Thursday, December 30, 2010

New Years Resolutions

It's that time of year again, time to make resolutions that most of us will never keep. I know I usually don't keep mine. I'm going to try to be more determined this year and make changes that I'm pretty sure I'll be able to keep.

First and foremost, in 2011, I plan on gaining weight. Should be an easy one for sure. =P (Although so far in my pregnancy I've lost 14 pounds, I think it's the lack of eating and throwing up.)

Second, I plan on writing more. My sister-in-law bought me a beautiful pregnancy journal for Christmas and I figure it will be a really great start.

Third, I joined a weekly photo group on Flickr. I miss Flickr. I miss my Flickr friends and I miss the joy of posting my photos and viewing other's photos. I figure commiting to one photo a week shouldn't be too hard.

Fourth, I want to become more involved in our church. It's so hard going from a small church where you know everyone and have known everyone for many years to going to a much larger church that has so many programs and activities. It's hard to figure out which ones to choose and it's even harder to put yourself out there and just try to make new friends. Jeremy and I have been so lucky to know so many supportive people within the congregation, but it's time to make big moves and get involved.

Fifth, I'm going to make a commitment to myself and to my family to keep our place more tidy. Sometimes the smallest things get tossed to the side until the next day or the next day although they take two minutes. (Like, folding the laundry instead of letting it sit in the dryer or throwing out left overs when they're a few days old.) I know it's silly but I want our baby to be born into good habits and I'm determined to make some better ones in the near future.

Overall, I want to do a lot of things honestly. Jeremy and I have a lot of big decisions coming up and big (very big) changes as well. These are just the things that come directly to my mind and I'm going to try to be more determined. We hope 2011 finds you all well and blessed!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

When Ordinary People Change Your Life

I had a lady come into work today that I'm sure I will not forget for a very long time. The first thing she did was warn me. She warned me that this photo session was going to be different for me, that emotions were going to run high and that I must excuse them if things don't go according to a 'usual' plan. I didn't mind. I like to shake things up a bit and they were one of my last sessions of the night.

I have to say, I held back tears all evening long.

She told me that she was meeting her granddaughter for the very first time. She had four others there with her but this one had been denied by it's father (her son) although there was clear evidence pointing otherwise. So she walked in and there were tears and one scared little girl and we took pictures and everytime I snapped a photo, she cried. They were all there together and that memory was going to get to stay with her because this session was taking place. I could barely hold back the tears myself.

They gave the little girl presents there, shared hugs and pieces of gum. I felt so blessed to be witnessing such a beautiful little miracle of love and togetherness. It was clear that all this lady wanted was to be a part of her granddaughter's life even while having so many others surrounding her.

So she continued.

She continued to tell me that her husband had just found out earlier in the week that he was going to have to have a heart transplant. She told me that the insurance was threatening to drop them and that although they will cover the surgery itself, they refuse to cover any of the medication that he has to take to prepare for it. She said they'd already spent $20,000. She just kept crying. I again, could barely hold back.

So we picked out our favorite pictures and she placed her order and I swear she told me a million times that I had such amazing patience. I swear it's not true although I hear it all the time. Then she went to tell me that she had 4 children, all of them with children...none of them married. And one son without any children whom she worries so much about because he's so innocent and loving and God-fearing, that she fears he will never find someone to love.

I told her not to worry and to keep praying. God has answers to all of her concerns.

Then I did cry. I cried as they walked away and I heard them plan exchanging the pictures while her son was away at drill. I cried at how sad the situation was and how much I wished I could help this lady. But all I could do was pray and so I did...and I know it will help, even if she doesn't know so.

Sunday, December 05, 2010

Peanut

I'm just posting this here because I like the little widget for myself and I don't really want to put it on Facebook. Jeremy and I are very excited about our little peanut though!