Monday Confessions, Veterans Day Style

First, let me thank the many veterans that have served the United States of America!! We don't celebrate them enough! 

1. Now onto what I have to confess today...I would like to talk about the excessive gray hair that is creeping on my head. I am not sure if it's as much an indicator of age or stress but I guess the combination of both is giving me a run for my money. I am SO not ok with it!

2. Remember at the beginning of the year how I was all ready to organize my entire life one thing at a time? I am failing miserably at that new years resolution. I have organized a thing or two but mostly am still living in survival mode. I tell myself it's just a season but maybe I should just face facts and accept my unorganized self. 

3. I confess I am really tired of wiping bottoms. At what age should kids master this skill?!

4. I just finished reading The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar and I have to say...it made me sad. I think maybe it's supposed to make the reader feel the sadness of the story unfolding, but I really was not a big fan. 

5. I am currently a hug fan of the Bon Iver station on Pandora...I know, I know, I should be using apple radio through itunes but sometimes I am like an old lady, when I find something I like, I stick with it! 

6. I am also currently a big fan of Bigelow Vanilla Chai Tea. If you are like me and trying to watch calories, tea is a delicious and warm afternoon treat that doesn't have to pack a calorie punch. (I am sipping one now....)

7. Speaking of punches, I did Jillian Michael's Last Chance Workout today and I love this particular workout! It's a HIIT workout with weights. It hits my whole body and cardio is through the roof. If you loved the season of Biggest Loser about 4 years back that Danny won...this is for you! I know some people who only ever work out at gyms but I have truly learned to love incorporating different videos to get great at home workouts. I just needed a break from Shaun T. today....

8. This is a preview of what will be on the blog tomorrow...

Have a lovely rest of your Monday my friends...according to my phone, sunset here in DE is in exactly one hour! 

The Johnson Family

There are some moments when I am reminded how much I love my job. A couple weekends ago I had such a moment while photographing a 4 year old! I told him he could throw leaves and he took me up on it, which made for some beautiful, natural portraits! I am thankful for the fairly mild weather this year that has allowed me lots of great sessions this fall. Forgive the huge stash of images, I just couldn't choose! We even had fun visiting a few horses during our session!

I adore this mother and daughter moment...

This was the aforementioned moment about my friend throwing leaves :) 

Don't you want to eat her up?! Love it..

A personal favorite from the shoot...

Another favorite...see why I couldn't choose?!

Monday Confessions, November is here

Welcome November, it's nice to see you along with some cooler temperatures that actually finally feel like fall around here. Although you are lovely November, you are reminding me that this year is rapidly drawing to its end! 

1. Are any of you friends of mine doing any fun November challenges like thankful trees or gratitude journals? I love all those ideas but I confess I have done none.... I would love to find one I could stick to!

2. 50 days til Christmas...much like everyone else I am overwhelmed, overjoyed and just trying to take a breath.

3. If you want to buy for a kid that won't get gifts otherwise, join my efforts along with my church to give to Operation Christmas Child this year. If you're local, I can hook you up with a box to fill and return! It's an amazing way to get your whole family on board with giving to others this Christmas season. 

4 Novemeber is Adoption month and I read something just a week ago that sort of stuck with me. 

“I always questioned if I was called to adopt and then realized no child was called to be an orphan.”
      ~David Platt

Although I know adoption isn't a current option for everyone, how can you love and serve orphans in your area? I am keeping it close to my heart because it's still a new endeaver but a couple weeks ago God opened a door for me to serve orphans in Delaware. As time passes and I feel led, I will share about what I am involving myself in. It's still just so fresh that I want to wait and see what fruit may come, but I say all this to tell you that I put myself out there after and I am already seeing blessing. (And just to carify before I start anything, we ARE NOT pursuing any adoption personally).

5. I confess I struggle with resting. Are any of you bad at resting like me? Feel the pressure of contant tasks an d activities? I heard a short sermon a few weeks ago that's ringing in my ears. Mark Driscoll said "You will either rest joyfully or rest painfully" so you need to consider this. God took a sabbath for a reason and tells us to do so as well. In this activity addicted society, we just keep pushing until it's an ulcer or heart attack or other health issue that sidelines us. This line of thinking has been challenging me to find meaningful ways to rest and reflect. 

6. I am doing a little fitness challenge with some friends and  trying to stay fit leading up to Thanksgiving! I confess though that I dropped no weight this week. It feels though almost impossible for me, stuck at a number on the scale but rather than feeling defeated, I am just glad I am being intentional this holiday season to stick to a fitness plan!

That's really all I have for today because I feel like I am running a 100 directions already. If I "confess" too much more I fear I might sound like I am complaining. Today, I will just roll with what comes! Local friends, don't froget your free Dunkin coffee from the Eagles win!

Fall Session Highlights

I was challenged at a workshop this week that "the work that we do lives on." As a photographer, I am in the business of preserving moments and memories. I have had the privlege of recently preserving moments and memories for some beautiful families here in Delaware. 

I thought a rainy Friday would be a good time to give you all some session highlights from the last few weeks! Keep in mind it is the time of year where lots of shoots are aimed at using for Christmas cards and gifts, so I have to work with clients to not reveal the images they want kept under wraps! 

This one is their due date, love it!

Monday Confessions

Hey there friends, another Monday has crept up on us and I am elbow deep in life.

1. I confess I am most excited to be heading to Justin & Mary Marantz Lighting Intensive workshop tomorrow in Philly. I wanted to go last year when they were in DC but it didn't work out. Excited to get my brain extracted from every day life situations and think photography for an evening with adults!! I hope to post pictures later this week....

2. I am committing to a healthier holiday season this year, where my mouth doesn't resemble a garbage disposal for all things high calorie! I started up the first round of T25  for the 5 weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and have some friends holding me accountable. What funny is you would think that these workouts are "easy" for me now and I say a resounding "no way!" I still breathe hard, drip sweat, and love to hate Shaun T (I really actually love him!). Results are results and these workouts work!

3. I know I never posted photography last week. I confess that I have been working hard to stay on a good timeline for clients but struggling to blog!

4. Do you have an engaged friend that might like my work? I am thinking about doing a little referral perk if you connect me with a friend that books a wedding! Now booking dates in 2014...

5. Who's your favorite person to follow on Pinterest?! I need some new people to show up in my feed!

6. I confess I am such a stress eater, which is another part of my being healthy challenge. If anything goes awry or is stressing me out, I find the closest bag of M & M's to make it all better. I am determined to get through Halloween candy season without devouring my weight in Reese's cups! Do any of you have after Halloween strategies with your kids or yourself to not eat too much candy?!

7. We carved pumpkins last night with our kids and my husbands family. It was fun but I realized I am not patient enough to use pumpkins as my artistic medium, although it was my first experience using a power drill with a pumpkin which was fun!

8. I had limited mini sessions in October, without even really advertising because they have been so popular in the past that I filled up with return clients. I have a couple spots available this upcoming weekend on Nov 2 in the afternoon in historic Odessa. If you're interested, please send me an email, emily@emilytroutmanphoto.com (Again this is a very limited offer for a specific date/time.)

Alright friends, off to start dinner in a few! Hope you all have a great evening and a good week!

Delaware Bride

  If you are planning a local Delaware wedding or know someone who is, make sure to grab the Fall/Winter issue of Delaware Bride!  The issue out now features a bridal shoot at the gorgeous Buena Vista Farms here in Delaware. This issue is full of current trends, vendors, and articles like "Should you hire a wedding planner?"

I was fortunate enough to both shoot a wedding there this summer and have Delaware Bride publish an image from that wedding. Here's to Carmen and Rebecca's beautiful June 2013 wedding! 

Monday Confessions

Hello friends! How has two thirds of October slipped by without me confessing?! Well we've had a lot of crazy and some sickness going on but all is well today. Here's what I have to confess today...

1. The stomach virus that attacked me over the weekend, I can thank for a 3 pound weightloss. It sure wasn't pretty though...

2. I think shopping at Costco with 3 small children is totally an aerobic workout. I have at least 100 lbs of kid on the cart before I even put any groceries in it! The day I get the 55 lb dog food...forget it, it's full on iron man training! 

3. I confess that I am munching on caramel dip and honey crisp apples as I write. Delish...

4. I haven't worked out since Friday...

5. My husband totally sucked me into watching Walking Dead and I am totally hooked! I usually run the other way from horror flicks or anything not resembling BBC programming! I have to say though, the Walking Dead writing and production is really well done. I used to be in the room and pretend not to be intersted in the show but finally gave in last spring...now I have myself waiting for Sunday nights so I can hide behind the blanket while I watch!

6. Speaking of BBC programming...I confess I have already watched the first 3 episodes of Downtown Abbey Season 4! Yes, yes... that makes me an internet pirate. Forgive me, no one ever claimed perfection... (you can email or message me if you want to know where to see it) 

7. I also just read Below Stairs, a memior that inspired the Downton Abbey writer, Julian Fellows. Of course, I loved it! It was surprisingly well written for a memoir of a person who was considered not upper class in her day. I love her spirit and determination to get an education despite, age, class, etc. I couldn't stop laughing at expressions like "his face looked like the back of a bus." 

8. Where's the photography you ask?! I have been shooting a lot lately but need to get to the blogging part of it! I promise friends, more coming later this week!

9. I think that Dunkin' Donuts made a safe bet with the whole "free coffee if the Eagles win" thing...they only managed to get 3 points on the score board yesterday against the Cowboys. I know my dad was smiling but heaven but I of course, wanted my free coffee!

10. I will leave you with some Papaw Phil wisdom...

Transformation Tuesday!

This is totally unrelated to photography but a huge part of my story. Today I am featured on the Somer Dawn Fitness blog about my journey to getting more fit and healthy! I shared my story in my own words so head on over and enjoy hearing my journey!

(The left image is August 2011, just a few months after Maxwell was born in size 16. The image on the right was this past July at a wedding in a size 8.)

Monday Confessions

Welcome again my Monday friends! Today I am laughing about many things that have already occured. We started our day with early morning crafts, not because I am cool, but because my kids begged since I purchased supplise over the weekend. I tell you, a half a cup of coffee is just not enough to help 3 kids make crafts at 7:30am but I will call it a win because there was no TV on that entire time! Keeping it real friends....here goes nothing...

1. I stepped on the back of Macy's shoe on the way into Costco and the strap busted entirely, which resulted in tears for her "beautiful shiny silver sandals." I got them on the clearance rack at Old Navy and honestly they were already headed to a fate in the trash can once the weather cools permanently. They met their fate a little early today and we purchased a lovely clearance pair of sandals at Target to hold us over for the morning! 

2. My dog continues to bust through our sliding screen door...to which I think I will finally stop trying to fix it. My dad was a master screener so I had seen how he had done them a million times, which left me with screen skills. I am tired though of rolling the screen back in and I believe I will now just embrace our unfasionable "doggie door." 

3. I dressed in workout clothes this morning in hopes of actually working out...does pushing 3 kids and food through Costco count? Well it should! And if it doesn't, the universe aligned and I saw no less than 5 different friends/aquaintances while out this morning! Of course...leave looking like a troll on a Monday morning and it will ensure you seeing many people you know :) 

4. I tried the skinny version of the pumpkin spice I mentioned last week, it was both DELISH and less expensive than the real deal!! 

5. Fall has always been a favorite of mine growing up in the Northeast. The beautiful weather, the fall traditions and even the decorations! I finally got it in gear over the weekend and pulled together my fall mantel. I think I like it very much for October and might tweak for November. What do you think? (Pardon the iphone photo, it's Monday :) And really, when did OCOTBER get here?!!

6. Who has a fabulous pair of black jeggings or skinny jeans they would like to share the brand/style with me?! I am in need of a pair and want to get ones that friends already love. I have a pair from Maurices but they faded so quickly that aren't as dark/dressy as I was hoping. 

7. I am just simply thankful for the beautiful weather we have been having for weeks! May it never go away!

8. I finally watched Call the Midwife, another lovely BBC drama that sucked me right in. It's setting is London in the late 50's and includes nuns and nurses, what more can you ask for?! I got it at the library along with other treasures last week. I finished the first season within a week and put my name on the list for the second season. God bless the library :) I do believe I heard it's on Netflix right now too...

9. Ok well the to-do list is miles long and I am determined to tackle a bit of it while Max is sleeping and twins are doing "quiet time." I sure do miss nap but then they don't go to bed on time. I just keep telling myself that I will miss these days when they are gone...

10. My fall mini-session date filled up without me even advertising. I do however have one last opening at 3:30 on October 12 in Odessa if any of you readers out there are interested :) emily@emilytroutmanphoto.com

Stumbled upon this today.... (Pinterest of course)

 

Monday Confessions

It's before 9 am and we thankfully have all eaten some sort of breakfast and I even did a workout, so I dare say we are off to a good start today! The twins start preschool tomorrow and I am looking forward on getting caught up on a few things while they are in school. It has been a fun but long four months since they left school last spring! Here's what I have to confess today...

1. Along with everyone else, I have been loving the pumpkin spice latte for the last decade! I think that I was actually in the middle of college when it came out, how can I possibly be that old?! :) There was a Starbucks at the end of my street then and I can gladly say there's one at the end of my street now. The issue though for me is both the cost and the calories of Starbucks! It's definitely more in the treat category for both categories. My friend and beach body coach Somer, did a post on how to order a different version with way less calories (& maybe cheaper too?!). 

"A grande (16 oz.) with reduced-fat milk will set you back 380 calories with a whopping 50 grams of sugar! Talk about a coffee/sugar buzz! Instead order – a tall blond roast with ONE PUMP of the pumpkin and then a little skim milk or half and half. You instantly have the flavors of fall without all of the calories, and check out the new and much improved nutrition facts - One Pump of Starbucks Pumpkin Spice has 33 calories and only 5 grams of sugar! Make sure you tell your barista to leave room for cream which YOU will add yourself. Even with 2 tablespoons of half and half you are still WELL below the calories and sugar in the Starbucks recipe. If you want it a little sweeter go ahead and add a packet of Stevia in the Raw too." -Somer Dawn Fitness

2. I also confess that there was a handstand challenge this weekend that my husband and I had a good laugh at. My natural reaction was "how hard can it be?" Well apparently it's a WHOLE lot harder than it looks! We even got friends in on the action later when we had company over. Here's my hilarious version after many attempts falling on my head....

3. Potty training is progressing but what's hard is that it's more of a commitment for me than for Max! He's doing great when I put him on the potty, but he hasn't gotten the idea to tell me when he has to go yet. He's done it once or twice in the last couple days so that's progress. I have been using pull ups to avoid messes but I know that he will truly only learn if I put him in undies and stick to it. Any good advice for me mamas? It was a little different with the twins because their schedule dictated our days, but with Max, we are more dictated by other things like preschool, etc. (Just had to stop mid post because I heard "I go poop" coming from Max's room!)

4. I am also in the middle of the seasonal clothing swap. I still had the shorts and such in the drawers until this morning but the major chill in the air confirmed that I think it's time for the jeans and long sleeves to permanently emerge from the bin in the closet. It's not really that fun of a game to have to figure out what still fits on which kid but I just remind myself to be thankful we have clothes to cover everyone! I feel like I have had so many changes in myself as well that I am even playing the "what fits" game and deciding what to purge. I guess God gave us seasons for lots of reasons :)

5. I confess I have been making less excuses about not getting in a devotional and just making it happen! My mother in law recently gifted me a great devotional, Jesus Calling (you can get it as an app on your phone too). I know a lot of people are familiar with it but it's a wonderful read that gives me a little perspective each morning. I also still love Utmost for His Highest and am digging a new app from Mars Hill church with daily devotions too. It's nice to have options even on the run because I don't want to miss God's input on my day even if I am on the go early! 

6. I confess, I ALWAYS forget my resuable bags in the back of my van. I might as well not own any. Does this happen to anyone else?! I know Target gives you a bag credit but I seriously cannot remember to use them! 

7. My husband is loving the show Mountain Men these days and I think it's because he thinks he is one. If you haven't seen his beard recently, count your blessings! I have to say though, as far as shows go, I enjoy watching this one with him! These men are a dying breed and I have to say, some things sort of remind me of my dad too. Who doesn't love an outdoorsy guy with survivor and bow hunting skills?! 

8. I got to see Keith Urban in concert last Saturday and it was a fun show. We had great seats but Matt's Aunt was actually down in the pit! She sent us her pics because they were up close and great perspective. I know that I shouldn't ever go in the pit because I might have passed out being that close to him :) 

Me and the beardedwonder....

Oh Keith...how do I adore thee and thy Australian Accent....

Ok friends, gotta run! Enjoy your week ahead and remember God loves you!

Stylist Love

         I once heard a woman who had just moved to a new area say, "I think it's harder to find a good hair stylist than a doctor." I did a little chuckle but it stuck with me, because a great stylist is hard to find! Sarah is a stylist friend of mine who has some great ideas swirling in her head for her business. She decided she needed some images of herself that reflected her style and thankfully, she asked me to do them! This was a fun session for me because I love working with creative professionals to get them a more personalized "headshot" experience and product. We had a great evening combination of a little bit of cooler air and that yummy warm sunset glow. 

If you are a business professional and would like to inquire about headshot services, shoot me an email, emily@emilytroutmanphoto.com. 

Monday Confessions

Hey there friends, I had a lot of nonsense things to write about today but the incident in Washington, DC this morning sombered my thoughts. Mostly my thoughts were full of "here we go again" and just simply "why?" So today in honor of the victims and their families, I will just take a pause from Monday confessions and share those thoughts another time. 

I found a peice of art today by Hunter Langston that puts it perfectly for me, 

Lets stick together USA!!!

Chesapeake City Engagement

If you know anything about this time of year, it's gorgeous on the Maryland bay and canals! This past weekend was no exception, although it was still a bit of a hotter day, we made the most of it! Will and Taylor plan on being married next summer in this same location so we wanted to grab a little bit of the Chesapeake City spirit to capture their engagement. Hope you enjoy the images and have a great weekend friends!

Lets start with the bling!

Although lighting was a little bright, we wanted to grab an image or two with the marina!

This will be part of the setting for the wedding...

Wardrobe change and some fun images with their wedding date!

Delaware Family Session

I had a great time photographing some families during my August mini session special. It was a fun way to think about the end of summer and the seasons ahead! I had a fun, yet warm, session on the last day of August with this sweet family. Enjoy the images we captured! These are two very cute kiddos I might add...

Monday Confessions

Well we started today with one kiddo under the weather with a low temp so I am thinking it's a good day to lay low. Thankfully today we didn't have anything on the plan other than survival. It really feels like Monday today after a busy weekend! Here's what I have to confess...

1. I was making chili for the crock pot at 7am and before you think I am super woman, just know that it was really because the meat had thawed! I had to cook the ground beef into something before the days in the fridge were too many. I figured this takes the stress off of dinner, although my kids will most likely not touch it. Does that frustrate anyone else?! I will make something to go along with it and try to enforce the "try a bite" rule. We really need to grocery shop too so I've been creative with the last few days of meals.

2. I confess that I am potty training our two year old but I need to go all in. He's had many successes with number one on the potty over the last week so I know he is able, I just have to hunker down and commit, which is the hardest part! It literally takes over your life when potty training, which is just hard with all 3 at home with me every day. What's your favorite potty training advice?

A little good reading material goes a long way... :)

 3. Everything pumpkin is at Dunkin Donuts and it's dangerous! Pumpkin spice coffee and munchkins might be the end of me :) I am still trying to stick to a healthy eating and workout plan so I will need to drive on roads without Dunkin Donuts!

4. I put on a movie at 8am today...I figured a sick child made this ok!

5. I found a great Panera knockoff recipe last week that was a huge hit at our house! Who doesn't love their mac n cheese made with creamy sauce and shells?! You can find the recipe here

6. I started putting up just a few fall decorations last week while I was on a cleaning spree. I figure I can go hard with the pumpkins and such at the end of September. I guess part of me is really waiting for my kids to go back to preschool to make Fall a reality! Yes, I know....they are in a great program in a lab preschool but it starts later than most. I am counting the days...10 to be exact my friends :)

7. I confess I may or may not have made a few purchases in Old Navy yesterday. I set a record though when I got a shirt for 38 cents! I have gotten them for 99 cents in there before but 38 was just ridiculous! I got a tank top for less than the price of a postage stamp!

8. Not sure if you have heard in your neck of the woods, but this upcoming Sunday is "National Back to Church Sunday." All different churches and denominations have come together to promote a return to church this fall. If you have been away for summer or for years, this is a great chance to just show up and see what it's about. Do you have a friend's church you've been wanting to visit? Or maybe it's the opposite, you have that friend that you know you would love to bring with you? I just say, if you've heard it's a bible believing/teaching place, go check it out! Here's a great video they showed at the end of our service yesterday and we all couldn't stop laughing... Check it out if you have two minutes! If you are local to DE and want to check out Lifehouse, we would love to have you!

I think that's about it for me this week friends! Wish me luck for all things potty training and attempting to treasure these days with my littles!

One Year Fun!

As most mamas agree, that first year is both crazy and sweet! The one year mark is a milestone for the whole family to celebrate! I had the privlege last week of photographing sweet little Tommy on his actual birthday morning. I was honored to capture this sweet little man as he celebrated his first year of life! Happy birthday Tommy!

Love the expression and even the grassy little feet!

This is Tommy's sweet big sister who would rather climb a tree than get her picture so we let her!

A fun one of them both!

Monday Confessions

Really Monday again, already?!! I know we all probably feel like that every week! I sure have lately! I confess though a few things have changed since last week...

1. I confess I think we are losing naptime for the twins. We have been at a point where they don't want to sleep every day and now I am wondering if we give up nap, will they just sleep better at night?! I have had to fight to hold onto it as long as possible because it's sanity time. I think we will still have "quiet play in your room time" for an hour or so after lunch to save all our sanity.

2. I confess that today is a hungry day! I just feel hungry today and of course am trying to stick to healthy eating. I just keep trying to pick healthy stuff to eat that's not too calorie dense but I feel a little like a bottomless pit today. I did do my T25 Core Cardio this morning...I thought I might melt into my own puddle of sweat!!

3. We went swimming this morning...it was absolutely gorgeous out but there was a chill in the water. The kids were shivering after a while so we threw in the towel (literally) after an hour but it was SO worth it! The pool will close up before we know it and we are totally holding onto summer for all it's worth!

Dean's "cannonball!"

4. I finished up a great book last night! The Light Between Oceans  by M.L. Stedman was a great read and different than all the non-fiction I have been reading lately. It was great to dive deep into this beautiful story that has you questioning wrong and right. I honestly am still trying to decide if I liked the ending or not...leaning towards not but you read it and tell me what you think! What great book have you read this summer?!

5. I think it's safe to say that my love affair with the library is back in full swing :) I have been requesting books left and right. I am contemplating what is next! My kiddos always love picking up new stories and even videos for the week. 

6. I let my kids ride their scooters to the mailbox this morning at the front of the 'hood at 8am, in their bathing suits and my youngest in only pj shirt and diaper. I was a HOT mess after my workout and had to laugh. I was caught in a moment though on the way back thinking "may I always remember Macy riding her scooter at 8am in the morning in her Minnie Mouse bathing suit...this is the good stuff."

7. If you are a local, you need to go check out Schafer's Canal House if you haven't been lately. The hubs and I went a few weekends ago to the newly renovated restaurant. I am pretty sure the hot crab dip has been haunting me! You can either go casual out on the deck or enjoy a more formal dinner inside, but either way, order the crab dip :) YOU will thank me later! Someday I will tell you about the summer in college I worked there...

8. I experienced trap shooting with my hubby this past weekend. I haven't played 5 stand before with him but it was a lot of fun! I was shooting his 12 gauge and I got a bit of a beating after 50 rounds through the shotgun. I have to say though, it's a bit addicting. I definitely want to go again soon! Apparently my stance was hilarious to my husband so I will have to work on that for next time honey... (and yes the bearded man is indeed Matt in disguise) 

9. I sort of despise the "skipping over of the seasons" trend in retail but I confess we bought Halloween costumes last week. It was too good of a deal and I knew if I waited too long, they wouldn't still be there when I went back. I know, I know...it's still August Emily :)

10. I confess I am totally ready for free iced coffee Mondays at Dunkin...anyone get a card for it yet?!! I haven't seen it yet :)

That's about it for my shenanigans today! Hoping for a couple photography posts this week, thanks for your patience as they have been sparse this summer. Enjoy your week my friends!

Monday Confessions: Odds, Ends and some book reviews!

Today started at 6am with a child poking my arm saying "Mommy I peed the bed...." My first thoughts were not nice needless to say. This day has been trying since the moment my feet hit the floor. My flesh is apparently very weak today, but here I am. It's time for Monday confessions! 

1. I am just tired. I guess I sort of live tired but it's seeping deep into my bones today. 

2. My husband drove off to work (accidentally) with one of the car seats still in his car...so even if we wanted to go somewhere today it wasn't going to happen. Don't you dislike the "stuck" feeling?! Just thankful that today is not the day with the kids dental appoinment or a photo session :)

3. I have slight "back to school" depression as a teacher this year. I always love my class, it's just the obligation of it and juggling babysitters, etc. I am looking forward to meeting the new gang next week though and hoping it's another great group of creative students!

4. I am currently digging Luke Bryan's new album, Crash My Party. You can of course purchase through itunes but if you are old school like me and your rocking mini-van still takes Cds....go get the album at Target for $9.99 with some extra songs on it! What's your fav summer album? 

5. Did I mention the Luke Bryan is good friends with these guys?! They're back for a new season on Wednesday nights on A & E. Don't miss the fun...last week made me cry!

6. I have had a handful of great non-fiction reads that I just wrapped up this summer, that I would love to share with you.

I read Phil Robertson's Happy, Happy, Happy. It's written as his memior but in sort of a fun "here's how to be happy, happy, happy" tone. I really enjoyed the read! He certainly doesn't shy away from his mistakes, his triumphs or his passion for Jesus. I think he's a great example of God using an unlikely character to share his message. Here's a guy who left a promising football career to go hunt ducks...and it went very well for him. He now reaches millions on a weekly tv show where he consistently shares his love for Christ (and makes us laugh...A  lot!). If you enjoy all things Duck Dynasty, you will like this read. 

    On a totally different/deeper side, I just finished an amazing memior called Son of Hamas, by Mosab Yousef. It's the first hand account of the first son of one of the creators of the Hamas terrorist movement in Palestine. First, I must say, this book gave me an education. As many Americans born in the 80's, I have vague memories of things heating up in Palestine with Yasser Arafat but it was sketchy at best. I was in college during 9/11, so that's much more in my memory. Yousef's accounts of his life, terrorist life both inside and out of prison was very eye opening. I literally stopped reading one night and said to Matt, "as absolutely awful as terrorist acts such as the Boston Marathon are on U.S. soil....Israeli's and Palenstinians grew up every day with these sort of atrocitites happening in and around their' homes. I cannot imagine living like that." I truly can't fathom living under constant conflict. 

One thing I treasure about books is their ability to transport you to places. This book transported me to Palestine and gave me eyes into a world I knew nothing about other than US media reports (and lets not pretend that those are reliable). I also was enraged at the US Governement at different points. I don't understand our trillions in debt, yet we send money for guns in other countries....I digress but it's still disgusts me. Anyhow, the absolute beauty of this story is that it is yet another unlikely character to serve God. Yousef tells his tale of first encountering Christians and his long journey towards becoming one. I am so thankful for Yousef writing this book because he lost everything in doing so....yet he gave Americans/Christians/the World a view into a never-ending conflict in the Middle East. I really do think every American should read this book, especially Americans who claim Christ. We need to better understand our Israeli and Palestinian brothers and sisters. 

 

In a totally different direction, I read Wild: From lost to found by Cheryl Strayed. It was yet another real life account of a young woman who had lost it all, including losing her mother to cancer. This is an honest and raw tale of a woman trying to figure out what living her life should be all about. I kept thinking she was either super adventurous or just crazy because "with no experience or training, driven only by blind will, she would hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State—and she would do it alone." 

Here's what's interesting to me though...she has no relationship with God other than calling him not nice words. It was an interesting perspective for me to read into the thoughts of someone walking through life without the grounding of faith in Jesus. She had a rough story. The roughness never bothered me though, it was just her life. I felt sad at times though because she fulfilled that age old saying that "hurt people, hurt people." She needed healing and in a way, she found it on the trail. A good read!

Last on the recent list but certainly not least, was Real Marriage: The Truth about Sex, Friendship and Life Together by Mark and Grace Driscoll. This was a good thought provoking read that I picked up and put down for a while. I generally like Mark's comical yet harsh truth style, but he's not for everyone. I think that he and his wife approaced this book though out of a genuine love for people and wanting to see more healthy marriages out there. I do think it's an honest and valuable look at what makes marriages work (or what makes them really crumble). I find myself mulling quite a few things over after reading it. I do think it's appropriate for anyone from the engaged to those who have been married for decades. 

Had enough of me yet friends?! Maybe I should just start using my Good Reads account and stop bugging you all?! Hope someone checks out one of these books and enjoys it!

As for photography...yes I am still a photographer :) Just been in a different season this summer! Here's a project I am working on now for a stylist friend....isn't she a beauty?!

Monday Confessions, 7th Anniversary today!

Good morning friends! As I sit here with coffee in a mug and still a little tired, I am thinking over the last 7 years and can't believe how it's flown. There are moments that we get to slow down and savor but other large chunks of time are almost missing from memory. I think of the optomistic 24 year old I was on the day I said I do and it makes me smile to think of her. I say "her" because it almost doesn't seem like that was me. I still see glimpes of her on some days but so much has changed. 

God has brought us through so much in the last 7 years, with everything from joys and hurts to triumphs and defeats. It's amazing how a spouse brings a stability to your life, that someone to be on "your team" to always be rooting for you! There are so many things I could say about Matt today, I really wouldn't even know where to start, so I thought instead to write a few "confessions" of things I wish I have learned since our "I-do" day! These are not of all equal importance or anything, just a few items of wisdom I have picked up.

1. You are never getting any younger or thinner honey, so enjoy who you are in your season of life :) I wasted a lot of time worrying about physical insecurties when I was younger that seem so silly now!

2. Go to bed with a clean kitchen sink (nothing in it), it really will make the morning better. 

3. Be your spouses biggest cheerleader! If you aren't the biggest cheerleader, who will be?! You should always cheer them on and don't miss an opportunity to share their gifts and strengths with others. 

4. Make an effort to truly understand and love your new in-law family, it will reap you a deeper relationship with your spouse. By making an effort to understand the family your spouse has come from, you will "get" more of how they have come to be the person you love. It's also wonderful to have a whole new group of people to love and call family! It's especially good too when you have kids and already have a solid relationship with your in laws. 

5. Learn how to cook. I have to say a lot of my cooking skills have blossomed. I was a fairly basic cook when we got married but I gained an adventurous spirit in the kitchen and it has paid off! I make all sorts of different meals now that I would've never thought of when I was first married. It's ok though if this one takes time, becoming a wife is overwhelming enough, don't feel bad if you eat mac n cheese for a while. Just keep trying to get better over time with cooking and you will find what works for you!

6. Learn how to say "I was wrong." Humility goes a long way in life and marriage. Our first inclination is always to say "told you so" or "I am right" but sometimes we really just are wrong and need to say it!

7. Take care of yourself physically. We under estimate how deep it runs when we aren't taking care of ourselves with healthy food (see # 5), exercise, sleep, etc. I negelected myself deeply when we were new parents, which is sort of common, but I paid the price for a while. Find ways, even if just small, to make sure you are caring for yourself and your spouse physically. 

8. Laugh a lot together or else you will cry. Laugh at the crazy or bad sometimes, you just have to or you might be reduced to a puddle of tears instead. We have had some hard times with circumstances outside our control lately and we have to keep laughing to get through it!

9. Make your bed, it just looks nice and feels cleaner. 

10. Wait a few years to have kids....because kids make life crazy :) I don't have much more on that subject because we are still in the thick of it and wondering how we will come out on the other side! 

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful man to call my husband. We certainly are not without our trials but we are so thankful to be facing life together!

On our honeymoon in Punta Cana, DR 7 years ago! Just little skinny babies :) Haha...Happy anniversary honey!

August Mini Session Special!

I am currently running a special for August, you can book a mini session at your convenience this month! This won't happen again anytime soon! Contact me directly to book a session!