I've had many thoughts circling through my mind as of late. It was a struggle to focus on studying for finals the past couple weeks, to complete the tasks at hand, to sleep, to be social, to read my scriptures and pray and to feel loved. After feeling like I'm lacking in these areas of my life, I am left upset and frustrated. I try so hard to not let any of this show and cover it up with laughter and smiles. Most of the time I do pretty well with masking it, but there are some days I just can't do it.

Today happened to be one of those days I just couldn't do it. I stayed in my pajamas all day and didn't get ready. I didn't get anything done today despite the list of things I need to do while I'm home for the holidays and presents I still need to buy. I watched movies, played games with my brothers, and did lots of thinking.

I longed to be productive and at least get a start on my "to-do list" and do something of importance ha. But the reality of life is that life isn't always great and happy as can be. 

As frustrated as I became today and was somewhat of a downer, by the end of the day I had an epiphany. As a country song goes, "The bad times make the good times better". To know happiness and joy, we also have to experience sadness and frustration. The good days we have quickly become that much better when we realize that we are happy, it isn't a bad day, and there is no frustration or sadness on that particular day.

However, don't just become complacent with life and let things happen left and right. You won't experience joy and happiness by letting life pass you by and not putting in any effort. It is crucial to keep trying and not give up. 

Yes, today may have been kind of an off day and more on the side of a bad day. But that's okay. I didn't give up and am still trying. We will be blessed as we continue to put in effort. Heavenly Father will notice our efforts, be there to help, and will bless us.

Never give up! It only matters that you keep trying.

Bryce & Kourtney | Idaho Couples Photographer

Where do I start? My oldest brother Bryce married Kourtney about three years ago. They will be celebrating their 3rd anniversary in a few weeks, so we got ahead of the game a little by taking some anniversary photos! They had me laughing nearly the whole time as I shot at the most perfect location  in Rexburg. I wish I could shoot there every time! I think I got more shots of them laughing than anything else, which makes for more candid shots!

Colby | Idaho Senior Photographer

Colby's seniors were hilarious. It took us a while to find a time where we could do them, but we finally did it! He's such a goofy and fun brother. He had me laughing the entire time. It was even better when he would be just looking around or doing funny poses because I just kept snapping away & caught all of those on camera. 

Still can't believe he's a senior this year! Seems like Colby is younger than that & hasn't grown up yet. I can remember like it was just yesterday some of the funny and weird things he would do as a little kid. 

Calli & Matt | Utah Engagement Photographer

I met Calli last year in Logan and we quickly became friends. We talked and studied together and hung out when we had time. We did a shoot last winter and laughed the entire time. She later told me that when she got engaged she wanted me to do her engagements. The day came that she got engaged and soon after she asked me to shoot their engagements. I looked forward to this session for a while because I was so excited, especially to shoot in the canyon with fall colors. It could not have been on a more perfect night or in a more perfect location.

We went up the canyon with the beautiful fall colors. It was so perfect and the lighting was amazing too! They were so fun, laughing, and just perfect the entire time. Calli & Matt had us laughing almost the whole time! It was such a great session and I loved just all of the photos, it was so hard to choose just a few favorites!

Lexi & Nate | Utah Engagement Photographer

I met Lexi & Nate a year ago when I moved to Logan. Lexi was one of my roommates and Nate lived next door! I loved living with Lexi and getting to hang out with Nate & his roommates all the time last year. Definitely think it was a blessing to be able to meet them and live with Lexi. They've both blessed my life in more ways then they know! 

They got engaged a while back and asked me to take their engagement photographs. We finally found a time to do the session and headed into the canyon. The fall colors were absolutely amazing with all the leaves changing. It was breathtaking and we got many fantastic photographs. The lighting combined with the fall colors was stunning. They had me laughing most of the shoot, which made for such a fun afternoon.