Resolutions

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Kim

I love New Years… it makes me feel like I have a new slate and a chance to start over and kick some bad habits. I didn’t make any on New Year’s Eve, but this week I have spent some time looking around with fresh eyes and the things I needed to change became super obvious.

1. I need to make decisions about what I do today based on how it will effect my tomorrow, and my family’s tomorrow, rather than how it will make me feel today. Tomorrow’s consequences will last longer than today’s instant gratification. My family’s wellbeing is more important than my aversion to whatever chore I’m avoiding at the moment.

She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
(Proverbs 31:27 ESV)

2. I need to make worship, prayer & bible study the first priority in my life. This means, I need to make sure that my sleep, entertainment and work schedule are such that I am able to set aside quiet time for Jesus.

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
(Luke 9:23 ESV)

3. I need to make the distinction between what I want and what I need. This is my greatest barrier to financial freedom. This is also my greatest barrier to health. I need to be content with what I have, right now. I need to recognize when something that I want is not in my best interest (like that candy bar, for example).

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
(Philippians 4:12-13 ESV)

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
(Hebrews 13:5 ESV)

4. I need to be uncomfortable with who I am, right now, so that I will continue to rely on Jesus to become who I will be, in Him.

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
(Philippians 3:20-21 ESV)

An End of a Crazy Year

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Kim

Family:

2011 was supposed to be a year of family expansion – at least according to my “plan.” And it never happened. And it’s still not happening. And yes, there is a little bit of sadness. But really, I can’t dwell on that or I will go crazy! I could just as easily dwell on all the other things I don’t have, but I can’t see how that would glorify God in any way. He has given me so much! I gained two little “nephews” this fall – Heather’s twin boys are the sweetest little things. Luke reminds me of Micah when he was a newborn. Micah has grown into such a funny little boy, and sometimes a very mischievous one. He gives me more love and affection than I could ever ask or deserve. He is always full of hugs and kisses. I’m the one he wants to squeeze in the morning. He likes it when I play with his mop of curly hair. His giggle can lift the worst mood. That little man loves to be tickled and show his daddy his cool stunts. He loves to make sound effects, for pretty much every single thing. He loves to run around in nothing but a diaper. He loves his Grandmas and Grandpas! He dances when I sing. He loves to help me carry stuff in the store. He is just an awesome little kid and I am soooo glad he is mine to love and watch over.

Love:

2011 has been the year of the crush. The renewed crush on my husband! We celebrated 5 years of marriage in August, and I think making it through the baby stage of Micah’s life together made us stronger. Haha! I’m just kidding. I think all relationships go through seasons, and I have really enjoyed this one, especially lately.

Business:

Well 2011 was my first full year of business. I started at the end of 2010 but didn’t really get rolling until the following May. Now at the end of the year, I’ve been looking back and analyzing what I have done wrong and what I have done right. I have grown a lot – that is for certain. Owning my own business has really stretched my organizational muscles. Things were a bit stressful at first, at least until I invested in some great business tools like Photo Cart & ShootQ. Even these fall short in some areas, however, so I am taking yet another step by moving to in-person ordering and creating a more personal experience after the photo shoot. It will involve more work on my end, but I really believe in the process. I will be taking on fewer shoots and hopefully the extra work put towards each shoot will equal greater profit and things will all even out. If there is one thing I lacked this past fall, it was balance – and there were a few times when it seemed like the wheels were going to spin right off the wagon. Next fall, as tough as it might be, I am going to learn to say “no” so that I can say “yes” to what really matters. I got caught up in the ideal of being “busy,” but when I really reflect on things, I realize that being swamped is not what I want. I am fulfilled by creating art for families – and catering to them. I can’t do that in high volume. So I suppose in some ways I am moving towards more of a boutique experience.

And those are the things that come to mind at the moment….

Christmas Shopping

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Kim

This year I am taking advantage of my Amazon Prime membership and I am doing ALL of my Christmas shopping at my computer. I was on the mend from my bronchitis, and then this morning (around 4am) I woke up with a painful sinus infection. I am sick of being sick, that is for sure! I have been going to bed early and trying to sleep in…. hopefully I can kick this soon! In the meantime, I am staying home and shopping online! No malls for me!

I can’t share what I’m buying for everyone, but I can share some of the cute things I found for Micah…

The Beginner’s Bible by Karyn Henley – this is an older edition that was highly praised in reviews. Apparently the newer edition is totally different, written by a different author, and not nearly as good. I love the illustrations. Micah loves reading his “Jesus book,” so I think he will love this version, which has quite a few more stories than his Baby Bible.

Fisher-Price Drillin’ Action Tool Set – Micah’s been showing a real interest in Eric’s tools lately, so I thought it would be the perfect time to get him his own “working” drill. I can just picture him drilling everything in sight!

I also got him a new pair of pajamas to wear on Christmas Eve/Morning – but these aren’t really a “gift” – I had him put them on last night and we took some pictures with his teddy bear.

Excuse Me While I Hack Up a Lung

Posted on December 11, 2011 by Kim

Lately every time I try to have a conversation that is more than 30 seconds in length, my throat dries up and triggers a relentless cough, which begins to then break up the sludge in my lungs, which then gets caught in the back of my throat and triggers my gag reflex…. Gross! Fortunately I have a little red bottle of prescription cough medicine to help me ride out my annual upper-respiratory infection. Why do I get sick every December? Last year it was worse because I got the flu, too. Is it because I have just finished one of the toughest, busiest seasons of the year in terms of work and my body is fed up? Did I over do it? Did cheating sleep finally catch up with me?

Today I was supposed to be singing in our Christmas concert at church, but instead I slept in until noon, finally got something to eat around 4… it’s been a week since I came down with bronchitis and I haven’t kicked it yet. These things have a tendency to linger for a while. My ear started pounding the other night so I started the round of antibiotics my doctor had prescribed just in case I didn’t start to feel better after a few days.

The worse part of being sick is not the symptoms for me. I have a pretty high pain tolerance and I can distract myself with Facebook, editing & movies… The worse part for me is feeling like everyone is listening to the phlegmy sound of my cough and getting majorly grossed out. I feel like they are reaching for their Purell as soon as I turn around. Or that they are annoyed by me when I fall into a coughing fit, and my eyes are watering and they can’t understand why I won’t JUST TAKE SOMETHING (even though I have been, duh). And I hate the way my pale complexion manages to grow ever paler when I’m sick. I look worse than death. I am certain I look as worse as I sound… and feel. Blehch!!

Well anyway, the upside to today’s quarantine means that I actually had time to redesign and update my blog, and since my little family is at the in-laws watching football, I also have time to finish just about the rest of my work for the week. It feels good to catch up…. and my iMac does not silently judge me for coughing all over my keyboard.

hmmm….

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Kim

I realize this blog has sort of died. I’m sorry to those who look forward to updates. Lately I have been so busy that whenever I sit down at the computer, all I can think of are updates too brief for a blog post, or things that will take too long to write out. I have been focusing on my photography business so much lately and that is because Fall is the busy season for family pictures! It will trail off soon, when the Holidays are near and it gets cold, and then I will have time to sit down and collect my thoughts.

Things that are new:

I bought a new computer, an iMac. It depleted my savings and that is stressing me out, but at the same time I love using it and it has made my editing life much less stressful – everything is a little faster… a lot faster actually.
Micah is talking in complete sentences now.
Eric has been promoted to Engineering Manager and will be traveling a little more in the near future. I’m hoping this also equals a raise?
MOPS bible study is starting back up next week – I’m excited for that!
I rejoined choir this year as a second soprano – but often I’ll just sing first soprano because it’s easier to follow the notes.

Blinded by the Light No More (And Other Happenings)

Posted on July 24, 2011 by Kim

Eric and I have lived in our house for 4 years this month. And we are FINALLY putting blinds up in our living room. I cannot tell you how excited I am for this major development in my life. Right now, as I type this, Eric is installing the blinds while angrily “cursing” the weak screws that came with the kit and keep breaking in the wood of the window frame. It’s ridiculous that they put the same screws in a $37 set of blinds as they do in a $3 set of blinds, but then again maybe “they” just want to make sure you never try to reuse your blinds.

This window has been seriously blinding us every afternoon/evening for the past four years. The sheer curtains we put up when we moved in have nothing on the blazing, setting sun that renders this room unbearable during the very time we want to use it: when Eric gets home and we all want to spend time together. Yesterday, while editing some photos on my laptop in the living room, all of a sudden there was so much sun in my eyes that I couldn’t see my screen. I couldn’t take it anymore!! I bit the bullet and this afternoon we finally bought the blinds. I cannot wait to enjoy the shade… Eric is almost done installing them. In the meantime, I have propped up a large couch pillow behind my laptop, blocking most of the sun from hitting my face and shirt and reflecting back onto my screen.

****************************************************************************

Last week we had our annual family reunion! It was seriously the hottest day, ever. The humidity made it feel even worse. But it was still nice to see some family that I don’t get to see very often.

Micah had fun spending time with my dad. They went swimming down on the beach together after lunch.

My grandma is now the last of her siblings – her sister, my great aunt – passed away just days before our reunion. It was sad, but she seemed to be doing really well all things considered.

My cousin’s baby is the cutest in the world!!

It’s nice to see my sister still likes her husband. Haha!! Just kidding – they are cute!

After lunch we release balloons in memorial of all the family members who have passed – we do this every year. This year there was a second blue balloon for my great aunt.

********************************************************************************

Last Sunday was also a pretty cool day because my picture was in the business section of our city’s Sunday paper!!!

I had gone to a special event for a local women’s business networking group that I am a member of, called Ladies in Professional Power. I’d say that’s some great exposure for my business! I hope some people look me up and like what they see!

Oh Where to Begin?

Posted on July 8, 2011 by Kim

If I updated this blog more often, I think it would be easier to update. But instead I go way to long and then when I do feel like updating, I have way too much to talk about and I freeze. So instead of trying to “catch you up” – I think I’ll just talk about today!

When I woke up this morning, I felt seriously disoriented. I don’t even know what was wrong… but I could not function until I had cleaned the house. It was like the clutter was cluttering my brain and giving me brain fog. The other issue was how insanely tired I felt. Despite the fact that I went to bed about two hours earlier than I usually do, and slept in, I was still exhausted. I forgot to eat breakfast.

All day I have been laughing at my poor dog. I really need to take a picture of Chloe right now. She is wearing a silly cone around her neck to keep her from licking her stitches. She got spayed yesterday – and micro-chipped. We are calling her the old lady. I hope she is not transmitting all our secrets via satellite now that she has this mysterious chip under her skin.

I have had the worst diet this week. I can’t stop eating junk. I want to eat fifty pounds of brownie covered in whipped cream and hot fudge. Luckily I’m not following my urges to that degree.

Today I had the opportunity to meet with another photographer and teach her a few things. I hope that she was able to benefit. I am always looking for ways that I can share what I have learned and also be generous with what I have, even if it’s just a few hours of my time and a few tips I’ve picked up along the way.

Tonight we had dinner with friends – and all of our children – well my single child and their three – played in the sandbox and got seriously dirty. It was fun to throw them all in the tub and watch the bathwater turn brown. Silly kids — I had to do a lot of scrubbing to get the sand out of Micah’s hair. But he loves playing with people his size so much. I love to watch. And I love to spend time with friends and enjoy good food together.

And now I am designing a mini accordion album for a recent senior session. What a relaxing way to end the evening (yes, Photoshop is relaxing for me, lol).

The New Graduate!

Posted on June 9, 2011 by Kim

My brother-in-law graduated from NIU!! Such a huge accomplishment! I can’t believe it has been 6 years since I finished college – that is about the time I first met Eric’s family. I remember walking in the door and I’m pretty sure someone said, “whoa, she’s really pretty!” Before you start thinking I’m bragging here, please note that the tone of that statement expressed a slight amount of shock. I was the first girl he brought home. Apparently they had low expectations?

Anyway, two weekends ago we had a party at my in-laws to celebrate Andy’s milestone. He brought his new fiance, which was great because I have not gotten to spend a ton of time with her yet. (She came along on a recent family trip, too, which was awesome because I got to know her even more!) I will be doing their engagement photos later this month and I’m shooting their wedding next June. I’m super excited about that! I’m also excited about the fact that there will be two daughters-in-law in the family, which means the pressure to have more babies will be lessened. Sorry, Jen. Haha.

Here is the couple with my little man. I think Micah looks a little like his uncle… do you see it?

Eric’s grandparents came, too – here is his sister with his grandpa. They are an unstoppable Euchre team!

I like this picture because it shows my mother-in-law’s love for both balloons at parties and antiques. Plus you can see Uncle Brian in the mirror! LOL

(Yes, there is a recliner in the kitchen! Unconventional? Maybe. Practical? Sometimes… Cozy? Always!)

No party is complete without a few rounds of Euchre!

I love my in-laws! I need to bring the camera along more often – it’s nice to have a record of these little get-togethers. When I look at these photos I see so many details that seem ordinary now, but will bring back tons of memories later.

Our Trip to the Zoo

Posted on June 9, 2011 by Kim

On Memorial Day, I took Micah to the zoo with my parents up in Madison. The Henry Vilas Zoo is free and a fun place to take small kids because of it’s smaller size.

This was the first year Micah was able to look through the holes of the animal thingamajigs on his own.

And of course, we had to take the annual Micah-sitting-on-the-lion shot. This was the first year Micah did not need our help sitting on this statue. My boy is growing up!

I got to bring a big zoom lens I had rented for a wedding that weekend. I was excited to get some closeups of my favorite animals. I may or may not have planned the whole zoo trip for this very reason.

It was fun to listen to Micah talk about the zoo and all the animals for the next several days. He really loved it!

He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Baby

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Kim

Yesterday I found myself feeling more frustrated than ever. I had dropped a sheet of paper in the parking lot, and when I picked it up and unfolded it, I saw that it was my prescription for my fertility meds. I glanced it over and suddenly I got that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. The directions for the progesterone looked off to me. I reread the days listed and I realized that I started it on the wrong day. I had thought it said to start the progesterone on day #12…. but last night I saw that it actually said #17. How could I have mistaken the 7 for a 2? That is what I did, and I effectively killed my chances this month. I’m so mad at myself!! To think of all the time, worry, pregnancy tests and money wasted. Now I’m just waiting for the next month to start so I can have another chance. I’m going to write it all on a calendar and triple check it against my script. So frustrating!!

I’d rather focus on what is good in my life right now. God has been so tender with me lately; he has shown me how much he loves me through worship, through friends, through my daily life. He knows my heart. He knows exactly what I need. My emotions are shaky right now, and most of that has to do with the meds and the physical adjustment. I’m constantly trading in these temporary emotions for God’s eternal peace, constantly offering up my concerns and frustrations in prayer, knowing that He will work out everything. These days I do not put any stock in my shaky emotions. I tell myself, this won’t last long, just keep plugging through.

I look at my life and the different “doors” that are presented to me. It seems as though the doors to baby#2 are closing and the doors to my career are opening all around me. I often wonder if God’s hand is present in all this – in that He has a specific purpose for me in this area of my life, and my plans for more kids is on hold because of that. I don’t know what the future holds so I can’t really make any assumptions, but I’m always seeking for opportunities to glorify God with the skills that I have and in the circumstances I’m in. The idea of ramping up my business really excites me. I love photography with every ounce of my heart! There are also other areas in my life where I can see that God might need me, too – for instance – one of my best friends is carrying twins right now. If I were pregnant, I wouldn’t be much help to her when she really needs it this fall! She’s gonna need extra hands, for sure!

So, a lot of things are on my mind lately, as you can probably tell. And I feel like my blog is getting too “heavy,” so I’m going to lighten it up a bit with some funny pictures! Ready?