Live. Laugh. Love.

I have so much to say about this amazing family. But for now, please just enjoy their beautiful faces.

September

Gosh, it's been so long I'm not even sure what to write. Let's see if little by little, I can do this... Here's the monkey's now, 2/3 in school. We were going to head out for pictures the other day, but we didn't quite get there. All three growing into miraculous little pieces of art.

When I'm aged, and happen upon life's finish line, I want to rest assured that I'll feel as though I did my best. In everything. From double knotting my shoes, to teaching our kids to love themselves, to having a most forgiving heart, to having faith in myself when that seems impossible.

Though the daily pace of life seems quick from dawn till dusk, I feel more recharged than I have felt in a long time. I felt like a train, begging for a derailment. Really. Christmas, paired with my nursing job allowed me to see clearly through my once-thought-to-be rose colored glasses ... I needed to refocus. My family needed my time, more than anyone else. The stark reality of my 'ah-ha' moment came when I stretched in bed one morning, while the kids had snuck downstairs early to quietly play by the Christmas tree. The fun turned in an instant to a hiss. Brock was letting Tatum know he wasn't happy, and she needed to stop. Now. In a HISS! I shuddered. And then undeniably, my heart sank. This was how they heard me talking, much more frequently than I am happy to acknowledge.

But this was good.

And then I became excited.

I felt a weight lift off my shoulders the moment I commited more of my time and energy to my family. My nursing job helps keep me grounded. I love my job, and the people I meet on a daily basis. Their challenges are real, and often times, more challenging than I'll ever have to face. Recently I have seen friends with very sick children. Parents who have let their children's treatment fall out of reach, not by choice, but because finances won't allow the prescription to be filled as it is prescribed. And even more inspiring, I see relationships - both good and bad - between people, and that drives me intensely to be the best person I can be, and be proud of.

I want to be a good mom. I AM a good mom. Tonight, we had supper, and before bed played a game of flashlight hide and seek, per Tatum's request. All five of us were dashing around the house, ducking in to quiet dark places, trying to contain our laughter as we heard the seeker coming to sniff our trail...

I need more nights like that. We all need more nights like that :) I have started to see clearly, through my rose colored glasses.

2011

It's 2011 already! 2010 was a fun year, blessed with health, family, love, job security, among many other things! Our kids grew, started grade one and pre-kindergarden. And a toddler emerged...

I bought a new camera - the Canon 5D Mark II, upgraded soft ware, and purchased a business computer. All very exciting! And so overwhelming! I had fun meeting up with many repeat clients (so lucky for me!), and many NEW clients (soooo lucky for me!). Thank you for coming to me :) I have sincerely enjoyed each and every one of you.

I am beyond excited to ring in the new year. Over the moon excited, actually! The biggest news, I have decided for a good portion of this year, I am going to devote to learning, and growing my photography business. And in doing that, I will not be accepting paid clients for the time being. As there are new and aspiring photographers popping up around every corner, I feel it's important to invest in information that will ensure I am confident I can produce the best quality work for you. I will be challenging myself this year in workshops, reading, and full out practicing. I have the burning desire to do better, and to love and be proud of the work I do. I am not there yet - and that's what's fueling my 'sabatical'. I have new ideas, and I am looking forward to turning those toward the three little monkeys in my life. This is a good thing!

I have also committed to a Project 365. For those of you who aren't familiar with that, it is simply - documenting a photo a day of your life. I am so far four for four! Our sweet little kids are ages two, four, and six already - and I have not kept up photographing them as I should have. So, I'm turning over a new leaf - and will strive to do that. I will be the momma I aspire to be. And be proud of ME! What's more? I am committing to exercise. For many years, I was in good shape ... this year I let it take the back burner, as I struggled to keep my head above the water. In May, I plan to run a half marathon. Gleefully, I am rising to the challenge!

If I still have readers out there, mark my words. I am dusting off this key board. I'm going to blog about the things that make me happy. Often. My mom is encouraging me to start writing again. Through that, I am able to focus and appreciate all things important to me. I am still working in the Emergency Department as a registered nurse, and daily I am thankful for my work. There, each and every shift I am humbled.

So, Happy New Year. May this year bring every happiness to you. And through the challenges that will inevitably present themselves, may you find goodness and insight. I hope all the same for my sweet family too :)

Here is my dear boy Brock. My picture 4/365. It makes my heart swell to think I am focusing more on these kinds of things....


Take very good care of you and yours, and thank you from the bottom of my heart, I'm so greatful for each and every one of you!

Angie

Up next ....

...one of my best, and most beautiful friends :)

The day we got together for their session was FREEZING out! I have photographed this family a few times now, and so when we all arrived, we just got down to it. Despite the cold, everyone was in good spirits, and mom had everyone dressed super cute :) It's sometimes challenging to have siblings all willingly coexist in the same frame - but these guys were gentle and kind with one another.

Thank you for hanging out with me again, it's always a pleasure!

....side grumble .... the process in which the photos leave my computer and land on the blog leaves the colors all wigged out a little. I don't have time to put together a new blog - but it's on my 'next-years-to-do-list'!


Ummm, Kristi? Raawwrrr!