November 19, 2015
Okay. So if all goes as planned and I stay on schedule, you will all be reading this on November 19th, exactly one week before Thanksgiving Day! I’ve been wanting to do another [not photo/business related] post, so I thought to myself, “Why not now?!”
I’m going to be completely honest… November has been a crazy month. I was looking forward to this new month with much anticipation because in October my life was just a bit hectic. I was super busy with pictures, [and for that I’m thankful.] My last scheduled session before Christmas was October 31st. I literally could.not.wait. for this day. My plans for November were basically to finish up business things, and then kinda take a “work vacation” from Chelsea Jane Photography! …But then life happens…
Coming into November was pretty much like running full speed into a brick wall. My Grandma passed away. She was the sweetest, most caring, most loving person I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Its like losing a best friend. She was always there to sit and chat. She loved to know what was going on with me and my friends. She always knew how to make you feel extra special. [Clara Story] I hate going in the barn. And yes, hate is a strong word, but trust me friends, it fits! I need to explain myself. The barn is great! Cows are great! It’s just not great for me! :). I’m a little bit of a girly girl. I don’t like to get dirty. I don’t enjoy the new scent! And also, I just hate the interruption during my “Day of Rest!” Grandma knew how I felt about the barn situation. This particular night was no different than any other. I had gone into her house after my chores were all finished. When I walked in the door she asked, “Who’s here?!” (as she always would) I answered the same way every time. “It’s just me!” To which she would reply, “It’s not just you….Its YOU! CHELSEA!” I walked in and sat down and she said “You are just so pretty! And you’re my granddaughter! I have the prettiest granddaughters! You are all just so pretty!” And in that moment I felt soooo special and loved! There I was wearing my “Sunday worst,” my disgusting, dirty, smelly, gross barn clothes with my hair all messy and my Grandma thought I looked pretty enough to actually say so. <3
The thing I found myself thinking about the most during those last 2 days before Grandma passed away was the fact that my Grandma was going to meet Jesus! [and I’m thankful.] My Grandma. The same lady that sat beside me in that rocking chair in the kitchen would soon be in the presence of God Himself. It’s so crazy. It’s one of the strangest things to try and wrap your mind around. Grandma loved and accepted Jesus! She lived her life to please Him. [and I’m thankful.] I’m so thankful that she and Grandpa taught their children to love Jesus, and now those “children” are teaching the rest of us! They’re teaching us to lean on God, to trust in Him, especially during the most difficult times.
I know those last few days were extra hard for my Aunts and Uncles. But they didn’t stop trusting. They loved Grandma enough to let her go. Even though their hearts were breaking, even though we all wanted just a little bit more time.
I came across this song and it fits so perfectly.
My favorite line in this song is, “And my soul is getting restless for the place where I belong….” That was Grandma. She knew this world was not her home (or ours) and she wasn’t afraid to leave it.
When Mom and Dad came home from the hospital that night, Dad made the comment that it was the hardest day, but it was the best day. [and I’m thankful.] I’m thankful that, because of Jesus, we have hope! November 1st was a new beginning for Grandma! I wish I could have seen the reunion of her and Grandpa! She loved that man so much. [and I’m thankful] I bet he gave her a hard time for making him wait so long 😉
Things I’ll miss the most: Chocolate Chip cookies. Seeing her Kitchen light on every morning when I wake up. Watching her wave out the kitchen window when she’s washing the dishes. Seeing her sitting in the Foyer after church and stopping to just to say “Hello.” Our little chats throughout the day, especially when I’m on summer vacation. It truly is the little things that you miss the most. <3
So on November 2nd… Just kidding 🙂 I’m not going to write something about every single day of November! [and YOU’RE thankful!!!] Ha!
One thing I’ve learned so far this month is that God has a bigger plan. When I was booking Fall sessions October was booked in no time, but November was empty. Completely empty. I was a bit concerned, but now [I’m thankful.] Today is November 19th and I’m not being sarcastic when I say that I can barely remember the last 2 and a half weeks. In hindsight, vision is 20/20. I wouldn’t have had time for sessions this month and that’s the complete truth. This week is my first full week back at work which is a totally good thing because as much as I don’t want to be, I’m a total schedule freak. I have a planner and I make a list for pretty much everything. Maybe I just like the satisfaction of crossing things off?! CONFESSION: I even make my own check boxes….
When things don’t go as planned or when things happen that I didn’t plan on, I get a little overwhelmed. Lesson #2 – Guess what?!! I am in fact NOT in control of my own life! I’m still trying to work on being okay with that! 🙂
To those of you still reading this rambled mess, Thanks! You’re the real deal!
Okay, so this was going to be my Thanksgiving post where I tell you everything single thing that I’m thankful for. I’m not going to be ridiculously detailed because I already sound like an obnoxious mess! 🙂
- Jesus. Had he not died on the cross for your sins and mine, giving us the choice to accept and rely on Him, this month would be even harder.
- Family. I love that I come from not one, but two very big families. Both of which are very close. These are people I can laugh and cry with. I may be biased, but my families are the greatest! I know that no matter what this life throws at me, they’ll be there.
- Friends. They are there to offer wisdom about how similar life situations were for them. It’s those early morning text messages telling me that they’re hoping and praying I have a good day, the phone calls just to see how I’m doing, and just knowing they’ll be there whenever I need them. God has blessed me with amazing “sisters.”
- My Students. They are some of the most encouraging kids ever. They ask the hard questions, make me think, and some days even let me learn to be more patient! Haha!
- My Clients. 2015 has been a huge year for my business. Looking back to November of 2014 I would have never expected to be where I am. Thanks for helping me make it successful. And a special thanks to those who have been extra patient with me these last few weeks as I was finishing up their galleries in a not so timely manner!
- Last, but most certainly not least, My Family. The ones who live in this house with me. My dad, a.k.a. Financial Advisor, who helps me decide what the best decision is when it comes to spending money to grow my business. [What? You mean to tell me that photographers have expenses?!!! Yes Honey, yes they do.] My Momma, a.k.a Landlord, lets me move into her living room all year long! Isn’t she just a sweetie?!! She always gives me grace when I start slacking on my daughterly duties when my busy season starts! And of course, my Twinsy, a.k.a. Iphonetographer :), you’re the best brother a girl could ask for. And thanks for telling me how it is. And thanks for answering my stupid questions. My favorite thing is when you walk by my desk while I’m editing and you tell me that my pictures actually look legit. 🙂
Quick Life Update: Grandma lived with a Princess and now we have a dog. If anyone knows how to teach an old dog new tricks or just how to get her to sleep in her own bed without whining all night long, let me know! 🙂
It’s a good thing you read this entire post or else you would have missed the actual thanksgiving greeting. 😉
Happy Thanksgiving, Friends!
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