I figured it was about time to tell you all a little about myself.  I'm constantly posting about other people, and thought it would be a good idea to write about me for once. So...Hi!  I'm Keely!  

A lot of you who follow me on Instagram have a general idea of who I am.  That's the joy of growing up in a small town.  "Everybody knows everybody, everybody calls ya friend, you don't need an invitation, KICK OFF YOUR SHOES AND COME ON IN!!"  Ok ok, that's enough from my man Tracy Byrd.  But seriously...when I say small town I mean it.  Almo, Idaho has a population of about 166 people.  Well, make that 165 because I got married and moved away.  I loved growing up on my family's farm and ranch.  I learned the definition of the word work before I could talk.  My mom and dad raised their children "tough" that's for sure.

Being from a small town definitely had it's perks.  The biggest one was going to a small school.  Nineteen kids in my graduating class small.  Because of this, I was able to make it on every sports team because there wasn't enough kids to try out.  I loved playing Volleyball, but I definitely wouldn't have made the cut at a larger school.  Let's just say I was vertically challenged.  A lot of my best memories were made in that one hall High School, and I would go back and do it all over again if I could.  Take note of this picture below.  We all fit into my friends car during one of our lunch breaks and may or may not have drove around town.  One of the perks of having your dad as the local cop.  

 RRHS April 2008

Small towns don't offer a lot of extra curricular activities.  Sports take up most of your time because you have to travel so far for games, but that's about all there was.  I found a love for clogging when I was about 12 after I watched my cousin dance. It didn't take long to talk mom into making the 100 mile round trip to Burley so I could clog.  And no...it's not a plumbing problem.  Clogging provided me with the opportunity to travel to Taiwan and Bulgaria all before I was 16.  I loved it so much I even became a teacher a few years ago, but decided to focus all of my energy on my photography business.  Clogging provided me with amazing opportunities and I am so grateful to my mom for sacrificing a ton of money and time so I could show off my happy feet.

February 2008 Danny Marona Performing Arts Scholarship

After I graduated from High School, I attended BYU-Idaho for 2 1/2 years.  Otherwise known as BYU-I Do.  College consisted of goofing off a lot, learning a little, and getting an associates degree that probably won't ever count for much. When I say goofing off, I mean spending my winters on the mountain at Targhee, snowboarding all season.  But I sure made some great memories and even greater friends.  Oddly enough, I didn't find my knight in shining armor in Rexburg.  Turns out, he was back here in Declo waiting for me.  During my summer breaks I would spend them back here in Almo and Burley working.  I met Casey at church and started dating him 2010.  Before we knew it 2011 rolled around and we were hitched.  It didn't take long to know I was dating Mr. Right.  Gentleman is an understatement with this guy.  Casey swept me off my feet on the first date!  

Logan, Utah Temple May 2011

Pictures taken by the lovely Carli Hobson

Flowers by Kathy Boden

We got married, we moved to Burley, and I continued working for Cassia county spraying weeds and Casey continued his job working for a local farmer.  I decided to teach some clogging on the side and also took a photography class through CSI.  If it wasn't for my professor, I probably wouldn't be working my own photography business, but he believed in me enough and persuaded me to start!  I knew I wanted to have a kid some day and decided it was best if I quit my job for the county, because chemicals and females who want to have babies don't mix very well.  I got a job at a local flower shop in 2012 and was there up until a few months before I had Kyla. During this time we bought a house and moved to Declo.  Kyla arrived in November of 2014 and I have been a full time mom ever since!  

Kyla's 1 year old picture taken by yours truly    

Isn't she the cutest!?  I am so thankful I am able to stay home with her because in this day and age it seems impossible to be a full time mother.  But honestly...how can you not smile seeing that face!  This girl came into our lives at the right moment, because I need all the smiles I can get.  3 months after Kyla was born, my brother was killed in a car accident.  Talk about turn our world upside down.  This has by far been the hardest thing I've ever had to go through.  It still rips at my heart every day, but Kyla has definitely been our light in the dark through it all.  My brother was one of the honest, kindest, most hard working people I know. I love and miss you every day Luke.  To those of you that constantly deal with the loss of a loved one, know I am sending hugs and prayers your way.  If any of you need to talk, know that I am here for you.  I have found a small sense of comfort in sharing with those who have gone through similar situations.  I am finding that time doesn't heal all wounds, you just start to get used to the pain.  Just know that you are not alone.  

My two brothers, Lucas and Austin 

High School Graduation 2008

So that's me...a small town country girl who has had ups and downs.  If there is anything I have learned it is to make the most out of the time that we are given.  I am so very lucky to be married to the man of my dreams, who supports me 24/7.  I am grateful for my kid, who makes me laugh every single day, and I am grateful for the chance I get to be creative. Thanks to all of you who have and continue to support me and my business!

xoxo

-Keely