Life Exposed: January 2017

Hey Friends!

I am actually having a relaxing Sunday afternoon (now that the kitchen is cleaned up, dishes started and laundry started) and I thought, let's skip the nap today (I know, me saying no to a nap?!) and just blog about what I feel led to write about. I made some coffee to counteract the missed nap ;)

It's been a good weekend. Justin's mom called and asked if they could keep Quinn on Saturday night because although Quinn has been there tons (every Friday) she still hasn't slept over and has been asking to since she knows her other cousins do. So we took her there Saturday after Becky got off of work and then we weren't quite sure what to do with ourselves! We decided we'd venture over to Aj's since it opened back up. Of course when we got there the parking lot was maxed out. They told us it would be a good 1.5 hr wait. I guess companies were having their Christmas parties still, and there were two that night. We decided to wait for a bit and they called our name only about 15-20 min later. We were going to share a plate, but they got rid of the one sandwich I LOVED from there. The southfork. Turns out their smoker was taken with the fire and they don't have anything like pulled pork, ribs etc., any longer. The food was still great, I just realized that I couldn't eat as much after my healthy lifestyle change three weeks ago, which is fine with me! When we got back to Kirksville we rented "Ghostbusters" from the Redbox and watched it at home. It was hilarious, I'd highly recommend it for a good laugh.

It was so weird going to sleep without Quinn there, or going to check on her. I knew she was having a great time but I missed her! This morning I actually had time to do my workout before church (normally I just do it during nap time or after Quinn goes to bed or anytime she's not there, lol) without a toddler crawling through my legs, ha! She does like to work out with me though :). Then we went to Justin's parent's church since we would be getting Quinn right after. It's always fun to see how other churches do things. I really enjoy Billy's preaching there! The message was great.

One thing I've been thinking of lately is fog. I know, fog, really? Well if you live around here it's been hard to avoid because it's been a daily thing, morning and night! I've driven in it a lot this week and I had a thought as I was driving. I got to thinking about my walk with God. Especially driving in the dark in the fog, I realized I had to trust and drive slower to make it to my destination. My lights were my guide. But there were also times if I went down a hill or hit a certain spot it was clear for a moment and I could fully see. My point here is, sometimes we can't see what's coming. We can't see what's ahead of us and we have to fully follow the guide to get to where we're going. Sometimes life is not so great. Sometimes things are foggy. But other times life is great and things are perfectly clear and we don't rely as much. I know for me when life is rough I find myself on my knees searching for answers but when life seems great or even okay I don't feel the need to pray as much or talk to God. It shouldn't be that way at all. We should be in constant communication through good AND bad, always relying. He's always got something to show us through all conditions. I fee like that was all a little more jumbled than I'd hoped, but hopefully my thoughts were semi clear--lol!

It's been kinda a rough week. Sometimes I experience some hate my way with the job that I'm in but honestly I brushed it off a little faster this time than I normally would've in the past. I realized after talking to a couple other business owners this week, as well as some great advice from my dad (my go-to when I just need to vent and get some honest feedback on what to do) I just have to brush it off and let it go. As always, I can't make every person happy, no matter how incredibly hard I do try! Other business owners experience the SAME things as I do! So I'm not alone! I just pray so much that a light is seen though me in what I do. I know sometimes I get burnt out and I let it dim. But I'm working for the LORD! We all are! So no matter what you're doing on a daily basis, whether you love it or you don't, remember who you're working for! And all of the people that are set in your path every day.

I've also started this week trying to do "stories" on my instagram for my business. @infinitejoyphotography if you want to find me! As many of you know, I am the most self-conscious person ever so this has been a huge step for me putting myself out there to basically be judged--lol! What I've been doing is basically letting people see a little behind the scenes of my day as a photographer, as well as just some things that are completely random. I'm just trying to get more personal so people can see I'm a real person and maybe feel comfortable to come to me and realize I'm just a complete dork that loves to photograph your kids! (and you-ha!). I've had some feedback from some that they like seeing these and they're telling me to keep doing them, so I think I will! They're kinda fun :). Tomorrow is my ordering/editing/crazy computer day so I'll post a little about that!

Quinn started legit dance class two weeks ago at the Dance Studio in Kirksville. She was a bit shy at first, but has been doing great from what I can see! It helps that her sweet church friend, Riley is in the same class and she just adores her. The first night, Riley hugged her and took her hand and led her into the classroom and helped her. It was adorable. I cannot wait to see her at her dance recital in April. Even if she has stage fright and just stands there I'm still going to be so stinking' proud!

I guess I don't have a whole lot more to say for now. I've got a super busy week ahead and Valentine Mini Sessions this Saturday! Make this week great, everyone!

Some pictures from lately below