It is that time again...the time when everyone struggles to find deep meaning in phrases like:
H.A.G.S.
Stay Cool!
Have a great summer!
I wish I had known you better; have a fun summer.
I pooped my pants!
Call me. (and the student has no idea who they are)
As a teacher, your messages usually fit into three categories...the "sincere," the "generic," or the "off-the-wall funny." While I would love to be creative enough to fit into the latter, my comments are usually on the sincere side. I try to fit them to the students, but, let's be honest, message number 60 gets to be pretty similar to previous ones.
I am envious of the smart teachers who have a stamp. One in particular has inspired me for next year. (Now accepting quote ideas)
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Lagoon Madness
A day of chaos and freedom from the rigors of a "normal" school day awaits those 9th graders who attain the high requirement of....no more the 7 tardies. Similar to many other educational facilities, American Fork Junior High succumbs to the blandishments of Lagoon to bring their students to "Lagoon Day." To entice the teachers (and the hundreds of paying students that they bring with them), Lagoon admits the teachers free as well as serving a fairly decent lunch. (Not a bad deal from my perspective.)
I have not been to Lagoon in to many years to count; I love roller coasters, but I tend to find friends who do not....even now, my eternal friend is not that fond of those mechanical marvels. I was reminded how much I like the thrill, but I seem to have lost the "I am going to DIE" butterflies that used to make regular appearances. The teachers, like their students, hung out in their "clique" all day. While I did not get to ride every ride, I was able to hit most of the rides that intrigued me; Wicked was my favorite and, well...wicked.
I have not been to Lagoon in to many years to count; I love roller coasters, but I tend to find friends who do not....even now, my eternal friend is not that fond of those mechanical marvels. I was reminded how much I like the thrill, but I seem to have lost the "I am going to DIE" butterflies that used to make regular appearances. The teachers, like their students, hung out in their "clique" all day. While I did not get to ride every ride, I was able to hit most of the rides that intrigued me; Wicked was my favorite and, well...wicked.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Homecoming: Fabric Masterpiece
My mother creates works of art with fabric in the form of quilts. And not just piecing, but full fledged needle work on a long arm quilting machine. (Sure it's a machine, but it's more like running an F-16 than a lawn-mower on the skill level scale.) Her traditional wedding gift is a lap quilt. For her children it is a bit different, usually a full size (king or queen) quilt. In fact, it was one of her children's wedding quilts that got her into the long-arm business to begin with. For our wedding, she created the most beautiful quilt I have ever seen her make.
Because she needed some additional time beyond our wedding to finish it and (rightly) wanted it to display for her grand opening this past weekend, we are just now in possession of our quilt. And, I can't stop looking at it. If our house ever catches on fire (heaven forbid), I am grabbing that blanket to wrap ourselves in, even if it is July.
The Pattern is known as a double wedding ring, and though she would probably be unwilling to admit it, it was the one she most wanted to try...but the pattern terrified her. The fact that it has nearly 3000 pieces might have something to do with it. With a little fawning from her daughter (and maybe if pushed to acknowledge it, future son-in-law) , she caved and agreed to give it a go. It was not a walk in the park. But it was filled with amazing experiences. For example, the lady who designed the needlework pattern had not originally designed anything for the blocks that are tan on our quilt. So, upon being questioned for ideas, the lady designed an insert for free the night before she left for an extended out of country trip.
Detail, quilt front
Detail, quilt back
As to which future not-yet-existent child gets it upon our demise....
Well, let the brown-nosing commence.
Because she needed some additional time beyond our wedding to finish it and (rightly) wanted it to display for her grand opening this past weekend, we are just now in possession of our quilt. And, I can't stop looking at it. If our house ever catches on fire (heaven forbid), I am grabbing that blanket to wrap ourselves in, even if it is July.
The Pattern is known as a double wedding ring, and though she would probably be unwilling to admit it, it was the one she most wanted to try...but the pattern terrified her. The fact that it has nearly 3000 pieces might have something to do with it. With a little fawning from her daughter (and maybe if pushed to acknowledge it, future son-in-law) , she caved and agreed to give it a go. It was not a walk in the park. But it was filled with amazing experiences. For example, the lady who designed the needlework pattern had not originally designed anything for the blocks that are tan on our quilt. So, upon being questioned for ideas, the lady designed an insert for free the night before she left for an extended out of country trip.
Detail, quilt front
Detail, quilt backAs to which future not-yet-existent child gets it upon our demise....
Well, let the brown-nosing commence.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Reception Madness
Our network was a little off kilter for the last couple of weeks; our apologies for the lack of additional wedding pictures. So, here is one now...and another coming soon. Begin with the reception!
Should I be worried that Brian is dancing with other women?
Can-can anyone?
Hmm...the Olson gang complete with gang signs?
Never realized how hard it is to do common tasks with four hands.
The happy harried couple...off to their new adventures
Grass Wars VI: Return of the Lawn
Day 42.
The green blight is gone, and the leprechauns have moved on to a better place. Slowly the lawn starts to fill in, mainly with the help of lawn grafts. Our hydro seeder sprayed a 2 foot area that we did not want sprayed, and as it came in better than 90 percent of the treated areas we have used it to begin patching little (read un-admittedly very large) holes in our turf.
But the Ammonia sulfate did wonders. we have been instructed to apply some weekly as we draw down the water application. I'm hopping in 2 more weeks you will see pictures of it's first haircut.
The green blight is gone, and the leprechauns have moved on to a better place. Slowly the lawn starts to fill in, mainly with the help of lawn grafts. Our hydro seeder sprayed a 2 foot area that we did not want sprayed, and as it came in better than 90 percent of the treated areas we have used it to begin patching little (read un-admittedly very large) holes in our turf.
But the Ammonia sulfate did wonders. we have been instructed to apply some weekly as we draw down the water application. I'm hopping in 2 more weeks you will see pictures of it's first haircut.
Babar Picasso
We were rather surprised about the quality and content of the following images.
Mostly we were surprised because they were painted by Elephants. That's right, Elephants. There are somewhere near 20 of them all involved in painting images. Most of them lean towards abstract, but as you see above some of them are very aware of their surroundings. The paintings are then auctioned off to support the elephants themselves. The projects web page is here:
http://www.elephantart.com/catalog/aboutus.php
or see Paya in action here:
(link)
Mostly we were surprised because they were painted by Elephants. That's right, Elephants. There are somewhere near 20 of them all involved in painting images. Most of them lean towards abstract, but as you see above some of them are very aware of their surroundings. The paintings are then auctioned off to support the elephants themselves. The projects web page is here:http://www.elephantart.com/catalog/aboutus.php
or see Paya in action here:
(link)Monday, May 26, 2008
Music Monday
One more from Blue October. This one is called Into the Ocean. This one is a bit more wierd. Both the video and the lyrics. We still like it. This one in conjunction with the other represent about all of Blue October we have found worth listening to so far. Enjoy!
Album: Foiled
Recommend: If you can find the "clean album" everrything but track 10. Otherwise, this song, You Make Me Smile, 18th Floor Balcony, Independently Happy, and Chameleon Boy.
Recommend: If you can find the "clean album" everrything but track 10. Otherwise, this song, You Make Me Smile, 18th Floor Balcony, Independently Happy, and Chameleon Boy.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Good books
As a book lover, I often run across books that I enjoy. Sometimes, I read a book that I love. One such book just made it out of the "to-be-read pile" and into the "read-it pile." I wish it would have been at the top sooner. This book made me cry, laugh, scratch my head in puzzlement, and want to read it again as soon as I had finished. If you have a chance, pick it up.
On an additional note, this book is one of my favorite stories that leads you on a journey that ends with you wondering if it was real or just a fable.
He Said,She said.
Ok, so my wife can be a little weird when it comes to books. Now, I knew when we first started hanging out that she was a bibliophile; I knew that a library was inevitable. What I didn't understand was her obsession with library books. I'm not talking obsessed like 'must have them' or 'must take care of them'. I'm talking obsessed like 'public reputation revolves around them.
Okay, my my husband can be a little weird when it comes to food. Now, I knew when we first started hanging out that we would both have some compromises when we ate; I knew that I would be making the most adjustments. What I did not understand was his devotion to fast food. I am not talking devotion like 'this is my favorite restaurant' or 'occasional cravings for fries.' I am talking obsessed like 'I go so much that the clerks know my name by my order.'
Get this; She checked a book out from the library, read it in her customary 20 minute style, and set it aside to read one of the other 40 she had checked out for that afternoon (I MIGHT be exaggerating a LITTLE on the number of books). She returned the stack of books the next day, or maybe it was the day after that. Then, paranoid something "bad" might happen, she checks her library account online only to discover that one book did not in fact make it back. She immediately goes out and renews the book (to avoid a late fee). She then spends 2 weeks uprooting every piece of furniture in the house to find it, and, when unsuccessful, She BUYS THE BOOK to avoid paying a late fee. It's like she is afraid the librarian might put her on a 'do not check out to' list, or like the bank may declare her default on a loan if she ends up paying a late fee on a book.
Get this: During the beginning of our relationship, we went to Wendy's for some dinner. He (somewhat patiently) waited for me to peruse the menu to decide what I wanted; then we proceeded to order. As he spoke the words 'We'd like a # ____, ketchup only,' the voice on the other end interrupted and said, 'Is this Brian?' Flabbergasted, I turned to him. He seemed unsurprised by the recognition; we figured out that it had been about a month (marked from when we started hanging out) that he had been there, so, of course, they were not sure it was him. This was a "Norm" moment that I was NOT proud of. (For the record, I have eaten more fast food in the past year than I have in my whole life.) Since then, we've varied on our fast food intake, but it seems like he is determined to keep the fast food industry running. He even celebrated the fact that Wendys and Arbys are one company - no loyalty issues.
Now granted she did end up finding the book and getting all her money back, but come on. She has the nerve to call me weird because the neighbors daughter (who works at my favorite fast food joint) recognizes me by my favorite order. I mean, really.
Now granted, the clerk at Wendy's is the daughter of a neighbor, but come on. He has the nerve to call me weird because I am an intelligent, book loving, money savvy, individual. I mean, really.
Okay, my my husband can be a little weird when it comes to food. Now, I knew when we first started hanging out that we would both have some compromises when we ate; I knew that I would be making the most adjustments. What I did not understand was his devotion to fast food. I am not talking devotion like 'this is my favorite restaurant' or 'occasional cravings for fries.' I am talking obsessed like 'I go so much that the clerks know my name by my order.'
Get this; She checked a book out from the library, read it in her customary 20 minute style, and set it aside to read one of the other 40 she had checked out for that afternoon (I MIGHT be exaggerating a LITTLE on the number of books). She returned the stack of books the next day, or maybe it was the day after that. Then, paranoid something "bad" might happen, she checks her library account online only to discover that one book did not in fact make it back. She immediately goes out and renews the book (to avoid a late fee). She then spends 2 weeks uprooting every piece of furniture in the house to find it, and, when unsuccessful, She BUYS THE BOOK to avoid paying a late fee. It's like she is afraid the librarian might put her on a 'do not check out to' list, or like the bank may declare her default on a loan if she ends up paying a late fee on a book.
Get this: During the beginning of our relationship, we went to Wendy's for some dinner. He (somewhat patiently) waited for me to peruse the menu to decide what I wanted; then we proceeded to order. As he spoke the words 'We'd like a # ____, ketchup only,' the voice on the other end interrupted and said, 'Is this Brian?' Flabbergasted, I turned to him. He seemed unsurprised by the recognition; we figured out that it had been about a month (marked from when we started hanging out) that he had been there, so, of course, they were not sure it was him. This was a "Norm" moment that I was NOT proud of. (For the record, I have eaten more fast food in the past year than I have in my whole life.) Since then, we've varied on our fast food intake, but it seems like he is determined to keep the fast food industry running. He even celebrated the fact that Wendys and Arbys are one company - no loyalty issues.
Now granted she did end up finding the book and getting all her money back, but come on. She has the nerve to call me weird because the neighbors daughter (who works at my favorite fast food joint) recognizes me by my favorite order. I mean, really.
Now granted, the clerk at Wendy's is the daughter of a neighbor, but come on. He has the nerve to call me weird because I am an intelligent, book loving, money savvy, individual. I mean, really.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Music Monday
Today we have someone besides Gotye for you. This is Blue October. I would describe them as "Emo" bordering on heavy metal. Don't worry this song is not. Paige and I heard this song on the radio during our engagement and loved it for the chorus:
Calling you to see,
if your sleeping are you dreaming
if your dreaming are you dreaming
of me,
I can't believe, you actually
picked me.
It fit us.
This video took me 2 times through to get, at first I thought the main character was being mean, when we figured it out we liked it as much as the song.
So enjoy the video, and by the way:
Album: History for Sale
Recomend: If you can find the "clea version" then all tracks but 3 and 6, other wise; this track, Ugly Side, Inner Glow, Chameleon Boy, and Come in Closer.
Calling you to see,
if your sleeping are you dreaming
if your dreaming are you dreaming
of me,
I can't believe, you actually
picked me.
It fit us.
This video took me 2 times through to get, at first I thought the main character was being mean, when we figured it out we liked it as much as the song.
So enjoy the video, and by the way:
Happy 4 month Paige.
Album: History for Sale
Recomend: If you can find the "clea version" then all tracks but 3 and 6, other wise; this track, Ugly Side, Inner Glow, Chameleon Boy, and Come in Closer.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Grass Wars IV: A New Hope
Give me no grief on my numbering, George Lucas didn't do his in order either.
So we finally got hold of the hydroseeder. He said he figured we are about 2 weeks behind due to the weird cold weather. He suggested we go get 50 pounds of Ammonia sulfate, spread it thick and water it in immediately. The Fertilizer has a rating of 21-0-0, so it is ALL for the roots.
He did say that if this didn't help he would bring us some seed to over seed with. We set the chems on the lawn 2 nights ago, and so far it DOES look a bit thicker. we will probably post pics on day 42.
So we finally got hold of the hydroseeder. He said he figured we are about 2 weeks behind due to the weird cold weather. He suggested we go get 50 pounds of Ammonia sulfate, spread it thick and water it in immediately. The Fertilizer has a rating of 21-0-0, so it is ALL for the roots.
He did say that if this didn't help he would bring us some seed to over seed with. We set the chems on the lawn 2 nights ago, and so far it DOES look a bit thicker. we will probably post pics on day 42.
The Price of Evil?
These things are great.
One of our local grocery stores is selling these things. They have four of them, and that's why these things are great.
I tried to convince Paige we should buy all four of these things, and place one on each of the compass points of our yard. True, that would kinda put one in the middle of our front sidewalk, but stick with me here.
When people ask us why we have four we tell them that the orbs they are holding in their hands are talismans of great power and if they are brought together at a certain place in the yard and at a certain time of year, they form an object of indescribable evil (hence the store keeping them behind the chain link fence.) Or maybe it was a portal to a world of indescribable evil, I'm kinda fuzzy on that point. The Lawn Gnome who explained to me was a little vague on the details and the pink flamingos were making SO much noise, and you know how those Lawn Gnomes can be when they get going, the just go on, and on, and on...
Yeah, Paige didn't go for it either.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Domicle Developments Part 4
This pair of photos shows our "last" project before we took our much needed hiatus. We wanted to let more light into the upstairs hallway, so we decided to cut out the half-wall, drop it down to the level of the stairs, and add a banister. Since we have red oak in the living room, white oak in the kitchen, and wainscoting on the walls, we decided to paint the banisters white.
Let me tell you, painting banisters is no fun...3 coats so far and the wood is still sucking up the paint like there is no tomorrow. Even though we are concerned that energetic kids ten years from now will break said banisters, we are loving the change.
Let me tell you, painting banisters is no fun...3 coats so far and the wood is still sucking up the paint like there is no tomorrow. Even though we are concerned that energetic kids ten years from now will break said banisters, we are loving the change.
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| After |
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
28 Days Later... The Drama Continues.
We continue to anxiously watch the lawn. Our first picture is taken from the same spot as our last grass post:
unfortunately... This is only happening in small locations on our lawn. According to everything we have read, we should be entering lawnmower maintenance by the third or fourth week. meanwhile we commence our fifth and our lawn looks like...
Well, it looks like it either has some form of green blight, or we are besiged by poorly organised leprechauns. One of the two.
Well, as Bette Midler would say, "From a distance..."
No, that's not working for me either.
unfortunately... This is only happening in small locations on our lawn. According to everything we have read, we should be entering lawnmower maintenance by the third or fourth week. meanwhile we commence our fifth and our lawn looks like...
Well, it looks like it either has some form of green blight, or we are besiged by poorly organised leprechauns. One of the two.
Well, as Bette Midler would say, "From a distance..."
No, that's not working for me either.
April Showers Bring May Flowers.
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| Daffodil |
 |
| Crocus |
Update: Snowdrop
Crocus
Monday, May 12, 2008
Music Monday.
It's Monday once again, so here is another song, again, from Gotye. This time it's Out Here In the Cold. This video may cause motion sickness. Should any of the following occur, reduce your browser window and just enjoy the audio:
Album: Boardface
Recommend: The whole album
Dizzyness,
lightheadedness,
vertiginousness,
wooziness,
nausea
If Symptoms persist after the video has ended
consult your physician.
lightheadedness,
vertiginousness,
wooziness,
nausea
If Symptoms persist after the video has ended
consult your physician.
Album: Boardface
Recommend: The whole album
Sunday, May 11, 2008
More Wedding Pictures.
As we continue to promise, here is another set of shots from the wedding in January. Enjoy!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Domicile Developments Part 3
This set of photos shows probably my favorite room in the house. In November, Brian started to turn his "stadium-seating movie room" into a library for me. (Being the bibliophile that I am, I have had boxes of books stored and awaiting a home.) We had spoken about turning it into a library and building some permanent shelves around the fireplace; it turned out so much better than I had imagined. Brian gave me a wonderful gift!
During spring break this year, I tried to smooth out some drywall issues done by a previous owner...not entirely successful. I did re-texture, paint, and add new baseboards. I enjoyed the process but am glad that I do not remodel for a living.
There are still some adjustments to be done. We are planning to change out the fireplace for one that is not so massively counter-productive to its purpose, add some drywall to cover the last vestiges of brick above the archway, and maybe cover the hearth with some manner of stone or granite. Can you tell we are not a fan of the brick?
During spring break this year, I tried to smooth out some drywall issues done by a previous owner...not entirely successful. I did re-texture, paint, and add new baseboards. I enjoyed the process but am glad that I do not remodel for a living.
(This shot is from the first Christmas Brian was in the home.)
 |
| Before |
 |
| After |
There are still some adjustments to be done. We are planning to change out the fireplace for one that is not so massively counter-productive to its purpose, add some drywall to cover the last vestiges of brick above the archway, and maybe cover the hearth with some manner of stone or granite. Can you tell we are not a fan of the brick?
Friday, May 9, 2008
Clash of the... Something.
Nirvana.
Not the state of mind, not a place, I'm talking the Band. Nirvana. The first of the grunge. If you're under 50 you probably know who I mean. An actual Garage band, from Seattle. The band that set the stereo type. You can emphasize stereo if you want.
Nirvana had one really huge hit (that I'm aware of, I never was a fan.) "Smells Like Teen Spirit" . I song so loud parents hated it and kids, by default, loved it. Lyrics so garbled they make "Louie, Louie" Sound Lucid. A song so muddled Wierd Al felt it obligatory to make fun of the absolute incomprehensibility of the words.
It was popular when I was in High School; it stired alot of criticism and talk, even a little controversy. It sparked some serious questions like, 'What does Teen Spirit smell like anyway?' One of my friends replied 'a high school locker room' and counseled me not to think about it.
Paul Anka.
The Man could practically set the standard for singing in tune. If your over 50 you probably know who I mean. The Antithesis of Nirvana. An individual who should not even sleep overnight in the same state as Nirvana. He could sing a song precisely the way Nirvana doesn't.
So what was he thinking?
If you can't click it, copy and paste it:
http://claytoncounts.com/neato/Paul%20Anka%20-%20Smells%20Like%20Teen%20Spirit.mp3
On the plus side, You can actually hear the lyrics now.
On the downside, you still can't understand them.
Not the state of mind, not a place, I'm talking the Band. Nirvana. The first of the grunge. If you're under 50 you probably know who I mean. An actual Garage band, from Seattle. The band that set the stereo type. You can emphasize stereo if you want.
Nirvana had one really huge hit (that I'm aware of, I never was a fan.) "Smells Like Teen Spirit" . I song so loud parents hated it and kids, by default, loved it. Lyrics so garbled they make "Louie, Louie" Sound Lucid. A song so muddled Wierd Al felt it obligatory to make fun of the absolute incomprehensibility of the words.
It was popular when I was in High School; it stired alot of criticism and talk, even a little controversy. It sparked some serious questions like, 'What does Teen Spirit smell like anyway?' One of my friends replied 'a high school locker room' and counseled me not to think about it.
Paul Anka.
The Man could practically set the standard for singing in tune. If your over 50 you probably know who I mean. The Antithesis of Nirvana. An individual who should not even sleep overnight in the same state as Nirvana. He could sing a song precisely the way Nirvana doesn't.
So what was he thinking?
If you can't click it, copy and paste it:
http://claytoncounts.com/neato/Paul%20Anka%20-%20Smells%20Like%20Teen%20Spirit.mp3
On the plus side, You can actually hear the lyrics now.
On the downside, you still can't understand them.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Domicile Development Part 2
This set of photos continues the catalog of our home improvements by showing more of the living room changes. We basically started over with new flooring and new texture on the walls; we liked the original blue, but it needed a few more elements. You can see more of the wainscoting and crown molding in this photo as well.
We owe our beautiful hardwood floor to three wonderful friends: Rachael, Amanda, and Amy. These three women did most of the work, while Paige left to go wedding dress shopping and Brian dealt with the food. Ladies, you are wonderful!
(See Part 1 for a better shot of the floor.)
We owe our beautiful hardwood floor to three wonderful friends: Rachael, Amanda, and Amy. These three women did most of the work, while Paige left to go wedding dress shopping and Brian dealt with the food. Ladies, you are wonderful!
(See Part 1 for a better shot of the floor.)
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| Before |
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| After |
Monday, May 5, 2008
More from Melborne.
As Promised, another video from Gotye. This Video was actually the way I was introduced to the work of Wally DeBacker. The Video, done by a Studio Called Picture drift reminds me of a 3d version of Japanese shadow Puppets.
The Picture Drift site gives this video summary in their history of the video:
"In the video, a pied piper character walks the Earth, calling on its strange inhabitants to leave the wasted planet and follow him to a new world"
The song sticks in your head, the video keeps it there.
Album: Like Drawing Blood
Recommend: The whole album
The Picture Drift site gives this video summary in their history of the video:
"In the video, a pied piper character walks the Earth, calling on its strange inhabitants to leave the wasted planet and follow him to a new world"
The song sticks in your head, the video keeps it there.
Album: Like Drawing Blood
Recommend: The whole album
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Would have been bridesmaids...
I have had the honor of being a bridesmaid a few times; Brian quit counting his after 6 or 7. (Neither of us qualify to be a match for "27 Dresses," but you get the idea.) I had no desire to have bridesmaids at our wedding, but there are some women who I would have loved to honor. My sisters, both long-time and new, as well as some favorite cousins would have been wonderful. Brian had the idea to put together some of the shots we got at temple with a few of my favorite women. We are still going through our pictures, so we will be able to show more with the other women in my life; these were just all together in a natural group.
(I seem to look more and more tired in these shots...
thank goodness I perked up.)
(Unfortunately, this was the only shot of us...)
As a general note, we all know how wonderful Brian is as a wedding photographer. We has such a hard time finding someone since the best person we knew was unavailable. :) Sunnie did an AMAZING job. Every time I look at our photos, I am grateful for all that she did to make our day so wonderful. It is refreshing to find a female "Brian" in the world of photography.
Who knows what Brian is doing in the above photo?
(I seem to look more and more tired in these shots...
thank goodness I perked up.)
(Unfortunately, this was the only shot of us...)
As a general note, we all know how wonderful Brian is as a wedding photographer. We has such a hard time finding someone since the best person we knew was unavailable. :) Sunnie did an AMAZING job. Every time I look at our photos, I am grateful for all that she did to make our day so wonderful. It is refreshing to find a female "Brian" in the world of photography.
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