Monday Confessions, A New Year!

Happy New Year my friends! I am slowly embracing 2014 and realizing things like I graduated college a decade ago this May or the fact that my Toyota Sienna is now ten years old! How does time march on so quickly at times yet certain days crawl by? With the turning of the year, my head has been swirling with thoughts and a few I might confess!

1. I had to do a little winter mantel update after all the Christmas decor came down. I think I am happy with the new combo of items. The cute lantern to the left (Pier 1 Imports) was won at a family Christmas exchange game so I put it to good use. January is so hard for decor because it's definitely the winter "bla" season but you don't want to neglect making your house feel like a home!

2. I know complaining about weather is a national past time and it can be annoying, but really what is with this CRAZY weather?! Here in Delaware the weekend before Christmas was almost 70 degrees, then snow by Christmas eve and then 6 inches the week of New Years with a high of 15 degrees. It has been a truly crazy weather season and it's taking a toll on a lot of us. I love snow but am hoping the season evens out a little bit for January and February! Even today the day started a lot warmer then it will end with pouring rain.  An hour ago it was snowing/sleeting and now the sun is out like nothing ever happened! 

 3. Anyone else dealing with this crazy weather experiencing stress when dressing your kids?! I have to say these days though with big coats, boots, hats and gloves really have me rethink every time I leave the house. I have to weigh the cost of the impossibilities of getting 3 kids in their car seats with all the gear and cold whipping at our backs. Not to mention, the entrance to my home looks like a coat/boot/hat explosion!

4. I have had all 3 kids home every day since December 19 (preschool starts back up tomorrow!). I confess it has been a lovely but LONG break that has magnified a few things I need to work on. Specifically we are dealing with some food struggles that are driving me nuts! We have issues with two kids that will rarely try anything new and hardly eat any veggies. My other more adventurous child is willing to try different things thankfully. All 3 of them don't seem to eat much quantity ever. I know that they "will eat when they're hungry" but it can be infuriating when you're the one making their 3 meals a day. I am questioning everything as to food options, snacks, everything....so if any of you mom warriors out there have been through this, let me know!

5. My two and a half year old is also revolting against potty training. Towards the end of the summer we had made a lot of progress, he was really intersted and seemed ready. Now he screams and refuses so I am trying not to push him but I really feel like it's time. Do I force it or wait another month or two until he's closer to 3?!

6. I found myself on iheartorgazing again this year on the first day of the year! I guess at least I am consistent. I so desire a more clean, organized approach to life but all the energy and effort gets used on other things. I have done a clean sweep of the basement, pantry and my office area in the last week to try to clean out some areas of our house. Last year's resolution was to get more organized...but I don't think I really succeeded. I balance between feeling bad that I don't live in a Pinterest castle and just telling myself reality with 3 small kids (& a dog!) don't always lend itself to clean or organized! Definitely trying to find a balance that I can accept. 

7. Jillian Michaels 30 day shred week 2 started today...I am not sure how committed I am to doing the same exact workout every day but I can tell I need to! I need the strength elements so badly. A year ago though I don't think I could do one full military pushup and now I can do at least 5 before collapsing! This is a big deal friends!!! 

8. Downton Abbey Season 4 premiered last night! Who loves how it started?! SO excited to watch the rest...(Ok I confess I have already watched all of season 4 over the internet but will watch it again on US tv this time around :) Love this quote and image from last night...

9. I finished up reading I Don't Know How She Does It last week. It is a rare thing for me to read the book after seeing a movie but I got the book for my gift at my book club's Christmas party. I wanted to read it because a friend was saying the book was so much better than the movie and very different. I have to agree that the British flavor in the book added to my enjoyment of it (entirely different than the movie with SJP in NYC). Anyhow, it highlighted the plight of mothers everywhere...making choices every day that affect our families and praying that it all works out in the end! I think all moms tend to romanticize the path they did not take (at times.) Those of us that primarily stay home daydream about heading off to an office where we might get some respect. Those who do the grinding commute into the city daily daydream about still being in pajama pants at noon. I know they are benefits to different choices in life, each mom just has to decide what will work best for her and her family in the long run. Good read, alhtough I felt like it dragged in a few parts. I would recommend it!

Have you all had enough of me yet?! Guess I had a lot to say today! Hope your new year has started off well and with the realization that a fresh start is a good thing! What dreams are you chasing this year?! I am still mulling over family, business, and life goals for this year. I want to be intentional...

Tuesday again?! Portraits from a workshop

Friends, I am clearly wrapped up in holiday events, cheer and of course a little chaos! I know I didn't confess yesterday but I do have some images to share from a recent workshop! I got to attend a lighting intensive with Justin & Mary Marantz, a fabulous husband wife team from Connecticut. It was a great night of learning and shooting with industry peers. You know I have my favorite workshop sidekick, Rhonda Bowman, there too! 

The theme of the workshop was utilizing a one light set up to your advantage. As a photographer, I have had training in studio lighting but tend to love natural light. This workshop was really about maninpulating artificial light to mimick the beauty of natural light. It was also about controlling the light to create the type of portraits you desire. It was a good refresher for me on a lot of things and inspired me to get experimenting with my own one light set up! Thanks Justin & Mary! 

We got to shoot a few different models and here's one set that I love of a beautiful model Rhea!

Have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS my friends and I will catch you next week! 

Tuesday Confessions, Visit to Santa

Hey friends! I only just tonight realized I never blogged yesterday?! Can you tell Christmas is only a week away?! It's ok, I have had other embarassing slips of the mind lately too. We finally got to take the kids to see Santa tonight and they were ever so excited! They even waited patiently for about 45 minutes to see the big man and it was worth every minute!

SO Dean got a new harmonica today as a Christmas gift from Macy. He "learned" jingle bells in the few hours that he has owned it and wanted to play it for Santa. Who am I to stifle a kid who wants to play Santa a song? Santa loved it so much he took the harmonica and played a few notes too...Santa is musical! When he doesn't have a long line, he plays the guitar. Oh Santa how we love what you add to Christmas...

The kiddos and Santa parted with a group hug, it was the sweetest!

7 days til Christmas my friends....

Monday Confessions

It's the start of another new week and life is bustling around here. We got to enjoy the beauty of an unexpected snow day yesterday. I was teaching the four year old class at church yesterday as the snow started swirling down. I think I was just as excited as the kids to see it start!

It's confession time so here it goes...

1. I LOVE a good snow day, especially when it's unexpected! I used my long lens to stand at our sliding glass door and grab a few shots without really dragging any gear into the elements. I have always connected with something about the snow. I especially appreciate how it can instantly change your day and your pace. We ended up having a great afternoon of relaxing and snow playing! (Don't mind our too small and odd combinations of snow clothes. We are making it work until the new Christmas winter coats come :) 

*a note about photography in the snow, there's a lot of reflective light but it can throw off your camera's meter, resulting in photos that are too dark or too light. Just make sure you check the back of your camera to see what you are getting and adjust accordingly *

2. I confess that I counted snow shoveling as my workout yesterday! It does burn 308 calories per hour for my height and weight!

3. The hubs had to leave early today to help with snow removal, which is totally fine except our entire household was up out of bed at 6:30am. I confess that I think anything before 7 is really not a nice hour, especially with little people talking. What is it about even sweet kid voices that are grating at 6am? I am hoping we don't have a a family meltdown by lunchtime. 

4. Some of you know by husband has taken up hunting and got his first buck the weekend before Thanksgiving. Any of you out there in my cyber universe have good venison recipes you like? I admittedly am a little afraid to cook and then eat it, but I know I will just need to get used to it. It's a great and natural way to supplement our food supply. Venison is also very lean and healthy if I can just figure out how to get myself started on cooking it!

5. As usual this time of year has me both relfecting and looking ahead. Something I hope to accoplish in early 2014 is a website update. I know friends, it's time! It's just one of those time consuming endeavors that I know I need to do but doesn't quite seem to have an immediate advantage. Sometimes running a business isn't as fun as one would think! 

6. I know I talked about a social media hiatus sometime this month and I am still considering it. I know that my head and heart just need a break at times from the constant information flow. While some information flow can be invaluable, other times it just fills us up with nonsense, while not leaving lots of room for the good stuff. I don't know about you, but this time of year has a way of magnifying both the good and bad in life for me. I know I need some space to process and soak in whatever God has for me so I might be taking a bit of an internet break. It might require me putting my phone into captivity....haha

7. What are some of your favorite winter or holiday recipes? I love to make tried and true recipes from friends! I don't like getting in a recipe rut!

8. I confess all the shopping is about done except a few stocking stuffer items. 

9. I confess though that I have not wrapped one single thing....better get on that!

10. I think it's still free Dunkin coffee for the Eagles win if you are in the local area! 

I hope you all have a wonderful week! 

Monday Confessions, Thanksgiving

I have so many things swirling in my head this morning, as many of you do as well! This time of year is a mix of excitement and stress. It reminds us both of what we have to be thankful and sometimes, reminds us who we are missing around the table. I found some very thoughtful words by Abraham Lincoln in his Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1863, which delcared Thanksgiving a U.S. holiday (although there are of course Purtian roots to Thanksgiving). The whole thing is definitely worth the read but here are some words I would like to share with you today, 

"No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens."

Thanksgiving started as a national holiday to truly stop and thank God for all that he has given us! It is good for us to take stock and do this. We hustle and bustle through many days without giving thanks for the many things we have been given. Join me this week in thanking God for all he has given this week!

If you find yourself in hard times, I share with you words from Nancy Guthrie, 

"When you come to the place where you recognize that everything you have and everyone you love is a gift, it becomes possible to enjoy those gifts - not with an attitude of greed but with one of gratitude. You and I know...that God gives and God takes away. And when he takes away, if we are able to focus on the joy of what was given, if only for a time, we take another step down the pathway to the heart of God." - excerpt from Holding onto Hope

Family Friday!

Here's an adorable family that I got to shoot a few weekends ago in the beautiful fall weather! I have known Paulo & Ashley since our high school days :) It's so fun to get to see old friends in their current lives as parents. These kiddos were adorable and great sports during our shoot. I really enjoyed getting to photograph them!

Who doesn't love a little ring around the rosie?!

How beautiful are these two?! I love it...

Isn't this the sweetest?! He will definitely have to scare away all her future boyfriends!

This little guy is his own brand of cute too!

Just love her! 

Have a wonderful weekend friends! 

Monday Confessions

I don't know about any of you friends out there reading but we had some crazy weather last night! Wicked stroms rolled in around 3 am and it even caused my husband to jump out of bed, which never happens! It's interesting how even a storm like that can make you grateful for all you have and thankful when it's over! 

Time to confess...

1. I confess I am very thankful for our protection last night but am thinking of those in the mid-west who are less fortunate this morning after losing everything. It seems a day doesn't pass lately without bad news of a storm or other happenings out of our control. 

2. I confess that I ran 2.85 miles yesterday and felt pretty good during it. (If you are laughing at me, I get it). I have been doing lots of cross training but not running lately so yesterday was a little test. I am running a 5K this upcoming weekend and wanted to make sure I would live through it. I have to say, eventhough I workout regularly, I am very sore this morning. Running just takes a different toll on the body....and I should probably tell you that at my 11 min mile pace, I got passed by an old man :) I am Ok with it. I remember being a size 16 after the twins and wondering how I could ever run again with all that extra weight on my frame. I've come a long way back and am honestly feeling really good about where I am. 

3. I just finished a really good, thought provoking book over the weekend, The Fault In Our Stars by John Greene.  It has grown a cult following and looks like a movie is in the works for next year. I have to say that I heard what it was about and it took me a while to be ready to read it. The premise is two teenagers battling cancer who find each other and love. It definitely required tissues! I have to say though that I enjoyed the honesty that it shared about life with cancer as a teenager. If we are honest, cancer will touch all of us in a lifetime in one way or another. I will most likely grab a friend and have to go see the movie :)

4. I confess that when it snowed last week, I busted out my Justin Bieber Christmas album and rocked out to Little Drummer Boy! (Who wouldn't love a version of Little Drummer Boy with Busta' Rhymes in it?!) Max was even singing "pa rum pum pum pum" later that day :)

5. It is aparently 37 days til Christmas and I have a lot to do! As always though, swearing to myself that I won't get caught up in the crazy. I want to try to enjoy what this season is about!

6. Who is going to see Hunger Games Catching Fire this weekend?! I don't know if I will get to go right away but am definitely looking forward to seeing it! 

7. If you know my kids at all, they're not huge eaters, which is a mystery to me. I personally love food and have always been a good eater. It has been driving me crazy lately, as every meal feels like a battle. I kept feeling for a while like it was a power struggle (& maybe it still is) but they honestly just don't have huge appetites. I question if they are getting nourished, but also don't like the idea of force feeding them. It makes me crazy to think of other children starving in our own country while my kids cry over eating a peice of pizza! Anyone else have this struggle with your kiddos? Anything that has worked well? 

I have other thoughts swirling around my head today but I think I will let them marinate for now! I hope you have a wonderful week in which you count your blessings and find joy!

The Haines Family

You may be thinking "I have seen this family on the blog before" and yes, you are correct. I love nothing more than when friends become clients and allow me to capture their memories! These precious people were our next door neighbors at our first house, which was a huge blessing to us. They moved away for a few years due to jobs and we then moved as well. As fate would have it, we are practically neighbors again and we are loving it! We were sad when we thought our kiddos wouldn't get to grow up knowing each other but that has totally changed. Our kids get along great and we are so thankful to have them back in the neighborhood. 

As for this session, it was pure magic. It was a lovely combination of great styling, cooperative kiddos, gorgeous Autumn afternoon light, great subjects, and a pretty setting! I love it when everything comes together! For those of you who will ask, the kids clothing is Janie and Jack.  I know, I know... the whole family's styling is perfection (thanks to their mama)! These really are some of my most favorite images I've shot recently!

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!!!