Monday Confessions

It's a frigid winter Monday, MLK day to be exact, so many families are able to just stay home and snuggle up. I woke up with a determination today to be an interactive Mom, which brings me to my first confession.

1. We made cute little itsy bitsy spiders out of magazines and yarn. Got the idea from here. Here's Macy showing us hers (along with her crazy morning hair).

2. We also did some water color painting before lunchtime. I know, I thought I better slow down or I will use up all my creativity on Monday, leaving the rest of the week to be sad and boring :) Don't be too impressed, I feel like there's a sticker chart in the sky somewhere that moms get more stickers when they don't let their kids watch too much tv or something.

3. I am reading, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling and it seriously makes me laugh out loud. I am not even really a fan of The Office though, I tried to watch it a few times but didn't "get it." (I know, I know, what is wrong with me?!) Mindy Kaling is not only one of their actresses but one of their writers. If you need a good laugh, this is a good read. I mean who doesn't need two pages of "Karaoke Etiquette" to edify them?! According to Mindy, it "behooves you to pick a short song. I don't care if Don freakin' McLean shows up in a red-white-and-blue tuxedo, no one is allowed to sing 'American Pie'. It's kind of hostile to a group of partiers to pick a song longer than three minutes." Not done yet but I am sure the rest of the book will be enjoyable!

4. Dean has turned into a little Kramer. Remember the Seinfeld episode when Kramer decided he liked the feeling of his pants right from the dryer so he started putting them in the oven before putting them on?! Well Saturday I was doing the kids sheets and blankets in the laundry. Everything was dry and warm just in time for naptime. Dean was in the love with his heated up blankets, so much so that he requested today we warm them in the dryer before naptime. I can't blame him, it's 29 degrees out!

5. Did you hear I am giving away an engagement session to one lucky couple? Make sure you let your engaged friends know! I will have updated details coming soon, email me with questions. emily@emilytroutmanphoto.com

6. My workshop is still in the planning stages but I have come to the conclusion that I will really need to do two different types of workshops. One for those of you out there who have decent point and shoots but just want to learn how to do better with them (which is totally great!) The other workshop would be those of you who have a DSLR and some knowledge of what to do with it. The DSLR workshop would be a bit more elaborate because we would spend a little less time on the basics and more time pushing creativity. I want to hear from YOU - what types of things would you want to learn in a workshop?? Email or message me about any of this because I need to hear it. I am spoiled by getting 16 weeks to teach an intro college class, I need to hear from people what they would like to learn in a short 3 hours!

7. You know I like Tori & Dean, I didn't say I was always deep people. I think it's funny that they are pretty relatable. Tori is a very glamorous version of a working mom but my hats off to her for doing it her own way. I can't help but laugh that no matter how glamorous a mom might be, her kid still throws tantrums, the food still gets burnt and she still has tiffs with the hubby. It's all a little reassuringly normal (if you don't count the paparazzi, $500 pairs of shoes, and her gaggle of animals).

8. I got an iphone last week. I know, welcome to the 2000's Emily. I remeber when the very first ones came out and cost $600. Occassionally there is an upside to depreciating technology! I am enjoying it lots. What apps do you like friends?

9. On the crush note, Hawaii 5-0 is all new tonight! Woohoo!

10. I am excited to pick up with my photo sessions this month. I just got my camera all cleaned and fixed up by the Canon people. It's ready to capture your memories! Booking now for family sessions through the spring! emily@emilytroutmanphoto.com

If you didn't catch my feature on the Chockababy blog last week, definitely check it out! If you have never checked out Chockababy, it's a great service as well. Have a great week friends!

Winter UD Wedding

They met while they were both working at the hospital, George as a trauma nurse and Steph as an occupational therapist. After a funny series of events, they finally decided that they did in fact like each other and started dating. Of course, the rest is history!

You might remember George and Stephanie from their snowy engagement session early last year. Their beautiful wedding was this past December. I thought I would share with you some of the fun images we were able to snag in University of Delaware's Stadium, where George played football during his college days! I loved all the colors and just the fun that this couple truly is!

 

Confessions...

I am pretty sure that I understand why confession really is good for the soul! I have a few things to share today...

1.         Mostly motherhood is kicking my butt. It seems like every corner we turn is a new one, in new territory, with no map! I am SO BLESSED to have three great kids, just never anticipated how parenthood would challenge me. I was super humbled by a stranger on Saturday in the grocery store. I had just Dean a long because we are trying to do some things with the kids individually. I had high hopes he would be "my big helper" at the store but it was more like he was "my big heckler" and I was seriously losing patience. Right around the fresh fruit at the end of the trip he was throwing baby carrots and crushing the fresh loaf of bread when I said "Dean you are really driving me crazy." An older man leaned over to me and said, "no he's not mom, no he's not." Well the nerve....I smiled and continued on. I should've gone back around and asked him what he meant by his statement. Like maybe he raised 5 kids who are all grown now and he misses those days. He must have said it for a reason and it stuck with me. I was half irritated but mostly humbled. I was irritated because I am pretty sure he had no idea what my kids put me through on most days, but mostly humbled because I know the treasure I have been given in being Dean's mother.

Motherhood is quite an adventure, especially when you go from no kids to 3 kids in two years. Parenthood is like hopping on a roller coaster and holding on for dear life with no idea where the ride will take you!

2. I got some great Christmas gifts that I am really enjoying, like a fuzzy pink new bathrobe, a great pro hair straightener, a cute Betsey Johnson camera bracelet, a cute new school bag, some awesome boots and more things I am probably forgetting. I also got a Cameo Silhouette machine, which is pretty much amazing but I have yet to take it out of the box. I am sort of afraid that I won't be able to make cool things with it or something. It intimdates me. I need some inspirtation and a few minutes, then I am sure it will rarely get a break :) 

3. Speaking of school, the spring semester starts today. I am excited! I love a fresh start and new students to get to know!

4. Did you hear about my Love is in the Air contest? One lucky couple will get a free engagement session just by submitting their love story. Submissions just need to be one 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper, creativity is up to the couple! Email me when you are ready to send it and I will give you the address (emily@emilytroutmanphoto.com)

5. I am dreaming up a spring or summer workshop for all you friends out there who have asked me about one. It will be a lot of photo basics and tips boiled down into a few hours at a great location.  If you would like to learn to take your camera off auto, get better pictures of your kids or even just like to push your creativity, this is for you! Intersted? If you are, shoot me an email because I am gathering a list now of "first to know" about the workshop because space will be limited!

Love Is In The Air Contest

 Lovely Girls Events are partnering with us to make this happen, if you need an event planner in the Delaware area, check them out!

Welcome to 2012 Confessions

The New Year is a natural time for new beginnings and I am certainly ready for a few. Last year was full of great joys, like welcoming Maxwell into our family, and deep sorrows, like losing my dad. As I live each day though I grow increasingly aware of how fast life truly does pass us by. I am well aware that I am about to turn 30 years old and cannot believe it really! I also cannot believe how fast my children are growing and changing. I am trying hard to be present in daily life, experience the divine in the ordinary and treasure these sweet children God has entrusted us with. With that being said, here are some things I am looking forward to doing in 2012.

1. I want to be consistent with taking family photos. I hope that getting a smaller point and shoot that I can still manually manipulate will help me capture every day family moments without feeling the pressure like I am "working." I know that the images I take today will be the ones that make me well up with tears 20 years from now.

2. Along with actually taking the photos, I would like to do a better job of recording our life through the pictures and journaling. I stumbled across Project Life Kits by Becky Higgins and I am intrigued. Anyone ever try these? Would love to hear it if you have!

3. I also want to commit to doing hiring a professional photographer to do a family photo session at least once a year, despite how I might feel about my own haircut, current weight, or otherwise. I believe treasuring the memories is worth saving up for and investing in.

4. I would like to do more scripture reading this year. It has really become a struggle since becoming a mother for me to do a consistent scripture reading. I have a neat little 52-week of scripture reading I got from my local MOPS group that I am going to do my best to accomplish this year. I need good input to have good output!

5. I always want to be learning, so I want to do at least one type of photography workshop in 2012. I was fortunate to do at least one in 2011 with Jeremy Cowart and also did lots of online learning via blogs and Creative Live.

6. I will also keep attempting to read at least one book per month of some variety, either novels, spiritual or parenting related. I know my mind needs constant training and stimulation to stay sharp.

7. I will attempt to be a better parent. The thing about parenting is that with every stage you are in new territory. You learn as you go, which can be very scary. Every day has triumphs and failures. I think the biggest thing for me is to remain patient and be consistent. Easy to say, hard to do!

8. I need to do creative inspired projects that are not work related. I need to start a photography project that's just for my own creative expression. Although I am short on free time for something like this, I am contemplating ideas and welcome suggestions for inspirations.

9. I have some business goals for 2012 for some areas I would like to step it up a notch. I am so thankful for my wonderful clients and hope to keep making people pleased with their investment in me. Running a business is a lot like parenting, constantly learning and never knowing if you're doing it right until you see the results...even then you still might not be sure. Just have to keep moving forward and trusting your instincts!

10. I need to focus on health for all of my family. I want to cultivate an active, healthy lifestyle for our family without being dogmatic about it. I want to get my running shoes back on a lot more consistently not only for weight loss but for the sheer enjoyment of it! I need to be healthy to be around for my kids and I also need to model health for them, which can seem a daunting task!

Happy New Year friends, here's to a wonderful 2012!

Start off 2012 well!

Here's to a wonderful new year!

Christmas Confessions

I know it's Tuesday, but yesterday got away from me with family time so I will confess today!

1. The twins spent the night at Grandmas and it was eerily quiet here this morning just hanging out with Max. It's a nice novelty but I really do miss them when they are gone!

2. The hubs & I saw the new Sherlock Holmes movie last night and it was great! It led to strange dreams though...

3. I decided this month I need to read a classic so I turned to my favorite, Jane Austen, and I think I will read Northanger Abbey for my amusement. I have this memory problem where I forget the endings to most books and movies, but it works out when i re-read things because its like new again!

4. I want to know why toys are so complicated these days?! I swear it takes just short of a machete to open the packaging. Then everything needs batteries, which of course are also in a screwed shut battery compartment, which requires a screwdriver to open. We got some leap frog stuff and forget it, it needs to get logged online through a computer to get it going! We needed Monday to assemble things, battery power things up and make the toys "do stuff." No wonder Dean always holds a toy and says "on" - even when it's not an "on" toy!

5. I am watching The Help right now and I love this movie! The book was even better. There's many lessons to be learned from this social commentary on days gone by but there's another lesson, don't give up. Did you know that the book was rejected over 45 times by publishers before finally being published? Here's the article. Good for Kathryn Stockett for believing in the story she had to tell enough to persevere!

6. My 30th birthday is only about 6 weeks away. Along with that thought and the new year, I think I need to get back on the health wagon. I did weigh myself yesterday, thankfully I had not gained any weight but I sure enough have some to lose!

7. I am not looking forward to taking the Christmas decorations down. They made our house so festive and to be honest, covered up for the fact that we have not yet really decorated our new digs. Guess I know what I will be doing in January!

8. My kids were spoiled rotten this Christmas by family and friends but I think the best thing they were given was time with family. They have spent time (or will spend time with soon) tons of family members over the week. I have so many rich memories of time with my family and I am so glad that they are surrounded by such fun and diverse people that love them to peices! What a blessing!

9. My favorite guilty pleasure this holiday season? Peanut butter cookies with Reese cups in the middle! YUM!

10. This is sad but I am ready for some shows to return, like Grey's Anatomy, where are you?!

Have a goos rest of the week!

Monday Confessions

I am like every other mother right now....running around like a crazy fool with 3 kids in tow. We survived Target this morning with no incidents, it was amazing. It might have had to do with the large soft prtezel I fed the kids in bits as we went along or the fact that they are reminded that Santa is watching! The to do list is long, but it's delightful things like wrapping and making cookies, as well as not so fun things like business accounting (it is almost end of year you know...) So here goes for Monday!

1. One crush from last week is becoming a relationship...I purchased the 70-200mm lens second hand from a friend who is upgrading equipment. So excited to add it my arsenal!

2. My grandma knitted me a sweater last Christmas and I have been wearing it ALL THE TIME lately around the house. It's like getting a hug from your grandma all day while wearing a blanket, the best!

3. The twins have been loving watching the old Frosty the Snowman cartoon. They watch it with their full attention and the funniest thing is that they like to repeat lines from the movie. Their favorite line to repeat is "No money, no tickets" - it CRACKS me up! It's become a family joke that we just yell at random times.

4. I picked up an easy read to enjoy this time of year, Nicholas Sparks, The Lucky One... enjoying it so far, a nice little escape from all that is going on for a few minutes here and there.

5. Max is seriously the sweetest thing...he just loves life and giggles at everything. It's fun to have a 6 month old at Christmastime!

6. M & D LOVE Christmas lights, so we have been taking a couple evening rides each week to go find lights. We found some great lights on Saturday night and then picked up a pizza. It's so fun to use the things of this time of year to bring your family together. Matt & I are enjoying Christmas with the twins especially because they "get it" and they are also easily impressed with things like lights!

7. Dean got a big boy hair cut on Saturday and it really hit me how much he's growing up. He also has been speaking in full sentences and tells me which way to drive. He knows where things are and tells me if I am not going the right way to Grandma's house!

8. Right now the twins have been in their cribs for over an hour and no sleeping is going on. I hear laughing, giggling, "jingle bells" and everything else coming from up there! I am just not ready to let naptime go....I blame Santa, they're way too excited to sleep!

9. Had a little inspiration today to create a Christmas card clothesline in our kitchen to enjoy the cards! We had a stack going in the middle of the table but it just wasn't as fun. I jsut used ribbon and cute little clothes pins for this creation!

It's not perfect though so if you don't see your card or your card is hiding, not to fear! We had to put a few up top that were too heavy for the line!

10. I have a few work related things going on, like book keeping, client products, and one more shoot for the year but will otherwise be taking time to spend with my family. I will check email regularly but please allow at least 48 hours for me to respond to any inquiries from now until the new year. I greatly appreciate your interest in my business, just need to make sure plenty of time is with the family & I get a holiday of my own from working! 

Have a great week everyone!

Old Saint Nick

The Santa at our mall is not the same this year...but good thing his bear is real because Max about tried to yank it off! Santa was going "oh boy" and I said "sorry about the beard grab." He said "it's Ok, it happens 7 days a week!" Well here's to the annual visit to the man in the red suit..I am glad it was fairly uneventful, Macy just decided that she liked him better not on his lap!

Monday Crush Confessions

You know that feeling when your palms sweat inexplicably and you giggle like a middle school girl?! It's the feeling of a crush of course! I thought I might share with you internet friends some things I have been crushing on lately...

1. A 2012 Black Chevy Suburban....I know my Dad is in heaven dying over the fact that I like a Chevy (he only ever owned Fords) but hey Dad, AT LEAST it's made in America! Definitely don't tell my swagger wagon but I would totally cheat with a Suburban if I had the chance!

2. Speaking of Chevys...do any of you watch Hawaii 5 -0? I definitely love the action and the sweet Camaro they run around in...but I totally have another Crush on the Steve McGarrett character! I dare say he might even be bad-er than Jack Bauer. Alex o'Laughlin definitely knows how to flex it and aim a gun...I don't care if it's all fake. You can totally hear my middle school girl giggle when I watch!! 

3. I have a crush on black sparkle Toms. I am crossing my fingers they are in Santa's bag for me! I mean and really, Toms is a shoe habbit a girl can feel good about supporting because somewhere else in the world a person in need of shoes will get a pair also!

4. I have a total secret crush on crazy big hair and maybe it's because my hair is fairly plain & manageable...Here are some rad examples. 

Promise Tangeman -she also has a million other reasons I can crush on her like, awesome personal style, loves Jesus, hangs out with Jasmine Star and is an amazing artist!

 

Chelsea from Teen Mom 2 - I also commend her choice to choose life in a hard situation but do not commend her choice in men (bye bye Adam)!

Taylor who used to assist Rachel Zoe(who I also love). Her hair wasn't so much big as it was awesomely messed up at all times in all the right ways!

Enough of my hair crushes....

 5. I have a crush on New York City...I got there for a short visit last week and had my maiden voyage to the Brooklyn Bridge. Eventhough it's getting painted right now, I still got a great feel for it's beautiful architecture!

Here's just a straight out of camera shot from last week. 

6. Another crush is the Canon 70 - 200mm 2.8 lens. Self explanatory crush there...

7. I heart Lady Antebellum too....total crush on their music! I sing it at the top of my lungs like I have any business doing that! 

8. I have a TOTAL crush on the Domincan Republic and would love to be reintroduced anytime now! Santa...if you're listening...

9. I have a total crush on this guy... (sorry for the small pic)

Love you honey!

10. And I totally have a crush on these 3 cuties too...alhtough I fail to have a good picture of them together!

What are some of your crushes friends?! 

Cute Elf!

Just wanted to share a cute pic of Max from bedtime tonight! He is ready to be santa's elf!

Christmas Maternity Session

It's always nice when a friend from days past contacts me to photograph them. I have great memories of Carrie from her college days at UD! Well a few years later down the road, she is married to the very wonderful Phil and they are expecting a little one in March. It's a little earlier than I generally would do maternity shots but they wanted them in time to send a long with their Christmas cards, which I totally understand. It's hard when you are far from family and friends, they miss getting to see your belly grow! I do have to say, Carrie is a cute little pregnant girl and I am sure that their baby boy will be just as adorable! We were also thankful for another random 60 degree day in December for this shoot. Enjoy!

One of my very favs from the session...

My other favorite of the day!

Monday Confessions (Husband Take Over)

Hello Everyone, welcome to the first Husband blog take over! First let me introduce myself, my name is Matt. Some may say I'm not your average dude. By day, you'll see me looking quite rough (border-line homeless) as I work in various construction sites laboring the hours away as an electrician's apprentice. By night, you'll find me busy dreaming, creating and working behind my iMac finishing up my latest graphic design project. I'm lover of all things adventure, from surfing, mounting biking, skateboarding, or shooting weapons at targets. I also enjoy well crafted art, as well as having a soft spot for creative design and great photography.

I consider myself to be very blessed! The Lord has blessed me with 3 beautiful children and an amazing wife! Emily is a super talented mother, business owner, teacher and photographer! And most of the time she is actually quite entertaining. If you stalk this blog and haven't met Emily, you should schedule a shoot! You'll meet an amazing woman and I'll guarantee she will make you smile and laugh. You will probably end up with some pretty rad photographs as well.

Now on to the confessions!

1- I am home with the kiddos today. Emily was off to New York City early this morning to continue her photo education at a very famous photographers workshop, @Jeremycowart. It was no easy task but I survived. The kids were a blast and I loved playing all day! Below is shot of the 3 amigos and yes, they stayed in their pajamas all day.

2- Moving is always fun in the beginning and then you end up not ever wanting to move again because tt's a lot of work. We were super amazed at how much stuff we managed to cram in our old townhouse. We are doing fairly well at getting it unpacked.

3- We are starting to fall in love with Middletown! It maybe a little premature to admit that, but we like this small town vibe. Everyone we meet is really kind and the area is not as congested as up north. I enjoy seeing the stars on my way home at night and still having the luxury of having all our necessities close by. My only complaint is that some folks drive a little too slow for my liking.

4- It's still pretty mild outside, which feels strange for this time of year. Christmas is right around the corner, which means the cold weather is on its way. I really enjoy the four seasons living in the mid- Atlantic region. This time of year is not only the season for giving, it's also a season for beard growing! And I can only dream of accomplishing one of these works of art someday.... Now only if I could get the Mrs. to allow it. Haha!

5- This is for all you men out there. I stumbled upon this great site that's good for showing off the stuff you never knew you wanted! Check out uncrate!

6- Okay time to feel the pain! The clip below will either make you feel bad for this poor unfortunate dude or make you wet your pants with laughter! Either way it's worth watching.

7- Never have I ever been..... skiing or snowboarding! CRAZY! I know! I have always wanted to go but never have ended up taking the trip. I've pretty great at sledding and I've been on one cheap snowboards (the ones you slip your feet into) thats was pulled by a go-cart! So I really have no clue of how difficult this is, but I'd love to try! Enjoy the clip!

8- We bought a new Dyson vacuum a couple weeks ago. They are a lot of money, we have been through many in the last few years and we just couldn't pass up the killer black friday deal at home depot. I've always been intrigued by the Dyson tech and I really ejoyed their attractive ad campaign. I love some modern design! So clean and simple... Anyways, definately worth the money. We got the small compact ball model (DC24), that little machine is a beast! My only complaint is that it has a shorter cord that what I'm used to, but that wouldn't stop me from buying it. It's been sucking up tons of dirt around our new pad!

9- Ladies, are you in need of some clothing ideas for your man this Christmas season. Check out CXXVI Clothing Co. They have great style and taste with a very classic feel. I'd say they put out some very hadsome threads. They're def worth checking out. 

10- I've come to the conclusion that coming up with these confessions every week can be very challenging. 

Thanks for reading my first confessions. It's been fun! I hope all you enjoy the Holidays. I'm sure Emily will have a post regaurding her trip to NYC. So stay tuned! 

In the words of Bugs Bunny "Thats all Folks!"

A Beautiful Fall Wedding at Deerfield

Here's to a gorgeous fall wedding at Deerfield for a great couple. Vinnie and Diane are so much fun to be around and they have a great story! She would spy him out the windows and think "he sure is cute" and apparently the same thing was going on next door when he would look out the window at her. Diane and Vinnie started out as neighbors, but both kept debating how awkward it would be to date a neighbor. What if things went badly and you have to see him/her all the time? Still, they would each find excuses to need to see or talk to each other. Eventually they got over their fears and here we are at their wedding day. They are now husband and wife, after a gorgeous celebration! I have to say, I had a blast shooting this wedding, you can just tell by looking at them how genuine their love is and how much they each love life. Here's to Vinnie & Diane's big day!

And just incase anyone is wondering if I altered the eyes - Diane's eyes really are THAT blue & I did not edit them! And in case you were wondering, hair and makeup by Trilogy Salon & Dayspa. They do fantastic work!

 

And on another note, sorry for my blog delinquency. Moving and being sick have not been a good combination for productivity! I will say I have a full calendar coming up and look forward to posting more sessions soon! Have a great weekend!

Monday Confession..Chaos as always!

Well friends I don't even really know where to start today! It is winding down finally...just ate my dinner at 7:30 if that tells you anything about this day.

1. Thanksgiving is usually full of feasting and relaxing but ours was full of icky sickies and moving! Kids were all sick (will chat more about this in 2) and we were moving on Black Friday. Moving is certainly a type of upheaval to say the least. Eventhough you take your family and all your cherished posessions with you - you realize you will have no idea where half your stuff is for weeks :) We had WONDERFUL friends that helped us so much on Friday to get to our new house, we can't praise them enough! By Friday night everyone had a place to sleep and we had enough of the kitchen together that we knew we would eat :)

2. I have been at the pediatrician 4 out of the last 5 Mondays. Every Monday since Halloween with the exception of one, I have had a sick kid(s) at the doc if that tells you anything!

3. Today at the Doc, Mr. Dean decided to use his lightning fast feet to run from me in the waiting room, out the door of the practice and into the elevator! He was ready to go down & "push da buddon mommy." Oh you laugh...it happened TWICE! He got away from the nurses station too while we were doing weights and measures. People, I cannot make this stuff up! On moving day he opened a car door while the car was in motion while my mom was watching him..oh yes, doors the were locked, he unlocked them first & then opened the door. Remember, he has lightning speed with all things naughty!

4. Remember how I was talking about getting rid of the pacifiers? Well, we tried a sneaky trick and told the kids they got lost on the way to new house. They only asked for them the first naptime....success!

5. Moving will also show you if you are a good housekeeper or not...I learned that I STINK at dusting. We found dust bunnies bigger than Macy and Dean under a few things...gross...I apparently need to revive my inner domestic goddess and get right on that!

6. Max was 6 months old yesterday. I cannot believe it, but he's just as sweet as he can be. I will be working on a photoshoot this week for him - he deserves it! He does at least now have his very own room :)

7. Christmas decorations just make me happy...except that I have been sweating while putting them up. What's up with the Ca-RAZY weather?! It was like 70 today! Here's what we've got going on at our house...we are so excited to have an actual mantel for our stockings!

8. Yesterday during naptime Matt & I decided to put up some christmas lights on our front bushes to surprise the kids. Matt purchased a timer with remote so you can just click the lights on from inside the house - some say lazy, I say genius! Anyhow, we wanted to pull up to the house & click on the lights at night to surprise the kids. We made the fatal mistake of going to look at the rest of the neighborhood's lights first. Apparently we live in the same type of neighborhood from Christmas with the Kranks because there were some amazing light displays. I am talking large Frosties, Mr. & Mrs. Claus, Mickey & Minnie, Santa in a hot air balloon things.....so when we pulled in our driveway and our little white lights went on, the twins said "oh." LOL, Christmas light FAIL! We know better for next time, show them our boring little light show first and then move on to the rest of the 'hood!

9. I feel like a college kid instead of the instructor...class is winding down and I am ready for winter break! We have our final portfolio's due next week and they had their final projects due today. I have to say, the students came up with some great ideas, very pleased with their creativity today!

10. If you see more gray hair on my head...you know why, I am leading a very full and busy life. One step at a time until the next confessions....

Monday Confessions

Whew...another CRAZY Monday! Where do I begin?!

1. Well yesterday afternoon I had a date with some lovely ladies to see Breaking Dawn: Part 1. It was good I guess, but I read the book so long ago I had forgotten so much of the subtext. I had to keep leaning over to my friends to ask about secret powers, etc. I definitely recommend doing a re-read before you go if it's been a while!  About the wedding dress too - it was so anticipated, I personally loved the back & hated the front!

2. When I got home from the movie I picked up baby boy Max and realized immediately that he was wheezing. He hadn't been feeling well nad had started with a cough. I knew it was serious and it being a Sunday night, we had to head to the local er. Sure enough, he was wheezing and tested postive for RSV. The poor kid could hardly sleep for coughing but we still saw his sweet smile here and there. Took another trip to the doc today to follow up, got another breathing treatment and were sent home..Lets just say its been a long 24 hours but good news is Max just played in his jumpy and is now having a bottle, so I think we are on the up & up! We have another friend tonight who's little baby girl is suffering from the same thing with more severity so please keep them in your prayers as well!

3. To the people that will help us move this friday, please don't judge me for the cobwebs we uncover, the organization (or lack there of) in my house, another dirt we discover or how many pairs of shoes I own. I am working on simplifying, I promise. I confess that I am not super mom, when things get hectic, cleaning can be the first thing to go. You should see the pile of laundry that is waiting for me to finish this post!

4. There will be a Black Friday SALE to all my clients from this year...details will come via your online galleries on Friday!!!!

5. It is indeed Thanksgiving week..so much to be thankful for! Even just living in a place where we have access to clean water and medical care, that's so much more than a lot of the world.  Here are some things to ponder...

• If you woke up this morning healthy ... remember that you are much better off than the million who will not survive this week.

• If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the fear and loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pain of starvation ... you are better off than 500 million people in the world.

• If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ...you are more comfortable than 75% of the people in this world.

• If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, spare change in a drawer, a pocket or somewhere ...you are among the top 8% of the world's most wealthy people.

• If you can read this, remember that there are over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.
• If you have your own PC at home, you own something that costs more than an average person earns in an entire year in Somalia or Sierra Leone.

Happy Thanksgiving week Friends!

Tuesday Confessions because Monday was nuts!

Ever had a day that felt like 3 days in one?! Well that was yesterday! I won't bore you with details but lets just say it started with a baby cry at 6am and ended with me in the doctor's office at 8pm for evening hours with Dean. Life is an adventure!

1. I am stuck in the middle of One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp,  can't decide if I already got the point or if I need to keep going. It is very flowery writing which sometimes loses me and other times transports me right to the time and place she is speaking of. I also have not had much time to read which probably doesn't help. For those that have read it, should I keep going??

2. If you want to bring me happiness in a cup, just deliver a Grande Skinny Vanilla Latte from Starbucks, it's my favorite right now :) It's warm, sweet, and yummy - all good things!

3. Did you know that credit cards were not prevalent in the US until the 1980's? They are such a part of our everyday lives, that it's hard to imagine them not around. I am not necessarily saying this is a good thing for us to have them. In fact, that's when our debt crisis really started and American families carrying debt became "normal." We are doing our very best as a family to stay out of debt, we are by no means experts but are learning to live within our means. If you want to learn more about great financial strategies, head to Dave Ramsey.  He also has a great talk radio show if you want to check it out :) Yes...I like talk radio.

4. My house is a disaster, besides the usual mess, we are dealing with the moving mess. Any tips from you all out there on moving? I feel like it's a monumental task especially with small kids, but we are so thankful for what lies ahead. (We still need a renter so if you know anyone or are looking, please contact me!)

5. Parenting is flat out hard. I am pretty sure no one ever knows what they are getting into when they begin a family. I feel like I ride a daily roller coaster with the kids with emotions, behavior, etc. Not all the books in the world prepare you for when your a 2 year-old is....

• stripping down naked while holding poopy diaper in hand
• dumping a GALLON of water on your kitchen floor when you are trying to leave the house
• disconnecting the car from the car seat while you are driving 60mph
• opening the fridge and helping himself
• letting himself out the front door
• grabbing your keys (while you are putting other child in carseat) & climbing in front seat, putting keys in ignition and starting car
• spilling an entire cup of juice all down the stairs and wall because he decided to throw it
• running away from you in parking lots
• fighting with you about every food you put on his plate

These are just a few things that have happened in the last week! It's exhausting but there are also other things like....

• saying "thank you mommy" when I do something for them
• singing "jesus loves me" and "frosty the snowman" spontaneously
• saying "happy birthday mommy" at random times throughout the day
• racing to the mailbox and your 2 yr old saying "I win"
• riding the dog and saying "yee-haw'
• playing in the leaves & pointing out every pumpkin that we pass

6. We are looking forward to a fun family weekend to pause and enjoy life in the middle of the chaos. Thomas the Train is coming to Lancaster, PA and Grandma is taking us all this weekend! I might be as excited as the kids :) Looking forward to just enjoying family time in the middle of this busy season for us!

7. Breaking Dawn (Part of the Twilight series) comes out this weekend! Going to see it with some girls on Sunday, excited to see how they bring the book to life! Hope they don't check ID's at the door & kick out the old girls :)

8. I turn 30 in less than 3 months...my weight loss goals are slower than I liked but am taking it one day at a time. At least I did make it to the Y to run yesterday during the chaos of the day, lets hope I get there at least a couple more times this week! We shall see!

I was reminded this week of the old saying, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!" So one bite at a time we will "eat our elephant!" Have a great week friends!

Monday Confessions with some big news!

People always say "I don't know how you do it." Neither do I most of the time...

1. Here's a glimpse into just one small moment of my day, trying to take the kids to the YMCA. I get a workout on the way to my workout. Imagine having to get two 2yr-olds and a 23 lb 5 month-old into the gym. You have two choices, to pull out the 50 lb double stroller and hook the extra seat to it to make it a triple (this takes at least 5 minutes & then where the heck do you leave that beast during your workout) OR to put the 5 month-old in the snap-n-go while letting the 2yr-olds walk. It sounds simple enough but not if your toddlers like to run away like Dean. I go with option two today and end up carrying Macy while pushing Max and convincing Dean to "help" me push Max, all while weaving through cars. Dean runs when he sees something so I run after him and leave Max in the middle of the parking lot. I round Dean back up & get back to Max.

We finally make it to the door, Dean pushes the button for the automatic door to open and we make it to the check-in desk. I have to let go of Dean's hand and afer a second the guy behind me says "you have a jailbreak!" I look back to see Dean jetting back to the front door to play with the buttons again! I run to get him with Macy still in arms and completely leave Max unattended. I get Dean & we go back to the desk, get all our cards swiped and continue on to the kids classrooms. Drop off involves crying and cajoling but I am determined for a workout! Mind you this is all BEFORE I go run on the treadmill for half an hour. And remember, this crazy process has to be repeated on the way back out the door - all under the comments of old ladies "you have your hands full" or those looks from people like "do you know where babies come from?" Yes friends...this is just a small moment of my usual day and I was just thankful it was sunny (imagine that scenario with rain, excessive wind, etc), crazy right?!

2. Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1 on November 19th - do you have your tickets yet? I do :) And before you ask, yes, I am an almost 30 year old woman! Don't hate, I am going with friends too!

3. In the same vain, I am kind of excited to listen to Justin Bieber's new Christmas Album, Under the Mistletoe. Hey who doesn't need new Christmas music to jam to?! I realize this puts me into cougar/creeper status but at least I am up front about it! It takes me back to high school when I jammed to 98 Degrees Christmas album on repeat!

4. Not a fan of political propoganda on tv... next year is not going to be fun with a presidential election!

5. Our other BIG NEWS is that we are MOVING!!! Our little townhouse has served us well for just over 5 years but it just can't contain our growing family. Moving out of our first home is a little bittersweet. We absolutely love this place, the location, the neighbors, but it's just too small for our brood! Max has been bunking with us and is ready for his own room! We will be moving to Middletown, it's a whole new town for us but thankfully is still not too far from family and friends or all my wonderful clients. Pictures of the new house will follow at some point in the next month. (We are going to rent the townhouse out, so if you or someone you know is interesting in renting in Bear, DE come January 1st, please shoot me an email! I would love to tell you about the house).

Well those were some long confessions so I will cut myself off for now, have a great week friends!

Great Fall Family Photo Shoot!

I met Kim through MOPS, Mother's of Preschoolers, a great way for moms of young ones to connect! We were in the same group last year and got to know each other. She learned that I was a photographer and connected with my work online. She and her family even came out to support when I had work in the Art Loop in Wilmington, which was a great! It's wonderful to have friends that support your work! We were excited to get together for a fall session. When the weather was done playing tricks on us, we enjoyed a beautiful afternoon shoot with her sweet family! 

Baby J was in his sweet, exploratory, just-learning-to-walk phase! Loved it!

The sweet couple that started it all & we were actually did our shoot in the same location that they got married! 

Happy Friday friends!

Strange Happenings... Halloween!

Snow on pumpkins isn't really a normal occurance for us here in the Mid-Atlantic. It was a little freaky and left most of us wondering about what type of winter is to come. We had to wipe the ice and snow off our pumpkins over the weekend in order to carve them! Just wanted to share with you a photo post about the last few days around our house, enjoy! 

*Side note - some of these are definitely not technically perfect, but they are more about moments. It kind of bummed me out that I didn't have time to get great shots on the fly - but that's life....sometimes the moments are more important than the technicalities!*

Dean admiring the "spooky spookies" - aka ghosts

Halloween 2011 - Enter Woody & Jessie (Poor Max ws sick and we didn't try to wrestle him into the horse costume after all, he happily wore a cute Halloween shirt and slept in his car seat :)

His costume was a little big and the boot thingies only lasted 60 seconds before removal for being too big and in his way of running around!

Can't believe they are both looking & smiling?! What?! That never happens...

They are saying "stick 'em up" in this one!

Can you even tell this sweet girl is sick?

I usually don't go for these type of treatments on photos because I am pretty much a purist but I feel like it's the perfect fit for this photo! "Yee-haw cowboy" as Dean would say while riding his stick horse (which was actually my stick horse as a kid:)

Hope you all had a great Halloween!