I love when Chanel makes messes in my home

Call me crazy but I'm starting to love when Chanel makes messes in my home.

 No I don't enjoy cleaning everything up for the fifth time, mostly the movies. No I don't love finding pieces of garbage under the couch that she dug out of the trash can. I do not want to find another shoe missing out of my closet and drug to hers, or another roll of toilet paper taken from under the sink and dipped in the toilet, AGAIN!

The reason I love when my child makes messes in my home is because its taught me to appreciate all the good times I get to have with her. All the laughs she gives me, and all the little quirks she does when I start to get angry just so she can get out of trouble. She's only little for so long, so even though there's little grubby hand prints all over my t.v. I love seeing them.
 I have a hard time cleaning them off because I know, they will never be this cute and tiny size tomorrow, they will have grown. So for now, I'm slowing down and becoming more patient with the messes. I'm learning to appreciate the precious time that I have with her and her hugs while she's not "too cool for mom".

My hobby through a lense

So I have decided to get brave recently and start getting more serious about taking pictures. I guess I have always been the type that thrives off of others smiles and seeing something I do making them happy. I LOVE compliments (who doesn't) and being able to learn and grow with my hobbies. Photography gives me all that. I love being able to offer something to friends, family, and soon-to-be friends that I can also get something out of as much as they are. I am definitely not perfect at it but I love that I can strive to be! Not only do I love the people but I love to hold the tiny baby, and the little buddies hand. I get to experience something different every time!
I am recently working on creating a backdrop stand and I am so excited to see a dream become a reality! Jordan has also agreed to help me build my stand (big mistake!?), what a stud! My husband has been so good to let me take over the downstairs with all my "junk" and collections that make my pictures beautiful. I must say, my husband is pretty great in being supportive. Even when I've got some crazy idea or am discussing something not too interesting, to him at least, I know he listens and I know he's got my back. And he also comes with opinions and advice!
I am always on the hunt for fun props and backdrops and "secret" locations for pictures. It makes it almost a treasure hunt for me and I must admit that I get a thrill and rush of adrenaline after finding the goodie I was after, or sometimes the ones I wasn't.

My little sister Paige

This weekend has been pretty crazy. I am getting to the realization that my little sister is no longer in elementary school... I haven't even began to fathom the idea that she actually has just graduated high school. It's depressing and exciting all at the same time. She has been such a good influence to me, and has made me want to be a better example everyday for her. She is a beautiful person inside and out. My little sister is such a cool kid and I want to be her friend. She is the girl I would've looked up to in school. She is that awesome. Paige not only is a beauty, she can sing, she can play tennis like a pro, she has organizational skills like no one I know, and she is a perfectionist. AND, she LOVES Disney. Which leads me into my next topic. I don't know how I should feel, I don't like the idea but I am so excited for her. My baby sister is going to be moving to California to work at the happiest place on earth. Yep, she's going to Disneyland! I have no idea where she got the bravery but I'm a little jealous. okay, I am A LOT jealous. I have always secretly wanted to be a princess at Disneyland. I don't know if that's what she really will be doing, but I know she will be awesome at what ever she gets a job to do. Even if its passing out churros at the Matterhorn. YO-DA-LAY-HE-HOO.
All in all I guess I wanted to give a small shout out the one of the most cool sisters I could have. I am blessed to call her my sister, and I know what ever road Paige chooses, it's going to be great!

I have a problem....

So I know I have been slacking on my blog, I blame it on having a child, good excuse right?
I've noticed I have been so tied up in the next big thing I want to do or what plans I want to make and I have started to push good out of my life. I need a change. but the first step in solving a problem is realizing there is one right?
 We never have had cable or satellite but, I noticed I was glued to amazon prime. why not? It's got tons of free shows, movies, KID SHOWS! AND... free shipping on amazons website with a yearly subscription. Looking back I have been pretty selfish with my time. Our house has not been a home (messes), I have had no gumption to cook fresh meals like I did, and Chanel just wasn't getting as much time as she deserves, especially since Jordan is such a hard worker, I get the privilege of being home with her all day. I don't know, I guess you get so wrapped up in the next idea from pinterest, or project, or the silly pitty parties of what you don't have, you forget what you do have right in front of you. So I've made a change. I've decided I need to unplug a little. I'm cutting down t.v. time. I admit I have a problem, a problem with overlooking my own life and letting it get so crazy I have no control.
I'm making an effort to do a little more service. I don't consider myself completely selfish, but the time I spend on my phone or in front of the t.v. I could be spending on others who could use even just a little help. Of course family comes first, but I also want to give more. I want to use my precious time for good, not for idle things.
I've also taken on the challenge of the 100 days happy and I can already notice the difference in my life and I challenge you to do the same. Even if you don't post on facebook or where ever else, try to find one good thing a day that puts a smile on your face or something you could do to feel accomplished. It gets easier as each day passes I promise. You will notice a difference!