It's been too long, but with good reason

My job is the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me and my family. I didn't think I would enjoy it so much, but I do. And even better, my kids both totally enjoy "school" so we all win! Being around the kids at the daycare gives me an even greater appreciation for my own. Not that the kids at the daycare are particularly bad children- some have their days. I just end up leaving each day thoroughly impressed at all that children are capable of, and I can't wait to pick up my kids, teach them, and just hold them. I miss them after a full day's work!

Speaking of full day, I love having a normal full time schedule! I feel like a real grown up. It all works out perfectly because Brian and I will leave the house at the same time (when he isn't deployed of course), come home at the same time, and have weekends off together.

Something I have not been enjoying so much- my photography. I feel like I let the whole business side of it ruin my passion for it. So next month I will be offering free sessions all month long to try to get some of that back. I don't want it to feel like a chore. I don't want to deal with payments and contracts or any of that boring stuff. I'll go back to charging in March, but I feel like I really need a break from the business so I can just appreciate the art.

Ooooh...I scheduled my maternity photos. I've been wanting maternity pictures since the first pregnancy. I'm expecting this to be my last, and I really don't want to regret not having it done. I have a few friends with older kids and they have told me how much they wish they had them done. I can see myself looking back in a few years thinking "man, why didn't I do that?" I am totally picky when it comes to photographers. I found Red Stone Photography and fell in love with her portfolio. She is more pricey than some of the other photographers on island, but I feel it would be worth it. She will also be doing the newborn and family photos after baby Gabe is born.

Things around here have been both hectic and enjoyable since Brian left. I miss him so much. I'm just trying to keep busy though so I don't think about it too much. The job takes up most of my days Monday-Friday. Saturdays I clean my house top to bottom, and Sundays we go to church. I also started doing this Bible study online with Good Morning Girls, and it has really been motivating me. I feel such a calm in the midst of this storm, and I know I owe that peace to God's grace. I wouldn't be able to manage right now without it.