Monday Confessions

Yet another Monday already around here! How was your weekend? We enjoyed every bit of the beautiful weather we finally got here.

1. I confess, I am SO READY for spring and not a fan of the fact that there's more snow in the forecast later this week! I thought the ground hog said early spring?!

2. We have spots open still for mini sessions on April 6, shoot me an email if interested!

3. I am loving a fresh scent from Victoria's Secret, it's called Pure Seduction. Now never you mind about the saucy name...it's just a yummy, fresh scent of sweetness! If you need a pick me up, this is a nice one. And if you know me anyway, you know my husband has no sense of smell...so nice fragrance is only for my enjoyment!

4. I have banana chocolate chip muffins in the oven as I write because I had three overly ripe bananas that needed a good fate! I love the smell coming from the kitchen right now!

5. We have been dealing with some sickness over the last week, it's mostly been little Max. It's no fun especially because he's been a little bit of a bear and not really eating much. Hope this week brings healing!

6. I have been day dreaming about Shamrock Shakes

7. I have also been good about my commitment to exercise at least 3 to 4 times a week right now. I have been mixing it up between Zumba and Insanity workouts. It's been good for me!

8. Anyone else been catching The Bible series on History channel? I don't think it's award winning acting or anything but it's really neat how it brings the bible to life in ways we may not have imagined before. Definitely check it out next SUnday night if you haven't yet, I think it's nice timing with Easter on it's way!

9. Don't forget your free iced coffee today my Dunkin friends!

Hugs and prayers for a great week!

Monday Confessions

Happy March to all of you! Only 16 days until the official first day of spring...and of course here in the Northeast, we have snow in the forecast for Wednesday! It's Monday and time to confess....

1. I confess that I am ready to break up with winter. We are done, my feelings of love towards winter are gone. I am ready for sunshine, warmth and flip flops! 

2. SO speaking of spring, it's time for mini sessions! I has been toying with the idea and thought, why not?! Details in image below, it's first come, first serve and $25 deposits are NON-refundable. I am still debating on location but it will be somewhere between Newark & Middletown, message me if you have an idea for a great spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee!

3. I am currently obsessed with anything polka dot or striped. I have always loved a good nautical type striped shirt for spring but I am almost scaring myself with how many striped and polka dot items I am collecting. Hope they never go out of style :)

4. Speaking of style, I had a GREAT find at Target last week. This beautiful bag has already gotten tons of compliments and "where did you get that?" The color is just as great in person and the texture is soft like leather (not sure that it is real leather though). Price was $34.99, can't complain about that either!

5. I am starting to look into activities for preschoolers for the spring and summer. I really want to get a thing or two the twins can be involved in because once school is out, they will miss interacting with all their little friends. I will also miss having planned activities for them :) If you know of a good little soccer league, gymnastic tumbling class or anything else fun for two almost-4-year-olds, let me know!

6. Free Iced Coffee Mondays are back at Dunkin Donuts, who's cheering with me?!

7. Many of us find ourselves on pinterest, wondering if we will ever use any of these ideas we pin. Who has actually used it to make a project or cook a recipe lately?! I have!! Just made these muffins today and they were super yummy. What have you tried lately that you liked??

8. I am currently reading Duck Commander Family by Willie and Korie Robertson. If you're a fan of Duck Dynasty, you should definitely check it out. It's their honest story of how they got where they are and it has not been without a lot of hard work. If you've never checked out the show, it's on Wednesday nights and it's definitely great for a laugh! My copy is even borrowed from my local library :)

Hope you have a great week!

Monday Confessions

Today's true confessions....

1. I am wearing sweat pants and hoop earrings. I pray that the hoops distract from the sweats but I realize that my efforts already failed when my 3 year old son just told me that I cannot go out in sweats. "You need jeans Mommy"

2. Where are we going on a Monday you ask? Our favorite place, Chick Fil-A does a Monday morning Mommy & Me with crafts and play time. It's the best thing going if you ask me, mostly because my kiddos play and I drink a cup of coffee!

3. This is a season of restlessness for me. I am weary but hopeful....feels a lot like how I feel at the end of winter most years. I yearn for the sun, warmth and the hope that spring always brings!

4. I booked my flights for Colorado next month...a trip to spread my dad's ashes on what would've been his 60th birthday. I am sure I will write more on this later as I begin to process it. It's mostly just hard for me to believe he's been gone almost 2 years from this year. 

5. As you know, my Grandma turned 85 this past week. I gave her a gift of two empty journals and told her to write. I want her to write her precious memories down as they come to her. She is full of wonderful wisdom that I don't want to lose! I am excited to see what she pens in the months and years to come! Here's "GG" blowing out her birthday candles with Max helping!

6. I got a coupon in the mail for a free Dunkin coffee for my birthay month...you would've thought i hit the lottery the way I acted when I got it out of the mailbox! Sometimes it really is the small things, isn't it?!

7. Are you in the local DE area and have some gently used prom or bridesmaids gowns you would like to donate? There's an awesome charity called the "Formal Dress Project" here in DE that accepts them as donations (tax deducitble) and then sells them very inexpensively to lower income high school girls that need dresses for formals. I love this idea of spreading the love and making everyone happy! Check it out here. 

8. What are some recent good reads? I am in a reading lull but need get into something other than the parenting books I am constantly perusing! 

9. I am currently in a "decorations" in between...not wanting to put our Easter decor yet and I don't really feel like messing with shamrocks. It just seems weird to do Easter and spring decor while its 37 out but I might just have to go with it since Easter is just about a month away! What are you friends doing with  your mantels, etc?

10. I decided yesterday that there are two things that are always full in our house: the kitchen trash and our hamper. Despite me emptying them what feels like all the time, they're always full!

Ok friends, that's all for now and I pray you have a wonderful week, full of the hope that is to come! 

A Tribute to my Grandmother on her 85th

You've heard that saying "the best thing since sliced bread?" Well it's funny you see because sliced bread came out the same year as my Grandma, 1928. In July of 1928 the Chillicothe Baking Co in Missouri was the first to sell bread sliced. It's funny to think of this as a "modern" notion in the era of ipads, internet and Starbucks drive throughs. My Grandma, Vernalee, turns 85 today. I love spending time with her, she still leads a VERY FULL life. I have always taken for granted that she will have her birthday 10 days after mine, but this year has made me pause and reflect. I also should point out that my middle name, Rose, was after her middle name. 

To call my Grandma "strong" would probably be an understatement because her strength is reflected in so many ways. Some things I think of when I think of her.... strength, perseverance, peach butter, sewing machines, love, joy, faithfulness, and so much more. She's definitely someone you want on your good side because she will be the best advocate you ever have! She can whip you up a pie or dress, depending on your need that day. 

When she is in the spirit to tell a tale, you might hear a story or two about growing up on a farm in Kansas during the Great Depression with four brothers. Two of her brothers were twins, 5 years younger than her, so she gets a giggle now and then about me dealing with my twins. She tells tales of teaching in a one room school house, putting cardboard inside your shoes to keep them going long after the soles go out or her hatred for corn bread "because that really meant you were down and out." I have had the privelege of growing up close to all my grandparents. Thankfully, my dad owned a hardware business with his parents so I saw them almost every day after school and lots on weekends. I grew up watching my Grandmother work hard as a book keeper (& much more) in the hardware store. She has also long been a community advocate and did things like "Business and Professional Women's Club" as I was growing up. You will laugh to know she still has many weekly meetings between community volunteering, her rotary club, church, etc. I have learned a lot from her about being confident, not taking no for an answer and "when the going get tough, the tough get going." 

I have far more memories than a blog post can contain but I think it's important that when someone leaves a legacy in your life, you should tell them. I am going to tell her that I have precious memories of just spending time with her and my grandfather. I can barely breathe when I think about the fact that I will some day exist on this earth without her so I had an idea for this birthday... I want to give her a journal to write her stories down in. I want to remember everything even when she's not here to remind me. She is a part of the "greatest generation" and it's no accident! She has lived and loved and lost much, yet she presses on and makes the most of every day. She's every part of the American Dream, working hard to create success, etc. Even at 85 she texts with me, yet says things like "After you ride in the back of a model T or a farm wagon, you learn not to get car sick." I hope I can be an ounce of who she is!

I have a few photos to share... I would also say that my love of photography started as a kid looking at all the pictures she and my grandfather had from growing up. It was rare that they had so many for relatively "poor" families. It was fascinating to look at these images. 

This was her on the far right with her family in Kansas (not sure of the year but she was a teenager)

Here's one from when my dad was small, he's the little guy :) I think this is Dallas in the 1950's, so classy!

This is me with her in 1983 (I was 2 :) Don't be jealous of the mustard couch and chevron crochet!

And this was in more recent years when my Grandfather was still with us... They were just shy of their 65th wedding anniversary when he passed away. 

I feel like this post is so inadequate but I thought it better to try than to not....all my love to you on your birthday Grandma Frey! 

Birthday Fun

This past Sunday was my birthday as some of you know. I had a fun little adventure as a part of it that I just wanted to share with those of you not on facebook, with some fun images from the weekend from a friend photographer, Amber Shader. I have to say, her reputation precedes her and I have always heard good things about her. I then heard about her lovely boutique, First and Little, opening in town and had yet to be in until this past weekend when she gave me a great excuse, a Matilda Jane trunk show! Amber hosted a lovely MJ trunk show, complete with lots of fun and cake pops. It was a great little event to take my little fashionista to. Amber was even kind enough to snap head shots for little girls who were making purchases! (You KNOW I made a purchase for my little princess :) So all in all...I thank Amber for being kind and welcoming, it will continue to take her a long way in her business. I also thank Matilda Jane for making beautiful clothing that is even fun to photograph!

Love this one too... (it was a little chilly out so we had to do some convinving!)

Happy Valentines week friends! 

Monday Confessions

Well it's back to reality this morning after a fun birthday yesterday! Here goes this week's confessions and please don't think I have totally fallen off my photography wagon...we kick off our wedding season this weekend :) 

1. Speaking of that wedding...there is currently snow in the forecast! I pray it's just enough to make pretty pictures and not too much to make a mess of travel for my sweet friends getting married! 

2. I have always loved me some yoga pants and I now understand the utter love for Victoria's secret pink's yoga pants...I got my first pair yesterday and they're absolutely heavenly and a nice length for a tall girl!

3. I remembered today that I have a coupon for a free Dunkin' cup of coffee, it really is the small things isn't it?!

4. You all that read my twitter probably know that I have a love for Chick-Fil-A. I not only like the food, but I love the "Chick-Fil-A way" they treat people and do things! Our local CFA has a Monday morning "Mommy and Me" that we are headed to shortly. There's a craft for kiddos and free milk & cookie with a meal purchase. It's really a perfect way to spend a little bit of a rainy Monday morning and get out of the house!

5. I am currently considering a permanent ban of the game Hungry Hungry Hippos in our house! The twins love the game but it's the loudest game ever, especially in the morning. 

6. I am late to the party but just got Chris Tomlins new Burning Lights album and it's great. If you need some fresh, God-centered music in your life, definitely make the purchase and you won't be sad! Through my work in college ministry I have met Chris and his band on different occasions and they're the real deal!

7. I really am tired of wiping kids noses...but it occurred to me as soon as we are done cold season, it will start allergy season. Here's to boxes of Kleenex!

8. What are you all doing to celebrate Valentines Day? Or as I used to call it when I was single, "Single Awareness Day?" :) Thanks to my generous mother-in-law, the hubs and I are looking forward to a dinner out!

9. I highly recommend getting Just Dance 4 for your Wii if you don't have it yet! Super fun for just the people in your house but also a great game to play with a group! We laughed our heads off playing with our families last night when we had them over for birthday dinner. 

10. I am truly blessed and trying to remember that! I am praying for 31 to be a great year. When I say great, I don't just mean full of good things but truly full of joy, even when things are hard. 

I will leave you with a Valentine :) XOXO

Tuesday Confessions

If you haven't ever heard "Don't stop believing" in the cello...you're really missing something! Dallas String Quartet brings it with i's string rendition! What the heck am I talking about that for?! Well it's confession time... I am SO a day late and a dollar short but will attempt to share with you the joys of my crazy day. 

1. I did not confess yesterday because I literally did not stop moving from 7am until 10pm, with a breif few minute interlude of Downton Abbey to lift my spirits amid the chaos! The day included a play date, oil change, trip for all 3 to the doctor, teaching night class and even more just daily stuff...

2. Good news is I survived until today! I even had the pleasure of a meeting with a photographer friend this morning. She's sweet as pie and such a great encouragement, check out her work and life here at Jeni Brower. 

3. I have put down the "French Kids Eat Everything" temporarily because it was frustrating me a bit. It's always good to dig at your personality and motives occassionally but I was kind of getting frustrated that I wasn't French, so how was this going to work? I might pick it back up again soon. 

4. I started also reading "Promised One" with a bible study group. I am excited to read it because it's showing how Jesus is revealed in the old testament, specifically the book of Genesis. If you've never read Genesis, whew, it's saucier than a daytime soap! It's amazing that such flawed people have such a gracious God that would send us a redeemer! Looking forward to studying this over the next 10 weeks. 

5. I turn 31 on Sunday...enough said...depression setting in :) 

6. I have been eating eveything in sight. I think I need to break up with food. I think I have used food for comfort lately...so not a good habit/pattern to get into. 

7. When I am done typing this, I am going to go sweat to a workout video. Have not yet decided which one, but something that produces a sustained sweat and will help burn calories of the aforementioned food. 

8. I am now booking for spring, so if you think you're intersted, just send me a line. emily@emilytroutmanphoto.com I know "spring" seems light years away, but it's not. It's already February friends and i already have certain dates filled with weddings, etc!

9. What cute Valentines are you all whipping up for your kiddos to share? Or purchasing, I should say? :) I might totally go the purchase route and save myself all the mom guilt and hassle. My twins are in preschool after all....I can save the mom guilt for later :)

10. In case you missed my tweets on Saturday night, the hubs and I went on a double date with friends and it was much needed! We found out though that good old juvenile fun was just what the doctor ordered! Lazer tag ( we were out of breath) and bowling (our style/form were ridiculous) was SO MUCH CAREFREE FUN. Go this weekend, I urge you :)
 

I definitely thank Jesus for this girl!! She's the best friend a girl could ask for!

Have a great week friends!

Monday confessions

Every kids dream...we woke up to snow! I am still a kid at heart and love this too!

1. Speaking of snow, we have certainly had some crazy weather this winter. I confess, it makes me a little crazy! It's snowing today and supposed to be 61 on Weds?!

2. I just made mashed potatoes at 8am because I am going to use them later in a shepherd's pie. I know this sounds bonkers but I say use the times when you're more motivated and less tired to get things done. At 8am after a cup of coffee, it seemed like a great idea to meal prep for later because I teach tonight.

3. I am looking forward to my second class of the semester as long as this crazy weather holds out. I always love to see the first projects and start to get to know my students through their artistic visions. 

4. I confess that I watched all of Downton Abbey Season 3 ahead of time but am revisiting them as they play here in the US. (Spoiler Alert) What did you think of last night's episode? Did you see it coming?! Definitely a shocker! Who cried?!

5. I am reading an intriguing book, French Kids Eat Everything, which is basically a wonderful story of a family moving from Vancouver to France, where many cultural divides occur. The author explores the challenges she faced as a mother exposing her kids to new things, especially the French food culture. I am really enjoying the read as she compares and contrasts why French children can sit at a table well behaved for over two hours while American children are often prodded to "hurry up and eat." It's making me think about lots of things, but especially the food education of my children. I am hoping to put some new "rules" in place when I am done reading this book!

6. I confess the very writing of this blog post is dependent on my children coloring nicely on some valentine pages I printed off for them. Need a snow day activity too? Go here. Are you doing any cute valentines with your kiddos this year?

7. I would like to understand why my 3 year old son was wide awake at 5:45am on Saturday yet chose to sleep until 6:45 today? It always seems to work against us! We are trying hard to stay on a family sleep schedule to keep everyone fairly well rested. 

8. I tried my first Zumba class last week, complete with wearing a jingly belly dancing type skirt. It was definitely a fun experience and I am going to try to go again this week. Fitness has been so hard for me since becoming a mom, I still love it but rarely find time to go to the bathroom alone, much less get in a workout! This crazy weather isn't helping either for those of us that are fairweather runners/joggers :)

9. Who can really believe that January is almost in the books?! I can't....I turn 31 in two weeks. Yikes...

I will leave you with a few fun pictures from last week's snow!

Have a great week!

Monday Confession

Hey friends, we find ourselves at the beginning of another new week! Today is special because it is both the innauguration ceremonies and Martin Luther King Day. I feel today that instead of all my usual musings, I will leave you with one powerful quote to ponder as we continue to embark on new territory as a people and a nation. 

Friday Funny

Hey friends, I realize 2013 has been slow in sharing work so far and it's more my "slices of life" so bear with me as we get the year under way! I have a Valentines week wedding next month that I am SO looking forward to kicking off my 2013 weddings. If you are interested in a spring family session, this is a great time to contact me! 

Here's some laughs for you today!

Monday Confession

Here we are a few weeks into the new year, how you doing?! Are you keeping those promises or "resolutions" to yourself? Here's how I am doing...        

1.   The organization quest is going slowly but surely...one day at a time. It kind of feels like a conspiracy right now because if you've been to the season aisle of Target, it's ALL ORGANIZATION! I honestly though felt a little overwhelmed by it all. I thought that I should start with one project at a time and also challenge myself to use organization items I already owned first. We all buy bins, baskets and boxes in hopes of being organized but don’t always use them!

2.   SO…project one is jewelry. I have thankfully collected many beautiful jewelry items over the recent years, many as gifts and especially after Christmas it was apparent I needed to get it all organized. Check out these great drawer inserts from Target, currently on sale for $7.99. It makes choosing accessories so much better! I think the biggest issue with being unorganized is not knowing what you actually have!

Before...a HOT MESS

After...so much better with the removable trays from Target!

3.   Overnight this week Macy literally woke up and started saying her “L” sound perfectly. I am going to miss her sweet little voice saying things like “yegs” and “yoyee pops.” Why is it we always want them to gain independence but aren’t a fan of them growing up?

4.   Along the same cute lines today, the twins set up story time in their room for all their stuff animals. Macy said “gurls up front and boys in da back.” I found her reading them a Dr. Seuss book.

5.   We had a good activity this morning at our local Chick-Fil-A. They do a Monday Mommy and me with a craft and play time. It was a perfect way to spend some time starting our week off on the right foot and I even got in coffee! Check my instagram for a photo :) 

6.   Downton Abbey Season 3, how are you liking it friends? I am a total cheater and have already watched it all so I am watching them again each Sunday evening to relive the fun.

7.   Stumbled across a couple great blogs last week that I find myself poking around when I get time. One is Life in Grace by Edie, a great designer and stay at home mom (previously a physician.) I dig her style and her perspective. She is classically home schooling her children…I sweat just even considering that but I know it to be a wonderful way to educate your children.

8.   The other blog I found poking around was the “Better Mom” by Ruth. In all honesty, I found her in a google search for “surviving the strong willed child.” Don’t laugh..some days are just tough! I love what she wrote though “I’m endeavoring to enjoy and delight my strong-willed child.  Although honestly, I still have days in which I’m just nearly surviving.  Parenting is a fulfilling and self-sacrificing job as it is, and throw a strong-willed child into it, you’ll find yourself clinging to the cross. Which is where I need to be anyway.” Full Post Here.

9. We did a mini-makeover in our living room last night by swapping out pillows, curtains and trying to move around a few things. It made me so happy to wake up to that this morning! I will try to post pics soon :) Just some updates to make it feel fresh for the new year and the hope of spring.

10. Speaking of spring, I am tired of the freakish weather and would love one BIG SNOW STORM to make use of all those snow pants I purchased for my kids. Macy keeps telling me, "Mommy, I jus wanna make a snow angel." I am praying she gets her wish soon and then spring can come anytime!!

In the spirit of Monday....

Have a great week friends!

Monday Confessions, 2013

A new year and a fresh start for many things! Today has been a usual Monday around here with laundry and lots of playing. It's hard to believe a new year has begun! 

What are some things I am looking forward to in 2013?

1. Trying to get a bit more organized. I found an organizing guru mom blog here.   Now listen, this girl is SO ORGANIZED she was featured on HGTV's series on "Clean Freaks." I think she has the kind of house that most of us moms aspire to in terms of cleanliness and organization. I will do my best though not to covet her labeling skills and just take her info in doses to help my mess piles. 

2. First thing on the organizing list, all the toys!! I have been purging some when kids aren't looking but for the most part I think we just need a good system. We have plenty of places to store things, I just don't think I am utilizing them well yet. And my closet...lets not even go there :) I will learn, hopefully!

3. The first wedding of the year for me will be about a month from now and I am definitely looking forward to that. It gets me back into the wedding fun!

4. I confess that I have not yet accomplished all that I wanted to before the new semester begins so I have one week to knock some things off the list! One these items I truly need to do is a few website gallery updates. I apolozgize if you have had a session this year and wonder why you aren't in the galleries! I will get after it, I promise. 

5. Looking forward to being a part of LifeHouse church here in DE. There have been many neat things going on and can't wait to see what the year brings. 

Quite honestly, I don't know much of what 2013 has in store for me. I do know however that I am walking into it with an open mind and heart to see what God has for us!. 

Here's how slow I am, I just finally looked at some pictures I took on Thanksgiving! Here's a few cute ones! 

Monday Confessions, the last of 2012!

Well since we are all in retrospective mode, where do I begin?! So many people I look up to talk about making tangible goals for each year, both in business and in life. I struggle with this, because if the last few years of my life have taught me anything - plans sometimes just don't mean a thing! We can plan, plan, plan but "it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Does this mean we just totally live on whims? Certainly we cannot just live without purpose, but I sometimes fear that making goals  that I don't meet will cause dissapoinment.

So where does this all leave me heading into 2013? I would be lying if I said it hasn't been a challenging patch of life for me, but I say with certainty I have MUCH to be thankful for. I think 2012 has taught me A LOT about balancing life and being realistic about what I can do. In 2012, I had over 25 families that I worked with for sessions and 5 weddings. I know in some photography business plans that might not be much, but for me it was a huge and wonderful year. I am so VERY GRATEFUL for all of you who trust me with your precious life memories. I love me some Nicholas Sparks and in one of his books, The Wedding,  he writes "Experience had taught me that even the most precious memories fade with the passage of time.” This is why capturing our momentus times in life is so important! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of each of your stories. 

So what are some of my lessons from 2012 that I have learned?

1. Loving often costs you something and this is not a bad thing! To love other well, you will need to sacrifice but that sacrifice is never lost on those you bestow it. 

2. Having 3 kids at the age of three & under leaves me often drained but I cannot give up. I sometimes have to be OK with wiping the 3rd bottom in a row in a 15 minute span or spilled drinks or messes all over...I have to let go of the quest for a perfect house or a perfect anything! Being in the moment and living is so much important than stressing over the little stuff.

3. Life is definitely precious, so don't always treat it so casually. Tell those you love that you love them! Be compasionate with others and don't be afraid to be a shoulder for someone else when they need it.

4. God is good. It doesn't always FEEL this way but he is SO GOOD. A verse that has been marinating in my heart over the last week or so is "Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you" Isaiah 43:4 It's God talking to his people and it's such a breath of fresh air. Life isn't always easy but HE is good!

5. I am really not my best when I get to busy and run down and because of this, I learned to say no more this year. I never want to be less than my best for my family, clients, or students. I need to take care of me in order to take care of everyone else! Learning to say no to certain things empowers me to say yes to other things. I am sure 2013 will continue to teach me about balance. 

6. Read good books! A good friend reminded me that "life is too short to read bad books" so don't feel like you need to finish a book if it's not your cup of tea. I read all sorts of things from theology and parenting to novels and business advice. It keeps me thinking, dreaming, and growing. 

7. I need to challenge myself creatively. I confess, I really need to photograph personal projects more. I struggle to even really take pictures of my own kids. I know that I was supposed to be better at that in 2012, I think I did take more pictures but pressured myself less on their quality. The images don't always need to be professional portraits, snapshots will do when simply trying to document life. I will let you know if I come up with a personal project that intrigues me!

8. I really enjoyed my 10 day hiatus from facebook leading up to Christmas. I have heard it said "comparison is the theif of joy." I think we sometimes allow ourselves through social networking to constantly compare. Heck, it can even happen on pinterest! If you don't cook well, dress well or decorate well...you might as well get off Pinterest now before you feel defeated :) I don't want to compare. I don't want to feel defeated. I want to wake up each day, draw breath and ask God what he has for ME today. We cannot live the plans for others, we can only live the life God has laid before us. I am still praying to enjoy and not just endure!

I think I will just leave you with a picture of our family from the very end of Christmas day. We were spent with all the food, family and fun but you can tell by the looks on our faces that we enjoyed ourselves!

Wishing you all the best my friends in 2013!!

Fall engagement session...better late than never?!

So I know I have done a lot of talking about taking "off" in Dec but mostly what I was trying to do was to get new obligations off my plate so I could get caught up on a few things. Just for the record, I am ALWAYS happy to connect with clients, answer questions or inquiries so please never hestitate to contact me! Anywho...I realized that I had a few sessions from the fall madness that I never shared. 

Here's just a small handful from a session this past October. Nicole described their style as little bit country and we had fun making their style come to life. Nicole had some cute ideas via Pinterest that she wanted to try. I am all for creating our own versions of images that clients love on Pinterest. Best of luck planning to Luke & Nicole! I cannot wait for their July 2013 wedding!

 

Monday Confessions

Hello friends! What's that pep in my step you ask? Well it's a week to Christmas Eve and I am all done teaching classes for the semester. I will do my best to mix together the heavy and light that are all in my heart this week. 

1. I confess, I feel an aching sadness over the Newtown, CT situation...as most Americans do/should. We should be sad for the innocent loss of life and the display of such evil. I have found a few articles that shed some light on diferent things for me. If you like to process greif through thinking, check out Al Mohler's thoughts on the tragedy and how Christians should respond. If you have wondered what it is like to be on the other side, the mother of the shooter...dealing with a child with mental illness, read this thoughtful article.  Both have given me comfort and/or thoughts to ponder. 

2. I think it is only right to read the names of the children/victims and pray for their families. Don't allow the shooter to rise to fame....just help to celebrate the little lives and the lives of those protecting them. I honestly am having a hard time reading the stories and processing the pain that this evil man caused. I will do my best though to help be a celebrator of all they offered this world, even in the short time they were in it. 

3. Let this tragedy not go by in vain. Celebrate your own lives and hug close the people you love!

4. The Presdient's prayer vigil service last night in Newtown was very touching. I thought him both comforting the people and exhorting us all to do better when it comes to America's kids. It truly does take a village! I believe Obama's quotation of Jesus,  "Let the children come to me, (Jesus said) and do not hinder them. The kingdom of God belongs to these." It was very powerful and reassuring to me. I find that although I might not agree with Obama on much, he is leading well through such an awful tragedy. I certainly find myself respecting him very much as he seeks not political favor, but to mend a broken nation.

5. The twins had their first dentist apointment this morning. How did it go you ask? Well Dean was a true rock star. He loved it all because he is both outgoing and curious. Macy wouldn't even consider getting in the chair so instead she has a dental cleaning with a regular brush while screaming on my lap :) You win some and lose some right?

6. Why did I deactivatefacebook? There's a lot of reasons. The great thing about social networking is the fact that we can connect so easliy, share information and hear each other out. A lot of those things are also it's weakenesses. We can read information but process it differently than the author intended it. It's the difference between a phone vall versus a face-to-face conversation. We can misinterpret things when we aren't seeing the body language or hearing the intonations in the voice. We can totally miss people's hearts if we aren't looking for them and, lets face it, we also don't live in a pretty world.  Many of us have opinions about things that we openly air in social media, but it's not the same as that face-to-face conversation. In the spirit of the Christmas season, I just felt my head and heart distracted by all the time spent "communicating" on facebook.

Even after 24 hours, I feel a bit lighter. I am not weighed down by others opinions or looking for approval for my own. I am not worried about checking my phone and not distracted when I sit down to work at my computer. I admit, I do a lot of business communication and otherwise via my facebook account that I didn't realize until it was gone. I am going to commit though to leave it off through Christmas day. You can still find me on Twitter and instagram for quick things here and there. You can always find me via phone or email too friends :) I will be back soon enough!

Well it will be a fun week of baking, the kids first school holiday show, catching up on wrapping, family time, a few more crafts and things before this time next week when it's Christmas Eve! Praying that you are all finding peace amidst the chaos, that you are enjoying and not just enduring!

Rainy Monday Confessions

Yet another foggy rainy day here, which leaves me to want to stay in yoga pants and snuggle on the couch! Thankfully though I had plans to meet up with a friend I haven't seen in a while so that was the motivator to leave the house and head to the mall....yes, the mall in December. Luckily at 10 am though you can still get a decent parking spot and it's not too crowded. Time to confess... 

1. I left the triple stroller at home, in delirious hopes that my 3 year olds would obey and walk closely with the single stroller. I honestly didn't want to wrestle with the triple in the rain or push around 100 lbs of kids, alright?! Well, big mistake. Lets just say our mall trip included two kids lost at different times in the Disney store, one trip to the Talbots restroom, playtime at the play place, kids begging for popcorn and not getting it, me asking mercy from a friend from church to help watch Dean while I was in the food line...and the fun continues :) It was a wacky morning but we survived!

2. Yes, we at Chick Fila for the 2 time in 4 days. 

3. Speaking of Chick Fila, have you tried the peppermint milkshake?! I haven't looked up the calories but it's to die for. It's like the pepermint bark version of ice cream. Delish!

4. Speaking of all that eating...the work outs are not back in full force like they should be! I need more energy and motivation! I know the exercise helps the energy but it seems like a twisted cycle for a tired mom.

5. I have only 2 classes left in the semester, today and Wednesday! Yes college students, teachers get just as excited for winter break as students do! I am teaching Monday nights in the spring if any of you out there are interested :)

6. Came to the realization we are exactly two weeks from Christmas Eve....most things are bought but absolutely NOTHING is wrapped! Yikes! Moms, how do you get wrapping done with kiddos not knowing?! I am thinking this might have to become an evening activity. 

7. I had a photoshoot over the weekend for boy/girl twins that were just a few weeks old. I had been waiting for their newborn session and was excited when it came! I was very nostalgic holding those two sweet babies. My twins first days/weeks/months are a blur of a memory now. I barely remember them ever being that small and delicate. It's amazing how quickly life passes us when we aren't watching!

These particular twins also were the ones who got my twins nursery bedding, which added to extra nostalgia. I rememeber sitting in my twins nursery heavily pregnant with them, just arranging things and putting little clothes away...wondering what type of kids they would be. Now I know their personalities, sassy, fun, full of life, energy and spunk!

8. My kids are still young enough to love riding around looking at Christmas lights! I confess that I love it too, especially if it includes hot chocolate for me and popcorn for the kids :) We will continue to make this an evening activity on the weeks to come leading up to Christmas. They (& I) love taking it all in and talking about all the different decorations. A lot of conversations lead to the meaning of Christmas, which can be hard for their little hearts to understand. We have certainly had our fill of Santa lately but we are trying to also teach them about the birth of Christ. Any of you seasoned parents out there have great ideas for that?!

9. I am elbow deep in laundry again today. I did lots of laundry last week with all our illnesses so I let it slide over the weekend. Well with a house of 5 people, that has left me with a mountain to deal with today! 

Ok friends...I have blabbed a lot today. Don't forget your last free Dunkin Iced Coffee today!

 Hoping you are enjoying and not just enduring!

Monday Confessions

Another week is beginning and who can believe it's DECEMBER my friends?! I sure can't. This year is almost in the books! I am sorry I never confessed last week, I will try to make it up to you with my wit and honesty today. Really all I want to do is crawl back under the covers and get 3 more hours of sleep but that hasn't happened since before motherhood for me...so here's today's confessions :)

1. I said to my husband the other day, "I wish we were cool enough to throw a fancy Christmas party where people had to dress up." His response to me, "You wait until your kids are gone for that stuff." For real?! You always see it in movies, where there's these fancy, fun parties. I would like to live in a world where I get invited to one :) 
2. Macy's hair..this could actually be a lot of confessions. I mostly just confess that I don't know what to do with it sometimes! She has very fine and wavy (aka crazy) hair. If it gets an ounce of moisture it curls all over the place but it's not really an even curl. It grows slowly, she is almost 3 1/2 and has only ever had a tiny trim to even it out. Moms out there, what do I do with it? Ideas please :)
3. True Story, I once fell asleep during Les Miserables on broadway in NYC...it might have even been during a battle scene. I was in high school, so don't think too lowly of me, but what I think I am trying to say is that French musicals aren't my thing! Although I love the song with "on my own..."
4. I genuinely like some of those cheesy made for TV Christmas love stories...I am a sucker for them. Why? I couldn't tell ya!
5. Speaking of TV, why is Private Practice ending? I really like that show too, although there have been lots of disturbing scenarios on that show. I think I am drawn to the characters and am always cheering for Addison!
6. My home made laundry detergent is working out well as far as I can tell thus far. It doesn't have much of a smell to it, so I have definitely been using dryer sheets with the adult clothes. With the kids stuff, it seems to be doing fine as long as stains are pretreated. 
7. I was part of a cookie swap last night. I brought mint chocolate chip cookies. The green color might scare people but if you like mint choc chip ice cream, this is the cookie for you! The cookie swap itself was great, who doesn't love time with girlfriends over chocolate?! I have to say, one friend made chocolate chip cookies with a nutella center and a touch of sea salt...dangerous :)
8. I decided the other day, if I had an accent, I would totally choose a British one. Everything just sounds classier or maybe it's just my love for Downton Abbey...
9. Do you ever use Pandora Radio? I am linking you to my current favorite station created off of Matt Wertz "Sweetness in Starlight" song. That song was a favorite in college that has just stayed with me. It has made for a great station. If you happen to be in a holiday mood though, you can't go wrong with the "Peaceful Holidays" station. 

10. Here's the twins encounter with Santa...Max was not having it! We have a cute crying picture of him but am having issues with the download (so please also excuse the quality image because it's a phone pic.) Santa thought if he got out of the chair, Max might go for sitting in the chair without him (WRONG)

 

(*Update, got download)

(Side note: DO NOT PURCHASE anything from the Christiana Mall Santa, the website that the pictures are running through is horrific so even if you pay for the download, it's not working. Santa himself is lovely, just don't purchase from the photographers unless you just want an instant print. End rant now :))

My new motto for this season of life is to aim to ENJOY IT and not just ENDURE it! I challenge you my friends to do the same this week. Find ways to embrace it all and enjoy life! 

A Fall Engagement

I have to say that other than a hurricane, this autumn has been beautiful with many warm, sunny days! When Jeanette and I scheduled her engagement shoot a couple months back, we had no idea what mid-November would be like but thankfully, it was a beautiful day with some trees still hanging on to those pretty leaves! I always love getting to meet and interact with new clients and these two were no excpetion. 

Jeanette shared her and Joe's story with me of how they met, 

"We met two years ago in a little resturant/bar. I was out with my friends for a girlfriends birthday and I spotted Joe from across the room.  I pointed to Joe and told my friend "he's going to be my next boyfriend".  Apparently that night Joe called "dibs" on me to his buddies, which according to guy slang is he basically says the girl is off limits to everyone but him.  I eventually got the nerve to ask Joe what his name was when he passed me, we talked for a brief moment and then he actually left to buy me a chocolate covered strawberry.  That night I gave him my phone number and we have talked/been together ever since." 

Great right?! Love hearing these stories and being able to capture a couple's engagement time. 

Have a great weekend friends!

Monday Confessions

It's already Monday again and you know what that means....time to confess!!

1. I have been playing Pandora online "Peaceful Holidays" station for days already. It is fabulous and truly peaceful!

2. Got to take the kids to the Christmas parade our town was having over the weekend. I know, I know, it's not even Decemeber yet! I thought that this shot was priceless...

3. We had a play date with some friends today! It reminded me of many things to be thankful for! Three of these little cuties spent time in the NICU after birth, which just reminds me of their delicacy and preciousness. Thankful for friends who are willing to bring their kids over to my crazy house :) True story, found a sippy cup of curdled milk under the couch while we had company. I know, we run a posh operation around here! haha!

4. Black Friday, what are you after? What deals are happening? I disagree with places like Target opening at 9pm on Thanksgiving. I am sure you have all seen this e-card floating around? The sentiment is so true! So Target, let your employees finish out their Thanksgiving with family, dessert and games like we will be doing! 

5. I got fleece lined tights from zulily...amazing.

6. Quotable kids book - Dean needs this so I don't forget all the hilarious things he says each day. Even just today while he was looking at a baby's bald head he said, "It's like Poppop's, all the hair fell off!" He was talking about my bald father in law :)

7. We are in need of groceries and I am avoiding due to Thanksgiving madness. Might sneak over there tonight and just grab some essentials to survive until Thursday...then we can rely on left overs. I love it!

8. My 31 Gifts party is on until Weds if you're interested in any products! Go here to check it out. 

Thankfulness...gratituted truly can change your perspective and certainly your attitude! Trying myself to be grateful for things and not to complain. It's definitely easier said than done! Have a great Thanksgiving week!

Monday Confessions, Veterans Day Style

Pleasant and productive usually don't go in the same sentence as Monday for me, but today is an exception! It might be the almost 70 degree weather the week before Thanksgiving, but we are having a good day. What have  we done today, you ask?

Free Iced coffee at Dunkin, then to Walmart for haircuts for the boys and a few odds and ends. The kids were so good in Walmart, I decided to take them to the park to play after. We enjoyed time at the park and then came home for lunch...all that and it's not quite noon :) Whew...

I confess...

1. I do enjoy it when my kids cooperate and we can actually ENJOY a day together instead of enduring a day together!

2. Free Iced Coffee tastes even sweeter :)

3. I have already done a load of dishes and two loads of laundry..don't be too impressed, they're awaiting unloading and folding!

4. I am holding an online 31 party for any of you who might want to get some Christmas gifts! Go here if you want to browse. Adorable gifts and the special this month is a very cute snowman print medium utility tote for $5 with any $35 purchase :) I wanted to do a party in person but the schedule proved too difficult. The good news is, friends near and far can participate!

5. I am sporting a new pair of Lucky Jeans. I love the fit, wash and the stretch of the jeans. The best part, they were $12.99 at Rugged Wearhouse instead of $99 at the mall. You know I love a deal! 

6. Speaking of deals, the hubby and I got a great jumpstart on our Christmas shopping over the weekend. This is very unlike us to be so ahead of the game but we went on a dinner and shopping date. We enjoyed it so much! if you missed the  memo, the Disney Store is %25 off everything through midnight tonight, so maybe you can get some gifts too?!

7. What's on your Christmas list this year friends? I am having a hard time coming up with ideas, most likely because I have everything I need and lots of things I want!

8. Matt got this shot of me and the twins yesterday after church :)

9. A real confession...I actually picked up a crushed Coke can from the Walmart parking lot today. Why you ask? To try to demonstrate to kids not to be a litter bug and also aluminum will get you a high price for recycling (My hubby works at Newark Recylcing and has opened my eyes to the value of scrap metals!). If you totally discount everything I ever say anymore after this wacky fact...I can't blame you :)

10. Happy Veterans Day! The kids and I thanked some local veterans today that were set up at Walmart. I was really wishing I had time to sit down and hear their stories....the WWII Vets are a dying generation and their storeis are amazing! I also want to teach my kids to be thankful for the armed service men and women in our country. Despite our current political dividedness at times, we all must stand behind them! A sweet lady veteran gave them American flags to wave :)

Whether you're working or off today, may you enjoy your day!