Happy Happy Spring from all the Watsons!

We had a wonderful Easter weekend! We spent most of the time outside in the beautiful Arizona springtime eating delicious food, playing yard games, and finding Easter eggs. I hope everyone's Easter was just as wonderful as ours.

And don't all these girls look absolutely FABULOUS in their dresses my mom sewed for them? Of course doing a small little photoshoot is so crazy hard with your own kids, but I managed to snap some sweet little photos of all my crazies before they were covered in chocolate and bubble soap. 

I'm Gonna Walk A Hundred Miles

They say that "opposites attract" and that particular saying has never been observed more than in Braden and I.

The thing about Braden is, he has a very left-brain, while I have a very right-brain. This usually creates a nice balance to our lives, and as whole keeps me "in-check" when I start to live in my dream world. He keeps me grounded, and focused on the present when I could spend all my time dreaming about all the things I want to do in the future. The problem with this is, it's very hard for him to appreciate the things that are important to me because they don't compute in his mind as important.

We do have 6 children to raise, which is no small financial feat, and as he is currently the main income producer of the family, he has a lot of stress and pressure to deal with on a daily basis. My main goal for my photography business is to alleviate most of, if not all of this stress and support our family of eight on a thriving business. Now, neither of us have business degrees so it is very hard to see eye to eye on how my business is being run, how it's being marketed, and how to gauge it's success. Where it is of my opinion that any successful business takes a few years to become profitable, Braden sees it as a more black and white, "you do a job and you're paid for it" issue and cannot understand why it should take me even a year to gain a profit from photography. He sees me putting in so much time and effort and passion into photography and to him, since it's not paying the bills yet it's not successful. I know he's not trying to be a dream crusher, and he just wants what's best for our family and he's worried about providing for all of us to have a comfortable life; but sometimes it is hard when the person you are sharing your life with doesn't believe that you are successful. So, when he told me yesterday I should "go back to school and get a degree in something and get a job when the kids are all in school because being self employed doesn't seem to be working out" it pretty much ruined my day. Again, I know he's coming from a place of concern for our family but nothing makes someone feel like an utter failure more than a lack of confidence from the person you love the most.

There are so many things I've tried to explain to Braden- like it takes most business a few years to turn a profit, photography is a unique business where there can be million different business models and you have to find the one that fits you best and that can be a process that takes time, that Groupon is not a marketing tool for all business and I don't feel like it is right for my brand, that I want to offer something different than other photographers in my area by becoming a full-service studio instead of the "shoot and burn" model I had used in years before... the list of things go on and on. Unfortunately these things are mostly lost on Braden and he sees things only in dollars and cents; and to him, since he is still the main income producer for the family and is burdened with the stress that ensues, I have not accomplished my goals as a photographer and a business owner.

I was so frustrated after yesterday's conversation that I began questioning everything I was doing. My marketing plan for 2013, my portfolio, my website, my pricing struture, the photographs themselves. Maybe Braden is right. Maybe I'm just not cut out for business ownership, and I should think about getting a job. Maybe it's not fair for me to think that I can be lucky enough to have six healthy children and support them with mere photography. Maybe that's the great trade-off. You get blessed with a wonderful family or a wonderful job- not both. Maybe everything I've worked for and dreamed about will always be just out of reach and our lives will just be filled with stress and worry. Maybe.

But then, as I was waiting to pick up Olivia from school, I watched this video from Sue Bryce. One of my chief inspirations, she is THE end all, be all in contemporary portraiture and glamour. I first discovered her on creativeLIVE and have ravenously devoured her marketing and photography education as fast as I could. This video brought me quite literally to tears seeing one woman achieve such incredible things with no more tools than I have. Hard hard work, dedication, perseverance, and probably a little bit of insanity have made her one of the front-runners of photography, and man I may not know everything about running a business but I know about those things. I know that talent will never get you as far as ambition, and that is something I have never been short of. So, I sat in the parking lot of Olivia's school with tears streaming down my face as I watched this video showing Sue Bryce do what she does best, and I saw with conviction what I want for my own life.




Sue is coming back to creativeLIVE tomorrow to teach a video marketing class with the video's creator, Hailey Bartholomew and I can honestly say I will be MIA for the next three days and glues to my computer soaking in every bit of knowledge I can fit into this brain of mine. Because although it may take a little more doubt from the people I love, I'm gonna run right up this hill.

Listen to Mindy Gledhill's song "Whole Wide World" whenever you need a swift kick in the butt and little more courage to follow your dreams.

Reality Check

Ok, so you know those weird moments when all of a sudden everything comes into perspective all at once and you finally see your whole life at that single moment so clearly? I just had one of those moments.

I've been trying so hard to get motivated at the start of this new year, and I just can't seem to find the spark to get me going. It's not that I'm un-happy per se, but I know I'm not where I want to be. I know I should be grateful for everything I have, and everything I accomplish on a day-to-day basis, but the truth is, I'm not. I'm so busy striving and planning for perfection, that I never actually achieve anything at all. I make goals, I plan, I make a schedule, I re-do calendars, but when I get up in the morning all that seems to go to right to hell, and when I lay my head down on my pillow at night I wonder what the hell happened to my day and why was my only real success taking a shower that day? I mean, really. I know that most moms feel this way every single day, and this may sound bad (and I really don't mean it to) but these small victories are just not enough for me. I have real, big dreams and goals that I want to achieve and I just can't seem to make myself even excited for them.

I made a priority list on New Years Day, like what I really wanted to focus my real efforts on month by month and for January I really wanted to focus on my kids. Being pregnant last year, then having the baby, and pushing my photography business, then the holidays really made me super crazy busy and I know I put being a good mom and a good wife on the back burner. I mean, for crying out loud, I made breakfast, lunch, and dinner from scratch the first day we got back and I felt like I deserved an award for not ordering out a meal. It had really been that long since I had done that. No frozen food, no giving the kids cereal for dinner because I was too busy to make a proper meal for them, no $5 Lil Caesar's pizza. Not that there is anything wrong with those things, but shouldn't someone who loves to cook actually, like....cook? And I haven't been. I haven't been reading my kids goodnight stories, or watching movies with them, or playing board games, or painting nails, or making racetracks, or having tea parties, or teaching how to ride bikes, or making forts.

For this month I really wanted to focus more on the kids. Really make an effort. I've done pretty well with it; as well as one can do with a houseful of flu, and under 60 degree weather (that's COLD for us here in AZ). The problem is, I don't feel satisfied with just making 3 meals for my family, brushing everyone's teeth and hair, reading stories, actually getting laundry done, and keeping my house clean. I know I should be proud of accomplishing my goals, but I feel like I am not tapping into my potential. I guess the real problem is, is that I recognize you can't have your cake and eat it too. You can't give all your energy to a new business and still have some for your family. And you can't give 110% to your family life at home every day and still have motivation and drive to put out the best work possible. This makes me sad, but it's better to realize the truth now than drive myself nuts in the end and let all my balls drop.

So I've decided to simplify things. I had a few different blogs going for the different facets of my life, but I realize it's insane to try and keep up with like 4 different blogs, because I'm clearly failing miserably at that. I'm just going to put everything here on my personal blog and that's just going to have to be all right for my business. There are so many different experts that will tell you that your wedding photography clients will not care what you made for dinner last night, what your 4 year old is currently loving to dress up as, or about digital scrapbooking. I've also heard that your Senior Portrait clients do not care to see photos of your Wedding photography clients, or your families you photograph, or newborns; but you know what? I think that many of the Seniors I connect with DO care about those things. They look at me and see a little of themselves in my life and can envision being a part of all those things. No, they may not look at the things I create with the Rhonna Designs kits that I create and say, "yes, I'd like to get into digital scrapbooking", but plenty of those Seniors and Brides and Moms see my instagrams using the kits and may want to spice up their own instagrams. And plenty of Brides will see my newborn photos and the things I write about my own kids and think "I want to do those things when me and my fiance start having babies."

I think that all in all, the people I want to work with and connect with through my business and on this blog are the kind of people that can look beyond today and can identify with my art and my life. They can relate to me on a number of different levels and will appreciate me for who I am not just what I can do for them now, but how I can inspire them in the future. Because really, I'm in this for the long haul friends, and I'd really like you to take this journey with me.

Starting today, I'm going to post everything I want to blog about here, on I Heart Rosemary Watson. You'll see my family, you'll read my memoirs, you'll see my home ideas, my Rhonna Designs projects, my style ideas, and of course ALL my photography. I may end up changing my mind later on, but for now, this seems to be the simplest answer and the best way I can start being me again.

Uh, what happened to November?

Basically I fell off the face of the earth. My sister got married. Thanksgiving happened. My photography business has exploded and I've been utterly consumed with family portraits and holiday card designing and marketing for 2013. Plus, my kids and home and husband have been taking up a little of my time too. Oh, and my mom had her 50th birthday. So that's basically what's been going on with me. There's a whole lot of other stuff too, but right now it's 1:24 am and I can't sleep because I had 3 cups of coffee yesterday plus a cup of tea plus a Dr. Pepper. Not a good combination. But, I'm glad to be back blogging again, it feels like coming home.

Since it's officially Tuesday, let's see what Rhonna has been up to, eh?

As you can see, I've finally changed up my blog header from Halloween using all her gorgeous holiday kits for this year. I switched it up a little for my Facebook header.

And, I'm super excited because I'm officially starting a December Daily album this year! What what! My Snap Album from Two Peas came in yesterday and I am in. love.

I designed some cute "Project Life" style inserts for the page protectors and ordered them from Persnickety earlier tonight. I can't wait until they get in so I can start putting the album together. Between my Rhonna Designs kits and my Instagram photos I'm using, this album is going to be spectacular. Here are some of the kits I used in designing the album:

Merry Printable Papers

Merry Christmas Stickers

Clementine's Birth Story

I am baffled by the fact that Clementine is now one month old. Time has literally flown by like Dorothy's house in that twister, and it's like we've always had six kids. Between the kids and Braden's school, my photography, potty training the twins, preparing for Halloween, Bunco, preparing for my sister's wedding & bridal shower, and I'm sure there's more that I'm forgetting- I've barely had time to breathe. But, during the times that I do, I make extra sure to say an extra special thank you prayer for getting to be so lucky. If you've never had the experience of taking a nap with a brand new baby sleeping on your chest, then let me tell you; you're in for a treat my friend. There is truly nothing better.


Eryn made me a treasure of a video of Clementine's Birth Story, and I am pleased as punch to share it with everyone. Happy Monday!

Yes, I'm alive. But barely.

It's been two and a half weeks since Clementine arrived and because we apparently lost our marbles, we decided to potty train Evelyn & Georgia since Teeny Tiny was such a piece of cake. It's been a week and a half now and I'm just now barely able to come up for air. I'll tell you right now, potty training is hell and I hate it; but now that they've gotten the hang of it I can tell it will definitely make our lives easier.

We were all a hot mess all last week, so obviously I was less present in my "online life" to be more present in my "real life".  But I have so much to share with everyone! It's been stockpiling, so be prepared for some blog awesomeness- woot woot! I have my maternity album to share, Clementine's Newborn portraits, our birth story video coming up, lots of Halloween fun, and more so get excited.

New to the blog today is my first "Workout Wednesday" post which features what I've been doing lately workin' on my fitness. People always ask others what they do to try and get in shape, especially after having a baby so I thought I'd share what I'm doing in case others don't know where to start.

I don't really have the time to get a gym membership (although once most of my bitties are in school, I'd LOVE to get one), so I have to do as much as I can from home. I found this awesome website, bodyrock.tv, awhile ago- they have a TON of great, fast workout that make a big impact in a short amount of time, which I like. This morning I did the Diamonds Workout, but modified since I'm so stinkin out of shape.

Also, I've been trying to do yoga every morning. You can find free podcasts on Itunes- I use 20 minute Yoga Sessions and switch it up every time so I don't get bored. This morning I did the 20 minute Power Yoga before the kids woke up at 5:00 am, and I already feel like today is going to be a good day. So, I spent less than 45 minutes to get a decent workout in. If I can do it, you can too!

Countdown To Clementine: 38 weeks

Here's the final installment of our Countdown to Clementine, since we got the news she's coming Saturday! It's really nice to be able to have an exact date planned so we can get everything prepared and ready and not just be sitting in limbo. I did my fabulous Maternity Portraits with my sister Eryn this morning, and I cannot WAIT to show you guys- they turned out so awesome. But in the meantime, here's what the belly looks like at this stage in the game:

Come back tomorrow for more of Clementine's Birthday Preparations!

Introducing Rhonna Designs New Creative Team!

 I am so thrilled to be able to be a part of Rhonna's Creative Team for 2013! Last year was so much fun, and I can't wait to delve into all the new designs and challenges for this coming year!

 Rhonna sent us an email about using her 100 Creative Exercises when we find ourselves uninspired, and I'm thinking it will be the perfect thing for me to get my mojo back. Who's with me?

New Instagram Fancies and Some Pregnancy Confessions

The sickness in the Watson house has yet to subside- we've been hit with a 24 hour flu bug and Landen, Penelope, and I have all fallen victim. I didn't get half of what I wanted to get done finished and pretty much just tried not to hurl all day.

However, I did get one thing done- posting my new Insta Frames in my Digital Shop. For just $0.99, you can get these bold and bright square frames with a little flag and some tinting to jzoojsh up your iphone photos. Aren't they swell?

There's going to be more fun designs in the Digital Shop coming up after Clementine is born, I have a ton of great ideas for the holidays coming up! I also have a blog "mini facelift" in the works. Not a full makeover, mind you, but a little change up for the upcoming season. I'll be doing some reorganizing of my brands and projects and introducing some new ones, but not until after this baby gets out of my belly.

I have found myself struggling to stay positive and cheery about this last pregnancy, it's just so hot and miserable here and I have a ton of complaints and grumpiness that I can't shake. Then of course, I feel super guilty because I also know I have a ton to be thankful for. Oh well, it's the nature of the 8 months pregnant beast I guess. Hopefully I can get out of this sick and tired funk and not go into labor all crabby and cranky like I have been. Pray for me friends.

Countdown to Clementine: 26 Weeks

The heat is killing me so I'm grumpier than an old man with kids on his grass, but other than that everything is going good. Oh, but we do have a special announcement to make- Baby #6's name...

{Drumroll please}

I've love love loved the name Clementine for, like ever, and after much deliberation Braden conceded the victory to me on the condition that he choose her middle name. All our girls have flower middle names {Olivia Rose, Penelope Lily, Evelyn Violet, & Georgia Magnolia} so he went online and found a flower he liked, so Cosmos it is! It's unique & spunky, just like I'm sure she will be ;)

And, here's my belly progress. Growing bigger by the second.

In other news, all my Striped Baby designs can be found at my new Digital Shop {rosemarywatsoncreative.bigcartel.com}, along with my Patriotic digital printables used in the Patriotic Mini Sessions I held on Saturday. The Patriotic digital printables will be in the store tomorrow! Check out the feature on the Rosemary Watson Creative blog!