Life has been C-R-A-Z-Y! It seems to go in cycles for me where we are busy, busy, busy. Then other times we are as free as birds. This is a busy, busy, busy time. I guess it comes with the holiday season. It's good though! I'm ready to focus on joyful things and new beginnings.
Been struggling with some stress issues regarding my extended family (on my side). It's hard to always understand peoples motives and reasons behind their behaviors. Without going into much detail, I've been dealing with two of my sisters who both seem to have an issue with me. I feel as though I live my life fairly, focusing most of my time and efforts on my immediate family. I juggle life as most stay at home mom's do with a few added hats (i.e. working as substitute at the library, homeschooling our son, doing photography work...). I do my best not to complain and try my very hardest to spread my time amongst everyone. The short of it is I am being attacked for their own issues. They may not see it but it seems as though everyone else does. And unfortunately I have become the target. This very same thing happened four years ago and my oldest sister was the target. Because I stood my ground and supported her, I too then became a target of their insecurities and self issues. In my honest opinion when they point their fingers at me and say that I have issues, I believe they are mirroring themselves. I'm not perfect. I am the first to admit that I have communication and insecurity issues of my own to work out. But never would I use someone else as a target for my own issues. It's hurtful. It builds unnecessary walls. It brings a breakdown in communication, which is not good when there is already an issue with communication.
I guess I just needed to get that off my chest. It's been weighing heavily on my heart the past couple of weeks. It has effected my relationships with other people and my communication with them. I am thankful for those who have stuck by me through some of these tough issues and walked them out with me (ya'll know who you are). ;) I love my family so very much. I am ever more grateful for the relationships I DO have and continue to grow in. So this Thanksgiving I will be celebrating my relationships even more and asking God to bless those who have loved me unconditionally.
..................................................................
In other news....I've been getting more calls and inquires about photography work. I'm really excited. I also have some thoughts stirring about doing an all day photo shoot event after the first of the year. After talking with a good friend of mine, I decided that it might be a great way to kick of the new year and get the word out. As I work on ironing out more of the details I will be sure to keep ya'll posted.
And speaking of photography work, I had the privilege of photographing these two adorable, most well behaved little girls! I just love them to pieces!!!
I have three weddings that I have ordered prints for! 3!!! Holy shmoly! I am so excited to be building what has become such wonderful little side job. It truly is much more than a hobby and most defiantly is a passion!
My next big purchase is going to be this...
It's portable which is the great part. I have stated before and I will say it again, I have NO desire to have a studio. I love being able to go to people. I love do most of my work outside. But let's face it, Northeast Ohio is not the best part of the country to always be outside doing photography work. With this I can always have a simple backdrop if all else fails. I would also like to get one more lighting umbrella and I think I will be set. Again, it's all portable and I love that!
..................................................................
Been doing a bit of Christmas shopping. And I do mean a bit. Got a couple of things for the kiddos which is pretty good for me. I am usually doing everything at the last minute. It feels good to be a bit a head of the game, at least for me. ;)
I got Mike (and myself) an early Christmas gift. I was gonna wait to give it to him but I couldn't wait. It's the new Casting Crowns CD. It's really, really good from what I've heard so far. We haven't had much time to listen to it yet.
We also recently purchased the newest Gaither Vocal Band CD. Most who know me know that I have a very eclectic taste in music. I have everything from Creed to Billy Joel to Classical to Rascal Flatts and a lot in between. But I'm not a big southern gospel gal....except when it comes to the Gaithers! Michael English and David Phelps have recently rejoined the group along with Mark Lowery. Michael and David have been Mike and I's favorite male singers (of all genre's) for years. Mike has followed Micheal English's career from the beginning and I shortly after his career started. We once drove 3 hours to see him in concert. To say that the Vocal Band concert was amazing would be putting it lightly. It was a once in a life time experience. I am so thankful that my hubby surprised me with the tickets. We got to have a much needed date night. He even took me to a great local Italian cafe. The food was de-lish! Here are just a couple pics from the concert. They are not the best due to lighting but you will get the idea....
This last photo is of my husband with Michael English. He totally cracked me up because he was shaking like a stinkin' leaf!!! He denies it but he was awestruck! Just before I took the pick my hubby looks at Michael and says "Do we have to take a serious pic?" I thought "Oh NO!" And Michael was such a trooper and went along with taking a goofy pic! I think it has got to be one of the greatest pics EVER!!! I LOVE IT!
..................................................................
Well I best be getting a start on the rest of my baking. I have two cherry pies baked and have four pumpkin left to make and a couple of dozen peanut butter cookies. For whatever crazy reason I was up at 5:30 this morning and haven't been able to go back to sleep. Might as well use the quiet time to get started. ;)
I hope that everyone has a very blessed Thanksgiving holiday. Please take the time to enjoy your family and friends. And don't eat too much! Until next time...TTFN.
2 comments:
Great pictures and how fun meeting Michael English.
Great story, and an even greater picture of those two crazy guys. :-)
Post a Comment