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You know how you get a job? You have experience. It does not matter how much school you have, if someone else is applying for that same job and has more experience than you do, they will get it.

Here is the cliche' for life. That you have to graduate high school, you have to go to a university, get student loans, get a 4 year degree at the least and then get a high paying job. And if you don't do that, you aren't ever going to be successful in your life. Period.
That somehow doing a job you hate, but getting a good paycheck will make your life the best.
What happened to going after what you want? What happen to just doing the hard work for a few years to get that job where you no longer have to work because you love what you do?

I am making more right now than most 22 year olds, and I don't have single dime of debt. And they're probably going to a job they hate just to get a pay check they "thought" they'd like. While I'm doing what I've always loved, having a job I enjoy waking up to and I actually get excited about!

I've done a lot of thinking. I feel like I completely wasted 3 years of my life, because I went to college. Yes. I feel it was wasted. I got an Associates Degree, which means nothing. That is the truth. It doesn't mean anything. In fact, if you ask my dad, it means I started something and I decided not to finish. And he's right.

Which is why I'm writing this. If you have something you love, something you have a passion for, make money off it. Start a business making those cute planners you love, go cook in your favorite restaurant because you love cooking! Or, like me, if you love taking pictures of beautiful people, start a business!
I have learned more about business by starting my own the past year, than I did MAJORING in Business. Because I have experience in it!

College doesn't guarantee success.

So I'm here to tell you go get your experience, rather than going to school and listening to others' experiences. It will be hard. It will be difficult. Heck, you may have to go and intern for a year and not get paid!!! But, I promise you will be able to do what you love for it.

9 Amazing Months

We're living in Idaho Falls in the City; I have a successful photography business, Jacob's enjoying welding school, and we are still debt-free!!! Our lives couldn't be more perfect. We've still been having trials, such as Jacob's car completely dying on us and having to buy a new one with our savings, but I really love this life. I get to spend time with my husband and clean a cute apartment and photograph beautiful people. So much is in store and I can't wait for the adventures to come. I love you Jacob Jesse Peterson. Happy (late) 9 month Anniversary. Thank you for your hard work and love you show my every day. You're the best!!!

Latest Obsessions

I have so many obsessions lately! I guess being in our first real place will do that to me. But here’s just a few from this past month.

Vanilla Carmel Spice

I’ve tried a quite a few of these, and this one is by far my favorite. I’ve had so many compliments on how our apartment smells, not to mention the fact that our kitchen actually smells good now. It’s the perfect fall scent that makes you want to cuddle up all day. So I may not be as productive when I have this in, but hey, the house smells great! I definitely recommend this one for your Scentsy Warmer. It’s only $2 at Wal-Mart!

Roses

Jacob got me these just last week and I love them! The other night Jake and I were talking and he brought up the point that he never knew that I ever wanted flowers or roses until I actually told him I did! Haha. I guess I find it funny that he still doesn’t know what to get me for Christmas and I literally have all his presents, which he has already opened, and used, all of them. Haha. That’s usually how Christmas goes for us though.

Our Office

There’s definitely something about having your own space. Being able to have an area dedicated to my business makes things go so much smoother. I’m getting things done faster and am more productive during the day. One of my favorite parts is this wall. I love that Jacob has a talent with music, and I guess this wall just means a lot to me. It’s artsy, yet classy.

JayCee Photography

I love my business! I’m so thankful I have my dad’s genes. My dad has always had that entrepreneur spirit in him. He likes things done his way and to his expectation every time. He loves being his own boss. And I am just like him in that aspect! It can be a struggle, and it is hard work. But I love what I do, which makes everything work out. Recently I got this planner from Passions Planner and I love it!!! I love that it has half hour slots for the whole day, each day! This makes it absolutely perfect for my photography business. You can get one at this link. Did I mention they’re only $25?!? Such a great deal!

Jacob Jesse Peterson

Jacob and I were able to do a couple session with the talented Alyssa at ALC Photo and Design and this was our sneak. I loved it the moment I saw it on Instagram. And I was so thankful to my husband for letting us do another couple shoot. Jacob hates photos. (And he married a photographer…?) I knew this wasn’t something he was thrilled about, but he still did it, which I appreciated. I love him to death, and I couldn’t ask for anyone better to spend eternity with.

Seriously.

Since the move to Idaho I've been really struggling with my business. There are so many photographers here, including the college kids who are trying to get into photography. I was there once, I understand building a portfolio. But now many people do not value photography, because that's what the photographers here have taught them. That you can have a 2 hour session with unlimited locations and outfits and 100+ images all for $20! And I'm really struggling with because that's what everyone is expecting to get when they inquire.

It's taken me years to get to where I'm at. I owned a DLSR when I was 14 and I used it quite a bit, (still own it actually). But my equipment has upgraded, I have invested in multiple classes and workshops to better my skills and I have had enough experience with each of the sessions I specialize in.

So I've decided it's time for a change. If I want to be recognized as a real business, I have to start acting like one. I have to get ready every morning as if I'm going to meet a client. I need a real website just like any other company. If I want to be full-time, I need a plan on how I will make a profit to actually pay all my bills and business expenses.

If I want to be taken seriously, I need to take myself seriously.

I'm so excited for all the amazing things in store for JayCee Photography. Be prepared world. This girl's going after what she wants and nothing can stop her. :)

First Apartment

Moving went a million times smoother than I thought it would. After adjusting dates and looking at multiple moving trucks, we went with Budget because it was the cheapest, and they gave us the option of a 10' and 16' truck for the exact same price. So a 16' it was and we completely filled it! Haha.

When we went to return the truck we found out that most Governors kick in at 65mph and Jake's was kicking in at 75mph! I'm sure it wasn't the safest thing in the world, but we were able to get to our apartment at a decent time where friends could help us unload. Major blessing.
Can I just say right now how expensive moving is? Golly gee! But hey, we're here, it's over with, and we shouldn't have to do it for another 2 years. :)
Our apartment is literally the cutest thing ever! The kitchen is older looking. But the carpet and paint are less than a year old. I was super nervous being the clean freak that I am, but I actually love the place so much.
(Sorry for the horrible quality of photos. I am terrible with indoor lighting and majority of our curtains are broken.)

The front door opens to our huge living room. We have one couch that sits two people. Jake and I can't really cuddle on it because there's cup holders in the center. Haha. But it fits perfectly into the room.

The kitchen is attached to the living room. Our table takes up quite a bit of room, but we make it work.

I absolutely LOVE all our photos and cute quotes throughout the apartment. I got all mine from my wedding besides the canvas. They have been waiting over 8 months to be hung! They seriously make our apartment a home.

Our laundry room is darling! I love having a washer and dryer. (Did I mention we only paid $150 for both of them???!!) The cabinets right above make life so much easier. Definitely having those in our future home.

The office is probably my favorite room. Maybe the fact that I have my own space, or the fact that Jake put photos of us all over his desk. I'm not sure. I just know that I love it. :)

The bedroom is spacious. I'm trying to figure out what to do with the negative space, but I'm not quite sure.

Our bedding was $40 at Ross! We bought it literally a year ago, but the colors go wonderfully for the rest of the house.

Here's a few miscellaneous details throughout the house that I love.

 And here goes honesty hour.

Since the move I have missed Taz like crazy! Jake has been busy with friends and school things the past week, and I always think of Taz when I'm alone. I'll hear noises in the house and tell myself it's just the cat, and then I realize we don't have a cat. Haha. But I sure do miss him..

So obviously one day I will need a cat, but for now I with stick it out with just me and my wonderful husband. Life is good!!!

Here We Come

Packing is finally coming along! But you probably wouldn't think it if you saw our room right now. We have the majority of stuff packed, while miscellaneous items remain on our bedroom floor. We officially have a moving truck reserved and an apartment ready for us. It's a super cute two bedroom apartment with freshly painted walls and new carpet. (Happy wife!) We also have a two car garage! Jacob is pretty stoked about that one. Best of all, the apartment manager is also LDS! The price was one that couldn't be beat so we are completely blessed to have gotten this steal! 

We pick up the moving truck on Tuesday (that's in 4 days!!!) at 8:00am and we'll be leaving promptly after it's packed. As much as this move was a little spontaneous, I think it'll all work out. Just hoping and praying that my photography business can pay the bills. :)

Idaho... We'll see you soon.

22 Before 23

With the change of plans of us heading to Idaho, I decided it was a great time to update some goals! I have so much I want to accomplish within the next couple years before we have kids. So here's my 22 before 23 and I'm stoked to check these things off! :)

1. Get my work published 5 different times

2.  Learn to enjoy the small things

3. Follow a budget to a T for at least 1 month

4. Take care of myself and my husband

5. Only own things I love

6. Write 50 pages of my book

7. Try 12 new recipes

8. Get offered a job on the spot

9. Master Crock Pot meals

10. Go another year debt free

11. Shoot a wedding out of state (i.e. Not Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, or Utah.)

12. Stress less

13. Print 2 albums for my family

14. Take a vacation with just Jacob and I

15. Go to two photography conferences or workshops

16. Reach 100 followers on my blog

17. Have 52 sessions within 2015

18. Spend more time in the here and now

19. Do a DIY for our apartment

20. Practice gratitude on a daily basis

21. Have a saving account that will last 6 months if needed

22. Earn over $2,000 in one month (My income only)

Comfort Zones May Be Beautiful...

I sat in my Grandparents' massage chair enjoying my day off when I got a call from Jacob. Eastern Idaho Technical College had an opening he could fill, but he needed to give them an answer within almost 24 hours. I didn't really stress at that moment because I thought we were both set on going to Torrington. But then he said, "I think this is something we should really pray about."
Of course I didn't want to pray about it. Jake was registered at Torrington, had his schedule set, FASFA was done, and we were beginning to look for apartments. I didn't feel like it was even something to think about! We needed a NEW place. Somewhere we could become independent and stand alone.
I won't lie. I came upstairs bawling to my dad asking him what in the world to do. Now, my dad is extremely wise. He doesn't always say things in the nicest and sweetest way possible, but, he is wise.
As I talked to him he reminded me that I don't always have to go to the Lord because sometimes it doesn't matter. Such as your cereal in the morning. But, he did say that both places will have learning experiences. Which I agreed with. But I already knew Jacob was set on Idaho. And as I talked to Jacob, I made an effort to explain if he were to decide Idaho, it should be for the school and nothing else. The gospel, our marriage, and his education would need to be the top priorities.
So, we are moving to Idaho. I'll full heartedly say not by choice, because I am ready for us to be away from everyone, including my family. I believe it's extremely important for newlyweds to get away from comfort zones. It's a struggle, I know it is, but it helps you rely on one another. And truth be told, comfort zones get you no where. And Idaho happens to be a comfort zone for both of us.

I might as well give a little lecture now. Please, please, please get out of your comfort zone. I'm an extreme introvert and I started my own Photography business! I have to talk to clients daily and interact with them, which is honestly something I still struggle with today. But after all my hard work and busting my butt I can honestly say I am so glad I got out of my comfort zone! Let's be honest though. Comfort zones are beautiful. But there isn't any growth. You stand still.

We will be moving to Idaho Falls August 13th and be leaving in two years when he gets his Welding license. Hopefully this time everything will go according to plan. :)

In other news, Jacob and I got back from New Mexico last week and it was a blast! I loved seeing my sister and brother-in-law. We were even able to work at their firework stand and in White City! After working Construction, almost anything else is pretty easy. So that was nice. :) We are Sunday School teachers for the 5 and 6 year olds. They are hilarious and I actually really enjoy it. And they do too, as long as I bring snacks. :)

ASK YOUR HUSBAND

Recently I've seen multiple posts on Facebook about asking your toddler a list of questions without any promoting. The answers are pretty hilarious, but since I don't have a toddler, I decided to ask my husband. His answers are just as funny.

1. What is something your wife always says to you?

"Stop." .... "Jacob!"

2. What makes your wife happy?

Her Photography. Facebook.

3. What makes your wife sad?

Sad things. Sad Movies.

4. How does your wife make you laugh?

Just being herself. 

5. What was your wife like as a child?

Crazy.

6. How old is your wife?

She's 21.

7. How tall is your wife?

5'4...5'5. 

8. What is her favorite thing to do?

Take pictures. Photography. Facebook.

9. What does your wife do when you're not around?

Facebook. 

10.If your wife becomes famous, what will it be for?

Photography.

11. What is your wife really good at?

Photography. Mowing lawns. Cooking. Cleaning. Being amazing. Making Love.

12. What is your wife not very good at?

I can't think of anything... Skateboarding.

13. What does your wife do for a job?

Construction. Slave labor. Photography.

14. What is your wife's favorite food?

Chicken Alfredo, or Chipotle.

15. What makes you proud of your wife?

Her. Everything she does.

16. If your wife were a character, who would she be?

Juno.

17.What do you and your wife do together?

Work. Eat. Sleep. Shopping.

18. How are you and your wife the same?

We're both human. We both have a pulse. We both love each other.

19. How are you and your wife different?

She's a girl, I'm a guy.

20. How do you know your wife loves you?

She hasn't killed me yet... She makes me lunch. She holds me. She kisses me. 

21. What does your wife like most about you?

*laughs* I don't know... That's a great questions. Not my money. My voice maybe.

22. Where is your wife's favorite place to go?

Chipotle and Plato's. And the pet store in the Mall.

He cracks me up! 

MEET TAZ AND STRUMMER

The cutest, sweetest, and most insane cat you'll ever meet. Sadly, I can't say he's mine. My mom had been wanting a mouser for awhile, and since Jacob Ross had a friend who was giving away free kittens, we got this hot shot. My parents had a crazy and playful cat when they were first married named Taz. And since the kitten reminded them so much of him, they decided Taz would fit him well.

Now let me tell you something. My dad has been spoiling this cat to no end. Neither of my parents are huge indoor animal lovers, but Taz has slept in their bed every night since we got him. But hey, I'm not complaining. I enjoy getting some animal time since I know Jake and I won't be able to get a dog or cat anytime soon.

And then there's Strummer! While we were in Idaho, Jake spotted a good deal on Craigslist. It's a 1999 Saturn SL. It's got less than 93,000 miles on it and gets 35mpg on the highway! Did I mention we only paid $1,340? It's not a looker, but I have loved having a great gas milage car again. But now we have two cars which mean two insurances. (Bleh.) Depending on what job I get in Torrington, we may be selling the Durango, but for now,

we'll keep it.

In other news, I had to say goodbye to two good friends. Laura and Jarrett came into Cheyenne for two weeks to work for Ross Construction. I was gone at a family reunion part of the time, but it was such a blast going on some double dates with them. Plus work wasn't so bad when you have good company.

We've still been pretty busy with work. We're both exhausted, but looking forward to our next Vacation to New Mexico which is in 2 weeks! And we cannot wait! :)

MEMORIAL WEEKEND

Jacob and I headed to Idaho for a small vacation and the Peterson/Gibby Reunion. We spent the first couple days just relaxing and getting a couple errands done. I was able to listen to live broadcasts for my photography business by a favorite photographer of mine. Marketing and learning different techniques to adapt to my photography are honestly some of my favorite things to do. Jacob and I were also able make some extra cash by selling old things we didn't need. We ended up making over $200! Pretty much paid for our trip to Idaho. 

We went to Cafe Rio and Coco Bean was right next to it, so of course I begged Jacob to take me! I had the Better Than Whatever cupcake. Soooo Good! We'll have to make it a new tradition or something. 

On Friday we left for Island Park to the cabin Jacob's grandparents own. Jacob went fishing multiple times and caught some pretty big rainbow trout. Once I brought my camera out the fish did not take any bites. 

For a new family tradition, Connie brought out a table cloth and we all traced our hands and wrote what happened the passed year. It was fun seeing what everyone wrote. We also wrote to Elder Joseph Peterson our testimonies. I can't believe he's been out for 10 months!

I have lived in Wyoming for about 15 years I have never been to Yellowstone, until now! Grandma and Grandpa Gibby offered that I could go and I took them up on it! I was shocked at how much Yellowstone actually covers, and how much there is in the park. We got to go see guessers and Old Faithful which was probably my favorite part. I was thankful my sweet husband went with us. 

All in all, it was a great week with family. I'm thankful we were able to have a weekend to take a break from the busy. I'm also thankful for the men and women fighting everyday for the freedoms we have. We truly are blessed. 

MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND

50-60 hour weeks are definitely taking their toll on me. I'm beyond exhausted, but so thankful to have the opportunity to be on vacation for Memorial Weekend. I'm sure I'll have a future post on our actual vacation, but for now we'll stick to covering what I haven't documented yet. 

Mother's Day Weekend my brother Jacob had Mormon Prom in Fort Collins. My parents asked if Jake and I could take him there and have our own date night. Most things were closed by the time we dropped them off, but we did get some dinner there. I forgot the name of the place, but it was honestly one of the best burgers I've ever had. And we finished the night out by watching Here Comes the Boom in the car in the parking lot of Prom. It was nice being able to relax a bit that night. 

As for Mother's Day, I reflected on two very important women in my life. My mother and my sister. And here's just a few reasons why they're amazing.

My mom works full-time at Sunrise Engineering, she manages the office at Ross Construction, continues running the house when she's home, and she makes a hot dinner for her family every night. It amazes my how much she does for not only me, but for the rest of her family. Especially my dad. I cannot express my appreciation for her example to me. She continues to see the good in everyone and is always serving her neighbor. She keeps a smiling face even through some of the toughest trials. As I went to college, I realized that my mother had always been my best friend. She told me why every boy wasn't worth my time, reassured me how cute red looked on me, and even when I went to school mismatching, would still claim me as her daughter. I hope that I can be half the mother she was to me. Thank you for always having my back, mom.

(Did I mention how absolutely stunning she is as well? My dad is one lucky guy.)

Jodi has been there for me through the thick and thin. When we attend BYU-Idaho together, we grew extremely close. We made brownie cupcakes with carmel centers, which would be the definition of a Pinterest fail. We studied together for Natural Disasters and Math 108, and we spent many nights up venting about pointless things. If you'd like to see some of our dumb, but kinda funny, college YouTube videos, click on of the links below. 

Talk Show   Halloween Scare   Cake Mix Cookies

Jodi has the greatest talent of making others laugh. She knows how to have fun when it's appropriate, but is also one of the hardest working people I know. She has so much motivation that when her mind is set, she will go anywhere she wants. I'm always amazed by how much she accomplishes. I'm also thankful for her ability to make everyone feel good around her. She accepts all and makes you feel as if you've always been apart of the friend circle. Thanks for being another great example to me Jodi. Cannot wait to spend two weeks with you this summer.