Hello friends :)  Happy Monday!  Normally, I wouldn't put happy and Monday in the same sentence.  And even if you would've asked me this morning, or this afternoon, I probably would've said crappy Monday instead of happy.

Justin and I got to get away for the weekend.  We BOTH had the weekend off (whaaaa??)  That never happens.  I *try* to take one Saturday off a month.  Hardly happens, but hey.  But even worse now is that Justin only gets one Saturday off a month right now.  Getting those two to line up when mine are booked months in advance is going to be extremely rare.  God must've known that we needed some quality time.  I'm so thankful we got to take a short trip.  Had some points for a couple free nights on a hotel so hey, it worked out wonderfully there too!

We left Friday night and got to the hotel and crashed.  The next morning was a full day of shopping!  It was so fun.  We had pretzels from Auntie Anne's for lunch because we were planning to have a large supper.  I found so many great deals on clothes (yeah, I know, I don't need anymore.  BUT I cleaned out my closet and have about 3 huge trash bags to get rid of!) I got a black dress for $4.99, and one store I went in had buy one get one free clearance.  This girl just couldn't resist.  That night we got to go to a Japanese Steakhouse.  My favorite!  We had so much food left over but it was an awesome time.  The next morning was a little more shopping, breakfast at IHOP (amazing!) and a quick stop at QT for our favorite frozen drinks for the way home :)  Great trip and amazing quality time with my hubby--just what we needed!  Here's a few pics....

My clothing haul from the weekend!

Oh, and I think Max had a great time on his vacation :)  Spoiled much?

Anyway, everyone knows that Mondays aren't fun anyway, but they're especially not fun when you had a great getaway weekend and don't want to come back because there's twice as much to do then before you left.  I got pretty much caught up before I left, but Mondays are my busiest days as it is and there was tons to catch up on.  I get stressed out so easily in general and think that everything has to be done right away.  I put way too much pressure on myself.  Today I had three sessions and the first one was at 8am in Milan.  It's an hour drive for me now to Milan, but I at least got to stop and say hello to my grandma, grandpa and dad on my way back through before I had to come home and place orders and get to my next session.  I was pooped and had a bad attitude about today.  I woke up just completely worrying about stupid little things and how much there was to get done.  I felt defeated, and let Satan make me think that I wasn't worth it and my job didn't make a difference or wasn't meaningful.  I just woke up with the attitude that today was going to be a bad day, and with that mindset, it was.  I had a great time on all of my shoots and was friendly and cheerful, I just love doing my job and seeing smiles and interacting my clients, etc.  I am able to put everything that is on my mind right then behind me and focus on what I'm doing.  I'm thankful that I'm able to do that.  (Random SQUIRREL moment, it was HOTTTTT today!)  Anyway, I got to my last session and it was someone that I've known for most of my life and have photographed her kids pretty much since I've started.  God meant for me to have this session tonight.  I just LOVE getting to watch people's children grow up and capture that stage of their life that they'll never get back.  Capturing a moment in time, capturing the personality.  Which boy, these girls are always filled with fun personalities :)  I get to catch up with people, meet new people, watch their babies grow up and feel like I'm a part of their life.  I seriously love that.  Anyway, this was my last session of the evening and I was sweaty, hot and tired.  At the end of the session, this person gave me a card.  It was taped shut so I didn't read it until I left, but it almost put me to tears and was instantly humbling to me.  The jist of the thank you card was that she was thanking me for being a blessing to so many people.  How they enjoy my blog and are thankful for all of the memories I've captured for them and the many more that I still will.  It also included a Starbucks gift card--the instant way to my heart :) lol.  I just can't believe how much more of the God-send that could've been.  With a day that I was feeling completely defeated and questioning my purpose once again, HE is faithful and HE brings just the right things into our lives to encourage us.  It was just what I needed.  So, with that story here's my words of wisdom for the day and for whatever it's worth.  YOU have a purpose and YOU are making a difference in someone's life.  Whether someone points that out to you or is silent about it, just know that you have a purpose.  And on the other end of the spectrum, encourage people.  This tonight is just what I needed and if she hadn't of written it, I would still be thinking about my purpose.  Her few words fueled the fire in my to become more of an encouraging person.  Keep the chain going, we all need encouragement.  God has a plan for all of us!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Happy Monday!  I wonder sometimes though if happy and Monday really belong in the same sentence sometimes :)  This one has not been so bad yet and I hope it's been great for all of you, too!  It's been a little over a week since I have written and that right there just explains kind of what life has been like lately.  Pure, craziness!  From about August to December is my non-stop busy season.  Between senior pictures and fall/Christmas card family pictures it's insane.  I have this problem though that I tend to over book myself because I want so badly to get everyone in.  Ahhh!  Anyway, onto what's been going on lately.

First off, I got to hang out with my mom Friday afternoon and she went along and helped me run my business errands (delivering, post office, bank, etc.) and then we went and had a nice lunch and talked business a little.  I talk to my mom about everything now.  Between she and my sister, they're my best friends.  They know me and understand me plus give great advice.  So we had a great time talking over lunch.  Then I went with her to look at furniture (yes, AGAIN.  She's been so indecisive about it, lol) and then she went with me to look at carpet!  Our project lately has not only been the garage, but I finally get to get rid of my eighty's brown shag carpet, too! :)  I got to go pick it out.  I'm so excited.  Those of you that know me, know that I've wanted to get rid of this carpet from the beginning.  But, we had to count our blessings and stick with what we had for awhile and just do what we could here and there.  I'm thankful for the time with my ugly carpet because it's going to make me appreciate the little things so much more!  I had to realize right off that I couldn't have it all at once, even though I wanted the house to be perfect.  The paint changed it a lot and working on the house little by little has transformed it and I'm so happy.

Between my father-in-law and my dad, I don't know where we would be with this garage.  They have both given up so much time for us and I'm so grateful.  Thank you also to Trent (Justin's brother) and Paul (John and Becky's neighbor) who also came to help on Thursday night to get more things done.  It means the world to have the help!  It's beautiful and I finally get to park in it.  Even though the electricity is not all ready, my dad put up the door openers and hooked an extension cord up to it so I could park in it.  It's the little things, guys.

Also, exciting news....I've been looking for a kitchen table for awhile.  I was not in need of one, but the table we have now has been passed down to many people and only holds 4.  We couldn't have anyone over because there wouldn't be room!  Well, my dear sister tagged my name on one she found in the swap shop on Saturday.  It was exactly what I wanted.  Holds 6 normally and has a self-storing leaf.  It's tall, like I wanted too!  I am going to paint it black, that was my plan all along, to find one I could paint to match my decor.  So my dad helped me pick that up from Edina on Sunday afternoon.  (He does so much for me, I'm so blessed to have him!)  I'm so excited to transform it.  Here's the "before" picture.

Anyway, now onto something I've been struggling with lately.  Since Justin's new job promotion to sales, we've been really excited about it.  It's just something he will do so well with because of his personality.  I'm so proud of him.  He's done great so far.  But his hours have changed dramatically.  Before, they were set hours.  Now they're pretty random.  I am not complaining one bit.  I love his job so much and the people he works with.  It just fits him.  I'm just struggling with how to change our lifestyle around a little bit so we're still seeing each other.  Trying to change my work schedule around a little bit to where I'll work at night if I have to since he works late and take off part of the days that he has off.  So, it's been interesting.  I've just been struggling with finding my place.  I can't just sit on the couch and wait until he should get off because he can get off anywhere from 1-3 hours late with his job.  I am needing to find a hobby.  I can work all of the time if I want, yes because work is always there, OR I can find something I really enjoy.  Still trying to figure that part out :)  I've lately been cleaning the basement and trying to clean closets and such so it will be easier to move things around for carpet when the time comes.  Blogging has become a new hobby and of course exercise.  Anyway, just trying to find my place right now.

But I want to talk about something else.  Since Justin and I's time has become a little more limited, it's made me realize how much I've taken it for granted when we got to spend every waking minute together.  Now, it's just a few hours at night when he gets home.  I'm used to getting done with work and then playing on my phone and watching TV and relaxing the rest of the night.  Well, I'm tired of wasting my time.  I feel sometimes like technology has ruined us.  What happened to family time?  What happened to sitting around and talking or playing games, or laying outside, etc.?  It's just something I've been realizing lately.  TV and movies are great and they have their place of course.  But I don't know if you have the same issue, but now that I have facebook, twitter, instagram, and pinterest on my phone, it's instinct to be on it and see what's new.  But I'm wasting precious time and memories with my husband.  Why am I wasting the little time that I do have?  So, I decided last night when Justin got home to turn off the TV and do something.  I asked if he wanted to go take a few pictures.  I'm so blessed to have him because he never complains about doing things that I want to do and that are fun for me.  He's amazing.  Let's be honest, I was struggling with my self-esteem last night.  Something that's a daily battle for me.  But I love the emotion and art that can be captured in a photograph.  I always love making people feel beautiful and how they need to be seen through my artwork.  Sometimes, you just want to get dolled up and try it for yourself though.  I have a lot of fun in front of the camera too.  I also got to feel what it was like to be in front of the camera.  I felt vulnerable and needed Justin to tell me what looked right and make me feel comfortable.  It made me realize how much harder I need to work and making people feel comfortable.  It was a great experience.  Anyway, we had a blast with that and got some really fun shots that I'll share at the end of this post!  Then, we came back into the house and we played a game that just asks random questions to each other.  Each card would ask something like "What food do you hate", etc., etc.  We just learned random things about each other.  Even last week we went out and laid under the stars and waited for the meteor shower.  (I didn't see the meteor shower though because I got too sleepy).  It's memories.  We never know how much time we'll have with family and friends so let's make the most of it.  Tell these people you love them every day.  Laugh with them.  Choose your battles, don't hold grudges.  No petty thing is worth being mad over.  Make memories, and shut of the world and technology sometimes.  That's just what I've been thinking about lately.....

This one right here I love for some reason.  I look like a complete dork, but that's my genuine laugh and smile.  I was "leaping" which Justin missed the mid-air shot, but he captured this instead.  Something that makes me think of for this photo is, "Embrace Life".

Your love never fails

Hey there, happy Sunday!  I love Sundays.  The day to take off, worship God and fellowship.  Along with resting, I love my Sunday naps.  I wasn't sure if I wanted to write again so soon to be honest.  The last post I had written caused me a lot of stress and anxiety.  I know that God wanted me to post it and as soon as I hit "publish" Satan started to attack me.  Such a battle, but he did not win.  I do feel, however, that my post was taken wrong in some ways.  My only point in that post was to write from my heart and the struggles I face with my identity.  And to relate it to your life.  I am very thankful for those of you that related with me, I know that everyone goes through it in a different way and that's what the post was meant to be about.

Anyway, on a brighter note, today was our church's 35th anniversary!  The pastor that originally started with the church came back and actually preached today.  He did a fabulous job.  So many things hit me with what he was saying, but there were two points that stuck out to me and things I need to think about.

He was talking about disciples and that we are to go and make disciples.  (follower of Christ).  The whole sermon was along these lines, but when he pointed out EGR, I really liked that.  EGR stands for "Extra Grace Required".  Now, we all have those certain people in our lives that just drive us nuts.  Those ones that we just don't hardly have any patience for sometimes.  Well, those people require extra grace from us.  I kind of chuckled a little bit because when he said that, I just sat and tried to think of a few.  I did, but after the sermon I was immediately humbled.  We had a church picnic afterwards to celebrate the 35 years of our church.  I wasn't even going to stay.  Justin had to go into work, I was tired, I was cranky to be honest and I just had so much I needed to get done here at home.  So, I was in line with my mom just talking about the sermon a little bit and little things were just irritating me.  I just am the type of person that has no patience in general sometimes.  Well, most of the time anyway.  Have you ever met one of those people that are just the sweetest thing alive?  They're just always happy, loving, caring and personable?  I always want to be like that.  But let's face it, I'm pretty much the opposite and I'm noticing it and not afraid to admit it.  As I sat there in my semi-cranky mood right before I left I thought "I am the person that needs extra grace."  Wow, how humbling.  I can't imagine being around me sometimes.  I am working on certain things in my life as I go through the refining process as I've talked about before, but I get so frustrated with myself.  Why can't I just be one of those constant bubbly people?  I'm thankful for those that constantly love me and put up with me, but wow, I am one of those people I'm sure that just requires the extra grace.  Which leads me to the next thing from his sermon that stood out to me.  And it goes along with it.  He actually asked the question if our lives were worth imitating.  When we go and try to make disciples, let's face it, people are watching us and our actions.  The way we live speaks WAY louder than the words that we tell them.  Is MY life worth imitating?  Is it even CLOSE to even starting to look Christ-like?  Sure, I might stand apart a little by the way I live.  (going to church, not partying, etc.)  But hey, anyone can do that.  But is my lack of patience, attitude etc., worth following?  Sometimes I have days that I'm the most happy and loving person ever, then the next day I can be the complete opposite.  "feelings" never last.  (Greg Speck).  I need to constantly remember that I have the joy of Christ in me and live like that, no matter what the day is like or what my "feelings" think.  I'm working on it, and with God's help I'll become better each day.  However, that's not to say it's not completely frustrating.  I get frustrated with myself that I can't always be that happy, bubbly person.  I wonder how God even puts up with me and my emotions.  But on the way home today, I heard a song on the radio.  90.7.  It's a song I've heard thousands of times as it's on the radio frequently, but songs will always hit you when you need them to.  It's always been one of God's ways of comforting me and speaking to me.  This song is called "One Thing Remains" and the lyrics that stood out to me as I was feeling down and frustrated with myself was this:

Your love never fails, it never gives up, never runs out on me......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_y3K2Qvr6iM

Listen to it if you haven't heard it yet.  It just gave me hope.  He's not giving up on me.  Let's not give up on each other and loving each other either.  Have the extra grace for people that need it when our patience it wearing thin.  Definitely something I'm going to be working on constantly.

Apart from that, I had a fabulous weekend off!  I don't hardly ever get Saturdays off so with Justin working on the one Saturday I had off (*sniffle*), I really wanted to enjoy it.  I got to have a girl's shopping day with my mom, sister, grandma and nieces.  Starting out with Thursday afternoon, I went to the pool with my sister and nieces and cousin that came from out of town for the week.  I just worked that night instead of the afternoon so it worked out that I could do that!  Friday evening, Justin and I FINALLY got to try Sebrees, the restaurant that is almost literally in our back yard-ha!  It's been here for awhile, but we had never gone to try it.  We went with one of my bestest friends in the world, Katie and her boyfriend David.  It was delicious!  Then Saturday I got to go shopping and spend some time with the girls.  We used to go with my grandma to shop a lot, but it had been so long!  It was really nice and we made lots of memories.  Then today was the picnic and tonight I get to spend more time with family for a birthday celebration.  What a packed, fun weekend.  I'm so blessed to get a weekend like this to be with so much family.  Below are a few random pictures from the fun!  Back to the busy work week we go.  But nice to be refreshed after some much needed time off.

My dear friend Katie and me at Sebrees!

Morgan wanted Grandma "Finiley" to push her all day :)

Just a quick cute little bun I did while we waited :)

My new shirt I found yesterday!

 Okay, so.....yesterday while at Target I bought one of those "hair wands" that's supposed to give you those cool beach waves.  My aunt Kamden did her hair with one last weekend and it was SO CUTE!  Despite the look I got from the cashier (ha, you know what I'm talking about if you've seen one of these things!) I bought one in great hopes of those waves.  Well, this morning was the first time using it and it took like an hour on my hair since it's like five miles long.  I think I did it wrong.  I think it needed to be done in larger chunks of hair.  I got a curly look, but I have to say, my hair looks like this naturally so all of that time spent was for nothing :(  I really want to know how to use it correctly so it can turn out as it's supposed to!  Anyone else use these things?  I guess I got a few waves here and there but they were random--haha.

Who am I?

Hello friends.  So, yes, another post.  I wonder if I'm posting too much sometimes, but I want to stay current and be able to look back on this someday and see where I was.  I do have several people who have contacted me to say that they love reading it and love my transparency through it.  I have to say that it does help me too, though.  It always helps to write out what I'm feeling.  Thank you for those of you that are riding this roller coaster of life with me.  I know that I, as most women, and even men sometimes (as much as they may not admit it), go through all sorts of emotions.  Every day is a new day with new emotions depending on who we are, what background we have, etc.  I am sitting here currently drinking coffee (yes, at 6pm!), as I needed a boost to get through some sessions.  It's when I sit down at my computer or lay in bed at night that I think about things.  I think that's why I write so much is because my job requires me to sit in front of the computer for so many hours.  And since I don't get up to take breaks hardly ever, I guess you'd call blogging my break.  My eyes seriously get tired as well as my brain!

Today, as I keep running along the lines of being transparent, I'm going to let you know what has been on my mind.  I told you in the beginning that this blog was going to be about me and who I am "Behind the Black Box".  But, guess what?  Sometimes I feel like that Black Box (camera) IS me.  Does that make any sense?  I keep asking myself, "who am I"?

Do I even know who I am without my work?  It has consumed me.  When I have a day off, besides running errands or cleaning the house, I don't ever know what to do with myself so I work.  It is a struggle to pull me away from it.  I don't even think I could think of a hobby if I had to.  Photography WAS my hobby until I made it a career.  I just keep wondering what I'd be if I didn't have my business.  Well, I guess I'll just jump right in a try to explain a little bit of who I am, for those of you that only see me through my work.   

  Thinking back to before I started my business in photography, which, let's face it, we're talking High School now because I started the business right out of High School :)  So, in HS, I don't know what you'd call me.  I wasn't the most popular, but I wasn't disliked.  I got along with pretty much everyone.  I was a complete outsider though, being one that didn't party or drink, let alone be with any guy as I was keeping myself pure until marriage.  I was involved in lots of activities though.  Cheerleading, track, yearbook, FBLA, etc.  People knew me and I think I was liked.  I was a teacher's pet I guess you'd say, but I can't say that I really "stood out", besides that I was different in the way I lived, which I guess made my stand out in a "boring" way as most people would say.

When I started the business, I kind of just jumped in with both feet.  I just went for it.  It wasn't long and people knew who I was.  As this point in my business I can finally say that I am providing quality work.  At first, it was kind of hit and miss as I was just starting and needed to find my niche.  Now, it almost consumes me.  It IS me now.  I AM Infinite Joy Photography. I don't even know how to take all of that in to be honest.  I've never really stood out or been noticed.  I have a very low self-esteem.  But, there are so many people that have heard of my business!  How crazy is that?  This is all just a lot to take in.

Even with all of that being said, the devil still tries to get the best of me.  He tries to steal my joy and hit me in my weak spots.  I don't know if you've noticed, but there's a lot of choice when it comes to photography.  There's a new business it seems opening up every day.  I just tell myself every day that I need to continue doing what I'm doing, because there's no need to worry about what others are doing.  What good does it bring to worry?  I have a respect for many other photographers.  Everyone was given a different "eye" and style.  I love that.  I am very blessed and thankful for my loyal clients and new clients that I get.  I think anyone could tell you though, within any sort of business; hair, construction work, photography, etc., when you see someone that has come to you go to someone else, it rattles your confidence in what you do.  Am I good enough?  Did I not do a good job or make them upset in some sort of way?  Just constant doubt.  Whenever I get these thoughts though, I pray.  I pray and ask God to renew my spirit and confidence as to why I do what I do.   And this verse comes in to my mind and helps me focus on WHY I'm doing this in the first place.  He is the one that lead me to it, hence the name "Infinite Joy".  HE is the one that provides infinite joy!

Colossians 3:23-24

²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

I can't help but struggle with another thing though.  These are thoughts that go through my mind.  Am I just a label sometimes?  Am I just Emily, the photographer? Sometimes not even Emily, just the lady that owns Infinite Joy Photography?  There is so much more to me than a camera, and I still want to be loved as Emily.  I want friends to still call me to hang out or see how I'm doing without just doing it with a motive to ask when I can take their pictures.  I just want people to see "me".  Where I'm hurting, where I'm struggling, what's new in life, etc.  I know that not everyone wants to work 24/7, I am the same way with that.  It's so much on the brain sometimes that you just have to take a breather and talk to a friend, get encouraged and renewed.  

On the other hand of that statement, there are also those of you that stop me just to tell me how beautiful my artwork is and what a God-given talent I have.  When I see/hear these things, I want you to know, that really keeps me going and encouraged to keep doing what I'm doing.  Everyone thrives on compliments or enjoys them, right?  It just makes you feel good.

So, who I am I really?  Behind this camera that most people know me?

I'm 23 and from the Novinger/Green Castle area, born and raised.  I was raised in the quiet country area (kind of, we lived on the HWY).  I've always been energetic.  I have an attitude and I'm emotional.  I care WAY too much what people think of me and if someone is upset with me, I'll pretty much make myself sick over it.  I have struggled with depression most of my life.  I lack confidence in myself.  I love shoes, clothes, anything girly.  I'm a daddy's girl, but my mom is now one of my best friends that I tell everything.  We butted heads when I lived at home, but it's so much different now that I'm an adult and out of the house and can see where she was coming from so many times that I didn't understand before.  Oh, and I could eat mexican every day.  La Fuente, to be exact.  

Although there's many instances in my life that have formed me into who I am, most people think my childhood was just a breeze and I was sheltered and nothing ever happened to me.  Negative.  That's not the case.  And although I'm not ready to talk about what has happened to me in my past to make me who I am today with reason to most of my insecurities, just know that it wasn't easy and my life has not been a cake walk.  And no, it's nothing that my family has done, so please don't think that.  Only a handful of my very close friends and family know this about me. 

As I sit here and think about all of these random thoughts that run through my mind that I just typed out to you, it sounds like a jumbled mess, but it reminds me of where God is working in me.  We all are in different places of life, and I'm sure we all have doubt in some area of our lives.  It is a complete blessing that God has provided me to have a successful business.  He gave me a gift, and God wants everyone to use their gifts for His glory!  As a human with human emotions, I do have all of these thoughts run through my head still, but I am being refined again, as we all are if we are letting God work in our lives.  I need to not let these silly things get to me.  I need to count it as a blessing that someone wants me to provide them with portraits that they'll (hopefully) cherish for a lifetime!  I am known for something, I am walking around with a business name that reflects our Lord.  That's a big responsibility.  I just have to keep doing my best and keep forming relationships with people!  God offers me the opportunity to talk to new people every day.  Am I portraying His light through me?  Put all of this in perspective to where you are at too, this is just my story.  We all have our stories, and remember that verse.  In the days that are hard, in the days that you're discouraged, in the days that you wonder if you're making a difference.  Do it ALL for the LORD, working with all of your heart for Him.  

The Weekend

Well hey there friends!  To the few of my dedicated readers, here's another update.  I don't have much to post today, but I wanted to post a couple of things from the weekend.

Aunt Donna with her grandson Titus and her great niece Cora

A lovely glowing pregnant Tara and her "pregnant" husband?

First off, we finally got together with the family!  I only snapped a couple of photos from my phone.  I really need to get better about that and I had my camera too since I was headed to a wedding afterwards, but I just have this mindset that I need to get out of.  My mindset is that I'm constantly working.  When I'm NOT taking pictures on the job, I don't want to be taking pictures when I'm at parties or events where I'm also trying to enjoy being off work and with friends and family.  However, those moments with family are priceless and they need to be captured.  I was given a gift by God to have this eye that captures rare moments.  Many other people have also been given this gift, it's definitely not a statement that I a meaning to be in vain, at ALL.  But God has given us all gifts.  And this is another place that I'm working on in my life.  I enjoy taking pictures when I'm on the job, but then when I'm off the job, sometimes it feels like work instead of enjoyment, does that make sense at all?  I guess just picture it as doing your job after you're off work.  Which a lot of people work all the time too, I guess I don't know where I'm going with this.  Just know that God is working on softening my heart towards this, and it's already getting better.  Just something I'm working on because those priceless moments are only memories after they've passed.  Memories that we can capture in an image to remind us and share with others.  I've come more to this conclusion after grandpa passed.  I'm so thankful for the photos that I did take, because now the whole family can cherish those and the great times that we had together.

 The photo above that you see is soooo cute.  Such a priceless moment.  April told me to come in the room and there they were, our nieces putting hair clips in Justin's hair.  It made me think of one thing.  How awesome of a dad Justin will be someday.  He is SO good with kids (people in general).  He always tells me he doesn't know what he'll do if we ever have a girl.  Well, this photo makes me think he'll be just fine if God blesses us with a daughter someday.  He has a sense of humor ya know! ;)  This is also extremely funny because all of us girl grandkids did the SAME thing to my grandpa all of the time!  He might admit to you now that he actually enjoyed it.  It was one of our favorite things to do.  See below :)

Now just a couple of random photos that Justin and I took yesterday before we went to the festivities. I just love how we can always be ourselves with one another.  And as you can see to your right, we are quite special in our own way :)





I am so thankful for the time I got to spend with my family yesterday.  I was able to be there for both birthday parties as well as some time after to just hang out before I went on the job again.  The wedding went really well.  I can't say I'm not exhausted, because weddings are definitely tiring, but this one was great.  I had ample amount of time to spend with the bride and groom, and when you have a bride and groom that's willing to do anything and allows enough time for it, you end up with a result as seen below.  I have an all time favorite wedding picture right now, and that's of one that I took last fall that you can view on my website under the proofing tab.  But, I think this one ranks up to that point now.  I was SO happy.  Mom and I had just sat down to take like a five minute chance to eat while they were so we could refuel for the next couple of hours that were to come.  I looked over to my right and there, right over the haybales was a breathtaking sunset forming.  I thought it would be unrealistic to have them climb up on the haybales, especially poor Regan in her wedding dress!  But guess what?  We did it, and boy and I glad we did.  It's that "eye" thing again.  I just get this overwhelming feeling whenever I see a scene.  Some of you have seen me stop dead in my tracks and say "Okay, we're stopping here, this is going to be gorgeous".  But I also know when it's going to be a bad area to take a picture too.  Just a gut feeling.  I'm just so glad that my mom nudged me to ask them anyway.

Speaking of my mom....Holy cow I love that woman.  She has been there for me every step of the way with this business.  Started out going on every shoot with me as I was just beginning and didn't have the confidence.  Then she took care of all of the taxes and legal things, etc. (still does!) And now, even though I'm completely independent and have come so far and can do most things on my own, she still does the tax and bill part but also still helps me with the weddings.  She gives up her weekends for weddings too.  I can't ever express how much that means to me.  I really enjoy the time we get to spend together as we do them.  She's my rock with this stuff!  Although she doesn't shoot, she carries all of the bags, manages the list, watches behind the scenes to see if there's things we're missing, talks and relates with people, etc.  Wow, I simply could not ever thank her enough.  A wedding needs two people to be doing it, and I'm so thankful that she's willing to be that person!  I will miss that time with her during my sabbatical from weddings next year (besides one in June!) but we both need the break and we're going to see where God leads me with it.

I think that's about all I have to say for tonight.  We're grilling for supper tonight and quality time with my hubby awaits me!  Let's all start out with the mindset that Monday will be great! :)

Blessed

Good morning!  Well, afternoon I suppose it is now :)  I have been working away this morning on a beautiful lady's wedding--yes, that's you Katy!  I am so blessed to have captured the moments at that wedding.  She is so encouraging to me and I've taken all of her pictures since she was a senior.  She's one that has stayed loyal and she's always simple and is happy with everything I give her in the end.

Anyway!  Today, I am happy.  I am in the best mood I've been in in a long time.  I'm not sure if it's the coffee high I'm on (haha) or just because it's a great day to be alive and a great day that God has allowed me to be alive for!  The second one is definitely why.  It's been a rough week, the beginning of the week was awful, but yesterday and today have been great and I'm so thankful!

I just want to take a minute and say how blessed I am.  We are ALL blessed, we just have to open our eyes and see what we have been given by God and all that He has done for us.  It's not by anything WE have done.  I am so incredibly thankful for my family.  How in the WORLD did I get blessed by incredible families on BOTH sides?  Wow, sometimes I just have to sit and think about that.  Thankful that they all love me despite my flaws.  I am very excited to see the Tharp side of the family tomorrow! It's been a long time since we've all seen each other.  It's always a great time.  This is probably the longest time that I've been without seeing my sister!  We actually miss each other, how sweet is that? haha :)  We saw her at the visitation, but I don't really count that.  It's been about two weeks since I've really seen her!  I'm so thankful that I can call her one of my best friends--I think my mom wondered if we'd ever been friends growing up, ha!

Now, I am so incredibly blessed to have my husband.  We've both had really stressful weeks, but I have to say that Justin's has been way more stressful than mine.  I can't imagine doing what he does sometimes.  Their company has switched to an entire new system and it hasn't been going smoothly for anyone.  BUT, Justin has gotten promoted into sales and I'm SO proud of him!  Yesterday was his first day of training.  I know that he's going to be fantastic at it.  He is so good with people.  Regardless of the stress this week, Justin brought me a present home on Tuesday this week.  He knew I was stressed and that it's been a rough week. To your left is what he surprised me with.  Two ways to my heart, red roses and coffee!!  He knows that Kirksville Hy-Vee is getting a Starbucks and how excited I am that it's coming, but how broke we will be when it's here ;)  How sweet of him, he knows me so well and always puts himself aside for me.  He is an amazing husband and man of God, I have no idea how I got so blessed that God put him in my life.  I have been working a lot on myself lately and my attitude and everything that I've been writing about in my blog lately and striving to become a better wife.  Marriage is a two way street.  I've only been married for three years but I love him with all of my heart and love him more every day.  Do we have our days?  Yes, just as any couple does, but we learn more and more to choose our battles.  Is it worth it for me to get upset and nit picky about when he comes home and leaves his shirt and shoes in the chair when I've just cleaned?  I'm a neat freak, but it's not worth the battle and I'm learning more and more of that every day and trying to be better.  Not a naggy wife, but an encouraging ones.  I still fail time and time again, but he loves me anyway and never gets mad at me.

I don't know if I should post about my daily life and what goes on, it's pretty normal and probably boring to those of you that read.  lol.  But on a random note, we had an amazing supper last night if I do say so myself.  We had some corn on the cob for the first time last night and it was amazing!  I also did a foil packet of diced potatoes and a foil packet of sweet potatoes for dessert.  I wanted to start grilling before Justin got home so as he was on his way home, I asked him how to start the grill and when I pushed the ignite button, it somehow blew up a little freaked the living daylights out of me!  I may be scared to start the thing ever again, but I did help even grill the pork chops.  Great all American meal ya'll :)  I was proud.

This week, however stressful it has been, I am thankful also that in the eleven galleries that I posted this week, I've gotten nothing but positive feedback from those that I give their passwords too.  It's like a breath of fresh air.  You have no idea how nerve racking it is to press "send" and send someone their password.  I kind of freak out until I hear something back from them.  When they love them and I hear about it it's like a weight has been lifted!

It's such a beautiful day today.  My father-in-law is out here working away at our garage.  I can't explain how thankful I am for him too.  He gets a couple days off and is always willing to help us, we don't even have to ask.  He knows that Justin doesn't get off until seven every night so it's extremely difficult to get much done in the evenings.  Here's the progress right now, we really just have the electrical to go and we'll be able to park in there!  Yay, finally!  Then, next up, carpet. :)  My dream since we bought the house!!  In the picture below of the dog, you can see that it's still eighty's brown.  It's still nice carpet, would just like a more updated look :)

Well, I'm off to work again on some photos and then clean before company comes tonight.  There's always so much to keep up with, but it's a good thing!  I wouldn't know what to do if I wasn't working.  Below is my buddy, Max, always keeping me company.  He's always laying in the funniest positions.  I love him :) Have a great Friday my friends!  Think about all that God has blessed you with today.