Happy New Year!!!!!

I've never been a huge fanatic about bringing in the New Year, but since my anniversary is New Year's Day I have started to get a little more excited. Tomorrow is Jacob and I's 2 year anniversary. I have such a loving husband and I great marriage. I am so thankful. 

There was a ton that happened in 2010. 

In March I went to nationals with some of the best girls I know.... the girls of OC cheer. I love them so much.

 In April, I watched my amazing husband graduate from college.

 Mindi and Valon got married in the summer. 

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We went to Honduras!!!!!!!!!

Some of our best friends left for New Zealand =( ** Miss them all the time** 

In October we found out that I was expecting a baby!!! 

I got an adorable nephew in November. 

And in December I graduated from college!! 

2011-BRING IT ON!!!

2nd Anniversary

Right now Jacob and I are in Eureka Springs relaxing and enjoying spending time together. Tomorrow we head to Branson for one more day of fun. I love that two years has gone by and it feels like we still just met. Here is my favorite picture so far:

Yep, love that man.

My One and Only Rant

Ok, I promise this is my one and only rant that I will ever have on this blog. So here it goes:

This morning we were in class and we were talking about equality of men and women. One of the guys in my class decided to make the comment on how women should pay for dates. For whatever reason, this totally made me upset. Why, you may ask? Because where are all the gentlemen? I promise there use to be some. Where are the men that hold doors open for women, ESPECIALLY when they are carrying heavy boxes? Where are the men that actually have the nerve to go up to a women and ask them on a date? I dont know about you, but in my household you were taught to be a gentlemen. The man opens the door for any woman, they ask the girls out on dates instead of waiting for the girl to ask them, they pay for the dates, and so on. Now we have men who feel that the girl needs to ask them out, the girl needs to pay, the girl needs to plan everything.... that is so sad to me. Men and women are made differently, GIRLS want to be swooned, we want to be shown respect, we want you to show us you care for us. Boys (if they are real men) usually dont care too much about being swooned. Does this mean I dont do things for my husband? Of course not, but at the same time its a different type of swooning. The men in my life have always wanted to make the girl feel special, they have wanted to do all the things that make girls giddy, they have wanted to just be gentlemen; so I am just not understanding where it all went downhill.

SO as I am ranting, my husband (wanting to give the boys some edge as well) also made a very convincing argument. Girls are the ones that are killing this chivalry. He made some good points. Men that do hold doors open for girls either get rude comments or they dont even get a comment at all, a simple "thank you" would suffice. Also, some girls act almost appalled when the guy tries to buy their dinner... girls ok we freakin getting it.. you are independent, you can do things on your own, you can pay for your own dinner, that is NOT the point. The point is the guy is taking you out and wants to prove they can support you and they are trying to be gentlemen and you are slowly killing off all chivalry that is left in this world. (ok do not take me too far, if you and your bf have been dating for a while and you want to pay for a dinner by all means be my guest, but I am talking about people first dating). And it kills me when girls are this way, but then they rant about how guys aren't gentlemen anymore, well hello? Would you go out of your way to do stuff for a person who blows you off and act like you don't exist? I highly doubt it.

So the point I am trying to make is. Girls- if a guy is being a gentlemen, smile at them, say thank you, ENCOURAGE it! Boys- learn how to be men and be chivalrous. =)

That is all. Thank you for listening.

Things to be Thankful for...

So everyone keeps making thankful posts. Here is my list of things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving:

1. I am having a baby. =) yes I am ten weeks along now and cant wait!

2. I became an aunt last Thursday. He is absolutely precious and beautiful. His name is Eli. I love him more than anything.

3. Family- I have an amazing family. YES they drive me nuts, YES they get into my business, and YES i love them anyway. I am also blessed to have an amazing family-in-law. Most people complain about their in-laws, but I can truly tell you that I am blessed with ones that love me like I am their own daughter.

4. Friends- sort of my second family. I have friends that have stuck by me through everything. They are loyal and know when to come in and try to cheer me up. 

5. My husband- The love of my life. He takes care of me, knows how to cheer me up, knows how to make me laugh, and loves me for me!

6. My Cheer Squad- They are so great this year and have such good attitudes. I am very blessed to have become friends with these beautiful women.

7. My Job- I love working at Memorial Road Church of Christ. I love the people there and the atmosphere. It isn't stressful and my co-workers have become my friends/family.

Those are just a few things I am thankful for. Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving.

Some of My Favorite Subjects

Today I had the privilege of shooting some of my favorite people again. Sean and Alyssa are just an adorable couple who love each other so very much. Cant wait to take some engagement pictures of them!!

Thanksgiving

A friend of mine, Taylor Ketchum, did posts once about people who are really important in her life. I think I will update with a couple of people who have influenced my life in many ways for the next few days leading up to Thanksgiving... Enjoy =).

Tabby Hasley

Has been my best friend for 7 and a half years

She will always be a huge part of my life

She has been with me through thick and thin

She has always loved me unconditionally

She has been honest with me when I didnt want her to be and has always had my back

I love her more than words can describe and would not be the person I am today without her

I hope when we are 70 we are the old ladies at the ball games with matching sweaters

Jacob Bailey

My amazing husband

January 1, 2011 will be our two year anniversary

It still feels like we just met and everyday my love for him grows stronger

He is handsome, loving, and smart

He puts up with all my crazy quirks and knows how to handle all my mood swings

He is the love of my life, my soul mate, my friend

He corrects me when I am doing something wrong, but never makes me feel stupid

He laughs at my jokes, hugs me when I cry, and listens to my problems

I dont know what I would do without him

joy swensen photography





Deanna's Maternity Pictures

Here is a sneak peek of the maternity pictures I did of Deanna. She is beautiful and the baby is due November 22. So excited.

Sean and Alyssa

This summer Sean and Alyssa celebrated their 2 year "dating" anniversary. They are precious and love each other so much. They really were made for each other. Here are some pictures of them:

Love them. They are so precious. Get married already ;)