The Zoo (at the Zoo)

Now, as a family of seven, I often refer to ourselves as "the zoo". It feels a little bit zoo-like wherever we head to as we have quite a bit of cubs who tend to head in their own direction, regardless of guidelines and rules.

Every March, Jason has a trade show that allows us to head to Grammy & Opa's to spend the week, and one day is devoted to the birthday boys. Last year we went to the aquarium, this year, we headed to the zoo--which is quite fitting, don't you think?
(holla to Jason's sense of style)

I am not quite sure why, but whenever we try to take a family picture, not one of my children decides to look at the camera. Love that. It's like the big, blank space on my wall laughs at me, reminding me that I may never get my ideal family photo. Whatever blank space. I didn't want to hang something there anyway.

The birthday boys. Everett loves his "spenders". We love them too. No more bum show.

A big thank you to Grammy and Opa for our vacation fun and for treating the zoo to the Zoo.

And as a side note... Jason and I are quite the road trip nazi's...we celebrated with great joy that the twins have decided to be good road trippers.. We made our one stop goal, and we did in record breaking time (30 mins was our latest record, I'll have you know we made it in 27--do you know how impressive it is to change three diapers, breast feed two babies, order Inn N Out for a whole family, and gas up a vehicle in 27 minutes?). It's the little things...

Priorities

I have a little side business. It's been doing fairly well and surpassing any goals I had set for it. Photography is something I enjoy, but I knew I would take the risk of losing passion for it by turning it into a business. Thankfully, it didn't ever get to that point, until five kids entered the picture.

Now I find myself just wanting to be with them, care for them, and do my best at the most important job of all, a wife and a mother. After all, who they become as people will affect the world far more than what I photograph.

I'm thinking they need some quality rearing about now...

For some reason, through the birth of the latest babies, I have come head to head with a lot of convictions. Even "crafting" and "creating" has taken a back seat. Yes, I enjoy both. I enjoy making my home a creative space, but making sure each child is loved, making sure each child feels loved, and making sure each child shows love is my main priority.

I will continue keeping my business running. I trust that the Lord will ultimately tell me when to stop it entirely, but for now, it does still hold the purpose of supporting Kid's education. I am just saying "no" and learning to say "no" a lot. I'm learning to not let my competitive nature in the industry overshadow my reasons for slowing down.

*If you are a client, please know that I am pacing myself at the best possible pace for my family. Be patient with me, and if you are unable to do so, I would be more than happy to refer you to some amazing photographers!

(now back to changing diapers and kissing sweet newborn heads...)