VLV Photography

Monday, Monday, Monday-wowza…It’s been a busy start to my week.  On top of that, all 3 of our kiddos got the sickies.  Our oldest was home from school today but I think he’ll be good to go for tomorrow.  Other family members were sick as well so it just seems that’s what happens when you get a large group of people together.  If someone has something brewing….every home seems to get it as well.  I think from now on when it’s holiday time I’m going to shrink-wrap my kids.  But breathing might be an issue…hmmm.  I wonder if that stuff you see advertised that teacher’s take really works?  Anyone know?  Do they make it for kids?  My kids do take vitamins.  Being stuck in the house during the winter month’s when it’s bone-chilling cold outside doesn’t help either.  As they’re getting older they don’t seem to catch everything but when they get sick it is usually for several days at a time….and all of them get it.   

Today I’ve been updating my PhotoCart System-adding images, product options, etc..  I’ve also been working on some design things, and just playing catch up.  I seriously don’t know how anyone with a full-time job outside the home can maintain a photography business.  Im even more amazed at those who are able to raise a family and work outside the home, at the same time running a photography business.  Having older children certainly changes the situation but I know of photographer’s that work outside the home, have a photography business that’s steadily busy, and have young children.  I think I’d be about bonkers and in the nut-house.  There’s only so much one person can give;  and I’m sorry but I like my sleep.  I still have many late nights;  however, I know that if I also had a full-time job on top of my already long list of to-do’s, I would just burn out.  At least I’m able to get the housework out of the way during the day as I don’t work outside the home.  Just thinking about it tires me out!  I know being a stay-at-home mom is also work-trust me, I have 3 kids under 5 1/2.  But they are pretty good kids and love to help out.  You gotta start them out early…the older two put their own clothes away!  So moms-enlist your children in doing chores they are able to do-you’d be surprised what they’re capable of!  Besides, when I visit my kids someday when they’re all grown up, I don’t want to walk into a pig-sty!  Teach them to take care and respect the things they have and they’ll respect others as well.  It’s just that simple.

On that note I have to tell you what my 4 year-old Alexandra said on the way to Mass Saturday night.  She told her grandma and grandpa that “Christmas isn’t about presents, it’s about Jesus’ birthday.”  In reply, her brother {Xavier-our oldest} said, “yeah, and sharing and caring.”  Talk about melt your heart.  That was a proud parenting moment for me.  Awwww….I sure love those kids {most days}!  lol!  They sure know how to push my buttons though too!

Anywho, no image of the purse I intended to take this week that I had taken to the Holiday Open House.  It was such a big hit there, but I didn’t get around to it.  Also, I’m still finalizing some things for the contest and am potentially thinking about making it a Valentine’s Day contest of sorts.   Not sure-still thinking on that one.  SO-it will happen-I’m not stalling-just can’t make up my mind on some details!  But anyway, here are a couple necklaces that are part of the Sterling Silver Photo Jewelry product line I offer.  These are offered exclusively to photographer’s so you will certainly have something unique to show off if you get one of these from having a session with me!  The first one is the Heirloom Necklace and the next is the Lariat Necklace.  If you are interested in these or other products from this line, be sure to let me know and I’ll get the information to you!

Alright, well everyone have a great first week of 2011.  My hubby and I are pricing out treadmills or ellipticals-gotta lose that “holiday 5″ I talked about last week!  Anyone have any recommendations {or models to avoid}-please email me!  I’m also working on my goals list for my business in 2011.  I listened to a webinar recently on setting goals and one thing I learned is when you write goals, you need to write them in the present tense.  For example, I will weigh xxx pounds by October 1st, 2011.  You have to be very specific.  You also should keep it to a list of about 10.  Then choose the one goal that would have the most immediate impact on your life and write that on a separate piece of paper.  From there you write the action steps you will take to reach that goal and again be specific.  It was pretty movtivating to listen to and I’m hoping the lessons I’ve learned in my business in 2010 and information like that webinar and everything else I read, will help me reach my goals for 2011.  I’m planning for a great year!  In fact, a {little} big moment for me today-it was the first time I had to turn someone down to shoot a wedding because I was already booked for a wedding that same day!  A little coincidence-yes,  however;  a good problem to have!

Cheers to 2011 awesomeness & for making your goals a reality!

Until next time….Live, Love, and Laugh with the one you’re with as they are the one that picks you up when you fall.  Failure doesn’t have to be a bad thing-grow from it, learn from it, and drive on.  ;)