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.

Recent holiday photo shoot

Because a few of you asked to see the entire session :)

Feeling Festive

Look at me getting all crafty for the holidays! One of my life goals is to be like Martha Stewart, only more exciting. I realize I am a long way from pursuing that, but here's to a start!

Christmas stuff has been on display at the BX since October, so I have been anxious to start decorating. I've been trying to talk myself into putting up the tree, but I think I managed to convince myself that is not a good idea. I remembered the deal with having cats around Christmas time (if you have ever owned a cat and a Christmas tree at the same time, you may know the nuisance of which I speak), and then there's the whole kids thing. I'm sure they will do their best to knock the tree over. Also, our designated Christmas tree area doubles as the kids' play area (and triples as my studio), and our place in general is not very roomy. I can see me having to move the tree around a lot. I will be pleasantly surprised if our plastic aspen makes it through to next year.

So since I am forcing myself to put off the tree trimming until at least the beginning of December, I've been trying to make our home festive in ways that will be easier for me to keep from inevitable destruction. I threw together this lovely centerpiece:

A hurricane filled with potpourri (so it smells festive too!) with a candle in the center. I was pretty proud of this.

And bought some Christmas-y linens:

  Green and red cloth napkins that are more for looks than function (of course), White and gold-striped table runner (I have a giant poppy painting with a touch of gold hanging in my dining room, so this compliments the piece well), and red tablecloth (which is actually just the usual tablecloth, but yay that it works for the holidays!)

I also bought a wreathe for the door, a cute little fake tree that I plan on using in my holiday photo shoots, and a lovely fake poinsettia arrangement:

I feel it should be said that I've been going a little fake-plant crazy lately. I bought 4 for my living room recently. But they really add something to the space without adding anymore responsibility:

As you can see, I have more than enough responsibility around here:

I do believe this pile is made up of our entire wardrobes. Fun for me!

But the laundry can wait until morning. Right now I will bask in the gratification of subtle holiday cheer, and this decadent slice of tiramisu from Macaroni Grill (which I would love to take a photo of so I can be reminded of such sweet bliss for all time, but the camera is downstairs and I am enjoying this little treat in the comfort of my room).

Happy holidays :)