Engagement Shoot on the beach

I mentioned in an earlier post that we GOT MARRIED! oh yes...we finally did it after 17 years.

You can read the whole back story...why it took us so long, the rollercoaster journey, to the decision to 'get on with it, on our wedding blogger friend Alison's Plans & Presents blog (aka Mrs PandP) here

I was Alison's 'blogging bride' since our engagement in February! (With a haribo ring, on another beach...but that's another story...)

Back in May, once we'd booked our photographer (Harvey & Harvey), we had an engagement shoot as part of the wedding package.

I felt a bit silly about all this...we weren't the young couple we once were. There were two other little people involved now and Steve wasn't so keen either.

However, in the end we decided we would go ahead - it would be a nice keepsake anyhow.

The thought of having our photos taken anywhere near home where someone might see us trying to smile and look natural filled me with dread. Thankfully our photographers thought our idea of a seaside shoot (our wedding theme after all) was a great idea.

The morning started with glorious sunshine as we headed off to Mablethorpe - a big stretch of unspoilt sand, perfect for us to disappear into the background.

Once we'd got going and had relaxed a bit, we started to have fun.

The boys got a day at the seaside so they were immensely happy and were completely unfazed (possibly because Mummy has taken a million photos of them both since they were born!)

We ended up with some really fun shots and glad we went ahead.

All Grown Up

Charlie started school.

He only turned 4 in June...how on Earth did this happen?

Last time I looked, he was still my baby, giggling and toddling about, finding his feet and pulling all the things out of the cupboards.

Now look at him. He's reading, he's doing sums, he can say discombobulated. He was more than ready for 'big' school.

He's looks ridiculously cute in his uniform and he is loving it.

He's already collecting Rocket points and Golden Tickets and making lots of new friends.

All grown up...but always the baby.

A Summer of New Beginnings

I wasn't sure I would be writing any more blog posts after my 'can't be arsed' phase but actually, I've missed this. Writing to nobody in particular, keeping a record of our life.
I decided to give it another go. I feel calmer, happier and quite chatty again if I'm honest.
Lots of things have changed over the Summer...I've met new people, I've been getting out and about and really enjoying new experiences again, our littlest boy started school and, oh yes, we got married!

I started reading other blogs again, something I've not done for a while. It's made me realise that even if not a single person reads this blog, I will enjoy it nonetheless.
I haven't got any great subjects to discuss. It's just me and my family and a slightly deranged cat.
I had to start again somewhere, so I guess this was it.

Next time I might eve have something nice to share.

A change is as good as a rest.

Can't believe I've not posted since last September. Life continues to gallop along at an unnerving pace, the kids are growing out of everything, the bills keep coming, we keep going as best we can!

I feel a big change is coming though. I'm not really sure what that is but I think it springs from the upsets of the previous year. Uncertainty in the business, things changing that are beyond our control. I told myself that this year would be OUR year and that I needed to start the year positively and full of 'can-do' attitude.

I've mostly managed it. I feel like I finally emerged from a fog at the end of last year and I decided that I was going to do more positive things for me and my family.

I joined a gym, I'm losing weight (something I needed to do), I'm not slobbing around on the sofa so much. I'm getting out and taking opportunities when they arise.

I can't say it's been easy to stay positive at times. When you're seeing your friends and family going through hard times and illness, there are still plenty of tears at times.

Part of the 'our year' has definitely been put in place by the fact that after 17 years, me and my lobster Steve are getting married! 

Life has chucked some crappy stuff at us and certain events last year (one of them being my brother being diagnosed with cancer) put everything into perspective. We all needed something happy and exciting to look forward to! More on that one later...(any excuse to talk about weddings!!)

So that's our big news on a personal front. 

The business is also going through some big changes - we've decided that sadly putting all our eggs in a notonthehighstreet-shaped basket wasn't the best move we've ever made. The site has changed beyond recognition since we joined at the very start. It's developed in a way that no longer works well for us. At this point, we've discussed all sorts of options and we're still unsure of exactly where we're heading. I can't not be creative that's for sure..it's what I do. School, art college, art degree...I don't know what else I could do at this point! We've been running our own business for over 10 years now and we're still here. That has to count for something. I think the main issue right now is that I am fidgeting like crazy. I have absolutely no idea what I really want to do!! I guess after so many years of doing everything, dealing with the stress of running a small business, going down all the craft and design routes, I need this change.

I guess we'll wait and see what's next.

I would love to hear what other small businesses are going through right now - I do feel it is harder than ever for small designer/makers to survive