Swing Batta batta

I really feel the need to write. To let things out, maybe just to let you know you're not alone.

Life sure has some major curve balls, and if I have learned just one thing, it is to swing. I know, I know, corny baseball comparison. I grew up playing ball till I was in my mid 20's, it's something I know well.
The thing is, if you just stand there, you are sure to strike out right?  Three  pitches, three strikes.  I'm not saying that you will hit the ball every time you swing, but odds are you have a better chance of "hitting the home run" or even a "grand slam" if you swing.  Nearly 100% of the time, if you just stand there, YOU WILL STRIKE OUT. Okay, So there is a small chance you will get hit and get walked or you will get 4 balls and walk, but who wants to just walk through life, don't let the pitcher control your fate. Be a batter.

Sometimes it is fear that stops us from swinging. We don't know if we are ready to run, or the fear of failure after we swing and we miss. Just remember that you swung, your odds are better just for swinging.

Mistakes are great, it means you have put effort in to succeeding. You are making things, even if they are mistakes.

Keep going, keep making mistakes, keep swinging and striking out, you will eventually hit the ball. If you don't you will be forever sitting in the dugout, while others are out living the dream. Home Runs and all!

Cairith

Sticks and Kidney stones....

So I have been lacking on the blogger front, but I have been working nights and been sick. My stones, Kidney Stones, are growing. I have had a problem with them since my second pregnancy 4 years ago this month. I am a rock quarry. Not sure why but my body produces them as fast as they can. I have had multiple procedures and removals and passed a few along the way as well.

They don't let you pass anything over 5mm...mine is 15mm, yup a whopping 1.5 cm...That is massive and now its dropped. Oh lucky me. Ya. RIGHT. I am off work now till 2nd week of June.

I will still be doing some photos, but pretty much just laying pretty low. It is definitely a day to day thing around here. Some are good, some are not. I have been in the ER quite a bit lately. So much, that when I get there the nurses look at me and say oh no, okay, go to bed 2! I love the nurses, I just wish they did not see me so often!

The pain of stones is horrible, I would much rather give birth than deal with the pain of kidney stones. There is no end in site with the pain of them where at least with labor your contractions come and go and you get a baby! I would NOT wish this on ANYONE.

I have to look after my body and I hope this does not cause to much inconvenience for anyone. I will still be taking calls, editing and possibly doing a shoot here and there depending on my surgery dates.

Over and out
Cair

Choosing a path...L age 3.5

Today we walked my son G and his two friends to school. The snow in the yard is that crunchy, been rained on, snow. There are footprints in the snow that we followed to get out of the yard. On the way home my 3.5 yr old L, decided she was not about to hold my hand, for anything. As we walked back through the yard, me in my work shoes, as that was all that was at the front door, and my 23mos old T in my arms, I decided to take the footprint path. thought it might be easier and cause less snow to fall in my shoes.

L on the other hand took two steps in the footprint path and asked for my hand. My response; I am not going to hold your hand, you can do it. So she got out of the footprints and started her own path. I smiled. the first few steps she sunk in, but she kept on her own path, making her own trail. a few more steps and only made impressions in the snow. She sunk a few more times but that did not even phase her.

I am a proud mom, not only cause she did it on her own without my hand, but that she chose to walk a different path, to make her own.

Sometimes, we think that cause there is a path already that maybe it will be easier. I feel that following someones steps can be harder, just as L proved today. She has tiny little feet and the prints were way to large and far apart. It showed it was too hard to follow and easier just to do it on your own. Your own pace, your own path, your own.

Thanks L.

Messes to be thankful for.

Today I clean up another mess, frustrated. I stop. I take a look at my son, alive and well, smiling and laughing that he just ripped apart the entire sandwich and chucked it all over the floor. A canned ham and mayo mess. Everywhere. Ugh. I stop. I hug him and tell him I love him.

I now think. I HAVE a mess to clean, what about all the mothers (and fathers) out there who have no mess. My heart breaks for them. The ones whos child was taken all too soon. Some never heard the first words, saw the first steps, and first day of school, some never made it home. My HEART ACHES for them. This post is for all you parents who have no mess.

I feel guilty for the frustration of the daily and sometimes hourly messes I clean. I want to stop and think. I will. I will be greatful for the cause of the mess. I will stop and think. More. Hug your child, tell them you love them daily. For those of you who can't hug their child, say a prayer and tell them you love them. Blow them kisses, wave to them and I am praying for you.

xoxo

Lucy and her chocolate covered strawberry mess.

Sit.Wait.Write.

On my way to Vegas for a conference, no not photography related at all..... Health and wellness!!!!

OK, so I have to send out an apology to all the moms who have left their family behind, and had a hard time. I always bugged them. I have left mine before but only for a day or two and I was with my Husband. Today is a different story. COMPLETELY. I am heading to Vegas for a little pleasure and a whole lot of business. I can't say I miss them, I just feel guilty....ugh....seriously!

I think I was the only one who was working while we were in Vegas, it really was easy to squeeze in though. Late night chats with women who are awe inspiring. I knew that going to the conference would change me, but man I was clueless. The women (and a few men) were all about helping YOU grow your business, and letting YOU know how amazing you really are. I figured, really? How well do YOU even know me? They don't, but I am. LOL


So while in Vegas I got to stay with an old friend from high school. Her parents and her picked me up from the airport and took me out for dinner. The nice thing about going and staying with someone there is you experience life off the strip. Dinner was amazing it was a pork roast with WHITE CHEDDAR mashed potatoes, veggies and gravy! WOW YUM! I drool just thinking about it. I got to stay in her home (beautiful I might add). We went for pedi's, walked Freemont, which was partially closed for the Martin Luther King Day Parade, went to Walmart (who does love a good Walmart stop in every city! LOL) went out for dinner at this great little pub with some of her friends. I am already trying to plan a trip back, this time with Todd.

Lara and I in Vegas! I was a total tourist, Camera out (dont laugh, I took my point and shoot) and had to stop at the OH SO FAMOUS SIGN! (SOOC)

Smile

Ok so I love I HEART FACES and I love to participate in the challenges from week to week. I am so excited that they have Jasmine Star (A.K.A. J*) be the judge this week....so I have to enter! For real.
My first thought was .Omy, I have to put a pic up from a wedding, then I thought, NO. since she is a wedding photog I am going to show her something different. So here is a Wife of 10 years, a little under dresses and definitely NOT in white! LOL
I love this shot of my Sister-In-Law Sarah, this is a taste of a little something we had fun with this past summer! She has an Infectious smile and great laugh to go with it.

Peek in to 2011

2011...wow.....really? already? Okay, here we go. I am not sure what this year will bring, but I am certain there will be the regular trials and tribulations that every year seems to bring. I know that I have my family, and friends to get me through it all as I am there for them too.

I am excited about all my adventures, photo shoots and friendships.

I love going on dates with Todd . The dates are usually nights that we are child free, due to a wedding shoot! We get to do something we love, dinner, dancing and sometimes a hotel! :) what could be better...oh ya I (we) get paid for it! Did I mention I love my career? My Life? My Todd? My kids? CAUSE I DO!

I am leaving for Vegas really soon to work on another career move.....Arbonne. I love it. I am going to GTC and looking so forward to learning all I can. I know the the business tip will work in all my business not just the Arbonne part of it.