My "Summer Job"

I DID IT!!!!!  I AM DONE WITH SUMMER BALL PHOTOS!!!!

 (Well, I must add a stupid disclosure here that I'm not actually done quite yet....but, I only have to package(which does take a crazy amount of time even though it doesn't sound like it would) the last four teams when they arrive and then deliver to the coaches for distribution.)

So, I was asked to do the  team photos for the Nauvoo Athletic Association again this year.  I did ten teams with kids ranging from 4-16.  It a large task for one person.  But, one I was looking forward to with excitement.  I spent some time in February, March, and April getting nice order forms made that had a perforated, tear off envelope to put payment in, for a more streamlined order form and a professional look.  I worked out different print packages for people to choose from, set up an online store, designed new marketing materials, and worked on the "business" part of my business so that I would be fully prepared for the summer photos.  It was all going according to my plan until I began to realize that my contact for the NAA wasn't actually conveying anything to the rest of the NAA or the coaches.  Whatever.  It has all ended up working out in the end but, again, next year, I will run things differently or just won't do it, I guess.

I spent all of June and July working on these photos and it has been a ton of work.  Work that I enjoy.  Work that brings money into our house of NINE people.  I think sometimes people forget that Jeremy and I both are entrepreneurs, we own TWO business, have SEVEN kids, are paying double on most home bills (due to owning one and renting one), and also have business expenses on top of all that as well, and we are solely responsible for how much money we make.  We don't get a paycheck.  I know most people don't own their own business, let alone two, so maybe it is hard to relate to.  But, is is hard.  There is so much more behind the scenes stuff that people never see.  I just think it is interesting that when ever anyone else has work(where they work for someone else), it is fine and dandy because you know, it's their JOB, and they have to go because they have to make money.  But, if Jeremy and I get babysitting for our JOBS or work strange hours, we are told that we are not good parents, or people act like we never see our kids or don't love them or something.  Ridiculous, of course. I just need to learn to block these stupid comments out of my head but, that has always been something that is hard for me, I feel too much, and take too much to heart.  Anyway, we also had a lot of help with our kiddos which I am super duper grateful for!! :)  I still need to figure something out for a regular sitter for Vivi during the school year, once I am working again but, gonna try to block that out until later,,,,,I don't want my head clouded with any more than it already has stuffed into it. Haha!

 Something that I love about Jeremy and I both owning our own businesses is that we can take time off when we want.....which is exactly what we are going to do.  Tomorrow morning, we leave bright and early for our camping adventure!! I cannot wait!!! I want to sit back, block all the stupids out of my life, and enjoy my family, myself, and nature.  I don't plan on doing any more photo sessions until after school starts again.  August is going to be packed full of adventure and fun as well so best make time for it, lol! 

Little Miss Dress-Up

 This girl loves to pick out her own clothes and accessories, get dressed, and play dress-up.  (I'e been gathering different costumes, dresses, hats, accessories that I have been finding on clearance or very cheap and going to get her a cute little play dress-up center thing for her birthday this year.....I am very excited! I just know she is going to LOVE it!!)

Anyway, she is always asking me to take a picture of her when she does.  This particular day she got all dressed up and asked me to take her picture with the unicorn-y.  Sure thing!

 The poses she strikes are always awesome too.  Just like her. 

 This girly girl is just what I always wished for.  I cannot believe that I actually got two perfect little girls after trying for so long and hard.  They are sooooo different from my boys and that is okay.  Some things are easier and some are harder.  But, either way, perfect. 

By the way, don't you love the winter hat with her summer dress?!!?  Lol!

The BOM

One of my best friends in the whole world, Tuesday McLeod (Carstens), got me a ticket to see the broadway play, The Book of Mormon, that was coming to Peoria!!! She did it as a thank you for me taking their family pictures.  So, I left home about 2 or 3 on a Tuesday and drove to Peoria.  I was planning on spending the night but, ended up driving home at one in the morning(that is part of the stupid story with Chenille and Mother) afterwards.  Anyway, the play was freaking AMAZING and SO FREAKING HILARIOUS!  There were so many funny references that you would only "get" if you had been immersed deep in the mormon culture!! I literally could not stop laughing.  The music was good and so was the company!! Thank you Tuesday!  A great life experience. 

That's Terrible!

I have to type this out before it flies out of my head completely.  A few days ago, Eden had changed her clothes four times already and it was just barely noon.  I walked out of the bathroom to find her sitting on the couch in a shirt but her shorts or skirt was no where to be seen.  I said:"Eden, where are are your pants/shorts?"  and she was like: " I need new ones."  So, instead of getting continually more and more mad every time she changed clothes, like I had been, I knelt down in front of her and said with a half-smile, "Eden, I don't mean to be upset with you but, do you know that every time you change your clothes, it makes more laundry for me.  And did you know that I have to do laundry for NINE PEOPLE?" She looked back at me with her big eyes, dead serious and whispered, "Oh no, that's terrible." and gave me a hug!  I laughed so hard!  She totally made my day with that.  It's little thing like that, that can turn your day around for the better.