you know you're a filmmaker's wife when

...it's 4 am and you're doing this. 

(And by "this" I mean taking Instagram pics of your husband working on a film shoot.) 

Apparently "this" is how we spend time together. 

It's romantic. 

Giveaway! {the wiegand's}

You probably already know, love, and follow The Wiegand's but if you don't, allow me to make your life so much better by introducing you to this glorious blog. 

Not only is Casey Wiegand a total beauty, but she exudes strength and faith...and awesome head bands. 

She goes after what she wants most in life while still putting her family first always. 

An amazing example. 

Today, Casey is offering a killer giveaway. 

One lucky ducky winner will get a free large ad space on The Wiegand's!

That's a $75 value! 

Do you love her already?

To enter: 

Must be a follower of Young People in Love 

Then just head over to The Wiegand's, become a follower, and tell me that you did so! 

Easy peasey lemon squeezey. 

Good luck! 

Young People Style: happy campers

Sam: 

top: TJ Maxx, cabbage rose pin: handmade, pants: F21, shoes: Ross, watch: Meggie's Love

Chas: 

sweater: Banana Republic, shorts: Old Navy, shoes: Kohl's

I've decided that taking pictures with Chas is some of the most fun we've had together. Even, dare I say, more fun than Scrabble in jammies? Hmmm...tough call. But I think the meditation pose that Chas busted out pushes picture-taking over the line into a whole new level of Sam-and-Chas fun times.

This is us.
Just us. Being weird. Wearing sorta cute clothes together.

Fun stuff. 

today is a friday

Have a happy, love dove weekend, friends!

Ours will be filled with handing out syllabi to my new Saturday class, visiting my parent's new house, and teaching our new Primary class on Sunday. 

I adore the new changes that fall brings. 

a midnight convo

Last night: lights off, prayers said, lying in bed, all tucked in.

Fifteen minutes later...

Me: "I'm not tired." 

Chas: "I want a treat." 

We're made for each other. 

Sponsor Love + giveaway winner

Click here to visit And Here's to You, Mrs. Robinson! 

Click here to visit Brooke Schultz Photography! 

And the winner of the amazing free session giveaway with Brooke Schultz Photo is: 

Congrats, Bree! 

this is how we do summer

Last week was spent with Chas' family for a huge reunion. 

All 9 kids (+ spouses) and all 10 grandkids. 

It was a lot of kids. 

And a lot of love. 

And even more food.

Video shot on my iPhone and edited by me.

See more fun little videos like this here. 

I can do hard things.

Photo by Season Atwater for Simply the Sweet Life Magazine

(Side note: Now that the mag is live, I can show you guys my fave shots from this picnic shoot! I think I'll sprinkle some pics in with posts every now and then. I just love sprinkles.)

...

Sometimes my work as can be especially challenging. 

Yesterday, was my first group at a residential treatment center as an art therapist contractor. 

Yesterday, I met, head-on, a whole new level of challenges. 

To be honest, I'm still recovering. 

Like I said in yesterday's post, it was a hard day. 

There's this quote I have on our computer's desktop: 

"Hard-earned achievement brings a sense of self-worth. Work builds and refines character, creates beauty, and is the instrument of our service to one another and to God. A consecrated life is filled with work, sometimes repetitive, sometimes menial, sometimes unappreciated but always work that improves, orders, sustains, lifts, ministers, inspires." 

-Elder D. Todd Christofferson

I read that quote often and I often need that quote. 

I needed that quote when I got home yesterday and all I wanted to do was pull the plug on this contract job.

That quote reminded me that you often have to go to some difficult places in order to ever accomplish anything of value. 

It reminded me that regardless of others' response, my work as an art therapist is good and important work. 

It reminded me that I can do hard things. 

I've been thinking a lot lately about the way we talk to ourselves and how our inner dialogue can shape the way we view our ability to succeed, especially when the cards are stacked against us. 

My mom is a go-getter and that's how she raised her five daughters.

Whenever I was faced with a challenge, my mom would be the first person to say, 

"Hey. You got this. Go for it." 

Sometimes I believed her and sometimes I didn't. 

Now, as an adult living my own life, I still automatically have that mindset when I feel overwhelmed and scared. 

Only now, instead of hearing it from my mom, I'm hearing it from myself. 

"Hey. You got this. Go for it."

And I believe it when I say it. 

it's an iPhone life

Hi, friends. 

I had a very hard and upsetting day. 

Sometimes the only cure is to write a blog post. 

Sometimes it's strange how much better doing this can make me feel. 

Let's start with cupcakes, shall we? 

Is there anything more perfectly cute than the tops of fancy cupcakes? 

(Besides puppies. Duh.)

Next, I think we'll add a little of this:

Love that face. 

Apparently Chas builds towers in and out of nursery. 

This one reached the ceiling. 

Don't be mad if your husband isn't as talented. 

And we'll end with some drinking chocolate from Communal in Provo. 

We ate at Communal twice with Chas' family last week. 

All 15 of us. 

Heaven on earth...in a restaurant. 

So.

Food and Chas. 

I'm feeling better already. 

sponsor YPIL in September!

September is going to be an exciting month around these parts. 

I have huge giveaways on both The Weigand's and The Daybook. 

Look out, kids. 

There's gonna be tons of traffic coming from both these blogs which means tons of traffic for my sponsors, too!

So whattcha say? 

Wanna share in the tons-of-traffic fun with me?

Here are some testimonials from two of our current sponsors: 

"Working with Sam from Young People in Love has been one of the best experiences of my blogging 'career.' I have gotten more traffic and more followers than ever before! When I look at my daily statistics, there are always tons of hits coming from YPIL alone! When I first signed up to sponsor, I felt like my blog was just a measly little thing with no readers. But, by the end, I was up to almost 170 followers and counting! It has been a pleasure to work with YPIL and is easily one of the best sponsor decisions I have made. If you choose to sponsor Young People in Love, trust me, you wont regret it!"
- Megan of And Here's to You, Mrs. Robinson

"Young People in Love is EASILY one of the best sponsorship opportunities in the blogosphere. Within the FIRST day of sponsoring, I got almost 100 followers from this blog! Not only that, the readers I've gotten from YPIL haven't just been 'one click wonders.' They are coming back daily and they span across many different demographics. My readership has continued to grow exponentially and it's all because of YPIL! There's no doubt that YPIL could play a major role in making your blog or website a success!"
-Elle of Elle Keeps Moving

CLICK HERE for more info on current stats and rates.  

Email cuposammyjo@aol.com to reserve your spot! 

Simply the Sweet Life Mag: young love picnic

Remember how we were on the cover of Simply the Sweet Life Magazine? 

If you don't remember, click here to be reminded. 

If you do remember, you can see it again. I'll let you. 

The entire magazine officially came out this past week and I've been so excited to show you all!

Didn't it turn out fun? My favorite is Chas' face with the strawberry on the last page. 

Cutie husband jackpot. 

The whole magazine is pretty great. 

You can view it all online fo' free here! 

(Be sure to check out the article on fancy smores. Mmmmm. Mmmmm.) 

You can also see our young love picnic article in all its cheese and cracker's glory! 

Sponsor Love {life of a passeri}

Living room dance parties, you say? 

I'm in. 

Heather, of Life of a Passeri, not only has darling short hair and amazing style, but she's a kindred spirit to the core. 

...But seriously. 

I want all her clothes. 

Visit Life of a Passeri and you will, too!

Giveaway! {brooke schultz photography}

If you live in the Provo, Utah area, then this is the giveaway for you!

Brooke Schultz Photography is giving away a free 45 minute photo session for you and your love dove! You'll also receive a cd of 40+ fully edited, totally yours, completely gorgeous images.

Killer deal, if you ask me. 

To enter: 

Must be a follower of Young People in Love 

and 

Must be a follower of Brooke Schultz Photography

For extra entries: 

Post about this giveaway on your facebook, twitter, or blog and tell me about it! 

Good luck!

August. two years earlier

Before Young People in Love, I had a small personal blog called Blackbird Fly. 

I started that blog right after I got divorced and closed it when Chas and I got married. 

Sometimes I peruse Blackbird Fly. 

The accounts of my time in Oregon, adventures in grad school, and being single again feel surreal. I'm glad it happened and I'm also glad it's all in the past. 

Today I was wondering what my life was like at exactly this time, mid-August, two years ago. 

I looked through the old blog's archives and was reminded how two Augusts ago, I was celebrating having survived the first year post-separation from my ex-husband. I had made a list of things I wanted to be sure to do for myself that month. 

The list looked something like this: 

*Eat tiramisu + any other treats

*See either 500 Days of Summer or Paper Heart

*But myself some white daisies

*Play with a puppy

*Dance around my room to Kanye West's Stronger

*Go on an adventure of some sorts

*Try something new

*Bubble bath

*Paint a painting

*Go to the temple every week

And then I found this post: 

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Buy myself some white daisies

Except, as it ended up, I didn't have to buy them for myself. 

A certain boy surprised me with them yesterday, adding how convenient it is that I live above a flower shop. 

...

That same day, Chas told me I was the first (and only) girl he'd bought flowers for. 

Two years later, that makes me just as happy. 

You should also know that everything on that list happened. 

And then some. 

Sponsor Love {changing lanes} + giveaway winner!

Changing Lanes has something beautiful for everyone: 

Beautiful design. 

Beautiful photos. 

Beautiful writing.

Beautiful children. 

Beautiful vintage. 

So pay Changing Lanes a visit and get your beautiful on!

And the Design.Den blog design winner is: 

Christina Clarke! 

thunder & robbers

Sunday night in Salt Lake City was cool...and scary. 

There was the most amazing lighting storm we've ever seen. That was cool. 

At 1:00am there was also the loudest thunderclap we've ever heard. That was scary. 

Right after that thunder, the power went out everywhere (yes, we were still awake, mostly playing on our iPhones, at 1am). 

For some reason, when anything semi-unusual happens late at night, my mind always jumps to one extreme fear: robbers. 

Extreme? Yes. 

Totally irrational? ...Debatable. 

In the darkness, the flashes of light from occasional lightning and the sound of wind rustling trees outside were all suddenly freakin. me. out. 

I was sure that at any moment, I'd look up and a scary robber guy would be standing in our bedroom doorway. 

As Chas hugged me and rubbed my back he gently told me, 

"Babe, you really need to stop equating thunder with robbers." 

Some things in life are easier said than done. 

baby Chas

Chas: darling from day 1 from Samantha Kelly on Vimeo.

Is it just me or does anyone else live for baby pictures slideshows?

I seriously love them. 

Best part of wedding receptions. Hands down. 

Surprisingly, I didn't have one at either of my weddings. 

Don't ask me how that happened because I still don't know.

But good news! 

I made a baby slideshow for Chas! 

And although it's not totally out of the realm of possibility that I'd make one of these just for the pure fun of it, I actually did have a legit reason this time. 

When he was 18, Chas earned his Eagle Scout award but never got to have his court of honor. 

Chas' little brother, Parker, recently earned his Eagle and had his court of honor last night. 

To Chas' surprise, he also had his court of honor last night.

So Chas got his very own slideshow at his very own court of honor, too.

Only 9 years later. 

Now, 27 years old, instead of pinning his mom, he pinned his wife. 

Kinda weird but mostly cute, right? 

Wanna see more fun videos made by us? 

Click here. 

sometimes the chores just have to wait

A few nights ago, after an evening walk, Chas and I teamed up to do the dishes together. 

He rinsed the dishes and I loaded them into the dish washer. 

And because every good dishwashing session deserves some cool background music, Chas cranked up some of our favorite tunes. 

Three seconds later, a spontaneous Sam-and-Chas dance party was in full swing in our small kitchen. 

Dish towels and soapy sponges were great accessories that added just the right amount of flair to our already killer moves. 

We're weird.
And we love each other. 

moving on

My parents are moving. 

My mom, a professional interior designer, did an amazing job with this house. It's really is a work of art.

While I was over there today, I thought I'd snap a few pics of my favorite little details.

My family has always moved around a lot so none of us were super surprised when my parents decided to relocate only a few months after finishing a total remodel overhaul with this house. 

You see, my mom and dad like to play this game called Move-Into-A-New-House-Remodel-The-House-And-Then-Move-Into-Yet-Another-New-House. 

(Side note: Growing up, I mostly hated this game. But now I'm stronger for it. So, I guess, in the end, it's an OK game.)

No one in my family ever gets attached to houses but I will admit that I'll be sad to see all this beautiful house-ness be sold. 

Actually...

I'm already over it. :) 

So farewell, Salt Lake City house. 

I only technically lived in you for the first two years when you weren't much of a looker. But you've since cleaned up nicely and I think my parents have lived in you for longer than any other house. 

Congrats. 

feeling awesome

Yesterday was spent in my jammies grading stacks and stacks of final exams. 

Originally, the final exam was supposed to be a comprehensive multiple-choice looong test covering all the text reading, lectures, and group presentations. 

As the end of the summer term neared, however, I kept feeling like I wanted to do something to give back to my class. My students this term were some of the very best. For three hours, twice a week, they were actively engaged and had excellent participation. They genuinely shared what was in their hearts through their comments and allowed themselves to be vulnerable. Because of them, this term has been hugely edifying and satisfying for me as a professor. After all they had done, I really didn't want to make them take such a grueling final exam. 

And since I'm the professor, I can do whatever the heck I want. 

So I changed the final. 

I told my students how grateful I was for all their hard work and that I wanted to help soothe their stress during finals. In place of the test, I asked them to write about three principles they had learned in our Stress Management class and explain how those principles had helped them. 

Reading through their finals yesterday was an absolute joy. 

Their writing was beautiful and poignant. 

They talked about having gained so much more self-awareness and personal insight as a result of the class. I could tell that they had really, truly learned something valuable. 

 I felt so honored to have been their teacher, to have played a small role in their learning.

And you know what else? 

All this made me feel like a great teacher. 

That's not something I feel very often.

I think we all deserve, every now and then, to be hit with some good, strong self-confidence in what we do.

It's a wonderful thing when we allow ourselves to feel awesome.

Sponsor Love {brunch in april}

If the only reason to visit and follow Brunch in April was because of her amazing mustard yellow dress, that would be reason enough for me. 

But there's more to this bloggy than awesome choice in dress color. 

Brunch in April also has killer photos and one of the funnest blog designs I've seen. 

Check out Brunch in April here and see if you can find the glorious mustard yellow in dress form!

it's an iPhone life

This is my cousin's new pup, Rowdy. 

Ok. Can we just talk about that face for a second? Is it even for real?! It looks like I photoshopped the eyes from Bambi. 

(Just for future reference, would it be weird if I had?...Yes? Oh. Ok.)

We've been going on a lot of evening walks lately.

I love our neighborhood and it's so gloriously beautiful just as the sun is setting and the street lamps are starting to come on. 

These flowers are everywhere on our walks. I don't know what kind they are but I adore them. They remind me of daisies dyed sunshine yellow. 

Sometimes when we go on walks, we end up at the fancy Italian restaurant, Sea Salt, just up the street from our house. 

And then sometimes we decide to stay and eat dinner there. 

And sometimes this happens two weekends in a row. 

Sometimes our walks can be hazardous to our monthly budget. 

When we're not walking, we're riding Scoots. 

I've decided that this little lone sunshine flower and Scoots have recently become great friends out behind the garage. 

I mean, just look how cute they look posing for this picture together. 

Ah...summer. 

Please don't leave us so soon.