Lately I have been thinking a lot about how much my family means to me, and how I wouldn't be where I am, or who I am today, without them. I have been through some pretty heavy stuff and some really rocky times in my life, and they have always been there for me, to pick me up and help me through it all. My addiction battle started when I was 19 years old. I was just barely out of high school and my boyfriend (and later fiance) was using and I ended up trying Meth (let the record state that I in no way, shape or form, blame anything on him) I was instantly addicted. All it took was that one time, that was it. My whole life changed that day... I started using on a regular basis, and it resulted in me making a whole lot of really BAD decisions. I moved to Scottsdale, AZ with my boyfriend, we got engaged, got our own place, and for the most part, I thought we were happy and we seemed to have it all. But the more money he made, the more drugs we got, and the deeper in to addiction we fell. He ended up becoming very abusive, and things got very bad. When I finally got to my breaking point, my family was there to help me out. No questions asked... they just came and took me home. It seems like at theis point I should say: Oh, I was so lucky and I realized what was wrong, and decided to change my life... Oh dont I wish!!! Instead I convinced my family and friends that I was better, and I started hanging out with people who weren't good for my sobriety, it took me another 5 years of using, some pretty serious criminal charges and 3 trips to Salt Lake County Jail, before they finally arrested me, and this time, my family who had been there to bail me out in the past... decided maybe I should stay in Jail. Starting September 17th, 2006 I was in SLC Jail for over 45 days, and I still swear up and down, that my family saved my life, by leaving me in there. I was forced to be sober, had 3 meals a day, I was on a schedule, and I had nothing but time to think about all the horrible things I had done... it was my "ROCK BOTTOM" as they call it. Once I finally got sentenced, I was court ordered to complete a rehabilitaion program... let me just say *AMAZING* Davis Behavioral did something to me that I can never thank them enough for. Im not giving them all the credit though. I had to do a lot of work on myself and I had to talk about all the terrible things I had done. It was so hard, but it made me so much stronger. My family was there with me the entire time.
Anyways I am supposed to be blogging, not making this a novel, but I want to thank my amazing family. My Father who has been an inspiration my entire life. He is the kind of father most only dream of, and the kind of man, all boys want to be like.
My mother and my step-father Scott. They have always been there to lend a hand or offer support. My mom has become one of my closest friends in the past 5 years and I am grateful everyday.
...and then there is my sister. My sister is the best friend a person could ever ask for. She is loyal, and honest (even when it hurts). She always thinks of others and she would do anything for anyone. She is sincere and just amazing all over. She is one of the best mothers to my 2 beautiful nieces, and a wonderful wife to her husband. She stood by my side when I thought I was alone. She is and always will be my BFF!!!
Last but not least are my 2 beautiful nieces. They have changed my life in so many ways I dont even know where to begin. I have learned so much about life and patience and strength from these girls. They have verified what I have always wanted, to have a family some day. I am so thankful to have them in my life and to have the opportunity to be in theirs!
So taking photo's is definately my passion. I wish that I could afford to invest some really money into equipment, lighting, backdrops and props. But everything is just so expensive. So I've decided to do what I can when I can. Basically Im gonna keep my eye opens for great deals, drop in to the D.I. every now and then and watch KSL.com for some deals. I know most photographers that have all the cool stuff that I want, probably did it the same way. Anyways I thought I would share a few of my favorite. 
