Stacey Woods Photography Blog

February 1, 2010 - 4:27 pm Johanna - I promise you aren't the only one!! I've been a wife for 5 yrs, only been a mother for nine months and branching out in my photography for five. But what you have written resonates deep within my soul. To grasp solely that its okay to not be it all, do it all, and have it all - all together all the time! Being a pastor's wife man I feel the burden to be "Super Woman" but realizing the need to step back, delegate duties, and weigh what really is important. That is the means to survival and more than that, its the means to a fulfilled life. My husband is madly in love with me and I complete my sons world and neither care if I spent the day in my jamas! Thank you for your words and your example.

February 1, 2010 - 5:32 pm Sue Benson - Beautifully said!

February 1, 2010 - 6:01 pm stacy k - Wow Stacey. What a beautiful post. Perfect timing. I also have a 19 month old daughter who I get to be with 24/7. Thankfully here in Illinois we photographers get a break this time of year, and I am so greatful for the down time. But it makes me stop and think about whats coming along with the warmer weather: crazy, stressed-out, stretched-too-thin mommy. And she is no fun. I'm definitely not at a place where I am able to (or need to probably) hire help with the business, but letting our daughter go to day care is something we're considering. I've been beating myself up thinking that I should be able to do it all...I mean, she naps right? lol. But I just love the confidence and strength that comes across in this post. You are an amazing person and I can't wait to see where your genious photography goes from here! Best of luck! xo

February 1, 2010 - 7:00 pm Janet Long / Kookie Krums - Oh Stace, you said what every woman needs to hear, and in such a beautiful manner. Who could argue with that?! I should read this to myself every morning before I get out of bed, and then again when my toes hit the carpet!! You are so right, and for some reason we just feel like we need to do it all. You've given me a lot to think about, and as always, I love your heart. Janet

February 1, 2010 - 7:57 pm Trish - I couldn't have said it better. I am in the process of demoting myself as well, and I'm actually looking forward to some alone time. I'm sure my child will love more interaction with kids her age, and I will feel rested from not being wooled until my skin hurts. Hang in there, Mama. You're doing a great job! ;)

February 1, 2010 - 10:19 pm Angie - I think you know my stance on this :) How refreshing it was to read this today! Such a fabulous reminder to me as well. We are a work in progress - and that's okay! xoxo my friend!

February 1, 2010 - 10:52 pm andrea - So well said and as you can see you're far from alone. Balance my friend it's all in finding balance.

February 1, 2010 - 11:39 pm aileen - stacey, you're giving voice to what all working moms at home feel. beautifully written. i completely relate. i'd love to meet you for coffee sometime. we'll be down in the tampa area possibly in the spring break time frame and again over the summer and again and again (my inlaws close on a house there in 3 weeks!). peace sister. it's hard needing other people sometimes. ultimately though it (they) make it all easier. it gets you though in the letting go, relinquishing control. letting go is the hardest. but you know what? "you do dat! you deed eet!" ALL BY YOURSELF. :) You're letting go. Congratulations. truly. :) xo A

February 2, 2010 - 12:00 am tamsen - ahh. good for you. kids need play time anyway. it's good for them and for us. hope 2010 is awesome and rejuvenates you completely. :) i've been there, probably will be for several more years before i can afford the help...but I am learning family first, me second, work, it can always wait a little longer.

February 2, 2010 - 5:09 am Cathy Cline - Stacey, so well said my dear!! As you well know, I'm old enough to be your mother, and I have yet to accomplish what you are doing with your life and priorities. I'm working night shift now (6pm - 2:30am) and see the family very little; but the time I have with them, I still find myself trying to take everyone under my wing. The letting go and allowing someone else to do in my absence is the hard thing for me. I still want to be there for everyone and make all their troubles and heartaches go away. Maybe someday I'll be able to let go (just a little) and not feel guilty about not being there as much as I want to be. Your words have touched many of us. Thank you!!

February 2, 2010 - 12:46 pm Amy - I promise you aren't alone. I've often wondered how you get it all done, and now I see you are human like the rest of us moms. I have a new found respect for you Stacey. I'm sure your business and family will be the better for the "resignation" that you have given.

February 2, 2010 - 1:14 pm Karyn - Amen. Apparently SOMEONE is trying to tell me something. First Julia Cameron...and now you. Thank you.

February 2, 2010 - 1:36 pm Kristin - Stacy~ What wonderfully articulated reminder. As women we try to be all things to all people and in the mean time we lose ourselves and what bring us joy. I admire you for your new start :).

February 2, 2010 - 1:53 pm Erin - I didn't initially comment since I'm not a member of the Mommy Club, or the Wife Club, or a photographer, so I wondered if my opinion was important. ;) Then I decided that I am, however, the child of two working parents who I couldn't possibly love any more than I already do. Dad worked at least 11 hours a day when he still owned the dealership, and mom worked two jobs most of the time I was in Jr High/High School. As a young child, I went to two different baby sitters (and I still love them both!) And while there were times when I got older that I was home while my parents were working, I never EVER doubted how much they loved me. And neither will Parker or Lila. Good for you for giving yourself a break. I am certain everyone will benefit from it.

February 2, 2010 - 2:33 pm Jennifer - Oh, P-L-E-A-S-E! What took you so long to figure it out??? The right way is the way that makes everybody in the family happy, and it sounds like you're on the right path (Momma counts too, remember!). There is no rulebook - you do what works for you and your family, NOT what works for the Jones'. Just stay flexible, and it will all work out. Love your photography!

February 2, 2010 - 2:37 pm tracie - hello! i just couldn't pass up the opportunity to be a part of your very raw and resonating post. i used to be the owner of a stationery store, but decided to sell it about a 1 1/2 ago. because it finally dawned on me that i can't be superwoman. i can't be all and do all. and my family was more important. http://broadwaypaper.blogspot.com/2008/12/parting-is-such-sweet-sorrow.html i'm now a photographer, but doing it on my own terms {i'm blessed to be able to do that financially}. but the important thing for all of us to remember is that it's okay to ask for help. we were designed to carry it all, to do it all. our children and families will be much better off if we can admit this to ourselves and go ahead and seek the help or make the changes we need to. love this post ... love the reminder ... love the rawness of it ... we all feel it. blessings to you!!

February 2, 2010 - 8:40 pm Jill - Ahhh.. what a beautiful discovery. You are an amazing woman figuring how to balance. I admire your spirit and beautiful work. When in doubt always go within and figure it out.

February 6, 2010 - 2:55 pm Jolene Bresney - Stacey~ you are not alone! I am a photog, mother of 3, and the juggling act is the hardest part. Slow down, take a breather....enjoy doing what you love and never let the stress of perfection steal the show. Best of luck to you...

February 9, 2010 - 12:23 am Michele Anderson (Pinkle Toes Photography) - I am right there with you, hon.

February 11, 2010 - 4:41 pm "G" - Ok, so I barely have the extra moment to acutually comment on your blog. I usually just sit here and marvel at your work and your writing snippets (which I adore!!)and in my back pocket I remember how you have to maintain your well oiled machine aka the family, and continue to work! WOWEEE It can be crazy I know!! I am a regulare visitor of your blog, I am a mother of 3, A 15 a yr old daughter, a nearly 4 year old son, and my wee one, another girl 11 months. I too juggle the mom routine...wait is there such a thing? What's for dinner?, I need to go here, can I have money?, Audrina's biting me! Can you pick out a tie for my meeting?" sigh,..not to mention I need to get my car in to get a new tire! Toys are taking over my family room rug, and my cat can't hear himself anymore, so he meows VERY loud,my fuse is short at times What ever you are doing?!! keep it up girl.. you are inspiring to me beyond explanation. For the past 5 years I've been trying to sharpen my photography skills(mostly wedding, sports, and HS seniors) Some days my confidence is low, others, I feel mighty!! Your blog and pix of the kids keep me going for the gold....SO THANK YOU STACEY!! Arizona Admirer The only mom tips I can offer off the top of my skull....COSCTO rotisserie chicken.....so many possibilties....Scrub your shower while showering. AND I've decided that I can't have spotless house so I do my best, delagate chores and accept that sometimes certain things may have to wait.

February 11, 2010 - 5:04 pm Tammy - You are most definitely NOT alone! Whew, I felt relieved just reading this post. Just thinking of how wonderful you must feel right now. :) I have loved you from the first day I "met" you on TCM. I love how real you are & it just validates that we are all human. LOVE IT! Thanks for this post. I'm telling you, it's great!

March 2, 2010 - 11:14 am Jo Ann White - You've photographed all 3 of my grandchildren. You seem to bring out their most beautiful moments--coy looks, glowing smiles, intimate glances.......... Some photographs resemble Anne Geddes work. You do a magnificent job and bring out the best in the children and the parents.