Monday Confessions

    Well another Monday is upon us, although for many it's a holiday! Thank you Christopher Columbus for this one! I have all four kiddos home today and have had them all since Thursday after school! Can you sense me smiling from where you are?! Actually, I can't complain one bit. It was a beautiful weekend and I got caught up on a lot while having some family time as well. 

Yesterday was a beautiful day full of family! It started with dedicating our sweet Benjamin in church. In our denomination we commit to raise the child with the knowledge and love of the Lord until he makes his own decision for baptism. We had a lot of family join and support us yesterday as we made this commitment, as well as our church family. Later in the afternoon, we went to the pumpkin patch! Our kids love this annual tradition!

Here's a shot of mommy & Ben! (Extra points if you can spy daddy in the photo) ALL PHOTOS are credited to Matthew Troutman

So after a very full weekend, I am going to attempt to pick up the house a bit today even with the kids in it! Nonsense I know...

Just a few confessions for you today.

1. I confess that I got my FREE Dunkin Donuts coffee first thing this morning (Thank you Philadelphia Eagles!) and hit the grocery store before most of the world was even up! Feels good to get things going. 

2. I confess that math games homework at 8am should really require a second cup of coffee :)

3. Remember how I got hooked into watching Parenthood? I am in the middle of season 4! I am already dreading when I finish the series and have to say goodbye to the Bravermans! Why are there not more family shows like this on TV?! I have needed tissues almost every episode this season!

4. I am reading Hands Free Life, and like it's predecessor the Hands Free Mama, it's convicting. Just good to remind myself of how to filter through priorities in these very hectic days of raising babies and searching for meaning in it all. I am definitely guilty of distracted living and I want to try to make changes while I can! I don't want my kids to grow up thinking I didn't have time for them or everything else took precedence over them. I confess I really struggle with trying to always be productive and sometimes just miss the moments!

5. I confess that I love to cook in fall! I have been on a "no spending" journey this month (that's a whole different blog post!) so I have been challenged to cook with ingredients in my freezer and pantry. I have to say though it has truly opened my eyes to how much I think I need to "run to the store" but there are other foods I should be using up first! Last week I made a yummy easy corn chowder recipe and what is better than soup in the fall?! Yummy! Share your favorite fall recipe with me!

Have a great week everyone! 

A Sweet 6 months Session

     Life has a way of speeding past us doesn't it? I remember chatting with a mama friend about doing a newborn session and then she said, "we might just wait until he's 6 months for a session." Can I just say that I think that was the best decision ever?! I know those newborn days are sweet but I swear when I say this, the 6 months age is one of my favorite! The personality of the child starts to come through but they cannot yet escape you :) I enjoyed this 6 month session immensely because precious baby J could actually interact with me! I am way more into clients I can interact with, nothing against sweet sleeping newborns. What's not to love about the adorable world travel nursery as well?! I confess I also struggled to choose what to share so hopefully his mama & daddy don't mind me sharing so many! 

 Such a beautiful family!

For some reason this little series of images with daddy are my faves...

A personal fave!

Fall Wedding Sneak Peek

    Just a quick sneak peek from the beautiful fall wedding I photographed over the weekend here in Delaware. It was held the the lovely Montchanin Inn & Spa. We were battling winds and rain, but the time we had for photos went just perfectly!  Congrats to Amanda & Andy who are flying off to their honeymoon today!  (If you need a good restaurant suggestion in the area, Krazy Kats did all the food and it was amazing! When I tell you I never loved a brussell sprout in my life...they changed my opinion on them! Delish!)

Monday Confessions, it's October!

    My dear inter web friends, it's October! Part of me is so happy for this time of year but the other part of me is saying, how on earth can this year be coming to a rapid conclusion?! I love this quote to sum up how I feel a bit....

October also happens to represent a lot of awareness for different groups! So instead of my regular confessions today, I want to make you aware of a group that mean something to me. 

  October is Down Syndrome Awareness month, which is a time to dispel myths about the lives of many living with Down Syndrome. I admittedly did not know much about DS until a few years ago, some of our very best friends had a son born with it. I had other casual friends with kids with DS but I didn't get to spend enough time with them to truly learn. I have learned so much about what this syndrome does mean and what it does not mean through knowing Maddex.

    I don't think I can really roll it all up into one blog post honestly, but I know our little friend Maddex (& his many other friends with DS) have taught our family how to love without reserve. He has shown us that different doesn't at all mean "bad." He has shown us not to underestimate him one bit! He has shown us that perseverance pays off. He has shown us that even if you have to work a little harder for something, you can still achieve it!! 

Here's a photo from the beach this summer with Dex Man waving on the far right...

If you want to learn more about Down Syndrome or give to the cause, the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware is a great place to start! 

The J Family

   Hello friends! I honestly did not mean to miss blogging for an entire month but I have to be honest about priorities these days. Obviously my business is a priority but going on shoots and servicing clients is first. Blogging is a great way for me to share what I have been up to but it sometimes falls lower on the list and at the end of the day, I just don't get to it! I have missed it though and I will surely have some confessions next week! One of my recent shoots is the adorable J family! I have been honored to photograph them over the last 4 years each fall and document the growth of their children. I love seeing the changes in the kids and things like missing teeth and special manicures just make my day when photographing families! It certainly reminds me to treasure each season with our family because these days are fleeting! 

Do you not LOVE this toothy grin?!

She's such a beauty...Her daddy might need to make a plan to keep the boys away!

   On another note, I feel as though I am in a huge season of growth. Not only has my family and responsibility expanded again, but I am in a personal season of growth. Part of this season of growth is in my creativity and my photographic process. I am pushing myself creatively and trying not get stuck in a creative rut. Part of being a photographer can be that you find a "system" that might work for you but once it feels to familiar or easy, it doesn't feed your creative side as much. I am prayerful that my season of growth spills into my work and is evident! 

Monday Confessions, Labor Day

     Here's to the American work force and celebrating labor day! I am definitely thankful for a little more family time today as we head into the busy fall season full of school, photography and life in general! As always, I have had a few things rolling around in my brain that I need to confess this week...

1. As much as I love America, I think the U.S. has a current epidemic of lack of respect. I see this seeping in everywhere and it bothers me. Since when do we not respect our police force or public workers? Since when do we not respect laws? Even this morning I saw an awful video on the news where two high school football players completely blindsided and tackled a referee at their football game because they didn't like the calls. Let me say, I grew up with a dad that was very much "question authority" but he also would always have said, "respect authority."  We might not always like what those in authority have to say or what they do (and there are those who abuse it, which is a different conversation) but I do think we need to do an assessment of how we treat each other. This lack of respect can be dangerous if left unchecked! 

2. I am super bummed that Tim Tebow is done before he got started on the Eagles! I was so excited to watch him play in Philly and thought it might even give me some added interest to watch. Why Philly why?!

3. Parenthood. Where have I been?! I am super late to the party but bless Amazon Prime for allowing me to watch this touching show in consecutive episodes. I think though that the timing of watching it now has been good for me. I have been home a lot so it gives me something to check out now and then when feeding the baby. I know it's just a tv show but it has encouraged me that you can raise four kids to grow up to be each other's best friends. I pray for that in the long run with my family!

4. I am reading Through the Gates of Splendor, which is the tale of 5 missionaries in the 50s who went to share the gospel in the Jungle in Ecuador. I basically keep finding myself reading incredulously that people would be so motivated by love to want to share the gospel so badly. In general, most of us struggle with being inconvenienced or giving up comfort. These missionaries gave up everything and in fact, persued a tribe that were openly known as killers. I mean you had me at jungle heat with no air-conditioning, snakes and giant bugs....you throw in a tribe of killers with spears and I am pretty sure I will bow out. I was just reading a chapter where one of the wives was 7 months pregnant and walking into the jungle with a machete...Don't even get me started on contemplating having an infant in those circumstances. (The movie End of the Spear was based on this true story) 

5. Did you know the Power Rangers are in their 22 season and my kids love this weird show?! The bad guys are so odd and it still seems a bit cheesy but they can't get enough! This "team" of rangers is the Dino Charge edition. They even had the Red Ranger come to their birthday party this summer! I guess you never know which shows will last and be popular?! 

As for photography, I have a stack of personal editing to get to but anticipating a busy fall season! I still have select September and October availability if you're interested in a session! emily@ emilytroutmanphoto.com   

And for those of you wondering...yes I am surviving with a 6 week old but some days aren't cute :) Have a great week! 

Monday Confessions, Late Edition

Hello friends. I have been wanting to write all day but every time I would try to start, something would happen (and even the writing of this has been interrupted multiple times). I am being consistently reminded that life with a newborn is so inconsistent! I should also mention that I am running on very little sleep, so if anything is incoherent then you know why! I definitely didn't want to miss my chance to confess today, so here goes...

1. I confess that my family ate ice cream for dinner last night. We were swimming  and I just said "hey, who wants to go get ice cream for dinner?!" Dean replied with, "you're joking, right mom?" I wasn't kidding though. I heard a friend who did this once a summer and the kids always loved it. We went to Somerset Farm in Bear, DE and it was DELISH! (I did have the kids eat a bowl of cereal too when they got home because I didn't want them to starve). I think it's important to lighten up once in a while from the norm and do something fun! And hey, no one complained!

2. My sister in law got married on Saturday. It's one of those things that you hear about, plan and wait for but it comes and goes so quickly! It was fun to see the wedding through my kids eyes because they adored being a part of it all. They were even "playing wedding" the next day. For me it was a nice time to take a step back and see all that I have to be thankful for!

Congrats Ashley & Kenny, I know you're enjoying Barbados right now! (I am green with envy!)

I know that I am biased but these are beautiful children...

3. I confess that I just got my first large box of Pumpkin Spice K-Cups and actually drank the first one today! I know we are kicking off a heat wave here in the northeast but I am mentally ready for fall! 

4. If you haven't seen the new Jim Gaffigan show on TV Land, you're missing out. We watched the episodes last week and my husband laughed so hard he was in tears! It helps that we now have 4 kids so a lot of his family life jokes were hilarious to us. Do yourself a favor and watch it tonight! 

5. I confess we have been majorly touched by the generosity of friends recently. We have friends that are so good to us! Just today a friend stopped by on her way out of town to bless me with a hug, a hello and generous gift card for dinner out! How loved are we?! I am constantly reminded that we have some wonderful friends and we don't deserve all their goodness!!

6. Our extended family is at the beach this week in NC and I confess that I wish we were too. Don't get me wrong, we were invited but our kids start school this week! There's nothing we love more as a family than being beach bums for vacation! 

7. I finished up Jen Hatmaker's For the Love last week and I was sad when it was over! The topics meandered a bit but I enjoyed that. It was easy to pick up and put down. It had me laughing, it had me crying and other feelings in between.

It definitely drove home the point to me that my time with my kids in the house is limited and I want to make the most of it! I don't want to squander our time but I also don't want to pressure the heck out of myself to try to create some unrealistically magical childhood. It's important to let kids learn from life. I read the book with a pencil and I underlined so much! I think I could stand reading it again on a regular basis. I think a review of this book might merit it's own blog post another day! 

8. I have two FIRST GRADERS in the house!! How is that possible?! Come Wednesday morning I will be one part sappy crying and another part happy cheering them on! I do love embracing the next season for each kid as time rolls on past us! 

9. I confess that I think a part of parenthood is imparting your musical tastes or at least your musical knowledges on your kids. I got many a lesson on Eric Clapton in the back seat of a Bronco in my child hood. We know have been enjoying our kids picking up on different music that we listen to. I had to smile today as my kids were upstairs playing and I could hear Macy singing a Mumford and Sons song. It also makes me realize just how much the kids so easily absorb so I guess we better make sure it's good stuff! 

10. And just to round it out to ten...I confess that I am looking forward to pumpkin donut munchkins at Dunkin Donuts. Don't judge, they're delicious! 

Monday Confessions, Life with baby number 4

        Hey friends! We have made it through the first couple weeks of life with baby number four. It has had many delightful moments but also some trying ones. It has certainly been a transition period for all of us, but that being said, we ADORE Benjamin! He has already added so much to our family and we feel complete!

   I definitely have had some things to confess as I mull over the last couple weeks...

1.    I have become very aware of my own phone addiction. It's strange how only having an iPhone for couple years has become such a part of my daily life. It definitely has so many advantages but my eyes have been opened lately to how dependent I have become on it. Sometimes this reliance on my phone can be dangerous (like in the car) which I am majorly changing. Nothing is really worth it...cue the recent AT&T commercial with the mom wrecking the car posting a photo of her daughter. It also infiltrates our lives more than we know....when I have my 4 & 6 Year olds playing and I hear them saying "put that on Facebook" or "lets get on YouTube" - I know something needs to change. Do any of you do phone free hours or just check it at certain times? (I struggle with needing social media for business but I digress...)

2.    One thing we have been dealing with among our kids is learning to respect each others things. I think 99% of their altercations come about from the kids either taking, touching or fighting over things. I think that there are certain special things that the kids can control if others touch or not, but there are so many toys or things that are just community property as far as I am concerned. How do some of you deal with this among siblings? I am not all about refereeing the kids all the time but some good guidelines to help them to learn to respect each other and their things would be nice. 

3.    I have some favorite websites that I visit often, which I confess is sometimes more often than I should! One of these favorite websites though is 6pm.com. If you haven't already heard of this site, you need to go! It's all name brand items, sometimes last year's version (who cares?!) but it's always free shipping. The prices are usually great prices as well, especially on things like North Face or Under Armour. 

4. Matt and I celebrate our ninth anniversary this week! Really not sure how that's at all possible?!

From our honeymoon in Dominican Republic: (Were we ever that young and thin?!) 

5. I confess I love cooking shows, but I think I would love cooking even more too if someone else was doing all the dishes! Am I right?! Being home with the baby the last few weeks, I have logged too many hours on Food Network but it's getting me some ideas to cook for the fall. Mostly though, it just makes me hungry when watching and I have been bad at snacking! :( My current favorite shows are still Pioneer Woman and Trisha Yearwood. They both make recipes that I might actually be able to recreate! 

6. All this food talk leads me to my next confession, I am really wrestling with the post-baby body. This is nothing new for me and I mostly just preach to myself that healthy babies are TRULY miracles, so me having to lose some weight isn't the end of the world. I think I am maybe wrestling with unrealistic expectations. I thought that with being in better shape and having worked out into my last trimester, that I wouldn't have a big baby belly. Well friends, not so. The good news is though I am starting to clean up my eating (it's gotten way off track in survival mode) and I can't wait to be cleared for exercise again in September! Taking my own advice on this one and giving myself grace...but also making a plan!

7. I am going to be in a wedding in a few weekends and I am thinking over what to do with my hair. It's August so I am thinking of getting it up. Have any favorite up-do styles you love that I need to see?!

8. Anyone else bummed on all these celebrity couple divorce announcements? I was saddened by Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner but then TOTALLY shocked by Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale. People, you've been married over a decade...can't we work it out?! I realize that I know none of these people personally but it just seems sad that they've been married a good, long time and have kiddos involved. All I have to say is that if Faith & Tim ever announce a split..there's no hope!  (sarcastic but kind of true right?!) 

9. I am now booking photo sessions for fall!! It's my favorite season to photograph outdoors! Ok, I like all the different seasons but it's hard to beat autumn. I am running a special that includes your favorite 3 digital files with your photo session fee (if you book your session by August 31, session can happen any time between now and end of year). Contact me for availability, emily@emilytroutmanphoto.com

10. I am going to attempt to make some "clean treats" this afternoon to start back on track! (I didn't want to end on an odd number today :) Favorite clean treats?!

Have a great week my friends!! 

Monday Confessions, Baby Week!!

       Hello my internet friends, sorry I have been MIA the last couple Mondays. I had the very best intentions of blogging but you know how that can go. The good news is that I have been fitting in family, baby preparations and wrapping up photo sessions from this first half of summer in order to be ready for baby's arrival this Friday! Yes, I know…THIS FRIDAY. Not possible right?! I assure you it is and I am counting down. I am most certainly in that space of being aware of what is coming but also anxious to meet this little man. So what has been going on that I need to confess you ask?

1. I confess even at 9 months pregnant, I am not beyond flattery. At a friends baby shower last weekend her sweet cousin said to me, "Has anyone ever told you that you look like Malin Ackerman?" After I stopped laughing like a school girl, I thanked her for making my day! I will take that compliment and run with it for months…. Maybe it was just a really good hair day!

This is Malin…

And I currently look like this…haha…one of these is not like the other?! 

2. This leads me to my next confession though, I was NOT going to do any maternity photos this time around. It seems so crazy coming from a photographer right? Well I struggle with all the same things other mamas do about bodies and babies and image, etc. It was a sweet photographer friend, Christina Vance, that caught me at the right moment and I had a change of heart. Boy am I glad that I did have that change of heart or I would've missed out on getting some beautiful images of baby boy still in my belly! (I would also probably have to explain later to child number 4 why he had no photos like his brothers and sister!)  If you are in need of a maternity or newborn photographer in the next but while I am on maternity leave, please feel free to contact Christina and tell her I sent you! 

3. I confess that I cannot WAIT to get back into my fitness routine. The last 8 weeks have really prevented me from doing much other than taking care of my kiddos, house, work and some walking. I have literally been having dreams of running and burpees….I know, that might be cause for questioning my sanity. But if you know me, you know that exercise has become a form of sanity for me in recent years so I will behave myself and wait until I am cleared for exercise but you better believe when the time comes, I will be ready! I might huff and puff but I will be thankful for the body that allowed me to bring another life into the world and not beat myself up! One day at a time… (Shaun T's new CIZE program releases today! Let me know if you want in on the dance party!!)

4. Last week I heard a great quote, "your children are not your vanity project." I am sorry I already forget to give credit for that but it has really got me thinking. The author was saying that it's OK if kids want to go out in rain boots or mismatched clothing, they're kids! We do not need to extend our own vanity to them on a daily basis. This has been a bit freeing for me. I will obviously enforce mama's authority for certain venues or situations but if you see my kid running around in tall Batman socks when it's 90 degrees, please know that's because he chose them! 

5. My 3 kids are all swimming in the deep end without assistance!!! This is a big summer for us! It has been so exciting to watch them all blossom in the pool and just have a blast in general when it comes to swimming. Last week they started asking how to dive…we might need to find a swim team in their future!

6. I recently finished up reading Liane Moriarty's Big Little Lies.  I enjoyed the read very much. It was easy to get into, and also to pick up and put down, which are essentials for me at this point. It was a sometimes funny insight into the world of kindergarten parents but also shined a bit of light on domestic violence. Domestic violence really can hide behind a variety of closed doors. 

7. We had a little special treat and got to escape to the beach this weekend to spend time together, as well as with some family and friends. I am so thankful that I feel like we have packed in so much this summer together as a family! Is there anything better than reading a book in a chair while your kids happily play?! The hubby caught a shark though…and I REALLY don't know how I feel about that?! Where was it's big mama shark?!!!

8. This morning's verse in my devotional, Savor, had perfect timing! "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 I might find myself clinging to that truth a lot in the weeks to come! 

Well my friends, it might be a few weeks before you hear from me on the blog but please follow on Instagram or Facebook to hear baby updates or momentary insanity confessions :) Say a prayer for us for our delivery on Friday morning!

Sweet Summertime

    It's been a whirlwind of a summer already and I am ALWAYS excited when a family contacts me to inquire about getting a photo session. Liz dropped me a note one morning and said, "I was interested in getting our family pictures taken. Just the 5 of us. Didn't think [the place] at the mall could capture some moments like you could." I love this and take it to heart. When a family contacts me to get photos, it's not just for the pretty pictures, but to truly capture the family as they are in this season of their lives! 

   I mean, have you seen any cuter boys?! I think that Liz & Pete will have to unhook their phone from the wall in their teenage years!! Thankful for a pretty summer morning that worked out to get this session in! 

I love this sweetness of a mama with her boys…

This kiddo is all adventure…

See what I mean about these boys all together? So adorable!!

Love the cheekiness here…it's showing that personality!

Beautiful June Wedding, White Clay Creek Country Club

     You truly never know what life will throw at you and being a wedding photographer, my life (especially my summers) can be planned a year in advance due to wedding season. Imagine my surprise last fall when I found out I was expecting a baby in mid-summer and had to think through how I could work my weddings! Thankfully the dates have worked out and I have had amazing couples to work with. This early June wedding was an absolutely beautiful day! Although the wedding took place exactly one mile from the Beau Biden funeral services, there were none of the snags we anticipated!

    Ashley & Ryan have such a fun and natural chemistry together. I enjoyed capturing their day and being with their family and guests! Enjoy these selected images from their big day!

Ceremony: St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Wilmington, DE

Reception: White Clay Creek Country Club, Newark, DE

The Power of Kind Words

     I have been giving some thought lately on all the information we are bombarded with on a daily basis. We are constantly being told things and shown things, both in our daily interactions with family as well as media input. I don't need to even start to think of how social media impacts us (I am sure entire books are being written on this subject). The news has been so hard to swallow lately, with all sorts of horrible things happening as well as just societal changes constantly taking place. I understand that we cannot live in a world of consistent comfort or complacency, because we would never move forward.

It's in these times though that I realize the absolute power and beauty in KIND words. Kind words can change your day and even your life over the long run. As a photographer, we are usually quick to only hear critiques of our work or pricing, etc from people. In general, it can be daunting to run a business and deal with keeping clients happy. In the midst of wedding season, I just got a beautiful note from a bride who was celebrating her first anniversary. I share this not as a prideful thing, but as an encouragement. When you have something nice to tell someone else, you should!

Here's what my bride had to say, "Just a note as we come close to our one year anniversary to say how much I appreciate your attention to detail. We are at a wedding where the photographer took 1 picture of every moment THATS IT! Never met a wedding photographer who got it perfect shot the first time every time." 

Humbly I admit, I definitely don't always get it perfect every time but I am glad she saw it this way! As a business owner, there's nothing I can do better than to make my clients happy and hope that they will refer me to others. I have learned countless things after over 10 years in business and mostly I beat myself up when I realize I could be doing it differently…better…or compare too much to others. It can be hard to keep going, but then you get a note like this. These kind words remind me of why I do what I do. I captured a wedding day for ONE couple that will never forget it!

If you didn't catch this on Facebook, here's what I am working on this week…

Monday Confessions

Do you ever hear yourself keep saying the same things over and over? I am totally guilty of this lately. What am I saying, you ask? Here's a couple….

1. "There is only one of me and three (soon to be four) of you." Totally guilty of saying this to my kids regularly!

2. "I can only do one thing at a time." This is also a mantra I say to my kids and try to tell myself! 

3. "I am tired."

4. "I am hungry."

5. "I have to go to the bathroom." (These last 3 are symptoms mostly of pregnancy :) 

6. What I am reading….I just finished Rescue by Anita Shrieve. It was "eh" so I don't necessarily recommend it but it was easy to pick up and put down, which is what I needed with the beach and traveling. 

7. True story: I am intimidated by first grade. Any other mamas feel like this? We have already begun summer work and I hear first grade is a big leap with the work load. I am trying to pace out the summer work for the twins so that I don't have a 4 week old and trying to do a summer's worth of items the week before school starts! 

8. I am 34 weeks pregnant today so I am done shooting weddings for the season (I do still have openings in the fall if you know anyone on a shorter engagement or still looking for a photographer ;) emily@emilytroutmanphoto.com )  If you missed this sneak peek, it's from last week's wedding! 

I will leave you with this verse from my devotional yesterday, it was perfectly timed for me. Have a great week!

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." Jeremiah 31:25

Summer sunset maternity

     In this season of my own pregnancy, it has been fun to connect with other friends going through the same. My friend Liz is due just a few weeks after me, also with a little boy! It's been fun to text about symptoms, confess eating a bag of chips (yes I have done that recently!!!) or just see how each other is holding up. I was honored to take a few minutes last weekend with this beautiful couple and capture the pregnancy with their first child! Every child and pregnancy has its own story to tell, but especially with your first it's a sweet time to document. We were SO excited when the weather cleared and we caught the tail end of the sunset… enjoy! Oh, and the sweet puppy in the photos is Marley :) She's a part of the family too!

Monday Confessions, Memorial Day Style

     Hope this morning finds you waking up maybe a few minutes later than normal and smiling because you have a day with family ahead. I am smiling for all those reasons and the fact that my non-coffee drinking husband has learned to MAKE ME COFFEE and even brought it to me in bed this morning! My 5 year old said, "Mom it's not even Mother's Day and daddy made you coffee!" It was also like a Christmas miracle that 2 of my 3 kiddos were still asleep as of 8am! It's the small things my friends.

I realize that extra family time is a glorious thing but I am reminded of the reason we celebrate this very holiday in the first place, because some gave up their lives to serve and protect. The holiday was declared in 1866 originally to celebrate those who gave their lives in the Civil War. It was later changed to a federal holiday to honor all of those giving their lives in service in the armed forces. 

Here are some approximate numbers of casualties in America's wars (not counting Revolutionary):  

Civil War: Approximately 620,000 Americans died. The Union lost almost 365,000 troops and the Confederacy about 260,000. More than half of these deaths were caused by disease.

World War I: 116,516 Americans died, more than half from disease.

World War II: 405,399 Americans died.

Korean War: 36,574 Americans died.

Vietnam Conflict: 58,220 Americans died. More than 47,000 Americans were killed in action and nearly 11,000 died of other causes.

Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm: 148 U.S. battle deaths and 145 non-battle deaths.

Operation Iraqi Freedom: 4,422 U.S. service members died.

Operation New Dawn: 66 U.S. service members died.

Operation Enduring Freedom: 2,318 U.S. service members have died as of May 12, 2014.

(These facts from this article.)

        It's humbling to read these numbers and think about the lives. I am SO, SO thankful for our country and the military who represents us. Our church had the honor yesterday of hosting the Dover Airforce Base Honor Guard who came to present the flag. War veterans within the service were honored and it really puts a face to the sacrifice. 

   If you want to read a really good biography on a war hero, I have two different suggestions. I think they can only increase your respect and understanding of what a military personnel goes through. I would suggest either the story of WWII hero Lou Zamperini come to life in the book Unbroken, or the more recent story of sniper Chris Kyle in American Sniper. Both stories have also been recently on the big screen and available on video now too if you don't have time for a book. I HIGHLY recommend the books though, so much more introspection and detail, although some things are decidedly hard to read. 

I will leave you with these words from Abraham Lincoln, "That we were highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." 

Enjoy your Memorial Day 2015 and take a moment to thank a military personnel!

A beautiful spring engagement

    I love hearing the story of how couples meet. These two were no exception while sharing their story, they told me that they met on Halloween of all nights. They had no mutual friends in the crowd but happened to cross paths that evening. It was a classic boy meets girl, talk all evening and then wait a while (on the guy's part) to call! I like how Jason told it though, "Now three and a half years later, we've hardly been apart." We had fun on a beautiful spring day last weekend, capturing a little bit of them. I can't wait to photograph their wedding later this year in the same idyllic location. 

Here's to the spring weather sticking around and love blooming! (Pun intended my friends ;)

The H Family

   Of course I always love to photograph friends and their families, which is what I got to do last week with this session. They told me they hadn't had an updated family photograph in years! I get it, life passes us quickly, but friends please do yourselves a favor and aim for an annual family photo! I was thinking about this myself last night. Last November when we got our family photo taken, I had no idea that God was going to add to our family this summer! It's fun to think about having a visual history of the story of your family :) Anyhow, I digress.  How beautiful are these girls? Their dad was making jokes about keeping the shotgun cleaned! Ha!

Love this one, it was a "just for fun" because we all know it's probably a little more accurate :) 

Happy Friday Y'all!

Monday Confessions

            I confess that I am tired and it's only 2pm :) I am 27 weeks pregnant today, can you believe that? My due date was exactly 3 months from yesterday and it is hitting me! This baby boy is on his way in no time at all! We've been all over already today and god bless my sleeping preschooler! He fell asleep 2 minutes from home but thankfully is resting on the couch…hallelujah! 

1. I am SO GLAD that photography season is kicking back into gear! I got to photograph a beautiful small wedding vow exchange last week at Winterthur Gardens. It was still a bit chilly but the flowers were in bloom! Such a beautiful couple…

2. If you are interested in a spring photo session, contact me ASAP because I have select photography booking this month and then June is wedding season! emily@emilytroutmanphoto.com

3. I confess that this weekend was crazy and my only exercise was walking or chasing kids. This morning though I got myself in gear and did my T25! I feel better going through the day and I know I am investing in my long term healthy. I have to confess though it's probably not cute! :) Haha…push ups on my knees, I modify all the impact moves but I am still going! 

4. I confess that my eating is not perfect but I AM FAR better this pregnancy than any previous pregnancy so I am calling that a win. What were your craziest pregnancy cravings? 

5. We are into TBall season in full swing (pun intended :) My kiddos (& Hubby) are loving it and having fun!!

I hope you all have a wonderful week, I better put my feet up for 5 min before I go get the other kiddos from school. Carry on warriors…

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!