This little bit of news is from Parker and Lila, actually. You won't want to miss it, I promise!
Parker and Lila's Announcement from Stacey Woods on Vimeo.
"Announcement" A/K/A "The Reason for My Extended Blog Hibernation". ;)
Finally Unwrapping My Blessings
I know. I've been gone awhile. I could offer you many reasons, because I actually do have many. ;) This December, I'm certain, was my most hectic month ever. I promise to tell you about it all in time. Another blog post. I will say.... my whole month felt like this picture:
Our infinite blessings, "unwrapped" and given to us, yet they're cluttered and stacked, strewn all over the place... almost too many for me to even grasp and appreciate all at one time. Kind of like my kids and their Christmas presents. And me (ahem, the drooping tree) standing exhausted in the middle of the whole scene. ;) Does that make sense? Life. Husband. Kids. Work. Photography. A new business. Friends. Christmas. Blog. Shopping. Decorating. Housework. Sleep (or my lack of.) Just everything in general. All amazing blessings, for certain. But so overwhelming when they all beg to be opened at one time.
I've come to realize over the years that while I'm definitely a constant multi-tasker (in that I always have at least 5 plates juggling at once), when I really need to crank out a project, I just have to shut down most things around me in order to focus on the one most important one. That was the case with my December. So sorry, dear blog. You were left out in the cold. Kind of like that stray red stocking up there, that somehow ended up on the door handle. LOL!
In any case, I'm so thankful for the fresh start that January promises, and that I have actually made it through the other side of 2010. As my sister said yesterday, "I'm claiming 2011 as my year!" And I'm doing just that, right along with her.
Thank you to the sweetest clients in the world, who made it possible for me to make a living doing something I very much love, again this past year. It's a real blessing to be able to wake up every day and know that I'm in the right place. I'm where I'm supposed to be. No matter how hectic the day turns out to be, it's absolutely positively worth it.
Happy New Year, friends. I hope your 2011 is amazing for you. It's certainly going to be amazing for me.
xoxo
Only 33 More Days Until I Get To Do This...
It's been a crazy season so far! I have lots of client sessions to post here on the blog, and I'll be back soon with a few beautiful families to show off. But this afternoon, I thought this photo was fitting to share with you... especially my fellow photographers who are likely desperate for a good solid nap these days... as am I. I won't be napping anytime soon, but I count it a blessing that so many sweet families have continued to commission me again this year for their holiday portraits. I'm grateful for the hectic schedule, despite the hectic schedule. ;)
Now back to the photo... couldn't you just kiss those peachy, little baby toes?? This was taken one recent weekend morning in Mama and Daddy's bed, shot at f/2, 1/200 and ISO 3200. Yep. Love my Nikon. And my sweet, sleepyhead girl.
Hmm, now I need another cup of coffee.
34 Things I've Learned
I'm turning 34 today. And I cannot think of a better place to be in my life. I've been so blessed, not with so much material things (although we have our fair share of "stuff", don't worry) but with things that money cannot buy. For my Five on Friday today (and to make up for being so horribly slack on the past few Fridays where you've literally gotten Zero on Friday, lol) I'd like to submit my 34 Things today. 34 Things That I've Learned in 34 Years on this great green Earth.
So here goes... Bless you if you're patient and read them all. ;) Bonus points if you nod your head in agreement with any of them.
1| I did not need to look for love. It found me. Quite a surprise, actually, but that's how the best things happen, don't you think? When you're not trying too hard?
2| Never regret mistakes you've made. All of the mistakes I've made (especially the embarrassing ones) have taught me a lesson, and my experiences in life have shaped me into the woman I am today. I wouldn't want to be anyone else right now, even if I had the opportunity.
3| Don't wait to tell that person you love them. We are never guaranteed tomorrow. Say it today, even if it takes a lot of effort on your part. Do it anyway.
4| Take pleasure in small things. Really, the very smallest. They can have the biggest impact on your attitude.
5| Don't forget where you came from. See, you can take the girl out of Kentucky. And even if she chooses not to make her life there as an adult, it doesn't mean that she doesn't love the people who raised her from the bottom of her heart, or that she doesn't appreciate the lessons she learned as a girl, the values that were instilled in her, or that she doesn't close her eyes every once in a while and remember the way the cool bluegrass felt under her bare feet. You can never, ever take the Kentucky out of the girl. And really... why would you want to? :)
6| Giving someone something you made with your own hands feels wonderful.
7| Giving someone something you bought with your own hard earned money feels wonderful too.
8| If your children cannot get along with each other, take my mother's example.... make those kids share a room. My two sisters and I can attest (multiple times) that this method works wonders. The two that are arguing most will spend so much darn quality time together that they'll have no choice but to get along. And possibly gang up on the other sister, resulting in then sharing a room with her instead. I slept with a pillow behind my back for months after I moved from my parents' home. That full-sized bed seemed so big after sharing it with a sister for years. :)
9| If you do have siblings, thank God for them every day. (Even when you're sharing a room.) Because one day, when you are pregnant with your first child, one of them will change her airline flight every day for two weeks to make sure she's at your side on the very day you give birth. And on your 34th birthday, the other one will go and do something like this and make you sob like a baby. Truly, I am the luckiest girl in the world for growing up with such sweetness in my life to this day.
10| Enjoy what each season brings. Snow. Crisp leaves. Warm sand. Soft grass. Someday you might move to Florida and beg for soft grass and crisp leaves, instead of crisp grass and soft leaves! (New Florida transplants are raising their hands right about now, cringing at being barefoot on St. Augustine grass.)
11| Be grateful for opportunities that come your way. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and I know that one choice can alter a life completely. So glad for the choices that have altered mine.
12| As far as birthday gifts go, there isn't anything better than a homemade card from your babies, and for your husband to take you out to dinner so that there is no prep or cleanup involved. I need nothing more to be happy than my sweet family. No jewelry can outshine those handmade crafts and some quality time.
13| Songs can bring back wonderful memories. And sad ones. And funny ones. (And for the record, I really miss mixed-tapes.) :)
14| A venti peppermint mocha can brighten the cloudiest of days (y'all knew I'd sneak a Starbucks in there, didn't ya?).
15| Cherish friendships like they are gold. Platinum, even. Nurture them and be thankful for those special people in your life. True friends are rare these days.
16| There is always enough time for one more kiss before bed. Or two more. Or ten more. Be grateful they want that affection from you, and give it freely.
17| Lying in the sun, on a warm beach, and being able to relax so deeply that you fall asleep.... is a glorious thing. Unless you're a mother. If your children are with you on that beach, you know that you can't take your eyes off them for a second. But watching your children laugh when the surf laps their toes, or watching them chase seagulls until everyone on the beach is laughing too, is a glorious thing in and of itself. And so much more amazing than any hour of slumber on the sand.
18| Speaking of slumber, when you bring your baby home from the hospital, heed the advice of those wise mothers who say, "Sleep while the baby sleeps." Seriously. Those dishes can wait.
19| The sound of a newborn baby's first cry is quite possibly the sweetest sound in the world. Fall in love with it. For when they are two years old, they begin to whine on a constant basis and it's not so sweet anymore. (Not that I know anything about that, of course.)
20| Never forget to say, "thank you". And, "please". And most importantly, "I'm sorry". Even when it's not your fault.
21| Have at least one go-to dinner menu with all those ingredients consistently in your pantry. Learn how to bake a homemade birthday cake, from scratch. Find out what his absolute favorite recipes are, and perfect them. Memorize the number for your local pizzeria just in case none of the above turns out well. ;)
22| There is beauty in light, and in shadow. And you cannot have one without the other. Learn to love them both equally.
23| Even when you have no makeup on, your hair is a mess, and you haven't had a shower all day, your children still think you're beautiful and they love you anyway. This isn't a trick. It's a gift that God gives us to make up for #17 above.
24| If someone offers to help you, by all means, let them help.
25| If you see someone who needs your help, and you're able to, then by all means, help them.
26| Most men (ahem, husbands, to be specific) want you to tell them exactly what you want. Subtlety is a complete waste of your time and energy. Be very kind about it, but tell them exactly what you need from them. Write it down if you have to. (Trust me on this one. Otherwise, you'll end up with a Lane Bryant gift card for Christmas when you are a size 2. That was a fun return.)
27| A Daddy will never forget if someone has broken the heart of his daughter. Mamas don't forget either.
28| You can never have too many books. Always too many toys, but never enough books.
29| Chocolate should be eaten often and without apology.
30| The best thing you can spend on your children is TIME.
31| When your kids are sick, just take it for granted that you're going to get sick too. Take an extra dose of vitamins and then curl up with them on the couch. Do not hold back attention and touch from them; snuggles are the best medicine and it will make you both feel better anyhow.
32| God will not give you more than you can bear. Rather, no more than He can help you bear. You're truly not alone.
33| Love what they love. Learn their love language and speak it to them. Spend time doing things that they think are important, not necessarily what you think is. Everything is significant.
34| Try something new. Even if it is five states away and means you'll have to sacrifice something you love. You never know what wonders await when you leap without knowing if the net is there.
Maybe next year I'll have 35 Things to share with you. ;)
One Small Thing...
...just because I love her. And because I miss her while she's in daycare. We are most definitely a two-income family, and while I'm thankful that she's in the most loving arms possible (besides ours), it's still hard not to ache for her sweet smile and twisty hair. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to editing so that when they come home, my time can belong to my sweet babies again.
Have a wonderful day, friends!!
Share for Chele
This morning on The Creative Mama, Angie Warren is sharing a heart-wrenching story of a woman... a mama... a wife... and a good friend... who was diagnosed with cancer just last week. I can't imagine her pain, her anxiety, her fears. If you would, please take just a minute to visit The Creative Mama today and read Chele Chestnut's story. Then, take two more minutes and leave her an encouraging note or comment, whisper a heartfelt prayer for her, and/or simply donate $5 or more if you're able. (I know I could easily spend $5 on a latte, and goodness knows I could forgo a day ~ or five ~ and use that money for good.) Every little bit helps, and greatly helps to ease this mama's fears of how she will pay for testing, treatment, and surgery. At this time, Chele's husband is unemployed, they are without insurance, and Medicaid is not an option for them. My heart breaks for her and her family right now.
The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.
~C.C. Scott
Chele is the founder of Gather Inspirit and the voice behind The Bona Fide Life, in case you'd like to follow her online. I know she covets your prayers and encouragement through this difficult time. And I certainly appreciate it.
xo,
Stacey
on being grateful
"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." ~Marcel Proust Lately I've been thinking a lot about gratefulness. The importance of teaching my children to have a grateful heart and to be humble and kind to others. It's so easy, in this convenient world we live in, to take our blessings for granted. In our great country, we are blessed with so much but seem to never find the time to appreciate it, to stop and truly be thankful for it.
Enter the 365/Grateful Project.
I have begun my own gratefulness journey by using just my iPhone and some favorite photo apps, and I'm sharing them on Facebook each day. Each month, I'll compile them and come share them here on the blog. I would love it if you would join me and share your blessings with the world as well!
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In this moment, I'm grateful for the opportunity to raise our children near the sea. And for a bit of one-on-one time with Daddy.
To learn more about the original 365/Grateful Project, head on over to The Creative Mama today. You can read my full article there. I'd love for you to join me, and so many photographers all over the world, so that we can teach our children to appreciate their blessings as well. They watch us every day, you know. As always, if you do decide to come along, leave your link here in the comments so we can share with each other. I hope to meet many of you and am looking forward to spreading a little gratitude together!
Gratefully yours,
Stacey
DOS. DEUX. TWO.
Our darling baby girl turned two last week. We celebrated. We sang. We clapped. I cried, as everyone expected. And if you've been reading this blog for more than a minute, then you know that my crying over my children was never a question in the first place. So whether I want her to be or not, she is two. :) She is fiercely independent with bouts of "holdjuuu" mixed in. She can carry on a conversation with an adult and they can understand almost every word. She speaks in full, detailed sentences. She blows us all away on a daily basis. Intelligent beyond my wildest dreams (just watch her navigate an iPhone). She's compassionate already, and so sweet to others. Snuggly. Loves her big brother. Loves babies, whether they are real ones, "her" babies, or the children on my computer screen while I'm editing ("cuuuute bebee!"). She has the best laugh when she's tickled in just the right spot. She loves music. (Especially Justin Bieber. Seriously.) Loves to color, and always hands me the crayon and then asks me to "dwah a hawht." (translation: draw a heart. Or a silly face.) She is full of light. My Lila.
This isn't the birthday photo I'd envisioned including in this post. In fact, we haven't even done her two year photos yet. Those are planned for next week. However, when I came across this image in my folder it would not let me leave it alone. I decided that it is perfect to convey my feelings about her turning two. About my secret wish to smooth right over her birthday and pretend it didn't happen. That she's not growing up this fast. That the past two years have not been such a blur. Although I've hung onto every moment possible, there are some that still slipped through my fingers. Things that I missed, laughs I didn't hear, naps I didn't see her take. But that's alright. She runs into my arms every afternoon. She snuggles with me every night, and wakes up to me every morning. She is joyful, and amazing, and perfect. And now I can choose to wipe aside those tears that burn my throat and make my sight blurry, and recognize the raw beauty that lies within her.
My sweet girl. I love you so. xxoo ~Mama
TIME FOR YOURSELF
I'm not very good at making time for myself. I know I should. It's not healthy to always give and go and never take time out to rest your body, feed your soul, nourish your spirit. I'm not good at carving out those moments for myself (except for my all-too-frequent ADD episodes of getting lost on the internet for just a quick sec endless minutes at a time. But that doesn't count!). So I'm making a conscious effort in the next month to take more time out for ME. And I hope it catches on permanently! Just a few minutes a day, a few hours a week, to simply go somewhere quiet and breathe. Take a walk, a run, a drive, and just be alone with my thoughts. Maybe I'll wake up earlier than the kids on Monday mornings (God help me with that one) and enjoy my coffee on the lanai, instead of via the drive-thru at Starbucks. Maybe I'll begin journaling again, whether it be in one of my beloved Moleskine notebooks or a private blog just for me. My soul needs it. My mind craves the solitude and the restoration of sanity (especially come 5 - 6:00 pm each evening when Lila is clinging to my feet, begging "holdjuuuuu, Mommy" while I try and wrangle cups and plates, and Parker is nowhere to be found because he knows supper is about to start). My body craves the rest, the peace. I need to do this.
And I'd love for you to take some time for yourself too. If you want to read what else I have planned, head on over to The Creative Mama and read the article that I posted, HERE. I'd love for you to comment and let me know how YOU take time for just yourself, or how you manage to work in those precious few minutes each day. How you balance. How you manage to stay sane come 6:00 pm. ;) Feel free to comment here as well, wherever you feel most comfortable. I'd love to hear your ideas! (And I just might use them myself!!)
xo,
Stacey
I REALLY, REALLY MISSED THESE FACES.
And their Daddy's too. I was out of town last weekend, the first time I'd ever left my babies for more than a single night. I can't tell you how wonderful it was to see their sweet (funny) faces again when I returned!! I could just kiss his cheeks off. :)
I missed this sweet face too. . . cowboy disguise and all. Shh, don't tell her that you can still recognize that pouty face as hers. Let's not spoil it for her, okay? ;)
I'll have details of my trip shortly. Don't go too far away. . . hope you all had a fantastic Mother's Day!!