Leaves & Times-A-Changin’

This past weekend was a whirlwind, as was the one before it. I’ve had tons of things that I’ve wanted to blog about and many pictures to post but any down time that I’ve had has gone straight to relaxing with Nate. Usually that time would go to cleaning, but um.. let’s not talk about it. ;] *stares around blankly at the mess*

I feel like it’s time for a fresh perspective on what’s currently going on in our lives with… well, everything. The truth is- this is a troubled time for Nate and I. We’re dealing with seriously hard to deal with life issues within our immediate families, and it’s just a constant heartbreak for both of us. That is why my house looks like it exploded, I ran out of clean clothes, we ate out like 5 times last week, and my blog didn’t get it’s regular updates for a little bit. I just didn’t care. But these are the things that I need to hold on to. I love to keep up with my blog and I love when my house is organized and smells like apple crisp and fireside marshmallows (thanks Bath&Body Works!). I’m working more than I used to, so time management has become a bit of a challenge for me- but I want to see this as more of a blessing in the money department and less of a burden in my life. I just want to have a different outlook on all of the things that feel so heavy right now.

Nate reminded me this weekend that he sees me. (“I see ya… and I hear ya.”. – 10 points to whoever gets that reference!) When we got up for church on Sunday morning he told me to get dressed in something that I’d want to take outfit pictures in and we’d go out to one of our favorite spots to wander and take photos. After church, lunch with my in-laws, and a quick run to Joann Fabrics with my mother-in-law, we headed out to Ashland: Henry Clay Estate to romp around the property. Nate let me run wild with my tripod and remote and then politely obliged when I told him to “come here, sit here, do this”. There were enough people walking around to make it all pretty interesting. One woman kept telling her kids not to run into my pictures, “That lady is taking pictures! Come here!” Ha! I know people have to wonder what in the world I’m doing, or .. I would if I were them.

I just had so much fun in that little bit of time that we spent taking photos. It’s such a small thing, but Nate knew that it would make my day. He knew that during that little bit of time I would forget about everything and just be in my element and without a care. I try so hard to hide that I’m having a tough time because ultimately I feel like I should be taking care of him, and then he ends up doing something sweet for me. I really couldn’t ask for a better husband. I am so blessed. =)

These pictures symbolize a day of letting go, and they make me so happy. I probably should’ve been at home cleaning, doing laundry, and making a grocery list- but sometimes you just have to put that stuff aside and do something fun. Sometimes it’s necessary to just let the dishes pile up and relax on the couch. Life isn’t perfect. And I think that a lot of the time I have this unrealistic view of what my house should look like and what my BLOG should be like – what my life should be like. I’m learning to pick and choose my battles with myself and to say, “Relax- it’s okay!” when I get anxious about something that needs to be done. And on the other hand I want to better myself. I want to become a morning person. A productive person who utilizes free time as best I can. I want to find time to exercise and to not constantly feel like a slug. If we’re going to have to deal with the negative life issues then I want to try harder to counteract them with positivity.

[LOL- funny outtake featuring someone’s random dog.]

[Me telling Nate something very, very important- obviously.]

I hope you all had a great start to your week, and don’t forget to click on over to the current giveaway in the left sidebar! =D

Outfit Details
Top: GAP – given to me by Kristie
Skirt: Vintage
Shoes: Vance booties in Brown Herringbone c/o Blowfish Shoes
Tights: K-Mart (yep!) The perfect sweater confetti tights! <3 Belt: Gift
Necklace: Vintage