Brazil!!

This was my second time on this workshop.

Though we visited the same places it felt different.

One of our first stops upon our arrival in Foz do Iguacu (that is after our much anticipated stop at our favorite Brazilian churrascaria restaurant) is Marco Das Tres Fronteiras, or landmark of the 3 Frontiers. This is the Triple Frontier where at the convergence of the rivers Iguazu and Panama you can see from standing on Brazil Argentina on the right and Paraguay on the left.

The next stop is a most spectacular sight! Iguazu Falls! This place is incredible! Iguazu is the largest waterfall system in the world stretching for 1.7 miles. It truly is an extraordinary sight to see!! I loved photographing the falls though I truly don’t know if any image can really do it justice. That doesn’t stop me from trying We viewed the falls from the walkway on land and then from the water level from a boat - SO much fun!! I was so excited to see the falls again. Both times were amazing. On our first trip we arrived after there had been a lot of rain. Because of this the falls had TONS of water. And was brown… this time though the water levels were significantly less the water color was a whole lot more photogenic (in my opinion )

Though the falls are an absolute must do when in Brazil, our draw to Brazil are the JAGUARS! Our journey to the Land of the Jaguars requires a long dusty drive that is an experience all on it’s own as we cross 123 bridges.

It is HOT and sunny in Jaguar Land. So don’t forget your hat! (I did Good thing I have the best husband in the world who loves me as proven by his offering to me of his favorite Nikon hat in the world) or sunscreen (I didn’t after the first ride… and paid the uncomfortable price after failing to apply it )

We have 2 daily safaris by boat. We arise early in the morning (4am) so we can be ready and fed as early as possible to go find the kitties. We leave at sunrise. Always beautiful sunrises on the Pantanal! There is a soft floral 🌸fragrance that floats through the air as we scoured the banks for jaguars. I noticed it my frist trip too.

While on the lookout for jaguars I practiced my “drive by shootings” 📷on birds, caimans, and whatever else. We saw LOTS of birds. I thought to myself that if I can practice getting well composed and good shots while we moving then that would just improve my success rate when we were stopped. Shooting from a boat takes skills!

We come back to the lodge to rest while the heat of the day is at it’s worst (so grateful for A/C!!) and to eat lunch. The lodge feeds us really well before, between, and after every outing. Every meal has rice and beans along with a fish, beef, and chicken entree and multiple sides of vegetables and pastas. And can’t forget dessert! Even breakfast always had a cake option. Who am I to say cake isn’t for breakfast?! (Pretty sure I gained 5-6 pounds on this trip Worth it )

Our second safari of the day goes out at 2:30 and we stay out until sunset. If the sunrises here are beautiful the sunsets are exquisite!! This could easily be my favorite part of the day - riding back to the lodge and watching as the sun lights up the clouds and sky in purples, blues, pinks, and orange hues.

We saw 17!! jaguars this trip.

In addition we also sighted Tapirs!! This is the third trip we have taken (between Christopher and I) and the first time we have seen these odd elusive mammals. They look like wild pigs with an ant eater snout or short elephant trunk. Surprisingly a quick google search taught us they are most closely related to rhinos and horses. Who’d have guessed?

Another favorite to visitors of the Pantanal are the Giant River Otters. They play, catch fish and ravenously eat their fish. I find them interesting… and disgusting As opposed to the super adorable I-might-want-to-cuddle-it otters that we see in Alaska, these otters look like huge weasels.

There are caiman hiding everywhere in the waters as well. The water here is very muddy. I am curious and a little terrified at what we would see if we could peer into the world under the surface.

After the jaguar my next favorite animal here to observe would be the capybara. They are the largest living rodent on earth growing to 4 feet in length and weighing up to 140 pounds . They are semi-aquatic and eat lots of grass. They wander the grounds of the lodge and we often see them cooling off in the water during our boat rides.

We had an excellent time and enjoyed all that we experience. And until next time Brazil - I will dream of whatever these are that I crave when I'm back home...

2 Years!

Happy 2 years to the man who makes my dreams come true, loves me through my quirks, and is incredibly in tune with my feelings (kind of annoying sometimes 😉) I'm still so happy we chose each other ❤️

Thank you Steven for the recent photo shoot!!!

The Gift in the Problem

I have been pondering the idea that "there is a gift in every problem".

A problem is often formed by our perspective. (Sometimes, problems are serious problems regardless of our perspective. I'm not tackling those in this post.) Many (perhaps even most) of our problems are have to do with other people, our relationship with those people or our belief in ourselves. 

Initially when offered the notion that there is a gift in every problem my mind immediately brought up images of things physical and/or measurable. A bonus or raise at work, a dish of cookies, my current number one biggest wish, etc.

As I've pondered this concept in more depth I have come concluded that the real gift in every problem is most likely going to be whatever it is that happens WITHIN us as opposed to what we receive on the outside. 

An example - I served with 14 companions (who we stay within sight & sound 24/7) during my 18-month mission. My sanity is happy to report that I won the companion jackpot! I can honestly say they were all amazing sisters and it was a privilege to be with each of them. I loved them all and never had any serious issues with any of them. One of the biggest issues I dealt with was a companion who was seemed to always run late. Every single day. That characteristic was the opposite of my own record of punctuality. I found myself becoming very irritated and allowed my mood to sour. 

One of these days as we were leaving our apartment 20 minutes late (yet again) I wanted to slam the door in frustration and let my companion see how miserable she was making me! Yet before I had the opportunity to do so a different thought passed through my head and I ended up following the direction of that thought instead. I simply and calmly closed the door behind us and we went out to our day. 

For me that moment was huge! I had just overcome a demon building up in girth and stature inside of me. It was mere moments away from getting released to attack my companion! But it didn't get out! I snuffed him out! So... where was the party? Where were the fireworks? The big brass band parade? The angels composing a hymn just for me? {Come to think of it, if any of those did happen I would probably be so ashamed and embarrassed by the spectacle because then every onlooker would know I had a weakness I needed to conquer. I know I lack in so many ways. I just like to keep them hidden from others.}

Nothing showed up. Not even a cup of ice cream (which would have been refreshing in that Georgia heat). Something better happened - I changed! My heart was different. I had bested a small part of the monster that had just about been set free moments earlier. When I realized what had just happened within, my emotions changed from irritated to peaceful and contented. That moment changed the course of that day. There isn't a gift much better than that.

To sum up - the gift we receive when we have found our solution to our problems may very well be that we are better for having the opportunity to overcome. Our gift is a little more of that monster inside is quieted and weakened. We have new good evidence for ourselves that we can do something different and get a better result. 

Though this is a simple example the principle is the same in life when we find ourselves being challenged. There are opportunities and gifts during, through and after the trial. Could it be that it is the priceless gift of being built into someone better than we were yesterday?

 

Throwing Away My List

In looking forward with anticipation for THE one in my life, I like many others, made a list of the qualities of the man for me. One part excitement, another part #goals, another part - don’t settle for anything less than what I want, right? 

Years and many boys passed, right on by without giving me a second glance I might add, let alone pausing for a moment to see how awesome I am. I was (am) a shy person scared silly with putting myself out there. I was a huge fan of the belief that “if a boy wants it, he knows how to get it... or at least pick up the phone and start the process”. 

Then! Boys starting paying attention to me! This was brand new! What do I do? I didn’t have enough time in my schedule to fit them all in! I know I know, even with my high opinion of myself (in my quiet moments of self talk empowerment moments) I never imagined this! 

But.. they didn’t match my list. They weren’t what I had written down. I remember reading my sister-in-law’s list and asking dubiously, “You wrote this BEFORE you met my brother? Because this is him to a ‘T’ ". She confirmed that she had - and when it fit she knew she had found her one. Validation. This is how it worked! 

So I kept plugging on through life with my list. I adjusted it often as I ‘matured’- took off some petty peeves there (but really, I DON’T like flip flops on men 🤪, but off it came), added some spiritual characteristics there. More time went by and I eventually rethought and revamped the list. I whittled it down to only 3 items. Ta-duh!! Someone HAD to meet that criteria, right? Right?! 

And they did! ... but then they didn’t like me back. Now I was being compared to their lists! And I wasn’t measuring up. 

What’s a girl to do? 

I went on a mission. I’d always thought of it but wanted to get married more. Welp! Marriage wasn’t happening and I was only getting older - so I went in - and gave it my all as best I could. It was LOVELY. Not having to worry about boys. They were all around me - too young and too off limits that it never concerned me. 

Those 18 months ended. And I was back in the game! And felt the lousiest at playing than I ever had. I didn't like this game. There were even a couple who were amazing in so many ways. But I didn't feel any 'spark' for them. 😔

Then I got a new job. I thought, "Wow, this boss of mine is so great! He’s seriously got the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever met." That was that. We were both pretty much alone. At this stage in my life I only wasn’t just man-less, I was also mostly friendless.

Loneliness hurts. I remember a poem that I had read years ago entitled, "When God wants a Man". The main gist of the poem is that when God wants an amazing person he allows them to endure trials. I was comforted in that thought that God was in the process of molding a Katie to 'play the noblest part, [making her] lonely so that only God's high messages shall reach [her].'  

I was patient waiting for God's messages to reach me. As our friendship became one of the best things in my life - I began to have thoughts. Which I abruptly shoved away. Nope nope nope. Nope. I still dated whenever the opportunity came. Heck! I even became brave enough to initiate a couple of them myself. Then this WEIRD thing happened... I started comparing these boys to my boss. So. Weird. Ew! ... but... maybe? No. Not a chance. Am I sure? Possibly... 

Back and forth, back and forth. 

I went back to my list. It had always been trusty! Even if it hadn't been fruitful...

I measured him to my list, and for every way he didn’t match, there was a louder thought in my head... odd.  

• 5 years within my own - age up or down

Definitely not. Nope! Um, but what about age in the eternities? Does it really matter? I guess not.  

• Strong testimony of Christ

Perhaps I ought to have been a little more specific? He believes in God. Though doesn’t belong to my faith. BUT - he LOVES my faith, and is super supportive of it. 

• Can take me to the temple

Another definite no on this one. Then the thought, “So many are sealed to have those marriages sadly fall apart due to one denying their faith and leaving their covenants behind with their beliefs. There’s no guarantee.” Christopher is pretty committed to me. And people change. I worried so much about people looking at me and saying, “ *Gasp* But she served a mission! She should know better!” I did know better - and that’s precisely what gave me the faith to go forward with Christ. 

There were also other curveballs. He had been married before, had a kid, a background of addiction - so much life that I knew I could not relate to. I'd crushed many boys with these in their backgrounds. Granted - it was one or the other. Not ALL of them at once...  Once more that helpful, faithful voice was there, constantly guiding me. Teaching me “If these things are in his past and repented of, then God has forgotten it. Who am I to hold these things above our future potential when so much of us together “clicks” - the ONE element that has been missing in every other failed, though hoped for, relationship? 

Then - the final test - what will my mom think?!? 😵 I hadn’t told anybody - because this was -again- so weird to me. 

I timidly approached my mom about him - about us. I was pleasantly surprised at her delighted response. That was it. He checked out. He had the Mom Approval. Did I mention how surprised I was?? Because I was fully ready to ditch him and back out completely if she thought otherwise.

Doubts came again. "It’ll be hard!" they told me. Yet again, faithful thoughts once more over ruled. I knew it would be hard with ANY one. Two different people meshing lives together? Yeah. That’s gonna be tough. No matter what. Love and commitment. That’s what we can work with and increase. 

It’s now been just over a year. A few days ago Christopher and I had a good conversation on one of our ever - increasing drives up to West Yellowstone. I am so grateful for him and what he has done, who he has become and how we have grown together. He knows me better than anyone (which I sometimes love, and sometimes don't 😉 ) I was right - it has been tough, even super tough sometimes. Yet I am SO happy that he is the one I am sharing my home, life and heart with. I’m grateful for the life he had before I came along so he could learn all the things that make him such a wonderful husband to me now. I stand in awe at the things we have done and built together since we’ve become each other’s “One”. 

We are so different that there’s always something new we can fight about, erm, learn a new perspective on. 😉 We surprisingly balance out each other’s weaknesses with our strengths quite well. Truly a blessing indeed. We only get better together each day.

For all of you that your first list worked - I’m so happy for you. Seriously. I used to be jealous. I wouldn’t trade this learning process and experience for anything. I am grateful that my first list got me started and that in a round about way it put me on track to meet and marry Christopher. Even more so I am grateful for the guidance and influence of the Holy Ghost, giving me strength to forge my own path and toss the old list away in favor of something, someone, so wonderful for me beyond my imagination.

Merry Christmas from the Balmer's

This has been a yet another good year with highs and lows, yet how would we know when we were on a hill top if we had never experienced a valley?

Some of our hilltops this year : 

We moved into our new home in January! We have a beautiful home that suits us perfectly. Often we just sit together and feel so much gratitude that we’ve been able to buy a house. I’ve never had my own house before! I still love going to my front door and welcoming people from the outside to come in to our little haven. 

We have also almost made it one whole year without internet or cable in our home!! Guess what? It can be done. Neither one of us has died yet ;) 

We did get to take many good people on workshops this year and see wonderful and beautiful places:

Christopher and Katie:

Africa

Sri Lanka

Alaska ( C-2, K-1)

Christopher also took a group to Brazil. He left me behind. Unfortunately once you go some where with your new husband and you out shoot him (aka get a better picture than he does causing instant envy) he doesn’t care so much about taking you back again. Guess I’ve got to reel in my mad photography skillz ;) 

I also think I win best wife award for sending Christopher off an a week long “Man-Date” with a couple of his good friends in Oregon. I came out on top though when we brought back the big box of VooDoo donuts (Thanks, Harold!) 

But then Christopher again wins the trophy when he generously offered up his hard earned sky miles (His first class trip to South Africa is that much further away now...) so Meg and I could visit Heidi in Nebraska for her birthday!!! WHAT?! So awesome we got to go see her. My only complaint is that our visit was much too short. 

All of Christopher’s 3 nieces and nephew took a turn visiting his parents this year. I loved the opportunity to meet more of his family and having them each come over for a home cooked meal (Christopher cooked of course). 

On August 29 I dragged Christopher to the Playmill’s production of Newsie’s with bribes of our favorite street tacos from the taco bus in West Yellowstone. He finally grudgingly agreed, though this didn’t stop him trying to back out every opportunity he could find. (BTW - he ended up liking it! He’s totally a musical-lover in denial). 

On our trip from the car to the play we passed a small photo/camera store going out of business. Christopher’s business mind snapped into action and he instantly had dreams of creating another camera store. Because Perfect Light just wasn’t enough to keep both of us busy. 

Christopher and I celebrated our FIRST anniversary!! For my present he bought me a store!… :-/ :-) The weekend of our anniversary we officially closed the deal on buying another business and The Yellowstone Camera Store began (Opening April 2019!). For better or worse I know I am truly the one responsible for this new crazy adventure.

We have truly been so blessed together and I am continuously grateful to be sharing my life with Christopher. I admitted before that I was scared to take that step.Yet the more time that goes on the more I know that I made the best decision. He helps me recognize many of my weaknesses and is always so patient with me ;) We are also so very blessed with our family and friends who are continually there offering their love and support. 

We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy 2019!! 

My One

I would like to say that I knew what I was doing a year ago when I officially said “Yes” to Christopher. In reality - I was terrified. This was a huge commitment - one that I couldn't just quit when I got lazy or when it got tough or uncomfortable. 

My worst fears are those associated with the unknown. Deciding to share my life with some one else presented many unknowns and things I might not be able to control. Christopher and I are so different… yet he had become my closest and best friend. 

I didn’t tell many people of our decision to be married. I didn’t want the voices and opinions of other people in my head to confuse me - I have enough on my own ;) I also thought there could be a slight chance I'd get cold feet - the fewer witnesses there were the better. (Hey! I told you I was scared!)

(If you feel left out because I didn’t tell you - join the club. I assure you that you are in A LOT of good company as we only told family and close friends). 

As I now look back a year later I am pleased and grateful I didn’t turn around and run away. :) We have had a great first year together full of growth, opportunities, blessings and adventures together. There’s definitely been tough times and long nights as our stubbornnesses have clashed. Yet through it all our love and understanding for each other has deepened. I always tell people the Christopher is the best wife I could ever have - he cooks, cleans, shops, and even packs me lunches for work! He's so much more to me than that. He's my strength when I'm weak and my shoulder to cry on. He takes good care of me and adores my family. He honors me even when I feel like there's barely anything to like about me. He's patient, generous and good. He's the first to humbly admit his weaknesses and looks at himself to be better so we can both be stronger together. Heavenly Father really is watching out for me and blessed my life years ago when he brought our paths together :)

Here's to the best choice I never quit. To our first year of many more to come!

Heidi-fied

Last month we were spoiled to have Heidi come out and help us decorate our home! Wow! Best decision ever!! All of my siblings are talented, and I am so happy and grateful I get the benefits of them. Because of schedules she came while Christopher and I were up in West Yellowstone doing the Photography Symposium we now present each year. I gave all my trust and debit cards to Heidi and didn't look back!

We are so grateful for Heidi taking time out of her super busy life of being a mom and church callings to come help us. She shopped, painted, sweated, and pounded nails in our new walls (I was so nervous about that part!) for us. 

We still aren't finished with everything, but I was so excited to share what Heidi (and my mom!!) helped us with that I didn't want to wait any longer to post! 

Our Living Space

Before

After Heidi's touch

After Heidi

Before Heidi

Before Heidi

Heidi found us all kinds of cool stuff to go in the empty space above our cabinets. Filled it in without making it cluttered. She's got pro skills at putting big vinyl stuff up on the wall! 

Our Master Retreat

I love the blue wall! Christopher surprised me with the picture of Christ that I just love! I'm glad Heidi put it here :)

The Guest Suite

Not much to look at...

Heidi-fied!! (And {finally} getting my old bed up here from my parent's house.) Heidi made that headboard out of a map! We are ready for guests! Who's coming?! :)

Entry Way 

Before

Heidi found this table that was PERFECT on clearance! And the wreath that Christopher absolutely loved :D She also found the perfect rug to go by the door.  And remember how talented my siblings are? Jason created a HUGE map out of metal that is going to complete this corner. We just need to get it up :o

Up next, the

Bathroom

Christopher has been kind enough to abide by pineapple fetish. :) Heidi and Mom couldn't find towels with pineapples - but they did find appliques to make me custom towels!! 

They also made a cute little curtain for us! Love it! 

AND... I SAVED MY FAVORITE FOR LAST!!

Christopher has talked about giving me a book nook since before we got married. (That's how I knew he was the man for me! ;) ) My book nook gets to take up room in his office. This is by far my favorite wall now. They did such a fantastic job! 

A few bare walls still with lots of potential. It has been so fun to create a home together that is a reflection of who we are and to have a place to welcome our friends and family. We look forward to filling in the empty spaces with more memories... But next - THE YARD! :)