it’s been pretty hectic lately in the Woltering household.  so hectic in fact that when chris and i stopped to think about it, we hadn’t gone out on a date night in over FOUR MONTHS. how in the world did THAT happen! date nights are usually a weekly occurance that somehow got swept away in the midst of all the chaos. learning to keep the balance is an ongoing learning curve that i am constantly trying to figure out. so to Rita’s we went in a frantic attempt to rectify the situation. because  truly, what problem can’t be fixed with 1,000 calories of cream, milk and sugar? so…. a vanilla custard in a waffle cone with strawberry-kiwi italian ice later, and a little bit was more right in the world.

at the moment, our house could possibly double as a construction zone. and with 3 full time jobs between the 2 of us, chris back at school, and me being smack in the middle of the busiest time of year- needless to say i feel like a chicken running around with it’s head cut off.  it seems for every item i cross off my “to do” list, i add 3 more. i try to sleep but can only stare at the ceiling thinking of that “one thing” i forgot to do today.  right when i think i have things figured out, the universe laughs and intervenes to remind me just how arrogant i am to think so. brings me back to one of my favorite quotes from when i was little. (this is from the serenity prayer- there’s that damn catholic school girl coming out in me again! :-) )

grant me the serenity to accept the things i cannot change

the courage to change the things i can

and the wisdom to know the difference.

patience for things that take time.

appreciation for all that i have.

tolerance for those with differenct struggles.

and the strength to try again even when it feels hopeless.

i’ve heard sometimes it’s best to stop and breathe. remember why you are doing what you are doing. remember what it’s going to take to get where you want to go. and remember the journey that brought you to this moment in the first place.

little bit more serious post than my usual socially awkward and random banter, but i try to write this blog as honestly as possible…it is as much my personal journey as it is a way to share my photography with everyone. i’m thinking another rita’s trips is in order  :)

amy + dirk.  just breathing and taking it all in.  

(shot for kristi odom )