate moments, position my models, and reschedule for a different day. Wedding are one shot deals. He also talked about how he did one wedding and royally messed up and it shattered his confidence. That would totally be me. And I could never forgive myself for not capturing someones special day. And on the other hand, I'm not afraid at all of maybe messing up hundreds of children's lives, by being a poor teacher. Actually I take that back. Crap. Maybe I should just stick to watching trash tv, and living at home. :)

Here are the photos I took tonight, I wanted to get a street with cars on it, but apparently by 7pm all the cars are done driving on west union. So that's fine. Well I plan on trying again. But

here they are for now. Also took the Cat one a while ago, but he is sticking out his tongue too

cute.

p.s. Anyone know how to make the stamps people put on their photos... I kind of want one. Just for pretend!

Better ?: WHY NOT!

Title explanation: I walked downstairs after church, and dirk goes "Why are you wearing fake ugh boots, leggings, booty shorts, a park city jacket, and exceptionally large sunglasses?" and I said "Better question, WHY NOT." yes I literally yelled why not.

So basically its just one of those kinds of Sundays. First off, I'm like 65% sure I'm sick. But I still went to church to be rebellious. And my primary class had Sharing time. Which ROCKED by the

way. A little girl came up to me after church and was like I really enjoyed your sharing time. BOO ya! (its mainly because we handed out candy, on a fast Sunday- that was Michelle rebelling not me). But also during Sacrament meeting they blessed Abram. He is the Maxfeild's baby, and I babysit there kids regularly. Any who when there father stood up with the baby, Everett burst into tears, who used to be the baby. The grandma offered to take him out, but since that was ridiculous since she came to see the blessing, I picked him up and ran out of the room and all the way down the hall. He was screaming really loud! haha anyways that isn't the weird part. The really weird thing is EVERYONE I talked to the rest of the day, was like "ohh you are such a hero, for taking out the baby." haha Really hero. I think that is a tad dramatic. But I'm glad I

appear to be such an awesome person. Personally I believe it was because of my rockin' outfit. It made it look more impressive because I ran out of the chapel in heels, carrying a screaming child!

So I think I was all hopped up on compliments when I changed after church. Anywho this is what resulted.

Plus its Fall, and all the leaves are falling toooo quickly. I haven't gotten enough good pictures/any. Praying for sun tomorrow, and Bridger to get well. He has Swine Flu and pneumonia and he has a temp. of 103! Poor baby.

Well I feel this is officially long and rambley enough.

Happy Autumn! Peace out.

No Make-up Monday.

Summary of my life: work. work. work.

Today me and Bridge had a super fun day, fun of peak-a-boo. Row boat songs. Jamba. Leaves. Mail Men. and a few really loud girlie screams.

(this was his face during most of preschool, he is kind of an anti-social nerd like me.)

Music life, used to be strictly playlists. But I'm just not feeling any of mine lately. So. I have been Artist hopping. Today was Cartel, but most days it John... John Mayer.

Current Obsession: Wedding Photographer Blogs. Recent discovery is a Portland based photographer (which is so fun, because I recognize all the locations.) http://steepstreet.blogspot.com/

Projects: 1. become good at photography

2. make video of Grandparents

3. become a baby guru

4. find cowboy boots

5. find boyfriend......in this order.

also add find a more comfortable place to blog to that list...my butt hurts.

off to rest my bottom.

Goodnight.!.

Alexis my love.

I often feel like a loser here, because I have very few friends old enough to go to the bathroom on there own. But then I think about how blessed I am with the friends I do have. I have many AMAZING friends, but I'm lucky enough to be able to keep Alexis here with me!

Alexis is stunningly beautiful, brilliant, artistic, funny, kind, and extremely caring. I haven't known any of my friends my entire life, but I have known Alexis long enough to know that she rarely thinks about herself, or her own needs. Her schedule is full of things which are always for other people. Even when we're just hanging out on my couch watching a movie, its often because

I pleaded with her to come, for me. What made me think of all this was the other night she slept over, and because she loves me and my weirdness. Alexis talked me to sleep. Its my absolute favorite way to fall asleep. Brittany would call Kyle before falling asleep when I slept over and she would always apologize, but it was so soothing to hear her voice as I closed my eyes. Yes I probably sound super creepy, but I Don't Care! I love both of those girls.

Alexis is also a constant source of entertainment for me. Her personality is addicting she is happy, supportive, and understanding. She is a friend to everyone, and truly cares about each and every relationship. Alexis also happens to have the best out look on life. Amid challenges she rises to the top. She juggles so many things in her life, and still makes time for friends and family. She is probably going to kill me for writing this, because she also doesn't accept praise well. :) But

you are exceptionally amazing, and I love you more than I can say.

Good luck with everything this year, and don't forget to enjoy it.

xoxo

Martha Mae

Baby Love

Well as you all know, my life is exceptionally boring. And I have WAY to much free time. So I have decided to volunteer, at Merlo Station High School. They have a program set up for teens with children to continue going to school. It is a wonderful program including a medical staff, and all they need is volunteers to give the children attention. And I'm so good at just giving babies lots of attention, and love.

Today Kate, the head lady, gave me a tour of the program had me fill out a few forms. And then they put me to work. Which I was more than happy to do. They had me go inside the infant room, they had 7 infants in there today. So I always had a baby to just cuddle. So fun. Also I'm really not great with infants, so I'm hoping this will be good practice. So when I have children I can just know what they need to be happy. Today I was just passing over upset children to Viki, who is like a baby charmer. I'm definitely the youngest volunteer, and the same age as several of the mothers. Which is kind of awkward.

My biggest fear going into this was that they were going to feel like I'm judging them, and saying I can take care of there child better than them. Which is SO not true in case anyone was wondering. Then I got in there and felt like they were looking at me like I was to young to take care of there child. I hope to become more comfortable with the moms, so that they trust me, and don't hate me. I hate it when people hate me. haha.

Well off to Ikea tonight! Shopping for my new bed.

p.s. You have no idea how tempting it was to bring a camera in there, however I resisted...for now.

I Know, I know.

I know eventually I'll have to get over this.

I know when/ if I get married I'll probably need to sleep in the same bed as my husband.

I know sleeping on the floor is not a rational solution.

and I know that my mother does love me and wants what is best for me.

But now I have no home/ bed.

So in case you don't know how much of a freak I am. I struggle with falling asleep when other people are in the room. In Hawaii I had a roommate who came in way after I fell asleep every night, it was perfect. And in Idaho I got a single bedroom. Problem solved right?!

However now I'm living at home (which sounds soooo lame when I say it out loud). anyways. I

have no room, and share a queen size bed with my sister. The first couple nights I struggled sleeping. Then Natalie came to visit, and Julene made me a bed out of camping pads, and a memory foam pad and some pillows. When she left I decided I loved my new living arrangements and moved into the work out room. Much to my parents dismay. So I had been living on the floor up until yesterday, when my family decided to take away my bed, and move a chair into the work out room in its place. They say its for my own good, so I can get over this freakness. But I'm not sure its going to work. So far I just had a restless night of sleep. So now I'm blogging so my sister falls asleep before I go in there. My life is lame and freakish. Oh good.

haha Well she is probably fast asleep now. So thank you John Mayer for this new wonderful song, I love you.

Goodnight.

(this has nothing to do with anything, except that I have

never blogged without a picture, and didn't feel like starting now.)

Summary

This sums up my life pretty well, right now.

Good thing I LOVE them. and my life.

and I'm in love with this super awkward/amazing picture.

Love, love, love,

Me

Warning: Don't shave (or blog) when angry.

So I've been looking for something to blog about in my boringly average life. And weirdly enough it was something someone said, when I wasn't even there. Its not any gossip, just a very bold statement from a very bold person. And I had my entire shower to think about it. Hence the giant cuts on my leg now.

It comes down to them saying how ridiculous it is that people can simply put BYU on Job applications instead of indicating which one. Because yes BYU Provo graduates are more godly

than BYU-Idaho graduates are.

I love the fact that we are so blessed to have three universities that carry the same high standards and provide a safe and encouraging learning environment for students. But when people begin comparing the three it drives me crazy. Sure if you have attended all three I would love your opinion. But if you haven't then just shut it.

I love my friends more than anything, but decided that BYU-Idaho was a better fit for me. Yes I did apply and not get in the first time, but I feel confident that Idaho is where I'm supposed to get my education. I do wish I could be in Provo with my friends, but that is in fact the only reason I wish I was going there. I have never felt like I wasn't getting the best education available. I loved learning more than I ever have my last semester in Idaho.

So for everyone (and I know probably no one who reads this feels this way) who feels like BYU

provo, is the only God sent school. Sure maybe it is for you, but pushing your opinion on everyone else is a tad bit OUT of CONTROL. And you should probably stop.

Because guess what?! Heavenly Father loves me in Idaho, just as much as he loves your child in Provo.

So hopefully this was enough, because I really really want to go witch out this person. Or make them a cake that says BYFU.

p.s. I totally wrote BYU-IDAHO and BYU- HAWAII on my most recent job apps. Proud of where I have been, and where I am going.

p.p.s I am SO extremely proud of all of my friends attending BYU. I love you!

He is just so cute.

Haha so I realize that when I eventually have children,

they will be like who the heck is this kid. Of course they won't say heck.

Haha But you know I'm sure I can explain that I love them just as much. :)

Also I love these things, this is his Monkey backpack/leash thing. Though I did feel like a crazy mother when he was wearing it. Well job interview today. Hope I don't fail.

Love,

Martha

FLASH light

I

my Camera!

Happy Friday!

LOL (Lots of Love),

Martha

El Fin.

So after a ridiculously long time span, I finished Eat, Pray, Love today. I went outside with the mission to not come back inside without finishing it. And I did it, despite the small rain drops that ran down my legs, and onto my book. In fact I kind of loved it. I also love this book, its been fun reading just little bits at different points in my life. The book has traveled with me, to the several places I have been in the past 2 years. Great Harvest, my backyard, to the beaches of Laie, to the big Island, home again, then to Rexburg, but my very favorite spot to read is my backyard. So I decided to finish it there.

As I sat out there reading, I looked up and for a brief moment, thought how I needed to change the shutter speed to make the image I was seeing brighter and more vivid. Which is just SAD. I love taking pictures but obviously I need to appreciate my life more without looking at it through my lens.

Yesterday was also my birthday, and I was spoiled! I eat WAY to much food, though all was delicious. I have lots of cupcakes now (thankfully, I also have people willing to help with that problem), I also have more technology than I probably need. I also have an awesome henna tattoo, Alexis is a henna genius! I was also given lots and lots of hugs yesterday from probably the sweetest boy alive. Just holding his little hand makes me feel so loved. I can't wait to have children (and yet I totally can- at the same time).

Also not going to lie turning 19 actually freaks me out a lot more than it excites me. So today I'm wearing a bright pink bow in my hair, in hopes of stay a little girl forever.

Well thank you everyone who made my birthday extra special!

Great BIG Penguin hug.

I love you!

Honey Nut Cheerios

Parent Trap

"Bonding" with Courtney

End Credit Dancing

Eat, Pray, Love Outside

Eat, Pray, Love on the Kitchen Counter

Hot and very Chocolaty, Hot Chocolate

and Blogging

All before showering! The Joys of NO school.

Good Morning

Pop, Lock, and Drop It

So my title actually has not a whole lot to do with anything. Except its Kristin's Birthday today. She turns 20, so Happy Birthday my little Poly. We had some great times in Hawaii, and now whenever I listen to that song I think of her and me trying to do it. (Its harder than it sounds) haha. But the video is pretty awesome. Okay favorite memories of Kristin (not that she is dead or anything). "He thinks he is Jesus", Mud sliding, Dance Party, I do everything for Narnia, "Not you babe, Martha"!!!! haha Love that girl.

Anyways I didn't actually have a purpose for blogging. I just felt like it would be a good idea. My Ipod is slowly dying, I think its from old age. So I'm considering making all the same play lists on my computer, because my play lists are like my life. And I hate actually looking up artist, and having to pick individual songs. And thanks to Zach all of mine got deleted off my computer (jk Zach thanks for fixing my computer). Also my computer is dying/ just super slow. And I had a virus scare, and almost cried. haha So this week I have realized how much I love my technology. I actually don't want a new Ipod, I love mine. I also don't really want an new computer, this one is great. And realistically I don't really want a new cell phone either. It is a perfect size, color, and I have learned how to text "quickly" for me at least. But now it looks like I need to get new stuff. Which I also can't afford. Not to mention I may need new brakes, my father said he didn't notice it when he was driving. So I'm just going to ignore it. Mainly because I can't afford to get my brake pads replaces, go to school, and get a new Ipod, computer, and cell phone. True brake pads do seem like they are the most important purchase, but also my car is going to die soon anyways, and I'll have to get a new one. Okay so basically this blog was a compete waste, haha sorry all those who just read it.

Highlight of the week: Meeting Keegan's EXTREMELY good looking friend. Yum :)

Lots of love,

Martha

Baby Step.

So basically I really need to take a photography class, and learn to experiment more with my camera. Because for a while I felt like I was in this super un creative/ artistic whole that I couldn't get out of. But now I feel like I'm beginning the climb out. (Yes I also happen to be listening to The Climb, right now. But that is unrelated. haha) Don't Judge me. Any who. Two days ago I had no work, and didn't feel like spending the entire day watching dirk play a video game. So I suggested that my mom take us to lunch, and then to the rose garden, so we did.

Lunch was good, and the rose's were/ are beautiful. Though I have to admit, I looked at most of them through my camera lens. Whoops. I love John Mayer's line in 3 X 5 "Don't have a camera by my side this time. Hope that I would see the world through both my eyes." Because I really

don't do that enough. But maybe some day I'll work on that. Once I master my photography.

haha At least to my standard.

Okay so I decided to use my manual settings in the gardens, and it was so much fun! Yes a lot of the pictures are blurry, and too dark. But it made me feel cool. So I'm determined to keep working with Manual. Yes sometimes I cheat if I really love a shot, and want at least one good one. So after coming home and looking at the pictures and being extremely disappointed, I took another stab with Kevin. Still lots of blurry ones, but we found a cool enough location that I figure

it balances it out. haha. Also I edited the crap out of most of them, and this is what I got.

Caution: Work in progress.

Okay so I figure I can't make you look at any more.

I love you, and you, and you too.