La Famille Armstrong

My friend will often post a picture of her newest little boy, and then post another pic of her oldest son to kinda show how they look alike and differ... I haven't been doing this so I thought I would post a few from the boys' first year of life!! Fun huh?? And in case you hadn't noticed (you will soon), my boys don't look too much alike... ah well, they are both super cute anyway! Enjoy!!

Alright, after much deliberation and constant thinking and praying about this... I've decided to take my photography up a notch. I love taking photos and I love helping people, but it's time that I run this like a real business instead of a fun little hobby. That means checking profits, checking costs and inevitably, changing my pricing. Thanks so much to all of you who have let me take your photos and use them for portfolio use!!! I would not be where I am today without you! And for all of you big purchasers, thanks for choosing me for your portraits, wedding and whatever else... I love having you as a client!

I made a new website that reflects my new look and gives a general idea of my pricing. I'm excited to really be working hard at this and learn the self-discipline it takes to run a viable business that will compete with other photographers in the area. Stay tuned as I'll be changing my web addresses to reflect my actual site and my photography blog - both of which will still be called JoliPhoto. Also, stay tuned for updates regarding some photo activities my good friend Darlene Taylor and I will be attempting together! Including (but not limited to) a senior portrait party and Harvest Mini-Shoots at a local pumpkin patch! So fun!!

So, here's my site... I'll soon be removing the wix.com ads once I know it's working well and people like it... so give me some feedback and spread the love!!

www.wix.com/joliphoto/Main-Page

It's been a while since I posted here. It's been a busy couple of weeks. First the trip to Texas - and all the getting ready stuff for that - and after just a week we headed down to Coos Bay. Mark took a trip with my dad down to CA to hit some race tracks and visit old friends and family. I decided to come down and spend the week with my mom and 2 of my sisters, and of course, the boys too :)

Boy, have they been a handful! Cole is teething with his 1 year molars and has been hot and cold, so to speak. Great for a day or two, then crabbier as I've ever seen him for another day or two. Crazy that he turns 1 tomorrow! And Mark turns 31!!! Asher has been pretty good for the most part. He's been melting down more and more in the evening, most likely just from missing his papa. But overall, it's been a great trip. We had quite a few outings (wal-mart of course)... trip to a park, the playground across the street, the Boardwalk, the Blackberry Festival, coffee and more shopping... eventful enough to keep the boys busy but not too crazy.

But, I'm exhausted! At home it's tough to keep up with the boys, but it gets harder when the house isn't totally baby-proofed and when all your stuff is just in a bag :) I had lots of help tho, just not much sleep! But Mark comes home tonight... within the hour!! So, hopefully next week I'll get some sleep and a break. I also have a TON of work to do, finishing the last 20 photos from one wedding and about 200+ from two other weddings... I'll likely be needed a babysitter one or two days the next 2 weeks, maybe 3... feel free to volunteer!!

Lately, God has been really doing things in me. I feel like I haven't had the chance to break away and really spend time in prayer, talking to Him and listening to Him. I feel like our life is changing (what's new) and I wonder what the future holds. I have ideas, desires, obligations, responsibilities and most of all, I have questions about where God would have me. I know I want to give up all my personal pursuits to chase after His plans and goals, but what's the best route? What does that LOOK like? Does He want me to do stuff here or is there something, somewhere else I should be doing? I just wonder. No answers yet. So, I suppose the best route is to just keep seeking Him and putting all my efforts into what is currently going on in my life and the things that come up. I just wonder, at what point should a person, namely myself, just stop what they are doing and pursue something else? Like missions work or something like that. Anyway, that's a little sneak peak into my jumbled mess of a brain :)

I'll put up some photos over the next couple of days from our little trip. Hope to connect with may of you dear friends soon... I need some down time!!! Love you all!