Well last Monday was a total bust. I kid you not, I had almost an entire post written after about 45 minutes of work and the interwebs failed me. My post wasn't auto saving like usual and it vanished into cyber abyss. I get it, rookie mistake, go ahead and shake your head at me. I only had a set time for blogging and had to admit defeat! Here are some fresh confessions to make you ponder this Monday (or just laugh at me, really it's ok…)

1. I confess I waited a while to share our baby news with my internet friends. I was letting it all soak in in "real life" first and sharing the news in person, or letting my kids share the news in person which they are quite excited about. I have been feeling well and thankfully keeping up with workouts, although a bit more modified at this point. I don't know why this pregnancy has been so different for me (I was sick with the others), but I am thankful to be in good health! We are looking forward to baby boy joining our family in late July. We don't have any names yet so suggest away if you have a good one :)

2. When I went to hear Glennon Melton speak a month or so ago, she said some things that have been sitting on my heart a little. At one point she talked a little about doing something in your life that's just about you. When you're a wife, a mother, a friend, a daughter and other things, your own spirit can kind of be put to the back burner. She gave a personal example of time for her sitting on the beach, it's just about her. She asked us to ask ourselves, what makes us feel alive? What makes us feel inspired? I have to say, photography still inspires me BUT it's been so long since I was shooting a personal project. Not that I don't love wedding days, sweet baby toes or family photos….it's not that at all. I adore being a photographer and am so thankful that day in my college advisors office I filled out that paper work to change over to an art major from an elementary ed major (Yes, laugh away. I thought I could inspire young minds and manage 26 minions in a classroom). I digress…anyway, it has really struck me to pick up my camera and get after some personal work. By my estimations I have about 18 weeks until I have newborn in my house so I better get after doing some photography this spring and summer that's just about me!

3. I spend my Tuesday nights waiting to watch Fixer Upper on HGTV - I have a girl crush on JoAnna Gaines and who wouldn't?! I think Chip is a combination of hilarious, obnoxious and charming, which works for him. I honestly want every outfit JoAnna wears and would love her to come rescue my not-so-styled house. I secretly also take encouragement from any mama that's still forming full sentences and looks put together while raising 4 youngins.

4. I am usually one to switch around book genres or at least authors when going from book to book, but I just did a double with Shauna Niequist. I read Bittersweet and then I just finished Bread and Wine. I really like her down to earth spirit and writing style. Bittersweet had so many good thoughts on life….

"Bittersweet is the idea that in all things there is both something broken and something beautiful, that there is a sliver of lightness on even the darkest of nights, a shadow of hope in every heartbreak, and that rejoicing is no less rich when it contains a splinter of sadness."

I also loved Bread and Wine for it's encouragement to both get into the kitchen and practice hospitality around the table. I am definitely excited to try some recipes from the book! I have to say that I love to cook but some things in the kitchen definitely intimidate me. I had a real life fear of peeling and chopping garlic cloves. Well, I conquered that fear last week and felt victorious :) I know, it's the small attempts in life right?!

5. I confess I made sloppy joes last week with turkey and no one complained! I complimented that with a delish whole wheat pasta salad and everyone loved that too! It just goes to show that some healthier substitutions aren't a negative thing! Trust me, we are far off from "all clean" or "organic" but I am trying so hard to move us slowly in a healthier direction for the long run. It's definitely a marathon and not a sprint. Making those slow changes are usually the ones that last longer anyway :) This weekend was full of way too many treats and indulgences so I am getting back after it today!

6. I can't believe Easter is only a couple weeks away! There's a great daily reading challenge going on over at SheReadsTruth if you want to hop in!

Here's to a great Monday! And remember, if it's not a great Monday, God still loves you!

Emily Troutman Photography