Which leads me to this post that I have been putting off writing. But unless I write it, I am not sure I will put it 100% into practice. So you now have a job. Lucky you, you just thought you were surfing the net and catching up on the latest gossip in Cecil, Texas. Nope, you now are asked to hold me accountable.
Most of you know in August of 2011 I did not return back to teaching. That was one of the hardest steps of faith I have ever had to take. Moving to South Texas was nothing compared to that. That was my JOB. That was what I went to college for 4, excuse me 5 years for, and then trudged on to get my Masters and my principal certification. Was I really called to be a stay at home mom when I had just done all that? Jesus said, "yes, child, you are …" Was I really called to leave my secure paycheck when I had $70,000 in student loans to pay off still? "Worry not, my child, I will provide a way." Ok … yes Father … I don't want to miss another day of my child's life. Provide a way he did. By the next January I was fully prepared and ready to take yet another step of faith, put myself out there for tons of criticism, and open up my own business as a photographer. Again I heard, "Don't worry my child, I will provide the way. Remember, you have plans but I direct your steps."
Direct and provide he did … 2 1/2 years in and I am now having to take a huge step back. By his supplying every step of the way, we have paid off that huge debt that was haunting me. Oh how gracious a father we serve. So, in order to step back, I am stepping out and specializing in Senior photography. That is the only way I can fully control my business instead of it fully controlling me. Last year I attempted to take on only 3-4 sessions a month. I think I was successful with that 5 out of the 12 months. It was a start though. But every time I overbooked myself, it brought negativity with it in some form or fashion.
Now do not get me wrong, I love all of my clients. My family session BUILT my business. They brought me so many referrals, which led to more and more seniors. Seniors are my love, though. I think it has so much to do with me being a high school teacher. I miss the kids, I miss that age, and now I get to be a part of their next step. I get to capture the closing of one chapter and the opening of another. I also feel that senior shoots are what I am best at. From my critical and photographer eyes, I notice everything wrong in a newborns picture, but then I see my seniors and I just grin ear to ear. From the moment they inquire till the moment they open their package of prints, I just love every minute of it. We click. We get each other. We make some good memories.
Weddings …. oh how I do love weddings now. However, they consume my life for about 3 months. The 2 months leading up to the wedding I am a nut. I still get sick to my stomach nervous, and I like to pamper my brides, so I put a lot of work into them. Then for a month afterwards I am editing, designing albums, and a nut case until I hear back from the bride and groom to hear what they think. I am just not a person you should be around.
I have some stuff on the books already, so do not yell at me when you see me post pictures other than seniors. This is something that I have been praying about and God has purposed in my heart. I know this is the next step he is directing me to.
Maybe when Kirby and Patton are older and in school I will be able to add on more sessions again, but for now, I want to get to enjoy the process of motherhood. I want to be in every moment, not just there. I want my focus to be on Christ, my husband and my family … when I have too many irons in the fire, I lose sight of that. I don't have time to volunteer at the church, or make an extra meal for a friend. I don't have time drop what I am doing and go to Montgomery. So, there it is … what you have all been waiting for. I hope that you didn't lose any sleep over the wait.
A little more goodness of what I am talking about:
This was sent to me from Kirby's teacher while I was away for 4 days at a workshop. Be still.
So I have to tell you a little bit about the day after I got home from my workshop …. Kirby and I ventured off to Corpus to do grocery shopping at my favorite store (an hour from home). At first, our trip was just peachy … or rosy … or whatever kind of plant this is. Do you spot the little friend that rode with us in our cart?
Well then about 1/2 way through the store, my sweet, precious, curly-toe headed little darling projectile vomited all over me. In the middle of the store. Actually on the cereal aisle. And it just kept coming. And I didn't know what to do. Thankfully a nice man (the women scattered like mice) came up to me with a wad of paper towels he ran to get. I wanted to hug him but he didn't receive the hug … possibly the smell. Or the goo.
I rush through the rest of the store (hey, we live an hour away so I had to get this done) and get outside to this beauty.
I hear you … you asked "oh my, what did you do?" I laughed. I hugged Kirby with all the gooey still on me with all my might and just laughed. I thanked God we were alive and then called my knight in shinning farmer gear to come to the rescue. I definitely limped over to nearest air hose, aired it up, then hobbled to the Starbucks across the street, found a tree to park under and waited.
And doll face napped….
That is what we think about the bug ….
then Patton got the bug 4 days later. Eeeyy...
My cousin Megan graduated after getting her PT Assistant degree …. so proud and it was great to see everyone!
While there (again, we can never go anywhere without working) I got to take senior pictures of 2 kiddos that I babysat while growing up in Montgomery. Madison graduated from Texas A&M and Mackenzie from Montgomery High School. This family has been a huge part of my life and I am so blessed to have been a part of this. This is what I love about making memories ...
When I stay within the boundaries I know the Lord has called me to, there is more time for girl time!
And Kirby showing her friends what farming is all about.
And I get to be a part of things at Kirby's school … like the last day of school Splash Day!
Some of you know that Kirby has had some tummy issues for awhile … technically it could go all the way back to birth. Well, I finally decided to give a chiropractor a try. Problem solved. Amazing.
This is a terrible video, but I wanted to show you (some) proof that Patton is finally trying to walk. Yes, he is 17 months old. Yes, he is fine. He is just lazy and momma does everything for him. He had walked to the couch about 20 times and I finally decided to record it …
Patton loves you ...
I am looking forward to more of this ….
and all these cookie jar moments that fill my heart.
Thank you to each of you who have supported me in every step of my life. Thank you for believing in me and encouraging me. I look forward to getting to see more of you in person real soon.
"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps." Proverbs 16:9
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