Serenata Beach Club

Here is where I'll be spending my Memorial Day weekend 2008 shooting a wedding!
*the photo is from a wedding that the Club Serenata- looks beautiful!

soon to be Mr. & Mrs

Congratulations Ashley & Luke- I'm excited to capture your special day!

Alex & Abby

Oh these kids have my heart, even though I don't see them every single weekend as when they lived here. They are doing well and enjoy learning. I hope to see them by early summer!
Love you both

What has happened?

Well, the past 3.5 months have been nothing but a constant roller coaster ride that I'm ready to stop and ask if they have a money back guarantee.
I recently read something that our pastor said that hit me like a ton of bricks.
"Life is not a snapshot. You take a picture with a camera, and it freezes that moment forever, its part of the reason we like pictures. Its frozen in that moment forever, Its captured, preserved. But life's not like that. And when you are in a moment, and you're looking at yourself thinking, "I am a failure, I can't even serve God right, I can't even be faithful to Christ. I am a failure." You have to remember, life is not a snapshot. Life is a video. And I know it feels like this is a moment, frozen in time, but its not, The camera is still rolling. Tomorrow is different, the next day is different, five years is different. But not if you stay here. You can't stay here in this misery. So come to Jesus, ask for His forgiveness. And get on with your life. God has a plan for your life, and you are too young to quit now. You'll stumble from time to time, but don't think that your life is frozen in time. Its video baby. So go out there and Make a great Movie."-Mark Beeson
There have been a variety of great opportunities that have come my way concerning my true passion of photography. God works in amazing ways. But... there are other things that have been very frustrating concerning my health. I was sick off and on since mid September but thought by November that the worst of it was over. Well, about 5 doctors appointments later they thought I had a few infections as well as working through Mono (for the 3rd time). I was determined to finish out my last semester strong and unfortunately that wasn't part of the plan. I did the best I could considering my circumstances but it still wasn't enough. I was going to the doctor every 1.5-2 weeks and was soo frustrated sitting in a doctors office only to find out I have another infection or a severe virus that can't be medicated. I kept hitting brick walls with no energy! To make matters worse, the virus happened during exam week.
I was never allowing my body to slow down enough to heal I just kept pushing it. I recently calculated the hours spent in class, practicum at ND, work, nannying and photography- the total hours were averaging 70 hours per week- that left less than 100 hours to sleep, eat and do homework. I didn't have much down time and it took a toll on my system.
If I would have known I was going to become even more sick through Nov & Dec I would have lessened the school load and been able to complete everything but my determined self thought that I would be ok. I wasn't. And after the beginning of Nov I couldn't drop any classes, consequently, I'll be taking a couple classes in the spring while working on my photography business and possibly nannying close to full time.
Pray for me, I still don't have the strength but I'm trying to rest and "do nothing" as much as possible for my body to recoup. I told work to take me off the schedule until further notice (I know that closing late at night wasn't helping me at all) I don't have to nanny due to the family being out of town- I'll be house/dog sitting for 2 weeks after the first of the year until they come home from vacation.
Thanks for the prayers thus far, its been a frustrating time- but lesson learned about once again saying "yes" to too many things.

Hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and has enjoyed time with your family!
I miss you all!

Blessed Christmas

brittanirenee.zenfolio.com

I had a trial version of the website and I've now subscribed so if you want to view it go to brittanirenee.zenfolio.com

If you are interested in setting up an account to store your photos let me know and I can invite you and get you a discount.

my new friend

Yes, my new friend- Puffs kleenex, with Vicks! The best of both worlds for a viral infection that is taking my sleep from me and all my energy. The other friend is eucalyptus oil in boiling water.
Sad to say- I'm sick, yet again :(
Yes, I'm in the middle of exam week and have missed 2 already. I'm also desperately trying to finish up my hours at ND (now I'm 4 short of what I'd planned-looks like I'll be visiting them in January).
I asked work to take me off the schedule for at least a couple weeks. I can' t be visiting the doctors office every 2 weeks like I have been!
Frustrating to say the least- I don't know what "normal" feels like anymore.

Please pray.

Any immune-boosting tips are greatly appreciated!

more photos up

here
brittanirenee.zenfolio.com

I was able to add most of the photos to Chris and Rachel's wedding album -enjoy

Bug's 1st birthday party

FIVE

online gallery

I'm starting an online gallery and hopefully be used for online ordering etc
Check it out here
not all the photos are up yet- so check back soon for more!

Bug is one!

better late then never...

I finally sorted through the photos from the week of Thanksgiving and I'm featuring a slideshow of Madelyn's party.
Enjoy

the verdict...

My levels are still elevated and they said it looks like I've potentially had mono flare up again.. I have to go in for a follow up visit so I'll keep you updated. I have a feeling all the compiled virus' of this semester weakened my immune system so much so that I got it again and have since worked through it, but has left me feeling very tired. :(

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