Keep Calm

When one is in the middle of the storm what more can you do.

It is the beginning of that time of year at my house and I am hoping to be able to just this,

"Keep Calm and Carry on"

I was watching a movie the other night and they talked about how sometimes in the middle of the storm God may not always calm the storm, but will calm the sailor.

Praying For a little calmness in my life these days how about you?

Nine Years!

Nine Years ago yesterday, I married this man!And He married well me!

We spent the whole day apart. He working, and me well chasing kiddos, and working. You don't really realize how much you miss them until they are gone. I got flowers sent via courier. And I love them! But now what does one get THE man in their life? I think the best thing really that he gave me was these!

(sad that this was easier than family pictures a few days ago????)

So here is what I want to know. I dated a lot of guys before I found "MR RIGHT"

I had some great guys take me out, and well then there are those that are just laughable. To the point of hysterics.

My first very funny date went something like this; Spaghetti Factory for dinner, dinner served, me talking as the food is served, me looking up to find my date with his head bowed in prayer. What does one do?

Next funny, Have you ever been on a date and have a different guy ask you for you phone number? I had that happen twice?

Or have you ever been driving your dates car while he is eating ice cream and he decides to lean over and kiss you on the cheek. Oh did I mention the freeway and the 75 miles an hour I was going. One should never do that. It causes the driver to swerve out of control and then try to speed even faster home.

Or maybe your date took you to a play, but he didn't have tickets? Embarrassing to try and have to bum tickets off people that are there to see Forgotten Carols?

This one takes the cake! It was my first year of college, and somehow I wound up on a date with my handymans roommates brother. It was not intended to be a date mind you. We were supposed to go dancing with friends and I needed a ride. Well I happen to be terrible with directions and got us lost. So instead of the dance, we got ice cream. Hang on it gets funny! You should all know that I am a master ice cream eater. I will turn any man on that is with in a five foot distance. I did not know I had this ability until my date walks us out to the car and proceeds to cover himself with the weekly add that is sitting in between us. I am not sure how it happened, but if you need lessons on ice cream eating I am the one to talk too.

Needless to say I went on a few WHOPPERS before I found the man that I would marry. Love at first sight I tell you. This handsome guy walked through my door with perfectly bleached out hair, and bulging muscles. Then when I saw the manly truck he was driving and wow I was hooked. I knew the moment that date was over, that I was going to marry him. Guess what six months later we sealed the deal and well now I think we are happier than before.

So I want to know what funny things happened to all of you before the man of your dreams dropped by, or maybe you are still looking???

SHARE!

We all could use a good laugh!

Balance!

Balance? How does one find it? School just started around my house and finding the time to, play,work, and of course clean is in short supply. If I am not running to one school it is another. Trying to balance it all it like a frustrating game. Am I succesfull? NO!

In my quest to try and find the peace that one desires in everyday life, I have found that I am terrible at sticking to ones schedule. I do however have thoughts on the matter at hand.

First you must take care of ones self. (and if I ever go to California I will spot light one awesome lady that has time and time again inspired my overall wellness, if only I could stick to the plan)

Second taking care of ones loved ones. (in my own experience I find if I have cared for them then number one is easier)

Thirdly. Ones finances must be controlled, along with their own desires. (or the first will suffer from the second)

Finally PLAN time to play everyday! Crazy lady sets in if this is not accomplished. (sadly this is the first to go in my book, and everything else suffers in part)

We as women can learn new things and change old habits. This has been a goal of mine for the past few months, and changing habits is tough business. But when you start small and stick to it, you will find that you might look back and realize that a new GOOD habit has formed. Benifitting the overall process of being Balanced.

Today do something that you keep putting off. And then do it again the next day, and the next day. If you have fallen off the wagon, get back on. I have this frame of mind that gets my excuses going every time, "Monday is the best place to begin" Really, what is wrong with Tueday or Thursday, or even Wednesday. Start where you are. Rome wasn't built in a day. Pecking away at things helps in that overwhelming process

Happy 30's Ladies!

The Thirty Chapter

This Leslie.

I am lucky enough to be the sister- in -law. Let me tell you what I know about her. She is one of the smartest people I know. She works furiously for the things she wants, and will work furiously over the things you might want. Her opinion ALWAYS carries weight, and one should consider what she has said to heart. She is the best Aunt to a lot of kiddo's and she spoils each one of them differently. I find her to be fascinating when she talks politics. She knows her stuff folks, and will encourage you to form your own opinions. The reason she fit into my project so well was because she has been thirty for a minuet. Hence the "Thirty Chapter" title. So she has experience and if I remember right when it was her turn to enter in this stage in life, well she was like most of us and said, NOT Cool! From the beginning of this project she kept telling me how 30 was her best year. So after some serious coxing, I got her to take some shots for me. So without further a dew, here is Leslie in her own words.....

No Apologies

My thirtieth birthday has been the best adult birthday to date. I thought I might ignore it and let it pass unnoticed. Instead, I decided to embrace it; and so it has been ever since. The best way to describe my thirties is: “No Apologies”. I choose to live my life without guilt, apologies, or long-term plans. If I’ve learned one thing, it is that no matter how extensive our plans are, they will change. As we allow them to change and embrace what happens next the experience is far more rich and rewarding. The excitement of the unknown and wonderment of what might be around the bend is invigorating.

I traveled the world in my twenties, became an adult, and started a career. I transitioned into the decade of my thirties with a second career, a second home, and the opening of a second chapter. I’m somewhere in the midst of that “second chapter” and I don’t have any idea how the story ends but can’t wait to see what happens and I look forward to the “third chapter”.

Life is long; it is very, very long. I am now old enough to have perspective- which is weird- I can now reference events and friends “from twenty years ago”. I have opinions that I am not ashamed of- and still think that others care to hear them, but I know they probably don’t. I still have hope and optimism for the future- despite all of the reasons in this world and society to give up hope. I am a couponer- I get excited when I can buy three tubes of toothpaste for a dollar- and I am grateful for my newfound food storage. The Golden Rule reigns supreme and taking time to smell the roses and appreciate God’s gifts to us through small and simple things is what makes life full and worthwhile.

President Hinckley once said, “Life is like an old time rail journey… delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas, and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.” I thank Him every day.

Single!

This is the oh so beautiful Paige. She is 30 and single and ROCKING it. The reason I asked Paige to do this was because not every one of us is in the same, "married with a few kids" boat. In fact I am finding that there are a lot of women out there who are still enjoying lives and careers without the small family attached.

In my job I spend a lot of time with women in their twenties. Lets face I am a wedding photographer in Utah. We get married quiet young around here. This past year however I have had the opportunity to photograph weddings of women who are stepping out of that category. Two of the best weddings I have ever attended where these women. What I have found about them is they really know what they want. There is no second guessing their decisions. I guess that comes with experience.

The perspective I take from being 30 and single is more appealing than the alternative. I find you have had the chance to really settle into a career. The opportunity to travel is more available to you. You really know what it is you want, and the things you really like. You really find a sense of self. Your friends are ones that you will keep forever. Most of this applies to just the general age, but knowing all of this stuff before I was thirty sure would helped me out in the marriage and kid department. Don't get me wrong I love where I am, and wouldn't change what I have learned. I still have the desire to travel and really push my career, but being a wife and mother can limit you on the things you want to do. So my turn will come, and I can take even more life experience with it.

So here is to being single and 30 all at the same time. And to the darling Paige, who if you ask me is quite the catch. Check these pictures out. Is she not just beautiful?

While I haven’t been looking forward to turning 30 for a long time, I must say it hasn’t been too bad. However, I do cringe a little bit when someone asks my age and I have to respond, “I’m 30!” Have I really been living for three decades?!? Now that does sound a little wild!

I think maybe what made me so nervous about turning 30 was all the bad things I had heard about it. Things like, “It all goes down hill from 30!” or, “That is when all those wrinkles start to appear and never go away!” But I figure all of those things have to happen at some point in life anyway, so why not just bring it on!

And of course there is the fact that I am 30 and still single. When I asked Sarah what she wanted me to write about she said, “Why being single rocks!” I smile every time I read this, because it is great, and I love where I am at in my life! I love being able to fill the free time with whatever sounds best. I love being able to have the time to pick up something new and pursue it or for doing the things that I love to do. I think of all of the things I have experienced in my life, and I know that I have been very richly blessed. I have been able to gain a great education, travel to many beautiful areas of the world, and be a daughter to two of the most amazing, loving, and giving parents. And there are still many incredible opportunities awaiting me!

And while I go on about how great it is to be single, don’t get me wrong, of course there are dreams I still want to come true, but I know they will! So, I’ve decided to look at this time of being 30 as a good one…take the life experience I have gained and keep enjoying the single season! I can make life as blissful as I want it to be, no matter what age I am. So, embrace it, love it, and bring it on!

I might be a what?

A real woman always keeps her house clean and organized, the laundry basket is always empty. She's always well dressed, hair done. She never swears, behaves gracefully in all situations and all circumstances. She has more than enough patience to take care of her family, always has a smile on her lips, and a kind word for everyone. Post this as your status if you, too, have just realized that you might be a Man.

When I read this on face book, I couldn't help but start thinking man I am a terrible representative of women. Then it got to the punch line, and I could't help but laugh until I cried. I am glad to know I am not so bad...

Brooke!!!!

Ladie's I want you to meet Brooke. She is thirty in Septemeber. I met her a few years ago when I got the awesome chance to meet her darling family for a photo shoot. I also asked her to do this because when I first posted about being thirty she responded back with a big YUCK! I am so glad that she was willing to help me out with this. One thing I love about Brooke it that she is brimming with confidence (as you can see.) Taking her picture was easy. Even better she brought her two beautiful kids along with her. Enough on what I love about Brooke, I will let you all read her wonderful words....

Turning 30. Wow. First of all, is this really happening?

Second of all, yes. It is. Let’s face it.

I tend to have mini panic attacks when I consider being thirty. Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, tears shooting from my eyes and hitting strangers in the face…that kind of thing. Is this something I should be HAPPY about? Is it something I should embrace? Well, I’m trying. I’m really trying. Thirty just seems so mature to me, so established…so old! I feel immature and totally not established at all! I guess I’ve just looked at it in the past like thirty year olds have it so together, and I thought I’d be further along by now than I am. I just recently started a new career, I still don’t have all the kids that I would like to have (and thirty was my deadline!), and sometimes I totally still act like I’m 15. Let’s be honest, I’ve been known to have a bit of Bieber Fever in the past. I mean, does this not make me a bit of a pedophile? Is that not something to be a bit depressed about? And this permanent scowl mark in between in my eyebrows that no longer goes away when I’m not even scowling is not helping matters AT ALL!

When I stop to think about it and really put it in perspective, there’s so much that I’d still like to do, but there are so many things that I’ve done already that are dreams come true for me, that I really can’t complain. I’ve been married for 11 years to my high school sweetheart and have experienced love like I always imagined I would. I’ve had two beautiful kids who make me so happy (and frustrated) on a daily basis that I just can’t imagine my life without them. We are all healthy, we are all happy, and we are all living and making beautiful memories together.

At the end of the day, when you consider the alternative, thirty isn’t so bad. I feel like I’m entering a chapter in my life where I will be taken more seriously, will be able to use some of the life lessons I’ve learned so far to better myself in the future, and am finally realizing how fast time really does go by and that I need to slow down and enjoy it a little bit more.

Thirty. I think I can do thirty. Forty though… now that’s a whole other story.

Mommy?

Sassy isn't she!

Not happy or cooperating,

And then we have the wrestling match of

the year that added grass stains to church pants, lovely!

I am a Mom of 4 beautiful children. I love each of them dearly. I do however have one that can push a button on me faster than any other. This child is my one of my biggest challenges in life. I have learned the most from them, and can truly say I will look back one day and see why the good Lord chose this person for me to raise. This may just be a therapy for me, but over the next few days I am going to make a list of the wonderful things this child has done, and can do better than anyone else in this world. I am going to take a little extra time and spend with them even if it is just to put my arms around them. I am also going to STOP and listen to them and hush my voice when I ask them to do something. So here is a little challenge for all of you. Give a little extra hug to the one who has made you crazy today. Hey tomorrow it could change to another child. (Heaven knows I have those days) And maybe even change your outlook on that little person you love so much.....

Here is what I need from at least 5 of you Mom's out there. Contact me via facebook, e-mail whatever, so I can hear about those times when life is crazy. Since I can't get anyone to want to take pictures alone. I figure why not bring your kids. Or if you are single bring you best friend even if it is your Mom. I don't want to talk about me all of the time. So lets hear what you all have to say!!!!

Kindness!

Last week while working I wound up on a wild goose chase. I finally stopped and asked for directions with hopes that this person would be kind enough to just let me photograph at their beautiful orchard. To my dismay I received and "absolutely not!" So with my angry customer in tow I walked away frustrated. We were running out of day light and options. After knocking on another door with no one home, I caught sight of this silo. A little farm that screamed personality. I reluctantly knocked on the door and asked my question. My soared when the answer came. Not annoyed mind you, but cheerful and excited. That someone might want to use their little plot of land for pictures. It was a far cry from the angry patron. Gratefully I worked and got beautiful pictures to show for it.

So I ask this questions why is being kind important? You feel good when you are kind. You feel good when you can help someone out. It all works out that people even like you more.

To really enforce this good gesture of strangers, just yesterday a woman with a large cart of groceries allowed me to go ahead of her with my one item. She could see I was in a hurry and wasn't going to take long so she looked and me and said, "you just have one thing why don't you go." I was happy as a clam because I was running late to pick up one of my children. By her good gesture I was there on time.

So farmer who let me use you charming farm, and sweet lady at Target. Thank You for showing that kindness has not failed us. That small acts really do make a big deal....

Now do something kind today. Pay attention, and make it count.

The Contract????

When you talk about kids with your spouse you have this beautiful image in your head. This perfect schedule that gets them in bed the first time. The up for the day smiles, that greet you as you are cooking a hot breakfast every morning. And many more wonderful images that continue to roll through your mind. Well in that same contract there is very very very fine print at the bottom that is illegible, and well just plain not there. This fine imagination of yours is beautiful and many of you might actually pull it off. But for most of us I say WHERE IS MY SICK DAY? Dad got one when he had the same achy body. He got stay in bed and sleep. I did not. I am a MOM.

I have been sick for a total of 5 days now, the doctor said is was a VIRUS.

So in spite of being ill, we must carry on with our motherly duties. We must first drag ourselves from our very warm beds, then the children from theirs. Feed them before the angry monster that causes my children to attack any passer by with brutal force and the start calling them terrible names. Get them to school on time, home again, and back to bed 3 to 5 times an evening. What to do? What to do?

I guess this is why women are so tough. We just can't lay there and die. Or "leave well enough alone". We carry on and will continue to do so. We will continue to day dream of the perfect day with our kids, and we may have a few on occasion too. I hope all of you can be reminded of why you signed that contract and can carry on even when the worst seems still to come.

Evelyn

This is my good friend Evelyn. She is someone that I have a great deal of respect for. She has the cutest kids ever. They are also super polite, and always have a hug for you. Her life is a stressful and busy one, but yet she still seems to have time to talk, and listen. Thank You so much for your support in this, I hope you all find what she has to say as interesting as I do.



Let me start by saying that I wasn't thrilled about turning 30 in the months leading up to it. Neither was my daughter. She suggested that perhaps I get so many migraines because I'm almost 30, and at 30 years of age I'll "almost be a grandma.". Nice. Thankfully she doesn't understand exactly what would have to happen for me to become a grandma, and she ain't about to know anytime soon. So anyway, the actual day of my 30th birthday wasn't that big of a deal. Just another day, you know? I kept telling people I was 29 cause I forgot, just like happens every year. In the (almost) year since then, I've noticed things about myself...things that have changed, and for the better! Here's a sampling:

• I don't care what others think HALF as much as I used to. I used to worry that my house wasn't clean enough for others, that my hair wasn't cute enough for others, that my chemical-free yard had too many weeds for my neighbors' taste (which is true, by the way, my neighbor told me himself!) Now, I worry about my house being clean enough for ME and my kids. I still worry, but the focus is much closer to where it needs to be.

• I'm more self-accepting. Am I a sexy 30 year old? Probably not. Do I like myself anyway? Absolutely! I think I'm to an age that looks don't matter as much to me as health, and I see my body more as a beautiful, wonderful gift from God that I need to take care of because I'm grateful for it, NOT because I wanna be sexy or hot or whatever.

• I have a better idea of where I am in my life. After having my 2nd child, I was devastated to know that I wouldn't be able to have more children. I'm not going to lie, it SUCKED. It still sucks, whenever I see a cute little bundle of joy being held by a new mom. But you know something? I don't have to wonder when I'll have another child. I don't have to wonder what stage of my life I'm in. I am officially done with the having babies stage, and I know that for a surety. Believe it or not, there's a kind of a peace in knowing. In knowing, I am better able to focus on the stage that I KNOW I'm in, which is raising two beautiful, amazing children.

Those are a few changes I've seen in myself since (slowly but surely) becoming more mature. And when my 31st birthday comes this month, I'll be able to look at it as another opportunity to ponder my life, to see what I've accomplished, and to make goals for a wonderful year to come. Birthdays are a wonderful time of renewal to me, and I am ever-so excited to do it again! Evelyn

Confidence

I just got back from my first ZUMBA class. I am red in the face and my legs feel like noodles. Most of the night I was doing my best to see the teacher and work the moves. I also was watching the little girl in front of me that had no qualms about shakin what her momma gave her. I thought she is just showing off, but really I was just jealous because she could move like I used to. So here is a challenge for all of you. Go try something new for you. Who really cares if the girl in front of you is better than you are. I am going back next week and I tell you what, I am gonna shake it, even if it ain't pretty!

The project

I had a friend of mine tell me that she was so excited to be 30. I teased her a little and she told me why 30 was so great.

Being 30 ment stability, and the knowledge that was gained over the past few years. There was no more being unsure of who she was. A new person had developed that was amazing, and she loved herself for that.

In light of myself turning 30 this year I am taking on a project that I think will really put real life into perspective. Being afraid of getting old is no more. I want to look forward and see what is ahead. What we all have to look forward to.

I want to select several women, and really show case them. I want to show off who they are and where they have been. What they have been doing to get themselves to this wonderful time in life. We will talk about careers, and struggle that they have over come. Their families that may or may not be growing.

In order for this to work I need women who are willing to share!!! I want to do a photo shoot with them. To show you are still sexy at any age.

If you want to participate please e-mail me at punkincorner@hotmail.com

I can't wait to see how wonderful you all are!!!

Sarah