Monday Confessions

   Hi friends, sorry for the couple week hiatus from blogging! We of course had Easter weekend and I can't even remember the week before that?! Last Monday was straight from heaven though, all 3 kids were off of school and it was warm and sunny! We enjoyed the ENTIRE day outside…I am talking picnic lunch and picnic dinner. We have suffered what feels like the longest winter ever in the North East and we have had it! The local park had no parking spots by 10am near the playground that day if that tells you anything at all….And today looks like a weather repeat of last week, so we are going to go get out there for a while! 

1. I confess I can't believe these are my big kids! Check out these crazy kids on Easter (still hard for me to believe they will be holding a little brother this time next year?! Outfits are mostly from Gymboree) 

2.  Speaking of these kids growing up, some days it really hits me a whole lot more than others. I see daily progress like loose teeth or being able to read words they couldn't before, but last week when I had a full on discussion with Dean about the style of Georgia O'Keefe I was a bit floored. These little babies that came from my belly are growing, blossoming humans who have feelings, dreams, and ideas. It's amazing and terrifying all at the same time!. 

3. A few years ago if you had told me that at 25 weeks pregnant, I would still faithfully be working out 3 to 4 times a week at minimum, I would have laughed in your face. I have to say, it feels good to be to the 25 week mark and staying active. We had an ultrasound last week and little man is progressing right along. (No we don't have any names yet, totally struggling in that department!) 

 4.  I just finished up a cute novel, City girl, Country Vet. For some reason I have been on a memoir kick and I thought  that this was another one, but I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't! It was a fun and easy read about the trials of a country veterinarian in the UK. It was a nice change of pace from the other non-fiction I have been reading. 

5. I confess I have been struggling with meals lately. I both aspire to cooking greatness but am usually so tired by the 5 o'clock hour that I am rendered useless. I did however find great success from trying a recipe from Shauna Niequist's Bread and Wine book. I did Annette's Enchiladas and these are a bit life changing people! Go  here for the recipe and bless your family!  (Or bless a friend :) Shauna writes that these were always welcomed by mamas with newborns or other friends in need of meals). They are layered and not rolled, so think more like a enchilada lasagna style!

6. Guys, I am in a TV drought. Not that I watch a ton of it, but I think endless hours of Food network or certain reality shows isn't really the best for me. Any great stories out there that you love? I am going to miss Downton Abbey after next season! Call the Midwife might start hitting too close to home if you know what I mean ;) What's a good show to check out? 

7. Word on the street, Wawa is doing free coffee all day this Thursday the 16th! If you live near one, it's worth stopping in for :) I also heard Panera is doing free coffee all month long with your rewards card!

8. I am turning into my mother … honestly it's probably in more ways than one but I am referring to my excitement over libraries and books. Being a mom of a young family, sometimes the biggest thrill of my week is getting an email from my library that a book I've been waiting for is now waiting for me :) I used to spend days off from work getting pedicures, thrift shopping, or just enjoying the freedom of young adulthood. Now that I am am mama, the free adventures that come in a library book are my little thrills in life. If I have a good book and throw in a good coffee, I honestly could be set for hours. And how is this turning into my mother you ask? She retired from her "big" career in the medical administration field and now adores working as a library assistant in her town!  (She even got the beaded string for her glasses but I will have to draw the line there for now…)

With beautiful weather yesterday, we spent the afternoon playing outside and just taking in family time! Here are some photos my lovely husband took of the kids… (And yes, that's chocolate on Dean's face from an after dinner Dilly bar :) Happy Monday! 

Monday Confessions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sweet Newborn on a Snow Day!

        Well I missed my usual Monday Confessions post, forgive me! Our schedule has been all over the place with weather, school cancellations, and spring break starting today for the twins. Yes, I sense the irony of spring break starting in the middle of a blizzard! This season is definitely teaching me a bit about embracing the change and trying to roll with it. One thing I had time for was to catch up with a dear friend and her sweet newborn! He was just 6 days new in these photos and yes, he was a nine pounder! He's got the sweetest cheeks and lips! If this doesn't warm your heart today, I don't know what will :)  

(I would like to say that this "session" occurred amidst a play date with 3 preschool age kids and a toddler running all around, taking photos over my shoulder, hugging the baby, etc all while trying to photograph him for a minute. Rolling with it, right?! :) 

Monday Confessions, In the Deep Freeze!

     If you are anywhere in the North East part of the USA, you are thanking your lucky stars for heat! Yesterday it was colder in my home state of DE than it was in Anchorage, AK. What's wrong with this picture?! I will honestly take it if means a chance for a snow day with my kiddos! They are forecasting a storm tonight, but we will see if it pans out. We have been burned a bit this year on inaccurate forecasts!  It's time to confess…

 1.    Have you ever had a dream that makes you so unsettled or upset that you wake up and feel like it might have been real?! I have been known to have a nightmare or strange dream after watching things like Zombies with my hubs on Sunday night. Last nights nightmare though was only a bad dream a mom can understand. In my dream, I had dropped Max off at preschool and only had a certain amount of time to grocery shop. I had been going through the store, aisle by aisle and filling my cart. I was almost to the end of the store and doing my final produce shopping when the unthinkable happened….someone stole my full cart!! I panicked and walked all around looking for it. I was suspiciously eyeing up everyone who I thought was a potential cart thief. I even begun to sob heavily until an employee asked me what happened. I told her of the cart theft and she said "Oh that hasn't happened to you before?! You need to be careful with your cart!" I cried harder knowing I did not have time to go back through the store and start over again with my preschool time constraints. I finally admitted defeat and left the grocery store in tears. Yes my friends, that's the stuff mom nightmares are made of! We COVET that time we can do errands alone and when something doesn't add up or throws us off, it can be devastating. (Feel free to laugh, but it was about as upsetting as being chased by a bad guy in a dream!) 

2.   If you don't follow Jen Hatmaker on social media, do yourself a favor and follow her. Her status updates have been a great source of humor and laughter for me today. She on occasion has some great book suggestions as well. 

3.   I am currently reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It took me a bit to get into with it being written in the form of letters back and forth. I am about half way through now and have been told by a few friends that it's worth sticking it out! I will let you know what I think when I am done! What's been your favorite read lately?

4.   I also put in a request at the library for the first season of the show Parenthood. I have heard SO much about it lately and know it was a lot of people's favorite. I have heard it has a lot of real life situations but I am looking forward to checking it out. Did you watch it? Did you love it?

5.  January and February are usually quiet in photography world and it has been no exception for me lately. It's between wedding season and the lack of nice weather puts a literal damper on things. I hope to be sharing more photography related posts as I get caught up on blogging and as we head into spring! If you are looking to do a spring session, contact me now! I am currently taking wedding inquiries for the fall of 2015. Email emily@emilytroutmanphoto.com for scheduling and availability. 

6.  I have been posting about getting Les Mills Pump workouts for home and getting lots of questions. If you have been to a Pump class and loved it, this is your chance to get it on sale and have the freedom to do it at home! (Head to my team beach body page   and click "shop" then fitness programs") It's currently 40% off but with limited quantities left! You get A LOT for the money. I have been loving my at home Pump workouts, with the workouts ranging from 20 mins to an hour depending on what time you have. 

7. Super excited to be going to hear Glennon Melton speak from Momastery this upcoming weekend! Although I don't claim to agree with all of her view points, I absolutely adore her spirit and motto "we can do hard things." I think she is a voice of acceptance in a world that's usually too quick to be harsh! Her book Carry on Warrior was laugh out loud funny and such an encouragement to my mama heart! 

8. I confess that during the writing of this blog post this morning, I have helped kids in the potty, refereed fights, fixed lego creations, and had compelling conversations about why you can not run around naked, especially because it's about 4 degrees outside! Keeping it real my friends, it's Monday confessions after all!!

Carry on Warriors… It's only 9am :) 

Monday Confessions, On turning 33

       Well it's another winter week with a snow let down! We thought we would have a storm today but it looks more like rain :) I have been wishing for at least one big storm for the kids to get to have a snow day! Growing up with a February birthday in the North East often meant birthday parties canceled or rescheduled due to snow storms. I have to say though, I still love the snow!  I know that having a birthday is always a blessing. Turning another year and new chapter is a great part of life, but sometimes those gray hairs will drag you down! SO here goes confessions…

1. I took a Facebook break over the weekend. I think (like many people), I have let too much of the social media information fill up my brain and heart when it's just not necessary. I also think we can tend to underestimate how much time we spend scrolling on our phones as opposed to living in the moment. I know I have talked about this before but I think it's going to be an ongoing battle living in this era. It was nice for me to see that I wasn't missing "urgent" things and could really take a two day break without issues. I was challenged by another mom that posted she has "phone free time" from 3 - 8 pm, where she just docks it and checks it later. Thoughts on this?

2. I had heard little bits about IF:Gathering going on in Austin, TX over the weekend. I was SO blessed to be able to tune into a couple of the sessions that were recorded. In the nice absence of social media, it was great to instead use technology to fill my soul with some wisdom. So far some of the best talks I listened to were by Jen Hatmaker and Shelley Giglio. I only got to a couple sessions but I am waiting to see if they will release download options for the sessions I didn't see (looks like everything is not available to watch anymore as of this morning). It's definitely worth the investment!

3. Zombie fans…I was so disappointed in last night's The Walking Dead episode. I felt like the show had more commercials than the super bowl and they killed off another central character! (I won't spoil anything)….but I just don't know if I will hang in there with this show. My hubby loves it so I try to bond with him over it, but it' just too much for me sometimes. It definitely went from bad to worse. 

4. My friends that love FREE and Chick Fila in the same sentence?! There's FREE COFFEE all month long at your local Chick Fila :) You're welcome!

5. Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I confess…I am going straight up store bought for my kiddos! They are loving their Disney Fairies and Star Wars Valentines to write to their classmates. I don't need the Pinterest Pressure to go whipping up some creation that I will regret and other moms will eventually throw out. It's OK to buy Valentines in the grocery store!!! xoxoxo

Here's to a great week my friends! 

Monday Confessions, MLK Day

      A soggy, icy Monday is starting off the week here on the East Coast. If it's sunny and warm where you are, keep quiet ;) It's officially Martin Luther King Jr. Day as well, which always gives me pause and causes me to think a bit on America. MLK brought so many injustices to the forefront and worked diligently to bring about justice. 

     As it turns out, I have been thinking A LOT about America over the last week with both the reading and viewing of American Sniper, the story of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. I am truly having a hard time filtering through all the things that his story has made me feel and think. My husband has followed his story for a longer period and had been telling me bits and pieces over time. At first I was just saddened that someone who served our country so faithfully was so senselessly killed. Now after reading his book, the story has so many more layers. I loved reading his book first because it was written from his view and in his voice. Nothing is sugar coated about war or the toll it can take on you. I think this something EVERY American should be exposed to. We like to keep our heads in the sand and pretend nothing is happening, when in reality we have had troops in the Middle East consistently since 2003, which is 12 years! If you are around my age, you remember being in elementary school during the first Iraq invasion in the early 90's. This is not a new scenario to most Americans, but have we become callus to it? I dare say we have. 

    I think that being exposed to Chris's story has not only deepened my respect for U.S. veterans but it has also caused me to think of ways to get involved. I am not sure yet how that will even look but I feel as though we can't just push these men and women aside. I think it also reminded me that America is worth fighting for. America is still an amazing nation (whether or not you agree with any of the current powers that be). I think that leads to another point, which is that troops are simply following orders and doing their jobs. If you disagree with troops being involved, contact your congressmen, don't take it out on military personnel. 

    I also think that this story has peeled back a layer for me on the extremist terrorist movements. I do read a lot of books and have read some fascinating insights before, but Chris's version was face to face with downright evil. Men hiding behind their daughters to not get shot or putting grenades in the hands of their children should not be how people live! This world has much evil and although we much rather would ignore it, it's a reality. When I get overwhelmed at the thoughts, I turn to my faith. Although it seems out of control, God knows what's going on in every corner of this crazy planet. Chris even questioned, “Isn’t religion supposed to teach tolerance?”

   If this post rambled, I apologize. It's hard to put all those thoughts and feelings into linear thinking. I do think it's appropriately tied into MLK day, because we all have dreams for America. We want Americans to stand together and in light of SO MANY recent events in the USA which point out racial or economic divides, we need to find ways to persevere together. We need the encouragements of Dr. King today just as much as we did in the 1960's. 

"Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear-drenched communities, and in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty."  - From Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech 

We also need the words of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle to remind us what the military is defending, 

"I’ve lived the literal meaning of the “land of the free” and “home of the brave.” It’s not corny for me. I feel it in my heart. I feel it in my chest.

So on this chilly Monday in January, maybe you can contemplate how you've been an active part of our country lately. Are there ways to serve some in your community or state? Are there ways you want to meaningfully bridge a gap between yourself and someone different than you? I think this is something we all should give some thought today. 

Have a wonderful week!

Monday Confessions, Welcome to January

      A mid-January freezing rain Monday, lovely right? Well I am thankful for fresh beginnings every week, even if they come in the form of a Monday! My kiddos are enjoying a slow morning with a one hour delay :) So since it is indeed Monday, I have a few things to confess…

1. I confess I have been rocking out in my mini van to both the Sam Smith In The Lonely Hour and  1989 albums! Should I be proud or embarrassed that my 5 year olds can sing "Shake it off?" I just have to say, sometimes you need some music with some soul and some fun! I believe both albums have been on top this year and for good reason! Go Give them a listen! (They help with the winter blues!)

2. Speaking of winter blues, I think part of it comes when all the Christmas goes away and we are left with bleak, cold January! Is it too soon to bust out the Valentines hearts to warm up the place?! I am thinking of doing some decorating with hearts later today! If you need some crafty ideas, I love both the Idea Room or Eighteen25 Blog. 

3. Serial Podcast…have you been listening? I got introduced to this a little over a week ago from a few different friends either talking or posting about it. Without giving too much away, it's 12 different episodes of the investigation into a murder. Basically, it seems as though the guy that was put away for the murder, may or may not be the right guy. I just finished episode three and it's definitely making me think. It's good to listen if you have a commute or can listen to something while working. It will keep your wheels turning! I will let you know when I am done if I am definitely a fan. 

4. I just finished reading the book In Between  by Jenny B. Jones and it was a sweet story about a foster girl learning to trust and be trusted. There was a faith element woven in, which I appreciated. It was a quick, easy read for me but a nice departure from anything heavy. Best part, it's free still right now to download if you have a kindle! It's the beginning of a series, so if you love it, you can keep reading into Katie's life and adventures. 

5. I had a funny memory the other day that just struck me. It will totally date me as to how old I am about to turn on my upcoming birthday…..but, who remembers calling into the weather line forecast service on the phone?! I used to call it at night in high school to plan for the next day and we didn't have cell phones with instant weather forecasts. Our dial up internet was so slow that wasn't worth trying to get the weather on either and who had time to turn on the news in the morning?! It cracked me up to think of this. My husband said Surfline used to be a phone number too. What other things from the late 90's like this do you remember? (Remember what is was like to actually have to memorize people's phone numbers?!)

6. I need to share a "fitness fail" moment because I think sometimes people think I just have it together in that department and it's never hard to work around my kids. Well my kiddos take a dance class on Saturday mornings in a studio next to a gym I can workout in. My husband actually gave me the idea to drop the twins off at class and go run on the treadmill while the kids took class for half an hour. This was a genius plan in my book that both got my workout in and allowed kids to get to class. Not to mention, I think the high on Saturday was 25 degrees and was WAY too cold to even think about running outside. Thankfully there is another mom friend that stuck close and I told her to just call if she needed me. Well I got over to the gym, got rolling on my treadmill and a half a mile in (only 5 minutes of actual running), I get a text I need to come back to help  my unnamed child help with a potty emergency. I wanted to both laugh and say dirty words. Sometimes it feels like kids want to sabotage anything that you deem as "me time" or things you try to do for yourself. I guess it was a honest picture of both my selfish heart and the needs of a child. Once we dealt with the potty issue and change of clothing, the child went back to class and I just gave up. Yes, I gave up. I didn't want to walk back over to the gym to only run for 10 more minutes. I mean I was already embarrassed that I had gotten on a treadmill next to a younger girl (the one on the far left wasn't turned on and I didn't know how… see how truly uncool I am?!!) and had to straight up leave the gym after running for 5 minutes. Who runs for 5 minutes and leaves?! Like, "hey that half mile was really a great workout….burned 100 calories son!" No way….so that's my encouragement. I would not suggest giving up like I did, but sometimes things just don't work out. You have to go with plan B or plan Z…whatever you are on at that point. Moms that want to get healthy, it's thankfully a fresh start every morning and you can try again :) 

I will leave you with Grumpy Cat for a smile today…

Monday Confessions, Back in Action!

   Hello friends on the interwebs! It is 2015 and I am back at the blog :) I am sorry for my blog absence! It was quite the holiday season with some illness thrown in there for good measure. The great news is that all are healthy again at my house (for now) and the kids went back to school today! I still have my littlest guy hanging around until preschool pics up again next week. I have to say, I am thankful for routine! I definitely feel a little like this today :)

  Funny thing is that usually December is quiet for photographers or at least mine have been sporadic for business in the past. This year, that was not the case! I am so thankful to have had a wedding, a few different family sessions, and a newborn session all over the last two weeks. With that being said, thank you to all my patient clients waiting on me in the holiday hubbub to get their galleries up! As for things to confess today….

1.   I confess that in November I read Jen Hatmaker's book "7" and it has been messing with me. It gave me so much to think about, especially in the holiday season of excess. I admit, I have not yet done anything drastic but am slowly mulling over how to live in a more simple way, with less excess. (This is hysterical because if you would've stopped by my house yesterday as we were attempting to do some room trading among our kids….you would've had to dig through mountains of their stuff to find any of us. That brings me to my point exactly, we need to simplify a little!) I definitely recommend the book if you need a thought provoking start to the new year!

2.  I got to see the movie version of Unbroken on New Year's eve with the hubs. I have to say, Unbroken, is one of my all time favorite books/stories. It's a beautiful and amazing story of both survival and redemption. I was curious to see how Angelina Jolie would handle the story for the film. I did "enjoy" the movie as much as you can enjoy watching anyone suffer like Louie did. I am thankful for men like him who survived to share their stories. I was a little bummed though that they didn't focus more on him finding faith in Christ, and that truly rescuing him out of his despair. Still though, an amazing book and well done film!

3. I confess, with sickness and crazy schedules, my workouts have not been what I wanted them to be. I had fallen from my usual 5 to 6 days a week workouts to about 3. I am feeling it and need to get back at it! Are you ready for a change? I am forming a challenge group now and can make suggestions on a plan and nutrition that will get you results! Email me if you're interested in one of my challenge groups this year. emily@emilytroutmanphoto.com 

4. For you Keurig lovers, what are you favorite K-cups out there? I always inevitably have a small stash of ones I didn't love. I need some ideas :) Of course, Dunkin Donuts K-cups always hit the spot! 

5. Part of a new year for a lot of people is setting goals. I am thinking over a few things I would like to do or be in the new year. One thing I want to be more consistent in is my spiritual disciplines. Do you need a reading plan or some encouragement? I personally love She Reads Truth online with daily reading plans and devotions. It's a great way, wherever you find yourself (sometimes it's even in the kids carline at school) to take a minute and reflect. 

6. Another devotion I love is Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon. It's a little dated language but it's so powerful and thought provoking, I love it. It has a morning and evening reading for every day of the year. 

7. Who watched Downton Abbey season 5 premiere last night?! You know I did. I confess though that I have already watched the entire season online (I know, I know….I couldn't resist) but I am going to watch it again as it's on tv here. It was an action packed start to the season! I won't spoil it for those of you waiting to watch online. As always the Dowager Countess doesn't disappoint with her witty one liners. "Principles are like prayers…noble, but awkward at a party!" 

8. What's been your favorite book you've read lately? I am making a list of what to read in 2015! 

9. I got some wonderful Christmas gifts. I have been excited about a lot of the but super excited to put on some of my new workout gear from Cross Training Couture and go get in a workout! (There I said it, I have to go do it ;) 

Here's a snapshot of my ever growing kiddos on Christmas morning!

Christmas morning 2014

Hope you all have a wonderful week ahead! 

Monday Confessions, Thanksgiving Style

        If you are in the United States this week, you can't miss that it's Thanksgiving. I have been seeing and hearing posts all over about things to be thankful for or ways to have gratitude. I think that this is a beautiful thing in a world where we take so much for granted, to stop and think about what things we have gratitude for. I have a few things right now that I am praying through and when I am not careful, I can get anxious. I forget all the ways that God has already been so faithful! I also forget that he tells us not to be anxious, but to be prayerful and grateful!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4: 6 -7. 

So the directive here is not to turn to anxiety or worry, but to pray. We are to not just pray with a pleading heart, but also pray with a THANKFUL heart. When we obediently do these things, even in challenging times, we will then experience that peace of Christ that Paul writes about in his letter to the Philippians. I am trying to be obedient in these commands today, will you join me? Join me in praying through those difficult things and waiting for God to make himself evident! Here's to a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

Monday Confessions, Rainy day version

    Do you ever wake up on Monday morning with an overwhelmed feeling from all the responsibilities that lay ahead for you? I had this very experience this morning. Before 7:30 am I had dressed and fed children, the dog, cleaned up random messes, packed lunches, straightened collars, folded two loads of laundry, and all while walking around in a fog of dread. What am I dreading? I had to just sit down and ask myself this question. 

    I know that just waking up each morning is a blessed gift, so what is my problem? I think my problem is that I feel like I will never truly be "on top of things" like I want. I wake up thinking through family demands, business needs for my two different businesses, along with all the weight of bigger things we are praying through. I have seen God's faithfulness so clearly in some situations lately, so why do I still wake up thinking it's all up to me? 

   I sat down with my new reading plan from the She Reads Truth app and it of course, was exactly what I needed. The Bible reading for today was Psalm 105: 1- 45, which in summary is a story of God's people being a hot mess and Him being faithful through it all. The other reading for the day is 1 Thess 5: 16 - 18, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." These verses fell fresh on me today and reading the devotional portion really challenged me. "His will is not as much as a path as it is a way of walking. Paul says as much [in these verses] in his letter to Thessalonica, when he reduces all our agonizing life questions to a non-formula... No hoops to jump through. No tests to pass. No situational tidiness required" (Amanda Williams). 

   So as I make the to-do list for today or ponder the bigger things of life that threaten to overwhelm me or tell a 3 year old why he can't eat cheez-it's for breakfast....I am going to try to keep perspective. I am praying I can remember today that God hasn't left me, I am enough and I might never be fully "on top of things." It's ok not to have it all perfect!  Hope you have a good start to your week!  

Now here's some sunshine for you from fall mini sessions!

Senior Session

       I remember the time of being a senior in high school as a season of possibility! It's a time when most of life still lies ahead of you and all the possibilities are very exciting. While I was working on these images I did find myself saying, "oh to be seventeen again!" I had the privilege this week of photographing a lovely senior girl who I know it going places! We chatted about everything from the colleges she's looking at to the kids she babysits. I know she has a wonderful, bright future ahead and I was honored to photograph her! All the best to you Kierstin!

Fall Engagement Session!

     In lieu of monday confessions today, I want to share with you an engagement session close to my heart. This is Ashley, she is Matt's little sister and in turn, is like my little sister. You see, long before Matt and I were ever together, I got to know Ashley as a middle schooler in my Sunday School group at the time. She was shy but always laughed at my jokes, so I knew she was listening :) I even have a sweet ornament she gave me one year that I still hang on my tree as a reminder to me of all that God had planned before I ever even knew what he was up to! I am so thankful I got a sister in her!

    As I write this, I have a lump in my throat of happiness for all that lies ahead for Ashley and Kenny as they lead into their wedding next summer. I was honored when they asked me to do some engagement photos for them because knowing I am a part of their wedding party, I won't be able to do the wedding day photos! It is my prayer for them that this time of engagement and preparation for marriage is a sweet time. I pray that they build a foundation of a strong marriage and don't just plan a wedding. I pray that Jesus would draw them close and protect their hearts as they prepare to become man and wife. Ashley and Kenny, I couldn't be happier for you and enjoy these images as a reminder of a special time in your lives! Love you! (And of course the photographer in me couldn't get enough of the golden light and beautiful autumn scenery :) 

This was the last shot I took and I think it's a perfect ending…

Monday Confessions

Happy Monday friends! It's beginning of a new week, which means it's a fresh start if you need one! Here's what I have to confess today…

1) Never miss a Monday workout! Want to come join the fun at SDF in Middletown for a free class today?! There's a 4:30pm PiYo (which I will be trying to attend) or a 7:30pm PiYo which will also be great! Wear PINK in support of Breast Cancer awareness! 

2) Have you ever wanted to give a little more at Christmas? Well we kicked off Operation Christmas Child at our church yesterday and we are so excited! The idea is to fill a shoebox full of Christmas gifts and send them all over the world sharing Christmas joy and the truth about Jesus. The kids have been big helpers this year for me! If you're local and want to participate, all are welcome! You don't have to go to our church, just have a love for kids all over the world :) 

3) I also got to see Costumes Of Downton Abbey exhibit at Winterthur gardens and museum. It was a fabulous exhibit although a bit crowded. I have never seen Winterthur so packed! 

Lady Edith's beautiful wedding gown… A neat fact is that they let real vintage items from the correct era be inspirations for the outfits on Downton. In this beautiful dress, the embroidery on the train is authentic from the era and they built the dress around it. 

These outfits from the engagement scene were one of my favorites because they had the video playing of the engagement and they had it look like it was snowing! Perfection! I honestly think I would've only enjoyed it more if it weren't so crowded but a fabulous exhibit nonetheless. If you are anywhere near Delaware, go see it before it leaves in January!

3) Speaking of outfits, I want to share another "fall favorite" in my wardrobe. I got these fabulous TOMS wedges last year for Christmas and they're perfect for this season! So comfortable too! 

4. Eagles lost, no free coffee today. Tear…it's Ok though, I already had two cups so 3 would be absurd!

5. It's Halloween week, what are you all doing that's fun?!

Have a fabulous week my friends!!!!

Judge Morris Estate Wedding

 A few weekends ago I had the pleasure of photographing Jes & Mike's wedding day. The day started off pouring rain so we all held out hope for the rain to clear and thankfully it did! It stayed a little gray and chilly, but nothing could put a damper on this couple's day! I adored all the touches of fall Jes added to the wedding. As always, it was an emotional but beautiful day! Congrats to Jes & Mike! Enjoy the photos!

Jes's dad is putting on her grandmothers pearls for her wedding day….just beautiful

Emotion can be so beautiful….

Isn't she beautiful?!

Monday Confessions

Hey friends, sorry I missed last week with the holiday and kids home! We were busy running to dentist appointments and going to the orchard in the rain :) Here are the things on my mind today….

1.  I love that working from home allows me to wear yoga pants while cranking out work. I don't think however that it's professional attire outside of the house (unless I started instructing yoga!) I got into a discussion yesterday with other photographers about what is appropriate to wear to a shoot. I was a little taken aback when I saw a photographer out working while wearing a hoodie, yoga pants, top knot and rolled down Uggs. I felt like that is my Sunday afternoon at home wear, not out to work a session. What are your thoughts as clients? 

2. Speaking of yoga pants, I thank my lucky stars that I don't have to get out of the car in the car drop off line at the kids school. Sometimes I pray before I leave the house not to have an accident because the outfit I am wearing is too hideous for public viewing (think workout capris with my slippers this morning) :) 

3. If you don't already know, my husband is a very talented graphic designer. He just recently launched his new website. Hop on over and check it out! If you need a business card, t-shirt or website, please contact him! He would love to work with you. 

4. So I made some brownies last night that got a thumbs down from my family. In my constant attempts to "health-i-fy" everything, it's not always a winner. I saw a post that said you can use a box of brownie mix  and a can of pumpkin to make a batch of brownies (no eggs or oils needed). Well I would like to argue that eggs and oils are needed for a brownie mix! It was right consistency but just not the same flavor. Sorry family, I am trying!!

5. Can we talk about what a shock to the system  it was this morning when it was 40 degrees when I took kids to school?! I feel like even after a workout and a shower I am still trying to get warm! Thank goodness for heat! 

6. I confess that we watch Walking Dead on AMC. Are you in on the zombie craze?! I just have to say though that the show is so increasingly brutal and disturbing that I might have to go back to Sunday night hiding in my room watching Downton re-runs while the hubby watches zombies! 

7. I confess that I love Motown. I have a total place in my heart for the oldies and I will definitely do an occasional sing along while I am editing videos to my motown station! You should totally try it! 

8. Eagles didn't play so no free coffee today :( Next Sunday though, I will be rooting for them!

9. I am reading "The Best Yes" by Lysa TerKeurst and it's so rich in content that I have to digest it in bits. I am totally guilty of saying yes to things even when I don't consider the cost. Just yesterday at church I said yes to something because no one else would, and it bothered me the rest of the evening because I know the cost it will have. It's honestly not even a huge thing, but just another commitment on an already full plate. I picked up this book last night and read, " Every yes answer comes with a list of expectations. If I don't know what those expectations are, I can't possibly meet them" (page 116). Lysa goes on to write about questions to ask yourself to determine if you can truly commit to this particular thing at this time. It's so, so helpful if you are trying to learn to work through priorities when committing to things! It's easy to just say "yes" and live a crazy life with a full schedule but no idea what you're doing or who you're impacting! 

I hope you all have a wonderful week! Until next Monday…

Fall Mini Sessions, Part 3

    I adore this family and have been able to photograph them annually for years now, which I love! It's fun to watch kids grow and change in front of my camera. It's also fun to see their little lives remembered through my lens. I don't think I am spoiling their Christmas card but couldn't wait to share these :) How cute are they all?!
 

Aren't they adorable?!

Fall Mini Sessions, Part 2

    Look at this sweet family! You would never know they had been battling illness all week with all the smiles and fun we had. I love getting to incorporate special elements in a family's portrait. Both the story they were reading and the quilt they were on held significance for the family. I am so glad I got to capture them! 

For real, how do you tell her no?!!

Fall Mini Sessions, Part 1

    I was so thankful when the clouds rolled back and the sun came out in time for last Saturday's mini sessions! One thing I adore about this job is being able to connect with people and capture different stages in their life. Nikki is both an old friend from high school days and a friend within the wedding industry (check out Lovely Girls if you're engaged or soon to be!). I was so excited to be able to capture her love with John and this fun time of being expectant new parents! 

Monday Confessions

       I confess, that some days as a work at home mom (WAHM), I can dread it. I can think about all the ways it's tough, but then I am brought right back into the reality of what a blessing it is. Today has been one of those Mondays that I have been reminded multiple times already what a gift it is to be able to work from home. (If you're new to Monday Confessions posts, it's just where I share a little part of myself and my life by "confessing" what's going on with me!) 

1.  I confess that I already went for my free Dunkin coffee from the Eagles win! We live fairly close to a Dunkin, so Max and I took a walk to get my coffee. Yum!

2. I confess that I gave into my 3 year old begging to walk also to the pet supply store because he loves to visit the animals. They have guinea pigs and usually some kittens that are up for adoption. This is fine with me because I am not tempted to ever take home either a kitten or a guinea pig and it makes little man happy! I figure that kitties waiting for adoption don't mind a little love from a 3 yr old :)

3. I did get in a 21 Day Fix workout before our coffee walk! I did the total body cardio fix and was dripping sweat. I love the 30 minute effective workouts and Max even joined me for this stretching. 

4. Yesterday we had the pleasure of going to with my sister in law to pick up her wedding dress! She's not getting married until next summer but they originally told her it would take super long to make. Macy loved going so much and had to try on a few dresses of her own! I had a flash forward of about 20 years! She's so excited to be a part of the wedding :) 

5. I had a great Saturday full of mini sessions and a wedding this upcoming weekend so I will be holding myself to try to get some photography blogged as well! For those that are clients, I am so thankful for you! I love the fall season for all it's beauty and photography opportunities! 

Have a great week everyone! 

Monday Confessions

Hey friends, happy Monday! Well the Eagles did not win so I guess I won't be getting that free cup of Dunkin' coffee, or so I thought! I've never been so concerned for football outcomes in my life…now you know that coffee is the true captor of my heart and not football :) The good news is that it's National coffee day so they're giving away free medium cups of their new dark roast anyway! Go have a cup on me :) This is a nonsense holiday I can celebrate happily!

Here's whats on my mind this week…

1. I confess that I am WAY late to the party but I just got hooked on watching The Voice! Who is with me on this? I already knew Blake Shelton was adorable and now I am starting to see what all the fuss about Adam Levine is. I have to say that I adore Gwen Stefani and Pharell also. I think the reason I never got into it in the past was the Christina Alguilera factor, just couldn't watch her. I am so excited to watch tonight as the blind auditions continue!

2. Speaking of fall TV….who is ready for Zombies?! We are inside of two weeks for The Walking Dead to return on AMC. Who remembers where the gang left off? I get freaked out just thinking about it!

3. In other pop culture news, Gone Girl the movie comes out this Friday with Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck. I really have not covered up the fact that I did not like the book but I definitely wonder how they will pull it off as a movie! Rosamund Pike played Jane Bennett in Pride and Prejudice, which is pretty much the sweetest character there is so I have a hard time imaging her as the vengeful character in Gone Girl. So the question is friends, are you going to see it? Let me know what you think!

4. I am getting a hair cut this week and I cannot wait. I can't decide if I want to do something different or stick to the longer hair I've been rocking for a little bit…decisions, decisions. It's hard to commit to new hair, but the same old thing can get boring too!

5. I am dreaming of baking pumpkin chocolate chip muffins one day this week. My favorite recipe for them is here. I usually cut the oil and sugar a bit though. The pumpkin helps keep the moisture like the oil would. Yum! What's your fave fall treat to bake? I am working on "healthi-fying" things when I can! (that's a new word, when you have your own blog you can make up words if you want!)

6. I confess, I found an awesome pair of gray jeans at Forever 21 (Yes, I know I am over 30) for less than $10 that I LOVE!! I might investigate if they are in other colors. I want to see how they hold up to their first washing and see if they still fit right. Sometimes cheap things aren't bargains if they don't last or fall apart, but I do love going cheaper on a trend item.  I think these jeans will be a solid part of my wardrobe this fall. 

7. Speaking of wardrobe, have you heard of such a thing as a "capsule wardrobe?" It's this idea that you really only wear so many different items at once. Here's an explanation "For Unfancy purposes, it’s a 37 piece wardrobe that includes tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and shoes. Why is it so great? Ever buy some fun new clothes, but end up wearing your old favorites anyway? Me too. Ever go to your closet and feel like you have nothing to wear, even when your closet is filled with clothes?" This explanation is from Caroline on the UnFancy blog. I am intrigued by this idea because I think we tend to think, "more is more" in the wardrobe world, but don't tend to wear it all. I weed through the excess in my closet only to wear tried and true faves. Anyone else read up on this idea or what do you think about it?

This is my other fave purchase for the fall wardrobe…a mustard colored cardigan from Target!

8. Are you looking for that healthy alternative to the Pumpkin Spice Latte in the fall craziness? My pal Somer shared this last fall and I got hooked, you order a blonde roast with just one pump of the pumpkin spice flavor syrup and you end up saving both $$ as well as calories! You can add in a little fat free milk and stevia if you want some creaminess and sweetness. 

9. Have you ever heard of pound cake from Stock's Bakery in Philly? Our sweet neighbors are from Philly and occasionally bring us a pound cake when they are passing through. I saw a friend post about this bakery this week and I have been dreaming of their pound cake ever since! Maybe our neighbors will go visit their family soon… yes, it even comes with vanilla frosting!

Ok friends, I realize that this week wasn't as deep with my chat about tv, wardrobes, and food but I know the last couple weeks I have really been putting myself out there. I am just like any other girl with all different sides to me that I want to share with you inter web friends! I hope that my deep posts affect you on a more personal level and the rest of my confessions just share a little bit of me with you! 

I will leave you with a verse I found great encouragement in the last couple weeks, "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12: 12

Have a great week!