Happy Halloween!

Can you guys believe I actually almost missed out on this Halloween adorableness?! It seriously wasn't until about two weeks ago that I decided I should probably buy a costume for Sunday. I just figured it would be a waste of time and money since she would never remember this particular Halloween. But when I realized we would be attending a lot of costume-friendly events this week I figured I should put her in something. I browsed a few local consignment shops and the striped tights in this costume is what sold me! I just want to eat her up, she is SO CUTE!! I can't believe I almost missed the joy of this!

I hope you guys have a fun holiday today. We are going to light a fire in our little fire pit and curl up under big, fluffy blankets and hand out candy from the driveway. It's becoming a tradition around here. We get like 3 trick-or-treaters so really it's just a fun time of hanging out with each other and an excuse for Tommy to build a fire.

And just for kicks... here is us from Saturday night. Super last minute costumes... I was inspired by Sheena and threw on a (desperately!) homemade pirate costume. And Tommy found his costume idea somewhere on Facebook... can you guess what he is? :)

Happy Halloween!

Gratituesday: Sandy wasn't so bad...

While I know that Superstorm Sandy has left a devastating path... I just wanted to share my gratefulness that my friends and family were, for the most part, kept safe and sound. Even my friends in NJ, NYC, and Central PA made it through just fine! I am so thankful!

I was really sad to see the coverage in NYC and all the crazy things that were happening there. I hope this too shall pass - quickly - and I'll be praying for those who have lost loved ones because of the storm.

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Right now...

Right now, I am…

:: Settling into a few hours of uninterrupted work time.

:: Wearing my pjs, of course.

:: Hearing the hum of the house fan complimented by the snoring of the dogs.

:: Refreshed after a great night of sleep - finally.

:: Diving into a pool of images waiting to be downloaded, sorted, edited and delivered.

:: Anticipating our family trip to Lowe's later this afternoon to load up on home improvement supplies. This only happens about once a year and it's really fun to have been bitten by the fall cleaning and home improvement bug!

:: Blessed with in-laws that LOVE to babysit Sunday any chance they get.

:: Counting the days until busy season is over and I can focus in on our first real holiday season as a family! At the same time trying not to wish away the days because I do very much enjoy my job. I'm reeeeally excited about this holiday season though!

:: Making lists of things to buy in bulk at Sam's Club later this week. What do you buy in bulk?

:: Tasting my cream and sugar with a little bit of coffee. :)

:: Preparing for Sunday's first birthday party. I cannot believe it is so close!

:: Enjoying the beautiful fall foliage that creates the perfect setting for pictures. I cannot even explain how much I missed shooting portrait sessions last year!

:: Reading To Train Up A Child. This book is loaded with information... I think I will be re-reading it regularly for the rest of my life.

:: Smelling freshly brewed coffee.

:: Admiring the incredible strength and determination my friend Stephanie had during her months of training for a marathon she begins running in less than an hour!

:: Planning for so many things... Sunday's birthday, the holiday season, a grocery store run this afternoon, etc. I love to plan!

:: Dreaming of the day my mom brings her new (to us) hoosier cabinet to ourh ouse! I am reorganizing my entire home to fit this into our lives... I have been waiting for this piece of furniture for years and it is going to fit perfectly in my dining room! You all don't even know how far this change runs... I've been reorganizing my pantry, my laundry room, and our junk drawer in preparation for this!

:: Trying to get a grip on my to-do list and hunker down and work. So, I've got to get to work...!

I hope your weekend is full of blessings!

P.S. Did you miss my question up there? I really do want to know: What are some things you buy in bulk? Share in the comments please!

Gratituesday: Living in Virginia

As I prepare to hit the road again today for a 4+ hour drive, I am oh-so-grateful for the beautiful scenery that awaits me. (And the sweet family I am photographing as well!) I have been traveling quite a bit in the last month and I have a pretty bad habit of taking pictures with my phone while I am driving. You can pray for me if you want. ;) You better believe I am going to share the pictures though. I have to make them worth the risk somehow!

I am really grateful that at least during this crazy busy season and the exhaustion that inevitably hits, I've got beautiful surroundings and wonderful people in my life.

 So this Gratituesday I am grateful for living in Virginia with the mountains, the ocean, back roads and highways, and wonderful people to boot! (I'll stop taking pictures while driving during the winter. Promise.)

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

Seasons change...

There are seasons in life... the ups, the downs... the in-betweens. I am in one of those seasons when I want to shout from the rooftops about how wonderful things are. And you know what? I pretty much think it's okay that I do that because I have had some really long seasons of wanting to live in a cave and hide from the world, too. I know the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. And that this too shall pass.

But right now?

I am enjoying views like this as I travel across the state for work... loving my job... loving my clients... and loving the beautiful people waiting at home for me as well.

I hope if you are in a season of ups that you are also enjoying the little things! And if you are in a down season, I truly hope that it passes quickly for you.

Happy weekend!