My December Goals | Monday Musings

My December Goals | Monday Musings

This year is a strange one for me - I really don't have an 'off-season.' Generally, in the wedding world, events slow down in the winter months. Fewer people get married when it's cold outside, and not many families want to take pictures after the holidays. There is usually a break starting sometime in November-December and lasting until February-March, when my world goes to sleep a little bit.

No such thing is happening this year, however. In November, my first month without a full wedding, I ended up photographing 9 portrait sessions and one elopement, most of which were booked in just a few weeks. In December we will travel to Texas for a few days before photographing our last 2017 wedding (at Trump Winery, no less!). I already have quite a few sessions scheduling before the end of the year. The day after Christmas I will undergo surgery to remove my tonsils, and just a few weeks after that begins the 2018 wedding season, right at the end of January. The winter won't be much of a 'break' at all!

Why I Am Thankful | Monday Musings

Why I Am Thankful | Monday Musings

Thankfulness is something that does not happen naturally for me. I might dwell for a few minutes on some blessing in my life that I am grateful for, but I all too often move quickly on to the next item on my 'want' list and forget to express gratitude for what I already have. Thanksgiving is such a special time of the year, and like every cliche it makes me reflect on the things for which I should be giving thanks on a daily basis.

I want to keep it short and sweet, but I don't want to let this year pass by without recognizing the most beautiful parts of my life. Here are the things I am most thankful for in 2017.

1) I am thankful for Willow's birth mom...

My 30-Year-Old Bucket List | Monday Musings

My 30-Year-Old Bucket List | Monday Musings

Turning 25 years old was very difficult for me due to a lot of external factors. When I turned 26 this year I felt much happier and more at peace with life (due in no small part to the amazing trip I took to celebrate). The single factor that has made me feel my adulthood and responsibility is, as can be expected, adopting a child. Having a little human that completely depends on me has made me grow up quicker than almost anything else apart from marriage.

I may be growing up, but I never want to grow old. There are some things I do now that I swore I never would, some things I dreaded that aren't so bad, and some things that make me feel downright grandma-like at the young age of 26. For awhile I was going to bed by 9pm since Willow woke up multiple times per night! Thankfully this time has passed, but the other day I was reminded again that even as I am growing older I never want to grow old.

In light of my desire to always stay young and acknowledge that I still have over three years left before I turn 30 - and many more wonderful years after that! - I decided to make a 30-year-old bucket list. So, without further ado, here are 15 big things I want to do before I say goodbye to my 20s...