Our Year in Review & Pictures!

January 2009 brought a new beginning for us in our cute, little apartment. Matt began his second-to-last Spring semester at Utah State University and I went back to work. It was a great start to our 2009 year - we had also been married for about six and a half months at that point. February got Matt and I to our 24th brithdays - Matt's on the 24th and mine on the 28th. We kept ourselves busy with school and work. March came along and we celebrated dad's birthday on the 8th. By the time March gets to Logan the weather is thinking about warming up, and sometimes teases us with a little less snow - but in the end the sun stays behind the clouds and waits for us to get used to the cold, then pops out of no where after we buy a couple new sweaters. April meandered in and Matt finished up his semester in grand style - on the Dean's list again! I knew I had to get going with a summer job - so the search began. By the time we got to May we knew that summer was right around the corner. I got a job with housing working as a receptionist on Central Campus and Matt moved smoothly into his new roll within housing. June was major busy for both of us, but we worked in time to celebrate our one-year anniversary in Salt Lake City. We made it to the Salt Lake Temple (where we were married) and did some sealings before we went to dinner at the Little America Hotel (where we spent or wedding night) - we stayed the night and returned home the next day. I wish we could have relived our honeymoon in Disneyland, but sadly we had to get back to work.  I also got to go spend a week with my brother Tal, sister-in-law Jen and nephew Ezra in California! -  so much fun!! Things heated up weatherwise in July - I was lucky that there was air conditioning at work, because we lack that comfort in our apartment. The 4th was a blast - we went camping in Wyoming with Matt's brother Scott! I fished for the first time - caught 2 all by myself! I also became a true wilderness girl when I was told that if I wanted to go to the bathroom the best thing to do was find a good tree (blah!). We also headed to Idaho for the Wadsworth family reunion. August was exciting! Matt started his very last Fall semester at USU and I got my Nikon D90 camera!! I started my photo business and began to get the hang of owning and marketing a small company. My first client was Carly, a beautiful gal - we had so much fun taking her pictures! September gave us that Fall weather we'd, well I'd, been hoping for - it's my favorite time of year. Our amazing friends Chris & Brittany invited us to their sealing - it was so beautiful! We celebrated grandpa John's 80th birthday! Matt was zooming through his busy semester and I got the privilege of watching cutie-pie Josh every day! I took my first set of bridal portraits in October!  We had a great time celebrating Halloween at mom and dad's - they go all out for mom's favorite holiday! November caught the cold. Literally. But we also got to celebrate Thanksgiving with Matt's family in Cheyenne - a new adventure for us because I had never been there. December was amazing! Matt got himself on the Dean's list - AGAIN! So, he only has one semester of student teaching to go. I shot my first set of pregnancy portraits, plus another set of bridals, senior portraits and Santa playing the Sousaphone! Matt got me my first Nikon flash to use on my first wedding on the 22nd! We had a great time with Matt's family the weekend before Christmas and we spent Christmas with my fam. We got a Wii!

We hope that we will be as blessed next year as we have been in 2009! We wish you all a safe and fun New Year's Eve - I'll be working. We love you! Here's to a fabulous 2010! Can't believe it's here already.
Enjoy our favorite pictures of 2009!

Pretty much every picture we put up on the blog are our favorites - so don't feel bad if there aren't any of you! We still love you to pieces!

What Christmas Looks Like at the Wadsworth House

Every year Christmas rolls around, and leaves us just as fast. This year we had the pleasure of spending the holiday with my family near Salt Lake City. I have to say that there is nothing better than Christmas at home. I know that one day Matt and I will have our own family and we will create the same atmosphere for our kids, but for now mom and dad's is awesome! I love the smell of pull-aparts (mom's sticky bun specialty), and the sound of mom waking us up on Christmas morning (that was not always the case, generally we would wake her up, but now that we're grown we sleep in). Our nephew Ezra was so adorable and overwhelmed by all the wonderful gifts. We had such a blast watching him play with his new toys. Allie got "Beatles Rockband" and Matt and I were lucky enough to get a Wii from mom and dad - and the Wii Fit Plus from Jill & Diane.
 So, gear up for a load of pictures.

Allie made this monogram for us! Sooooooooo ADORABLE!

The Sunday after Christmas my Uncle Gary & Aunt D'An invited us over for a yummy soup dinner.  Their daughter Nicci bought oil while she was in Israel this summer and wanted our boys to consecrate it for priesthood blessings. So, Matt and I now have two bottles of oil from the Holy Land set apart for blessings - how cool is that? Nicci also brought the ladies beautiful scarves from Israel.

A boy and his Christmas loot!

The gorgeous Wadsworth ladies! Allie and Jen.

Our amazing guys! We love them so much!

By the way single young ladies, the guys second (Jim) the third (Jeff) from the left are available and so awesome!

Already on My Birthday Wish List + A Little Music

I know that it's a little early for me to be thinking about my birthday, since it's still two months away, but I have to let it be known that this is what I want.

"Mastering the Art of French Cooking" by Julia Child - Volumes I & II! I guess it's obvious that "Julie & Julia" has become my new favorite movie - and I so want to try out these recipes. I know it may seem selfish just five days after Christmas (and we were so spoiled), but I think that it's good to let others know what you want - and I don't think a cookbook is a huge request. Just a little splurge.
Enjoy this Kanye West "Heartless" cover by The Fray!

Sherlock Holmes!

We saw this tonight!

It was awesome! Robert Downey Jr. is his usual brilliant self. Jude Law is charming as ever and Rachael McAdams is beautifully witty. We loved it, obviously! The thing I loved the most, besides the actors, was the music - something different and yet it complately took the movie to a whole new level.
We give this movie our stamp of amazingness and hope that you can get out to see it some time soon. It very much should be seen on the big screen.
Christmas pictures to come.

One More Before Christmas!

I just wanted to post one more pic of Gabby - she's so cute!

The Best Thing About A Wedding

I love this one - this couple is so cute! And gracious, I might add! We had so much fun taking pictures around the Logan temple. I have to say that I didn't realize how nerve-racking this whole experience would be - and I mean that in a good way. I actually feel like a professional photographer now that I have a wedding under my belt. It was wonderfully exhausting - and we got some yummy food out of it, too.

I loved it! Man, I feel so awesome about it! Do what you love - that's all I have to say!

 

Thanks to my fantastic husband for being such a trooper today! Full of good ideas, too!

Shot my First Wedding Today!

YAY!

Guess Who's a One Year Old Boy Today!

I guess it goes without saying that we totally and utterly love this boy! Our beautiful nephew Ezra!

Happy one year to you baby boy - the cutest nephew EVER! He's walking and everything now. And he has such a cute little voice - I just want to scoop him up and squeeze his cheeks! My brother Talin and sister-in-law Jen did a goooooood job on this one!

Can't wait to see you for Christmas!

Gabby Girl!

Matt's cousin Gabby asked me to take her senior portraits! I was so excited I could hardly stand it - she's such a doll, and gorgeous to boot! Man, we had so much fun - it was freezing but Matt kept the car all warmed up for us and we found some pretty awesome places to shoot. Gabby is so adorable, I hope to take pictures of her and the rest of her beautiful family some time soon!

Just one for now - I have my first wedding to shoot tomorrow! Nervous. Can't wait. Wish me luck!

Christmas at the Anderson House

Matt and I took a look at our schedules and decided to spend the weekend before Christmas with his family, since this year Christmas is with my fam. So, we had Christmas the weekend before Christmas - how fun is that! We are so fortunate to have such a big fam! Matt's mom and step-dad Gene had us over on Saturday night, and his dad and step-mom Stephanie fixed a delicious dinner on Sunday! I got a crock pot (which I've been wanting for a long time!) and Matt got a Maglite, which he loves! We were so spoiled this weekend - and hanging out with the fam was the best! I think this sums it up pretty well.

A Christmas Card. From Our Blog to Yours.

Matt & I probably won't get Christmas cards out this year - so here is your card! It's been stamped and addressed direct to your blog! We love you! Merry Christmas!

Mom's Christmas Tree

Matt and I were able to spend last weekend with my family - we had so much fun shopping and hanging out! I love Christmastime with family. This weekend we're heading to Wyoming to spend time with Matt's fam - I haven't packed anything yet, need to get going on that (fingernail biting). So, every year mom puts up a killer tree - full of memories! I love taking time to peruse the ornaments, every one has a different story - mom buys a new ornament every year and puts all our names on it, she was so happy to add Jen, Matt and baby Ezra to her collection! These are the things I hope to add to my tree so my kids will feel this same way about Christmas. It's all mom & dad, they have brought this love into our lives and I'm forever grateful for that. My "Baby's First Christmas" ornament is a little mouse lying in an acorn - I love it! I love this tree - and I didn't even get a picture of the topper - a black top hat! I love my family so much - nothing in the world means more. Christmas reminds me of home and I so enjoy making new memories with Matt - and I can't wait to make more! Merry Christmas everyone - I can't think of a better time to tell you how much I appreciate your support and love.

Enjoy mom's tree! She's a pro at this!

Rochelle. Shhhhh...it's a Surprise!

My adorable friend Rochelle came to me with an idea for a Christmas present for her husband. They were married in August 2008 and she never had bridal portraits done. So, she asked if I would take some bridals of her - we had such a blast! It was freezing and we had a bit of a time crunch, but I think we got some awesome shots! Thanks Rochelle - I love the girly time! 

A fun one - she would put on her coat between shot locations - for this one she kept her gloves on until the last second.

Santa Plays the Sousaphone!

Did you know that? I have proof...

 Kyle in his tux and tails! Matt & I had so much fun at this concert - I love heading over to campus for a fun time, it's always an adventure.

Happy Christmas!

What I've Been Working On

Do you remember the car breaking down by Saltair incident? Well, before that happened we were on our way out to take pictures of Kyle's (not Santa Kyle, one of our good friends from West Jordan Kyle) drag racer. The sunset was gorgeous and the moonrise was awesome! Anyway, this is the car and what I've been working on today. Hopefully Kyle likes them - I think they turned out pretty cool.

 

I had kind of a tough day Tuesday. Our car has been on the fritz and I planned to take a photo class in Smithfield. I made it to catch the bus on campus and thought I was in good shape. Then I got off the bus about 8 miles too soon. I had the idea that I could walk the rest of the way, but I went about a block (and Smithfield blocks are huge) in mid-calf-high snow - to the point where my feet were practically numb. I then sat inside the Firehouse Pizzeria until a cab came and took me home. The moral of the story is...well, I guess when one roadblock gets in your way you should keep trying, but if you're so far behind and can't make it maybe you shouldn't have started in the first place. I feel bad that I gave up, but I perhaps should have pieced the signs together in the first place. The car wasn't starting, I had to literally run to catch the bus, and I was a little air-headed when it came to getting off at the wrong stop. But, it saved us some money, and I got to spend a wonderful day with my husband - a blessing in disguise (if a blessing dresses up as a big ball of stress and then dumps a couple feet of snow of my little toesies).

It was an adventure and I learned a lot about the Cache Valley bus system. At least I got to watch the "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" while wrapped up in the blanket with my love. I'll be more aware next time - Smithfield is bigger than I originally thought. Buses are fun, but I'll do more research in the future. And I can always look back and laugh, I'm silly sometimes.
Thanks to Matt, mom and dad for putting up with emotional, sometimes helpless, me! Love you guys!

Christmas Tree Time

Our Christmas tree is up! I'm so excited - I wanted to put it up the week before Thanksgiving, but Matt was having none of that. So we waited until he had somewhat of a break from his busy schedule to decorate together! We both pitched in on the popcorn garland, and each ornament has a special meeaning to us. Matt got me the Precious Moments "First Christmas Together" last year, the little Hawaiian dancers are from by brother Talin and his wife Jen (from their honeymoon in Hawaii), mom gave us the cute penguin - and the Utah State one is obvious. I love our Christmas tree, it's so us.

 

Little preview of Kyle as Santa!

Finished!

Hey, Tasha! I'm done! I had such a fun time with this pregnancy shoot - and they are some of my favorite pictures that I've taken!

We've had an eventful day - I went out to the parking lot so I could go to the courthouse to get my ticket warning dismissed and the car wouldn't start. Grrr! Apparently it has something to do with the butt-cold weather we have here in Logan - so we picked up some "Heet" to see if we can get it started. I got the ticket taken care of, without paying any money - yay for that. Now we just have to decide what we want for dinner - not that you could cook anything in our cyclone-hit kitchen.

Anyway, our Christmas tree is up - I'll be getting those pics on as soon as I can. Have a great Monday!

When you get it...

it's awesome! I took pictures of my grandparents a few weeks ago and they have been so patient with Tal and I - we've been preparing Christmas cards for them. I have to say that my favorite thing about photography is catching those little moments - the ones that you don't usually see, but when you get it, man it's cool. I think this is one of those.

Matt and I went to a band concert tonight and had such a blast! We went to take pictures of Kyle all dressed up - and he also became Santa at the end of the concert - it was great! Pictures to come!

Real Women Have Baby Bumps

While editing Tasha's pregnancy pics I find that everyone I edit becomes my new favorite! The lighting was awesome, the subjects are beautiful! Man, I can't stand how excited I am about these. A few more - mostly for me!

New Fav!

Now I'm going to bed.

The Aggies Beat the Cougars!

Oh, sweet revenge! I love it! After years of avoiding the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum in Logan, Utah, Dave Rose's fears came true tonight! Although the Ags took a back seat during the first half, the life was back in the second! They took the win 71-61! Congrats to our guys. Take that Max Hall!

And it's nice to have this guys back from injury - Pooh Williams!

I'm also officially booked for three weddings this Spring! Can't wait!

Tasha Pregnancy Sneak Peek!

I had such a fun time on my first pregnancy shoot! The Mayfield family is so awesome. I've known Tasha for about 14 years or so - we danced together! It was so fun to be able to catch up and get to know her husband, Justin and their adorable daughter, LaShay. My amazing aunts and uber-suportive mom, dad and sister helped me get together my first studio set - complete with black, white and patterned backdrops. We only used the black and white with the Mayfields - their house is so beautiful it needed to be in the pictures! So here are a few to get you started and I'll be back soon with more!

After the shoot I headed to mom & dad's to rest - I was up early to make the trip down there. I got to hang out with Allie and her boyfriend Casey. Then we made our way to the Great Salt Lake to take some photos of our friend Kyle's car - so he can surprise his dad with a cool Christmas present! On the way dad's car had a little melt down and we ended up on the side of the road, with hazards on waiting for a tow truck. Luckily we had Kyle's car as well - so we all jumped in and didn't let the incident dampen our picture quest. There was a fabulous sunset and an even better moon-rise!

Allie & Casey are silly!

So, good things do come from tow trucks and lots of good company! It's December - have a wonderful week!