I can’t believe the sun is already setting earlier, and my kids have their school supplies all lined up and ready.  We begin our official schooling Monday morning.  I think I am finally coming to grips with reality, and bidding a fond farewell to the 2010 summer.

Back in March I wrote a blog entry that really solidified feelings I had been having and wanting to share.  The response was amazing!  From comments, to emails, and just people talking with me, I felt so much better because so many said they understood where I was coming from.  Since that point, I am happy to say that this year has been going quite smoothly.  We stuck to a plan that we made and things have been much more balanced around here….one major accomplishment being, I didn’t feel like I was going to have an anxiety attack once this summer!  Instead, we just enjoyed it together.  In fact, we enjoyed it so much that when I went to look over photos for this post, I realized we didn’t take many!!  Oh well. Living in the moment, and just simply living was my goal.  Goal accomplished.

Here are some highlights of the past few months.  These things may have been on my “to-do” list on my desk, or the one in my heart:

– had many dear friends over for dinner and laughs (this was put off too long)

– celebrated my three boys birthdays

– celebrated my two sisters’ birthdays

– celebrated another year of life for me

– got new garage doors put on

– had our red house repainted, red of course

– went to LA for a shoot and hang time w/Jason

– went to a fantastic photography workshop, and met amazing new friends

-saw Ashley graduate from Nursing School

– as guests, witnessed two dear friends get married

-took a spring wildflower trip with just my Dad

– ate lots of yummy summer veggies

– had a great 4th of July party with some of my dearest friends

– took my kids swimming much more than last year

– did a complete redo of Priya’s room

– helped my daughter start her own art and food blog

– went on dates with my sweetie, just for fun

– watched lots of movies

– booked our family vacation!

– Brett took Adin on his first father/son camping trip

– went to a couple concerts

– got the car I’ve been dreaming of  :)

MOST IMPORTANTLY….did all of this guilt free.  If you own a home based business, you know what I mean!

I have to say, I am a bit nervous for the rest of the year.  I have been soooo relaxed the past couple months that I am going to have to really step it up here beginning Monday.  I plan to share a bit of my/our schedule in the next couple weeks, since I have had so many people curious about the homeschooling/business owning/family raising balance.  I am going to start a new segment on here called BALANCE to hopefully help others, help myself, and just vent through this journey of life.

I would love to hear some fun/great/thrilling things you did or accomplished this summer in the comments below!

We were honored to be a part of the lovely wedding of Tracy and Shanaka.  You may remember me mentioning when we did their engagement session, that they don’t think they’re very good in front of the camera, but we have found it to be the exact opposite- they were very natural.

Here are some of our favorites from their day.

While the girls were getting prettied up….

……the guys enjoyed food and sports, but of course.  Shanaka had the guys wear their favorite jerseys.

Then they watched game 6 of the 1986 World Series between the Mets (Shanaka’s favorite team) and the Red Sox.

Tracy’s sweet mom helped her tie her sash perfectly.

Stunning bride.

Handsome groom.

First looks…..

Tracy is such a natural beauty. She has to be the most patient and laid-back bride we’ve ever had. 

“A wall that matches you perfectly!!!!!!”

Ahhhhh, you two are ADORABLE together.

Beautiful job on flowers by Courtenay Lambert.

And the view of downtown Cincinnati was beautiful.

Prayer before the ceremony.

I just ADORE the look on this little guy’s face.   :)

Tracy’s brother was the officiant. How cool is that?!

They did a tea ceremony where they served tea to their parents, honoring their two cultures.

Two very beautiful, and proud mamas.  This makes my heart so very happy.

This may be one of my favorite wedding ideas I’ve seen.  This is their “wishing tree” and they asked their guests to sign a note, leave advice, or draw a picture.  I loved watching its transformation over the night into a beautiful and meaningful work of art.

Gorgeous setting, with a very personal twist….Tracy’s mother handmade all of the vases.  They were each a masterpiece!!

They surprised everyone with a “same day edit” by Studio Z Films.  It was FABULOUS!

We were lucky enough to work with a fabulous team of vendors, who all did a wonderful job.

Hair: Jen Nally

Makeup: Jean Folchi

Video: Studio Z Films

Florals: Courtenay Lambert

Venue: Drees Pavilion

Tracy and Shanaka, thank you so much for including us in your beautiful day!  You are a wonderful couple, and we wish you many years of happiness together.

All the best,

Jess and Brett