Time to Say Goodbye... For Now

    As of January 2012, I am no longer scheduling any photoshoots.  :(  If you already have something booked with me, no worries, I am still committed to taking your photos that day.

    I knew the moment I found out I was pregnant with my second, that I was wanting to cut back on my time doing photography.   I knew it was going to be a challenge to keep up on my editing, while still being a full time mother and wife.  But I didn't anticipate the challenge being THIS hard!  lol.  Even though I have "cut back"; between my husband working more hours than ever, and my newest little one being so demanding, and trying to work around my daughter's new school schedule, homework, etc... all the stress has started to wear on me.  Now, if you know me well, you'll know that I'm NOT a quitter!  I kept telling myself I can do it all!  And you know what, I probably could keep going on this way... I simply choose not to.  :)
    I think what made me come to the conclusion that I needed to put my photography business on the back burner, was when I heard THIS talk from President Uchtdorf.  If you have a chance to read it, please do.  (click on the word 'this' above to view it)  Even if you are not of the LDS Faith, it is a wonderful talk that helped me put my life into perspective.
     Let me just share this quick quote from Pres. Uchtdorf's talk:  "they “deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the [daily] treadmill of … work.”  Many had lost out on choice memories that come from spending time with family and friends. They missed developing a deep connection with those who meant the most to them."
     You may interpret this talk differently than me, but it reminded me that my family is what means the most to me in my life.  And so even though I have other things in this life that I love, I need to put them first.  I don't want to have the regret of not spending enough time with them.  I realize now, that photography can wait... my children though, can not.  I only have ONE chance to raise them.  To play with them while they're little, to help them grow, and learn.  If you are a mother, you know how fast these precious angels grow.  
     Although I can probably manage the stress that comes with running this small photography business, the fact still remains that I don't have to.  I feel extremely blessed to have the opportunity to be able to stay home with my children.  I know not every mother can have such an opportunity, and I feel as though I'm throwing this blessing away by holding onto my small business.  
     I know I don't need to explain myself to anyone as to why I'm taking this "long extended break", but you must know how much I LOVE photography!!  I have truly loved meeting each of you, making new friends, and having this wonderful creative outlet!!  Truly, this is a passion of mine!  Which is why I have so many mixed emotions about "leaving".  Hopefully one day I can start back up again, perhaps when the kids are all in school.  Yes, that is a ways off... but not really.  ;)
     I know how disappointed some of you were when I mentioned this news to you.  I'm not 100% sure yet, but I am thinking of doing just a few mini sessions throughout the year, to help me keep up, and learn more photography skills.  I will keep you all updated to this decision when I see how the new year treats me. ;)  Until then, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your love, support, and understanding.  I know I've said it a million times, but truly your kind words to me have meant more than you'll ever know!!!  Leaving this business behind has not be an easy decision for me.  You can not simply stop loving something.  :)  
     So there it is, officially announced.  :(  But I look forward to all the extra time I will have with my kiddos... I think.  Bwahahaha!  ;)

Ps.  If you're looking for my 2012 Christmas Card templates, click HERE.