Chill out.

If you read Ali Edward's blog then you know that she picks a word that helps her and inspires her for the year.

A couple of years ago I thought "Wouldn't that be a great idea". So I went and picked the word "Simplify". Sounds good right?

That year was the start of the whirlwind that never seemed to end in our lives. Jobs disappeared, a move (or two) happened, new jobs, layoffs, more new jobs and cancer to top it all off. Needless to say life didn't seem very "Simple".

Blessed, yes.
Simple, no.

So going into this year I was a little hesitant to pick a word. Am I tempting fate? Am I asking for it?

I really hope not.

I actually thought long and hard about this one. I am OCD. I am a perfectionist. (If you know me, you are nodding your head up and down right now.) So if the last 2 years have taught me anything it is the word I picked for the year.

 Yep. Chill.

CHILL OUT.


Josh has been traveling for work more often than not. At first I was a bundle of nerves because it put the weight of EVERYTHING else that needed to be done on me. But after a few times and constantly telling myself to "chill out" and remind myself to just be grateful for a job, it has gotten easier. It isn't more "fun" but because I changed my outlook it makes it more bearable.

And while we are at it...
To be honest I am behind on my blog for 2 reasons:

1. So much to do, so little time.
2. Behind on editing family pictures because I worry that all have to be "perfect" or people will start thinking "and she takes pictures for OTHER people?"

ahhh...see that? Already chilled out...because 2010 Rachel would have freaked out at even admitting that to the internet. 

I have missed documenting my life and telling my story because I wouldn't chill the heck out. I just giggled as I typed that out because it comes across as such a "Mormon" sentence. HAHA! Chill the heck out! :) HAHA!

I looked at my pictures for the year and I took less this year. Well, of my kids. That makes me sad.

I debated doing that whole "project 365" but about hyperventilated at the the pressure of it. Then I thought about doing the "52 week project" and I thought to myself  "but there is so much that happens in a week...to fit it all in with one picture?" So that was a no too. See what I mean about chilling out? :) So I am just stepping it up. Whatever camera happens to be handy, I am using it. No more missing moments. My kids are growing up way too fast and I want pictures. LOTS AND LOTS of them.

I am hoping to make this blog a more "real" representation of my life rather than such a "formal" one. I can hardly wait!