I am alive!!!

I keep getting emails that I need to update my blog and I know I keep promising I will, but I need to be honest I have been taking a break from the fast lane.  This picture pretty much sums me up lately!  It has been a whirlwind fall and I am almost on top of getting my website (which is halfway done yeah), slideshows and albums done.  We shot 52 weddings this year!  It was beyond any goal I could have made for us and I feel incredibly blessed, I shot over 100 families took 8 trips, moved my studio and my family among other things.  I don't usually get too personal, but I know I have not been the same 100 mile personality the past few months, but there has been something very personal going on in my life.   

My precious, amazing son Zachary was diagnosed with asperger syndrome which is a form of autism this fall.  It has been a wonderful gift and an opportunity to understand him in a way that I never would have before.  It has also been a time for me to reflect on my priorities in my life.  Zach has a very mild form of autism, but if you have been affected or know anyone who has been affected by the disease you can understand the frustration a parent goes through and then the guilt you feel for being so frustrated with a child that cannot help a lot of the things they do.  

My passion for photography is stronger than ever, in fact I have learned more in the past three months than I have my entire career, but my passion for my family has grown too.  I will still shoot every chance I get and go get goofy in the park with my families and couples, but I am also going to shut the computer off a little more and spend time with my kids at night.  I have a fabulous team of people who work for me and help me edit and keep it together for me so I am not going to stress anymore about being all things to everyone in the world.

Taking a break from being superwoman (or at least trying to be) has been the best thing for my photography.  Taking long runs everyday up central avenue on the bridal path watching the leaves change, finally!, and taking a break every now and then to watch the older couples walking hand and hand has reminded me what life is all about.  

When people have found out Zach has been diagnosed with autism their first reaction is to tell me how sorry they are, but I am here to say I am not sorry.  I am thankful.  I am thankful to have a wonderful, healthy boy who reminded me and continues to remind me of what is most important in the world.  He tells me everyday as he runs off out of the car that I am the best mom in the entire universe.  That is what life is about.  

We are going to one of our favorite places next week, NASA so I am off and maybe I might take some time to finish up my website and post all our fabulous weddings we shot this fall on our blog and maybe not.  I may just decide to go to bed early and cuddle my kids or watch a couple movies.  At any rate I appreciate all my incredibly loyal and supportive clients and friends!  I appreciate all the love that has been shown to my business and to my family this year!  We are truly the lucky ones:)

until next time...xo