Baby is Coming

Attention, attention this is important news!
A baby boy is coming with shades of blues.

A shower with gifts to welcome this child...
The gifts were cute, and with delight Channing smiled.

A cute little onesie from family that's near and dear...

This baby will come out skiing, from what we hear!

Look at that snowflake all tiny and red...

The Knowles make cute babies, that's just how they're bred!

Just one year ago Channing and Jaron had made a Halloween joke...

This year there really is a baby, give her stomach a poke!

Many were there to give congrats and hugs...

We were given vanilla shakes in cute little mugs!

As you can see there were little tots all around...

To give Channing a taste of how the home will now sound!

Both grandma's came to the extravagant party...
Talk to them for five minutes, you'll see their personalities are quite hearty.

The littles ran around with jubilee and joy...
They were all little girls, Channing will be happy with her BOY!

Were happy to say he's due really soon...
Thank goodness for Channing he isn't due in June!

Channing, she's the closest thing I've got to a biological sister so this baby can be sort of my nephew right? ;) 

Spring Sweets and Blues

Eeeep! I took a brave risk this semester. I decided to change my major to the opposite end of the spectrum from Health Science to Journalism, emphasis in Public Relations. Crazy? Well, we already knew I was to begin with. However after these first two days of classes I'm realizing it's going to be a lot of work. An additional two and a half more years of school for a bachelors degree. Heaven help me. Even though I am a 20 year old and this is my 3rd year of college I still cry over going to school. Yep. Today I had a full emotional break down about having to pay tuition for the next two and a half years. What could possibly make me feel better other than magically being done with school? 

The answer? Penny Candy. Specifically from the ever famous Island Market. It's been there since as long as I can remember, being right next to the elementary school I attended. 

It was a treat to have mom or dad stop at the Island Market and let you fill a paper sack full of sweet and sour gummies. Flavors of all different sorts: Peach, Blue Raspberry, Cherry, Watermelon, Grapefruit, Sour Apple, and my favorite the Smartie Suckers.

What is it about these sweet nothings that can make you feel even an ounce bit better about life?

That maybe just for 1 second that deliciousness gives your tongue a big hug and reminds you to treat yourself. Life can be pretty stressful. We need to find "little sweet nothings" through out the day to remind us that at the end of the day there is always something to be grateful for. Even Penny Candies.

On another note...I got a new camera from Santa this last Christmas. It's been exciting and new to explore photography. My new fav is exploring night photography of stars. With this view and Penny Candy here and there I think I can make it through the semester. Be brave and take risks. It's worth a shot.

Balancing Act

Let me tell you a little story that goes along with a typical college student or anyone for that matter. First, enjoy these fall pictures I was able to capture a week ago.

Storytime: Quite some time before college began I made the goal to pay for my entire college with my own money. No help from the parents. No help from student loans. However, when I did come up short my giving parents were so kind to help me make up the difference. In the times they have helped me I have paid them back with monthly checks. I live at home. Basically I was paying school rent to the parentals. 

It's hard to save money. It's hard to work your butt off all summer long to get to that pay deadline for school and write out an enormous check to USU, draining your bank account. Seeing your account being drained thousands of dollars is humbling. This expense leaves me wondering is it worth it? It's worth it though. It gives you a satisfaction knowing that you payed for this. This education is mine. After you pay your chunk sum for fall semester you start to rebuild for spring semester. Slow and sure your bank account begins to raise slowly.

You have other expenses you pay for: gas, food, entertainment. It's times when I begin to look at clothing, shoes, and handbags online where I get in trouble. I see all these wants. And oh my goodness. That one pair of boots I find. The small devil and angel appear on my shoulders. The devil, "Autumn, buy the boots! Buy the damn boots!" The angel, "No! You know spring semester is right around the corner. Every cent counts, save your money." I swear I stare at the screen for 20 minutes wondering "Do I need these boots?" It's a fight of judgement I have for the next hour in my head. It was then, while on Pinterest, I saw this... It must be a sign right?

                                 

 I sat there for a moment. If you could have been a fly on the wall watching this whole experience fold out I'm sure it would be entertaining to see me weigh my options. But gosh. Those boots were so darn cute.

  I remembered the true fact in that moment that life is too short. It's ok every now and then to splurge on yourself. In fact I believe it to be very important to give yourself a pat on the back for working hard. If that involves buying a pair of cute boots, or designer jeans or something simple like frozen yogurt you go ahead and do it. So did I live up to what I preach?

You bet, I bought the damn boots.

(It is however very important to save and not overspend from your budget!)

Not so Bummer Summer

Though out of school it hasn't felt like summer until this past Memorial weekend...

We always head to the Seeholzer family cabin...This weekend I drove up by myself to listen to my own music and play with the camera. Top list of my goals this summer?

Use my dad's nice camera to the best of its abilities...

I couldn't resist a selfie... That's not using the camera very well is it?

Part of this photo journey will be capturing the grand things in 'Murica that we love to celebrate!

One of my fav things to celebrate? Bear Lake. My home away from home. Every waking or sleeping moment this place captures my heart.

Take better "in action" photos. Oh Ian...Ladies he is single and ready to mingle.

Figuring out how to capture the moon on many different settings was tough! Still working on it.

Sweet pea Sage gives my pappy full attention in hopes of getting a milk bone

Dad soaks in Bear Lake and relaxes on the beach

Bear Lake is not a white sandy beach. A beach none the less. It has its own Rocky Mountain appeal

Being the good Lab she is, she leaps and swims for the water toy we throw. At the same time she turns into BatDog!

Though Bear Lake may seem as though it is all hick and red neck...there is still delicate, little beauties all around! Even where we look the least...

A new adventure waits around every corner in Bear Lake. First time sailing this weekend! If you see me soon ask to see my bruise from the experience. It was well worth it.

Two boys in blue talk about the old days and what they miss.

And like I said about hicks or rednecks...We proudly accept it. We shot many potguts and it turns out...it's really fun!

Cuties on a bike ride with puppy in backpack

Some ask what is easy livings...This right here, this picture explains it with no words. 

Paddle boarding got checked off the bucket list!

Skipping rocks? Check, check check!

Caribbean of the Rockies? Yeah I think so!

Icky faces as we watch the adults get the insides of their noses waxed? Priceless. Just when I think we've done and seen it all at the Seeholzer cabin they go and pull this. I love it.