Free photo session...in exchange for happiness!
Monday, March 22, 2010 
So...I've decided that my photo session hiatus must come to an end. It's been a great break but one good thing must be replaced by another good thing. I've been so intrigued by all of your bliss lists and the things that make you happy. If I have to be honest with myself and be "drawn by the stronger pull of what (I) truly love" it would be taking photos of you. It has been a great break but I miss it so! So to get back into the swing of things, I've decided to give a way a FREE PHOTO SESSION! Yeah! Free! I'm serious...it's all free. There will be no money exchanging hands. I promise! And I'm excited! Session details here.
This photo session will be for either Saturday April 3rd or April 17th. You choose! (For those of you that have already scheduled with me you can keep it on your scheduled day...just put the check book away). The other stipulation is that the session has to be in Utah. Anywhere, in Utah...but in Utah...I live here :).
To enter... leave a comment on this post. Please list 5 things that make you incredibly happy. If you need inspiration check out these bliss lists. (More bliss lists coming soon!) Awesome right! Spread the word!! If you don't need a photo session (who doesn't need a photo session? You could have the coolest Facebook profile photos on the block!!) tell a friend who does! I'll pick a winner Friday, March 26th @ 10am.
I'm ready to hear what makes you blissfully happy!
Reader Comments (45)
Let's see...1. feeling good (not fat) in what I'm wearing; 2. eating molten chocolate cake from Chili's (that doesn't help my #1); my baby's laugh; 3. the first feeling of freedom and knowing I have the rest of the weekend/break to do anything; 4. being warm with a breeze; 5. having a perfect family.
1. Watching my little boys playing outside together and truly enjoying each other's company. 2. Seeing grass, noticing tulips poking out of the ground and not needing a coat. 3. Knowing things like... what is for dinner, where a binky is, that we are sticking to our budget, and I can pray when I need to talk to God. (This is the opposite of stress.) 4. Bedtime stories. 5. My baby's smile when he sees me.
For a free photo sesh?
With one Ms. Jenny?
Just list five things
Worth at least a pretty penny?
You got it. I’m in.
I’ll participate.
But I’ll have to admit,
I’d rather give eight.
“What makes me happy,”
Well there’s too many stories,
But I’ll tell you what,
I’ll break down categories.
First is my “family”
In all iterations,
My wife and my mom,
And my new offspring creation.
I could probably stop there,
But I’ve been too blessed.
“God’s” been and is great,
He’s actually tops on my list.
I also love jokes,
I make myself laugh
More than anyone can.
That’s number three and a half.
Cuz I group that with “talents,”
Not just about me.
I love all of our talents
That allow us to BE.
The penultimate item
That I’ll lyrically mention
Is “opportunities” daily
Which draw our attention.
Chances we’re given
To stand up for beliefs,
To voice our opinions,
And to offer relief.
Because that makes us human.
Which leads to five on my list.
I’m grateful to be here,
I love to “exist.”
We’re here to experience
And live life to its fullest.
Make the most of each day,
From the biggest to dullest.
Jenny’s Bliss Lists
Embody my meaning.
Life’s about living
And loving and dreaming.
So I’m happy to be here,
And thank God for fam damnly,
And thanks for this chance
To show that writing is manly.
I don't know if I'm eligible since I already did a bliss list, so just in case, I'm having Dave enter, too :) Here's my current happiness... 1. Seeing people close to me succeed, 2. Receiving healthy/happy updates on my sick little cousin, 3. Feeling my baby move inside me, 4. I love you's from my husband, 5. Being outdoors when the weather is divine.
P.S. Jenny, you're awesome. And not just 'cause I want to win. You just are.
Lynne...of course you can enter!! Dave can enter separately so that's double the odds! Sweet!
Dave...uh, you might me the coolest person that I know right now! :) Love it!
Wow!! You are so generous!
What makes ME happy: 1) playing legos with my boys 2) going for walks as soon as the weather warms up 3) the UPS man bringing me goodies 4) Skinny Cow Truffle Bars 5) quilting...my current passion
Keeping my fingers and toes all crossed!!! Thanks, Jenny!
wow, i don't think anyone can top that poem.
my bliss factors: 1.) driving with my windows down and a favorite song turned all the way up. 2.) cold, bubbly, fountain coke. 3.) hugs from my mom & dad. seriously, they should run a hug clinic and teach people how to give amazing hugs. 4.) new music tuesday on itunes when you have a $50 giftcard. 5.) approval, in all shapes and forms.
Wow! I hope I win! Things I love, besides getting my picture taken....
1. Getting in my car after school and feeling the warmth from the sun.
2. 25 third graders auditioning for our class play.
3. Coming home to clean laundry, courtesy of my husband.
4. Family dinners on Sundays at my parents house.
5. Baby girls in church with flower headbands.
1. Waking up to birds chirping outside the bedroom window
2. The smell of freshly cut grass
3. The smell of old books
4. Summer morning jogs
5. New shoes
6. Realizing that there is nothing that needs to be done (no pending deadlines, homework, etc.)
7. Gardens
8. Evening walks holding the hand of your sweetheart
9. The feeling where you know that you just got the job/grade/etc. that you worked so hard for
10. Baby smiles
1. hikes to hidden waterfalls (so many to choose from in Utah)
2. Being up a few minutes before everyone else to listen to my thoughts
3. Dairy Queen icecream with my honeys
4. Candles burning in a clean house
5. receiving handwritten notes and letters
I'm loving 1. the sun shining outside 2. my baby kicking in my tummy 3. my little boy yelling "Mommy" at me from his bed to get him up from his nap 4. fresh baked gooey brownies and 5. hgtv "color splash"
you are so kind to get away a session!
Here are the 5 things that make me INCREDIBLY HAPPY:
1. Date nights with my husband, they are few and far between since we're so buys so, going out= INCREDIBLE HAPPINESS!
2. Sleeping in when I think I'm going to have to get up for something/someone, and then realizing that I don't. :)
3. Live Flowers. All kinds, tulips, roses, hydrangeas, daisies, it doesn't matter, seeing them I can't help but smile.
4. Hugs and kisses from my children.
5. Meaningful snail mail. Since email, I hardly get letters/cards in the regular mail box, so when they DO come, it is my favorite!
So, I heard about this free photo session on my friend, Kenna's, blog. I think she might just be your biggest fan. I can see why. But on to my 5 things that make me happy:
1. Thursday nights when I get to see my husband ( he works 3 hours away and I only get to see him on the weekends)
2. BBQ's on summer nights with friends
3. Tickling and laughing with my daughter and husband
4. Knowing that I am almost done with school and can start making money instead of paying it
5. eating ice cream while sitting on the heater vent
You are so sweet for giving away a photo session! So many things make me happy but I am sure I can think of the 5 best!!!
1. Being pregnant with these twin girls and feeling them move around and even though I am miserable at times I love it and it makes me so happy to be pregnant.
2. Being with my family camping in the nice warm weather. ( Hopefully it will warm up faster)
3. The snow melting and watching the birds chirping outside knowing that spring is jsut around the corner, and I can finally work in the yard.
4. When my kids tell me they love me and give me kisses and hugs.
5. A nice clean house, my day always starts out happy if the house is clean!!
Thanks Jenny!!
Jenny,
(My top five) well at least right now! lol
~My AMAZING Family and Friends who love and support me through the “thick of it”.
~The Saviors blessing of atonement …
~Sand between my toes on a warm and sunny beach!
~Babies…boys, girls, puppies, colts, calves, lambs…
Last the best of all the game… :)
~When my husband aka (my best friend, my soul mate, and my love) looks at me and says I love you, even after almost five years of an almost all “uphill” marriage. This is for you honey! I love you with all of my heart, and I look forward to all the years ahead of the ups, the downs and the flat out coastin together!
:) Thanks Jenny!!! My fav is the first post!!! How fun is that!?
Who wouldn't want a photo shoot. And besides I see all the amazing stuff you do, I think I need on too!
5 things I LOVE
-warm weather, sunny, beautiful, sit outside and chat with friends warm weather
-CHOCOLATE, mmmm, could use some right now!
-my family!
-traveling, anywhere really, love it...but mostly the beach where it is warm
-a clean house that I didn't clean, ahh bliss!
WOW Bliss!! You gotta Love bliss!! Here we go!
1. my baby girl Lydia
2. my hot hubby Tyler
3. chocolate....everything is better once you have had some chocolate!! :)
4. Sunshine
5. LOVE
P.S. I have secretly been blog stalking you...EEEK I love your work!!
Ooh, I love reading all these mini-bliss lists! They make me so happy! My list of five things right now would be:
1. Eating and enjoying good food - I hope I never take it for granted again! And speaking of which, let's reschedule our lunch date. Let me know when would be a good time.
2. Sunshine while I'm driving home from work. There's something about driving home when it's still bright outside that does wonders for my sanity. It's even better when it's warm enough to roll the windows down. Sigh. Love it.
3. My cute "kids" asking me how big my baby is this week. I love how much they care.
4. Giggling because of something that Scott has said or done. Oh I love how much he makes me laugh. And I love that he lets me giggle at him without getting angry.
5. Playing the piano on a Sunday afternoon just 'cause I feel like it.
1. My wonderful husband who loves me unconditionally.
2. my two handsome boys that came to us through amazing birthmom's.
3. Finding Jeans that fit, look fabulous and most of all are comfortable.
4. Having read the BOM for 22 straight days, on my way to finishing it in 90 days.
5. Spring weather.
Your pictures are amazing!
My bliss list:
1. Endless projects that challenge my creativity and make me better!
2. Eating out and trying new places.
3. Taking pictures and getting GREAT pictures of people.
4. A great chat with an old friend.
5. Staying up late, talking to my husband about everything and nothing at the same time.
I have been inspired to visit your blog because of McKenna. I love your work, and I wish I had your talent. My bliss list varies all the time depending on my mood but today this is it:
1-Anything to do with the beach. The waves, the sand, the air, and especially dipping my toes in the beautiful ocean.
2-The way my two-year-old looks while she sleeps in my arms.
3-A gentle embrace from my hubba.
4-Sitting on my porch on a warm spring-like day at the end of winter bathing in the sunlight.
5-Souvenirs from around the world.
1. Laying in the dark snuggling under a blanket with my hubby and just enjoying the silence.
2. Long hot showers.
3. Green Grass, a blanket, and a pond full of ducks.
4. Holding Hands... everywhere.
5. When I buy something and find out as I'm paying that it was on sale.
You don't me, but I found a link to this post & had to comment because we are in desperate need of a photoshoot!
You are so thoughtful & generous to be doing this.
5 things I LOVE:
1. being in the mountains at the lake with nobody around but my hubby & daughter
2. my daughter's happy face when I get her out of her crib in the morning
3. a hot bath with no interuptions
4. seeing people treat others with kindness
5. midnight runs to get snacks
Here it goes:
1. Hearing my twins play "house" together. She is the very in charge mom and he is the nice dad. I wonder where they get it from?
2. Seeing Casey without his brace on. He is making progress . . .
3. Cade's hugs before he leaves for school.
4. Zach always wiping off the kisses I give him.
5. Seeing my little family gathered around at family night.
So.... about this whole have to live in Utah thing.... I don't like it. So I will just pretend that I live in Utah and enter anyway... okay?
1) My new super cute baby boy Benton
2) Benton's Mohawk
3) The way Dallin holds and looks at Benton
4) The faces Benton makes when he is asleep
5) Sleeping on my stomach :)
Hey, speaking of this cute Benton, you should come met him. He is super cute :)
Ohh this may be a wonderful thing... I have been postponing pictures for a while because of tight finances :)
5 Things I am thankful for:
1. My wonderful family
2. My husband working so hard so I can spend as much time at home with my little one and go back to school to finish my education
3. School, I love knowledge
4. Surviving (being a mom, working part time, and school full time is hard)
5. Living everyday to the fullest; though life bogs me down at times I think its important to live everyday to the fullest :)
A friend of mine told me to do this, and I have had to think about it alot. Tomorrow should have been the due date of our son, Deke, but he was born very early the end of 2009. Deke makes the 4th child we have burried. So as I think about this it takes a lot of effort........
1. The knowldge of Forever
2. The sound of Justin, my Husband, and Shayli, our only living daughter, laughing, and saying over and over again. "I love you more, more, more, more, more...."
3. The smell of rain.
4. The wormth of the sun on my face.
5. last but not the least, Snuggle time with Daddy and Shayli-Bug...
1) happy family
2) skittles, the purple bag
3) getting everything done on my to-do list in the day!
4) surprising someone
5) cuddling up on the couch to watch a good reality tv show (I admit, I am a junkie)
Your work is amazing! I hope I win!
I have been wanting to get family photos since, um....last April! So here goes
**Chubby little baby feet**
**freshly cut lawn smell**
**big blue eyes** I'm sucker for those things!
**babies with red hair**
**Knowing that my baby only has 2 chemotherapy treatments left** aaaahhhh I can't wait, this makes me happy more than anything!
1. Watching first graders progress during a school year. Very empowering
2. A soldier coming back from war safely.
3. The smell of Johnson & Johnson baby lotion - even better a freshly bathed baby doused in the lotion
4. My children
5. My husban
Well, I can't compete with the outrageously long poem, but here are my "5" things.
1. Throwing a football with my 5 (soon to be 6) year old son, Holden.
2. Kisses on the cheek from my 7 year old daughter, Kenzie.
3. Giggles and speedy crawling from my 1 year old, Dash.
4. Cuddling on the couch with my wife while watching a good movie.
5. When my kids exclaim, "Today has been the best day ever!"
While I am not as creative as the poem-writer, I would LOVE love love a free session with one of the most talented photographers I've seen! Especially with an engagement coming up. ;) But enough with the brown-nosing.
1. Hoping every day to fall in love, some way, some how - and it actually happening.
2. Falling hard and fast for the love of my life, Leo.
3. The weather being warm enough to wear sandals, and better yet - shorts!
4. The smell of dryer sheets.
5. BYU beating Utah in any sport. Go Cougars!
5 things that make me happy :)
1. My kids helping each other and not fighting
2. Lots and lots of sunshine
3. Bright, beautiful flowers
4. The smell of fresh cut grass
5. Being outside, reading a really good book while the sun is setting...awwww
Hey Jenny I absolutely LOVE looking at your blog!! I don't usually do these kind of things because I have NO luck in winning anything but here it goes anyways......
1. Spending time with my husband and three boys. It doesn't matter what we are doing just as long as we are together!!
2. The warmth of the sunshine hitting my face and watching my boys play outside! ( I can't wait for my baby to play on the grass for the first time this year, YEAH!!)
3. Camping up our wonderful Sanpete mountains, I absolutely love the outdoors!
4. The craziness of 8 year old twin boys and a 10 month old baby boy! It might sound weird but I don't know how my life would be without them! They are all miracle babies and bring so much happiness to me each and every day!
5. Last but not least my PEPSI.........I feel so refreshed everytime I have one!
Thank you Jenny for alowing me to share the things that make me happy!! Even if I don't win (but I would still LOVE to win) I really need a photo session for my family! My baby will be turning 1 and we don't have any professional pictures done with him and the family!
Bliss list (for today)
1. Seeing my 6-year old on the roof of his elementary school throwing candy at his class-mates (he was the top fund-raiser seller in Kindergarten and that was the prize...don't worry he only sold $50 worth of chocolate).
2. Seeing my daughter blow in and out of her harmonica with her princess sunglasses on.
3. Knowing I'm going to be in Arches this weekend :-)
4. I'm thankful for good health and the health of my family.
5. Silly kids who take their time putting their clean underwear on in the morning...let's just say "streakers!"
6. Cool people like Kenna who referred me to your blog to enter this giveaway!
Things that make me happy.
1- Being able to go to work and know that I can help someone in need. (I am a nurse)
2- My little boy, who is the miracle we thought we would never have
3-Being able to live in little old Sanpete Valley to raise my son
4-My wonderful husband and all he does for me
5-Being in the warm sunshine while watching my son play, eating something sweet.
1. New Car Smell
2. Watching wildlife in its natural environment
3. Imagining what dogs are thinking in their heads
4. Enjoying a good date with good food with my wife
5. Baseball game on a summer evening
1- Be with the love of my life Jackie right now
2- Seeing Brazil win the 2014 world cup
3- Go on a trip with Jackie to Europe.
4-Be the lucky one to receive this photo shot giveaway
5-Live in Massachusetts
What an awesome way to share your incredible talent!! My daughter is almost a year old and the last time we got professional family pics she was in my tummy! Five things that make me happy are:
1. Getting to catch up with old friends
2. Having my husband home over the weekend
3. Teaching primary
4. Sunny days that aren't too hot
5. Looking over pictures of my wedding
1. My birthday
2. Holding my little one
3. Tickling my niece
4. Spending my summers in Vietnam
5. Discovering new local restaurants.
1. Being a Grandma!
2. Exercising
3. Going back to the beach
4. The newest Pride and Prejudice movie
5. Sleeping in
1. Chocolate Milk
2. My wife
3. Getting into med school
4. Sleep
5. All things lumberjack
1. French toast!
2. Catching up with my Dad
3. Playing Volleyball with my husband
4. Watching Animal Planet
5. Girls night with my Sisters.
husbands are allowed? might as well double our chances...
1. the wife
2. training for a tri
3. my wife training for a 1/2 marathon
4. pancakes
5. foot rubs
Ooh! Just in time!! Some of the things that make me happiest in my life are 1. Having all my children happily married 2. Playing with my wild yet mild grandchildren. 3. Taking pictures! Tons and tons of pictures 4. Sports, especially softball. 5. Meals around the dinner table.