Wait, I have a blog?!?

So, I got to thinking today about what I used to do when I had extra time in the day (not sure I can remember back that far). But, back before I would pass out in front of my computer editing, late at night because it is the only time I can try and edit my sessions :). And, this blog popped into my head. Looking back at it, last I updated was when I was 20 weeks pregnant! That was A LONG time ago. It's amazing how fast time goes. And as much as I like to say "time slow down"... that is just never going to happen, so instead, I want to continue to say "help me to enjoy my time." Life is busy. And, I've come to realize that will never change. In fact, I feel life is busier since I quit my job. Not sure how it was possibly I fit 40+ hours into my life back then, but it happened.

Let's catch up quickly ...

• Photography has been picking up. I limit the time I'm in the studio, so I'm still home with the little ones some days. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my job. Cuddling and capturing those newborns couldn't make me happier. 
• We had Kolbi May in June.  https://animoto.com/play/VUsNfY6T02eA0sHvhH1aTA
• The first 6 weeks of Kolbi's life was her being held. All. The. Time. Kolbi was our fussy baby. :) But, I was surprisingly ok with it this time, knowing how fast that stage goes. (I even had physical therapy because of it!)
• I'm still training at Barefoot Fitness. Love it. Love the people.

So, the point of doing a post now? What's been on my heart lately? Being thankful. It's November, and "Thankfulness" is the talk of the season, but I'm truly so thankful for this time in my life and the place I am in my life right now.

My friends. I have such a great group of friends. People who love me and support me, life me up, and encourage me. I am lucky enough to work out with friends, go to coffee with them, have Bible / Book studies, share the same interests, etc etc. Seriously, I had no idea I would be so lucky and so blessed with a group of people (several groups of people) that are new to my life and several that are from my past. 

My family. This I can not say enough about. Since moving "back home" we are around Jason's family and my mom's side of the family a lot. Our kids get to grow up with their cousins, we get to attend the birthday's, sporting events, have weekend play dates, etc. We have people to help out with the kids. Grandmas and Grandpas loving on the kids all. the. time. Even my cousins, who are like more sisters to me, are close and I love spending time with them. 

To wrap this up, I guess what I'm feeling is so much peace and contentment with my life. I encourage you to just slow down and enjoy the time. You can't get time to slow down, you need to slow down. Be thankful for what you have. Spend time with your friends and your family. No family is perfect, and anyone who says that they are is totally lying. I believe God gives you your family and your situation for a reason. Listen to that still small voice and figure out what it is. 

So, this season, forget the red cup debate, don't get wrapped up in drama, love people even if they don't love you back, and practice what Jesus taught us, grace, forgiveness, and acceptance. 

Hopefully it's not another 9 months before I'm back to write again :) 

It's been a while and a LOT has happened

September. That was the last time I posted anything. Then, well, life got really really busy. But, so much has happened! Let me give you a short list.

October -

• Worked really really really hard training to get my StrongFirst Certification. Went to CA at the end of the month, had 3 full days of intensive training and I PASSED! 
• I turned 34.
• Jason turned 35. (We were both 34 together for 2 weeks)

some of the ladies I met at my certification

It hurt.

November - 

• Was super tired and started to not feel the best. Took a pregnancy test and SURPRISE, it was positive! 
• Just tried to make it through Thanksgiving. :)

December - 

• Went to the doctor and found out I was already 10 weeks along with my little one! Fast first trimester. 
• Tried to make it to Christmas without giving it away to friends and family. Told everyone the news at Christmas. 
• Chase turned 5! 

My big boy <3

January - 

• Taylor turned 2. And I'm pretty sure grew a foot. 
• Taylor was dedicated in church. So special <3 
• I quit my JOB! I'm extremely blessed and get to focus on things I love. My family first and foremost, taking pictures, and helping others reach their goals through AdvoCare and Barefoot Fitness.

and my big girl <3

And, here we are in February! I'm on week 20 of this pregnancy (can't believe I'm 1/2 way there already!) I get to be home with my babies every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. I have already noticed a difference in them and in ME! Things still don't really get done around the house (sorry Jason) because I really do focus on playing with them. I'm loving it. I am hoping I can get into more of a routine and get some of the house finished eventually. 

I also feel like I have time to focus on relationships. 

• My family, again first and foremost, instead of allowing my 4 jobs to run my schedule, I'm scheduling around my family! I have 2 days a week now set aside for my jobs (which I really do love) and the rest of the time is theirs! 
• I have met some amazing women in Watertown and now have time to spend with them! We are starting a book study of "The Best Yes." From what I have read so far, it's so good and so applicable to how busy we are all in our lives. 
• Another relationship I feel like I get to spend more time on is my relationship with God. I was slowly getting through my "Experiencing God" study with another amazing woman I have gotten to know from church and now I feel I can focus on it. Although, there was a quote that really hit me from this past weeks reading. "People who struggle to spend time with God don't have a scheduling problem; they have a love problem." Ouch, right? Yes, I did need to get rid of some of the things in my life, but I should have never felt too busy or overwhelmed to spend time with Him! 

I'm so thankful for the relationships I have found over the past two years of being "Home" in South Dakota and it's amazing to me to see how these women are influencing my life. So excited to see what is to come. 

my whole world.