September 25, 2014.

That's the date of my last blog post, but let's go back a bit.  I started to blog my photography sessions, for my clients.  I wanted to not only share the images we created, but also the emotion and setting behind the photos...a good reason to blog a session, right? And anyone who knows me, knows I am nostalgic.  I love to reminisce. Just more reason to blog and be able to quickly look back at how far Giehll Photography has come.  I was on a roll... I really enjoyed sharing the session blogs, mixed in with a personal story here and there. Then life happened.  

September 16, 2014.

Not long, before my last blog post is when we found out my father-in-law was terminally ill.  CANCER. SUCKS.  I could use more colorful language, but I'll refrain since I know my mother may read this :)  We were told "Big Matt" would have two weeks...two weeks.  If he decided to fight it, then maybe a year.  He decided to fight.  

March 2, 2015.  

I woke to what I thought would be a normal day.  Got my oldest off to school and the little one in his pack-n-play so I could do my quick 20 minute workout.  A few minutes in, I was ready to pass out.  Not from exhaustion, I hadn't even broke a sweat...but like pass out.  I had an instant headache like I'd never felt before.  Pain running down my spine.  Had I pulled something? Why did I feel like I was going to lose consciousness? I called my mother-in-law, who lived two doors away.  She quickly came over and called 911.  Then the roller coaster of memories that are mostly a blur...In the ambulance.  To the ER.  CT scan......brain aneurysm.  Helicopter ride to another hospital.  Scary conversations, which again I am not able to recollect most of.  Craniotomy /Brain surgery the following day.  I survived.  I SURVIVED.  I relied on family and friends more than ever.  And have never been more thankful to walk this earth.  I was given a second chance to see my boys grow up.  To love my husband, more.  To make more memories with my parents, my sister, and all of the people in my life that mean so much to me.  I AM BLESSED. 

After my recovery I got right back on the photography train, I was so thankful to be able to live a normal life.  I had no side effects from the aneurysm or surgery.  I photographed sooo many beautiful families and children during the summer and fall of 2015.  It was awesome!  You all deserved a personal blog post, and If I could have infinite time, I would write them.  Here are some highlights:

December 14, 2015.  

Big Matt lost his battle.   I watched my husband and his sister say goodbye to their dad, my mother in-law lost the love of her life, and my two boys lost their beloved "Pa".  CANCER. SUCKS. Life is too short. 

When 2015 came to an end, we were more than ready for a new year.  We knew 2016 had to be better. And it was.  Again I was in full swing photography wise.  Beyond grateful for the memories I got to capture for some of my favorite families.  It was the best year yet. Again, I wish I could go back and blog each session.  I am so grateful for all the support that was shown to my little business. You guys are amazing!

September 2, 2016.  

We bought a new house! It was so bittersweet to move out of the home we had lived in for nine years. My husband and father-in-law literally put their blood, sweat, and tears into our townhouse.  I brought my babies home there and I balled like a baby for days, over selling it.  But we knew it was time.  We had outgrown it.  We had "been in the market" for what seemed like forever...but I have to admit, I still miss it... I told you I'm sentimental.  But we love our new digs, and it feels more like home everyday.

January 19, 2017.  

"I bit my tongue, in my sleep", my words to Matt when I got up that morning.  "Well babe, I  think you were shaking last night", was his reply.  I had a seizure.  Called my neurologist and left a message with his office.  Carried on with my day, until getting the call back, that I should head to the ER.  Yep, you likely had a seizure.  More scans and blood-work.  How did I get back here? I have been COMPLETELY fine for almost two years! Scans and blood work results are all good.  Six months. "We have to report this to the DMV.  You won't be able to drive for SIX MONTHS. It's state law." That was a hard pill to swallow.  But what other choice do we have..we will get through it.  I am once again humbled at how quickly life can turn upside.  As far as we know, this was an isolated incident stemming from my brain surgery, and I am lively a normal life outside of the driving thing and some added anti-seizure meds.  I'm ever so thankful for the numerous trips my friends and family have taken to help me out when I need a ride.  And Matt, thank you for bearing the brunt of my frustration, and my emotional rants. Thank you for loving me, even when I lose my shit. You have taken on the duty of daily errands, grocery shopping and driving to baseball practice.. most of the time without complaining :) We will get through this...but July/August can't come soon enough!

February 22, 2017.

 "I can't get a hold of mom."

"Have you talked to my mom today?"

"Daddy just ran out the door, what's wrong with Grandma Shari?"

"She's gone."

All quotes from that day.  So completely unexpected.  My mother-in-law, gone, just like that. How do you say goodbye to both of your parents within 14 months of each other?  I don't have an answer for that, but for my husband and sister-in-law it is reality.  All I can say is that there is no right or wrong.  No this, over that. No quick fix, just one day at a time.  I take comfort in knowing that her and Matt are together once again.  But, I can't say it enough...life is far too short.

So here we are.. 

I'm not completely sure why I started writing this blog.  I'm not searching for sympathy.  I guess I just I wanted to put to words, even if briefly, what has been going on in my life.  Just to put in prospective what we have gone through.  How we have grown and changed.  

I'm hoping that writing all of this can be a sort of catalyst to writing in this blog more, mostly photography sessions, and a few personal posts here and there.  I am by no means an eloquent writer, and I struggle to find the correct words at times, and I'm sure my English teachers would not be so impressed with the grammar.  But this is me.  I hope that everyone who has struggles in life knows that they are just temporary.  I hope that we can all wake up each morning with at least a small glimmer of hope that today is going to be better than yesterday.  And if it's not, that's okay.  One of my favorite quotes, and forgive me I'm not sure who said it, "May the Best of your todays, be the worst of your tomorrows".

 And if you don't want to read my blog, but enjoy my photography that's okay too. I can guarantee that most posts won't be this long-winded.  You can always skip over the words, I promise I won't care :)

I am looking forward to the rest of 2017.  Hopefully a busy year, photographing so many faces.  And don't worry, I have a pretty cute guy to chauffeur me around to sessions, until that magical day I get my license back! 

All my best,

Mandy

This handsome little man made his appearance into this world on July 31st, 2014.  He is the newest addition to a family that I hold very dear to my heart.  His mama and I have been friends for longer than I can remember... 2nd grade I think?!?  I couldn't be happier for them to become a family of four.  Big Bro Ethan is a Giehll Photography seasoned vet, not to mention a good friend to my own son...they have been playmates since birth basically, given that they are less than a month apart.  E is already such an awesome big brother to Rhys, and I'm sure a big help to mom and dad.   I'm so excited and honored to be able to not only document his life through photographs like these, but to watch him grow up and see what a great little boy he will become.  Ethan is already such an awesome kid, there is no doubt Rhys will follow right in his footsteps.  So much love to the Kresinski clan.. good job guys, you make beautiful babies! 

Introducing Rhys James...

Protecting that bat cave for nine months was tough work, but now Batman has Robin by his side to take on the world!

Such an awesome kid...love this guy! 

This series of photos makes my heart so happy...

A super real moment of fatherhood... Kevin's idea to snap this one..and I love it! 

Thank you so much guys!! Again, I couldn't be happier for you! Looking forward to lots of playdates with our kiddos...and a few adult beverages! 

What a pleasure it was to photograph this family.  I've gotten to know part of this clan quite well, since we are neighbors, so I was thrilled about the opportunity to photograph their entire family.  We met at Mingo Creek on a perfect summer evening.  Everyone was in good spirits and it made for a great session.  I'm so happy to give these grandparents photos of their children and grandchildren, to display in their home.  I can't think of anything else that could be more special than for these little kids to have these photos to share someday with children of their own.    

Meet the Lincoln Family...