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Laie 8th Ward Young Women: Project Values

Today we unveiled our personalized Young Women Values posters, from an impromptu shoot we did a couple weeks ago, as well as individual posters of each young woman as a reminder that they are indeed Strong and Courageous individuals who can and will make a difference in the lives of others as they live their young women values.

All wards are welcome to use this idea for their young women in hopes that all young women of the world (LDS and Non-LDS) will know their worth. 

This past weekend...

Although I always welcome the weekend and look forward to a taking a 'break'...besides my regular weekend chores, there is always unfinished business to tend to. However, it keeps me out of trouble...Hee! Hee!

This guy had three dates on Friday...all at once!=)

My niece made me look pretty, then shot me!=)

Our pet, Zebra wanted to get in on the action.

Did a quick family shoot for a good friend.

Edits, deadlines, edits, deadlines...Story of my life, 

but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Our Future Leaders...

This photo says it all.=)

Missing my Mom...

Yolanthy Foua Thompson Kanahele

July 4, 1936 - September 13, 1991

Looking through my lens at this mother and daughter filled my heart with so much emotion for some reason. It's been 21 years since my mom passed away, but it seems like it was just yesterday when my mom would come home from work, head straight for the shower, powdered and lotion herself before throwing on her lava lave and walking to the living room with a tall glass of iced water to finally sit and relax as the sun was settling in. I would lay next to her, put my head on her lap and she would start playing with my hair as she looked out the window to enjoy the closing of yet another beautiful day. The scent of her powder and lotion was the aromatherapy I grew up with. My mom was a beautiful woman; strong-willed, but gentle when she needed to be.  She put her foot down alright, but she did it to teach us respect. I have seen her many times on her knees only catching phrases here and there about how grateful she was for her family, her children, for our health and strength and for blessing her family with what was needed. She was full of wisdom and strived daily to teach her children to be God-fearing honest adults. As they say, nobody's perfect and my mom was far from it, but she did her best with what she knew. I love and miss you Mom!=) 

"Project Values"

I serve as the Young Women's Music Specialist in La'ie 8th Ward under the direction of Young Women's President Serena Tuliloa. I remember when I was in Young Women (actually migrated from MIA to YMYW) we had so many inspiring moments and not to mention tons of fun participating in activities planned especially for us by our leaders. This year, we decided to start our own line of Young Women Value posters for Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works, Integrity, and Virtue. We really didn't have time to actually think about the content and types of poses, etc. so we're starting out simple. La'ie 8th Ward YW is starting a trend. Stay tuned.

Here are a couple fun shots after we shot the values poses and individuals. 

Shanda

Shanda is from Alpine, UT -  number 3 of 5 girls, and daughter of my cousins David and Lisa Hannemann. Although I had never met any of their children, I met Shanda while working at the New Student Orientation One-Stop-Shop and was checking to see if the new students had a social security number in our database. They had to write down their basic information and when Shanda came to the front, she wrote her first name and then her last (Hannemann)...that was that.

I do practice shoots every now and then and select different models...Shanda was perfect. Thank you sweetie! Click HERE to see more photos of beautiful Shanda!

Shadows

Silhouettes - Fun stuff!

Primary Rocks!

Especially La'ie 8th Ward Primary! I was released in February from my calling as Primary Chorister. Enjoyed preparing and teaching the children songs for the primary program each year. I now serve as the Young Women's Music Specialist, just as good, but teenagers of course can be worse than Primary kids. Nonetheless, I love my calling; especially when I'm called to do something I'm actually good at.

Yesterday I was asked to put on my photography hat and photograph each child. It was amazing to see each child's personality through my lens for a split second. It was quite entertaining actually. You saw serious faces, funny faces, expressions of concern and faces that said loud and clear...'hurry up just take the picture will ya?' Don't really have time to edit any of the shots that were taken, but did manage to get it all in a frame.  Although these kids can and will be rascals at time, It was a blast to photograph these special spirits.