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About 365 days of marriage

I started this blog in April of 2011. At the time, Bret and I were wedding photographers and it was a way to share how marriage is more about the day to day and so much more than the wedding day itself. For about 5 years, I blogged about the joys and sorrows of the Christian walk, marriage, work, family and friends. I’ve blogged every day since a few weeks after I started. In May of 2015, we photographed our last wedding. Now, I have become passionate about simplicity, particularly in marriage, Christianity, business, travel and life. For a number of reasons, we have become minimalists. I’ve found that having simplicity makes life so much deeper, refreshing and joyful. I hope that this blog will help others see the benefits of living simply.

Day 1193 – Moving Back In With My Family

You may remember Bret sharing that we were moving back in with my family. Well, tonight is our last night in the apartment. I can’t believe how fast the last 3 years in this place have gone. It has been an amazing time. I’m so thankful that we got so much time to grow as a couple before we had to move back.

Now you may be reading this and thinking…”wow Jen, way to go with the full-time photography! Guess that’s not working out!?” Well, you are certainly welcome to think so. I’ve come to realize, especially over the last few months, I will never make everyone happy. It’s funny, you’d think that’s something a person would learn a long time before 30, but hey. Well, I learned it…but have only just recently accepted it. I do want to share a little more of the story that brought us to this decision.

First, we made the decision to move back pretty quickly after Bret lost his job. The numbers just didn’t make sense. Then, a few weeks later, money actually looked pretty good….but we still decided to end the lease. The day after we mailed the letter that said, ok dudes, we’re moving out, a neighbor was mugged….in their home. Scary right? Yea, you could see my vehicle in the news clips. Yikes. This was a HUGE sign from God to us that we were making the right decision.

Second, my family is awesome. Hands down the coolest family I’ve ever met. It also means consistent workout buddies. Someone is almost always home. I will also have access to so many different books, it’s crazy.

Third, and really, most important. I saw a quote once, that I cannot for the life of me find right now….so I’ll paraphrase.
“Give up today things can’t believe so tomorrow you can live a life people can’t believe.” Or something like that. If you know the right quote, let me know! But the basic idea is that we’re giving up the “luxury” of living on our own to save our money. It’s also because we believe in our business so much, we would rather see that grow than have me get a second job.

So, don’t see this as a “failure” on our part. That we couldn’t get enough work, so we had to “take the walk of shame” back to my parents’, type thing. This is a “need to do now so we can have life we want down the road” type thing.

Also, thank you to all of you who have sent kind words about Bret losing his job. It means so much.

For giggles, here’s my poor computer on the floor of the apartment.

Day 1192 – Comics are Cool

Today I realized something. I LOVE Graphic Novels…aka comics. I’m actually surprised at myself for not realizing this sooner. I mean, I’ve read comics before and enjoyed it…but let it go to the wayside.

I’m currently reading The Walking Dead series and LOVING it! Though, I’m also realizing that if a zombie apocalypse ever occurs, I probably don’t want to be around for it. People are crazy…and get crazier when zombies are involved.

Anyways, yay for comics!